The Mail-Journal, Volume 8, Number 8, Milford, Kosciusko County, 24 March 1971 — Page 9

Tlm* 1 a PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY The Milford Mail (E«t 1888) | Syracuse-Wawaaee Journal (Eat 1807) Consolidated Into The Mail-Journal Feb. 15, 1962 DEMOCRATIC ARCHIBALD E. BAUMGARTNER, Editor and Publisher DELLA BAUMGARTNER, Business Manager - Box 8 Syracuse, Ind., — 46567

Volunteering For Handicapped

In the midst of sweeping change, with day-to-day living becoming more and more influenced by the large, the impersonal, and the distant, there is an imperative need for a revitalization of the traditional desire of the individual to be helpful to persons less fortunate and to contribute in some way to the betterment of society. This need becomes increasingly apparent in the variety of ways we deliver health services to the individual, the family, and the community. In the forefront of the health-care field are the voluntary agencies, such as the Easter Seal societies, which depend upon the volunteer for help in bringing health benefits more rapidly to larger numbers of people. Volunteers serve on boards and committees, act as advisors and lay consultants, participate in service programs, and help to raise funds. Right now this latter activity — the raising of funds — is occupying the efforts of thousands of volunteers of the Easter Seal Society, which provides specialized treatment to the crippled through some

Fighting Drug Abuse

Major manufacturers of prescription drugs have, quite logically, assumed a leading role in combatting drug afyuse. In the first place, they are concerned with the human tragedy resulting from drug abuse. Secondly, public attention has been focused on the abuse of certain legitimate and important medicines. These include amphetamines and barbiturates, some of which are manufactured by leading drug firms. Abuse of these drugs has led to confusion on the whole subject of drugs and prescription drug manufacturers. A spokesman for the drug industry, Mr. C. Joseph Stetler, president Os the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, discusses this subject in a special article on the drug industry’ and the drug abuse problem. He emphasizes that, "It is necessary to dispel the belief that the manufacturers of legitimate drug products that are subject to abuse

Technicians Must Be Licensed

Did you know that the man who works on your television, radio or antenna must be licensed’ He must have this license from the state of Indiana before servicing "receiving equipment” for _ the public. Said licenses are renewable each year. All technicians and antenna installers are required by law to wear the badge and carry a pocket card, as issued by the state. These must be worn at all times when performing services outside their normal place of business or employ. A certificate must be displayed prominently in his place of business or employ. It is unethical for a licensee to knowlingly permit the use of his cer-

'Open Sesame To Crime'

Indiana Attorney General Theodore L. Sendak was right in advising that school officials should be required to file civil recovery suits against parents of juveniles damaging school property. He noted that a 1957 law permits victims of vandalism to file claims of up to $750 for each defendant for each case of vandalism committed by anyone under 18, ordering the parents to pay. Because of epidemic vandalism, many school systems find insurance rates soaring and others cannot get insurance at all. Claims of some school officials that vandals are hard to catch denote a helpless attitude. The proper thing to do. if vandals are hard to catch, is to strengthen school security until enough of them are caught to instill respect for law.

EDITORIALS

2,500 facilities nationwide that include rehabilitation centers, clinics, camps, workshops, hospitals, and other services. The Easter Seal movement is beginning its second half-century of focusing public attention on the needs of the crippled and providing rehabilitation facilities and services for them. Like other national voluntary health agencies, the Easter Seal Society is supported primarily by voluntary contributions from the public at large. Today, faced with growing numbers of crippled children and adults — an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 youngsters meet with crippling accidents annually and tens of thousands are born with physical defects — the Easter Seal societies across the nation are depending upon public response to the Easter Seal campaign tck enable them to provide the expanded service needed. We hope that the people of Indiana will join the ranks of “volunteers for the handicapped’’ by giving to Easter Seals as generously as their purses — and hearts — allow.

