Anderson out Among the Stars Creighton Alumnus Blasts Into Space Dr

Home , Anatoly Solovyev, Andy Thomas, Pavel Vinogradov, Salizhan Sharipov

WCREIGHTONINDOW UNIVERSITY ■ SPRING 1998

Anderson Out Among the Stars Creighton Alumnus Blasts into Space Dr. Douglas Tracks El Niño What Is the State of Labor in America? Fr. Scott Explores Our Invisible World ETTERS WINDOWLMagazine may edit Letters to the Editor, primarily to conform to INDOW space limitations. Personally signed W■ ■ Volume 13/Number 4 Creighton University Spring 1998 letters are given preference for publi- cation. Our FAX telephone number is: (402) 280-2549. E-mail to: The Ride of a Lifetime [email protected] Creighton alumnus Maj. Michael Anderson, MS’90, served as a crew member aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour during its rendezvous with the Russian Mir Space Station this winter. What is it like to be an astro- Sandhill Memories naut? Find out starting on Page 5. It is difficult to express how very much the article “Life on the Prairie” was appreciated. My appreciation of the Sandhills runs deep from youthful expe- On the Heels riences. The first exposure was traveling of El Niño with my father during his duties in ani- mal husbandry. He became well known Associate Professor of Atmospheric Science Dr. Art among the ranchers, and, at times, was Douglas has studied El Niño and other weather called the “Ambassador of the Sandhills” phenomenon since he was a 10-year-old boy in or the “Will Rogers of the Sandhills.” My Fullerton, Calif. Learn more about this Creighton meteorologist beginning on Page 13. own experience came from four summers working on the Monahan Circle Dot ranch of Hyannis and Whitman. In the summer of 1996, I returned to The State of Labor Nebraska for my 50th high school reunion and took the opportunity to visit What is the state of organized labor in the United the Monahan ranch. I again was thrilled States? Creighton law professor David Larson by the charm of the Sandhills. So the examines the issue beginning on Page 18. article on Mary Ann Vinton, about her appreciation of the Sandhill grasses and the key role they play, was most rewarding. I wish her further success in her The Invisible research and development of wider World Around Us appreciation for this unique place in the world. Best wishes for continued success. From gravity to invisible rays, we are constantly pulled and bombarded by unseen forces. Fr. John Bill Derrick Scott, S.J., writes that our universe vibrates with mystery and fascination. Page 24. Peru, N.Y.

Plague Article Excellent Alumnews...... Pages 25-26 I recently read the excellent article in the fall 1997 issue by Theodore Burk on University News ...... Pages 26-27 plagues. My wife’s brother, Dr. Michael Metz, is doing medical work in Papua,

Publisher: Creighton University; Rev. Michael G. Morrison, S.J., President; Michael E. Leighton, Vice President for New Guinea, so I e-mailed a quote from University Relations. WINDOW staff: Stephen T. Kline, Executive Editor; Rick Davis, Editor; Pamela A. Vaughn, Associate the article to him. Keep up the interesting Editor. Editorial Advisors: Rev. Donald A. Doll, S.J.; Charles J. Dougherty, Ph.D.; Richard L. O’Brien, M.D., Allen B. Schlesinger, Ph.D, and David G. Schultenover, S.J. writing. Creighton University WINDOW (USPS728-070) is published quarterly in January, April, July, and October by Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178-0001. Periodicals postage paid at Omaha, Nebraska, and additional entry points. Address all mail to Public Relations and Information, Omaha, NE 68178. Postmaster: Send change of address to Jerry A. Neff, Ed.D. Creighton University WINDOW, P.O. Box 3266, Omaha, NE 68103-0078. Superintendent of Schools COPYRIGHT © 1998 BY CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY Hebron, Neb. Pursuant to our educational obligation to search for truth and to expand knowledge, WINDOW Magazine promotes the dis- cussion of a variety of issues. Although published by a Catholic, Jesuit university, the opinions expressed in WINDOW are not intended to be construed as the official teaching or position of Creighton University or of the Catholic Church.

2 Creighton University WINDOW Fringes On Tabloid lated for having the courage to put Fr. “Catholic” mission statement. As I read Jose Samba with his horribly mutilat- Don Doll’s photos in the magazine. You him, the statement he wants would be a ed foot pictured in the photo spread on will receive criticism, but I am proud to dogmatic one. But if we understand the page 16 and 17 of the current issue of be a Creighton employee. word catholic as meaning universal, then WINDOW is shocking, to say the least. The I think we will realize that “truth” should accompanying pictures depicting various Lawrence Raful lie at the core of our mission statement amputees with prostheses seem adequate Dean, School of Law rather than catholic, which is too indefi- and sufficient testimony in the ravages nite a term. The new truths we keep find- and horrors of landmines. The old adage ing by inductive reasoning give rise to about a picture is worth a thousand Truth at Mission’s Core new hypotheses from which we can words is certainly overstated in this case. I have high regard for the articles in deduce new “facts,” but these facts will Summary? Very distasteful. Fringes on WINDOW. I enjoy your broad sweep of change as our hypotheses advance. What tabloid. subject matter and how it relates to I am saying is that I’d hate to get locked Christian values. And I appreciate the into the kind of restraint of thought Robert M. Amento fact that you are educating people of all process that I am afraid Thomas Burke Scottsdale, Ariz. persuasions. I consider the good presen- would have us impose. The Church tations of value systems, demanding had its day with that type of thinking learning materials and diversity of stu- during the time of Galileo and the Photo Essay Courageous dent body more important than dogmat- counter-reformation. We are past that. I read the winter issue cover to cover. ic indoctrination. So I was wondering It’s absolutely splendid. WINDOW and what gave rise to the letter by Thomas R. Ward R. Anthony, MD’54 Creighton University are to be congratu- Burke (winter ‘97-’98) when he asks for a Boulder, Colo.

CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY OPENED ITS DOORS 120 YEARS AGO THIS COMING SEPTEMBER.

ounded with a bequest from To highlight the landmark year, the back again this year, participating in Mary Lucretia Creighton, university will celebrate 1998 in several the centennial with a special exhibit. Fwidow of pioneer and Omaha special ways. For one, the year also More events are planned as the year business leader Edward Creighton, the marks a related anniversary, the centen- unfolds — and Creighton alumni will be university opened its doors under the nial celebration of the Trans-Mississippi updated as the dates are confirmed. leadership of Romanus A. Shaffel, S.J., Exposition. This turn-of-the-century on Sept. 2, 1878. However, because of world’s fair was based in Omaha — the poor state of education on the and drew such illustrious visitors as SHOW YOUR SPIRIT American frontier, Creighton University President William McKinley. The would not award its first bachelor’s fledgling Creighton was part of the Creighton turns 120 years old this degrees until 1891. original celebration — and will be year. The University first opened its doors on Sept. 2, 1878. You can help celebrate this milestone by contribut- ing to an upcoming WINDOW magazine article titled “120 Great Things About Creighton University.” What makes Creighton great? Send your idea(s) to WINDOW Editor Rick Davis c/o Creighton University, Public Relations Department, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178-0078, or e-mail [email protected]. Submissions must be received no later than June 1. Please include your name, address, phone number and year of graduation (if you are an alumnus/na).

