Georgetown Law Weekly

The Student Newspaper of Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. “Uninhibited, robust, and wide-open” VOLUME 43 TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 NUMBER 10 Students Midterm elections paint Capitol Hill blue by Sunil Varghese, 3L for Choice Law Weekly Left-leaning students finally know what it feels like to be winners after last lose e-mail week's midterm elections put by Benjamin Rubinstein, 2L Democrats in control of both the House Law Weekly and Senate. As of Friday, Democrats secured 230 seats in the House and 51 The board of Law Students for seats in the Senate (including two inde- Choice (LSfC) has announced that pendents who are expected to caucus the group will be losing their law with Democrats). Eight House races are center email address this week. too close to call, and two House contests Once Information and Systems are headed for runoffs. Technology (IST) transfers the Law Center students participated in group's 300-member email list to a all aspects of the election process, put- new Gmail address, their Lawmail ting particular emphasis on keeping address will be eliminated. The abreast of current news developments group is already barred from receiv- during class and celebrating/mourning ing school funding, including funds the Democrats' victory Tuesday night. from the Student Bar Association Georgetown Law Democrats, in photo by Benjamin Rubinstein, 2L (SBA), because its views are at odds particular, made substantive contribu- Members of the Law Democrats watch the results come in at Lucky Bar in Dupont with those of the Catholic Church. tions to their party's cause. Prior to election problems. A good portion of their Black Berries) stationed around the Georgetown University is a Jesuit Election Day the organization helped the phone calls originated from Prince state. The lawyers were usually able to Institution and tends to adopt poli- direct students to volunteer candidates George's County, Baltimore County and take care of the problems on the spot. cies that are in line with its Catholic in local Democratic campaigns, includ- Baltimore City - areas with a high per- According to Law Democrats and Jesuit heritage. ing Jim Webb's Virginia senate race and centage of minorities and Democrats. President Zachary Myers, 2L, the The group is not allowed to use Ben Cardin's Maryland senate race. Election issues included: voting loca- phones rang early and often, but the the university's name in any way, On Election Day, several Law tions, information on provisional bal- volunteers, made up of predominantly which, according to both the LSfC Democrats served as poll monitors, lots, reports of fraudulent election litera- Law Center students, had fun handling board and Dana Onorato, Director while 20 to 30 worked on the Maryland ture and complaints of long lines, closed the various calls. of Student Affairs, is why the email Democratic Party's election protection polls and broken electronic poll books. The fun lasted into the night as Law is now being eliminated. According hotline. Volunteers operated telephones Students entered the more serious prob- Democrats from Georgetown, George to board members, however, the from early morning to late evening lems into a computer system, which receiving phone calls from voters with sent electronic messages to lawyers (and See ELECTIONS, page 7 See CHOICE, page 4 Summer tales plentiful at careers event Students by Tiphanie Miller, 2L Law Weekly form lobby Over thirty second- and third-year students sat at tables in the third-floor group atrium of McDonough last Wednesday afternoon for the Students by Brianne Kennedy Helping Students Summer Internship Law Weekly Fair. They were eager to share their past work experience with first-years Since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita who are just beginning to consider the struck, thousands of people from all myriad options available to them this over the country have volunteered their summer. Students offered advice and time and money in an effort to repair anecdotes while answering the numer- the damage done to the Gulf Coast and ous questions posed by the milling the lives of its residents. first-years, who learned more about Countless hearings have been held working in a wide range of fields: gov- on Capitol Hill and in statehouses ernment, international law, public throughout the region to determine defendse, the non-profit sector, law what it is that caused the initial firms, judicial internships and research response to the disasters, particularly in assistantships. Students also learned the case of Hurricane Katrina, to go as about the Law Center's study abroad badly as it did. program, all while snacking on the photo by Marika Maris, 3L Few people, however, have cookies and brownies provided by Students were out in full force to explain the intricacies of the summer stopped to think about what caused the OCS and OPICS, which sponsored the job search to their first-year peers in the McDonough Atrium damage in the first place, and how event. inquiring students all about the vari- assistant for a professor, as she had addressing it might prevent future ous benefits of working as a research Hannah Alejandro, 2L, told See PEERS, page 6 See LOBBYING, page 7

SALDF Food for Thought BCS rankings explained Politicians, Play Nice! Page 5 Page 9 Page 15 PAGE 2 GEORGETOWN LAW WEEKLY EEVVEENNTTSS TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 BriefsBriefsBriefsBrief Four Sudoku puzzles Fill in the grids so that every row, every column and every BriefsBriefs!BriefsBrief 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9 with no repeats.

Brookings Institution and a colum- nist for the Washington Post, and Basketball Ticket Sales Tod Lindberg, a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution and the Stop by McDonough Room 171 Editor of the Institute's Policy to purchase yours today! Tickets Review. The panel will be intro- will be available for Hoyas duced by Judy Feder, Dean of the Basketball vs. Ball State on Monday, Public Policy Institute, on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Verizon Nov. 14, at 6:00 p.m., in McDonough Center,starting on Nov. 13. Excellent Room 202. The panel is also spon- seats are available. On sale starting sored by the Office of Admissions Nov. 15, tickets will be available for and the Law Alumni Office. Hoyas Basketball vs. Oregon on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Verizon Center. Excellent seats are available. Hoyas Basketball tick- Technology and Voting ets are available for every home game. The Office of Student Affairs Thursday afternoon, ACS will will be selling tickets to every 2006- have a panel discussion, "Steal this 2007 home Hoyas Basketball game. Vote: Counting Your Vote in an Era All tickets will go on sale at least one of Electronic Voting Machines and week prior to each home game. Stop Billion Dollar Campaigns," featuring by McDonough Room 171 for more Jon Stokes of Ars Technica Magazine information. (describing how to hack a voting machine), Peter Vickery of Massachusetts Voters for Fair Elections (speaking on public cam- Ask an Administrator paign financing) and Professor Spencer Overton of George Ever wonder who does what Washington University (moderating around here? Who can help replace and speaking on Voting Rights). The Solution on page 11 a lost locker key? Who decides if a panel will convene at 4:00 p.m. in class is offered pass/fail? On McDonough Room 203. Food and Wednesdays, from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 drink will be served. Contact george- Immigration, Border Security and Refreshments will be served. p.m., in the Market Café of [email protected] for more Citizenship; Esther Olivarria, Contact [email protected] with McDonough, a different administra- information. Counsel, Senator Edward Kennedy questions or for more information. tor will host a table in the Market (D-MA); Beto Cardenez, General Café each week to answer students' Counsel, Senator Kay Bailey questions. Stop by for a cookie and Hutchison (R-TX) and Professor chat. This month, John Stephens, Issues in Transgender Law Andy Schoenholtz. The panel will APALSA Panel Director of LL.M. Academic Services take place on Thursday, Nov. 16, at is scheduled for Nov. 15 and Denise Join Outlaw for a lunchtime 3:30 p.m. in McDonough Room 201. Join APALSA for lunch panel on Steeley, Registrar, will be at the Café talk on "Transgender Civil Rights," summer internships, in Hotung on Nov. 29. with Lisa Mottet, Law Center alum- 2000, on Thursday, Nov. 16, from nus and Legislative Lawyer with the 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. The panel National Gay and Lesbian Task Flu Shots! will feature summer associates at Force's Transgender Civil Rights U.S. and International Law firms, Drug Policy Conference Project. The talk will take place on The Student Health office will be public interest interns, judicial Thursday, Nov. 16, from 12:10 to offering additional flu shots next interns and research assistants. Food Just Say Know! The Students for 1:10 p.m. in McDonough Room 140. week for staff, students and faculty. will be provided! Sensible Drug Policy International Learn about current issues in trans- Vaccines will be administered at the Conference is just around the corner. gender law while eating free pizza! following times: Tuesday, Nov. 14, Hundreds of students from all over Questions? Contact from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the country will be convening at the [email protected]. Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 3:00 p.m. Homelessness Awareness Month Law Center for the conference, Nov. to 4:00 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 16, 17 through 19. There will be many from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is a Please participate! incredible speakers, including Terry walk-in clinic, so no appointments DONATE: Michael, former press secretary for Keg on the Quad will be taken. Student Health is "Stuff the Turkey" (Until Nov. 22) the Democratic National Committee, located on the lower level of Gewirz, -Donate a dollar! For each $7 we Billy Murphy, former judge and JLSA will be hosting Georgetown room L102. Please remember to raise we will donate a Thanksgiving renowned criminal defense attorney, Law's weekly Keg on the Quad this bring your GoCard. No vaccine can dinner to the homeless! Ethan Nadelmann, Drug Policy Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 3:30 p.m. be administered without your DISCUSS: Alliance and our very own Carmack The Keg will be on the Quad, unless GoCard. The "Problem" in Our Backyard: A Waterhouse Professor of Legal the weather requires the Keg to be Panel Discussion (Nov. 16, 5:00 p.m., Theory Randy Barnett. Please visit held in the Sport and Fitness Center. McDonough Room 164) ssdp.org/conference for more informa- Stop by and enjoy! -Join a group of distinguished legal tion. Mental Health Rights panelists to discuss the benefits, challenges and opportunities of Do you care about Mental Health working with the homeless in the Immigration Panel Rights? Curious about how you can legal profession. Georgetown Law Forum Panel use your law degree to make a dif- VOLUNTEER: The Federalist Society presents a ference? Georgetown Law Active Help the Homeless Walk (Saturday, The Student Ambassadors and panel on "Immigration Law and Minds presents Karen Bower, the Nov. 18) Georgetown Public Policy Institute Policy: What Do We Do with the Senior Staff Attorney for the Bazelon - Each walker helps to raise money invite you to attend "After the Twelve Million?" with Keynote Center for Mental Health Law, who for the homeless. Election: What Happened and Speaker, U.S. Senator John Cornyn will be talking about the Center, her Martha's Table (Saturday, Nov. 18) Where Do We Go From Here?" a (R-TX), the Chairman of the Senate current litigation on campus mental -Volunteer to help make meals from Georgetown Law Forum Panel Subcommitee on Immigration, health issues and ways law students 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Discussion. Panelists include Border Security and Citizenship. can make a positive impact on Professor EJ Dionne, Jr., of the Other panelists include: Lynden Mental Health Rights. Join us on Email: Jarod at [email protected] Georgetown Public Policy Institute, Melmed, Immigration Counsel, Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 4:00 p.m. town.edu for details. who is also a Senior Fellow at the Senate Subcommittee on to 5:00 p.m. in Hotung 2000. TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 NNEEWWSS GEORGETOWN LAW WEEKLY PAGE 3 Dominican ambassador addresses law students by Emily Camastra, 2L of skepticism for majority power. "In them. the region. Law Weekly Latin America, when there's a After identifying the problems, Ambassador Espinal is a distin- majority, leaders see no reason to Espinal acknowledged that the guished professor of constitutional The Dominican Republic does pay attention to minorities", Expinal major question remaining was how and public international law, and more than just supply baseball with explained. "So governments oscillate to go about rebuilding the pillars of former dean, at the Universidad an endless supply of phenomenal between too much power in one per- liberal democratic institutionalism. Católica Madre y Maestra in Santo baseball players. It also, like many son and too much power in majority. Espinal's answer: "We need to take Domingo. Holder of a Masters other Latin American countries, is in There needs to be greater emphasis the constitution seriously!" degree in political science from the the midst of a new constitutional- on pluralism in Latin America." Espinal noted that the current University of Essex in England and a ism. The Dominican Republic's Another stark difference trend in constitutionalism is to write Ph.D. in government from the Ambassador to the United States, between the United States and Latin public policies directly into the con- University of Virginia, he has writ- Flavio Darío Espinal, spoke at America is the balance struck stitutional text. For example, many ten a prize-winning monograph: Georgetown Law last Tuesday about between order and liberty. Whereas Latin American countries are exper- Constitutionalism and Political this new constitutionalism and his the United States grants certain imenting with provisions like Processes in the Dominican Republic. theories about how the different inalienable liberties, the same can- requiring 5 percent of the GDP to go political philosophies of the United not be said in Latin America. Espinal towards education. States and Latin America have pointed out order's supremacy in The ambassador explained that resulted in starkly different adher- Latin America with the often-quoted while these are wonderful aspira- ences to the rule of law. analogy that liberty is like food and tions, public policies and so-called Espinal spoke of the different order is like oxygen. "third generation rights" (like the pillars of liberal democratic intu- "You can go a few days without right to work or the right to a clean itionalism embedded in U.S. politi- food," Espinal explained, "but you and safe environment) should not be cal philosophy that are completely can only go a few minutes without written into the constitutional text. absent in Latin America. For exam- oxygen". "The constitution may not be ple, the first pillar, he insisted, was a But perhaps the biggest differ- able to do anything about providing kind of skepticism about the nature ence between the U.S. and its people with work", Espinal of humankind. Espinal pointed out Southern neighbors is the level of explained. "So if we declared a right that Americans based their govern- adherence to the written constitu- to work when there was no work, ment on the Montesquieu assertion tion. In pointing out the frequency we'd be violating the constitution all that if men were angels, there would with which constitutions are written the time." be no need for government. Latin and rewritten, Espinal explained, "In Ambassador Espinal's visit to Americans, on the other hand, do Latin America, constitutions are Georgetown Law was part of the not share in this skepticism. Over nothing more than political declara- "Breakfast With the Ambassador" time, they have put a lot of trust in tions or aspirations. They are not series sponsored by CAROLA and their leaders and, as Espinal insinu- truly legal, binding documents." the Office of International and ated, this really hasn't done them a Espinal sarcastically