The Michigan Review The Jour nal of Campus Af fairs at the University of Michigan 1.23.07 Volume xxv, Issue 7 Martin Luther King Symposium: A Little Less Features Martin Luther King, a Little More Symposium ning committee choose events like a keynote The University’s speech, most events are submitted by student Martin Luther King groups. Day symposium Gena Flynn, the committee’s spokesperson, events are profiled by stated that in her “two years of experience, no Review event has been turned down for endorsement.” the She explained the criteria for an event being turned down would simply be if the event did P. 3 not take place on campus or somewhere near it. This process came to the delight of student New Develpments in groups. Matt Linke, who helped plan the Peo- ple and the Sky event, said his group found the the attempts for an process “quite convenient.” Ann Arbor- Detroit When a group submits their event on the Rail Line site, it is checked for spelling and relevance, and then it is considered an official symposium P. 12 event with almost no other considerations. One thing groups are sometimes asked to clarify and change is the abbreviation “MLK” in their title or description to “Martin Luther King” because some many people may not News know what the letters mean. Ironically, the ab- breviation appears on the University’s homep- The University age to direct audience to the symposium web- plans the construction site. of the much-discussed North Quad Adam Paul/ The Michigan Review P. 6 Nothing like elderly white people protesting the elimination of racial and gender In the past two years, no preferences. event has been turned Michigan reorganizes down for endorsement by the state sales tax (OAMI) works hand in hand with the MLK the MLK symposium Although officially called a Symposium Planning Committee to give some “planning committee”, the guidance to this prominent, annual University P. 8 event. MLK symposium planning According to the symposium’s website, the Although the University provides endorse- Congress committee leaves the leg- program offers “events that focus on historical ment to groups in their leaflet and website, they considers funds for authenticity and the Civil Rights Movement of do not provide help planning the event. The work to students the 1960’s” as well as “programs [that] high- University attempts to accommodate the time Greek housing light historical and contemporary issues of and location requests of each event, and they By Shanda Shooter, ‘10 renovatons race, class, social justice, diversity, and societal allow students to undertake planning. Further- change.” more, events are rarely given funding from the P. 10 n honor of Martin Luther King Day, The theme for this year’s event is “Build- Ithe University sponsors a month-long sym- ing the Beloved Community.” This phrase was posium that includes a host of events. The used by Dr. King several times throughout his See “MLK Planning,” Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives career to stress social harmony. While the plan- Opinion Page 3 U-M admissions of- ficers promise “see Committee Members, University Take Silent no race or gender” approach Approach to “Diversity Blueprints” Task Force

P. 10 Despite much fanfare in Novem- our community.” Yet more than two months post-Prop 2 era, and why the committee was ber, President Coleman’s com- after this announcement, the administration not launched “immediately” as indicated in Amanda Nichols mittee is established with little and committee members are reluctant to an- President Coleman’s email, but a month later profess her love for swer key questions about the task force. when most students were home for break. campus attention Notably absent from President Coleman’s Out of thirty-five members of the Task Steve Yzerman November 21 e-mail announcement were the Force that The Michigan Review attempted to By Adam Pascarella, ‘10 means by which committee members would be question, only three members of the commit- P. 5 selected. tee answered our inquiries, Task Force co-chair hen University President “More details will be coming soon about Provost Lester Monts, Professor Scott Page WMary Sue Coleman announced the cre- members of the task force,” the e-mail read. and Professor David Munson. ation of the Diversity Blueprints task force on Following the announcement, The Michigan Many other committee members referred Arts November 21, she encouraged broad participa- Review made several attempts to inquire as to inquiries to University spokeswomen Julie Pe- tion and “thoughtful input from everybody in how committee members would be selected, terson or Kelly Cunningham. Peterson could & Culture and how interested members could apply. Us- not be reached, and Cunningham refused to be ing the e-mail addresses provided in Coleman’s quoted. OC and TRL finallly e-mail, no message elicited a response. Attempts were made to collect comments recognize their own “I don’t even know how I Following the announcement of the Task from the members of the Task Force, as well irrelevnce was selected to serve on Force launch—which came on December 21, as to contact U-M spokesmen for a statement. during the tail end of finals week—The Michi- Again, one University spokeswoman “couldn’t the committee.” gan Review made attempts to contact members be quoted,” and another spokeswoman was out P. 11 of the committee in order to find out how they -Engineering Dean were selected to the committee, what views See “Diversity” David Munson committee members had on diversity in the Page 9 MR WWW.MICHIGANREVIEW.COM First two copies free, additional copies $3 each. Stealing is illegal and a sin. (Exodus 20:15) P. 2 Page Two 01.24.07

THE MICHIGAN REVIEW www.michiganreview.com page two. Editorial Board: the michigan review Nick Cheolas Editor-in-Chief Reviewing the Presidential Favorites Michael O’Brien Executive Editor The first presidential election without an incumbent in 80 years is as wide open as an election with that sort of billing would be expected to be. Still, frontrunners are being Adam Paul Managing Editor clearly defined, and the money is already flowing into these well-supported campaigns. The primaries, the first of which is just under one year away, will include both new faces Amanda Nichols and former candidates among the front runners. Here we assess the candidates that we Content Editor see as having the best chance to make it into the general election, along with some things you might or might not know about the 2008 candidates. Brian Biglin Assistant Editor Republicans pace from the current president, if for no other reason than his fine speaking skills. Business Staff: 1) John Sidney McCain III: Supported by many grassroots Republicans, he combines a delicious blend of fruity social 5) Ronald Ernest Paul: Of no relation to another fine lib- Karen Boore policy and empha- ertarian of Michigan Review fame, Ron Paul is no ordinary Publisher sis on military. His Texas Republican. The longtime congressman was a Dem- perceived tough- ocrat until the 1994 Republican revolution, but has main- Danny Harris ness, which comes, tained ties with libertarians throughout the duration. Paul justifiably, from his is a medical doctor originally from Pittsburgh who did his Jonny Slemrod experiences in Viet- residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He is perhaps Associate Publishers nam and long-time the most unorthodox Republican in the race, having voted involvement in for- against the Iraq War because of his strong non-interven- Staff Writers: eign policy, could tionist views. He is strongly against increased spending and be his greatest as- taxes, and if the 2008 campaign becomes an indictment Michael Balkin, Steven Bengal, Maria Blood, set given the state against the growth of government seen under President David Brait, Erin Buchko, Kelly Cavanaugh, of global affairs. Bush, then Paul could be in a strong position. Jenni Chelenyak, Rebecca Christy, Tom McCain’s appeal, to Church, Jane Coaston, Marie Cour, some, also comes Lindsey Dodge, Blake Emerson, Eun Lee, from his reputation Anna Malecke, Brian McNally, as a maverick; giv- Democrats Miquelle Milavec, John O’Brien, en that even many Eddie Perry, Danielle Putnam, Republicans are 1) Barack Hussein Obama: He’s the darling of every 18- Shanda Shooter, Evan Wladis, looking for a new 24 year old female, but brings the race factor into the cam- Christina Zajicek, Zack Zucker direction for Iraq, paign, and this will drive pollsters crazy. Obama has a knack McCain could be just the right man for the job. At some for untimely fits of Contact Us: point during the campaign, he will have to answer tough honesty, which may questions about his views on social issues, and this may or may not be to his The Michigan Review accepts and encourages decide his fate. It will be interesting to see if his once foe, benefit in a closely- letters to the editor and viewpoints. Letters to the editor should be under 300 words. Viewpoints now friend, George W. Bush, will be by his side during the watched campaign. can be arranged by contacting the editorial board. campaign. If he can overcome We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. the Clinton ma- 2) Rudolph William Louis Giuliani III: Probably the only chine, he could be Send all correspondence to [email protected]. Republican with a “Jew” in his name. His powerful appeal, one step from the forged after 9/11, covers a wide range of Americans. This presidency. It is al- About Us: assessment, of course, is according to the New York Times, ways possible that which might say something about just how far right Giu- he could drop out of The Michigan Review provides a broad range of liani is—or is not. Still, Giuliani has an impressive record of the race once voters in-depth coverage of campus affairs and serves as crime fighting and urban redevelopment experience; with a figure out his middle the literary voice of conservatism and libertarian- long tenure as mayor of one of the world’s largest cities, Giu- name, however. ism at the University of Michigan. The Review is liani is a unique Republican candidate who will be able to published bi-weekly September thru April. talk in-depth about a variety of domestic issues, especially 2) Hilary Rodham Clinton: She already holds a command- those pertaining to cities. His ability to win New York, New ing lead among Democrats, and especially among women. Donate/Subscribe: Jersey, and possibly Connecticut could be enough incentive Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton should scare the hell out of us, for Republican brass to support a Giuliani candidacy. though. She will have a tough time explaining the modera- The Michigan Review accepts no financial support tion of her voting record during the last few years of her from the University. Therefore, your support is critical and greatly appreciated. Donations above 3) Willard Mitt Romney: Ironically, as a Mormon, he is senate term. Look how the last “flip-flopper” fared in a pres- $35 are eligible for a 1-year (12 issues) subscrip- one of the few Republican candidates to only have had one idential campaign. tion. Donations can be made on our website at wife. Born in Detroit and raised in Michigan while his father www.michiganreview.com, or mailed to: was governor of the state, Romney became a self-made busi- 3) Johnny Reid Edwards: Also a favorite among the college- ness man, was the CEO of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic aged crowd, which might matter if we actually voted. He is a 911 N. University, Suite One Committee, and just finished a term as Governor of Massa- union favorite who would surely be able to carry Michigan. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 chusettes, where he developed a universal health care plan The populist trial lawyer should hope the economy heads without raising taxes, created a scholarship fund for free back into a recession so that he can resurrect his class-war- The Michigan Review is the independent, student-run journal of conservative and libertarian opinion at the University of Michi- public school tuition for the top 25 percent of high school fare “two Americas” rhetoric. gan. We neither solicit nor accept monetary donations from the graduates, and aggressively warded off attempts to allow gay University. Contributions to The Michigan Review are tax-deduct- ible under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. marriage in his state. His combination of traditional social 4) William Blaine Richardson: The Mexican-American The Michigan Reviewis not affiliated with any political party or any conservatism with his innovative approach to complex is- Governor of New Mexico has a great record which will per- university political group. sues which he has dealt with, from health care reform to mit him to speak with confidence on immigration, energy, Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board. curbing suburban sprawl, make him a versatile and strong and foreign affairs issues. As governor he has been noted Ergo, they are unequivocally correct and just. Signed articles, let- candidate. for improving his state’s infrastructure. Meanwhile, he was ters, and cartoons represent the opinions of the author, and not necessarily those of The Review. The Serpent’s Tooth shall repre- elected chairman of the Democratic Governors Associa- sent the opinion of individual, anonymous contributors to The Re- 4) Newton Leroy Gingrich: A clean, uncomplicated record tion. view, and should not necessarily be taken as representative of The Review’s editorial stance. The opinions expressed in this publica- is the opposite of what this seasoned politician and former tion do not necessarily reflect those of the advertisers or the Uni- Speaker of the House has. Gringrich, who resigned after a 5) John Forbes Kerry: We’ve got our fingers crossed for versity of Michigan. slew of corruption charges, is still a master articulator of Kerry part two, but we’re also realistic. He has a shot if he conservative vision and appealing to social conservatives, in promises to refrain from telling jokes about the military for Copyright © 2006, The Michigan Review, Inc. All rights reserved. The Michigan Review is a member of the Collegiate Network. addition to those concerned with curbing the growth of the the next two years. This quintessential New England, liberal federal government, something which the current adminis- Catholic will probably have to remake his image after failing tration has a questionable record. Though Gingrich is from in 2004, but wasn’t this his most basic problem during the the south and is socially conservative, he, like the other Re- last campaign (“flip-flop”)? publican frontrunners, still represents a major change of P. 3 Features 01.24.07

