“Quidquid latine Th e dictum sit, altum Pu r d u e Re v i e w viditur.” Vol. 6 - Issue 4 A journal of conservative thought and opinion | www.purduereview.com February, 2009

A Stimulating So It’s to be Commentary By Scott Sowers Torture? [email protected] Last week, President Barack Obama complained that in this eco- nomic down-turn everyone has be- come an economist, all too eager to give their two cents about the stimu- lus package currently being debated in Congress and on every cable news show. “You’ve got some economists and some folks who think they’re economists. By the way, these days everybody thinks they’re econo- mists,” the President joked. »»See “Stimulus...” - pg. 12

24: Fact or Fiction? GET A LIFE! A Practical Guide to the By Aaron Anspaugh then explained his actions: investigator on torture, Manfred [email protected] “Ibrahim Haddad had targeted a Nowak. Mr. Nowak was quoted Non-election Year for bus carrying 45 people, 10 of which as saying “The government of the Political Junkies Jack Bauer sat alone on the wit- were children. The truth, Senator, United States is required to take all ness stand in the room of the Senate is that I stopped that attack from necessary steps to bring George W. By Josh Teasdale hearing. He was being subpoenaed happening.” The Senator shouted, Bush and Donald Rumsfeld before [email protected] as part of an investigation of “bru- “By torturing Mr. Haddad!” Jack a court.” tality and torture in the course of his calmly replied, “By doing what I He continued to back up his asser- With 2008 now behind us, many operations.” As the hearing began, deemed necessary to protect inno- tions that it should be Obama’s top fervent political junks are emerging Jack was questioned about his part cent lives.” priority to investigate and bring to from campaign offices, serial hotel in the detainment and interrogation This scene in the popular tele- justice anyone in the Bush adminis- stays, canvassing groups, and sleep- of an Islamic terrorist in 2002. The vision show 24 might seem to ex- tration who was involved with “tor- less nights glued to 24/7 news chan- Senator leading the hearing was ob- ist only in the timeline set forth by ture” of terrorist detainees, all while nels into a world filled with less po- viously attempting to accuse Jack seven seasons in that show’s world. refraining from defining any strict litical action. For many of us, making Bauer and other agents of acting il- However, the ideas explored in this definition of “torture.” He claimed this transition is difficult. Although legally in the line of their counter- show, and especially this episode, the priority would be “first and Joe the Plumber is still up to shenani- terrorism work. When directly asked can be viewed through the prism of foremost, to look at the individuals gans which may be discussed, only if he tortured the terrorist, Jack ad- today’s political environment. On who have tortured, where you have the most obsessive junkie will find mitted that, according to the Geneva January 26th, CNN held an inter- Convention, he did use torture. Jack view with a United Nations special »»See “24...” - pg. 5 »»See “Junkie...” - pg. 6

Michael Steele, RNC Cartoons, Crosswords, Dining Courts Don’t Satisfy Chairman Sudokus and more On the Inside »» Page 8 »» Page 11 »» Page 15 THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 2THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 3 The PURDUE REVIEW A Letter from Managing Editor Jay Wood

SCOTT SOWERS Editor in Chief Greetings, DIRK SCHMIDT Thank you for picking up our first issue of the new semester! Our paper was founded in January 2006 Publisher with a vision of providing a distinct conservative voice to the Purdue campus and the Greater Lafayette JAY WOOD community. It’s a legacy we’re very proud to continue to this day. The Purdue Review is not a newspaper, Managing Editor rather our analysis of the events that are shaping our lives - from Capitol Hill to Slayter Hill. As our paper enters its fourth year of publication, we have high hopes of a bright future. We have a great staff committed DAVE SIUKOLA to excellence. Layout Editor AARON ANSPAUGH Unfortunately, things aren’t as bright outside of our meeting room. Our nation is going through a time of Features Editor great transition and uncertainty. The executive and legislative branches are in the hands of the far left. We’re all looking for an effective solution to our economic downturn. Our thoughts and prayers go out to our QUINN DAMERELL friends and loved ones who are struggling through this rough economic period. Web Design SEAN HARDING Morning will come again. We are a resilient crowd and we will stick together through the hard times. I have Staff Writer full faith that our situation will improve, and we will reach a light at the end of this very dark tunnel. Then and now, may our city on a hill forever shine, may our flag forever fly, and may freedom forever ring. JORDAN HEBBE Staff Writer God bless, ABBIE KNIGGA Copy Editor Jay A. Wood Managing Editor MATT LUNSFORD [email protected] PR Director PAUL NANN Staff Writer Publication Schedule: SARAH PERKINS Staff Writer Feb. 11th Mar. 11th Apr. 15th STEWART SIMPSON Graphic Artist MISSION STATEMENT Subscribe to the Purdue Review JOSHUA TEASDALE The editorial staff at The Purdue Review Senior Staff Writer will utilize the medium of print to enter- tain, educate and enlighten the student body The Purdue Review is funded completely by donations and LAUREN TRANCIK at Purdue University as well as the entire Photographer Greater Lafayette community. advertisements. We receive no funding from Purdue University, the Republican Party, or any political organization for that mat- MARSHALL REMMELE Columnist ter. Without the generous donations from readers like you, the DISCLAIMER Purdue Review would not be able to fight liberalism and other AMANDA THAYER Contributing Editor The views expressed within these pages forms of lunacy at Purdue and in the Lafayette community. are the views held expressly by each respec- ROHAN JOHNSON tive writer. The opinions of these writers do Staff Writer not necessarily reflect the opinions of any If you are interested in supporting The Purdue Review and of the other writers in this publication nor our cause, please consider making a financial donation. Dona- by Purdue University. This paper is in not affiliated with Purdue University; however, tions can be mailed or made online. Checks should be made out NATHAN ARNOLD the staff is comprised entirely of Purdue stu- to the Purdue Review. Mail subscriptions are free and can be Chairman of the Board dents. ordered on our website by contacting the Editor in Chief. CHASE SLAUGHTER Vice-Chairman of the Board www.purduereview.com The Purdue Review meets every Wednes- day from 8:00 to 9:00 pm in KRAN G021. [email protected] This paper is distributed by the University All are welcome to attend the meetings Conservative Action Network (U-CAN). The and contribute to the paper. No experi- The Purdue Review first copy of this issue is free, at distribution ence is required. sites. For additional copies, contact the Editor PO Box 931 in Chief, Scott Sowers at Lafayette, IN 47902 [email protected] Contact Scott Sowers for details: [email protected] THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 2THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 3 Drop That Gas-X Sizing up the “Net-Zero Gas Tax” summer when oil prices were high. the markets. Adam Smith’s “invisible By Rohan Johnson servative writer and columnist from They could afford to be. Lately, they hand” hasn’t failed us; politicians in [email protected] the Weekly Standard, Charles Kraut- have taken on a much more accom- Washington who believe they know hammer. The proposal would enact modating and cooperative stance.” how to manipulate the economy for We’ve been through a few rough two tax policies simultaneously. The With the implementation of the Net- the better have failed us. The best years in terms of gasoline prices. first policy would raise the gas tax by Several politicians on both sides of a set amount per gallon. After calcu- the aisle have advocated increasing lating the average amount of gas that the federal gas tax in an attempt to Americans purchase per week, the “Joe the Plumber is innovative, and indeed control carbon emissions and to re- second action would be implemented duce our dependence on foreign oil, to refund each citizen by the amount much of which comes from countries taxed per gallon multiplied by that resilient, but he ought not to be robbed that are not particularly fond of us. average. This amount would be re- Pundits generally agree on two turned by way of a decrease in the through means of gasoline for his line of crucial factors to this aspect of taxing. payroll tax for employed individuals, First, a recession is no time to raise an increase in social security funding gas taxes on the American people. The for the elderly, and an increase in un- plumbing trucks.” average family is struggling enough employment insurance for those un- in the midst of a recession and a weak able (or unwilling) to work. U.S. dollar. Joe the plumber is inno- According to Senator Lugar’s pro- Zero Gas Tax, Hummels anticipates idea is to reduce the amount of taxa- vative, and indeed resilient, but he posal, and other proponents of the more accommodation and coopera- tion on the American people, thereby ought not to be robbed through means Net-Zero Gas Tax such as Dr. David tion from unfriendly countries once a reducing the grip and size of the fed- of gasoline for his line of plumbing Hummels, a professor of Econom- gas tax is put in place. Lastly Hum- eral government. This cannot be done trucks. Secondly, pundits agree that if ics at Purdue and an economic advi- mels speculates that the decrease in by raising taxes in any area, regard- there were ever a time to raise the gas sor to President Obama throughout the payroll tax would stimulate busi- less of whatever “Net-zero” effect is nesses and employers. “Cutting the put in place. payroll tax also reduces the cost to If the government really wanted to businesses hiring more workers and promote energy independence they’d would therefore be a likely stimulus spend more time and resources pro- to employment, which is very much moting safe nuclear energy and the necessary right now” said Hummels utilization of domestic oil and coal of the alternative benefits of the de- resources. The United States is lag- crease in payroll taxes. ging far behind the curve in terms of The potential benefits of the energy efficiency as a result of the Net-Zero Gas Tax are clear, and the last sixteen years. We’ve relied more chances that President Obama would on the federal government to fix our approve of it are pretty likely con- energy problem than Adam Smith’s sidering he spoke of increasing the “invisible hand.” Despite the peo- gas tax during the campaign; Sena- ples’ cry of “Drill baby, drill!” and tor McCain and Senator Clinton both successful examples of the nuclear proposed a Gas Tax Holiday. The power in countries like France who Net-Zero Gas Tax advocates are also relies on nuclear power for 87.5% quick to point out the friendship be- of their electrical power production, The payroll tax holiday may be temporarty, but the gas tax will last forever. tween Senator Lugar and President politicians are futzing with tax rates Obama as further reason to suggest and spending money on unproven, tax and flex our crude oil regulating the campaign, the end results should that this gas tax hike is right around unreliable technologies, such as wind muscles it would be now—creating look something like this: Demand for the corner. But let’s take a step back, and solar power. a paradox. We’ve seen the price of a gasoline will decrease as the demand put down the Gas-X, and look at the Government regulation all too of- barrel of crude oil rise from 20 U.S. for gasoline is elastic, which was complex implications of the tax. ten leads to inefficiency and failure. It dollars in early 2002, to a record high clearly displayed this summer when Although the payroll tax would really is quite disappointing that Sen- of 152 U.S. Dollars in June 2008, and gas prices soared to nearly $4.50 in be decreased, allowing businesses to ator Richard Lugar and Charles now we’re finally back to about 40 some parts of the country; the world save money in one area, they would Krauthammer would follow the path dollars a barrel. Raising the tax while price of a barrel of crude oil will also be forced to pay a higher gas tax, blazed by former President George the price of the barrel is relatively low drop, as the United States takes in which would increase the price of W. Bush in “Abandoning free market would mitigate costs on the American nearly 14 million of the world’s 65 their goods produced. principles to save the free market.” consumer. million imports of barrels of crude Also, the purpose of the gas tax, When will we learn that government The answer to both of these ques- oil per day. This drop in world prices as it is now, is to support transporta- can’t fix our problems, they just make tions seems to be emerging in the would certainly be a blow to some of tion infrastructure. The government them worse? Judging by the last elec- form of Indiana Senator Richard Lu- the United States economic and polit- should not be using the gas tax to ma- tion, we aren’t even close to under- gar’s Net-Zero Gas Tax proposal. The ical opponents. Dr. David Hummels nipulate aggregate demand. Let the standing this. Net-Zero Gas Tax is a proposal that elaborated, “Russia and Venezuela free market take its course. I’m fed up has been largely propagated by con- were acting really obnoxiously this with of government trying to control THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 4THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 5 Freedom of Choice Act vs. Declaration of Independence