bragged Transnational Programs. CAROLA, whole lot of good. Also, where that the constitution of the the Center for the Advancement of Americans are skeptical about too Dominican Republic was rewritten the Rule of Law in the Americas, photo courtesy of Dominican American National much power residing in the state, more than any other in the world. seeks to create an open forum, in Roundtable Ambassador Espinal addressed Latin Americans have historically Students in the LLM program from which issues concerning rule of law not been wary about state power. Georgetown Law students about the Venezuela, however, predicted that can be discussed, in order to under- state of constitutionalism in Latin Espinal also pointed out a lack this record would soon belong to stand the laws and legal system in America PAL hosts discussion on two Supreme Court cases by Sarah Hale, 2L it is effective. He claimed that there are tion and extraction abortions. These ior. The Department argued that the Law Weekly no "accidental" live births from dila- laws were then challenged and several Court should defer to Congress given tion and extraction abortions, as some- were struck down as unconstitutional- its superior fact finding capabilities. Last week the Supreme Court times occurred in induction abortions ly overbroad (the definitions of pro- As for the Justices, Weber noted heard Gonzales vs. Carhart and Gonzales (which were the norm for mid-term hibited behavior in many was said to that they were all "playing it close to vs. Planned Parenthood - two cases chal- abortions before dilation and evacua- encompass not only dilation and the vest" in their comments and ques- lenging the federal Partial-Birth tion or dilation and extraction abor- extraction, but also dilation and evac- tions to the attorneys. Justice Alito, Abortion Ban Act of 2003. The tions). uation procedures) and also because hearing his first abortion case on the Progressive Alliance for Life at Doctors also support this method the bans did not allow for an exception Supreme Court, was entirely silent Georgetown hosted a discussion on of abortion, Weber said, for research for maternal life or health. In response and Justice Scalia, normally active in these cases and the law surrounding purposes. An intact fetus can be stud- to these defeats, the federal legislation, oral arguments, made surprisingly them last Wednesday. Walter Weber ied more easily than one removed enacted in 2003, narrowed the defini- few inquiries and comments to the led the discussion. Weber is a senior from the uterus in components. This tion of prohibited behavior to an abor- attorneys, Weber noted. The com- attorney at the American Center for research advantage is particularly felt tion in which the trunk of the fetus, ments that were made by the Justices, Law and Justice (ACLJ). He spoke in cases where the fetus was aborted past the navel, is removed intact. This Weber added, were almost entirely about the background against which after a diagnosis of mental defect. The law was challenged and struck down concerning the health issues and did these cases were brought as well as the doctors can possibly study the intact in two cases, appeals were made and not at all emphasize the vagueness or oral arguments themselves. fetus to determine the nature of the the decisions were affirmed in the overbreadth concerns. Weber spoke about how the dila- defect and better advise the patient intermediate appellate courts. Appeals Weber said he expects a decision tion and extraction abortion technique regarding future pregnancies. from these intermediate courts were to be announced in June 2007 and that (commonly referred to as partial birth Another advantage claimed by the cases brought to the Supreme he anticipates a close decision - possi- abortion) developed. After the foun- doctors that is central to the debate Court last week in the form of bly a 5-4 or 6-3 split. He also expressed dational abortion decision in Roe doc- about dilation and extraction abor- Gonzales vs. Carhart and Gonzales vs. a feeling that the Court, in an effort to tors began using a technique for mid- tions is the claim that these types of Planned Parenthood. build a majority, may be forced into an term abortions known as dilation and abortions are safer for patients under- Weber, who listened to the argu- opinion that actually decides very lit- evacuation. This procedure involved going the procedure. This argument ments last week from the lawyers' tle. Finding common ground for a separating a fetus into components in that dilation and extraction abortions lounge at the Supreme Court, spoke majority that includes, for instance, the uterus and then removing the pose fewer risks to patients could be a specifically about the claims made by Justices Kennedy and Scalia, might components. In time, though, some key factor in the Court's decision the attorneys and the questions asked mean that the ground upon which the doctors began performing abortions about whether to allow the federal by the Justices. The attorneys oppos- opinion stands is necessarily narrow. by the slightly different, dilation and Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act to ing the ban cited its lack of a maternal On Sunday night, PAL hosted extraction method, in which the fetus stand. health exception and also made claims another event in McDonough Room is removed from the uterus intact, Having briefly discussed the med- that the ban was too broad, even with 110, where they served pizza, salad rather than in components. ical history and reasoning behind the the narrowed definition, and that it is and drinks while watching a National Weber posed the question to those dilation and extraction method of unconstitutionally vague. The Geographic film called Int the Womb, gathered, "Why would abortionists do abortion, Weber moved on to explain Department of Justice, Weber said, which shows images of the fetus as it this?" Weber than answered his own the legal developments that led to the argued that Congress, in enacting this develops. After the film, the PAL question by presenting the arguments cases heard before the Supreme Court ban, was informed by fact finding members and other attendees dis- commonly offered by doctors in sup- last week. In the years before the fed- regarding the necessity (or lack there- cussed how the details of the film port of this abortion method. eral ban was passed, several states of) for a health exception as well as the could be used to inform the abortion The first argument proffered for enacted legislation prohibiting dila- proper definition of prohibited behav- debate. dilation and extraction abortion is that PAGE 4 GEORGETOWN LAW WEEKLY NNEEWWSS TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 Just Praise concert raises student voices and spirits by Kalah Paisley, 3L actually coming to be ministered to enjoyed the opportunity to spend asked whether this was a new experi- Guest Writer spiritually. Starting quietly, she was time in reflection and prayer, with ence for her and if she enjoyed it, the soon joined by the choir as they pro- the Thanksgiving holiday approach- new scheduling manager of Student Last Friday night Just Praise per- ceeded from the rear of the room and ing and the semester wrapping up Affairs, Katie Michaels, responded formed their first concert of the year, opened with "I Will Bless the Lord" and exams approaching soon after that she enjoyed it very much, and the goal of worship was ubiqui- with Shwanda Harris, 3L, as exhort- that. It was great that the event was adding, "It's the same God, that's the tous. The twelfth floor of Gewirz was er. so well attended, and to see many fel- important thing." seemingly transformed into a tent The program consisted of a wide low members of the Georgetown No one in attendance could deny meeting complete with loud voices selection of pieces ranging from the Law community support the efforts this spiritual commitment, and its raised in worship, brief testimonials energetic melody, "I Never Will/You and hard work of one of our out- influence permeated the evening. In and prayers shared by members of Brought the Sunshine" to the tradi- standing student organizations here an evening of joy and song, Just the choir, and a short message and tional "Holy, Holy, Holy" sung by the on campus." Praise provided just another demon- benediction delivered by guest smaller ensemble including sopranos The music of the evening tran- stration of the hidden talents of the Minister Yorri Berry. Frances Hartwell, 3L, and Gail Reid, scended denominations, ministering Georgetown Law community. Just Praise Gospel Choir is com- 2L, alto Anita Barksdale, and tenors to each in a different way. When prised of eighteen law students with Shwanda Harris and Richard a range of singing and religious expe- Ramsay, 3L. The ensemble also pro- riences but one solid aspect of their vided solos throughout the program. lives is common. It is that little "just" Another standout performance - their eagerness to worship God was by Melissa Gardner, 3L, who while also ministering to the spiritu- provided sign language interpreta- al needs of the Georgetown Law tion for the third song of the evening, community. "Thank You," and shared words of Drawn to the concert was a inspiration during the song, pleasing crowd, including notable "Imagine Me". Additionally, local attendees Public Safety Officer artist Patricia Barnes Brookes, who Henderson, Sister Dorinda, and helps Just Praise perfect their craft, Professor Menkel-Meadow. The shared a beautiful piece that she audience appeared to enjoy the described as "a hymn of the church". dynamics of the concert. Few songs Two current law students also treat- went by without notable numbers of ed the audience to beautiful piano the crowd jumping to their feet, clap- solos. Kyden Creekpaum, 3L, per- ping and moving to the music. formed “My Tribute,” and Richard The concert began with music by Ramsay, co-director of Just Praise, the jazz quartet. Duane Gray (drums) also shared a piece. and Alvin Kilibrew (bass) were Audience reactions were in solid joined by two of Georgetown's own. support of the gospel choir and its Leviticus Thomas (piano) is the beautiful music. When asked after director of the Georgetown the concert to reflect on the perform- University Gospel Choir and Caleb ance, Eamonn Moran, 3L, was not Griffin (saxophone) is a law student. stingy with his praise. "The concert Anita Barksdale, 2L, Director of was fabulous! The spirit and passion Just Praise, welcomed everyone to of the Just Praise singers, coupled the concert and quickly defined the with the excited and enthusiastic theme of the evening, joking that you attendees, provided a warm, upbeat photo by Sean Byrne, 3L may have thought you were coming and vibrant setting,” he said. Students were enthralled with Just Praise’s performance on Friday night on the to support a friend, but you were Moran continued, "I really twelfth floor of Gewirz. It left performers and attendees spiritually refreshed. Choose and lose: student group’s e-mail deleted Jennifer Marcovitz, 2L, the Secretary its board, has to follow a constantly student, noted "I think it's a very CHOICE from Page 1 of LSfC, noted that "it seems like the shifting set of rules. LSfC President tricky situation." However, Hughes loss of their email address is only drive behind this is other students." Joy Welan, 2L, thought that "the emphasized that he thought it was the latest in a series of steps taken Marcovitz thought that the students restrictions that LSfC has faced have appropriate for LSfC to lose their that, in their eyes, are making it who were pushing the curbs on LSfC been increasing incrementally and email address. Hughes said that the much more difficult to organize on activity "don't want us heard on suddenly, with almost no notice." moral abhorrence of abortion in the campus. LSfC speakers are often campus." LSfC members note, however, Catholic tradition compels legal pro- considered "high-profile" by the However, Onorato denied that that while they are not surprised hibition and that "our Catholic, administration, which means that the new action was spurred by stu- with the lack of funding of their Jesuit university has a moral obliga- the group has to request a room for dent complaints, but she acknowl- organization, they are surprised by tion to stand behind its principles." these events at least two weeks in edged the potential for such com- the extent of the restrictions it faces. This, according to Hughes, involves advance of the event. Even for plaints. According to her, the action "The friends I've talked to didn't not funding or electronically facili- rooms that are requested early, by the school is happening now realize this would be so extreme tating LSfC. twice recently the group has not because the group is not in line with when they came to Georgetown," Hughes said he thought the received a room assignment until the Law Center's mission and foun- noted Marcovitz. She said of the administration acted now because the day, which hampered publicity. dation. She said that the move is troubles with the group that "to a "many students have been deeply This last minute room shuffling, meant to harmonize policy at the certain extent it makes me wonder offended by Law Students for according to the board, has made it Law Center with that of the main whether I made the right choice Choice." He did not, however, rule difficult to have programming, and campus. coming here." out future cooperation between as a result the group is doing less LSfC members understand the The school's strong stance LSfC and other groups, noting this year than last year. tension between their group's exis- against LSfC is not advertised in recent efforts at collaboration Another restriction faced by tence and the roots of the Law admissions materials, something between that group and Progressive LSfC involves tabling: the group is Center. "It's not real surprising at a that, according to Marcovitz, means Alliance for Life. prohibited from using the usual Catholic school that the pro-choice "outsiders would be surprised to Welan pointed out that she table location in front of the chapel group isn't funded on campus," know that we have these issues on respects the religious and moral con- and instead must table near the pointed out Max Farris, 2L, Vice- campus." victions of those who oppose LSfC. vending machines in the cafeteria President of LSfC. However, Farris Welan feels that the group has a "However," she noted, "shutting entryway. and other board members wonder valuable role to play on campus, and down the debate by refusing to This restriction, according to why a prohibition on funding need that if it were eliminated, "the allow people with opposing view- board members, is a result of stu- extend to measures that make it dif- women of GULC will suffer due to a points to present them, or making it dent complaints about the group ficult for the group to simply hold lack of information about how to almost impossible for them to do so, being too close to the chapel. meetings and host speakers. "We access the full range of reproductive does a disservice to the intellectual The LSfC board believes that the just want recognition and the ability health care options to which they are climate of our campus. It seems fun- restrictions on their activity have to exist like other student groups," entitled, including birth control and damentally unfair to allow one side been spurred by a small and vocal said Marcovitz. In contrast to other emergency contraception." of the debate to dictate its terms." group of students at the Law Center. student groups, LSfC, according to Daniel Hughes, 2L, a pro-life TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 NNEEWWSS GEORGETOWN LAW WEEKLY PAGE 5 SALDF offers food for thought on animal cruelty by Prashina Gagoomal, 1L regarding animal rights has had faced a pivotal question: what can Another student identified the Law Weekly marks of success. Shapiro listed a we do? Shapiro suggested that stu- stigma attached to animal rights series of recent and pending animal dents use their status as consumers advocates as a potential hindrance to Last Thursday, the Student cruelty cases involving jaw-drop- to boycott factory farmers, and their mission. Though Shapiro Animal Legal Defense Fund ping practices like discarding hens adopt the motto "reduce, reuse, and admitted that "it is difficult to com- (SALDF) and the Environmental and freezing live birds. replace." He emphasized that sub- bat stereotypes," he observed that, as Law Society (ELS) sponsored a