features.the michigan review MLK Symposium Keynote Speaker Kweisi Mfume Encourages Increased Activism

By Eddie Perry, ‘08 enrolled in the Community College of Bal- timore, attended Morgan State University n Monday, January 15th, the and ultimately got a Master’s degree in Lib- OUniversity of Michigan kicked off its eral Arts from Johns Hopkins University. In annual Martin Luther King Symposium at 1986 Mfume was elected to the House of Hill Auditorium. Kweisi Mfume, a former Representatives, where he became a very ac- member of Congress and the past Presi- tive member over the next decade. In 1996, dent of the NAACP delivered the memo- Mfume became the President and Chief Ex- rial keynote lecture. Mfume spoke power- ecutive Officer of the NAACP. fully, attempting to trigger student activism. After lavishly thanking Mary Sue Cole- While Mfume spoke briefly of the theme of man and praising her undying quest of “building a beloved community,” he focused “fighting difficult changes,” Mfume started primarily on contemporary issues. his speech by saying, “Let me take a minute Mfume spoke of his personal back- to reaffirm myself…I’m a Baptist minister, ground and how it affected his outlook on so I know what I’m saying…okay?” Kweisi tells it like it is. life. When he was 16, his mother died and Mfume quickly examined a range of development, but in full development there of the national debt. These nominal, un- is almost always full employment.” ‘inflation-adjusted’ figures lacked an aware- Instead of elaborating on this utterly ness that the federal debt is only roughly 3.5 perplexing statement, Mfume seemed to percent of real GDP, which is, historically- Mfume started his speech by saying, “Let back up his contention with, “We ought to speaking, a relatively small number. me take a minute to reaffirm have a problem with the fact that one of six Commenting on the Iraq war, Mfume people are living below the poverty line.” stated that, “It’s not a disgrace, not to be myself... I’m a Baptist minister, so I know From there Mfume proclaimed, “When able to reach up and touch the stars, but it what I’m saying... okay?” we refuse to take full responsibility for our would be forever a disgrace to have no stars lives and our futures, and only blame white to touch.” He compared the opposition to people for our problems, we must say to the war with Dr. King’s actions against the ourselves, ‘We have a problem!’ When ev- Vietnam War. erybody in this nation wakes up today and Mfume stressed that like Dr. King, mod- he dropped out of school to raise his three national topics, arguing that every American does not have healthcare, we must say that ern activists face innumerable challenges. He younger sisters. He quickly entrenched him- should be able to hold a job if they wished. we have a problem!” explained that Dr. King taught us that op- self in a life filled with gangs, crime, and He then proclaimed, “Full employment has Next, Mfume decreed that the federal position “cannot really kill dreams.” Unlike drugs. Mfume realized he needed an educa- never been the goal of the Civil Rights Move- budget deficit is growing to unthinkable the challenges he discussed, Mfume received tion to better his own life and have a posi- ment. There was full employment in slavery! amounts. Mfume provided nominal figures unanimous applause and a standing ovation tive impact on society. He earned a GED, Full employment does not mean there is full of per capita ownership by each American at the conclusion of his lecture. MR

“MLK Planning” phlet and website. The event culminated From Page 1 with a performance by a marching band and University Events honoring the legacy speakers on the Diag. Planning Committee itself. Flynn explained that this year’s theme, of Dr. Martin Luther King The University has even been willing to “Building the Beloved Community,” was allow controversial events onto the website. chosen based on the belief that all of us • “Therapeutic Advances in Cuta- • “Jazz: Resistance Through The “March to Undo Proposal 2” is spon- globally would benefit from coming togeth- neous T-Cell Lymphoma: A New Song” sored by the group By Any Means Neces- er rather than being divided by individual Era?” sary (BAMN). The group is currently suing interests. The Planning Committee believes Penny von Eschwan, a “campus expert” the University. Flynn stated that she was not that if the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther Dr. Youn Kim of Stanford delivers a who wrote a book called “Satchmo “aware of a lawsuit” and that this student King Jr. were still alive he would agree with Blows up the World,” talks about the group has always been included in the pam- the need to press for a global concept of the lecture for the Department of Derma- tology. characterization of blacks being asso- ciated with jazz music that apparently When a group submits their event on the site, it is checked for • “Shaping Space” became prevalent during the Cold spelling and relevance, and then it is considered an official War. symposium event with almost no other considerations Allison Williams lectures about the design strategy of corporate headquar- • “Streptococcous Pneumoniae ters, cultural institutions, and urban Tissue Specific Virulence and Im- “beloved community.” high-rise developments. This theme has generated sev- plications for the Conjugate Vac- eral events that seem only tangen- cine” tially related to Dr. King’s vision. • “Finding Filipino-American For instance, one event entitled Identity” Dr. Melinda Pettigrew of Yale lectures “Building the Beloved Food Com- on her specialty of infectious diseases munity” asks students to consider According to the description, this event in infants, children, and young adults. “How can food be used to help celebrates Filipino-American identity build the beloved community and through “song, (modern/traditional) • “Non-Volence Training” simultaneously transcend and cel- dance, spoken word, and more!” ebrate difference?” The event host- ed members of local restaurants We’re not sure either. including Zingerman’s to discuss • “Cultural Issues in Children’s this topic. Mental Health Research and • “Survivor Expressions: Clothes- If there just weren’t enough to Practice” line Project Shirt Making” see and do on January 15th, don’t forget you have another month to This event examines the multicul- SAPAC sponsors a presentation from celebrate. With several events run- tural implications of children’s mental The Clothesline Project, a group that ning into February, student groups will continue to show their con- health issues. Unfortunately, this event allows survivors of sexual violence to tributions to the symposium for is closed to the public. “create t-shirts in a safe space” to speak some time. MR out about their experiences. BAMN never disappoints, in rain, sleet, or snow. P. 4 Editorials 01.23.07

editorials.the michigan review The Review welcomes letters to the The Michigan Review editor. Send letters to: he Michigan Review is the independent, student- Trun journal of conservative and libertarian opinion at the University of Michigan. Unsigned editorials represent the opin- [email protected] ion of the Editorial Board. Ergo, they are unequivocally correct and just. Signed articles, letters, and cartoons represent the opin- The Review reserves the right to edit ions of the author, and not necessarily those of the Review. letters to the editor for length and clarity.

Admissions Office MLK Symposium Diversity Blueprints “Honor System” Leaves Forgets its Founding Task Force: Many Skeptical Silence Isn’t Golden

