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ere* PAGE 19- PLAINDEALER • WEDNESDAY. APRIL 11,1»79 Perspective * TROUBLE IN SOUTH AFRICA By RONALD REM! AN Americans who favor with­ drawal of U.S. investments in South Africa and the use of economic sanctions as a means of getting that nation to change its racial policies should take no comfort in the scandal now shaking the South African government. If it goes, things could get a lot worse. Unfortunately, few among us know much about the history and background of that strategically-located country. Many Americans are quick to judge South Africa against the background of the U.S. Southern experience. Such comparisons inevitably lead to a misunderstanding of the situation in South Africa. The ancestors of the white "Afrikaaners" were Dutch who landed in 1652, settling into farming life in what is now the Cape Town region. They did not displace a settled native population and encountered resistance only when they began to reach the outer limits of their new territory. Not surprisingly, they considered themselves one of the tribes of the country (there are eight black tribes). White South Africans rule out the idea of "majority" rule for they consider it impossible. One Mack tribe would end up dominating the others, they contend. A South African government official, speaking recently to a California civic group, said, "The differences between a Zulu and a Shangaan are as great as those between a Mexican and a Canadian, who claim different languages, customs, political traditions and cultures of their own." The government has devised a plan to provide self-rule by blacks in historic "homelands" within the nation, though so far only two tribes have accepted the plan and many blacks oppose the idea of having rights only in "homelands" in which they have never lived. Urban blacks, who make up the back­ bone of the nation's labor force, would still have to live by various "apartheid" laws if they remain in white- dominated cities. In the 30 years the National party has ruled south Africa a variety of apartheid laws have served to keep blacks restricted economically and politically. But, what is not generally known in the U.S. is that in recent times the South African government, controlled by the moderate wing of the party, has gradually moved to improve the lot of the nation's blacks and has been planning much more extensive reforms. Access to better jobs for blacks has been one such reform and its modest im­ plementation in a copper mine recently brought a sharp reaction from the white mine workers union which went on a wildcat strike designed to embarrass the government. The union is one of the fiercest opponents of reform. partly because of the sharp gains non-white miners have made in recent years (their wages are up 600 percent since 1972, according to economist Eliot Janeway). Along with the strike, the government has been hit by a series of charges that President (and former Prime Minister) John Vorster, the current Prime Minister Pieter Botha and other high officials were part-and-parcel of a plan to spend millions of dollars secretly to influence public opinion toward the government both inside and outside the country. There is reason to believe that the strike and the assault on the government's credibility are part of a coor­ dinated campaign by hard- right followers of Andries Treurnicht. His wing of the National party bitterly opposes economic reforms for blacks and believes that rigid white supremacy must prevail. According to the authoritative South African newsweekly To The Point, "The prime minister and the (moderate) movement are losing the struggle for control of South Africa's destiny." If they do, the alternative is not a different party (the Nationalists hold 135 of the 165 seats in parliament), but the installation of a government determined to "circle the wagons" against any relaxation of the stiffest apartheid laws. If that hap­ pens, pressures for violence may mount. Instability in the southern tip of the African continent would have a direct impact on the U.S. and the rest of the industrialized world. Like it or not, we depend on South Africa for production of two-thirds of the free world's gold. And, it is the largest producer of platinum, vanadium and antimony and second largest producer of manganese. Along with Rhodesia, it accounts for 95 percent of known world reserves of chrome. Just as worrisome is the fact that 90 percent of the European NATO nations' oil and nearly half of ours must be transported around the Cape of Good Hope - - a fact appreciated by the Russians. Though South Africa's reforms may seem painfully slow to some restless Americans, would they really prefer the alternatives? Propose Initiative Amendment Butter Treat Tasty, colorful butter to top fluffy baked potatoes or to spread on baked chicken is yours if you combine one-half cup (one stick) of butter with one tablespoon of paprika. This makes one-half cup -- and it