the review Page December 6, 2005 The Michigan Review The Campus Affairs Journal at the Volume XXIV, Number 6 December 6, 2005 MR

DPS: What have you done for me lately? Cover Story...... Page 3 Ludacris Losses...... Page 5 Ailing Auto Industry...... Page 11 Editorials...... Page 4 Columns...... Page 6 Lassiter Interview...... Page 12 www.michiganreview.com the michigan review Page 2 Serpent’s Tooth December 6, 2005 ■ The Serpent’s Tooth The Michigan Review way message of the week: lion reward to the next person who kid- The Campus Affairs Journal of A“Ford Field looks like my fraternity naps a young, white female. Fox News Jewish groups demanded an apology the University of Michigan house after a party: It reeks of booze and Anchor Greta Van Sustren has indicated from Michael Jackson last month after vomit, and everybody’s pissed because we she will take matters into her own hands he allegedly referred to Jews as “leech- James David Dickson didn’t score.” if needed. es” on an answering machine message. Editor in Chief Michael, sleeping with little boys is one The Montreal Gazette reports that Andre Last month’s election results yielded vic- thing, but when you start making fun of Paul Teske Boisclair, a gay Quebec politician, recent- tories by 18-year-olds in Michigan and the Jews… ly saw his approval rating among voters Iowa, an inmate in a California jail elected Publisher jump 11 points after he admitted using to a school board, and Kwame Kilpatrick. A member of Canada’s Parliament wants cocaine while serving in the provincial Democracy quickly surrendered. France to introduce legislation to prevent rapper Sekou Benson parliament. In other news, George W. did too. 50 Cent from touring north of the border. Managing Editor Bush has hastily scheduled visits to Co- Mr. Cent and his entourage responded by lombia and San Francisco next week. Asked for her sentiments regarding the outgunning the entire Canadian military Nick Cheolas recent Ludacris concert, one LSA Senior and occupying part of Ontario. Content Editor Blockbuster posted a $491 million loss told , “You would in 2005. Executives were rumored to be usually think that Ludacris would be in A Canadian hockey coach has been fined considering dropping the policy by which Detroit or something. It showed the di- by Ontario Hockey Association for mak- Michael O’Brien customers don’t have to return the shit versity of the student government.” Uni- ing his players ride stationary bikes naked Campus Affairs Editor they borrow to the store. versity administrators proptly awarded while being paddled on the ass by hockey

the student a full scholarship for the most sticks. Lloyd Carr called the strategy “tre- Assistant Editors: The Michigan Daily reported the MSA awkward use of the word “diversity” in mendous,” and plans to implement it as Chris Stieber, Tomiyo Turner President Jesse Levine was disappointed a sentence that makes no sense whatso- soon as he finds a substitute for hockey that Ludacris failed to talk about social ever. sticks and a solution to avoid seeing Gar- Staff: justice after his concert. According to rett Rivas’s ass. Brian Biglin, Karen Boore, Rebecca inside sources, Ludacris told Levine to The fact that the Ludacris concert lost Christy, Tom Church, Jane Coaston, F*ck off unless Levine could find him a $20,000 was an “unqualified success” ac- Russian news outlets recently reported Stephen Crabtree, Jay Dickinson, Blake 734 hoe. cording to MSA President Jesse Levine. that a male lion set a record by engaging Emerson, Aaron Kaplan, Kole Kurti, In other news, Levine announced he has in sexual intercourse 86 times in 24 hours. Jeremy Linden, Frank Manley, Brian The Stranger, a Seattle newspaper, re- been hired as the new CEO of Enron, Alpha Epsilon Phi vowed to regain their McNally, David Millikan, Amanda vealed that Tulane University students, re- stating that the corporation made him a title. Nichols, Adam Paul, Danielle Putnam, located in Washington, are spending their slightly better offer than Worldcom. Yevgeny Shrago FEMA money on pot, bongs, and beer. In response to student group allegations Traditional fiscally conservative Libertar- Dave Marshall, Deputy Minister of that numerous hate crimes on campus go Editor Emeritus: Michael J. Phillips ians nationwide have ironically supported Canada’s Department of Public Works, unreported, University Vice President for this FEMA program, and called for its has issued a ban on the hiring of Cau- Student Affairs E. Royster Harper has The Michigan Review is the independent, student- expansion. casians for five months – a legal policy announced the University will launch a run journal of conservative and libertarian opinion under Canda’s “Charter of Rights and website and hotline designed to facilitate at the University of Michigan. We neither solicit nor accept monetary donations from the University. Con- Following the safe returns of a missing Freedoms,” which permits discrimination the reporting of these crimes. Some of tributions to The Michigan Review are tax-deductible 17-year-old exchange student from Or- to promote “disadvantaged” groups. In the early responses include “I saw a black under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Ser- egon and a 14-year-old Pennsylvania girl other news, the University of Michigan is guy eating a cracker” and “My Cheeto vice Code. The Michigan Review is not affiliated with last month, furious news organizations currently studying the feasability of mov- looked like a swastika.” any political party or any university political group. around the nation have offered a $10 mil- ing its entire campus to Toronto. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board. Ergo, they are unequivocally correct ■ Letter to the Editor and just. Signed articles, letters, and cartoons rep- resent the opinions of the author, and not necessar- ir: In (A Discourse on Intelligent Design, 10/25), you ceptance of the paradigm of natural selection among all but ily those of The Review. The Serpent’s Tooth shall Sfundamentally misunderstand the criticism of both (1) the a tiny minority. It is a fact that the proportion of the world’s represent the opinion of individual, anonymous push for acceptance within the scientific community, and (2) the scientists who take the ID hypothesis as a plausible critique of contributors to The Review, and should not neces- sarily be taken as representative of The Review’s push to have it taught in school. evolutionary biology is arbitrarily small. editorial stance. The opinions expressed in this What I see as the main criticism of (1), is that the fun- Your misunderstanding can probably be traced to publication do not necessarily those of the advertis- damental hypothesis is a departure from a core scientific princi- your assertion that “how someone interprets scientific data is ers, or of the University of Michigan. We welcome ple, to seek a naturalistic explanation for observed phenomena. a choice.” Indeed that is a choice for a professional data inter- letters, articles, and comments about the journal. It is unequivocal that the ID hypothesis posits a SUPER-natu- preter but it is a choice which must CONVINCE HER FEL- Please address all advertising, subscription inquiries, ralistic explanation. This is not to say that a fundamental im- LOW SCIENTISTS. Students should NOT be denied an inter- and donations to “Publisher,” c/o The Michigan Review: plicit hypothesis of any ‘scientific’ study is atheism, but wher- pretation of data that has been crafted, critiqued, and refined by ever one departs from the search for a naturalistic explanation hundreds of thousands of scientists. The high school science Editorial and Business Offices: The Michigan Review of observed phenomena -- one departs from scientific inquiry. classroom is simply not the place for ID until that idea has sewn 911 N. University Avenue, Suite One But there are certainly more ways of knowing than the scientific substantial and genuine debate among professional scientists. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1265 method. The second reason that goes back to the critique of mrev @ umich.edu As for (2), there are two reasons to exclude an agnostic (1) is since ID is not science, it does belong in the science class- www.michiganreview.com approach in a classroom. room. If it belonged in high school at all, it might belong in a Copyright © 2005, The Michigan Review, Inc. All First, not only do we, in education, seek to understand social studies, religious studies, or science-in-society class. rights reserved. The Michigan Review is a member the world better (which would mitigate for allowing controversy of the Collegiate Network. and creative interpretations of data), but we also seek to dis- Respectfully Yours, seminate knowledge discovered by professional academic re- searchers to the public. When you say that to disallow ID from Michael Aylward high school classrooms is to “censor the public discourse for Doctoral pre-Candidate in Economics [email protected] ‘acceptable’ ideas to be taught,” you VASTLY undersell the ac- Reader in Complex Systems the michigan review Page 3 Campus Affairs December 6, 2005 Popped-Collar Crime Where do DPS’s priorities lie?