t has taken two months, but the University of Michigan very year, the University celebrates Martin he “Diversity Blueprints” committee has met a month Iis officially forbidden from considering race or gender ELuther King Day with a two-month Symposium. Tlater than expected. When it was finally announced, in admissions. As a matter of huge debate, it would appear This year’s symposium began on January 8th, ends on it was on December 21st, the last day of exams when the that Proposal 2 can finally take a rest. But it cannot. Not February 21st, and contains over 80 events. University campus is nearly deserted. There has been no here. Despite the University’s official statement that they The University long ago abandoned all efforts to clarification regarding how members were chosen to be will respect the law, U-M announced on January 10 that connect its MLK symposium activities to the legacy of members of the committee or why the date of the first the race and gender of applicants would remain on the ap- Dr. King. In fact, to have an event placed on the sym- committee meeting was so late. plication forms. posium website, one needn’t explain how its relation to Despite President Coleman’s email which stated that This prompts a humorous image: a blindfolded admis- Martin Luther King at all. “This is an historic moment, and an opportunity to ap- sions officer shuffling the application, remarking, “Well, this Next year, perhaps the University should consider ply our collective creative, energetic thinking to discover looks like a really good application.” The natural question removing the abbreviation in the title, as it seems to be the most effective ways to support diversity. We will suc- resulting from this announcement is how can a subjective causing administrators to abbreviate their thinking con- ceed only if we have thoughtful input from everyone in our process and a fallible officer not consider the information cerning Dr. King’s impact. At U-M, the second Monday community,” questions regarding how, precisely, students provided them? A spokeswoman for the University has as- of January has become a catchall day to promote buzz could get involved in a proactive manner went unanswered. sured students and alumni that the counselors “are ethical concepts like social justice, dialogue and compassion. The The four (count them, four) student members of the com- people with integrity, but we won’t crawl inside the mind University and groups have shown a bold willingness to mittee are all well-known liberals who seem to fall on the of an admissions counselor.” But why don’t they enact utilize the name of Dr. King to extol their own values. same side of the affirmative action/Proposition 2 debate. controls so that they don’t have to crawl inside counselors’ Dr. King stood for more than racial equality and we Other members of the committee are unsure how they minds? This is the obligation of the University, to uphold should celebrate his numerous contributions. But events were chosen. In short, this seems, in a word, sketchy. the law to the extent of its intention. However, at every such as “Building the Beloved Food Community,” a plan- This committee, devised as a means of establishing step of the process, Mary Sue Coleman and her posse have etarium exhibit entitled “The People and their Sky,” and open dialogue regarding diversity issues in the wake of dragged their feet, kicking and screaming against the will an analysis of “Streptococcus Pneumonia Tissue Specific Proposition 2, has ironically become segregated from the of the voters. Virulence and Implications for the Conjugate Vaccine” campus community as a whole. Wouldn’t it be logical for Proposal 2 was passed very much in imitation of Prop- seem to have little relevance to King’s Dream. a committee meant to be representative of the university osition 209 in California, which in 1996 was an equal shock In her introduction for this year’s keynote speech, represent the “diverse” opinions of that university popula- to such liberally-run universities as Berkeley and UCLA. President Coleman spoke at length about the effect of tion, and include those who opposed affirmative action, In contrast, these universities chose not to allow race and Proposal 2 on the University’s quest for diversity. The im- voted for Proposition 2, or whose ideas regarding ways to gender to even appear on the application. People have pro- plied logic was that Dr. King would surely be standing be- improve the fabric of the University don’t include the word tested a similar agenda at Michigan because they say our side the University in its fight. In reality, the “diversicult” “lawsuit”? status as a prominent research university would diminish. was born long after Dr. King’s death. Maybe this committee could have representatives from As far as anyone can tell, neither UCLA nor Berkeley has While the University has attempted to expand on every department, and campus organizations ranging from lost any respect in their research because of 201’s effect. the impact of Dr. King, their attempt has gone wildly Hillel to Young Americans for Freedom. But maybe that’s Of course, the crux of the issue is how diversity and off-track. Even events that relate to Dr. King seem to be a little too far of a stretch for President Coleman and her education were affected by their decision. After race-blind feigned attempts to examine racial issues in America. constituents. It’s a lot easier to set the University’s wealth admissions went into effect at Berkeley, enrollment of Af- A panel discussion of Prop 2 sponsored by the Den- of lawyers on the state government and make BAMN and rican-Americans and Hispanics dropped, while admissions tal School serves as a prime example. The event pitted other radical student groups feel gratified. Is that it? Would of Caucasian and Asian students rose. In effect, fewer but our own Managing Editor, Adam Paul against three li- opening up this committee to the student body at-large better-qualified African-American and Hispanic students censed attorneys, and a graduate student who had re- and encompassing the wide swath of political opinions were accepted, and the minorities who remained were ceived an award for “Contributions to Diversity.” Prior on campus leave the University leadership vulnerable to more likely to graduate. This is clearly an unacceptable de- to the event, the congregation rose to sing the Blank Na- the left-wing student groups that seem to own university velopment for administrators at U-M. tional Anthem. politics at Michigan? Would there be a march? Would small Michigan is not alone in its search for life, liberty, and The University should focus on promoting a few children throw soy sauce at people? And more important, the pursuit of loopholes. In response to the decreased level events such as speakers, performers, or presenters of ex- is that what Mary Sue is really afraid of? If so, that’s un- of “diversity” at prestigious places such as Berkeley, the ceptional quality. Instead the University has invested time derstandable. Board of Regents introduced a “hardship” factor to ap- in drafting a massive event schedule that includes many Marches and protests don’t look good in the media. plications in 2001. An extremely subjective introduction events sponsored solely by student groups. Since the Radical groups are more than willing to trot out speakers to the application, it is based on the concept that whites symposium’s Planning Committee’s spokesperson, Gena and a group of generally angry people that it knows will have historically been and continue to be the primary ben- Flynn pointed out that no student event has been turned provide sound bites for local news stations and the occa- eficiaries of racial preference anyways. Unfortunately for down in her experience, the University is essentially pro- sional New York Times third page. It’s perfectly normal to the Michigan voters, U-M has flouted the law’s intention viding tacit approval for any event students wish to host. want to limit campus reactionaries by filling committees by refusing to black out (pun intended) the information. Furthermore, the University seems to put little ef- with their kin. But the easy way is rarely the best way. As University spokeswoman Julie Peterson says, “There’s fort into creating events of interest to the general student If the University of Michigan really wants to make di- nothing in Proposal 2 that says race has to be a secret. It is population. Even if the University continues to bring versity possible it should improve the campus community simply not goingMR to be a factor in our decision.” prominent leaders like former NAACP President Keisei and make the learning experience all that it can be. This That is an admirable sentiment. Sadly, it leaves nothing Mfume to campus, few students attend. For most stu- will only happen if its leadership stops being afraid. Afraid leaves too much breathing room for liberal administrators dents Dr. King’s holiday provides an opportunity to drink of campus groups, afraid of hearing questions and sugges- to loosely interpret the law. In reassuring the voters that on Sunday night and enjoy a Monday without classes. tions its not entirely prepared for—afraid of real change. their word will be respected at this University, it is unsuc- The fervor surrounding the passage of Prop 2 this It’s a painful process, I know. But every great movement cessful. The voters are the last people being considered in November was evidence that the student body is willing to improve a community has involved both sides sitting this situation. Instead, the focus is the agenda of Coleman to engage in critical discussions on racial issues. The Mar- down (often grudgingly) to come up with a solution to a and her supporters in the administration and faculty. They tin Luther King symposium provided an excellent oppor- problem. According to Mary Sue Coleman, diversifying have a right to their opinion. But they are granted that right tunity to engage students in such discussions. campus and eliminating racial and cultural barriers are our by law, the very law against which they are so violently Instead, the symposium’s broad “Building the Be- problems. A truly “diverse” committee can come up with struggling. By ignoring its intention, U-M is ignoring every loved Community” theme seemed to be a better oppor- the solutions that will foment a better Michigan. Unless, of person who voted for Proposal 2. tunity for University groups, departments, and schools to course, this committee is an example of mere posturing, In the words of a former Berkeley student in sup- espouse every liberal idea under the sun. making a show of finding solutions while the University port of affirmative action, “Admissions policies are com- Of course the University should honor Dr. King, but administration attempts to find a loophole to go back to plex because it is a complex issue. To oversimplify them it must be careful not to extol him as a mystical figure. the old system of affirmative action. But that couldn’t be would not be the way to go. To make it simple and based There is a distinct difference between extrapolating Dr. true, could it? MR on hard numbers is not necessarily the right thing to do in King’s principles to examine contemporary events and this case.” Actually, simplification sounds like an excellent saying that Dr. King would take University-approved po- notion. Perhaps we should start that now, by upholding the sitions on contemporary issues. MR law. MR P. 5 Columns 01.24.07

columns.the michigan review ■ The Feminine Mystique Steve Yzerman: A Legend and an Icon for a City he prodigal son has returned been around since 1993, when he left U-M Now, twenty-one years later, the after Yzerman first graced Detroit with his Thome. I speak, of course, of Chris early to enter the draft. Maybe he’s noticed number of that boy—yes, I can call Steve presence, but have floundered in obscurity Webber, the Uni- already, but in that time, we Detroiters Yzerman a boy because, surely, at that until this year. The Lions saw moderate versity of Michi- have become a bit picky about who we let time he was one—flutters next to those of success here and there, but the collective gan basketball assume that hometown label. Take former some of hockey’s all-time greatest players. memory of that team is far more disap- star-turned-some- MSU basketball standout and “Flintstone” Perhaps you’re one of those kids, who, like pointing than pleasant. And the Pistons times-NBA star Mateen Cleaves; he might have been a local me, knew no other captain in their lifetime. have won three championships, but even and his recent boy, but fans made him earn his stripes— Perhaps you never saw a single season draw that team has been spotty. Stevie’s always signing with the and he didn’t. Now, he no longer plays to a close without Stevie Y gracing the ice been there—through injuries to his knee, Detroit Pistons. professionally. at least once, if not every night. Perhaps his back, his left eye; through the trade Webber made But don’t let that fool you. Every so you are a bit older and remember the years rumors of the mid ‘90s; through the heart- it clear that he often, there is a sports figure who we in before the Angel Yzerman came down breaking playoff losses. Most of the play- signed with the this struggling city from Peterbor- ers and coaches on every single Motown Pistons out of grasp onto as our ough, Ontario team have come and gone, but since Reagan his hope to win Amanda own. After all, why to save the was serving out his first term in office, a championship, Nichols not? There isn’t team. Maybe, Yzerman has stayed. In a town where so an accomplish- much else left to For the past twenty-odd like me, you much has crumbled he was something this ment that has take hold of. saw one of city and its fans could depend on. eluded him since Imagine this: years, Yzerman has been the countless For a while, there was a mural of he came to Ann Arbor in 1991. Within this it’s the summer of articles written Yzerman on the side of a Detroit build- reunion of hometown and hero, however, 1986. Right around “it” for us. about Yzer- ing. “Born,” it said, “Cranbrook, BC, 1965. there is an undeniable aspect of redemp- the time that yours man in recent Adopted, Detroit, 1983.” Though Webber tion. truly is making days that lays may be feeling that magic hometown vibe, Webber needs redemption for the sins her debut into the claim to his it can never equal the undying love and al- committed during his time as a Wolver- world, the Tigers class and dig- most-worship lavished upon Yzerman every ine. You know, the infamous “time-out” are battling it out for the AL East, the Pis- nity, his talent, and his leadership both on night at Joe Louis Arena. incident of the 1993 NCAA Final Four, or tons have most of their “Bad Boys” lineup and off the ice. So the prodigal son may have returned the scandal with U-M booster Ed Martin in place, and the Lions are coming off a 7-9 Like any good Red Wings fan would, home to a grand celebration at the Palace, that brought the banners down from the season—and are about to go 5-11 (some I have devoured those pieces—and the oc- and perhaps he’ll even lead his new team Crisler rafters and several penalties upon things never change). And, at Joe Louis casional YouTube fan videos—voraciously. to a championship. Regardless, nothing he the current basketball program, to name a Arena, a brand new coach—a French- But in a certain respect, I feel those big can achieve here will equal what the steady, few. Yes, there certainly is a magic in that Canadian with his heart on his sleeve (the sportswriters at ESPN, Sports Illustrated, dependable, and faithful adopted son of hometown vibe, for Webber was almost worst kind of French Canadian)—names a and even the Detroit News and Free Press Detroit has done for almost twenty-four universally cheered by the Palace crowd soft-spoken, peach-fuzzed, twenty one-year are missing something. They haven’t said is years—the son who never once needed to as he appeared courtside at the Palace of old kid captain of one of hockey’s most that, for the past twenty-odd years, Yzer- ask for our redemption, and to whom we Auburn Hills on Tuesday. storied—but, in ’86, squandering—fran- man has been “it” for us. would most gladly have given it. MR Webber is here now, but he has not chises. The Tigers won the World Series a year

