THE UPENN UPCOMING SPEAKER STATESMAN EVENTS! Vol. I, No. 7 Friday, November 9, 2018 www.upennstatesman.org Penn Facing Title IX EXCLUSIVE: Only 0.72% of Investigation Penn Profs. Donate to GOP Sydney Gwynn Executive Board Publisher university system or the health system. A recent study conducted by The According to our data, of the 962 The National Coalition for Men UPenn Statesman discovered that only employees of the University of Pennsylvania (NCFM) has fi led a Title IX federal civil 0.72% of Penn professors that donated that have donated to political groups, only rights complaint against the University of to political groups gave funds to right- fi ve employees have donated to conservative Pennsylvania. The complaint lists twenty- leaning groups. Using publicly available groups. This means only 0.52% of all Penn’s two groups at Penn as being discriminatory data from the Federal Election Commission, employees who have donated this year chose towards men. The Offi ce of Civil Rights we were able to search for employees of to give their money to republican groups. (OCR) in the Department of Education is Penn, see how much they donated, to Three of the fi ve conservative donors reviewing the complaint. If it believes there whom they donated, when they donated, are medical professionals, one is an is enough evidence suggesting possible sex and what they listed as their occupation. administrative employee, and the discrimination by any of these groups, it will So far in 2018, University of Pennsylvania last one is a statistician in Wharton. launch a full investigation into the groups employees have donated $424,946.38 By narrowing the sample down to only that allegedly violate Title IX provisions. in total to political groups. For this study, those who teach at Penn, such as Professors The NCFM believes that “[t]he University of employees are anyone who works at Penn Pennsylvania is in violation of Title IX because regardless of whether they are in the Continued on Page 3... it offers resources, funding, fellowships, by the program involve issues which impact and scholarships that are available to women women and LGBT groups, but not men.” only, even though men are a minority both Wharton Women in Business was also nationwide [42%] and at the University of listed in the complaint for reasons similar Pennsylvania [47%, incoming class of 2021].” to the previous groups. Notably, the NCFM The fi rst group listed is the Center for claims they have a student willing to testify Research on Reproduction and Women’s against Wharton Women in Business if the Health. Kursat Christoff Pekgoz, who helped OCR elects to launch a full investigation the NCFM draft the complaint against Penn into the group. When The UPenn Statesman and has previously fi led successful complaints reached out to Wharton Women in against Yale and the University of Southern Business for comment they were unaware California, told The UPenn Statesman of the federal complaint against them. that the Center’s “asymmetry in terms of The other eighteen groups listed in the funding medical research on the basis of complaint are: FOCUS on Health and sex was a signifi cant factor” in choosing Leadership for Women, Women Against to fi le a complaint against groups at Penn. Abuse, Penn Center for Women’s Behavioral The complaint suggests either creating an Wellness, Trustee’s Council for Penn equivalent center for men or changing the Women, Penn Association of Alumnae, Penn name of this Center to a gender-neutral title. Forum for Women Faculty, Penn Graduate The University of Pennsylvania Women’s Women’s Support group, OwnItUPenn, Center was also targeted in the complaint. PennGEMS, Penn Graduate Women in Penn Dems Releases The NCFM alleges the Women’s Center is Science and Engineering, UPenn Association discriminatory in its “overall effect.” They for Women in Mathematics, UPenn Women assert the Center has a discriminatory name, in Computer Science, PennDesign Women Controversial Statement, offers resources only to women, and has in Architecture, Women in Physics at the only female participants and administrators. University of Pennsylvania, UPenn Advancing These different features combine to create a Women in Engineering, Penn Society of Then Removes Comments “hostile environment against men.” Further Women Engineers, Women of Color at Penn, Toren Arginteanu the NCFM claims the Women’s Center’s anti- and Penn Association for Gender Equity. Tech Director Facebook users left comments discrimination clause is “hollow and illusory.” These groups all either have a discriminatory expressing disappointment at, in the The NCFM also believes that Penn’s funding name, serve only women, or have no Barely nine hours after the horrifi c words of one commenter, “this attempt of the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies equivalent group for men says the NCFM. shooting at a Pittsburgh Synagogue that to use tragedy for political gain.” (GSWS) department constitutes a Title IX While not listed in the complaint, the NCFM claimed eleven lives, the Penn Democrats Several Jewish commenters expressed violation. In addition to the GSWS department also takes issue with Penn’s Men Against Rape released a statement on Facebook placing offense at the statement. One commenter having a discriminatory name, the NCFM & Sexual Assault student group. Written on blame for the attack on the Republican accused, “The shooter was an avid Trump hater, believes that women are overrepresented in the their news brief on their complaint against Party and President Trump. The page then but you use this to blame Trump. Despicable.” department, that they offer certain resources deleted at least ten comments objecting to Within minutes, the Penn Democrats’ only to women, and that “all classes taught continued on page 3... the statement within hours of its release. page began to delete these comments. The statement began by lamenting the Among the deleted comments was a request attack and encouraging Penn students to that the page moderators “don’t be so be supportive of one another. The second cowardly to remove comments that call you 1O LESSONS FROM paragraph, which occupied the bulk of the out for this display,” as well as a taunting NATIONAL DOG SHOW statement, decried President Trump’s “tacit message about the deletions from the UPenn A DOMINATRIX support of white supremacist ideologies” and College Republicans, whose statement about the Republican Party’s willingness “to look the the event was met with less controversy. PAGE 3 PAGE 4 other way as anti-Semitism pervades its ranks” Screenshots of the deleted comments can as “the context that leads to such terrorism.” be found online at www.upennstatesman.org. To support these accusations, the Penn After about three hours, the Penn Democrats OCTOBER: MONTH WHY I DECIDED NEVER Democrats cited Trump’s affi liation with page appeared to stop deleting new comments. “avowed anti-Semite Steve Bannon” and At the time of publication, the post has more IN REVIEW TO VOTE AGAIN alleged failure to condemn white supremacist than one hundred comments, the vast majority demonstrations. The statement also presented of which strongly object to the statement. PAGE 5 PAGE 7 Republican candidates’ antagonism towards Penn Democrats’ leadership has stated in the George Soros and “globalists” as “thinly- Daily Pennsylvanian that the comments were veiled appeals to anti-Semitism.” It also removed for “profane language and name- INTERVIEW WITH PENN’S ECHO asserted that congressman Steve King (R- calling.” Many of the removed comments IA) has “extensive” ties to Neo-Nazism. did not contain profanity or name-calling. MADISON GESIOTTO CHAMBER The post concluded by quoting a portion of Penn Democrats still has not responded the Kaddish, a Jewish prayer of mourning. to our multiple requests for a comment. PAGE 10 PAGE 11 Following the statement, several IN THIS ISSUE (c) 2018 The Statesman, Inc. The truly independent student newspaper at the University of Pennsylvania Follow us @upennstatesman PAGE 2 THE UPENN STATESMAN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 NEWS

Midterm ElectionsBy Danielle Yampolsky

On November 6, 2018, American citizens from all around the country casted their votes, exercising their civic duty and letting their voices be heard. With 40 governorships, 35 Senate seats, and all 435 U.S. House seats up for grabs, the midterm elections will make a difference and should not be disregarded.

Governorships last for four years, with the exception of Vermont and New Hampshire, where terms last for two years. Senators keep their seat for six years, while Congressmen keep their seat for two years.

The midterm elections after a president’s first two years in office historically have gone in favor of the opposing party. The only years that the president’s party gained seats in both the House and the Senate were 1934 (FDR) and 2002 (George W. Bush). In 2010, after Obama’s first two years, the Democrats lost 6 seats in the Senate and 63 seats in the House.

This year, the midterm elections could have gone much worse for President Trump. While Republicans lost control of the House, they made gains in the Senate. Since 1914 (when citizens began directly electing senators), this is the first time that a party has won control of the House without gaining seats in the Senate.

Governor Races Senate Races With 40 governorships at stake, there were certainly many close races. Prior to Election Day, there were 33 Repub- Prior to Election Day, the United States Senate was comprised lican, 16 Democrat, and 1 Independent Governor(s). Key of 51 Republicans, 47 Democrats, and two Independents, both “toss up” races and their outcomes include: of whom caucus with the Democratic Party. Republicans were able to keep control of the Senate, and made gains in Florida, Connecticut: Ned Lamont (D) defeated Bob Stefanowski (R) Indiana, Missouri, and North Dakota. Elections that were too Florida: Ron DeSantis (R) defeated Andrew Gillum (D) close to call at time of publication were Arizona and Montana. Georgia: Brian Kemp (R) defeated Stacey Abrams (D) Iowa: Kim Reynolds (R) defeated Fred Hubbell (D) Notable results include: Kansas: Laura Kelly (D) defeated Kris Kobach (R) Florida (FLIP): Rick Scott (R) defeated Bill Nelson (D) Nevada (FLIP): Steve Sisolak (D) defeated Adam Laxalt (R) Indiana (FLIP): Mike Braun (R) defeated Joe Donnelly (D) New Hampshire: Chris Sununu (R) defeated Molly Kelly (D) Missouri (FLIP): Josh Hawley (R) defeated Claire McCaskill (D) Ohio: Mike DeWine (R) defeated Richard Cordray (D) Montana: Jon Tester (D) defeated Matt Rosendale (R) South Dakota: Kristi Noem (R) defeated Billie Sutton (D) Nevada (FLIP): Jacky Rosen (D) defeated Dean Heller (R) Wisconsin (FLIP): Tony Evers (D) defeated Scott Walker (R) West Virginia: Joe Manchin (D) defeated Patrick Morrissey (R) Tennessee: Marsha Blackburn (R) defeated Phil Bredesen (D) Florida’s governor race has been particularly notable, as North Dakota: Kevin Cramer (R) defeated Heidi Heitkamp (D) who will replace Rick Scott has been at the center of me- Texas: Ted Cruz (R) defeated Beto O’Rourke (D) dia attention. Ron DeSantis won on Election Day and will serve as the next Governor of Florida, winning nearly 50% Texas’s senate race gained the national spotlight this year as of the vote, a narrow victory. At the time of this publication, funding poured into Beto O’Rourke’s campaign with the hopes Florida is in the process of recounting the votes. of derailing conservative giant Ted Cruz. The Results Are In! FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 THE UPENN STATESMAN PAGE 3 NEWS Ten Things I Learned from a Dominatrix Morgan Hermann Staff Writer makes us uncomfortable. It’s a phenomenon response would be along the lines of “It seems return. So don’t let people’s backhanded experienced by both men and women that like I have to work overtime in order to earn a compliments or implications intimidate you. “Ten things I learned from a causes a sense of helplessness and loss of promotion. Is that true?” dominatrix.” Yes, you read that correctly. power. Falling victim to “The Freeze” is how Without eliciting a direct confl ict, you can 8. Both women and men face inequality. You might be wondering: what kind you lose your momentum and choice to speak leave someone with no choice but to answer Urbaniak discussed the primary differences of connection could a professional for yourself. you directly. in the way girls and boys are raised—during dominatrix have to everyday life? which girls get attention for playing nice, I, like many others, attended this 3. Redirecting the attention to someone 6. If you are going to speak up, avoid and boys get attention for their actions. As a Wharton 22s speaker event on October else is a powerful move. waiting twenty years to do it. result, society conditions women to play along 29, not quite sure what to expect when Often, we are faced with questions that put In light of the #MeToo movement and even when unhappy, and to smile silently in I was greeted by a confi dent woman us in an awkward position. For example: “How recent sexual assault allegations, Urbaniak the face of things that upset them. holding a whip. Kasia Urbaniak is a well- much are they paying you this summer?” touched on the notion of individuals who wait She pointed out, however, that men face Elections known dominatrix with work published in These are types of questions designed to to speak about something that affected them— inequality as well: we often expect men to Business Insider, Forbes, and the New York imply, intimidate, or get under our skin—and whether an assault or any other troubling recognize their “unacceptable” behavior Times, among many other news sources. formulating a response can be challenging. confl ict. While expressing sympathy for in social situations or at work as societal Her experiences inspired her to create However, the use of the word “you” in a victims, she also noted that waiting years to pressure defi nes new rules for them ad The Academy, an in-depth training follow-up question is usually effective in talk about something that happened to you can nauseum. In today’s human resources setting, program for women seeking to build their turning your lack of agency around. “Oh, why be largely detrimental to your agency. a man complimenting a woman’s appearance confi dence at home, at work, or in life is that relevant to you?” You have a voice, and failing to speak when in the workplace can be considered a serious itself. She spoke on issues faced by both you feel the need can shape your character offense. It’s time we take a step back and women and men in today’s society, with 4. Questions do not have to create confl ict. for years down the road, depleting your realize that a majority of men don’t engage in a specifi c focus on overcoming a lack of One of the problems in today’s society, confi dence and who you are as an individual. this behavior with malicious intent. confi dence in all kinds of social situations. especially in the college setting, is the feeling Choosing to speak in the moment can have That said, here are ten key takeaways from that questioning someone’s ideas or intentions a massive impact on the road you take in a 9. Do not be afraid of giving or receiving the event. will result in confl ict. However, there are ways day, month, or even years. And this applies attention. of phrasing questions that require an answer to both men and women. Waiting will almost Some of us become uncomfortable when 1. Human power dynamics are often and don’t provoke an altercation. never help your case, and addressing an issue given praise—we either refute it, or shrug off unspoken. If an inappropriate question is directed directly often results in a massive weight lifted a compliment like it’s not a big deal. A key to It is rare that we state our opinions of others at you, you can almost always ask how the from your shoulders. agency and personal confi dence is being able directly. The way we respond in conversation question is relevant in a friendly manner. There to accept compliments and praise, while also to those “above” or “below” us in terms of are both soft and hard, kind and aggressive 7. People often imply, rather than state being capable of directing the same attention both dialogue and body language are vital—it questions you can pose to someone. It’s a directly. Know how to handle it. to others. Not being afraid to appreciate can solidify our current state, or help us break matter of knowing your environment and Human nature often causes us to skirt specifi c qualities of other individuals is free. When addressing friends, colleagues, or where you should use each type. around problems or express feelings in an another key to personal power. bosses, your unspoken manner and confi dence indirect manner. These implications can be can and will have a profound impact on the way 5. Use “The Location Tool.” both positive and negative, but being able to 10. Gauge your Freeze. you are treated. Urbaniak defi nes “The Location Tool” as handle them can make or break your path to Lastly, know why you freeze. Is it when a statement of the form “It seems like _____. success. others try to take credit for your idea? Is it 2. We all experience “The Freeze.” Is that true?” In other words, the best way to Urbaniak defi ned such negative implications having to convince others why you would “The Freeze” is a term Urbaniak defi nes cut to the chase is to ask directly, as we often as a series of ambiguous statements crafted make a good fi t for a position? Or maybe it’s as a “biochemical state of losing agency.” get nowhere with uncertainty in our voices to make the other individual feel inferior or something as simple as speaking to a new Though it’s different for everyone, we have all and fear towards confrontation. For example, uncomfortable. Case in point: “That test was classmate. Whatever the case, being aware experienced situations in which we forget how if your boss says that “all the people who so easy, though.” Again, this brings us back of what causes your Freeze is the fi rst step to speak, or how to address a situation that get promoted work overtime,” an effective to the location tool, or posing a question in towards correcting it.

