c 5 Discusses Malcolm X by Matt Wilk revolutionary. Though he asserted that whether the film's $40 million budget reasoned argument. In between these Before a crowd of approximately 150 both Malcolm and Guevara "died in the could have been put toward more ben- blurbs of radicalism, however, Kelley people in Rackham Assembly Hall, the full splendor of revolution," he failed to eficial ends. Such a sum certainly could brought to light an important concern Center for Afro-American and African detail how and when their respective fund vast amounts of vocational training about the movie - that Lee did not ex- Studies (CAAS) last Friday held a "revolutions" took place. Such ambigu and numerous scholarships for minori- pose the whole Malcolm for public view. roundtable discuS8ion on the film Malcolm ity detracted· from what could have been ties with limited access to educational Asserting that the movie should be X. The panel featured seven speakers a fascinating analogy. resources. Investing money in such pro- praised, not nitpicked, Jaarni Mohammed who gathered to discuss both Malcolm X Laurita Kaigler, the second speaker, grams rather than a movie might have opposed Harris and Kelley. After start- the film and Malcolm X the possessed perhaps the been a more cretain, not to mention more ing his speech with praises of Allah, man, and for anyone with greatest potential to add palpable means of achieving Lee's ap- Mohammed commended Lee for mak- enough patience to sift substantial insight to the parently ultimate ends. ing the movie. In the next 15 minutes, through the radical rheto discussion of the film, since James Chaffers, a U-M professor in Mohammed raised both his voice and ric that characterized the she had served as an intern CAAS and Architecture, spoke next. Al- the intensity of his criticism of those who discussion, the panel for Forty Acres and a Mule though he appeared to have some diffi- attack either the movie or its mclker. brought to light an interesting conflict Productions (Spike Lee's film company) culty articulating his thoughts, Chaffers_. ..--'-- The roundtable discussion as a whole between those who believe that the film during the filming of Malcolm X. She made it clear through his effuse praise of was poorly managed. Speakers had to should be celebrated, and those who think began by commending Lee's ability to Lee that he had been inspired by the film. stand and voice their comments loudly otherWise. motivate and manage the thousands of He ended his speech with the assertion for lack of microphones, and at one po,int Craig Watkins, a U-M graduate in people who worked on the film, and later that "being a radical means to be at the the discussion had to be stopped so people sociology who served as moderator, offered her insight into the trouble that heart or essence of things," a sentiment who arrived late' could find places to guided the panel by outlining discussion stand. . themes which included the organization The discussion itself was not as free of a "narrative" on the film, an analYSis of On reflection, one might question whether the film's $40 . and open as Watkins had hoped, either. production aspects of the film, a debate million budget could have been put toward more beneficial Although the serrunar was intended to over the commodification of Malcolm X, develop into an active discussion with and a re-thinkingof who X really was. ends. Such a sum certainly could fund vast amounts of the audience, the' few questions asked Although not all of the speakers lim vocational training and numerous scholarships for were factual in nature and did not spark ited their remarks to these topics, they minorities with limited access to educational resources. any debate. Despite these deficiencies, did present two schools of thought about however, the panel did manage to pro th e movie. While some felt that Malcolm vided an interesting analysis 'of the X, in order to be considered historical, Lee encountered in obtaining sufficient he did not bother to explain. Malcolm X phenomenon. should be criticized in the same manner funding to produce the film. Duchess Harris, a graduate student that other movies are criticized, others During the filming of Malcolm X, she who is devoting her dissertation to a Matt Wilk is a junior in political science felt it should be praised unquestionably explained, Lee found it difficult to secure comparison between Malcolm X and Alex and a staff writer for the Review. as a triumph of black ,culture. the $40 million necessary to cover his Haley's Autobiography of Malcolm X, be The first speaker, Robert Chrisman, production costs. After exhausting his gan her criticism of the film by noting its a lecturer in both the English Depart allowance from Warner Brothers, he ap deletion and/ or alteration of some of the ment and CAAS at the U-M, began his proached and received funds from a bond female characters in the book. She felt diatribe by proclaiming the movie a "re company, but that alone was not suffi that Lee may have white-washed the markable achievement." He also noted cient to cover the remainder of his costs. negativity of Malcolm's misogyny As a result, through a less-than-verist cinematic por Lee was trayal. Neither Harris nor her fellow pan Duchess Harris felt that Lee may have white forced to elists, however, addressed the criticism washed the negativity of Malcolm's misogyny dip into his that some of Malcolm's comments and through a less-than-verist cinematic portrayal. ow npo c ideas - both those presented in the movie ket. When it and those which Lee chose to omit - ~-----,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,," becameevi may be construed as racist or anti-Semitic. that the film seemed to possess a Chris dent that even personal funding would The discussion took on a decidedly New Music Guide tian sub-text, although in terms of reli not suffice, he solicited funding from propagandistic tone when U-M CAAS gious content, it dealt with Malcolm's wealthy members of the entertainment Professor Robin Kelley spoke. Kelley Gov't Gridlock conversion to Islam. community, including Michael Jackson, mixed legitimate questions about the Chrisman then began a tangential Michael Jordan and Bill Cosby, and was movie with questionable allegations that I Bauhaus Reunion? 