_i ixxuu /\_yix_inn\ju 0201 i mSU's gospel choir seeks recognition, delivers religion By kiva filled to standing room only. ANGELA C. MARTIN own gospel choir. Black A major change in policy brought about Orpheus is the longest - Twenty - five black students sit laughing and by the organized black gospel choir in MSU history, first concert was the decision of the choir to restrict conversing in a small room on the third floor of Case according to Roger Groves, a former president and itself to religious songs. Hall. Then, when she feels that business manager of the group. enough time has "Students do tend to separate their passed waiting for latecomers, one of the students, a religious beliefs "For many black students up here," Lindsay said, and feelings from outside activities," said Lindsey, short, sparkly - eyed young woman, Wanda "Black Orpheus is the only contact Lindsey, they have with a stands in front of the explaining the change. She and the choir felt students religious atmosphere." group and says, "Let's start didn't with 'Open Our Eyes.' " appreciate the mix of religious and social "Being in the choir is a greatly needed religious She motions to the perspectives. outlet for me," Marilyn Blue, pianist, raises her arms and Orpheus member, said. starts to count. On the fourth This academic year, the choir has made another count, as if by magic, big Kathy Joseph said that she joined the choir 25 giggles are turned into one mellow, moving sound. change in policy by becoming officially affiliated because she likes to sing and because she doesn't The magic Lindsey has induced is the result of many with MSU. The choir hopes this decision will get a help chance to go to church often. "It's brought me closer long and not always easy hours of practice and more with the poor financial status of the group. The choir to God," Joseph said. practice on the part of the Black Orpheus Gospel members' biggest ambition, said Choir. Lindsey, is to get a To Miller, being in Black Orpheus has been a bus so that they can do more traveling. relaxing and enjoyable experience. "It's like coming Every Wednesday night and Sunday afternoon for "We have been deprived the past by MSU," said Lindsey, home," he said. three years, the Case Hall music room has "but I can see the fault as been reserved for the choir's rehearsal. being on both ends, "We're just trying to make people aware of the The group was because we haven't pressured started in the fall of 1971 any administrators or presence of God in a way that they can all by Amy Boyce, Mickey other influential easily feel people to assist us. But on the other and relate," Lindsey said. Assata and Lindsey. When the original seven - hand, neither has anyone offered to help. We still member group began to have to hold our concerts in Erickson Hall Black Orpheus' annual spring concert will be sing around campus, other kiva, students started to show interest in which is not Sunday, May 19 — still in Erickson Hall kiva. becoming a part adequate enough." of Black Orpheus. "Hopefully," said Lindsey, "even President Kevin Miller, another choir By winter of 1972, the choir had member, agreed with Wharton will come." acquired Lindsey but added that he did not like being reputation enough to sing at Central As two residents of Case Hall Michigan affiliated with the University when the choir was not walked out of the University's Black History Week festivities. grill amid the noisy clanging of pinball In April 1972, Black getting the same kinds of assistance as other choirs machines, Orpheus presented its first affiliated with MSU. they were suddenly aware of the more harmonious formal concert in Erickson Hall kiva. and peaceful sounds of voices raised The program in angelic praises. consisted of both pop and Looking on the bright side, Lindsey expressed her Two doors down from the religious songs with the biggest goal for the choir: to be recognized as MSU's grill, they were compelled to stop and watch and listen... Wanda Lindsey explains a point (above) to Black Orpheus choir members (left) during a practice session. Photos by Dave Olds USES FRITH, RGENCY IN BRTTLE Woman fights sickle cell anemia By HARRIET WILKES carry a trait may or may not to physical exercise. petting and sympathizing with with intentions of produce a child with sickle cell. her has owning a Cornelius is not aware of his son not erased the What does a woman do when Two of her seven sons carry private Day Care Center in approaching death because his inevitable, Jones began her California. she learns her 10 - year - old son traits but did not inherit the mother believes the emotional attempt to save others from Jones remains active in has less than a year to live? disease. the shock would be too much of a sleepless nights, planning a research fund raising Marion Jones is a 35 - year - Sickle cell is characterized strain for him. uncontrollable tears and However, the event, inviting MSU faculty old Lansing divorcee and by half shaped red • moon innocent, but cruel games of helpjessness she has faced in and students, local politicians mother of seven boys. Her blood cells which cause a loss neighborhood children almost learning to cope with her son's and residents, to