A Look at Responsibility in Relation to Rights The following are compiled excerpts from essays concerning the topic of responsibilities with relation to rights and rights within specific institutions written by students in Mr. J. Keating's accelerated government classes. . . . Since time began and man struggled for more personal freedom, there have been people who have wanted more freedom with less responsibility. They do not seem to realize that freedom b e g e t s responsibility and vice-versa. This concept is echoed in Aristotle saying, "People should combine liberty with temperance." He meant that people should be allowed a certain amount of personal freedom as long as they do not go overboard. . . . In our society, those
Volume 6, No. 6
who are given certain rights must accept certain responsibilities. The Preamble to the Constitution sets forth conditions necessary in the formation of the best possible government. Without the people's pledge to uphold the Constitution these conditions cannot be maintained. Those who do not abide by the Constitution, theoretically, should not be guaranteed the rights provided by the document. TTie idea that responsibility must be accepted to retain certain rights stems to many phases of society, but is fimdamentally covered in all areas by the wide scope of the Constitution. . . . John D. Rockefeller was right in saying, "I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty."
. . . Today in the U.S. a new social reform is underway and gaining momentum rapidly. The basis for this movement is simply rights — personal, racial, social, and economic. It seems that just about everyone is claiming their rights, but all do not realize that with these rights come certain responsibilities and obligations . . . In many cases, however, the individuals have shouldered the responsibilities intricated with the rights, but have not received the just reward of these proofs. . . . A basic issue behind the movement demanding rights is whether or not the people are mature enough to accept the responsibility that comes with right. . . . The minor must acquire the maturity and capability to
Maine Township High School South, Park Ridge, III.
Dec. 19, 1969
Dress Code Renovators Clash With Immediate Action Seekers Last week Maine South went through a period of student agitation as South girls who were unwilling to wait for Student Council to take action donned an array of slacks to demand liberalization of the Maine South Dress Code. Protest reached a peak Friday ninth period when Marcia Hardy 70, apparent leader of an estimated 75 slack wearers, requested her group to "refrain from wearing slacks" the following Monday. Twenty girls came with slacks anyway, including Marcia. The same morning Student Council president, John Welzenbach, announced over the public address system in homeroom an outline of progress in discussions with the administration on the dress code. Later in the week it was announced a renovated dress code would probably be in effect shortly after students return to classes next year. The protest day was held by those students wishing to show displeasure with the pace of talks on the dress code and to demand its immediate and thorough revision. Marcia put forward her position stating, "I am tired of the stalling by the district and others in the dress code change. My whole idea behind this is that the students have power and when employed in the proper use we can get almost anything we want." Marcia commented on the new dress code stating, "If the new dress code does not comply with our liking we will do everything in our power to change it. I will continue to protest and do everything in my power to see that it is changed." Marcia hinted at the possible use of the American Civil Liberties Union if necessary. Regarding the demand for the wearing of slacks Robbie Little Student Council secretary, stated, "I don't think it was a good idea. If students want changes, and these changes are justified, they should go through the proper channels." While expressing understanding of the girls' actions, Robbie thinks the opinion poll would have been a better method. Dean Smith is opposed to girls wearing slacks because he feels that attire and appearance af-
fect behavior. He said that he thinks such changes lead to the deterioration of discipline. Mr. Smith continued that those girls wearing slacks to school were not penalized by suspension or any other method. They were called to the office and asked to comply with school rules. "Dr. Watson stated that he is not "in favor of change just for the sake of change — we must change for the better." He stated that students should work within the school structure and that the committee should have the opportunity to function. Many doubts still linger in many students' minds about particulars of the day itself. Marcia made her request for girls not to wear slacks after she was informed that Mr. Robert Simonson, assistant principal had stated he could see no reason for continuing discussion of the dress code if mass student protest would continue. After hearing this, Marcia asked to announce over the PA system
a request to all girls not to wear slacks, and was given the opportunity. Mr. Simonson related, "I merely told her (Marcia) that if we were to continue to have school disruption with students violating the present dress rules in order to force the issue, there seemed to be little point in an opinion poll. This, however, is a personal opinion." On this same point Marcia further related that administration policy had "forced a choice between a successful dress code change and a peaceful, cooperative protest. I could have one or the other, but not both." Marcia later added that events had forced her into taking her position. The following Monday, Marcia came to school wearing slacks, to "show the administration that I refuse to be intimidated." In total, twenty girls showed up wearing slacks Monday, as opposed to an estimated 75 the Friday before.