By Aaron Anspaugh ownership of property (pursuit of hap- known that the government usually government intervention is usually [email protected] piness) is worthless. The order and ends up causing more trouble than it not a good thing in terms of personal wording of these rights was important intends to fix when it gets involved matters. The actual trade occurring to- With the inauguration of President to understanding the original intent of personal issues. However, the ones day, however, shows the right of life Obama, the issue of abortion came up the document. who use this argument for backing (with liberty and property naturally immediately. Right off the bat, Presi- Several years later, when the Bill of abortion show a lack of understanding following) of unborn children being dent Obama reversed an executive or- Rights was added to the Constitution, about the purpose of government in sacrificed for the right of “liberty” by der by President Bush that kept money several other rights were defined that the first place. Our Founding Fathers mothers. from being sent overseas to fund the government was to protect. These, understood that small government There are a few differences be- abortions. Since President Obama however, were not seen as God-given, was better than large government, but tween the issues of slavery and abor- now has a majority in both the House but as restrictions on the government. that government did need to exist for tion. First, the unborn children can- and Senate, another piece of abortion Also, since it was part of the Consti- certain purposes. A major one of these not protest or speak out against their legislation may be coming soon. The tution, these rights could be modified purposes is to protect the God-given plight, as many escaped slaves and Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) goes at future dates through amendments. rights of its citizens. freed blacks were able to do during a step beyond the existing govern- While there may be some overlap, When the argument over slavery the era of slavery. Second, the right of ment stance on the issue. While Roe v. those rights mentioned in the first 10 was raging, people had strong argu- slaves as property that the slavehold- Wade only took the negative by over- Amendments were not to be confused ments on both sides. Today, we don’t ers used was actually justified based turning state laws and stating that the with the unalienable rights given by see the slaveholders’ arguments as on the Constitution’s view of slavery overall banning of abortions is uncon- God. The Founders understood that even being valid, but they did have at the time (until the passage of the stitutional, FOCA will actually take the natural rights as narrated by Jef- at least some Constitutional backing. 13th Amendment). There is no such the opposite approach by affirming ferson were not given by government, The Constitution did not say much direct justification in the Constitu- through law that every woman has the tion on how a mother’s ability to have right to an abortion, at any time dur- her child killed is related to “liberty”. ing pregnancy, at any medical facility. Third, the issue of the legality of abor- This will also overturn many restric- tion has not been decided by elected tions and regulations that have been officials in the same way as the is- placed on abortion that did not conflict sue of slavery. Lincoln, who made with Roe v. Wade, such as parental the Emancipation Proclamation, was notification and the right for religious elected. The Congress who composed hospitals to deny abortions. the Constitutional Amendment ban- Since this issue is bound to, once ning slavery was elected. The state again, return to the front pages as soon legislatures who ratified that same as FOCA is brought up again (and it amendment were all elected. The issue will be), there is a definite need to re- of abortion was decided with no direct examine the issue. For those who are popular support, but by justices with in favor of abortion, they claim it is a no accountability to the people. The right of personal liberty for a woman Supreme Court overturned many state to be able to choose what happens to laws in the process of discovering the her body. For those who are against Mr. Obama, Tear up this Bill! Constitutional right of an abortion. abortion, the issue is not simply about In conclusion, the issue comes reasons for or against the procedure. and therefore could not be taken away about slavery until that time except to down to a proper view of the situation. It goes up to a higher level, that of or modified by government. acknowledge the existence of slaves While government intrusion into a the value of human life. Our found- Our society, for the most part, feels by assigning them a population value woman’s body doesn’t seem fair to the ing documents indicate that there are it is just and fair to be able to take the of 3/5ths of a person. For the slave- woman’s liberty, there is no question certain rights that are endowed upon God-given rights from people who holders, the slaves were their prop- that a right to life is being violated in humans from God (or perhaps nature have violated the rights of other people, erty, and they did not want some big exchange for that personal liberty. The if you are atheist). The first of these is such as the death penalty as a punish- government coming in and interven- government must protect the God-giv- the right to life. ment for murder (life), imprisonment ing by telling them what to do with en rights (starting with life) above all Of the three God-given rights as for serious crimes (liberty), and fines their property. They saw Lincoln as a else, whatever that may mean as far as penned by Thomas Jefferson (those for lesser crimes (property). In fact, monarch who only wanted to expand laws or Constitutional amendments. being life, liberty, and the pursuit of at the founding, we still had the insti- government and take away individual That is a main purpose of our govern- happiness), it was understood that life tution of slavery established, which liberty. In reality, however, Lincoln ment the way it is designed. When we was the most important of the three. clearly violated the rights of liberty came to understand that it violated the start taking away the God-given rights At the time, Jefferson was not as con- and property, and in some cases life. natural laws of humanity to sacrifice of some, who cannot fight for them- cerned with British tyranny taking Eventually, the majority sentiment be- the rights of life, liberty, and property selves, in order to provide for the judi- away his right to live as much as his came such that people understood that of some in order to appease the desire cially-created rights of others, we be- right to liberty, but he still understood the God-given rights applied to ALL for property by others. gin to devalue those original rights. that life was the most important of the people, not just those who happened Today, we have a similar argument Worse yet, we lay down a dangerous three. Without life, one cannot enjoy to be in control of the others. raging. There are those who feel that precedent that the government has the the other two God-given rights. The Conservatives, for the most part, a law against abortion violates their ability to take away the God-given second right, liberty, was the second are not in favor of big government personal liberty. In one sense, they do rights of anyone, including the most most important, for without freedom, intervention in private lives. It is well have some basis for an argument, since precious right of life. THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 4THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 5 24...