7 explanation of the assertion that Malcolm finally able to obtain the required finan capitalism, wage labor, and democracy I was a "brother in revolution~' to Che cial backing. . are undesirable, none of which he appar- I Crusty's Comer 8 Guevara, a Latin American communist On reflection, one might question ently found necessary to support with I t ",--<-, >,- " " -~-.- , ,.,,~~ .. -,-.~- - ,, ,,~--,.-~ .,, - ~,,, ~~
,.' .. ,...... ".,.,.,. ,-~-"'... ,.I'.~ ~ < -'" , "'''''' ,,_ _ ,_ _ _ .,__ ___ .-,._._ 2 THE MICHIGAN REVIEW December 9, 1992
. ~ THE Serpent's Tootli -,' MICIDGAN REVIEW
"One thing I've learned as a university owner of Slutco. You decide. Madonna play dumb; C) They claim there never The Campus Affairs Journal president is my political views tend to added that Bush is a "bigoted, narrow would be starving P 'ople in Somalia if it of the take a sort of chameleon-tone," U-M minded fascist." The U-M obviously weren't for Rea&an; D) They neglect to University of Michigan President James J. Duderstadt recently taught her well. answer the question altogether; or E) All remarked. What a coincidence! Bill of the above. Clinton is discovering the same thing! Media harlot Magic Johnson is trying to We are the Establishment sell his $6 million Beverly Hills home in Top ten "sound" liberal arguments: Anyone interested in establishing an or order to buy anew one. According to his 10 Everything is relative, unless it both Editor-in-Chief Adam DeVore ganization called CHAP AC (Constitu real estate broker, Barbara Robinson, "He ers me, in which case it should be tional Harassment Awareness, Preven just needs a little more space, bedroom banned. Publisher Karen S. Brinkman tion, and Advisory Center)? We could wise." Silly us. We thought he already 9 That's so callous! This is about people, militantly decry the blatant disregard for learned his lesson. not money. Executive Editors Andrew Bockelman our constitutional rights demonstrated 8 That isn't fair. Don't blame the victim. Joe Coletti Tony Ghecea by Vice President for Student Services Who says Democrats love government 7 You're examining the problem from Maureen Hartford and six of the regents. red tape? We've just been told that Slick an overly-academic perspective. Contributing EditorS Beth Martin But then again, this is the U-M. They Willie has already reduced the Internal 6 You're not qualified to comment. . Jay D. McNeill would probably pander to us by creating Revenue Service's Form 1040 for income You're a part of the power structure. Tracy Robinson a new office, like the Dean of Students taxes to two steps. First, write in how S Can't you reactionaries think of any Stacey L Walk~r Harassed by Irreverence for Truth. much money you made last year. Then thing else to talk about? all you have to do is send it all in. 4 You have no right to be upset over Music Editor Chris Peters Here's a ponderous question: Once stu (program.in question) since society Literary Editor Adam Garagiola Graphics Editor Will Ryan dents are prosecuted under the State Question: What do military-loathing lib has an obligation to help (group in ment of Student Rights and ResponSibili erals do when the military is used for a question). Assistant Editors Ryan Boeskool ties, and after they crush the U-M in beneficent purpose like helping to feed 3 You conservatives just don't get it. Brian Schefke court, can we call them "survivors" of the starving people of Somalia? 2 Cmon. It just seems right! Constitutional Harassment? If we had Options: A) They pull a Clinton; B) They 1 You are racist, sexist, homophobic,... ' ·'-'· Copy Editor Shannon Pfent CHAPAC, we probably could. And we MTS Meister Doug Thiese could also have a "Take Back the Bill of Systems Analyst Mitch Rohde Rights" march across campus, too. And Regents Deane Baker and Veronica Latta \"wtaS TWD wc:;:~ Business Assistants Peter Daugavietis Smith could be keynote speakers for the BE:~ CJ.\- C2.\5\I'YV~<;' ) Chet Zarko kickoff of Constitutional Harassment '.." r\E:!-1 \ \-\- Pt D 1 0 ~ AVE Week ... Staff Eddie Amer, Eric Berg, Michele Brogley, Jerry Movie star Michael "My .ability to act is Czarnecki, Erica De Santis, James E. Elek, Joe almost as good as my ability to reason" Epstein, Frank Grabowski, Nate Jamison, Ken Johnston, Eric Lepard, Mary the Cat, Bud Douglas was quoted in USA Today as Muncher, Crusty Muncher, Dave Perczak, saying, i') personally take offense at the Drew Peters, Renee Rudnicki, 15 Taylor, Perry Republican approach of 'family values."' Thompson, Corey Tobin, Martin VIoet, Mich Now that's sage wisd<,mif ever there elle Wietek, Matt Wilk, Tony Woodlief. was such.a thing. We just can't get enough Editors Emeriti Brian Jendryka of such morally inspiring lilms as Basic John 1. Miller Instinct and Fatal Attracticm. The Michigan Review is an independent, stu Speaking of Hollywood Hypocrisy, Ma dent-run journal at the University of Michi donna, perhaps America's poorest ex gan. We neither solicit