SECTION B FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016 SUMMIT HIGH SCHOOL OPINIONS VOL 15, ISSUE 4 thePINNACLE

Could I have a minute of your time?

Art by eleen fernandez Kevin Crawford the 1991 Telephone Consumer Protection Act bans autodialing Editor-in-Chief to cell phones. Looking to the Internet, pollsters have attempted to harness online traffic to no avail. Internet pollsters can’t “I am who I am,” Donald Trump said in August, on the eve of call you; they have to wait for you to come to them. And, at this election season’s first Republican presidential debate. What the moment, the people coming to them are youthful lefties, he meant was, “I don’t have a pollster.” The word “pollster,” severely skewing poll data. Landline polling has a similar bias, when it was coined, was meant as a slur, like “carpetbagger.” except towards the conservative right. That’s the way Trump uses it. Other candidates have pollsters: The trick is to strike a balance between Internet and landline “They pay these guys two hundred thousand dollars a month polls. So far, this isn’t working. Pollsters in Israel using this to tell them, ‘Don’t say this, don’t say that.’” Trump has none: method failed to predict Benjamin Netanyahu’s ascendancy to “No one tells me what to say.” Prime Minister; in the UK, every major poll failed to predict a Trump may make his claim to authenticity with unrivaled Conservative victory in Parliament. swagger, but he is undoubtedly lying. Not about the In December of 2015, there were 11 polls in Iowa, 10 in New authenticity—no, this really is how he behaves—but about Hampshire and nine nationally—the results of which were pollsters. Trump needs pollsters like his hair needs hairspray: hotly anticipated. Nearly every major newsreport (from CNN they are an unimpeachably important cog in his campaign to Fox) opened with poll results; the front page of every major machine, providing figures to match the crowds at his rallies print publication (from the New York Times to the Wall Street and opinions to stoke the fire of his invective. Loath as he Journal) was replete with poll analysis. The American stomach is to admit it, Trump is as much in thrall to pollsters as his is distended with polls—the American mind entranced. opponents are. There are consequences to this hunger. An obsession with The modern public-opinion polls and a near thoughtless poll has been around since the commitment to fabricating Great Depression, when the narratives from them has response rate—the number of Polls have become the strengthened some candidates people who take a survey as a while putting some in the percentage of those who were lingua franca of political dark—and it could well affect asked—was more than 90. Far the outcome of this pivotal lower is the participation rate: reporting presidential election. the number of people who take Were Trump to win the a survey as a percentage of the Republican nomination, blame population. Election pollsters, for all their resources, survey would fall to the media that overstated the legitimacy of polls only a very miniscule portion of the two hundred million that cast him as a frontrunner; every time the media points Americans eligible to vote. This figure, not uncommonly in to polls to justify his lead, his fixation on them is prolonged. the order of a few thousand, is promised to be exquisite in its Accordingly, when Trump steps up to the debate stand, the representativeness. The truth is, however, that the lower the first words out of his mouth are, invariably, a lecherous listing response rate the harder and more expensive it becomes to of his poll numbers. realize that promise, which requires both calling many more Hillary Clinton’s failure to win the nomination would fall people and trying to correct for “non-response bias” by giving along similar lines. A 27 point trailing is just a better story—no greater weight to the answers of people from demographic broadcaster in his or her right mind would analyze a three point groups that are less likely to respond. In the 1960s, a response gap between Clinton and Bernie Sanders when such stirring rate in the 20s would have been cause for alarm; today, an numbers are being reported elsewhere. Media sources—those average response rate is in the single digits. that in non-election years exhort one another to focus not on While polls continue to lose their ability to accurately the paltry details but on truly substantive, candidate-centric represent American political sentiment, they have also begun issues—cling to exciting poll results because they’re what to wield an ever greater influence on the presidential election. people want to read. This trend—surely a worrying one—came to a head when, in Polls have become the lingua franca of political reporting; May of 2015, Fox News announced that, in order to participate journalists use them as a crutch and, more often than not, in its first prime-time debate, Republican candidates had a stand-in for interviews with actual voters. This is not to to “place in the top 10 of an average of the five most recent say that polls, when used sparingly, don’t have a place in national polls.” Scott Keeter, Pew’s director of survey research, politics—they do. They just should not come to replace the is among the many public-opinion experts who found Fox very population they represent, nor should they come to affect News’ decision insupportable. “I just don’t think polling is the very outcomes they purport to predict. really up to the task of deciding the field for the headliner When the pollsters lead the journalists and the journalists debate,” Keeter told New York Magazine. the pollsters, the media becomes untenable in its legitimacy. Even if more people could be persuaded to answer the phone, It’s a system ungoverned by fact and defined by the popularity polling would still be lurching towards catastrophe. More than it generates. With primary elections soon upon us, it may well 40 percent of America’s adults no longer have landlines, and be the pollsters that end up losing this election. B2 OPINIONS FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016 Letters to the editor Burns Ray Youman

The reasoning behind the armed occupation of the wildlife refuge in Burns, Ore., was, in fact, justified. Ranchers from all over the western U.S. traveled to protest the jailing of a father- son rancher duo in Nevada, a jailing that was not justified. Though not in accordance with the Wildlife Refuge Act, the burning of the vast acres of land on their property was done to extend the life and efficiency of the ranchers’ ecosystem. In this regard, the occupation of the Malheur Refuge was calculated to gain national attention for the issue, which it did succeed in doing. Carried out, however, the occupation was unsustainable. Many were unprepared to last over a month in the refuge, and supplies were dwindling. As the occupation dragged on, the leader, Cliven Bundy, was captured in a frank overreaction by the FBI. The occupation dissipated completely when the co-leader was shot and killed in a car chase. Through these events, public reaction went from favorable to mixed, especially in Oregon, and while a call Art by eleen fernandez for limited government action against ranchers is justified, the actual occupation No finals schedule leaves students poorly prepared was carried out improperly. Vaccinations To final or not to final, that is the question. In an effortto Placement classes have little to gain from giving a final and such culminate the first semester properly and with respect for teacher a schedule oriented around their distribution, most AP classes Annabel Hueske intentions, Dr. Alice Dewittie extended decision on whether or feature a final as preparation for AP Testing in May. not to compose a finals schedule this year to the faculty. Many students use their performance on the