‘Only 0.72% of Penn Profs. Donate to GOP’ continued from Front Page ‘Penn Facing Title IX Investigation’ continued from Front Page

and Lecturers (faculty), the data shows of Radiology Association PAC. Most of these that only three faculty members, out of the PACS for different health care specialties 416 that donated, gave to conservative donate to both republicans and democrats. groups. These three members constitute 5.9% of all the Penn employee donations 0.72% of all Penn professors who have this year have gone to these bipartisan PACs. donated to political groups this year. Infl uential employees of the University of Popular groups for Penn employees Pennsylvania that have donated to political to donate to have been the Democratic campaigns include Ralph Muller (CEO Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), of the University of Pennsylvanis Health Swing Left, Emily’s List, Connor Lamb for System), Michael Restuccia (CIO of Penn Congress, and, surprisingly, Beto O’Rourke’s Medicine), Maureen Rush (Vice President campaign for a Senate seat in Texas. for Public Safety), Gregory Rost (SVP and Many doctors and nurses choose to donate Chief of Staff in the Offi ce of the President), to political action committees (PACs) for their and Wendell Pritchett (Provost). Notably, fi eld of medical practice. For example, fi fteen President Amy Gutmann did not show up doctors contributed to the American College in the FEC database as having donated

Image via Pixabay Penn, the NCFM remarked: “Although, for Innovators, Smart Women Securities, and men, PENN offers, Men Against Rape & Women Empowering Women Leadership Sexual Assault. There is no corresponding Conference. However, the OCR chose not Women Against Rape & Sexual Assault? to investigate the complaints against the Is it possible that PENN’s administration Yale Women’s Center or their Women’s, believes women do not rape or commit Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department. sexual assault? Really? We’d like to know.” The Yale complaint was fi led in February Ultimately, NCFM hopes their complaint will and the OCR decided which of the groups to “eliminate gender discrimination against men investigate at the end of April. Although Penn without jeopardizing the civil rights of women.” complaint was fi led in June, Harry Crouch, Penn is not the only Ivy to face Title IX the President of NCFM, told The UPenn complaints this year. In April of 2018, the Statesman in October that the OCR requested OCR decided to investigate seven out of additional information from them before In! the seventeen groups listed in a Title IX proceeding and they are currently preparing complaint against Yale that was fi led by their response to the OCR’s request. Mr. Pekgoz. At Yale, the OCR decided to UPenn’s Title IX Coordinator, Sam investigate the Women Faculty Forum, Starks, did not respond to The UPenn Working Women’s Network, the Yale Statesman’s request for comments on the University Women’s Organization, Yale federal complaints fi led against Penn. Women’s Campaign School, Yale Women PAGE 4 THE UPENN STATESMAN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 NEWS Anti-Affi rmative Action Attorney Debates Penn Law Professor Dominic Gregorio Vice President argued there are several important reasons enough to provide to support affi rmative action in law school accurate information.” Penn Law professor Jonah Gelbach admission. He also voiced some doubts about Dr. Gelbach agreed debated traveling affi rmative action the validity of Dr. Sander’s conclusions. that there is a “law critic and UCLA Law professor Richard It’s “not surprising” that fewer black school industry” Sander on the proposition, “Is Affi rmative students graduate and practice law, Dr. which keeps such Action Failing Minority Students?” Gelbach said, given that black students have data confi dential Both professors hold law degrees and lower pre-law school credentials on average in part for political doctorates in economics and agreed to (such as undergraduate GPA). He cited a reasons. “University use empirical arguments to support their paper by Rothstein and Yoon which showed administrators claims. Penn Law professor Jonathan Klick, mismatch was mostly concentrated among don’t like a third lawyer-economist, moderated. students with lower pre-law school credentials. controversy. Period.” Each participant had fi fteen minutes for Dr. Gelbach went on to say that the Dr. Sander doesn’t opening statements and fi ve minutes for complexity of factors which impact law school expect that this opacity rebuttals, followed by a question-and-answer performance make it diffi cult to predict the will clear up any session with the moderator and audience. effect of preferential admission on career time soon. He said Dr. Sander, arguing for the proposition, outcomes. He also argued minority students there is “tremendous opened by referring to several academic probably wouldn’t attend elite institutions pressure” on papers he has written. Dr. Sander said if they believed it harmed them to do so. administrators to use that his work on the subject, beginning “Why are students doing something preferences—including with a comprehensive analysis published that’s bad for them?” Dr. Gelbach asked, racial ones—and went in 2004, illustrated signifi cant evidence asserting that it is “an economic question” on to claim that if of what he calls “law school mismatch.” which detracts from Dr. Sander’s conclusion President Amy Gutmann were to eliminate race- Penn Law Professor Jonah Gelbach Law school mismatch, under Dr. Sander’s that minority students are harmed by based affi rmative action, she would be fi red. “They’re kind of the new Jews,” he added. hypothesis, results when law school admissions attending a school that is too elite for them. “The question is whether it’d be However, Dr. Sander—who is an advisor to committees provide “large preferences” Dr. Gelbach emphasized that Rothstein hours or days,” Dr. Sander quipped the plaintiff in the Harvard case—said that he to any group, such as a racial minority. and Yoon claim positive outcomes in the over laughter from the audience. was relieved to fi nd no evidence of anti-Asian Dr. Sander said that students admitted due labor market for those blacks who did Members of the audience discrimination in law school admissions. to race-based preferences tend to face steeper pass the bar, making the overall effect seized the opportunity to ask Dr. Gelbach disagrees with the argument challenges completing law school or passing of race-based admissions ambiguous. about undergraduate admissions. that it is unfair to Asian-Americans the bar. By Dr. Sander’s calculation, only During Dr. Sander’s rebuttal, he replied “I was disappointed by the lack of when schools make admissions easier 56% of black law students become lawyers, that students lack full information for information about Asian-Americans,” a law for other students. “It’s not my view, resulting in “35,000 missing black lawyers.” deciding which school is best for them. student asked, referencing a lawsuit against but I understand how somebody could Dr. Sander specifi ed that race itself is “I think the problem is a complete lack Harvard (and twin DOJ investigations into have that view,” he told the audience. not driving the differences in outcome, of transparency,” Dr. Sander said. He said Harvard and Yale) in which plaintiffs allege The Penn Law Federalist Society hosted the but rather socioeconomic disadvantages that schools go to great lengths to conceal discrimination against Asian applicants. debate on Oct. 10 in the Gittis auditorium. which are correlated with lower GPA accurate information on expected outcomes Dr. Sander replied that Asian- Approximately 50 students attended the event. as well as lower bar passage rates. and the impact of law school performance American discrimination is a “big Opening for the opposition, Dr. Gelbach on career goals. “The school ought to know problem” at the undergraduate level. This Election Season is for the Dogs Chris Tremoglie Senior Editor Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa. The previously, included the Canine They were brought to near-extinction during UPenn Statesman will be covering the event. Health Foundation Veterinary School World War II and only became a recognized Every November, Americans get the The National Dog Show features over at the University of Pennsylvania. breed in the Netherlands in 1971. The opportunity to participate in perhaps the most 2,000 plus show dogs from some 180 In conjunction with this event, the Kooikerhondje, also known as the Kooiker, is important action in a democracy – voting. breeds in conformation competition. One Pennsylvania State legislature voted to formally a working dog, and is a small, fl ashy, orange Now, it seems our country is more divided can see agility dogs, search and rescue dogs, designate November as “National Dog Show and white spaniel-like sporting dog. It was than ever. We have all seen the commercials. and therapy dogs demonstrations as part Month” in Pennsylvania. House Resolution developed to hunt ducks in enclosures We all know the stakes. This year is unlike of the century-old Philadelphia tradition. 1135 sponsored by State Rep. Warren Kampf called eendenkoois built along the canals and any other; it is the most important year. While the event tapes the weekend before (R-Chester/Montgomery) unanimously wetlands in the Netherlands. Its heavily white All the money, the preparation, the heated Thanksgiving, Saturday’s show is the passed in the House on October 11, 2018. plumed tail waves jauntily to entice and lure debates come down to one fi nal event. In National Dog Show presented by Purina that “We’re proud in the 157th district to be the ducks to follow it into those enclosures. The this treasured November tradition, how airs nationally on Thanksgiving Day to an home of The National Dog Show. It’s one of Kooiker was entered in the Miscellaneous will you choose – in the The Kennel Club expected audience of over 20 million viewers. the great events held in this part of the state Class in last year’s show, but this year of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show. The National Dog Show is one of only and it is broadcast on Thanksgiving Day on is eligible to compete for Best in Show. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia presents three shows in the United States that is NBC between the Macy’s Parade and football,” The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen The National Dog Show, the Delaware “benched,” meaning that all dogs from proclaimed Rep. Kampf. “Twenty-fi ve million (GBGV) is a pack hound that originated in Valley’s annual November traditional over 180 breeds are on site during show people watch it all over the country and we are the Vendee region of France. They started canine extravaganza. Two all-breed hours, available to interact with the public. so fortunate to have it in Oaks, Pennsylvania.” as hunting dogs specializing in small animals dog shows will be held on Saturday and The event benefi ts Kennel Club The Kennel Club of Philadelphia dog shows such as hares and rabbits. They sport relatively Sunday, November 17-18, at the Greater of Philadelphia’s charities which, have been centerpieces of the dog show world long, mustached nuzzles, short legs, and since 1879. According to Kennel Club of sturdy coats. The Grand Basset Griffon Philadelphia board member Steve Sansone, Vendeen is rare, there are fewer than 400 “I’ve witnessed the growth of the Kennel Club in the United States, but they are eligible to of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show for several compete in the Hound Group as of 2018. years now and it’s not only the top show in Though a new addition to the Hound Group, Pennsylvania, it’s one of the most prominent in this breed shares ties to the Petit Basset America. More breeds than ever, more entries Griffon Vendeen, which has been competing than ever, more vendors than ever, and more in the National Dog Show since the 1990s. attendance than ever over the past few years.” The show is one of the best entertainment This year’s show will be a particularly venues in the region. Temple University special event. It will introduce two new research shows that the average family breeds – the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje spends three and one-half hours at the (Ned-Er-Lawndzuh-Koy-Ker-Hond-Juh) show. Tickets are $16 for adults and $7 and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen for children 4-12 years. Children under 3 (Grand Bah-SAY Grif-FON Vahn-DAY-ahn). are admitted for free. And while the show is The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is an taped the weekend before Thanksgiving but ancient breed, appearing in the works of shown on the holiday, attendees are asked