Spring Issue 1998 3

By Pamela Adams Vaughn

E-MAIL FROM SPACE... ell, we made it. We’re now approximately 200 miles up, Wdocked to the Mir Space Station, crossing the western coast of South America. The launch was fantastic ... There was a good kick as the solid rocket boosters ignited. I could see the flames of the engines out the window behind me as we lifted off the pad... When the main engines cut off, we were thrown forward in our seats as the 3 g’s of ascent quickly went to the O g’s of space. It took a day or two to get accus- tomed to working in this environ- Maj. Michael Anderson, MS ’90, conducts ment, but now I an experiment aboard the Space Shuttle feel perfectly at Endeavour, during its January flight. home ... Mir is hard to describe, but looking at it, attached to our shuttle against the backdrop of the earth, is simply unbelievable. Speaking of the earth, it’s hard to take your eyes off it. I can’t get over seeing the curvature, and the thin layer of atmosphere that keeps us alive. Days in orbit are long and hard, but you don’t care. This is what you’ve worked for and you want to make it as productive as possible...

The Space Shuttle Endeavour cuts a bright swath through the dark sky as it blazes a trail toward the Russian Mir Space Station. Endeavour lifted off from Launch Pad 39A at 9:48:15 p.m. (EST), Jan. 22, with Anderson aboard.

5 Photos courtesy of NASA Keep us in your prayers. While at Offutt, Anderson enrolled at Creighton, intent upon earning a master of science degree in physics. Maj. Michael Anderson, MS’90, “Creighton’s reputation was high, and the physics program Mission Specialist, was good,” Anderson recalls. In a Message to Creighton Here, he came into contact with physics professors Dr. From Space Shuttle Endeavour Tom Zepf and Fr. Thomas McShane, S.J., among others, and Jan. 28, 1998 felt the indelible influence of such past Creighton Jesuits as astronomer Fr. William Rigge. (In fact, among several items When Mike Anderson was a little boy, he dreamed (liter- that Anderson accepted from Creighton for his inaugural ally) of flight. Sometimes he was one of the pilots that his journey into space this winter was a turn-of-the-century father, in real life, Air Force enlisted man Bobbie Anderson, spectrometer from the old Rigge Observatory on the helped make ready for supersonic missions. At other times Creighton campus.) he was an astronaut. “I can’t remember when I didn’t want After earning his Creighton degree, Anderson served as to fly,” he says. instructor pilot and This winter, aircraft commander Anderson and other at Wurtsmith Air Space Shuttle Force Base in Endeavour crew mem- Michigan, and fol- bers winged their way lowed with a similar to zero gravity and assignment at docked with the Plattsburgh AFB in Russian Mir Space New York. On his Station. Endeavour is own he has logged the second-to-the-last more than 3,000 mission to the aging hours of USAF mili- outpost. And, of tary aircraft flight. course, Anderson is Still, for Creighton’s first Anderson, his flight astronaut. record was incom- The 38-year-old plete. Always at the mission specialist back of his mind graduated from the was the idea of that University of ultimate flight to Washington in 1981 zero g. In the spring and was commis- of 1994, Anderson sioned a second lieu- applied to NASA tenant in the U.S. Air for the astronaut Force. Following vari- program. That ous information sys- Christmas, on his tems assignments, 35th birthday, word Anderson was select- came to him that he ed for undergraduate Anderson and his fellow astronauts experience weightlessness aboard a had nudged out pilot training and, that KC-135 jet during training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. nearly 3,000 other completed, was applicants for a slot assigned to the 2nd Airborne Command and Control in the class. The following March, he reported for duty at Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha. Here, as an the Johnson Space Center in Houston and met his 23 EC-135 pilot, he flew the Strategic Air Command’s classmates. “Looking Glass,” perhaps among the most well-known Anderson and his colleagues share childhood dreams of icons of the Cold War. (Looking Glass would have served as flight. They also share certain traits, the “right stuff,” if you the U.S. airborne command post should a nuclear strike will. Focus is one, Anderson admits, plus the ability to have destroyed land-based operations.) “know when to follow and when to lead,” he adds with a

6 Creighton University WINDOW quick smile. “Otherwise, if everyone wanted to take charge at once during a mission, things could get pretty crazy!” This Creighton alumnus is too modest to spell out the other attributes that

Anderson dons his spacesuit and prepares to slip under 40 feet of water as part of his training. astronauts share, though he’s really a model of them all. He’s smart, patient, very pleasant by nature and low-key. And he’s a scientist at heart, one who will risk a good deal of comfort and security for the joy of discovery. When it comes to space travel, the list of discomforts can get long. At zero gravity, one can expect a bout with “space sickness.” Even such veteran pilots as the astronauts may feel the characteristic nausea, light-headedness and stuffy chest of this short-lived malaise. Why? Once the crew has broken the bonds of Earth and entered zero gravity, blood and other fluids that nor- mally remain at the lower extremities of the body rise through the trunk and fill the upper parts. That’s when space sickness can take over for awhile. Anderson did not experience this Photos courtesy of NASA discomfort. He thinks it’s because he Anderson stands on a mobile platform alongside “one of the world’s largest swim- had learned to “take it easy,” physically, ming pools.” Underwater sessions, such as these, which simulate weightlessness, during the first hours at zero g. “And allow the astronauts-in-training to work in mock-ups of the space station.

Spring Issue 1998 7 you try to maintain a normal earth-based attitude to help comfort came during the last part of the launch. Here the your body adjust. You don’t spend a lot of time doing flips, crew must reach a speed of up to 17,500 mph, in order to for example,” he smiles. In fact, Anderson says that Mir- break the bonds of gravity. “During ascent you feel that ter- based Dave Wolf told him he experienced body adjustments rific pull. At three g’s, it’s difficult to breathe. You feel a very to zero g about every week during his long stay in space. heavy weight on your chest, about three times your own (Wolf was aboard Mir for about four months, returning body weight. It lasts about a minute.” home with the Endeavour crew.) The 45-minute-long “days” and “nights” in orbit around Zero g also causes each crew member to grow an inch the earth also can play havoc with the body — and its diur- or two in height. In fact, zero g was the culprit when crew- nal clock. That’s part of why keeping such a familiar sched- mate Andy Thomas could not at first fit into his cosmonaut ule on-board is important. Thus, 16-hour days and suit to make his transfer to Mir. “The space suits are eight-hour nights help keep the body in a familiar routine, designed to fit tightly,” Anderson explains. “Because our in spite of what light signals it’s receiving from outside. body fluids were redistributed, we all had grown a little.” The average person might think being stuck on a space Anderson added about an inch and a half at zero g. The shuttle for awhile as a battle with a tight fit. But that’s not suits are usually flexible enough to allow for this growth, really true for the astronauts, Anderson says. The layout of but “Thomas just grew a little taller than we had expected,” the shuttle — and inclusion of the Spacehab — make the Anderson laughs. most of every cubic inch on board and lessen the feeling of Anderson says that his only real sense of physical dis- crowding. (Spacehab is a shuttle-borne laboratory used Creighton Researchers Send Experiments Into Space

s Major Mike Anderson Creighton’s system. The first phase is controlled I only connection to the space shuttle genetically, and the second by the program? environment. Well, not really, though as One of their shuttle-based experi- Creighton’s first astronaut, Anderson ments showed that, when gravity holds an unparalleled distinction. is not present, rats do not develop Still, Drs. Bernd Fritzsch and certain connections in the brain Laura L. Bruce of Creighton’s as quickly as do their counterparts biomedical sciences department have on Earth. had several of their experiments How might such research have “catch a ride” on the space shuttles. practical benefits? For one, the The shuttle’s zero gravity offers ideal Creighton scientists’ findings may conditions for some special kinds of spark development of systems that research. simulate gravity during long space The two have used space to flights. The idea is to keep astronauts’ examine the development of the vestibular systems working properly vestibular system, which processes and to ease their transition to gravity the sense of balance, and the effects when they return to Earth. that zero gravity has on the system’s Photo by Monte Kruse, BA ’83 Another benefit from Fritzsch and development. Drs. Bernd Fritzsch and Laura L. Bruce of Bruce’s findings: A better under- The Creighton scientists have Creighton’s biomedical sciences depart- standing of the system that regulates ment have had several experiments that learned from space flights that have been carried aboard space shuttles. our sense of positioning relative to the vestibular system develops The shuttle’s zero gravity offers ideal con- gravity may help in diagnosing and in two phases, as does the visual ditions for some types of research. treating balance disorders.