final to gauge More than half of the teachers failed to respond to the email their comprehension before deciding to take the exam and Early into their child’s life, every parent promptly while the ones that did respond strongly supported a signing up in March. must choose if they vaccinate their child no-finals-schedule schedule. Students also take this opportunity to judge their knowledge or not. While nearly 90 percent of kids Dewittie, a clear proponent of reducing student stress, was base before proceeding into second semester content, often in the US are immunized, some parents supportive of the call and ultimately decided that business making changes to current study habits and focusing on exam believe the vaccinations are unnecessary would go along as per usual during the final week. Teachers, preparation. Because many AP teachers were forced to alter their and could harm their children. should they elect to have a final, were allotted specific days to final or not give one at all in order to conform with the schedule, Though there is no real evidence of it, offer their final based on department such that no student would some students were left unable to judge their knowledge gain some believe the immunizations can be have more than one test per day. While properly before having to make a linked to developmental problems such this seemed like a fair compromise decision this week about if they should as autism. However, these parents’ choice between reducing of student stress and While this seemed like a fair take AP tests. is not only putting their child at risk, but balancing teacher desires, it ultimately Students, with multiple tests, all those the child interacts with. proved unsuccessful. compromise between reducing quizzes and homework assignments In order to attend public school, all The most popular issue students of student stress and balancing in addition to the finals distributed students should be required to have cited was a lack of teacher regard for the by some teachers, overwhelming felt proper and up-to-date immunizations. assigned departmental days. Because teacher desires, it ultimately that the finals schedule did more to Children who have not received math, arguably the most popular proved unsuccessful. reduce student stress than by not vaccinations are endangering their entire department to feature a cumulative having finals period. With the late start class and school. Yes, it is the parents’ final, was scheduled for Wednesday, and maximum of three finals per day, decision. However, if the parent is the shortest day of the week, most math finals were either several students were better able to pace out their studying and focus choosing to intentionally risk their child’s parts over multiple days or on a different day completely. Since on a few tests every night while also enjoying a reduced amount and other children’s lives, then their kid math bled into several days, quite a few students ended up with of superfluous work. Some used the late start to study more should not be allowed in public schools, more than one final on a few days that week, rather than the while others often used the late start to sleep in, both of which or any public areas, for that matter. spread out finals Dewittie originally set out to establish. employed to reduce stress levels. Because class periods were Last year there was a major out-break Other students were also particularly frustrated by the lack longer, teachers without finals were still able to enjoy longer of measles in a Disneyland park that of teacher awareness for the fact that students may have had teaching periods and a less stressful schedule that allowed them can be traced back to one unvaccinated other finals that week despite the lack of a schedule. In lieu to maximize grading earlier in the week during their longer person. of this, many teachers gave exams but didn’t qualify them prep time instead of using this time to prepare for the next day Many of the people who contracted as a cumulative final, giving many of them the prerogative to of instruction like in the normal schedule. Many students are the illness were unvaccinated as well; distribute these tests on any day that worked for their schedule. calling for a return of the finals schedule for second semester however, the infections can be risky Some students, while only having a minimum of one final per finals week simply because of how pleasant and manageable it towards the immunized who don’t day, still had other tests and quizzes on the same day as their is for workload and stress. respond to specific vaccinations. final. In addition, many teachers were still distributing a typical While the original thought behind the lack of a finals schedule When enrolling a child into a public week’s worth of homework throughout the week which only was one with respect to student stress and teacher requests, in school, there is a sense of community that intensified student stress to an almost unmanageable amount. practice not having a finals schedule did more harm than good the child becomes a part of. And placing While some classes like electives and some non-Advanced- for students. an unvaccinated child into a public school not only threatens the community, but it is unfair to the other, properly immunized, Measure 91 falls short of dramatized expectations children and their families.

Do you remember all of those family, an influx of tourists and business reflected in the price of legal marijuana, measures we were supposed to vote on specifically to use drugs is a bad thing, and turn many customers back to their English Curriculum last October? The one that stirred the most to say the least. Taking the family out to under-the-table sources that have worked Blake Evans controversy was Measure 91, the measure Saturday dinner goes from leisurely to for decades. The black market can often that legalized recreational marijuana in daunting when there are packs of stoned be easier, and is always cheaper. Oregon. Proponents said that the measure foreigners loitering on the sidewalk. The best way to gauge the effects of Words. Words can be strict, as well as would reduce marijuana related crime Plus, many adults thought that legalizing Measure 91 is to just look around. For loose; words can be creative, as well as and provide Oregonians with access to marijuana would provide students with those involved with this burgeoning explanative. This can be the place that can a safe, recreational activity. Opponents easier access to the drug. industry, Measure 91 has made a big divide many—how people decide to use claimed that Measure 91 would cause While these fears are understandable, difference in the way things are done, but their words. strips of dispensaries to spring up the they never reached actualization. Oregon for the vast majority of Oregonians, not I choose to use my strings of words to way they had in Colorado, and create laws are more stringent than Colorado’s. much has changed. Tens of thousands weave and spin ideas from my read into an environment of vice not suitable for One of the most pivotal policy differences of dollars were spent on yard signs and creative story sweaters that you can enjoy raising children in. Yet, neither world has is that dispensaries in Oregon cannot be commercials last October, but most people on a nice cool winter day. been realized. In fact, nothing at all seems within 1000 feet of another dispensary, have not even noticed this supposedly Though there proves a problem with to have changed. preventing weed-oriented hubs from landmark policy. this hobby of mine, there is no place or It’s too early to say what the long-term forming the way they have in Colorado. The emotion that caused proponents outlet or facilitation of my imaginative effects of the measure will be for any of So the dreaded drug Mecca has not and opponents to fly at each other’s