Quote of the Week: 'The world is not run by thought, nor by imagination, but by opinion." - Elizabeth Drew OPINIONS SEPTEMBER II, 2009 EDITORIAL The Concordian is the college paper, written by students and for stu- A matter of opinion: Have one dents. We currently boast having 39 students on staff and as contributors Hello world, I'd like to take this opportunity alone. who represent all four graduating classes. Our staff represents more than to officially welcome you to 2009-2010 academic Infamous leader Mohandas Ghandi once said just the Print Journalism department of campus, with majors in Education, year, and more specifically, the Opinions section. In that we must be the change we wish to see in the Music, Philosophy, Spanish and many more. preparation for my position as Opinions Editor, I world. In essence, it's a simple concept but its con- We welcome story ideas from the greater campus community, and we decided to look up the actual definition of the word notation suggests that the simple act of being com- would love to hear your suggestions for making The Concordian more of a "opinion." The simplest definition, according to the mitted and involved to a cause has the potential to publication tailored to the needs of the student body. The Concordian is Random House dictionary defines opinion as a per- change everything. So I ask of you this: be informed. funded in part by the Student Activity Fee, which means that since you are sonal view, attitude, or appraisal. Pretty straightfor- Read the mission statement of our college and think paying for part of it, you might as well help me make it worth your while to ward, huh? My challenge to you this year is simply about what that means to you. read. to have one. The choice is ultimately yours. Lead a life of Opinions submissions are encouraged, whether you liked or disliked And by opinion, I mean much more than trivial constant discovery through a desire for truth or something you saw or heard around campus or in the community. If you things. Bemoaning the loss of the jungle gym in the merely float through this year in an apathetic daze. think we at The Concordian screwed up, it is your right—and responsibil- library or complaining about Dining Services going Our generation has the power to change the future ity—to let us know trayless is not what I mean by opinion. Believe in if we genuinely put our minds to it. Since this is the first issue of the year, I wanted to share the Mission something and stand by it, whether it is politics, Get involved, care about something besides your Statement for The Concordian with you. "The purpose of The Concordian world events, or anything in between. Challenge own life, and then write about it. I think Ghandi is to affirm the mission of Concordia College by cultivating thoughtful and yourself to become engaged not only in your classes would agree when I say that it may take just minutes informed students, faculty, and staff through the awareness and dsicussion of but also in the larger campus and community. Ask to change the world. college, local, national, and world affairs." questions and don't be afraid to stand up for some- GIA RASSIER I want you, as the campus community, to make sure we obey this thing that you believe in, even if you are standing Opinions Editor statement. We are all starting a new Concordia school year, some of us for the last Do you have something to say? Write a Letter to the Editor. time and some of us for the first. Take advantage of what Concordia is of- fering you: an opportunity to think critically, analyze, critique and become Letter MUST bear the writer's name, year in school, telephone number, major/minor, and title responsibly engaged in the world. And The Concordian will be here with (if applicable). you, every step of the way, ready to guide you on your journey through college and keep you well informed of the happenings of the Concordia community Letters must be received by 5 p.m. Tuesday at [email protected] or FPO 214. and beyond.

