T h e P u r d u e New Center For Students16

The Purdue Administraion is ReviewA Journal of Conservative Thought and Opinion excited about a proposed Cen- ter for Student Excellence and Leadership. Is now the right Volume 7, Issue 6 | April 2010 time for it? Will it really im- prove student life on campus?

got tea?

Conservatism Complete Tea Student Loan In A Nutshell 3 Party Coverage7 Program 10

We conclude our semes- A discussion of women being The Obama administration thinks ter-long series on de- the majority in the Tea Party, that student loans are related to fining Conservatism. coverage of the Indianapo- health care. Why did Nancy Pe- What is it and what are lis Tea Party, and the future losi and the Democrats sneak in its defining principles? of the Tea Party movement. this takeover of the program? 2 April, 2010 The Purdue Review www.purduereview.com T h e P u r d u e Review Letter From Jay Wood, Editor in Chief Scott Sowers, Publisher The Editor Rohan Johnson ...... Managing Editor Aaron Anspaugh ...... Features Editor Greetings, Chris Ellison ...... State/Local Editor Jordan Hebbe ...... National Politics Editor Dave Siukola ...... Layout Editor Thank you for picking up the April Issue of The Purdue Review. This is our last issue of the Andrew Nguyen ...... Assistant Layout Editor semester and my last as Editor in Chief. It has been a tremendous honor to serve as Editor in Abigail Krueger ...... Campus Editor Chief this past year and I am confident that next year’s leadership will bring our publication Josh Teasdale ...... Senior Staff Writer Emeritus to new heights. We have a very proud legacy of providing a distinct conservative voice to the Jennifer Haywood ...... Staff Writer Purdue campus and the Greater Lafayette community. Despite its physical appearance, The Morgan Ikerd ...... Staff Writer Purdue Review is not a “newspaper”, rather, it is our analysis of the news. Instead of talking Kristin Patras ...... Staff Writer about the when and where, our job is to cover the why and the how. John Westercamp ...... Staff Writer Matt Swiontek ...... Guest Writer Ashley Hobbs ...... Assistant Publisher Our publication has had a tremendous year. Since last August, we have published seven full- Dirk Schmidt ...... Assistant Publisher length issues – the most we have ever published in a single school year. Our staff has signifi- Stewart Simpson ...... Graphic Artist cantly increased in size, as has our readership and visibility. Over the course of the academic Rebecca Dirkse ...... Graphic Artist year, several members of our staff have had the pleasure of attending various conservative Sean Horoho ...... Copy Editor events across the country. Last fall, we hosted a weekly radio show on WCCR. This spring, we Anne Charlton ...... Copy Editor wrote a semester long series on Defining Conservatism. Next year promises to be even better! Michael Gardner ...... Copy Editor

As I finish my term, I would like to leave you with a few thoughts. These next two years are an Board of Directors: Chair Nathan Arnold, enormous crossroads for our country. We have decisions to make about what future we want Chase Slaughter, Adam Rusch, Jeff Schultz, David Bridges, Jan Payne, Vicki Burch for this nation and what direction we want it to go. The far left has control of the executive and legislative branches right now, but that can very well change. Liberalism is only dominant in the United States if we allow it to be. It will take lots of hard work, but we can change the tide in Washington. Nothing is impossible with a little elbow grease. Our publication is standing up Join Us: The Purdue Review is looking for staff writers, columnists, pho- for conservative principles and making our voice heard. I strongly encourage you to join the tographers, section editors, copy editors, layout editors, full time media specialists, fight and make your voice heard as well. graphic designers, and web designers.

If you’re interested in joining The Purdue Review, please contact the Editor in Chief, God Bless, Jay Wood at [email protected]. [email protected] A. Wood All Majors Welcome.

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The opinions of these writers do not neces- sarily reflect the opinions of any of the other writers in this publication nor by Purdue [email protected] University. This paper is not directly affiliated with Purdue University; however, the staff is comprised entirely of Purdue students. This paper is distributed by the University Con- The Purdue Review servative Action Network (U-CAN), a registered Student Organization. The first copy of PO Box 931 this issue is free, at distribution sites. For additional copies, contact the Publisher, Scott Lafayette, IN 47902 Sowers at [email protected] The Purdue Review April, 2010 3 Conservatism In A Nutshell Defense By JAY WOOD Following the election of Barack is something that the majority of Make no mistake. The United Obama and Democratic gains in the Americans inherently understands States MUST stand with her allies, House and Senate in 2008, many and agrees with. Rather, Conserva- especially Great Britain and Israel. political pundits proclaimed that tism has not really been explained As Conservatives, we believe in We cannot afford to be attacked, the Conservative era of governance at all for quite some time and, more a strong national defense. This in- but neither can we afford to watch was over. Americans, they claimed, importantly, has not been imple- Defendingvolves a handful our ofHomeland: things: our friends across the globe fall vic- had thoroughly rejected Conserva- mented or adhered to by those in tim to attack. We must not turn our tive ideas because those ideas had government who claim to be Con- backs on our TRUE friends in their been demonstrably disproven, for servative. When new members of the mili- times of need. With an increasingly they had led to the greatest eco- Our goal this semester has been tary are sworn in, they take an oath dangerous Iran, Russia, and North nomic downturn since the Great to explain the Conservative phi- to defend this country against all Korea, we can never let our guard Depression. The only problem with losophy in a way that many people enemies, foreign and domestic. It Recognizingdown. our Enemies: this analysis is that the ideas in have probably not heard since the is our duty, then, to make sure that question are not really Conserva- Reagan years. We have attempted our men and women in uniform tive ideas. to explain what we believe Conser- are supplied with whatever re- Russia and North Korea are very For many people, especially vatism really is and what the main sources they need to defend us. It potential threats. In a post-9/11 those in Generation Y, their main tenets of Conservatism are. Despite is also our duty to treat these peo- world, however, our number one experience with governance has the common perception, there is ple with the utmost honor and re- threat is radical Islamic jihad. Fight- been the government of the last de- more to Conservatism than lower- spect. As Conservatives, we do not ing Muslim combatants is nothing cade which, though primarily dom- ing taxes, repealing Roe v. Wade, take our freedom for granted, nor new for the United States. As early inated by Republicans, was not nec- and fighting wars in the Middle do we take for granted the brave as 1801, our country was fight- essarily Conservative, but a hybrid East. In fact, this is an extremely individuals who lay their lives on ing Barbary Pirates on the North of Conservative ideas (e.g., low tax- poor representation of Conserva- the line to protect our freedom. African coast. The Barbary pirates es) and Progressive ideas (e.g., gov- tism. As we learned from Pearl Har- were Muslims and they hated the ernment as the engine of economic In the previous two issues, we bor (and again from 9/11), our West. Conflict with various Islamic growth) which had disastrous ef- discussed the origin of human country is not invincible. We are jihadists escalated in the last quar- fects. Additionally, we have not rights, limited government, capital- strong, yes, but not invincible. That ter of the 20th century and then seen an overwhelmingly ism, individualism, welfare, being the case, we must go to great we suffered devastating attacks on popular Conserva- and the pragmatic nature lengths to ensure our personal September 11th. Our enemies did tive spokesper- of Conservatism. In this safety and the safety of our fellow not stop after 9/11 though. They son since Newt issue, we will be dis- countrymen. In some instances, it have continued to strike. Let us not Gingrich in the cussing defense, lib- is necessary to use aggressive force forget the Fort Hood shooting last early 1990’s. erty, and American abroad to maintain our safety here November and the Christmas Day It is no sur- Exceptionalism. We at home. In a world where rogue Panty Bomber. prise then that hope that you have nations possess (or are seeking To be clear, the United States is many Ameri- enjoyed our series to possess) nuclear and biological not fighting a War on Islam; we are cans do not this semester and weapons, we cannot loaf around fighting a War on Terror. The fact have a good are looking forward and wait to get hit. With a proper that our enemies kill in the name grasp of what to the issues dis- amount of forethought and delib- of Allah is circumstantial. If some Conservatism re- cussed in this is- eration, we must act aggressively other group plotted against us, ally is. It’s not that sue. to make certain that our nation hijacked commercial aircraft and Conservatism is too does not fall victim to any sort of used them as weapons against us, complicated for most devastating attack. Sending letters we would be retaliating against people to under- to our enemies or holding hands them just the same. Terror is not an stand, or that it with them while singing Kum- exclusive province of radical Islam; has not been baya does not count. Asking it can be perpetrated by anyone. explained the French for their opin- However, there is no escaping the w e l l ionStanding does not with count our either. fact that a very overwhelming ma- enough, Allies: jority of attacks against Americans for Con- in Seethe last “Conservatism...” 35 years have been on pg.com 4- serva- t i s m 4 April, 2010 The Purdue Review Conservatism... From Page 3