By Adam Paul, ‘08 Data from DPS and the AAPD revenues between the state, the city and than true prevention. While DPS does do his semester has seen a num- both indicate an increase in crime but itself. It would seem that even though the some direct information offerings such Tber of high profile crimes on and provide divergent results concerning po- city has more money to earn from giving as a new video shown to parents and stu- around campus. Incidents have ranged lice control over partying. DPS publishes simple citations it has chosen to put its dents at all this summer’s orientation ses- from a non-fatal shooting at an off- material annually about crime on campus resources toward different purposes. sions, it is yet unclear if these attempts campus party, to a female student be- in its Annual Security Report. The report These reports also justify the will affect crime on campus. ing stabbed while walking home to her gives data from 2002 through 2004. The perception that crime has spiked on and Despite the several instances apartment, and a string of thefts in resi- report indicates a reduction in the num- near campus this semester. Brown af- of violence, the primary crime perpe- dence halls and in study areas such as the ber of burglaries reported to DPS over firmed that there has been a “rash of trated against students in Ann Arbor re- Undergraduate and Graduate Libraries. this period: from 150 in 2002 to 67 in laptop thefts” but that DPS believed they mains theft, especially larceny. This small Most of these thefts were larceny, which 2003, dropping again to 25 in 2004. The all “could have been prevented.” In re- amount of violent crimes has occurred al- DPS defines as “the unlawful taking, car- data for this year is not yet available. A sponse to these thefts DPS increased its most exclusively off campus and is under rying, leading, or riding away with prop- slight reduction in the reported number patrols during busy study hours at the the jurisdiction of the AAPD; however, erty from the possession, or constructive of total thefts and larcenies also occurred libraries. A 23 year-old suspect was ar- the “rash” of larcenies has been mostly possession, of another person.” At the over this time period: from 1,387 in 2002 rested and has been charged with larceny on campus. DPS can play a vital role in same time students have been complain- to 1,244 in 2003, to 952 in 2004. The in a building and receiving and conceal- helping to prevent such crime given a ing that the Department of Public Safety most interesting aspect of these statistics, ing stolen property - both felonies. While well-conceived allocation of resources. (DPS) and the Ann Arbor Police Depart- however, is that they give no indication only one suspect has been arrested it is At the same time students must ment (AAPD) have been stepping up as to how many of these crime reports believed that this individual may be re- remember that if they leave their belong- campaigns against underage drinking and actually resulted in arrests. Oddly the only sponsible for a majority of the laptop ings unattended at the library their items loud parties. Given the tensions between crime that DPS provides arrest infor- thefts this fall. Brown expressed concern may be gone when they return. Even ask- students and local authorities it is often mation on is liquor, drug, and weapons that students often create “crime of op- ing a stranger to guard one’s things may difficult to sort out the real activities of violations. In these types of crimes DPS portunity,” by leaving valuables unattend- prove ineffective because, while well- law enforcement. provides the actual number of citations ed, opening themselves up to theft. meaning, strangers probably don’t have The relationship between DPS (possibly because no one reports liquor To aid in student-led crime your items as their highest priority. DPS and students is further complicated by violations, they are initiated by officers). prevention and to meet legal required can better serve the campus community continuing confusion over what exactly At the same time that DPS was reporting public information requirements, DPS by finding more effective and interactive power they have. DPS spokesperson, the occurrence of less crime on campus also generates its annual Campus Safety ways to distribute information to students Diane Brown, explained that DPS is it also showed a spike in liquor law arrests Handbook on its website. This 37-page and by stepping up patrols in study areas. “fully sworn, public police department on campus in the last year. There was a document, which provides some helpful Students can better serve themselves by with jurisdiction over campus property rise from the steady 485 liquor law arrests information, was once legally required to remembering that most of campus is and all property leased by the Univer- (2002) and 465 (2003) to 547 arrests in be distributed to all faculty, staff, current public space, where valuable items should sity.” Because the University is highly (2004). and prospective students is now provided not be left for the taking. MR integrated with the city, the issue of ju- At the same time the AAPD, only online and in limited print form. risdiction becomes very important. Main whose statistics take into account the The handbook spends a large amount thoroughfares such as State Street switch entire city, posted more recent data that of time explaining certain offenses such from University to city and back again compares 2005 through the end of Oc- as “obscene phone calls” but gives scant several times. Brown explained that it is tober with the same time period in 2004. advice on how to respond. If a student often “hard to know when one foot is on The AAPD reported only a slight in- should receive a suspicious phone call city property and another is on campus.” crease in larcenies, .8%, which is the type they are encouraged to “Hang up or blow This makes it very difficult for students of crime that Brown said was most com- a whistle loudly into the phone.” The to even know who has power over them. mon in reports to DPS. More disturbing most disturbing part of the handbook is if the city of Ann Arbor and the the AAPD reported a 35.3% increase in the section entitled “Sexual Assault Pre- University had the same laws jurisdiction forcible rape and an 8.6% increase in as- vention and Awareness” which actually would be less important. However, the sault. The data from DPS reports very gives little attention to prevention. The diverging ordinances between DPS and little violent crime. Also the AAPD ac- page begins with “Recommended Ac- the AAPD complicate this issue. A prime tually reported a decrease in liquor viola- tions Following an Assault.” Rather than example is Ann Arbor’s liberalization of tions over this period of 19.7% from 793 focusing on prevention there is instead a drug policy. The city effectively decrimi- to 637. This is important because a vast focus on coping. This list then proceeds nalized marijuana just over 30 years ago, majority of the liquor violations in 2004 to recommend that students call Sexual giving small fines rather than prison sen- (537) occurred on campus. By comparing Assault Prevention and Awareness Cen- tences, and took a step further with the available data sets it seems clear that most ter (SAPAC) before calling DPS or the passage of proposal C last year that le- violent crime occurred off-campus but AAPD. The report does provide some galized marijuana for medicinal purposes. most liquor violations are given out on great advice such as that, “In attempted As Brown explained, the University is campus property. sexual assaults, approximately 50% of the unable to follow such ordinances because The concentration of liquor women escape if they yell, and up to 85% its charter originates from the state and violations on campus seems out of place escape if they physically resist quickly and must follow state law, except in situations with DPS’ financial incentives. In the vigorously.” Oddly, though, this vital in- where the University has passed its own case of the city, they are able to keep formation is buried near the bottom of ordinance with the approval of the Board a large portion of the money that they the page. The report accepts the contin- of Regents. take in from any number of ordinance ued occurrence of sexual assault favor- violations. The University must split its ing a policy of trauma mitigation rather the michigan review Page 4 Editorial December 6, 2005 The Michigan Review A Modest Monologue Proposal The Michigan Review is the independent, stu- E HERE AT THE Review have a modest proposal. The directors of the Va- dent-run journal of conservative and libertarian opin- Wgina Monologues have stumbled onto something revolutionary. This year’s ion at the University of Michigan. Unsigned editorials production of the Vagina Monologues is set to be an all-minority cast, in order to pre- represent the opinion of the Editorial Board. Ergo, vent the stereotype that only minority women are abused or that their vaginas are the they are unequivocally correct and just. Signed articles, only ones to be targeted by GHB wielding frat boys. Our diverse staff at the Review letters, and cartoons represent the opinions of the au- salute the organizers of the Vagina Monologues for their stand in favor of diversity thor, and not necessarily those of the Review. and diversification of the diversified diverse cast that will produce this year’s diverse You can contact the Editorial Board at: production. In fact, we think this practice should be extended to other public spheres [email protected] that raise questions about racial stereotypes. For far too long, the hip hop industry has spoken for only a small portion ■ From Suite One: of the lower-classed-and-repressed-by-cops demographic. While we here at the Re- view share in the emotions expressed in “F*** the Police” and “Cop Killer,” we also Our Old Economy recognize that this is a very Afro-centric world view, focusing only on the trials and HICH CAME FIRST, the chicken or the egg? tribulations of African-Americans. It is now time to bring forward others to express W michigan’s economy is dying if not dead. Dependant as it is on unionized, their emotions. We propose that BET, Def Jam Records, Death Row Records, and all highly-paid, low-skilled work that was a better fit in another era, Michigan has failed other leaders in the hip-hop industry cut ties with the black artist for a few years, and to attract businesses or encourage entrepreneurship in the state. Brain drain, a process focus solely on the plight of Asian-Americans. whereby many of the most creative, intelligent, and highly-skilled college graduates Sure, it might be viewed as prejudiced to say “Asian-Americans only,” but we leave the state of Michigan for better temperatures and better jobs, has robbed Michi- would prefer to look at it as an emphasis on an underrepresented voice. Too often gan of its so-called “creative class.” do we shove Asian Americans to the support roles and background of hip-hop. An The creative class, a term coined by public policy expert Richard Florida, is Asian-American-owned body shop modifies the Escalade that is used in the music the engine which will drive economic growth in our new economy. Technology and videos, but when was the last time an Asian-American was featured in a performing skill-based jobs requiring high levels of education and specialization will compose a artist role? In fact, the last known Asian-American in all of pop music was James Iha, greater share of the nation’s economy. Michigan has ignored this fact at its own peril, guitarist of Smashing Pumpkins. and now boasts the nation’s largest jobless rates. While places like Chicago, Silicon Val- How can students be expected to know that violence against women of color ley, or Los Angeles are adept at attracting creative, skilled college graduates, Michigan is not acceptable when only 40% of the Vagina Monologues cast is comprised of suffers a brain drain problem. The winners and losers of the brain drain battle are the women of color? Likewise, how can students apply the inherent messages of hip-hop haves and the have-nots in the new economy. music to their own cultures? It is obvious the words of one race cannot be taken to This is Michigan’s “chicken-egg” dilemma: does the creative class leave apply to any other race. Therefore, it is time for African-Americans – and even Emi- Michigan because of the lack of diverse job opportunities and new industries in the nem – to step aside. It is time to hear the underrepresented voices of