The Soapbox Volume IV Issue 2 March 2008 To protect and protest Diary of an activist disillusioned 11 Heeding the call to service 13

Also in this issue: In praise of 3 The trouble with Hillary 5 Cultural shifts in Spain 17

http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~soapbox The Soapbox Penn’s onlyPenn’s sociopolitical only sociopolitical commentary commentary magazine magazine Letter From the Editor Executive Board Jay Zolle...... Editor-in-Chief got in a fight with my urban studies professor last week. Alicia Puglionesi...... Productions Manager Or, more accurately, I avoided a fight by being the more Sunita Desai...... Financial Manager Imature person after she got personally offended because I asked Josh Stanfield...... Managing Editor if she knew term “conflict theorist” before I used it in a sentence. The “argument” was part of a larger discussion about the qual- Kevin Rodden...... Senior Writer ity of the assigned reading for the class. Because I’ve been a vocal Brandon Paroly...... Publicity Manager opponent of many of the ideas brought up in the class’s ideologically Lydia Abdo...... Internal Programming homogeneous texts, she was concerned that I was being “dismis- sive” of the authors without actually reading the articles carefully to understand the “nuances” of their arguments. I explained that, even Editorial Board Corrina Provey...... ’09 though I think most of them are tired old academics re-publishing dated, regressive ideas, I actually enjoy reading articles with which Nathan Green...... ’10 I disagree. Rather than simply cruising through the pages at break- Bill Shotzbarger...... ’10 neck speed so I can watch more episodes of The Office, reading ridic- Greg Rollman ...... ’11 ulous arguments that are convoluted at best and pedantic at worst Nantina Vgontzas...... ’11 forces me to step back and think critically about what I am reading. Alvin Yap...... ’11 And for us College kids who believe in the value of a liberal arts edu- cation, critical engagement is basically what we’re paying for. If you’re reading this letter, you are hopefully gearing up to read Staff Writers the rest of this stellar sociopolitical publication. And since The Soap- Al Moran...... ’09 box is an open forum representing a diverse group of student writ- Joshua Roberts...... ’09 ers, you are bound to come across ideas with which you respectfully Bob Ma...... ’10 (or not so respectfully) disagree. On behalf of liberal arts education Emerson Brooking...... ’11 advocates everywhere, I challenge you to engage with our authors Noah Rosenstein...... ’11 and express your criticism or support. Our writers shouldn’t have Gideon Spitzer...... ’11 the final say; you have the right to challenge them and keep the dia- Rachel omas...... ’11 logue going. The Soapbox is designed to stimulate conversation and Dave Frankenfield...... ’11 thought, and you can keep these discussions active by contacting Josh Rittenberg...... ’11 our authors with your thoughts and counter-opinions. I welcome you to engage with The Soapbox by emailing us at Guest Writers [email protected] - just note the article that your letter Joe Giese...... ’09 addresses. Our authors aren’t writing just to hear their own voices; they want to spark a broader conversation on campus. Big things are Art provided by Alicia Puglionesi happening in this country and in the world, so if you have an opinion, Photographs by Joe Giese and Will Nunnally now’s the time to speak up. Copyright 2008 e Soapbox. It is forbidden to make any Respectfully, reproductions, in whole or in part, without the express Jay Zolle consent of e Soapbox.

Executive Editor

The Soapbox is an independent student publication of the University of Pennsyl- vania. We strive to provide a balanced and non-partisan publication that critically examines relevant social, economic, and political issues. All articles are chosen by a Board of Editors based on argumentative merit and relevance. All opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not in anyway reflect the opinions or the endorsement of the Editors. The Soapbox Your Take Soapbox editor Nantina Vgontzas asked how you Contents would vote in a hypothetical White House race between Stephen Colbert, Oprah Winfrey, and What could have been Larry King. 3 Biden’s failed presidential bid is the voters’ loss. “I’d choose Colbert. He seems Emerson Brooking very intelligent and knowledgeable about current events, and although The factor he may not have much experience, 4 How a hopeless candidate won the hearts I think he’d be able to learn quickly and fill the position well.” and minds of a cynical generation. -Chelsea Germak, College ‘09 Dave Frankenfield The trouble with Hillary “Larry King: He prob- 5 ably has the most experience America’s first viable woman candidate comes in dealing with diverse people. with too much baggage for the job. Oprah and Colbert are entertain- By Al Moran ers, and I don’t think the purpose of the president is to entertain the American people. They have to be a real person, not just someone who puts on a persona, which is probably reflective of most candi- The Attorney General and the dates in the real presidential elec- 7 tion; you can’t tell if who they present themselves waterboard now is who they will be in office.” Bush’s appointee refuses to condemn torture. -Morgan Hennessy, College ‘09 By Rachel Thomas “Colbert: I like his show, and I 8 The challenge of guerilla warfare don’t like the other people. He’s Has the U.S. military forgotten the lessons of Vietnam? highly critical of the way things are now; he sees the absurdity of the By Noah Rosenstein ways people do things.” Latin America veers left -Kieran Boyle, Wharton ‘11 10 Chavez and company are sounding a hollow socialist mantra. Soapbox editor Nathan Green asked how you feel about a mandatory military service requirement for By Josh Rittenberg young adults. 11 Diary of an activist disillusioned “I don’t think that we should Achieving global change is no easy matter be forced to go into the mil- when you’re too young to buy a beer. itary, but if people want to join, they can.” By Bob Ma - Abhi Hendi, Engineering, 2010 Heeding the call 13 The benefits of mandatory military service. . By Gideon Spitzer “I guess I would push it towards compulsory service of Many faces, one America some sort, maybe not as much 15 Are we a melting pot, a patchwork quilt, or a tossed salad? military service...there’s a lot of positive change that young It’s time to get over our identity issues. people can make.” By Kevin Rodden -Matt Doumar, Wharton, 2009 16 I learned journalism from “I don’t think it’s a good idea Stephen T. Colbert because there are certain people And so can you! who are selfish and you’ve got to By Myrna Minkoff let them be selfish. If they don’t want to fight overseas, they’re The sacred and the profane not going to do a good job there 17 Spain struggles to preserve traditions as glo- anyway.” balization looms. -Akhil Kamani, Engineering/ By Joe Giese Wharton, 2010 The Soapbox, March 2008 2 Election 2008 Underdogs What could have been Biden’s failed bid is the voter’s loss

