A few thoughts today regarding Mifflin. If you haven't read, Mifflin Block Party is now without an official sponsor.
My first real Mifflin was last year, and my best memory of that day (how many of you can remember your Mifflin?) was chilling on a second-story porch with a few friends, the sun just starting to set, and the music from a band drifting in from across the street and two doors down. The band was playing classic rock, which is far and away my music preference over rap or newer things. We were mostly people watching, and something struck me (not literally).
Nearly every confrontation between an individual and a police officer ended in handcuffs and a nice sit in the Metro Prison Bus. While a great source of entertainment to me, I'm now wondering "why?"
Without sponsorship this year, I'm guessing police presence will be pretty high. High enough where you could probably commit a crime anywhere in Dane County outside of those two blocks on Mifflin, because that's where every cop will be.
Since we don't really want to see the high arrest levels we've seen before, but we don't want to compromise safety, here's an idea: don't end everything with an arrest.
Since 2004, MPD policy has been to arrest first, then either cite the offender or take them to jail or detox, or both. The problem is, that many of these people sit handcuffed in either the Prison Bus or the local precinct while the police file paperwork. It takes forever, because there's not enough manpower to go through all the work. So, a new approach is probably necessary.
I say, cite first. Open intoxicant? You get the booze taken away, and issued a maximum-fine citation right then and there (that's about $500, I think). Since you need to carry that slip on you so you can pay it later, if you get caught again, then you get arrested. Obviously, those who are a danger to themselves or others need to be cuffed immediately.
I think a plan along these lines, a "catch-and-release" so to speak, will work and provide a number of benefits.
1) Students are a little more wary of a major fine, because they often can't afford to pay.
2) Student resentment of police will be lower if fewer arrests are made.
3) Fewer people will be sitting for five or six hours in handcuffs, and those in handcuffs can be processed faster.
Hopefully, something along these lines can create a more peaceful Mifflin Block Party. But I'm not an expert on this topic, so take it for what it's worth.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
What Matters?
So, apparently people read this blog other than myself. That's quite a surprise.
Question: What issues matter to you, as a student, or as a resident of the state of Wisconsin?
Question: What issues matter to you, as a student, or as a resident of the state of Wisconsin?
Monday, April 13, 2009
A Thought on Recent Sigma Chi Developments
As reported in the Badger Herald this evening, Sigma Chi has been suspended pending investigation of an "alleged alcohol related incident."
It's not my place to comment on the investigation, but a lot of commentary on the Herald has actually moved me to establish a comment account on their website (so, no longer will I be 'Anonymous'). I'd like to address some of the general themes of those comments here. It's similar to what I wrote on the Herald site, so pardon me for repeating myself a bit.
"I bet UW was just waiting around for them to fuck up and now they'll punish them very, very harshly."
This is pretty likely. When a fraternity has already gained considerable attention from the the press for alleged law-breaking, the University is going to keep a very close eye on that organization in the hopes that the occurence was a one-and-done. Sigma Chi should not be surpised that they were under the microscope, whether they believed it was just or not.
"How can a group not officially charged with any misconduct get suspended from campus?"
Suspension is not removal. Please recognize the difference. Sigma Chi can't hold events on campus or reserve space on campus property (their house on Langdon is not on campus). So they can't hold ultimate frisbee tournements near the Natatorium, and it would be very unwise for them to hold any social event at their house (even though that power is, I believe, delegated to the Interfraternity Council). Removal is when the University and IFC says, "Game Over." They close the house and disband the chapter. ZBT, in the '80s, was suspended during the investigation into their mock slave auction before it was removed. So, we know that this practice is common when the University is investigating; it's not just because the fraternity in question is Sigma Chi. This is really for their own sake than the University, to protect them from public reactions that may go wrong. Unfortunately for Sigma Chi, it seems like removal may come in due time.
"i think every big frat is in trouble for drinking/partying violations right now."
I'm in no position to say who is and who is not in trouble for violations. But if that allegation (there's that word again) is true, then it may belie a larger problem. Why are Greeks getting in more trouble than other house parties? Is there something different going on at their parties that makes these more attractive to attention? More people? Heavier drinking? Illegal acts? Perhaps an independent investigation, by a third party, is warranted.