■ Strict Scrutiny The Death of a Newspaper (Not this One, Though)

hen I joined the Review’s Edito- for online access, has experienced success freelance journalism has an entrenched his- commenting on “hyperlocal” news. Wrial Board this fall, I was excited and in its online forays. A large portion of new tory in print papers. While many had feared The Review may fit well here. By focus- optimistic about our role on campus. online revenues have come from a surge that print journalists would resist working ing on serving the U-M community, we Those feelings soon took a jolt. in advertising. The Economist estimates ad- online, many are now embracing the new can both provide exclusive content and It was not the massive workload, but vertising growth may soon slow and more medium. As The New York Times reported, a keep our readership geographically-cen- rather seeing a front page headline in The papers may switch toward a pay system. new online political endeavor, The Politico, tered enough to make print worthwhile. Economist read- A large-scale pay system could make has been founded by established journalists Of course, our writers love when national ing, “Who killed print copies more attractive to readers. So taking a risk. The Politico, which will launch media pick-up their stories but in trying the newspaper?” far almost no newspaper to serve the that gave me my has given up on its print local com- only moment edition. For instance, The munity, print of reservation. I Journal just celebrated a remains in could not believe major redesign of its print While local newspapers may be the most squeezed by invaluable that before I had edition that included a medium for even taken my move to narrower pages costs, they may have the most to gain by staying in us. first serious steps and more summary boxes print. In the into print jour- by publishing a special end, qual- nalism, the me- Adam readers’ guide. While the ity trumps dium had already redesign’s focus on both distribution aul been condemned P quick comprehension and method. As to antiquity. ergonomics indicate a particular commit- later this month, advertises itself more like readers and editors, our concern should di- The Economist invokes Philip Meyer’s ment to print, the need to reduce costs and an entertainment experience, even hosting rect us toward preserving the investigative, book, The Vanishing Newspaper, which the shrinkage size means that the paper will a “trailer” on its website. Yet its editor-in- analytical, and fact-rich news pieces that estimates that, “the first quarter of 2043 allot 10% space to the news. chief, John Harris, left a 21-year job at the make the Fourth Estate important. Despite will be the moment when newsprint dies It is important to recognize that this The Washington Post in favor of the project. a declining faith in print, especially by news- in America.” The recent spike in online decrease in news may be partly independent Nor is Harris alone; he brought a number papers themselves, Meyer’s 2043 prediction content lends credence to this shocking of the new online embrace. Many papers of former Post staffers into the venture as is still a long way off. Sure, ceteris paribus, prophecy. Americans are increasingly going have increased coverage of entertainment well. print journalism seems to be in decline. But to alternative sources for their news. Online and sports but this likely represents a As national and international news be- if advertising revenues begins to grow more components let readers in the States gain greater societal shift away from interest in comes increasingly available and ubiquitous, slowly, or even decline, user payment plans access to previously inaccessible outlets, like world politics and toward popular culture. local news becomes more exclusive and make online less attractive, or if readers the UK’s Financial Times or the Irish Times. These types of realignments could be engaging. While local newspapers may be become more attracted to local news, print Since most newspapers post a large portion more damaging to the quality of news- most squeezed by costs, they may have the may yet have a life. MR of their print and original online content papers than a shift to online distribution. most to gain by staying in print. National for free access, many have become loath to Some fear that a shift to online content newspapers use the Internet to vie for a pay for news. Yet even The Wall Street Jour- only will destabilize incomes in the industry. larger audience and a larger share of adver- nal, one of the few publications to charge These critics forget that fickle world of tising, small papers may be most successful P. 6 News 01.23.07

nethe michigan ws. review Newest Campus Dorm Set to Break Ground North Quad will enliven State Street, add to cam- pus skyline

By Evan Wladis, ‘10

t looks as if the Michigan Stadium Irenovation will not be the only university project completed by the summer of 2010. At their December meeting, the University Board of Regents approved a 10-story, tra- ditional design for North Quad; site prepa- ration is currently underway at the location bounded by State, Huron, Washington, and the Rackham Graduate School. The 360,000 square foot “northwestern gateway” to Central Campus, as President Coleman calls it, will cost a total of $175 mil- lion. The building will feature both residen- Brian Biglin/ The Michigan Review tial space and classrooms in an effort to blur The new dorm will replace the decay- Brian Biglin/ The Michigan Review the line between living and learning. The ing Frieze Building, despite the pro- The Frieze Building, formerly Ann Arbor High School, is set to be razed in the structure is expected to accommodate 460 tests of local residents. summer of 2007. students, while also housing the Sweetland Writing Center, School of Information, Lan- mean everything to the business.” guage Resource Center, and the departments Although North Quad has the capacity of Communication Studies and Screen Arts to hold nearly 500 students, Levy maintains and Culture. that U-M “is not planning on increasing the U-M Life Sciences Institute “North Quad will offer suite-style units, size of the freshman class related to the avail- a new room type not currently available on ability of additional beds.” In addition to the campus; we anticipate that continuing stu- construction of North Quad, renovations to deals with ever-changing laws dents will find this very appealing,” said Alan Mosher-Jordan and Stockwell Halls will be On-campus institute is at the Stem Cell Biology, a center that is focused Levy, Director of Housing Public Affairs complete in 2008 and 2010, respectfully. “on using stem cells to answer fundamental for University Housing. Students interested Levy said that there is “a very strong in- center of recent stem cell news scientific questions,” according to Life Sci- in North Quad will participate in the annual stitutional interest in being able to offer all and debates ences at Michigan. reapplication process, which involves a lot- freshmen on-campus housing.” For this rea- By Steven Bengal, ‘10 U-M makes efforts to dissuade any mor- tery drawing to determine priority order for son, U-M “works very hard to achieve that al qualms that might arise by displaying the contract signing. The University has not yet outcome, even in years when the freshman ne of the most controversial, but main guidelines of the National Academy made a final decision on whether a learning class is much larger than anticipated.” If Operhaps beneficial, research topics in of Sciences, which it purportedly adheres community will be developed for the hall. freshman classes do not become any larger, the world of science today revolves around to. Although these basic rules are followed, Although some residents in and around this process will be considerably easier after stem cells. The University of Michigan is some feel that they may be too restricting. the neighborhood initially protested the re- these renovations. heavily involved in furthering stem cell re- With Michigan becoming more and location of nearly 500 students to the area, Levy also feels that new housing and search, but many people do not know ex- more involved with continuing research, Regent Olivia Maynard said that there have academic facilities will provide for a subtle actly what they are doing. questions about the future of stem cell re- been “no complaints recently.” She also improvement in matriculation rates. “Resi- First, there are two basic types of stem search, with the current restrictions in place, noted that the regents have received con- dential life factors into the decision-making cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem arise. gratulations from several local vendors and of students and their families in determining cells. “There is near universal agreement shopkeepers, expressing their approval for whether to apply to Michigan and whether Embryonic stem cells are created in lab- among respected scientists that current re- the project “with great enthusiasm.” to ultimately come here,” he said, “but our oratories, using artificially inseminated eggs, strictions should be relaxed,” said Dr. Alan Kelly McLeod, the owner of Getup academic reputation and quality is over- while adult stem cells are found in fetuses, Saltiel, a faculty member at the Life Sciences Vintage Clothing on State Street, says that whelmingly the most cited reason for choos- newborns, children and adults, according to Institute. the increased student pedestrian traffic will ing Michigan.” the “Stem Cells—Explained and Explored” “The federal and Michigan laws have “absolutely make a difference” in terms of As to why U-M has waited until now education webpage at the Life Sciences at been the biggest challenges, but our commit- business. “The majority of our customers to build, Levy said that President Coleman Michigan home page. ment here in the LSI to follow the science are students wandering around between realized that “there is an expectation that Various other stem cells can be found, where it leads is Michigan’s strength and re- classes,” she said. “Because we’re on the every aspect of this institution needs to be such as hematopoetic stem cells from um- search signature. We are vigorously pursuing third story of the building, it takes a little excellent if not superior and it was time to bilical cords, but these are not nearly as this promising area of discovery and realize luck to find us, so more student traffic will renew U-M’s aging residence halls to better common. A recent discovery may allow that most citizens support this research.” meet those expectations. From University scientists to extract stem cells from amniotic Saltiel added that, “Michigan law does Housing’s perspective, we want to provide fluid, which has developed considerable in- not protect a single embryo from destruc- students with the best possible residential terest in the scientific community. tion; it only delays medical research.” and dining experience, and we know we fall Embryonic stem cells are much less In addition, according to the Virginia short of that standard with our current fa- specialized than adult stem cells, and there- Commonwealth University Life Sciences cilities.” fore are more useful for the medical field. Poll, 58 percent of Americans believe in em- Levy believes that renewal of existing Although there is confidence about the pos- bryonic stem cell research, while 42 percent halls and construction of new residential sible benefits of embryonic stem cells, there are opposed, and 32 percent are confused spaces “such as North Quad will have a sig- is hesitance to attempt to find new methods about the differences in the different types nificant impact on the desire of students al- to acquire these miracle cells, conceivably of stem cell research. ready here to return to on-campus housing because of the hotbed of moral issues that With a third of the nation unsure about for a second and third year. Having more re- surrounds the acquiring stem cells. the different types of stem cells, it is impor- turning students living on campus,” he con- Continued research in both the areas of tant that the facts behind stem cell research tinues, “is important both for our long-term adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells are are known. U-M appears to be doing ev- financial standing as well as the impact those being pursued by U-M. Numerous tests are erything it can to further stem cell research students have on the quality and diversity of being enacted in an attempt to deter breast while educating the general public. MR our residential communities.” cancer, encourage the growth of bone cells, In order to make room for North Quad, and heal brain injuries. U-M is home to the the Frieze Building, a historic stone structure U-M Exploratory Center for Human Em- with modern additions, will be demolished. bryonic Stem Cell Research, a laboratory that Demolition preparations are underway. MR houses embryonic stem cells that are used by research scientists, and the U-M Center for This University rendering puts the ‘quad’ in North Quad. P. 7 News 01.24.07

nethe michigan ws. review Cash-strapped Congress Considers Passing Taxpayer Dollars on to privately-funded Greek Houses for Renovations and Upkeep