age of 29, he initiatives, most recently the Biden- was confronted Brownback resolution supporting the almost immedi- federalization of the Iraqi government. ately with the Unlike the other Democratic candidates, deaths of his Biden refused to hasten the end of wife and infant the Iraq war by withholding funds. He daughter and fought hard for legislation to increase serious injuries to funding for IED-resistant vehicles, to the his two sons when vocal disapproval of the Democratic Par- By Emerson Brooking a drunk driver struck ty’s anti-war left. Said Biden, “[I]f you their car. Urged by friends not to resign tell me I’ve got to take away this pro- hile Obama, Clinton, and his post, Biden persevered and has gone tection for these kids in order to win WEdwards were fighting a on to lead the sixth longest career among the election, some things aren’t worth it. vicious, highly publicized currently elected Senators. Committed Some things are worth losing over.” battle in the months leading up to the Regrettably, these credentials Democratic presidential primaries, the “The issue here is not why amounted to little in a race crowded with candidate most qualified for the job – Joe Biden should have received possible “firsts.” Barak Obama, poten- Biden – found himself quietly shunted the Democratic nomination, tially America’s first African-American into a corner. but why his campaign should president, ran a campaign that portrayed Despite campaign season accom- him as an agent for change looking to plishments like a bipartisan resolution have garnered far more cleanse the wicked ways of Washington. advocating the federalization of Iraq and attention than it did.” Hillary Clinton, potentially America’s successful moderation of the Pakistani first female president, ran as a progres- crisis, Biden was still polling in the low to spending as much time as possible sive Washington insider who claimed the single digits just weeks before the Iowa with his two sons, Biden opted out of voice of experience. John Edwards, while caucus. Media coverage of his cam- living in Washington, instead commut- not challenging the white male presiden- paign was sparse or nonexistent. His ing an hour and a half every day so his tial status quo, took pages from both of third quarter fundraising totaled $1.7 family could remain in their Delaware his opponents’ books by running as a million, less than one-sixteenth of Clin- home. Joe Biden is not a millionaire, but sensationally pro-labor candidate quick ton’s third quarter gains. in fact has the second lowest income in to emphasize prior Senate and presiden- Biden’s marginalization as a candi- the Senate. tial campaign trail experience. date does not reflect well on the Demo- His Senate career has been equally Democratic primary voters, remem- cratic Party. One of America’s premiere notable. Biden is a long-time member of bering Kerry’s meandering 2004 general statesmen was ignored by his party, the the Senate Judiciary Committee and the election bid, were quick to support these media, and voters alike not because of current chair of the Foreign Relations fresh, message-focused candidates over any failing of his part, but rather because Committee. He is widely acknowledged the demonstrated competence and ability he could not offer the skin-deep “change” as an expert on foreign policy, as well as of Joe Biden. Obama’s grand campaign championed by the major Democratic a skilled mediator of international crises. for change was preceded by a lackluster candidates. In terms of domestic affairs, Biden is three years in the U.S. Senate. Clinton’s Biden’s story is an extraordinary considered a moderate. His name A life of tragedy and transcendence one. Elected to the U.S. Senate at the is included in many bipartisan Biden’s wife and infant daughter were As a child, Biden suffered from a debil- Biden was elected to the Senate from killed in a car accident soon after his itating stutter, which he overcame by Delaware at the age of 30, becoming the 1972 election victory. He was sworn into spending hours reciting poetry in front 5th youngest U.S. senator in history. office from the bedside of his injured of a mirror. sons, whom he raised as a single parent. 3 The Soapbox, March 2008 Election 2008 Election 2008 Flash-in-the-pan dept. “experience” amounted to a stint as First Lady followed by a modest one and a half Senate terms. Edwards had always been The Ron Paul Factor a maverick, but his rhetoric decrying big business and prais- ing universal health care was far By Dave Frankenfield pace from the current Republican admin- more severe than the views he istration. Internationally, America would had espoused before announcing few short months ago, it seemed like withdraw into itself, nullifying trade agree- his 2008 candidacy. Even Bill A a movement was sweeping college ments such as NAFTA, abrogating all ties Richardson, a man whose ideo- campuses nationwide. Ron Paul was to the U.N. and the World Trade Organi- logical policy proposals had little popping up on sidewalks, in dorm win- zation, and immediately pulling troops out grounding in reality, often polled dows, and at rallies for a significant length of Iraq and severely reducing foreign aid. higher than Biden because of his of time. Mere association with his name On the domestic scene, Paul calls for the “first” as a Hispanic candidate. revealed one’s solidarity with “the revo- end of most taxes, the Department of Edu- The issue here is not why lutionary cause.” The congressman cation, the Federal Reserve banking system, Biden should have received the running for President incited feverish excite- and the Roe v. Wade decision. As an aside Democratic nomination, but ment among many young people. to all this, Paul pledges to subvert a shad- why his campaign should have However, his candidacy (which still per- owy conspiracy by commercial and special garnered far more attention than sists despite dwindling interest) garnered interest groups attempting to form a North it did. When the media spoke only inconsequential waves of the hand from American Union between the United States, of “experience,” they referred to his fellow Republican candidates. Such dis- Mexico, and Canada. Clinton, despite Biden being 27 connect between Republican Party grandees Paul represents the closest embodiment years her senior in the Senate. and a newly minted portion of the elector- of strict-constructionist, laissez-faire true While Obama was grabbing ate, which helped raise over 6 million dol- conservatism in America today. The con- headlines with celebrity endorse- lars in a single day, clearly points to some gressman’s “starve the beast and cut off some ments and impassioned stump misunderstanding of this politician and his of its limbs too” mentality in regards to fed- speeches, Biden was quietly presidential ambitions. eral spending and departments puts him at conducting some of the most According to Paul’s website, his admin- the extreme end of this spectrum, a Ronald statesman-like acts of his long istration would represent quite a change of Reagan on steroids. The Republican Party lawmaking career. During the can no longer claim much sympathy with Democratic debates, candidates Fun with Ron Paul such a small government philosophy, how- speaking after Biden would often ever. (Republican-led wholesale governmen- punctuate their comments with Ron Paul is a trained gynecologist. tal expansion vis-à-vis a Medicare drug “I agree with Joe” or “Joe is benefit as well as passage of the No Child right.” These sentiments never He estimates that he has delivered Left Behind Act put an end to that debate.) translated into meaningful fund- over 4,000 babies. Based on certain policies, especially his edu- raising spikes or increased cam- cation and economic platforms, Paul has paign coverage. He served as a military doctor in Iran, actually gained some level of libertarian The dismissal of Joe Biden South Korea, Ethiopia, and Turkey. support. But Paul has publicly stamped out as a serious presidential candi- calls for a third-party run, choosing to fight date is a mistake primary voters He advocates withdrawal from NATO for the Republican nomination first. may grow to regret. In what and a return to the gold standard. But the establishment’s vapid response looks to be one of the most con- to Ron Paul has undermined the attention tested elections in recent Amer- His Congressional afforded his campaign. While included in ican history, the selection of a district in Texas is the national debates, Paul was often cut off candidate with the inexperience bigger than the state by moderators and given less time to speak. of Obama or polarizing effect of Massachusetts. Concurrently, the more mainstream Repub- of Clinton will not bode well lican candidates such as Rudy Giuliani, Mitt for a Democratic victory. Dem- Romney, and John McCain, as well as the ocrats wanted a fresh and com- national media, routinely ignored his polit- petent candidate for the 2008 ical movements and machinations. Is Ron presidential race. They had both Paul even relevant to the national debate if in Joe Biden − and ignored him not a viable presidential nominee? completely. (continued on page 5) The Soapbox, March 2008 4 ElectionGlobetrotting 2008 Old habits The trouble with

