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STANDING STRONG FOR 1,459 DAYS — THE FIGHT'S NOT OVER YET JULY 11-17, 1999 THE DETROIT VOL. 4 NO. 34 75 CENTS S u n d a yIo u r n a l PUBLISHED BY LOCKED-OUT DETROIT NEWSPAPER WORKERS ©TDSJ

JIM WEST/Special to the Journal Nicholle Murphy’s support for her grandmother, Teamster Meka Murphy, has been unflagging. Marching fourward

Come Tuesday, it will be four yearsstrong and determined. In this editionOwens’ editorial points out the facthave shown up. We hope that we will since the day in July of 1995 that ofour the Sunday Journal, co-editor Susanthat the workers are in this strugglehave contracts before we have to put Detroit newspaper unions were forcedWatson muses on the times of happi­until the end and we are not goingtogether any­ another anniversary edition. to go on strike. Although the compa­ness and joy, in her Strike Diarywhere. on On Pages 19-22 we show offBut four years or 40, with your help, nies tried mightily, they never Page did 3. Starting on Page 4, we putmembers the in our annual Family Albumsolidarity and support, we will be here, break us. Four years after pickingevents up of the struggle on the record.and also give you a glimpse of somestanding of strong. our first picket signs, we remainOn Page 10, locked-out worker Keiththe far-flung places where lawn signs— Sunday Journal staff PAGE 10 JULY 11 1999 Co-editors:Susan Watson, Jim McFarlin ------Managing Editor: Emily Everett General Manager: Tom Schram Published by Detroit Sunday Journal Inc. 450 W. Fort Detroit, Mich. 48226 313-964-5655 Fax: 313-964-5554 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://ww.rust.net/~workers/strike.html Metro NY Labor Communications Council Communicator of the Year The Working Group Joady Award Winner Media & Democracy Congress Media Hero of the Year It’s been 4 years and we’re not going away

uly 1995. for all we’re worth. Damn. Our predecessors paid a heavy July 1995? price — some paid the ultimate price That can’t be right, can it?— to give working people the right to You mean we’ve been out here fight­a fair and equitable working relation­ ing for four years and we haven’tship with their employers. The least thrown in the towel yet? Westill we can do is to honor the price that haven’t crossed the picket line? Wewas paid on our behalf. After benefit­ still actually believe it’s worth alling from the blood and sweat of their we’ve gone through to hard-fought efforts, to 'U rf, stand up for what we do anything less would believe in, even when so Obviously the be unforgivable. many have forgotten us,newspapers are To date, we have won ‘We have to alter our flight plan. The airline declared Chapter 11, written us off or simply every court battle deal­ turned their backs? thumbing their ing with the question of and we can’t land until we’re cleared by bankruptcy court.” What is the m atter with noses at the law. whether the Detroit us? News, Detroit Free Guess we just know Press and Detroit we’re right. Newspapers violated federal labor commentaiy Those of us who have remained onlaw in their dealings with their strike and locked out for all theseunions. The National Labor Relations years never believed it would last thisBoard — a panel composed of both long. More importantly, those insideRepublicans and Democrats — ruled White-collar cons the Detroit News, Detroit Free Press unanimously in 1998 that the papers and DN who have been on the receiv­are guilty of unfair labor practices. ing end of our strike-related activitiesThe board found that the News, Free for all this time never would havePress and DN caused and prolonged talk trash for cash believed it, either. the strike. It ordered them to return The last thing the Detroit newspa­us to our jobs with back pay. By Jim Hightower the Cons. pers planned on was just how deter­ The case is now before the U.S. AlterNet News Headed by former CPA and non­ mined we’d be, just how long weCourt of Appeals, which will, in due oday, Spaceship Hightowercriminal Gary Zeune, Pros & Cons would hold out — and ju st howtime, also find the papers guilty of takes you to the fringes ofspecializes in providing conventions strongly we believe in the righteous­criminal behavior. career opportunities, to aof accountants with speakers who ness of our cause. Obviously the newspapers are place you might not want talkto about how they stole from Some say that might makes right.thumbing their noses at the law —Tgo. clients. you look at this long-term struggleand the community — even as their Webster Hubbell is one of the stars“It’s kind of like an alcoholic talking simply in terms of how much corpo­circulation deteriorates, their reputa­ out there, as are Mark Morse, about what happened to them when rate money has been spent againsttions suffer and their back-pay billsNicholas Wallace and a few other — they started drinking,” Hubbell says. us, that would seem to favor thecontinue to mount. how shall I put this? — finaglers.“There’s something about confes­ newspapers. We’re not going away, man. We’re They are all former executives whosion.” But if right makes might, then thejust not. ended up in the pokey because Zeune, of who has five former convicts enduring strength of our belief that assorted white-collar crimes. in his troupe, says they’re great for strong unions and fair contracts are Hubbell is the former U.S. Justicethe staid and usually boring CPA essential to the fair operation of Department official who had to stepmeetings, because the charm and Detroit’s two largest newspapers is 10-second editorial down because of publicity aboutother qualities that helped these all the might we will ever need. improprieties at his law firm that guys hoodwink bankers also make In shorthand? We’re not goingWith James P. Hoffa sent him to prison for mail fraud andthem good speakers. And, of course, away, man. We’re just not. tax evasion. Morse did four years inthey are experts at fraud, which Sure we get tired, and during our and a beach party on jail for his role in a carpet-cleaningCPAs are hired to detect. weakest times we may wonder if this Lafayette Street, company that bilked investors outIn of the strange world of corporate thing will ever end or how long can some $100 million. Wallace did sevencriminals, they do the crime, do the we keep it up. Those are the times we Thursday will be a ban­ years for a $350 million fraud with time,a then profit by talking about it. look back over the history of thener day for locked-out Florida brokerage house. union struggle in this country andDetroit newspaper The Wall Street Journal reports Jim Hightower hosts “Live at the realize that what we’re going that these fine fellows, having beenChat & Chew,” broadcast by United through, trying though it may workers. be, Join us for our pros in the field of high finance, thenBroadcasting Network, and is the isn’t nearly as bad as what our broth­fourth-anniversary cele­ having been cons in various prisons,author of “There’s Nothing in the ers and sisters before us had to go now have made new career moves,Middle of the Road but Yellow Stripes through just to create the unionbration of solidarity. going on the lecture circuit withand a Dead Armadillos.” His Web site movement that we are now defending speakers bureau called the Pros &is www.jimhightower.com I