"When are these reporters going to learn about some responsible journalism? And when is the deans office going to learn that punishing an organization based on an anonymous accusation isn't just, fair or appropriate?"
I have not seen anything irresponsible in the article in question. It was a pretty clear-cut article of what happened, what the suspension is, a quote from an official involved, and a copy of the UW Communication. Opinions not included. As for anonymous accusations, in a community that is as tight-knit as the Greeks, such anonymous tipsters are necessary when retribution and ostracization from the community are very real possibilities. Anyone reporting a wrongdoing should be protected from reprisal. If they turned out to be flat-out lying, then the University should deal with that person (Thou shalt not bear false witness against they neighbor, no?) I think in this instance anonymity is completely fair and appropriate. As for just, well, we'll have to see what the investigation brings.
"Sigma Chi just raised THOUSANDS of dollars for charity last week. Why is that not news?"
I made reference to this in my comment on the article's webposting. Greeks constantly talk about their charity work. The public expects their fraternities and sororities to raise charity and participate in philanthropic activities because it is a long-standing tradition of those organizations, and frequently used as an enticement to join. Essentially, why would a group doing what we expect them to do be considered news? It'd be like reporting that a power company supplied power to all of their customers today. That's not newsworthy. Now, charity work only becomes newsworthy when a) a HUGE amount is raised, or b) no money is raised. If they raised THOUSANDS of dollars, I ask "exactly how many thousands?" Sigma Chi is a large fraternity on campus, and it would be relatively easy to raise two or three thousand dollars. Raise ten thousand dollars in one day by yourselves, now we're talking news. Like I said, announce that your fraternity is not doing any charity events this year, and watch the reporters flock to your door.
Also, remember, "if it bleeds, it leads." Newspapers get more readers when their stories are about murders and rapes and crimes, not adopting puppies. Sad fact, but the truth.
"Why is it that the BH is rushing to throw this 'article' as front page breaking news when the Cardinal isn't doing so?"
Today's Wisconsin State Journal headline is about a historic building at Mendota Mental Health. The Capital Times headline is not (existant, because they're almost wholly online). Different papers operate on different schedules and in different ways. The Badger Herald clearly puts a lot of weight into making their website very up-to-the-minute and accessible. The Daily Cardinal seems content on duplicating the articles of the day onto their website and only that. It doesn't mean one paper thinks this event is newsworthy more than the other, it merely means that the two papers have different ways of going about things and different priorities. I wager that we'll see the Sigma Chi story on the Cardinal site tomorrow, but it doesn't mean that they care any less or took any more time to actually research the story than the Herald did.
"Since when does a fraternity's alcohol violation deserve to be a top headline?"
Since it's only been a little more than a month that this same fraternity was in the papers facing rape allegations. See my previous points for why it became news.
In summary, I'm hoping that one or both of the papers will cover this investigation closely and keep the readers up to speed on developments. Both papers really dropped the ball regarding the alleged rape, and have provided no new news since that initial week. If people are to understand the entire story, it must be covered from beginning to end. We'll see what happens, but hopefully my thoughts here have covered most of the commentary that we'll probably see on this story.
It's not my place to comment on the investigation, but a lot of commentary on the Herald has actually moved me to establish a comment account on their website (so, no longer will I be 'Anonymous'). I'd like to address some of the general themes of those comments here. It's similar to what I wrote on the Herald site, so pardon me for repeating myself a bit.
"I bet UW was just waiting around for them to fuck up and now they'll punish them very, very harshly."
This is pretty likely. When a fraternity has already gained considerable attention from the the press for alleged law-breaking, the University is going to keep a very close eye on that organization in the hopes that the occurence was a one-and-done. Sigma Chi should not be surpised that they were under the microscope, whether they believed it was just or not.
"How can a group not officially charged with any misconduct get suspended from campus?"
