Editorial: U. can be center of attention

Penn should begin most of its National Constitution Center programs this coming semester. First of all, officials have yet to even think of starting construction on the combination museum and academic center. With the ground-breaking scheduled for Sept. 17, 2000, completion won't happen until well into the next decade. The University should start some of its programming before that so current students can partake in the educational opportunities. The new constitutional law journal, then, is a terrific start, and other projects may begin almost immediately. For instance, the agreement calls for the University to maintain the center's World Wide Web site. Will there even be such a thing as the Web in, say, five years? The center, to be built two blocks north of Independence Hall, has the potential to be a top tourist and educational attraction, but only if it's constructed on schedule. The University's job now is to maintain student and public interest in the years before the center opens. If Penn accomplishes that, it will have held up its end of the deal -- and then some.