Asian-American state? Or does Michigan fail to attract fresh business or create a business and entre- oppression. MR preneurship-friendly climate because its creative class is in diaspora all around the country? It Never Did, and Never Will Work Michiganders are more likely to debate with one another as to the value and t’s easy to sit back, lounge in coffee shops on campus, and discuss the relative the proper role of unions in preventing jobs cuts, or opine about vague ideas like “cor- I“merits” of Marxism. Screenings of The Motorcycle Diaries, a movie focusing on the porate responsibility” than to realize and act on the obvious: the industrial, automobile trials and tribulations of Che Guevera, are ubiquitous on campus, and has been played economy is a relic of the past. Rather than begrudging either low-wage workers abroad prominently on Residence Hall Movie Networks. Even a scroungy new hippie dwell- who have “stolen” “our” jobs, or corporations which make the rational decision to ing in a dark corner of the basement in the Union sells a flag with the famous face and relocate to cheaper areas, we need to plan for the future. saying “Hasta la victoria siempre!” Sociology, and a number of other departments on This is not a short-term process and the transition period will be difficult. campus, house professors, lecturers, and graduate students who are, if not expressly, For decades, the automobile industry was the bedrock of Southeast Michigan’s econ- than at least tacitly receptive to either Marxist theory, or its implications. The standard omy. Upper-class high school graduates would attend college and lower-class students reaction to Communism today, a decade and a half removed from the end of theCold would fall back on low-skill, high-paying factory jobs requiring only a high school edu- War, is a shrug of the shoulders, writing it off as a neat little theory that could have cation, if that. While these jobs provided a standard-of-living otherwise unthinkable to worked but for human imperfection. a hard-working but largely uneducated workforce, the unions protecting worker rights It’s remarkably easy to sit back as college students to write off the dangers were almost too good. Healthcare for every worker and his family. High hourly wages. and implications of central planning, and just assume that the neat, tidy of utopianism Automakers’ hands were tied in conceding to union demands, fearing not only the of Karl Marx simply failed in China, the Soviet Union, and parts of Southeast Asia direct impact of a strike, but the indirect effect of the company’s public perception in and Latin America because it just was not properly implemented. Attempts at living allowing a strike in a state highly sympathetic to union workers. Now, though, the cost out Communist theory in states wrought disasterous consequences for hundreds of of entitlements is too high to bear for automakers simply trying to stay afloat. millions of people in the past century, leading to some of the most despotic autocrats And we haven’t even mentioned globalization. Ten years ago the question was and murderous regimes that human history has ever seen. whether automotive jobs would remain in Michigan or relocate to other states; now, The abstract theory begets a practical situation of communism--destitution departing jobs may exit the hemisphere. There are simply too many people around due to central planning, hostility to free speech and religion; the nature of centrally the world who can make automobiles, and these people won’t demand healthcare, planned economies, F.A. Hayek argued, will necessarily devolve into totalitarianism. exorbitant hourly wages relative education level or value-added, or overtime. Unions, The nations formerly under the Iron Curtain lag behind the West in economic and in their heyday, eked out a sweethearts deal for their employees and created Michigan’s social freedoms to this very day. But students and professors often blindly drink the once-thriving middle-class. They wielded power unimaginable today. But that era has Kool-Aid of Marxist philosophy, ignoring the implications for their actual lives, and passed. Industrialization is on the decline as service industries compose a greater share on good government. Marxism is a consequential idea that cannot be ignored in the of the economy. The creative class, not the unionized middle class, will drive the new classroom, but at the same time, must be treated with a disposition in the minds of economy. students that banishes this shameful ideology. michigan must become the type of state where one could find a good job in it does a great deal of disrespect to the tens of millions who perished under public relations; in law; in politics; in advertising, in service-based and skill-demanding the totalitarianism and destitution of Communism to think it at all a good idea, as if jobs. There are simply not enough job opportunities or types of firms in the state to mere theory -- as if Communism’s always-flawed implementation is not itself telling. attract investment, nor is there a business-friendly climate which would induce Michi- In the end, though, we can take comfort in the fact that Communism has folded (even ganders themselves to start up new firms or take risks. Only when our cities have jobs Vietnam has heeded the wisdom of the capitalist system), and capitalism and liberty that can support the creative class will the Michigan economy live up to its potential. have spread throughout the globe, bringing growth, opportunity, and freedom to mil- MR lions who had been denied it. MR the michigan review Page 5 Campus Affairs December 6, 2005 This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things By Amanda Nichols, ‘08 more accurate. “I think it was like eighty-seven and a bridges with other campus groups that Hillel might not OVEMBER 3, 2005: THE day that will live in half point five percent full,” said the LSA sophomore; have otherwise interacted with. Take a look at the di- NMichigan Student Assemly infamy, whether or not 400 of the 3,300 seats at Hill went unsold. These unsold versity of the crowd.” It’s easy for Hillel to appreciate they’ll admit it. This, of course, was the day of the Lu- seats meant MSA, who fronted $40,000 for the concert, the crowd’s diversity with such financial security. Why dacris concert at , sponsored by MSA, lost $20,370. The sponsors admitted that most rap don’t was Hillel able to establish such a smart fiscal policy University Activities Center (UAC), and Hillel. The con- sell out, and had contigency plan if only 2/3 of the tick- while MSA incurred financial losses? Perhaps for fu- cert was the first major hip hop act performed on cam- ets were sold, also the sponsers stated it’s impossible to ture events, MSA should model monetary agreements pus. The concert idea originated from Eddie Lee and know the exact cost of a concert ahead of time. De- after Hillel’s artful management of the Ludacris concert. Jesse Levine’s “Resolution to Support a Kanye West or spite the Daily’s assertion that MSA should have bought When contacted about some of his regrets about the Ludacris Concert at Hill Auditorium,” first approved 6- a yacht with the $115,000 spent bringing in the Dirrty concert Eddie Lee said, “Do a lot more publicity. Now 0, on July 26, 2005. The resolution, breaks down both South rapper, assembly president Jesse Levine said the we have the benifit of hindsight.” Lee went on to state rapper’s musical background and the costs per concert. concert was an “unqualified success,” while others called some of the positive aspects of the event such as: the Asserting, “both acts have wide crossover appeal,” MSA’s it a great sociological experiment. development of a standard events contract for future question became about the artists’ availability as well as But can Levine really call a 50% loss an “un- events, an act with great cross over appeal, and the fact cost. For Kanye West, the total price was estimated at qualified success”? The Regents approved a $0.50 in- that DPS claimed it was one of the most calm major over $127,000, whereas Ludacris seemed a steal at just crease in student fees over the summer, and funding events put on by a campus group. over $117,000. for student groups has recently decreased. Levine also Although MSA’s fiscal decisions were - per The choice, then, was simple: MSA went with told the Daily that MSA isn’t a moneymaking body, and haps not the wisest, part of students’ indifference can Ludacris, the cheaper option, and set the concert date. clearly they aren’t, judging by such a tremendous fiscal be blamed on Ludacris. Although he appeared in the Tickets earmarked exclusively for staff and students loss—but the issue remains whether they should be a ensemble drama Crash this year, his most recent al- went on sale October 14. In her October 20th column, body that loses money so nonchalantly. bum—entitled The Red Light District—was released in “A-List Overdue on Campus,” The Michigan Daily writ- MSA allocated under $4,000 for advertising; 2004. In contrast, Kanye West’s sophomore disk, Late er Sowmya Krishnamurthy asserted, “if the two-hour $3,000 was spent on newspaper and radio media. There Registration, debuted this fall. Furthermore, West has wait at the Ticket Office last Friday was was, however, no allocation for television, direct mail, had more of a media presence lately, specifically with any indication, the rapper’s Nov. 3 performance is ea- or press releases. In the iPod age, how many students his now-infamous comment, “George Bush doesn’t care gerly anticipated.” However, ticket sales declined from listen to the radio? Perhaps, then, if MSA had invested about black people.” Perhaps the blame, if it can be the opening day rush; the Daily advertised open seats in other advertisements—and spent more than $900 on placed at all, belongs to the selection of Ludacris rath- unsold the day of the concert. posters and flyers—Ludacris would’ve performed to a er than a more current cultural figure. After all, if the The big day came and went, and the concert sold-out auditorium rather than one only “eighty-seven mix of groups was interesting in response to Ludacris, became most notable for Ludacris telling the crowd, “U and a half percent full.” imagine the response to Kanye: preppy frat boys, collars of M girls give me U of M head” (paraphrasing a line Interestingly, though, Hillel—another sponsor - popped; sorority girls singing “Workout Plan”; and all from his song, “Southern Hospitality”). Although Alexis ing organization—lost no money; this was a stipulation the other groups described by the Daily in attendance Frankel, Hillel Program Director, thought “the concert of their financial support of the concert. Frankel said for Ludacris. MR was sold out,” one concertgoer’s estimation was perhaps the concert, “helped bridge cultural gaps. It helped build The Art of Censorship By Blake Emerson, ‘09 progress for both genders. “they will still remain part of campus Smith, a freshman student in the School ecently, the University Since the LSA building had to history” and doesn’t view the move as of Music, states that it is “kind of sick. It Rof Michigan announced that two remove the reliefs to make way for the censorship because they are simply being reminds me of Michael Jackson.” While bas reliefs sculpted by Marshall Freder- construction efforts, it gave the admin- moved into a different location. these complaints tend to be scarce, one icks would not be placed back into its istration an opportunity to consider re- While the University does not wonders if the University is willing to original location in the LS&A Building on placing the bas relief. The university con- believe that this should be viewed as cen- hear every complaint about everything State Street. “Dream of a Young Man” sulted both the History and Traditions sorship, the number of people that will that may offend. and “Dream of a Young Girl,” sculpted Committee and the PACWI (Presidential view the sculpture will dramatically de- Peterson indicated that at the by Marshall Fredericks, will be making Advisory Committee on Women) for crease as a result. William K. Wallach said University of Michigan -- Flint, a Lesbian the trek up to the North Campus Bent- their opinions on the matter. While the that somewhere around 3,000 visitors and Transgender group succeeded in re- ley Historical Library, which houses many History and Traditions Committee gen- come through the Bentley library annu- moving a historical painting that showed different historical sculptures and pieces erally opposed a relocation or removal ally. While that