FROM PAGE 1 stand the conditions into which our about the lack of terrorist attacks easy for everyone to criticize the evidence, but then you have to look front-line soldiers and agents are since 9/11 and how they feel about President and those below him in into who ordered this”. Clearly, this placed every day. It is very easy for the role that “torture” may have the chain of command for their de- is not far off from what occurred in an elitist Senator or United Nations played, some Purdue students spoke cisions, but now the shoe is on the 24’s season opener. worker to accuse people of perform- their mind: other foot. The show 24 has often dealt with ing or sanctioning torture, but they Katy Jester, a junior majoring With President Obama keeping difficult political and moral issues. never see what good might have in classical studies said, “In war Robert Gates in the Cabinet and re- Many of the conflicts in the show come from the actions in question. against terrorists, when people are cently softening his rhetoric on anti- involve the question of whether the Clearly, there comes a point where going to get hurt, I like the utilitari- war stances, it appears that he has ends justify the means in any given torture is extreme and immoral. But anism approach. I would rather one not yet departed from President scenario. Jack Bauer has been placed in dealing with enemies who are person be tortured than 60 innocent Bush’s approach to fighting the War in situations which most Americans not afraid to give their lives or their people die.” Other students view the on Terror. President Obama has had will never experience and he always loved ones’ lives in order to kill in- situation from a different perspec- to and will continue to have to ask made a decision based on his own nocent civilians, extreme measures tive. An anonymous junior majoring himself the age old question: “Do judgment. As this season’s opener are sometimes the only solution. in C&IT said, “I don’t think [tor- the ends justify the means in this demonstrated, that judgment, while For the most part, the U.S. gov- ture] is necessarily always wrong. situation?” The answer will not al- it may have saved thousands of lives ernment allows agents in the field “ He clarified his statement by say- ways be the same, but it is some- throughout the course of the show, to use reasonable means to obtain ing, “Unless there is an immediate thing that has to be decided on a can still be punished if it does not information. Some of these tech- and already-realized threat… we case-by-case basis. The season 7 follow the letter of the law. Near the niques, such as water-boarding, shouldn’t resort to torture”. opener of 24 could be a good predic- end of Jack Bauer’s grilling session were not considered torture until Will Obama ignore the previous tion of what the next several years by the Senate, Jack made a refer- the Obama administration arrived. administration’s actions and simply will be like if Obama actually fol- ence to how he felt in regards to his However, even with the strictest move on in his “new” direction? lows the advice of people such as breaking the law while fulfilling his laws against torture, we will never Or will he actively investigate and the U.N. worker, Manfred Nowak. mission. He said, “In answer to your know how many soldiers and agents prosecute anyone related to an al- However, if Obama does not cave to question, ‘Am I above the law?’, did what they deemed necessary to leged torture? Perhaps a third option the extreme left’s calls for war no, sir. I am more than willing to be save American lives over the course is most likely. President Bush was in crimes charges against the Bush ad- judged by the people you claim to of this war, regardless of the per- the hot seat for only a few months ministration and if he allows those represent. I will let them decide the sonal consequences they may have when 9/11 occurred. At that point, on the front-line of the War on Ter- price I need to pay.” had to face. his entire mindset about foreign re- ror to use their judgment in saving While a small faction in this Does this strategy work? In late lations was changed. He had access American lives, then maybe the en- country may want the harshest pun- 2007, the Heritage Foundation re- to intelligence that few others did, tertaining fiction of 24 will remain ishments for people who merely ported on 19 major terrorist attacks so his decisions were not based only merely fiction. used their judgment in a difficult sit- that were thwarted since 9/11/2001. on what the popular opinion might uation, most Americans can under- When asked about how they felt have been at the time. It was very

What to Get Your Valentine in a Recession Guys Gals

Notebook Paper Footballs Ring Pop (Fold 10, Place in Ziplock Bag) Boquet of Dandelions Pair of Socks Facebook Gift Duct Tape Wallet The Notebook, recorded on VHS Gift Certificate for Hope & Change Conversation Hearts Swatch Watch Den Pop Basket of Soaps and Shampoos from Hotel THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 6THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 7 Junkie... FROM PAGE 1