mitted by Islamic jihadists. That be- we are bigoted against people from want to keep them safe as well. We ever, the idea of liberty goes much ing said, radical jihad has cemented other countries. We welcome immi- respect the harsh reality that our deeper than this continuous cycle. itself as the number one threat our gration, so long as it is legal. In fact, nation faces grave threats, most The true meaning of liberty is often Maintainingnation faces. our Sovereignty: immigration to the United States is notably radical jihad. Lastly, we something that we as Americans a testament to our country’s great- respect our laws and our borders take for granted, even though we ness, because so many millions of and we believe in the enforcement experience it every day. The United States is a sovereign people want to come here. of both as a means of maintaining In order to get a better under- nation. As such, it is important It is important though that im- national sovereignty. Each of these standing of liberty, it is important that we enforce our laws and our migrants come here legally. More- components contributes to the to consider where the idea came borders. If we do not enforce one over, it is important that we do not Conservative belief in a strong na- from. In 18th century Britain, ad- (or both), then we lose our sense extend amnesty to illegal aliens. If tional defense. vocates of liberty included the fa- of sovereignty. A nation who does we do not enforce our laws, what mous natural rights philosopher, not enforce its laws and its borders is our purpose as a nation? Also, The Meaning John Locke. According to a report has no purpose. In recent years, the what message does amnesty send of Liberty by John C. Goodman of the National need for enforcement of our laws to all of those who immigrate here By CHRIS ELLISON Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA), as they relate to our borders has legally? That tells them that all of Locke preached that individuals become increasingly important for the work they put in abiding by have liberty and individual rights two reasons. First, tying in with the the law and following the proper that do not come from the govern- previous segments, our borders are procedure was for nothing. These American citizens, regardless of ment. Locke, however, did believe a matter of national security. If we people did not just sneak across their ethnic background, religious that it was a limited government’s let anyone and everyone through, a border (many did not even have beliefs, or political views, have the role to protect these freedoms. terrorists can enter this country that luxury). They followed the law opportunity to celebrate several Locke’s beliefs, among those of much more easily. That is a very Alland About that should Respect: be respected. concepts that tend to be rare else- many other political and econom- real danger. where in the world. One such con- ic philosophers of his time, were Secondly, the large influx of il- cept is the broadly defined term of foundational to the idea of classical legal immigrants to this country At the end of the day, a strong liberty. Typically, liberty is thought liberalism. This philosophy, accord- has created numerous problems. national defense is all about re- of as the ability to be free. There- ing to NCPA, influenced founding This brings up an important point. spect. As Conservatives, we respect fore, when people think about liber- fathers such as Thomas Jefferson As Conservatives, we are proud of our troops and our fellow coun- ty, they often think about freedom. in drafting the Declaration of In- our country and we are proud to trymen. We want to keep America When people think about freedom, dependence. Today, the beliefs in be from it. This does not mean that safe. We respect our allies and we they often think of America. How- classical liberalism such as free markets, limited government inter- vention, and a strong emphasis on individual liberty and responsibil- ity are celebrated and cherished in America. Most people are familiar with the Declaration of Independence’s unalienable rights as stated by our founding fathers. In case you have forgotten, those rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happi- ness. The founding fathers believed that these rights came from God. Under the Conservative political philosophy, this belief has been held steady for years. Many Con- servatives also see the term liberty as coinciding with the other two rights. People have liberty, or the freedom to do what they want, as longSee as “Conservatism...” it does not interfere on pg. with 5 The Purdue Review April, 2010 5 Conservatism... From Page 4

another person’s unalienable equal outcomes. In this sense, a or helping out the poor. Generos- Statue of Liberty is that America rights of life and the pursuit of hap- strong redistribution of wealth ity tends to be highly encouraged will welcome people from all over piness. In this sense, I believe that plan might be needed so that some in many Conservative communi- the world who desire the same liberty is one of the foundations for people can receive more and oth- ties, particularly religious ones. freedoms. In America, these people several Conservative viewpoints ers can be awarded less of what However, to encourage people to will be free, have individual liber- today. they do not need. However, to the pursue their dreams and to protect ties, and will be allowed to pursue For example, the right to lib- conservative, this directly violates individual liberty, Conservatives their dreams. The true meaning of erty arises with right to life in de- liberty. In the mind of a Conserva- bates regarding abortion. The rea- tive, liberty is an individual con- “In the mind of a Conservative, liberty is an son that many Conservatives are cept, not a concept that is to be individual concept that is to be applied to the pro-life is because they believe an applied to the general welfare of abortion takes away a human be- society. So, by taking someone’s general welfare of society.” ing’s unalienable right to life. Some wealth and redistributing to some- may argue that a woman should one else who has earned less, the have the liberty to choose whether Conservative believes that the gov- or not she wants to have a baby. ernment (or whoever is in charge) A traditional Conservative would is violating an individual’s liberty believe that the government should liberty can be interpreted differ- argue this point by claiming as well as that individual’s mo- play a minimal role when interven- ently by individuals from all over that this notion of liberty tivation to pursue his or her ing in someone’s personal or finan- America. However, no one, con- violates another’s own dreams and happiness. cial life. servative or otherwise, can deny life, and therefore In addition, the person In American society, the battle that the opportunity for liberty in should not be who receives the new between the role of government America is truly exceptional. protected un- wealth has their pursuit and individual liberties is an im- American der these cir- of happiness hindered, be- portant issue that dwells within cumstances. cause they are less motivated the Conservative mind. Tradition- Exceptionalism Liberty can to provide for themselves and ally, Conservatives tend to favor lib- By JORDAN HEBBE also coincide pursue their dreams if they be- erty over the role of government in with the pur- lieve that the government will their personal lives. This is because suit of hap- remain their sole provider. This is liberty allows for freedom, which piness. This not to say that Conservatives don’t fosters innovation. Many Conser- It is a relatively new term, but can be il- b e - lieve in a safety net vative thinkers like to apply this something that most Americans lustrated in type of thinking to economic soci- have inherently known since an example eties which have existed through- emerging victorious from the Rev- regarding a out time. According to economist olutionary War (despite seemingly Conservative Milton Friedman, “The greatest insurmountable odds). We were and a social- advances of civilization, whether special. We had been delivered to ist. Social- in architecture or painting, in sci- freedom by God’s hand. He had ists tend to ence and literature, in industry or brought us to the land of plenty believe that agriculture, have never come from and given us a whole new world liberty can centralized government”. One in which liberty and resources be applied can infer from this quote that abounded. Our founding fathers when every- having as many economic lib- framed the Constitution with in- one re- erties as possible, as long as they tentions of keeping us indepen- ceives do not infringe upon the rights of dent, self-sufficient, and a super- others, can create great advances power. American Exceptionalism over time within a society. is the idea that the United States of Many people believe that the lib- America possesses a special place erties Americans have allow them among the nations of the world in to go about their daily lives without terms of our national religion (con- fear and oppression. Regardless of trary to what our President likes to political belief, many Ameri- think, we are a Christian nation), cans feel that the historical ourSee evolution “Conservatism...” as a nation, on our pg. po 6- and present-day signifi- litical institutions, and our mixture cance behind the symbolic 6 April, 2010 The Purdue Review Conservatism... From Page 5