and creative writing. I am forced to the states that have legalized recreational formed, but Oregon has not seen all of throats came from exaggerated assertions standardize, conform, and cookie-cutter marijuana, but it is clear that Oregon will the benefits that the proponents boasted and sensationalist media. Both sides my writing into a “formal” essay type. not experience the dispensary boom that would have come to fruition, either. would have you believe that they are This is a problem. Colorado has. Colorado has become the Sure, possession of legal amounts of saints and that the opposition is pure evil I couldn’t—and­ to an extent still capital of a new industry in the United marijuana is allowed, but black markets because that is what binds the masses to can’t—understand why only explanative States. From July 2014 to June 2015, are still thriving. All of the security their cause. Perhaps the actual results of and expository writing is the only focus of the state made $76 million from taxing required to operate dispensaries and Measure 91 would not be so surprising English curricula in schools today. recreational marijuana, and that figure farms is very expensive; marijuana sales if voters had thought for themselves and I have always found it rather boring to does not take into account all of the are beginning to be taxed, and establishing had not bought into these melodramatic do so and have struggled with it, as I enjoy economic growth on the side. these businesses can cost thousands of tactics. A single measure is never the be- telling a story rather than summarizing From the perspective of a Colorado dollars in permits. These expenses are all and end-all of Oregonian culture. one. It should, at least, be explored via the use of a stray prompt here or there to help strengthen creativity in students. the EDITORIAL board What I propose is quite simple: in Editorials represent the collective views of The conjunction to each story and unit Pinnacle Editorial Board. focused on in English classes, a creative LETTERS POLICY SUBMISSION GUIDELINES essay is used either in coordination with or replacing one of the expository or We welcome your letters and comments. Please email your letter or comment MEMBERS explanative essays required. Please keep letters to 250 words or submission to [email protected]. This allows for students to train and less of school-appropriate content and Kevin Crawford or.us. Letters and comments may also be facilitate the use of creativity in the include the writer’s signature, phone Senna Phillips hand delivered to the journalism room form of writing as well as to prepare for number and address for verification. Reese Ringo B-132 or mailed to The Pinnacle, Summit future jobs as writers or creative people, We reserve the right to edit letters for Parker Robertson High School; 2855 NW Clearwater Dr.; in general. This would help all students brevity, grammar and legal reasons. Ethan Smith Bend, OR 97703. taking English today. THE PINNACLE • SUMMIT HIGH SCHOOL OPINIONS B3 Two-party system stifling the nation Sean Green Staff Writer he United States has long had two massive political “superparties,” the Republicans and Democrats, whose collective dominance of American politics runs back to the times of slavery. Their reign has beenT entirely undisputed for all of that span of time - remarkable for the composition of the parties, which make them more akin to ideological empires of sorts, especially in recent times. And though the average self-described “conservative” or “liberal” in staunch support of their party may not quite realize such, their fellow partymen do not always hold values identical to their own. But though the illusion might still stand, it is certainly weakening today. There are, of course, what many call “third parties,” American political parties that aren’t the GOP or Democratic Party, but unfortunately, these are scarce and little-known among the American public. I say unfortunate because the absence of these third parties from the public mind demonstrates how comfortable we’ve become with the polarized politics this nation struggles under today. This ignorance and extreme polarization is due to the absence of a third party. Americans are largely forced to choose between the two, as the two use their power to shove their ideologies and narratives down the throats of voters. The all-powerful media doesn’t cover the third parties, because only the two major parties have grown to be influential in national and state legislature. Thus, voters only are presented with those particular viewpoints, and only take those two seriously. And this has nearly always been the case in the United States, with scarce intermission between the undisputed reign of any two dominant parties. Though our Founding Fathers had not intended for American politics to become so overwhelmingly partisan, the First Party System emerged as soon after our revolution as the 1790s. Then, it was the Democratic-Republicans and Federalists who competed for the minds and hearts of the nation, then the Your Voice Democrats and the Whigs, and finally today the Democrats 500 students polled and Republicans. Infographic by Sean Green But in the earlier days of the United States, third parties were still present and, to varying degrees, influential, feel-good stories, the one who craves simplicity, and thus power would bring to the American political system especially in the 1850s and 1890s. But as time has passed, the one aforementioned, taking one side without thought would be enormous, revitalizing the voter’s interest in so too has the significance of third parties. Since 1945, the and thinking of the other group as “the enemy.” American politics through the renovation of the stage number of independent or third party Congressmen in all of Not only are elected officials markedly less than they itself. Suddenly, voters would have something other Congress has never exceeded two, and the majority of those campaign to be perceived as, and the press cultivating than the bipartisan bickering we’ve had to put up with, years saw a complete absence of such representatives in one thoughtless voters, but our system of elections is also the polarized politics that have made us to conform to one or both of the bodies of Congress. skewed towards perpetuating the stagnant system of view for so long. And even if the bickering continues, at Unfortunately, the trend shows little possibility for a third bipartisanship. The Tyranny of the Majority, political least we’ll have some semblance of choice. As populist party to rise to relevancy, a consequence of an increasingly scientists and philosophers call it, is what runs the country, candidates wade against the establishment tides of both ignorant public and the commanding grip of the two parties and indeed it is tyrannical. parties - and make enormous waves of their own - in over American media and political realm, a clutch powered Our elections are winner-take-all, national and regional pursuit of the presidency, the illusion of each party’s status by money. That’s where the press’s motivation to cover alike. Only one party wins control of a body of government, as a homogeneous front of common men consolidated in insipid or simple topics over important ones comes from, able to do with it whatever they like. Minority opinions the face of the enemy is rapidly deteriorating. Instead, we that’s what dictates the positions politicians and parties don’t have a chance, because there’s no middle ground. see the leading fractures in the ground of empires long- take. While we may have defeated conventional corruption, Whatever’s on the agenda of the party in power is what is overdue for an earthquake. a seemingly more innocent form of vote- and policy-buying signed into law. But this needn’t be. The voters of Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders both still runs rampant through our government. A third party would topple this despotic system of sense the dysfunctionality of the transformed political Corporations buy votes, bills and politicians. Often power-game bipartisan politics, and force compromise system, and see in their candidates not necessarily the best through lobbying firms and super PACs, large businesses in the interests of the people. If new parties were to take of ideas, but rather a catalyst for much-needed change. consistently undermine the will of the public in favor of shares of Republican and Democratic votes, even if the Of late, the political empires have been tightening their their own interests, circumventing the ideals behind the parties were still fairly small, they could act as median control over their echelons of politicians, forcing them to already broken “democracy” we live under, and damaging “decider” groups to swing votes one way or the other. march to an increasingly radical, uniform party policy. the ability for competitors to succeed. Politicians play This would force negotiation or collaboration, thus ending And just like in any historically successful empire, these along because they need that money to get back into office, the age of polarized positions maintained by party whips. changes have been commanded by those at the very top power having an intrinsic corrupting and addicting power And party whips, along with the corrupting force of of the ranks, those of the ruling “nationality,” in order to of its own. They need that money to portray themselves power, are really the only force keeping the two parties unify the many distinct ideological peoples under their to voters as honest, good-willed guardians of the people, together. Each consist of factions of massively differing banner, both the conquered and reigning. dedicated to representing their ideas and beliefs, while ideologies, constantly fighting over the correct course of The negotiation table, however, gathers dust as a result, at the same time socializing with their publicly-sworn action for their party. There too is a tyranny of the majority, as the diverging ideals of the party and their newfound enemies, enjoying the extensive perks of office, and raking with the parties functioning much as our defunct system nature as voting units, instead of the loose groups in cash from corporations looking for a vote in legislature. of legislature. comprised of fairly-independent politicians they had been The press is no better off. In a quest for ratings, they Though third parties face massive hurdles in the in the past, prevents cooperation or even consideration of cater to and foster the ignorant citizen, the one who seeks US, they are absolutely necessary. The benefits such a the opponent’s view. Vindictive Powdr Corp puts moratorium on Bachelor lifts

Sophia Sahm have expanded the mountain and spread Staff Writer out the crowds. I was really disappointed Mount Bachelor Ski Resort is the crown when it wasn’t built,” said Lodmell. jewel of Bend, Oregon. Known for its The construction of the chairlift will nearly 3,700 acres of lift-accessible terrain continue once Mount Bachelor can obtain and large annual snowfall, the mountain the funding again, but the real issues are attracts almost a half million skiers and the interests and values of big companies snowboarders per year, according to the like Powdr Corp. Their willingness to Mount Bachelor Corporation. When news jeopardize an entire ski season at PCMR, began to circulate of the administration’s out of spite, demonstrates that their intentions to open up the east side of the interest in money and power is valued mountain, Bend residents and mountain higher than their interest in serving the regulars were thrilled. In 2013, a plan was customers at their resorts. Closing the approved by the National Forest Service resort for an entire season would have to construct a new chairlift and lodge, potentially put hundreds of mountain pushing the east catchline boundary to employees out of work, destroyed the a location that would encompass 700 training space for high level athlete new acres of terrain. Nearly a dozen organizations like National Training runs were cleared in preparation for Group and Rowmark Academy and sent the development of the new lift, but Park City’s economy spiraling. construction was halted when funding In addition to the Park City chaos, the With nearly 3,700 acres of lift-accessible terrain and the highest skiable elevation in all of Oregon and from Powdr Corp, the resort’s owner, was loss of the chairlift at Mount Bachelor is Washington, Mt. Bachelor is known for its light, dry snow, diverse terrain, family-friendliness and long suddenly terminated. off-putting to many people. This lack of seasons. Photo by Sophia Sahm Powdr Corp is one of the largest ski professionalism cost the mountain respect resort operators in North America. The from customers who were counting on company was founded in 1994 by Ian In May, 2013, Vail added to this list when to put the customers at their resorts first, the addition, not to mention the loss of Cumming with the purchase of Park they leased Canyons Resort from Talisker but the thoughtlessness surrounding this profit from not opening the new territory. City Mountain Resort (PCMR) in Park and decided to legally evict Powdr from issue seems to prove otherwise. The chairlift proposal, according to First City, Utah. Over the course of 20 years, the rest of the Park City territory. “Selling was the last thing we wanted Tracks, also included shortening Rainbow the company purchased seven more In a three year court battle, Powdr Corp to do, and while we believe the law and Red Chairs, to provide shorter chair resorts, including Mt. Bachelor, in 2001. CEO, John Cumming, threatened to “rip around this issue should be changed, a rides to accommodate ski racers. This The forest service, Powdr Corp and out the lifts” on the upper terrain and run protracted legal battle is not in line with would reduce clogging of lift-lines and Mount Bachelor’s General Manager, an “action sports park” from the parking our core value to be good stewards of the overcrowded runs. The chairlift would Dave Rathbun, began plans for the new lot, if Vail refused, according to Forbes, to resort communities in which we operate,” have positively contributed to all aspects territory in 2010. rent their land at a cheaper price or sell it Cumming stated to PR Newswire. of life in Bend by increasing profit, Trouble arose in April, 2011, when back. Removing the chairlifts would be a According to Christopher Smart of supplying jobs, shrinking crowds and Powdr Corp was late renewing their Park blow to Vail Resorts and would negatively the Salt Lake Tribune, Powdr Corp spent attracting tourists. City lease with Talisker Land Holdings, affect the skiers and snowboarders at Park over two million dollars in legal fees, and Cumming’s threats to remove his according to Jason Blevins of the Denver City, as well. sold their remaining land at Park City to chairlifts from PCMR and his inability Post. Talisker owns all 7,300 acres of Park According to Richard Morgan of the Vail Resorts for $182.5 million. The loss to follow through with plans for Mount City Mountain, and leases the land to New York Post, these kinds of aggressive of annual profit the company made from Bachelor are inappropriate. The Mount resort companies who build the chairlifts, actions would have potentially closed owning and managing PCMR put it in a Bachelor administration can hardly be lodges and other mountain necessities. PCMR for a year, if PCMR did not put up tough financial situation, making them held responsible for this debacle. Powdr Talisker used this opportunity to find a a bond of $17.5 million. With this closure, unable to fund the chairlift project at Corp messed up—and two communities new tenant, and Vail