total may seem high, it is a nude transsexual. On the national scene, of art special to the University of Michi- of the bas reliefs, PACWI ultimately held nowhere near the total number of people John Ashcroft reportedly was the driving gan. sway in the matter, deciding that the bas who will walk through the LSA build- force behind removing the nude “Spirit “Dream of a Young Man” reliefs were indeed discriminatory. ing once renovations are completed next of Justice” from the Justice Department shows a boy dreaming about his ultimate Since these pieces of art had year. Many students have unfortunately because of his devout Christian views. destiny of departing on a ship, metaphor- been original fixtures of the University never heard of the Bentley library, and Censorship of art is bipartisan and un- ically signaling that man’s ultimate destiny since the LSA building was finished in those who have heard of it rarely make doubtedly ubiquitous. is to explore the endless possibilities of 1948, the piece was deemed of sufficient the journey to the library’s inconvenient The University would be wise to the world. Contrastingly, the “Dream of historicity to be placed into the Bentley location. take into consideration that many people a Young Girl” portrays a girl being led Historical Library. According to William The move begs an important think it is wise to see art in a place where off by a man and his oxen, metaphori- K. Wallach, associate director of the Li- question for the University: Where will it students would see it daily. Art and De- cally displaying a traditional, submissive brary, its mission is “to document the his- draw the line of censorship? Many stu- sign sophomore Greg Oberle believes view of women. According to Univer- tory of the University of Michigan and dents this year were someone shocked that the bas reliefs should “stand as a les- sity spokesperson Julie Peterson, the the activities of students, faculty, admin- by a new sculpture painted by School of son of a late 1940s perspective.” While sculptures have created controversy for istration and staff through the records of Art and Design professor Louis Marin- the University of Michigan is trying, “at least a decade.” The Provosts over various schools, colleges, departments, aro at the corner of Glen and Catherine nobly, to create a comfortable environ- the years have received complaints from and student groups.” on the north side of central campus. The ment for its students and staff, it must be students, staff, and alumni, she said, who university spokesperson Julie sculpture shows a nude family, with the careful not to place political correctness generally argued that the bas reliefs don’t Peterson stated that the University sup- man holding his son in what some would ahead of education and tradition. MR reflect the modern ideal of education and ports the decision to relocate because call an inappropriate position. Jonathan the michigan review Page 6 Columns December 6, 2005 The Angry Greek Think Before You Act t started in elementary Anybody can believe in “help- white supremacy? Would our ideas still the future of national security? Ischool. “You are all unique,” they ing poor families,” run out to , be special and inherently correct simply engaging these complex issues would tell us. Everybody’s ideas were al- and start gathering petition signatures to because they are our ideas? requires more than chalking the diag. It ways special; never wrong. To tell a child increase the minimum wage. It takes very “It is time for students to pres- requires more than calling all opponents so was to damage their precious self-es- little brain activity to believe in “peace” sure legislators to implement more effec- of affirmative action “racists,” or all op- teem. We were always told to stand up and to stand on the street corner telling tive poverty-alleviation strategies,” The ponents of gay marriage “homophobic” for what we believe in, and fight for what Bush to pull us out of Iraq. It takes far Michigan Daily editorial page told us on some signs at a rally. And face it, col- we thought was right. more effort to actively after the John Edwards visit. Right. Be- lege students might not be the best sourc- Fast-forward 10 to 15 years. think about the effects cause nobody knows how to “implement es to turn to when debating “poverty-al- These five to ten year olds have all grown of an actual policy more effective poverty-alleviation strate- leviation strategies.” up, and now attend the University of change. What hap- gies” than University of Michigan Music Before you send the hate mail, Michigan. The children have all changed, pens to small business majors from upper-class, homogenous I’m not claiming that student activism believing strongly in certain causes, but owners who now have communities who have never experiened has no role in society. But I, for one, be- the message has not: you are special; you increased capital costs a day of poverty in their life, and have lieve that far more minds can be swayed are unique; stand up for what you believe because of a mini- spent even less time reseraching the mat- in the course of thoughtful, complex in. And so remains the message with Nick mum wage increase? ter. debate rather than the simple tactics em- student activists. “Don’t let anybody tell What happens to the It’s time to face the facts. Ideas ployed by student activists” Maybe vehe- you what to do!” we are told by promi- Cheolas single mother who championed by students are not inher- ment supproters of gay marriage never nent political scholars such as Eminem works three minimum ently correct, and thus, the solutions stu- thought that the same logic could justify and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day. wage jobs and loses one of them because dents propose for various complex prob- polygomy or incest. Perhaps those who We are urged to “speak up” and “fight of the increase? What happens to the fu- lems are not necessarily the best. On the oppose affirmative action don’t fully un- for what you believe in” by former vice ture of the Middle East – and America other hand, by no means is this to say derstand who the policy benefits. presidential candidates. – if we pull out of Iraq right now? that student activistm is inherently bad, Anybody can stand on the diag But at every single level, from These are complex problems. or that the ideas or policies championed blabbering about equality, racism, opres- elementary school on up, we all seem to In the words of Henry Louis Mencken, by student activists are necessarily bad sion, and all the other key liberal catch- miss an important step. Why not actu- “For every complex problem there is a ideas. This is simply a plea to those diag words. Few can sit down in a more ally think about what you believe before simple solution... and it is wrong.” But fist-pumpers to think critically about the personal setting, and fully articulate and chalking up campus, protesting on the figures like John Edwards come to cam- ideas they promote, and how those ideas defend their position. I, for one, have for diag, or getting petitions signed. I’m sure pus telling students to join together and work in practice in the real world (i.e., more respect for the latter. MR I’ve enraged a ton of student “activists” “speak out loudly and ferociously.” What not Ann Arbor). How will an increase in with that comment, so please allow me to if students “joined together” and “spoke the minimum wage effect the economy? explain. out loudly and ferociously” in favor of How does immediate US pullout affect ■ The Deep End The Importance of Thoughtfulness HERE’S A ROCK BAND, Straylight Run, to whom the system. In a cosmopolitan city like Ann Arbor, how friends – with many of these people? It’s a great thing TI was listening the other day on the way to class. A many freshman girls, for instance, see any scene other to get to know people, but at the same time, these net- band I find particularly prescient in regards to their anal- than frat row, or hang out with anyone beyond the same works and connections are so bland and hollow when ysis of the troubling aspects of youth, I was listening to few girls they “bonded” with for practical purposes their things get out of line. The same thinking applies when their song, “It’s For the Best,” in which there’s a lyric: first week of school? How many people know what the evaluating the ‘do’ lifestyle elsewhere. Why do we enjoy “I’ve become content with this life that I lead, /Where I Firefly club is, or have seen a show at the Blind Pig? going to the bar or going to parties? Is it the people, the drink too much and don’t believe in much of anything, The Straylight Run lyrics, specifically the first music, the alcohol? Why are we applying for the business /And I lie to myself, /And say it’s for the best.” And to a line quoted, belie a greater truth to the underside of school? Is it because we want to be a good homemaker, large degree, this might contain so much truth about the the youth experience today: contentment. To so many is it because we love business, or is it because the only dark underbelly of the college experience for so many people, this is a time in life where way our parents would let us come to Michigan is if we of us. The popular conception of college is one where we don’t have to take anything seri- applied? American Pie, Girls Gone Wild, and Animal House-like ously; many would argue that this is getting caught up in the system is easy to do scenarios rule the day. And so often, we chalk this up the way things should be. This goes because it is so powerful. And that’s part of our un- to maturity, or part of the growth process. “Live and beyond your typical college par- thinking nature—we rarely challenge the status quo on learn” may be good in principle—how, after all, can one ties, though. An equally important campus. This means everything from MSA elections to know the world if they’ve never gone out and experi- part of the college myth that hangs the liberal ideology that so idly reigns here and on many enced it? But to what degree does this turn into an Epi- over our heads is our parents’ great- campuses nationwide. And for so many students, that’s curean ethos on campus that outweighs other relevant est fears: that their child leaves the just fine with them. But for those of whom the college concerns? This is a problem. Michael nest only to return home an entirely years mean their peak, it suggests a hubristic conception When we are young, we dream about the privi- different person—whether with a of self, and no aspirations or vision for the future—just leges entailed with older age; driving, voting, drinking O’Brien relatively inconsequential tattoo or a blindly hoping things work out in the end. In this re- (legally). And so the tendency exists for us to all try to piercing, or a wholesale conversion gard, the social structure of colleges is really more like act older than we really are, or to perhaps try to enjoy to a different religion or philosophy of life. a machine than any church or corporation, leaving us the privileges of being older without having the requisite The college system encourages doing instead all assured of the shared maturity we hold in common maturity or, in some cases, legal age. And even more of- of thinking. Maybe both are needed, in part, to truly ap- because of the proper forms we follow, but without any ten, we eschew the responsibilities associated with those preciate or understand life; but in any case, those who sense of what that maturity is or means. privileges. These indulgences prove that so many of us try to do everything in life rarely sit back and reflect on i suspect that these unfortunate types perhaps are unready for the life our faux-maturity entails. And so what it all means to them. How many people boast hun- aren’t concerned with criticism, or interested in taking this social structure reigns, where it dictates that almost dreds of people as ‘friends’ on the Facebook, but cannot it into account in the first place. And maybe that’s the the only way to enjoy yourself in college is to buy into conclusively reflect and say why they are friends – actual problem, after all. MR the michigan review Page 7 Campus Affairs December 6, 2005 Relax, you’ve earned it s FIRST semester winds down, the reality that next semester is my final persons at all times at the bar. Examples include tees, balls, ball markers (coins DO Asemester as a Michigan student is slowly sinking in. Second semester of senior NOT count), divot repair tools, driver, putter, cleats, etc. If a member is called out by year is typically a very