of cultures and origins. We hold a most Americans probably appreci- we are intolerant of other ideolo- who hate us and everything that defined role among the global com- ate that, thanks to our dominance gies need to consider the suffering we stand for. We stand in the way munity because of our powerful as a military superpower, we are faced by people living in tyrannical of their spread of tyranny because stature and model of government; able to sleep peacefully at night, states across the world. we represent liberty. Their citizens there is no other country in the practice our religions freely, vote Our status as a superpower see what we have built and how we world quite like us. for our representation, and prac- sometimes means that we take on live, and when they sleep at night, the role of liberators for those who it is America that they dream of. “Over the past few decades, however, we have cannot protect themselves. This World leaders know that we are has often been the subject of scru- watching them, keeping them ac- started to see a disdain for the power that once tiny by those who think we need to countable, and always waiting for made us great.” stay out of matters that do not au- them to slip up and reveal sinister tomatically involve us. I think we all motives. They know that when they saw how well that worked out for do, they might see the wrath of the us during World War II: Pearl Har- world superpower. bor anyone? The fact of the matter Since our divine victory more is that we cannot afford to sit idly than 200 years ago, we have been There are many reasons for our tice free speech. All of these things by while helpless, smaller nations the shining city on a hill. Millions of status as a superpower, and they come from being a dominant force; are taken over by Communism, the world’s oppressed have looked are necessary in order to under- we cannot take these privileges for Socialism, Nazism, Fascism, or to our Statue of Liberty to give stand who we are. We have the granted. whatever the flavor of oppression them freedom and acceptance, and highest standard of living in the Those who argue that we are a may be. The old phrase “if you give they found it here. We have pro- world. We own 85% of all real es- secular nation oppose the idea that someone an inch, he or she will vided them with a safe haven and tate in the world. We are the most we have been given our status by a take a mile” can be applied here. allowed them to call this beautiful generous nation in the world, divine being. They seem to be of the Each foothold that we allow evil to nation home. We know we are not donating the most aid, food, and opinion that we should just sit back gain puts them one step closer to perfect, but we are constantly try- medicine to third world countries. and fall into line with the rest of the being powerful enough to threaten ing to improve ourselves and the We have produced the most sig- world. In reality, we have a respon- our existence. By putting out the world around us, and we will not nificant technological and scientific sibility to do the opposite. We have advancements the world has ever been given our status, not to be a “We have been a beacon of hope for developing seen. We invented the telephone, sitting duck, but to spread liberty the electric light, the telegraph, and to the darkest corners of the world. nations and we have demonstrated what they the automobile. We pioneered the In a sense, it is our divine responsi- could become.” representative democracy, the hu- bility. God has given us his shield of man rights movement, the Enlight- protection in order to do His work enment, and the scientific and in- and show the world what freedom dustrial revolutions. And those are can do for them. The foundation just a sampling of the credentials for our society can be referenced that enable us to claim superpower to the Bible. Our republican form sparks before they become a fire, apologize for being the best. status. of government, rule of free law, we can prevent them from igniting “In the long history of the world, Over the past few decades, how- and free market capitalism comes the free world. only a few generations have been ever, we have started to see a dis- directly from Judeo-Christian be- In the past, we have been a shin- granted the role of defending dain for the power that once made liefs. One of the redeeming quali- ing example of a free republic. We freedom in its hour of maximum us great. Since Obama’s election, ties of this background is that, as have been a beacon of hope for danger. I do not shrink from this we have heard constant reminders Christians, we are accepting of developing nations and we have responsibility—I welcome it. I do of how we have oppressed other other religions. We allow anyone demonstrated what they could be- not believe that any of us would nations and that we should be apol- and everyone to peaceably practice come. Within the protections of exchange places with any other ogetic for our role in the world. The whatever they choose and we offer our Constitution, our citizens have people or any other generation. most recent example of this was them a safe environment in which been able to invent and discover a The energy, the faith, the devotion this past week at the nuclear secu- to do so. In other countries, espe- plethora of ideas and innovations. which we bring to this endeavor rity summit when the President de- cially some of the fundamentalist We are told that the world hates us, will light our country and all who clared that, “whether we like it or Muslim nations, those who refuse and that is partially correct. It is not serve it—and the glow from that not, we remain a dominant military to convert are often tortured and exactly the whole world though. It fire can truly light the world.” superpower.” I would imagine that murdered. Those who claim that is the leaders of oppressed nations -President John F. Kennedy The Purdue Review April, 2010 7 Reading the Tea Party’s Leaves By JAY WOOD

The Tea Party movement has Cleanconcern. Slate: Here are the cons: sarily a bad thing. In fact, someone the center-right vote in the United grown exponentially in the last with experience might be able to States. In that election, Bill Clin- year. There have been enormous do the job more effectively than a ton won 43% of the popular vote, rallies on Tax Day (April 15th), In- Not everyone in the Tea Party rookie. George Bush (Sr.) won roughly dependence Day, and the day after movement agrees with this, but 37.5% of the vote, and Ross Perot 9/11, as well as smaller rallies in there are a number of protesters between. The grassroots move- who want to see 435 brand new “It does not require a majority to prevail, but ment is made up of people from members of Congress. There are rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set all walks of life. There are pros and plenty of reasons to be upset with cons to the movement’s philoso- Washington, but not all of the cur- brush fires in people’s minds.” Awareness:phy. First for the pros: rent members of Congress support higher taxes and higher spending. - Samuel Adams What about the politicians who The Tea Party movement is do- have stood up for the principles ing a great job of exposing the that the Tea Party movement holds “Going Perot” liberal policies of the Obama Ad- dear? Just because a politician has ministration and the Democrats in spent time in Washington, does not won almost 19% of the vote. If Pe- Congress. People who might not automatically mean that they are This is by far the biggest concern rot’s votes were divided between have been very politically involved supporting liberal economic poli- about the Tea Party movement. Bush and Clinton, Bush would have before are starting to come out of cies (although Washington has had There is a possibility that the Tea needed to win approximately two- the woodwork and they are join- that effect on some). There are pol- Party movement could field a third thirds or more in order to overtake ing the fight. They are making their iticians who have voted the other party candidate in any given race, Clinton in the popular vote. voices heard. This is a good thing. way. but most importantly the Presiden- Different scenarios in that elec- Americans are becoming desperate There are a number of protest- tial race in 2012. An Independent tion are all retrospect. The results for a return to smaller government ers who will not support candidate backed by the cannot be changed. 2012 is still yet and they are demanding it from the a candidate in the Tea Party is a reci- to be determined though. In 2008, Advocacy:politicians in Washington. primary if that pe for contin- Barack Obama was able to defeat person has ued liberal John McCain even with McCain e v e r policy in receiving essentially the entire Contrary to the way some mem- h e l d Wash- center-right vote. Imagine splitting bers of the media might like to por- i n g - up that center-right vote. Barack tray the protesters, the Tea Party ton. Obama would win in a landslide. movement is not about race. The A With that result, would Republi- President’s skin color has nothing cans or Tea Party Independents be to do with the reasons people are happy? Nope! Would either group angry or why they are get what they want? Nope! Despite choosing to protest. the Tea Party movement’s good in- The Tea Party move- tentions, dividing the center-right ment has three core vote would actually work strongly principles: fiscal against them. responsibility, consti- All in all, the Tea Party move- tutionally limited government, and ment is very positive. They stand the free market. These fundamental for conservative values and they principles are all sound. As conser- sim- raise awareness about the direc- vatives, it is exciting to see a large i l a r tion President Obama and the grassroots movement advocating s i t u a - Democrats in Congress are taking our general views about economic elected tion oc- this country. It is important though policy and the size and scope of the o f f i c e . curred in that the members of this movement federal government. This is a cause Just because 1992. pick their battles carefully and con- for celebration. someone has been In 1992, Ross Perot sider the big-picture consequences However, there are elements of in public service before ran for President as an Indepen- of independent candidacy. the Tea Party that are a cause for does not automatically make them dent, a member of a new “Reform a liberal. Experience is not neces- Party”. Perot’s candidacy divided 8 April, 2010 The Purdue Review Women and the Tea Party By KRISTIN PATRAS