Hair Length Hinders Job Seekers Many boys are being faced with the decision between getting a job or cutting their hair. Several Park Ridge merchants are not interested in hiring boys with particularly long hair, or "just a hippie" as one manager put it. This manager stated, "I want a boy to look like a boy. If he looks like a girl, I won't hire him." Another manager, when asked if he took appearance and particularly hair into consideration when he hired a boy, said, "Definitely. He must be cleancut, well-groomed." He mentioned that if an employee grew his hair while he held the job, he would have to choose between losing his job or cutting his hair. Though such an attitude seemed to be prevalent, there were other opinions. One employer stated that he didn't think hair was a fair basis to judge anyone. He remarked, this man hires boys with long hair and reports that he has never had any customer complaints about it. He said that he wouldn't fire
a boy for reasons concerning his hair, no matter how long it is.
pass judgement during the most developmental part of his life. A person must be placed faceto-face with life in its various forms as soon as they can communicate. In our modern institutions, the argument of legal age is often used, but how can they deny students the rights to freely express themselves and yet expect them to function as adults soon after leaving school. . . . . Entering an institution is actually entering a specific "society." Thus, upon entering,
certain rights are revoked so that the institution can function and operate for the whole community within it. . . . Should youth be judged on age regardless of his actions, or is there another satisfactory method of judgement? . . . The controlling body, whether society or an institution, should give individuals a chance to prove their maturity. . . . Young people must set their ideals and goals, but remember that the autiiority is not in their hands to use.
Winter Problems of Student Driver Minimized with Proper Preparation ..Winter .presents its own unique problems to a student driving a car. Winterizing a car, slippery roads, and bad driving conditions are some of the plagues a driver must face Mr. John Minerick, deparment chairman of the driver education department, listed a number of things that should be done to prepare a car for winter. The most important step, according to him, is to have the car radiator drained, cleaned, and flushed out. ..The proper way to flush out a radiator is to open the petcock at its bottom and let a water hose run through it while the engine is running. Afterwards, Prestone or some other antifreeze should be added to it. This will keep the car running down to temperatures of thirty below. A second thing that a car owner should do to winterize his car is to have his electrical system checked. All points and plugs that are worn or that have been in use over six months should be replaced. Mr. Minerick also suggested a check on the cooling and heating systems, a grease job and oil change, and a test on the battery as necessities in winterCalendar
izing the car. A few items should be kept in the trunk of a car which is in use during the winter. Mr. Minerick said that salt, sand and a shovel are absolute necessities. He also recommended that a driver keep chains in his trunk, as well as a supply of extra blankets. The best way to handle slipperty roads, according to Mr. Minerick, is to drive at a conroUable speed. He said that a driver must always remember to turn the steering wheel in the direction that the back wheels are skidding if the car begins to slide. . To fight snow and ice storms, Mr. Minerick recommended that a driver always keep his windshield wipers and washers in working order. He said that if wipers smear they should be replaced. He also suggested that an anti-freeze solution be added to the water in the washer. In case the car gets stuck, Mr. Minerick suggested that it be rocked back and forth. This can be accomplished by driving it as far as it will go forward, then shifting into reverse and going as far as possible that way. This should be repeated as many times as is needed,.
'Winter Idyll' Leads Holiday Events Winter Idyll is the theme of the Boys' Club Christmas Formal. It will be held Dec. 20 from 8:30 to 11:30. Music will be by Jim Bestman. Tickets are $2.75 per couple in the cafeteria. South's four FTA officers exchanged places with the FTA officers at Ridgewood High on Dec. 16. The program aimed to get the officers acquainted with other teaching methods. Girls' Club will meet on Jan. 17 to discuss the Girls' Choice Dance. If you're interested in chess, contact Mr. Silkowski or President Greg Hindman about joining Chess Club. Ilie club meets
on Thursdays, after school. Dues are $1. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf will be presented by the Des Plaines Theatre Guild in the Maine South auditorium on Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. A panel of psychiatrists, actors, and directors will discuss the behavior problems portrayed by the characters in the play. Admission is $1.50. Debate Club will host a novice tournament on Dec. 20. Christmas will be featured all day on Dec. 25. First semester exams will be given on Wednesday, Jan. 21; Thursday, Jan. 22; and Friday, Jan. 23 according to the following schedule: 1 W T F 8:10-9:40 . 8 7 9 9.50-11.20 2 1 3 11:30-1:00 5 6 4
Creative Magazine Needs New Maferial Contributions for the creative writing magazine are now being accepted in either V107 or by the English teachers. Students submitting entries are asked to put their name, year in school, and English or homeroom teacher in the righthand corner. The names will be cut off the entries and judged on a five point basis by two or more students from each class level. A sales drive for the magazine will begin after Christmas. The price and name of the magazine will be determined at a later date.