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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘Equality’ Can Be Buzzword

D.F. Oliveria Staff Writer

Apparently, the National Organization for Women wants its sisters in arms to be treated more equally than the men at Virginia Military Institute. Now, NOW is complaining that VMI’s decision to require female cadets to endure a buzz haircut - just like the guys - is (sniff!) “vindictive.” Whined NOW official Karen Johnson: “They’re poor losers.” Actually, what we have here is a poor winner. As you will recall, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that VMI either must accept women or lose federal funding. In agreeing to admit women, however, VMI decided to treat males and females alike - in the barracks, in fitness requirements, in (shazam!) hairstyles. Fumed Johnson: “In Nazi Germany, they shaved the heads of female prisoners to shame them.” Maybe so. But in the military, they shave heads to mold raw recruits into a fighting unit by eliminating individuality. At ease, NOW.

Suspend teacher, not Georgie Porgie

Political correctness claimed another victim when Johnathan Prevette, 6, of Lexington, N.C., was suspended from school last week. His crime? Sexual harassment. Translation: Johnathan kissed a girl on the cheek after she had asked him to do so. Unfortunately, a PC policeman, in the form of a teacher, saw the dastardly deed and squealed to the principal. Worse yet, school officials defended their goofy policy. Said spokeswoman Jane Martin: “A 6-year-old kissing another 6-year-old is inappropriate behavior. Unwelcome is unwelcome at any age.” Yeah, right. Do you suppose Martin ever was a first-grader? First-graders have kissed other first-graders for years. In many instances, a girl takes the initiative. (By the way, why didn’t the school bust Johnathan’s femme fatale, too?) Just think. Soon, the schools will be telling confused Johnathan about condoms.

WSU students can do things besides ‘it’

Speaking of condoms … Washington State University is sticking to its balanced approach to sex education. For the second straight year, WSU sex educators are telling students about “safe sex” - as well as abstinence, the only true form of safe sex. The information is presented in a pamphlet, “101 Things to Do in Pullman Without Doing It.” Said Gretal Leibnitz, head of WSU’s sexual education programming: “In the past, (abstinence) was the big thing missing from our agenda.” An estimated 20 percent to 30 percent of WSU students are virgins. Still, the pamphlet seems a bit Pollyanna-like. What’s there to do in Pullman besides farm and watch Cougar football?

, DataTimes MEMO: D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125 or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.

D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125 or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.