Resorts, Powdr’s skiers and snowboarders would lose what Mount Bachelor. paid the price for it. In the future, Powdr rival mountain resort company, stepped could rightly be called a purpose of life in Ashley Lodmell, senior and alpine ski Corp might benefit from acting out of in. Vail Resorts owns Breckenridge, nearby towns. Snow sports are not only racer for Mt. Bachelor Sports Education the interests of those who help their Keystone, Beaver Creek and an array of an attraction of Park City, but the base Foundation, expressed her frustration. corporation thrive: the die-hard mountain other mountain resorts in North America. of their entire economy. Powdr claims “The opening of the new chair would sports fans. AMERICA'S CENSORED APPROACH TO SEX EDUCATION Senna Phillips Editor-in-Chief he current political climate in for their sexual health programs based on curricula platforms across the states. The America suggests a sort of facetious a different set of criterion than the nation: most important discrepancy outlined literacy when it comes to sexual effectiveness, prevention, affordability and is whether or not states have mandated Thealth competence and safety. With access. Of this rating, 26 states received sexual education be taught statewide. Congress voting seven times to defund grades below a C, and 19 of those states had Only 23 states require sexual education Planned Parenthood in 2015, there is an failable sexual health education. Oregon, be taught in all schools; among those 23 is underlying expectation in denying men on the other hand, a state notorious for a Oregon. Among those 23 states, only 12 of and women access to free contraception liberal and advanced curriculum compared those require the content taught to students and other health care services that the level to others, was granted the highest score be age-appropriate, seven of those require of literacy is high enough to sustain such and an A-plus. the material be medically-accurate and an impact. In cutting such a service out of As an Oregon teen that received the five of those specify the information needs the budget, many would assume, while My-Future-My-Choice program in middle to be culturally-sensitive. None of the 23 detrimental to accessibility, the level of school (a state-developed sex-ed curriculum states require that the information cannot education regarding sexual health would oriented toward younger students with a promote religious beliefs, something be decent enough to combat the loss. And focus on abstinence and goal setting) and exemplified by the popular abstinence- yet, data from a recent Population Institute a two- stage health course in high school only approach to sexual health education. reports America’s reproductive health and (focused on dating, relationships, negative Oregon, while praised for its liberalism in rights have diminished over the past year; consequences and, again, abstinence), I enforcing information be age-appropriate, the preceding grade, C-plus, has been re- was surprised, if not taken aback, by the medically-accurate and culturally- duced to a deplorable D-minus. Population Institute’s claims. While I never sensitive, still allows religious views to The research cites numerous demerits felt like the sexual education I was forced to cloud sexual health, a view that only that, ultimately, resulted in the reduced learn was particularly horrible, I certainly promotes conservative, abstinence-only grade: a hostile atmosphere for reproductive never felt like it deserved to be winner of based curriculums. rights (namely with Congressional moves sexual health excellence. In addition to these mandates on the to defund Planned Parenthood and The scores and data released ultimately relationship aspect of the sexual health teen pregnancy prevention programs), left me with a few questions: what is curriculum across the states, there are the highest teen pregnancy rate among Oregon doing differently than other states, also separate provisions for the teaching developed countries and an inability to how truly liberal is Oregon’s curriculum of information on sexually transmitted reduce the unplanned pregnancy rate and should Oregon really be the state to diseases and infections. (over 50 percent of all pregnancies). follow in terms of sexual health? Consequently, 33 states have issued The state-by-state report card also Research from the Guttmacher a mandate that information on sexually released by the Population Institute Institute delves particularly deep into transmitted disease must be taught in suggests an even more dire literacy rate these questions by explicitly outlining schools. Of those, only 26 states require on the state-level. States received grades discrepancies and variations among the information is age-appropriate, The rest 13 states require the information be medically accurate, eight states cite that the States sanctioning HIV/STD education: 33 America’s overall of states have abstinence-only information be culturally-sensitive and two 23 states mandate sexual health education grade on reproductive based sexual health and HIV/ states specify the content must be free of health and rights STD prevention curriculums religious ideology. Oregon, again requiring States requiring age-dependent material: 12 D+ 23% three out of four of the provisions, still Proportion of young women age 16 to 21 Less than 9% had recieved 7% recieved education allows schools to promote religion through 7 states require teachings be medically-true believe sexual education in schools left formal education on LGBT+ on pleasure and how sexual education programs. and queer identities States with culturally-sensitive programs: 6 them unprepared for sex and relationships3/4 to be a sexual partner Supplementing the curriculum had not been taught had recieved formal education about discrepancies outlined by the Guttmacher REASONS FOR STATE GRADES consent in school Institute, Oregon’s A-plus rating from 2/3 40% healthy relationships in school the Population Institute for sexual health • Effectiveness: Statewide, what literacy was granted for other, additional percentage of pregnancies are successes. Because Oregon recently expanded their Medicaid program unintended and how high is the teen under the Affordable Care Act for family pregnancy rate? planning provisions, overall affordability has been expanded for birth control and • Prevention: Does the state other services. promote comprehensive sexual The most telling piece of Oregon’s A-plus rating is accessibility to abortion health education in schools and services and the lack of laws hindering does it support access to emergency such services due to over $3.4 million of contraception? state funding being put toward Planned Parenthood, and 1 million of that dedicated • Affordability: Does the state toward abortion services. Grades Despite these high points, Oregon have policies designed to make birth A+ to A- has a few setbacks. While it’s teen and control affordable to low-income and B+ to B- unintended pregnancy rate has dropped uninsured individuals? C+ to C- in recent years and remains lower than the D+ to D- national averages, the rates comparatively f+ to f- • Access: Does the state impose across the state are higher than 12 other states with less restrictive curricula. Oregon, harassing or burdensome requirements while arguably a champion of abortion on those seeking family planning or services, still lacks total accessibility for abortion services? sexual health report card by state all; 22 percent of women live in a county without access to an abortion provider. Art and infographics by K. Crawford and S. Phillips AMERICA'S CENSORED APPROACH TO SEX EDUCATION