8 Creighton University WINDOW mostly for astronaut- docking with Mir.” tended experiments.) During training, an Preparing for such dis- astronaut-to-be also comfort is just part of the must become familiar year-long training that with volumes of details astronauts like Anderson about the shuttle and must endure. The rigor- related systems. With a ous year features good part of each night parachute jumping; a taken up with study, host of simulated mis- after rigorous days of sions or “sims” — in training, Anderson which just about any likens the experience to a kind of potential space “compressed year of disaster is presented; scu- graduate school.” ba diving for underwater But he says for him and heavy-pressure sur- the hardest part of the vival; even a “falling ele- year was “the time away vator” kind of ride in a from my family”; his KC-135 jet to simulate the wife Sandy and his weightlessness of space. daughters were often in Of all these, the hard- his thoughts. est part for Anderson For Anderson, space came when he donned travel is worth these dis- his spacesuit and slipped comforts. After all, he under 40 feet of water says, science — especial- into “one of the world’s ly space science — largest swimming pools.” “is my first love.” In these underwater sessions, astronauts-in- training work in mock- At top: Anderson floats upside down inside ups of the space station. Endeavour holding a “We’re under the water Creighton pennant. from four to six hours,” he says. “It’s difficult At Bottom: Ten astro- working against such nauts and cosmonauts form a human oval in physical pressure. You order to fit into a single return exhausted and frame on board Russian bruised. Luckily, we Mir Space Station. experienced nothing as Counterclockwise are rigorous as this during (from left, front) David Wolf, Terrence Wilcutt, the actual mission,” Anatoly Solovyev, because all parts of the Bonnie Dunbar, flight went well. Michael Anderson, In fact, the simulations Andrew Thomas, Joe do “an excellent job,” Edwards, James Reilly, Salizhan Sharipov and Anderson says, in mim- Pavel Vinogradov. icking the rigors of space. Anderson was struck by “The launch itself was the cooperation among just like the sim. And the U.S. astronauts and a million times in the their Russian counterparts. sim, we watched the Photos courtesy of NASA

Spring Issue 1998 9 Anderson’s passion for science made him indispensable tives from 15 nations met in Washington, D.C., to sign to Endeavour on its January mission, as both he and mis- the Intergovernmental Agreement for the International sion specialist Jim Reilly were responsible for the orbiter Space Station. Represented were the Unites States, Canada, docking system. By means of a computerized image of the Japan, Russia, and the member states of the European docking, the two helped guide Endeavour into place. Space Agency. Though their mission was one of several that have Construction of the site has already begun, and the docked with the Russian space station, each docking is dif- launch of the first component of the station is set for late ferent — and things — ill-fitting spacesuits included — can this summer. In fact, after Anderson’s month-long de- go wrong. During the Endeavour docking, heavy pay- briefing following the Endeavour mission, he went right loads had to be transferred to and from Mir, many to work on parts of the space station himself, testing dealing with important space-based science. various features for hard duty in space. Two vital “payloads,” Dave Wolf and Andy Shown slowly revolving some 200 miles Thomas, also were transferred. above the earth’s surface, futuristic replicas of At a prelaunch interview in mid-January, the International Space Station pique the imag- Anderson couldn’t conceal the sense of ination. From such a setting, astronauts of wonder that the image of Mir evoked. “Just many nations will explore the solar system. to go inside ... to look Orbiting space colonies, into every nook and cran- closed biospheres powered ny ... to see how long- by the easily retrievable, duration space flights seemingly endless, energy work” fascinated him. of the sun, would be a Anderson was respon- likely next step. sible for several experi- Images of an inter- ments, too, including one national space station involving a tiny micro- evoke a sense of wonder: cosm of Earth — a self- “It’s probably the most contained aquarium difficult thing people habitat, about the size of have ever done,” a microwave oven. The Anderson says of the question: How will project. The effort also reduced gravity affect evokes other feelings pregnant swordtail fish for Anderson and and their offspring? Endeavour crewmate Dubbed CEBAS (and Photos courtesy of NASA Salizhan Shakirovich pronounced “sea-bass”), The Endeavour is just about to touch down at Florida’s Kennedy Sharipov of Kirghizia in Space Center on Jan. 31, successfully completing a nearly nine-day the tiny universe, commission in Earth-orbit. Above is the crew insignia, which depicts the the former Soviet Union. plete with snails and Endeavour’s rendezvous with the Mir Space Station and features the Both children of the Cold plants, will yield infor- names of the Endeavour’s crew members. War, Anderson and mation on maintaining Sharipov underscore more life in space for such long-term operations as the than ever the sense of cooperation that now links the des- International Space Station. tinies of the two former superpowers. Another experiment under Anderson’s care involved Once considered a weapon, space now is the scene for growth of spring wheat in a micro-gravity environment. mutual cooperation and exploration. “Salizhan was a MIG Plants will play a vital role in future long-duration space pilot,” Anderson says, “and I was flying Looking Glass. flights, providing crews with oxygen, food, and pure water “And now we are working side-by-side.” — and removing carbon dioxide from the air. Up there, working aboard Endeavour, Anderson In spite of long days away from his family, Anderson often turned to look at the earth. “Its thin layer of atmo- says being part of that ultimate long-duration experiment, sphere appears so fragile. Yet, I think, how strong it is, the International Space Station, is a lifetime goal for him. too, and what a miracle. The blues are so much bluer than That goal may be coming closer and closer to reality. you would ever think, the clouds so white ... There are In fact, while Anderson and other Endeavour crew no borders visible from space. You see the earth as it really members were just undocking from Mir, senior representa- is: as one.” W