Welcome home, Cobbers. EMILY MEYER Correspondence is subject to editing or refusual of publication. All letters become property of Editor-in-Chief The Concordian and will not be returned. Death of a Senator, the Legacy of Sen. Ted Kennedy

BY NICHOLAS JENSON '12 ning California's Democratic primary elec- pointed Robert Kennedy as his attorney gen- efforts to end apartheid in South Africa. Ken- Opinions Columnist tion during his run for presidency. Despite eral. Robert worked to shut down the mafia nedy led the charge to pass economic sanc- the sudden and violent ends Ted Kennedy's and secure civil rights for African-Americans. tions against South Africa, helping lead the He was the third longest-serving sena- brothers met, their contributions to society He was eventually elected to the United country to eliminate its discriminatory poli- tor in US history. His fingerprints were on are not to be taken lightly. States Senate from New York, where he con- cies. every major piece of legislation passed in During John Kennedy's administration, tinued to work for civil rights legislation. Although Ted Kennedy was a Democrat, the last four and half decades; his colleagues which began in 1961 and was ended by an Moreover, he campaigned against apartheid he received a great deal of respect from Re- called him a liberal lion of the Senate. Sen. assassin's bullets in 1963, he accomplished in South Africa. publican members of the Senate, as well. Ted Kennedy (D-MA), aged 77, passed away many tasks including raising money for social The many accomplishments of both his "Ted and I shared the sentiment that a at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, programs and launching America's space pro- brothers cast a long shadow over the career of fought not joined was a fought not enjoyed," Mass. last month. Despite his many accom- gram, eventually culminating in the Apollo Ted Kennedy. Despite this, Kennedy thrived said Senator John McCain (R-AZ). "He was plishments, most Americans only know him moon landings. However, Kennedy remains in his 46-year career in the Senate. Kennedy the most reliable, the most prepared, and the because of his brothers. However, Ted Ken- most famous for his handling of the Cuban was a champion of domestic policy, with most persistent member of the Senate. [...1 nedy's accomplishments far outshine those of Missile Crisis in 1962, where the placement healthcare reform being a constant theme He taught me to be a better Senator." his brothers. of Soviet nuclear weapons in Cuba sparked a of his career. He was influential in the pass- Ted Kennedy's brothers are more well- Ted Kennedy's brothers all made major confrontation between the United States and ing of civil rights reforms in the 196os. He known and considered more influential than contributions to the United States and its Soviet Union. Historians and military ana- helped secure funding to fight AIDS during he. Yet, it was Ted moreso than any other citizens, but all met untimely ends. His eldest lysts generally agree that the Cuban Missile the 198os. Kennedy also had his victories in Kennedy who made the United States and the brother, Joseph Kennedy, Jr., was killed in ac- Crisis is the closest the world has ever come foreign policy. world the way it is today. Though he is no lon- tion during the Second World War. President to nuclear war. The successful navigation of Kennedy once said, "It is better to send ger with us, his words still encourage us to be- John F. Kennedy was gunned down in Dallas, the crisis can attributed as much to JFK as it in the Peace Corps than the Marine Corps." come responsibly engaged in the world: "The Texas. Only a few years later, Robert Kennedy can be to sheer luck. He opposed Nixon's policies in Vietnam. He work goes on, the cause endures, the hope was shot and killed in Los Angeles after win- Once elected president, John Kennedy ap- supported Bishop Tutu and Nelson Mandela's still lives, and the dream shall never die." "Blank Slate" production isn't necessarily a clean one BY JUSTIN BERTRAM far cry from the performance I had seen last but instead took a much more in-your-face such discussions. As a result of the lack of Sophomore year. approach. This tactic was entirely lost on conversation during the play itself, I felt that As a disclaimer, let me say this: I believe some. The far-out scenes were not the most the thought and care put into the show was As a frosh, I remember one of my favorite that the acting done by Concordia's Theatre appropriate for the audience lost on many of the frosh. experiences during orientation was the play Department was superb, and the literature that was being addressed and I feel that this Although I do believe that that the Theatre Department put on for the on its own was very intriguing. left many incoming frosh be- year's play was too this production from the theatre fellow incoming frosh. Amongst all of the The problem with this play was the audi- wildered about the impending department is a wonderful idea, I lectures and Power Points, the performance ence analysis. The play was meant to show four years ahead of them. deep and thought- believe that this year it missed its was a breath of fresh air that I will always re- incoming college frosh what it might be like Fellow orientation leader ful and addressed mark. The audience was improp- member. My orientation experience at Con- at Concordia, and some of the terrible events junior Camie Christiansen issues that are erly analyzed, and the show was far cordia was so amazing, in fact, that I applied that may happen if you're not careful. The said she felt that some of the over our heads, especially consid- to be an orientation leader for this school play addressed issues such as rehabilitation important issues surrounding inapplicable to the ering the fact we didn't have time year. Once I was accepted as