Suspension is not removal. Please recognize the difference. Sigma Chi can't hold events on campus or reserve space on campus property (their house on Langdon is not on campus). So they can't hold ultimate frisbee tournements near the Natatorium, and it would be very unwise for them to hold any social event at their house (even though that power is, I believe, delegated to the Interfraternity Council). Removal is when the University and IFC says, "Game Over." They close the house and disband the chapter. ZBT, in the '80s, was suspended during the investigation into their mock slave auction before it was removed. So, we know that this practice is common when the University is investigating; it's not just because the fraternity in question is Sigma Chi. This is really for their own sake than the University, to protect them from public reactions that may go wrong. Unfortunately for Sigma Chi, it seems like removal may come in due time.
"i think every big frat is in trouble for drinking/partying violations right now."
I'm in no position to say who is and who is not in trouble for violations. But if that allegation (there's that word again) is true, then it may belie a larger problem. Why are Greeks getting in more trouble than other house parties? Is there something different going on at their parties that makes these more attractive to attention? More people? Heavier drinking? Illegal acts? Perhaps an independent investigation, by a third party, is warranted.
"When are these reporters going to learn about some responsible journalism? And when is the deans office going to learn that punishing an organization based on an anonymous accusation isn't just, fair or appropriate?"
I have not seen anything irresponsible in the article in question. It was a pretty clear-cut article of what happened, what the suspension is, a quote from an official involved, and a copy of the UW Communication. Opinions not included. As for anonymous accusations, in a community that is as tight-knit as the Greeks, such anonymous tipsters are necessary when retribution and ostracization from the community are very real possibilities. Anyone reporting a wrongdoing should be protected from reprisal. If they turned out to be flat-out lying, then the University should deal with that person (Thou shalt not bear false witness against they neighbor, no?) I think in this instance anonymity is completely fair and appropriate. As for just, well, we'll have to see what the investigation brings.
"Sigma Chi just raised THOUSANDS of dollars for charity last week. Why is that not news?"
I made reference to this in my comment on the article's webposting. Greeks constantly talk about their charity work. The public expects their fraternities and sororities to raise charity and participate in philanthropic activities because it is a long-standing tradition of those organizations, and frequently used as an enticement to join. Essentially, why would a group doing what we expect them to do be considered news? It'd be like reporting that a power company supplied power to all of their customers today. That's not newsworthy. Now, charity work only becomes newsworthy when a) a HUGE amount is raised, or b) no money is raised. If they raised THOUSANDS of dollars, I ask "exactly how many thousands?" Sigma Chi is a large fraternity on campus, and it would be relatively easy to raise two or three thousand dollars. Raise ten thousand dollars in one day by yourselves, now we're talking news. Like I said, announce that your fraternity is not doing any charity events this year, and watch the reporters flock to your door.
Also, remember, "if it bleeds, it leads." Newspapers get more readers when their stories are about murders and rapes and crimes, not adopting puppies. Sad fact, but the truth.
"Why is it that the BH is rushing to throw this 'article' as front page breaking news when the Cardinal isn't doing so?"
Today's Wisconsin State Journal headline is about a historic building at Mendota Mental Health. The Capital Times headline is not (existant, because they're almost wholly online). Different papers operate on different schedules and in different ways. The Badger Herald clearly puts a lot of weight into making their website very up-to-the-minute and accessible. The Daily Cardinal seems content on duplicating the articles of the day onto their website and only that. It doesn't mean one paper thinks this event is newsworthy more than the other, it merely means that the two papers have different ways of going about things and different priorities. I wager that we'll see the Sigma Chi story on the Cardinal site tomorrow, but it doesn't mean that they care any less or took any more time to actually research the story than the Herald did.
"Since when does a fraternity's alcohol violation deserve to be a top headline?"
Since it's only been a little more than a month that this same fraternity was in the papers facing rape allegations. See my previous points for why it became news.
In summary, I'm hoping that one or both of the papers will cover this investigation closely and keep the readers up to speed on developments. Both papers really dropped the ball regarding the alleged rape, and have provided no new news since that initial week. If people are to understand the entire story, it must be covered from beginning to end. We'll see what happens, but hopefully my thoughts here have covered most of the commentary that we'll probably see on this story.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Paul's Guide to Being an Effective Politician, Part I
Hello, readers, and welcome to the first entry into Paul's Guide to Being an Effective Politician. In these writings, I take what I've learned in my experiences in political campaigns and display it for all to see, like a flasher of intelligence. Except I have a weblog, and not a trenchcoat. So, here we go.