talk Significantly, today's animal welfare tracting even one animal-based meal with any social movement, the ani- with a clear, resounding message: advocates are continuing the mis- a day could contribute to reducing mal rights movement has a "small you are what you eat. About twenty- sion of abolitionists who secured the the "total suffering of animal pain minority of radicals" and a "more five students, drawn from a variety first criminal conviction for animal and death." mainstream" segment. Furthermore, of eating habits and political views, cruelty in 1866. The movement, Additionally, Shapiro noted that recent developments signal that the attended the event to both learn however, still faces legal impedi- law students can use their profes- animal rights lobby is emerging as a more about animal rights and enjoy ments to alleviating the plight of sion to benefit animals. Highlighting legitimate, identifiable actor in polit- a vegan lunch of empanadas and animals. the rarity that "all your clients will ical scene. Last week, for example, chocolate chip cookies. Those unfa- On the federal level, animal be innocent," he advised that they voters in Arizona and Michigan miliar with the animal welfare slaughter receives minimal regula- become part of the effort to find passed bans on veal gestation cages movement came to grips with a tion. And though states have crimi- ways around the common agricul- and shooting morning doves, greater, underlying reality: the nal cruelty codes for animals, the tural practice exception in statutes respectively. effects of what one eats transcend statutes explicitly carve out excep- and to create new laws for animal Animal rights advocacy is enjoy- the individual person, reaching the tions for "standard agricultural prac- protection. He noted that the ing success on the campus front as environment and public-at-large. tices"- which include the use of ges- Humane Society of the United States well. Steib announced that a Sunday Paul Shapiro, Director of the tation crates. Shapiro lamented the offers internships with a focus on brunch with other DC-based animal Human Society of the United States' influence of the agro-business lobby animal rights litigation. rights groups would take place at Factory Farming Campaign, provid- in politics, calling it a "tragedy." The talk certainly piqued the Asylum, a vegan restaurant in ed some background on the issue. Sustaining what progress has interest of students in audience, Adams Morgan. More strikingly, Throughout his Power-Point presen- been made is thus important, espe- most of whom agreed with Shapiro's Bob Barker, the legendary "Price is tation entitled "Eating with a cially given the far-reaching effects platform, but could identify poten- Right" host and animal rights advo- Conscience" he stressed that the of an animal diet. As Shapiro under- tial counter-arguments to it. Silvia cate, recently donated $1 million to movement not only encompasses scored, such a diet has led to high Scandar, IL said that she was "total- the Law Center to develop an animal "dog and cat" people, but is also levels of health-related complica- ly on board" with everything he law program. The administration extremely concerned with farm ani- tions among the American popula- said, but wondered how factoring has devised some good ideas of how mals, and for good reason. tion. Moreover, eating habits that animal rights into production might to use the money productively, but According to Shapiro, farm ani- revolve primarily around meat and affect the range of human choice. is open to students' suggestions. mals endure the overwhelming eggs negatively impact the environ- Shapiro himself recognized that ani- Overall, Shapiro's talk proved majority of animal suffering, with ment. The factory farms that make mal product prices would undoubt- informative rather than dogmatic. one billion killed for food every animal products often lack proper edly go up- and thus restrict people Students likely appreciated the year. Even prior to the slaughter sewage and pollution systems and, accustomed to purchasing low-cost absence of gory pictures of animal they are confined to "living hell- as a result, release ammonium and meat- if factory farmers had to abuse in his slide-show and welcom- holes" in the form of gestation crates, nitrogen into lakes and rivers. In "humanize" their practices. ing disposition toward diverse view veal crates and battery cages. response, environmental groups like However, he reaffirmed his position points and eating habits. Still, the Following a slew of adorable slides the Sierra Club and Natural that "our choices" should not be the lecture had an impact. Those who featuring playful interactions Resources Defense Council have only consideration. David Steib, a entered the classroom as having between domestic and farm animals, joined the fight against what Shapiro member of SALDF's board, pointed been accustomed to "animal diets," he asked the audience, "If dogs and calls "horrible stewards of the envi- out that the animal rights movement likely re-thought their position as cats can get along with farm ani- ronment." also works to protect human choice, they exited. mals…why can't we?" In light of factory farming's dele- particularly by bettering the treat- Fortunately, the legal situation terious consequences, the audience ment of factory workers. Environmental Law Society, wining and dining by Brian Corcoran, 1L Although the event was mostly interested in pursuing the MPP/JD ic juices, as well as a spread of local- Law Weekly an opportunity to socialize, the pro- joint degree from an environmental ly-produced apples, pears and fessors who came on the early side perspective. Professor Babcock, cheeses, including a particularly The Environmental Law Society took a moment to introduce them- who runs the Environmental Justice interesting blueberry cheese. (ELS) threw its annual faculty wine selves to the crowd and briefly Clinic, also made the rounds, talk- Apparently the food was well-liked, and cheese event last Wednesday describe their research interests. ing to a great number of excited stu- as it disappeared quickly. The with a great turnout. About forty to Professor Leiter invited students to dents on a wide range of topics. atmosphere was relaxed and most fifty students and faculty members come up and talk about any number The Society served up several people stayed to chat until the very with an interest in environmental of topics, especially about her cur- excellent bottles of wine and organ- end. law turned out to eat, drink, and get rent research on nuclear power. to know each other in the Sports Professor Heinzerling, who and Fitness Center Lobby. recently wrote the brief for the The ELS exists mostly as a net- upcoming Massachusetts vs. EPA working and informational organi- case, underscored the importance of zation that provides information on the event when she pointed out that environmental law and sponsors a "besides my kids' birthday party, speakers program, which this year this is one the only social events I've included the recent panel on the accepted recently." She then demon- Duke Energy case before the strated her networking acuity by Supreme Court. The Society also memorizing the names and environ- participates in community events mental interests of nearly every 1L and promotes recycling at the Law who came her way. Center. She also talked to several mem- The ELS puts on this event to bers of Section Three about her show students the wide range of spring-semester Government professors and courses dealing with Processes course. She attempts to environmental law available at the bring a very practical strain into the Law Center. Several professors otherwise heavily theoretical cur- made it to the event, including Lisa riculum, and that promise of practi- Heinzerling, Richard Lazarus, cality seemed to relieve her listen- Amanda Leiter, Hope Babcock, ers. Donald Elliott, and John D. Other professors were similarly Echeverria, the Executive Director excited to be there, interacting with of the Georgetown Environmental students in a pleasant, low-key Law & Policy Institute (GELPI). environment. Professor Lazarus Others weren't able to stay for much spoke about the Duke Energy case photo by Marika Maris, 3L of the night, but put in appearances. and dispensed advice to students Good conversation was served alongside wine and cheese on Wednesday PAGE 6 GEORGETOWN LAW WEEKLY NNEEWWSS TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 Nats VP pitches his job Peers help to find jobs by Margaret Rubin, 1E Braves and worked with the Atlanta counsel of the Sallie Mae foundation, a PEERS from page 1 Law Weekly Hawks and Thrashers as well. All his corporation that specializes in student experience in television broadcasting this past summer for Professor Wendy loans and their marketing. Muldoon Nobody ever says, "I want to be a prepared him well for his next position Williams. As a research assistant, worked with another Georgetown first- lawyer when I grow up." Well maybe as the VP of Turner Sports, from where Alejandro was able to hone her legal year, who did not participate in the some people do, but Washington he was recruited by Nike to become research and writing skills, get an event. While he focused on corporate Nationals Vice President Mike Shapiro Tiger Woods's new liaison to Nike. insight into the actual workings of the matters, Muldoon found herself deal- was not one of those people. Like a lot of Shapiro emphasized that Nike Law Center and establish a relationship ing with several of the litigation issues people, Mr. Shapiro had a plan that became interested in his skills and back- that will ultimately help when faced by Sallie Mae that summer. underwent some reworking, reevaluat- ground because he had worked in so Alejandro prepares to find work, espe- Because the company has no junior ing, and a reality check that eventually many different aspects of the industry. cially if she wishes to obtain a judicial associates, the attorneys there rely on sent him to law school, not to become a He had experience in television pro- clerkship. Alejandro advised students the summer associates, providing lawyer, but with a new plan - to become gramming and acquisition and player to start their professor search early, Muldoon a great opportunity to hone a sports writer. Why not journalism contracts. Even though he lacked experi- using the resources available at the Law her legal skills, doing "good work on school? Because someone dropped the ence directly with golf, his other work in Center, and by researching a particular big cases." The other lawyers there had hint that law school would open more the field made him very appealing to professor's research interests on the all come from large firms, and they doors than journalism school while also Nike. For a year he worked as what he Internet. Students should focus on offered Muldoon advice and insight providing him the necessary writing and described as a "brand manager" for Tiger being as proactive as possible in into the working of firms, a major bene- analytical tools to become a sports Woods, managing the star's relationship approaching professors, said fit during her on-campus interviews in writer. This was a logical variation of his with Nike, until the job ultimately Alejandro. late August. Sallie Mae only takes first- original dream to play baseball after became too taxing on his family life. So Several students offered advice year interns over the summer, but they playing at Georgetown as an undergrad. he worked for a sports broadcasting about their previous public interest do provide compensation. Muldoon However, it didn't work out when he company and eventually started his own internships. Ben Rubinstein, 2L, told found this position due to a recommen- wasn't drafted, though he did have a business representing bidders trying to students what he enjoyed most about dation from a friend, but she believes short run on an independent team. A purchase teams and also helping other his work with the Teamsters Union in that the company posts on the simplici- true fan of the game and the collegial ball start-ups develop business plans. After New York City: time in courtrooms and ty site maintained by the Law Center. club atmosphere, Shapiro continued to representing the Lerner family in their with clients, working in most areas of Kevin Bennett, 2L, was one of sev- play some semi-professional baseball successful bid to purchase the Montreal the city and, of course, the compensa- eral students who spoke about their after law school while working for the Expos, the Lerners decided they needed tion, which, while not extravagant, first-year summer working at a law government in California and was, Shapiro around and brought him in to placed Rubinstein outside of the eligi- firm, in his case Hunton & Williams, in through contacts, eventually able to serve as the VP of Business Affairs for bility requirements for a summer grant McLean, VA. When asked how he break into the field of his dreams thanks the new Washington Nationals. from the Equal Justice Foundation. ended up with a firm job, Bennett said to both his legal and baseball back- With the Nationals Shapiro contin- Louise McGauley, 2L, also enjoyed the that he felt luck played a large part. ground. ues to work on drafting contracts as well time she spent in courtrooms at hear- After sending out resumes and cover On his first day as the new General as covering a good deal of managerial ings while she worked for the District of letters, focused on a geographic area, Counsel to the San Francisco Giants, administrative work, which requires a Colombia Family Court, with the and his area of interest, IP law, he waiting for his first lawyerly assignment, thorough understanding of employment Counsel for Child Abuse and Neglect. applied and waited, and, as he said, a cigar-smoking general manager and labor law. He also has a hand in the McGauley said that she started her luckily found the firm, where he will be demanded exactly what he was doing general operation of RFK Stadium, such internship looking to see if working as a spending half of his upcoming summer. sitting around and, upon hearing of his as selling tickets and sponsorships and guardian ad litem suited her profes- Most of the first-year students who pitching credentials, ordered him to suit preparing spring training facilities. sional aspirations, and urged the first- attended were pleased with the event. up and pitch for batting practice, which Working for the Nationals has the added year students she talked with to consid- Mary Kogut, 1L, was glad that so many he continued to do on a regular basis responsibility of building the new stadi- er what it is that they are looking to get diverse internships were being dis- while also serving as the Giants' General um and the extensive development work out of a summer experience. The first- cussed, and that each student offered Counsel. that involves. Additionally, he has a year summer is a great way to get a not only the advantages but the disad- At an event sponsored by the hand in revamping the Minor League closer look at specific fields of the law, vantages of their positions. She was Georgetown Sports & Entertainment system and recruiting international play- which are often not covered in the stan- especially "appreciative of the students Law Society, Shapiro spoke to students ers. The team has a year-round camp dard first-year curriculum. McGauley coming back, which shows the cama- about his experience in sports law and and operates two teams in the also emphasized the importance of the raderie in the Law Center." gave recommendations for breaking into Dominican Republic. Additionally, the Public Interest Career Fair, held in con- This camaraderie was exhibited a business which is admittedly difficult Nats have plans for a similar recruitment junction with George Washington's law perhaps best by Ghazaly Imam, 2L, to break into and difficult to keep a job program in Korea. school early each spring, where she first who came to talk to students about his in. As General Manager for the Giants, His parting advice for people look- learned about the position she held work at the Egyptian Center for Shapiro held a broad range of responsi- ing to get into the business was to find an over the summer. She said that she had Women's Rights in Cairo, despite the bilities, including working on player and internship, not necessarily with a major decided to participate as a Student painful stomach flu he had recently team sponsorship contracts and produc- league team but maybe with a college or Helping other Students because she developed. ing TV broadcasts of games. minor league team. He suggested pin- "had found this event very comforting The Internship Fair lasted for sever- When the Giants were sold in 1993, pointing a niche aspect of the industry, last year," and wanted to provide simi- al hours, with students coming and new management brought in their own such as free agency, and developing lar ease to first-years who may be over- going depending on their schedules. people to fill the club's positions, which expert knowledge of that area so that whelmed by the choices they must All who attended and participated Shapiro said is one of the tough breaks of you develop a commodity that has value make. seemed to enjoy their experiences, and working in the field. People want your to the insiders. Get one foot in the door As the lone student placed in the the first-years came away with more job and when teams change hands, they and, like Shapiro, you could spend some miscellaneous category, Lauren direct insight and knowledge about the bring in their own people. He then days drafting contracts and some day Muldoon, 2L, worked with the in-house whole process involved in obtaining became Vice President for the Atlanta pitching to the pros. these kinds of work. Social events keep students busy, from tea to beer

