Western Washington University - Klipsun Yearbook (Bellingham, WA)

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duced far more beneficial results than harmful ones, the unreasoning extremism of a misguided few is certainly no worse than the widespread apathy and ignorance that was prevalent only a few years ago. Some of our elders sweepingly condemn college students as radicals, but continued pleas for 'EMod- erationi' seem out of place in the face of a tragic- ally futile war where time is measured in lives lost. Though many of us are being called traitors and cowards, we are at least following our con- science in the pursuit of peace. If our actions can hasten the end of this bloody slaughter then I be- lieve the widely criticized draft resistance move- ments are justified. Hence I find the increased in- terest in pacifism and draft reform during the last year to be grounds for at least limited hope. The 1968-69 year has seen an ever-increasing growth of tension and militancy within the Amer- ican civil rights movement. Blacks and whites alike are finally coming to realize that the Afro- American can no longer seek to become only a dark-skinned WASP, and campus observers have witnessed the rise of a new and dynamic campaign to end racial injustice. I find this trend to be basic- ally healthy, though the presence of irresponsible factions of both races keep the threat of bloody rioting suspended above us like a modern sword of Damocles. Therefore the urgent need for efficient communication is of utmost importance if we are to avoid the tragedy of self-defeating violence. For this reason I find the high point of the 1968-69 year to be the appointment of Dr. Flora as West- ern's President. On numerous occasions, Dr. Flora has demonstrated his ability to achieve fruitful communication with all elements of campus so-

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tinued its program to decrease the students, power to govern their own campus organizations . . . while students and faculty demanded classes with greater social relevance, Western's P.E. depart- ment steadfastly maintained its belief that every college student must expand his mind with six quarter-hours of touch football and beginning bad- minton. But as an observer of the past yearis ac- tivities and events, I have seen a panoramic View of the young people of our society, and have formed some personal opinions about my genera- tion. In spite of occasional disappointment and disillusionment at seeing worthwhile efforts being continually impeded by apathy, intolerance, and extremism, I find that my viewpoint is always col- ored by a faint glow of optimism and I look toward the future with enthusiasm. Some will surely disagree, but I see the recent in- crease in political activism as an encouraging trend. The far-reaching influence of American youth was clearly demonstrated during the 1968 election, though the snows of New Hampshire have long since been melted by fresh blasts of bu- reaucratic hot air, the campaigns of Gene Mc- Carthy and Robert Kennedy kindled a flame of unquenchable optimism for countless students who are now waiting to step into the framework of American politics. Though some of the activism on campus tends to be over-reactive, uninformed, and immature, much of the newly awakened poli- tical concern represents fresh new attitudes that may lead to more effective government. Tired of the time-worn platitudes dispensed by professional politicians in response to the challenges of a rapid- ly changing world, these new voices may succeed in updating an obsolete political system. However, I tire of the endless stream of oratory from people who are unable to offer reasonable al- ternatives to the institutions they seek to destroy . . . and I am sickened by the foolish few who seek to counteract injustice and intolerance through violence and destruction of property, just as I am sickened by the use of violence as a means of poli- tical settlement in Europe and Southeast Asia. QAnd I find it disheartening that here on campus the Western Front will fill an entire page with a summary of the text of the new riot legislation while many worthwhile and constructive campus organizations and events receive little or no cov- erage.j Yet in the final analysis the political and social awakening among young people has pro-

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ciety, and his bridging of the student-faculty cred- ibility gap will prove invaluable during future con- frontations. NVith his sincerity, dedication, and open mind, President Flora promises to provide a much needed element of stability within lVestern's administration. While cries of c'RevolutionH ring from the throats of a vocal minority there are many of us who silently 'cdo our own thingw in a private attempt to create a better world. Wfhile our proposed meth- ods are diverse, all of us seek a just and peaceful world, and most of us recognize a need for sweep- ing political and social change. The widely publi- cized efforts of a violent, aggressive few have tar- nished the image of our generation just as the apathy of some students has caused us to be rep- resented as irresponsible hedonists. However, the recognition of college students as a viable, con- structive segment of society is just beginning and may be the foundation for productive efforts to- ward updating our rapidly evolving world. In a time of countless conflicting proposals toward world betterment, it is up to the individual to con- struct his own philosophy of life and to dedicate himself to the defense of his own ideals. Wlhen each of us accepts his own personal role as peace- maker and soul-mate to mankind we can perhaps begin the march toward a better world. Our gen- eration may have begun to make the first stumbl- ing steps toward that goal-but like Robert Frost we have miles to go before we sleepf, Mx 49 , iv 15 mm