So, while Oregon remains one of the most advanced states in terms of sexual th highest syphilis rates amount of state funding allocated Oregon’s overall grade education, prevention and emergency 8 among 50 states 3.6 million toward Planned Parenthood on reproductive health accessibility, there are still some major Oregon ranked 32nd highest of teen pregnancies 4.7% teen pregnancy rate in Oregon and rights setbacks in terms of lingering conservative among the 50 states in the in Oregon are from A+ values that make it less successful than it number of HIV diagnoses REASONS FOR A+ GRADE could be for the teen population. 4% Deschutes County 2%teen pregnancy birth rate in Oregon It remains the poster-child for what a OREGON’S 9-12 GRADE CURRICULUM IN A SURVEY OF OREGON 11TH GRADERS • Expanded Medicaid family comprehensive sexual health curriculum should look like and what most states • Explains how conception occurs, 41.1% have engaged in sexual intercourse planning programs under the should adopt, but the curriculum at the the stages of pregnancy and OF THOSE THAT HAVE ENGAGED Affordable Care Act high school level is in drastic need of a responsibility of parenting 79.8% of teens had sexual intercourse for the major face-lift. first time between the ages of 14 and 16 • Mandates comprehensive The high school health curriculum, • Explains why abstinence is the sexual health education similar to the teachings in middle school, 54.9% of teens have engaged in sexual retains a abstinence basis. Because of safest, most effective method of intercourse with two people or more total programs in schools this, the curriculum is centered more protection from HPV, STD/HIV, • Requires that emergency around healthy relationships, providing Hepatitis and pregnancy 72.5% of teens have been sexually active in the a surface level understanding of human past three months rooms provide information about anatomy and physiology and clearly • Describes contraceptive methods, 17.2% of teens drank alcohol or used drugs emergency contraception outlining the negative consequences of and dispense it upon request sexual involvement. And yet, despite a disease reduction measures and their before they engaged sexual intercourse last strong focus on spelling out the negatives proper use including condoms • of engaging in sex and encouraging 79.8% of teens failed to use a condom during No laws that make it abstinence, 41.1 percent of 11th grade teens their last sexual encounter unnecessarily difficult for a in Oregon are still sexually active. 66.9% of teens used a less effective method woman to have an abortion if Of this 41.1 percent, 79.8 percent of of birth control such as withdrawl or condom over she chooses to do so those teens lost their virginity between the Grade more effective and extremely effective methods of ages of 14 and 16, around the time when A+ to A- • Enacted a bill that allows most of them were likely to be in or have birth control such as the pill or an IUD had some sort of health class with a sexual 7.8% of teens used no method of birth control pharmacists to prescribe and education component. Most of them likely the last time they engaged in sexual intercourse dispense oral contraceptives received the abstinence message loud and to anyone over the age of 18 clear—and yet, it didn’t seem to dissuade 14.1% of teens used a birth control pill the last them from engaging. sexual health report card time they engaged in sexual intercourse with a prior prescription If abstinence is the overwhelming message at the middle and high school level, then why is the number of teens that use the knowledge that about half of our relationship context in an effort to minimize have participated in sexual intercourse teens will engage in sexual intercourse heteronormativity and promote LGBT+ Oregon so high? Is the sexual health education despite telling them they shouldn’t and understanding. Most teens currently source curriculum discouraging teens from orient our curriculum around a message this information from Cosmopolitan and having sex any more than states without that is more accepting of likely teen other online resources instead of turning such a program? Perhaps the real issue behavior and less stigmatized. to adults and educators. By minimizing with this discrepancy between teaching The curriculum, instead, should be teen sexual involvement, adults ultimately and resultant behavior lies in the exact more focused on realistic teen dating minimize their involvement in their teen’s message itself. relationships and less focused on cliché, decisions and relationships. It’s like if we were to stick a child in a highly dramatized relationships that Even though Oregon boasts its image room full of different candies and told the promotes adult minimization of teen as the best atmosphere for sexual health in child that they could touch and look at feelings and teen rejection of the message. America, we still lack a strong curriculum any candy they wanted but they weren’t By making the curriculum feel less like a at the high school level. We need to move allowed to eat any of the candy. Odds are bad teen movie, teens will ultimately find our high school curriculum away from the child is going to eat the candy anyway. more value in the content simply because being a repeat of middle school sexual Maybe the child is suddenly going to be it feels more probable and realistic than the health by overteaching abstinence and even more interested in the candy because way it stands currently. negative consequences. now it is something they were told they The curriculum also needs to be more In focusing on the right idea but by could not have. centralized on a message that abstinence approaching it in the wrong way to appeal This same situation applies to how the may be the only 100 percent method to teens, we end up with a situation in which teen population is viewed in terms of sex. As to prevent pregnancy and transmitted the rhetoric used is a stark contrast from a society, we constantly throw sexualized diseases but since it’s likely a teen may the outcome. By altering such teachings media at teens (I mean, just last week I chose to forgo this option, they should to encompass realistic teen relationships saw Kim Kardashian naked on Instagram) still be given the resources they need to and to promote understanding of mutual and constantly tell them to “do as we say, be successful in this area now and as an pleasure, we have a curriculum that treats not as we do” by staying abstinent. While adult. While the current curriculum does a sex maturely and in a way that neither I’m not encouraging that we orient our great job of spelling out all of the current stigmatizes nor promotes. In training values to coincide with societal messages birth control options for teens, we should the next generation of adults to be more by encouraging our teens to participate in expand this to cover much more than just sensitive and understanding of differences sex as soon as possible, I am encouraging birth control methods. and needs in the context of dating that we accept the environment the teen Sexual health needs to cover the relationships, we could ultimately see a population is exposed to and avoid the logistics of sex through discussion reduction in the negative outcomes that word abstinence because it works in the of sexual positions, male and female are, if anything, promoted by treating sex same way that saying no does. We should orgasm mechanics and etiquette in every as a dirty word. B6 OPINIONS FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016 Drug scourge infects City pushes for fuel tax high school sports, little action taken Deteriorating roads demand a larger repair budget Quin Fraley Staff Writer Ethan Smith Opinions Editor Competitive sports are an integral part of the lives of millions of adolescents across proposed city fuel tax has the United States. Youth leagues for a generated much controversy variety of sports have become available for in the wake of ignored and kids as young as kindergarten, following crippled road