Left photo by Lisa Willis, 2L. Right photo by Marika Maris, 3L. Students felt the warmth of both tea and friendship at last Monday’s Women of Color Collective faculty tea on the twelfth floor of Gewirz (left). Two days later, on Wednesday, the Federalist Society hosted their keg in the McDonough cafeteria, with beer and conversation on the menu (right) TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 NNEEWWSS GEORGETOWN LAW WEEKLY PAGE 7 Nationwide gains elate the Democrats Voters Re: Islam network GEO TV, National Public Radio ELECTIONS from page 1 Residents of Minneapolis made his- and Voice of America attended the pick alums Washington, American and Catholic tory by electing the first Muslim to event, which was also co-sponsored by gathered for a joint election-watching Congress, Democrat Keith Ellison, who Pakistani Students Association of party at Lucky Bar in Dupont Circle. will also be Minnesota's first non-white Georgetown and the Rising Leaders of across the Several Democrats were seen quite hung Congressman. Ellison received 56 per- the Embassy of Pakistan. Hafeez enthu- over Wednesday morning. cent of the votes in the liberal-leaning 5th siastically supported the networking Students from the Republican Law District of Minnesota. The district has purpose of many culture-based student country Students Association (RLSA) were active not sent a Republican to Congress since organizations, but highlighted the high- as well during the election cycle. RLSA 1962, but Ellison's winning percentage er purpose of increasing political under- by Jennifer Gaspar, 1L Law Weekly invited representatives from the was dramatically lower than past races standing. "It was a nice way to start off Republican National Committee to pres- in the same district. Retiring Rep. Martin the organization by having an event cel- Law Center alumni fared well in ent election law opportunities within the Sabo received nearly 70 percent of the ebrating democracy." last week's elections, with several party. During the election, students vote in 2004. "I was disappointed he did- alumni picking up key offices and phone banked, distributed campaign lit- n't get a higher percentage of the vote," DC Vote? others expected to gain leadership erature and monitored polls. Some law commented Pakistani Law Student District residents may also have a positions in the next Congress. students traveled as far as Ohio and Association vice-president Zeeshan chance to celebrate democracy in the Democrat Jim Webb's narrow New Jersey to aid their party. Hafeez, 2L. Independence Party candi- wake of the Democrats’ victory. victory over Senator George Allen Unfortunately, their efforts could not tip date Tammy Lee received 21 percent of According to a Washington Post report, (R-VA) gave Democrats the decid- the balance of national opinion against the vote this year. Speaker-in-waiting, Rep. Nance Pelosi ing seat for control of the United the Republican Party. The newly organized Pakistani Law (D-Cal.) has voiced her support for a States Senate. Webb will join Law "It was a complete rout," comment- Student Association held its first event measure to expand D.C. Del. Eleanor Center alumni, Senators Dick ed RLSA President Razeeb Hossain, 3L. on the night of the election in conjunc- Holmes Norton's voting rights in the Durbin (D-IL) (L '69) and Patrick "That being said there are a lot of tion with the Muslim Law Student House. While her plan would fall short Leahy (D-VT) (L '64) in the new Republicans in the House and Senate Association. About 25 members of the of allowing Norton to vote on final pas- majority. Webb served as Secretary who were entrenched in power and had community met in Gewirz to watch elec- sage of legislation, it would allow her to of the Navy in the Reagan adminis- forgone a lot of the principles that got tion results, talk politics and engage in vote on changes to legislation being tration and has written several mili- them to Congress in the first place in dialogue on numerous issues. debated on the House floor. This would tary-themed novels since graduat- 1994. The Iraq War and the response to Representatives from Urdu-language be a meager upgrade from her present ing from the Law Center in 1975. Katrina weakened the party's rhetorical position, which only affords the D.C. On the House side, Mazie defenses to other criticisms." Delegate a vote on items in committee. Hirono (D-HI) (L '78) won the open Around ten students from the Asian Pelosi does not support an earlier seat vacated by Rep. Ed Case (D- Pacific American Law Students proposal by Norton that would allow for HI). Hirono will join alumni re- Association (APALSA) helped conduct full voting rights for the District in elected last week to the House of the Asian American Legal Defense and exchange for an additional congressional Representatives including Rep. Education Fund's exit poll of Asian seat for Utah. That bill will be reviewed Michael Castle (R-DE) (L '64), Rep. American voters. The exit poll is the by the President this week, but also Mark Kirk (R-IL), Rep. Stephanie only non-partisan, multi-lingual survey depends on whether Utah's Legislature Herseth (D-SD) (L '97), Rep. Dan of its kind; more than 4,600 voters were can agree on redrawing its current con- Lungren (R-CA) (L '71), Rep. Chris surveyed across eight states. Law stu- gressional boundaries to include the new Van Hollen (D-MD) (L '90), Rep. dents were posted at polls in the District, seat. Regardless, the election did well to Pete Visclosky (D-IN) (L '82), Rep. Maryland and Virginia, and helped doc- raise the chances that the nearly 600,000 photo by Benjamin Rubinstein, 2L residents of D.C. will have increased rep- Wolf (R-VA) (L '65), Rep. Albert ument voting barriers as well. Law Democrats staff a voter protec- resentation in the national assembly. Wynn (D-MD) (L '77). tion hotline for the Maryland elections Several Law Center alumni will likely hold top leadership positions in the 110th Congress. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), a 1966 graduate and Lobbying to bring winds of change current House Democratic Whip, gy of the Gulf Coast Region for more high-profile lobbying firms, Lochridge & will compete against Rep. John LOBBYING from page 1 than 80 years, and that the last 80 years Company and Quorvis Murtha (D-PA) for House Majority tragedies even more effectively than fix- amounted to "a slow train wreck unfold- Communications, LLC, along with both Leader. Leahy is currently the rank- ing FEMA and punishing unscrupulous ing." U.S. Senators from Louisiana and sever- ing Democrat on the Senate insurance companies can alone. Until "This was all preventable," Doss al Law Center professors are already Judiciary Committee and will likely now, that is. said. "If the country had spent $40 bil- involved as sponsors and advisors. become the next Chair. Rep. John While volunteering in New Orleans lion over the last 30 years, this would While successfully passing legisla- Dingell (D-MI) (L '52) is positioned last year as part of the Student Hurricane have been prevented." The economic tion that addresses the group's principles to chair the House Committee on Network, several Law Center students impact of the hurricanes is estimated to is the ultimate goal for LSGA, its imme- Energy and Commerce, on which he decided that more needed to be done on be over $648 billion within the next ten diate goals are to recruit as many stu- is currently the ranking Democrat. a basic, preventative level to address the years. dents from across the country as it can to Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA), national issue of natural disaster preven- Accordingly, the goal of LSGA is to lobby their members of Congress to sign who has been the subject of recent tion and preparedness, particularly by lobby members of Congress from all the Statement of Purpose and to support corruption investigations, received the federal government. The result was over the country, firstly to sign onto a that legislation. Furthermore, LSGA is an L.L.M from the Law Center in the creation of a national, student-run "Statement of Principles" that it has actively planning a Lobby Day to be held 1996 while serving as a member of organization called Law Students for established, and secondly to support leg- in Washington, DC on March 14 of next Congress. Although Jefferson Governmental Accountability (LSGA). islation that is likely to be introduced as year for all of these students to join received the highest number of "It was over winter break that some a direct result, which is the same lobby- together and lobby Capitol Hill as a votes of the 13 candidates compet- of us started thinking about…what can ing strategy Doss says was used to end group. ing for his seat, his 30 percent mar- be done systematically to make sure that the Vietnam War. While LSGA is an increasingly gin was not enough to avoid a run- this doesn't happen again," recalled While the first section of the national organization, it is Law Center off. He will compete against Karen LSGA Director Andrew Doss, 2L. Statement of Principles addresses students that have taken the lead in mak- Carter (D-LA) on December 9. Instead of focusing only on the cleanup restoration of the wetlands along the ing it effective. Natalia Napoleon, 2L, Law Center alumni also com- and restoration of the Gulf Coast, "We Gulf Coast, the statement also mentions Jen Toussant, 2L, Eric Charleston, 2L, peted in elections for state offices said, 'What's the cause here?'" he said. the need for "addressing the issues of George Walker, 3L, Ben Rubinstein, 2L, around the country. The Democratic The causes of the destruction poverty and race, both urban and rural, Claudine Wilson, 2L, Drew Hoffman, governor of New Hampshire, John wrought by the hurricanes may actually as exposed in the flooded areas" and for 2L, Julian Bryant, 2L, Michael Ellis, 1L, Lynch (L '83) was elected to a sec- be more complex than people realize. "fostering economic environments that and Monisha Cherayil, 2L, all hold lead- ond term by an overwhelming 74 According to Doss and to LSGA's web- support small businesses and entrepre- ership positions in the organization percent. In New York, Republican site, ineffective Congressional oversight, neurship as a catalyst in helping the ranging from Director of Lobbying to John Faso (L '79) lost his bid for faulty work by the Army Corps of most affected in the most affected Webmaster. Governor to Attorney General Eliot Engineers and even the depletion of the regions." LSGA is also in the process of gain- Spitzer. wetlands along the Gulf Coast increased One of the most remarkable things ing 501(c)(4) status, which would allow it Maryland Lieutenant Governor the amount of damage beyond what it about the LSGA is all of the support it to spend donations that it accepts for the Michael Steele (L '91), who was would have been even if the strength of has already received from important purpose of lobbying. unsuccessful in his campaign the hurricanes had been the same. people and organizations. The Student This disaster will happen again against Democrat Ben Cardin for the Doss goes so far as to say that the Hurricane Network, the American Bar somewhere in the country, Doss said, U.S. Senate, is expected to become a government has been making fateful, Association's Law Student Division, the "unless we take this awesome opportu- top candidate for Chairman of the ineffective decisions related to the ecolo- Center for Progressive Reform, and two nity to do something about it." Republican National Committee. PAGE 8 GEORGETOWN LAW WEEKLY SSPPOORRTTSS TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 Georgetown men’s basketball wins in sloppy opener Thomas Leroe-Munoz, 2L particularly in the second half we Thompson III disagreed. "I don't comes to town, this sort of perform- Law Weekly got it into the middle and kicked it think our guys have any illusions of ance cannot be repeated if the Hoyas back out once it came close." anything. I honestly do not. I think seek a spot among the nation's elite. The Georgetown Men's Hartford was a team that went our guys know exactly where we Georgetown will next play Basketball team debuted in MCI 13-15 last season and was slated to stand. They know that we have to Vanderbilt tomorrow, Wednesday, Center this past Saturday to start finish last in the American East improve," Thompson said. "No. 8 or in Nashville, Tennessee. The their 100th season of basketball. The Conference. The Hawks looked past No. 80 does not enter our conscious- Vanderbilt Commodores narrowly Hoyas' opponent, the Hartford all of those potential shortcomings ness." won their first exhibition game Hawks, were supposed to be a can- on Saturday, however, and gave And improve the Hoyas had bet- against Northern State, 98-94. After non fodder for the Hoyas, as the Georgetown a run for their money. ter. Talk of a National that, the Hoyas will return to the Hoyas started the season at number Hartford started the game with a Championship won't be dying down MCI Center on Sunday, November eight nationally, their highest rank- three point bucket and was hot most anytime soon, but to get there, 17th, for a game against Old ing in the AP poll since 1995. of the evening shooting three-point Georgetown will have to play solid, Dominion, who barely lost to Instead, Hartford came out firing shots. The closeness of the game fundamental basketball, which was Clemson 74-70 on Sunday, in the and challenged Georgetown all the made it interesting for the 9,600+ not on display on Saturday. Too Cox Classic Finale. way down the stretch. In the end, it fans who turned out for the game, often, the Hoyas would try to do too was the Hoyas triumphed 69-59, though the predominantly much and would turn the ball over, despite sloppy play and poor offen- Georgetown crowd would have very killing scoring runs and allowing sive decisions. much rather had an easy opening Hartford to keep the game close. Despite owning the area beneath victory. "You have your goals and aspira- the basket with Roy Hibbert, the Even though they lacked the tions, but you can't look down the Hoyas only managed a few points low-post play that has become a sta- road that far," said John Wallace, a down in the paint. While size usual- ple for the Hoyas, Georgetown still member of the junior class that ly is the difference-maker in the managed to dominate on the arrived on campus when Thompson paint, Hibbert, who stood a head rebounds, grabbing 39 rebounds to did. "A game like this tested us a above the closest Hartford player, Hartford's 23. "Sometimes, size is lot." went an uncharacteristic 5 for 11 just too much to overcome," How the Hoyas respond to that shooting. Hartford coach Dan Leibovitz said. sort of test will determine just how The 16 points scored by Hibbert "It's hard to win games when you well they'll do this season. No doubt were second only to Jeff Green for don't have a consistent low-post there will be more tests as the sea- Georgetown, who had a game-high threat. You're operating with fool's sons wears on, and they will likely 17 points. "They packed it in, and gold at times, where you're making be much more difficult than the when we got in, it was three-four- 3s, making 3s, making 3s, but you Hartford