joint and wonder into the real world with only the bare minimum name to normal life than those who have such a topic entertaining without a to make some new friends and maybe recognition. Anybody who’s anybody been living and breathing politics looming national election which will get a date. Or share the wealth a little. knows who you are, but you can still since high school. There will be those decide the fate of the universe. Some- There are many Junkies out there go to the grocery store without be- that will try to recruit you into doing how, even John Stewart is less funny who are less politically fortunate and ing recognized, not that you would things in an off election year. Since every night as he struggles to find a could use a good high. (Disclaimer: do that anyways, now that you have you don’t really care, just nod, smile, way to be funny without criticizing the Purdue Review does not advocate “people”. and move along. There’s a crazy party the President Obama. He seems to the use of illegal substances) still be stuck talking about former President Bush and Vice President Liberal Government-Type Cheney. Stephen Colbert on the oth- The Campaign is over and now “The problem is you now need to be able to er hand seems to have become fun- you’ve been ushered into power. The nier, as he is fearless in attacking any problem is you now need to be able politician, conservative, or hippie. to cash all those checks for hope and cash all those checks for hope and change Because many of us have change you’ve been writing for the no real life outside of the 24 hour last two years. No worries though, you’ve been writing for the last two years.” news-cycle, here is a practical guide being in power is less about doing to surviving the next 10 months till anything real and more about making the midterms start up in full force. everyone think you are doing some- Having a discussion with people that thing. Besides, the burnout rate for happening down the street and I hear doesn’t involve defending or attack- working in government in a political Liberal College Student Die-Hard jello and girls are involved. ing Sarah Palin’s shoes many sound position is about two years. After that, All those points you made in your difficult, but it is possible. Because you get a book deal, the title of ‘con- Political Science class finally paid Conservative College Student Die- of the incredible diversity of the pop- tributor’ or ‘analyst’ on some news off. It feels good now that you can get Hards ulation of Political Junkies, this guide channel, and all the commentary you into debates at a party after you’ve It may seem like the end of the is organized by the various types of can peddle. Be sure not to waste your had a few drinks and not really worry world, but don’t worry about it. If people who get sucked into the show time at the top, there’s always that about zinging the conservative guy you’re right, there’s not much you that never ends. guy in high school that pushed you on the other side (not that he’d know can do about it and if you’re wrong, around or that girl that rejected you. it anyways, he’s about to pass out there not much point in worrying Die Hard Liberal Hippie: What’s the point of being in power if clinging his bottle of jack). Your guy about it. Avoid de-friending anyone You’ve been reading Al Franken’s you can’t get a little payback? won and it doesn’t really matter what who you think voted for “change.” books and can probably recite them the other people say because “yeah, You’ll eventually run into them at a from memory; you know all about Democratic Political Operative but your guy lost” works at college party and get suckered into re-friend- Halliburton and how Dick Cheney The sky is the limit. Unlike those parties. Just try not to rub it in too ing them again. Instead, worry about eats kittens. Enjoy the victory of unfortunate bastards who have to go much. As much as everyone loves getting ahead in life and getting set hope and change for as long as you work in the government, you are sat- that guy in class who knows exactly up for a good job. You have no desire can and try to make some friends isfied with the ad-buys you cashed in the right thing to say to zing the con- to be a community organizer; you’re while you are at it. The disappointing on and you can go right into writing servatives, you will probably find it hoping to actually make money. By thing about being a liberal when the your books and spending your nights isn’t a particularly good way to get the time you graduate and get that Democrats are in power is the same in posh bars around DC, LA, or wher- members of the opposite sex; or of corner office, the Republicans will be thing that’s disappointing about being ever. You’ve probably got a few offers the same sex, if you’re into that kind back in power and your campaign do- conservative when the Republicans to write or be on cable news opposite of thing. Be sure to develop topics of nation will get you a plumb appoint- are in power: Parties never live up to Keith Olberman, but it’d probably be conversation beyond Cheney being a ment, or at very least, a front seat to their hype, at least not for long. Also, best if you spent the next year just terrorist. It doesn’t make much sense see President Jindal speak. there are fewer reasons to complain living life. You are the perfect kind of to blast the Republicans after they’ve about the government. Put down that celebrity: all the influence and power been kicked out of power so thor- Republican Operatives oughly. Kudos if you can talk about Ouch, that was a kick in the pants. topics completely unrelated to poli- It might be time to get out of the big “Run for the Hills! The Democrats are on their tics, you just might have a chance at show. You can handle defeat a little a real life. better than all those young’ins who are now vying for your job since way to your house to take all your guns, your New Voters and Regular College you’ve been around the block a few Students times. The good thing is you can now Bible, and possibly turn your children gay with Get out while you can. You didn’t bitch and moan about anything and care about politics before the last everything. You get to return to hav- election cycle, but actually became ing an ideology free of the practical an evil form of marmalade developed by Satan informed enough to know the differ- implications of governing and win- ence between Joe the Plumber and Joe ning elections. You still know all of Biden: they both are naturally bald, those well-furnished bars, so call up himself!” but one had a jobs project to restore his hairline. You’re far better adjusted See “Junkies...” - pg. 7 THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 6THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 7 Junkies... FROM PAGE 6

some friends from the Reagan Revo- to take down to Hell for pow-wows lution and reminisce about the good with you-know-who. Be comforted ‘ole times. Also, don’t worry too in the knowledge that you survived much, this whole hope and change Bill Clinton and maybe even Carter. stuff will blow over faster than Com- Nancy Pelosi certainly is scary, but passionate Conservatism and then it you can only wear that much makeup will be time for the Midterms. In the and have so many facelifts before meantime, take a vacation to Tahiti; you get mistaken for a drag queen. you don’t have to worry about gov- Besides, it’s probably the end of the erning or gloating, just relax a little world anyways. and get ready for the next big election All in all, it’s been a crazy run the cycle. last few years. Politics is certainly the show that never ends and it’s incred- Gun-Totin’, God-Fearin’, Conser- ibly easy to get sucked in. So far you vative Wack-jobs have no life outside the report given Run for the Hills! The Democrats by the subcommittee on rules regard- are on their way to your house to take ing proper ways to address the first all your guns, your Bible, and pos- pet. Try to have some perspective and sibly turn your children gay with an a life outside politics; there’s only so evil form of marmalade developed much you can actually affect and Oh, what are you so happy about? by Satan himself! Best to move up change. There are plenty of good to Alaska where it’s too cold for Al things in life that don’t revolve around Gore and his kind to survive. They the news ticker on Fox News, CNN, talk about global warming a lot, but in or MSNBC. And please, for goodness fact, they like it a little warmer, prob- sake, be able to laugh at yourself…at ably because of all the trips they have least until the Midterms.

Leaving the Poverty Plantation

By Jay Wood job that paid “under the table”, she [email protected] was better off financially then if she worked a regular full-time job. The Conservative Coalition for In the same online article, Star American Values (CCAV) and The said, “Later, I had no trouble drop- Network of Enlightened Women ping my daughter, Angel, off at a (NEW) are partnering together to government-funded day care, sell- bring another guest speaker to cam- ing some free medical-care stickers pus. On Tuesday, February 17th, to buy drugs, and hanging out at the they’ll be hosting Star Parker, a beach all afternoon. Now I look back woman with an incredible success and say, ‘God, how was I so blind?’ story. She will be speaking at 7 PM Yet through my sinful lifestyle I’d in Mathews 210. Star will share her totally lost my understanding of right story of how she got off of welfare and wrong.” and began a successful independent After a religious conversion expe- life. rience, Star began to rely on God and In an online article in Today’s not on government. She no longer felt Christian Woman, Star tells of how dependent on welfare checks. She got she had four abortions (each tax sub- a job, married a pastor, and began a sidized) in a three year span. She prosperous life. Star Parker’s tale is a got pregnant three months after her classic American Dream success sto- fourth abortion, but decided to bring ry. Her visit to Purdue promises to be the child to term. When Star was 23, yet another can’t-miss event in the she quit her job and went on welfare. CCAV’s successful guest speaker se- Between welfare, food stamps, and a ries.