special semester full of festivities including bar crawls, Domi- a fellow golfer for not having said items on person, this will lead to a disqualification nicks re-opening, St. Patrick’s Day and graduation parties. Another, lesser known for that day. 7. You must be a senior or recent alumni to participate. tradition, is that of Senior Bar Golf. Making a resurgance this year, the game will start The Schedule: Sunday- Leopold’s, Monday- Ashley’s, Tuesday- Rick’s, second semester and challenge the drinking habits of even the most loyal bar patrons. Wednesday- Jug, Thursday- Charlie’s, Friday- Bar of your Choice, Saturday- Bar of Contrary to the game of golf, bar golf is a team sport involving two your Choice. players challenging each other to go the bar every night to fulfill their given point requirements and defeat competing teams in a mental and physical game of bar stamina. Sign up will start later this week Paul Teske didn’t want to write a at the Brown Jug and you can email [email protected] if you have any questions. column this week, so he made a The Game: You and your teammate must go to the sched- uled bar each night for one hour and drink one drink each in order shameless 400 word plug for to score 1 point. The team with the most points at the end of the Paul tournament wins. Teske senior bar golf. important Dates: Tournament Start Date- Sunday, January 8th 2006; Tournament End Date- Saturday, April 1st 2006; There will be a break Wednesday, February 22nd through Sunday, March 5th for Spring Break. The Rules: 1. Team must check in at scheduled bar for Sunday through Thurs- Think you can do better? day night. Friday and Saturday are lottery nights where teams can go to any bar of their choice. “Bar of your choice nights” will be on the honor code system and teams must report where they went to [email protected]. Each week a record of atten- dances and points will be emailed to all teams, helping ot ensure the integrity of the game. Discrepencies with points can be resolved by emailing seniorbargolf@umich. edu for resolution. 2. Full team participation scores the team one point, anything less Then join the Review scores zero points. 3. Team must be registered with Senior Bar Golf 2006 and pay entry fee for t-shirt. 4. Team must drink at least one alcoholic beverage for each player and stay for an hour to score a point. 5. Team can go to the required bar anytime of the day on that bar’s given day. 6. Team must have some sort of golf related item on email: [email protected] Laramie Project Hits Mendelsohn By Rebecca Christy, ‘08 in response to the Matthew Shepard mur- students agreed such as Jason Amos, say- done by Elizabeth Vargas on ABC’s ne Laramie, Wyoming resident der, in order to reflect on the response ing, “Discrimination still exists and dif- 20/20. Both Aaron McKinney and Rus- Odescribes what happened in their by citizens of Laramie. The writer Moisés fers only by how blatant it may appear.” sell Henderson seemed to have changed town following the murder of Matthew Kaufman, brought members of the Tec- Probably the most infamous their motive, and claimed the attack was Shepard in October of 1998 as “A town tonic Theatre Project to Laramie in No- character portrayed in the Laramie Proj- motivated by robbery and not because of defined by an accident.” vember of 1998 and conducted over 200 ect is Reverend Fred Phelps. Phelps is the Shepard’s sexuality. McKinney claimed Matthew Shepard, a twenty- interviews, compiling them into the play. head of the Westboro Baptist Church that his original defense of gay panic was one year old college student at the Uni- The interviews reflect a wide range of in Topeka, Kansas. His congregation is not correct. When asked if he targeted versity of Wyoming, was brutally beaten emotion. A majority of the residents felt known throughout the country for stag- Matthew Shepard because he was gay he and left to die tied to a fence in a deserted a sense of compassion, while some were ing protests against events he believes responded, “No. I did not. … I would area. What brought such wide spread at- enraged by the portrayal of Laramie in promotes the gay community, includ- say it wasn’t a hate crime. All I wanted to tention to the case were the motives of the media. A portion of the play is dedi- ing funerals of US soldiers. Phelps and do was beat him up and rob him.” Why the attackers. Some believe the motive cated to the Live and Let Live mentality, many of his followers travel the country have McKinney and Henderson sudden- was robbery, other’s believe Shepard was in which many residents proclaim peace forwarding their message of “God Hates ly changed their stories? At the trial in killed because of his sexual orientation. existed if no one became too involved in Fags.” Phelps and his followers showed 1998, both admitted Matthew Shepard’s After midnight on October 7, anyone’s personal business. up to protest the funeral of Matthew homosexuality played a large enough role 1998 Matthew Shepard came into con- The Laramie Project was re- Shepard and the trials of the accused kill- to drive them to murder. Now it was a tact with Aaron James McKinney and cently performed at the University of ers. Their website includes the following matter of robbery and a drug addiction. Russell Arthur Henderson at the Fireside Michigan’s Lydia Mendelsohn theatre. message: “Matthew Shepard has been in When Henderson decided to plead guilty Lounge. Shepard was approached by the The play confronts not only the details of hell for 2596 days.” Since the trials, Fred in April of 1999, McKinney’s lawyer two men and eventually left willingly with the crime, but how the citizens of Lara- Phelps has traveled the country protest- Dion Custis, claimed Henderson had them. However, the rest of the evening’s mie responded and the differences be- ing the Laramie Project. A press release fabricated the gay panic story in order to events remain in doubt. During both trials tween those who recognized the murder from the organization included a visit to place the blame on McKinney to save of the murderers, prosecutors attempted of Matthew Shepard as a hate crime and local Ann Arbor churches along with the himself from receiving the death penalty. to use a “gay panic defense” claiming that those who did not. The play provokes protests against the Laramie Project being it has been seven years since Matthew Shepard had made sexual passes many to ask the question whether the performed from November 17 through the murder of Matthew Shepard. The at the suspects which enraged both and mentality that may have existed by some the 20th. The press release included the Laramie Project has continued to send a led to his murder. Aaron James McKin- of residents of Laramie exists beyond following title. “WBC to picket the fol- message of acceptance, while genuinely ney and Russell Arthur Henderson were the small rural town. “I’m from Chicago lowing sodimite whorehouses masquer- expressing the emotions felt by the city both convicted for the murder and are and the same thing which happened in ading as Ann Arbor Churches.” of Laramie, Wyoming. MR currently serving consecutive life terms. Laramie could happen anywhere,” said in 2004, the motives for the The Laramie Project was written University student Sashai Alvarez. Other murder were revisited in an interview the michigan review Page 8 National and International December 6, 2005 Bringing Down Big Oil Are attempts to tax oil profits justified?

By Chris Steiber, ‘07 the WPT, each exhibited an alarmingly small knowledge should note, worked over $212 million dollars of pork ver the past few months, the energy market of economics. for New Mexicans into the 2005 budget.) The entire de- Ohas been volatile. Combining an already-strained Firstly, the profits of “Big Oil” have not been bacle was still unsettling, however, as we examined what oil supply with the devastating visit of Hurricanes Ka- as large as people presume. The costs of exploration, some Senators do in a moment of economic crisis: grab trina and Rita, gas prices rose to near 1970’s-era prices. extraction, and refinement make up the majority of as much money as possible. There are countless other Labor Day weekend introduced us to $3.07 per gallon,. gas prices, while profits are only a small fraction. Oil reasons why the WPT was a bad economic idea, among Yet, while the country complained about the dramatic companies’ profit margins are currently 7.7%, while the them: last time we tried the WPT, we reduced domestic increase in prices, the subsequent decrease, which has economy average is 7.9%. Hardly a “windfall.” Sec- oil production by 3-6%; environmentalists are more to been nearly as dramatic, has gone unnoticed. As of the ondly, the phobia surrounding large profits are sorely blame for high costs by preventing new oil exploration, end of November, the price of gasoline had dropped misplaced. Abnormally large profits are what create refineries, or nuclear energy sources from being built; for the eighth consecutive week. At the time of writing, incentive for innovation, for entrepreneurs to enter the the United States is a price-taker, with OPEC control- an average gallon of gas cost $2.15, or a drop of 30%, market. Our entire patent system is based on the idea ling supply, etc. Economists nearly universally rejected easily qualifying the past two months as the most dra- that comparatively large profits need to be protected for the WPT. Kevin Hassett of the American Enterprise matic price decrease in U.S. history. creators, in the hopes that “windfalls” might entice new Institute said recently, “[Congress has considered] the With the hysteria over the high taxes, the inventions. Thirdly, the Senate’s consternation at high WPT, which is well known to be unsound tax policy. United States Senate came to the rescue with a plan, the prices was hypocrisy of the greatest sort. The single Congressional economists that I have spoken with are Windfall Profits Tax (WPT). A proposed “temporary” largest burden on the oil industry has been state and really embarrassed that their principals are pursuing tax on the profits made by oil companies, the WPT was federal taxes. Over the past 25 years, taxes on gas have this.” Despite the overwhelming evidence against the nothing more than an attempt to ride the crest of popu- increased dramatically, from 31¢ per gallon in 1981 (in- WPT, many Senators still pushed the amendment. On list anger to grab more money for a bloated Senate. But flation adjusted) to 45¢ today. Imagine, if you will, that Senator Byron Dorgan (D – N.D.)’s website, there is an this was hardly a partisan exercise, Bill O’Reilly launched gas cost $1.70 per gallon today, and was sinking even “oil profits calculator” that calculates the profits earned a tirade against the oil execs, claiming: “We know there more. Like how that sounds? Frustrated why it doesn’t since you visited the website. The unspoken rationale is price gouging going on. You can’t deny it ... You cost that much? Blame Congress. is “these oil executives are making too much money, so can’t make $10 billion in a quarter unless you are doing Fortunately, this amendment didn’t pass, voted let’s stick it to them.” Yet back in 1999, when crude oil that…” (Fox News, 10/27/05) Senate Majority Leader down 33-65. While the vote broke down largely based on was $10 per barrel, no one was complaining, nor was Bill Frist joined the fracas: “If there are those who abuse party lines, members on each side of the aisle expressed anybody demanding subsidies for the crippled oil indus- the free enterprise system to advantage themselves and frustration at the oil executives, who were ordered to try. The fact is, our Senate became nothing more than their businesses at the expense of all Americans, they appear in front of a Senate committee. Sen. Pete Do- a jealous neighbor, spending time tearing some people ought to be exposed, and they ought to be ashamed.” menici, R-N.M. said he felt a “growing suspicion that oil down rather than insuring freedoms were protected for (10/27/05) While neither O’ Reilly or Frist supported companies are taking unfair advantage.” (Domenici, one all. MR Chirac Fiddles as Paris Burns By Yevgeny Shrago, ‘09 or third generation Muslims who live bated by the French approach to dealing apparent to Chirac, Sarkozy has lately aris is finally quiet. Riots that in the same rundown, near ghettos that with ethnic minorities. The official French seen his popularity and political power Pbegan on October 27th and lasted their immigrant parents were concen- position is that any resident can become a impinged on by De Villepin. Seeking