10 Creighton University WINDOW Creighton Student Watches Launch

t was Major Michael Anderson’s With each holding time in I first journey to the stars. And, which final inspections took place, when Creighton University’s I held my breath and prayed that Public Relations Office sent its they would not find anything Federal Work Study student Alicia wrong. Finally, with 30 seconds to Dwyer to Orlando to cover the go, all the lights went out behind launch, hers was a journey of the stands where we anxiously firsts, as well. waited. Everything was quiet “I had never been to Florida, except for the voice over the loud never seen the ocean, never ridden speaker, counting down. In the last in a jumbo jet, never worn shorts 10 seconds we all joined in. in January, and I most certainly Suddenly the entire sky and had never seen a shuttle launched water lighted up with a most into space!” Also, in spite of her brilliant light. Seconds later, the dream to some day work for roar of the rocket engines came NASA, the 20-year-old physics and the ground shook. In the dark major from Bartlett, Neb., proba- of night, it looked as though it bly like most of us, knows no one were day. The shuttle lifted off — who works at the space agency a perfect launch. We watched and has never met an astronaut. intently for about five minutes All the more reason to travel to until it was gone. Florida to see alumnus Mike It was strange to realize that just Anderson’s launch. When hours before, we had watched — Creighton actually asked her to via live TV — the astronauts enter attend the launch — and to give a the shuttle, and, now, they were first-hand account of it for WINDOW orbiting far above the earth. Even — Dwyer called the opportunity Photo by Kent Sievers before we made our way back to “a dream come true.” our hotel rooms that night, they had “Suddenly the entire sky circled the world once. inally, there I was, on an absolutely and water lighted up with a The shuttle launch was a sight that Fgorgeous January evening on Cape I will never forget. It was all the fuel Canaveral, Fla., to see the launch of most brilliant light. Seconds needed to feed the dreams of a young one of the most spectacular creations physics major. I am looking forward to humankind has ever built. later, the roar of the rocket the opportunity to meet and talk with The entire day had been a wait- Mike Anderson, to ask him questions and-see affair. It had been partly engines came and the about his flight and the events that led cloudy, and, at one point, it was rain- him to the space launch. ing. Only if conditions were perfect ground shook.... The shuttle My experience was wonderful and would there be a launch. I did not even leave the ground! It seemed like we waited for an lifted off — a perfect launch.” Perhaps, in the years to come, other eternity. We all knew that, should the Creighton students will travel to launch be postponed again, we proba- was to launch into orbit. The clouds Florida to represent the school for bly would never have the chance to seemed to form on a bank on the other another’s mission into space. Perhaps see it. side of the launch pad as if they, too, they will even be part of a mission At last, it was just hours, then min- had stopped to see the show. Above that is launched to the stars. utes, then seconds before the shuttle us it was perfectly clear. Alicia Dwyer

Spring Issue 1998 11 Creighton Expert Tracks El Niño by Eileen Wirth

12 Creighton University WINDOW Dr. Douglas Turns Boyhood Curiosity Into Lifelong Profession

ll winter, anxious calls about El dealers, journalists and business ANiño have been pouring into Dr. groups. Art Douglas’ modest office in As storms related to the warming Creighton’s Atmospheric Science of the Pacific Ocean batter the West Department from farm organizations, Coast, Midwesterners are focusing on commodities dealers, farm implement the coming summer. Is the corn belt likely to experience a drought similar to those at the end of other El Niños? When will El Niño end? East Coast residents, deluged by snow, also are wondering if the end’s in sight. El Niño: What is it? How does it work? Essentially, El Niño is a pattern of warmer-than-usual water in the Pacific. This pattern favors invasion of mild Pacific air into the Midlands with floods along southern portions of the country. However, above normal rainfall in one location can lead to drought in another part of the world. After all, the earth’s atmosphere can hold only so much moisture. And, during El Niño years, global temperatures are frequently above normal, as well. Douglas, an internationally recognized expert on El Niños, is widely known for the accuracy of his seasonal Photo by Kent Sievers Dr. Art Douglas, an associate professor projections of rainfall in the Midwest. of atmospheric science, is an interna- However, in mid-February, he was tionally recognized expert on El Niños. still uncertain about what is likely to

This spectacular satellite view shows Hurricane Linda off the west coast of Mexico this past September. Dr. Douglas described Linda as the “most intense” hurricane the region has ever seen, with wind speeds of up to 185 mph. He said exceedingly high water temperatures associated with El Niño may have fueled this powerful storm and added to its intensity. Linda wreaked havoc on the Isle of Socorro, but died before reaching the Mexican shoreline. (U.S. Navy, satellite archive)

Spring Issue 1998 13 happen this summer. stationed along the equator. Via satel- he wondered why there were so many This year’s El Niño has been hard lite, these buoys radio back tempera- storms and why it was so warm. He to predict, said Douglas. It appears to ture data from the equatorial Pacific, wondered about the tropical clouds be ending, but the fate of Midwestern giving detailed temperature data from that shouldn’t have been there in win- crops depends on how ter. He attempted to satis- rapidly that happens. A fy his curiosity with a good indicator to watch junior high science pro- will be the arrival and ject examining the effect eventual strength of of water temperatures off Mexico’s summer mon- Southern California on soon. A strong Mexican the area’s climate and on monsoon means bad news the hurricanes that hit for Midwestern farmers Mexico. During junior and vice versa. Quick high school, he also ending El Niños favor a became a cooperative strong summer monsoon weather observer for the in Mexico. National Weather It’s one of the patterns Service. which Douglas has identi- “I found out that fied in a lifetime of pio- when (the weather) was neering research on both warm, we had hurricanes El Niños and the relation- coming north along the ship between U.S. and West Coast,” he said. Mexican weather patterns. Thus was launched So respected has Douglas the career of a future Buoys deployed along the equatorial Pacific have helped researchers become for this work monitor El Niño, providing water temperatures from the surface to meteorologist interested that in November, mem- 1,000 feet. less in day-to-day local bers of the Mexican forecasts than in long- Meteorological Service selected him the surface to 1,000 feet (300 m), he range weather patterns over conti- as their spokesman at a national said, adding that his projections are nents and regions. planning conference on the impact based on these data. When other teens were collecting of El Niño. Douglas, an associate professor baseball cards or posters of rock Ever since El Niño began, he has of atmospheric science, grew up in groups, Douglas had another passion. been carefully monitoring its progress, Fullerton, Calif. There, he became fas- He wanted to understand the relation- looking for indications as to its future cinated with the El Niño phenomenon ship between weather in Mexico and course. during the muggy winter of 1957-58. weather in Southern California, so he Monitoring of El Niño has been At age 10, Douglas was already an obtained daily weather maps from the greatly facilitated by a set of 70 buoys avid observer of weather. That winter, meteorology services of both nations.

-70 -60 -30 -20 -10 -6 6 10 20 30 60 70 (-4-3-2-1-0123456)

Warm waters of El Niño World droughts and floods El Niño involves a shift in Pacific Ocean temperatures. The warmer- El Niño’s effect: Areas experiencing above-normal rainfall are repre- than-normal El Niño waters are highlighted in red and yellow; cold- sented in red and yellow. Areas experiencing drought, or below-nor- er-than-normal waters are in blue. (U.S. Navy Oceanic Center) mal rainfall, are in blue. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

14 Creighton University WINDOW AP/Wide World Photos El Niño-driven tornadoes ripped across central Florida in February, killing at least 26 people and destroying hundreds of homes.

