Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 102, Number 5, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 5 July 1978 — Page 4

Nappaace Advance-News Wednesday, July J, |*7S

Page 4

Editorial comment and opinion

It's about time! Somoona ihould have thought of it much oarllor: a constitutional amendment to control deficit (pending by the federal government. In the woke of a growing taxpayer rebellion, someone finally ha*. State Senator Richard Shank of Elkhart will propose a joint resolution to the 1979 General Assembly calling far a constitutional convention of the U.S. Congress to consider such an amendment. The proposed amendment would prohibit Federal spending from exceeding Federal revenues. Shank also plans to encourage other states to pass similar resolutions. Thirty-four states must do so in order for a constitutional convention to convene. Shank apparently realizes that a constitional amendment may well be the only way to eliminate the appalling federal spending deficits which appear to be the way of the future despite President Carter's promises to balance the budget. Indiana has a provision in its constitution prohibiting deficit spending. Such a provision in the U.S. constitution would be a longoverdue first step in bringing fiscal responsibility back to the federal government. Safe roads needed There's no doubt that bad roads do cause accidents. According to a study by Indiana University's Institute for Research in public safety, the second leading cause of traffic accidents, behind human error, is inadequate, hazardous roads. Os the 10,500 vehicle crashes studied by the institute, more than one out of every five, 21.4 percent, were attributed primarily to the physical condition to the road or street. Recently another study, by the Federal Highway Administration, showed that during 12 months after spot improvements were made to over 600 particularly bad, accident prone highway locations throughout the country, there was a 26 percent drop in traffic accidents and fatalities. After two years of sharp dedinfs, the nation's highway death toll is on the upswing. After 10 years of decline, the death rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled also turned upward last year. These upturns can be attributed, at least in part, to poor road conditions. Such statistics show that good roads can reduce accidents and save lives. For this reason, the highest possible priority must be given to assuring that roads, not |ust in Nappanee but throughout Indiana and the nation, be made as safe as possible.

■ On occasion, a government agency succeeds in putting one over on the public because a proposal is so complex that it defies understanding. A good case in point is something -called the Residual Oil Equalization Entitlements Program. It has been in effect for several years and the Department of Energy recently announced proposed changes The progfam itself is bewildering in its complexity. Few people outside the department's regulatory division and some oil industry experts even begin to understand the scheme, but it goes something like this: During the oil embargo of 1973 and 1974, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries virtually quadrupled the selling price of oil they sell. This was a real blow to American consumers, but particularly to those refiners or other major users who had developed an appetite for Arab oil because it had been much cheaper than domestic oil. This was true in the Northeastern states, where electric generating stations relied upon imported residual oil —a very heavy grade of oil. The federal government devised the equalization entitlements program— a very complicated scheme that involved transfer of oil "on paper" —as a means of equalizing the price of domestic and imported residual oil. In effect, consumers of domestic residual oil are subsidiz-

NAPPANEE ADVANCE NEWS Ist W. Market St., Happened, IN. 44SSt Ph. 77J.J1J7 A PARK NEWSPAPER PeMitlted Wednesday—entered at the Past Ottice at Neppanee, Indiana, at Second Clast Matter under the Act at Mardi I, lilt. Dale A. Tobias SS.St per year-lndlana Manager St.tt per year-pwtsMe Indiana k|/\T|/*r; PKteret tar pewicatien are welcome, kel as pMtere rtll te returned *y mall NW I IV.C ~ aeleaa a Mil addramd atompad is aael with It. We ckarpe tar pablUliun pICfUFBE, RBWE EfEFIBE E 7 ESRBBRCBMBRN. a CTTCDC Lofton to Mu IPtor ra itotyi approctototf. Laftort matt N tHaaP LE I I CKD'— (handwritten) and deled. Letters may he mat lad to: advance Newt, in Watt Alarfiaf ff neppbree IrPbrb aaPEP nCAfM IMCC Clo—mod advcrtisiap deadlines are Priday at naan. UEAULINE9 Tee Late* are dee an Monday at live e'dech. OMptey advtttuins diadllnai are Priday at naan. WSWS COPY MOttPAV AT PIVS O'CLOCK