Part I: Debating
The art of debate is millenia old, and the career of many a politician has been made on the answering of questions posed by the electorate. Of course, over the years, it has degraded into a series of softballs responded to by using soundbytes. So, here is a list of recommendations for any wannabe candidate entering a debate. Following these should help establish you as a no-nonsense, effective, and intelligent official.
*Stop thanking the debate locale - We get it, you're glad to be there. You don't have to tell us for a minute how wonderful some campus is, or how lovely some town is, or even that it's great that the audience is there. You're wasting valuble answer time. The campus sucks, the jerkwater town is just that, and the audience is there either because they get class credit, or it's a Tuesday night and nothing is on TV (or they hope they'll get on TV/some are actually interested). Save your thanks for the end.
*Use clear-cut facts as much as possible - Not enough politicians use these. If you're talking about gun control, you should mention that x% of all deaths in Y city are caused by guns. Then, you should cite where that data comes from. As a side note, that data should come from a reputable source, like the FBI or that city's police department, and if the data is printed, where someone can find it (when other people can read the same thing, they tend to believe you). Also, keep the facts as simple as possible. Your opponent can't argue with a percentage, and if he tries, then ask him if he's calling the Police Department a bunch of liars. Which leads to the next point...
*Don't be afraid to call out your opponent - Know as many facts as possible about whatever might be covered in your debate. Politicians will sometimes say really stupid things, things that can't possibly be true. When that happens, call shenanigans (when it's your turn to speak). Rebut their error by using point 2. Make your opponent look like an idiot! And be blunt about it. Don't say "I respectfully disagree..." or "I believe..." Just come out and say it: "You're wrong, Bill. Here's the fact..." or if your opponent flat-out lied, say "That's a lie, Bill." Again, refer to point 2. Real-life example (names changed to protect the innocent/not-so-innocent):
During a television interview between two candidates for a city office (let's call them Bill and Ted), the question of partisanship was raised. Bill claimed his party identification and the endorsements he sought. Ted claimed he was running a nonpartisan campaign and had not sought any endorsement. This, in fact, was a lie. Ted actively sought, and did not receive, the endorsement of a certain political party. Bill should have jumped on this "error" at the earliest possible opportunity.
*Stop being scared of the constituent - Constituents sometimes ask stupid questions. Whatever you do, don't dismiss the question. Answer the question as bluntly as you can. If the constituent attacks you for a decision you made or a policy you stand for, defend yourself and do not apologize. Often, the constituent doesn't have a remote clue about what they're talking about. Remind the constituent of their own obligations to society, how government can't do everything. Parents have to parent, teachers have to teach. Don't hesitate to correct the constituent if they're wrong. Even if they don't agree with you, they'll be glad you answered them truthfully.
If you follow these simple points, I guarantee that you will win a debate, and probably gain the respect of many voters. Stay tuned for more of Paul's Guide to Being an Effective Politician!
Part I: Debating
The art of debate is millenia old, and the career of many a politician has been made on the answering of questions posed by the electorate. Of course, over the years, it has degraded into a series of softballs responded to by using soundbytes. So, here is a list of recommendations for any wannabe candidate entering a debate. Following these should help establish you as a no-nonsense, effective, and intelligent official.
*Stop thanking the debate locale - We get it, you're glad to be there. You don't have to tell us for a minute how wonderful some campus is, or how lovely some town is, or even that it's great that the audience is there. You're wasting valuble answer time. The campus sucks, the jerkwater town is just that, and the audience is there either because they get class credit, or it's a Tuesday night and nothing is on TV (or they hope they'll get on TV/some are actually interested). Save your thanks for the end.