nor accept any dona cuse for an entertainer, was also quoted tions from the University of Michigan. Contri butions to the MicJlIgan Review are tax-deduct in USA Today with her usual eloquence: y ible under Section SOl(c)(3) of the Internal Rev "George Bush doesn't give a s- about ...:.... ott" t-J""c, enue Code. The Review is not affiliated with family values." Let's compare the two, r~u "> """P-,E;' , any political party. shall we? George Bush: father of four, \Y/..r" Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of married, and a man who even some lib .the editorial board. Signed articles represent erals claim is "a nice guy." Madonna: no the opinions of the author and not necessarily children, divorced, author of Sex, and those of the Review. We welcome letters and articles and encourage comments about the journal and issues discussed in il COMING NEXT ISSUE: SUITE ONE After exactly 300 days, Forrest 911 NORTH UNNERSITY AVENUE Green 01 has responded to Forrest ANN ARBOR, MI 48109-1265 Watch. In tbe January 6,1993, is TEL (313) 662-1909 sue of the Michigan Review, he wiD FPlX(313)936-2505 explain that he thinks tbe Review is a white supremacist publication. Copvri~ht 1992
--" Y" ~ "' ~' '''' '''' ''' ''''''' ''''''_''''' '''''''''''''>W<','''''''''''''''''''_l<'''>_ "'~~~":_"''''''''''''''''''''''''_''']!''~$''.___ '''''''' ______.. '"' December 9,1992 THE MICHIGAN REVIEW 3
Roving'Photographer If You Were God, What's the First Thing that You Would Do? by Eric Lepard
Nahru, Diag bongo player: Create a panel David Shayne, citizen at large: Jessica Guzinski, Ann Arbor resident: Augie Walker, LSA junior: I'd find the of chief pundits to help me decide what Abdicate. Start over. perfect pair of pants. to do first. Capitalism ··Rules At the Michigan Review, we are looking for a few good business minds. The Review is in the process of expanding its business department, and we need some ardent adherents of capitalism to help make the expansion complete. Experience is preferred, but not necessary. Promotional possibilities are certain, and the opportunities for practical business Mary Begg and Heidi Willis, LSA jun- Peter Hannah, LSA senior: Pass out of experience are endless. Call today, and iors: We'd make the national slogan: my Spanish requirement. fmd out what you can do for the "Delta Delta Delta, can 1 help ya' help '/a' help ya'?" , Michigan Review. 662-1909
I Positions available: * -Advertising sales staff -Fund raising staff -Accounting staff -Director of fundraising -Director of circulation -Associate publisher
• All positions are unpaid on a TilE volunteer basis. Advertising sales representatives earn a 'time l\UGHI<;:\;\I RE\'IE'V Peter Fletcher, School of Music fresh- Joe Niemer, LSA senior. I'd outlaw reimbursement' on all sales. man: Make everybody naked again. astroturf and designated hitters.
"' V" " " " ~_"" ''' ' ~'''_ ''''''_'-'''''~''''''''''''''' '''''''~~''="'>''';''''' 'm'\''''''''''''~""'.,."..,..,., ...... ,>""_",...... !)~_""" ' ~"~"'I_"~·---- 4 THE MICHIGAN REVIEW December 9, 1992
From Suite One: Editorial :' ;1'" U-M Code Invites Litigation
Some members of the University of Michigan community will remember Novem strongest criticisms were ignored. Now one frequently hears predictions as to how the ber 19 as the day that six of eight U-M regents invit"d students to take the University code will be (ab)used. Perhaps the most unsettling prognostication is that, as Professor to court for violating students' constitutional rightS. It was on that day that U-M of Philosophy Carl Cohen wrote in a letter to Provost Gilbert Whitaker (which was President James Duderstadt's long-standing goal of having the regents adopt a code copied to Duderstadt, members of the Board of Regents and others and which of non-academic conduct for students was finally realized. appeared in the University Record), 1I[I]f we seek to hold those who are charged with The Statement of Student Rights and ResponSibilities is not, however, Duderstadt's 'discriminatory harassment' punishable for such 'verbal conduct,' we will again be first attempt at instituting a code. In 1988, Duderstadt implemented the Policy on forced to defend ourselves in the federal courts, and we will lose again in those courts, Discrimination and DiSCriminatory Harassment by Students in the University Envi casting ourselves in the role of suppressors.... Our good intentions do not justify ronment.In 1989, the policy was ruled unconstitutional after a student brought the policy that we have been told, and that we ought to know, is not permitted in this University to court, arguing that his First Amendment rights were threatened by the country. Do not doubt that we will be sued; and do not doubt that - even if we win policy. The U-M subsequently adopted the Interim Policy on Discriminatory Con that suit, and manage to escape another shameful scolding - our reputation as a duct. After nearly three years without any administrative re-examination of this stronghold of open debate and free discourse will have suffered irreparable damage." policy, it, too, was determined to be unconstitutional following the Supreme Court's Similarly, Professor Tom Croxton of the School of Social Work wrote a letter to the recent ruling in R.A. V. v. St. Paul. Daily expressing his concern over the code and stated that it still has problems in virtue The new code takes effect on January 1, 1993, for a trial period of one year. It of which it lIinvites litigation." In their letters, both Cohen and Croxton cited as subjects students' conduct to University sanctions, regardless of whether that conduct probable sources of