By Al Moran Few people know that Hillary once usage of body-counts as a determinant identified as a staunch Republican who of success. At the peak of this political ove her or hate her, there is no deny- supported Barry Goldwater’s 1964 presi- strife, Clinton defected from the Republi- Ling Hillary Rodham Clinton’s polit- dential candidacy. Goldwater, often con- can Party. ical stature. She represents a bastion sidered the archetype of the “Reagan During the ensuing decade, not only of liberalism and easily ranks among the Revolution” and modern “paleoconserva- did Hillary stray from conservatism, but most loyal and powerful Democrats. She tism,” represented positions that are inim- she metamorphosed into a polarizing figure knows the political games of Washington ical to the Democratic Party today. She who favors a huge federal government. Her and how to court the large Democratic presided over the Wellesley College Repub- views regarding federal assurances of black base that still swoons over “Slick Willie.” licans, portending equality seem consis- The political machine behind her an active future in “...when she sprang to tent with the shift in campaign cements every crack in her politics. Then the national prominence as the First Democratic Party and proverbial armor, and most oppositional tumult of the rev- Lady, opponents sought to American thought in attacks are deflected by her clever retorts. olutionary decade unearth this potential treasure the 1960s. However, However, she remains one of the most arose. The table trove of Clinton’s deepest and this shift to the left divisive figures in American politics. Her was set for change darkest secrets.” was not just a product message and style still resonate negatively in the mid-1960s. of her opposition to with many Americans, myself included. Racial strife came to a head with rallies, the Vietnam War, as many pundits claim. Her icy demeanor and sly politicking have sit-ins, and Lyndon Johnson’s attempt at Vietnam was a product largely of two ide- not been changed by her campaign; people pacification through the 1964 Civil Rights alistic Democratic administrations trying still see her as a “typical” politician, con- Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The to spread democracy abroad. Republicans niving to mold her positions as acceptable Vietnam War dramatically escalated and were elected in 1968 to scale down the war to the American public. An examination resulted in political fallout. Students led in Vietnam. Why would Clinton convert of her long and convoluted past raises movements to question the war’s costs to the party which began that problematic many more questions than it answers. and condemned the LBJ Administration’s war and historically adhered to a proactive Ron Paul wins the hearts and minds of the MTV generation (continued from page 4) tution. But if Paul really believes in this kind of broad, After all, Paul hails the openness of free markets, per- almost absolute devolution of centralized power, he would sonal liberty for all, and rapid extrication from the Iraq be forced to limit his role as the executive of the national morass. These ideals are more or less in line with large government - so how exactly does he intend to make good swaths of the American electorate. However, the sheer rad- on his campaign pledges? ical nature of some other proposals removes Paul from It is admirable that so many young people are becom- political reality and places him in an idyllic fantasy land ing politically active during a time of increasing instabil- chock-full of NAFTA superhighway conspiracies consoli- ity in our country. However, lionizing a man who seeks to dating the North American continent, with a federal eco- dismantle the federal government on ideological grounds nomic policy that’s a throwback to the days of William and abolish existing international agreements abroad will Howard Taft. None of the more extreme devolution mea- not restore America to its original Jeffersonian vision, sures would have a prayer in Congress, so Paul’s only but rather eliminate its relevance as a 21st century world chance would be to implement them via Executive Order, leader. We should be thankful that the Ron Paul phenom- a power not expressly given the president in the Consti- enon was only a flash in the pan.

5 The Soapbox, March 2008 Election 2008 role in foreign intervention? for at least several more years. But on Hillary’s tortuous past leads voters this issue, she ranks among the most A life in the public eye to question her centrism and honesty conservative Democrats. Considering with the American people. For exam- her past record of courting support ple, her 1969 senior thesis profiled by altering her politics, this should 1969: Hillary delivers a controversial and applauded mid-20th century radi- be a warning sign of political schem- commencement address at her gradua- cal activist Saul Alinsky and his ing. Perhaps this is somewhat cyni- tion from Wellesley College. tactics. Alinsky was a leftist com- cal, but Clinton’s hawkish approach is munity orga- not consistent with her nizer, and is “Clinton’s past politics past views regarding romanticized remain a far cry from the all- foreign policy. When today as the encompassing liberalism that and why did she father of she currently endorses.” change? such activ- Hillary’s willing- ism. The thesis (on which Clinton ness to do anything for political expe- received an “A”) faded into obscurity diency has come to the fore with her as she began her law career in Arkan- handling of husband Bill on the cam- 1973: Graduates from Yale Law School. sas. paign trail. During her 2001 New York However, when she sprang to Senate campaign, Bill (still radiating 1975: Gives up national prominence as the First Lady, the negative vibes of his impeachment opponents sought to unearth this proceedings) was nowhere to be seen. a promising potential treasure trove of Clinton’s Now, she seems eager to use him to career in deepest and darkest secrets. Her reac- tap into American’s nostalgia for the Washington to tion: the Clinton White House issued security of the late 90s. marry Bill Clin- a mandate that kept her thesis secret During the televised primary ton and move during the administration’s tenure in debates and Democratic fundraisers, I to Arkansas. office. Wellesley only released the watched Hillary Clinton carefully as thesis after Bill Clinton’s term ended. she preached notions of Democratic Although the thesis contains little evi- unity, talking in that slow, quasi- 1988 & 1991: dence to insinuate that Clinton held condescending voice and employing Named one of socialist views similar to Alinsky’s, that saccharine grin. The infamous the most influ- the episode raises claims about her “New Hampshire cry” was a brilliantly ential lawyers centrism and honesty. People often calculated move: she attempted to in America. criticize her as a “pol- “I would like to know when shed her cold itician” construed in she came to the epiphany image by the most negative r e v e a l i n g 1992: Bill Clinton elected President of light, and with occur- that universal healthcare was s t r a t e g i c the United States; Hillary becomes First rences like this in somehow constitutional and chinks in her Lady. Clinton’s past play- efficient.” armor, so book, there is little reason to think that normal women could feel like 1994: Hillary’s health care plan shot otherwise. Hillary was “just one of the girls.” The bottom line is that Clinton’s Despite these performances that down by a Democratic Congress. past politics remain a far cry from the demonstrate her talents at political all-encompassing liberalism that she maneuvering, Hillary Clinton will not 2001: Elected senator from New York currently endorses. Her ideas regard- get my vote next November. She after purchasing a house there in 1999. ing health care would send chills down remains an untrustworthy politician the spine of Barry Goldwater. Her who represents the ideological malle- stance on Iraq toes the delicate line ability I despise about American party 2007: Launches of inconsistency. While she voted for politics. Unless she makes her political a campaign for the Iraq War, she has since offered few ideology consistent and transparent, the U.S. substantive ideas beyond criticizing she will have a difficult road ahead of presidency, the the Bush administration. Her troop her after the primaries. I never much first ever viable withdrawal plan is convoluted, and liked the moniker of “First Man” for female candidate for the office. it suggests keeping troops in the area Bill anyway.

The Soapbox, March 2008 6 Points of policy Globetrotting Justice served

New Attorney General must jettison torture The Bush Administration delivered a parting blow to human rights with the appointment of Mukasey

most part, exactly what drowning. When asked whether this hor- the wary Democrats rendous act would be considered uncon- wanted to hear. He dis- stitutional, Mukasey couldn’t spit out a tanced himself from straight answer. He first claimed that he previous Attorney Gen- was not aware of what water-boarding eral Alberto Gonzales entails (an eerie echo of Alberto Gon- and was on the road zales’ “I don’t remember” refrain), and to an easy “...torture practices pose a serious threat Senate con- to human rights and cast America in a firmation - negative light - as a global villain rather until he than a beacon of democracy.” responded to questions regarding even after Senate members explained the torture tactics and pres- procedure, Mukasey replied: “If water- idential power. His boarding is torture, then torture is not responses to these ques- constitutional.” tions show a serious Troubled by the Swiss-cheese logic of threat to civil liberties this response, Senator Charles Schumer and to the already dimin- (D-NY) said that he would only vote ished power of Con- in favor of the nominee if he supported gress over the President. Congressional legislation banning torture Beneath the carefully tai- practices. Mr. Mukasey agreed, but this lored image Mukasey set promise is essentially meaningless, as before the Senate, the the President will more than likely veto new Attorney General is any law banning such tactics. Michael exactly the type “...the new Attorney General is exactly of yes-man with the type of yes-man with whom Presi- whom President dent Bush has populated his waning Bush has popu- administration...” By Rachael Thomas lated his waning administration. When the issue of torture of detainees Mukasey’s evasive stance on the matter of he Senate Judiciary hearings for and suspected terrorists arose, Mukasey water-boarding is unacceptable, as mem- TAttorney General went largely first offered pleasing answers, stating that bers of Congress and the public alike unnoticed last October, leading he does not approve of the use of infor- must realize that using these types of tor- to the confirmation of Republican nomi- mation obtained by coercive tactics. Fol- ture practices poses a serious threat to nee Michael Mukasey despite some sus- lowing this, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse human rights and casts America in a neg- picious signs that Mukasey represents (D-RI) asked about waterboarding, the ative light - as a global villain rather than more Bush Administration business as practice where a person is strapped a beacon of democracy. usual. to a board, blindfolded, and water is Mukasey also provided a glimpse Mukasey’s testimony was, for the poured on his face to create the sense of (continued on page 9)