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen (Image: American Kennel Club) Dutch Masters as early as the 17th Century to not reveal any winners on social media. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 THE UPENN STATESMAN PAGE 5 NEWS October: Month in Review At approximately 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 27, a deranged murderer Contrary to prima facie evidence, this campus contributed much more shot 11 innocent worshipers dead at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, than just high-pitched shrieking to nationwide midterm campaigns. Upon PA. The madman left at least six additional victims injured, including four further digging, we discovered academics employed at this university police officers who were attempting to end the shooter’s rampage. We mourn reported some 99% of their donations were devoted to Democratic research specialist Joyce Fienberg, dentist Richard Gottfried, 97-year-old Rose candidates. Curiously, a disproportionate percentage of funds went to Mallinger, physician and Penn alum Jerry Rabinowitz, brothers Cecil and David failed senate candidate Beto O’Rourke’s campaign, in Texas, given last Rosenthal, octogenarian couple Bernice and Sylvan Simon, congregant Daniel time we looked, that state was situated at quite a distance from Philadelphia. Stein, 88-year-old Melvin Wax, and congregant Irving Younger. We pray for their One Lone Star State resident was overheard to opine, “These professors— souls and for their families. We also pray for the swift death of the heinous killer. they’re just trying to ruin Texas,” calling out-of-state donations “foreign meddling in our elections.” Recalling recent immigration influx into her state from California, she concluded, “We need a wall on the northern border.” Confused screeching of a bald eagle was heard in the distance. Harvard had their day in court over admissions policies which, plaintiffs allege, discriminate against Asian-Americans based on race. Defendant Equally curiously, Mr. O’Rourke’s campaign went on to use some of its Harvard and plaintiff Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) have each hired excess funds to support Honduran migrants arriving in El Paso to seek asylum. skilled economists to serve as experts debunking one another’s claims. Penn has Whether or not these migrants came to the United States from the main, mostly been roped into the controversy since summertime, when its legal team joined Central American migrant caravan which is making its way north through the entire Ivy League in backing Harvard’s questionable-at-best, distinctly Mexico at this time, the principle is the same. Refugees seeking asylum ought race-based admissions. (It appears the ad-com has systematically lowered to be considered fairly under the law, and nonprofit humanitarian efforts high-performing Asians’ mysterious “personal scores” compared with whites, must go unabridged. However, we cannot hand out citizenship or welfare even when interview scores show no such gap.) Several economists, including entitlements to new arrivals upon entry. Instead, let our jobs and our safety be Penn’s own Hanming Fang, immediately shot back their own amici brief, refuge enough. Putting new arrivals on the dole in any permanent fashion is lending support to the plaintiffs against the Ivy League’s suspicious solidarity. both detrimental to the taxpayer and demeaning to the hardworking immigrant. More on unpredictable uses for donors’ funds: the Wharton School has hired a part-time therapist through CAPS and stationed her in Huntsman Hall on One must wonder whether our own university is next in a broadening hunt afternoons Tuesdays through Thursdays, according to The Daily Pennsylvanian. for ad-com racists (Yale yielded to federal investigation of its own practices in “I would have rather just kept the lights on for an extra five hours per day,” said September). Coincidentally, Penn law professor Jonathan Gelbach defended every Wharton student. “I wish our preferences could have had more impact on the prestigious law school practice of affirmative action in a timely debate against the school’s spending this year.” A psychotherapist and licensed social worker, SFFA advisor Richard Sander in a timely debate on Oct. 10. Mr. Gelbach was the CAPS staffer is not even a psychologist, let alone a psychiatrist. Affected witty throughout, except for a key moment when Mr. Sander argued that Asian- students should show more dominance in budget negotiations next time. American discrimination was a “big problem” at the undergraduate level. “They’re kind of the new Jews,” he added. Mr. Gelbach then fell short on retorts. Dispossessed Whartonites have much to learn from former dominatrix Kasia Urbaniak, who visited their school on Oct. 29 to discuss issues of female empowerment. Ms. Urbaniak said key strategies to obtaining a dominant negotiating position include to channel confidence and speak directly. Surely The daily, blood-curdling megaphone squawks on Locust Walk will leave next time Penn’s own future marketers and financiers—both male and female— campus in peace for another year or two, as another Voting Day has come will act more like a professional dominatrix to get the optimal outcome. and gone in University City. Penn’s voting residents swung in favor of Democratic candidates by about a 9:1 ratio, if past polls portend present Jon Huntsman, Jr. announced last week he has Stage 1 skin cancer, according patterns. Though state-wide incumbents Tom Wolf and Bob Casey kept to reporting by The Daily Pennsylvanian. The cancerous moles have already their seats as governor and senator respectively, nationwide results are been removed, but the scare reminds us what we stand to lose without Mr. best described as “more like a blue trickle” than a blue wave, as one glass- Huntsman. A statesman who works tirelessly for greater international stability— half-full student Democrat admitted. The DNC earned a relatively thin as such a valued ally both to the left and the right under less-predictable majority in the House, while the GOP strengthened its hold on the Senate. President Trump—we wish him a speedy recovery and long-lasting remission. PAGE 6 THE UPENN STATESMAN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 NEWS Remembering Wharton Announces New Entrepreneurship Building Ben Zeisloft Paul Allen Junior Editor and entrepreneurship. The campaign has Kartik Devashish raised $680 million of its billion-dollar goal. Junior Editor The University of Pennsylvania In addition to serving as CEO of AKO will construct Tangen Hall—a new Capital, Mr. Tangen sits on the Wharton Monday, October 15th marked the death facility designed to “facilitate student Board of Overseers and the Wharton of a true visionary – Paul Allen. He was one of entrepreneurship” — by 2020. EMEA Advisory Board. The Norwegian- the few men of his generation who had written Wharton Dean Geoff Garrett announced born fund manager’s $25 million donation himself into the pages of history. Mr. Allen, who the project via email after Nicolai Tangen also includes funding for a scholarship co-founded software giant Microsoft alongside (W’92) contributed $25 million to Wharton’s awarded to international Penn students. his childhood friend Bill Gates, succumbed to More Than Ever fundraising effort. Mr. Tangen is one of several multi-million non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 65. Tangen Hall will be located on 40th and dollar donors to the More Than Ever initiative. Mr. Allen was at the center of Microsoft’s Sansom—near Fresh Grocer supermarket Marc Rowan (WG’85) contributed $50 innovation. He initially provided the impetus and a short walk from Huntsman Hall. million to the campaign earlier this month, to start the company and then devised some It will incorporate several existing eclipsing Jon Huntsman’s $40 million as the of the critical ideas which propelled Microsoft Microsoft founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1983 innovation programs, including Penn largest single donation in Wharton’s history. (Image: Doug Wilson/Corbis/Getty Images/Wall Street Journal ) ahead of other software and computing Wharton Entrepreneurship, the Goergen Many students actively engage in startup companies at the time. He was personally a critical taxi text, achieving 80 miles per Entrepreneurial Management Program, culture and desire to enter the startup space responsible for spearheading the deal that got hour on a runway in the Mojave Desert. Weiss Tech House, the Sol C. Snider after they graduate. Penn students founded Microsoft a license to provide the operating Stratolaunch is a 6-engine, twin-cockpit Entrepreneurial Research Center, and the Warby Parker, LinkedIn, and countless systems for IBM’s brand new line of “personal airplane with a maximum takeoff weight of Wharton Small Business Development Center. additional fi rms which have gained monumental computers,” which would later become 1.3 million pounds. It is the world’s largest According to a press release, the success in their respective industries. famous as Windows PCs. His operational airplane, and will one day be used to deliver building will also include a test kitchen, a Jemarc Walters, a freshman Wharton involvement in the company continued until rockets and satellites into low orbit. Mr. Allen retail space, a maker lab, a virtual reality student and the Head of Outreach for Penn 1982, at which point he shifted to a role on the was also the owner of the Seattle Seahawks and environment, and several meeting rooms. Aerospace Club, believes that “it is a good board of directors with his shares intact. Even Portland Trailblazers sports franchises. The Wharton’s More Than Ever fundraising idea for all of Penn’s entrepreneurship after his eventual resignation from the board of Trailblazers honored his memory at their season campaign boasts targeted goals of programs to fall under one roof.” directors in 2000, he could not bring himself opener by placing a rose in his vacant seat. improving the school’s facilities, teaching, to completely disengage from the company he Mr. Allen was also a successful and effective had built – as of 2014, he still held 100 million philanthropist. Most notably, he has made shares of Microsoft and served in an advising immense contributions to the fi eld of science. capacity for the company’s executives. Mr. Allen donated nearly $500 million to the “When I think about Paul, I remember a Allen Institute for Brain Science, alongside a passionate man who held his family and friends $100 million grant to start the Allen Institute dear… I also remember a brilliant technologist for Cell Science. Project Aristo, backed by and philanthropist who wanted to accomplish his personal corporation Vulcan Inc., is great things, and did.” These are the words of attempting to develop an artifi cial intelligence Bill Gates, in a heartfelt obituary published capable of passing an eighth-grade science in the Wall Street Journal earlier this week. exam. In addition to these scientifi c ventures, It is diffi cult to disagree with Mr. Gates’ Mr. Allen was an ardent conservationist. He opinion. Microsoft, and specifi cally Windows donated millions of dollars to groups in Africa Norwegian Wharton alumnus Nicolai Tangen in 2015 (Image: NRK) and Offi ce software, forever changed the attempting to census the elephant population. world. Microsoft made computers accessible Mr. Allen also partnered with the US to the general public at a time when Department of Transportation to launch the powerful computers had been prohibitively Smart City Challenge in an effort to encourage Town Hall Addresses expensive. Although the company’s American cities to reduce their greenhouse valuation was immense, its true value to gas emissions. With regards to his charitable society cannot be measured simply by the work, Mr. Allen was the largest private Sophomore Housing Policy sales it made; rather, it must be measured donor to the fi ght against the Ebola virus in Why I Decided Never to Vote Again in the opportunities which were made more Africa, contributing more than $100 million. Toren Arginteanu accessible to the average person by small, In short, Paul Allen was a man whose impact Tech Director increasing participation in residential programs user-friendly, and relatively fast computers. on this world cannot be quantifi ed. People and events past freshman year, integrating on- However, while Mr. Allen is primarily around the world will honor his legacy, and On Wednesday, October 10, the Student campus housing with academics by offering remembered for his creation of the company continue to build upon the fruits of his genius. Committee on Undergraduate Education in-house faculty offi ce hours, and generally which revolutionized personal computing, his His death is a terrible tragedy, and a devastating (SCUE) held a town hall meeting discussing the providing students a better variety of housing innovative genius extended into a variety of loss to society. However, his life and legacy University’s decision requiring sophomores options, pointing to the recent renovation of diverse fi elds. Less than a week after his death, will no doubt serve as a glowing inspiration to to live on-campus starting with the class of Hill College House as an example. The goal Mr. Allen’s Stratolaunch airplane completed countless future generations of young people. 2024. Rob Nelson, Executive Director for is “making the college houses really attractive Education and Academic Planning, answered places to live for everybody,” he said. questions about the impact of this policy. Some students had other concerns in The Second Year Experience Program mind. One attendee commented that the was announced in a school-wide email construction of new buildings might adversely JIIB Issues Statement on September 26. The policy drew affect the residents of the surrounding immediate criticism from members of community of West Philadelphia and result the Interfraternity Council. At the town in the loss of green space. Mr. Nelson on Hate Speech Policy hall event, Mr. Nelson confi rmed that the responded that Penn should examine University will require sophomores to live how other universities have implemented Daniel Tancredi within the university housing system, which similar policies and “be thoughtful about Editor-in-Chief & President does not include on-campus fraternities. the impact on the local community.” Students in attendance raised concerns Another student questioned whether In response to a recent article published in regarding the cost of housing and the the University will create a suffi cient The UPenn Statesman, the Judicial Inquiry impact of this policy on high-need, low- number of spaces for minority groups. Mr. Board (JIB) of the Interfraternity Council income students. Mr. Nelson acknowledged Nelson indicated that the administration (IFC) has released the following statement: that “there are always going to be cheaper would be highly receptive to these ideas if JIB would like to clarify that the citizenship options off campus” and admitted that “we there were student demand and advocacy. violation policy is not intended to restrict are curtailing that choice for sophomores.” Justin Bean, chair external of SCUE freedom of speech, but instead to educate and Addressing concerns about requiring who lived on-campus as a sophomore, had provide an inclusive space for all members of students to rent from Penn exclusively, he mixed feelings about the plan. He hoped Greek Life. IFC recognizes that we operate at stood by the University’s position that the that the program would allow sophomores the University of Pennsylvania, which has its program will support student success. He to live in on-campus Greek houses. Yet, own Open Expression Guidelines which we The policy referenced by the statement is added that the plan will