litigation the same inadequacies of the code which students have occurs on or off campus and despite the fact that the behaviors in question can be dealt consistently criticized. with under extant laws. The code also effectively bypasses Regental Bylaw 2.01, which Fortunately for students, the American Civil Liberties Union's (ACLU) has also grants Duderstadt unlimited authority to secure lithe maintenance of health, dili spoken on the matter. In a statement which Ann Arbor attorney Jean King presented gence, and order among the students./I to the regents, she warned that "The Washtenaw [County branch of the] ACLU will Controversy has surrounded the code since August, when Vice President for be interested in talking to any student who is required to go through this process or Student Affairs Maureen Hartford (personally deSignated by Duderstadt to oversee who is disciplined after this process is applied to him or her. We will take seriously any the drafting of a code) mailed an early draft of the Statement to the permanent request for representation from such a student who wishes to sue to negate the results addresses of all students at a cost to the University of over $20,000. Throughout her of any hearing under this Code, to seek reimbursement for damages done to an prCH:ode campaign, Hartford has made dubious claims about the code's necessity for academic career, and to seek reimbursement of expenses incurred." compliance with federal regulations; in reality, only a minimal policy is required by Hartford has said that she believes that the code will be used properly. If Hartford law. Federal regulations plainly mandate a policy which deals with drug and alcohol is correct, then, considering the U-M's track record with non-academic codes of use, but it is unclear that universities' poliCies even need to address - much less conduct, and given that there are students who are not only willing, but in fact eager provide sanctions for - any other conduct; the legislation is ambiguous. to challenge the code in court, it will probably only be a matter of time before the Since being assigned the difficult task of guiding the code's development while University is once again called to court, once again exposed as caring more about presenting herself as a student-friendly administrator, Hartford has consistently appearance than substance, and once again publicly embarrassed - and all at great shown at least superfiCial interest in student input on the Statement - at times even cost to students and Michigan taxpayers. asserting that she was simply re- The regents, however, do have sponding to students' desire for at least one more chance to avoid such a code. Students responded to DES?C[E T\-\E R\C\ Nt.X/l C.J'6G.::' UN \\)""-(25 11'-. the costly endeavor of hiring a big the proposed code rather critically, name Detroit law firm to defend l1-1.fnNDN-E 6f\.loUR.. COfV'«\ll tJ. rT\{ Vs. Th E and frequently offered suggestions UI-t\1"SD 2,T(.\\w. AM' the University against charges that for improving it. Students attended Wrnv;;;;")~s. f\r; 1'\\Q4:~~(9.>J dents' right, but also their respon "r2-. however, many of the students' sibility, to accept the ACLU's offer.
, '<>"<"",",""'_"~~
Book Review If New Music Guide: Truly Comprehensive
have the capacity to track individual AII-Music Guide- Just a year ago, Erlewine decided to the growth and directions of various artists' development and influence. The The Best CDs, Albums & Tapes assemble professional reviewers, musical genres. Also included are the CD-ROM database can contain 55 times Michael Erlewlne and musicians and critics and, through their editors' Desert Island picks. the amount of information that the Scott Bultman, editors knowledge and consensus, to produce a Many such guides might be criticized printed Guide can, according to Erlewine. Miller Freeman, Inc. music purchasing guide. The result is a for presenting dated inforr"ation, but Those interested in picking up a copy Softcover, 1,178 pages compilation of material written and Erlewine and Bultman have included for themselves or as a Christmas gift may $19.95 edited specifically for the book by over reviews of recordings from the time of also be interested in the $125 worth of eighty professional reviewers, writers, the first LP through those appearing as coupons at the end of the book, which by TS Taylor critics and musicians. recently as August. In cases where there can be used toward the purchase of This past summer, LSA sophomores Erlewine and Bultman felt confident has been a CD re-release of a recording albums or CDs. and cousins lotis and Tom Erlewine that a collection of high quality music which first appeared in the old 78 or 10- lotis and Tom will join Mi<:hael G. buried themselves in the extensive project reviews would help steer consumers in inch format, the orginal recording is also Nastos, a WEMU-FM OJ; Cub Koda, the of compiling an electronic database and the right directions and identify landmark included. Guide's jazz editor and leader of th2 70s book of musical recording reviews. The recordings and artists who define musical The guide is geographically well rock group Brownsville Station; Peter project was conceived by the book's genres. balanced as well with music from around Meyer, the classical import buyer for editors, Michael Erlewine, Iotis' father "It helps people who don't know ... the world, including s trong Schoolkids'; and George Bedard, one of and a former U-M student, and Scott but want to buy something important, representation of Ann Arbor. The U-M's the Guide's rock editors for a book signing Bultman, a 1988 graduate of the