Even as a teen, it seemed obvious the 11th and 12th centuries which America. However, an early British to him that weather doesn’t stop at the were associated with stronger than meteorologist showed that they were border, although few American mete- normal El Niños. These events were related to sea-level air pressure fluctu- orologists in the 1950s or 1960s cared more intense because the earth was ations across the entire breadth of much about what happened in experiencing a major global warming both the Indian and Pacific oceans. Mexico. Douglas began looking at at this time, he said. “We can put two The 19th century meteorologist was weather connections between the and two together.” trying to trace weather patterns two countries, digging up historical Global warming back then? which might help predict the size of records of El Niños. Such historical Douglas said several pieces from the India’s tea crop. data helps put today’s El Niños past point to a warmer world from the Almost by accident, Sir Gilbert in context. 10th through the 12th centuries. For Walker discovered the “first truly Although El Niño is receiving enor- one, population in the American global long distance weather connec- mous attention this year, the phe- Southwest expanded considerably, tion between two points,” Douglas nomenon is nothing new, he said. suggesting favorable weather condi- said. The discovery encompassed “El Niños have been known since tions. There is also evidence in the tree about half the world’s pressure the Incas,” he said. “When the Spanish rings at the time of the ancients of a systems and has been termed the Jesuits came, they translated the histo- warm, wet period. In addition, this Southern Oscillation. ry of the Incas.” The records, which was the Viking era when people set- However, during the 1960s when stretched back to the 14th and 15th tled as far north as Greenland. At the Douglas was a student, such long- centuries, included details of 200 same time, agriculture spread north range work on weather trends had years of floods and natural disasters in Europe. come to be viewed almost as “black associated with El Niños. For years, El Niños were believed magic,” not reputable meteorology. In addition, archaeologists have to be a local weather phenomenon on American meteorology focused most- uncovered evidence of major floods in the west coasts of North and South ly on the immediate future because

Spring Issue 1998 15 tive grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Douglas spent a sabbatical in Mexico obtaining data that would help predict continental seasonal weather. He pored through 7,000 Mexican weather station records and compiled a com- puter database which made the information available and useful to meteorologists. He was able to do this work only after overcoming the suspicions of Mexican officials about the intentions of a researcher from the U.S. “I developed the first scientific database for Mexico for temperatures and precipitation,” he said. “Before this, it was very difficult to get data from Mexico. This opened the door to research looking at climate change in both the U.S. and

AP/Wide World Photos Mexico. Before that, our informa- Two brothers walk through waist-deep flood waters in Ecuador late last year tion had stopped at the border.” In brought about by the heavy rains associated with El Niño. addition, the Mexican Meteoro- logical Service and researchers in most forecasters had backgrounds his move to the Midwest didn’t end Mexico now use this database in in World War II military operations his fascination with El Niños. their own studies. where long-term trends were of Studying them became connected Douglas calls this opening of limited value. with his sense of having roots in the Mexico to climate research the most Douglas, an undergraduate biology Southwest. He has retained his fasci- important achievement of his life. and geology major, received his mas- nation with trying to understand the When Douglas’ Mexican colleagues ter’s and doctoral degrees in geo- climate regimes of Mexico. tried to pay him for his work, he science from the University of In 1988, with help from a coopera- refused. Instead of money, he sought Arizona. There he specialized in research on tree rings as indicators of climate history. Essentially, warm, wet El Niño winters result in favorable tree growth and wide tree rings, while drought years are associated with narrow rings. “I reconstructed sea surface temperatures back to 1671 for the west coasts of Mexico and Southern California using tree rings,” Douglas said. “My work gave me a reference as to how often warm events (El Niños) occur. Meteorology only had good data from 1947 on. That wasn’t enough. This gave us 300 years of data.” Douglas joined Creighton in 1982 after working at the Scripps AP/Wide World Photos Institution of Oceanography in La Droughts associated with El Niño have been blamed for the fires that swept across Jolla, Calif., and teaching at the Indonesia last fall. A farm woman walks through a smoldering clearing, which will University of Nebraska-Lincoln, but be used for planting rice, in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

16 Creighton University WINDOW continued access to scientific data research, to teach and to consult with Worldwide, wherever they went, on Mexican weather. Mexican weather officials. He has the early Jesuit missionaries to Asia “I’m not interested in money,” he been assisted by grants from the and Latin America made astronomical said. “What really counts is the respect National Science Foundation and the and weather observations, he said. from my colleagues in Mexico. I’m National Oceanic and Atmospheric The study of meteorology is a honored by their appreciation for Administration. major element of the Jesuit scientific what I’m doing. I make forecasts for His most recent visit was in tradition. them out of love for the work. This November for the El Niño planning Douglas said that another reason also allows me to collect additional session sponsored by the Bank of he feels at home at Creighton is “the data. I value my good relationship Mexico (Mexico’s equivalent to the sense of generosity and giving that with them. I couldn’t be doing what Federal Reserve Bank). permeates everything.” I’m doing if they hadn’t given me Douglas said that he feels a histori- “There’s a Jesuit sense of lifelong access to it.” cal connection with the Jesuit scientific learning and generosity,” he said. “I’m Douglas has since returned to tradition which has always included giving back to the Mexicans because Mexico several times to continue his observations of the sky. they’ve given to me.”

How Will El Niño, Or Its Demise, Affect Our Weather?

his year’s El Niño has been hard to forecast because it is drought throughout much of the western corn belt. Tnot following traditional patterns, said Dr. Art Douglas. The hot and dry summers of 1973 and 1983 exemplify El Niño is ending, but the timing of its ending is crucial for this type of ending to an El Niño. the summer growing season in • On the other hand, the Midwest. if there is a slower ending Douglas offered the follow- JULY PRECIPITATION for El Niño, a persistent ing insights on what might jet stream along the happen. Canadian border will bring rain to the Midwest April-June while Mexico will have Expect cloudier than normal drought. conditions and heavy rains on • The summer of 1998 is the Gulf Coast. Farther north in likely to be warmer than the Dakotas and Minnesota, normal on the East Coast. conditions could be drier than “We will be monitoring normal. Nebraska is on the how quickly El Niño is dividing line between these dropping,” said Douglas. wet and dry conditions. “We could either have Conditions should be cooler drought or higher than than normal from Southern average rainfall. We’re not California through the South. in a position to forecast Mild weather should prevail how quickly it will die.” from the Pacific Northwest into Douglas said he is col- the upper Midwest. lecting data from the tropical Pacific and following July-September developments closely. The timing of El Niño’s end- In the meantime, his ing will be critical to the sum- Dr. Douglas has discovered that an exceptionally heavy phone keeps ringing with mer’s weather. July monsoon in Northwest Mexico is associated with inquiries from groups con- • If the ocean water cools drought in the Great Plains and Midwest. Expect this cerned about the possible rapidly during the spring, pattern to occur if El Niño dissipates rapidly by this spring. prospect of a drought ... or there is a possibility of If El Niño continues, expect a wet Midwest this July. a flood. W

Spring Issue 1998 17 THE STATE of LABOR by Mary Heng Photo by Kent Sievers Creighton law professor David Larson is an expert on organized labor in the United States.

n the 1979 movie “Norma Rae,” They may be afraid of losing their away from home.’’ an overworked, underpaid textile jobs, but they’re also more protective “People are bombarded with issues Iworker played by Sally Field suc- of their free time. A study last fall everyday, and we have trouble getting cessfully unionized the factory where indicates that, while U.S. workers their attention for yet another one,’’ she worked. Almost overnight, have more free time than they did said Tim Cosgrove, the Nebraska field Norma Rae became a heroine for during the 1960s, Americans, particu- representative for the AFL-CIO. “They the working underdog. work 9 to 5, and they’ve put in a full But another more ominous mes- day. It’s hard enough for them to sage of the movie came home to know about every issue, let alone to roost just two years later when, in take time away from their families 1981, 11,800 air traffic controllers to fight for job issues.’’ were fired for striking. In spite of Such challenges to labor unions the success of the United Parcel are not new, said David Larson, Service workers’ strike last year, Creighton School of Law professor when labor organizers go out into of labor and employment law, who the field today, the unemployed recently returned from China where Norma Rae is what workers he spoke about the future of orga- remember, said one labor organ- nized labor in the United States. izer. After all, he said, Norma Rae’s Photo Corbis-Bettmann Many early union organizers, efforts cost her a job, just as air Sally Field played a textile worker who successful- Larson points out, came from family unionized the factory where she worked in the lies where not only both parents, but traffic controllers’ efforts cost 1979 movie “Norma Rae.” Today, fewer than 15 them theirs. percent of all American workers belong to unions. the children, worked. “We face tremendous problems The new statistics, combined (today),’’ said John Bourne, business larly parents, continue to cram more with the challenges, concern Larson. manager for the International activities into that free time than ever The controllers’ strike signaled a Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, before. To a busy working parent marked shift in the fortunes of labor Chapter 22, of the American labor running children to soccer games, and initiated a free-fall in membership movement. “The heroism is still there, “union involvement’’ quickly that, so far, has continued unabated. but people are afraid.’’ translates to “spending more time Today, fewer than 15 percent of all