By Kelly Cavanaugh, ‘10

hen entering most fraternities on campus, it is likely one will see an array of Wdeteriorating furniture among beer-stained walls and carpets because of party-filled weekends. After sifting through the damage and debris, one may wonder if renovations to fraternities and sororities on campus are justified. According to the U.S. Congress, they are. The Collegiate Housing Infrastructure Act of 2005, which includes corresponding House and Senate bills, was designed to provide tax-deductible financial contributions to make infrastructure improvements to chapter houses. This financial aid would work in the same way that the tax code currently allows colleges and universities to use tax-deductible contributions to improve university owned student housing on campus. The current Internal Revenue Code prohibits fraternities and sororities from the same access to financial contributions. Organizations that support fraternities and sororities -fi nancially are currently only allowed to raise and/or use current funds to make renovations. Many of the fraternities and sororities are placing emphasis on providing up-to-date “safe” housing, as well as meeting and dining areas for their members. Dan Nye, president of Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) Fraternity, commented that the dete- rioration of fraternity houses is inevitable due to the sheer number of brothers that occupy Houses like Michigan’s PIKE would receive money for construction under the the house. Nye stated that many fraternities receive financing for renovations from their House’s new legislation vast alumni support; however, the PIKE house is currently using designated housing funds

action and the possibility auditing. The question of regulating membership also becomes an issue, because it is question- able if sororities and fraternities would still be able to determine membership, or if the restrictions on brothers and sisters and live-in guests change to similarly represent university Congress hands out subsidies to some of the best-fund- owned student housing. ed groups on campuses nationwide. While considering the benefits that the potential financial contributions may have and debating the consequences, original motivation behind these proposed bills is unclear. Has Congress suddenly become the good guy or could they just be trying to weasel stiff regula- tions onto college campuses? The possibility for federal regulations and auditing could both possibly place a stigma on Greek life as a whole on campuses nationwide. While these bills might improve the safety of fraternities and sororities, a debt-burdened for “regular clean-ups and small repairs.” Nye concluded that financial contributions for Congress must decide if it is willing to allocate money to organizations whose sole purpose renovations would be beneficial. is social and extra-curricular. MR There are reasons to be concerned with accepting federal money. Fraternities and so- rorities might be exposing themselves to a set of federal requirements, a predicate for state

Political Poet Returns to Campus during MLK Day Symposium

By Adam Paul, ‘08 fifth time that the University Musical Society Eastern man to connect Japanese internment ducing an echo like blowing over an empty has sponsored work by Sundiata. to modern-day events, seem like recycled cri- bottle. he Power Center became a stage In the program, Sundiata explained, tiques, the performance incorporated origi- The show’s conclusion attempted to rec- Tfor a politically-charged performance “living in the aftermath of 9/11, I feel an nal commentary. Sundiata delivered a tense oncile its social critiques and establish that when poet/musician Sekou Sundiata per- urgent and renewed engagement with what poem in the voice of a person in the World an Ameri- formed his new composition 51st (Dream) it means to be an American.” The compo- Trade Center after the attack that generates can Dream State. The show served as the Memorial Per- sition, which combined spoken word, jazz, sheer terror, even describing a smashed brain is still pos- formance for this year’s Martin Luther King vocal performances, and video presenta- as “ticking.” One of the female vocalists per- sible. The Sundiata, a Symposium. The performance marked the tions gave various takes on citizenship. At formed a revamped version of “Aquarius” questioning recognized first glance, the perfor- that prodded America’s conflation of - re left the po- mance seemed prepared ligion and state. She sang, “if the English litical and performer, to slip into uninteresting language was good enough for Jesus Christ, became es- pop cynicism. When the then it’s good enough for me.” This fit with oteric, ask- made his pre- stage opened, “Empire” later poems that ironically lamented the rise ing “what was projected across the of multilingualism. makes us sentation at screen. After as rolling While the performance drew inspira- h u m a n ? ” the trailer, a la Star Wars, the tion from modern events, this did not stop While the prompt asks if this new it from reaching into history. Sundiata valo- show at- Powers role “will cost America its rized President Lincoln for his ability to tempted to soul?” “change his mind.” The comment obviously c o n c l u d e Center Sundiata echoed pokes fun at the “stay the course” mentality on a high during the American expansionism of the White House. In poking fun at the note with a in the piece that provides 50’s vision of social unity, the vocalists sing renewed joy, MLK Week inspiration for the title. the Mickey Mouse Club song while Sundaita one could He contemplated the as- recited a string of racial slurs directed at Af- not escape festivities. cension of Hawaii and rican-Americans. the litany Alaska and the impact of The performance incorporated a range of issues Puerto Rico becoming the of musical styles. Soulful jazz and tradition- raised moments before. Yet the instrumental 51st state. He quiped that al Indian music complemented the varying performers continued to play an upbeat jam no one ever expected that emotions of the poetry. Late in the show, even after the house-lights rose. MR “the next state would be musicians began to produce unusual sounds. war.” The drummer twirled his symbol with the While some pieces, blunt edge of this drumstick to produce a such as a video that cuts sketching vibration. Another performer en- between an elderly Japa- tered numbers into a cell-phone and ran a nese woman and a Middle microphone along the edge of bowl pro- P. 8 News 01.23.07

nethe michigan ws. review Textbook Forum Addresses Rising Prices, but Offers Few Solutions Student government, professors, book-sellers discuss the details of costly process

By Anna Malecke, ‘10 speak about efforts to decrease the burden “The most money is generated from new his courses available online prior to the first of textbook purchases for students. “We editions.” day of class. Jason Daida, a professor in the What breaks students’ budgets? Sur- want to get this resolved as soon as possible; The process is simple. Publishers pro- College of Engineering, uses slides to sup- prisingly, the biggest budget buster is not en- we know the cost of education continues to duce a new version of practically the same plement his teaching. “We offload the texts ergy drinks, or even coffee. In fact, it wreaks rise,” said Lester Monts, Senior Vice Provost text every few years, and they often recall old and use the printing allocation,” he said. As its effects on bank accounts and credit card and Professor of Music. texts so that only the most recent editions a student once, he understands the predica- bills at the very beginning of each semester. Of course, the bookstores themselves can be purchased. “We aren’t allowed to or- ment many students find themselves in. He It is, of course, the unavoidable purchase of are easiest to blame for textbook prices. der old editions,” said Alexander. said, “I remember having to choose whether textbooks. However, Karl Pohrt, owner of Shaman Last December, a textbook task force I was going to eat or buy the text.” The average student spends 900 dol- Drum Bookstore, stated that the average was chartered at the University of Michi- Although MSA and LSA-SG sponsored lars on textbooks each year. Consequently, bookstore only gains a net profit of 4.9 per- gan to address the problem of rising pric- the forum and brought in interesting per- the $8 million textbook industry is flourish- cent of every dollar they make. University es. Brenda Gunderson, senior lecturer of spectives on the textbook price quandary, no ing from prices that are rising at more than bookstores are feeling the both the frustra- statistics, was invited to chair the task force solution to the rising prices is in sight, either four times the inflation rate from all finished tion of students and the effects of the bur- comprised of both students and professors in Ann Arbor or anywhere else in the nation. goods, according to the Bureau of Labor geoning online book business. “It’s not as who will gather data, prioritize the issues, Furthermore, the general lack of student Statistics Producer Price Index. much fun to sell books as it used to be,” said and then, hopefully, produce some sort of involvement in the forum—most attendees This explains why the price of textbooks Pohrt. solution. “We are expected to come up with were members of student government— was chosen as the topic of the first of many If the stores are not responsible for recommendations by the end of March,” Dr. demonstrated that, despite well-intentioned campus issues forums jointly hosted by the rising prices, then who is? “In the end, we Gunderson said. efforts, University students may have to grin Michigan Student Assembly (MSA) and are looking at a cost coming primarily from Several professors are also individually and bear it, and cough up the cash, for some the LSA Student Government (LSA-SG). publishers and not from stores,” said Co- making their own efforts to protect their time. MR The forum assembled a panel of Univer- lette Alexander, a textbook buyer for Sha- students’ limited budgets. Dr. Stephen Dar- sity professors and administrators, as well as man Drum. Jadwiga Sipowska, lecturer in wall, Director of the LSA Honors Program, the owner of Shaman Drum Bookstore, to the University’s chemistry department, said, makes all of the titles of the texts studied in

University Fundraising Campaign Seeks to Make a ‘Difference’