a Sckle Cell second oldest son, Cornelius, is of energy, poor health and a revealed Jones' secret. illness. Dance, at 9:30 p.m. 2400 Rio a victim of sickle cell anemia. short life span. The children's Numerous teasing chant, long distance calls Road. Resigned, yet determined, Though he suffers from "Cornelius is going to die," to randonly selected Jones is also looking for Jones says she talks to God day weak resistance, Cornelius has drove him crying and running oganizations and strangers volunteer entertainers for the in and day out. suprisingly survived illnesses home to his mother. sometimes added upto $200 • a dance. If interested, call "Cornelius is your child," which doctors believed would "Mama am I going to die - month bills. When Jones was 355-9555. she prays. "You only loaned kill him. Spinal meningitis because I'msick? Am I going to not at home spreading the Proceeds are to be donated him to me. You didn't say how drew Cornelius' eye balls die?" he cried. word about the danger of for the advancement of sickle long he'd be mine. When it's toward the back of his head at As calmly as possible, Jones sickle cell, she walked from door, cell research and education. time for him to be removed one time, briefly leaving two explained, "Cornelius, I'm to door showing Cornelius' Contributions from from this earth, let your will be empty dark sockets. A slight going to die, you're going to pictures to residents. done." Lansing's Michigan Avenue limp is the only aftereffect of die... everyone does sooner or She also traveled to Flint Junior High School, Sexton Since Cornelius was six or this illness. later, but none of us could ever and Battle Creek! warning Junior High and Haslett High seven months old, his mother Active and attentive in his know when it will happen. We social dub members of the School have also expanded the has known he was destined for fifth grade class, Cornelius sits could walk out into the street effects of sickle cell. in growth of the foundation. an early death. It was then that a front row seat to hear and get hit by a car or get shot One effort led to another Okemos High School's $500 a blood specialist in Detroit's because he is completely deaf by some madman, but you'll until Jones finally organized donation of the Children's Hospital diagnosed in his was one largest right ear. never know how or when it and became chairman of contributions. sickle cell anemia as the cause After school hours will happen." - are Lansing's Sickle Cell Jones' efforts to educate the of her child's refusal to eat and often spent playing baseball After consoling Foundation. But 40 hour her child, as a - public are a result of an his high fever and swollen and basketball. He was recently Jones visited week sickle cell volunteer, a couple of the per - optimistic outlook she fingers. Jones remembers awarded a Boy's Club trophy neighborhood children's housekeeper and part - time attributes to her mother's Cornelius as an unusally quiet for checkers. parents explaining the dangers Lansing Community College teachings. baby who stared at the walls Though Cornelius associates which further innocnet teasing student, her time consuming "Mon always said, first most of the time. Even while with other children through his you might cause. schedule led to her resignation have to believe, then you put gasping for breath, he seldom participation in sports and For eight years, Jones pitied as chairman of the foundation. one foot forward and God will cried. school, the first sign of fatigue herself and felt sorry for Jones is majoring in Child make a way. But first you have Jones hadnever heard of and exhaustion means an end Cornelius. But realizing that Education and Social Work, to believe." sickle cell anemia but soon found that she and her husband carried genetic traits for the fatal disease. The union of two individuals who both Marion Jones, a loving and protective mother, cannot risk telling her 10 - year - old son Cornelius that doctors believe he will live only six months to a year longer. The tragic news could trigger a dangerous reaction, since he has both sickle cell anemia and a severe heart condition. Photo by John W. Dickson Students for changes in drug laws They want to decriminalize, not legalize By The two men said they were serious about sending information PETE DALY and petitions to the sheriffs and prosecutors. "What we really want is a community - oriented drive for The burning question on many minds lately centers around the 'decriminalization. Everybody, young and old, who has something legalization of marijuana. With a new push underway for rational to add should get out and discuss it. legalization the flames of that debate will be fanned even higher "We want everybody who has smoked pot and not gone crazy in Michigan's November election. to out and say come 'hey, I smoked pot, and I didn't go out and Dan Page and Bob Mendenhall, both of 414 Michigan Ave., rape little girls or kill people'," Mendenhall said. want to see the decriminalization of marijuana in Michigan. The Page said they are trying to organize meetings where two MSU students are part of statewide movement, the a representatives for the pros and cons can debate each