U-M. safely," Bultman explained . "We home town also gels mention in the book's of the Guide at Schoolkids' Records from The result oftheir efforts is the All recommend at least one album [from first dedication, to "The spirit of th e '60s 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Music Guide - The 8esi CDs, Albums & each artist listed] to start." and the music scene in Ann Arbor, Tapes and an even more extensive CO The Guide divides music into 26 major Michigan, at that time." RaM electronic database which will be categories, among them Christmas music, The book may be enough to keep TS Taylor is a computer consultant and available in about six months. jazz, classical, rock/ pop / soul, children's many music fans busy for quite a while, math tutor/teacher and a staff writer for lotis says that she "lived the book music, soundtracks and cast recordings, but for those who crave even more, the the Review. th is summer," and that during world music, blues, country and western, upcoming CD-ROM version will also production, they received "full 20th century avant-garde, folk, consideration from the pi zza d elivery contemporary instrumental, gospel, people." Tom, a OJ at WCBN-FM and reggae, and vocals. "THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF SUBSTANTIVE the as.',istant editor of the Gllidc, worked "We put in as much as the publisher ALBUM REVIEWS EVER ASSEMBLED" around the clock more times than he . would let us print" for $19.95, said cares to count and said that he "started Erlewine, "and that was tough to do." \ ~ ' ith just a few artists to review, and then The first draft of the guide ran over 1,800 the project grew." pages, but was trimmed to nearly 1,200. The All-Music Guide The Gllide is a self-described "They had to squeeze to make it for this "ongoing database project, the largest price," he said. collection of substantive album reviews While creating a guide to all music The Best CDs, Albums & Tapes ever assembled." may seem an impossible task, a brief look In creating the book, Michael at the index reveals the impressive scope -$125 worth of coupons redeemable at Schoolkids' Erlewine wanted to bridge the gap covered by the Guide. The index's 37 Records and SKR Classical between bookstores, where customers pages of tripl~ olumn listings cover over can peruse the pages of books which 7,500 recording artists and over 23,000 -SO different reviewers cover 26 major categories of interest them, and record stores, where albums, including the background music music, 7,500 recording artists, & 23,000 albums would-be buyers can only base their used for cable's weather channel. -Contains artist biographies, album notes, & reviews judgments on an album's cover. ~oncise artist biographies, album "I made this book because I needed notes, record reviews, and notes it," Erlewine said. ''I'm first in line to use identifying landmark works and "first SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12,2 TO 5 PM it. I'd wasted too much money on lousy buy" recommendations all enhance the BOOK SIGNING WITH THE AUTHORS CDs." Guide's utility. Historical "maps" show AT SCHOOLKIDS' RECORDS - 521 E. LIBERTY: Peter Meyer - Classical import buyer for Schoolkids' Records' Iotis and Tom Erlewine - U-M Sophomores Become a part of the Micheal G. Nastos - WEMU-FM I;>J Cub Koda - Formerly of Brownsville Station establishment. George Bedard - Rock editor for the All-Music Guide The Michigan Review announces its first mass meeting Availible It: for Winter Term 1993, to be held on January 10,1993, at 7 p.m. on the third floor of the Michigan League. All are invited to attend. Mark your calendars now!
"' ''!':+~'-«~'~'''''''-''l'~'1'''\f-~_~;h~~';".::r'''''W-;;;;;-''';; ~'''''''''''.m'''''',''y"""",~ ".:,~;,-"-;,:.:,:,:;,::,:,;";:':;;;:;;:;;::;::';;;;;:;;:"""""~".w.",,,,,,,,,,... ,,,,.,...... ,:. ,,.,",;' ;~:,::, ., :;;;.~, .~:;;:;;:~:;:,,,,...... , ,>... ,,• ••• ~, •••,,,, .::,.,,,,~"'?'.."....," ',."M\I>" ..... I-'U."".;..""~·'("w<'~ ...."""'~W\~)~" ~nt',,-....__ ~';\l'Iti>'~..,. "' ~,lJ~~~""f... ______. 6 THE MICHIGAN REVIEW December 9, 1992
Book Review ;;;, ' Report Diagnoses Governmental Gridlock
Grid/oak in Government: How to economic problems are caused by the approach to repairing the U.s. economy sluggishness of our economic growth. Break the Stagnation of America inability of self-serving politicians of both which includes lower taxes to stimulate The au thors attack Keynes' Roger E. Meiners and major parties to act in a way that is best investment and economic growth. Of recommended program of deficit Roger LeRoy Miller for the country. similar importam:e, they note, is spending to stimulate the economy, and Mackinac Center for Public PC'licy The authors argue that after many decreaSing government spending and they see through Clinton's stated Softcover,147 pages years of hearing nothing but rhetoric from cutting the bureaucracy to help lower the intention of government spending $14.95 politiCians, the public was forced to do deficit and eliminate procedural red tape. increases with "new buzzwords like whatever it could to end Congressional With statistics and comprehensible infrastructure used as justification." by Tracy Robinson gridlock on economic matters, such as explanations, Meiners and Miller Meiners and Miller demonstrate that This past November, American taxes and the deficit. The most prudent demonstrate that despite Bill Clinton's "only by investment in the private sector, voters in approximately a dozen states, solution to this country's problems was contention to the contrary, it is simply a not by more spending on government including