*Use clear-cut facts as much as possible - Not enough politicians use these. If you're talking about gun control, you should mention that x% of all deaths in Y city are caused by guns. Then, you should cite where that data comes from. As a side note, that data should come from a reputable source, like the FBI or that city's police department, and if the data is printed, where someone can find it (when other people can read the same thing, they tend to believe you). Also, keep the facts as simple as possible. Your opponent can't argue with a percentage, and if he tries, then ask him if he's calling the Police Department a bunch of liars. Which leads to the next point...
*Don't be afraid to call out your opponent - Know as many facts as possible about whatever might be covered in your debate. Politicians will sometimes say really stupid things, things that can't possibly be true. When that happens, call shenanigans (when it's your turn to speak). Rebut their error by using point 2. Make your opponent look like an idiot! And be blunt about it. Don't say "I respectfully disagree..." or "I believe..." Just come out and say it: "You're wrong, Bill. Here's the fact..." or if your opponent flat-out lied, say "That's a lie, Bill." Again, refer to point 2. Real-life example (names changed to protect the innocent/not-so-innocent):
During a television interview between two candidates for a city office (let's call them Bill and Ted), the question of partisanship was raised. Bill claimed his party identification and the endorsements he sought. Ted claimed he was running a nonpartisan campaign and had not sought any endorsement. This, in fact, was a lie. Ted actively sought, and did not receive, the endorsement of a certain political party. Bill should have jumped on this "error" at the earliest possible opportunity.
*Stop being scared of the constituent - Constituents sometimes ask stupid questions. Whatever you do, don't dismiss the question. Answer the question as bluntly as you can. If the constituent attacks you for a decision you made or a policy you stand for, defend yourself and do not apologize. Often, the constituent doesn't have a remote clue about what they're talking about. Remind the constituent of their own obligations to society, how government can't do everything. Parents have to parent, teachers have to teach. Don't hesitate to correct the constituent if they're wrong. Even if they don't agree with you, they'll be glad you answered them truthfully.
If you follow these simple points, I guarantee that you will win a debate, and probably gain the respect of many voters. Stay tuned for more of Paul's Guide to Being an Effective Politician!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
In Adhevo Veritas: Originally Published March 7, 2009
There's an old saying, "in vino veritas" - in wine, there is truth. I believe in the saying, "in adhevo veritas." In comedy, there is truth. This past Friday, Bill Maher issued a new rule entitled "Boy Blunder," discussing the ridiculousness of Republicans attacking "big government." I've copied the routine below for all to enjoy and think about.
Republicans must stop pitting the American people against the government. Now last week we heard a speech from future Republican leader and present awkward douchebag Bobby Jindal. Now, Bobby said that government is lame, but Americans can do anything. And he kept repeating it. Americans can do anything. Americans can do anything. And then he clicked his heels and poof- there was just a cobra! I kid, Bobby, oh please! He's actually quite charming in a Revenge-of-the-Nerds sort of way. And he began his speech last week with a story every immigrant tells about going to an American grocery store for the first time and being overwhelmed with the endless variety on the shelves. And this was just a 7-11, wait 'til he sees a Safeway! (You're wounded, I know. I'll make it up to you after the show).
The thing is that endless variety only exists because Americans pay taxes to a government, which maintains roads, irrigates fields, maintains the electric grid, and everything else that enables the modern American supermarket to carry forty-seven varieties of frozen breakfast pastry. Of course it's easy to tear government down. Ronald Reagan used to say the nine most terrifying words in the English language were, "I am from the government and I'm here to help." But that was before, "I am Sarah Palin, now show me the launch codes."
You know the stimulus package was attacked as typical "tax-and-spend." You know, like repairing bridges is typical left-wing stuff. "Ooh, there the liberals go again, always wanting to get across the river!" Folks, the People are the government. The first responders to a fire, that's the government. The ranger who shoos pedophiles out of the park restroom, that's the government. The postman who delivers your porn. I mean, how stupid is it when people say, "Oh yeah, that's all we need- the federal government telling Detroit how to make cars and Wells Fargo how to run a bank. You want them to look like the post office?"