She is a mother of five, a beauty movement that is all about women the definition does it say “liber- vative women are not convinced. pageant queen, a hunter, a fisher- – feminism. The Merriam-Webster al.” Nevertheless, liberal women Could the fact that only 21 out of man, the first female governor of dictionary defines feminism as “the have swept up the entire move- 535 seats in Congress are filled by Alaska, and absolutely gorgeous. “Organizations like NOW only add to the errone- Republican women have anything Ever since Sarah Palin first stepped to do with it? How about the fact onto the national stage as a con- ous belief that only liberal ideology could ever that there are only four female Re- servative female voice, her very promote equality of the sexes and women’s publican governors? Maybe when existence has irked liberals on a George W. Bush signed the Partial level never seen before. Was it her rights and interests.” Birth Abortion Act of 2003 with fabulous style, her strong sense of nine men standing behind him and self, or her hockey mom reputation zero women on the stage, conser- that got under their skin the most? vative women were rubbed the Although it is difficult to pinpoint wrong way. How about the time exactly why Sarah and her family theory of the political, economic, ment from right under our heels. President Bush signed the Trou- were utilized as a punching bag for and social equality of the sexes” Take the National Organization ble Asset Relief Program, which liberal comedians, reporters, and and “organized activity on behalf of for Women (sounds bipartisan, would guarantee to leave our chil- bloggers, it is clear that conserva- women’s rights and interests.” No- right?), for example. NOW, which dren with insurmountable debt? tive women felt the impact of the tice that no- happens to be the largest organi- Whatever the reason, conservative punches as if they were Sarah Palin w h e r e zation of feminist advocates in the women have felt more and more themselves. i n U.S., utilizes its website to push is- distant from the Republican Party For decades conservative wom- sues such as abortion and wel- for years. This might explain why a en have been made to feel like fare. This could be confusing Gallup Poll from 2009 showed that they have no place in the modern to those who did not see “lib- only 27% of women identify them- political scene. Either you are an eral” written in magic ink in selves as Republicans. old, white, homophobic man in front of the word “women” When Sarah Palin was chosen as the G.O.P. or a liberal, pro-choice, in the organization’s title. John McCain’s running mate for the pro-welfare Democrat. If you are a Organizations like NOW 2008 election, it seemed as if there woman and do not fit into either of only add to the errone- was a glimmer of hope for conser- those categories, then you are out ous belief that only lib- vative women everywhere. Finally, of luck. If you do not support Hill- eral ideology could there was a strong conservative ary Clinton, please sit down. They ever promote equal- voice on the front line that women will break the glass ceiling without ity of the sexes and could relate to! After Republicans you since you believe in oppress- women’s rights lost the 2008 election, many were ing women. If you are not and interests. left to wonder what was going to an enthusiast of Planned If you Google happen to the conservative female Parenthood, then step “feminist con- voice that had barely begun to aside. You are against a s e r v a t i v e s ” make an appearance. Stacy Mott, woman’s right to control the first result a proud conservative, decided that her own body. If you do is “Conserva- she had had enough and created a not support socialized tive Feminism: blog called Smart Girl Politics. The healthcare, watch out! An oxymoron?” blog instantly blew up and turned You are a threat to Need I say more? into a must see page for conserva- helpless, sick children So, if conser- tive women everywhere. Rebecca everywhere. How vative women Wales, a spokeswoman for Smart dare you! are not even wel- Girl Politics, told Politico “For years, Yes, conserva- come in the one it has been the liberal women who tive women have movement that is have organized and been staunch been made to feel all about women, grass-roots and policy advocates. highly uncomfort- then what’s left? No longer is it only the liberals. able for their po- While the Repub- Conservative women have found litical convictions. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann lican Party seems their voicesSee and“Women...” are using on them,Pg. 9 They have even been like the obvious left out of the one political choice, conser- The Purdue Review April, 2010 9 Women... From Page 8

actively and loudly.” In fact, Smart liberal Democrats.” Determined to There is no need for the Repub- tend these events. Although there Girl Politics has been so successful give conservatism a makeover, the lican Party or the Feminist Move- are no clear leaders, Sarah Palin ment. Sites such as these have and Minnesota Congresswoman “After decades of feeling like they were being become tremendous sources for Michele Bachmann have both been told to sit down and shut up, conservative wom- conservative women not only to unapologetic advocates for the catch up on news, but also to con- movement. In addition, Tea Party en are finally speaking out. ” nect with other conservative wom- principles such as less government en. After decades of feeling like spending, no socialized healthcare, they were being told to sit down and no government bailouts have and shut up, conservative women struck a chord with conservative are finally speaking out. women who will no longer accept that an annual Smart Girl Summit Chicks write about everything from This enthusiasm might explain being disregarded. Although it is has erupted in D.C., which features how the Coffee Party makes them why when the Tea Parties rolled unknown what will come of the speeches from conservative wom- giggle to how “McBotox” – more around in 2009, its male GOP repu- new conservative female voice, it is en such as Liz Cheney and Michelle commonly known as Nancy Pe- tation was quickly squashed – by clear that conservative women ev- Malkin over a two-day period. losi – likes to hear herself talk. The Louboutins at that! In fact, a poll erywhere have a newfound chan- Closer to home, Hoosiers Mock site provides an excellent source of released by Quinnipiac University nel for expressing themselves and and Daisy started the site Chicks news for conservatives who wel- reveals that women could make up truly influencing the political and on the Right after they “realized come a touch of spunky commen- as much as 55% of the Tea Party social direction of our country. that this country is being taken in tary to brighten the recent political movement. This comes as no sur- a completely wack direction by shenanigans. prise to those who regularly at- Afternoon Tea in Indianapolis By MATT SWIONTEK

In February of 2009, Rick San- momentum is still growing and the Show Host, Kokomo; and Emery son the Tea Party is fighting today. telli on CNBC made what was called Tea Parties are continuing. McClendon, Tea Party Activist. The He then finished with a call to ac- “the rant heard ‘round the world.” Indianapolis hosted their sec- message of the Tea Party was simi- tion, urging all Tea Party members Santelli echoed the thoughts of ond Tax Day Tea Party entitled lar to the message a year ago, but to bring five people to the polls the majority of Americans when “Freedom Rally 2010… the Party much more optimistic; the Ameri- on Election Day that would not he said, “How many of you people Continues”. As a Purdue student can people (regardless of party af- normally vote. He urged that it is want to pay for your neighbor’s and a Conservative activist, I was filiation) want less tax, less govern- necessary for the Tea Party to win mortgage that has an extra bath- lucky enough to be asked to speak ment intrusion, and more freedom. every battle it can, and predicted room and can’t pay their bills”. at this rally in front of over 3,500 The reoccurring theme throughout that these wins would carry over to He then urged Americans to join Hoosiers. I joined alongside a four- all speeches was “Remember in No- Election Day in 2010. together and hold a tea party to teen year old high school student to vember”. Bill Whittle was just one speaker prove to President Obama and the speak about the many challenges Bill Whittle, host of Afterburn- out of the many there who cleanly US Congress that the citizens have that have developed as Obama and er on PJTV.com, welcomed all the articulated Conservative principles had enough. This “rant” made by the Democratic Congress continue Democrats and Independents say- and the principles of the Consti- Santelli struck a chord with the to spend money we do not have ing, “This movement is not about tution. As I spoke afterward with American people about more than and continue to grow the size of the Republicans versus Democrats, Bill Whittle, Richard Mourdock, just the mortgages that were being government. it’s not about Conservatives ver- and Peter Heck, it was evident that funded with tax-payer money. Tea As a speaker, I had the unique op- sus Liberals, it’s about the people the momentum in our country has Parties were organized all over the portunity to be able to talk with the versus their government.” He con- shifted and that Obama and the U.S. and a year ago, on April 15th, other presenters. These speakers tinued to explain that the original Democratic leadership need to get American citizens showed up in included Bill Whittle, Afterburner, Tea Party was not simply about a used to the Tea Parties because mass to voice their concerns about PJTV.com; Richard Mourdock, In- $0.01 tax, but was about a govern- they are not going away. In addi- higher taxes, increased govern- diana Treasurer of State; Greg Gar- ment (without consent) running tion, it is evident that Americans ment intrusion, and a weakening rison, WIBC Radio Talk Show Host; their lives from afar. Whittle then have had enough and they will re- national defense. A year later, the Peter Heck, teacher and Radio Talk explained that that is the same rea- member in November. 10 April, 2010 The Purdue Review Student Loan Reformation under the “Healthcare” Bill? By MORGAN IKERD