Hawks. five people around our interior haven't established anything solid." Lackluster performances are photo courtesy of Associated Press guys, and we kicked it out and had While some would claim that something that a team can ill afford Georgetown’s Roy Hibbert defends the open shots," said coach John Georgetown was looking past in a conference like the Big East, basket against Hartford’s Joe Zeglinski Thompson III. "We didn't make as Hartford, perhaps to a National with so many dangerous opponents (24) en route to the Hoyas’ 69-59 win many as we want to, but I thought Championship run, coach John on the schedule. When UConn Hockey trying to find its place in American sports Adam Taylor, 1L After a labor dispute between make him the center of attention, a few games this season will be Law Weekly players and owners led to a can- both on and off the ice. broadcast on network television celled season, the NHL returned in On the ice, Ovechkin is the key (NBC), while the only other network The NFL is halfway done with 2005-06 with a new set of rules, to the Caps' offense. He leads the carrying games nationally is Versus its season. The World Series is done. designed to speed up the game, cre- team with eleven goals, the most (formerly Outdoor Life Network, The NBA and college basketball are ate more scoring, and win fans back recent of which he scored in a 3-1 the same channel that covers the getting into the swing of their sea- to the sport. The game is faster now, win over the New York Rangers Tour de France). sons. In local terms, the Redskins and scoring is definitely up. Saturday night at the Verizon Some have pointed out that even are mediocre; the Nationals are still However, it seems, outside of the Center. Naturally, "Ovie" is one of the major sports "establishments" building; the Wizards and the diehard fans - the ones who lament- two Capitals on the All-Star ballot, don't always take the sport serious- Georgetown men's basketball team ed the fact that hockey was gone in joining veteran ace goalie Olie ly. A nearly regular feature on are looking to build on successful the first place - people are not exact- Kolzig, who was also impressive on ESPN.com's hockey section is the 2005-06 seasons. But something feels ly flocking to the hockey rink. Saturday, making 42 saves on the tongue-in-cheek "advice column" for missing. Attendance numbers are the night. The win was the Caps' third the NHL. The most recent involves From the Verizon Center, on clearest evidence of this. The in their last four games. hockey columnist Terry Frei's joking nights when the Wizards and Hoyas Chicago Blackhawks, one of the Hanna Chouest, 1L, was at the suggestion that the league generate aren't playing there, a call can be "Original Six" NHL teams, is seeing game and was excited by the Caps' popularity by pursuing more televi- heard. its lowest attendance in more than a performance. Chouest is originally sion tie-ins, including Dancing with C - A - P - S! Caps! Caps! Caps!! decade. The Detroit Red Wings, a from Toronto, Ontario, and she has the Stars and Grey's Anatomy. It may be easy to forget at times, team used to playing in sold out are- been watching hockey since she was Chouest doesn't believe that but hockey is still around. It could nas - at home and on the road - has a child. "My brother played hockey hockey should remain a smaller be said, rather, that hockey is back. even seen empty seats in their own when I was really young and I sport in the U.S. She says the sport is A year removed from a cancelled Joe Louis Arena (granted, many of remember being at his games when I great for newcomers to the game: 2004-05 season, the "new" NHL is those empty seats appeared during was about 4 years old, but then "People can pick up the game quick- now well into its second year, and the Tigers' World Series run). mostly I amused myself by running ly; it's easy to understand for first sometimes it can be hard to tell if Washington's NHL team, the up and down the aisles playing with timers and is always bound to be anybody has noticed. Capitals is not immune to low atten- a toy car. I started really getting into exciting." Chouest is also happy dance. Although the Verizon Center the NHL in my teens." about adopting the Capitals as her boasts one of the larger seating Chouest says she enjoys the fast new home team: "As long as they capacities in the league at more than pace and the excitement of the sport, don't beat the [Toronto Maple] 18,000, the Caps are averaging well including the "unexplainable bursts Leafs, I'll cheer the Caps on all the under 15,000 fans per game. That's of violence, as on display at the way to the conference finals!" good for 25th out of thirty teams. Rangers game." During the first The Capitals play all of their This despite one of the NHL's great- period of that game, Caps left wing home games at the Verizon Center est young talents suiting up for Donald Brashear, widely known in Chinatown. Tickets can be bought every Caps game. around the league as an enforcer, for as little as $10 in advance. Alex Ovechkin is the phenom earned his first fighting penalty of Tickets discounted for students can who scored 52 goals as a rookie last the season after pummeling Rangers be bought for as low as $17. This season. He led the team and finished winger Colton Orr. week, they play home games against third in the league in scoring. The And yet there are still many the Boston Bruins and the defending records and honors kept coming. He empty seats at Caps games. Stanly Cup champion Carolina Photo courtesy of www.frontrowking.com went on to win the Calder Memorial Moreover, many people still do not Hurricanes. Washington Capitals hockey is one of Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the take hockey seriously. Some call it a the best values for your money in over-priced DC year. Needless to say, the Capitals "niche sport," pointing out that only TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 SSPPOORRTTSS GEORGETOWN LAW WEEKLY PAGE 9 BCS and other ranking Harsha Rao is better than you Harsha Rao, 3L one likes A-Rod, not even his parents. Law Weekly Dwight Howard is the best bas- systems explained ketball player you've never heard of. After reviewing my columns, I It's not my fault that you're missing Sean Byrne, 3L yet holds all importance: what are realized that I was missing two the next Tim Duncan. Law Weekly the rankings suppose to measure? things: Hate and Arrogance. Thus let Charlie Weis is a good Answers to this question fall into me tell you the truth, because I know coach…but it's tough to recruit when With three weeks left in the reg- two main categories: merit for past them better than you ever will - and you play in South Bend. ular college football season, now is performance or predictions of don't worry, I'll be hating on those Tyler Hansbrough was good last the time to complain about why future performance. Only once fans, who deserve it (like Larry Brown and year but will be destroyed by the top your team isn't ranked as highly as journalists, coaches and God Ted Haggard). But first, let me tell high school players this year. Smart it should be. But why should you answer this question can anyone you some truths about Harsha Rao. I decision to stay in school for another even care about your team's rank- answer questions about whether hate the Yankees. I'm that guy who year. ing? Do you even know at which rankings should consider margin- routinely starts six Bears players on Barry Zito's going to get paid ranking should you focus your of-victory or home field advantage. his fantasy football team so he only huge money … and then people will whining? Experienced fans, those If we assume that the goal of a foot- has to root for one NFL team. I still realize he's only marginally better who are familar with the BCS sys- ball team is to win games and that a laugh when I hear "Wang." I hate than Bronson Arroyo. tem, and all its flaws, can skip down ranking system is suppose to deter- every Midwestern city except for Rutgers fans: welcome to the to "The Big Question." mine who played the best season, it Chicago. And I think a ten minute bandwagon. should not matter if a team loses a clip of Samuel L. Jackson's best lines BCS LeBron and D-Wade are good, game in August or November. It would win an Academy Award. But For better or worse, the most but the NBA's forgetting about should not matter if the team's wins let me give you some truths that important one-stop-shop for college Gilbert Arenas. Sure, he's a little came by 3 or 30 points. After figur- you've overlooked. football fans has to be the BCS rank- weird, but it's the good weird, not the ing out a method of adjusting for Roger Clemens is on the juice, ings. Why? These rankings deter- kind that smokes meth while cheat- strength-of-schedule, a ranking sys- and so is Albert Pujols. Let's be hon- mine 1) who plays in the national ing on his wife with a male prostitute. tem should approach, as closely as est: what baseball player, let alone championship game and 2) what possible, the straight winning per- professional athlete, isn't on steroids teams, apart from the six major con- centage used by MLB. these days? Now, I'm just going to ference champions, get to play in In a system like MLB or the assume they're using bull testos- the BCS bowls. Note that the six NHL, where every team in a league terone unless they prove they're major conferences are the Big East, plays every team in the league mul- clean. the ACC, the SEC, the Big 12, the tiple times, using a team's winning Congress cares more about an Big 10, and the Pac-10, and the BCS percentage is usually considered a inquiry into steroids in baseball than bowls are the FedEx Orange, the fair indication of how laudable a an inquiry into mismanagements in Allstate Sugar, the Tostita Fiesta team's season has been. In Division Iraq. I'm not passing judgments; just and the Rose Bowl Game. 1-A football, with over 100 teams making an observation… If your team is not near the top and a regular season of no more The Heat is done … but so are the 16 of the BCS standings, then these photo courtesy of afp.com than 12 games, using straight win- Mavs. One got lucky and one failed rankings do not concern you and The French national team? ning percentage, without consider- to improve. I'll let you pick who is you may skip down to "The Big ing relative strengths of schedules, who. Question." The Atlanta Hawks lost a cham- fails to strike any reasonable com- Peyton Manning won't win the While there are 30 bowl games, pionship run by passing on Chris mentator as a fair method for Super Bowl this year. They'll win in the four BCS bowls come with much Paul … and Pau Gasol crowning a champion. the regular season and fall short in higher pedigree than the rest, so it's Sure, Theo Epstein won one No matter what system is used, the playoffs. We've seen this happen important to know who gets to play championship. He's also walked it should be a transparent system so before. Nothing's changed, so why is in them. Here's how it works. around in a gorilla suit. He hasn't that the public knows what it takes Peyton getting the benefit of the The #1 and #2 teams in the BCS done much else right. to become highly-rated, since other doubt? rankings automatically play in the You aren't an elite team when than equating with fans' views of The French national soccer team national championship game Hartford gives you trouble. Memo to fairness, there is no method of pick- is comprised of all the people they (NCG). The winners of the six major Roy Hibbert: these are the teams you ing a better set of football values want out of France. It's great that conferences automatically get to drop 50 on. than any other. while France is moving towards an play in a BCS bowl. Notre Dame, if I wouldn't trust Artest with a pair On the other hand, if a ranking ethnocentric philosophy for their it finishes in the top eight of the of scissors and cardboard because system is designed to declare, at country, they're still kind enough to BCS, automatically gets to play in a he'd somehow find a way to start a that moment, who is the strongest allow those hated North Africans to BCS bowl. The highest-rated of the riot. But if Jermaine O'Neal was an team in the country, then a system represent their nation. champions of Conference USA, the actual top dog he could've tamed could take into consideration what- Larry Brown's career is one giant Mid-American Conference, the Artest and won a championship. ever it pleases: home field advan- hoax. The guy makes a small and Mountain West Conference, the Sun Kevin McHale is the worst tage, legacy, current injuries, per- temporary improvement before he Belt Conference, and the WAC, if General Manager in NBA history. ceived confidence, even the person- moves, and people call him a genius. such team is in the top 12 of the BCS The guy was a good player, but that al bias of the pollster. Why? Because Sorry, Joe Dumars built that champi- or the top 16 and rated higher than doesn't give him a pass for a decade in the context of predictive rankings onship in Detroit. a major conference champion, auto- of inept moves. we do have a method of determin- Jeff van Gundy is the second- matically gets to play in a BCS I'd pick a weekend with Mark ing which system is the best: the most overrated coach. The guy's built bowl. Foley over Ted Haggard, because rankings that best predict the out- his career on being bald and grabbing If the above provisions do not you know Foley will at least comes of upcoming games. If my Alonzo Mourning's leg. fill all ten spots (NCG plus four BCS acknowledge you the next day. rankings system accurately predicts Randy Moss should have bowls), then the #3 team, if not Haggard would rather forget all more games than yours, then who demanded a trade from Oakland. The already in a BCS bowl and from a those good times you had. cares if I base mine off of team uni- Raiders are done. Their players are major conference that is not repre- Adam Morrison's going to be a forms and yours uses a least- either too old or too young. The only sented in the NCG, automatically star in the NBA…or in the porn squares of point differential good player in his prime is Moss, gets to play in a BCS bowl. If the 10 industry. He's got the right mustache method? who could have moved from the spots are still not filled, then repeat for both. Raider Nation back into relevance. this process for the #4 team. Gary Sheffield has never been a But he chose to just give up and play If there are still spots remain- team's savior, and he won't start with half-assed, which isn't anything new ing, then the bowls themselves may the Tigers. But his wife was in a sex to him. pick from remaining teams in the tape with another man. That's got to Steve Smith is the best receiver in top 14 as along as each team picked count for something. the NFL. You could surround him has at least nine wins. Now I know some of ya'll are with an injured Curtis Martin and a A full explanation of the BCS saying, why should I listen to this kid dead Johnny Unitas, and Smith rules may be found at just 'cause he has a column in the would still put up 100-plus yards. bcsfootball.org/bcsfb/eligibility. paper. Hey, I could care less if you The Yankees won't win it all next bother to read this. I mean, Jesus put year. Unlike their previous champi- The Big Question his good stuff out there and didn't onships, this is a team of mercenary People question which polls the care who took it. But the light was free agents with only a few true there for those who sought it. That BCS should use and whether it Photo courtesty of bcsfootball.org Yankees. Sorry, you can't win when should use more human or more The Bowl Championship Series (BCS) good Jesus stuff's here if you want to you pick A-Rod over Scott Brosius, computer polls, but the one ques- is one that is well known, and well read it. Yeah, that's right, I just com- because teammates like Brosius. No tion that seems to avoid discussion loathed by college football fans pared myself to Jesus. everywhere PAGE 10 GEORGETOWN LAW WEEKLY FFEEAATTUURREESS TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 2006 music review Top political movies by Jeff Hayes, 2L embraces ‘70s pop with unapolo- by Tiphanie Miller, 2L Law Weekly getic glee and hits equally thrilling Thank You for Smoking (2005) Law Weekly high points, yet doesn't quite main- I'm not especially fond of list- The perfect movie for those tain the same consistency. Even so, The elections are now over, and making. Sure, rating and ranking in there's not a weak song to be found, convinced that Washington