Yeah, actually. I mean...You mean the place that takes the note in my hand in L.A. on Monday and gives it to my sister in New Jersey on Wednesday for forty-two cents? Well let me be the first to say I would be thrilled if America's healthcare system was anywhere near as functional as the post office. Truth is, recent years have made me much more wary of government doing the opposite, of stepping aside and letting unregulated private enterprise run things it is plainly too greedy to trust with, like Wall Street, like rebuilding Iraq. Like the way Republicans always frame the healthcare debate by saying, "healthcare decisions should be made by doctors and patients, not government bureaucrats," leaving out the fact that health decisions aren't made by doctors, patients, or bureaucrats. They're made by insurance companies. Insurance companies, which are a lot like hospital gowns- chances are, your ass isn't covered.
All right, thank you folks.
Republicans must stop pitting the American people against the government. Now last week we heard a speech from future Republican leader and present awkward douchebag Bobby Jindal. Now, Bobby said that government is lame, but Americans can do anything. And he kept repeating it. Americans can do anything. Americans can do anything. And then he clicked his heels and poof- there was just a cobra! I kid, Bobby, oh please! He's actually quite charming in a Revenge-of-the-Nerds sort of way. And he began his speech last week with a story every immigrant tells about going to an American grocery store for the first time and being overwhelmed with the endless variety on the shelves. And this was just a 7-11, wait 'til he sees a Safeway! (You're wounded, I know. I'll make it up to you after the show).
The thing is that endless variety only exists because Americans pay taxes to a government, which maintains roads, irrigates fields, maintains the electric grid, and everything else that enables the modern American supermarket to carry forty-seven varieties of frozen breakfast pastry. Of course it's easy to tear government down. Ronald Reagan used to say the nine most terrifying words in the English language were, "I am from the government and I'm here to help." But that was before, "I am Sarah Palin, now show me the launch codes."
You know the stimulus package was attacked as typical "tax-and-spend." You know, like repairing bridges is typical left-wing stuff. "Ooh, there the liberals go again, always wanting to get across the river!" Folks, the People are the government. The first responders to a fire, that's the government. The ranger who shoos pedophiles out of the park restroom, that's the government. The postman who delivers your porn. I mean, how stupid is it when people say, "Oh yeah, that's all we need- the federal government telling Detroit how to make cars and Wells Fargo how to run a bank. You want them to look like the post office?"
Yeah, actually. I mean...You mean the place that takes the note in my hand in L.A. on Monday and gives it to my sister in New Jersey on Wednesday for forty-two cents? Well let me be the first to say I would be thrilled if America's healthcare system was anywhere near as functional as the post office. Truth is, recent years have made me much more wary of government doing the opposite, of stepping aside and letting unregulated private enterprise run things it is plainly too greedy to trust with, like Wall Street, like rebuilding Iraq. Like the way Republicans always frame the healthcare debate by saying, "healthcare decisions should be made by doctors and patients, not government bureaucrats," leaving out the fact that health decisions aren't made by doctors, patients, or bureaucrats. They're made by insurance companies. Insurance companies, which are a lot like hospital gowns- chances are, your ass isn't covered.
All right, thank you folks.
Stimulus plan benefits collegiate ambitions: Originally Published February 26, 2009
College Democrats highly encourage college students to take advantage of the extra funds the stimulus plan provides for College programs.
The recent passage and signature into law of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 signifies a movement in the right direction for our nation. Our country is taking the first step to rebuild our economy, revitalize our financial system and restore faith in the American promise. Although the ARRA’s passing took place with much struggle between Democrats and Republicans, with the law now in effect, it is our responsibility as American citizens, and as the next generation of political leaders, to make the most of the stimulus act.
As students, we have a special place in ARRA. Although national politics does not always directly effect students on the UW-Madison campus, the ARRA will have a direct and positive impact on UW students, especially those from lower-income families. ARRA will provide monetary resources for students pursuing any field of study by increasing the maximum Pell Grant by $500. Furthermore, it will provide an additional $100 million to higher education.
Agriculture students will benefit from over $200 million for infrastructure, grants and programs. Ecology majors will be pleased to learn over $1.6 billion will be spent on a range of ecological programs, including the Forest Service, the National Park System and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife program. The National Science Foundation will receive $2.5 billion for research and related activities, $200 million of which goes directly to modernize academic facilities and an additional $500 million for research equipment and educational resources. History majors like me should be giddy over the $15 million going toward the National Park Service historic preservation fund and $25 million toward Smithsonian facilities.