On March 30, 2010, the famous tion because these issues matter agenda. This loan proposal has now in choosing which institutions re- Reconciliation Bill was passed to them greatly. They are starting been sent back to the House where ceive excess grant money and gov- through Congress. Not only did to realize that they don’t like the Republicans offered 35-40 amend- ernment aid. Section 2104 of the it include the obvious revisions, “shady” way the government is go- ments, all of which failed. They did, Reconciliation Bill is named “In- or rather, the complete turnover ing about their business, and all the however, raise two points of order vestment in Historically Black Col- of our former healthcare system, special deals just add fuel to that. that succeeded, so it is required to leges and Universities and Minority but it also included a student loan Approval ratings are dropping be- go back through the House where it Serving Institutions.” This includes takeover proposal. This education cause people are becoming more will be acted on once again. programs that help “low-income” loan proposal is something Demo- disillusioned and cynical about the But the Democrats once again, students attain degrees in the fields crats have been trying to push for a way things are happening in Wash- have sacrificed big government for of science, technology, engineering very long time and takes the 2,000 ington. jobs, while this program will take or mathematics by the following student lenders across the coun- What Republicans opposing the 30-35 thousand jobs out of the pri- annual amounts: $100 million to try that are making student loans, bill found was that it took money vate sector, killing many of the jobs, Hispanic serving institutions, $85 pulls them all in, and creates four out of the student loan program and bringing the remaining into million to historically black col- “The Democrats saw it as a move to get part of their agenda through. There leges and universities, $15 million were no hearings on the issue, it hasn’t gone through regular order, it didn’t to Alaska, Hawaiian Native institu- tions, $5 million to Asian American follow the process—but they saw it as an opportunity to fit it into this reconcilia- and Pacific Islander institutions, and $5 million to Native American tion bill and accomplish something they have been pursuing for a very long time. non-tribal serving institutions. However, if the Democrats had tried to do this through regular order; it would be Not only does this not seem to fit with the “healthcare” reform bill, controversial, because they would be faced with the regular amendment process it doesn’t seem fair, in any way, to which would take 60 votes rather than 51. So, by squeezing the student loan pro- non-minority students. Another farce in the bill is the posal into the healthcare bill, they were able to get a big piece of their agenda absence of the “Doctor Fix.” Under current law, Medicare’s payment through and in a sense, ’nationalize’ this whole program.” rates for physicians’ services will Senator John Thune, (R-SD) be reduced by about 21 percent during the month of April 2010 and by an average of about 2 percent per year for the rest of the decade. H.R. 3961 would increase those federal loan centers. As a result, and used it to help pay for health- the government arena. The way the payment rates by about 1.2 percent students will have no choice but to care. Therefore, students are going Democrats constructed this pro- in 2010 and would restructure the go through the federal government to pay even higher interest rates on cess was very unprecedented and sustainable growth rate mecha- to obtain their loans. their student loans in order to help sneaky. Government has a respon- nism beginning in 2011. Those The Democrats bundled the finance the new healthcare entitle- sibility to be transparent when it changes would result in significant- bill into a package along with the ment expansion. Should students comes to people’s tax dollars. What ly higher payment rates for physi- Democratic Health Care legislation, really be paying for their neighbor’s they are doing with the healthcare cians than those that would result which would allow for both mea- medical cost because of a sheltered bill is anything but transparent. under current law. Enacting this sures to be passed by the Senate act by Congress of pushing these Senator Thune states, “This is a part of the bill would cost about on a simple majority vote. With- two unrelated issues together? budget buster that is going to ex- $208 billion over the 2011-2019 out the deal, the student loans bill What is really mind-boggling plode because of all the ‘gimmicks’ period. Physicians who go through would be unlikely to pass because about this whole Reconciliation Bill they have been using to understate all of the required schooling and it lacked the votes necessary to is the fact that student loans are its TRUE cost.” normally come out with thousands overcome a filibuster. Packaging included at all! The logical mind Not only does the does the bill of dollars in debt deserve this com- the two bills together secured the would see that they are in no way nationalize student loans, giv- pensation, right? votes needed on both healthcare related; but of course, doing this ing students no choice other than SeeHowever, “Student including Loans...” the on “Doctor pg. 11 and student loans. However, the has some sort of importance in turning to the federal government American public is paying atten- pushing forward the Democratic for educational aid, but it favors The Purdue Review April, 2010 11 Student Loans... From Page 10

Fix” in the healthcare bill would would swing the outcome—Senate over 10 years) to reduce the deficit tantly, what the people want. The have put it out of balance and puts Democrats nominally control 59 and pay for the legislative portion conglomeration of the student loan the bill in deficit. So the Demo- votes, and only need 50 to approve of the deficit. reformation and the healthcare bill crats have said (with a wink and the reconciliation measure because The American public is frus- is a perfect example of the tireless a nod), “we’ll take care of it later.” they knew Vice President Biden trated with the government’s lack attempts to expand government So, instead, they included the stu- would break the tie. In the end, to of transparency and shady, not to control and regulation and infringe dent loans proposal, which actu- satisfy the budget requirement and mention unconventional, methods upon the liberties of the American ally helps pay for the healthcare win over the skeptics in their own of sliding bills through the process people, especially college students program, despite the irrelevancy. party, Democratic leaders wound without a proper acknowledgment in this case, to make their own per- Senate Democrats said that they up directing a total of $19 billion of what jobs it may obliterate, what sonal financial decisions. could lose some votes as a result of (of the $61 billion in revenues the the people will have to pay to fi- the packaging but did not think it student loan shift would produce nance these bills, and most impor- Do Away with Plurality Voting By Josh teasdale

When it comes to elections we highly discourages voting for third ty to come into a new election with dates split the voter fairly evenly generally think of the winning can- parties. Imagine a conservative enough support in order to win. one of them could win with as little didate as representing a major- party candidate, a Republican can- More likely it would split up an ex- as 7.7% of the vote. The ultimate ity of those who have come out to didate, and a Democrat candidate isting party coalition and swing the winner will likely receive a far vote. However, most general and competing for the same seat. You election to the opposite side of the more significant percentage of the primary elections in the United might agree with the Conservative political spectrum. While this ben- vote; however, it would be surpris- States require candidates to only party candidate the most; however, efits both major political parties ing if a candidate could receive an receive a plurality, not an absolute by voting for the third party candi- by enforcing cohesion, it hurts the absolute majority in such a crowd- majority in order to win. This goes date, you might split the conserva- voters by discouraging a broader ed field. largely unnoticed as winning can- tive/Republican vote. Even if the choice of candidates. Congress has the power to regu- didates often receive an absolute “The Congress should amend current law to require late the manner in which elections majority anyway, or may come very are conducted for U.S. Senators close to an absolute majority. In an absolute majority of votes in order to win a seat and Representatives. An example districts safe for either Republicans in the US Congress, both in primary and general of such regulation is that U.S. law or Democrats it is very common for mandates single seat districts for the winning candidate to receive elections. This would likely require runoff elections all U.S. House seats. The Congress 60, 70, or 80 percent of the vote. should amend current law to re- However, in swing districts, races in some primary and general election contests.” quire an absolute majority of votes are often much closer, with third in order to win a seat in the U.S. parties siphoning off enough votes Congress, both in primary and gen- to deny a candidate 50% plus 1 of eral elections. This would likely re- the votes. quire runoff elections in some pri- The plurality requirement has conservative and Republican to- The effects of the plurality re- mary and general election contests, a number of clear effects. The first gether receive more votes than the quirement, or first-past-the-post but it would guarantee a more le- is that it allows candidates to be Democrat, the Democrat will still as it is known by political scien- gitimate winning after these con- elected when a majority of voters win if he receives more votes than tists, are seen in primaries as well tests. It would also allow for other voted for other candidates. In a any other single candidate. as general elections. In the primary parties to compete without the risk three-way election a candidate re- The final effect of the simple for the Republican Nomination for that their participation could swing ceiving 34% of the vote would win plurality requirement is that by the 4th congressional district in the election to a candidate outside if the other two candidates evenly discouraging third party voting, it Indiana, there are an astounding the political philosophy of the ma- split the remaining 66% of votes strengthens the two party system. 13 candidates competing! If in the jority of voters. cast. The second effect is that it It would be unusual for a third par- unlikely circumstance these candi- 12 April, 2010 The Purdue Review My Life in the USA By JENNIFER HAYWOOD

It was exactly a year ago that I admit that Steak n’ Shake, Culver’s sus zombies game before I thought with an American! The only thing I began to get butterflies in my stom- and Five Guys are my favourites. otherwise! I have attended call outs still have left to do is to shoot a gun, ach because I was so worried about I experienced a real American just for the free pizza, managed to but four weeks is a long time! coming to America. There was a Thanksgiving with a great family get myself roped into serving at the Before coming to Purdue, I huge part of me that did not want and great food. I joined many dif- HTM black tie dinner, and experi- imagined making lots of American to go away, and I only bought my ferent societies, such as the Purdue enced the wonder that is the dining friends but that is only one of the plane ticket a week before I left. I Review and volunteered with Col- courts. I turned the legal drinking reasons to study abroad. The beau- did not know how I was going to lege Mentor for Kids. It was actual- age out here …. again, drank iced tea ty of the exchange program is that live away from my friends and fam- ly because of this organization that for the first time and went camp- you make friends from all over the ily in a foreign country for such a I got to stand on the stage in Elliot ing! I have been on a Greyhound world. TheSee bulk“Exchange...” of my friends on pg. are13 long time. I now realize how silly Hall, visit the African American bus, visited Gary, and even been I was being. I firmly believe that I cultural center, attend my first lem- to a few music concerts, notably: made the right decision in coming onade sale and go into the men’s Kings of Leon, Flogging Molly and here and I have no regrets. basketball locker room – yes that’s Lady Gaga! I have been to Chicago, I have been here for about 8 right, the men’s basketball locker Miami, Toronto, Indianapolis, and months and in that time I have tried room! Lake Michigan and I will go to San to do as many American things as I have watched a few football Francisco in May. I could also open humanly possible. I have been to and basketball games, spent hours up my own Purdue shop with the a host of American fast on end drinking the same cup amount of Purdue T-shirts I have food restaurants, of coffee in Greyhouse, and acquired and I have lost count of although I almost took part in the number of times I have spo- m u s t the humans ver- ken about the healthcare bill The Purdue Review April, 2010 13 Sarah Palin’s Inspiring Faith By JORDAN HEBBE