Capitol Commentary Governor Otis R. Bowen

mg those who use imported residual* oil. Now. for some reason, the Energy Department proposes to increase that subsidy. If the new proposal is adopted. Northeastern oil users will receive a half-billion-dollar subsidy from the remainder of the country, including Indiana. It is estimated that Hoosier consumers will be tapped for about sl3 million in higher petroleum costs. Politicians in New England are clamoring for the increase because they claim that their part of the country still is suffering. However, we have seen recent figures which show that Midwesterners are paying prices for residual oil that are just as high as those in the east. In other words. Hoosiers are being asked by the federal government to subsidize a problem that may not exist. The proposal has another bad effect. By subsidizing the Northeast. the nation will continue to subsidize the region's dependence upon Arab oil. That s dumb. It should be national policy to wean away New England from its dependence upon overseas sources, because that region remains vulnerable to embargoes or war. Instead, New England refiners and utilities should be under pressure to adjust their operations in a manner that lets them use domestic oil, or promotes alternate strategies, such as atomic power, coal and conservation.

BAYH - lines From Washington

3i

by U.S. Senator Birch Bayh

America is a nation on the move We travel more miles on vaca tions, more miles to and from work, and more mile: ‘or business than practically any other society on the planet. Thus, the development and maintenance of efficient and accessi ble transportation systems is of the utmost importance. In the last several months, ways to improve transportation in Indiana and throughout the country have been the subject of intense scrutiny in the Senate Appropriations Com mittee. Hearings which I chaired in the Senate Transportation Appropria tions Subcommittee brought to light some of the projects that need federal assistance, methods to more efficiently and appropriately spend federal monies and how to improve railroad and air transportation in the United States. Later, during subcommittee and full Appropriations Committee consideration of the issues, exact plans of action were for mulated. The net result was Senate approval on June 23 of the Fiscal 1979 funding bill for the U.S. Depart ment of Transportation (DOT) and related agencies. One of the key provisions included in the Senate bill is language expressing concern over the large amount of federal transportation dollars being spent on the procure ment of technology and materials from abroad. The failure to "Buy American" can have a severe adverse impact on domestic industries such as the steel industry at the expense of American jobs, an increase in our balance of payments deficit and loss of revenue in this country. The provision promotes the pur chase of American technology and materials except in extraordinary circumstances spending our tax dollars-here at home where they will do the most good. This is the first time such language has been in eluded in a Senate transportation bill, and I think it makes good sense. When we talk about funding for major federal agencies -and the huge amounts of money involved - it is easy to lose sight of just what those expenditures mean for people and how the use of our tax dollars affect our lives. In addition to budget items for such operations as the Coast Guard, Amtrak and Conrail, nearly $45 million in the Senate ap proved legislation is specifically ear marked for projects in Indiana. Nearly $8 million is set aside for federal assistance to Hoosier airports for safety improvements to runways, lighting equipment, expansion of

The Salt Shaker by Al Shifflett The fourth of July was here again, which got me to thinking about the former presidents of this great country. This led me to thinking about the former First Ladies of this country. So you see, one thing leads to another. Well, here's what I uncovered about a few of the ladies who lived, at one time or other. In the White House. Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, our second President, was the first to live In the White House. At the time, it was unfinished, and Abigail complained long and often about the housing. She used the Audience Chamber to hang up her washing, but found nothing good about the President's housing allowance. Dolly Madison, wife of the fourth President, James Madison, was well known for her beauty, charm, and friendliness. The White House was burned down by the British during this time but Dolly per* suaded her husband to rebuild It. Louisa Johnson Adams, who married John Quincy Adams In 1797, was the only foreign born First Lady, although her father was an American. Louisa never saw America until she was 2*. She married John Quincy in London before moving to the White House. Rachel Jackson, who marriod Andrew Jackson, our seventh President, was a political liability far her husband. He married Rechel believing she was legally divorced. News that the decree had net became final until two

