the Brown dailyvol. cxxii, no. 98 heraldMonday, November 5, 2012 since 1891 INSIDE Poll: Majority plan to vote liberal in home states Page 2 By Sona Mkrttchian during his first term. Do you plan on voting in the upcoming election? Meet the author Senior Staff writer Michael Tesler, an assistant pro- No, I do not plan on voting Check out The Herald’s Q& A fessor of political science who is 5.5% with author Lois Lowry A Herald poll conducted in October teaching POLS 1120: “Campaigns I am unsure if I am found that 65.6 percent of respon- and Elections” this semester, said voting dents said they planned to vote for this support for Obama matched 6.1% President Obama this Tuesday, while up with his prediction that students 16 percent of students reported that would support Obama over Romney they did not plan to vote, and only 7.1 by a margin of at least four to one. percent said they planned to support “Brown would support whoever the Page 5 Republican candidate Mitt Romney. Democrat is in a very strong fashion,” No, I am not A majority of students — 62.6 per- he said. eligible to vote Yes, and I am registered in Yale shutout cent — said they plan to vote and are “Brown attracts a more liberal 15.1% another state The Bears shut out Yale for registered in their home states. Only student body,” Tesler said, adding 62.8% the first time since 1949 10.6 percent of students reported that young adults hold political be- Yes, and I am planning to vote in Rhode Island. liefs that are statistically attributable registered in Page 11 “I’m not too surprised that we to “socialization.” In his class of more Rhode Island have strong liberal support on cam- than 200 students, not one student 10.6% Endorsement pus,” said Taylor Daily ’13, presi- claimed to maintain political beliefs Brown Republicans endorse dent of Brown Students for Obama. divergent from those of both of their Romney, slam Obama Daily said he would like to see even parents when they were questioned greater voter turnout for Obama, earlier this semester, he said. today tomorrow adding that students who hold more “When you’re 18 to 22, a lot of liberal views than Obama on social your political beliefs are simply in-

and economic issues may be disil- formed by how you are raised,” Tesler einat brenner / herald lusioned by the president’s inability added. An October Herald poll indicates students are overwhelmingly in support 48 / 27 45 / 32 to institute stronger liberal policies Sofia Fernan- / / Poll page 4 of President Obama, and a majority plan to vote in their home states. America abroad: The U.S. election on the world stage Lowry’s By Elizabeth Carr City & State editor David Chung ’14 new book When the American public elected Oxford, England Barack Obama to serve as the 44th Kat Thornton ’14 President Nov. 4, 2008, his supporters Havana, Cuba wraps up burst into celebration — not just on the Main Green of the University’s tradition- ally left-leaning campus and across the ‘The Giver’ United States, but in the streets of Rome, Emma Wohl ’14.5 Paris, Geneva, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil series even Kogelo village in Kenya, home to Obama’s step-grandmother. Hannah Abelow ’14 By elizabeth koh For many of those celebrating, Cape Town, South Africa senior staff writer Obama’s election meant a fresh face for American foreign policy. From his prede- Greg Jordan-Detamore / Herald Since its publication in 1993, “The Giver” cessor President George W. Bush, Obama Brown students currently studying abroad present an international perspective on U.S. presidential elections. has become one of many simultaneously inherited the “war on terror,” a tangle of But some international supporters say Meanwhile, the Arab Spring, a series crisis means the next president will face a beloved and banned books of children’s two unpopular military engagements and they’ve found Obama’s performance in of revolutions in Northern Africa and the volatile global economy that could ham- literature. But nearly 20 years after her heightened tensions across the Middle office underwhelming. Arabian Peninsula against undemocratic per domestic growth amid already high first foray into the colorless and emotion- East. Following the 2003 American in- Over the last four years, the Obama regimes, and the recent terrorist attack unemployment. less world introduced in “The Giver,” vasion of Iraq and the Bush administra- administration’s decisions have had a The winner of tomorrow’s presiden- author Lois Lowry, a former member of tion’s foreign policy, world opinion of the profound effect on international affairs. see spread pages 6-7 tial election will make policy decisions the class of 1958, returns a final time in United States was largely negative, and Obama scaled back America’s military that will have broad repercussions on the the series’ fourth novel, “Son.” Obama’s message of change seemed to commitments — the last American that killed four Americans at the Libyan global stage. Today, in reports by students “Son” introduces 14-year-old Claire, resonate. During Obama’s European tour troops left Iraq in December 2011, and embassy, have again brought the issue of studying abroad in Brazil, Cuba, England who gives birth in the same community prior to the election in 2008, an estimated American and NATO troops have be- American involvement in the Middle and South Africa, The Herald examines the protagonist of “The Giver” grew up 200,000 people gathered in Berlin to hear gun to withdraw from Afghanistan in East to the forefront of national discourse. attitudes toward the coming election in almost two decades before, and fol- him speak, according to Berlin police. a process that will be complete in 2014. And Europe’s ongoing sovereign debt through the eyes of the world. lows her mission to find and reclaim the son who was taken from her. It is a tale of travels and travails as Claire leaves the nameless community for a journey First R.I. Comic Con draws celebrities, gamers imbued as much with magic and trans- By Jordan hendricks biggest show in the smallest state.” And formation as with the immutable themes features editor with a conservative estimate of 15,000 of love and loss. attendees for the weekend — including Where “The Giver” left readers con- About 15,000 people descended upon a handful of Brown students — the templating the open questions posed downtown Providence this weekend convention nearly filled Rhode Island’s by its ending, “Son” pulls all the char- — among them stormtroopers, bat- largest convention venue. acters together and answers almost all men, ninjas, superheroes, monsters The convention took up a large por- the questions. Though the novel begins and aliens. tion of the convention center, with with Claire, the first third of the book Some of them trained to be Jedi. about 200 vendors, dozens of artists overlaps chronologically with the events Others shouted obscenities at a live and celebrity guests setting up camp of “The Giver,” layering the events from cast of “The Rocky Horror Picture in a large — and completely packed the first book with new meaning and Show.” Some met and interacted with — ballroom on the lower level. Other tenderness. “Son” is as much a reunion the celebrities who played their favorite events, such as celebrity Q&As, shows with the characters of this universe as it fictional characters of their childhood and panels took place on the upper is a closure. — or adult — lives. level. But the universe Lowry writes in has This weekend was the first Rhode grown alongside its readers. Where “The Emily Gilbert / Herald Island Comic Con, held in the Rhode Celebrity sightings Giver” and the following two books each This weekend marked the first Rhode Island Comic Con. Attendees Island Convention Center Nov. 3-4. In the celebrity section of the feature a young adult with unique “gifts,” participated in panels, celebrity Q&As and film screenings. Its website promised it would be “the downstairs level, / / Comic page 3 “Son” takes a / / Lowry page 3 the brown daily herald 2 arts & culture Monday, November 5, 2012 calendar Exclusive: Q&A with Lois Lowry Today Nov. 4 ToMORROW Nov. 5

4 P.m. 6 p.m. Herald: Since its publication, “The gratifying to the author to realize that. rehearses their own future by weighing Slicing Up Space Kutlug Ataman Lecture Giver” has faced multiple bans. “Son” You were a photographer as well as their own feelings against the decisions Smith-Buonanno, Room 201 Granoff, Martinos Auditorium could be seen as equally controversial. writer. What do you feel is the link the character makes. And so, in a book 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. In general, how have you approached between visuals and writing, and how for older kids, like “The Giver” quartet, the controversy, and what is your an- do you capture it on the page? I raised situations and issues that you Fresh: the movie SPEC Election Viewing Party swer to people who are trying to ban That’s a hard question and an interesting know in a way have political implications Smith-Buonanno, Room 201 Campus Center, Leung Gallery the books? one. I’ve always been a visual person. I and sometimes emotional implications. Lowry: Public libraries are well-known studied photography in graduate school, But they’re all … disguised by a narrative for their defense of freedom of speech and I worked first as a photojournalist and by a plot, and the story carries the menu and so that’s never happened, but occa- for magazines and newspapers. And reader along. So it doesn’t, I hope, ever SHARPE REFECTORY VERNEy-WOOLLEY DINING HALL sionally parents have raised an objection in fact the photograph of the old man become didactic. when the book is used in a school, and on “The Giver” is a photograph I did LUNCH then it has become something, some- once for a magazine some years earlier, As a Brown student in the ’50s, you Pesto Pasta, Broccoli Rabe, Meatball Cavatini, Tomato Basil Pie, Vegan times, of a controversy. And I’m always and he was dead by the time the book were here on a scholarship for writ- Grinder, Garlic Bread, Spicy Black Minestrone Soup, Potato Vegetable very surprised by that, and I sometimes was written. But I think the fact is that ing. What was your general Brown Bean Veggie Patties Chowder, Peanut Butter Sandwich Bar have pointed out that the world of “The when I’m writing fiction, I’m seeing it experience like? Giver” is a world that has no literature, in my mind, and it’s interesting. I don’t I went to Brown when I just turned 17. DINNER and the reason would have been because know how other people approach the I was very young, and at that time of Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash, Grilled Cranberry Wild and White Rice Pilaf, with the best of intentions, with a protec- writing of fiction — I’ve never talked to course the curriculum was different. A Cheese Sandwich on White and Wheat Mashed Butternut Squash, Stir-Fried tive instinct, the government would have anyone else about it. But for me, I can lot of required courses — but I went there Bread, Bourbon BBQ Chicken Vegan Mediterranean Salmon removed books that would trouble the always see what’s happening. I can see in order to study writing, and so I was people. In an effort to keep the people the characters. And then also, I can see able to enroll in my freshman year in a content, they simply had destroyed all the way the photographer does: We have couple of advanced writing courses. But Sudoku literature. And the banning of books has a focus, blurred in the background, and I think I was competent as a writer, and always been the first thing to happen I think I do that. It’s hard to describe, but I always got good grades, but I hadn’t when a totalitarian government takes I do that in the writing — what to focus had much experience in life yet. And I over. It’s one of the first things Hitler on, what to zoom in on, as it were, and remember a writing professor, Charles did, for example. So I think it’s a very what to blur from time to time. I think Filbrich, who has since died, telling me dangerous thing, and when I’m called the two things are related for me. that I needed to experience more before upon to reply to a challenge where a I became a writer, and I wasn’t sure at book has been challenged, or where You’re a prolific writer and have writ- that time, at 17, 18 years old, what he an attempt has been made to ban the ten in a variety of genres. How do you meant. Of course, later, I experienced book, I’m always happy to speak on its continue finding new ideas? How do more; I did understand. But I dropped behalf and on behalf of freedom of First you switch between genres so often? out of Brown at the end of my sophomore Amendment rights. But I don’t think the If I just do the same kind of book all the year, and that was not uncommon in the new book will fall into that trap because time, I think I would get bored. Switching ’50s. I had a boyfriend who was two years in recent years, since “The Giver,” which back and forth, and the fact that I’m able older