infrastructure. them until high school graduation. Recent The City of Bend Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax, studies show that adolescents playing MeasureA 9-105, was intended to raise competitive sports have met an unlikely, additional funds dedicated solely to road potentially fatal consequence: opioid and repairs and improvements. heroin addiction. With growing numbers With $80 million in ignored of youth at risk, what measures are being maintenance, it is impossible to deny the taken to keep children and young adults poor quality of Bend streets. Unavoidable from the unrealized risks of addiction? potholes and unswept gravel trails scar Staggering statistics are surfacing, many roads and roundabouts throughout revealing the growing exposure of the city, becoming a potential damage to drugs to the adolescents in communities cars and great nuisance to drivers. The throughout the country. five-cent-per-gallon tax would have been As of 2011, 21.5 million youths from expected to generate an additional $2.5 six to seventeen are participating in million per year for this purpose, adding competitive sports in the United States, to an estimated $3.3 million already spent according to the Sports and Fitness in annual road repairs. While the prior Industry Association. As a result, the funding may seem high, it is worth noting CDC reports 2.7 million kids were treated that $4.3 million is the minimal amount of for sports related injuries over a period funding necessary to maintain the current of eight years. This has been a dramatic quality of roads. The tax would have increase from previous years despite expired, if not reauthorized, by 2026. increased regulation and safety measures Opponents to the measure questioned for the league sports. how the city has prioritized its spending The percentage of athletes who in the past, which of course includes the have been injured, requiring surgery, $70,000 spent by city council to stage a has surged as well. This means more special single-issue election in March adolescents are exposed to addictive pain (instead of simply attaching it to the May relievers. In a study by the University 17 primary ballot). However, the ballot of Michigan, researchers found that 11 was timed appropriately to impose the tax percent of high school athletes have been prior to tourist season. prescribed opiate containing medicine by Additionally, expected revenue from their senior year. As a result, more kids the fuel tax by the end of summer would are at risk of drug abuse. have surpassed the initial expense of the A study by the University of Michigan special election. reported more high school athletes The sense of urgency wasn’t a result are being exposed to opioids. “Male of poor decision-making or careless adolescent athletes who participated in spending, rather a desire to take immediate competitive sports across the three-year action to restore our street infrastructure study period had two times greater odds to the level of quality citizens and tourists of being prescribed painkillers during the alike deserve. past year and had four times greater odds Bendites should be more willing of medically misusing painkillers (i.e., to contribute to maintain city roads, using them to get high and using them especially when aided by the booming too much) when compared to males who tourism industry. VisitBend estimates did not participate in competitive sports,” there are 1.36 to 1.66 million visitor-trips said Philip Todd Veliz in “Opioid use to Bend between the months of May and Infographic by Gordon Zhang among interscholastic sports participants: October- a figure that has increased by An exploratory study from a sample of more than 200,000 since 2010. The number gallon state fuel tax in place (a tax that has of nearly 60 percent suggested the issue college students”. Athletics are supposed of drivers on our roads is increasing, while only increased once in the past 22 years). attracted voters who don’t often vote on to be a healthy outlet for busy students; the quality seems to only decline. And it has Even our neighboring city of Sisters— local measures. but, to some, it has opened a gateway to become increasingly expensive to repair with a population of just over 2,000—has While this may be true, large fuel more dangerous extracurriculars. roads; the cost has surged by nearly 300 a three cent gas tax. companies from all over the state have also Prescription drugs, attained legally or percent in the past decade. Meanwhile, the According to Bend Finance Director played a substantial role in the measure’s illegally, work as a gateway to perceptually opposition’s worries centered on the cost Sharon Wojda, even if the state was to defeat. The “No Bend Gas Tax” PAC harder, illegal drugs, yet “chemically, of the measure for the average taxpayer. increase its gas tax by an additional 10 raised $42,000 from 10 fuel companies they’re almost identical to heroin,” said But in reality, if you assume the average cents, only $730,000 in revenue would as well as $2,550 from other donors. Bill Whitaker in his report on heroin in car has a 12 to 15 gallon tank, the new tax be generated for the city. And with $80 Proponents for the tax, however, were suburbs for 60 Minutes. This means that wouldn’t cost more than a dollar for each million in deferred street maintenance, able to raise $22,750 for the “Yes for Bend even without transitioning to heroin, the visit to the pump. Some, including City the difference between $730,000 and $2.5 Roads” PAC, with most donations coming danger is still prevalent. According to the Councilor Victor Chudowsky, believe the million is significant. from private individual contributions. Foundation for a Drug Free World, 38.3 possibility of the state government raising Unfortunately, Bend voters held too Corporate donations supporting percent of drug overdoses result from their fuel tax would eliminate the need for much distrust in city council to see the the measure’s failure combined with abuse of opioids. a city one. overarching problem. Overwhelmingly, voters’ overall skepticism of local money Prescribed painkillers pose a threat But why should we rely on the state by a near 2-to-1 margin, Measure 9-105 handling brought down any possibility of for abusive users. The American Society to generate additional funds for our was defeated when the mail-in ballots immediate action to restore our roads. So, of Addictive Medicine reports 168,000 infrastructure? Especially when 24 other were counted in the March 8 special for now, the potholes and cracks lining adolescents were addicted to prescription Oregon cities have already imposed fuel election. According to former Bend our streets will be filled with nothing drugs nationwide in 2014. The increase taxes on top of the current 30 cent-per- Mayor Jeff Eager, a high voter turnout more than voters’ frustration. comes from the amount of prescribed opiates doubling from 1994 to 2007. Drugs from the pharmacy account for 45 percent of all fatal overdoses, said the Death of Scalia brings partisan conflict to forefront Foundation for a Drug Free World. As of 2010 there has been a 250 percent increase Kyra Kadhim Obama’s term, they need a Republican president in office to in overdose deaths in young adults since Staff Writer really get what they want. the previous decade, reported the CDC. The government’s ability to function is a complex equation If Hillary Clinton gets elected, considering her tendency to Four out of five people who are that fluctuates wildly along multiples axes. Just as a rational support President Obama’s political agenda, a similar justice addicted to heroin started with opiates function may approach a limit, so the function of the US would likely be appointed. If Bernie Sanders gets elected, according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and government maintains stagnant growth