The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee • Page 7

8A THETENNESSEAN Monday JULY 24. 1989 I i rl I 1 un Doyi i ney re Tuning up tor space again. EDITORIALS TENNESSEAN JohnSeigentbaler Chairman, Editor and Publisher Wayne Wbitt, Managing Editor Eugene Wytrt, Associate Editor Sandra Roberts, Executive Editor John Bibb, Sports Editor Ray Wong, Graphics Editor W. Johnson Deputy Managing Editor Frank Ritter, Reader Advocate Candy McCampbell, Executive Business Editor Harry H. Browning, President and General Manager William R.

Davis, Research Director Dennis A. Doss, Production Director Lloyd E. Esmon, Human Resources Director Thomas Knowles, Circulation Director Walter E. Koelz, Systems Director Gates E. Oliver, Advertising Director Lawrence M.

St Cyr, Finance Director Susan M. Tbornas, MarketingPromotion Director A GANNETT NEWSPAPER I i mamulmmm uu.n, Mr. Bush's space venture may be difficult to launch tofneedftor moon and a manned base on Mars, with no money, no timetable and no plan, President Bush offers the country not a challenge to inspire us, but a daydream to briefly entertain us." Mr. Bush said he would leave It up to Vice President Dan Quayle, as head of the National Space Council, and to NASA to come up with "realistic timetables." Presumably they would also come up with an indication of costs, which some say would approach $900 billion for the whole package over time. There is yet a great deal to be learned from space and its nearest planets.

Putting telescopes outside the Earth's atmosphere would add immeasurably to scientific knowledge, for example. Improved planetary probes could also do that, at minimal human risk, The US. does need more and better information. It has enough moon rocks and lunar soil, however. President Bush has called his proposal a "journey into tomorrow." Whether he can persuade the Congress and the public to support such a journey is assuredly debatable.

ON the 20th anniversary of man's walk on the moon, President Bush proposed a return visit there and beyond that a manned mission to Mars, saying it is America's destiny to lead. America has already put men on the moon, and it Is difficult to see how a repeat performance breaks new boundaries. The President wants to establish a moon base, which is an intriguing Idea, but anything that can be accomplished on the moon can be done in a orbiting space station, and much cheaper. A mission to Mars is challenging enough, but scientific information could far more easily be gained from unmanned probes, and at a fraction of the money, not to speak of the risk. Congress is already balking at the start-up costs for NASA's (30 billion space station, and it is not likely to want to shell out money for a moon base as well.

Sen. Albert Gore a member of the Senate committee charged with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's budget, said: "By proposing a return to the Promises to Hungary should be fulfilled To the Editor As a person born in Hungary and privi-leged to live in freedom for the past 80 years in America, I can appreciate the first visit by President George Bush to Hungary as a patriotic favor returned Bicentennial mall has merit out directing much greater attention to males. RMC is composed of a panel of male teens who represent a responsible decision towards teen sex. All panel members come from typical teen-age lifestyles and experiences and have decided to be responsible for their action, with many choosing to postpone sexual Involvement until career and educational goals are accomplished. RMC members go through extensive educational training at Crtttenton Services and are requested to speak to other teens at church groups, community centers and schools.

They also run a "Teens Talking to Teens" hotline every Wednesday night from p.m Male teens can call 255-BRAD and speak with an RMC member about teen sexuality issues. Hopefully, by addressing this Issue from a two-gender perspective we will see a reduction in teen pregnancies in our community. Louise Burgess Executive Director Crittenton Services 28 Middleton St 37210 Fathers cannot bear legal responsibility To the Editor I would like to extend the logical implications of Karlen Evins' July 15 Letter to the Editor wherein she asked why we do not legislate equal responsibility for the fathers of unwanted fetuses. First once the state assumes the right to dictate that a woman must have a baby against her will and mandates that a pregnancy must be carried out to its natural end, then it has in essence assumed some measure of responsibility for the life of the baby within, i.e., it assumes guardianship. Therefore, not only does it accept responsibility for the baby but for the fetus as well.

That Is, It must provide prenatal care. Likewise, any problems that might result from maternal negligence such as fetal alcohol syndrome, low birth weight due to smoking cigarettes or drug addiction of the neonate should be treated as crimes against state property if not against the child itself. Thus, any bad habits statistically linked to fetal ail In addition to the mall, the project would give the state an adjacent location for a new state office building and more parking for state employees. The governor also pointed out that this project In this location would make "a profound statement" to the people in North Nashville. The governor is obviously well aware of the rancor that is still apparent In that community about its bi-section in the 1960s by M0.