other with Michigan Marijuana Initiative, begun three weeks ago to acheive the facts about marijuana and its effects. that end. What the The initiative is circulating petitions it are knowledgeable people saying about pot? hopes to fill with at Richard H. Rech, an MSU professor with a Ph.D in psycho - least 300,000 signatures before the July 1 deadline. If the group pharmacology, worked in the area of psycho • active drugs — succeeds, the proposal to legalize pot goes before the people in especially those most commonly abused — for 18 years. During November. his research on hallucinogens and central nervous system "Compared to alcohol, marijuana is incredibly benign," said depressants, he has contributed to three books on psycho • active Mendenhall, a junior in criminal justice. "There is no reason why drugs and has edited a university textbook on the subject. marijuana shouldn't be legal, too." Rech is also the current program chairman for the nationwide Mendenhall and Page stressed the difference between Winter Conference on Brain Research, an annual 'decriminalization' and legalization. meeting that was held this year in Colorado. "We aren't pushing for marijuana to be legal in a commercial "The way marijuana is used today by most people is probably aspect. We just think the laws against using it, growing it and not very dangerous," Rech said. "That's an obvious fact that has possessing it should be dropped," Mendenhall said. been known for a long time. It has been "If it's totally legalized, then we'll have the reported in the Indian government Hemp Drugs Commission Report of 1894, the LaGuardia regulating it and raking in a lot of taxes from it," Page said. Committee Report from New York in 1944, a Canadian The two men recently mailed petitions and information to report issued in 1970, and even the National Commission on county sheriffs and prosecutors all over Michigan. Most of the Marijuana and Drug Abuse, organized by Congress and President Nixon in respondents were negative, especially from northern areas of 1970." Michigan. "However, I do feel that marijuana has potential dangers, "One sheriff sent back a letter which said, in effect,' you although not as much as alcohol," he said. "Alcohol is a very guys.' Then he had all his deputies sign it, and his wife signed it, dangerous, physically addictive drug. too," Page said. "Of course, some people will abuse marijuana. They're the The monjuovncx question: ones who would lay around all day, just smoking marijuana and not working or studying. But these are the people who would To abuse any intoxicating drug in that way." Rech said marijuana is a "hybrid drug" with the elements of both a central nervous system depressant and a hallucinogen. "If it has any long term dependency effects, they are probably due to a CNS reaction," he said. According to Rech, the hallucinogenic qualities of pot can legalize cause panic reactions in imaginative and highly excited individuals who are new to smoking pot. In those cases, the most important factor is the person's emotional environment. "On the other hand, most people don't get high the first few times they smoke pot because they are nervous, and don't or not recognize the subtlety of the high. . Rech, who claims he has never smoked pot, said that only recently has conclusive research begun on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active chemical in marijuana. He said the U.S. government is largely to blame for the delay. "Synthetic THC was known about by the Army in 1954, but it was kept secret. The University of Michigan did the research on it for the Army while I was studying there in '54 and '55. They were researching the possible use of THC in chemical warfare. to legalize? "After that, the government strictly discouraged any independent research on THC. Finally, in 1965, an Israeli scientist cracked the formula which the army had refused to reveal," Rech said. He added that research has shown that no more than 700 milligrams of THC can be ingested by a nonuser before risking a dangerous toxic overdose. That would be the amount of THC in at least 350 marijuana cigarets. People who do use marijuana regularly would have a higher tolerance level. "Marijuana cigarets contain from .5 to 1.5 milligrams of THC, with really potent stuff having 2 milligrams," he said. On April 14, Ann Lander's nationally syndicated newspaper column published a letter from a Dr. Gabriel Nahas of Columbia University who wrote that recently concluded studies of pregnant animals injected with THC revealed serious genetic damage to the offspring. "I would have to see all of his data to be sure, but I am guessing Nahas is way off base," Rech said. "He is a well - known antimarijuana crusader, so what else could you expect his conclusions to reveaj?" Rech said some scientists attain reputations for achieving particular research results. That policy tends to win for the scientist much publicity and financial backing of people pleased with his results. Rech said he suspects the animal research reported in Nahas' letter is the recent and widely touted work of a researcher at the National Institute of Drug Abuse. "That person injected pregnant rats with 250 milligrams of