to for several weeks have ceased, but the un- trated when they emigrated from North citizen, and that the legal system must ig- court the law and order vote that Chirac derlying issues remain. French president Africa. The immigration to France after nore differences based on ethnicity or na- lost in the 2002 election, Sarkozy was Algeria’s revolution in the 1950’s led to tionality. This version of colorblindness, instrumental in ordering a police crack- Jacques Chirac appears to have failed to live up to his 1995 inaugural promise to France having the largest population of however, extends far beyond the normal down on the riots, calling for a zero toler- heal France’s social woes. Political inac- Muslims in Europe. The low-income nondiscrimination found in most West- ance policy. This only served to reinforce tion has left France wounded and with suburbs often have unemployment twice ern countries. French laws simply refuse the prevailing hatred of the police among little direction. as high as the French national figure, al- to accept that ethnic differences exist. Muslims. Sarkozy inflamed the rioters by ready high at 10%. Male unemployment calling them “dregs” and “scum,” which The riots were sparked when Religious symbols such as headscarves are banned in state schools, with the in- could be perceived as race-baiting and an two North African teenagers who lived in these regions is close to 40%. Naturally, in a rundown Parisian suburb were elec- these suburbs provide shelter and a fertile tent of removing ethnic and religious appeal to the xenophobic elements of trocuted while fleeing French police. This recruiting ground for radical imams that tensions from schools. This position is French culture. led to a week of riots in Paris’s low-in- seek to take advantage of the social ills. often seen as hypocritical, as small cross- other French political leaders come Muslim suburbs that would soon These riots, however, were es are still allowed, seemingly signaling have also seen their popularity fall during spread to much of provincial France. driven by disaffected teenagers, not by that only minorities cause tensions. This the riots. Chirac was widely blamed for - refusal to see differences creates a trap in refusing to act during the first ten days Rioters burned cars, clashed with police religious fanatics. Rioters made no re and wreaked general havoc throughout ligious demands and often were identi- the job market. French law cannot force of the riots, reinforcing his image as out the poorer parts of Paris. Prime Minis- fied as wearing Nike and other Western companies to give Muslim males an equal of touch with lower-income citizens. De ter Dominic De Villepin declared a state brands. The Union of Islamic Organiza- opportunity for jobs. French employers, Villepin first offered a variety of job and of emergency extant; a law that has not tions of France, a leading Islamic groups unbound by these strictures, rarely hire housing programs as a way to assuage the been invoked in exactly fifty years. The in France, issued a fatwa condemning the Muslim males, preferring Muslim women rioter’s anger, but soon reversed himself violence reached such an intensity that violence, which failed horribly in stem- or people of Caucasian heritage. Being and declared a state of emergency. De the French government declared a “near- ming the violence, demonstrating how relegated to second-class citizen status Villepin recently buoyed his reputation normal situation” when only 215 cars little connection the rioters had to reli- created a culture of dissatisfaction among by facing down striking unions, but his were burned in one day. gion. It is more important that they are a men. inability to quell the riots damaged him in disaffected minority in a system designed Much of the blame for the ri- opinion polls. The riots are linked to France’s MR failure to assimilate its large Muslim pop- to ignore differences. ots has been placed on Interior Minister ulation. Most of the rioters were second All of these tensions are exacer- Nikolas Sarkozy. Long-viewed as the heir the michigan review Page 9 National Issues December 6, 2005 A War Without Enemy Soldiers

By Tomiyo Turner, ‘07 would condone torture in a “ticking time bomb” scenar- Bush that detainees must have access to federal courts in he decision to classify terrorists and sus- io. Yet, nearly two years after the events at Abu Ghraib, order to contest the legality of their confinement. The Tpected terrorists as enemy combatants was a con- there are few explicit domestic laws preventing the De- Graham Amendment to the defense authorization bill troversial one. The Geneva Convention requires the hu- partment of Defense and other agencies from engaging would give any detainee with a sentence of more than 10 mane treatment of Prisoners of War, but does not make in torture. Senator John McCain, who was a victim of years or death an automatic review of by a federal appeals any specifications about “enemy combatants.” Article torture when he was held as a prisoner of war, spon- court. This amendment exacerbates the concerns about Four of the Geneva Convention defines Prisoners of sored and passed an amendment to the Defense appro- a detainee’s ability to protest abusive behavior because War as individuals falling into one of six categories in- priations bill for the fiscal year 2006. Recently, this was it would bar those with sentences lighter than 10 years cluding “Members of the armed forces of a Party to the added to the Defense Authorization Act for FY 2006. from access to the legal system. Despite this criticism conflict as well as members of militias or volunteer corps His amendment would ensure no detainee would be Senator Graham argues, “This goes above and beyond forming part of such armed forces” and “Members of treated or interrogated in a way not listed in the United the provisions of the Geneva Convention.” The Geneva regular armed forces who profess allegiance to a govern- States Army Field Manual of Interrogation. This is sig- Convention states, “They [POWs] shall also have the ment or an authority not recognized by the Detaining nificant because Army Field Manual is in accordance unrestricted right to apply to the representatives of the Power.” The Geneva Convention also states, “Should with the provisions of the Geneva Convention. The Protecting Powers… in order to draw their attention to any doubt arise as to whether persons, having commit- amendment would extend to any US facility, regardless any points on which they may have complaints to make ted a belligerent act and having fallen into the hands of of geographic location, but it provides no method for regarding their conditions of captivity.” However, the the enemy, belong to any of the categories enumerated detainees to challenge abusive practices. Geneva Convention does not require POWs have any in Article 4, such persons shall enjoy the protection of one major misunderstanding about the amend- access to civil courts, it would merely require immediate the present Convention until such time as their status has ment, which has been perpetuated by liberal blogs, is the access to some judicial fair judicial process. The Graham been determined by a competent tribunal.” Prisoners of notion that Dick Cheney was lobbying Congress to allow amendment would also apply exclusively to those being War have extensive rights, including protection against torture. He was looking for a CIA exemption to torture, held at Guantanamo Bay. “physical or mental torture, nor any other form of co- but not to allow torture in general. The McCain amend- The White House has threatened to veto the ercion, may be inflicted on prisoners of war to secure ment would bar any form of torture, regardless of the Authorization Act if it includes the McCain amendment from them information of any kind whatever. Prisoners agency involved and purpose. Mr. Cheney did not op- after conference. The White House has also expressed of war who refuse to answer may not be threatened, in- pose the requirement that the Department of Defense opposition to the Graham amendment, claiming it ex- sulted, or exposed to any unpleasant or disadvantageous be prohibited from engaging in torture, but only that tends beyond the appropriate bounds of Congressional treatment of any kind.” Although President Bush has torture may be allowed for intelligence purposes and involvement. MR repeatedly asserted, “[T]he United States doesn’t do tor- only when carried out by the CIA. ture,” the images of Abu Ghraib still haunt Americans. Another recent Senate amendment to the De- one month after September 11th a Christian fense Authorization Act guarantees detainees with harsh Science Monitor poll showed only 32% or Americans sentences some judicial review, but bars detainees from full access to courts. The Supreme Court held in Rasul v. The Ailing Auto Industry Examining American automakers in light of recent GM cuts

By Karen Boore, ‘09 affordable. In addition to lower sales, The American automotive in- not take effect. While Granholm urged ust as flu season is coming the American companies are burdened by dustry is looking to the government to the Republicans in the state legislature to Jupon us, it seems fitting to talk about greater costs. The younger Japanese com- aid in its recovery. In a speech at the reach a new agreement quickly, they were the American auto industry. Though panies are not as burdened by pension or National Press Club, William C. Ford, Jr., stunned and disappointed by her vetoes. feeling under the weather for some time, health care costs which American labor President and CEO of Ford, asked the If officials within Michigan cannot agree its symptoms of ill health have recently unions have secured for their members. government for tax incentives for con- on ways to help its companies and their sumers to buy hybrid cars as well as tax workers, what hopes are there at the na- become more pronounced. In October, Decreased sales in America have caused the American auto companies to incentives for companies to update old tional level? Delphi Corp., a major supplier to both bring production in line with demand and manufacturing plants. However, lawmak- Ford and General Motors, filed for bank- What is in store for workers ruptcy. On November 21, General Mo- look at cost-cutting options. In this, the ers are divided on the issue of propping has yet to be determined, but it is certain tors Corp. announced it would cut 30,000 interests of the investors and the workers up the industry. While Michigan repre- that things are changing. High-paying jobs and close or scale back operations are pitted head to head. GM investors are sentatives in Congress have started work- unskilled jobs are dwindling away. While at twelve facilities by 2008. Ford, too, saying that GM’s recent plan will not be ing on proposals to help, it may be dif- better educating workers for tomorrow has announced plans to cut at least 4,000 enough. They are calling for more drastic ficult to convince lawmakers from areas seems like a reasonable solution, some white collar jobs early next year. The cuts, at the same time the United Auto less concerned with the industry to vote analysts believe that it will not be enough American auto industry is ailing. Workers criticize the cuts already made. for such legislation. as even the high-tech jobs are being out- Delphi’s recent proposal to cut workers’ sourced. As can be seen by Ford’s plans, While the American auto com- concerns for the workers and panies have seen great losses recently, wages by more than 60 percent, from $27 job security have also influenced legisla- not even white collar jobs are safe. per hour to around $10, added insult to tion in Lansing, yet it seems that parti- their foreign counterparts have not. In The American auto industry fact, it is competition with these com- injury for the UAW. While the deadline san politics is getting in the way. On the is in need of help. No one treatment, panies that has greatly contributed to for the union to negotiate cuts with Del- same day GM announced its cuts, Gov- however, seems likely to ease its pain. the American losses. The foreign com- phi has been extended, the UAW Presi- ernor Jennifer Granholm signed tax bills Rather, changes must be made in many panies are simply making cars that more dent Ron Gettelfinger and Vice President meant to help manufacturers keep jobs areas. Whether it will nurse itself back Americans want to buy. Many consumers Richard Shoemaker have issued the state- in Michigan and to diversify the state’s to health or can find help in the state and wonder why they should buy American ment, “If Delphi is serious about restart- economy. However, because she vetoed national governments remains to be seen, when the Japanese cars are just as attrac- ing discussions, taking that insulting pro- two bills in the package, which she be- but right now we can only hope that the tive, more fuel-efficient, and even more posal off the table would be a good place lieved cut business taxes at the expense industry gets on its feet again soon. MR to start.” of the citizens, the other tax cut bills can- the michigan review Page 10 On-Campus Events December 6, 2005 Good Journalism, Bad Journalism