JULY 11, 1999 THE DETROIT SUNDAY JOURNAL PAGE 11 Here’s a plan to get guns out of the house

ere’s a question about keep guns at home. The Constitutionyou register a car. You should operate guns: also talks about an armed militia. it by similar rules and you should be The National Rifle Association and its subject to losing your privilege if you C h r is followers hang their Uzis on thatviolate your firearm. H If the hunting season in rather lame canard. But let’s get real. As for handguns, there’s no excuse o o k various states is an average C At the time the Second Amendment for owning one. Period. 4-6 weeks, why do you need to have was written, the right to bears arms What if we did ban handguns out­ guns around the house for the was seen as essential to the nation’sright? Which industry would be remaining 46 or so weeks of the year? need to defend itself against an invad­ irreparably harmed? Did you know Considering the overwhelming ing army, in our case, the British. that of all the major handgun brands issue of kids and killing, stolen guns,office. A desk sergeant would have The infant of sold in this country, not one is and sawed-off long guns used in crimecontrol and be able to give you accessAmerica had just come through moreAmerican-owned? Glock is Austrian, and by gangs, we must also address to your weapon 24 hours a day. than 20 years of warfare — foughtBeretta is Italian, Smith & Wesson is the question of whether to regulateIn the off-season, we would be almost totally in retreat and with a now British-owned, Browning and hunting rifles, shotguns and otherallowed to take the guns out anytimepatchwork corps of irregulars, most severalof others are also European. long guns. we want in the morning, but we mustwhom didn’t get paid regularly. When There is a need for drastic action. return them by sundown. the Second Amendment was written, Dumping ground Sadly the inner cities have faced the During hunting season, the huntingwe didn’t yet have a permanent And here’s the saddest: Most major problem for a long time, but it became license tag would be our permit to keepstanding army. industrialized nations, an issue only after suburbia focusedthe guns at home for the duration of including those that make these on tragic shootings in places suchwhatever as season we’re licensed for. Army replaces militia handguns, have tightened their guns Littleton, Colo.; Paducah, Ky., and If we lose a weapon or fail to return But in the ensuing years, we didlaws so until there is virtually no Conyers, Ga. it to the armory on time, we wouldbuild a regular army whose purposemarket in their own countries for The issue can no longer be framedmake a full report to the sheriff. was to relieve the citizenry — you andthem. on the overly simplistic argumentThe exception would be peopleme — of the need to be ready to bear The British Olympic shooting team about whether people or guns do themaking their livings in areas wherearms and raise a militia. had to go to France for target practice killing. The fact is that a person —guns are needed for pest control or Can you imagine how ludicrousbecause it the British have such strict and these days it’s likely to be a kid — animal destruction, such as farmers would be today to defend ourselves gun laws. has access to the gun and kills. and ranchers. They would carry spe­with a bunch of guys with shotgunsThe United States is the last open How do we stop it? We separate the cial licenses allowing them year- and deer rifles? market in the First World into which gun from the person. round, full-time control of their Tbday our militia is raised, strong these companies can sell guns freely. Sheriff keeps all guns weapons. and on loan to Kosovo. Your “arms,”Well, how does it feel to be a dump­ And of course, police officers andas specified in the Second ing ground for guns? A suggestion: lb get access underconservation officers would carryAmendment, are over there, too. I think it’s pretty insulting and we control, we should appoint the countyguns as they do now. It’s time to get real and get serious ought to start right there. What do we sheriff to be our official armorer. But Joe Suburb and Jane City about the gun issue. A gun is nothave a to lose? Every gun, regardless of kind, shouldwould lock ’em up at the armory. right. It’s a privilege, as is driving. And who knows, we might just start be registered with the sheriff. We Yes, the U.S. Constitution gives usYou should be licensed to carryany getting our Littletons, Paducahs and would store all hunting weapons the in right to bear arms and, therefore,firearm. You should register it just asConyers under control. an armory, and there would be an armory room wherever there’s an Peace plan is stalled in Northern Ireland