7 The Soapbox, March 2008 PointsGlobetrotting of policy Learning from the past Guerrilla warfare calls for new tactics

By Noah Rosenstein of these attacks, our military is hopeless. show them why they must make the As Iraq has become the one switch to democracy. eorge W. Bush’s personal inept- of the most controversial wars in history, The best way to get into the homes Gitude did not, despite popular debates about withdrawing troops, par- and minds of Iraqi citizens is to estab- belief, doom the American mil- tially or completely, have seemed end- lish new, high-quality communication itary to complete failure in Iraq and less. Most people don’t discuss how to infrastructure for the Iraqis with better over 3,800 American casualties. The adjust our military tactics in Iraq so we technology than they could get for them- true cause of death in Iraq rests with can be successful; the main debate cen- selves. The advantages of this strategy are the military’s inability to adjust to ters on the pros and cons of pulling out. numerous. By financing and building the insurgents’ But as long this infrastructure, we would obtain a guerrilla warfare “Despite a plethora of historical exam- as Bush is level of influence over the TV and radio tactics. For a ples demonstrating that new initia- in office, systems. Using this influence we could man with a his- tives are needed to overcome enemies we will not mass communicate democratic messages tory degree from that use guerrilla warfare, Bush and begin to directly into the homes of Iraqi citizens Yale, George W. his administration have repeated old pull out. and thus influence them to stop provid- doesn’t seem to mistakes in Iraq.” Even his ing resources to the insurgents. Not only have learned successor, would we be teaching them more about much from the past. no matter how many timetables for democracy, but we would also be giving Guerrilla warfare is not a new chap- withdrawal he or she may promote to ter in American history. During the win the election, will have to confront Revolutionary War, the mighty British the reality of the situation once in office. redcoats fell victim to guerrilla warfare Pulling out too soon would exacerbate as they rode through the woods on the religious tension between the Sunnis, their way to Concord. In South Caro- Shiites, and Kurds and would cause a lina, General Francis Marion led surprise drastic increase in civil unrest and vio- raids and retreated before the British lence in Iraq. could retaliate. During the Civil War, The best solution to this mess we independent guerrilla groups controlled have created is to adopt a new military the border between the North and the strategy designed for combating guerrilla South. In addition, who can forget our warfare. The main aspect of this strat- epic failure to combat guerrilla warfare egy would be to target the insurgents’ in Vietnam? resources. However, the Iraqi insurgents Despite a plethora of historical have no supply trucks or communication examples demonstrating that new initia- lines because they are not an organized tives are needed to overcome enemies unit. They don’t camp out together; they that use guerrilla warfare, Bush and live at home. They rely on the people them an avenue to practice democracy his administration have repeated old of Iraq to support them with food, shel- by exercising freedom of speech over the mistakes in Iraq. After the capture of ter, and finances. Therefore, rather than TV and radio. Most importantly, we Saddam Hussein, Iraqis expected the focusing only on killing the insurgents, would be eliminating the chief resources U.S. to withdraw troops. When we failed we should adopt a strategy that allows of guerrilla warfare. to do so, some Islamic extremists ini- us to prevent Iraqi citizens from sup- Even if they resist our help building tially uninvolved in the warfare in Iraq porting the insurgents. We must get the infrastructure in their efforts to establish began attacking U.S. troops with var- Iraqis to believe in democracy and not in autonomy, they would have no choice ious guerrilla tactics including suicide the insurgents’ cause. We can do this by but to take advantage of the commu- attacks, snipers, IEDs, and car bombs. stretching our influence into the homes nication lines we give them. Increased Without being able to target the source of Iraqis in whatever ways possible and (continued on page 9)

The Soapbox, March 2008 8 Points of policy Globetrotting

Time for Attorney General to take a stand against torture (continued from page 7) country.” An answer such as this from stitution. of the continued exploitation of the Attorney General poses a serious Our Congress must insist that the presidential power exercised by the threat to the concept of checks and bal- President is not above the law. With Bush Administra- ances out- Mukasey as Attorney General, the Bush tion. When asked “An answer such as this from the Attor- lined in Administration’s exploitation of presi- about National ney General poses a serious threat to the Con- dential power may leave a legacy that Security Agency the concept of checks and balances out- stitution. continues to grow and damage our gov- wiretapping, in lined in the Constitution. “ Our coun- ernment for many years to come. If which the agency try has he wants to prove himself more than illegally listens in on many domestic relied on these principles since its incep- another Bush lackey, Mukasey must dis- phone conversations without tion. Allowing the President to act tance himself from the President, abide obtaining warrants, Mukasey refused to on his own accord without abiding by the Constitution, and enforce the give concise answers to the Judiciary by the law will erode the essential separation of powers between the three Committee about the subject, stating meaning of the Constitution; the idea branches of government. In addition, that he was not familiar with the prac- that “national security threats” entitle Congress must keep continuous checks tices (more echoes of the Gonzales hear- the executive branch to “Our Congress must insist on Mukasey and make ings, anyone?). unlimited power is an that the President is not sure that the President Then, when asked whether the Pres- invitation to opportu- above the law.” and the new attorney ident can operate outside a law created nistic fear-mongering. general do not take by Congress, Mukasey offered this dis- The attorney general, who holds the advantage of the powers the Consti- concerting reply: “That would have to nation’s highest position in law enforce- tution grants them. Congress cannot depend on whether what goes outside ment, is responsible for maintaining the afford to waver on this point and must the statute nonetheless lies within the division of power between the branches take a stand against the President’s clear authority of the President to defend the of government as established in the Con- misinterpretation of the law.

Past lessons should guide U.S. anti-insurgent strategy in Iraq (continued from page 7) denied his citizens. The program cuts freedoms. Do you think his door will communication abilities will vastly to a commercial, which has informa- stay open to the needy insurgents much improve their economy. This would lead tion on how to vote in the upcoming longer? them to become economically depen- election. It ends with “You can make a By influencing the Iraqis to with- dent on us, as they will rely on infra- difference. Go out and vote.” The next draw support of the insurgents, we will structure that we control. We can use few commercials are advertisements by significantly weaken the guerrillas’ effec- this control as leverage in oil negotia- various candidates. Twenty minutes of tiveness. Moreover, this option gives us tions. If they don’t meet our demands in watching TV shows this Iraqi citizen the opportunity to stay involved in Iraq the oil market, we can threaten to with- without having troops in combat. draw our support of their new infra- “...rather than focusing only on Implementing these strategies will structure, which would subsequently killing the insurgents, we should be effective in overcoming the Iraqi collapse. The insurgents’ guerrilla tac- adopt a strategy that allows us insurgents’ guerrilla warfare. Unfortu- tics would have no effect on this new to prevent Iraqi citizens from nately, this kind of strategy requires soft power strategy. supporting the insurgents. “ long-term commitment. Tracking our This plan to bring television to effectiveness with this type of strategy Iraq will surely help diminish the effec- what a democratic government gives is extremely difficult and it will be easy tiveness of the insurgency. To under- him: freedom of speech, to express for Americans to become increasingly stand why, imagine the position of an anti-government sentiment; freedom of discouraged at our continued occu- Iraqi citizen housing an insurgent while press, to broadcast these feelings; and pancy of Iraq. In order for this to work, watching his satellite TV. Flipping freedom to choose his leader. Most we need to be patient. Using this strat- through the channels he finds a doc- importantly, he realizes that these liber- egy will extend this war well into the umentary on Saddam Hussein which ties are possible in Iraq. Then he looks term of the next president. Hillary, discusses ways in which he abused back at the insurgent who is fighting Barack, John - are you up to the chal- his power and the various liberties he against the people bringing him these lenge?