facilities and general upgrading. That's a large sum of money, so let's take a look at what it will buy. A federal investment of $2 million - when the FY 1979 DOT appropriations bill is finally signed into law - will be combined with between $500,000 and $600,000 in local funds to allow thje completion of land purchases and beginning of preliminary design and engineering studies for the Clark County Airport. When completed, it will provide the residents of southeastern Indiana with better, more accessible air transportation. The economic benefit, even for those who will never use the new Clark County Airport will be great in terms of jobs created in the construction and operations of the airport and its utilization by area business. .Three other airports in Indiana - at Richmond, Warsaw and Gary - will also be recipients of federal tax dollars. The resulting improvements to these facilities will greatly improve the safety aspects to air travelers, as well as their capacity to handle increased numbers of aircraft efficiently. Compared to the total budget, a SIOO,OOO expenditure might seem relatively insignificant. Yet, to the residents of South Bend, a rail master plan is just what the doctor ordered, and that's what they are going to get as a result of an amendment I proposed during subcommittee consideration of the DOT money bill. The planned study is the first time in the nation's history that an existing railroad system will be worked into the overall transportation network on a regional basis. No mode of transportation is completely independent. We must begin to think of our transportation systems urban mass transit, intercity rail, highway and air transpor tation - in terms of what they mean to the people who use them. We must examine how an integrated network can be used most effectively and made to provide the most benefits. The South Bend Master Rail Plan and the redevelopment of Union Station in Indianapolis as an intermodal terminal will do just that. Modern times have given us the marvels of technology, and we are able to accomplish feats many thought impossible only a few years ago. Yet we need not be slaves to technology. If we mobilize our resources to develop the most efficient, least-costly transportation systems, we all will be better off as a result

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years later evoked much gosspi, which eventually ruined Rachel's happiness and health. James K. Polk (eleventh President), hired his First Lady, Sarah, to be his private secretary. She was vary religious and banned all alcohol, dancing, and card playing from the White House. Mary Todd, who married the famous Lincoln, is said to have quarrelled a let with Abe. Regardless, It Is believed that Lincoln laved her. Elisa Me Carle probably taught her husband, Andrew Johnson, our seventeenth President, how to read and write. Elisa was a sixteen year old school mistress when she met Johnson. Lucy Webb, who married Rutherford I. Hayes (19th Pres.), was the first college graduate to become the First Lady. Caroline Scott, wife of Ben|amin Harrison (23rd Pres.), Is responsible for starting the White House Christmas tree tradition. Caroline was also the first leader of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Helen Herron, who married William Howard Taft (27th Pres.) was largely responsible for all the Cherry trees around the Washington Tidal Rosin. That's H. Sorry I can’t give you anything more gossipy than cherry trees and wet laundry in the Audience Chamber. It just shews that behind every great man Is a great woman.

Mental health myths. People should be able to handle emotional problems themselves

Ever since the first Pilgrim stepped on Plymouth Hock, Americans have been telling themselves that man is in control of his own destiny. Strength and perserverance have been the key words of our national pride in the indomitable spirit of our country and its citizens. There has been a generally pervasive feeling in the land that the mentally ill are responsible for their own plight. "They must be weak or they’d pull themselves together.” is the unspoken attitude of many people. However, even if it were true that the mentally ill are not “strong enough” to handle their own problems, they would not be alone. While clinging to the illusion that they can “go it alone,” Americans by the thousands turn to the clergy, teachers, lawyers, friends and even bartenders every day for help with their emotional problems. Many troubled people who consult physicians for their physical symptoms nave no diagnosable physical disease. Some emotional problems can be worked out alone. Temporary

Representative calls • • for dyslexia treating

State Representative Loren Winger (D-Converse) believes it is imperative that Indiana have a program to identify and treat students with dyslexia at the kindergarten and first grade level. Representative Winger’s comments came during a meeting of the Interim Study Committee on the effects of P.O. 94-142 on Indiana Statutes and Rules concerning Special Education. Rep Winger stated his major concern was a statistic given to him stating that 70 percent of the inmates in prison suffered from dyslexia as children. During this meeting, Representative Winger asked Jan Smith of the Division of Education of the Indiana Department of Correction if she could tell him how many inmates were in need of special learning disability classes. Smith stated that no such statistics had been compiled. “It is deplorable that we have been spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to lock people up and yet we do not know if the problems that brought them to prison are related to their own

NIPSCO chief criticizes Bailly 'obstructionists tactics'