Star Parker THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 8THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 9 Dining Courts Don’t Satisfy

By Jordan Hebbe the dining halls hinder rather than ac- [email protected] commodate Purdue’s student body. The dining halls serve breakfast from Before arriving to Purdue, I was 6:30am to 9:30am, lunch from 11am looking forward to eating in the din- to 2pm, and dinner from 5pm to ing halls. As a health conscious stu- 8:30pm. After researching the hours dent, I was pleased with the variety of operation at Indiana University, I and quality of the food offered in found that some places stay open un- the halls. Or at least, I was during til 2am and many do not close until my Day on Campus, at which point midnight. There are several dining Purdue was still trying to entice po- locations that open at 7:30am and do tential students to attend. Since then, not close until midnight. At Ball State I have been constantly disappointed University, there is always at least by Purdue’s dining system. The se- one dining court open until midnight. lection is significantly lacking when Many of the courts open in the morn- compared to this summer, the quality ing and remain open until late in the is marginal at best, and the opportuni- evening, allowing students the free- ties for wholesome nutrition are vir- dom to eat where they want, when tually non-existent. I was determined they want, without having to fit it into not to gain the “Freshman 15” and I their schedules. Purdue’s restricted have succeeded, only by avoiding the hours are a nuisance to its students. halls whenever possible and keep- Granted, when comparing Pur- ing my own stock of fresh fruit and due’s dining system to that of IU and The “only a salad” mentality just doesn’t work here healthy options in my dorm room. I Ball State, it must be mentioned that cious options abound? Well, you can- We need a flexible schedule to fit our decreased my meal plan from 12 to we operate on a different type of meal not use your meal swipes and you are own hectic ones. We need healthy 10, and I still end up having 5 meals credit system. At IU and Ball State, only allowed to use $25 of your din- food that gives us energy for late left at the end of the week. It is un- they have more of a meal point sys- ing dollars there per semester. Once nights and lots of studying. The din- acceptable for a large college like tem. They put money into an account you’ve spent that $25, you have to ing administration seems to think that Purdue to have such a subpar dining and charge the meals on that account. use your own cash. You have prob- a weak salad bar and apples, oranges, system. Students pay, on average, Even so, they offer more options, bet- ably $150+ dining dollars left in your and bananas give us enough variety $18,000 to attend this school and I ter hours, and more healthy foods. account, and you are not even al- when it comes to health-conscious believe that the dining halls should Their meal points are valid at all of lowed to choose where you use them. food. They also seem to think that, reflect that number. their locations, unlike Purdue. As any What a waste. for everyone who is concerned with When compared with other dining student knows, our meal swipes are Although it’s not widely discussed, eating healthy, Windsor Dining Hall systems in the state, Purdue is behind only valid in 7 locations. We have many students become sick from eat- should suffice. Well, that just doesn’t the curve. While the dining halls here to use our dining dollars or pay up ing in the dining halls. On several oc- cut it. I said we want to eat healthy, are architecturally state of the art and front with another form of money casions I have gotten a cheeseburger, not vegan. Healthy food does not aesthetically pleasing, they lack what when eating at Harrison Grille and only to find that it is undercooked consist of Spinach Quiche Pie (on the matters most: the best interests of the Cary Knight Spot. And how about the and still raw inside. I have been lucky menu at Wiley yesterday), or Straw- student. The hours of operation for Union, where healthy food and deli- enough to notice this before eating berry Kiwi Spinach Pie (on the menu enough to become ill. Some students at Wiley today), or Chick Pea Chhole have not been so lucky. Clark Cord (on the menu at Ford today), or Vegan and Nick Mader, freshmen living in Spicy Basil Tofu (on the menu at Ear- Shreve Hall, both ate double swipe hart today). Why do the dishes have steak from Wiley Hall on the same to be so complicated? Why is it that evening and became sick because of every time the halls serve what could it. Another freshman, Kyle Nelson, be nice, normal, grilled chicken, they ate an omelet at Wiley Dining Court have to put some kind of fruit all over and spent much of the day vomiting it? Just give us nice, healthy chicken. afterwards. Hayley Warner fell ill Fruit and chicken were not meant to after eating at Earhart Dining Hall. be together, ever. If you want to give Karly Tepe and several of her friends us fruit, that would be wonderful. I became sick after eating chicken at think we would all quite appreciate a Harrison Grille. fresh fruit bar, featuring items like Although the mission statement strawberries, grapes, pineapple (real, boasts to “provide a wide variety of rather than canned, please), raspber- menu options with quality food and ries, oranges, kiwi, peaches, and services, accentuating and enhancing blueberries. We want to eat these the customer experience in a diverse things; we want to eat healthy. global community,” it fails to address They don’t even know what’s coming for them the student body’s foremost needs. THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 8THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 9

New Year, New Pennies

By Paul Nann when Victor D. Brenner designed the the penny a flip; if it makes a ringing each penny, you’ll find a new image [email protected] “Lincoln Wheat” penny to celebrate sound it’s copper, otherwise it’s zinc. replacing the familiar Lincoln Me- the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s This wasn’t the first time that at- morial. Each of these new designs We’re now happily in 2009 and birth. This penny had the same front tempts were made to lower the cost of consists of a distinct image symbol- there are changes abound. One which design as the one we have today and the penny. In 1943, all pennies were izing a certain stage of Lincoln’s life. you might not notice right away is remained unchanged until 1957. That made of steel. In 1974, there was a These four include his childhood, his that shiny new penny you found be- year we got the penny we still use to- failed attempt to convert the penny life in Indiana, his political career, neath the vending machine doesn’t day with the Lincoln Memorial on the to mostly aluminum (1.5 million of and his presidency. The front for all look completely like a penny. 2009 is back. those pennies were made, but they of the pennies will remain the same. more than just another year; it’s also The composition of the penny is were all recalled). Even now, attempts The bust of Lincoln will remain un- the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s also interesting, even with the ‘cop- are being made to change the compo- altered. A fifth design, commemorat- birth. On February 12th, his birthday, per’ look changing every once in a sition of the coin. In 2008, a bill was ing the preservation of the union, will we’re going to be changing up our while. Although many people think introduced to the House allowing the be released in 2010. This final design smallest denomination of currency to the modern penny is copper, it’s ac- Mint to change the makeup of coins will be permanent. In that design, it’s commemorate Lincoln. tually not. In 1982, the cost of cop- in hopes of making them cheaper to possible that the front of the penny – This isn’t the first time we’ve per rose to the extent that the cost to produce. the Lincoln bust- might be slightly changed the penny. Every few de- make a penny was far higher than the It still costs more than one cent altered. cades we mix it up. Including the one cent it represented. The U.S. Mint to mint a penny. The only thing that These pennies will be circulated., four new designs this year, we’ve decided to change the penny to 97.5% is changing this year is the back of People can collect all four. . There had a total of eight redesigns of the zinc with copper plating. Since some our beloved coin. The U.S. Mint has will also be a special Collector’s Coin (small sized) penny. The current pen- of the 1982 pennies are zinc and some come up with four brand new designs (complete with 95% copper). ny (officially known as ‘one cent’) are copper, it is often difficult to tell for the penny this year, each of which didn’t start to take shape until 1907 them apart. One simple way is to give will be circulated. On the back of

Penny Compositions 1793–1857 - Copper 1857–1864 - 88% Copper, 12% nickel 1864–1942 - Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) 1943 - Zinc-coated steel 1944–1946 - Brass (95% copper, 5% zinc) 1946–1962 - Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) 1962–1982 - Brass (95% copper, 5% zinc) 1982– Present - 97.5% Zinc core, 2.5% copper plating

Penny Designs Flying Eagle – ((1856–1858) Indian Head – ((1859–1909) Lincoln Wheat – ((1909–1958) Lincoln Memorial – (1959–2008) Lincoln Bicentennial (4 reverse designs) – (2009) THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 10THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 11 Post-Partisanship: DOA

