September 4, 1985

              Saratoga Springs, New York 
The Skidmore News 
Volume 69	Wednesday September 4th		Number 1



South Africa, No Satisfaction?
by Dan Hall
  
Many observers of the recent events in the South African crisis, have been tempted to assert that it represents the same U.S. policy conflicts which exist in other world trouble spots. However, there are many features of South Africa which make the issue even more confusing and tragic than other recent conflict situations. Unlike the Central American situation, American policy is confronted with a system in which modern legal and social structures, and a market economy are juxtapositioned next to the oldest and crudest form of collectivism embodied in Apartheid’s policy of racism.
  
With growing violent protest and increased white stubbornness in South Africa, the United States once again finds itself caught in the middle of opposing sides and extreme views. As with central America, U.S. policy is presented with a situation which bring conflict between the goals of National Security, and the promotion or preservation of the socio-political beliefs of our free society.
  
In Central America, while trying to avoid potentially harmful anti-Western influence, U.S. policy finds it difficult or impossible to cultivate the civil and individual rights which are necessary to any free nation. Thus the United States finds itself facing the question of whether or not to support a clear anticommunist ally, who does not support a rational code of liberty and freedom.
  
If the situation in Central America creates conflict, the South Africa question is even more difficult. From the prospective of U.S. National Security, South Africa is a strong, pro-Western industrialized nation, with strategic resources located in a strategic part of the African continent. From the viewpoint of free world ideals, South Africa is a modern republic, with a productive industrial capacity, and a parliamentary electoral system for the white minority. Also, taken on the whole, South Africa’s human rights record compares favorably with many other African states which enjoy “majority”rule. At the same time South Africa’s blatant and despicable system of racial separation, based solely on the classification of skin color, headlines that Republic as the most drastic example of what Americans have struggled with at home.
  
To make this situation worse, the alternatives for resolving the conflict are narrowing. The unrelenting stubbornness of the minority Boers (the descendants of original Dutch settlers) is met by the increasing chance of a violent overthrow of Apartheid, and the risk of a political vacuum which could be filled by radical or pro-

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Food, Fun & Ferns: What’s What DT
by Alfred Stevens

Bored of counting fly carcasses in your room? Why not go downtown and have some fun? New here, you say? We understand ... please read on.

Many of the local restaurants serve complete multi-course dinners at reasonable prices. Well, at least this is their goal. Lillians, unlike the Ramada Renaissance Hotel, understands this concept quite well. The service and food are tops here thus becoming a fixture of Saratoga nightlife, as much as ferns have become cliche items of interior decorating. The prime rib would be a good choice here. Professor Moriarty’s, next door up Broadway, has an antique English theme drawn from A. Conan Doyle. Many of the props are actually for sale. The dining room is a bit small and the food is for the most part boring but good. The Saratoga Trading Co. is a large and popular place for eating and drinking. The menu specials are usually be best bet. This is another one of those places where ferns are collected like stray cats are collected by insane old widows.
  
For Chinese food go to Lotus East on South Broadway. Like any good Chinese restaurants, the waiters have accents and there is a column A and a column B. Perhaps some Mexican food to disturb the stomach. Although actually American-Mexican, Margaritas on Broadway is colorful and fun especially after a few of those nasty tequila concoctions. For excellent northern Italian food in a quiet setting, head to The Manna Inn on Phila Street. The intimate dining room is for the most part candlelit, providing a romantic tone for the meal. The restaurant is family run and thus results in the food receiving the utmost in attention. Similar in atmosphere is the Court Street Bistro. The food here is more in the vein of nouvelle cuisine. The walls provide gallery space for the works of artists the proprietors have taken a liking to. Although the dinners here are certainly tasty, the Court Street Bistro is more famous for its brunches featuring specials such as fresh made champagne sausage or allspice pancakes.
  
Mother Goldsmith’s on Phila Street is another restaurant known for their brunch. The buffet of fresh biscuits, danish, hashbrowns and other brunchish type things is the main attraction. This is not the place to go if style and flash are one of your priorities, but if simple good food at a nice price provides satisfaction then Mother Goldsmith’s is for you. Sunday brunch! Did someone say Sunday brunch? Oh yes, we cannot forget Mrs. London’s. This legendary Saratoga landmark is a bakery and cafe on Phila Street. Their pastry chef emmigrated from some European country: Germany, France, Austria, one of those places over there famous for pastry. Wherever he is from does not matter, its what he produces that has caused the New York Times to call the place the best bakery on the East Coast. The cafe menu has a continental flavor, but do not expect to take advantage of a favorable exchange rate for this little bit of Europe in Saratoga.
  