18 Creighton University WINDOW American workers belong to unions, which hinge on undoing past mis- turning his attention to these groups. and only 10 percent of private indus- takes. If labor can effectively address Also important, Larson said, try employees are union members. the following issues, unions may is labor’s ability to capitalize on “At one time, more than one in regain the strength they knew in the changes in the ways people are three U.S. workers were union mem- 1950s and ‘60s. being employed and the types of bers,’’ Larson said. “In the private jobs available. sector, it’s now one in 10.’’ Need to Adapt to the In many ways, the victory of labor He believes the stakes involved in a Changing Work Force in the United Parcel Service strike of weakening labor movement are higher Unions have shown a fatal tenden- 1997 serves as a blueprint for future than ever before, for reasons both eco- cy to ignore changing work place union activity, Larson said. First of all, nomic and humanitarian. The U.S. demographics, Larson said. As the it targeted a company undergoing economy depends largely on a well- work force evolved in the 1970s and phenomenal growth, which provided funded middle class to buy goods an important public relations produced by U.S. companies, edge. At the time of the strike, Larson said. According to the U.S. UPS shipped 80 percent of all Census Bureau, one in 10 full-time small packages in the country U.S. workers earns wages beneath and had recently enjoyed record the poverty level, a 25 percent profits. increase since 1978. In a press Second, it keyed on the service briefing in September 1997, Bureau industry — the fastest growing officials expressed alarm at what area of employment. According they called a long-term trend to the U.S. Bureau of Labor toward increasing income inequal- Statistics, in 1983, half of all U.S. ity. The most recent statistics indi- jobs were in factory, production cate that the wealthiest fifth of and clerical sectors. The bureau American households earns half projects that by 2005, that number of all U.S. income, a figure that will drop to 38 percent. reflects a steady increase over the The hot labor markets of the last three decades. coming decade are in manage- Other indicators that take prop- ment, professional specialties, and erty and savings into account sug- services such as shipping, market- gest an even greater concentration ing and sales. The Bureau predicts of wealth. Statistics from the that the professional specialties, Institute for Labor Studies released which include just about every- last fall indicated that in 1995, 60 one involved in computers and percent of American families information management, will owned no stock, and half of all grow by 29 percent and increase U.S. stock was owned by 5 percent their share of the overall

of the population. AP/Wide World Photos U.S. job market from “We need a healthy middle Workers at United Parcel Service were successful in 12 to 15.5 percent. class to have a healthy economy,’’ their strike last year. Larson said the UPS strike Until lately, Larson said. “The wealthy cannot should serve as a blueprint for future union activity. white collar support the economy of an entire workers believed nation. A market-driven economy ‘80s, unions did not reach out to the unions did not repre- needs consumers with disposable most vulnerable workers: women sent their concerns, income who have different interests and minorities. Larson said. They and needs. The Bureau of Labor As those workers grew in number believed that unions Statistics reports that in 1997 the medi- and gained a greater share of the work weren’t for college an wage of a union worker was $640 place, the union door was closed to graduates. per week compared to $478 per week them. Now, labor organizers recognize That may be turning for non-union workers.” that the ability to represent a diverse around. Last October, sev- Larson, who has carefully moni- work force is important to survival, eral hundred New Jersey tored the fate of unions over the last Larson said, and unions essentially physicians whose prac- 20 years, said that the future of labor have to cast themselves in new molds. tices were purchased by depends on several factors, some of Now, John Sweeney of the AFL-CIO is HMOs applied to the

Spring Issue 1998 19 a definite time period, and typically do not receive health care coverage, disability or life insurance, or retirement benefits. Just as in the industrial revolution, these new types of under-represented workers may provide new strength to unions, Larson said. This new class, however, is quite different from the immi- grant workers of this country’s early factories. “In contrast to factory workers, it’s very difficult to organize workers per- forming unrelated work, during different hours, at separate locations,’’ Larson said. “There’s an opportunity here, but there are obstacles. Unions can help them get AP/Wide World Photos the benefits they want, Union leaders have sometimes been organized labor’s own worst enemies. Ron Carey stepped down but it’s harder to commu- as president of the 1.4-million-member Teamsters union last November after a federally appointed oversight board accused him of diverting more than $700,000 in union money to his 1996 re-election nicate with and organize campaign. Carey’s campaign manager, Jere Nash, has pleaded guilty to criminal fraud charges in those workers. the case. The government has ordered a new Teamsters election and has disqualified Carey from “In an effort to reach running for office. Carey maintains he knew nothing about the illegal financial schemes. these workers, unions are using the mass media and United Food and Commercial Workers “Twenty-five years ago, you never the Internet. These methods, however, to become the first physicians’ union heard about doctors joining unions,’’ may not be as effective as face-to-face in the country. The doctors sought to Larson said. “What’s happening is contact at the work site.’’ affiliate with the Commercial Workers’ that doctors, who’ve been largely union because there is no established independent, are now employees, and The Wheels of Government physicians’ union. In January 1998, Today, unions are beginning to the American Medical Association align more carefully their goals with announced that it would actively “Thank God that we have a those of political parties, movements support Rockford, Ill., physicians system of labor where there and specific candidates, Larson said. seeking to be recognized as a Nation- can be a strike.’’ Increasingly, labor is returning to the al Labor Relations Board certified basics by broadening its scope to keep collective bargaining representative; —President Abraham Lincoln, 1860 pace with trade agreements that cross i.e., a union. national boundaries. Physicians traditionally have It’s important, he said, for labor to enjoyed notable job autonomy and self they don’t find that reality attractive. focus its lobbying efforts on global direction. Today, however, HMOs are They’ve lost control, and they’re issues. buying physicians’ private practices frustrated. They’re looking for ways For example, on the surface and in and, in turn, rehiring the physicians as to regain some of the autonomy the portrayal in the media, union employees. Physicians employed by they’ve lost.’’ opposition to the North American HMOs increasingly are subject to rigid Unions also are looking for ways to Free Trade Agreement seemed like job work hours, assigned to specific reach growing numbers of contract protectionism. But the issue for most offices and locations, and restricted as employees. Contract workers agree to unions, Larson said, was one of work to the time they spend with patients. work either on a specific project, or for place standards.