9 The Soapbox, March 2008 PointsGlobetrotting of policyg Strongmen Latin America veers left Political shifts present an opportunity for American engagement By Josh Rittenberg

here is a screeching of tires and the smell of smoke in the people who supported United States’ air, and it’s not coming from a Spruce Street cabbie ready to interventions. They view the left as being Ttake you downtown. Rather, it is the sound of Latin Amer- pro-poor and the United States as being ica taking a sharp left turn. It is also the unhappy smell of viru- pro-rich. lent anti-Americanism that accompanies these political left turns. That attitude is unfortunate because capitalism in a healthy society creates Chávez, Vázquez and Correa have all risen to power. And, while wealth and distributes that wealth with we might not like the thought of pink flags and anti-American ral- enormous efficiency - more efficiently lies inside of Mr. Madison’s backyard, we should recognize that the than socialism (Note: see the former coming of popularly elected leftist governments in Latin America Soviet Union). Chávez-style socialism is actually represents an excellent opportunity for the United States a proven loser (Note: see impoverished to win back el corazón y la mente of our Latin neighbors. Cuba). It is also a fact that pure capital- ism is far too cruel to be tolerated even in the United States. Remember the New Latin America has suffered from outvotes the rich minority and elect gov- Deal, Social Security, Medicare? debilitating poverty since the Spanish first ernments that promise to redistribute the Some balance of the two systems is slew the natives and seized the region’s country’s wealth. It is particularly under- desirable and right. We should be happy gold. It has also suffered from corrupt standable when we recognize that many to see capitalist ideas compete with the governments and oligarchic societies - of the poor view the last fifteen years ideas of the left, until by virtue of demo- meaning that there are a lot of very poor of free markets and free trade as having cratic institutions, Latinos find the right people and a few very rich ones. Given been disastrous for them. balance for themselves. For the most the new strength of democracy in the What is most disturbing (for the part, capitalism will win; just because region, something that the United States U.S.) about the rise of the left is the anti- someone speaks Spanish doesn’t mean takes some credit for, it should not sur- Americanism that comes with it. The that they don’t know how to throw the prise anyone when the poor majority United States has forever repressed the left rascals out. in Latin America It is not going to happen overnight. by any which way There is a long unhappy history to over- it could. It did so come. To succeed, we have to try to make to protect Amer- sure that Latin America tastes more of ican investments, the wine and not the dregs of capital- and later on, it ism. We also have to wholeheartedly and did so in the con- appropriately support democratic insti- text of a long, tutions. These are not easy things to dangerous, and do. For instance, what is the appropriate deadly cold war way to support democratic institutions in with the Soviet Venezuela when Hugo Chávez is about Union. Regard- to have himself anointed king? Neverthe- less of the moti- less, difficult as it is, appropriate support vation, the means of democratic institutions and a respect- were often ugly; ful encouragement of capitalism is the the Latin Amer- best, perhaps the only, way to retrieve ican left has not American popularity and ensure that she forgotten and is safely surrounded by stable, successful, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, with Fidel Castro in 2007. neither have the friendly, democratic societies. The Soapbox, March 2008 10 Taking it to the streets Young & restless Diarydisillusioned of an activist By Bob Ma cooperation on the environment. During by Goldman Sachs and adeptly dodged one negotiation session on sustainable my question on why the U.S. delegation y lifelong efforts at social activ- industrial development, the U.S. dele- had changed the wording on corporate ism culminated last May in a gation advised a change in a European social responsibility. M I sometimes wonder why we even cigarette smoke-filled lounge recommendation from “…encourage cor- guarded by armed men in spiffy blue porate social responsibility” to “…wel- bother with activism. I have felt the uniforms, and filled with people in suits come corporate social responsibility,” frustration of our hitherto ineffective speaking unintelligible tongues. It was a subtle diction change but one that efforts. But of course “effectiveness” is break time at the UN Commission on shows just how opposed the U.S. is to subjective. My delegation has success- Sustainable Development, the world’s putting any pressure on corporations. fully lobbied for sustainable develop- response to climate change and resource No wonder the world’s biggest cor- mental policies in Chile, but we haven’t depletion. porate scan- tangibly changed any UN policies after My NGO dals happen years of attending its commissions. I delegation was in America. sometimes wonder if our idealism over- young and T h e shadows the practicality needed to gen- diverse. A quar- G-77, an erate bigger changes. During one policy ter of us from the i n t e r g ov - meeting in the UN cafeteria, I argued good old U.S. ernmental with a delegate about the futility of lob- of A, a quarter organiza- bying the Chinese government to do from Europe, tion of something about the Three Dams proj- and the other developing ect. She sternly asked me, “Whose side half divided countries are you on?” But it is not about sides, I evenly among led by thought. Asia, Africa and China and Perhaps it is inevitable that youth South America. India, actu- activists are idealistic. We all want to I was the lone ally nego- change the world but few of us actually Canadian. Our tiated for have a Ph.D. in Economic Develop- goal was concrete: stop climate change sustainable development. Actually, the ment or real political clout. I felt the and ensure worldwide sustainable devel- rest of the world negotiated for, or at Youth Caucus’ policy recommendations opment. Most of us have spent a solid least showed interest in sustainable devel- often lacked concrete steps and tactics portion of our lives working towards sus- opment - except the United States, which for its long-term sustainability strategies. tainable development and half the dele- shot down every initiative that threatened One of our recommendations called for gation has or is working towards a degree c o r p o r a t e the decen- in Environmental Sciences or Human A m e r i c a’s “Perhaps it is inevitable that youth tralization of Ecology. We proclaim “tree hugging” with profits. activists are idealistic. We all want the energy pride. This was our opportunity to con- Further- to change the world but few of us industry in solidate youth grassroots activism efforts more, as if actually have a Ph.D. in Economic developing into a cohesive, international force. to appease its Development or real political clout. “ nations in It’s hard being a sustainability activ- eager NGO order to ist in the U.S., a nation that launched Al activists, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Sec- increase accessibility to electricity. Gore’s career in climate change activism retary for Environment granted a private Unsure about this policy, I brought it yet heavily restricts efforts at sustainable audience with American NGO delegates- up with my economics professor, who development. Forget China and India, well, Canadians were close enough-where said that because of the slew of unin- the U.S. is the real obstacle to global he praised pro-environment endeavors tended consequences it would bring,

11 The Soapbox, March 2008 Taking it to the streets no politician would ever consider the recommendation without an extensive research report. I relayed the professor’s insights to my delegation. However, a few days later, the Youth Caucus delivered its speech to the UN assembly containing the original recommendation in full, having completely ignored my pragmatic con- cerns. Young activists did get attention at the UN. We easily set up meetings with entire delegations including India, China, and Switzerland. Yet I can’t help but wonder if they were more curious about what a bunch of 20-year-olds were doing at the UN rather than what ideas we were lobbying for. People are impressed with youth activism, but don’t do much about what they hear. I once organized an inter-high school event advocating aboriginal women’s rights. Our efforts were congratulated by the Mayor of my city, the Premier of my province, and the Gover- nor General of Canada. But as far as I know, nothing

really happened as a result of our efforts. That leaves us activists with no real support except “pats-on-the- back.” Think what would have been accomplished had those folks actually used their clout to push for what I was championing. There needs to be a greater alliance between politics and grassroots activism in order for social initiatives to work. There is no money and no fame in grassroots activ- ism. There are obviously other things I could be doing with my life besides reading research papers on CO2 emission. But I feel an innate need to do it. I haven’t pinpointed exactly what that need is. Maybe it is find- ing something meaningful to do. Maybe it is about my responsibilities as a human being. Or maybe it is just about doing something more interesting than a desk job. In any event, there’s something to be said for stand- ing up for what’s right, and so long as the powers that be give me a platform, I’ll keep using it to push for sustain- able development.