than I. I met him the day I arrived was the first dystopian novel for young to do that, keeps me energized. I’ve done at Brown — he was a junior, and I was people, I’m told, (there have been) so stuff that would fit into the category of a freshman. And then when he gradu- many recent books in that genre, and historical novels, and “Number the Stars” ated, he was headed out to California, many of them have been very, very vio- is one of those. And then “The Giver” and we got married and I dropped out lent, and probably destined to become series is not really science fiction, but it’s of school and I didn’t go back … till more controversial than the very more kind of a mix of fantasy and futuristic I was in my 30s, till I was a wife, and introspective and quiet books that I write. speculative fiction, so that’s very differ- then he went to law school and we had Crossword I don’t think the new book “Son” will ent. And then there’s realistic fiction. My children, and a lot of things interrupted have a problem. But who knows? I could mind goes back and forth. I always have my education. But I was very happy at always be badly surprised. lots of ideas — I just pluck out the one Brown and those years in the ’50s as that’s going to be next. And right now a freshman and a sophomore. … The On the flip side, “The Giver” has also I’m not working on anything. I’m in the interesting thing is, in retrospect, that become required reading in school cur- middle of a number of personal crises. when I finished my sophomore year ricula. How have you been approached … So I’m not working on anything right and told the school I would not be com- by students who have read your book? now, but when I do, I just have to choose ing back because I was getting married, What do you think about the cultural what idea I want to do next and which nobody, none of the people at the school, permanence it’s achieved? genre it will be in, and I can’t predict none of my teachers, not the dean in the Well, I no longer visit schools because I that at the moment. dorm or anybody tried to dissuade me just don’t have the time, so I’m only in from that. “Oh congratulations, have a touch through their emails which they Many of your stories are read by chil- nice life” — and that saddens me now. I send me. … It’s very affecting to me, dren but deal with profound and ma- probably would not have been dissuaded, very moving to hear from the number ture themes. How do you convey those but I think it’s kind of sad it was okay of young people who have responded themes to children? for girls to give up their education and so passionately to this book over the I think you simply tell a good story. … follow their boyfriend to whatever he years. I often hear from kids, maybe since Te quartet, it’s not little kids, it’s 12 and was going to do and be supportive to school, that it changed their life, that it up usually. And so you create a character his career at the expense of one’s own. changed their way of looking at things. they can relate to. And then you place I didn’t set out to do that. You can’t sit the character in situations, and that be- What do you feel you’ve taken away down to write a book and predict that comes, of course, the book. And the from your Brown experience? How it will do that. But “The Giver” has done reader, if he or she identifies with the has it impacted your writing, if at all? that for a lot of kids, and it’s enormously character, then follows along and kind of I don’t think the courses I took in writ- ing, though I enjoyed them and did well the Brown in them and learned from them, I don’t think they had much effect on me in the daily herald long run. I think what affected me was www.browndailyherald.com the literature. I was an English major and 195 Angell St., Providence, R.I. in those days I had to take, for example, Claire Peracchio, President Danielle Marshak, Treasurer math and political science and sociol- Rebecca Ballhaus, Vice President Siena DeLisser, Secretary ogy and things that didn’t really interest The Brown Daily Herald (USPS 067.740) is an independent newspaper serving the me that much. I suppose I’m better for Brown University community daily since 1891. It is published Monday through Friday having done it, but I would have loved during the academic year, excluding vacations, once during Commencement and once to have taken nothing but literature. during Orientation by The Brown DailyH erald, Inc. Single copy free for each member of the community. Nonetheless, the courses I did take in POSTMASTER please send corrections to P.O. Box 2538, Providence, RI 02906. literature served me very well. … When Periodicals postage paid at Providence, R.I. (children) say they want to be a writer, Subscription prices: $280 one year daily, $140 one semester daily. I tell them they should study literature, Copyright 2012 by The Brown Daily Herald, Inc. All rights reserved. writing. I think that good writing arises editorial Business out of a knowledge of good literature. (401) 351-3372 (401) 351-3260 [email protected] [email protected] — Elizabeth Koh the brown daily herald Monday, November 5, 2012 feature 3

/ / Comic page 1 on “Futurama,” Stimpy from “Ren and nervous, others obviously ecstatic and to her face — a stance ready for si- Planet and the Planeteers.” Stimpy” and Doug from the namesake most dressed in some sort of costume. multaneous defense and attack. Her During her time at RICC, Franklin Claudia Wells, who played Jennifer show — to do a voice panel reading the “This is like a frat party at the Teen friend was Baird from the video game said she talked to a variety of celebrity Parker, girlfriend of Marty McFly in “Back to the Future” script. Titan tower,” the announcer jabbed. “Gears of War.” guests, including Larry Thomas, best the 1985 “Back to the Future,” stared In the panel, the audience chose The “virgins” were taught a dance But other people in and out of char- known for playing the “Soup Nazi” at her cell phone intently, appearing to which character’s voice would be used that involved lots of hip thrusting to acter at the conference were characters in the TV show “Seinfeld,” a role he draft a text message. to read out which character’s part in be used later in the interactive show. by profession. Professional wrestlers, secured an Emmy nomination for. A photographer clicked a few shots each scene — for instance, one actor One member was selected to be in the Jake “the Snake” Roberts and “Hack- Franklin said she particularly en- of her. She asked to see them. might read the part of Marty McFly as show’s cast for the night. saw” Jim Duggan, both offered com- joyed the voice panel from Saturday After several attempts didn’t meet Kermit the Frog. “If you’re gay, we’re going to offend mentary on the future of professional afternoon, but also attended a num- Wells’ standards, she said it would be An hour of laughs and discussion you,” a cast member warned before wrestling at a press event. ber of other events. She said she was better to take a portrait in front of a ensued. Voices from mainstream tele- officially starting the show. “If you’re “To me, wrestling is like having sex,” ecstatic to meet her “childhood idols,” large poster on display next to her vision and obscure movies read aloud straight, we’ve probably already of- Roberts said. “The idea is to start out the Power Rangers, at their panel. booth, portraying her 1980s cinematic the script of the 1980s classic. fended you.” slow and real, not shoot your best shot “I was surprised at how much fun boyfriend (McFly) and her 19-year-old “...And scene!” shouted one of the And the show began. first.” I had,” she said. self wrapped in an embrace. panelists at the conclusion of the read- Though RICC was her first comic “It’s like he’s there,” joked Nicholas ing. convention, the event was in general Brendon, who played Xander in the late The crowd erupted into a standing “Things that weigh 550 pounds shouldn’t be was “a lot lower-key than other ones,” 1990s smash TV hit “Buffy the Vampire ovation. allowed to be playful.” she said. Slayer,” from a few feet away at his table. Nearby, a few rooms over on the Jake “The Snake” Roberts While this is the Ocean State’s first Brendon adjusted his gray fedora and upper level of the center, was a room Professional wrestler Comic Con, it will not be the last. turned to resume fraternizing with his that drew a much smaller crowd than An event that took two years to plan fans. He hugged almost everyone who other places in the convention. by organizer Steven Perry, Sue Soares, approached his table. In this room, RICC attendees both Duggan agreed. As a professional the convention’s publicist, said, finally Wells laughed at Brendon’s aside, competitively and casually played a Costume or character? wrestler, you “have to tell a story,” he came to fruition this weekend when but now it was time for her photo op. variety of games, including “Magic: The The attendees of RICC in costume said. the convention exceeded its expected After almost 30 years of being Gathering” and “Munchkin” — both at the convention were not just dressed Both wrestlers also recalled their attendance of eight to 12 thousand for known as Jennifer Parker, Wells had card games. up — they were almost always in char- experiences wrestling Andre the Giant, the weekend to a “lowballing” number mastered this pose. The grown-up Jen- Several tables offered entering pa- acter. a 7’5” wrestler who weighed between of 12,000 on Saturday and an additional nifer Parker, juxtaposed with an image trons an opportunity to learn to play When prompted for a photo, those 500 and 600 pounds. two to three thousand day tickets pur- of her younger self, smoothed her hair, the “Pokemon Trading Card Game” in costume spared no time in assuming “Just to be in the ring with him was chased Sunday. placed one hand on her hips, leaned or Magic. their signature pose: an often photo- an experience,” Duggan said. “We never expected to surpass that her front shoulder slightly forward, At the Pokemon table sat 9-year-old genic action shot that highlights their “There’s nothing scarier than be- range,” Soares said. lowered her chin, looked directly into Ian Robb, U.S. champion for the junior elaborate costumes as well as their ing in a ring with a playful f—king Soares said the convention has been the camera and smiled just in time for division in Pokemon, the second best character. giant,” Roberts said. “Things that weigh signed on for at least one more year, the camera to flash again. youth player in the world and an adver- I asked a particularly promising 550 pounds shouldn’t be allowed to and it will take place again Nov. 1-3, Click. tised celebrity guest for the convention. couple of characters who the inspira- be playful.” 2013. This marks an extra day of the Across the aisle sat 7’3” Peter May- He taught other children at the table tion for their costumes had been. convention for fans to do everything hew, an older British man almost exclu- how to play Pokemon. “I am secret agent Leon S. Kennedy RICC reloaded they participated in this year and more. sively known for his role as Chewbacca A few adults were seated at the from ‘Resident Evil 4,’” one woman Lisa Franklin ’14.5 attended RICC “I have gotten a lot of thank yous” in the “Star Wars” movie series. table as well. They seemed to listen barked, raising her closed fists — one with a friend on both days. Saturday, from excited attendees at the conven- “I own, basically, Chewie,” Mayhew in, surreptitiously seeking tips from hand positioned slightly lower than they dressed up as planeteers from tion, Soares said. “It’s been an amazing later said at a public Q&A. “Chewie the Pokemon master as well. the other, both providing protection the 1990s animated cartoon “Captain weekend.” i s m e .” Not far away was one of the origi- ‘We’re going to offend you’ nal Catwoman actresses, from the Down the hall, attendees watched 1966 version of “Batman” and win- RKO Army, a shadow cast group, per- ner of 1955 Miss America pageant, form a variety of live shows, including Lee Meriwether. Classy, modest and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Dr. charming, Meriwether’s bright blue Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” and “Buffy eyes and silver hair remind her fans the Musical.” of the Catwoman that accompanied At the start of “Rocky Horror,” an Adam West, the original Batman. announcer from the group — clad in At a press event, Meriwether reflect- terrifying zombie-like makeup, with ed on the legacy of the most famous neon color contacts to boot — asked women to play Catwoman since her any audience members under the age time in the role: Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle of 18 to stand up. A parent in the back Berry and Anne Hathaway. lifted up his toddler. Hathaway’s performance in the “Wait, lift the baby up again!” the 2012 “The Dark Knight Rises” “cap- announcer shouted. tured the best of what we all had con- The parent lifted up the small child tributed up to that point,” Meriwether as a tech assistant scanned the spotlight said, embodying “Michelle’s acting toward the raised child. chops” and Meriwether’s own feistiness. The announcer didn’t skip a beat, belting out the beginning notes of the Kermit meets Marty McFly opening song “Circle of Life” from “The Upstairs, on an upper level of the Lion King” movie. convention center, there was no short- “Naaaaaaaants igonyama, bagithi age of events to keep fans or even ce- Baba!” lebrity guests entertained. He then summoned all the Rocky Saturday afternoon brought togeth- Horror “virgins,” audience members er four voice actors, including RICC who had never seen Rocky Horror headliner Billy West — an iconic voice with a live cast, to the stage. About responsible for characters such as Fry 20 people approached the front, some