By Marie Cour, ‘08 other schools, including academic, athletic, from better professors and the improved students to help recruit volunteers for the and research programs. For a school that reputation of the departments. Peace Corps after President John F. Kennedy mong the various issues that strives to meet the interests of a large com- U-M appeals to the public for money announced the program on U-M’s campus. APresident Mary Sue Coleman champi- munity, it is unsurprising that there is such a by highlighting the accomplishments of for- All the same, the Michigan Difference oned during the previous fall semester, the great demand for resources. mer students. On the website promoting plays an important role in the lives of the Michigan Difference has received the least The Student Publications Board wants attention. As the University’s main fundrais- $250,000 to create a digital archive of The ing effort, its level of success and prestige Michigan Daily. The Clements Library re- will greatly influence the future of Michigan. quested funds to create a permanent cura- Students are not the main beneficiaries of the program. The Michigan Difference attracts a substan- torship of American culinary history, which tial amount of U-M’s resources, and it is an may be a riveting field with a growing body Most of the organizations that requested money will important, if less-discussed, issue on cam- of research, but it is unlikely to draw large use the largest portion of its funds to support faculty pus. crowds to campus. research... Initially launched in 2004, the campaign However, even when successful, stu- has raised more than $2 billion of the $2.5 dents are not the main beneficiaries of the billion it hopes to generate in its quest to cre- program. Most of the organizations that ate a better university. The money will be requested money will use the largest portion the campaign, they mention many alumni students at U-M. There is a link to the web- used to support the University of Michigan of its funds to support faculty research, with who have made significant contributions to site on our homepage, it appears in admis- system, including the main campus’s sister only a small portion of money reserved for society. Alumni mentioned on the Michi- sions materials, and its fundraising campaign schools in Dearborn and Flint. Although students in the department. Scholarships for gan Difference’s website include Dr. Samuel is visible across campus. On some level, the amount of money the Michigan Differ- students receive significantly less funding. Broder, the doctor who first used AZT to Michigan recognizes the importance of its ence hopes to raise is startling at first glance, By itself, raising money to support the fac- treat HIV; Gerald Ford, the 38th president students, both past and present, as a source the ultimate goals of the project are rather ulty and researchers at the University does of the United States; and Betty Smith, the of funding. MR modest: it wants to raise funds for many not necessarily work against the interests author of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. The cam- campus programs that set U-M apart from of students. Students will certainly benefit paign also mentions the work of Michigan

Lawmakers Consider Expanding, Reducing Sales Tax In the face of $1 billion budget shortfall, Michigan congress looks to tax services

By Jonny Slemrod, ‘10 The majority of resistance to a sales tax would contribute to what they call an “anti- Florida and Massachusetts both adopted a on services comes from Michigan business business” climate in Michigan. sales tax on services in 1987 and 1990, re- ith a projected state budget organizations, in particular, the Michigan Some fear “tax pyramiding,” a term spectively. Both instances were met with Wdeficit of $1 billion for the current Chamber of Commerce, which acts as a which describes a situation in which busi- fierce resistance and were repealed quickly. and 2007-2008 fiscal years, Michigan Demo- lobbying organization for nearly 6,300 busi- nesses are subject to the sales tax multiple Michigan legislators would need to carefully crats and Republicans alike are brainstorm- nesses in Michigan. In a press release entitled times throughout the production of their study these cases to learn from their mis- ing a viable tax replacement which would “Sales Tax on Services: Why It’s a Bad Idea,” goods. In an ideal plan, the sales tax would takes and to craft a tax ideal for Michigan’s help ease the staggering deficit while main- the chamber noted several reasons why the only be applied in the transfer of the goods unique economy. taining funding for vital public services such tax should not be implemented. from the business to the final consumer. If a sales tax on services is enacted in as public schools and community health One major concern the chamber pres- From a purely economic standpoint, a Michigan, the economic climate for some programs. Following the elimination of the ents is that a tax on services would dispro- sales tax on services makes sense. If it is as- businesses may change drastically. The idea Single Business Tax (SBT), several politi- portionately hurt small or medium-sized sumed that all businesses benefit from the brings a new hope for legislators to help cians and public policy experts are pushing businesses that may not have the resources public goods and services which contrib- eliminate the rising state deficit, but it could for what they see as a solution to the deficit to provide for important services such as le- ute to our state’s infrastructure, there is no also pose pitfalls to the government in the problem: an extension of Michigan’s sales gal representation without outsourcing. Un- reason why only stores selling retail goods definition and enforcement of the tax. If tax to services. like larger businesses and corporations (for should be required to contribute. Addition- carefully constructed, the tax could play a If created and enacted, everything from example, GM or Ford), they do not have ally, it makes sense to have a broad tax base major part in alleviating Michigan’s budget dry cleaning to appliance repairs would be in-house legal staffs whose services would with a reduced rate, which is what a bill woes. Regardless of opposition, the sales taxed. However, the tax would exclude medi- not be subject to taxation. According to the would encompass. tax is being strongly considered by legisla- cal services. The current tax rate would be Chamber of Commerce, this would shift the However, administering and defining the tors. MR reduced from six percent to five percent. tax burden towards smaller businesses, and tax may create difficulty for the government. P. 9 News 01.24.07 news/opinion. the michigan review Additionally, Professor Scott Page stat- any additional members needed, and then By Any Means Necessary stated that their “Diversity” ed that he originally proposed the idea of schedule a meeting that involves a large num- fight against Proposal 2 would not halt. From Page 1 having a Diversity Task Force. “My original ber of people with very busy schedules.” “We are not going to accept resegrega- proposal was for an open process to which Regardless of the questions surrounding tion. The public has no way to take away our of town. everyone could contribute to helping Michi- the composition of the task force, the group first amendment rights,” said Luke Massey, Provost Lester Monts, co-chair of the gan a better place,” he said. began a series of public hearings. Almost all the national co-chair for BAMN. Task Force, was one of the few members One committee member seemed con- of the committee members attended and Mary Cruz Lopez, the co-chair for to respond to our questions. According to fused about the selection process. “I don’t the few visitors that were present were given BAMN at U-M went even further. “Proposal Monts, “The invitation to join the Diversity even know how I was selected to serve on a chance to state their thoughts on ways to 2 got on the ballot because of fraud and de- Blueprints Task Force was issued by Presi- the committee,” said Professor David Mun- promote diversity on campus. While some ception. We have investigated the U-M cam- dent Coleman to draw together some of son, a committee member. ideas were constructive and creative, the fo- pus and have found students and professors the University’s most experienced and cre- Provost Monts explained the delay in rum quickly devolved into a rally pledging to that signed to get Proposal 2 on the ballot ative authorities on the academic life of the launching the committee, “It can and does continue combating the legality of Proposal because they were purposely deceived,” she University, diversity, and related topics,” he take a good amount of time to choose and 2. said. MR stated. invite members to join a committee, invite Representatives from the activist group

This Isn’t Your Father’s Liberalism By Nick Cheolas, Editor-in-Chief These students take to the Diag to spit Instead, we got a barrage of guest ates, “Don’t wait, and change the world.” cute little statistics like “seventy-two percent speakers pining for a “pluralist common- Well working to outlaw abortion would ast November, at an editor’s of all illicit drug users are white, yet blacks wealth,” demanding immediate withdrawal be a fine example of “changing the world.” Lconference in Arizona, I spoke about constitute 58 percent of those incarcerated from Iraq, praising “socially-responsible But I don’t think that’s what anybody my experience as a conservative journal- for drug felonies!” enterprises,” and rapping. around here had in mind. ist on a predominantly liberal campus. In Of course, they could just as easily For our final exam, we were to develop Of course, there is nothing inherently front of several generations of conserva- scream “Blacks make up only 12.3 percent a five-year plan (no pun intended) for living wrong with supporting liberal policies. I tives, I focused on what I have come to of the population, but constitute 58 percent in Detroit, and, of course, explain how support some myself. But many college perceive as a sharp dichotomy between the of those incarcerated for drug felonies.” we would “relate to the community.” I students aren’t supporting these policies conservative experience in liberal academia Both statements are true. Both statements received a disappointingly low grade on the based on an analysis of the complexity of today and that experience a decade or two are based on statistics. And neither is project, which my professor partially attrib- the issue. They are pushed in that direc- ago. any more than a simple talking point that uted to the fact that “[my] own role tended tion by classes that promote liberal activism The difference is simple. No longer ignores the complexity of the issue. to get left out” of the discussion. under the guise of “learning.” are conservative students shouted down in But it is exactly this complexity that I’m sorry. I thought my history course It is no wonder why students at Ameri- classrooms or expelled because of the na- should be tackled in a course on the Ameri- on Detroit would focus on things like “his- can universities struggle to comprehend the ture of their views. Now, college students can criminal justice system. Surely, Profes- tory” and “Detroit.” history of our nation and its institutions. face a much more subtle form of liberal sor Alexander covers this in his lectures. So maybe conservatives are no longer We’ve eschewed teaching and learning in indoctrination – one that manifests itself in Only, according to his students, Alex- being shouted down in classes or ridiculed favor of discussion groups about the plight seemingly benign courses at elite universi- ander “rarely lectures.” on the Diag. Instead, they are stuck in a lib- of murderers and vague concepts of “social ties, and one that few social science majors Instead, per the course guide, the eral activist training camp more commonly justice,” “change,” and “diversity.” can avoid. course focuses on “continual deepening known as college, where they are reminded In less than a year, I’ll be in law school. Last month’s Michigan Daily provided and developing of a class discussion that is over and over again about racism, injustice, Here’s to hoping I’m taught more about a glimpse into one of these courses. A grounded in the basic questions: who are oppression, and inequality. law, and less about myself. MR front page article entitled “Class Action” we, who am I in one of the most incarcer- Then, when they leave, they’re told, as examined Professor Buzz Alexander’s class, ating states in the most incarcerating nation President Coleman told December gradu- “Incarceration & Citizenship” – a course in the world” and intends to “broaden that, according to the Daily, seeks to “foster students’ understanding of incarceration activism.” and to motivate and engage them in acts of The formula is pretty simple: lecture citizenship.” students on the “plight of American prison- What? ers.” Take them to local area prisons where So instead of a professor transmitting they can work on art projects with prison- knowledge to his or her students – also ers. Teach them some nifty little facts and known as “teaching” – students deeply statistics, and voila! A couple months later discuss “who they are” and engage in “acts you’ve got kids handcuffing themselves to of citizenship.” each other, fasting on the Diag, and telling Admittedly, I’ve never enrolled in Pro- the victims of violent crimes that their fessor Alexander’s course. But I have taken attackers should receive psychological coun- many courses that have taken a much more seling, not jail time. subtle approach to spurring liberal activism. Of course, it is not ridiculous to hold Last semester, I enthusiastically en- these particular views, nor is it wrong to rolled in History 393 – Detroit Politics and stage protests. What is bothersome is Uni- Community Organizing, hoping that by versity courses seek to foster activism rather taking a history course on Detroit, I could than educate students. learn about history and Detroit.

Enjoy our paper?

You’d enjoy writing for us even more.