THC, a dosage so strong it actually killed some of the rats immediately. The ones that survived had a higher incidence of deformed offspring, but that's not surprising." "I could probably get the same results by heavily bleeding female rats, and replacing the blood with a saline solution. Their offspring would have a higher rate of deformity, too," he said. "I have never yet seen any conclusive research indicating that marijuana use causes genetic damage," Rech said. Would Rech vote for marijuana to be legalized? "I would vote against the legalization of marijuana. It would just be introducing one more toxic drug with a potential for dangerous abuse. "At the same time, speaking as a scientist, I would also have to admit that I feel alcohol should be illegal. I would miss it myself if it were, but we would all be better off," Rech said. Hie question of legality may be answered either way if it comes up in November,but one thing is certain. When the smoke clears, people will still be using pot, whether legal or not. Marijuana smoking doesn't have to be complicated; however, many — some flavored — and the marijuana is usually sold in plastic food storage connoisseurs prefer using a number of smoking utensils, from pipes to bags (right). Above, marijuana smokers enjoy the effects of the plant. fancy roach clips (left). The cigaret is rolled on commercially sold papers Photos by John Dickson V w I I I |Iw She's no freshman: ordinary Woman wins scholarship for golf caddies for that matter, in the entire go through mounds of golf caddies are awarded There are 2-6 guys in a room RAM WARD United States. paperwork and red tape. scholarships. But they pay for and now they don't have a Kersjes has just become the But all of these are my room, board and tuition single to give to me." At first glance, Jane Kersjes only woman in Michigan to be for four years and that's great. secondary. Most important is Kersjes currently lives in appears like any other MSU accepted as an Evans scholar. that Kersjes had to be a golf It's really a great Butterfield Hall but tries to go freshman. She's a slender, tall She is of five women Evans one caddy. organization." to the house as often as she woman, with straight dark hair, scholars in the country. To be eligible for an Evans The organization is the can. who laughs easily and walks How did she do it? And, scholarship an applicant must Western Golf Assn. that was "I go there for meetings and slowly. There appears to be more importantly, what is an have caddied for at least two formed in 1899. In 1930, parties," Kersjes commented. nothing odd or unusual about Evans scholar? To qualify,she years. under the direction of Charles "I like it there. Most of the her. had to be in the top 25 per Evans "Everybody laughs when I Jr., a nationally guys are nice and seem to But there is one thing that cent of her high school tell them what an Evans recognized amateur golfer, the accept me. They're always makes Kersjes one of a kind. graduating class. She had to scholar is," Kersjes remarked. Evans scholarship program was She is a rarity in Michigan and, willing to help me and they tell pass personality interviews and "I admit it sounds funny that initiated. me to come over whenever I The program is chiefly can. financed by contributions from "One thing I feel bad about golfers. Approximately 85,000 is that because I live in golfers contribute $100 each Butterfield I get out of all the annually through the Par Club. house duties," she added. "The Special gifts and donations also guys don't really get their help to finance the program. meals paid for, they have to Kersjes was a caddy for work in the house for them. three years for a club near But I never have to do any of Rockford, her hometown. the meal or maintenance jobs." "One summer a girlfriend of This will probably change as mine got a job at the Blythe more women are accepted by Field Country Club as a the Evans scholarship program. caddy," Kersjes, a computer Kersjes said there appears to be science major, explained. "She more and more women caddies "Everybody laughs when I tell them what an Evans Scholar is. I admit it sounds funny that golf caddies are awarded scholarships. But they pay for my room, board and tuition for four years and that's great." - Jane Kersjes wanted some support, some and the Evans program will other girl to go with her, so I inevitably reflect this trend. applied and got the job. Caddying is not an easy job, "I had never heard of the though, according to Kersjes. Evans scholarship program "Sometimes it is pretty hard until my junior year of high to carry around those bags," school when the caddy master she explained. "My shoulders told me 1 should apply for it," were rubbed raw a few times. Kersjes continued. "If I wasn't But on the whole I enjoyed it. accepted I would have gone to I met a lot of people and got a a junior college because I lot of exercise and sunshine." didn't have the money to come There's no doubt that here (MSU)." caddying turned out to be a Currently, there are 29 good experience for Kersjes. It universities across the country helped to get her room, board which recognize the Evans and tuition paid and gave her scholarship program and