Northern Indiana Public Service Company has been notified that lntervenors, including several from the state of Illinois, recently filed petitions with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia for review of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s final order of April 20, 1978, which again upheld the utility’s construction permit for Bailly Nuclear One. Illinois petitions include William J. Scott, attorney general for the State of Illinois, Businessmen for the Public Interest, and the Chicago-based Lake Michigan Federation. Other petitioners are the Porter County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, Concerned Citizens Against Bailly Nuclear Site, the City of Gary, and several individuals. Edmund A. Schroer, NIPSCO chairman, president and chief executive officer, said today, “The Supreme Court of the United States has twice ruled in NIPSCO’s favor on the legality of our construction permit for Bailly Nuclear One. This current petition of the lntervenors is legally unsound and should be struck down immediately. “The Bailly case was fully and exhaustively explored by the NRC, during 13 months of hearings with more than eleven thousand pages of testimony. It was before the Federal Court of Appeals in Chicago on two different occasions and twice before the United States Supreme Court. The validity of our construction permit has been continually upheld. These latest legal maneuvers are a continuation of the “obstructionists’ tactics” engaged

Proposal would add to Social Security

If Congressmen and other legislative branch employees were required to pay Social Security taxes, they would add $152 million annually to trust fund revenues by 1963. That is the estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, provided at the request of Sen. Dick Lugar, who is co-sponsoririg a measure to bring Congressmen into the Social Security system. s There are currently 39,000 legislative branch employees in the Senate, House of Representatives, Library of Congress, General Accounting office and Government Printing Office. These employees pay no social security tax and participate at their option in the Civil Service Retirement System. Lugar is co-sponsoring an amendment to pending legislation which would bring these employees under Social Security.

depression often is alleviated by a change in the situation which induced it. Usually, however, the difficulties a person can handle himself are minor or transient in nature. For prolonged severe depression expert help is needed. This is true of other emotional as well. The Mental Health Association is conducting an ongoing nationwide educational campaign to inform people about the danger of failure to recognize depression and to seek treatment for the person who is deeply depressed. Since this illness responds more readily to treatment than many other mental disorders, the Association urges that it not be ignored and that the troubled person be given help. The ultimate tragedy, suicide, can result if this serious problem is not given professional attention. Your Mental Health Association believes that everyone should know that it is a myth that people should be able to handle their emotional problems themselves.

learning disabilities,” Rep. Winger said. “I believe many of the inmates in our prisons could have been helped if their learning problems had been identified and treated. I believe we must find a way to screen children as they enter school so. that they can get the kind of help they need to overconie a problem like dyslexia.” Dyslexia is a learning disability that interferes with an individual's ability to read. It is one of a group of problems that often hinder otherwise normal, intelligent children when they enter school. Rep. Winger noted that unfortunately it is very often not recognized by parents or teachers and is, therefore, not treated. “I believe a program designed to identify cases of dyslexia will help to keep many young people out of our prisons,” Rep. Winger said. “It truly makes me heart sick to visit a prison and see a young person there in part because his dyslexia was never identified and treated.”

in these same parties over the past several years and is a desperation move to revive issue previously lost ink the Court of Appeals in Chicago and before the Supreme Court of the United States.” Bolstering his position, Schroer cited an April 3, 1978, Supreme Court ruling in the case of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation and the Consumers Power Company, in which the Supreme Court said, "Fundamental policy questions appropriately resolved in Congress and in the state legislatures are not subject toreexamination in federal courts under the guise of judicial review of agency action . . .” “What the Supreme Court is saying,” Schroer said, “is that federal courts should not second-guess regulatory agencies, that is, . . absent constitutional constraints or extremely compelling circumstances, the administrative agencies should be free jo fashion their own rules of procedure and to pursue a method of inquiry capable of permitting them to discharge their multitudinous dutief.’ “Bailly Nuclear One should have been on line over a year ago, instead of six years from now,” Schroer pointed out. “Inflation materially increases the cost of all delay -a fact well known by the lntervenors -• but the need for power is unquestionable and the Company’s legal position is sound. It will be maintained. “It is most unfortunate that this legal maneuvering has a substantial adverse impact on the customers of Northern Indiana Public Service Company,” the utility executive concluded.

Half of the $152 million would be deducted from employees’ paychecks, the other half would come from tße federal government’s general fund as the employer’s contribution. The employees’ retirement plan would be coordinated with Social Security, as are most private pension plans. ? "1 voted against Social Security tag increases passed last fall, and arfuod that we must take a different approach to resolving the financial crisis lb Social Security,” Lugar said. “9VO million is a very great sum of mOnßy and a significant contribution to tbs Social Security system.” Lugar cautioned that, while ■ the proposal would increase trust fudd revenues, it would also increase future liabilities, saying: "Our responsibilities to working people and to retirees demand that we take adequate. measures to bring Social Security promises for the future into line wHb a reasonable level of revenue.” . .**