‘don’t care’.” Mr. Stetler gives a lengthy explanation of how major drug firms use every precaution within their power to see that products are not diverted from legitimate channels and legitimate usage. “Typical. . . plants,” he observes, “have elaborate security systems, often headed by former members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or other law enforcement agencies. There are strict procedures for handling narcotic-containing products or any product subject to control under the Drug Abuse Control Act of 1965 or earlier legislation.” The main point to remember in combatting misuse of legitimate medicines, as Mr. Stetler concludes, is that “ . ... our efforts to combat these evils must not create a negative attitude toward legitimate, medical use of medications or toward the professions and the segments of private enterprise most capable of helping perfect our health care system.”

tificate, badge or pocket card by anyone other than himself. This is grounds for the revocation of a license. Whenever receiving equipment is taken to the technician’s shop by a customer the customer shall be fully informed, according to the law, of a minimum technical fee to diagnose and estimate the extent of the repair. There must also be a mutual agreement between the technician and customer before the work proceeds. We aren't out to cause trouble for repairmen but would recommend area ■persons to check the licenses of those whom they plan to have sendee their televisions, radios or antennas. It could cause some headaches later and could save some money too!

It is said that recoveries cannot be made from families without funds. Perhaps the Indiana General Assembly should consider the enactment of legislation that would require juvenile vandals to make restitution for their destructive details run by the city or county, until broken or destroyed items are repaired or replaced. Authorities should show backbone in dealing with vandalism as well as other serious school disciplinary problems. As Sendak quite accurately pointed out. the current public attitude toward vandalism is an “open sesame’’ to crime. Moreover, the criminal tendecies of pupils who decide they can “get away with" law breaking are likely to stay with them and worsen as they get older. —The Indianapolis Star

KEEPING THE BALANCE

Know Your Indiana Law -. By JOHN J. DILLON JLflk Attorney at Law This is a public service article explaining provisions of Indiana law in general terms. Copyright, .John j. onion

New Uniform Consumer Credit Code

One of the first important Acts to pass the 1971 General Assembly and to be signed by the Governor is the new “Uniform Consumer Credit Code.” The stated purpose of this law is to simplify, clarify and modernize the law governing retail installment sales, consumer credit, small loans and usury. The new law takes due notice of The Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act passed by the Congress of the United States to protect all citizens in need of credit. This new law in large part replaces the absolute ceiling of 8 percent which has been the basic usury law of Indiana for three quarters of a century. The

SPECIAL REPORT FROM WASHINGTON

Middle East Peace Hopes Still Flickering

WASHINGTON — The Big Four — the United States, Russia. Britain and France — were all set to issue a communique approving Egypt’s offer to negotiate a Middle East settlement and calling upon Israel to respond by agreeing to a pullback. But Egypt’s President Sadat, under pressure from some of his fiery generals, went to Moscow and argued that it was impossible politically for him to extend the cease-fire. The Russians reluctantly agreed to support Egypt’s refusal to continue the cease-fire agreement. This, of course, killed the Big Four communique and set back the Middle ELast peace effort There is still flickering hope, however, for peace in the Middle Blast. The,battlefront is still relatively quiet The new Egyptian leaders seefn genuinely anxious to turn their attention to, internal problems Israel also can’t afford the drain of continued fighting The hothead Palestinian guerrilas are in disarray. And the Russians would like to open the Suez Canal and link up their naval forces in the Arabian waters Apparently everyone wants peace — if the way could be found to overcome the distrust that divides the Arabs and Israelis PREDICTIONS COMES TRUE Last summer I had a long visit in New Delhi with India's Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who told me confidently that she would win the nation s support at election time Her prediction came true this month so overwhelmingly that it startled the political experts ‘ Two other womfti have risen to the pinnacle of power in Asia. They are Ceylon's Sirmavo Bandaranaike and Israel's Golda Meir. Now* a fourth great lady may become leader of her nation She is Imelda Marcos, the Philippine s beautiful first lady Many observers regard her as a candidate to succeed her husband. Ferdinand Marcos, as president Last summer I was guest of the Marcos family at Melacanam Palace and I was able to watch Mrs. Marcos at close range. She has all the beauty and charm of 4 Jacqueline Kennedy but she has a far more expert political touch. She also has the quiet wisdom of a Solomon.