politics a general sense can be fun - just ask regardless of whether you were has become nothing more than the and "The Blues Are Still Blue" and overcome with joy or incredibly any pop culture junkie - but when it "White Collar Boy" stand out as shrill yells of competing lobbyists, comes down to compiling actual disheartened come last Thank You for Smoking uses clever among the most infectious tracks of Wednesday, you may have found lists, something inside my brain the year. writing, sharp direction and the short-circuits. Measuring one piece yourself missing the excitement of general charisma of its stars to of art (okay, entertainment) against election night, something akin make its points about politics Performer: M. Ward almost to withdrawal. The cure? A another is no easy task; listmaking Album: Post-War today. Nick Naylor, a role Aaron ratchets that difficulty level up to bucket of popcorn and a DVD, of Eckhart absorbs into his being, has course. Here are four movies sure "impossible," at least in my feeble Ward paints on the same sonic a seemingly impossible job - being mind. to rekindle your love of politics, the face of Big Tobacco when the canvas as Wilco's Yankee Hotel sordid scandals and all. With that said, here are seven of Foxtrot, giving classic Americana a deleterious health effects of the the best albums of 2006, in no partic- witty 21st-century upgrade. From product have become part of the ular order. Consider this less a Mr. Smith Goes to Washington public consciousness - while trying the singalong bravado of "Magic (1939) straightforward best-of-year list Trick" to the grandiose, to maintain a relationship with his than a brief spotlight on a handful of son, the adorable Cameron Bright. Spectoresque cover of Robert Yes, it's corny, schmaltzy, ide- praiseworthy releases. Johnson's "To Go Home," Post-War Naylor's discussion with his son Exempt from the running, but alistic and syrupy, but that is pre- about ice cream is essential for any manages to sound off-the-cuff and cisely what director Frank Capra more than worthy of mention, are meticulously crafted at the same aspiring attorney, politician or lob- the following albums, which I've does best, and he and star James byist, and the final Congressional time, teetering on the edge of singer- Stewart are in their element in this already covered in earlier columns: songwriter mellowness without ever show-down between Naylor, who the Hold Steady's Boys & Girls in optimistic look at Washington poli- has nothing to lose, and Senator succumbing to the pitfalls of the tics. Jefferson Smith, a naïve Boy America, The Pernice Brothers' Live a genre. Finistirre (William H. Macy) is a Little, and Yo La Tengo's stunningly- Rangers leader, is selected to fill an delight. As long as you can tolerate titled I Am Not Afraid of You and I empty Senate seat, as Smith is seen the unnecessary, and unconvinc- Performer: Frank Black as a push-over by the leader of his Will Beat Your Ass. These albums are Album: Fast Man / Raider Man ing, love scenes between Naylor every bit as terrific as the albums state's corrupt political machine. and sneaky reporter Katie Holmes, below, and still carry the Jeff Hayes Reunited with the state's senior Thank You for Smoking is a great Black displays the sort of senator (Claude Rains), his child- Seal of Awesomeness. straightforward craftsmanship that's movie about more than just poli- hood hero, Smith soon learns how tics. long been out of style with main- corrupt and dirty-dealing politics Performer: The Pipettes stream music critics, and this dou- Album: We Are the Pipettes is, especially concerning the use of ble-album of trad-rock and alt-coun- land in his home state. Smith refus- try simply hasn't received the acco- This retro-chic British trio not es to give in to political pressure lades it deserves. Nevertheless, Fast and the implications of scandal, only mimics the matching outfits Man delivers the goods on track and hand-gesture choreography of with the help of his assistant, after track, with the former Pixies played to perfection by Jean early-60s girl groups, but perfectly frontman backed by a who's-who of captures their infectious spirit to Arthur. Smith's climactic filibuster veteran Memphis session musicians. cannot help but send shivers down boot. Simultaneously channeling the Those disappointed that Black's solo Shangri-Las and the Spice Girls, the the spine of even the most jaded career hasn't sounded much like the politico. Pipettes deliver spry, catchy tunes Pixies won't find anything here to photo courtesy of sbfilmfestival.org smothered in handclaps and endless Can you make it past the Katie change their minds, but fans of clas- Election (1999) amounts of old-fashioned pep. Plus, sic Van Morrison and Rolling Stones Holmes love scenes to enjoy the one in the glasses is totally cute. Thank You For Smoking? records need look no further. So it has nothing to do, facially, with national politics, or even local Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned Performer: The Yeah Yeah politics, but director Alexander Yeahs to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb Payne's smart, witty, dark look at (1964) Album: Show Your Bones high school politics and drama is worth the rental fee (or the space Selling out in the best way possi- This is director Stanley on your netflix list). Tracy Flick, Kubrick's only comedic master- ble, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs add depth played deliciously by Reese and variety to an already reliable piece, and, in my opinion, one of Witherspoon, is the only candidate the best comedies ever made. Peter formula. The band seems to have for class president, until civic learned from the MTV success of Sellers is, as always, brilliant, as are teacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Slim Pickens and George C. Scott. "Maps," with lead singer Karen O. Broderick), bribes school jock Paul toning down her trademark punky General Jack Ripper starts a process photo courtesy of luger.se Metzler (Chris Klein), partly to The Pipettes: the one in the glasses of nuclear holocaust that a room of scream in favor of acoustic guitars democratize the election, partly to is totally cute! and radio-ready melodies. The band politicians and generals frantically satisfy his grudge against Flick. stop. Resorting to placating a certainly has the chops to warrant a With touches of drama and even Performer: Kelley Stoltz stab at mainstream success, as this drunken Russian premier (Peter Album: Below the Branches broad comedy, but dominated by Bull) and the clearly insane former sophomore effort hits all the right dark irony, Election is a must-see notes in making them palatable to a Nazi genius Dr. Strangelove seem Stoltz brings a rough edge to for anyone who has ever experi- the only options available to the general audience without trading in enced the politics of being a teen- songs that would sound right at their unique personality. President (both played by Sellers), home on an early-70s Paul ager. while British General Mandrake McCartney album. Charmingly low- Performer: Camera Obscura (also played by Sellers), as the only budget stabs at Brian Wilson Album: Let's Get Out of This man with access to General Ripper, grandeur - such as the pitch-perfect Country does his best to learn how to stop standout "Ever Thought of Coming the impending doomsday. While Back" - sit aside graceful Nick Drake Dogged by Belle and Sebastian the plot suggests very little of the homages to create an album that comparisons since their inception, comedic depths plumbed by the only sounds better with each succes- Camera Obscura come into their film, the satire is clear throughout. sive spin. own on their third effort, one of the Politics mean very little in the dark prettiest albums of the year. The world portrayed by Kubrick, but Performer: Belle & Sebastian band flitters between sweeping, the implications underlying the Album: The Life Pursuit technicolor pop (the title track, comedy resonate today, maybe "Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be even more so than when the film Many seem to prefer the earlier, Heartbroken") and sparse, lovely was first released. Regardless of the distinctly less sunny incarnation of sobering moral of the piece, the odes to loneliness ("Country Mile"), photo courtesy of mediacircus.net Belle and Sebastian, but for my all tethered by Tracyanne Reese Witherspoon portrays Tracy ride to that ending is as enjoyable money the band didn't really start Campbell's emotive, lilting vocals. Flick in Election, a movie about as one of the film's most memorable firing on all cylinders until 2003's high stakes high school politics scenes, Picken's exuberant ride Dear Castastrophe Waitress. As a fol- back down to Earth. low-up effort, The Life Pursuit still TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 FFEEAATTUURREESS GEORGETOWN LAW WEEKLY PAGE 11 Neumeyer’s direct ...And she lived happily by Christopher Neumeyer, 3L Law Weekly ever after Professor Randy E. Barnett by Sarah Hale, 2L nothing compared to what Britney Law Weekly Why did you come to Georgetown? I Spears endured. She spent two came to Georgetown because of the fac- years with Kevin Federline. Last Tuesday was a monumen- ulty and the students. Sadly, those years are lost for- tal day in American history. Lives ever, but there are brighter days were changed forever as the course Is subpoena season officially open now ahead. Miss Spears, sans the part- of the future was turned. In a stun- with the Democratic takeover of Congress? photo courtesy of GULC Facebook time rapper, full-time idiot hus- David Carlson, 3L ning display of the American way, That seems to be the safe money, but the band, stands poised to make a the people got exactly what they Democrats would not endear them- comeback of monumental propor- Are most lawyers also liars? Depends wanted. Britney Spears put on her selves to the electorate for 2008 if it looks tions. Britney is back and she is on whether or not you consider inten- snazziest leather boots and kicked like they are obstructionists and are just ready to reclaim her spot at the top. tionally leaving out pertinent informa- Kevin Federline to the curb. going after scalps, as the Republicans The fear this must strike in the tion lying. The smart money was never on did not do themselves any favors by hearts of current popstarlets is the Spears-Federline union, but already apparent in their reactions impeaching President Clinton. The wiser What is more important: idealism or still the announcement was sur- to the news. Several days after heads in the Democratic Party realize realism? Both are necessary because in prisingly shocking. Although I may Spears made her big announcement that. order to survive and function you need be the only one to admit it, I'm sure a reporter asked Lindsay Lohan realism, but if you don't have ideals to I'm not the only person who read what she thought of the news. Are most lawyers also liars? Lawyers guide you on your path then society self the headline and literally gasped Lohan feigned ignorance (probably are as honest as people are generally. destructs. out loud. Perhaps it was the timing not that incredibly difficult for her) that made it so shocking. Just the and responded, "What… I didn't What is more important: idealism or Would you rather lose an election by one night before Spears made a sur- even know… Britney Spears is like realism? I believe in realistic idealism. vote or an embarrassing landslide? At least prise visit to David Letterman to so,… I didn't know, I don't care…", with one vote I can hold my head high, show off her new post-baby body Would you rather lose an election by one or something similarly incoherent. but a landslide means no one likes your and her Posh-inspired bobbed hair. vote or an embarrassing landslide? If you She didn't know? She doesn't care? candidacy, so as heart wrenching as one Looking back, that smile she are going to lose a Supreme Court case, Methinks Lindsay doth protest too vote loss is, it is better. flashed for Letterman's cameras did lose it 3-6. If you lose 4-5, you stay up all much. Of course she knew, of look like the smile of a woman course she cares. Lindsay and her night wondering what you could've Would you rather be the dimmest star in unencumbered by Federline, but kind (see Nicole Richie, Mischa done different, and 0-9 makes it seem the sky or the dullest knife in the drawer? I'd still I never would have guessed Barton and all of the girls from the real bad. However, if it was one vote in rather be a star in the sky, at least then what was coming just the next day. O.C. and Laguna Beach) have spent an election, they will keep recounting you are still hanging out, you are a celes- Hollywood divorces are like that the last two years outshining dim until there is not a one vote difference. tial body. A dull knife just gets shoved sometimes. One minute they're competition (see Vanessa Minillo, aside. walking the red carpet, talking Would you rather be the dimmest star in MK&A Olsen and the sisters about their rock solid romance and Simpson). They were the brightest the sky or the dullest knife in the drawer? Would you rather be a werewolf or a the next they're signing the divorce lights in a less than brilliant crowd, How long did it take you to think this vampire? Vampires are sexier, were- papers and fighting over spousal but they never really had it. Britney one up? It is neither funny nor serious. wolves are, well, wolves, and the chang- support. Spears has it; she's always had it. ing is nasty, whereas a vampire can This divorce wasn't really like She may not be the most talented, scope out a hot chick and make her a the rest, though. Generally after and I'll be the first to admit that vampire too and turn her into an eternal word leaks that divorce papers Crossroads wasn't exactly Oscar- dark lover. have been filed the public begins to worthy, but somehow you just can't speculate about what went wrong. stop loving Britney Spears, and Would you rather melt in the sun or The only question with this divorce that's what it is. freeze in the snow? I hate the cold, I am was, "What took her so long?" This So, what's next for Miss Brit? I from California. I'd rather be in the sun marriage lasted over two years. predict she'll pick up right where any day. Two years! That's a really long she left off. She'll make songs that photo courtesy of Randy E. Barnett time. Let me put it in law school aren't the best and she'll occasion- How will the Iraq War strategy change Professor Randy E. Barnett terms for you. That's like four ally wear something ridiculous. given the midterm election results? I don't semesters of Corporations. Except She'll sell millions of records and Would you rather be a werewolf or a see there being a big change, as Congress it's far worse than that, because everyone will deny that they vampire? Definitely a vampire. Why? Go cannot exert much control over the exec- Corporations doesn't have a preg- bought one. She'll reclaim her spot see a vampire movie. utive branch in how we fight the war, nant not-quite-ex-girlfriend, and as the brightest star in the Popstar but domestically there will be a change Corporations doesn't make a fool of Would you rather melt in the sun or sky and our favorite Pop princess as Bush is more liberal than most people itself by dancing to “Popozao” on freeze in the snow? I'm from Chicago, so I will live happily ever after. think, and there will be social changes the internet. Four semesters of would rather freeze in the snow. and programs being enacted. Corporations is pretty bad, but it's

How will the Iraq War strategy change Do you support the death penalty for given the midterm election results? I don't Saddam Hussein? My personal feeling is know. his sons were more horrific, but Saddam was their father and allowed them to do Sudoku solutions Do you support the death penalty for their horrible deeds, I am referring to the from page 2 Saddam Hussein? I think Americans and sons raping young girls and killing their Europeans shouldn't be telling the Iraqis families, but the genocide thing is per- how to deal with Saddam Hussein. suasive as well.

If you could have one item of cosmetic If you could have one item of cosmetic surgery, what would it be? I don't have a surgery, what would it be? Probably my flippant answer, so there it is. ass. It is a little flat, maybe I would curve it out a little, so women would say What is a book or author you recom- "Wow, he has a cute butt!" 'cause right mend? P.J. O' Rourke. now that will never happen.