keeps, if refrigerated. WHAT S NEW The Coalition for Political Honesty and a bipartisan group of state senators and representatives have an­ nounced their support for a constitutional amendment that would give Illinois citizens the power of Initiative. The proposal, called the Illinois Initiative, will be filed this week in both the Illinois House and Senate. The Illinois Initiative would give citizens the power to propose laws by petition. The voters would then enact or reject these proposals by referendum vote at a primary or general election. Patrick Quinn, Coalition spokesman, said, "Today marks the beginning of a statewide campaign to extend citizen voting rights to issues. The people of our state want the opportunity to vote directly on issues that affect their daily lives and pocketbooks." Under the Illinois Initiative. laws could be proposed by a petition signed by 8 percent of the number of voters in the last gubernatorial election (252,000 signatures currently). Paid petition solicitors would be prohibited in order to make the referendum process a volun­ teer citizen activity. Quinn said, "Right now 22 states across the country permit initiative lawmaking including Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio in the Midwest. Long experience with direct democracy in these states has proven that voters exercise common sense and good judgment with respect to initiative proposals. "Grassroots democracy can give average citizens a real voice in state government. Right now many voters feel that their votes don't matter." Quinn pointed out that voter turnout in 1978 elections was 20 percent higher than the national average in states which had initiative propositions on the ballot. Quinn said, "Citizens need the initiative process to protect their interests against the organized special interests which often dominate the at­ tention of the state legislature. "Illinois voters should no longer hpve to watch helplessly as good bills which benefit taxpayers and consumers are killed in Springfield." So far 46 representatives and senators have indicated their support for the initiative concept. Gov. James Thomp­ son has publicly stated that he is "in support of the basic theory that Illinois citizens should have the same power possessed by the citizens of many other states to enact binding laws by petition and referendum." Illinois Initiative co-sponsors will call for legislative hearings on the initiative process this Spring. Three-fifths approval of both the House and Senate is necessary to put the con­ stitutional amendment for the Illinois Initiative on the 1980 ballot. The Coalition is urging all citizens to contact their state legislators in support of the Illinois Initiative. In the past three years, the Coalition has organized petition drives for legislative ethics reform, property tax reform, and open primaries. Last December the Coalition organized the Teabag Campaign which sent 32,000 teabags to Gov. Thompson protesting selfish political pay raises. Anyone interested in the names and addresses of their legislators and more in­ formation about the Illinois Initiative may contact the Coalition at 28 Madison, Oak Park, 111., 60302 or call (312) 323-4588. Johnsburg Mary L. Gunderson 385-3052 Adjustable for any size wheel or lug nut, this simple unit takes the strain and bending out of the job of tire removal. Ideal for men, women, elderly and heart and back sufferers. ONLY'8 50 MO. RENTAL * NO installation charge * NEW fully automatic softeners * TWO year option to buy with * FULL rental fee deducted * ONE phone call can answer any questions 312-259-3393 No. 1 in the Fox Volley Area Copyright 1978 Johnsburg HS Gives Musical Be sure to keep Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 open to attend the production "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," in the John­ sburg high school auditorium. This is a musical comedy. There will be about thirty-five in the cast, and it promises to be excellent entertainment. REGISTRATION Johnsburg Community unit district 12, will be holding its comprehensive registration for all children born prior to Dec. 1, 1976 (3-4-5-year old) at John­ sburg Middle school, 2117 W. Church street, Wednesday, April 18 and Thursday, April 19. Names beginning with A through E, from 9 to 11; F through J, 1 to 3 on Wednesday, April 18; and K through R, 9 to 11; S through Z, 1 to 3, Thur­ sday, April 19. The 3, 4 and 5 year old registration is very important and necessary in order to ef­ ficiently and adequately provide quality programs for District 12. N.C.S.F. National Catholic Society of Foresters, St. Agatha Court 777, Rockford Diocesan con­ ference, will be Sunday, April 22, at Chapel Hill Country club. All Forester members are invited to attend. Reservations to Mrs. George (Jane) Mann, by April 15. Registration is at 10 a.m. Mass, with Bishop O'Neill celebrating will be at 10:45 a.m. Dinner is at noon and ad­ journment at 3 p.m. N.C.S.F. MEETING St. Agatha court 777, meets Tuesday, April 17, for in­ stallation of officers. All members are invited. Potluck supper at 6:30 p.m., in John­ sburg Community club. Please bring a dish to pass. HOSPITAL AND HOME The following sick will ap­ preciate your prayers and thoughts: Henry Miller, George Biba, Henry Waldin, and all the folks of Johnsburg who may be ill. (Edwin) Denman, passed away Monday, April 2. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH April Baptisms were Sunday, the eighth, for the following: Michele Susan Blowers, Jodi Lynn Blowers, David Brian Graziano and Jeanne Marie Joyce. Our best wishes to all! RUMMAGE SALE The Blessed Virgin Mary sodaility's annual Rummage sale, is Thursday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the basement of the John­ sburg Community club. Volunteers are needed. Call Mrs. Michael (Eva) Schaefer, if you can help, and also for further information. Used, clean, clothing for infants, children, men and women, household items, dishes and antiques are all needed. Please bring items to the east Basement door of the Community club, Monday, April 16, through Saturday, April 21. DATES TO REMEMBER April 13 to April 17 - Easter Vacation - Johnsburg District 12. April 13 to April 22 - Easter Vacation - St. John's school. April 17, N.C.S.F. St. Agatha court 777, meeting and potluck supper. April 18 and 19 - Registration - Johnsburg Middle school, 3-4-5 year olds. April 22, N.C.S.F. Rockford Diocesan conference. April 26 and 27 - Rummage sale, St. John's church ' April 27 and 28 - Musical Johnsburg auditorium May 8 - Sodality, Mother's Day meeting, potluck supper - 6:30 p.m., Schaefer residence. Could You Survive? You have been hiking across snow-covered terrain. The temperature is in the low teens and is accompanied by a 15 mph wind. It is the third day of a three-day excursion when you notice two fingers on your right hand are numb and have taken on a grayish tint. The fingers feel "wooden" to the touch. It is apparent the two fingers are suffering from frostbite. Would You... A. Try to thaw the frozen fingers by exercising. B. Rub the fingers vigorously to increase the circulation in the afflicted area. SPECIMEN For Village Trustee TO SERVC 2 YEARS (INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: VOTE FOR ONE ONLY) • JOHN MIEDZIANOWSKI • For Village Trustee TO SERVE 4 YEARS (INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: VOTE FOR THREE) • IVAR WENDAL • ANDREW EICHHORN • GREGORY NOWAK • • • For Village Clerk (INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS; VOTE FOR ONE ONLY) • BETTY MESSER To elect officers for the Village of Sunnyside McHenry County, Illinois Polling Place: Village Hall . Date of Election: APRIL 17, 1979 Polls Open: Six o'clock A.M. to Six o'clock P.M. Pregnant, NEEDHELP? SYMPATHY Our prayers and sympathy to Laura Schmitt, parishioner of St. John's, and her family, whose mother, Mrs. Eunice OFFICE OPEN FROM 9 To II A V AND FROM 7 To9P M MON Ihio FRI 74 HOUR ANSMIRING SERVICE We Make Custom Tiles & Molds •WHOLESALE 'RETAIL 815-385-2999 Complete Line Of Supplies Available LEARN CERAMICS I Classes to Start April 16 CALL NOW TO REGISTER 344-3380 McHENR^, ILLINOIS C. Rub snow on the frozen fingers while exercising and massaging them until normal color has returned. D. Rewarm the frozen area rapidly. Ideally, immersion in water between 105 and 110 degrees is best. To Survive (D) is the best answer. Rapid rewarding, prfeT^rtflfty in water heated to between 105-110 degrees, is best. If th& is im­ practical, placing the injured area against the chest, under the armpits, or between the legs at the groin are good locations to gain best use of body heat. Once a frostbitten area is thawed, it must be protected against the possibility of refreezing. None of the other alternatives provide acceptable treatment for frostbite. Answer (A), exercising the frozen fingers, will increase tissue damage resulting from movement of the ice crystals. Application of snow (C) and rubbing is only compounding the situation by increasing the cold injury. (A service of your local Air Force recruiter.) * * * * Looking busy has be­ come one of the great talents in government work. Clerk of the Village of Sunnyside • OPEN UTTER TO THE CITIZENS Of THE 3RD WARD Dear Fellow Citizens: In the past several weeks rumors have been circulated throughout the City of McHenry concerning my ability to vote on zoning and real estate matters, which may be brought forth to the City Council. Contrary to these rumors, I DO, I repeat I DO intend to vote on any and all matters pertaining to zoning and real estate mat­ ters, with the exception of any matters where I personally will be drawing a monetary commission. I deem my self a PROFESSIONAL in the real estate business, having been in the business for over 11 V2 years and I would be the most QUALIFIED person sitting on the City Council to vote on zoning and real estate matters. Sincerely, Michael J. Wieser 3rd Ward Aldermanic Candidate