IRELAND, from Page 3 as a political tool, but we’ll continueemployment, educational, health andinsist The Troubles and continuing 1998 and which was designed to cre­wrangling over constitutional issues.”environmental problems haven’t got­disagreements center on cultural ties, ate power sharing and move the Carmel Hanna, a member of both ten the necessary attention, she says.heritage and allegiances, religion region forward to peace. the Belfast City Council and the “It’s stagnated things here for 30surely plays a role too. For example, The current stalemate concerns Northern Ireland Assembly, pointedyears. It’s the Rip Van Winkle effect. “Kill all Catholics” graffiti was paint­ decommissioning — disarming — ofto the overwhelming ratification ofWe’ve woken up after 30 years of vio­ed on a bandstand in Hanna’s neigh­ the Irish Republican Army and thethe agreement by voters in bothlence and found ourselves left behind.borhood. assurances the IRA’s political wing,Northern Ireland and the Republic of “We’re not at all competitive when “Sectarianism is a disease in our Sinn Fein, must give to persuade theIreland. we compare ourselves to the Republicsociety and an epidemic in some unionists. Lacking such assurances,“We had great hopes a year ago. Weof Ireland,” she continues, referring toareas,” she says. the unionists so far have refused toknew it would never be easy, and itthe booming economy to the south.There are other disturbing legacies implement the agreement for partieshasn’t been easy.” ‘We’re at the stage Ireland was 10 as well, Hanna says. to share power and jointly administer Even so, Hanna insists she’s opti­years ago.” ‘We now have a subculture of vio­ the government. mistic about the future. She’s from But whatever happens in govern­lence. Before The Troubles, we had a Divided loyalties, divided heritages, the SDLP, the predominantlyment, whatever the politicians decide, law-abiding society and low crime rate. divided identities, lack of trust: Catholic but s ' rongly pro-compromiseno matter how much money multina­There isn’t the same respect for proper­ “It’s the problem that’s bedeviled Social Democratic Labor Party that tional corporations invest, there arety or people or, sadly, for life itself.” Ireland for centuries,” says Jackie gets the most credit for crafting the major psychological, cultural and socialEven so, she says, ‘We will learn to Johnston, a career civil servantGood Friday agreement. SDLP has gaps — even chasms — to be closed. work with each other.” And Stoker, involved in the peace talks. the second-highest number of seats in For evidence, walk through severalthe lord mayor, observes, “At the end Speaking at Stormont Castle, thethe Assembly, behind the Ulster neighborhoods of Belfast. of the day in Belfast, everyone wants seat of Northern Ireland’s govern­Unionist Party. On some streets, the curbs are to see better housing, better educa­ ment, at the table where the Good “The whole idea of the agreement is painted red, white and blue — the col­ tion, a better health care system, ­ Friday Agreement was signed, that you can have a dual identity,” sheors of the Union Jack — and Britishter employment.” Johnston acknowledges that consen­says. “Good Friday will last only if and Ulster flags hang on homes. sus on weapons won’t be enough. there’s cross-community appeal.” Elsewhere, curbs are painted the Eric Freedman was a Detroit News “Even if we get a breakthrough inHanna sees many of the everydayorange, green and white of the Irishreporter until the strike. He led the next few months, we’ll still have aconsequences of The Troubles in herflag, while posters on telephone polesMichigan State University’s 1999 fairly rocky road,” he explains.south Belfast district with its mix of carry photos of a Sinn Fein politician.Reporting in the British Isles Program “Violence nor longer will be acceptableCatholics and Protestants. Economic, While participants on all sides for journalism students. members wowed by Bizkit rise