David Carlson, 3L What is a book or author you recom- mend? Two novelists I recommend are Why did you come to Georgetown? To Michael Crichton, who always addresses be a law student. current social topics or technological / moral issues that are provocative, and on Is subpoena season officially open now the other side of the spectrum is Robert with the Democratic takeover of Congress? I Ludlum, who is best known for The think there will be tough talk, but noth- Bourne Identity series (though those are ing big will happen because they still not his best books). Ludlum always need to work with Bush for two years. keeps you guessing with his espionage and government plots. PAGE 12 GEORGETOWN LAW WEEKLY HHUUMMOORR TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 Universal Giving Thanks Heat on Law the Hill With Thanksgiving little more than a week away, it is time to reflect on the year that has been, and give thanks where The Laws of Love by Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 21) they are due. What exactly are Georgetown Law Students Logan & Lucy You will find an unusual use thankful for this year? for your cell phone this week. Dear Logan & Lucy, I met Mark in 7th grade. He looked Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) like a gopher but there was some- A sugary treat will have seri- Coffee, Diet Coke, Mt. Dew and all things caffeinated. thing so appealing about him. We ous consequences. immediately clicked and he became Law firm partners who mercifully send out rejections well one of my closest guy friends. Our Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) families were close friends through A little well placed blackmail in advance of the holidays. the school but we were never any- could mean free quesadillas and Diet Coke. Books without footnotes. thing but platonic throughout high school. We stayed close in college. We're both law students at differ- Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) Free Westlaw printing, without which we'd be paying by the Your neighbors know you ent schools now. Last weekend he steal their wireless internet. They page for our inability to research concisely. came to visit D.C. for a conference are planning the ultimate revenge and we went out for dinner. All this week. Outline banks. Who knew future lawyers would be so will- throughout dinner he was cold ing to freely share the fruits of their labor? which was so odd but after a couple Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) drinks and chocolate dessert he told An interesting stranger will me that he's always had a thing for proposition you on Thursday. Freakishly warm November weather that probably indicates Take her up on it! the end of the world is near, but for right now means fun on me. He wants us to start dating. I a Saturday. like him but I don't know if I like Aries (March 21 - April 19) him in that way. And what if it A hat is the answer to many of An SBA administration that is devoted almost entirely to doesn't work out? I've always had your problems this week. a problem staying committed in finding ways to get us more free food and drink. relationships and I'm confused, Taurus (April 20 - May 20) scared, and yet excited by this A broken mirror on Saturday development. What do I do? will mean bad luck for seven by a Truly Thankful G-town 2L ~Jasmin years and bad hair and makeup until you buy a new mirror. Jasmin, Gemini (May 21 - June 21) I know exactly how you feel, I Costume jewelry and sequins The Quotable... actually had the same thing will brighten your day on Sunday. happen to me in college. It Student: “Saturday night!” turned out wonderfully and he Cancer (June 22 - July 22) "Saturday night? I'm sorry, I have a life.” -- The Quotable was a great influence in my life You will meet a man named Professor Julie O’Sullivan [deciding when to schedule a make up for a couple of years. The good Earl on Monday. Make nice, he class] things: he knows you perfectly, holds the key to your future (and and he's always a great support- your apartment). “In the next case, thank God, we just have somebody that er. The bad things: if you drowns.” --The Quotable Professor Milton Regan Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) haven't felt anything for him Wear a jacket on Sunday. You “Today’s the 26th right, all day long?” -- The Quotable Father yet, chances are that you won't. will find more than one use for it Robert Drinan Don't get me wrong it is possi- throughout the day. ble for love and attraction to “The Falun Gong is suing the hell out of China.” -- The Quotable develop. It could just take a Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) Professor Barry Carter spark or be more of a gradual Tuesday will be held together tumble. Take it slow and make with little more than scotch tape sure he knows that you might and sticky tabs. not be ready for a full-fledged relationship. Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 23) Your streak will continue this Goodluck! week. Sage Advice for 1Ls Lucy

by Ono Youdidn, 1L Jasmin, horoscopes by Sarah Hale, 2L. Law Weekly I might not know how you feel, but I do know how your dude With Thanksgiving break approaching many of you may still feels. He's been friends with be unsure what you should do during this time off. Here are you since 7th grade and hasn't some suggestions... made a move? This guy is Got Questions? patient and dependable (per- Quotes? Calling every person you've ever known who works in the haps freakishly so) to a degree legal profession and explaining to them that, although you no guy should be. There is no haven't spoken to them since you were trying to sell them Thin way any normal guy could wait Email Heat on the Hill Mints, you have since entered law school and would greatly years to make a move on a girl appreciate help finding a job this summer. (Just a hint, this isn't he really likes. Jasmin, it's really [email protected] going to go well.) simple guys are like plastic toy Confidentiality guaranteed! trucks - no matter how much Convincing your family that some lawyers are noble profes- you play with them they never Please Note: sionals that aren't just in it for the money. Not telling them that quit and continue chugging Advice columns are intended for you don't plan to be one of those lawyers. along. So yes, "tumble" down amusement purposes only. Writers’ names are ficticious. the hill with this dude and see Some question scenarios are fic- Eating turkey and relaxing! (If you follow this plan, your plan what happens. If he's truly as titious, and written by members for the week after Thanksgiving will include high levels of both patient as he seems, he'll be fine of the Law Weekly staff. sobbing and cursing turkey.) when you reject his ass. ~Logan TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 OOPPIINNIIOONN EORGETOWN LAW WEEKLY PAGE 13 Why the war on drugs sends students a bad message drug users from campus. In reality, edged "youthful indiscretions," penalty has a chilling effect on stu- Chris Evans college administrators are already would not have been impacted by dents applying for aid is impossible able to suspend or expel disruptive this law. As such, the penalty per- to determine, but there's no question students. Educators understand, petuates disparities in access to edu- this complicated set of restrictions better than politicians in cation according to economic status. does not encourage students to take New leadership in the House Washington, D.C., how to appropri- The aid elimination penalty also advantage of the opportunities and Senate could be good news for ately respond to drug use on cam- only affects students who are honest made possible by higher education students who have lost financial aid pus. Most recognize that kicking when filling out their financial aid assistance. for college due to a little-known yet students out of school is a disservice forms. Since federal aid administra- Ultimately, breaking the cycle of far-reaching federal law. Under a to the students and society as a tors are unable to cross-check the addiction and recidivism benefits 1998 amendment to the Higher whole, but their decision-making criminal histories of students apply- everyone and is essential to building Education Act, students with any power is usurped by this one-size- ing for aid, only those who tell the a healthy and equitable society. drug convictions are automatically fits-all penalty. truth about their past mistakes are Barriers like the aid elimination stripped of their financial aid, while The penalty's proponents also rendered ineligible for aid. It is iron- penalty make the road to recovery murderers and rapists remain eligi- claim it ensures that taxpayer money ic that a law intended to encourage more difficult to travel by perpetuat- ble. So far, nearly 200,000 would-be goes only to the most deserving stu- personal responsibility in fact pun- ing the stigma and discrimination students have had their academic dents - presumably those who don't ishes only those who accept respon- that prevent many people from seek- aspirations derailed by the penalty. use drugs (or don't get caught or sibility for their actions. ing sobriety in the first place or Worse, blocking access to educa- convicted). But since there are The Higher Education Act could moving on to better lives once they tion causes more, not fewer, drug already minimum GPA standards be reauthorized in the coming achieve it. problems. According to the National students must meet to continue months. Members of Congress Kicking students out of school is Institute on Drug Abuse, high school receiving aid, the ban only punishes should take this opportunity to not a deterrent to substance abuse graduates not enrolled in college are hardworking and determined stu- repeal the penalty and help those in and crime; it is a deterrent to recov- three times more likely to have used dents who are doing well in their recovery turn their lives around by ery and success. As students, educa- heroin and are almost twice as likely classes. receiving an education. tors, special interest groups, and to have used cocaine in the past year The aid elimination penalty also Congress did scale back the concerned citizens continue to lobby than those in college. has a disproportionate impact on penalty earlier this year by granting for HEA reform, the aid elimination In contrast, college attendance minority students. According to the eligibility to people convicted before penalty remains a strong indication helps ensure young people will Leadership Conference on Civil they came to college, but tens of that the drug war establishment become successful and productive Rights, African Americans use drugs thousands are still left without aid feels contempt rather than compas- citizens. According to the U.S. at the same rates as Whites, yet they because they were convicted while sion for students who've had prob- Census Bureau, college graduates account for 38 percent of all drug enrolled. Such students are yanked lems with drugs. earn almost twice as much taxable arrests and a whopping 59 percent off campus, many of them never Student activists and policy income as those without a college of drug convictions. Such pre-exist- returning to finish their degrees. The experts from around the country education. College graduates are ing disparities in the criminal justice Department of Education reports will gather at the Law Center this also far less likely to be a drain on system place African-Americans in that among students who leave four- weekend to discuss alternatives to the criminal justice system or to rely far greater jeopardy of being ren- year colleges before the beginning of the aid elimination penalty and on government assistance programs dered ineligible for financial aid their second year, 36 percent don't other drug war excesses. Just Say like food stamps or public housing. under this law. return within five years, while 50 Know: The 2006 Students for Denying financial aid to otherwise- Similarly, the aid elimination percent of those leaving two-year Sensible Drug Policy International qualified applicants costs taxpayers penalty only affects low-income stu- institutions don't reenroll within Conference will be held at more down the road through lost tax dents, the very group the Higher five years. Georgetown University Law Center revenue and increased spending on Education Act is intended to help. This partial reform also fails to November 17-19. For more informa- law enforcement and social pro- Students who are able to afford full address the troubling possibility tion, visit ssdp.org/conference. grams. tuition are in no danger of losing that many eligible students could Advocates of the penalty say it access to education regardless of misunderstand the law and decline Chris Evans is a 3L and a member of helps foster safe and productive their drug use. Politicians such as to apply even though they would Students for Sensible Drug Policy learning environments by removing President Bush, who've acknowl- have received aid. Whether the (SchoolsNotPrisons.com). EJF auction: University-sponsored alcohol abuse 6.2 drinks per person over three special TIPS training session for EJF brating the opportunity to get as Daniel Hughes hours. Again, everyone in the audi- this semester because I could not drunk as possible should be sent torium (barring persons who are attend the earlier general session. At out. both tall and obese) would be legal- the end of the two and a half hour 2) Less beer should be ordered. ly drunk. 3) Servers should not be Let's do some math concerning In spite of the fact that EJF pro- allowed to pour beer in the aisles the recent EJF auction: visions the event such that each (This makes a mockery of the There are exactly 376 seats in attendee will be provided enough school's policy of requiring that both Hart Auditorium. Twenty kegs beer to be more than legally drunk, non-alcoholic and alcoholic bever- were provided for the EJF auction. there is no provision for designated ages be offered at an event. I can If each of those kegs held the US drivers or chauffeuring drunk atten- assure you that no one is doing standard of 15.5 gallons, then each dees. Furthermore, the entire event refills in the aisles of water or soda keg held 164 twelve-ounce servings is designed to encourage people to at the EJF auction!). of beer. That means the twenty kegs get as drunk as possible, never mind 4) The Dean and the SBA contained a total of 3280 servings of the consequences: President should refrain from com- beer. 1) An e-mail from EJF was sent ment or encourage moderate con- Time for a "hypothetical." If Hart out by the SBA to the entire campus sumption of alcohol, rather than Auditorium was full for the EJF auc- celebrating the opportunity to drink making comments more worthy of tion (with 376 people in attendance), twenty kegs and get inebriated. Animal House. and everyone drank the same 2) While opening the event, 5) TIPS training should be amount of beer, and all of the beer photo courtesy of photobucket.com Dean Aleinikoff stated, "You guys Does the current EJF auction revolve revamped and expanded. was drunk, each person would have have to drink a lot more beer." too heavily around our rotund friends 6) Chauffeur and designated consumed 8.7 drinks. The live auc- 3) When I personally discussed pictured above? driver provisions should be made tion lasted about three hours. That the issue briefly with SBA President for the event. would make everyone in the audito- Beau Finley, his response was that TIPS training session, the instructor These steps and others should be rium legally drunk (and then some). the real problem was that "not read out all of the answers to the taken before a real tragedy occurs. “But”, you say, “more than 376 enough beer was drunk." questions to make sure that we The students of this law school people attended the EJF live auc- Au contraire, the problem is the would all pass. TIPS training hardly deserve the demonstration of tion!” Okay, maybe so. Perhaps as opposite, with few provisions made amounted to rigorous training for greater responsibility by those in many as 100 or 150 more people for how to handle the consequences. alcohol-induced emergencies. authority. were there milling around. Let's say The university holds out TIPS Given these realities, the live EJF that there were 525 people in atten- training as a solution to many alco- auction is a public health hazard. dance. If each of those people drank hol-related problems. In my experi- Several changes need to occur. Daniel Hughes is a 2L and can be beer in the same proportion and all ence, TIPS training is close to a joke. Among them: reached at of the beer was drunk, that makes I happened to have attended the 1) No pre-auction e-mail cele- [email protected]. PAGE 14 GEORGETOWN LAW WEEKLY OOPPIINNIIOONN TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 Georgetown Hicks: more tolerant than you are And that is the second point: ty-paranoid places I have encoun- Law Weekly Keith Parsons nobody really hates anybody. Jokes tered. are as far as things go. Nobody is To put it another way, when getting strung up or beat up or run minorities are small, the minority Sunil Varghese, 3L out of town on a rail. In fact, the identity becomes subsumed into Editor-in-Chief Harrisonburg is just about as seven minorities in the county get individuality (where, in my opinion, rural and redneck as you can get. along very well with their supposed- it belongs). The African-American Tiphanie Miller, 2L There are places that are a little more ly bigoted neighbors. There were kid becomes just like the kid-with- Victoria Taylor, 3L hillbilly across the mountain in West maybe two African-Americans in the-large-mole-on-his-nose, and the Managing Editors Virginia, and places that are a little my school, and one Asian (she was a kid-who-squeaks; unusual, perhaps more plantation-esque down in foreign exchange student). Unlike unique but not seen as particularly Benjamin Rubinstein, 2L Georgia, but nevertheless, every Jeff here at Georgetown, however, these different from everybody else. News Editor Foxworthy joke hits home in kids were all accepted by their peers. However, whether or not this is Harrisonburg. In my high school the They certainly didn't start race- due to a demographic characteristic, Sarah Hale, 2L Future Farmers of America was by based student associations, and they the end result is that Harrisonburg is Features Editor far the largest student organization. didn't sit at their own table at lunch. a comparably tolerant place. Their "officer team" alone was larger The one guy who was in band sat Another explanation for this phe- Thomas Leroe-Munoz, 2L than any other club in the school, with his band friends. The other guy nomenon could be that the econom- Sports Editor and the member-officer ratio was at who was a jock sat with his jock ic differences between the residents least three to one. At least half of the friends, and so forth. in Rockingham County are smaller Keith Parsons, 3L students were pure "rednecks" and Furthermore, jokes, although than many other places. Minorities Commentaries Editor were referred to as such by the rest one of the more visible indications of and majority residents may have of the school. In fact, the school even possible bigotry, don't really matter. their differences, but if they both Brianne Kennedy had to institute a policy against "Big A joke is a joke. I laugh at white shop at the same discount grocery Matthew Cook, 2L Johnson" t-shirts (if you know what jokes, Christian jokes and lawyer they will end up having fewer dif- Ellen Padilla, 3L a Big Johnson t-shirt is without jokes. They are jokes. Part of the ferences than if all the