By Kole Kurti, ‘09 institutions? Bush, fearing they would be seen as unpatriotic. Fen- hat went wrong?” This was the question What remains murky about Fenton’s whole ton seemed to believe that the government has some Wposed by Tom Fenton, a retired foreign corre- argument is whether there really ever was a “Golden huge sway on reporters since it can give and take “ben- spondent for CBS News, in his speech on the media in Age” in media. It is clear that there are problems with efits,” and hence reporters bow down to its authority. He America last Tuesday. Mr. Fenton has been within the the media today, but was it really all that better in the overlooked the fact that liberals run most major media media establishment for forty-three years, he believes past? Fenton mentions Walter Cronkite, the former CBS institutions and reporters are more concerned about there has been a serious decline in the news. Mr.Fenton news anchor, as a man to be emulated. One should note pleasing their bosses than they are about pleasing the put forth many valid criticisms of the American media, that Cronkite, “the most trusted man in America,” mis- president. The media certainly did not hesitate to talk but his argument had serious flaws. lead the country by portraying the Tet Offensive during about the Abu Ghraib Prison situation. The New York Mr. Fenton emphasized the lack of interna- the Vietnam war as a major defeat for America when it Times alone, the “newspaper of record”, had 32 suc- tional news coverage. This comes at a time when inter- was a great victory. Also, the old world of media was cessive front-page stories on the incident. Dan Rather national news is vital. America is the most powerful and one where the public had only three stations to choose did not hesitate to run a false story about the President’s influential country, involved in every major international from. National Guard service just before the election. And the issue, and the news should reflect this. This is particu- now, there is cable news and the Internet. list goes on, and on, and on. To say that the media was larly important in an age where America is engaged in a There is competition and competition always brings soft on Bush and completely ignore the liberal bias of war on terrorism that knows no international boundar- about better things. While Fenton did represent the In- which conservatives often complain greatly misleading. ies. Mr.Fenton’s point was that the token correspondent ternet as generally positive, he seemed to have some dis- When asked about liberal bias in the media, Fenton re- in Baghdad that stays inside his hotel room out of fear dain for cable news, in particular Fox News, which he plied: “[reporters] are open-minded, and if that’s liberal, and has his Iraqi assistants go out and get footage is not dismissed as “opinion.” The fact that Fenton dismisses then we’re liberal.” enough. Fox News, which has passed CNN as the most watched Fenton’s advice on the media can be helpful Fenton also expressed his great dissatisfaction cable news network, as something inherently inferior as long as one realizes where he is coming from. This is with reporting prior to 9-11. It is tragic to look back reveals an unwillingness to accept fundamental changes a left-of-center reporter for one of the Big Three that at the summer before 9-11 when the major news sto- in the news industry The fact that he sees the BBC as longs nostalgically for some alleged “Golden Age” of ries were shark attacks. As Fenton pointed out, the Big the model for all other stations is even scarier. This is media. His points on the lack of international news and Three (CBS, NBC, and ABC) did not mention Al-Qaeda the same institution that asked its reporters not to refer the pre-9-11 reporting are very valid, but his dismissal once in the months before the attack. Though he makes to Saddam Hussein as an ex-dictator, but as the former of Fox News, his negative view towards competition, a good point, it is unfair to simply blame the news sta- leader of Iraq, since he was technically elected (Just like and his failure to recognize liberal bias in the newsroom tions for overlooking Al-Qaeda since the CIA and FBI Adolf Hitler). greatly hurt his argument. MR failed to recognize the threat. How can the public expect One of Fenton’s most farfetched contentions news stations to be better informed than government was that reporters were not tough enough on President Artist on the Rise: Brandi Carlile By Michael O’Brien, ‘08 But Carlile says the exposure chemistry. Carlile is flanked by “The ington State. The depth of the lyrics, and nn Arbor’s music scene can is “not noticeable at all.” But for a new Twins,” Tim and Phil (on guitar and bass, superiority of the songwriting easily shine Aoften help christen up-and-coming album, and a nascent touring schedule— respectively), of whom she speaks as if through on the album. And this honesty musical acts for their spot in the music the maturity of her debut album and the they were her own siblings. The band’s in writing and production was entirely spotlight. Such was the case when Brandi intensity of her concert testify towards chemistry is “such a natural thing,” she tangible in live performance, as well. Carlile and her band played at the Blind a more polished product than Carlile says. “We don’t know how lucky we are— And perhaps this honesty on her Pig on the 12th of November. While in would let on to. Listing everybody from we leave the drama at home.” Carlile and album and in performance is this starlet’s town, this emerging talent showcased Patsy Kline to Jeff Buckley to Elton John her band exhibit such closeness offstage, greatest asset. In a time where pop songs her latest album, and more, with a set of as influences, her music takes on an aura and their tight performance onstage re- are easily recycled, and lyrics are cheap songs that proved to the audience that of a mixture of folk, pop, and rock all at flects that. at a dime-a-dozen, Brandi Carlile’s music Carlile and her band are, so to speak, ‘the once. The Twins and Carlile are re- is refreshing. There’s good reason why real thing’ in music today. And these influences manifest sponsible for the bulk of the writing and her and her band have so much poten- carlile talked with the Review themselves onstage. Her voice all at once recording of the songs performed at the tial—they’re hard to resist. They easily about her music before the show. The encapsulates pop, soul, and rock—and show, and on the album. While brother won over Ann Arbor’s Blind Pig, and can kind and unassuming Carlile spoke about tacitly channels a bit of Janis Joplin. The Tim writes many of the love songs, Carli- just as easily win over dominance on the being on tour, and on the verge of her docile Carlile transformed onstage into a le says, hers tend to be a bit on the darker iPods of most Michigan students, given band’s potential emergence on to the na- passionate stage presence. The audience side. She says of the typical songwriting the chance. Her album deserves a chance. tional spotlight. “I can only hope [we’re was easily won over. The show featured process, “In order to write a good song, Check it out. MR on the verge]” of a larger audience she a mixture of the best selections from the you have to be happy and bored—and said, while humbly acknowledging how debut album, as well as other songs. And that’s not a good thing.” She continues, many other groups are seeking the same the range of Carlile and her band was as “[Our] music is so moody, it’s hard to de- thing. But not many bands can boast impressive as the studio album—ranging scribe. It’s not very categorizable.” about the accolades this group can—hav- from all acoustics, to thoroughly rock- But when asked about why a ing been named a top “Artist to Watch” ing numbers. And if this wasn’t enough college student might appreciate the al- by Rolling Stone. And if there was ever a proof of Carlile’s versatility, her cameo bum, Carlile hits the nail on the head. compelling case for that position, it was during Marc Broussard’s “Lonely Night “This is one of the most honest albums most certainly her performance on cam- in Georgia” (for whom she was opening) in a while,” she proclaims, “There’s no pus. She’s also had a song (“What Can I was. gloss on it at all.” The album was re- Say”) featured on the hit TV show, and And a good deal of the perfor- corded mostly as live band performances nexus of quality music, Grey’s Anatomy. mance’s luster was thanks to the band in-studio, from the band’s home in Wash- the michigan review Page 11 Commentary December 6, 2005 Losing the Battle, Winning the War

By Jay Dickinson, ‘08 VEN BEFORE I CAME to Michigan, that commercial with the almost dead-even, Schembechler holding a slim 5-4-1 advantage. Eguy in Michigan colors and the girl in Ohio State colors making The whole week leading up to the Michigan v. Ohio State game out on a couch made me gag. The small consolation I now have is the has grown beyond the football game to even include the annual blood knowledge that no self-respecting Michigan man would ever date a girl battle, which benefits the Red Cross, food collection for food banks, from Ohio State. Unfortunately, I do not have the consolation of know- and spirit events such as banner contests. Ohio State and Michigan have ing that we beat the shit out of our biggest football rival. turned the rivalry into an event that helps people across school lines. I The Michigan versus Ohio State rivalry in football began with am proud to say that I donated blood, but that (despite my own efforts), their first game in 1897. Michigan won that game and shut-out OSU we lost this year’s Blood Battle—marking two years in a row where the 34 to 0 and dominated the series until 1919. That year the tables were tradition of the team winning the battle lost The Big Game was bro- turned and the Buckeyes won 13 to 3. The Michigan-Ohio State game ken. has always been important, but it was not always the last game of the Looking at the big picture, I think it important to realize that season. This practice began in 1935 and, except for one year, the tradi- we are a better school than Ohio State is. We have more wins over tion has continued. Often the game has determined who the winner of Ohio State. Our stadium is bigger. Our colors are better. Our fight song the Big Ten is, as well as who will represent the conference in the Rose is better—John Phillips Sousa (someone who knows something about Bowl. marches) called ‘’ the best fight song ever written. The edu- of all the coaching match-ups in the long Michigan vs. Ohio cation we are getting is overwhelmingly better. Hell, Michigan is just a State rivalry, none has been more intense and, at times, bitter than that better state than Ohio. What is important for students is not let one win between Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler. For ten years the two get them down; know that you are better than everyone at Ohio State dominated the “Big 2,” consisting of OSU and UM, and the “Little 8,” and know that our school is a better place to be. If there’s some consola- with the rest of the Big Ten Conference teams, splitting ten conference tion we can hang onto, it’s that we don’t have to go to Ohio State, and titles between and finishing second eight times. Hayes supposedly could that we get to live in Ann Arbor, instead of being stuck in Columbus. not bring himself to even speak the name of “that school up north,” And for the record, the commercial with the Michigan guy and and Schembechler, who played for Hayes at Miami of Ohio and was an Ohio State girl making out on the couch, still makes me gag. Ohio State assistant coach, savored nothing more than putting it to his oh how I hate Ohio State. MR old mentor. After a decade of memorable on-field stratagems, sideline antics, and locker room psychological ploys, the two coaches came out

We at the Review wish you all a happy two week break coincidental- ly placed around December 25.