By Gary Graff ; and drummer John Journal Music Writer Otto. or members of , The band joined its close ally KoRn the buildup to No. 1 was in a post-Beastie Boys-Public Enemy more dramatic than actually landscape of loud, crunchy guitar reaching the top. licks blended with rap vocals and F“It was insane, the whole week and hip-hop rhythms. Then DJ Lethal, the whole wait for it,” guitarist Wes formerly of , brought Borland said about the days between further authenticity to Limp Bizkit’s the release of the band’s second sonic stew when he joined in 1996, album, “Significant Other,” and its and a year later the group unleashed debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Tbp its debut effort, “Three Dollar Bill, 200. It sold 635,000 copies, leaping Y al^,” a fierce if somewhat one­ over the Backstreet Boys who, ironi­ dimensional assault in which the cally, are managed by the same com­ musicians cranked away behind pany. Durst’s profanity-laced tirades, most­ “Everybody was telling us that was ly about a former girlfriend. probably what was going to happen, “ ‘Three Dollar Bill’ was an easy but we didn’t believe it. There were record to write, ’cause we were not people at Interscope (Limp Bizkit’s thinking,’ ” said Borland, 24. “We had label) talking about pooling money nothing to live up to. We were brand- and bets and talking all these differ­ new. We had just gotten signed, ent numbers, and we were like, ‘Oh there was a super high level of my gosh.’ excitement. And it’s really easy to “I mean, I wasn’t even thinking write real heavy tunes.” about No. 1 on Billboard; I was The album was initially greeted thinking, ‘God, I hope all the Limp with indifference by radio, critics and Bizkit fans like this.’ Then the num­ fans, but Limp Bizkit was not about bers came out, and we still can’t to be dismissed. The group toured believe we had the No. 1 album in Interscope Records hard, landing spots on the Warped the country. I mean, small-town guysLimp Bizkit members DJ Lethal, front, and , , and SamTbur, ’98 and the initial from Jacksonville, Fla., take over theRivers, clockwise, still can’t believe “Significant Other” hit the top of the chart. Family Values package, which it will world — at least for one week.” headline this fall. Probably for much longer. Anybodyhard work and the shifting tastes of show Friday with Staind at the Its slamming live shows, irreverent who was paying attention knew therock audiences that positioned the Phoenix Plaza Amphitheatre, was behavior (a giant toilet as a backdrop buzz around Limp Bizkit was roaringquintet in the right time and place formed in 1994 by Borland; front for OZZfest), and assorted arrests, well before “Significant Other” hit for mainstream embrace. man (and break dancer-skateboard- stores — a combination of timing, Limp Bizkit, which has a sold-out er-tattoo artist) Fred Durst; See LIMP BIZKIT, Page 29 Sex and satire fuel first ‘Powers’ flick By Lisa Miller ozone layer is a moot point, so he the charismatic, technologically pro­ Special to the Journal relies on the old standby — global gressive ruler (Martin Vidnovic), but out on video nuclear annihilation. Powers also shocked by his adherence to such “Austin Powers: International observes, “If we’d known (30 years backward traditions as selecting the IVian of Mystery” and the fluffiest of ’60s fashion — go-ago) the consequences of our sexualcrown prince’s bride and prohibiting Just in time for Austin-mania, this go boots, micromini skirts, garishly liberation movement tr lay, we’d haveservants from reading. His majesty’s 1997 video is rereleased in a wide­ striped pants, Nehru jackets and done things differently True, true, evil right-hand man and his assis­ screen version. Like the second crushed velvet suits with ruffled cra­but it’s a good thing for Myers’ three-tant, Master Little (Darrell installment, this first Austin Powers vats. Likewise the music featuring joke-a-minute character that we Hammond), plot to seize the throne, film is a campy send-up of satiric, Burt Bacharach and songs such as didn’t. (PG-13, 87 minutes, comedy) aided by British officials. However, they underestimate Anna’s diplomat­ self-admiring British spy spoofs, “What the World Needs Now Is Love, “The King and I” especially James Bond. Myers said Sweet Love.” Nudity and sexual ic skills. Master Little’s Buddha-like he conceived the idea while bathingantics make frequent appearances, In this animated version of the appearance and his prize teeth, and, egged on by his wife, completedbut Myers’ creative prop-blocking classic musical featuring three which meet with frequent accidents, the screenplay in three weeks. avoids details. The plot is equally Rodgers and Hammerstein songs, add the comedy and charm sure to Powers looks familiar because his silly. Powers’ nemesis (Dr. Evil, also including “Whistle a Happy Tune,” amuse kids and adults alike — prototype was Michael Caine in “Theplayed by Myers) is reanimated fol­ an attractive British schoolteacher, though the addition of several crea­ Ipcress File,” with unruly hair, big lowing 30 years in a cryogenic state. Anna Leonowens (Miranda ture sidekicks pushes the Disneylike librarian glasses and bad teeth. His scheme to hold the world ransomRichardson), travels to Siam to tutorformula too far. Some of the animat- Costumes are a takeoff on the Who by threatening destruction of the the Fang’s brood. Anna is drawn to See VIDEOS, Page 28 JULY 11, 1999 THE DETROIT SUNDAY JOURNAL PAGE 13 No gentle clime here: It’s bake or shake don’t know where you were this of the furnace. places in which torrid days are punc­ week, but I was in Detroit and But if it isn’t hot at your house tuated by walloping thunderstorms, it was hot as hell — or certainly today, it soon will be. Every summer some of which actually cool things off as hot as hell is reputed to be. seems to be worse than the last in B e a u f o r t for a few minutes. We don’t seem to II grew up where summers get so these decades of gradual global be favored with such weather. On the hot that basking lizards have been warming, and given our lack of ini­ C r a n f o r d other hand, those same hot, rainy known to explode and entire ponds tiative in limiting so-called “green­ places have cockroaches even bigger filled with fish and turtles and cray­ house gases,” I don’t think we can than ours and enough fungus every fish can turn into a kind of bouill­ expect much relief in my lifetime. square foot to start a nouvelle cui­ abaisse, but last week was more heat Geez, one reason I decided to live you that a little town called Caloric, sine restaurant. than I wanted. in Michigan was the clement sum­ Ala., actually holds the nation’s only Even in this cruel month, we can’t After trying to live full-time in the mers, too. Sunburn Festival and Personal let clammy collars, B.O., prickly heat feeble breeze of the bedroom air con­ Silly me. Bake-off, in which frybabies from all and sunburn make us lose our per­ ditioner, I went out and bought a big­ Could be worse, though. Imagine over the United States compete to spective. For instance, considering ger one for the living room. Almost what summer must be like west of see who can get the worst sunburn how many BTUs the average person waited too long: It was the last such us, out on the Great Plains. When without actually drawing blood? gives off, a little defensive perimeter appliance in the store. Competition the temperature zooms into the 100s, Last year Mrs. Ruby Funderburk of B.O. can be a positive thing. And was so keen that I had to sit on the as it often does, those people don’t of Independence, Mo., crept away this is definitely prime time for box and look fierce while someone even have a dead elm to sit under. with the Festival’s grand prizes — a swimming around here, since it’s the else went to find a salesperson. Anyone who’s tried to cool off in the boiled lobster, a week’s vacation in only time of year that large bodies of Unfortunately, media meteorolo­ shade of a cornstalk will understand Sun City, a half-gallon of Solarcaine water are warm enough for sane peo­ gists have assured us that this sum­ the horrors of July in Nebraska. and a certificate good for 10 years of ple to enter; I’m taking my sweaty mer promises even more blazing It’s also worse in the Deep South, in skin-cancer treatments. She barely kid to paddle around in one next days and humid nights. Of course, which I lived the first 13 years of my squeezed by the ’97 winner, Horace weekend. expounding on the weather is a risky life suffering from a lack of air condi­ Lipschitz of Clearwater, Fla., who Remember, too, that we waited business, and only with trepidation tioning without even realizing it. failed for the first time in several through a long winter for this sum­ do I write about it. Given the relia­ Down that way, heat is like an years to blister an image of Custer’s mer to get back. In a few months, bility of weather forecasters, not to uncomfortable suit you have to wear Last Stand on his belly. Detroit will be as cold as a dead wal­ mention the caprice of weather itself, every day, and people make the best Our summers are different, too, no rus. So enjoy what heat you have you’re probably reading this in front of it. Would you believe me if I told matter how hot, from those of many before you have to pay for it.