address issues of he expressed optimism following the must abide by. JIB understands how the policy one outlining punishments for “citizenship fi nancial aid and involve input from students. town hall due to the administration’s could be misconstrued, and will make attempts violations.” The JIB constitution defi nes In response to several students’ questions willingness to consider student voices. Bean in the future to reorganize the policy so that such a violation as a “failure to uphold IFC and comments, Mr. Nelson expanded on the acknowledged that “the administration it is more clear and better suited to achieve values” or an “incident of discrimination ability of the program to support student has put a lot of thought into this policy.” its goals for the Greek community at Penn. or hate against another group.” success. He discussed the possibility of FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 THE UPENN STATESMAN PAGE 7 NEWS American Movie Theaters Aborting Pro-Life “Gosnell” Movie Chris Tremoglie Senior Editor FBI raid for prescribing illegal drugs in 2011, practice but only reported one of them. Los Angeles Times and Forbes chose to Gosnell’s office of horrors was revealed. While The movie has continued to face obstacles. review the film,” “Gosnell” producers With its close proximity to the University of Gosnell was convicted of 3 counts of murder The movie had a limited theater release, 668 Phelim McAleer, Ann Mc Elhinney, and Pennsylvania, one would think that a building on infants who were born alive and one woman nationwide, during its opening weekend, Magdalena Segieda wrote on Monday, Oct. that was the scene of at least eight murders during a failed abortion procedure. However, yet, still grossed $1,235,800 – almost half 15 to NSFC Executive Director Liz Weis. would be relatively well known by students. many other gruesome acts were described its budget. It ranked 12th overall at the “This was in contrast to other films which However, Kermit Gosnell’s Women’s Medical during the trial. Among these include: box office which is virtually unheard of for came out the same weekend who were reviewed Society at 38th and Lancaster in West •Snipping the necks of “a good ten” fetuses a movie produced with such little budgets by 70-280 publications,” the producers added. Philadelphia is essentially unknown. The •Fetal remains haphazardly stored and marketing. It currently holds a 98% Lifezette reported that “reports have new movie, Gosnell: The Trial of America’s throughout the clinic–in bags, milk jugs, audience score on the film review website emerged of some theaters claiming Biggest Serial Killer, is trying to change orange juice cartons, and even in cat-food Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, inexplicably, movie the movie was sold out when it actually that anonymity and bring awareness to the containers (10 to 20 percent… were probably theaters around the country are dropping the wasn’t, or that some theaters simply atrocities that happened there. Unfortunately, older than 24 weeks, the legal limit) film and blocking ticket sales. This had led didn’t advertise that it was even playing, it is fighting an uphill battle as many theaters •After a 15 year old girl changed her many to believe it is an attempt at censorship according to producer Phelim McAleer.” are refusing to even show the movie. mind about an abortion, Gosnell got upset, to curb viewership from the horrors of Dean Cain, one of the stars of the film, who According to the film’s website, Gosnell is ripped off the patient’s clothing, and abortion. Typically, movies performing this gained widespread popularity in his portrayal the “shocking true story of the investigation and forcibly restrained her, drugged her and well do not get dropped from movie theaters. of Superman/Clark Kent in “Lois and trial of Dr. Kermit Gosnell – his 30 year killing performed the abortion against her will The Daily Wire reported that John Sullivan, Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” spree and the political and media establishment •Practice staff routinely delivered the film’s marketing director who also served claims it’s the film’s topic that is making that tried to cover it up.” It is based on the living babies in the third trimester and as a producer, the removal of the film from some work so aggressively to suppress it. New York Times Best Seller – Gosnell: The subsequently killed them through acts movie theaters is not a mere coincidence. “I “With ‘Gosnell,’ it’s simple. People don’t Untold Story of America’s Prolific Serial Killer. such as the severing of the spinal cord can tell you from my experience in 15 years want to discuss abortion,” he told LifeZette. The movie details the events surrounding with scissors, known as “snipping” of releasing movies independently, we’re in “It’s a dirty word, and they would rather the actions and trial of Kermit Gosnell, an •Testimony of a baby left “moving and uncharted territories,” Sullivan said. “It is sweep it under the rug, pretending that abortionist who was convicted of murdering breathing for at least 20 minutes” prior to an impacted fall, no doubt about it, but the horrors like what took place in Gosnell’s three infants who were born alive during “snipping” fact that we’ve been dropped from theaters clinic are not happening here in the United attempted abortion procedures and one •A frozen body of “at least” 28 weeks in a where the movie is the number 6 or number States. It doesn’t fit the narrative, and the woman during an abortion procedure. water container 9 movie is just something you don’t see.” ‘powers that be’ — i.e. the mainstream The movie itself met much resistance from •Woman “left lying in place for hours Last week, the producers of the movie, media — don’t want people to see the film.” production companies yet became “one of after Gosnell tore her cervix and colon“ sent a letter to the National Society of However, even with the efforts to limit the the most successfully crowdfunded films in •Woman sent home with fetal remains Film Critics (NSFC) questioning the release of the film, “Gosnell” has still topped $2 history.” It raised over $2.3 million in 45 days. unremoved scarce reviews of their film by critics. million. One could only imagine what the film’s Given the abhorrent, gruesome details of Incidentally, the Gosnell controversy “Despite our making the film available sales could be if it were treated on an equal scale. the trial, it can be legitimately argued the pro- involves the University of Pennsylvania through our publicist to any and all film In 2013, the real life Gosnell was choice crowd would not want the movie seen. hospital who treated numerous “flagrantly critics who wished to review the film, on sentenced to life without parole plus 30 years. After being accidentally caught because of an illegal abortions” from Gosnell’s opening weekend only two publications, The GUEST COLUMN Why I Decided Never to Vote Again Jonathan Ashbeck Guest Writer apprehended those people and locked them granting assent to a system that doesn’t merit it. If you don’t vote, you can’t complain. in my basement. In fact, it is accurate to Some retort that when claiming voting Such a criticism of the non-voter assumes After three years of calling myself say that the means through which the state is a “civic responsibility,” they mean it is that his vote could have altered the outcome. conservative, I’ve made the unanticipated enforces any policy is ultimately coercion. a responsibility to contribute to society, The probability of any particular vote decision to embrace anarcho-capitalism. If state actions constitute coercion, voting not necessarily to uphold the state as determining the outcome of large-scale Without here getting too deep into the for another entity to perform such actions is a sacrosanct. This assertion, however, elections is infinitesimal, especially if he philosophical weeds, I began my intellectual coercive act. Because no one has the right to would still beg the question that voting does not live in a swing state or district. journey into radical libertarianism by initiate coercion against peaceful individuals, is an ethical act that generates moral and It is true that refusing to vote also has recognizing the simple—yet profoundly no one truly possesses the “right” to vote. desirable outcomes. I don’t vote precisely negligible impact, since there’s nothing one consequential—insight that, since the state Even if I were skeptical of anarcho- because I view voting as the very opposite. can do about the millions of others voting. is comprised of human beings just like us, capitalism, there are still plenty of good Moreover, even if voting were not unethical, But, imagine if a witness came across a gang there is no real moral distinction between reasons that I didn’t participate in claiming that one cannot contribute to society of outlaws murdering an innocent civilian, the actions of the state and the actions of the the midterm elections. I will illustrate unless he votes is asinine. Many arguments with nothing said witness could do to prevent citizen. Whether it’s some iteration of social some of those reasons by addressing encouraging political participation are the outcome. Even if the victim would have contract theory, the “if-you-don’t-move- four common objections I encounter. contingent on the idea it is virtuous to give been killed regardless of whether the witness you-consented” talking point, or another Voting is a civic responsibility. back to society, but I have never come across joined in on the nefarious deed or remained hypothesis, the mental gymnastics intellectuals From where does this “responsibility” a cogent argument that political participation idle, it would be more ethical of him to remain play to justify a fundamental difference to the state arise? To contend that there is a is such a supreme form of contribution that idle and not aid the outlaws lest he have between state and individual action have such thing as a “duty” or “responsibility” not being politically engaged should confer unnecessary blood on his hands. Though the been tenuous, to use a generous descriptor. to participate in the political system already moral stain. Would anyone really have the analogy is admittedly extreme, the principle If an individual commits an action seen as underlies the assumption that the state’s audacity to tell the doctor who cures cancer is the same: it is most logical and ethical for violence or coercion, the same action should exercise of violative power is legitimate, that she neglected her debt to society if one to vote only if she is fully convinced that not be perceived differently when conducted thus formulating a circular argument. she didn’t go to the polls? Besides, openly voting is a good and productive act, regardless by the state. The state routinely sanctions If someone has even a modicum of exchanging ideas and advocacy have a far of whether the actions of others are inevitable. the military to invade other countries and doubt about whether voting is an act of greater influence on the political climate It is also true that while an individual vote murders innocent civilians in the process, “responsibility” or otherwise doesn’t readily than anonymously casting a ballot that does not matter, aggregate voting does. calling it “war.” The state also commits mass have a lucid rationale for that position, probably won’t make or break the outcome. Individuals, however, are not aggregates, extortion, threatening kidnapping and jail wouldn’t it be more “responsible” to refrain There are sundry activities—such as and an individual choosing not to vote for refusal to comply, calling it “taxation.” from voting until absolute certainty of its volunteer work, employment, charitable does not then cause aggregates not to vote. Likewise, “business regulation” amounts moral status is reached than just voting anyway donations, and even “just” being a good Indeed, very few individuals actually have to little more than forcing entrepreneurs to because millions of others are doing so? friend—that have a more immediate and influence over the choices of other voters. abide by the petty tyranny of politicians at Further, many people from all parts of the lasting impact on the social fabric than So, it does not make realistic sense to object point of gun. “Imprisonment” of people for political gamut have decried how rigged is the voting, so it would be more productive to that aggregate voting matters in response non-violent behavior such as drug abuse, American political system, and if someone is society to not squander hours researching to an individual electing to not head to the prostitution, or working without a special visa truly among those individuals, it might be best candidates, listening to mudslinging is no less kidnapping than if I had personally for her to err on the side of moral caution by not on TV, and waiting in line at the booth. continued on page 10... PAGE 8 THE UPENN STATESMAN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 OPINION Democrats Fear The Conservative Experience at Penn Facts, Too Ben Zeisloft Kartik Devashish Junior Editor classrooms. He “knows about psychology” and Junior Editor that professors may implicitly assign him lower As an Ivy League institution, the default grades if he reveals his right-leaning views. In an op-ed published for The Daily political viewpoint at the University A sophomore studying engineering Pennsylvanian last month, Michael Keshmiri of Pennsylvania is distinctly liberal. asserts that he has “never felt that my argues that Republicans are “allergic to facts.” Many conservative students at Penn views ever resulted in any negative I would have agreed wholeheartedly with his consider themselves to be “closeted”— infl uence on my academics.” Though proposition, had he argued that politicians are in other words, they do not openly he sometimes disagrees with statements allergic to facts—because that is a much more share their right-leaning opinions. made by his professors, the disagreement complete argument. Unfortunately, modern Take President Obama, for instance. From freshmen to seniors, closet “never affects [his] ability to learn.” politics is an arena that favors exaggeration Although he blamed Bush-era tax cuts for conservatives—even those who classify Another freshman says that “conservatives of the good and understatement of the bad. the state of the economy throughout much themselves as relatively moderate or gain so much more out of college” than their However, Mr. Keshmiri chooses of his presidency, he did contribute to the apolitical—testify that their political beliefs liberal peers. She believes that even though to attack Republicans specifi cally. problem by authorizing an $858 billion dollar affect their social lives and classroom “they may not say anything” about their This is where the problems begin. extension of the Bush tax cuts and ramping experiences in a negative way. However, other conservative beliefs, “they do learn.” Many up welfare programs. Granted, the move conservatives at Penn assert that they are conservative students inform themselves about If Republicans are allergic to was in the context of the 2008 recession, relatively unaffected by the left-leaning culture. their views so that they can defend themselves facts, then Democrats surely but the effects of the stimulus package A 2016 study found that liberal faculty in potential debates with liberal peers. must be cowering under their were disproportionately small compared outnumber their conservative colleagues by The aforementioned Wharton freshman beds at the mere sight of a fact. to the massive amount of money spent by a ratio of nearly twelve to one. In some fi elds has not joined any conservative student the government. In the words of author and of study, such as history, the ratio increases groups on campus. “I don’t like the Penn Many conservatives will willingly concede reporter Michael Grabbel, this was due in to rates as high as thirty-three to one. College Republicans on Facebook so that that President Trump tends to stretch the truth, large part to a misallocation of the stimulus. “Universities are the bedrock of progressive no one will see and make an opinion of me.” and that quite a few of his statements fall outside Rather than handing out checks to alleviate values, but the one kind of diversity that Another student says she “waits three or the bounds of reality. However, to suggest panic, President Obama funneled money into universities disregard is ideological and four days” until hinting about her political that Democratic politicians are superior ‘invisible’ benefi ts such as safety-net programs. religious,” said Nicholas Kristof in The New views to new friends. This period of time in that respect is absolutely preposterous. Despite these ineffi ciencies, President Obama York Times. “We’re fi ne with people who allows her to gauge whether or not their Mr. Keshmiri argues that the Republican insisted that the stimulus package had been don’t look like us, as long as they think like us.” reactions will be positive, negative, or neutral. policy of instituting tax cuts does not run “cleanly, smoothly, and transparently.” Studies found that conservative professors The aforementioned engineering produce the desired effect on the economy. Perhaps more worrying than individual in the humanities and social sciences range sophomore does not withhold his conservative What he fails to recognize is that a careful failures of economic policy, however, is the fact between 7 and 11 percent. “In contrast, some views from close peers: “Friends who know analysis of federal tax revenue versus the tax that Democrats have lately been unable to put 18 percent of social scientists say they are me know what views I have on various rate reveals a negative correlation—in plain out a consistent party platform with regards Marxist. So it’s easier to fi nd a Marxist in [such] controversial matters.” Though he is willing English, evidence suggests that tax cuts to economic policy. Today, the Democratic disciplines than a Republican,” said Kristof. to “have a genuine conversation in private increase government revenue. Increased party line includes those who hold the party’s According to a Gallup survey from earlier with someone who disagrees” with him government revenue is unquestionably a traditional faith in Keynesian economics, this year, 61 percent of college students for the sake of intellectual stimulation, he benefi t for a government holding over $20 but also extends to New Deal liberals and say that their “campus climate prevents would “avoid that confrontation” if that trillion in national debt, as well as nearly socialists like Keith Ellison and Bernie people from speaking freely.” Ninety-two person were merely looking for an argument. $3 trillion in annual mandatory spending. Sanders. As a result, not only have Democrats percent of respondents agree that liberals A fourth student, however, has faced President Trump’s corporate tax cuts play a understated the detriments of their excessive can “freely and openly” share their views on extreme liberal intolerance socially. signifi cant role in the unprecedented growth spending, but they have also lost touch with campus without being deterred, yet only 69 “When some classmates saw that I was a of the stock market (the Dow Jones Industrial their own ideology regarding economic policy. percent say the same about conservatives. Republican on social media, they deleted Average closed at $26,828.39 in October, its Even though many Republicans are allergic Of course, not every progressive student me,” he said. “There was also the time I highest ever). Even if we put aside the fact that to facts, Democrats are mortally terrifi ed of is guilty of intimidating conservatives was on a date and the girl left in the middle a strong stock market is correlated to a low them. There are a variety of instances, ranging on campus. However, a pattern of once she found out my political affi liation. DNA Results: Elizabeth Warren is 100% Misguided unemployment rate and a rapidly growing GDP, from Elizabeth Warren’s recent claim that ideological marginalization persists in Her response was, ‘I can’t be intimate President Trump also cut taxes for the working she is Native American to President Obama’s academia. At times, overwhelmingly with you if I know that is how you think.’” and middle class. Mr. Keshmiri’s criticism of statement that his policies are responsible liberal culture inhibits conservative The experiences of conservative students Republicans being overly hasty to cut taxes for the current “economic miracle,” when students from comfortably expressing their vary signifi cantly. Some right-leaning students Elizabeth Warren, former professor at for the wealthy, therefore, does not hold Democrats have made questionable comments. opinions in class or among their friends. do not consider their beliefs to be obstructive the University of Pennsylvania law school much sway with respect to President Trump. Yes, President Trump is not solely To what extent is this true at Penn? to their experience at Penn. Some embrace and current US senator, created quite Moving past Mr. Keshmiri’s attack on responsible for the current strength of the One freshman, who doesn’t consider their views; others neglect to mention them a stir on October 15th by releasing the supply-side economics, let’s examine some economy (although his policies contributed himself to be a Republican yet “leans for fear of academic or social retribution. results of a DNA test she had taken in an of the failures of Democratic economic policy signifi cantly to economic growth in just half right on social issues,” believes that “it’s What can we do to encourage attempt to prove Native American ancestry. which he (and indeed many Democratic a term). Yes, the Republican party maintains not so bad to be fi scally conservative” all students—regardless of political By doing so, Senator Warren proved that she politicians) have glossed over. Chiefl y, a misguided stance on climate change. But as a Wharton student. However, he says leaning—to speak their minds? doesn’t even remotely understand the problem Democratic politicians fail to address the bottom line is that Mr. Keshmiri’s refusal that conversations around Kavanaugh’s The solution is simple: students of central to the debate about her family history. the fact that spending on social welfare to acknowledge that Democratic politicians confi rmation were diffi cult: “I didn’t feel all political persuasions must embrace The roots of the current discussion reach programs is largely responsible for the are similarly (if not more) “allergic to facts” comfortable expressing my views at all.” open dialogue, consideration of all back several decades. In 1986, for example, aforementioned mandatory spending fi gure. is a dangerous and insulting oversight. The student feels liberal bias in the views, and—above all—free speech. Warren was fi rst listed in the Association of American Law Schools desk book as a minority. She would continue to be fi led under that category up through 1995, when she left Penn to teach law at Harvard. Then, in 1996, the ever race-conscious Harvard responded to criticism of low diversity among its faculty with the claim that it did employ a minority woman,

Elizabeth “Fauxcahontas” Warren is somewhere between 1/64th and 1/1024th Native American. (Image: Joseph Prezioso/Getty) FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 THE UPENN STATESMAN PAGE 9 OPINION The Conservative No, Trump Does Not “Celebrate” Experience at Penn Khashoggi’s Death Kartik Devashish classrooms. He “knows about psychology” and Junior Editor that professors may implicitly assign him lower grades if he reveals his right-leaning views. “As we mourn the death of a colleague, A sophomore studying engineering Trump celebrates violence against journalists.” asserts that he has “never felt that my This was the title of a recent opinion piece views ever resulted in any negative by Karen Tumulty in The Washington Post, infl uence on my academics.” Though regarding the apparent murder of journalist he sometimes disagrees with statements Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi-affi liated operatives made by his professors, the disagreement in Turkey. Ms. Tumulty certainly makes “never affects [his] ability to learn.” a fair point regarding President Trump’s Another freshman says that “conservatives commendation of Rep. Greg Gianforte’s assault gain so much more out of college” than their on The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs, which was liberal peers. She believes that even though clearly unwarranted and refl ects poorly upon “they may not say anything” about their him. Furthermore, our thoughts and prayers conservative beliefs, “they do learn.” Many are with the entire Washington Post family conservative students inform themselves about following the tragic loss of their columnist. their views so that they can defend themselves With all that being said, the outright in potential debates with liberal peers. condemnation of President Trump’s actions The aforementioned Wharton freshman regarding Mr. Khashoggi’s death refl ects a has not joined any conservative student somewhat sensationalized media reaction. groups on campus. “I don’t like the Penn Let’s be clear: President Trump is not College Republicans on Facebook so that “celebrating” Mr. Khashoggi’s death at the no one will see and make an opinion of me.” hands of the Saudis. While his condemnations Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in Saudi Arabia on October 18 (Image: Reuters/Leah Millis) Another student says she “waits three or have not been as severe as many more short- international balance of geopolitical power. number of signifi cant actions, ranging from could hold far-ranging implications for the rest four days” until hinting about her political sighted members of Congress might demand, The Saudis are an important counterweight the cancellation of a $110 billion arms sale of the world, and the Trump administration’s views to new friends. This period of time he nonetheless reacted immediately by to Iran in the Middle East; especially now to economic sanctions. Although the Saudi tentative approach to dealing with the allows her to gauge whether or not their deploying Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that the Trump administration has renewed statement regarding the issue was admittedly situation is motivated by a desire to protect reactions will be positive, negative, or neutral. to speak with King Salman of Saudi Arabia. sanctions against Iran, the military and hapless (President Trump has expressed American geopolitical interests. Even though The aforementioned engineering He has since made it clear that he will economic alliance with Saudi Arabia becomes skepticism regarding its veracity), the fact the media would have us believe that President sophomore does not withhold his conservative impose “severe” consequences should the ever more important. Saudi Arabia is also the remains that the only concrete evidence we Trump is savoring the death of a journalist, views from close peers: “Friends who know Saudi government be proven complicit world’s most important supplier of oil, and have to prove that the Saudi government was this theory could not be farther from reality. me know what views I have on various in Mr. Khashoggi’s murder. From that while the United States has been less reliant on complicit in the killing of Mr. Khashoggi is In this instance, the very same media controversial matters.” Though he is willing point forward, however, he has proceeded Saudi production since the advent of hydraulic the word of “anonymous” Turkish offi cials. who criticize him for his supposed naïveté to “have a genuine conversation in private with caution—and he is right to do so. fracturing and the shale oil revolution, the Given this current lack of hard facts when it comes to international relations are with someone who disagrees” with him The media has criticized President same cannot be said for the rest of the world. surrounding the situation, and the fact egging him on to make a hasty and potentially for the sake of intellectual stimulation, he Trump’s restrained action against Saudi Given the weight of American sanctions on that Turkey is a known enemy of Saudi damaging foreign policy decision. His caution would “avoid that confrontation” if that Arabia as a sign of weakness, but it may Iran, Saudi oil production will be vital to Arabia, President Trump’s unwillingness to in the face of criticism is not a sign of weakness, person were merely looking for an argument. yet