proponents of the law pointed out that the basic interest ceiling of 8 per cent has had so. many exceptions against its mandatory limitation created by both previous legislation and court decisions as to make its exact enforcement extremely difficult. The new basic limitations on time differential contracts, installments sales or consumer credit is a maximum of 36 per cent per year on loan balances under S3OO. 21 per cent per year on loan balances of not less than S3OO nor more than SI,OOO. and 15 per year on balances of more than SI,OOO. In addition, certain other service charges are permitted in the amount of $5.00 for- - financed under $75.00

and $7.50 for amounts financed over $75.00. and in addition it is permissible that the person* receiving the credit can purchase credit life insurance or credit accident and health insurance to protect the payment of the loan, provided this is not made the basis for the granting of the credit. contracts which obviously are entered to defraud the person obtaining the credit are outlawed as a matter of public policy. Also referral sale schemes which have long been the basis for fraudulent sales are outlawed. No longer will certain deficiency judgments be permitted where the person seeking a credit is also required to return the merchandise and where the sale involves an amount of less than SI,OOO. New restrictions are also placed on the garnishment of wages and only one-fourth of a debtor’s wages in excess of $48.00 per week may be subject to garnishment. * It is certain that will be much activity in the Department of Financial Institutions in the State of Indiana relating to the implementation of this law, and because it is quite complicated, it will probably be many years before a complete understanding of the various ramifications of

When her 13-year-old son. Ferdinand, Jr. (known to the family as “Bongbong”) recently threatened td experiment with pot, she quietly let it pass. The next day, she called her three children together and announced they w?re going on a trip —a drug trip. As their mother, she stressed, she should share the experience. Bongbong objected, but Mrs. Marcos insisted. Soon he was begging her not to do it. He wanted to abandon his plans for experimenting with pot. His mother smiling slyly, agreed. CHURCH PRESSURE Some of the nation's great churches are bringing pressure on the great corporations to put conscience ahead of profits. The Episcopal church, United Presbyterian church. United Church of Christ and other Protestant denominations are taking advantage of their investments in large corporations to influence corporate policy. For example, the Episcopal church, which owns a large bloc of General Motors stock, has urged the company to close down its plants in South Africa because of that country’s racial policies. For, the same reason, the United Presbyterian church and the United Church of Christ are using their holdings in Gulf Oil to persuade that company to shut down its operations in Angola. Other churches are pressing at stockholders meetings for management to show a greater sense of social responsibility. FARMERS IN SQUEEZE The American people paid a whopping sll4 billion dollars for their food in 1970. Prices at the supermarket rose over five per cent. But the prices paid to the farmers increased less than one per cent. The middlemen who produce, package and market the food received the lion s share erf the increase. The farmers, meanwhile, have been caught in a squeeze. Their production costs have gone up but the money they get for their crops remains about the same. Therefore, the farmers, in order to meet rising costs and dwindling incomes, will increase their production. This will put more food on the market, which will tend to push