majority peo- Christina Schoppert, 1L Googleing it, you might be a red- humor in a joke is that you know it is ple are shopping at Whole Foods, Assistant Editors neck). There wasn't a policy against a generalization; you know it isn't and all the minorities are shopping the Confederate Battle Flag because true, but you know that it embodies at Giant. Zach Bertke, 2L that would have been too hard to Sean Byrne, 3L enforce and would have meant ban- Devin Cain, 1L ning half of the student wardrobe. Emily Camastra, 2L The other half of the student Brian Corcoran, 1L wardrobe was, of course, camou- Jacob Cote, 1L flage hunting gear. Students could Nancy Eyl, 2L even get an excused absence every Jennifer Gaspar, 1L hunting season specifically to go Zeeshan Hafeez, 2L hunting. This was a little unfair Jeff Hayes, 2L because students who did not go Prashina Gagoomal, 1L hunting were not also allowed an David Graham, 2L excused absence. Also, it may be Matthew Justice, 3L worth noting that the school mascot Erik Kenerson, 3L was an officer in the Confederate Mike Mancini, 2L Army of Virginia during the Civil Mark Nabong, 3L War. Christopher Neumeyer, 3L And yet somehow, with all of Adam Pekor, 2L this hick-ness, my high school was Harsha Rao, 3L one of the least racially charged Margaret Rubin, 1E places I have ever spent significant Adam Taylor, 1L time in. At the end of the day, the Matthew S. Schwartz, 3L rednecks of Rockingham County, Kartik Sharma, 2L with all their Confederate flags, photo courtesy of johnsonhut.com Julia Zhang, 1L NASCAR caps and hunting rifles in The multi-culturalism committee of Rockingham County, ready to welcome the Staff Reporters & Writers the back of pickup trucks parked in 16th minority individual to the community the school parking lot, were more certain social views that you may or Whatever the reason, rural areas Javad Namazie, 3L tolerant and racially neutral than may not agree with. If a joke is the need to stop being derided for their Marika Maris, 3L most people here at Georgetown. most important measure of intoler- intolerance. Anybody who is going Staff Photographers That isn't to say that the red- ance, then I'm the most un-tolerated to complain about rednecks and necks didn't do things that are tradi- person I know. hicks being bigots needs to first take The Rev. Robert F. Drinan tionally labeled as "intolerant." Your Of course, one criticism of this a good look at his or her own liberal Faculty Advisor typical spread of Jew/black/towel- argument is that Rockingham city lifestyle. More importantly, head/gay/insert-minority-here County is not very diverse. It could everybody needs to look beyond 600 New Jersey Ave., N.W. jokes were present, but there are be said that with less potential vic- jokes and all the other superficial Washington, D.C. 20001 several reasons why this doesn't tims of intolerance there would measures of intolerance and bigotry, Telephone: (202) 662-9265 make them actually racially intoler- always be less intolerance. However, and instead look to how a certain [email protected] ant. First off, the rednecks were the fact that those potential targets area actually treats the people that equal opportunity mockers. I, as who are in Harrisonburg are compa- they interact with. In all my years Georgetown Law Weekly is about the most white-bread rably well-treated would seem to growing up in Harrisonburg, VA, I published during the school year Christian boy ever, still got heckled decry this criticism. Furthermore, saw less instances of racial intoler- by students at Georgetown by the rednecks almost constantly. the fact that a less diverse place ance than in my first week here at University Law Center in Of course this made me a little appears to be more tolerant could Georgetown. Washington, D.C. The Law Weekly uncomfortable, but it was high also be evidence against the favorite Not that anybody should beat is composed on Quark XPress 6.1 school; discomfort was the name of liberal mantra that diversity creates themselves up about being worse and is printed by Southern the game. Furthermore, I never real- tolerance. In fact, diversity may cre- than hicks. They have bigger belt Maryland Publishing. The writ- ly thought their heckling was mean- ate intolerance. In a group com- buckles than the rest of us also and ing, graphics and design are the spirited, (even when the assholes posed of a 97 percent majority and a the world hasn’t stopped turning. responsibility of Law Weekly and stole my giant ball of silly putty) 3 percent minority, the majority may However, it’s about time that rural do not necessarily represent the they were just general high school feel no threat towards the minority, people got credit for being the views of the Law Center. Signed jackasses. They were something you and may treat them as they do unflappable bastions of acceptance columns represent the beliefs of are supposed to suck up, deal with everybody else. On the other hand, a that they really are. the writer, and not necessarily the and forget about. This same high 60 percent majority might find a 40 views of either the Law Center or school attitude was essentially anal- percent minority to be very threaten- the Law Weekly. Letters to the edi- ogous to all of the "racism" and ing and increase its hostility and tor should not exceed 700 words "intolerance" present in the rest of xenophobia. Under this postulate, Keith Parsons isn’t the opinion editor and should be submitted as e- the community. People make jokes; it's no wonder that Georgetown, any more, so you can complain to some- mail attachment in Microsoft they know the jokes are wrong; it's with it's carefully tailored quotas of body else from now on. However, tear- Word. The Law Weekly reserves still funny; nobody really hates any- people from all races, creeds and ful fan mail may be directed to the right to edit submissions. body. religions, is one of the most minori- [email protected]. TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 OOPPIINNIIOONN GEORGETOWN LAW WEEKLY PAGE 15 A lesson from a teacher to politicians: play nice! one day to tell me that some kids had ed by her friends, who clustered and Democrats and Republicans couldn't Jane Dimyan-Ehrenfeld been picking on him and calling him cooed and shot venomous glances at learn to do so as well? a mean name. Antonio. Feeling as if Antonio need- 3. When in doubt, do not talk "What were they calling you?" I ed some instructions on how to han- about your opponent's mother. This asked. dle his love life, I took him aside for a needs little explanation, only that it Elections are over and the He paused. heart to heart. seems to help, when you have two Democrats have the house and the "They were calling me…" he hes- "Antonio. Honey. I worry about boys in tears because one has said Senate. But although the campaigns itated, fearful of saying a bad word in you. I see you at 17, sitting alone in that the other's mother smells and the are now behind us, they've left an front of his teacher. "They were call- your room, all your friends out with other has said that the first boy's ugly feel in the air, and rather than ing me a hobo." their girlfriends, and you wondering mother has big feet, to threaten to look ahead to what the new Congress “A what?" I asked. what you did wrong." This was cer- bring the mothers in question up to might do in Iraq or at home, or spec- "A hobo." tainly the opposite of what would school for a little chat. Suffice it to say ulating on the possibility of Cheney My heart sank, even as I sup- happen, but I couldn't resist teasing I'm not above getting candidates' breaking ties in the Senate with the pressed an urge to giggle a bit. The him a bit. "Let me teach you how to mothers involved. In fact, sometimes aid of his quail hunting gun (trans- problem was, I knew what the kids talk to girls." I think that if candidates' mothers forming the Democrats from the cut- had wanted to call him and I had no "Okay," he said dubiously. were more involved, our elections and-run party to the duck-and-cover idea how to go about confronting "You have to say nice things. Try would be a whole lot nicer. party), I want to look back and reflect them about what they said without this: your eyes are as deep as the That's a little taste of what I have on the nastiness of this campaign sea- pointing out their mistake and mak- ocean." to offer this process. I think I've son. ing the situation even worse. I envi- Grudgingly, in a monotone, proven conclusively that I have the The slime was really everywhere sioned conversations: "Your eyes are as deep as the ocean." skills needed to end the name-calling this fall. Attacks were personal, "What you called Barron was a "Great! Now I'll start one, and and dirty tricks, and start candidates below the belt (yeah, I'm talking to hobo, which means a person who you finish it. Your skin is like…" along a path of kindness and polite- you, writers of that anti-Ford-blonde- travels around on trains from place to He looked up at me, grin ness. In the event that I'm not called girl-winking-ad), and just plain stu- place. What you were trying to call stretched wide. "Frogs?" he said, then upon, I do want to say (in all serious- pid (the ones that tried to smear a him was a homo, which is…" hopped up and scampered off to ness) that I think it's high time that candidate because his staffer had No. That wouldn't work. tease the girls some more. this country finds a way to help our accidentally dialed a wrong number I tried to think of something else. I gave up on Antonio after that candidates rise above the ugliness of in a hotel room). We were all sick of "Don't call names" wasn't going to cut for awhile, figuring he had to learn our elections and aspire to something them almost before they began and it - too generic. Finally, I settled for how to talk nicely to girls on his own, different and better. If it takes the cre- yet they dominated the season. telling the kids in question that the and that he'd never learn it from me. ation by the major parties of an over- So why do these ads continue, if word they were using did not mean Later in the year, I found that sight authority to govern the eti- we all profess to hate them so much? what they thought it did, but that I maybe my little lesson had actually quette of elections, that would be Why don't candidates see them as a knew what they were trying to say stuck, when he handed me a Mother's fine. Whatever remedy is chosen, it liability and stop using them? The and they didn't have a right to make Day card that read: "Mother's day is a cannot come too soon. answer came to me in the midst of anyone feel bad, or use any word like day when mothres get treats from the Jane Dimyan-Ehrenfeld, in the midst of my Con Law reading, which was a that as an insult. I think it worked; if little childrens special tiny harts. You her post-election euphoria, implores the pleasant surprise because not many nothing else there were no more hobo are the beautiful girl of my life." Democrats to be gracious, forward- clear thoughts come to me in the or homo related complaints that year. Antonio, it seemed, had begun to thinking, and positive (not that they midst of my Con Law reading. We've The trick, in name-calling situa- learn how to talk nicely to girls. And asked her). She can be reached at been reading about separation of tions, is to help the name-callers see if this little fourth-grader could do so, [email protected]. powers, and the idea that sometimes how hurtful their words are; how is there any reason to believe that individual states feel powerless to many other, better, ways there are to pass certain laws (hour or minimum express their thoughts and how wage restrictions, for example) name-calling is just the last resort of because if the other states do not pass those who can think of nothing better similar laws then the state in ques- to say or have no good ideas of their tion may begin to lose citizens and own. I think with some all-day ses- business to states with less restrictive sions and intensive counseling, I laws. That's where the federal gov- might just be able to help the candi- ernment can sometimes come in and dates to that understanding as well. make uniform national laws that pre- 2. How to use nice language: vent this kind of competitive inac- Sometimes we call each other names tion. I don't need to elaborate - you've because it's the only thing we can all studied this too. But it strikes me think to say. Sometimes it's because that we have here the same situation: we secretly admire our opponent, or no candidate wants to be the first or the object of our insults, and we don't only one to stop attacking her oppo- know how to show that appropriate- nent, and there is no higher authority ly. This holds especially true in any to regulate the behavior that affects case of boy-girl conflicts in the all candidates and who would force younger grades. I've handled many them to behave decently. such conflicts, but none was more That's where I come in. I am a striking than my experience with former elementary school teacher Antonio. with eight years of experience under Antonio was a kid with tons of my belt. I have a wide range of con- charisma, a level of self-confidence flict resolution strategies at my dis- that could have been seen as arro- posal, I am adept at getting people to gance if he wasn't in the fourth-grade be nice to each other and I have and also endlessly charming and learned how to handle the kids who happy. The girls thought him both "c- do not play well with others. Who uuuute" and "fine," attention which, could be better to lead us into a unfortunately, only emboldened him kinder, gentler election season? To In the springtime, when fourth- give you a taste of my formidable graders often turn to thoughts of skills in this areas, I'll use some sto- love, Antonio developed a crush. It ries from my experience to illustrate may have been simmering for awhile, three election-related interpersonal but it came to my attention the day skill issues: one of my girls ran in from recess in 1. Name-calling. This is a basic tears. "Ms. Ehrenfeld, Antonio called building block of attack politics, as me a billy goat! He said I was going well as being a common problem in to butt him with my horns." the classroom. The following was a Antonio was not in the least bit particularly memorable example. contrite. Barron was a kid who had a hard "But Ms. Ehrenfeld, it's true! She time making friends, but was sweet even smells like a billy goat!" By Christina Pamies, 1L and vulnerable. Therefore, I was Done with tears, the girl flew into quite upset when he came up to me a rage and stomped off to be comfort- PAGE 16 GEORGETOWN LAW WEEKLY OOPPIINNIIOONN TUESDAY, NOV. 14 TO MONDAY, NOV. 20, 2006 Apparently not every evening student has kids to know how to cook, because the with whom you work, but no nyms he gave people rhymed with Mark Nabong cafeteria is closed by the time they evening student will date any other their actual names. Someone came get here. When your corporations law student. It is just as well, up to me after one particularly ven- class goes on break, you run down because when would they have the omous post and asked, "Did you and grab a sandwich; when the time to date, really? There are sec- read that blog last night? In a previous column, I revealed evening corporations class goes on tion seven classes every night of the Apparently he really hates this guy that I do now know all that much break, the law center has trans- week and exams on Saturday. That Narc MaBong." about evening students. formed into a Mad-Maxian waste- leaves Sunday for dating, which is 6) Evening students actually Apparently, not every section seven land, where there is no food, the pop impossible because that's where donate money back to Georgetown. student is raising children; for machines only have ginger ale and football lives. Go Bears. Look around at the major contri- many, their kids have already left Yoo-hoo, and wild packs of roving 4) Evening students are less butions to the GULC, and you'll see home for college. My apologies. I Gewirz 1Ls roam the land looking politically irritating. that many, many more of them come have been told by evening students for booze. There is no one to make Everyone has strongly held from evening students than you that they are often the forgotten over-priced chicken fingers, no one beliefs, but evening students do not might expect. I suspect that they Georgetown students, as most to refill the soup tureen and no one believe in purchasing silk-screened donate at a higher rate because the events, talks, lectures and classes are to grill panini sandwiches. The t-shirts displaying those beleifs. In bitterness of law school is spread out aimed at the full-time days students. evening students have to make their the entire history of Georgetown over four years instead of three. Why is that? Why do we neglet own sandwiches, their own soup, Law, there has never been an in- Perhaps they give back at a higher the evening students so much? They their own Thermoses(TM) full of class screaming match over a politi- rate because they see people they are valued members of the GULC Jello(TM). cally-charged topic during an entered law school with graduate a community, and should be accorded evening class. Not so with day class- year ahead of them and realize respect. In many ways, they are es; I have never taken an class for an everything actually turns out ok a superior to the day students. entire semester without discovering year after law school is over. 1) Evening students have done what each and every person thinks These reasons, and more, say to more in their life than run for about the President/School me that we should do better about Fraternity Treasurer. Prayer/Gay Whales at an extraordi- reaching out to the evening stu- I'l like to invite all the day stu- narily high volume. I expect the ran- dents. Administrators can insure dents to look at their resumes. See cor in the day classes to get worse that cafeteria services remain open all the fictional crap you listed now that there are a whole lot of until after every evening class goes under "accomplishments?" Evening GOP staffers without jobs. on break. Student groups can make students have actual accomplish- 5) Evening students do not blog sure that some of their events reach ments there. You interned for about everyone else in class. people in section seven. And if you Harper's? An evening student found- All I know is that I read a blog are a full-time day student, intro- ed Atlantic Monthly. You worked as someone posted about a stupid duce yourself to an evening student a paralegal after college? An evening photo courtesy of photobucket.com thing I said in class while I was saying and offer to baby-sit. student was a paratrooper during §7 Morlocks are students, too it. That is not ok. It is also not ok to college; he studied during drops. blog about law school drama in gen- You studied abroad in Europe for a 3) Evening students do not have eral, even if you disguise people's semester? An evening student did, tawdry flings with other law stu- names. You are not clever enough to too, except it was called Pangea back dents. hide it, because if you were you Mark Nabong is finally some other edi- then. Maybe it's because they are all would not have started the blog in tor's problem. His columns can be found 2) Evening students know how married, or maybe it's because they the first place. I once read a blog online at chicago- to cook. know how stupid it is to become from another student who listed typewriter.blogspot.com. The section seven students have romantically involved with people people he hated, and the pseudo-

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