turn out to be a sign of wisdom. Any compensate for a decline in Iranian exports. take fi rm action against the Saudi Arabian and his promise to impose consequences A fourth student, however, has faced decision made by the US in this situation The media and members of Congress government is perhaps more understandable. only after the appearance of solid evidence extreme liberal intolerance socially. could have signifi cant consequences for the rashly call for President Trump to take a Therefore, the outcome of this investigation against Mohammed bin Salman is to his credit. “When some classmates saw that I was a Republican on social media, they deleted me,” he said. “There was also the time I was on a date and the girl left in the middle once she found out my political affi liation. DNA Results: Elizabeth Warren is 100% Misguided Her response was, ‘I can’t be intimate Conor Hart with you if I know that is how you think.’” Treasurer a Native American named Elizabeth Warren. in the range of 6-10 generations ago.” claims to Cherokee heritage? In taking the The experiences of conservative students Consider me unconvinced. There are two problems here. test, she reaffi rmed her belief that her minority vary signifi cantly. Some right-leaning students Elizabeth Warren, former professor at The most egregious incident was now- First, as many individuals and news listing as a professor was justifi ed, even if do not consider their beliefs to be obstructive the University of Pennsylvania law school Senator Warren’s submission of fi ve organizations have already pointed out, 6-10 she no longer insists upon the distinction. to their experience at Penn. Some embrace and current US senator, created quite recipes in 1984 to the “Pow Wow Chow” generations is quite far back. Furthermore, What does all of this mean? their views; others neglect to mention them a stir on October 15th by releasing the cookbook, which compiled “special recipes the DNA was evaluated relative to native 1. Senator Warren is not justifi ed in any of for fear of academic or social retribution. results of a DNA test she had taken in an passed down through the Five Tribes populations within Mexico, Peru, and her actions surrounding her heritage and should What can we do to encourage attempt to prove Native American ancestry. families.” Warren’s recipes included one Colombia, as US-based groups won’t allow apologize profusely to the affected groups. all students—regardless of political By doing so, Senator Warren proved that she for crab with tomato mayonnaise dressing. widespread genetic evaluation. The genetic 2. When Penn and later Harvard claimed leaning—to speak their minds? doesn’t even remotely understand the problem A classic Cherokee dish, to be sure. evidence that Warren has provided is thus her as an example of diversity in faculty, The solution is simple: students of central to the debate about her family history. These events came to light during the tenuous at best and misleading at worst. it demonstrated how superfi cial these all political persuasions must embrace The roots of the current discussion reach Senator’s successful 2012 campaign, but Second, she took the test solely to clear her institutions may be in these issues. Perhaps open dialogue, consideration of all back several decades. In 1986, for example, emerged resurgent on the national stage when name. This is not an acceptable way to justify if they focused more on the background of views, and—above all—free speech. Warren was fi rst listed in the Association President Trump dubbed her “Pocahontas” her past actions. Even if she were found to the individual and true ideological, socio- of American Law Schools desk book as a and derided her assertion of Native American have a higher proportion of Native American economic, and cultural diversity, rather than minority. She would continue to be fi led under heritage. He encouraged her to take a DNA, that would not validate her claim to be self-identifi cation or surface-level indicators, that category up through 1995, when she left DNA test and fi nd out if in fact she had a Native American. The native tribes within the situations like these could be avoided. Penn to teach law at Harvard. Then, in 1996, Cherokee ancestor. She did. According the United States have expressly spoken against Whether or not Warren used Native the ever race-conscious Harvard responded to the report, “the results strongly support the such a measure. As the Cherokee Nation American heritage to gain a hiring advantage criticism of low diversity among its faculty with existence of an unadmixed Native American said in response to the report, “Senator certainly refl ects upon her qualifi cations, the claim that it did employ a minority woman, ancestor in the individual’s pedigree, likely Warren is undermining tribal interests with but is ultimately a separate issue which her continued claims of tribal heritage.” will likely never be put to rest. Much like How did Senator Warren respond to the college admissions, the details behind most Cherokee Nation’s statement? By claiming universities’ job recruitment are somewhat the moral high ground. While the discussion obscure. Moreover, to solely focus on how was ongoing, she tweeted “I won’t sit her ethnic identity impacted her career path quietly for @realDonaldTrump’s racism, would be a mistake. The fact of the matter so I took a test. But DNA & family history is that for years she was identifi ed as Native has nothing to do with tribal affi liation or American, presumably by her own action or citizenship, which is determined only – only lack thereof. However, Elizabeth Warren – by Tribal Nations. I respect the distinction, never had any political, traditional, or cultural & don’t list myself as Native in the Senate.” ties to the community, nor did she face adverse Yet it is clear that these ends — taking circumstances because of her reported the test and not seeking to establish tribal Cherokee ancestry. By claiming a heritage affi liation — are inherently contradictory. which she did not possess, she belittled and What did Senator Warren hope to prove by ignored both the culture of these groups and Elizabeth “Fauxcahontas” Warren is somewhere between 1/64th and 1/1024th Native American. (Image: Joseph Prezioso/Getty) taking the DNA test, if not the validity of her the real diffi culties they have historically faced. PAGE 10 THE UPENN STATESMAN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 OPINION An Interview with Conservative Isabella Reynolds Staff Writer Pundit Madison Gesiotto An ongoing analysis conducted by Chris Tremoglie The UPenn Statesman has found that Senior Editor threatens the corrupt way of life of many liberals at 99.3% of Penn professors donate to (as well as some establishment conservatives).” Democrat organizations. This is an alarming Some speak of breaking glass ceilings, In the same vein, we spoke about the percentage and poses a great risk to diversity but Madison Gesiotto shatters them. challenge that conservative students and free thought on Penn’s campus. Madison Gesiotto is a rising star in the encounter in universities where The 2011 Action Plan for Faculty Diversity conservative movement. She is a frequent faculty are predominantly liberal. and Excellence states, “To retain this eminent contributor on various Fox News programs, “I think conservatives need to continue faculty, we must simultaneously create an a columnist for the Washington Times, a to stand up for what’s right and for the First environment that encourages debate and graduate of Moritz College of Law at Ohio Amendment on campuses nationwide,” she dialogue across all points of view, fosters the State University, and a former fi gure skater. said. widest range of new ideas and creative research, Additionally, she served as a Regional Press and enables every member of the Penn family Secretary/Spokesperson for President “It needs to be a widespread to feel included and respected.” While efforts Trump’s inauguration and is currently on grassroots effort. We cannot stand to increase diversity of race and sex have been his Campaign Advisory Board. And if anyone for the intolerance and censorship successful, it is evident by the percentage needs further proof that she secretly dons an that we’ve been seeing used against of Penn professors and administrators “S” across her chest, she is an avid fundraiser conservatives in recent years.” donating to Democrat organizations for the Wounded Warrior Project and a beauty that no diversity of political views exists queen. Gesiotto was Miss Ohio USA in 2014. Much has been made of the political among Penn’s faculty and administration. Recently, I was able to interview Ms. divide in our country, which has carried In a recent article in the New Republic

Gesiotto for The UPenn Statesman. over to college campuses nationwide. Madison Gesiotto is a rising star in the conservative movement. (Image: Fox News) concerning Harvard University’s defense of its Given the nature of her entrance into Owing to the liberal monopoly in academia, admission practices, Jonathan Zimmerman, the political arena, she does not shy away many conservative students and faculty Senator Chuck Schumer’s stance on illegal to share the very real failures of socialism, like an education and history professor at Penn, from her political roots. “I’ve always are uncomfortable voicing their views. immigration. Schumer is on record and video we’re currently seeing in Venezuela, as well commented on the importance of diversity been a conservative,” she said. “I’ve “With the current state of political criticizing illegal aliens, with his exact words as the benefi ts and strengths of capitalism and stated, “As a professor, I believe in that always dealt with much opposition over division, I understand why many are hesitant being “illegal immigration is wrong - plain that have helped to make our country the ideal as deeply as I believe in anything else. the years, especially during law school.” to speak out about their conservative and simple.” He has also criticized the term incredible nation that it is today,” she stated. But since the 2016 elections, I’ve come to In law school, Gesiotto wrote about abortion ideologies. It is not easy. I have spoken to “undocumented citizen” which he now actively Ms. Gesiotto also addressed the question whether our elite universities believe in the black community. Almost immediately, many that have been negatively affected on uses. Yet, he has since reversed that position emerging role of women on the political it. Despite our rhetoric of diversity, we haven’t she was under her attack for exerting her campuses, in the workplace and even in and has never been challenged by the media. scene. “There are many incredible women made a sustained, explicit effort to learn from freedom of speech. “After an abundance of social settings after being vocal about their “We have a biased mainstream media that that have stepped forward in prominent a signifi cant but typically ignored minority the usual leftist bullying and the receipt of a politics,” she said. “However, I think this is focused on predetermined conclusions political roles over the past few years,” she in our midst: Donald Trump supporters.” threat, I went to my law school administrators is something that we can and will change.” instead of facts. They no longer hold all equally said. “I am excited to see more women do Universities are supposed to be beacons of to express concern about my safety,” she said To accomplish this change, Gesiotto feels accountable, but rather attack those they so moving forward as we fi nish out 2018 free speech and thought, where people come at the time. “Instead of practicing tolerance for that we must do away with the divisive tactics do not agree with or ignore inconsistencies and head into the 2020 election cycle.” my views and simply looking into my concern, in our political climate and seek a unifying of those they support,” Gesiotto said. “It is And her message to women in the administrators lectured me on how my message. “We need to bring unity back on our wrong and people across this country do not college who are interested in politics? faith-based beliefs about abortion in my writing campuses and back to our country. At the end appreciate this type of biased reporting.” “Never give up. Nothing worth having might harm my legal career or my ability to of the day, we all want many of the same things, We also discussed about the in life comes easy,” she said. “It will take work as a staff editor on the Ohio State Journal but simply have different views and ideas on socialist shift of the political left. hard work, but it will ultimately be worth of Criminal Law,” she explained. “They added how to achieve these goals,” she said. “The the sacrifi ce. There is nothing better to the bullying against conservatives that has more we can come together as conservatives, “I don’t think socialism will ever than doing what you love and having the been witnessed across campuses nationwide.” liberals, Democrats and Republicans, the come to fruition in this nation. It ability to help others along the way.” In a broader sense, it is exactly this kind more I think we can ultimately accomplish.” simply would never work and the Lastly, given her accomplishments thus far JD Goins of ire that President Trump experiences The media plays a signifi cant role in majority of this country recognizes and experience in the political realm, could Staff Writer daily. For her part, Gesiotto has defended maintaining this balance between unity and that fact,” Gesiotto proclaimed. we ever see a Senator Madison Gesiotto? President Trump from many of the attacks division. However, the term “Fake News” has Perhaps even a President Madison Gesiotto? he has endured from the media and critics. become near-synonymous with the Trump “To counteract the socialist movement “You never know,” she said. “As of now, “I think many people hate our President presidency, given the recurring instances of and socialist candidates that we are seeing I do not have imminent plans to run for because he has broken the status quo,” stories manipulating the truth to promote popping up across the country, I think the offi ce, but that may change in the future.” Gesiotto told The UPenn Statesman. “He came a liberal agenda. I asked Ms. Gesiotto best thing that we can do is spread truth and to Washington to “drain the swamp” and this about the media’s tactics in the context of enlighten others with facts. We must continue