There were no reporters al- Todd thought they had every- family have been the subjects of Every little bit helps and everyone lowed (except me) and her speech thing planned out, their world was constant scrutiny by the media, but can make a difference in some kind was to be strictly religious and in- turned upside down with a few she has managed to keep a posi- of capacity. She acknowledged that spirational, no politics allowed. unexpected events. There were tive attitude. Sarah is able to push sharing our values with people will Last night at the Women of Joy con- times, she said, through the sometimes result in ridicule, but ference in Louisville, Kentucky, all that she ques- hard times faith can provide the strength we of the 16,000 women in attendance tioned God because of need to stick to our convictions. had the privilege of seeing the real and won- her certainty After ending her speech on an Sarah Palin. I went to the event with dered if He about what encouraging note and walking See “Exchange...” on pg. 13my mother, grandmother, and three knew what He God has off the stage to a standing ova- aunts. I definitely enjoyed seeing a was doing by called her to tion, I was left with an even bet- more personal side to the woman giving them do. While still ter impression of Sarah Palin. She who is one of my role models so much to staying away showed a side of herself that is not Sarah talked about the struggles take on; but in from poli- usually highlighted on CNN or the that she had faced during one of hindsight, she tics, she did front page of the National Enquirer, the most trying years of her life: came out of e n c o u r a g e and she allowed us to see who she her son Track enlisted in the Army, the year with women to be- is when she is out of the spotlight. she discovered she would be hav- a stronger come active Sarah is a strong, independent, ing another baby, she found out her faith, a stron- in their com- kind-hearted, and compassionate daughter Bristol would be having ger sense of munity and woman of faith. Those who doubt a baby, she learned that her own purpose, and try to make a her motives and think she is in the baby would be born with Downs a calling to put difference. public arena for personal gain are Syndrome, and she was asked to our country back on the right track. Despite the fact that we are con- sorely mistaken. Her primary goal be John McCain’s Vice Presidential The wisdom and faith that Sar- stantly told that one person cannot is to bring about a spiritual change candidate all within a period of 12 ah gained during the year of trials change the course of things, Sarah in America and return us to our months. Throughout the trials, her have helped her stay strong while said that we can spread our beliefs conservative, Christian roots. faith grew. she promotes conservatism on the by simply discussing them with Despite the fact that she and national stage. Both she and her friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Exchange... From Page 12

international, not just from Eng- they were going through the same not a nice feeling. I never thought I prepare yourself for is the leaving land, but Australia, France, Norway, experiences I was. would get so attached to a place as part. It is incredibly hard to leave New Zealand, Ireland, South Korea People normally say ‘time flies quickly as I have with Purdue. your home, but you know it is not and whole host of other countries. when you are having fun,’ and I I have met some amazing people forever. Leaving Purdue will be for- It is because of Purdue that I have ever. met people from all over the world “I feel international students find it difficult to In a way, it is a good thing that I and I have not just learnt about make friends with people from their host coun- am finding it hard to leave, because American culture, but other cul- it shows I have made a life for my- tures as well. try because they don’t automatically have some- self here. I have made life long I feel international students find thing in common with them.” friends, and even though they are it difficult to make friends with from America and other countries, people from their host country I know I will stay in contact. I will because they don’t automatically just have to take lots of holidays to have something in common with visit them all; surely that can’t be them. When I first arrived, I was such a bad thing! drawn towards English people, be- have no idea where this year has here and after the next 4 weeks Study Abroad: The hardest and cause they offered a certain safety gone. Every day I am reminded I won’t see them again for a very biggest thing I have done in my life, net. They knew my culture and that I am leaving soon, and it is long time. The only aspect of the yet I have had a blast! exchange program that you don’t 14 April, 2010 The Purdue Review My Ideal PSG Ticket By AARON ANSPAUGH

Like many fellow students at cannot list a single positive thing those changes that have actually populists be able to give pointless Purdue, I feel it is important to stay that PSG has ever done for them. saved money. speeches and dress up in suits? informed and active involving the I can, however, list many inconve- After all the problems that can To take into consideration these Purdue Student Government. In niences that PSG has brought upon be undone are undone, the best special individuals, a new body of the past several elections, however, me, most noticeably the enviro- part of my ideal ticket’s platform student representatives, similar to I have not felt that there was a tick- bullying of ITaP into implementing will occur. PSG will be completely the current Senate, will be created, et or specific candidate that repre- pointless and costly “green” poli- dissolved, with the entire budget with 1 member for each school. sented my true views and interests. cies. Aside from the changes I have being cut, every member released, Rather than the lofty name of “Sen- I have not yet seen a ticket that tru- actually felt, I and every pointless ator,” these representatives will ly championed the values of limited know that PSG activity put all have the title of “Pawn.” They government, economic responsi- m y to an end. will have a budget of $0 yearly, so bility, and of course, pragmatism. T h i s they will even have to raise money I’m graduating within a month, so or spend their own if they want to I cannot run myself, but I would have a meet-‘n’-greet pizza party at like to lay out a few ideas for the start of their pretend session. my “perfect PSG ticket” in the The duties of this group of Pawns next election. will be pretty much nothing, but First of all, I don’t like it will give them all something the non-partisan feel of very nice with which to pad PSG in general. While their resumes. not everyone needs to As for true student rep- have a party, I believe resentation, it will be that the presidential brought about by market and vice-presiden- forces. The real power for tial positions should this lies within the state slap a party name on government, not PSG, their ticket to make so action will have to be it easier for the stu- taken there to force true dents to be corralled transparency upon Pur- into voting. For my due and how it spends its ideal ticket, the name money. Once there is true would be “The Regres- transparency, the market sive Minimalist Party”. will take its effect and the While shocking at first, students’ voices (through their the name really conveys money) will be heard more the platform of the party. clearly than any phony PSG ticket There will be 2 defining is- has ever pretended to be. sues that form the basis of my I know this ticket will not hap- ideal ticket. #1 – Undoing all the pen. I know that people love the expensive, pointless, “progressive” w i l l excitement of the PSG elections, as crap that PSG platforms have done t u - r e q u i r e well as the tradition. It is difficult to in the past, and once that is done… i t i o n quite a bit of make such a major change, even if #2 – Dissolve PSG as it is currently money is con- restraint on the part makes sense. But I’m hoping that constituted, eliminate the entire stantly being wasted away of the PSG president, and it might someday, a group of enlightened PSG budget, and replace it with a by these clowns as they try to feel not even be possible under the cur- students will finally realize that body of self-funded, self-inflated important and do all sorts of neat rent pretend PSG laws, but it does student government is just a way “representatives” with little to no things for the students. This crap need to be done. for future politicians to learn how real power. needs to stop immediately. The “But what about student repre- to break promises and spend mon- PSG always claims to be “for the only money that is to be spent will sentation?” you might ask. Well we ey that isn’t theirs. students,” but I’m guessing that be anything necessary to undo should definitely have something. around 90% of students probably all the “green changes,” excepting Where else would all the ambitious The Purdue Review April, 2010 15 Proposed West Lafayette Tax Referendum By Abigail Krueger

“For the seven calendar year or a growing student body with the about higher taxes, but the fact of hours is a definite possibility, which years immediately following the quality of education that the stu- the matter is that before the 2008 has possible negative ramifications holding of the referendum, shall dents deserve. The private sector is tax reform property taxes did con- on everyone working in West La- the school corporation impose a concerned about what an increase tribute a significant portion of the fayette. Many businesses will have property tax rate that does not ex- in property taxes means for local money in the WLCSC’s general to raise their prices on goods, ceed forty three cents ($0.43) on businesses: certainly cutting their fund, but the current percentage is services, or rent for those here at negligible. Also, the Purdue who live off-campus. Rais- proposed increase ing prices is a double-edged sword “Many businesses will have to raise their prices in property taxes is that more often than not results in not huge. The prop- also losing customers. West Lafay- on goods, services, or rent for those here at erty taxes will still ette is not closed off from the rest be substantially less of the world; a person need only Purdue who live off-campus. But raising prices than what landown- cross the river into Lafayette to find ers were paying for businesses not affected by WLCSC them in 2007. property taxes. As for those who is a double-edged sword that more often than The Friends of work in West Lafayette and cannot the West Lafay- help but be affected by the referen- not results in also losing customers.” ette Taxpayer, on dum, many of them have children the other hand, are in the school system and are paying campaigning for them out of their own pockets any- voters to vote no way. on the issue. They Property in West Lafayette is believe that the last more highly valued than compara- each one hundred dollars ($100) own spending even more than they thing local businesses need right ble properties in other places, and of assessed valuation and that is already have, probably raising pric- now is higher taxes. Many local could certainly be a useful asset to in addition to the school corpora- es, possibly laying off employees. businesses are already struggling, the local school system, but rais- tion’s normal tuition support tax Both sides of issue have their own and some may be forced to close ing taxes does more than just add rate?” (IC 20-46-1 Referendum Tax pros and cons and while there is no or relocate. While most businesses to the schools’ general fund. Voters Levy) easy answer, West Lafayette voters may not have to go to extremes have to decide by May 4th: Is the In our current economy, peo- will have to choose one side or the such as these, cutting employees’ trade-off worth it? ple have to make several difficult other. choices for a multitude of reasons. The Friends of the West Lafay- One of these choices is going to be ette Community Schools are urg- made here in the next few weeks ing people to vote yes to the refer- about a proposed property tax in- endum. They point out that many crease in West Lafayette to boost people move to the area for the the income of the West Lafayette high-quality school system, and in Community School Corporation a growing community, the school (WLCSC). Currently, 90% of the system requires more money ev- WLCSC’s general fund is covered ery year to cope with its growing by state financial aid, but the state student population. Projections is experiencing the same economic show that the current funding will problems that everyone else is and be inadequate to keep the number some of its compensation is com- of teachers or the class sizes in the ing in the form of cutting educa- WLCSC constant in the future, but tional expenditures. The school there is a largely untapped pos- system is worried about cutting sible income from property taxes staff and extra-curricular activities that could be made available to the and being less prepared to provide schools. People always complain 16 April, 2010 The Purdue Review Leadership Center An Unwise Expenditure By SCOTT SOWERS