over some spending money during 3,000 caddies have received financial aid. high school. The MSU Evans scholars are But she has since given up required to live together at the the job. chapter house, located at 243 "There's just no money in Louis St. An exception had to it," she explained. "I'd like to be made for Kersjes.. do it but I need to get a job "I would like to live at the where I can make a little bit house if I could. It would be a more money." Jane Kersjes holds a pledge paddle she received as an Evans Scholar. The program otters good experience," she said. Kersjes is on the other end "The reason I can't is that they now. She has taken up the scholarships to golf caddies. Photo by John W. Dickson just don't have the room. sport of golf. Golfing family coaches winning HflSU teams By Fossom's wife, Mary, an STEVE STEIN amateur player, is coach of MSU's highly successful "Golf is one of the finest women's golf squad. Mrs. character - building sports Fossum won the Wisconsin there is," MSU men's golf state title three times. coach Bruce Fossum said as the The women will start their spring sunlight beamed into his second season of competition Jenison Fieldhouse office. and beginning this school year, "You have to find out how to will play for six weeks in the control your emotions if you fall and five in the spring. want to play well. Last year's team was led by "A person who has a national champion Bonnie consistently bad attitude Lauer. stands little chance of With the opening of the succeeding. You've got to keep Forest Akers courses last week, your cool at all times and MSU's golf family discussed concentrate on each shot as it the game which has become presents itself." America's top individual sport. Fossum, well known in golf Fossum said he believes that circles as a coach, professional whatever level of skill a golfer golfer and instructor, is has attained, he should enjoy beginning his ninth season at playing the game. the helm of the Spartan men's "The average player should Gary Domagalski putts while golf coach Bruce Fossom, left, and Ron Schmieding keep their golf team. He is also chairman accept his own capabilities and eyes on the ball. of the eight - member NCAA really enjoy golf for the fun of Photo by Dale Atkins golf tournament committee, it," he said. which selects a team and "The fun for the competitor individuals to play in the is in playing better than he national championship. thinks he knows how and "Our athletic director has constantly striving to be better. Fossum said. "Then it would ball as far off the tee. been kind enough to allow me "jumped at the opportunity" Winning, eventually, is the final be wise to hone in on the short "As good as Bonnie Lauer work time to accomplish all goal." to coach the women's team, the game and gradually build up was, she couldn't have made added that she loved coaching. things that have to be Fossum suggests that players your swing." Bruce's team," Mrs. Fossum done," Fossum said. should practice several days She said she was "Male - For the woman who is said. oriented" because of her thinking of taking up the The couple both praised the interest in her husband's game, Mrs. Fossum suggests growth in facilities and the golf coaching. "The fun for the competitor is in playing better taking some lessons first to program at MSU. "I never realized how learn the fundamentals. "Our total facilities are some than he thinks he knows how and constantly marvelous it was to work with Fossum believes the biggest of the finest collegiate facilities young ladies," Mrs. Fossum striving to be better. Winning, eventually, is the problem for the average man is in the country," Fossum said. said. "They're great. They final goal. " in maintaining good balance in "Our west course (an 18-hole work hard, they're very his swing. layout) is one of the top - Bruce Fossum unselfish and thoughtful. They "Men generally swing too competitive golf courses in the take care of me sometimes, hard and get off balance." he state." too." said?—"Women have the The nine • hole east course is Fossum has felt the cutback There is no compensation before hitting the courses for opposite problem." scheduled to become another for that post. the first time of the on nonrevenue sports with his season. "Even the girls on my team 18 - hole course in the future. team but is not In the eight years under pessimistic. "It's tough to walk out there don't take enough time to "The quality of our golf "We've had to cut down on Fossum, the men's team has after a long winter," he said. practice their putting," Mrs. program has increased and our travel arrangements, food and finished in the top three in the "You can become discouraged Fossum said. "And, they have teams have been very in equipment," Fossum said. Big Ten five times, including a a hurry." to think their way around the competitive in Big Ten circles," "But we're existing." conference title in 1969. Going to a driving range or golf course more." Fossum said. "With the "We're still competitive with Fossum has coached seven all - even swinging in the back yard Mrs. Fossum believes the women's team, we have an most of the Big Ten schools Americans including Steve is good practice. only