AFRICAN MANCINI, SCHREUDER, The Executive Board, staff ATTENTION MASKS AND KLINE, and CONRAD, P.C. and membership of STATUES For 25 Years, Attorneys Representing Teamsters Local No. 299 UNION MEMBERS! 1257 Washington Blvd., Detroit,Ml Injured Workers and Their Families proudly support the BEGIN, CONTINUE, OR COMPLETE WHOLESALE We Support Your Right To Fight YOUR EDUCATION Newspaper Workers in their GET YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE WITH THE ISP BEADS • NECKLACES For Dignity and Justice struggle for justice SIMPLY TAKE SOME CLASSES WE ALSO STOCK THE LARGEST 28225 Mound Rd., Warren, MI Join A College Program That Cares About SELECTION OF AFRICAN BEADS “An injury to one is an injury to all ” (313) 964-4247 (810) 751-3900______A dult Learners TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR OWN EDUCATION! The Interdisciplinary Studies Program (ISP) at vf f i wjS - JOSEPH L. INEMER, JR. NORTHWEST LOCAL 163 Wayne State University is geared especially for Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer Working Adults and has the flexibility, variety JE l M 614 N. Front Street of courses, and multiple locations (including dis­ tance learning and on-line courses) to allow you 2nd Floor to get a college education on your own terms. Philadelphia, PA 19123 W a y n e Sta tE For More Information Local #16N members support Detroit Supports the call Frank Koscieiski at newspaper workers in their struggle Struggling Newspaper Workers Donald G. Smith U n iv e r s it y (313) 577-6384 for a fair contract. President e-mail [email protected] and the Sunday Journal or Find us on the Web at: fls.cll.wayne.edu/isp/welcome.htm