A newly proposed building at ment in the planning of CSEL than evidence that students, outside of because of the lack of student orga- Purdue aims to foster leadership any other current student. He was those in the main organization that nization facilities. Student involve- and excellence among students by the principle author of the Purdue will be housed there, will actually ment may help increase retention, creating a hub for academic assis- Student Government whitepaper, take advantage of it. Even Krites ad- but that can be accomplished with- tance services, student organiza- which has been the principle docu- mitted that he cannot make “clear out having to construct new facili- tions, and class team collaboration. ment outlining the purpose and predictions about what the impact ties. The connection between CSEL This hub, known as the Center for goals of the center. “I’m excited of CSEL would be.” and retention rates seems to be Student Excellence and Leadership, about what this kind of building Many of the spaces that are completely unfounded. is being spearheaded by President could offer,” Krites stated. planned for that building will be Much of the Purdue Student Córdova, Vice President of Student The building will become the incorporated in the already ap- Government whitepaper on the Services, Tom Robinson, and the new home of the Business Office of proved Recreational Sports Center project, like much of the most re- Purdue Student Government. Student Organizations; the Student renovation. There seems to be a cent Strategic Plan, is full of ethere- The Purdue Board of Trustees Activities Office; the Boiler Volun- significant amount of overlap con- al goals, catch phrases, and general recently approved to appropriate teer Network; the Student Access, cerning student organization space gobbledygook. According to the $1.2 million to begin the architec- Transition, and Success programs; between the renovated RSC and the whitepaper, the Center for Student tural planning stages of CSEL. If the and the Academic Success Center. proposed CSEL buildings. Excellence and Leadership will architectural plans are approved Additionally, the CSEL building will and the board decides to go ahead provide office and collaborations with the project, the CSEL facility spaces, such as conference rooms will be built in two phases on the for many of the largest represen- northeast and southeast corners of tative organizations such as PSG, Russell and Third streets. PGSG, Purdue Cooperative Council, The center is intended to im- the four main Greek group organi- prove student life on campus, but zations, and numerous others. Col- it is unclear whether many of the laborative space will also be pro- intended goals can actually be ac- vided for course teams. complished. More importantly, Upon completion of the center, many students question whether proponents hope that it will en- it is prudent to be spending $30 hance learning, develop student million on a non-academic, non- leaders, and create an informal research facility given the current atmosphere for socializing and economy and budgetary crisis es- networking among students and pecially without giving serious con- student groups. They expect that sideration to alternatives. the center will increase student Although these spaces are de- “provide endless opportunities for The idea for a Student Hub has involvement by providing a cen- sired, they are not essential for stu- personal and professional growth” been around for a while, but the tralized, “one-stop shop” for aca- dent organizations to operate. It is and will “provide a holistic setting most recent proposal dates back demic help services and student true that having permanent space that promotes cross-cultural un- to a Tiger Team report during the organization and activities. In turn, helps to create a group cohesion derstanding, thereby empowering strategic planning phase in 2007. proponents believe, that increased that can help an organization ad- tomorrow’s leaders to success- The team proposed that Purdue student involvement and collabo- vance, but it is unclear how this will fully transition from university life create a Student Excellence and ration among student groups and increase retention rates. Students to the real world.” That a building Leadership Center that would pro- organizations will increase reten- do not join organizations because can accomplish such lofty, “holistic” vide space for student organiza- tion rates. of the facilities that those organiza- goals is absurd. tions, academic support services, Whether these benefits will ac- tions do or do not possess and most Programs, opportunities, and and career exploration and place- tually be realized by constructing students are probably unlikely to necessity develop leadership and ment. a new facility, however, is anyone’s choose a college based on student excellence. Buildings do not; they Brad Krites, the Student Body guess. The saying “If we build it, organizations, let alone student or- merely help facilitate these. Unfor- President-Elect and a junior in the they will come” does not always ganization facilities. The reverse is tunately,See it“Leadership...” is unclear who on willpg. 17 be Krannert School of Management, apply. The building is exclusively also true: there are not many stu- has probably had a greater involve- for students, but there is not much dents (if any) who leave Purdue The Purdue Review April, 2010 17

Leadership... From Page 16

developing and coordinating the allocated for rehabilitating existing for the construction, they will pay cility in spite of many legitimate fi- programs within CSEL. Will the buildings which are falling into dis- for the maintenance of this facility. nancial concerns only furthers the Vice President of Student Services repair, funding employee benefits, Alternatives which may reduce opinions of many students, faculty, do this, or will it be some other or restoring funds to academic pro- the cost of the project have not been and staff that this administration group, such as the Student Activi- grams. seriously considered. The Purdue does not possess the leadership ties office? No one seems to know. The source of funding is not the Student Union Board, which once required to manage a university According to Eddie VanBogaert, only financial concern that people favored a student hub, is not in fa- the size of Purdue. President Cór- a Senator from the College of Liber- “Students don’t join organizations because of the fa- dova wants to build a legacy as the al arts and Chairman of the Purdue students’ President. Although it is College Democrats, “There are a lot cilities that those organizations do or do not possess encouraging that she has chosen of limits on the current facilities and most students are probably unlikely to choose students on which to build that leg- that are offered to student orga- acy, throwing money at CSEL in the nizations and I think that building a college based on student organizations, let alone current economic and budgetary this building would help student student organization facilities.” climate without seriously consid- organizations in having appropri- ering alternatives will not establish ate permanent facilities for their that legacy. Such actions then, seem operations.” more contrived than genuine. Many students, faculty and staff, The Board of Trustees has only including VanBogaert, have reser- have with this project. As Senator- vor of CSEL. In a letter to President approved the architectural plan- vations about whether this is the elect from the Krannert School Córdova and other administration ning phase of the Center for Stu- appropriate time to be pursuing of Management, Matt Swiontek, officials, PSUB outlined an alterna- dent Excellence and Leadership. a $30 million student leadership pointed out, “Regardless of who’s tive plan that would repurpose and The project faces several more building. Trustee Michael Birck ex- paying for the construction, Purdue better utilize current space in the hurdles after the planning process, pressed the same concerns when is going to have to foot the bill to Purdue Memorial Union and Stew- however. Once the planning pro- the Board of Trustees approved pay employees to staff the building, art Center. Remodeling and repur- cess is completed and the steering of going ahead with the planning pay employees to clean the build- posing space in these two facilities committee for the facility approves stages of the project on April 9. ing, and pay utilities and electric would create an additional 3,000 of the design, the Board of Trustees Purdue intends to raise all of the that has to go with it.” square feet of space for student or- will have to approve the actual con- money to fund the project from pri- Part of the reasoning of includ- ganizations. struction of the project. Before con- vate donors. State funds and tuition ing group meeting spaces and Additionally, Purdue should struction can begin, however, the will not be used in the construction conference rooms for student or- evaluate whether many other de- Indiana State Senate will have to of the project. To attract donors, ganizations in this building is that partments that currently reside in approve the funding of the project, President Córdova has allocated student groups have to pay for the Stewart center should continue to which will be a very difficult sell. $15 million from her discretion- use of projectors and equipment in do so. Some departments and re- Getting the approval for the RSC ary fund for special projects. This rooms in the Stewart Center and source centers should be eliminat- renovation from the State Senate money is all from gifted funds, but the Purdue Memorial Union. Put- ed completely, such as the Envision was difficult; getting the approval they were not earmarked for this ting this kind of equipment in CSEL Center and the ITaP Shopping Of- for another student-life improve- specific purpose, and this raises will not make it free though; some- fline Store. Freeing up these spaces ment will likely prove to be even the eyebrows of many people who one will still have to pay for it. Good in PMU and STEW would allow all more difficult given the budget cri- think this money could be put to projectors are quite expensive and student organizations to be in one sis. better use in the current economic must be replaced every three to central location. This is a goal of Many people would agree that climate. four years of heavy use. Bulbs have CSEL, but with nearly 900 recog- CSEL is a good idea and that it “How prudent,” VanBogaert to be replaced once or twice per nized student organizations, most would meet many needs of the stu- asked “is it to spend special proj- year. Computers also have to be of their offices would still be locat- dent body, but this is not the right ects money on construction of non- replaced on a continual basis and ed in PMU and STEW. The majority time to be actively pursuing a non- academic, non-research facilities in charged fees for internet and net- of student groups would then be academic, non-research project of a time when our budget is being cut work connectivity. These costs will farther away from BOSO and SAO this scale. The project should not by $67 million over the next bien- not disappear with the construc- than they are currently, a problem be taken off the table, but it needs nium?” He suggested that the dis- tion of a new building. Though stu- that CSEL aims to solve. to be reevaluated at every level be- cretionary money might be better dents and taxpayers will not pay The fast tracking of the CSEL fa- fore moving ahead. 18 April, 2010 The Purdue Review Purdue Gayduation By JOSH TEASDALE