We would also love for you to come write for us next semester.

Email us at: [email protected]

or visit our website: www.michiganreview.com the michigan review Page 12 Interview December 6, 2005 Five Questions With Professor Matt Lassiter Staff writer Jane Coaston sat down with Assistant Professor of History Matt Lassiter recently to talk about his classes, American history, and politics. atthew Lassiter, two Latino-Americans. But school and hous- had a reputation of being liberal, but has have been more likely to win elections Myears after winning the ing segregation patterns are still stark, actually been quite conservative on many than to actually enact policy, pointing to Golden Apple Award which “honors with divisions on racial lines still extreme- issues, most importantly those regarding the example of the privatization of Social those teachers who consistently teach ly defined. He spoke about the move- homeowner’s rights. Security that was a hot-button election each lecture as if it were their last, and ment of whites from the suburbs, mak- When asked about the national topic. But he also said that the Christian strive not only to disseminate knowledge ing them now a sort of “horizontal city.” perception of student apathy, Lassiter Right has proven to be a powerful political but to inspire and engage students in its Whites move to suburbs further from the said that apathy has been a false label used mechanism. He is not entirely convinced pursuit,” remains one of the University’s main city base, and minorities move into by the baby boomer generation against that Conservative political wins show a most popular and respected professors. the suburbs they have left behind. But students. He stated that there is an enor- conservative turn in policies, saying that His lectures on issues of suburbanization as people have moved out of the cities, mous amount of political activism, but President Bush won on foreign policy and the American Dream continue to be young professionals are repopulating, an for smaller scale issues. Most important and high turnout of religious conserva- extremely popular, and he is a leading au- interesting trend in many cities, but not social issues have college student issues, tives. Lassiter then said that a majority of thority on politics and youth. Detroit. he said, drawing a parallel to the birth the public supports Democratic policies, Asked why Detroit has not ex- of modern conservatism and its link to but does not trust Democrats when they Why do you think your lectures have perienced this phenomenon, he said that Young Americans for Freedom. He said are in office. He pointed to the likelihood been so popular, and what research Detroit is racially polarized, with long that some young people say that there is of younger voters to be for gay marriage are you doing now? historical tensions between the city and no “big issue”- our generation does not and against the War on Drugs. He stated the suburbs. There has also been a lack have an event that equals the divisiveness that he believes that with the dying out Saying that he does not want to of significant economic activity (which of the Vietnam War and other issues, not of the Old Conservatives, a new breed compare himself with other members of is beginning to change), and he has his even the Iraq conflict. “But people forget of Conservatives with less concern for the history department, Lassiter said that doubts as to whether Detroit can capture that college students said the same thing the “culture war” will come to political he does try to approach lectures from a the young professional housing market, in 1965 - there is no big issue,” he said, prominence. They will be more like the student perspective by bringing them to pointing to fears of crime as a major de- noting that it is a reoccurring theme in Compassionate Conservative model and the present, presenting issues that stu- terrent. Also, young people from affluent American history. He then spoke on cur- less like the “angry conservative” of early dents are “fluent and engaged with.” He areas who attend the University of Michi- rent divisiveness within campus politics, nineteen-nineties politics. Lassiter said tries to end lectures by speaking on cur- gan for example would be more likely to noting BAMN for example. He said that that there is little to no support for radi- rent events, including the Iraq War and leave the state of Michigan or move to tensions have always existed around po- cal conservative reform in the American the gay marriage debate- a real advantage areas such as Royal Oak. High unem- litical movements and that the campus electorate - Americans tend to want envi- of teaching courses that deal in modern ployment has also retarded the growth Left has been hurt by rifts between the ronmental protection, education, protec- United States history. He also tries to en- of Detroit’s young professional popula- coalition of the middle versus the coali- tion of Social Security and medical care hance lectures with is own research and tion. Because of a lack of cities catering tion of more extreme elements. programs, less money going to wasteful unpublished ideas, which are often new to young professionals, Michigan is losing government programs (welfare, for ex- to him as well. its young people, and the median age of You were an advocate of Ann Arbor’s ample), and a tough foreign policy. But He also mentioned the impor- the state’s population is growing steadily “green belt proposal” to combat ur- American politics needs to move back tance of multimedia, noting that op- higher- “a huge problem,” in Lassiter’s ban sprawl. What are your thoughts to the middle to best serve the nation on portunities related to the Internet have estimation. on it now? those issues. “revolutionized” lecture writing but have conservatives, he said, want a also made it more difficult to keep the at- What do you think about claims of Lassiter said that he believed traditional populist policy with greater tention of a class. He noted that he has student apathy, on campus and na- that the “Green Belt” idea (that is, an area importance of the people. However Las- improved in his usage of PowerPoint and tion-wide? surrounding Ann Arbor where develop- siter said that one of the most interest- other lecture technologies. ment would be off-limits) is a great idea, ing developments has been the growth in the area of new research, he Lassiter pointed to the most if done comprehensively. Ann Arbor’s of conservatism on campus. While con- just finished a book entitled The Silent recent city elections, which projected a program is too limited to stop sprawl, he servatives tend to dominate corporate Majority: Suburban Politics in the Sunbelt turnout of about 8%. He said that that said, and might only redirect it. But the America and liberals are still seen as con- South about political issues of sprawl and showed that not only students were apa- “Green Belt” issue has had a beneficial ef- trolling “the academy” with a majority of racial integration in the cities of Atlanta thetic, but students get a majority of the fect- it has restarted the debate on density those involved in the humanities identi- and Charlotte. He is now writing a book blame. Asked why he believed that stu- and affordable housing and what kind of fying themselves as liberals (though con- entitled Suburban Crisis: The Pursuit and dents vote in such small numbers in Ann city Ann Arbor will become, drawing in servatives tend to emerge in areas linked Defense of the American Dream, which Arbor elections, he elaborated on the MSA and graduate student involvement. to business and law), conservatives have his based loosely on his course, History fact that many students genuinely want Lassiter noted that many people cannot made a concerted effort to reach students. of American Suburbia. He conceptual- to vote, but in their home community. afford to live in Ann Arbor, due to a scar- “I think that conservative foundations, ized the course several years ago as a way He used the 2004 presidential election to city of moderate income housing despite leaders, and organizations didn’t leave of thinking about the book, which is a show that students will vote if given the the soft rental market. The power of the this to chance- they have put their money broad look at suburban issues, pop cul- opportunity, but he placed some of the neighborhood associations is a factor, where their hopes are,” he said. “[W]hen ture, and public policies. blame on the state of Michigan itself, say- but Lassiter said that renters and students it comes to targeting college students, ing that it has laws meant to prevent stu- could become a powerful political coali- conservative groups are doing it better.” In what ways have the American sub- dents from voting (such as those based tion to fight for student housing rights. He noted that Democrats condescended urbs changed? on permanent address versus where reg- to young activists in the last presidential istered). He also noted a lack of choice in election, adding that conservatives would Lassiter began by first noting Ann Arbor city elections, saying, “Some What is your opinion on the recent never think of dismissing younger vot- the increasing diversity of the American of the Democrats on council are Repub- Conservative political successes? ers. suburb, with growing populations of Af- licans pretending to be Democrats.” He MR rican-Americans, Asian Americans, and explained by saying that city council has Lassiter said that Conservatives