By Josh Teasdale never mentioned bipartisanship in Although a portion of the bill goes to pay his own taxes from 2000- [email protected] the 2008 election, much less post- toward tax rebates, far too much 2001. The President’s nominee for partisanship. If President Obama of it goes towards pet programs of Labor Secretary, Hilda Solis, is still When running for President in truly wanted to avoid partisanship, the Democratic Party. The Presi- under consideration by the Senate. 2000, George Bush promised to be he should have taken the lead on this dent readily admits that the bill is No President can be blamed a “uniter and not a divider.” Upon stimulus plan and insist it go though not perfect, but appears to be taking for all of the misfortunes which are taking office at the start of 2001, he the regular committee system for little-to-no effort to clean it up. suffered while he is in office. How- sought out Democrats to work on hearings and amendments. To ab- The new President’s troubles ever, the reaction of a President issues in a bipartisan fashion. He dicate leadership to the Speaker of seem to go beyond the current to misfortunes is telling about the worked with Ted Kennedy to pass the House on this major piece of stimulus package. At least four of man who currently resides at 1600 No Child Left Behind and support- legislation is to abandon any hope his nominees to major cabinet and Pennsylvania Avenue. Coming into ed efforts to create more jobs, train of attracting bipartisan support for Whitehouse positions have tax prob- office, President Obama set out an workers in new fields, established a the final bill. lems which are creating controver- ambiguous agenda for his first 100 national Do-Not-Call List, created a That is not to say the President sy. Nominees for Treasury, Labor, days in office. However, many of Medicare prescription drug plan for his campaign promises revolved not seniors, imposed new regulations on around solid policy, but tone and corporate accounting, and a pushed manner. What he has failed to real- to change campaign finance reform. ize is that without strong leadership Many of these programs and pieces from the Oval Office, his Demo- of legislation made conservatives crat counterparts in Congress will cringe. President Bush, however, destroy any kind of bipartisanship despite his bipartisanship on many just as quickly as any Republican. domestic issues, became an increas- Although he presumably couldn’t ingly divisive figure in our country. have foreseen all of his nominees’ Much of that had to do not with do- tax problems, he has far from taken mestic issues, but the War on Terror a hard line against failure to pay in Iraq and other national security taxes. issues. It seems that President Fast forward eight years: Presi- Obama is not going to get a honey- dent Obama won the 2008 presi- moon period. This is partially due to dential election in much the same the current economic crisis, but also way George Bush won in 2000—by partially attributable to his (lack of) criticizing past divisive partisanship leadership in drawing up the current and promising to unite the country. recovery plan. Upon taking office in Now, facing one of the worst eco- 2001, President Bush made a genu- nomic crises in recent history, he has ine effort to bring Democrats on- been pushing an economic stimulus board and listen to their ideas. After plan to shock and awe the country eight years and numerous difficul- out of its funk. With his first major ties, the Bush presidency ended up piece of legislation during his term, being far from the unifying force bipartisanship or post-partisanship many had hoped. Currently, Presi- has evaporated. Instead of hearing dent Obama (by bowing to Demo- all ideas about how to stimulate the Remember, they won and don’t need to listen to the American people for two years at least. cratic Congressional leadership) is economy, he has allowed the Speaker wasting any chance he had at be- of the House, Nancy Pelosi to write has been uninvolved; he has gone Health and Human Services, and coming the Anti-Bush (and we the stimulus bill. The bill which to speak to the Republican Caucus a White House performance czar haven’t even gotten to FOCA, Card passed in the House never saw the in the House, where he insisted he have, in some way, failed to prop- Check, and numerous other liberal light of day in a committee hearing, wanted to hear Republican ideas, erly pay income taxes. Putting aside policies which the left is salivating but was instead written and brought which he then routinely dismissed. the obvious irony of Democrats fail- over). It is hard to imagine how the to the floor by Speaker Pelosi. More recently, he has been issuing ing to pay taxes, the President has tone of his Presidency will get any Now, it is not surprising that a dire warnings of an economic col- refused to bar anyone from the ex- better in the next four years. In the Speaker of the House would be in- lapse should this “stimulus” bill, ecutive branch who hasn’t followed end, President Obama seems likely tensely partisan. Individuals who go which could more accurately be de- the tax code. Although Tom Daschle, to end up being just as divisive and on to become Speaker win in a sin- scribed as a massive pork appropria- for Health and Human Services, and controversial as President Bush. gle congressional district to become tions bill, fail it would lead to a new Nancy Killefer, for Chief Perfor- Many conservatives would call that a member of Congress than must great depression. Despite the obvi- mance Officer, withdrew from con- poetic justice. become party cheerleaders to win ous hopefulness of this pronounce- sideration, Tim Geithner will serve the support of their party and the Of- ment, Republicans have continued as Secretary of the Department of fice of the Speaker. Speaker Pelosi to be hesitant to support the bill. the Treasury even though he failed THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 10THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 11 Michael Steele, A Man with a Vision

By Jay Wood losing its roar.” He added that Mi- conservative of the candidates for to Steele, we need to improve our [email protected] chael Steele’s challenge will be to chairman. However, there is little communication to voters. During a persuade left-leaning blacks that doubt that, as chairman, he will be Fox News Sunday appearance on Blue Collar Comedy Tour co- November 17, 2008, Michael said, median Jeff Foxworthy is famous “… we don’t know how to talk to for his “You might be a redneck…” people. We’ve absolutely forgotten tests. For example, “If you’ve ever how to communicate a message.” mowed your lawn and found a car… He went on to explain that the party you might be a redneck.” A similar needs to improve how it relates to test can be applied to members of ordinary citizens on the grassroots our party. For example, “If you’ve level by sharing our side of the is- lost control of Congress and the sues that affect people’s everyday White House because your party lives. doesn’t have strong effective lead- During the 2008 Republican ership… you might be a Republi- Convention, it was Michael Steele can.” who came up with the now popular Unlike Foxworthy’s jokes, the chant, “Drill Baby Drill”. In doing state of the Republican Party, for so, he showed his ability to recog- its members, is no laughing mat- nize an issue that resonated with ter. Our party has lost a devastating voters and communicate, at least in number of seats in Congress and has part, the conservative position on handed the keys to the White House that issue. This is a practice that Mi- to a man who represents the farthest chael hopes to continue throughout of the left in American politics. Jay his tenure as chairman. McCann, a Purdue professor in the Professor McCann added that political science department ex- one of Michael Steele’s biggest pri- plained what led to the transition of orities will be internally rebuilding power. the Republican Party. He said that “In 2006, the 900 lb guerilla was the GOP needs a morale boost at the the war in Iraq. George W. Bush had state and local level. “Nothing is become a polarizing symbol. He more sobering than a loss. Winners had poor approval ratings and they don’t have an incentive to change.” stayed down for quite some time. In discussing the rebuilding effort, With the 2008 presidential race, McCann reminisced about the GOP the coattails for Obama were not as takeover of the House in 1994 say- strong. It was more of a personal- ing, “The Republicans cleaned the ized candidate-centered race. Cer- Democrats’ clocks. Church phone tainly though, it was a good time to trees used to let the congregation run as a Democrat.” know when one in the flock dies Times are changing though. On and fax machines were turned in to January 30th, after six ballots, Mi- political machines.” chael Steele was selected to be the Such a comeback will require a new chairman of the Republican grassroots effort in all 50 states. National Committee. Steele, the Michael Steele, the man to lead the RNC out of the gutter They say “all politics is local” and party’s first black chairman, is the that is certainly true, however, that former Lt. Governor of Maryland the GOP is a viable choice for them. fully committed to advancing the does not mean that a party can sur- and Chairman of GOPAC. The ver- To do so, Steele will need to build conservative principles of the Re- vive and be effective without strong dict is still out on whether or not bridges to that culture. He could try publican Party and producing big national leadership. Such leadership Steele’s selection was in any way to reach out to them through value wins nationwide. has been absent in the Republican a racial response to the election of initiatives, but he can only go so Professor McCann said, “Mi- Party for far too long. Times are Barack Obama. far without losing support from the chael Steele might be the Republi- changing though. We now have a Both major parties now being led conservative base. can’s Howard Dean. In 2004, Dean dynamic leader with a vision of re- by a black male might be a visible McCann mentioned that the field established a 50-state strategy. No storing our party to the dominant challenge to what Clarence Thomas of candidates for chairman repre- state, even a small state, would be force it once was. I don’t know if would call “an old order” - that be- sented the diversity in the Repub- written off. Obama got this strategy you want to “clean the Democrats’ ing a devotion of the black com- lican Party and that those different and took off with it.” If Michael clocks”, but I certainly do. Michael munity to liberal ideals. Professor choices represented different poten- Steele wants to win nationwide, he Steele is ready to help us do just McCann noted that the 60’s protest tial futures for the Party (as far as might want to learn a lesson from that. generation (i.e. Jesse Jackson and value and policy emphasis go). his counter-part at the DNC. Al Sharpton) is becoming “long in On an individual basis, Michael Becoming winners again will in- the tooth” and that it’s “a tiger that’s Steele might not have been the most volve a number of things. According THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 12THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 13 Stimulus... FROM PAGE 1