/ / Lowry page 1 is moving because of the universality of different track. Claire is less the typical the emotions Lowry captures. The expe- young adult protagonist and more a real- rience of a parent’s love, even for young istic one — unlike the protagonists of the readers, is both desired and relatable — quartet’s previous books, her only “gift” is and therein lies the novel’s strength. the inextinguishable love In “Son,” Lowry wraps up a quartet arts & she bears for her son. that began with the extremes of a world Those overarching without love but also without the pain of culture themes of parenthood loss. Her final book proves that sacrificing and sacrifice seem those two experiences, no matter how drawn from Lowry’s own life story, in painful, is never worth the cost. It’s a les- which she lost her son Grey during his son that promises to remain with readers active duty . But those themes resonate of all ages even after they’ve turned the regardless of personal experience. “Son” final page. the brown daily herald 4 campus news Monday, November 5, 2012

/ / Poll page 1 ­— by a margin of 10 percent ­— sup- Int’l students participate in election port the president when compared to their male peers. Male students were By Alison Silver involvement does not extend far be- observer.” He said he likes that the dez Gold ’14, president of the Brown also twice as likely as female students Senior Staff Writer yond academic conversations. It would University’s environment fosters an Democrats, said that student par- to support Romney’s campaign. be strange “if an American joined a acceptance of different political views. ticipation in her organization has “The gender gap is particularly Students across the country will flock group (in Singapore) and told me who Though Poon would like to vote if increased this year and that more strong in American politics, so it to polling booths in their college towns I should vote for,” he said, explaining he were an American citizen — since students are getting involved with makes sense that it would filter on election day, while others have al- why few international students are di- the election will affect him as a resi- the party compared to years past. She down to college students,” Tesler ready mailed in absentee ballots. But rectly involved in American politics. dent alien in the United States — just said she was surprised by the large said. “Issues that may be important what about students from outside the But others said voting eligibility being able to watch it unfold has its turnouts they saw when they hosted to young women — such as access to United States who are not eligible to is not the main contributing factor advantages, he said. “I don’t feel like phone banks or canvassing events for contraception or contraception being cast a vote? in students’ involvement in political I’m responsible if it goes bad,” he said. the party’s local and national candi- covered under Obamacare — could Brown students represent over 70 discourse. “Mainly why I wish I could vote is dates this semester. exacerbate the gender gap.” different countries, and international “Everyone is definitely interested because it would just be fun to be a part “We obviously are a very liberal In a national Gallup Poll conduct- students have comprised, on average, (in politics), but I thought that there of it, and I would feel I had a greater campus, and it’s clear that we have a ed Oct. 1-21 surveying voter prefer- about 11 percent of the student body would be more on-campus debates,” stake in it and be more involved in the lot of Democrats on campus,” Fer- ence, 54 percent of women expressed from 2007 to 2011. Students can learn said Jacqueline Ho ’14, who also hails discourse,” Ho said. nandez-Gold said. support for Obama, compared to more about the political system by tak- from Singapore. Such debates “would Both Ho and Poon acknowledged Students on campus have histori- 43 percent of men. This gender gap ing courses and attending lectures on just make it much easier for interna- that voting is not the only way to get cally shown large support for Demo- in voter preference has persisted American and international politics. tional students to learn about the is- involved with the election and political cratic candidates. In 2008, 86 percent throughout the campaign, accord- They can also advocate their political sues,” she said. scene at Brown. Groups with no direct of the student body said they were in ing to Gallup figures. views by participating in groups like An environmental studies and political affiliation, like the Brown Im- support of Barack Obama’s initial bid Fernanadez-Gold said many Brown Political Review, the Brown economics double-concentrator, Ho migrants’ Rights Coalition and Stu- for the presidency, though the 2008 Brown students support candidates Democrats, the Brown Republicans is particularly interested in climate dents for Sensible Drug Policy, also poll measured support and did not who they perceive will represent and Brown Students for Obama. While change and environmental activism. offer the opportunity to discuss current measure actual intent to vote, thus their social values, which may in- these groups are open to all students, Her experience with American politics issues relevant in the political sphere. likely overstating the number of stu- clude “strong” positions on same-sex regardless of their eligibility to vote, the has come largely from participating A native Canadian, Haakim Nainar dents who actually voted for Obama. marriage and reproductive rights. reality is that such politically-inclined in the environmental community at ’14 is one of two international students But there is still a small faction student groups are composed mostly Brown, which she said rarely involves to help co-found the Brown Political of support for the Republican Party Voter turnout of U.S. citizens. other international students. Review, a non-partisan magazine run on campus. The majority of students polled The Brown Democrats average Attending Brown has provided the by students. “The fact that I can’t vote Brown is perceived as a very lib- reported that they are planning to around 30 to 40 students at their opportunity to educate herself on what doesn’t mean too much to me,” Nainar eral campus, said Thomas March ’14, vote, are registered in their home meetings, while a smaller core group it means to be conservative or liberal said. a member of the Brown Republicans. states and utilized the absentee bal- of about 10 students participates in and the different stances of political One of the interesting aspects of As a result, politically conservative lot system this election cycle, while weekly canvassing and phone bank- parties, she added. being an international student is ob- students often feel pressured by their only 10.6 percent of the students who ing, said Sofia Fernandez Gold ’14, International students carry politi- serving American politics firsthand as peers and do not publicly voice their responded to the poll said they plan president of the club. The group is al- cal perspectives often shaped by the po- opposed to watching them on televi- support for Republican politicians, to vote in Rhode Island Tuesday. ways looking for new members, and litical system of their native countries. sion as he did before college, he added. he said. “Pennsylvania has a closer race “students in general who can’t vote are Jonathan Poon ’15 said that in his na- “I’m not from a country that has as “I know many Republicans on than Rhode Island for the president, absolutely welcome,” Fernandez said. tive Hong Kong, he had always learned much separation of powers or checks campus, but they are hesitant to tell and Rhode Island is more solidly But “by and large, we are American that America’s democracy was the best and balances,” Nainar said, adding that their fellow students,” March said. blue,” said Max Kaplan ’15, who plans citizens and American citizens who political structure. But after arriving in it is interesting for him to relate local “Before coming here, I always heard to vote in his home state of Penn- are active voters,” she said. the United States and interacting with and national political issues to current Brown was a liberal school, but com- sylvania. He added that he is more Of the international students who local students, “you realize that maybe events back home. ing here and meeting the people, it knowledgeable about his home state’s participate in political clubs, few are the political system isn’t as awesome as “At the end of the day, we’re coming seems the kids who are liberal just politics than those of Rhode Island. involved in activities like canvassing you think it is,” he said. here for an education,” Nainar said. speak the most and speak the loud- Of the 285 voters the Brown Dem- and phone bank outreach. Daryl Eng As an international student, Poon “I think I’m getting a lot out of my est.” ocrats helped register this semester ’15, a citizen of Singapore, said though said he offers an interesting perspec- education in terms of developing my “They want to believe that Rom- during a voter registration initiative, he enjoys discussing politics and shar- tive on politics that differs from that political views, and that doesn’t relate ney is the right choice, but they are 178 chose to register in Rhode Island, ing articles with his friends, his political of his friends, since he is “here as an to whether I can vote or not.” hesitant to make that choice on a Fernandez Gold said. campus like this,” March said. “They “There’s an interest in voting in just abstain.” Rhode Island for a couple of reasons,” Follow our election coverage @the_herald Poll results also showed that a she said. “Mainly, its easy. For a lot greater percentage of female students of kids, it’s a question of time and flexibility.” Of respondents who stated they will not vote, 15.1 percent indicated that they are not eligible to vote, and 5.5 percent said they do not plan to vote this election cycle. Hannah Rose Schonwald ’13 said she is consciously choosing not to vote this year because she is “fed up” with the system. “I’m from New York. Growing up in that atmosphere, I thought, ‘I’m a Democrat, I’ll always vote Demo- crat,’” she said. But more recently, she said she has attempted to break away from that mindset and approach poli- tics from a more “moderate point of view.” Schonwald said she was also disil- lusioned by the lack of balanced po- litical dialogue on campus. “I think if there were more bipartisan discus- sion of the issues at hand and what is actually important at the federal level, I think I would have been more likely to come to a decision,” she said. March said he thinks some Brown students will choose not to vote this year because “the last four years have shown that Obama has not fixed or improved anything, and they would feel bad reelecting him,” but they are also not willing to be associated with the Republican Party because of the negative sentiment on campus. Tesler / / Poll page 8 the brown daily herald Monday, November 5, 2012 sports monday 5 football m. hockey Bulldogs go scoreless Bears lose two over the weekend By Caleb Miller broke the game open in the middle of the urday’s game to their first meeting with Contributing Writer second period on three consecutive goals the Big Green. “We were sticking to our against Bruno in the span of five minutes. The outburst game plan a bit more, putting more pres- The men’s hockey team dropped con- featured goals by Colin Blackwell, Kyle sure on their ‘D’. We were able to take secutive one-goal decisions at Harvard Criscuolo and Brendan Rempel. advantage of some of their turnovers and Dartmouth this weekend to open Crowley attributed the quick strikes and create more offense.” its conference schedule. to a loss of concentration. “We had a Lamacchia put the Bears on the A three-goal second period by Har- couple of mental breakdowns in the play,” board eight minutes into the game. vard Friday night proved too much for he said. “Harvard is a good team. If you After Jimmy Siers ’14 was sent to the the Bears as they lost 3-2. The following give them a couple opportunities, they penalty box for cross-checking, the Bears night, a late goal from the Big Green gave are going to score on them. They quickly scored a shorthanded goal when Garnet the home team a 2-1 win. got us 3-1, and we had to crawl out of Hathaway ’14 pushed a pass up the ice to that hole the rest of the game.” Lamacchia, who fired a quick shot past Harvard 3, Brown 2 The Bears cut the lead in half with goaltender Cab Morris. Though the first stanza ended in less than two minutes to play in the sec- The lead stood until late in the second a scoreless tie, injuries to young play- ond period. Robertson began the play period when Dartmouth’s Eric Neiley makers Nate Widman ’16 and Nick with a pass to Matt Harlow ’15 who cen- knotted up the score by weaving through Lappin ’16 put the Bears (1-3, 0-2 tered the puck to a driving Matt Lorito the Bears’ defense and maneuvering the ECAC) at a disadvantage after just half ’15 for the shot. Lorito flicked the shot puck past goalie Marco De Filippo ’14. a period.