Michigan, confused media exactly the one Americans chose in the myth that the "rich got richer and the consumption, can the economy have pundits by voting to impose term last election - to impose term limits on poor got poorer" during the 1980s. They sustained growth over time." limitations on state legislators and also show that, despite the Democrats' The authors adequately defend the members of Congress, while recent whining, the Reagan efficacy of term limits against their critics, overwhelmingly opting to return administration did not decrease domestic but unfortunately their arguments for incumbent members of legislatures to spending during the "decade of greed." term limits are not as strong as their office. The media, probably assuming In fact, there was a 4 percent increase in economic analysis. The economic issues that term limits would go down in defeat, governmental domes~c spending during are argued more strongly in part because scrambled to find political scientists who Reagan's years in office (amounting to the authors do not embrace one idea as would declare that the action taken by some $24 billion), and a voluminous 24 the comprehenSive solution to our the people was "undemocratic." percent increase during Bush's term as economic woes. If people want to get rid of their president. In contrast, the authors generally representatives, these experts said, they For those yearning to learn more over-Simplify the effects that term limits should vote to throw the bums out, and about the arguments recently espoused will have on the political climate. For not demand that legislation do the dirty Congress in order to make politicians in defense of Ronald Reagan's presidency example, they write: "Term limits will job for them. While the "experts" publicly more interested in therr constituents and and conservative economic policies;" ...... ·~change the incentives of politicians and scolded Americans for their confusing less responsive to the prerogatives of however, the book provides reassuring the structure of the American political vote and loudly proclaimed that the new special inter~st groups. In support of term evidence that the '80s were generally a system." They conclude that term limits acts would be declared unconstitutional limit legislation, the authors write that good time to be an American. Gridlock "will force those who make laws to live anyway, most AJnericansjust shook therr "we will either sort out the mess,we are in also details Congress' insatiable addiction under the laws they pass because they heads ' knowingly and wondered by the rough justice of democratic politics, to spending, the cycle of dependency will become ordinary citizens again" privately if the media would ever get the or we will live in a slowly deteriorating caused by welfare programs, the negative (since they cannot be re-elected message . . nation." effects of regulation, and most indefinitely.) These and other Similarly Gridlock in Government justifies the While the report does not contain importantly, how these inisguided broad statements are not supported with recent actions undertaken by the people any novel solutions to our political and government policies are perpetuated by compelling evidence, but rather psycho- to wrestle control of the gQvernment away economic problems, it covers issues various special interest groups from political reasoning of this effect; the from career pOliticians and place it where relevant to the state of contemporary which Congressmen receive immense authors could have better supported therr it belongs - in the hands of the people. American poli~cs and economics in terms case by including some illustrative The report details many perfectly legal that readers who lack a substantial IF lIoU EL£cr specifics from state legislatures or other but ethically questionable actions taken background in these topics will ME. P-GA lI'--\ countries that have recently embarked by representatives in ocderto secure therr understand. The report explains the l Iu.. '3U0'f6R1 upon similar reforms. Perhaps Meiners re-election, and it documents the recent preSidential election by briefly ICRNt UM lT5. and Miller encountered this difficulty ineqUities of a system 'which heavily analyzing the various policy suggestions because the effectiveness of term limits favors ihrumbents. By relating America's made during the campaigns of George cannot be proven with numbers. recent economic stagnation with Bush, Bill Clinto1\ and Ross Perot. Whatever the ease, this brief report is governmental. incompetence and Gridlock also touches on the culture written simply enough, and covers the ineffectiveness, the report makes a strong wars taking place between Hollywood debate over term funits in such a manner case in support of American voters' recent . and mainstream AJnerica by addressing that, perhaps, it should be required endorsement of term limitations as a the Dan Quayle/Murphy Brown debate. reading for all journalists who were means'for citizens to regain control of Quayle is defended here with statistical surprised by voters' angry reactions to their government. evidence supporting a link between Congress on November 3rd. If nothing Gridlock, by Roger E. Miners and Single-motherhood and poverty. This 6.) L-u..~c..