‘Why I Decided Never to Vote Again’ continued from Page 7 signify that the execution of such actions is added to the needless military spending, and prudent or honorable. People once voted for looks to splurge more on an ineffective wall. polls. The rejoinder is about as absurd as freedom of religion, or gun ownership—which slavery, but societal approval did not render Democrats, who sing the praises of peaceful replying to my lack of desire to become a veterans also fought for—no rational thinker slavery any less an egregious human rights foreign policy and a more libertarian justice doctor with the statement: “It may not matter would posit that someone is belittling those violation. To quote the sapient founder of system, have displayed no more promise. that you personally don’t want to become a latter freedoms if she is reticent to voice her Penn: “Democracy is two wolves and a lamb Bill Clinton’s administration bears large doctor, but if people in the aggregate thought opinions, does not attend religious services, voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty responsibility for instituting harsh penalties like you do, there would be few doctors!” or does not own a gun. Veterans strived not for is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!” for victimless crimes and escalating the war Also, saying that a non-voter can’t complain Americans to have obligations but for liberty, Practically speaking, I submit that on drugs. Barack Obama, in only his fi rst assumes that a particular individual is, through which entails a right to do something and its the last century of American politics has term, approved more than fi ve times as many his own fault, legitimately subject to any and all complementary right not to: the right to speak only seen the expansion of the welfare- drone strikes that murdered innocent civilians public policy outcomes of an election. Again, up vociferously and the right to remain quiet warfare state. Regardless of whether it’s abroad than did George Bush in eight years. in order to substantiate that premise, one as a mouse, for example. Similarly, veterans Republicans or Democrats in power, the As of now, Republicans and Democrats are would fi rst have to prove that the purview of the fought for the right to vote and the right to establishment machine drones on as usual. the only two parties that yield a substantial state’s power is legitimate to begin with. Don’t stay in. There’s no reason to believe that Republicans tout their dedication to chance of political dominance, so voting like your hard-earned money being confi scated not voting embodies symbolic disrespect. individual liberty and the free market, but for a third party would be futile symbolism. to enrich the political elite, promote socialist What if everyone acted like you? even under their administrations, illiberalism So, let me ask: what if everyone acted like policies domestically and violent imperialism Where would our democracy be? and socialism are just as prominent as under the person who staunchly postulates voting abroad? Too bad! You didn’t vote! But again, everyone is not “acting like Democrats. In fact, every President after is a civic duty and willingly legitimizes the Refusing to vote spits on the veterans me,” so what exactly is the point here? Calvin Coolidge has consistently increased government no matter what? I’ll tell you who fought and died for people to vote. Anyhow, doesn’t the contention take government spending. Ronald Reagan raised what will happen and what is happening as Carrying out an action based on for granted that democracy is a desirable several taxes and eliminated many deductions; I write: government grows, liberty fades. emotions of guilt without pondering the political end? Personally, I would surmise that enacted gun control legislation; and piled on I don’t believe in the state, but if consequences is not only illogical but democracy is not only undesirable but also less government spending for military, education, dissatisfaction grew enough to where dangerous. If veterans fought for the “right” compatible with liberty, peace, and economic and healthcare. George Bush created a everyone “acted like me” and didn’t vote, to punch random people, it would still not prosperity than even monarchy for all its prescription drug entitlement, grew federal then the state’s days would ineluctably be be ethical of me to fasten on brass knuckles faults—but that’s an argument for another time. oversight of education with No Child Left numbered. And perhaps if that same state and gleefully gambol out into the streets. The most basic, but far from only, tick against Behind, and combatted the 2008 recession with wanted to be perceived with any sort of Furthermore, even if voting were a right democracy is that simply because an action stimulus spending and bailouts. And Donald legitimacy, it would need to, for once in a very to the same extent as freedom of speech, has majority sanction does not automatically Trump is proposing burdensome tariffs, has long time, be accountable to its constituency. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 THE UPENN STATESMAN PAGE 11 OPINION Eliminating the Echo Chamber at Penn Isabella Reynolds Staff Writer together from all over the world to share their community. Only by working together can we Penn can hire faculty and bring in students perspectives and learn from each other. Greg position Penn as a global leader in diversity of every color from every country around the An ongoing analysis conducted by Johnson writes in Penn Today that there has and inclusion,” the Action Plan has not world but if they all think the same way, what has The UPenn Statesman has found that been a noticeable shift in this philosophy so succeeded with respect to political thought. been accomplished? How is Penn challenging at 99.3% of Penn professors donate to that now students are coming to Penn and The situation before and after 2016 has stayed students to engage in open dialogue with those Democrat organizations. This is an alarming other colleges with “ideological leanings” but the same or become even more hostile, and with whom they don’t at first agree? How is percentage and poses a great risk to diversity rather than sharing their ideas and embracing the problem lies in Penn’s political culture. Penn challenging students to respect those and free thought on Penn’s campus. free speech, students are debating how Faculty and administrators are an integral with whom they cannot find common ground The 2011 Action Plan for Faculty Diversity free freedom of speech should actually be. part of the Penn community and they often set on a particular topic? In order for students and Excellence states, “To retain this eminent The situation has become so severe that the tone for political classroom discussions. to learn and grow, they must try new things faculty, we must simultaneously create an many conservative students at Penn are quiet Students will not be willing to speak and explore different ideas. Having a faculty environment that encourages debate and about their political views because they feel up if they expect only to be ridiculed for comprised of one political viewpoint hardly dialogue across all points of view, fosters the that they will be ostracized if they share their voicing their opinions. Professors should encourages serious “debate and dialogue.” widest range of new ideas and creative research, thoughts and opinions. In 2016, Serena Hajjar be able to see the merit in both sides of an Universities should be innovators and trend- and enables every member of the Penn family wrote an article in The Tab entitled “What it’s argument and encourage healthy debate, setters. The ideas explored at universities are to feel included and respected.” While efforts like being a Republican at Penn,” in which an playing devil’s advocate when necessary often disseminated into the local and even to increase diversity of race and sex have been anonymous Penn student shared how he felt to stimulate critical thinking and analysis. global culture. In a country that is becoming successful, it is evident by the percentage discriminated against “when I mentioned to a ever more polarized, it is crucial that our of Penn professors and administrators friend that I had attended a College Republicans In order to encourage the debate universities bring back civil discourse. We can donating to Democrat organizations exec/deputy board BYO. [Someone who] of ideas, Penn should consider start to do this by hiring faculty that hold views that no diversity of political views exists overheard the conversation said: ‘You’re a hiring faculty from different across the political spectrum. If the percentage among Penn’s faculty and administration. Republican? Bye.’ and proceeded to walk sides of the political aisle and of faculty with different ideological beliefs In a recent article in the New Republic away and ignore me. It’s as if I were some accepting students from a more matched the country’s percentages that would concerning Harvard University’s defense of its horrible person that he could not stand.” diverse range of political thought. be ideal, but any affirmative steps to increasing admission practices, Jonathan Zimmerman, Zimmerman writes that “Since 2016, I’ve political diversity at Penn would be more than an education and history professor at Penn, had several pro-Trump students come out to me Penn’s 2017 Faculty Inclusion Report welcome by those in the political minority. commented on the importance of diversity in my office, with the door closed. One student details the progress in increasing diversity Penn must encourage its students to set aside and stated, “As a professor, I believe in that reported that he had heard a slew of egregiously among Penn Faculty since establishing predetermined political prejudices and take ideal as deeply as I believe in anything else. offensive statements by his peers—including the Action Plan for Faculty Diversity and the time to listen to others with differing But since the 2016 elections, I’ve come to ‘Trump voters are racists, idiots, or both’— Excellence and lays out a path for the next viewpoints rather than painting them with a question whether our elite universities believe but that he hadn’t said anything in response, five years. University-wide, the percentage of broad brush stroke and projecting negative it. Despite our rhetoric of diversity, we haven’t for fear of drawing ridicule and hostility. women faculty rose from 30.7% in 2011 to and often preposterous stereotypes onto them. made a sustained, explicit effort to learn from ‘Please don’t out me in class,’ he added.” 32.7% in 2016, the percentage of minority Students just might find that they can get along a significant but typically ignored minority While the 2011 Action Plan notes that “To faculty rose form 20.1% to 23.6%, and the with and even learn from those who are on the in our midst: Donald Trump supporters.” succeed, [diversity and inclusion] must be the percentage of underrepresented minority opposite end of the political spectrum and the Universities are supposed to be beacons of priorities not only of the President, Provost, faculty rose from 6.2% to 7.9%. But, to attain Penn community will be all the better for it. free speech and thought, where people come and Deans, but also of all members of the Penn true diversity we need diversity of thought. Princeton’s “Sexuality, Integrity, and the University” Conference JD Goins Staff Writer sees marriage as a way for a man to be Furthermore, it can be legitimately argued that many men are “scumbags” that will take “responsible for others.” Additionally, she that sexual satisfaction depends more on the advantage of women and do “anything to get Last weekend, Princeton University hosted attended a lecture called junk sex and junk individual rather than the gender or biology. laid.” On the other hand, religious groups have a an event called Sexuality, Integrity, and food. Laura was significantly impacted in Dating, relationships, and marriage will tendency to portray a more chivalrous narrative the University (SIU) that was sponsored by this lecture was when the presenter said, always be connected. So, when will our society that men should do anything for women. the Love and Fidelity Network. The event “love and fidelity are not just backed up showcase that not all women or men have However, what about the men? Both was not radical, but it definitely was not by social science but by hard science.” the same experiences with these aspects of narratives provide little insight into what what the title portrayed—it was a lot deeper. However, one’s impression of this life? While the conference pointed out the roles women have in romantic relationships. This was the eleventh year for Princeton’s symposium could depend on their own life great benefits for women, it seemed to lack Therefore, relationships between men and SIU conference. Annually, Sexuality, experiences. For example, one important topic depth when it came to a male’s perspective. women are at a crossroads. One can only hope Integrity, and the University brings discussed was the reasoning behind marriage. In today’s world, relationships are difficult. that the correct road is picked as soon as possible together students, scholars, and experts Outside of a religious context, marriage is Society’s views on relationships are even more with both genders’ best interests in mind. from across the country to give college a contract. Is marriage a rational or emotional difficult. The #MeToo movement promotes students the “best academic resources and decision? The events at the conference focused arguments they need to bring the message on feelings and emotions, but romantic feeling of love and fidelity back to their campuses.” have a tendency to be fleeting and can evolve. Speakers, students, and organizations With the intent to resolve this dilemma, one THE UPENN Executive Board from around the country gathered to discuss of the panelists recommended that people Daniel Tancredi, President & Editor-in-Chief how we can make our campuses better for should date more. The rationale behind this STATESMAN Dominic Gregorio, Vice President