“Nate’s a really solid defensive over the goalie for his second goal of the Bruno fired off 10 shots in the fi- player, and Lappin is a great two-way young season. nal period compared to the Big Green’s forward who brings a lot of offense,” said Bruno kept the pressure on through- seven, but it was Eric Robinson’s shot Emily Gilbert / Herald assistant captain Richie Crowley ’13. He out the third period, registering 12 shots, that proved to be the decisive blow with In a historic victory, the Bears shut out the Yale Bulldogs for the first time since 1949. added that their absence means “a short but Girard held strong and the Crimson under six minutes left. Robinson took a bench, so less rest and everyone has to emerged victorious. pass from Brandon McNally and found By Lindor Qunaj Yale’s best chance for a score came on pick up a little bit of slack.” the back of the net, giving Dartmouth a Sports Editor the first possession of the game. After a But Bruno was able to battle through Dartmouth 2, Brown 1 lead it would not relinquish. pair of good runs by Varga set up a 42- the injuries to score the game’s first goal Less than 24 hours later, the Bears Though they were unable to pick up a Coming off a last-minute loss to Penn yard field goal attempt, Philippe Panico just three minutes into the second pe- took the ice in Hanover, N.H. Recent win on the weekend, Lamacchia said the that virtually took them out of Ivy League came up short on his only opportunity. riod. Forward Chris Zaires ’13 notched history did not favor the Bears — Brown road trip provided the Bears with good championship contention, the Bears re- Though the Bears went three and the goal for both his first of the season has lost nine of their last 10 meetings experience that can help them against bounded in resounding fashion, defeating out on their first drive, Cruz secured his and the first for the Bears in five periods. with the Big Green (3-0-1, 2-0 ECAC), St. Lawrence University and Clarkson Yale 20-0 Saturday at Brown Stadium. first interception of the game on Yale’s Dennis Robertson ’14 put the play in mo- including a 4-0 shutout last week. University. “Tey were definitely two The victory marks Bruno’s first shutout next drive, spurring a dynamic 80-yard tion by pushing the puck up to Brandon But the Bears were not fazed by the tough losses against two good teams,” of the Bulldogs since 1949. touchdown drive. A 23-yard reception Pfeil ’16, who promptly slapped a shot record books, as they jumped out to a Lamacchia said. “I thought there were a With freshman quarterback Eric Wil- by tailback Jeffrey Izon ’13 and a 24-yard in front of the net that Zaires deflected 1-0 lead for the second straight night. lot of positives to take from both games liams back in the starting lineup after run by quarterback Patrick Donnelly ’13 past Crimson goaltender Raphael Girard. “Our work ethic was better in the first that we could use as teaching points to sitting out last week’s Columbia matchup were the drive’s biggest plays, and a 3-yard The Bears could not hold the lead period of last night’s game,” said forward help motivate us and prepare us for next with an injury, the Bulldogs (2-6, 1-4 Ivy) pass to Cody Taulbee ’14 in the end zone for long. The Crimson (2-1, 1-1E CAC) Massimo Lamacchia ’15, comparing Sat- weekend’s games.” may have been expecting a rejuvenated capped off the drive. offensive attack. But the Bears (5-3, 2-3) Reno commended the Bears for play- came out with an electric defense, limit- ing a “heck of game” and capitalizing on ing Williams to four completions on 18 plays in the red zone. Bruno managed attempts for just 22 passing yards. to score a touchdown both times it got “Our defensive line did a good job of inside the 20, while the Bulldogs were putting pressure on the quarterback and unable to advance the ball that far into flushing him out of the pocket,” said Head Bears territory. The next score came early Coach Phil Estes. in the second quarter on a 37-yard field With Williams unable to gain any goal from Alex Norocea ’14, putting the breathing room, the Bulldogs had to rely Bears up 10-0. heavily on their high-powered running A short punt from deep inside Yale back duo of Tyler Varga and Mordecai territory gave the Bears excellent field Cargill. Together, they racked up an position early in the third, and though impressive 191 yards on 33 combined they were only able to advance the ball carries. three yards, Norocea nailed a 46-yard Estes called Varga “one of the scariest field goal to extend the lead to 13-0. running backs in the league” but added The Bulldogs’ offense could not catch that the Bears’ defense “did a great job a break and failed to convert on all of their of containing him” even given his 104 10 third-down opportunities and both of yards. Despite Yale’s strong showing on their fourth-down attempts. the ground, simply rushing the ball was Donnelly was able to easily pick apart not enough to put the Bulldogs on the the defense on the Bears’ next drive, pass- scoreboard. One reason for that was ing to wide receivers Tellef Lundevall ’13 cornerback and co-captain AJ Cruz ’13, and Jordan Evans ’14 for a combined who picked off two passes in the first half. 55 yards on two consecutive plays. The “We didn’t see too much of a threat on explosive series got Bruno into the end the pass but had to be smart in case they zone to push the lead to 20-0. tried something overhead,” Cruz said. Especially in light of the injuries that A first-quarter fumble recovered by have decimated the team’s running back outside linebacker Ade Oyalowo ’14 add- corps, Estes said Donnelly has done a ed to the Bulldogs’ turnover woes. That “tremendous job” this season. With Don- fumble stopped a drive at the Bruno 32, nelly’s options limited, Estes said there and Yale would only get that far down- has been “pressure on him to make a lot field once more the entire game. of plays.” Still, he added there was room Yale Head Coach Tony Reno said the for improvement, calling the team’s of- “margin of error is so slight” in football fense a “work in progress.” that such turnovers typically cost the “Can he get better?” Estes said, speak- game. “We got on track in spurts but ing about the team’s quarterback. “Abso- weren’t able to finish off drives,”R eno lutely. But he’s done a good job and will said. only get better.” The Bulldogs were also called for The Bears, now tied for fifth in the seven penalties, which set them back an Ivy standings, prepare for their last road additional 62 yards. trip of the season when they travel to The Bears’ successful defensive effort Dartmouth for another conference battle was in large part due to the coaches, Cruz next Saturday. They will return to Brown said, who “did a great job of preparing” Stadium for their final game of the season the team. Nov. 17 against Columbia. the brown daily herald 6 america abroad Monday, November 5, 2012 Capetonians follow U.S. race closely, offer support for Obama By Hannah Abelow personalities.” cio-economic and political problems ing you can do to change anything in tion to run for a third term,” Bhardwaj Staff Writer But “most South Africans are not of its own, taxi drivers and university America. You don’t have a vote, you’re added. “In Africa, that’s unprecedented.” too concerned with American politics,” students alike will immediately regale not a citizen, but you’re quite a fan of The fact that U.S. presidents remain CAPE TOWN, South Africa — “Mi- Bhardwaj said. “I don’t think that the av- anyone with an American accent with the show.” limited to two terms indicates “how chelle Obama ate lunch next door,” erage knowledge spreads any more than their most recent thoughts on the U.S. “I think it’s also a function of popu- entrenched American democracy is in bragged a shopkeeper selling an odd knowing that Obama is this nice Demo- presidential election. lar culture that we are generally quite comparison with ours and really in com- assortment of antiques and vintage crat guy who stands for nice things but “Obama overpromises and under- enamored of the West and of western parison to every other place in Africa,” knick-knacks in the gentrifying Cape is being blocked by Republicans.” delivers,” said a Cape Town cab driver political discourse,” Bhardwaj said. Nontshokweni said. Town neighborhood of Woodstock. “Often a lazy analysis of why things named Omar who considers himself “America still remains the global super- In South Africa, a country still re- “They had Secret Service here, in my aren’t happening in America is that “fairly politically minded” and believes power. You can’t but be a bit interested covering from the devastating effects shop! Can you believe it? And snipers in the racist Republicans are to blame,” “Obama’s popularity is dropping by in its politics.” of apartheid, American policy toward that building across the street,” he added. he added. leaps,” but couldn’t recall the name of For some, the lively spirit of the Israel is important. South Africa re- Exclamations like this can be heard On the campus of the University of Obama’s opponent. U.S. presidential debates seems to have cently passed legislation mandating around the city when the topic of Amer- Cape Town — which considers itself the the special demarcation of all Israeli ican politics arises. Capetonians from top university not only in the nation, but “Take that ‘binders full of woman’ comment. products made on settlements in the all walks of life treat the Obamas with in Africa as a whole — campus politics West Bank, and comparisons between a certain air of celebrity. correlate directly with national politics. You’re like, ‘Ah, what an idiot.’” the Israeli-Palestinian relations and “The fact that Obama is a black guy The campus itself was once a hotbed for Jean-Pierre Roux apartheid separation of peoples in South plays into the interest shown by regular political activism. During the apartheid University of Cape Town graduate Africa are common. South Africans,” said Vinayak Bhardwaj, era, anti-apartheid activists often held But many South Africans believe the who has lived in Cape Town for nearly rallies on the campus’ central Jameson outcome of the election will have little eight years. “Not just that he’s a black Steps. “Take that ‘binders full of woman’ struck a deeper chord. “To a certain to no effect on U.S. policy in the Middle guy — he’s good looking, suave, et ce- But in recent years, “UCT students comment. You’re like, ‘Ah, what an extent, the kind of democracy that East and elsewhere around the world. tera. He connects the way Bill Clinton and students around the world are idiot,’” said UCT graduate Jean-Pierre America has is something that we as- When asked which candidate they connected with ordinary people.” apathetic,” Bhardwaj said. “But there Roux, laughing. “It makes no difference pire towards in terms of the uncertainty supported for president, though, the Originally from Zimbabwe, Bhard- definitely is a small group following to us really, but for the cause of global around the way the vote will go,” said answer overwhelmingly remained the waj works part-time for the investiga- American politics.” feminism I suppose.” Sihl Nontshokweni, a UCT student from same, despite disappointment with U.S. tive journalism unit at the Mail and Some students professed to be avid “Nobody I know who follows U.S. the Eastern Cape Province. foreign policy of the last four years. Guardian — South Africa’s premier followers of the 2012 presidential elec- politics follows it to see what the impli- In a nation that claims to have the “It’s like one of those awful deals news source — and follows American tion, but others, such as Mfundo Mbam- cations of one candidate being elected world’s most liberal constitution but where you buy one get one free,” Bhard- politics avidly. His interest in American bo, a UCT student originally from the over another will be for South Africa,” whose politics since the fall of apartheid waj said. “You buy Romney, you get the politics began during his childhood, Township of Langa in the Western Cape, said Roux, who is pursuing his mas- have been largely dominated by one Republican Party free, and that’s just not when the repressive regime of Zim- said he did not follow this election as ters at Oxford while helping to teach party, the African National Congress, what you want for America.” babwean President Robert Mugabe closely as he did in 2008. a course on South African political some still speak of American democracy “Am I the only one who sees through censored the media, and his mother “I was more excited about last elec- thought at UCT. “They watch it because as something to aspire to. (Romney’s) insincerity?” Roux won- subscribed to Newsweek when his fam- tion because of Barack Obama, prospect of the drama of it.” “For all its faults, I still think Ameri- dered aloud. ily could no longer watch BBC or CNN of there being the first black president “I’m a sucker for ‘The Daily Show,’ ca is the world’s best democracy,” Bhard- “Definitely O-bee-zee,” UCT student in their home. and the question of how that would ‘The Colbert Report.’ It’s great entertain- waj said. Jesse Twum-Boafo said, speaking of “It’s almost the way we used to fol- change things,” Mbambo said. “This ment,” he said. “Definitely the funniest “It’s a country where Clinton, at the Obama as he is often colloquially re- low the royalty in the U.K.,” Bhardwaj time it’s not so exciting. Barack didn’t politics ever.” time of leaving office, was more popular ferred to in Cape Town. Mbambo nod- said. “We used to follow the goings-on live up to what I thought he would be.” “It’s analogous to being a fan of Brit- than Gore or Bush put together and ded in agreement. “I’d still go Obama with Princess Diana and all that. It’s the But in this city, with plenty of so- ish football,” Roux added. “There’s noth- yet never chose to change the constitu- as well,” he added. British public views election as ‘clash of ideals’ By David Chung visit to London this summer, when his he is “pragmatic and treats Britain on a brings a more balanced approach to is still “young and attractive and black,” Staff Writer remarks on the Olympic Games were fair basis,” Hobhouse said. The president the table. Romney’s economic policies which is appealing, while Romney is seen seen by the public as “crass,” she added. has fostered a strong relationship with would probably not have a major effect as “stiff,” she said. The British still view OXFORD, England — When Americans “The British government will still feel the U.K. by, for example, coordinating on the British economy, Lakin said. The Obama as an idealist, a skilled orator and head to the polls Tuesday, most Britons cold regardless of who wins,” said Mat- the response to the Arab Spring. American and British economies are a generally decent person, Hobhouse said. will be rooting for another victory for thew Lakin, a member of the Oxford Romney’s image in the U.K., by “not in sync,” he said. The future of the The contrast between the two candi- President Obama. His superstar image University Conservative Association and contrast, seems to have been negatively European Union will be a more central dates has captured the attention of Ox- may have diminished after what many a doctoral student in politics at Oriel Col- shaped by his gaffe-laden visit to London factor in determining the health of the ford students. While Obama is viewed here consider a disappointing term, but lege, Oxford. before the Olympic Games this summer. British economy, Hobhouse said. in terms of his 2010 Affordable Care Act in the United Kingdom, the majority look Though Obama and British Prime “That made him,” said Adam Whiley, A Romney victory would also signal and his support of increased Wall Street unfavorably on Republican candidate Mitt Minister David Cameron appear to “get co-chair-elect of the Oxford University less cooperation on social policy, Lakin regulation, Lakin said, Romney is seen Romney’s gaffes and oft-repeated goal to on all right,” said George Mawhinney, Labour Club. said. Cameron wants to legalize gay as a return to the Gilded Age or a 1950s- undo Obama’s signature health care plan. president of the Oxford Conservative Especially for people who are not marriage in the U.K. by the end of 2014, style social policy. The election is a “clash An opinion poll conducted in 21 Association, some of Obama’s actions well-versed in Romney’s stances on while Romney, who has voiced personal of ideals, not just a clash of pragmatics,” countries, released Oct. 22 by the BBC during the past four years have raised policy issues, the Republican candidate opposition to same-sex marriage, would Hobhouse said. World Service, found an overwhelmingly questions about his attitude toward is defined by his criticisms of the British likely leave the issue for individual states Much of the British public supports higher amount of foreign support for Britain. Upon taking office in 2009, the preparations for the Games. The Olympic to decide. Obama’s health care reform, as the issue the incumbent over Romney, with ap- president returned a bust of former Prime Games were a source of national pride Obama officially voiced his support of health care is the “most resonant” do- proximately 50 percent of respondents Minister Winston Churchill — which and were more successful than people for gay marriage in June. mestic policy issue for people in Britain, backing Obama and 9 percent support- had been loaned to former President had expected, Whiley said, exacerbating Whiley said. Britons almost unanimously ing Romney. George W. Bush and since graced the the effect of Romney’s negative com- Post-Bush politics support the universal health care pro- In the U.K., the poll found 65 per- Oval Office — to the British Embassy ments. Britons also view Obama’s foreign vided by the National Health Service, cent of respondents supporting Obama, in Washington, D.C. During the 2010 Not many Britons are holding a policy in a favorable light compared to Brown said. with 7 percent backing Romney. The poll Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf grudge for Romney’s remarks, Hob- that of his predecessor, President George A majority of Conservatives in the shows that Obama’s popularity in the of Mexico, Obama criticized the multina- house said. Though a “silly thing to say,” W. Bush, Hobhouse said. People are ac- U.K. would back Obama, Mawhinney U.K. has actually risen in the past four tional corporation BP and referred to it by the public did not deem his comments cepting of an America that leads the said, as the political spectrum in the years. During the 2008 poll, 59 percent its former name, British Petroleum. These “malicious,” he added. world with a set of democratic values in United States leans further to the right. of those surveyed expressed support for remarks elicited criticism from sections But Romney’s attitude and posi- a non-hypocritical way, he said. “Every- “Things that we got over here 50 years the current president. of the British public and the press, who tion towards the U.K. and Europe re- thing has to be understood in the context ago are still discussed in America,” he But regardless of the election’s out- viewed it as an attack on the U.K. Obama main vague and unclear, Whiley said. of Bush,” Whiley said. said. The “ideological synergy” of the come, the relationship between the Unit- has also pledged to remain neutral on the Oxford Labour Club Treasurer Will Oxford students are quite interested Thatcher-Reagan years no longer exists, ed States and the U.K. will largely stay the question of British and Argentine claims Brown echoed his sentiments, noting in this election, Mawhinney said, given Lakin said. Conservatives in the U.K and same, according to Gillian Peele, fellow to the Falkland Islands, but he erred in that a Romney presidency would most America’s wealth and influential posi- the Republican Party in the United States and tutor at the University of Oxford’s referring to the islands as “the Maldives,” likely be characterized by inconsistency tion in the world. Four years later, there are heading in opposite directions. Lady Margaret Hall. an island nation in the Indian Ocean. and ineffectiveness in working with the continues to be a sense of “Obamamania” Most Britons lie far to the left on the Neither candidate seems to have Argentina refers to the Falkland Islands European Union, where the future of among the students, Lakin said, though political spectrum of even many Demo- developed a particularly close relation- as the Malvinas. the U.K. lies. with a “tinge of disappointment” that was crats, Peele said, and the British do not ship with the British government, Peele Obama is certainly not sentimental While the British Conservative Party not present in 2008. understand Romney’s desire to roll back said. Obama’s strong anti-colonial stance about the U.K., said Nico Hobhouse, and the American Republican Party share Peele said there is less enthusiasm for welfare provisions. puts him at odds with Britain’s history of press and publicity officer for the Ox- an interest in reducing budget deficits Obama because it is difficult to deem his “America is at a crossroads,” Hob- empire, and Romney paid a “mess” of a ford University Liberal Democrats. But to stimulate economic growth, Obama term a “resounding success.” But Obama house said. the brown daily herald Monday, November 5, 2012 america abroad 7 Cubans: Republican victory would hurt U.S. relations

By Kat Thornton The best of the worst Staff Writer Many Cubans interviewed said they hope for an Obama victory — not be- HAVANA — In the seaside neighborhood cause of what he can offer to Cuba, but of Vedado in Cuba’s capital city of Havana, because they see him as a better option a tall, heavily-guarded office building than Romney. Obama’s reelection offers houses the United States Interests Section. the potential of flexibility in the U.S.- Officially part of the Swiss embassy, the Cuban relationship, whereas Romney U.S. Interests Section takes the place of and his conservative values represent what would be the American embassy if a return to hard-line Bush-era foreign the country had official diplomatic rela- policy, multiple sources said. tions with Cuba. Outside the building Obama’s caution and lack of aggres- stands the Jose Marti Anti-Imperialist sion toward Cuba has amounted to a Platform, where Fidel Castro has given “soft nothing,” said Margarita Alarcon, speeches, and 138 flagpoles once used a Cuban journalist who lives in Havana to hide an anti-Cuba billboard on the but spent a large part of her childhood embassy building. There are also two in the United States. Compared to the slogans written in red: “venceremos” Bush administration, which oversaw a — we will overcome — and “patria o tightening of the American embargo on muerte” — homeland or death. Cuba, Obama’s last four years have been There is a long history of conflict be- a relief, she said. tween the United States and Cuba, begin- Obama’s next four years could bring courtesy of kat thornton ning publicly with the Cuban Revolution about a slight improvement, whereas Many Cubans view the election in terms of its impact on already-tense foreign policy. Above, a wall outside of 1959, during which leaders denounced Romney’s would only deteriorate rela- an abandoned American sugar refinery in Hershey says the U.S. has “lots of wax and little honey.” U.S. imperialist involvement in Cuba’s tions, said Aurelio Alonso, an investiga- politics and economy since the 1800s. tive sociologist at Cuban cultural center tics. The state communist party controls for it whatsoever.” is exactly what he took care of,” Alarcon Since 1962, the U.S. has maintained a full Casa de las Americas. “Even if (Obama’s television and most print journalism said. But on a bigger scale, she said, Cubans trade embargo on Cuba, which Cuban next term) doesn’t change things for like the communist party’s official daily Hope lost want the United States to lift the embargo. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez called Cuba,” Alonso said, “Obama is less bad publication, Granma. Granma fre- Obama’s message of hope, change and “Nothing has changed here,” said “the principal cause of the economic than Romney, and that’s enough.” quently features articles on the less “Yes, we can” resonated with many Haba- Ania Gonzalez Diaz, a painter who sells problems of our country” in September. Alonso, unlike most Cubans, said he flattering side of the American reality, neros in the 2008 election, Alcaron said. photography in Old Havana. She, like Cubans look at the American election has been able to watch the presidential like the handling of Hurricane Katrina But there is less support for Obama on the many others, thought the embargo could with acknowledgement of its importance debates live. He said he noticed a trend or, more recently, the state of Califor- island this year: Many have grown apa- be lifted during Obama’s presidency, but and the potential impact it could have between the two candidates when they nia’s private prisons. thetic toward U.S. politics from the lack said she now thinks that all American on the island-state. Most Cubans inter- talk about their stances on domestic and “I don’t remember ever having read of change in his last four years in office. politicians are the same. “For me (the viewed said they are disappointed with foreign issues. an article that spoke well of the United “I think, like most people from my election) is not important at all.” President Obama’s last four years in office, “Obama makes promises he won’t be States,” Rodriguez said. “Not in the of- generation, the idea of a candidate like “I was one of the people who thought but they see him as the lesser of two evils. able to accomplish, but (Romney) makes ficial press.” But she said that the articles Barack Obama as president in the United that by being the first black president, he Some Cubans said they fear that promises that from the beginning he she read did not lie, and despite her ac- States was something unreal,” Alcaron would bring about enormous changes,” American policy toward Cuba, not a knows he does not want to accomplish.” knowledgement of their bias, she has a said. She said she saw Obama — a mem- Rodriguez said. But she said she has central issue in the domestic campaign, If he were an American citizen, Alonso low opinion of the United States. “It’s not ber of her own Vietnam generation — as been disappointed. “You think that if would be worse under Republican can- said he would rather vote for Obama. a lie that the United States invaded Iraq a real vehicle for change. you’re black, then you have to identify didate Mitt Romney, whose affiliation “The United States is the most im- and Afghanistan, and it’s not a lie that While campaigning in Florida, with black people, you have to identify with his party reminds them of the portant country in the world, even if it there are people in jail here (in Guanta- Obama promised to undo restrictions with the oppressed, and with that you are aggressive politics of former president doesn’t want to be,” said Yusimi Rodri- namo) who have not had justice.” on remittances and travel to Cuba put going to make changes, but in the end it’s George W. Bush. Regulations on remit- guez, a writer and former journalist for The last 55 years of American policy in place by former President George W. not like that.” tances and travel to and from the United the communist party’s official Havana toward Cuba, instead of weakening the Bush, which restricted remittances to Alarcon said that while some of her States are the two most important is- newspaper, Tribuna de la Habana, add- revolution, have convinced Cubans that $300 every three months and family visits expectations like immigration reform sues at stake for Cubans in this year’s ing that it gives an inherent importance Americans are “all a bunch of crazy between Cuba and the United States to and universal healthcare have also been U.S. election, and the potential lifting to Tuesday’s election. warlords,” Alarcon said. Cubans see the once every three years. In his first year unfulfilled, she is optimistic about the of the half-century economic blockade Rodriguez said she thinks the Cu- American electoral process — with the in office, Obama eliminated all restric- next four years if Obama is reelected. “I between Cuba and the United States in ban national press has helped contrib- intense media coverage and back-and- tions on remittances and visits between still think he’s a breath of fresh air com- the backs of people’s minds, according ute to the generally negative sentiment forth insults between candidates — “as a family members. pared to what we had before,” she said. “I to multiple sources. among Cubans toward American poli- circus,” she added. “They have no respect “What Cubans here are worried about still think he wants to do good.” Brazilians remain hostile to Republican foreign policy By Emma Wohl Meanwhile, GOP candidate Mitt rights violations,” Allison wrote in a Sept. president has changed how Brazilians working people, said Bruno Rodrigues, a staff writer Romney has yet to articulate his policy 19 opinion for Al Jazeera. view the United States. graduate student at the federal university. toward Brazil, and the Republican Party’s Such a label may simply feed into The president certainly has a much “In the U.S., it’s mostly the conserva- RIO DE JANEIRO — The presidential platform does not address the country Brazilians’ negative image of the United higher rate of name recognition than his tive thinking and the center,” Arakillian election in the United States is likely to directly. States. opponent. Brazilians generally talk about said. “There’s no left.” He said Brazilians be determined by a handful of battle- Romney has vowed to encourage free In Brazil, “not just intellectuals, but “Obama or the other guy,” as Arakillian were surprised the Occupy Wall Street ground states, but on the streets of Rio trade and private investment through the people” have a worldview that is described Romney. movement’s idea of uniting the work- de Janeiro, Brazil’s second-largest city, the creation of regional trade zones in “profoundly anti-American,” said Maria Voting is obligatory for citizens from ers against the extremely wealthy was there is just one option. Latin America, but the governments of Paula Araujo, professor of social his- 18 to 70 years old in Brazil, but according perceived as radical in the United States. “It’s Obama. The other side is the Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela took The Brazilians interviewed could dark side of the moon,” said Tiago action in 2005 to stop the formation of “It’s Obama. The other side is the dark side of not pinpoint a way the election would Arakillian, a documentary filmmaker the regional trade zone proposed by the specifically change the political situation and movie producer who lives in Rio. United States under former Republican the moon.” in their country. “Even (conservatives in Brazil) think President George W. Bush. Rubens Bar- Tiago Arakillian “Lula had a very fluid form of diplo- the conservatives in the U.S. are very bosa, former Brazilian ambassador to the Documentary filmmaker and movie producer macy” and maintained a relationship old-fashioned — even the oligarchy,” United States, told Bloomberg News that with a number of other countries regard- he added. those nations remain hostile to the idea. less of their political discord, Rodrigues Economists and policy analysts Romney calls the territory affected tory at the Federal University of Rio de to Arakillian, that does not make for a said. During Rousseff’s presidency, for- worldwide have noted that President by his trade plan the “Reagan Economic Janeiro. The legacy of American imperi- more informed populace. The success of eign policy has been “a bit more closed,” Obama’s foreign policy has been lacking Zone.” From a foreign policy perspec- alism — colored by incidents including Dilma Rousseff, Brazil’s current presi- but maintaining a relationship with the in terms of U.S.-Brazilian relations — no tive, this reference to President Ronald the Reagan administration’s involve- dent, was almost entirely the result of United States is important no matter trade accords exist between the U.S. and Reagan may be dangerous, said Mike ment in Brazil’s military coup, “decades the endorsement she received from her who runs the country, he added. Latin America’s largest economy. At the Allison, assistant professor of political of intervention in Latin America” and predecessor, Luis Ignacio Lula da Silva, But Brazilians are still paying atten- moment, opportunities for increased science at the University of Scranton. contemporary issues like the war on Arakillian said. tion, even if it may be “only superficially,” commerce between the two countries In Latin America, “many, including terror — still shapes the country’s image With the growth of the PT, or the said Yama Arruda, a researcher at the are complicated both by Obama’s com- several of today’s presidents, associate abroad, students in Araujo’s class noted. Workers’ Party, in Brazil over the last City Archive of Rio de Janeiro. mitment to enforcing trade rules and (Reagan’s) tenure with torture, disap- Araujo declared herself “100 percent three decades, the trend of politicians “The whole world is watching the by new protectionist tariffs in Brazil. pearances, murder and other human pro-Obama,” adding that the current within the country is to appeal directly to United States,” he said. the brown daily herald 8 campus news Monday, November 5, 2012 LGBTQ forum discusses relation between race, sex

By Brittany Nieves smaller attendance allows for a more Contributing writer intimate conversation. Following individual introduc- A group of around 20 students gath- tions, conversation was sparked by ered on the sofas of the Third World an activity in which participants were Center Formal Lounge to share and scattered across the lounge. With their learn from their personal experiences eyes closed, they were instructed to of dating, sexual attraction and racial clap in response to a list of statements identity Nov. 1. on race, sexuality and prejudice if a Part of the Multiracial Heritage Se- particular statement applied to their ries, the annual LGBTQ Interracial Dat- own lives. The participants were di- ing Forum aimed to provide an intimate vided into small group conversations discussion on the intersections of race, following the activity and then moved sexuality and dating within the LGBTQ into large discussion for the remainder community, said Krishnanand Kelkar of the evening. ’15, co-programmer of the series. This “(The activity) gives you an idea of year’s theme for the series is “Spreading who’s in the room and how they feel, the Loving” — a play on words on the without having to reveal exactly who 1967 Loving v. Virginia Supreme Court said it,” said Hisa Hashisaka ’14, co- case, which made interracial marriages programmer of the series. legal in the United States. The hour-long conversation that fol- “Part of (the forum) is to create a lowed the activity encompassed issues space for the queer community to come specifically pertaining to interracial together and just talk about issues that dating, but also extended beyond that are affecting their community,” said context. Participants spoke of intoler- Mary Grace Almandrez, director of the ance, discrimination and the differences TWC and assistant dean of the college. between the Brown community and “I think that’s important to create that their communities back home. space, but I also think it allows people Vanessa Flores-Maldonado ’14, a to delve deeper into underlying issues forum attendee, said she thinks more that may not always be at the forefront, members of the Brown community such as racism within the queer com- should participate in TWC events. “I munity.” think it’s always great when you have Kelkar said he thinks the relevance these different opinions come together of the interracial dating forum is some- and see them manifest, and you have times brought into question. “One of opposing opinions at times. It’s very the questions always at the general fo- important for the larger community rum and the LGBTQ one is, ‘Do we here to be involved,” she said. even need this nowadays?’” Kelkar said. Another forum participant, Darien “I think the idea in general is to always Rosa ’15, said he appreciated the op- be expanding our minds and not trying portunity to talk about the intersec- to rely upon our prejudices. It’s to break tion of race and sexuality. As a biracial down those prejudices.” He added that individual, he said “it’s important to events like these forums allow partici- go to an event that’s about these sort pants to deconstruct those biases. of dynamics and how desire and race “I think the more that we have fo- are related. Also, adding queerness rums to talk about (interracial dating) into that, how those dynamics might and to be really open and honest about change.” peoples’ experiences with interracial Both the LGBTQ and general Inter- dating, the more we become comfort- racial Dating Forums were initiated able talking about it in other avenues in 2002, said Jon Sebastian-Walkes, of our lives, whether that be with our program associate at the TWC, adding families or in other settings,” Alman- that as of the last academic year, the drez said. Multiracial Heritage Series is now a The layout of the LGBTQ Interra- year-long series of events. In previous cial Dating Forum differs from that of years, it was condensed into one week. the general Interracial Dating Forum, The general Interracial Dating Fo- which was postponed due to last week’s rum will include six panelists who will hurricane and will take place Nov. 15. answer a structured set of questions as The general forum draws a larger crowd well as questions from the audience. and includes a table of panelists who Barbara Tannenbaum, senior lecturer come to share their experiences with in theater arts and performance studies, the audience. The LGBTQ forum’s will host the event.