Email [email protected] P. 10 Arts & Culture 01.23.07

artsthe michigan & review culture. Loving Versus Virginia—Forty Years After the Legalization of Interracial Marriage

By Jane Coaston, ‘09 fact that he separated the races shows that he did not intend finds the parental disapproval particularly difficult. “My par- for the races to mix.” The Supreme Court disagreed, and ents have sort of a hierarchy of race—who’s smarter, richer, he case was Loving v. Virginia. The plaintiffs were when presented with the case nine years after the Lovings’ better-looking. Chinese boys first, any other Asian boys sec- TRichard Perry Loving, a white man, and Mildred Jeter, arrest, the court overturned laws banning biracial marriages. ond, American boys third, Hispanics, blacks, everything else a black woman. They were married in Washington D.C. in Twelve years after the Supreme Court decision, Byron 1958, leaving their home state of Virginia to avoid prosecu- and Jody Coaston married. They met while working as teach- tion under racial purity laws. He was twenty-four at the time ers in an adult education center. “He was the most interesting of their marriage, she was eighteen. They had grown up on person I had ever met. He still is,” said Jody. “We finish each the same street in Central Point, Virginia. After returning other’s sentences, we laugh at the same things; we speak the Their only problem? “Well-meaning home from Washington, they were dragged out of bed in the same language, basically.” After nearly thirty years together, middle of the night. the Coastons have raised two biracial children, and have al- liberals. It’s embarrassing to be told The Lovings pled guilty to violating existing laws on in- lowed them to draw their own conclusions about race. Their how ‘inspiring’ you are. People are terracial marriage relationship, in actuality, has very little to do with race. Their convinced we’ve been persecuted, and agreed to only problem? “Well-meaning liberals. It’s embarrassing to leave the state for be told how ‘inspiring’ you are. People are convinced we’ve and when we tell them we haven’t twenty-five years been persecuted, and when we tell them we haven’t been, been, they think we’re naïve.” in exchange for they think we’re naïve,” said Coaston. serving jail time. For Sharmistha Das, an Indian student at Yale Univer- The judge stated sity, and Brian Inkrot, a white student at the University of in his opinion Georgia, the problems that come with an interracial relation- that “Almighty ship were more complicated. She is a dedicated Hindu; he is last.” But within the relationship, “race generally doesn’t God created a Catholic. But they found ways to make it work. “I found play a role unless (the other person) is really connected to the races white, myself explaining various different Indian cultural norms their ethnicity or racial background.” Sarah considers herself black, yellow, that he didn’t necessarily understand. He was always recep- Americanized in her beliefs and mannerisms, which bridges Malay and red, tive and curious to learn more. He seemed to treat these the gap that could have existed between Nick and herself. and he placed differences the same way he treated any other personality Michigan has been very open to her relationship- “It’s such a them on sepa- differences between us.” But within the Indian community, diverse place. Biracial couples are everywhere.” rate continents. acceptance of interracial relationships varies. Many of the Interracial marriage has now been legal for forty years. And but for the cultural differences are based on religion, and couples that Once thought to result in the “mongrelization of society,” interference with don’t share the same faith face more problems. “The Indian it has become fairly commonplace. But every couple faces The plaintiffs of the landmark his arrangement community I’m a part of is very traditional and generally difficulties, and interracial couples are no exception. Out- case, the Lovings...looking very there would be frowns upon interracial dating.” side opinions and judgment can be cruel. But as Jody says “I Loving no cause for such Here at the University, two students, Sarah and Nick, have don’t care what they say, I care how they treat us.” MR marriages. The faced their own problems. Sarah, who is Chinese-American,

Learning to ‘American Pie’ Comes to the University be Happy...at School Once-strong UM, Greek tradition the subject of latest teen-aimed movie

By Danielle Putnam, ‘08 By Christina Zajicek, ‘10 an increase in the number of participants, of diversity, which they name the School for peaking at ten thousand streakers in 1998. the Vertically Challenged. Before the game, hen people are asked what s the movie industry spits out In the movie, a high school senior, Eric when asked how the school was started, one Wtheir ultimate life goal is, the answer is Acontinuing sequels of the American Pie Stifler, decides to visit his older cousin at U of the members of the VC-School explains often one simple word: happiness. The plan series, one might wonder why American Pie of M in order to experience college life to with one word, “Legacy.” for achieving this goal varies; one person 5: The Naked Mile is memorable. Suppos- the fullest. Embarrassed by his status as the After playing football, when Eric passes may think that earning over a million dollars edly, the theme of the fifth installment of last remaining virgin in high school, as well by what appears to be the Law Quad, one a year will lead to happiness and another may the raunchy teen comedy is inspired by the as the pressures of having to uphold the Sti- of his high school friends describes how think that volunteering at a soup kitchen will University of Michigan’s long-standing tra- fler family legacy of sexual competence, Eric happy he will be to attend U-M. When Eric bring him happiness. An interesting question dition. feels he can overcome his shame by partici- comments how it arises, then, when one considers whether or pating in the Naked Mile. Eric’s experience was possible that not it is actually possible to teach someone in the Naked Mile, surrounded by thousands he could be ad- how to be happy, especially considering that of other unclothed students, is a fairly good mitted since he is The naked mile, the definition seems to be, much like one’s representation of the race when it occurred “five points above started in 1986 fingerprints, different for each person. a decade ago, but now things have changed. brain dead,” his by members of According to a recent New York Times Due to increasing safety concerns from friend confidently the rowing and article, researchers, such as Martin Seligman- the police, Michigan Student Assembly, assures him that Director of the University of Pennsylvania SAPAC, and other university officials since he had the “alum- lacrosse teams, Positive Psychology Center- and Professor 2000, on the Naked Mile has dwindled down ni connections.” sent students Todd Kashdan of George Mason Univer- to a few dozen students who run while still T h o u g h sprinting nude sity, say it is possible to teach someone how wearing some clothing. The movie does still American Pie: through campus to be happy. Seligman suggests that posi- manage to take a few “humorous” jabs at The Naked Mile as a means of tive psychology teaches people how to find the University. During a fraternity party at is inspired by the the worth of life which will ultimately lead fictional Beta Delta Epsilon, an officer from University of celebrating the to their happiness. Professor Kashdan at- the Department of Public Safety walks in Michigan, vir- winter semes- tempts to teach his students the necessary and stops the party. The cop walks up to the tually all of the ter’s last day of methods for achieving this goal; this in- table and informs everyone that no one is al- comparisons are classes. cludes participating in yoga classes as well lowed to drink…at least, until he participates outdated, such as as donating clothes. After participating in in a drinking game himself. the admissions such events, classroom discussion revolves Beta Delta Epsilon is also involved in point system that takes into account legacy around the students’ experiences and emo- intramural football, and has to play against a and alumni connection, as well as exaggerat- tions. The only assignments are short pa- fraternity of little people. It is tradition that ing the popularity of the Naked Mile. pers about the student’s self-discovery and when alumni donate to U of M, they have the Not a movie to be taken seriously (at all), level of happiness before and after the ac- The naked mile, started in 1986 by mem- opportunity to name various schools within it is difficult to find any major parallels, but bers of the rowing and lacrosse teams, sent the University, as happened with the Stephen at least the makers of American Pie made U- students sprinting nude through campus as M. Ross School of Business. The latter fra- M look like an fun place to be. MR See “Happiness” a means of celebrating the winter semester’s ternity has started their own school within Page 11 last day of classes. The following years saw the University in order to promote a sense P. 11 Arts & Culture 01.24.07

artsthe michigan & review culture. End of an Era Teen Favorites The OCand TRL to Depart Airwaves

Once strong contenders for young viewers, two television shows that served as cultural icons will soon be gone

By Amanda Nichols, ‘07 based Tally Hall—vied to have their music played by Mischa Barton, died in a car crash. on the show, for it meant almost certain and Even novice television viewers know that t’s the end of an era, or perhaps the long sudden stardom; perhaps the best example killing off a main character means the show Inational nightmare is over. Either way, of this is Death Cab for Cutie. Relatively has certainly “jumped the shark.” teen favorite The OC is about to depart unknown in the mainstream music scene, Along with the seemingly imminent television airwaves for good, and it appears Death Cab was a favorite of everyone’s fa- cancellation of TRL, what does this once- MTV’s Total Request Live will soon follow vorite dorky emo kid and OC main charac- popular show’s departure signify? Perhaps suit after. ter, Seth Cohen (played by Adam Brody), as a culture shift in popular entertainment has For the first few seasons, The OC some- well as of the show’s creator, Josh Schwartz. occurred. Instead of a purely soapy drama how inexplicably reached the “cultural phe- Schwartz even like The nomenon” level. Ratings were high, the show c o n v i n c e d OC, maybe was witty and well-written, its cast members Death Cab to teen audi- were suddenly A-list celebrities, and the pro- perform on Along with the quickly approaching ences are gram even spawned a look-a-like reality show the show itself cancellation of TRL, what does this once- drawn to- and, suddenly, ward Ugly millions of popular show’s departure signify? Perhaps Betty, a teenage girls a culture shift in popular entertainment show with e v e r y w h e r e has occurred. an underly- were humming ing substan- “Sound of Set- tive message The cast in better days—before coke tling.” about cul- habits and college admission deci- But, oh, how the mighty fall. The four tural norms. But then again, perhaps the hot sions ruined their lives. main characters were splitting up to go to docs of Seattle Grace Hospital and Grey’s different colleges, and such an experience is Anatomy have simply lured away traditional an almost certain death sentence for a pro- OC viewers. Square or muscular boys skipping school gram. The OC couldn’t remain long at the Regardless of the destination of the and yelling shout-outs to their friends, sub- precipice where it was so perilously situated, show’s fleeting viewers, television executives sequent generations will have to find a new Does anybody want their MTV but few fans of the show imagined the fall must come up with a new formula to target avenue of entertainment. More importantly, anymore? would be so drastic. Perhaps the most em- teen and young adult viewers. While many they must also find new harbingers of the blematic moment of this sharp decline oc- college students grew up watching TRL after “teen values” that these shows almost effort- curred in the season three finale last May, school, determining their musical tastes from lessly encompassed for so long. MR in MTV’s Laguna Beach: The Real Orange when Marissa Cooper, the rich girl-turned- truncated music videos played between clips County. Bands—including the Ann Arbor- lesbian-turned-coke-addict drama queen, of screaming girls waving signs in Times