an orientation for drug use, coming out to your family, and homosexuality, rape, drug use, average college in the busy schedule to debrief leader, I was thrilled that I would have the dealing with rape, among other scenes. These and individuality were lost in and reflect on the play. I feel that opportunity to impart my knowledge of ori- scenes, however, were confusing to some, in- the shock value. For a play student. this year's play was too deep and entation onto my clubbies. cluding incoming frosh, en Marple, who says that is required of students, she would thoughtful and addressed issues When the play "Blank Slate" came up on that she believes the play was not relatable to have liked to see a much more thorough ex- that are inapplicable to the average college our schedule, I told my clubbies that this was the freshmen class, and didn't find the scenes amination of these issues, instead of just ex- student. going to be one of their favorite events of to be good examples of situations a normal treme circumstances. In the future, this play should try to por- Orientation Week, and that they should look Cobber would face. Much of the performance in question tray more commonplace situations, and apply forward to it and pay close attention. The scenes did not address issues that required some conversation afterwards to them to the everyday college student, so they However, after the first scene involving most every college student comes in con- breakdown what the scenes had portrayed. can all learn lessons in a fun way that isn't just a paraplegic coming out of the closet to his tact with, such as roommate conflicts, alco- In the hustle and bustle of Orientation, many someone preaching to them from behind a brother, I realized that this year's show was a hol, dating at college, or studying for tests, clubs, including my own, were unable to have Power Point. Sassy senior wisdom with Sean:• inner fame BY SEAN VOLK ' I 0 college. It's funny, exciting, crazy, unpredict- terpret success. My old ideas of success were informed people on our hands. Opinions Columnist able, and sponsored by Old Navy's fall polo (and still are a little bit, I will admit) colored Maybe this is the rambling of a nostalgic line. The show would follow my everyday by my fascination with the E! Entertainment senior in his twilight year at Concordia who When I was younger, I lived under a lot of life, including but not limited to, my wacky Network and fame. just realized that he isn't in contract negotia- interesting delusions. Grass is green because friends, my supportive family, my hectic Since coming to Concordia, I have opened tions with any networks, but I am so proud the sky is blue. Every problem is black and schedule, my always twisty, turny rollercoasr- myself up to so many different experiences of the growth I have experienced since be- white. If Lindsay Lohan could make a "suc- er of emotions, and my super cool job at the and because of that, my ideas of success have coming a member of the Concordia College cessful" line of leggings and spray tan prod- historic Fargo Theatre on Broadway. changed. As a Cobber, I have attempted to family. And that is what we are, a family. The ucts, I could get my My show would have it speak other languages. I studied philoso- people here are caring and helpful. Whether own reality show! Foi Here is the pitch all: someone who is a celeb- phy, something I never thought I would do. it is a coffee stop worker recommending a a long time, I gauged for my reality show: rity in his own mind, a million I have been lucky enough to travel on two flavor they have created or a friend comple- how interesting and laughs a minute, meltdowns, May Seminars and an Exploration Seminar to I would star as myself menting you on a job well done, we are part of cool I was based on and weekly eliminations, but Egypt. I have become involved in Concordia an amazing group here at Concordia. my potential likeability an impossibly handsome I haven't completely fleshed On-Air and Orientation. Most importantly, I I'm not going to wax eloquently about and watchability as a senior at Concordia that detail out yet so I am have a solid group of friends who are like fam- the mission statement or BREW, but I am TV character. I would preparing for life not comfortable elaborating ily. Though I don't have a camera crew re- pleased to say that I have tried to make the think to myself, "Oh, after college. at this time. Much to my dis- cording these people, experiences, or events, most out of my time at Concordia. That is this scenario is ripe for may and the dismay of world- they are still so meaningful. They are influ- the point of this piece. I want to encourage recording!" or, "My friend Wagar is such a wide television audiences, talent scouts are encing me and helping me grow and learn so you, freshmen to super seniors and everyone good reality TV sidekick!" I mean, if people not knocking down my door so I have had much. This time is amazing, but I refuse to in between, make your own place here. Find still watch those wretched Gosselins, I could to look inward and redefine my life goals, i.e. refer to college as "the best years of your life" the friends that make you a better person. be successful by my reality TV standards. not starring in my own reality show. because I believe college to be a formative Find the major that challenges and satisfies . Here is the pitch for my reality show: I As I've gotten older and started to under- time where you discover who you are and all you. Make this your experience and make it would star as myself, an impossibly handsome stand the way the world works, I have learned that entails. Once you've done that, watch a good one! Lord knows we're paying for it! senior at Concordia preparing for life after that there are so many ways to define and in- out world, we've got someone thoughtful and