The Soapbox, March 2008 12 Taking it to the streets Changes in the air What’s missing in the youth activism equation By Gideon Spitzer any people in the 1970s concerned with international politics and human rights thought of their opposition to the Vietnam War as moral in principle. Yet their protests may have been Mmore self-interested than popularly imagined; American students were driven to protest so vocally not simply out of concern for the legitimacy of the war, but instead out of their own self- interest in not being drafted. Today, opposition to the war in Iraq exists on college campuses, though it is muted when com- pared to the demonstrations that swept universites in the ’60s and ’70s. Those protesting war on college campuses and those fighting the war are often the same age, but the two groups break down along class lines. University exemptions served as the primary outlet for those wishing to delay the during Vietnam. Today, the war in Iraq is being fought primarily by young people without the financial means or intellectual capital to attend college. Compulsory service, long criticized in American politics, offers an excellent means to close this social disparity, promote internal cohesion, and better address the national security threats we face. In the days and months following September 11th, the nation. With compulsory military service, everyone would U.S. demonstrated both its ability to unite in defense of the have a stake in protecting our nation. The simple concept of nation and to offer support to those in urgent need of assis- universal compulsory military service has wide-ranging social tance. In a climate reminiscent of the days after December ramifications. For one, it could reverse the trend over the past 7th, 1941, the public’s support for our civil servants surged, several decades of declining civic participation. Those with a embracing everyone from firefighters to policemen to soldiers. stake in the direction of our nation (provided by their service), The events left an indelible mark on the minds of young would not only have better reason to improve society through people, many inspired by stories of heroism and eager to serve participation in the political process, but would also have more their nation in the future. Unfortunately, since that time this credibility when asking for change. patriotic outpouring has waned; the government largely failed Compulsory military service does not mean total milita- to create policy that gave it a productive outlet. rization; in fact it means the opposite. Many believe that the The fact is, as President George W. Bush and other leaders creation of the all-volunteer force has in fact led to more U.S. have pointed out, we face a generational struggle in the defense armed interventions than a conscripted force would allow, for of our nation and our way of life. Whether you call it the War the simple reason that the all-volunteer force has less of an on Terror or by some other name, we face an enemy that is impact on the population, and thus elicits less active protest. widespread, has an alluring ideology, and has the capability to Unpopular wars simply could not last and the national leader- attack us domestically. The War on Terror is unlike past wars ship would be significantly more accountable to the public, in that it requires a vigilant homeland defense against an as an underprepared military would affect everyone. When often invisible enemy. No longer are soldiers the only poten- comparing the current conflict to Vietnam, we see the clear tial targets; every American faces the threat of terrorism on a differences in the degree of active dissent. Today, fewer people daily basis and thus must assist in defending our homeland. protest the war simply because they are not affected by it. If Israel for example, which has faced the threat of terrorism you disagree with the current conflict in Iraq, then compulsory for decades, has thwarted numerous terrorist attacks precisely service provides the most powerful means to bring about quick because of its system of compulsory service and resulting mil- change. If you agree with the war, a draft could generate the itarily-trained population. It is precisely now, in the midst of manpower necessary to succeed. an unpopular war in Iraq, that compulsory national service is Some theorists actually maintain the all-volunteer force most important in providing our society with social cohesion. (AVF) may have the unintended, dangerous consequence of The gap between those who choose to serve in the military creating a professional military class in American society. Fewer and those who do not has simply grown too large. Socially, a veterans mean less military influence on society. A lower expo- stigma has developed reminiscent of the Vietnam Era; those sure of young men and women to positive military images wishing to join the military (particularly those who would oth- and stories causes a cultural divide between military and non- erwise attend college) must justify this decision in the context military families, which could lower the overall propensity to of current wars, not just in terms of their desire to serve the enlist among the general populace, while further isolating the

13 The Soapbox, March 2008 Taking it to the streets pulsory military service) does not match the level of cross sec- tional socialization simply because the mutually dependent military environment does not exist, while people would tend to remain close to home, thus lessening the effect of service on national cohesion. If our society ventured so far as to exclusively connect military service with social benefits such as eligibility for social security, discounted mortgages, cash grants, preferential treat- ment for state jobs, and access to financial aid at universities, the social playing field would be leveled considerably. Beyond social integration, the military provides an excellent stage of maturation between the comfortable cove of high school and the realities of society. The rigidity of military life quickly forces youth to their mental and physical limits, motivating them by demonstrating the fluidity of self-imposed limits. Finally, on a more practical plane, the all-volunteer force simply has not proven capable of sustaining itself in the long term. The quality of recruits has declined over the past several years, to the point that just 49 percent of recruits to the army are “high-quality,” according to the Department of Defense definition. Our military competes in the same way as our economy: based on our comparative advantages in productiv- ity and human capital. As in the civilian sector, military per- sonnel must increasingly adjust to the presence of technology. American military recruits must be of the highest quality to operate increasingly complex military equipment (which, in addition to training, gives us our advantage on the battlefield) in constantly changing strategic circumstances. We cannot compromise our military advantage by accepting lower-quality military as a somewhat hereditary institution. History clearly recruits. Compulsory service would force all of the highest- demonstrates the ineffectiveness and power struggles that arise quality recruits into the military, while those of lower quality from hereditary or semi-hereditary military forces (e.g., the can be assigned to positions fitting their ability. Those people Janissary class in the Ottoman Empire). Such a force could that are either unfit to serve or object to service on moral become irreversibly independent of our political institutions, grounds can fulfill their service with more domestic duties, and either force our society into constant warfare through such as airport security or intelligence analysis. adventurism unrestrained by the political process, or become Certainly, the security need for this type of service an active threat to our democratic institutions. exists in Furthermore, as our society continues to diversify “Beyond social integration, the military our nation. and become more fragmented at a rapid pace, military provides an excellent stage of maturation Our ports service provides an effective “melting pot.” Universal between the comfortable cove of high continue military service would provide an excellent means for school and the realities of society.” to be cultural integration, particularly by creating a common l a r g e l y experience across racial, religious, and class lines. The system unprotected, as is much of our vital infrastructure and systems would give all disparate groups within our society a forum of public transportation. Compulsory service would create the to interact and understand each other, an invaluable tool in reserve necessary to protect the arteries of our nation, while societal cohesion. Regular military units typically consist of drastically altering its social landscape. No longer would sol- members from all regional, racial, religious, and socioeco- diers return to a home front unaware of and apathetic to nomic groups; if a system of universal military service were “distant” wars; every American would be a soldier, and every adopted, these units could provide a means of standard accul- American would have the benefit, honor, and awareness asso- turation, one that would provide everyone a vested interest in ciated with serving his or her nation. The concept of self- our nation. Soldiers’ lives depend on the other members of sacrifice that is ultimately necessary to maintain our wayof their unit; this type of extreme mutual dependability would life often gets lost within our economic system; compulsory socially unite people of disparate backgrounds in a way that national service provides the means to recapture the patriotism public schools or the university environment simply cannot. and collective power of our society that emerged and quickly The idea of compulsory national service (as opposed to com- disappeared after September 11th.