20 Creighton University WINDOW Unions continue to take issue with ishments for production mistakes Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of NAFTA and the General Agreements include standing in the sun, kneeling 1964 protects against only certain on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which on the floor with hands uplifted, and types of discrimination. The Age Larson said can exploit poor workers cleaning factory toilets. Workers are Discrimination Act only protects in nations with inadequate labor allowed one bathroom break and two workers who are over age 40 in protections. water breaks per eight-hour shift. specific circumstances.’’ “Labor knows the world is chang- Larson said that unions should cap- What’s more, enforcing even those ing, and labor has to adapt,’’ Larson italize on growing public awareness federal provisions, Larson said, is said. “Unions should not simply try that the profits earned by U.S. indus- dependent largely upon individual to stop the growth of international try in nondemocratic countries come litigation. The Equal Employment trade. But labor can and should still at a high human cost. Opportunity Commission, the federal try to link trade agreements to labor enforcement agency, is seriously standards.’’ understaffed and underfunded, Proponents of NAFTA and GATT, In terms of he said. meanwhile, argue that these programs Unions forgot to blow their are creating jobs in poor countries, purchasing power, wages own horns, Larson said, and for jobs that haven’t existed before. for American factory labor, a sense of purpose is vital for Currently, NAFTA and GATT allow workers peaked in survival. manufacturers to move operations to Recently, unions have begun public countries without basic worker protec- 1972 and have been relations campaigns, Larson said, tions such as minimum wage, a work in decline ever since. using billboards, television commer- week based on an hourly maximum, cials and the Internet to publicize the From the Institute for Labor Studies, and safety standards. This has November, 1997 gains labor has made for American unleashed what Larson calls “a race workers. to the bottom,’’ as countries either Union leaders themselves, howev- expressly or implicitly sanction poor “We need to tie trade agreements to er, have created significant public working conditions and then promise working standards. Make sure that image problems for organized labor, significant cost savings to companies trade agreements include clauses on according to Larson. Since the Federal if they will relocate. minimum wages, maximum-hour Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt A recent Associated Press story work weeks and minimum working Organizations Act passed in 1970, reported that Fruit of the Loom ages.’’ union officials have been a frequent announced it was laying off 2,900 U.S. target, most notably in the 1980s trial workers — 19 percent of its domestic Image Control against the Teamsters union for its ties work force — because NAFTA was Larson said today’s American to organized crime. driving the company to seek cheaper workers can thank unions for benefits “That made headlines for months,’’ labor abroad. Officials for Fruit of the they take for granted. Among union- Larson said, “and soon an unfair Loom specifically cited wage differ- led breakthroughs are eight-hour association was made, and many ences for the move, saying workers at days, health insurance, pension pro- people began to wonder whether its American plants earn an average of tection, disability benefits, unemploy- all unions were tied to $10 an hour while the company can ment insurance, minimum wage, the organized crime.’’ pay overseas workers as little as 35 Occupational Safety and Health Act, As the cents an hour. and child labor laws. Teamsters cele- The human cost of such moves is These issues have long drawn brated the UPS just now coming to light, often in the American workers to unions, Larson victory — a peri- most unlikely forums. said. Unfortunately, with success od Larson said Nike, whose employment practices comes complacency. Larson believes could have been in Vietnam were ridiculed famously in that the union victories that resulted used to boost summer ‘97 “Doonesbury’’ comic in protective legislation eventually membership — strips, serves as a high-profile exam- fostered “a sense that maybe we Teamster president ple. According to Clean Clothes, an didn’t need unions any more because Ron Carey became international watchdog of the clothing the federal government was stepping embroiled in allega- industry, Nike workers commonly in. tions of election tam- work up to 500 hours of overtime a “I don’t think everyone under- pering and illegal year, although Vietnamese law limits stands that the government provides campaign fund-rais- overtime to 200 hours. Common pun- only limited protection. For example, ing. The affair may

Spring Issue 1998 21 have dissipated much of the benefit unions could have reaped from the UPS strike, Larson said. Responding to Workers’ New Vulnerability An expanded global consciousness among Americans may provide labor a much needed shot in the arm, Larson said, particularly if it’s combined with a recognition that American jobs are growing increasingly less secure. A growing emphasis on a company’s stock price, Larson said, has made employees more exposed to layoffs than ever before. The current stock market is rewarding short-term gains over long-term investment. One of the fastest ways to decrease expen- ditures is to trim the work force. As people begin to feel more vulnerable, AP/Wide World Photos they begin to look around for help, Child labor still exists in the United States. Six-year-old Graciela Perez carries a half-full bucket of red chilies across a field during the early morning hours of and they begin to look at unions. harvesting with her mother in Berino, N.M., last year. Graciela was one of 25 Some sectors of the work force may children under age 12 whom the Associated Press saw in the pepper fields of New not be intimidated by this apparent Mexico and west Texas. vulnerability. Highly skilled workers, particularly those in the technology said, “and they’re beginning to authorized United States presidents to field, currently are able to move rather understand how a short-term orient- strike trade deals that Congress could freely between jobs and may not feel ed management thinks.’’ not amend. These fast-track agree- the same need to seek union assis- ments would not be required to tance. The good fortune of these work- Signs of the changing tide ensure that foreign workers receive ers, however, is not universally are starting to appear. minimum work place protections, a shared, Larson said. Americans who were polled largely critical requirement as far as U.S. orga- Additionally, American workers supported the UPS strike, signaling a nized labor is concerned. One news are beginning to realize that shift in public perception, Larson said. story suggested that key House mem- while their job security is During the air traffic controllers’ bers were swayed by union members declining, corporate CEO strike, only 40 percent of Americans in their home states. salaries are reaching surveyed sided with the strikers, While such gains are heartening to astronomical according to a Gallup poll. But during labor supporters, Larson cautioned levels. “CEO the UPS strike, an August Harris Poll that it’s too early to predict labor’s salaries are not showed that 55 percent of those ques- long-term prospects. He said he will twice as large as tioned sided with the strikers; and watch union membership in the pri- average worker only 27 percent sided with UPS. An vate sector closely, because it serves as salaries, nor 10 ABC News poll indicated that 57 per- a barometer of labor fortune. If mem- times as much, cent of Americans in the survey bership among non-government but 149 times backed union members. employees falls below 10 percent, higher than the But, Larson asks, does the shift in Larson predicts that organized labor salaries of the public perception come too late for will no longer be a significant political average worker,’’ labor? and social force and will retain power Larson said, citing A makeover takes time and, mean- only in a few select industries. statistics from the Labor while, attacks on organized labor are “If they can avoid the tactical errors Research Association. popping up at every turn. Still, last they’ve been making, I think they can “People are begin- November, the U.S. House of turn themselves around,’’ Larson said. ning to resent the pay Representatives voted down “fast- “But will they? That’s the $64,000 disparity,’’ Larson track’’ legislation that would have question.”