A well-developed, outdoor mall, leading from North Nashville to the state's center of government, could give new life to that historically-rich part of this city. Governor McWherter plans soon to sign an executive order creating a bicentennial commission to study Tennessee's options for its 200th birthday. In addition to exploring the mall idea, the commission can solicit suggestions from people across the state. There is time enough to decide whether the idea of a bicentennial mall has merit But in any event, it's not a bit too early for Tennessee to start making some serious bicentennial plans. It's time for the whole state to do some thinkin' and dreamin' about 1996.

OV. Ned McWherter has planted an in-Vjtriguing seed that deserves some cultivation concerning the state's 200th birthday. The notion is for Tennessee to mark its bicentennial, which comes in 1990. with the development of a bicentennial mall or park. In a meeting with The Tennessean last week, the governor took care to point out that the idea was currently not a "plan," but was just his "thinkin' and The governor is commended for the quality of his thoughts and dreams.

The governor and his top aides have been considering the idea of clearing off and landscaping a strip of land north from the state CapitoL The state currently owns most of the involved property and is in the process of acquiring more of it An outdoor mall or park similar to the Mall in Washington D.C could then be landscaped from the state Capitol north for several blocks. The adnunistration feels that such a park would accomplish several worthy goals. It would protect a clear vantage point to the state Capitol, which is now surrounded on three sides by buildings that block a view. (although it took more than 200 years). During the American Revolution, because of his interest in and love for freedom, Commandant Col.

Michael Kovats, a Hungarian nobleman, came with Pulaski and other European noblemen to help win the Revolution. Colonel Kovats organized the first cavalry of this country. In 1779, he and his cavalrymen won a decisive battle for freedom in Charleston, S.C He died of his wounds from that battle and is now burled on the grounds of the Citadel in Charleston, where his body was moved from the city cemetary a few years ago. We should all be thankful to everyone who has, and had, the courage to fight for freedom. America's was the most important battle ever fought for freedom.

No other wars can compare to the American Revolution. Thus, the visit by President Bush to Hungary is a patriotic favor returned. I hope his promise to help Hungary will be realized in substance as well as In words. Betty Nagy 1900 Acklen Ave. 37212 forgot goals; should be overhauled To the Editor.

The Savings and Loan bailout plan is an outrage. It would require every taxpayer to contribute $2,000 to bail out an industry which has abandoned its original purpose, namely providing low-cost mortgage money for housing. Any bailout plan should be linked to a renewed commitment on the part of the federal government to affordable housing. Its costs should be borne by the super-rich financial services industry, which has benefitted most from deregulation. The following should be considered: Levying a surcharge on all financial firms; taxing the big earners of interest income; raising the tax rate for the rich; eliminating tax breaks for luxury second homes.

The money for the bailout of a corrupt industry should not come from the average taxpayer. Rama Maui 110 McArthur Drive Madison 37115 Two-gender outlook improves education To the Editor: Right to control body mandates self-control To the Editor Abortion remains a cutting issue. I am for the pro-choice people and their rights. They should never be deprived of their right to choose abstinence. I encourage them to practice abstinence freely.

They should now and forever have the right to choose all the different forms and methods of contraception. I defend their rights and especially their choice of abortion on demand as long as there is a waiting period of ten months. I am for liberty, and I'll fight to the death for liberated women to have the choice to avoid and reject all nasty men. Every woman should have the right to control her own body. I also plead for their self-control and control of their minds, morals and bodies.

I pray they strive for and achieve that control. There is a lot to be said for prudence, prophylactics, patients, pants on and gowns down. Your choice, pro-choice. George Bushulen 1514 Woodland St 37206 Coalition wins Young Republican's support To the Editor As a participant in the recent Young Republicans Convention, the highlight was not listening to speeches or meeting the famous people. Rather, my best memory is that of attending a gathering organized by Ms.

Vineta Lewis of the Save the children Coalition for the youngters In Nashville's housing projects. Save the Children Coalition is a community-based group whose goal is to direct inner-city young people away from drugs and harmful lifestyles and towards a positive, constructive way of life. My hat is off to Ms. Lewis and the other minority men and women who conduct this group's activities. Nashville and Middle Tennessee, let's support these efforts to make a better world for our children.