difference between the added quantity to a quality and you have to compare Cole, a sophomore on this "It's best to begin with some men's and women's games is championship program." yourself with the schools you year's team. coordinated exercises," that women just can't hit the Mrs. Fossum, who said she have to beat." Two-foot two, eyes of blue? mSU scientists mai| have found the answer By CHRIS DANIELSON Most of the automobiles now on the road could be converted into mass transit vehicles, "If humans had been increasing in size over while a train or a jumbo jet could transport the the past million years at the rate Americans populations of entire cities. have been growing lately, they'd be roughly Fuel would also be saved by doubling the to country's 2,600 feet today," stated feature story. a recent magazine Studies show that the average U.S. citizen is one inch taller today than his or her statistical floor space of the existing buildings. Hubbard Hall, for instance, would be refurbished as a 24 - story sky - scraper and most single - family homes could be transformed into duplexes. counterpart from the early 1940s. Twice the living space would then be heated by shortages Meanwhile, experiments by two MSU biophysicists in lowering fruit fly body temperatures may lead eventually to the discovery of a drug lowering human body the same amount of fuel. Spartan athletic officials would have at least one less worry — Jeni.son Fieldhouse's seating capacity would be boosted to at least 24,000. temperatures that could extend the human life Another benefit of the shortening program span up to 200 years. would be an easing of the world food crisis. The development of a super race of 270 - Each potato would go twice as far, and just 183 year - old giants is not a pleasant prospect at a apples would insure a person's health for a year. time when the "shrinking" spaceship earth The cotton shortage would be alleviated as already is beset by the Shockwaves of a clothing sizes would shrink. The soaring price population explosion. of gold would plummet as the amount needed Serious thought should be given to making for dental work was reduced. And, present - human lives substantially shorter before any day economy - size diamonds would become attempt is made to have them live significantly respectable sparklers in their own right. longer. Shortening up would improve the economic Reversing the frightening upward trend by outlook in general, and the goal of zero reducing human stature to, say, an average of 2 unemployment could be realized during the feet 11 inches would be a timely space - saving massive conversion process best called "making measure that should be considered an absolute two of everything." prerequisite for any attempt to increase life While many objects, such as buildings, would expectancy. be merely modified to accomodate the smaller Perhaps traditionalists will have some people, recycling could gain a much - needed objections to the halving of man, but they will foothold in the national consciousness as be placated as soon as they realize that this is billions of outmoded products are broken down really a reactionary program to line us up with into valuable resources. our shorter forbears. The changeover also would provide a valid Height variances would still be permitted, of excjise for producers to try out new modern course. Basketball centers would range up to 3 styles of every product. feet 5 inches, while the "All - American Girl" Those goods remaining from the high times would have a standing of two - foot - two to would foster a whole new era of antique match her eyes of blue. collecting. Some stick - in - the - muds may grumble Shortened people would be able to re - that it would be hard to get used to throwing establish contact with the environment. Rude around the diminutive measurements in meetings with low tree limbs — such as the tryst everyday discourse. This problem could be that cost Absalom his life — would be resolved — for Americans, at least — by drastically reduced, and our other fallings COUNTERPOINT changing over to the metric system — the average metric American would be a whopping would be kept back as we kept close to the earth. 89 centimeters high after the model Much of the awe Nature formerly inspired in changeover. mankind, has been displaced by the machine Counterpoint is published Jane Seaberry is Fears that shortened people would fall victim gods of the technological age. However, a Mt. biweekly as a supplement to Counterpoint director. Persons to chest - high dogs, gargantuan insects and Everest twice as high and a Grand Canyon twice the Michigan State News. It is wishing to contribute tofuture knee high frogs are unfounded, since the - as deep would doubtless provide new published by students of issues should contact the State shrinking process would be tested initially on inspiration to three - foot poets and adventurers. Michigan State University in monkeys, dogs, rats and other creatures. Prospective scientific saviors, take note. The 341 Student Services Bldg. The practical results of taking half of man's future of the human race may depend on the measure are many. development of a half - sized fruit fly.