Congressional Comer: John Brademus Reports From Washington

Ten Per Cent Increase In Social Security Increase Wins Approval

A momentous w’eek in the House of Representatives was highlighted by two important roll call votes. — A measure providing for a 10 per cent increase in Social Security benefits won overwhelming approval. — And by a 215-204 margin, the House voted against continuing Federal funding for the controversial supersonic transport airplane. INCREASE NECESSARY For many Members of Congress who have worked for a meaningful increase in Social Security benefits, the breakthrough in winning the 10 per cent boost was very gratifying. The increase is essential because millions of older Americans who depend on fixed incomes have been pinched by the rising cost of living. President Nixon signed the measure into law shortly after Congressional passage, assuring that Social Security recipients will begin receiving bigger checks by June. The bill provides for retroactive benefits to January 1 of this year, so an additional amount will be given to cover back payment over this period. While the final form of the increase fell short of what many of us wanted, it still represents a great step in insuring a more adequate standard of living for the 26 million Americans who receive Social Security benefits. SSTCVTOFF The debate over the SST. which has been prolonged through two sessions of Congress, may have been ended by the House’s action late Thursday afternoon when a bipartisan coalition of Congressmen voted against further funding for the project. The roll call vote showed 84 Republicans joining 131 Democrats in opposing the measure. Seven of eleven members of the, Indiana House delegation — both Democrats this law are had by all of the citizerfs. Nevertheless, the Uniform Consumer Credit Code will undoubtedly be one of the most important pieces of legislation coming out of the 1971 General Assembly.

prices down. However, the middlemen will continue to squeeze all they can get for their services. Thus, food prices will continue to go up but at a slower rate In 1971 prices at the supermarkets will rise about two per cent and the prices at restaurants will increase about five per cent. KO CUTS FOR BRASS We have reported how the military’ brass, faced with budget cuts, have continued to pamper themselves but have slashed spending for the lower ranks. The brass hats haven’t cut down at all on their own fancy quarters and GI servants. But enlisted men’s barracks have been allowed to run down. Air Force generals still have planes available to fly them to football games Gen. John Ryan, the Air Force chief, has now extended the overseas duty of some officers and noncoms an extra year as an economy measure. The order applies to those who took their families overseas for threeyear tours that expire after July 1. The top brass, of course, won’t be affected. In a message circulated within the Air Force, Ryan explained that the extension will save an estimated $43.5 million. Hundreds of Air Force families have complained bitterly to us. SAFETY GLASSES Although defense workers are required to wear industrial safety glasses to protect their eyes. Gls who face even greater hazards are issued nonsafety eyeglasses that tend to shatter on impact. The National Society for the Prevention of Blindness has fought for nearly ten years to require the armed services to issue industrial safety quality eyeglasses to Gls. But the Defense Department is stuck with a huge stockpile of nonsafety lenses and frames that would have to be written off. Pentagon spokesman, therefore, have quietly opposed a change-over to safety lenses. Meanwhile, more than one-third of all Gls wear corrective glasses.

and Republicans — voted against the continued expenditures. I personally opposed appropriating more Federal money for this project for several reasons. I question the propriety of subsidizing a commercial venture withjtaxpayers dollars, especially such a high risk investment as the SST. I believe our tax dollars can be better spent in other areas, such as education, pollution control, mass transit, housing and health services. Furthermore, there have been serious questions raised about environmental damage which may be caused by the plane. And. the issue of jobs is important to me as Congressman from the Third District. I met with top officials of Boeing, the principal contractor for the SST. and Bendix to discuss this subject, and they acknowledged that the SST would have had no substantial impact on the current high level of unemployment in our District. OFF THE FLOOR Aside from the floor action. I was kept busy last week with many other activities. — Elliott Richardson. Secretary of Health. Education and Welfare appeared before my Subcommittee on Education on Wednesday to testify on behalf of the Administration's National Institute of Education which I am sponsoring in the House. This week end the Subcommittee met with leading educational experts in Princeton, New Jersey and New York City, hearing testimony from former U.S. Commissioners of Education Francis Keppel and Harold Howe 11, on the NIE proposals. A meeting was also set with New York Mayor John Lindsay. — Earlier in the week, I was delighted to attend the inauguration ceremonies for John Loughlin of South Bend as he was installed as State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Indianapolis on Monday. — And on Tuesday night I attended a dinner at Riverside Chtirch in New York to mark the 30th anniversary of the magazine. “Christianity & Crisis."

By JACK ANDERSON