The Soapbox, March 2008 14 Outside the Box Identity crisis

Many faces, one America Diverse backgrounds shouldn’t overshadow our shared future.

By Kevin Rodden and their “less patriotic” breth- sk a Frenchman what it means ren. Often, our Ato be French or an Indian what political divisions it means to be Indian, and they become social, can give you a concrete answer about with political the culture of their respective countries. polarity leading to Ask an American, and the best answer intense feelings of he can give will almost always include hatred and disdain mention of America’s cultural diversity. for fellow Ameri- While European and Asian cultures tend cans on the “other to emphasize their differences from other side.” Yet we tol- countries, Americans typically emphasize erate this without their differences from one another. This second thought. culture of internal division has strong Perhaps our political consequences today as we con- tendency to iden- tinue to fight an unpopular war in Iraq tify ourselves in and struggle with another ugly presiden- ways that differ- tial primary season. entiate us from, When thinking about cultural iden- rather than unite tity, many Americans still tend to iden- us with, other tify themselves in terms of their ancestry Americans stems - European, African, Asian, etc. Admit- from the fact that America has only been erners, Midwesterners, Northeasterners) tedly, colonization by Europeans all but around for a few centuries, while many and then tend to segregate themselves by eradicated the only true indigenous peo- leading European and Asian nations have specific religions and ethnicities, often ples of America, eventually populating existed for far longer and have a stronger living in neighborhoods established by the nation from coast to coast with sense of history. their families decades ago. Despite the migrants from all over the world. My In former European colonies where melting pot adage associated with early life experience suggests that there is border lines were drawn arbitrarily by immigration, these sections continue to not a strong sense of “American-ness” outside powers, groups with differing cul- predominantly represent specific seg- as a culture “Often, our political divisions tural identities have ments of the population in the form among its become social, with political polar- often descended into of Irish, Polish, and Jewish neighbor- citizens. Of ity leading to intense feelings of bloody conflict. In hoods, to name a few. People living course, cul- hatred and disdain for fellow the U.S., however, in these areas designate themselves with tural unity Americans on the ‘other side.’” the borders are not labels such as Irish-American rather than is not the artificially drawn simply American; ancestral cultural iden- same as patriotism, which is obvious around unwilling neighbors; most of our tity comes before national. considering modern Americans’ fond- ancestors chose to come here, and even Immigrants are not the only people ness for displaying flags and other patri- those brought over as slaves have played in America with a self-segregating cul- otic insignia. But even those who fly a critical role in American history. ture. Black separatist movements, coming their flags high do so with an eagerness to Overwhelmingly, Americans iden- to prominence in the early 1900s and accentuate the difference between them tify themselves by region (e.g. South- peaking with the Black Power move-

15 The Soapbox, March 2008 Outside the Box ment, often advocated for the creation of State of the art a black state within America and encour- aged their members to renounce their American citizenship. Their anger over I learned journalism from Stephen the injustices of slavery and segregation was justified, but suggesting a physical T. Colbert - and so can you! separation of “black” and “white” nations only played into the politics of divisive- By Myrna Minkoff relationship with information media (not ness. A black family that has lived in used to think that journalism was a to mention our Oedipal issues with that America since the early slave trade has Ipretty noble profession, like being a thing they used to call “The Truth”). shaped the history and culture of the blood donor or ministering to blind With the proliferation of quasi-legiti- nation in a way that is inextricable from orphans. In the case of journalism, the mate news sources on cable and online, the contributions of other races or ethnic literate public is the blind orphan, and we have come to prioritize things like groups. Still, these people will most often journalists have the sacred duty of guid- speed and entertainment value over good refer to themselves as African-American, ing it around stumbling blocks and hold- reporting. Did you catch that move? I as though their American-ness is only ing the food of knowledge to its greedy just blamed the internet for social ills, partial or secondary. lips. Then I discovered a cosmic truth: and it felt good. It takes a lot of effort to Perhaps part of this tendency to life is a lot more fun if you do lead the separate the wheat from the chaff, and in avoid identifying as American is due blind into stumbling blocks and jab them our blog-saturated age, the chaff is usu- to the negative connotations associated in the face with the spoon that holds ally more amusing. with Americanism. When characteriz- the food of knowledge. Does accepting How could we measure objectivity, ing America, many people both here and this cosmic truth make me a bad person? anyway? Media outlets squabble end- abroad describe its culture as amoral and Not according to Stephen T. Colbert, the lessly over who is secretly a shill for this superficial. The “Ugly American” is glut- unlikely king of prime-time TV journal- or that political agenda, trying to mask tonous, rude, hedonistic, and ignorant, ism. the biases of their corporate hive-minds traits that are often associated with youth Spoof journalism is the new reality beneath the neatly-coifed tresses of their and immaturity. The enormous growth TV - cheap to produce, easy to con- attractive and ambiguously multi-ethnic and fast-paced life of America has given sume, and mildly addictive. It solves reporting teams. Is Fox a tool of the many Americans a sense of young-adult the pesky problem of having to research, neocons? Probably. But instead of wast- entitlement and egotism, as well as a interview, and fact-check by ignoring the ing their breath arguing against the exis- cockiness in the international arena that gory details and cutting straight to the tence of Bill O’Reilly, today’s educated sometimes provokes the ire of older laugh lines. Everyone from Sasha Baron- young adults would rather sit back and nations and peoples. Cohen to Jon Stewart realizes that the laugh at his funhouse-mirror incarnation There is no easy way to eradicate American public is tired of this hack- on the Colbert Report. intolerance and polarization within Amer- neyed old “digging up the truth” busi- Instead of combating egregious vio- ican society, but it starts with the way we ness. It’s not that we want the line lations of journalistic integrity, and think about ourselves. We don’t always between fact and fiction blurred, like in enduring the firestorm of partisan squab- have to choose between extremes of cling- the Discovery Channel’s Bigfoot mara- bling that erupts whenever you poke a ing to our ancestral homelands or forsak- thon. We want someone in a position of sacred media cow of either the right or ing our pasts. Rather, we can embrace journalistic credibility to convince us that left, young people prefer to look down a novel concept for Americans: moder- it doesn’t really matter what the truth is smugly upon the absurdity of it all. We ation. We can stop using terminology at all. The truth can be hilarious, but so can only hope that the elevated perch that inherently divides our society while can lies; everything is hilarious when you on which we roost is protected from the acknowledging the differences that make let go of the stodgy old ideal of objective dirty goings-on below us. Because if us unique. Right now, America is both reporting. The ideal of objective report- all that hilarious bickering, mudsling- aging and growing, and as the next gen- ing is pretty funny, for that matter. ing, and policymaking happening down eration of Americans rises into the seat of Colbert stands at the pinnacle of the there in the political arena actually winds authority in government and in commu- genre: his satire is omnivorous and amor- up affecting us, we’re in for some seri- nities, this growth will continue. If these phous, praying upon both right and left ous unpleasantness down the road. It’s leaders can pursue responsible, mature while assuming whatever ideological pos- tempting to choose laughter over engage- policies in both foreign and domestic ture makes for the best punch line. The ment, but while we’re laughing, people realms, they can accelerate American cul- fact that the majority of young adults get who don’t share our winning sense of tural growth by resolving our internal their news from Comedy Central spoof humor are making the big political deci- identity crisis. news shows is indicative of our troubled sions for us.