-..I else, it is revealing as a measure of the Roger LeRoy Miller, was prepared for example is only one of many effective ~------'------~ nation's sentiment with regard to politics the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a uses of the up-to-date statistical data campaign contributions. and politicians. Michigan-based think-tank which contained in Gridlock. Meiners and Miller argue advocates free market economics. As the report is intended to explain convincingly that until Congressmen end Tracy Robinson is a junior in political Meiners and Miller, both of whom have the economics of taxation and their obsession with being re-elected and science and a contrib1;lting editor of the doctoral degrees in economics, point to government spending poliCies to the stop continuously collecting money to Review. gridlock in Congress, inspired by the uninformed reader, it may bore those further that goat no substantial vested interests which support lifetime familiar with the term limit debate or governmental reforms can occur. The politicians, as a primary cause of the those who have a background in authors contend that pork barrel politics nation's economic stagnation. They economics. wastes taxpayers' money, and speCial conclude that many of our nation's The authors a.dvocate a supplY-Side interest politicking contributes to the
------», . ~" '-'''''''',,,--• •',''',' '; ' _""'''A<''~~'~~== kX December 9, 1992 THE MICHIGAN REVIEW 7
Music ~: < :' ,~, J Bauhaus: Sum of Parts Greater than Whole
Daniel Ash upbeat, accessible ground. The album Martyrs, and Saints" are textbook appealing blend of J. and Murphy's recent Foolish Thing Desire opening "Here She Comes" even includes sleepers. In between, however, lies some solo musical territory. "Space Cowboy". Beggars Banquet/Columbia horns and soulful backing vocals. Any of clever songwriting. and ''Tinseltown'' (the latter featuring T these three songs might serve well as an "Ten Little Beauty Queens" is an Bone Burnett on the 12-string guitar) are David}. • - honestly chilling song also good tracks. Chances are these Urban Urbane which chronicles the records will come and go with little MCARecords deathly obsessions of fanfare. Ash will not be touring. and J. is perversity. Close your eyes currently and unfortunately stuck in the " by The Son of Muncher ,\1-"," . and listen to how gasps of nightclub warm-up slot for P.J. Harvey Every year or two, fans of the goth horror meld with The next Love and Rockets album, which punk band Bauhaus hear the reunion percussion at the song's ought to garner more publicity than any rumor - that Daniel Ash, David J., Kevin end as J. finishes his other release from Bauhaus alumni, Haskins, and Peter Murphy will come desperate countdown of should be out in about a year. But that's together for one more album, one more disappearing beauty what we heard last year. And the year tour, or maybe even both. The truly queens. before that. faithful, however, will hope this is so "Smashed Princess" No matter, Foolish TIling Desire and much nonsense; Bauhaus diSintegrated also shares this haunting Urban Urbane should fill in nicely for the ten years ago for a variety of pretty good quality, though slightly time being. reasons, not least among them the uplifted by some slippery diverging musical directions in which its fretwork. Peter Murphy The Son of Muncher hunts porcupines members have since headed. Besides, the joins in the chorus of while wearing Birkenstocks. last thing we need is an old-timer circuit "Candy on the Cross" - a for groups that reacted against the tune which J. calls the original old-timers. nearest thing we'll ever We also have a lot more music. The have to a Bauhaus reunion. quartet's various incarnations - as Love David J. The result is a strangely ..-".,.", - and Rockets, Tones on Tail, Dalis Car, MTV hit and bring new fans into the fold. and soloists - have released close to 20 Ash once again proves that albums over the last decade. While the instrumentation, rather than lyriCS, is his quality has varied dramatically - strong point: the words to these and other compare Murphy's weak Holy Smoke with songs are entirely unremarkable with his sharp DeL'p, Lov e and Rockets' tepid their none-too-coy references to drug l~I""(,lt Nrl'I() N Seventh Dream ofTemage Heaven with the use !lnd sexuality. - powerful retropunk of Eartiz, Sun, /Vl0011 Foolish n ling Desire starkly contrasts S ..... lJI)I~N .. rS! - the result has produced material much with its much darker predecessor, Coming better than what we could have expected Down. Ash no longer broods over his from Bauhaus ad -nau seam , divorce, a topic which dominated the last While Love and Rockets continues to album, Instead, we get ten songs with a take a surprisingly long break after, its full and ri ch sound. Listen to Coming commercially most successful, self-titled Down when you want to be alone and feel 1989 effort, two of its members, Ash and blu e; play Foolish TIling Desire at your David J., have put out another pair of nex t dressed-in-black party. No Gimmicks records on thei r own, Both are Unlike Ash, David J. does not make worthwhile, but not without their too many changes on Urban Urbane; he .. problems. mostl y sticks to a formula that worked No Come-ons Ash's Faa/is!! Thing Desire on 1990's Songs From Another Season. occasionally sounds like the next Love These are minimalist recordings, and Rockets recording - "Bluebird," featuring J.'s steady strumming, hushed ''The Void," and the title cut all carry vocals, and knack for storytelling. The familiar quiet resting over a storm. modest flourishes of an organ, banjo, or Acoustic guitars and whispery vocals digital sampling help fashion an come to the fore in a Byrds-like atmosphere and round-<)Ut an otherwise SELL NOW dreamworld, but distant eruptions of bare-bones production. WH ILE THE guitar fuzz rage beneath. The songs at The album begins and ends weakly. DEMAND their best represent the clever integration The jazzy metroscape of "Some Big City" IS HIGH ! of early Jesus and Mary Chain noiseworks and cabaret swing of "A Man of with an ethereal post punk sensibility. Influential Taste" belong elsewhere, Other numbers like "Get Out of while the tired ''Bouquets, Wreaths, and Control" and "Roll On" aim for more Laurels" and the mundane "Pilgrims,