Perhaps the real winners are engineering students, who will see hundreds of billions of dollars going toward construction in all departments, including energy research, geological surveys, health-care updates and research funding. Civil, electrical, biomedical, mechanical and other engineers will find an almost inconceivable bevy of projects and opportunities in the coming years, as America works to revamp its infrastructure and revitalize the economy.
Despite the grave situation and difficult economic times in which we find ourselves, we students must adopt a proactive approach if we are to take full advantage of the stimulus package. We need to talk to our professors, our employers and our state representatives and tell them our ideas. If the past presidential election has taught us anything, it is that young people and students must become involved on more than simply a cursory level and that real engagement begins—not ends—in the voting booth.
The stimulus package is not so much a tool to stimulate the economy, but a catalyst, a means of inspiration, for propelling the American people into taking action and making our country better. The time for waiting for someone else to do it is over. We have to be the change we seek. Come check out the College Democrats’ Facebook group or attend a meeting and learn how to become more involved in your local community.
(Post-Fact: For the record, I hate the second to last sentence. I find it really overused and incredibly corny.)
The recent passage and signature into law of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 signifies a movement in the right direction for our nation. Our country is taking the first step to rebuild our economy, revitalize our financial system and restore faith in the American promise. Although the ARRA’s passing took place with much struggle between Democrats and Republicans, with the law now in effect, it is our responsibility as American citizens, and as the next generation of political leaders, to make the most of the stimulus act.
As students, we have a special place in ARRA. Although national politics does not always directly effect students on the UW-Madison campus, the ARRA will have a direct and positive impact on UW students, especially those from lower-income families. ARRA will provide monetary resources for students pursuing any field of study by increasing the maximum Pell Grant by $500. Furthermore, it will provide an additional $100 million to higher education.
Agriculture students will benefit from over $200 million for infrastructure, grants and programs. Ecology majors will be pleased to learn over $1.6 billion will be spent on a range of ecological programs, including the Forest Service, the National Park System and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife program. The National Science Foundation will receive $2.5 billion for research and related activities, $200 million of which goes directly to modernize academic facilities and an additional $500 million for research equipment and educational resources. History majors like me should be giddy over the $15 million going toward the National Park Service historic preservation fund and $25 million toward Smithsonian facilities.
Perhaps the real winners are engineering students, who will see hundreds of billions of dollars going toward construction in all departments, including energy research, geological surveys, health-care updates and research funding. Civil, electrical, biomedical, mechanical and other engineers will find an almost inconceivable bevy of projects and opportunities in the coming years, as America works to revamp its infrastructure and revitalize the economy.
Despite the grave situation and difficult economic times in which we find ourselves, we students must adopt a proactive approach if we are to take full advantage of the stimulus package. We need to talk to our professors, our employers and our state representatives and tell them our ideas. If the past presidential election has taught us anything, it is that young people and students must become involved on more than simply a cursory level and that real engagement begins—not ends—in the voting booth.
The stimulus package is not so much a tool to stimulate the economy, but a catalyst, a means of inspiration, for propelling the American people into taking action and making our country better. The time for waiting for someone else to do it is over. We have to be the change we seek. Come check out the College Democrats’ Facebook group or attend a meeting and learn how to become more involved in your local community.
(Post-Fact: For the record, I hate the second to last sentence. I find it really overused and incredibly corny.)
Congress must set aside differences, solve crisis: Originally Published October 2, 2008
Congress must pass solution to economic crisis before it hits Main Street
On Monday, the Dow Jones experienced its worst drop in history, plummeting 777 points. This freefall was the result of the failure of the “Bailout Bill” in the House of Representatives. Although there were various problems with this bill, there was an understanding between Democrats and Republicans that inaction was far more disastrous for the stock market and the economy at large. Especially disappointing were the spiteful partisan attacks that came from both sides and the representatives who voted based on their re-election odds.