relationships and chastity. It was similar to the seemed to be that more experiences will Published since 2018 by The Statesman, Inc. Connor Hart, Treasurer #MeToo movement but in a religious context. lead to an expanded mindset and hopefully Sydney Gwynn, Publisher Is chastity necessarily that important? aid in choosing a partner for marriage. The UPenn Statesman is the truly independent Varun Sundunagunta, Secretary This was a question that never seemed Another popular topic throughout the student newspaper at the University of Toren Arginteanu, Tech Director to be completely answered during the weekend was about the benefits of marriage. Pennsylvania. We stand for freedom of speech Madison Reasnor, Commerce Director conference. Why does it matter if students However, this is debatable. The event seemed on campus and elsewhere, valuing arguments Janmiguel Gonzalez, Marketing Director hook up? Why does it matter if people are to downplay any downsides of marriage. not for their popularity but for their merit. We Cayley Kong, Fundraising Director not in relationships that society approves While the vows state, “until death do espouse objectivity in reporting and passion in of? The answers were mind blowing. us part,” how realistic is that? Problems discourse on our quest to bring true diversity Editorial Board Laura was one student who attended the can arise over time. For example, when it of thought to the University. James Paron, Senior Editor event. She attends Brigham Young University comes to sexual compatibility, how much Chris Tremoglie, Senior Editor in Idaho. Laura was impacted by the panel of should a spouse’s sex drive play in one’s For general questions, news tips, etc., reach Ben Zeisloft, Junior Editor speakers who discussed their thoughts on happiness in the relationship? What if your out to us at [email protected] Kartik Devashish, Junior Editor marriage. She took away that marriage can spouse changes after you get married? prevent loneliness. She felt that “getting to I thought about the hard science that the Contributors know someone is very subjective and could take lecturer mentioned stating that men like junk Corrections JD Goins a short time or a long time depending on the sex and women like junk food. However, this The UPenn Statesman is committed to Morgan Hermann connection between two people.” She felt that is debatable. Many things factor in when it accuracy. To report any errors, send us an Isabella Reynolds this is something that “cannot be measured.” comes to sexual enjoyment by each gender. email at [email protected]. Danielle Yampolsky In her opinion, marriage helps to satisfy Men and women have different biology that a woman’s nurturing hormones. Laura result in different sexual stimulation areas. PAGE 12 THE UPENN STATESMAN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 OPINION A Fifty-Year History of Democrats Crying “Hitler” Chris Tremoglie Senior Editor The aforementioned president was Ronald current student body was still in grade Reagan—whose term was nearly 40 years ago. school. Yes, the same John McCain the For decades, Democratic As history would inevitably show, Reagan did country gushed over when he died in August activists have compared Republican not replace the Bill of Rights with Mein Kampf. (including the University of Pennsylvania). political leaders to Adolf Hitler. Billionaire Democratic contributor George The same type of fearmongering was On CBS Evening News, correspondent Soros once said that the Republican President bestowed upon Mitt Romney’s presidential Daniel Schorr said: “It is now clear that the “[displays the] supremacist ideology of campaign. In fact, Mitt Romney was so much [presidential candidate’s] interview with Der Nazi Germany,” and that his administration a Nazi, that four years after his campaign, Spiegel, with its hard line appealing to right- used rhetoric that echoes his childhood in many of those who previously called him wing elements in Germany, was only the start occupied Hungary. “When I hear [him] say, Hitler now wanted him to run as president. of a move to link up with his opposite numbers ‘You’re either with us or against us,’” Soros Democrats are obsessed with falsely in Germany.” When the nominee accepted said, “it reminds me of the Germans.” Soros labeling those with whom they disagree as Bush, Romney, McCain, and Trump have the Republican nomination, Democratic added that “the [president’s] administration Hitler. They have been doing so for over half been either Republican candidates for California Gov. Pat Brown claimed that and the Nazi and communist regimes all a century. Calling Donald Trump a Nazi, or president or actual presidents. Each has “The stench of fascism is in the air.” engaged in the politics of fear… Indeed, the insinuating he is a fascist, has been ongoing been declared Hitler or fascist. None of it The Republican nominee in these instances president’s administration has been able to since he became the Republican frontrunner has even been remotely close to being true. was Barry Goldwater. The year was 1964. As improve on the techniques used by the Nazi in 2016. With the horrible tragedy at the However, Democrats have continued these history would inevitably show, Barry Goldwater and communist propaganda machines.” Tree of Life synagogue, the Democrats— tactics with no end in sight. Their historically was not a fascist or a follower of Hitler. Former Vice President Al Gore said including some Penn Democrats—have divisive and irrational hatred for all things Years later, Democratic Representative that “[his] executive branch has made it a circled the wagons linking President Trump opposite of their beliefs is dangerous. There William Clay of Missouri stated that the practice to try and control and intimidate with the attack in Pittsburgh. With such is no fascist or Hitler threat. There never has president was “trying to replace the Bill of news organizations, from PBS to CBS to Penn Democrat social media commentary been. There is only a Trump threat which Rights with fascist precepts lifted verbatim Newsweek… and every day, they unleash as “The Trumpist main-streaming of Neo- constitutes the dismantling of left-wing ideas from Mein Kampf.” Paul Conrad, a cartoonist squadrons of digital brown shirts to harass Nazism…,” this serves as nothing more than and legislation. The irony being the political from the Los Angeles Times, drew a panel and hector any journalist who is critical of the a scare tactic repeatedly used by Democrats actions they take in the aftermath of tragedies depicting the president plotting a fascist President.” Actor/singer and activist Harry to exploit tragedy for political gain. like the one at Tree of Life synagogue are putsch in a darkened Munich beer hall. Belafonte, who marched with Dr. Martin Luther Yet, as history has showed, every time closer to Reichstag Fire fascism than any Harry Stein wrote in Esquire that the voters King Jr., called the president a racist. When Democrats have claimed a politician of the fallacious claims they regurgitate. who supported the president were like the asked whether the number and prominence was on the precipice of turning the When one group constantly proclaims “good Germans” in “Hitler’s Germany.” of blacks in the president’s administration United States into the Fourth Reich, people Hitler/fascist and it never turns out to John Roth, a Holocaust scholar from perhaps suggested a lack of racism, Belafonte facts ultimately revealed it to not be true. be true, it is unequivocally clear that the strategy Claremont College, wrote: “I could not asserted that “Hitler had a lot of Jews high Bill Maher, liberal comedian and host is based on fearmongering. When this practice help remembering how 40 years ago up in the hierarchy of the Third Reich.” of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, has been employed for almost sixty years, it is economic turmoil had conspired with Nazi The person referred to in these scenarios acknowledged this erroneous tactic in pretty clear the Democrats must sit on a throne nationalism and militarism—all intensifi ed was Republican president George W. Bush. November 2016. At the time, Maher said, of lies to attempt to sway public opinion. by Germany’s defeat in World War I —to He was president around the time most “I know liberals made a big mistake because Attack a politician’s arguments or their send the world reeling into catastrophe… It current Penn students were young children. we attacked ….[President George W. policies to prove a point. Use legitimate is not entirely mistaken to contemplate our As history would inevitably show, the United Bush] like he was the end of the world,” data to show how they are wrong and postelection state with fear and trembling.” States did not become the Third Reich. Maher told panelist David Frum, a former support the argument with facts. Baseless During the presidential campaign, speechwriter for Bush. “He wasn’t.” and unsubstantiated claims laced with ad Madonna opened one of her concerts by Maher continued: “And Mitt Romney, we hominem attacks does nothing but appeal comparing the Republican nominee to attacked that way. I gave Obama a million to fringe elements lurking in the political Hitler in a video montage. The animated dollars, I was so afraid of Mitt Romney. spectrum. If an argument is predicated upon comedy Family Guy featured a scene in Mitt Romney wouldn’t have changed my calling a Republican candidate Hitler, which which characters were transported back to life that much, or yours. Or John McCain.” history has repeatedly shown to be false, Nazi Germany and tried to blend in wearing “They were honorable men who we then maybe the people with the problem uniforms, one of which had a campaign button disagreed with. And we should have are the ones using divisive, unsubstantiated of the Republican nominee for President. kept it that way. So we cried wolf. And hyperbolic rhetoric to get a point across and The Republican nominee referred to that was wrong,” Maher said. He then not (insert Republican president name here). above was John McCain when he ran for proceeded to insinuate Trump was a fascist. president in 2008, when most of the Goldwater, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Venom’s Poisonous Critics Conor Hart Treasurer and was not disappointed. Tom Hardy, in development perspective, Eddie teaches of his powers. In “Venom,” other people particular, produced a stellar performance Venom to behave and Venom teaches Eddie actually show concern and take him to the The highest-grossing fi lm in theaters this as protagonist Eddie Brock. I would argue how to take control of his life. From a pure hospital. It is a refreshing change, and this past weekend was also one of the lowest-rated. that his role was so critical that, without him, entertainment perspective, the relationship is not the only example. Several times, the “Venom,” released by Sony, has managed to the movie would fall fl at. The other aspects is the framework for several absurd moments movie pokes fun at these tropes, both directly sharply divide critics and audiences across the of the fi lm, like the extremely dubious CGI that provide comedic relief. Venom is and indirectly. If, however, the viewer sees globe. Though the movie raked in $378.1 work or the simplistic and inconsequential the wild friend pulling his comparatively the watered-down plot and lackluster villain million worldwide, making it a commercial plot, fail to impress to the same extent. tame host along for the ride, and the host’s as important oversights of the fi lm, rather success, it was slammed by critics with a score It is also my fi rm belief that Venom was reactions are the best part of this fi lm. than sacrifi ces for the movie’s less-serious of 31% on Rotten Tomatoes. Meanwhile, 88% marketed incorrectly. Having watched the 2. The honesty of the fi lm. Herein lies tone, “Venom” will be a disappointment. of audience reviews were positive. For context, trailers, a casual viewer would likely expect the difference between enjoying the fi lm and At the end of the day, I would recommend Marvel’s “Spiderman: Homecoming,” which a violent action thriller centering on the hating it. From a critical standpoint, those Venom. However, be aware that if you was critically acclaimed as a successful reboot malevolent and aggressive titular character. who view the fi lm as self-aware will enjoy the walk into the theater hoping for a comics- of the “Spiderman” franchise, has an identical This is a reasonable assumption, but does not distinctions it makes. Notably, people react. In accurate, violent, raging, R-rated movie, audience score. Perhaps even more curious is refl ect the movie as a whole. Though the key other movies, especially within the superhero you may fi nd it underwhelming. The same the fact that “Sharknado 5: Global Swarming” characteristics of a dark and gritty superhero genre, the fi lm progresses solely for the sake applies if you are evaluating its strength as has a critic score only one percentage point fi lm are present, the movie surprisingly of the plot. In “Venom,” the director seems a cohesive narrative with a compelling plot, lower than “Venom,” despite being the subject becomes something not unlike a buddy to say “Who cares about the plot?” It plods villain, character development, and other of almost universal ridicule. Clearly, a variety comedy. This is the result of two primary details: along regardless, but is clearly not the focus. storytelling traits. Yet, if you can look past of confl icting opinions about “Venom” exist. 1. Eddie Brock and Venom’s chemistry. One scene in particular exemplifi es this. these expectations and simply enjoy the As a reasonably frequent movie-goer, I In every facet of how Hardy plays each of Eddie Brock is acting strangely in a restaurant, movie moment by moment, it does have would take the audience’s side in this particular these characters (he voices Venom as well), adapting to his recently acquired symbiote. redeeming value. If you have some free time dispute. Overall, “Venom” was a satisfactory more is revealed. Their relationship is the In a typical movie, he might go home and on hand, it could potentially be worth the trip. fi lm. I went in expecting to be entertained highlight of the movie. From a character fi gure it out, emphasizing the development Rating: 6/10 Franklins