The president was right of course. just that we haven’t tried it,” Hum- but which option will work the fast- rent stimulus bill is that much of the Who wouldn’t want to give their mels stated. est and will have the greatest benefits spending is staggered over several opinion on the stimulus package? Dr. Holland expressed a similar in the short and long run? “We’re all years and that the amount spent in the Most agree that something needs concern, broaching the topic of long looking for some magical program to next year will probably be a “drop in to be done, and done quickly. Most term costs versus short term benefits. prop demand back up,” Holland said. the bucket” relative to GDP. “If you also agree that if Congress and the “I’ll be the first to be pessimistic In an attempt to find such a program, really believe in a fiscal stimulus, President get it wrong, we could be about the potential benefits compared I discussed the pros and cons of both you need to front load it, you need in for much worse times than we’re to the cost,” Holland stated, “As options with Hummels and Holland. to spend it now,” he said. But that experiencing now. This is where any the economy starts to recover, what If directed properly, government front loaded spending can have con- agreements about the stimulus pack- we’re left with is a staggering amount spending can provide immediate re- sequences down the road, as the CBO age end. Should the bill include more of debt. This will push interest rates lief by propping up certain sectors has reported. tax cuts or less? Will government up which will slow any potential we of the economy. If spending projects Holland noted, “We put ourselves spending boost the economy more might have to grow. There’s always a provide some sort of long term social in this situation by spending beyond than any other option? Should we be trade off.” benefit, such as improved roads and our means. So the trouble is, if we got more concerned about the long term The Congressional Budget Of- bridges or public buildings which here by spending, will over-spending or short term effect? Something will fice (CBO), the nonpartisan agency consume less energy, they could po- get us out of this?” be stimulated when the government responsible for providing economic tentially pay for themselves. Dr. Hummels added, “If you buy subsidizes contraceptives, but will it into the logic of Keynesian macro- be the economy? economics, then the only one left To get a better handle on these is- to spend any money is the federal sues and to help frame my own argu- “We put ourselves in this situation by government. The downside of that ment, I sat down with Purdue econom- is (over the long run) people have to ics professors Dr. David Hummels, a spending beyond our means. So the trouble is, pay more taxes to pay back.” former economic adviser to candidate The alternative to government Obama, and Dr. Bob Holland, a fre- spending to stimulate the economy, quent professor for the Principles of if we got here by spending, will over-spending then, is additional tax cuts. Economics course. Tax cuts can have two effects ac- I haven’t come across a person yet cording to Hummels: “The first ef- whose initial reaction to the stimulus get us out of this?” fect is that it puts money in people’s bill has been, “Hell yeah! I’m all for pockets that they will turn around and it,” and Hummels and Holland were spend on stuff to stimulate recovery; no different. Both expressed skepti- data to Congress, agrees. In a letter Extending unemployment benefits the second is that if you cut taxes cism, though for slightly different to Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) on would give money to people who in the appropriate way you change reasons. Wednesday, the CBO stated that, al- would otherwise not be consuming incentives—you encourage people to “I’ve got mixed feelings about it though the stimulus package would anything, which would boost aggre- work more.” because this is one of those things stimulate growth and reduce unem- gate demand for certain products and Roughly one-third of the cur- where we have very little empirical ployment in the short run, it would services and thus reduce unemploy- rent stimulus bill is in the form of records in terms of what’s going to reduce growth in the long term be- ment. Hummels noted that Keynes- tax cuts. The biggest portion of this work and what’s not,” Hummels told cause of the added debt. ian theory suggests that it doesn’t re- is a $500 tax cut for people with an- me. He expressed this concern many The CBO explained its findings ally matter where the money is spent. nual salaries ranging from $8,000 to times during the interview, and for as follows: “To the extent that people The point is to put money in peoples’ $75,000. Above this, the tax cuts start good reason. Typically, in economic hold their wealth in the form of gov- pockets so that they go out and spend dropping off. This is essentially the down turns, the government has used ernment bonds rather than in a form it. tax cut which President Obama pro- monetary policy to improve economic that can be used to finance private Any government spending pro- posed during the campaign. It’s part conditions, but as both Hummels and investment, the increased govern- gram designed to stimulate the econ- of his “bottom-up” strategy to boost Holland agreed, the Federal Reserve ment debt would tend to “crowd out” omy must take effect immediately the economy. has pretty much tried all of its avail- private investment—thus reducing and provide long term social and These are the most stimulating tax able options and to little effect. the stock of private capital and the economic benefit. It needs to provide cuts, because poor people don’t save Nothing on this scale or magni- long-term potential output of the a sudden jolt to boost the economy. and the poorer they get, the more tude has ever been tried before. For economy.” Hummels added, “And then you want quickly they’ll spend. Their spending economists, it’s a fascinating experi- This is where the argument be- it to be over with—you don’t want it boosts consumption the fastest. This ment. It may provide numerous data tween tax cuts and government to contribute to some sort of structur- is what economists refer to as “mar- that could potentially confirm or re- spending comes in. In general, Dem- al increase in the size of the govern- ginal propensity to consume.” Many fute the Keynesian macroeconomic ocrats argue that the bill must include ment. The whole idea is that you give Republicans, however, would argue model. But is $900 billion dollars more government spending for in- it a onetime shot in the arm and then that this tax cut is just another form too high a price for a grand experi- frastructure projects, green technol- you get back to lower levels. Now the of government spending because in- ment in economics? “Part of me, as ogy, healthcare, and unemployment problem is that anything you think of dividuals at lower income levels pay an academic, is sort of fascinated to benefits. Republicans argue that more is going to fail on at least one of those relatively few taxes to begin with. see how this will work out. But on the tax cuts for corporations and indi- dimensions, right?” Some suggest that cutting corporate other hand—there’s no strong reason viduals are needed. Both are likely to Dr. Holland noted that one of I have to believe it won’t work, it’s stimulate the economy in some way, the biggest problems with the cur- See “Stimulating...” - pg. 13 THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 12THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 13 Stimulating... FROM PAGE 12