On May 13th of this year, Pur- commonality? It has been quite by narrow qualities. viduals of different backgrounds due is planning on holding its first some time since we decided (as a Encouraging diversity in col- with different points of view in the annual “Lavender Graduation” for society) that separate can never be leges and employment does have classroom. People from a wealthy Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and trans- equal, and in order to ensure equal- some legitimacy. When talking of background have something to gendered graduating seniors. The ity, we had to treat everyone with- the creation of a national univer- learn from those who are poor. ceremony is meant to recognize the out regard to skin color; but today sity, George Washington hoped Oftentimes we have something accomplishments of those graduat- diversity often means the opposite. that by bringing together students to learn from people of different ing seniors in the GBLQA commu- Instead of treating everyone the from different parts of the country, racial, ethnic, and religious back- nity during their time at Purdue. same, we should treat everyone by “It is inevitable that different groups will have sepa- The ceremony is organized by Pur- the characteristics and groups to due’s Office of Diversity and Inclu- which they belong. Purdue’s diver- rate celebrations in addition to the activities orga- sion and will include graduating sity office appears to agree with the nized by the University, but it is inappropriate for seniors, their families, as well as a latter; by organizing separate grad- guest speaker. uation ceremonies they are saying Purdue to carve up the student body into separate Holding special ceremonies and a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans- groups for separate graduation activities.” activities for individuals who be- gendered individual needs special long to groups which have faced recognition, protection, treatment, adversity in the past has become or benefits. common place for diversity offices In grade schools every year, at universities and at some busi- students are often taught that those students would “discover grounds. However, the presence of nesses. Diversity offices often at- America is a melting pot. Our citi- that there was not just cause for different points of view is not a rea- tempt to overcome discrimination zens come from all over the world those jealousies and prejudices, son to reduce people’s identities to perpetrated against groups in the and contribute something to our which one part of the union felt single adjectives: black, white, gay, past by essentially holding events culture, however eventually every- against one another.” From Wash- straight, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, which go out of their way to ac- one becomes part of a single com- ington’s point of the view, the pur- or Pastafarian. Yet this is what is cept those disadvantaged groups. mon culture and identity. This is pose of bringing together people accomplished when we organize However, ceremonies which divide contrasted with how diversity is of different backgrounds was to events by these characteristics. people into groups according to a often administered on college cam- demonstrate that the differences Graduation and Commencement relatively narrow set of personal pus and some businesses, where we commonly recognize are not as should be a time when students come together and celebrate their “Which is a more important goal, celebrating differences or finding commonality? It accomplishments as students and graduates at Purdue. It is inevita- has been quite some time since we decided (as a society) that separate can never be ble that different groups will have equal, and in order to ensure equality, we had to treat everyone without regard to separate celebrations in addition to the activities organized by the skin color; but today diversity often means the opposite.” University, but it is inappropriate for Purdue to carve up the stu- dent body into separate groups for separate graduation activities. Any benefits Purdue’s diversity office could hope to accomplish for gay characteristics only further rein- individuals are divided by race, important as what we have in com- and lesbians students are undone forces the notion that some people ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, mon. Washington may have con- by separating those students from are different from normal. etc and treated according to those sidered geography as the biggest the rest of the student body during There is a debate to be had over qualities. This patchwork version source of prejudice in the county; a time when they should be join- the goal of diversity program- of diversity fails to celebrate com- however, the sentiment is equally ing together with everyone else in ming and what form of diversity mon culture or qualities people valid in regards to race, ethnicity, a time of celebration. The Office of we should pursue in our society. and communities posses. Instead, sex and sexual orientation. Diversity should focus on accom- Which is a more important goal, it views people not as individuals, From an educational standpoint, plishing only the latter. celebrating differences or finding but as classes of people organized there is also value in having indi- The Purdue Review April, 2010 19 Campus Diversions are better than odd jobs Stickey Wicket. .by .Stewart .Simpson

Mallard .Fillmore .by .Bruce Tinsley.

Sudoku Easy

Fiendish

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

Sudoku instructions: The. .object .is .to .fill .all .empty . squares .so .that .the .numbers .1 .to .9 .appear .exactly .once .in . Sudokus .provided .by .http://www .sudokuoftheday .com each .row, .column .and .3x3 .box . 20 April, 2010 The Purdue Review The Crusade of the Unpaid Internship By ROHAN JOHNSON

Thousands of United States un- viduals with a budding career to “[Unpaid internships] provide valuable train- dergraduate students apply for form contacts and connections summer internships every year. within a certain field. There is no ing and hands on experience in a certain field The number of internships across question that internships, paid or so that one may test whether or not a certain the country is split nearly evenly unpaid, are an important staple between paid and unpaid opportu- in the development of the careers industry is right for them... There is no question nities. Undergraduate juniors and of several students in the United seniors tend to take the majority of States. that internships, paid or unpaid, are an impor- paid internships while freshmen, Simple economics shows us that tant staple in the development of the careers of sophomores, and a small amount as cost increases, demand decreas- of high school students generally es. Internship demand is no excep- several students in the United States.” account for a large amount of the tion to this timeless rule. Interns unpaid internships. are valuable to a company only in M. Patricia Smith, the Obama the sense that they perform tasks administration’s top law enforce- that would otherwise be done ment officer at the Labor Depart- by employees who are paid and amount of time, employers cannot wage and hour laws. They were ment, has made it a goal to target trained to work at a different level. afford to put their interns through then issued state identification companies that give students un- The average summer intern works training. It is obvious that interns, cards, and sent to local businesses. paid internships. Smith claims that with a com- pany for 2-3 who are generally untrained, are Their task was to infiltrate their internships in the United States months. W i t h not of much value to companies. If assigned businesses to investigate are “rife with abusive practices s u c h a short students were actually benefiting and report suspected violations. and that serious violations of labor companies more than it costs to Since her nomination to Solici- law are widespread.” Her solution train them, companies would pay tor of Labor at the U.S. Department to this fantasy problem is simple: them without regulation. of Labor by President Obama, Pa- abolish all unpaid internships and Government regulation of un- tricia Smith has refused to answer replace them with jobs that at the paid internships would inevitably questions related to the controver- very least pay minimum wage. lead to an overall decrease in in- sial program which authorized un- Unpaid internships are cru- ternships available. This is not the lawful identity fraud. Despite being cial for students as well as first time M. Patricia Smith has asked to remove the nomination, those who are simply looking called for such measures to be President Obama allowed his fel- for employment in a cer- taken in the name of equality. low community organizer to take tain field. They provide While serving as Commis- her place as the top labor law en- valuable training and sioner of New York State forcer in the country. hands on experience Labor Department, Ms. Statements from the adminis- in a certain field so Smith launched pro- tration’s mouthpiece, Robert Gibbs, that one may test gram called “Wage indicate that the administration is whether or not a and Hour Watch.” taking such regulations into seri- certain indus- In this program, ous consideration. According to try is right for community or- Gibbs, one of the main problems is them. In- ganizations and that unpaid internships disadvan- ternships unions were tage students who may not be able also al- trained by to afford to spend their summers at l o w the State unpaid jobs. What is the solution? i n - L a b o r Of course, let’s just eliminate un- di- Depart- paid internships altogether. m e n t i n