/ / Poll page 4 “Youth turnout may make the difference between who wins and said the proportion of students who who loses,” he added. “They very reported planning to vote is impres- well might make the difference this sive, given the normal national rate time around.” of voter turnout for young adults. Less than half of eligible voters in Methodology the 18-24 age range generally vote Written questionnaires were ad- in national presidential elections, ministered to 959 undergraduates according to census data. October 17-18 in the lobby of J. Wal- Only days before the election, ter Wilson and the Stephen Robert national polls show the two main ’62 Campus Center during the day candidates essentially tied. And while and the Sciences Library at night. Tesler said Obama’s win four years The poll has a 2.9 percent margin ago cannot be tied to a certain group of error with 95 percent confidence. of voters because of the considerable The margin of error is 4.4 percent for margin between him and U.S. Sen. the subset of males and 3.9 percent John McCain, R-Ariz., this year’s for females. close race means “all turnouts should Find results of previous polls at be more important this time around.” thebdh.org/poll. the brown daily herald Monday, November 5, 2012 sports monday 9 M.Soccer Concert features Baroque masters Bruno ties Dartmouth By maggie livingstone the concert, J. S. Bach’s “Missa Brevis the Brown Chorus and really doing a contributing writer in F Major.” Latin for “short mass,” classical piece,” said Briskin, the sopra- the piece is made up of six different no soloist for the “Qui tollis” section of on Senior Night The Brown University Chorus trans- parts: three choruses and three solo “Missa Brevis.” “It was really exciting.” ported nearly 200 audience members in elements for a bass singer, a soprano Preparation for this concert con- Sayles Hall back in time to the Baroque and an alto. Lesser known than other sisted of biweekly practices over the Era through a concert this Friday that works by Bach, the mass is ambitious past two months and more frequent incorporated the music of Orlando di for any chorus to undertake because it rehearsals as show time neared, Jodry Lasso, Johann Christoph Bach, Johann is rarely performed, Jodry said. said. But some members of the orches- Sebastian Bach and Georg Telemann. “I was curious to explore (the mass) tra nearly had to cancel after dealing The 55-member undergraduate because it’s quite unknown,” Jodry said. with the effects of Hurricane Sandy. chorus, singing in Latin and German, “And it has a very particular orchestra The cellist was stuck in London due to was accompanied by a 16-piece or- of oboes, French horns and strings.” the storm until Thursday, a mere day chestra, including wind players who This arrangement, especially the before the show, while a tree fell on are recent graduates of Boston Uni- French horns and oboes, contributed the double bass player’s car, Jodry said. versity and the Juilliard School, and to a rustic, earthy tone achieved by “It was great for the choir because string players made up of University the chorus and characteristic to the we practiced both Monday and Tues- faculty, an undergraduate student and Baroque Era, Jodry said. day,” Jodry said. “But it turned out to professional string players from Boston “I tried to recreate as closely as I be quite problematic for the orchestra.” and New York, according to Frederick could the instrumental sounds Bach But the show went on as scheduled Jodry, director of the chorus for nearly used,” Jodry said. and elicited resounding applause. 21 years. The three student soloists for the “Despite the hurricane, we were The chorus completed a set of eight show were Jacob Scharfman ’13, Kenna very prepared,” said Jimmy Besancon songs before intermission, after which Hawes ’13 and Camille Briskin ’14. ’14, president of the chorus. “I am so Emily Gilbert / Herald they launched into the centerpiece of “It was my first time soloing with proud of everyone here.” After Saturday’s 1-1 tie against Yale, leading scorer Ben Maurey ’15 and the men’s soccer team trail Cornell for the Ivy League title. comics By Alexandra Conway totaled 15 corner kicks but could not A & B | MJ Esquivel Sports Staff Writer capitalize to score the game-winning goal. The No. 11 men’s soccer team battled “We created so many chances, Yale to a 1-1 double-overtime draw and sometimes in soccer, the ball just Saturday evening at Stevenson Field, doesn’t go into the net,” Laughlin said. dropping Bruno to second in the Ivy “I thought their goalkeeper had an League standings. The hard-fought outstanding game, and we also had match was reminiscent of last year’s many chances that went off the post.” game when the Bears edged the Bull- “On another night, maybe just dogs 1-0 in a tight overtime battle. one of our many shots could have Forward Ben Maurey ’15 scored taken a better bounce and gone in,” a goal less than three minutes into Maurey said. the game to get Bruno (12-1-3, 4-0-2 Bruno continued to press in the Ivy) off to a terrific start. But Mau- overtime periods, outshooting Yale rey’s goal, his team-leading fifth of 4-1 and 7-0, respectively. It looked the year, did not guarantee the lead as if the Bears were going to gain the for long. Yale (4-7-5, 1-2-3) forward edge in the second overtime when Peter Jacobson collected a rebound forward Jose Salama ’14 slipped past off the post in the 20th minute and Yale’s defense and took a clear shot on nailed the ball toward the lower left net, but it hit the inside of the post corner, just out of reach of goalkeeper and bounced back into play. Sam Kernan-Schloss ’13. “Credit to their goalkeeper for “I felt the guys really gave maxi- making some great saves, but also mum effort,” said Head Coach Patrick credit to our guys up there in attack Laughlin. “I was proud of the team for who never stopped fighting the en- their effort and their commitment to tire game,” Kernan-Schloss said. “I trying to win the game.” think we were able to play the way Despite the chilly evening, there we wanted to play … Coach talked was a great fan turnout to cheer on the about earning everything we do, and team’s seven seniors on Senior Night. all we earned was a tie.” “It’s always an emotional game for “Yale played a great game and them celebrating their four years at made it a battle for 110 minutes,” Brown,” Laughlin said. “With all the Robertson added. success this group has had, it was a Because the Bears tied and Cornell great night for them. ... I am really (14-1, 5-1) won a double-overtime happy for them and their families.” thriller over Dartmouth, Brown is Because of the fanfare, “emotions now second to the Big Red in the were running high in the first half, conference. and it was a very fast-paced game,” “Our mindset is that Yale is over, said Bobby Belair ’13. and that although we don’t control Maurey’s goal was set up by Dylan our own destiny, we’re still going Remick ’13, who sent a corner kick into Dartmouth looking to make a into the middle of the box. The ball statement win that will give us a pos- caromed off Alex Markes ’15 to Mau- sibility to win the league and prepare rey who sent it past 6-foot-5-inch us for the tournament,” said Kevin Yale goalie Bobby Thalman to give Gavey ’13. the Bears an early 1-0 lead. The opportunity for that “state- “We started the game well and got ment win” will come Friday at Dart- an early goal but let off after that,” mouth, the team right behind Bruno said co-captain Eric Robertson ’13. in third place. This deciding confer- With the game knotted at 1-1, ence game will be televised live on both teams fought hard throughout Fox Soccer Channel. Cornell will the remainder of the half. face Columbia the following night After the break, the Bears took in New York. command and came out firing, tal- “I think everyone is excited for the lying 14 shots to the Bulldogs’ four. game … and it’ll be a good test for our Daniel Taylor ’15, Belair, Thomas last regular season game,” Robertson McNamara ’12.5 and Remick each said. “We still have a lot to prove and had close attempts on goal. The Bears we’re not done yet.” the brown daily herald 10 editorial & letter Monday, November 5, 2012 Editorial Editorial cartoon by aanchal saraf Stormy horizons The East Coast is still recovering from the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy last week. As a precaution, University administrators canceled classes Oct. 29 and 30. Thankfully, Providence emerged relatively unscathed from the storm, and life at Brown resumed quite normally. The same cannot be said, though, for New York City and New Jersey and other hard-hit areas in the mid-Atlantic region. Coney Island and other low-lying districts were overwhelmed by 14- foot storm surges. The neighborhood Breezy Point in Queens was destroyed by fire. Parts of the New York City metropolitan area are still without power. Gas stations that still have fuel are now rationing supplies for long lines reminiscent of the 1970s oil shocks. National attention in the aftermath has been focused on recovery efforts in America’s premier metro area. Though politicizing natural disasters goes against common decency, Sandy has coincided with the very last stages of the 2012 presidential election, and the two are now inextricably linked. The recovery from the hurricane has been the last major issue for candidates to tackle as the election approaches. Due to our Electoral College system, the election results will not be skewed by states still devastated from Hurricane Sandy. New Jersey has been deploy- ing military vehicles to powerless and flooded communities to serve as polling places. But even if turnout is diminished due to the lasting effects of the storm, only the popular vote will be altered and not the all-important electoral vote. TheN ortheastern Seaboard almost uniformly consists of blue states, and it is expected that Obama will maintain his stronghold in the coastal regions. Sandy’s lasting legacy on the American presidency is not the physical toll vis- ible in New York, but rather its effect on the national psyche in the midst of a divisive political battle. The hurricane has shifted the national dialogue in a direction that may help an incumbent Obama stay in office. A poll by NBC/Wall Street Journal shows a 68 percent approval rating for Obama’s handling of the hurricane among likely voters. But why should a natural disaster matter so much for both candidates? In the event of a destabilizing hurricane, or any natural disaster, the com- mander in chief is expected to shepherd the country and protect its people. After the United States inexplicably allowed a major port city to be razed and left helpless by Hurricane Katrina, both the Federal Emergency Management letter Agency and the National Guard did much to improve national emergency re- sponse. As a result, Obama has been visible as an active leader and not merely a campaigner during this past week. Poll results show abortion extremism Obama received effusive praise from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who has been an avid supporter of Republican challenger Mitt Romney. Citing climate change issues, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg officially en- To the Editor: survive when they are born instead of aborted. Such late dorsed Obama for re-election. As sitting president, Obama has received a level abortions have been used in China to kill girls due to the of momentum almost unprecedented at this stage in the presidential election. Brown has been known for political indoctrination country’s one-child policies, and feminists all over the Meanwhile Romney, who does not wield national executive power, can only and elements of extremism in the past. But when I read world have condemned this as murder. In fact, late-term stand idly by while Obama does his job. Even Karl Rove pointed out that “if you that 42 percent of Brunonians support abortions at any abortion without special circumstances is illegal and/or hadn’t had the storm, there would have been more of a chance for the Romney time during pregnancy, I was shocked (“Poll: Majority considered murder in the United States and in almost campaign to talk about the deficit, the debt, the economy. There was a stutter of students plan to vote for Obama,” Oct. 31). Let me any country in the world. Just like the Republican Party in the campaign.” Given this slight disadvantage, Romney can still emerge vic- point out that I am a pro-choicer myself. I believe in a must distance itself from right wing extremists, Brown torious, but a new focus on environmental and natural disaster issues does not woman’s right to choose during the first trimester, and I should do the same with people who advocate killing a help the Republican base. During his campaign, Romney has declared he would also believe one can make an argument for aborting dur- baby capable of living on its own in the last trimester. slash FEMA funding by 20 to 40 percent, as opposed to Obama’s suggested 3 ing the second trimester. However, if someone advocates We must make clear that this is not a pro-choice posi- percent cut. The aftermath of this disaster has shown that Romney’s plan may unrestricted abortions during the third trimester — mean- tion. This opinion should be deemed unacceptable in the not be the wisest choice. ing even if the health of the mother and the child is not University dialogue, just like the University has taken an in danger — the pro-choice community should make it admirable stance against other inhuman “opinions” such Editorials are written by The Herald’s editorial page board: its editors, Daniel clear that this is not something we consider a respect- as racism and sexism. Jeon and Annika Lichtenbaum, and its members, Georgia Angell, Sam Choi and able position. In the third trimester (months 7-9), babies Rachel Occhiogrosso. Send comments to [email protected]. can dream, they are most likely conscious, and they can Michael Schmitz ’10 the brown daily herald