income taxes would be a better idea. Dr. Holland expressed a similar there will be much less for the gov- offset the initial costs of any tax “You could also cut taxes on busi- sentiment, “The real problem with ernment to spend. The question then, cuts? The answer is difficult to come ness,” Holland stated, “which will that tax cut was that it was a onetime is will government spending or tax by. It seems that there is no magical give them more liquidity and encour- tax cut. I can’t count on lower tax cuts result in the greatest benefit? program to get our program back on age them to expand and acquire more rates years from now. So I take this Although it is not recognized by the track without any significant costs. I capital.” The result is what is referred onetime tax cut and pay off my credit Keynesian model, the multiplier for do believe, though, that the short run to as the “trickle-down theory.” A sig- card or save it because I’m concerned. tax cuts might be greater in the short and long run costs of tax cuts will be nificant cut in the corporate tax rate run than the multiplier for govern- less than those of increased govern- or the capital-gains tax rate would ment spending. ment spending. encourage corporations and small “In the end, neither Multipliers measure the amount of In the end, neither option will do businesses to expand by the way of short run GDP growth from each dol- much good if the American people capital investment and employ more lar of spending or tax cuts. Harvard are convinced it won’t work. “Wheth- people. This would reduce unem- option will do much economist Greg Mankiw notes on his er it’s tax cuts or government spend- ployment rates and put more money blog that empirical data suggests that ing, the package is going to ultimately in people’s pockets. Tax cuts have good if the American the multiplier for government spend- depend on consumer confidence,” their drawbacks though. ing is somewhere between 1 and 1.4, Holland stated. Both programs are Dr. Hummels pointed out that people are convinced whereas the multiplier for tax cuts likely to stimulate the economy in the there’s a lot of leakage away from can be as much as 3. Holland agrees, short run, but which has the lowest stimulus with tax cuts. There is no it won’t work.” “I think we would get a bigger bang cost in the long run? This is up for guarantee that people will use their from our buck from tax cuts rather debate, but neither program will work extra take-home pay on domestic than increases in government spend- unless the American people believe consumption. They could instead But what if I gave you a permanent ing.” in it. It doesn’t seem that too many choose to buy foreign goods or save tax cut where you have lower tax cuts Any tax cut must be followed by a Americans believe in the current it, which is what has happened in the next year, lower tax cuts the year af- decrease in government spending in package. President Obama is going to past. “We do know that from the last ter that? Now I might start thinking order to reduce overall debt and max- have to bring more Republicans to couple of tax cuts that were pushed about buying a car.” imize benefits in the long run. Obvi- the table, convince his party to cut the through during the Bush Administra- The key then, is to make any tax ously, this is not possible with the al- pork, and get the American people on tion that people saved a lot of that and cuts permanent. With any tax cut, ternative. Can we afford to not spend board. Otherwise, we may be in for a spent just a little of that,” Hummels however, government revenues will money or reduce funding for certain rough few years. said. drastically decline in the short term— projects? If so, will it be enough to Photo of the Month Ronald Reagan on: Recession

“A recession is when your neighbor loses his job. A depression is when you lose yours. And recovery is when Photo by Lauren Trancik Jimmy Carter loses his.” THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 14THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 15

Sea Kittens Move up the Food Chain

By Sean Harding nonsense. stabbing a rabbit. in cute clothes to learning about the [email protected] This name change seems to be PETA has an entire part section of petition to change their name. This little more than a petty attempt at their website devoted to Sea kittens incredible drive has already signed A rose by any other name would propaganda through deception. What and changing their image. You can well over 6000 people. PETA’s drive smell just a sweet. Or in this case a seems even worse is that the en- do anything from dressing them up to change the name of fish is simply fish, (and just as bad). Sea kittens tire stunt seems silly. For a group that wants to be are the new name of fish according aimed solely at taken seriously, this seems a very odd to PETA. This little name change children. Us- choice. It’s hard to comprehend PE- doesn’t sound like much but accord- ing children as a TA’s thought process when it comes ing to PETAThey’re saying, “it’s It’s target audience to their attempts to garner public sup- time for a serious makeover. And is nothing new port. They go from one extreme to who could possibly want to put a for PETA. In another. PETA has been known to hook through a sea kitten.” the past, PETA even support semi semi-violent pro- I really want to give PETA the ben- hasthey have tests and has even begun a contro- efit of the doubt and assume they’re distributed com- versial ad campaign about how being simply trying to be humorous. But ics to kids with a vegetarian makes menvegetarian for the most part I believe that they the name “Your makes men better at sex. are serious in their belief that Sea kit- Mommy Kills For being a group that seems to be tens would be a better name for fish. Animals” and an very serious about their message, According to PETA a name change illustration on they don’t seem to care about the se- would be great PR for the poor guys. the cover of a riousness of their image. This seems to be just more liberal woman violently Funny marketing will not make Long John Silvers ask for a bailout THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 14THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 15 CAMPUS DIVERSIONS - NEW CLASSES, NEW BOREDOM

Stickey Wicket by Stewart Simpson

Mallard Fillmore by Bruce Tinsley

Sudoku By Dave Green Medium 10 11 12 4 10 6 3 7 4 16 8 4 6 3 14 4 19 13 6 10 23 17 4 25 24 25 7 30 17 17 23 9 23 15 16 11 24 22 Diabolical 16 24 2009 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Difficulty Level 2/09 Kakuro instructions: The object is to fill all empty squares using numbers 1 to 9 so the sum of each horizon- tal block equals the clue on its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the clue on its top. In addition, no number may be used in the same block more than once.

Sudoku instructions: The object is to fill all empty squares so that the numbers 1 to 9 appear exactly once in Sudokus provided by http://www.sudokuoftheday.com each row, column and 3x3 box. THE PURDUE REVIEW February, 2009 Page 16 Presidential Cocktails

Presidents’ Day is fast approaching (February 16th, to be exact), and what better way to celebrate our most colorful and distinguished Presidents than with cocktails in their honor? So, we’ve compiled a list of drinks to honor our former leaders. Drink responsibly and don’t inhale. Abraham Lincoln: George Washington: Log Cabin Barack Obama: Cherry Blossom Ingredients: Yes, We Candy Apple Ingredients 2 oz Bourbon Ingredients: 1 oz Sambuca 1 tbsp Cream 1 dash Butterscotch Schnapps 1/2 oz Grenadine 1 tbsp Orange Juice 1 glass Sparkling Apple Cider Milk 1 tbsp Orange Soda Directions: Pour one glass of sparkling Directions: Add alcohol and fill to top Directions: cider. Add butterscotch and serve in a with milk. Garnish with a cherry on the Shake all ingredients (except soda) with highball glass. rim of the glass. ice and stain into a Highball Glass. Fill with orange soda and serve John F. Kennedy: Marilyn Monroe George W. Bush: Ingredients: Texas Rattlesnake 4 oz Champagne Ingredients: 1 oz Apple Brandy 1 part Whiskey 1 tsp Grenadine 1/2 part Cherry Brandy Directions: Pour into champagne 1 part Peach Liqueur saucer, and serve with two cherries 1 splash Sweet & Sour mix on a stick. Directions: Mix all ingredients and shake well. Serve in “Any Glass” Gar- nish Ronald Reagan: The Great Communicator Bill Clinton: Ingredients: Blow Job 1/2 oz Galliano Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz Dark Rum 1/2 oz Amaretto 2 tsp Dark Creme de Cacao 1/4 oz Irish Cream Directions: Pour all of the ingredients Directions: Pour liqueurs into a shot glass and into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice top with whipped cream. cubes. Stir well.

Richard Nixon: Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Water-Gator Juice Teddy Roosevelt: Fireside Tea Ingredients: Panama Red Ingredients: 1/2 gal Vodka Ingredients: 1 oz Dark Rum 1 fifth Raspberry Schnapps 1 1/4 oz Tequila 1 tsp Sugar 1 fifth Watermelon Schnapps 3/4 oz Triple Sec 1 Cinnamon Stick 2 cans Fruit Punch 1 dash Grenadine 5 oz Hot Black Tea 2 large cans Fruits 1 dash Sweet & Sour Mix 1 Lemon Wedge Directions: Drain canned fruit or use fresh Directions: Shake ingredients Directions: Pour tea into a heat-proof fruit if desired, and set juice aside. Place fruit over ice and strain into a chilled goblet, and sweeten to taste. Add rum, in a bowl or container , add half of each bottle cocktail glass lemon, and a cinnamon stick. Serve in a of alcohol, and allow to soak for as long as Red Wine Glass possible (overnight works best).