Membership of Teamsters UAW LOCAL AFGE Local 1658 Thank you Local #51 Supports WARREN, MICHIGAN to the unionists who demonstrated their support and assistance during Detroit Newspaper Workers. Jim Hall, President our recent battle with the Michigan Civil Service Commission. Membership, Solidarity Forever! Leadership and Retirees Support The Locked-Out Newspaper Workers. SUPPORTS President Robert F. Rayes The Detroit Sunday Journal and the Detroit Newspaper Recording Secretary Jim Kellepourey “One day lo UAW Local 6000 supports the locked out Workers. newspaper workers in their quest for Secretary Treasurer Larry A. Freeman Gannett and Kn SOLIDARITY justice. PAGE 14 THE DETROIT SUNDAY JOURNAL JULY l l f 1999

MEDICARE FOR ALL

Medicare is an American success story. What the United States Government has done for its elderly, it can do for all citizens. The United States, the wealthiest nation in the world, can no longer neglect its responsibility, morally and economically, to promote health and to care for the ailing. Other nations, all less wealthy than the United States, have guaranteed health care for all its citizens. Among these are: Germany (1883) Switzerland (1911) New Zealand (1938) Belgium (1945) United Kingdom (1946) Sweden (1947) Greece (1961) Japan (1961) Canada (1966) Denmark (1973) Australia (1974) Italy (1978) Portugal (1979) Spain (1986) South Africa (1996) If these countries can do it why can't we? The solvency of a universal health program can be more firmly based by including Americans of all ages. We reject any plans to privatize health care because the focus would be on profit and not on quality health care.