RevielV 548 East Univeraity (Corn.r of South Unlv.) Write the 662·3201 llj 1 \.,'rlb LI1I\,'r'-ll\ h' · IllIl' . ~lllt.. I . \1111 \ rb,'r, \ h (h l ~.1Il . -lSlOlI- 12('; MON· FR. 1:00·&:00 SAT 1:30.1:00 SUN 12-4
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"~"<' _ ~N"".,..",...... _ """ ,"n,,.,..,,,,,,,,,, _ _ ,,,._ .. ,",,,,_~~~~,~~ ______8 TI(E MICHIGAN REVIEW December 9, 1992
\ ...... ~ A': Crusty's Corner Kemelions Seek to Make Hip .... hop Undeniable
by Crusty Muncher the Elder the weak, far-in, predictable stuff. Squad have killer singles out and will Central Islip High School. At the time the Record companies have been releas Anyway, Y'aH So Stupid and Live drop full length albums soon; Kemelions two were feeding off the new records ing rap albums by the truck-load as of from Boogie Down Productions, late, and most of the music is just more of Ultramagnetic MCs, and Public Enemy. the same - played out loops and samples "We dug the cutting edge stuff more . and trendy rhyme styles. Unfortunately, than just what was popular," explains most of the truly innovative records that Poepan, who is now on the very same hit the streets, Son of Bazerk's debut for cutting edge as his mentors were in the example, end up going nowhere. Mean mid-eighties. "We try to do different while Marky Mark's face turns up all things without straying too far from our over MTV, and his tunes pathetically roots. What we are trying to get across is become faves on hit radio. that we are a part of a true art form. Still, Any of you folks heard of great new even though hip-hop has been around hip-hop artists like Y'all So Stupid, Live since the seventies, it is not accepted as a Squad, and Kemelions? Probably not, true form of music. Kemelions are trying for two reasons. First, MTV and most to take the music to another level so the stations on the FM dial are as useless as a people cannot deny it." mesh condom. All we hear and see is "Poe and Kinese can write in five formulated drivel - the same 5 tunes different styles," explains Basement Ar every day. The fresh put unsafe music rangements producer Joe Scruggs. "They receives little attention, can take words and really bend them, Second, most record labels are and have them mean a lot of different equally spirieless, playing it safe by ",things. Everybody can have their own spending little money on acts that are ' .".. , , interpretation, and people get to see all of far-out and experimental. Meanwhile, Poepan (lejthuuI Kinese are Kemelions the colors that make up Kemelions, all of they funnel huge chunks of dough into the versatility.f! have an EP available titled Basement Ar It is this versatility, though, that al rangements. ways manages to scare labels away from The EP's five tracks and many inter- breakthrough artists. If a group is too , hides are not fOf the closed-minded lis eclectic it spells doom; labels seldom TUDYTHES tener: Kerhelions' music is quite far-out know how to market such records, so EXAM WEEK SPECIALS and eclectic. The beats on "Purple Or they shy away from a great deal of good anges" are tribal, almost industrial, while music. MAGI ONDA Y: Buy any pizza at regular price "Peek-A-Boo" thumps like an old EpMd "The same thing that is happening to and get a second for only $1.00! , number. "Peek-A-Pt. II" features quirky, us is happening to a lot of other artists," De LaBoul-like free style lyrics, while says Poe. "The record companies jump ESDA Y BLUESDA Y: Large for regular price of a small! "Liquid Dots of Kaos" is delivered with on the dick at the last minute. They step \lVED NESDA Y WINN ER: Get a medium deep dish a bold roughneck flavor. And there is on the bandwagon once the shit's al or round with one topping for $3.99 (plus tax). . tons more: human beat boxes, mood ready blown up. Kemelions is going to be music noise collages, and a display of there and we are going to be fat, but it ANYW AY THURSDA Y: Order any size pizza, any competent microphone skills. may be a matter of time before every type. with any number of toppings for $8.99 (plus tax), "We've been doing this for awhile," body catches the wave because the record says Poepan, "and we used to get dissed company is dragging their feet." FRIDA Y/SATURDA Y SPECIAL: A large one by record companies because we were topping pizza is only $5.99 (plus tax). too different. They told us that the audi S ences weren't going to understand us. As rifle season for deer recently came to R SUNDA Y: Small I-topping pizza $2.99 (plus tax). But now, after the success of De La Soul, a close and as Christmas looms before LA TE NIGHT SPECIAL: Any night after 10 p.m., Arrested Development, and A Tribe us all, you should probably know that get a medium pizza with one topping and TWO servings of Called Quest, I'm confident that people Crusty the Elder just poached Rudolf. will catch the wave and dig the project." IIGot him square in his stupid red nose," Pepsi , Diet Pepsi or Mountain Dew for only $5.95 (plus tax). Poepan and his partner Kinese says Muncher, "and I didn't even have I11ral Camplls--546 PllckardIHill started doing basement parties and lunch to spotlight him like I did Bambi." 69-5555 room jams back .in 1986 at Long Island's Open 'rill 4 a.m. Exam Week
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