Editing 78-02-B5 (section)

=== Transcript ===
I'm sure it won't come as a surprise to you that I've found another example
of over-regulation by government. This time, however, the federal colossus
gets a breather. Today's incident is of local doing.

Just suppose you lived in a modern up-to-date city such as Chicago. You
survive the rush hour traffic, pull into your garage and find it has become the
lodging place for me of our little wild friends--the furry kind, black with a
white stripe down its back.

Well, this happened to a fellow named Bill Stanton who figured the arrangement
involved a certain amount of incompatibility. He called the police, but it seems
this was out of their regular line of work. For some reason the animal welfare
department couldn't help him nor could the local zoo. The department of 
conservation it seems, stops short of conserving skunks and the dog catcher wasn't
having any either.

Left to his own resources Bill, in good old pioneer style bought a trap and
caught the skunk. He also caught the attention (finally) of the police, the local
zoo, the animal welfare department and the department of conservation. I think
the dog catcher continued to mind his own business.

But the others charged him with illegally bringing a trap into Chicago, with
illegal use of a trap in Chicago and with illegal use of a trap without a license
in Chicago. Collectively, they have informed him that it is illegal to keep a
skunk in captivity, illegal to let it go (it might have rabies) and it's illegal
to kill it. Still, none of the agencies bringing the charges will take it off
his hands. Bill Stanton feels a little put upon. It's also hard for him to put
the problem out of his mind (skunks have a way of reminding you they are still
around).

Well, here is another item, and I'm indebted to National Review for it.
It's one of those things you just knew had to happen in today's climate. A Ms.
Ludtke, reporter for Sports Illustrated is suing the New York Yankees, the
American League, the baseball commissioner and the City of New York (as if the
Big Apple didn't have enough troubles). It seems she's been barred from the
New York Yankees dressing room which means she doesn't have the same sports
reporting rights the male reporters have. And, of course, she is barred simply
because of her sex. Or maybe it's because of the ball player's sex.

I have one suggestion. Why don't they grant her permission, then tell the
ball players' wives what they've done and see if she could make it as far as
the locker room door?

Footnote on another subject; The U. N. has censured Israel for trading with
South Africa -- $50 million worth. Thirteen of the African nations that joined
in voting for censure do $1½ bill ion trade with South Africa. 

This is Ronald Reagan.

Thanks for listening.
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