The ultimate goal of our national policy on health care must be universal coverage. We call on Congress and the President to enact a national program of universal health care now.

Betty Alick Les Caulford Molly Tan Hayden, M.D. Harold Nitzberg Bradley Stevens Barbara Anderson Sigrid Dale Louise Heck Leo O'Connor Fraida-Joy Stillwater Frederick Anderson Frank Daly Winifred Hill Arthur Parris McDonna Street Jean Andrews Jane Danjin Madeline Holland Dia Pearce Scott W.Street Art Antisdel Linda Darga Flora Hommel Donald Pelz The Rev. Joseph H. Summers Suzanne Antisdel May Davidson Ann Hubbell Mary Ray Gladys Thomas Elaine Arnold J.C. Dolan Hebert Jones Carl Reinstein Ruth Tindall Jerry Arnold Judith Dubojf Joseph Katz Stella Reinstein Judy Tiplady Janice Arps Frances Eliot Raymond C. Keeling Norine Rembowski Mary Joe Tourette Pearl Axelrod Johan Eliot, M .D. Melba Kibildis A nn Remley Maggie Tyson Ray Bailey Laura Fireman Charlotte M . Kish Fred Remley Virginia D. Vanden Brock Catherine Baldwin Lou Fireman Lorine Fay Krasner George D. Rieley Arthur Vander, M.D. Jean Lynn Barnard A l Fishman Hanny Leitson Marilyn Robinson Elena Vitale Jane L. Barney Margaret Fishman Patricia Lent Robert Robinson Jerry S. Walden, M.D. Ronald C. Bishop, M.D. Elizabeth Frederick Brenda Lester Mary Rodriguez Lois Walter Randy Block Frances Geary Gerald Letcher Lillian Rosinger Sidney Warschausky Stanley R. Borenstein Maurice Geary June McKee Lindsay Pat Rush Sharon Webb Janet Boyd A l Goldberg Mrs. H. McNeely June A. Rusten Jerry Weiser Robert D. Boyd Selma L. Goode Kari McPhillips Ethel Schwartz Joan Weisman LeRoy A. Cappaeri Bobbi Grajf MICHUCAN Perry Schwartz Janice Wheelock Kathleen Caruso Ruth Graves Emily M . Miller Lester Schweitzer Ellen Wilt Barbara L. Clarke David Green, D.O. Rose A. Miller Miriam Schweitzer Billie J. Wood Marsha J. Cohen Connie L. Greene Magi Mooney Mary M. Sexton Doris Wojtala Edra F. Condon Irving Griffel Lorraine Nadelman Larry Skwarczynski Malcolm Wright Angelos D .Constantinides, D.O. Ron Halstead Judy Nagle Hadassah M. Snider Patricia Wulp Catherine Constantinides Olive Hansen Robert Nagle Daisy Stanton Ben Yoman A nn Cook John R. Hathaway Bruce K. Nelson Leon Stein Evelyn Zeidman Asho L. Craine Mary Hathaway Clara Nitzberg Maureen Stein Andrew Zweifler, M.D.

GRAY PANTHERS OF METRO DETROIT: 248-669-6343, 248-549-5170 Sponsored by GRAY PANTHERS OF HURON VALLEY, (Ann Arbor): 734-662-7212, 734-663-6248 An Intergenerational, Non-profit Organization, for Peace, Social and Economic Justice T

JULY 11, 1999

‘Brave dames’ vs. ‘wimpettes’