22 Creighton University WINDOW A Short History of American Labor

oday, many people react negatively remained low, given the constant materials,’’ Larson said, “and there’s a Tto union political activism as flow of new — and cash-poor — danger that people also can be per- though it’s a new, somehow un- immigrants. ceived as merely raw materials.’’ American strategy. But according to Conditions were Machiavellian, Tragedies like the Shirtwaist fire David Larson, this criticism ignores and the gruesome details of the meat- galvanized fledgling unions, drawing the historical bonds that link labor, packing industry portrayed in Upton support from a broad public base that politics and social movements. Sinclair’s “The Jungle” were not an proved critical to growth. News Unions, he argues, are work place exaggeration. Ten- and 12-hour days reports following the fire noted that democracies, and, as with other politi- were common, and child labor would marchers included the wives of indus- cal entities, the lines trialists, and Roman between their own Catholic priests cause and others and nuns. At the often have blurred. same time, the When the Knights of standardization Labor was founded in of factory jobs 1869, membership focused employee was secret to protect grievances about its members, yet it working conditions was open to women and pay. and African- “When employ- Americans. ees worked at one According to the location doing the Illinois Labor History same job at the Society, the Boston same time,’’ Larson Massacre began as a said, “labor unions dispute between easily could identi- guild rope workers fy issues that con-

and off-duty British Photo Corbis-Bettmann cerned all workers soldiers who, for Striking butchers from the A&P Co. walk the picket lines in Milwaukee, Wis., in equally.’’ extra money, made this undated photo. By 1946, the United States had 18.6 million union members. According to the rope during their “Unions are as American as apple pie,” Larson said. “They’re democracies at a Illinois Labor shore leave. Members very grass roots level.” History Society, by of a carpenters’ guild helped lead the not be strictly illegal until 1949. 1903, union membership had grown to Boston Tea Party. The AFL supported Safety measures were largely 1.5 million and, by 1914, to 2 million. the women’s suffrage movement as nonexistent. In 1911, 146 women, As their numbers grew, unions early as 1890. many of them 12- and 13-year-old became successful at enacting legisla- “Unions are as American as apple girls, died in the Triangle Shirtwaist tion that strengthened them. The Anti- pie,’’ Larson said. “Unions give you a Company fire in New York City. Injunction Act of 1930 prohibited voice in your future. They’re not gov- Investigators later found that exit federal interference in most labor dis- ernment run. They’re democracies at a doors were locked, sewing machines putes, and the Wagner Act of 1936, very grass roots level.’’ were crammed in so closely that there also called the National Labor Born out of the industrial revolu- was little aisle space in which to move, Relations Act, protected the rights of tion and a steady supply of immi- and that only one fire escape — which workers to organize and to elect their grants, the country’s labor force nearly collapsed early in the fire — serviced own representatives for collective tripled between 1880 and 1910 to 8 all of the seventh, eighth, ninth and bargaining. million, and a clash between labor and tenth floors. Employees had gone By 1946, the United States had 18.6 management seemed ordained from on strike two years earlier to rectify million union members, of whom 3.5 the start. Although industry grew safety hazards. The company fired the million were women. By the mid- increasingly dependent on factory 500 strikers. 1950s, union members comprised a production, the “value’’ of workers “Capitalism depends upon raw third of the U.S. labor force. W

Spring Issue 1998 23 We Live in an Invisible World by Fr. John Scott, S.J.

sometimes hear people com- below the ground or 5,875 feet plain: “There are too many below sea level. Ireligious mysteries, too much Here’s another invisible force accent on an invisible world. I that daily shapes our world: wish religion were as simple and invisible rays. Wherever you go, easy to understand as the world you can’t dodge them. around us.” During the time it takes to Unfortunately or fortunately read this sentence, approximate- — depending on your perspec- ly 20 unseen “bullets” will fire at tive — our world is replete with your head! The culprits? Our unseen forces too. We live in an stars, the same stars that wink invisible universe that vibrates and twinkle above. with mystery and fascination. As we travel the vast realms One familiar mystery is of space, we cruise through a gravity. universe of radio waves, sun- Scientists point out that no light, ultraviolet rays and high one really knows for sure just energy cosmic rays. what gravity is, but most of us These “atomic bullets” rico- are aware of its effects. chet through the cantons of Take your weight. It’s a mea- space in all directions. They hit sure of the attraction between Earth from all sides, forming a your mass and the mass of plan- cosmic rainstorm. You can look Photo by Monte Kruse, BA ’83 et Earth. The more your mass, at this “cloudburst” in two ways: Fr. Scott has lived in the Jesuit community at the greater your gravitational Creighton since 1978. He previously taught physics either the cosmic rays bump into appeal. for 30 years at Campion Jesuit High School in you, or you bump into them. For those who religiously pur- Prairie du Chien, Wis. He was named Wisconsin’s Some scientists say the cosmic sue weight loss, consider this: Physics Teacher of the Year in 1959 and one of 40 rays are naked atoms of hydro- The smaller mass of the moon national “Impact Teachers” in 1967. He has written gen, helium and heavier ele- extensively on scientific topics. His book exerts a gravity pull only 1/6 Adventures in Science was the first general science ments thrown off by the stars, that of the earth. So a 100-pound textbook ever written by a priest. Fr. Scott’s most leaving us “sprinkled with person on Earth, would weigh recent work is a pamphlet (his 22nd) titled The star dust” as tiny particles about 16 pounds on the moon. Doorway to Paradise: Thoughts on Facing Death fall into our lives. Scale conscious, be wary of Without Fear, published last year by Liguori Think of these and all the Publications. Jupiter, however, where — with incredible wonders that sur- a gravity pull 2.64 times that of Earth — that same person round you every second of every day: would weigh 264 pounds. Unseen electromagnetic waves that, with the flip of a Here are some more weighty tidbits. Newton’s Law switch, can bring the graceful waltzes of Strauss to your tells us that gravity’s pull is strongest at an object’s core. radio and the latest world news to your television. In the Klondike gold rush days, sealed shipments of The sky’s crimson glow at sunrise and sunset, a result gold were sent from Alaska to Washington, D.C. In of the filtering and refracting of the sun’s rays through the Washington, these gold shipments always weighed less, earth’s atmosphere. even though the seals had not been broken. The warm glow of a reading lamp, brought to you by The reason for the loss in weight: the earth is not round tiny particles of electricity, called electrons, racing through like a billiard ball, but is squashed at the poles like a toma- and heating very thin wire filaments. to. The north pole is 13.6 miles closer to the center of the The flash of an electrical storm, which generates about earth. Hence, the gold weighed more in Alaska. 500 times as much horsepower as all the automobiles in Searching for a quick drop in your weight? Travel to America put together, but lasts for only 35 millionths Mexico City. It’s 1.5 miles above sea level, far from Earth’s of a second. center where gravity’s pull is strongest. This invisible world, much like the mystery of God, is Don’t, however, visit East Rand Proprietary Mine at all around us. We just need to take the time to notice...and Boksburg, Transval, South Africa. It drops some 2.13 miles to wonder. W

24 Creighton University WINDOW PROFILES OF ACHIEVEMENT

owa’s 1997 Family Doctor of the Year, John W. (Jack) Barnes, MD’55, has retired, sort Iof...and is now working just five days a week!

The Missouri Valley, Iowa-based physician has reached out to some 6,000 patients over the years, earning him such sobriquets as “the good doctor,” “the compassionate physician,” and one who is “always there to make you comfortable and safe.”

Undaunted by the long hours and on-call status of a 40-year rural practice, Dr. Barnes also has dedicated his life to his community, his Alma Mater and his family. He and his wife Janet count seven of their nine children as Creighton alumni. ievers

ent S

Dr. John W “I’m very proud and very humbled,” hoto by K . (Jack) Barnes, M P the Creighton alumnus said in a news- D’55 paper interview. “I don’t think there’s any greater profession than medicine if you want to work hard.”

Dr. Barnes continues a tradition of similar honors that have come to Creighton School of Medicine alumni through the years.

Congratulations!

® Anchored in ethics. Centered on service. Pledged to excellence.

RECYCLED AND RECYCLABLE