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editors Senior Editors Claire Peracchio Rebecca Ballhaus Tony Bakshi quote of the day Nicole Boucher Natalie Villacorta editorial Business Sarah Mancone Arts & Culture Editor General Managers Office Manager Joseph Rosales Arts & Culture Editor Siena DeLisser Shawn Reilly (Americans are) all a bunch of crazy warlords. Elizabeth Carr City & State Editor “ ” Danielle Marshak Amy Rasmussen City & State Editor Aparna Bansal Features Editor Jordan Hendricks Features Editor Directors — Margarita Alarcon, Cuban journalist Lucy Feldman News Editor Julia Kuwahara Sales Shefali Luthra News Editor Samuel Plotner Finance cubans Alexandra Macfarlane News Editor Nikita Khadloya Alumni Relations See on page 7. Sahil Luthra Science & Research Editor Angel Lee Business Development Jake Comer Sports Editor Lindor Qunaj Sports Editor Managers Sam Rubinroit Assistant Sports Editor Justin Lee Human Resources Dan Jeon Editorial Page Editor Kaivan Shroff Research & Development Annika Lichtenbaum Editorial Page Editor Gregory Chatzinoff Collections Lucas Husted Opinions Editor Luka Ursic Finance Operations facebook.com/browndailyherald @the_herald thebdh.org Garret Johnson Opinions Editor Alison Pruzan Alumni Engagement Jared Moffat Opinions Editor Elizabeth Gordon Fundraising Greg Jordan-Detamore Special Projects CORRECTIONS Policy David Winer Marketing Graphics & Photos The Brown Daily Herald is committed to providing the Brown University community with the most accurate information possible. Corrections may be Emily Gilbert Photo Editor submitted up to seven calendar days after publication. Sam Kase Photo Editor Commentary POLICY Tom Sullivan Photo Editor Post- magazine The editorial is the majority opinion of the editorial page board of The Brown Daily Herald. The editorial viewpoint does not necessarily reflect the views of Jonathan Bateman Sports Photo Editor Clay Aldern Editor-in-Chief The Brown Daily Herald, Inc. Columns, letters and comics reflect the opinions of their authors only. Production Jenny Carr Editor-in-Chief Olivia Conetta Copy Desk Chief Letters to the Editor Policy Sara Palasits Assistant Copy Chief Send letters to [email protected]. Include a telephone number with all letters. The Herald reserves the right to edit all letters for length and clarity Kyle McNamara Design Editor and cannot assure the publication of any letter. Please limit letters to 250 words. Under special circumstances writers may request anonymity, but no letter will Julia Shube Design Editor BLOG DAILY HERALD Brisa Bodell Assistant Design Editor be printed if the author’s identity is unknown to the editors. Announcements of events will not be printed. Einat Brenner Assistant Design Editor Matt Klimerman Editor-in-Chief advertising Policy Neal Poole Web Producer Meredith Bilski Managing Editor The Brown Daily Herald, Inc. reserves the right to accept or decline any advertisement at its discretion. the brown daily herald Monday, November 5, 2012 opinions 11 Withholding judgment about career choices

purely selfish nor purely honorable. They Similarly, choosing a low-paying profes- we take on a day-to-day basis in our cho- oliver offer opportunities for both noble, commu- sion does not ensure that you will serve the sen industry, not by any single decision we nity-based work and purely self-interested world. made right after graduation. Rosenbloom work. In a May 24 New York Times column In addition, the unique personal cir- Opinions Columnist In her critique of those students who entitled “The Service Patch,” David Brooks cumstances of some Brown students make enter consulting or finance, McGoldrick commented on the trend of recent college the consulting or investment banking paths falsely portrays these industries as purely graduates pursuing careers in finance. This more worthwhile. Some students have While Brown students tend not to be judg- evil. While the excesses of the financial in- column is a must-read for seniors con- onerous student loans to pay back, while mental in regard to most personal deci- dustry deservedly get more attention than templating different careers and helped to others have families to support. Other stu- sions, when it comes to career choices, we do its community outreach programs, the inform my own thinking on the subject. dents who pursue these careers may do so can be a very critical group. During the fall fact remains that investment banks have One of Brooks’ more insightful points is in order to address the ethnic or gender recruiting process, I’ve overheard many accomplished many noble goals. Wealth that early career choices do not define the imbalances in the leadership of America’s classmates dismiss careers in consulting wealthiest companies. Some students use and investment banking as morally bank- It is imperative that we do not automatically dismiss the skills they learned in consulting or fi- rupt. Such blanket condemnations of these nance jobs to make an impact in the non- career paths are simply not justified. It is certain career paths as morally empty, for the truth is far profit sector later in life. Finally, some stu- overly simplistic to believe that all students dents have genuine intellectual passions for who go into finance or consulting are par- more complicated than that. such careers. ticipating in the so-called “brain drain,” in Only a fool would claim that no student which our brightest young leaders forsake creation has lifted millions of people out entirety of our moral character, as some ever pursues these careers solely to make noble careers in the service of humanity for of poverty, especially in the developing Brown students seem to believe. obscene amounts of money. Yet it would monetary gain. world. Viewed domestically, the often-vil- Brown students can positively impact be similarly foolish to say that all students Last spring, Herald opinions columnist ified Goldman Sachs has also contributed the world in any industry and in any job. pursue these careers for such shallow rea- Rebecca McGoldrick ’12 wrote, “The finan- to morally worthy causes. To list but a few The focus should not be on choosing the sons. We can only responsibly make con- cial and consulting sectors truly are Amer- examples, the bank invested more than $1 most noble or morally pure industry, but demnations of choices on a case-by-case ica’s great ‘brain drain.’ At a time when we billion in affordable housing projects and rather on being the most noble and mor- basis. need social problem solvers and innovative is currently financing a recidivism-reduc- ally courageous person you can be within Many seniors, myself included, have scientists more than ever, many of our fel- tion program in New York City. A career your chosen industry. deep insecurities about career decisions. low students are entering a field that may in consulting also provides the opportunity This tendency to portray some profes- Yet it is imperative that we do not automat- be actively harming the stability and sus- to serve the community. By enhancing pro- sions as noble and others as immoral is ically dismiss certain career paths as mor- tainability of our society” (“Feeling the ductivity and innovation, consultants can informed by a skewed view of what con- ally empty, for the truth is far more compli- brain drain,” April 26). increase overall economic well-being. stitutes a morally responsible career path. cated than that. This condemnation is based on an inac- A frank assessment shows that these in- No one decision we make when we’re in curate understanding of the nature of the dustries have been responsible for many our early 20s, whether that decision is to finance and consulting industries, as well of our ills, but also many of our successes. forgo high earnings or aggressively seek Oliver Rosenbloom ’13 is a history and as a misunderstanding of how to pursue a Choosing a career in finance or consulting them, will determine our contribution to public policy concentrator from Mill Val- career of moral integrity. Like almost every does not automatically disqualify one from the cause of humanity. Our service to the ley, Calif. He can be reached at other profession, these careers are neither serving humanity and doing noble work. community will be judged by the actions [email protected].

Time for a change

tistics, the labor force participation rate every citizen. So where was the transpar- This same president has failed to keep BY Brown Republicans for women has not been lower since ency when he decided to invoke execu- his promise to close Guantanamo Bay, 1992, or for men since 1948. The overall tive privilege in order to protect Attorney fought to keep indefinite detention of Guest Columnists participation rate has dropped by 2 per- General Eric Holder against investiga- “enemy combatants” legal and has con- centage points since Obama assumed the tion in the Fast and Furious scandal? Fast stantly attacked small business owners office of president in 2009, meaning that and Furious was an operation that alleg- through his policies and rhetoric. Obama even though the unemployment rate is edly put over 2,000 firearms in the hands has made unprecedented attacks on re- In 2008, we elected a little-known ju- now at 7.8 percent, it only got that way of Mexican drug cartels, and more than ligious freedom with his Department of nior senator from Illinois on the founda- because more Americans have given up. 1,300 of them are still unaccounted for. Health and Human Services mandate, tion of “hope” and “change,” but it took Yet despite this stagnant growth, One thing that is known about these guns and, under his watch, the State Depart- less than four years for most Americans ment no longer considers religious free- to become disillusioned. Our modern- dom, a founding principle of our nation, day Robin Hood has not lined our pock- part of its human rights requirements. ets with the excess wealth of the greedy 1 The Obama administration has sys- percent — he has left us with a debt that tematically failed at nearly every level. At will burden America for generations. Everyone in America knows that times are tough, which what point will the president cease to be- Everyone in America knows that times is why President Obama has spent considerable time lieve that the American public will blame are tough, which is why President Obama George W. Bush for the failures of the last has spent considerable time trying to di- trying to divert the public attention away from his record four years? America needs a president vert the public attention away from his who is willing to take responsibility for record in office. Obama has the worst re- in office. his actions, a president who has a proven cord of job creation of any president since history of reaching across party lines and 1948, and it is not even close. Obama had getting the job done. There is only one created 0.1 million jobs as of May 2012. candidate that meets those requirements, In comparison, the second-lowest presi- and that is Mitt Romney. dent for job creation was George H.W. Obama has spent more of our money is that they have led to the slaughter of Romney has a proven track record Bush, who created 2.4 million jobs — 24 than any president in American histo- at least 150 Mexicans as well as Ameri- as a governor and businessman. He has times more than Obama. ry. His 2013 budget is $700 billion more can border agent Brian Terry. Instead of shown time and time again that he is one Even worse than his job creation has than any other budget in history, at a time facing the public, the Obama adminis- of the most compassionate and humble been his unemployment record. The un- when America cannot afford such expen- tration decided to cover up the facts and candidates in recent memory, and he has employment rate has remained above 8.5 ditures. By increasing the national debt protect their own by means of executive the skills to pull America out of this re- percent for most of Obama’s tenure, de- at an unprecedented rate, he is essentially privilege. cession once and for all. On Nov. 6, the spite his promise that it would remain mortgaging the future of America. The Fast and Furious scandal is on top choice is clear: We cannot afford four below 8 percent. Even though unem- However, we shouldn’t focus solely of the aftermath of the terrorist attack at more years of the same. ployment has dropped slightly in recent on Obama’s flawed economic policies, Benghazi. For two weeks, the Obama ad- months, much of that can be attributed to because he’s made missteps elsewhere ministration blamed the attacks on mob the labor force shrinking, as many Amer- that deserve attention. Obama prom- protests when the president knew that icans are no longer even looking for jobs. ised a transparent White House and an the attacks were preplanned and had no The Brown Republicans think it’s time According to the Bureau of Labor Sta- administration that would look out for relation to any protests. for a change. the Brown Monday, November 5, 2012 daily herald fit me to size