Lighter or late night fare is common in Saratoga. For late night munchies, a stop at Madame Jumel’s is one option. Madame’s place is famous for its full-sized bloody marys. Their potato skins are good fodder for a hungry student. Also on Caroline Street sits Sperry’s. Here can be found the best martinis in town. Not as if there were much to a martini, but they just taste better here. The atmosphere in Sperry’s is casual and a bit quieter, probably since the clientele is relishing the good food. Up the street is Gaffney’s. The best thing about this establishment is its buffalo-style chicken wings. The Olde Bryan Inn at the far end of the Ramada’s parking lot welcomes folks who just wish to have drinks and a little something to pick at. Do not be afraid to try some of the more hearty items on the menu because the food in general is quite above average. The building helps the conversation along by being one of the oldest structures in the city. The Parting Glass is a bar/restaurant that in addition to its sandwiches and Italian food has Guiness stout on tap and an extensive selection of bottle beers. The Glass draws those who wear sweaters for definition of their character rather than as warm clothing. If ice cream is your craving, trot on over to Ben and Jerry’s. They offer a full selection of hip and belly thickening flavors. Once we are now operating on a full stomach, bar hopping can be encouraged.
  
First thing one must consider the day of the week. If it is Tuesday Tin and Lint (T&L) is where to head, follow the crowd and wait in line. Two dollars at the door will provide all the beer one can drink. T&L is a typical college bar with the requisite signs of dubious provenance. Wednesdays provide
      
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President Welcomes Freshmen

[photograph]

Dear Freshmen:

Welcome to Skidmore! A very special welcome to you, the 20th freshman class I’ve had the pleasure of greeting since I myself came to Skidmore in 1965 as a freshman college president.
  
I know the adjustments you’re going through right now and I sympathize. A few weeks ago, an interviewer from a local newspaper, obviously mesmerized by the mere fact of my 20-year tenure, asked whether I’ve ever gotten bored. No, I replied, somewhat surprised. I simply haven’t had time. Neither, in the course of your settling in, will you.
  
In the past two decades, Skidmore has undergone many changes. The Class of 1969, all female of course—coeducation, like our Phi Beta Kappa chapter, wouldn’t become a reality until 1971 — moved their books, bicycles, luggage onto a downtown campus of remodeled Victorian mansions, stables and boarding houses centered for the most part around Union Avenue. You’ll come to know and love that area. A charming campus it was, but functionally outmoded and much too small.
  
Four years previously, the Trustees had accepted the gift of the 650-acre plot on which this beautiful Jonsson Campus, 43 buildings strong and still growing, now stands. But only one of those buildings, the Lodge, had yet been completed. Some, the Computer and the Sports centers among them, hadn’t even been dreamed of in the original plans.
  
Enough of looking back! You have joined Skidmore at one of the most exciting times in its history. And as the first class to enter college under that product of three years of faculty debate and decision, the New Curriculum, you will be making academic history as well as inheriting it.
  
The meaning of your college experience will be a highly individual matter, but a few comments on my own perspective of Skidmore might be helpful. Though education is our business, we choose to interpret the term liberally, asking each of you to question the educational process itself as part of your education. Socrates wrote: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Equally, we believe at Skidmore, that the unexamined education is not worth enduring. If you are to achieve our goals for you—to grow your own values and commitments rather than have them handed to you—then you must participate actively in your education.
   
I also urge you to become actively involved in your Skidmore community. There are places for you in our co-curricular programs and in college governance if you choose to take them. Participation in college affairs can be a significant part of your preparation for life in the larger society. These are challenging times. Now is the time to prepare for those challenges and for lives of sustained growth and renewal.
     
Sincerely, 
Joseph C. Palamountain, Jr.
President




Inside:
     
S. African Investment p.4

New Curriculum reviewed p.3

IRS To Nab Loan Defaulters p.8 
plus 
Doonesbury 
Bloom County 
The Far Side