Let me be clear, I am a strong Democrat, but I believe both sides are at fault for the economic crisis. Congress has become increasingly divisive since 1994. While that might make for exciting elections, it is horrible for the American people. Now is the time for Democrats and Republicans to come together and find a true compromise that assists financial institutions, but also provides strong oversight and protection for the average citizen. The era of deregulation and the golden parachute must end, and our representatives need to understand that concept.
Deregulation, which began in the 1990s and continued through the second Bush administration, allowed corporations to take irresponsible actions in the name of profit, which ultimately harmed both the businesses and the public. Deregulation is short sighted and is ultimately bad for the economy and the country.
We must also limit the golden parachute, which is an agreement between a company and executives specifying benefits the executive will get if fired. While there are positives to the contract, mostly dealing with job retention and company takeover, the parachute can be exploited. For example, Carly Fiorina was CEO and chairperson of Hewlett-Packard. During her tenure, HP’s performance plummeted and thousands of employees lost their jobs. As a reward, Fiorina was given a $21-million severance deal. Executives who send companies into ruin should never receive these ridiculously lucrative deals while other employees lose their jobs.
If these large banks and financial institutions fail, there will be enormous ramifications for Main Street. People with a pension, a 401(k), or stocks will suffer. Local banks will go under and be bought by larger companies. Even the holiday season may be in danger as consumer confidence continues to drop and many stores may suffer as a result.
What’s worse, now the majority of banking transactions are overseen by three companies: Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup. Should anything happen to one of these companies, it could be disastrous for the millions of people with savings accounts, checking accounts, loans or college funds.
If these economic woes continue without Congressional intervention, it will be Main Street, not Wall Street that will pay the price. We need to tell our elected officials that we are sick and tired of waiting for a solution. Congress needed to act yesterday to solve the economic crisis, but if they don’t act today, we can’t expect much of a tomorrow.
On Monday, the Dow Jones experienced its worst drop in history, plummeting 777 points. This freefall was the result of the failure of the “Bailout Bill” in the House of Representatives. Although there were various problems with this bill, there was an understanding between Democrats and Republicans that inaction was far more disastrous for the stock market and the economy at large. Especially disappointing were the spiteful partisan attacks that came from both sides and the representatives who voted based on their re-election odds.
Let me be clear, I am a strong Democrat, but I believe both sides are at fault for the economic crisis. Congress has become increasingly divisive since 1994. While that might make for exciting elections, it is horrible for the American people. Now is the time for Democrats and Republicans to come together and find a true compromise that assists financial institutions, but also provides strong oversight and protection for the average citizen. The era of deregulation and the golden parachute must end, and our representatives need to understand that concept.
Deregulation, which began in the 1990s and continued through the second Bush administration, allowed corporations to take irresponsible actions in the name of profit, which ultimately harmed both the businesses and the public. Deregulation is short sighted and is ultimately bad for the economy and the country.
We must also limit the golden parachute, which is an agreement between a company and executives specifying benefits the executive will get if fired. While there are positives to the contract, mostly dealing with job retention and company takeover, the parachute can be exploited. For example, Carly Fiorina was CEO and chairperson of Hewlett-Packard. During her tenure, HP’s performance plummeted and thousands of employees lost their jobs. As a reward, Fiorina was given a $21-million severance deal. Executives who send companies into ruin should never receive these ridiculously lucrative deals while other employees lose their jobs.
If these large banks and financial institutions fail, there will be enormous ramifications for Main Street. People with a pension, a 401(k), or stocks will suffer. Local banks will go under and be bought by larger companies. Even the holiday season may be in danger as consumer confidence continues to drop and many stores may suffer as a result.
What’s worse, now the majority of banking transactions are overseen by three companies: Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup. Should anything happen to one of these companies, it could be disastrous for the millions of people with savings accounts, checking accounts, loans or college funds.
If these economic woes continue without Congressional intervention, it will be Main Street, not Wall Street that will pay the price. We need to tell our elected officials that we are sick and tired of waiting for a solution. Congress needed to act yesterday to solve the economic crisis, but if they don’t act today, we can’t expect much of a tomorrow.
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