By Cynthia Werthamer woman instead of an ass.” TVData Features Syndicate Isaacs warns viewers against shows ccording to best-selling in which women appear as judges or author Susan Isaacs’ recent doctors “but aren’t allowed to do any­ book, the women portrayedthing.” The idea that powerful CEOs in television and film usual­and attorneys continue to be por­ A ly fall into one of two categories:trayed the in almost high-school terms good ones, or “brave dames,” and thedisturbs her. less-than-ideal “wimpettes.” “Why, 35 years after the revolution “I wrote ‘Brave Dames and in women’s rights, are we seeing Wimpettes’ because the women I was women doing the same old song and meeting in film, TV and fiction verydance as if it had never been?” she often were not the women I was asks. “It enraged me that people were meeting in life, who were much moreselling this, and people were buying resilient, competent and courageousthis.” than the wimpettes I was meeting in The good news, the author says, is the media,” the author says. that television is actually “far ahead If a male wimp is “the 98-pound of feature films” in its portrayal of weakling who gets sand kicked in womenhis as strong and competent. She face by the bully and who is definedcites “Thelma & Louise” not as any by a lack of moral courage,” Isaacs form of feminist manifesto, but as a says, his wimpette counterpart is classic film example of “two women weak and never direct and betrays who overact emotionally and can’t other women — including her friends.think their way out of a paper bag.” Wimpettes “tend to be moral light­ Ju st when you think there’s no weights, to look to men for their hope, Isaacs brings up the brave morality and to take no responsibilitydames, who are “passionate about for their actions,” she adds. something beyond passion, who don’t The author’s wimpettes in currentgive up, who have high ethical stan­ television include all the female char­dards and are true friends.” The defi­ acters pitted against one another tonition, she adds, applies to “any first- get their men in such prime-time rate person regardless of gender.” soaps as “Melrose Place.” Also high Isaacs’ brave dame par excellence is on her list is — sorry, David Kelley Mary 'iyier Moore’s Mary Richards in fans — Calista Flockhart’s ballyhooedthe groundbreaking “Mary Tyler young attorney, “Ally McBeal.” Moore Show,” because “she was pas­Lucy Lawless’ Xena is one of the brave dames of television, according to author Susan Isaacs derides the Fox show’s sionate about her career and her loveIsaacs. Isaacs defines brave dames as women who are “passionate about something beyond attempts to make the Ally character of TV news.” passion, who don't give up, who have high ethical standards and are true friends.” “a graduate of Harvard Law School In fact, Isaacs says, “there are won­ and then make her act like a dumbderful woman characters in a lot of broad.” Calling Ally “a wimpette par these TV shows that have ensemble Isaacs doesn’t find her brave damessays. Television may be ahead of film excellence,” the author explains thatcasts.” Her list of ensemble brave solely in high-ticket ensemble dra­because the small screen is “ceded to it’s “a rare trial that she loses, but dames includes Camryn Manheim’s mas, however. She calls Lucy be the woman’s medium, the domestic her success comes despite all the forceful attorney, Ellenor Frutt, in Lawless as the fantasy warrior scene,” she suggests. behavior that would probably getABC’s a ‘The Practice”; the female princess Xena “wonderful,” and lists Still, says the author of eight best­ real-life lawyer fired. She flirts with detectives and Michelle Forbes’ med­Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Buffy in the selling books, it’s “very rare” to find the judge, dates clients — all the oldical examiner, Julianna Cox, in NBC’sWB Network’s “Buffy the Vampire a show like CBS’ recently canceled cliches.” “Homicide: Life on the Street”; Kim Slayer” among the brave dames, “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” in In Isaacs’ opinion, the anxieties Delaney’s recently widowed police because “besides having the skill andwhich a woman becomes “a respect­ that Flockhart’s character exhibits detective, Diane Russell, in ABC’s the emotional and physical strengthed member of a community” — not to don’t serve to make her more real to“NYPD Blue”; and Kate Mulgrew’s to hunt down vampires, she’s a rela­mention healing the sick and sup­ viewers. “Every woman, and every starship captain, Kathryn Jane way,tively normal girl when she’s not sav­porting American Indian rights. man, has insecurities, but we still goin United Paramount Network’s “Staring humanity.” “That’s why it got the ax, I think,” out there and behave professionally,”Trek: Voyager.” Add to that the positive female she says. she says. “No matter how we feel characters in young people’s shows What’s a self-respecting TV viewer inside, we act morally for the most such as MTV’s “Daria” and to do? “If we find a character offen­ part. Showing all her internal insecu­ Jim McFarl Nickelodeon’s “The Mystery Files ofsive, we should not watch,” Isaacs rities is fine, but a really good show column will Shelby Woo,” and you get “a lot ofadvises, “or write a letter saying ‘I’m would have her acting as a mature good programming on today,” Isaacsdisturbed by this.’ ” SUNDAY MORNING/AFTERNOON JULY 11,1999 I 8:00 | 8:30 | 9:00 | 9:30 | 10:00 | 10:30 | 11:00 | 11:30 | 12:00 | 12:30 | 1:00 j 1:30 [ 2:00 [ 2:30 [ 3:00 [ 3:30 | 4:00 [ 4:30 BROADCAST CHANNELS

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