“Happiness” From Page 10 Idiocracy Shows Farce of Future -tivities. It sounds like the perfect class rather those who reproduced the most. Since a pro-wrestler and porn star, who speaks – no exams and, more or less, a free therapy By Michael O’Brien, ‘08 individuals of low IQs tend to have higher before the “House of Representin.’” The session. However, some academics argue fertility than the smarter, we find that soci- court system is something between Judge that teaching happiness is not really possible he release of a witty, dark come- ety has devolved in 500 years to make people Judy and Jerry Springer. All food is fast and that it is simply a therapy session. Ac- Tdy by Mike Judge, the director of Office stupider. Standard English has devolved into food (the chain Carl Jr.’s advertising slogan cording to communications professor, Rus- Space and the creator of King of the Hill “a hybrid of hillbilly, valley girl, and inner- is, “Fuck you! I’m eating!”). Additionally, all sell Neuman, you can’t really teach someone would seem, on paper, like it is destined for water has been replaced by the sports drink to be happy. Neuman likens it to teaching box-office glory. But this was not the case Brawndo, causing a massive dust bowl. (Joe someone baseball saying, “You can teach with the virtually straight-to-DVD movie, asks why the plants aren’t watered. Someone them about baseball but that won’t make Idiocracy, the latest by Judge which seems responds, “But Brawndo’s got what plants them good baseball players.” He does con- sure to become a cult classic. crave—electrolytes.”) clude, however, that, “…you can teach stu- Idiocracy is the story of Joe Bauers The movie suggests that Americans dents a lot about what is elusive and what is (Luke Wilson), a man who is literally the are being increasingly mesmerized by cheap real about subjective well being.” most statistically average Joe in the Army. He sex, violence, entertainment, advertising But what if it were possible to teach and another volunteer, a lady of the night and food. The future is one that is willingly happiness? How would it affect the campus named Rita played by SNL’s Maya Rudolph, dominated by major corporations and big- community – in particular, the University of join an Army experiment that is supposed to box stores. (Joe’s lawyer went to law school Michigan? LSA junior, and biopsychology place them in hibernation for a year. at Costco. He got in because his dad was an major, Karolin Bakow said, “I think a ‘hap- Instead, by some oversight, Joe and Rita alumnus.) In a world where American Idol piness course’ would completely change the wake up 500 years later to find that the world is a runaway hit, and with marketing com- atmosphere around here, especially during is overrun by absolute fools. How did this panies constantly looking for new places to the winter because so many people get de- happen? The omniscient narrator explains. advertise, Idiocracy’s plot seems strangely pressed.” Although this is a valid point and At the dawn of the 21st Century, with no plausible. the lessons of the class probably would af- natural predators left, human evolution no You have not heard about Idiocracy be- fect the atmosphere on campus, could such longer rewarded the best and brightest, but cause after it was produced, its distributor, a class have any real academic standing? Fox, sat on it for a year. Its screen-testing Psychology professor Stephanie Pres- suggested that it would not play well to the ton, teaches Psychology 447 which focuses als from lecture and readings in developing movie-goers, and numerous corporations on emotions. The class is meant to take a their strategic vision. If that is done, it is objected to Judge’s skewering of them by look at the evolutionary aspects, empiri- entirely legitimate.” the film. So Fox eventually released it to an cal evidence of the effects of emotions on So, yes, there are classes at the Univer- city slang.” Joe is literally the smartest man extremely small market, with literally zero one’s behavior, along with other aspects of sity of Michigan which are in a similar line alive. trailers or advertising for the movie. It was emotions and their relation to psychology. as the one at George Mason. However, Judge’s dystopian comedy proves a sub- then sent straight to DVD. However, it is more than just a therapy ses- these classes actually require some degree of tly biting critique of the present by depicting The irony, of course, is delightful. A sion for students – there are exams, reading work and thinking. While we are not likely the world towards which we’re slouching. film that challenges the masses and the com- materials, and lectures. Professor Neuman to see any courses that let emotions rule the Judge’s future is a world where everyone’s panies in a hilarious way is eventually done in also teaches a similar class, American Cul- classroom, students at the University can still that dumb kid from high school. In the fu- by their dulled senses and antipathy, respec- ture 200, Academic Paradox. Of this class benefit from more structured courses when ture of “Uh-Merica,” advertising is literally tively. Maybe we’re headed down the path he says, “The Academic Paradox course very they apply them to their lives outside the everywhere—from clothes, to the Ameri- towards an idiocracy, after all. MR clearly instructs students to draw on materi- classroom. MR can flag. The “President of America” is P. 12 Features 01.23.07

feature.the michigan review A First Step for Regional Transit: Multi-Party Negotia- tions May Yield Valuable Ann Arbor-Detroit Rail Link Amtrak and SEMCOG must meet with Norfolk Southern to plan for more frequent inter-city service of Detroit) residents voted to oust SMART service from its city, sending a signal that it desires no such transit link to Detroit. The lack of a reliable, comprehensive transit system for the metropolitan area is seen as an indicator of the disharmony among municipal factions in metro Detroit, and it goes hand in hand with the automo- bile-based built environment where the ma- jority of southeast Michigan residents live. Suburban sprawl has afflicted all metro areas, but metro Detroit has experienced one of the most dramatic regional popula- tion shifts in American history, leading to the majority of its population now being located in a low-density landscape surround- ing the city limits at a considerable distance. It is hard for any transit system to cover such a sprawling landscape, and even harder to get people to use it in an automobile-geared infrastructure. In addition, while downtown Detroit is a major economic center housing corporate and professional headquarters, there area other employment centers in the region, including Southfield, Livonia, -War ren, Troy, and others. Thus, there is no clear destination for any critical mass of commut- ers. Needless to say, traffic patterns in the area are very complex, and SEMCOG has Brian Biglin/The Michigan Review had its work cut out for it in planning transit An Amtrak train prepares to depart the Detroit station after delivering passengers from Chicago, Kalamazoo, Ann Ar- solutions. bor, and other points. Ann Arbor to Detroit service may become much more frequent in the near future. Amid all of these complications, De- troit and Ann Arbor have emerged as fa- By Brian Biglin, ‘08 and a guarantee that they will not be put in Overall ridership of this AMTRAK route vored endpoints for a possible commuter a position of subsidizing commuter opera- increased 11.5 percent in 2005, with num- rail line, because they are already linked by he first and most important link tions. bers for 2006 not yet released, according to rails and have a significant corridor of jobs Tin a long-studied but never-implement- The Virginia-based Norfolk Southern AMTRAK. The Ann Arbor depot, located and the international airport between them. ed regional transit plan for southeast Michi- runs six freight trains per day along the rail in Kerrytown, was the state’s busiest station. Although the most recent SEMCOG study gan--a commuter-rail connection between shared by Amtrak, so it is widely thought Even if frequent rail service between showed, not surprisingly, that interest in Detroit and Ann Arbor--could be closer to that they will be able to allow the much more Detroit and Ann Arbor becomes a reality, such a link for daily commuting purposes becoming a reality than ever. much of metro Detroit will still be without was not high enough to justify the building Amtrak Media Relations Manager Marc bus service, let alone any train service. of such a system, the availability of so many Magliari said that “productive” negotiations Metro Detroit transit is limited to rails has made an experiment, which could between Amtrak and the Southeast Michi- SEMCOG is looking to the under-funded Detroit Department of provide much more information than addi- gan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) Transportation bus system and the SMART tional costly studies, very appealing. regarding the creation of a frequent connec- create a demonstration (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional There are many fronts to the regional tion between the two cities occurred when line which, if successful, Transit) bus system, which connects select transit issue for Detroit, but SEMCOG has the two parties met in Detroit last month. will become permanent suburban destinations to the central city. signaled that the Ann Arbor to Detroit link SEMCOG is looking to create a demonstra- SMART, however, has never taken off in is a major priority, and with active negotia- tion line which, if successful, will become and will recieve $100 mil- car-happy suburban Detroit, and is used by tions underway, the fate of this route will be permanent and will receive $100 million in lion in federal funding. roughly 40,000 per day in a metro area of a bellwether for the future expansion, or federal funding. Amtrak currently links Ann many millions, according to SMART’s last an- lack thereof, of transit in southeast Michi- Arbor and Detroit with three times-daily nual report. Recently, Livonia (a suburb west gan. MR trains in each direction as part of its Wol- verine route which extends from Pontiac frequent Amtrak schedule that SEMCOG is to Chicago; because of its infrequency, this pursuing for its demonstration line. service is not widely used as a Detroit-Ann For Amtrak, which already contracts Arbor connector. commuter rail services in Connecticut, It is unclear whether the current Am- Maryland, and California, the anticipated trak station in Detroit’s New Center district costs and equipment needs of the new proj- will be the endpoint for the new, more fre- ect are a primary concern. quent linkage, or if a downtown destination Magliari added that the Michigan De- accessed by slightly different rails will be partment of Transportation, which subsi- pursued, Magliari said. In either case, Am- dizes a once-daily Amtrak connection from trak and SEMCOG will need to continue to Chicago to Lansing and Port Huron, is also consult with the owners of the rails linking a player in the current Detroit-Ann Arbor the two cities, the most prominent of which negotiations. is Norfolk Southern. Magliari said that Nor- Metropolitan Detroit has slowly lost folk Southern is engaging in the discussion reliable mass transit since the Detroit Street and is a willing partner. Rail system, linking downtown Detroit to “Norfolk Southern remains willing to the suburbs with frequent stops along lines discuss any proposal involving commuter following all of the major ‘wheel spoke’ service between Detroit and Ann Arbor,” thoroughfares, was slowly dismantled in the said Rudy Husband, Director of Public Re- last half of the 20th century due to a variety lations for Norfolk Southern Corporation. of reasons. Major passenger rail once fun- Norfolk Southern has certain conditions that neled directly into downtown Detroit, but it expects to be met if SEMCOG contracts now, the only remaining line, the aforemen- Brian Biglin/The Michigan Review Amtrak for this frequent-departure Detroit- tioned Amtrak Wolverine line, which is more The Amtrak station at Woodward and Baltimore in Detroit may be the end Ann Arbor link, including compensation for suited to business travel to and from Chica- point for a possible Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter-style link. the use of their assets, liability protection, go, makes infrequent stops in New Center.