Larry Mcintosh 1107 McMahan Road Manchester 37355 Pricey HUD condos left the poor no choice To the Editor I find it most embarrassing to admit that after all these years, I finally agree, in one instance, with Ronald Reagan. In an interview, shortly after he left office, Mr. Reagan stated that "the homeless are homeless by choice." At the time it did seem rather far-fetched, but now, in light of what was going on In HUD during his administration, I can see the truth of the situation. Of course the homeless would rather sleep on the streets than pay $2400 per month for a two-bedroom condo. Not even three bedrooms! What a ripoffl Harritte Katz 595 Hicks Road Apt 15B 37221 letters should be addressed: -Letters to the Editor," The Tennessean, IJOO Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203.

Letters will be edited. Preference will be given to those of 150 words or less. Have a complaint, suggestion, or question about the news and editorial content of The Tennessean? Call the reader advocate, Frank Bitter, at 25h 8290 or 292-8087. An exercise in useless symbols out of the VS. during the next year, domestic manufacturers now will simply produce more semiautomatics than they ordinarily would.

The availability of these weapons will be limited not a whit Even so, the National Rifle Association is opposed to the administration's action, and some of its members are calling for Mr. Bush's resignation from the NRA. That too, is symbolism. The NRA knows better than anyone that Bush can issue flats every day, but until he does something substantive to reduce the number of guns that have no legitimate sporting use, he is in the NRA's corner. And that organization should not allow itself to get too exercised by a simple symbolic gesture.

THERE'S nothing wrong, as such, with exercises in symbolism. Symbols are powerful, sometimes instructive, things. But symbolic gestures can be dangerous if they convince the unwary that something substantive is happening when that is not the case. A prime example: The; Bush Administration's recent ban on almost all foreign-made semiautomatic assault rifles. The import of such weapons was suspended in the spring, during the height of outrage over the use of assault weapons by drug dealers, street gangs and psychotics.

Now, the administration makes the ban permanent But what is the point? While more than a million foreign-made weapons will be kept ments would be potentially criminal acts the state should prosecute on behalf of its enforced-birth child. I would venture to suggest that an anti-abortion access and rights law would Indeed violate the Eighth Amendment which prohibits "cruel and unusual punishment" After alt the crime of fornication and undesired impregnation would now be punished by enforced pregnancy to the term. Irv Rubenstein 3502 Hillsdale Ave. 37205 Medical miracles at Vanderbilt I appreciated the letter by Irene Fran- ds that highlighted the vital role males play in the teen pregnancy issue. A recent newspaper article said that two-thirds of America's 11 million teen-aged boys say they have had sex with a girt.

The first time for most was around 15 years of age and by age 18 most boys have had sex with five girls. With the United Way's support, Crittenton Services of Nashville began a program last fall called the Responsible Males of Crittenton. This program realizes that there will be no solution to the problem of teen-aged pregnancies with- Charlie Hustle's word usage needs some help To the Editor Pete Rose's grammar and mastery of the English language leaves a lot to be desired! I must say, though, In horse racing and betting he seems to be quite well-schooled! Betty LGonta 102 Alexander Drive Hendersonville 37075 necessity for considering organ donation becomes especially Important when it is realized that 17 patients have died locally since 1987 while waiting for heart transplants. Those who have received heart transplants at Vanderbilt range from the very young to the elderly. They Include little Brittany Riddle of Madison, who, at the age of 1 1 months, is Tennessee's youngest heart transplant patient; and the 50th transplant patient a 56-year-old Manchester mechanic Both are reported recovering nicely.

Those who receive heart transplants are not invalids. They lead entirely normal lives lives distinguished by what thank goodness, has come to be a commonplace medical miracle. irnportant milestone was marked re-rcentiy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the 50th heart transplant since the operation was first performed Uiere in 1 885. A lot of hard work has gone into making the Vanderbilt heart transplant program a success. Eighty-eight per cent of transplant patients live at least a year beyond surgery.

That bests the national average of 72. Dr. William H. Frist, program director, says he believes me medical center can become one of the premier heart transplant centers if the progress continues. In order for that progress to continue, heart donors are needed.

Too few people take the time to consider being a donor. The.