The Soapbox, March 2008 16 Outside the Box Culture clash The sacred and the profane Spaniards hold tight to tradition in the midst of the global marketplace Essay and photography by Joe Giese

uring my semester in Spain, there were a lot of famil- iar sights and sounds - the golden McDonald’s arches, DRihanna playing on the radio - that made America feel not-so-very far away. The Spanish people, however, are not necessarily eager to embrace American culture, or even the more generalized “Western” customs of the rest of Europe. They face a rising tension between global trends that tempt the younger generation and unique traditions treasured by all. Much of what globalization offers is seen as threatening to Spain’s traditional way of life. This became very clear during what Americans call the “holiday season,” that spending frenzy presided over by the chubby face of jolly old St. Nick. While the rest of Europe and America are plastered with images of Santa Claus, rein- deer, and other secular symbols, the Spanish have their own delivering presents to families. Since the pressures of the set of deeply religious customs. There, the coming of the holidays are diverted to a later date, December 25th remains Reyes Magos, more popularly known a day of relaxation, home cook- in Anglo-Saxon culture as the Three “Spain has always been seen as the odd ing, and dining with the family. Wise Men, is celebrated with the man out, the most exotic of the Western In Seville, on the eve of the enthusiasm that Americans reserve for day of the coming of the Reyes Christmas. Celebrated on the 6th European countries...” Magos, a grandiose parade of January and not on Christmas marches down the streets, toss- Day, the holiday features wise men Balthazar, Melchior, and ing sweets to thousands crowded on the sidewalks in lines that Gaspar parking their camels outside of people’s homes and stretch on indefinitely. Young children carry shopping bags that can be filled to the brim in minutes, and the clever ones bring umbrellas, turn them upside down, and let gravity do the work for them. Floats decked out with various themes and paid for by local businesses fill the streets, along with marching bands and groups of all ages dressed as Moors, bearing keffiyehs, elaborate tunics, and even dark face paint for an authentic Middle Eastern appearance. Outside the racial context of the United States, such a practice raises no eyebrows; the children love it because it’s exotic, fitting in with the theatrical nature of the occasion. Of course, the global wave of commercialism and con- sumerism is gaining a foothold in Spain, and this shows during December, as the Christmas “season” seems to start a little earlier each year. The American Santa has found his way onto more and more shopping bags and window advertise- ments. Christmas trees, lights, wreathes, and shopping have worked their way into the contemporary Spanish Christmas lore, but nativity scenes remain, in the public and private 17 The Soapbox, March 2008 Outside the Box

domain alike, and have yet to be removed in the name of of the vogue for Nordic, Anglo-Saxon drinking habits among secularization. The older generations of Spaniards sometimes young Spaniards. Nordic drinkers, described as those who complain that the younger people today have become more are entirely sober most of the time but engage in unchecked materialistic and given up the older traditions, in part of what binge drinking on weekends or special occasions, face greater many might call the creation of a more global, commercialized health risks (and more resemble annoying American frat-boy (i.e. bland and un-diverse) culture. stereotypes) than Mediterranean drinkers, described as those New Year’s Eve has a tradition in much of the Western who drink alcohol such as beer or wine everyday and at world for being a night when even teetotalers give in to any hour, but for the purpose of socializing or enjoying the drunken debauchery, but some elders see even this as part beverage and never getting “hammered” or drinking to excess. But of course, whether for special occasions or general trends, culture changes every generation, and due to both external and internal influences. It’s a voluntary process when the natives change their own habits, for good or ill. Older generations complaining about the decadence of the young and impending cultural collapse is a practice as old as the world itself. Spain has always been seen as the odd man out, the most exotic of the Western European countries from both Continental and North American eyes. Writ- ers throughout “Older generations com- history charac- terize (or ste- plaining about the decadence reotype) Spain of the young and impending as having a cultural collapse is a practice “proud, pas- as old as the world itself...” sionate and reverent” char- acter that maintains time-honored traditions. Writers also mourn and celebrate the fact that this many tradi- tions are disappearing with the coming of the modern era. But that’s the problem when speaking about culture in any sense, whether to praise it in the name of diversity, criticize it for close-minded traditionalism, or defend it from the boogeyman of globalization. Description too often turns to generalization, which turns to caricature and oversimplification. Will Spain be so consumed by the sweeping commercialist giants that one day the chil- dren will write their letters to Santa Claus instead of to three wise men from the East? This is the doomsday sce- nario of those who militate against American influence, but such a result is doubtful. There’s just something more alluring about the Three Wise Men bringing your presents than a fat man in a red suit sneaking down your chimney. Score one for cultural autonomy. The Soapbox, March 2008 18 On the Origins of the Soapbox Penn’sPenn’ only political commentary magazinee History In this issue: he tradition of standing on a soapbox began in England in1855, when the The trouble with Hillary (page 5) TSunday Trading Bill caused riots throughout London. Protesters assembled “An examination of her long and convoluted past in a small corner of Hyde Park and broadcast raises many more questions than it answers.” their views from the top of a wooden soap- Al Moran puts the Democratic candidate under the micro- box. This corner became known as “Speaker’s scope. Corner,” and was officially ordained for that purpose by an 1872 Act of Parliament. Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, George Fuzzy memories on torture (page 7) Orwell and William Morris all declaimed at Speaker’s Corner, and today many “Michael Mukasey’s evasive stance on the matter people still assemble to argue, debate and of water-boarding is unacceptable, as members of listen every Sunday. The traditional soap- Congress and the public alike must realize that box has evolved into a small stool, as soap using these types of torture practices poses a seri- no longer comes in sturdy wooden crates ous threat to human rights.” upon which one might stand. But the pur- Rachael Thomas rattles the skeletons in the Bush Adminis- pose of Speaker’s Corner has not changed. Just as anybody can jump into a tration’s closet. Speaker’s Corner debate, it is our hope that you will use this Soapbox as your Youth and democracy (pages 11-14) speaker’s corner, and that you will voice your ideas and opinions within this mag- “People are azine. impressed with youth Founded in 2003, Soapbox has grown activism, but don’t do over the past four years to include a wide spectrum of student, faculty, and guest much about what they opinions. Our articles are chosen by hear...as far as I know, a non-partisan Board of Editors which nothing really hap- seeks incisive, provocative pieces repre- pened as a result of sentative of Penn’s diverse community. our efforts. That leaves us activists with no real support Want to get published? except ‘pats- Want to get published? on-the-backs.’” Bob Ma and Gideon e Soapbox accepts submissions Spitzer on the new gen- from all members of the Penn com- eration of political activ- munity. ists and civic servants. Articles, reviews, drawings, pho- tographs, etc. are welcome. About our sponsor: The Fox Leadership Program To apply for a position as a staff writer or editor, please visit our Founded in 1999 through the generosity and vision website: of Penn Alumnus Robert A. Fox (C ‘52), the mission http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~soapbox/ of the Robert A. Fox Leadership Program is to enrich the 21st century Penn undergraduate educational experience in ways that excite and equip students for To recieve updates about deadlines present and future leadership roles in whatever realms and future issues, join our listserv of human excellence and endeavor may call them. by emailing: For a complete listing [email protected] . of courses, events and programs, visit e Soapbox holds regular meetings for interested contributors. www.foxleadership.org Please contact us for more information. or email [email protected]