when there appears to Republicans’ worst nightmare, the war to appoint a justice may Mental Health Services Administration. be no defined compromise of ideologies. The destructive quality lead to years of conflict and gridlock. Finally, if Donald Trump Once a their prescription runs out or the of partisan conflict has achieved a new dimension regarding the gets elected, the next Supreme Court Justice may be a racist, habit becomes too expensive, budding recent passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. uneducated wackjob that will exemplify every weakness within addicts find heroin as a cheap alternative. The eight justices left on the bench will have monumental the Republican party. “While opioid painkillers can cost up to cases to decide in the coming year concerning affirmative action, It is very overconfident of the Republican party to assume $30 per pill on the black market, heroin, abortion, public union dues, and Obamacare. Zubik v. Burwell, that delaying an appointment would benefit their struggling which is molecularly similar, can be for example, is the Supreme Court case challenging Obamacare’s campaigns. Many voters disapprove of their constant, unilateral purchased for $5 a bag and provides a mandate that health plans cover birth control, is to be decided action, which provides some rhetorical ammunition to the more potent high, ”said L. Jon Wertheim in an imminent judicial session. The same issue that led to the Democrats when it comes to political campaigns. and Ken Rodriguez in their article “How sixteen day government shutdown of 2013 may again be delayed The death of Justice Antonin Scalia has ultimately magnified painkillers are turning young athletes if there is a 4-4 tie. the culture of “party before nation” attitude. Presidential into heroin addicts”. By nature of the position, Supreme Court Justices cannot candidates who aggressively claim that the United States is Those who become addicted to credibly voice opinions solely based on the agenda of the party broken and immoral create hostility and prejudice that further prescription painkillers have a higher who appointed them. The whole idea behind a precedent-setting forms a dysfunctional system of government. The more risk of transitioning to heroin than those bench of individuals is their motivation to serve the entire nation, blindly society is categorized, the less humans are treated with without prescriptions. “One in 15 people benefit the entire nation equally, and reform the entire nation compassion and respect. who take nonmedical prescription when it does not justly prosper. America needs to disarm these militants of selfish obstruction painkillers will try heroin within the next Some Republican presidential candidates typically considered and develop a nation of free-thinkers. Allow a Supreme Justice 10 years,” said Wertheim and Rodriguez. to be “moderate” have argued that a country so steeped in to be appointed by President Obama so that justice may be At the time, the overdose rates partisan divide would not be aided by the appointment of a new served to those who seek establishment and moral guidance in for young, white students has been Supreme Court Justice. When these politicians propose a new due time. Allow a Supreme Justice to be appointed to interpret increasing while it drops or flattens out appointment should take place, there will still be controversial the Constitution as they may, with no antecedent assumptions for other demographics. The New York cases to be decided that will depend upon a Justice’s interpretation that seek confirmation. Times reports in “Drug Overdoses Propel of the Constitution, either “liberal” or “conservative.” For decades, Americans have frantically sided with a Rise in Mortality Rates of Young Whites”, Let it be respected that this nation has one Constitution, not particular party, empowering politicians who pander solely that mortality rates have surpassed those one for the Democrats or one for the Republicans. A Justice is to the opinion of their base. Americans must leave behind this of the older cohort for the first time since given the duty, by the third article of the Constitution itself, archaic egocentrism and develop their own thoughts and elect the Vietnam War. Young Hispanic and to interpret the constitution as an ancient document that once their own presidents, individually. They must respect the law African American percentages are falling symbolized a common ground upon which a thriving nation and all that it provides. but still suffer major losses. could be built. Encourage President Obama to appoint a new Supreme Court With more young people at risk, Should the same obstructionists responsible for multiple Justice so that the mind of another American will join the ranks why has there not been more pushes for government shutdowns, including the sixteen day shutdown of Kennedy, Thomas, and Roberts to decide cases that deserve a restraints regarding prescription and in 2013, be able to deny the function of an entire branch of thorough verdict. It is unpleasant to live with the conscience that illicit drugs? The United States has been government for months on end? the United States government had the power to create a stronger in a war on drugs for four decades, but we The same Republicans who are refusing to let Obama appoint judicial court and rejected to use it. It is vexing to consider that still see overdoses and addiction statistics a new justice are not even the passionate antiestablishment anybody soon to be named one of the most powerful people on the rise. Researchers are producing or liberal figures leading the polls. Additionally, even if the in America would value their partisan bias above a condign and testing non-addictive painkillers, yet Republicans manage to postpone a judicial appointment beyond judicial trial. they have yet to enter clinical trials. THE PINNACLE • SUMMIT HIGH SCHOOL OPINIONS B7 Clinton patronizes voters Populist candidate Bernie Sanders attracts genuine support

Kevin Crawford listicle. Respectively, the black and Latino backlash to Editor-in-Chief the latter of these three actions made for formidable “No other fictional form—musical, literary or cinematic —is used evidence to support the notion that Americans are [as evidence] in the courts [as much as rap music], a concerning double not falling for Clinton’s gimmicky politicking. standard that research suggests is rooted, at least in part, in stereotypes On an even less subtle front, Clinton’s about people of color,” wrote Michael Render in a 2014 USA Today op- campaign has targeted Millennials, a ed piece. Michael Render is a rapper. His stage name is “Killer Mike”— demographic more dubious of her persona, he is neither a killer nor truly named Mike—and he is one half of the with vote-Hillary totebags and reaction critically acclaimed hip-hop duo Run the Jewels. He is also a Bernie gifs, staged Instagram takeovers by young Sanders supporter. liberal celebrities (Lena Dunham and On Jan. 18, Killer Mike—It rolls off the tongue easier than Michael Katy Perry) and requested that Twitter Render, doesn’t it?—represented Sanders in the spin room after that users describe their student-loan evening’s Democratic debate, fielding delicate policy questions alongside debt in “three emojis or less.” Shirts quips about his own image. “I think he’s of the Beastie Boys’ lineage— manufactured at the campaign’s behest he definitely could have killed it with the boys from Brooklyn,” he told read “Yaaas, Hillary.” one reporter. And, when questioned about when he decided to support One video, apparently filmed by Sanders, he gamely replied, “Smoking a joint, reading his tweets.” Clinton herself, features a “more like In a Democratic nomination race that—more than in any other election— Chillary Clinton, amirite?” drink koozie continues to pander to a younger and more diverse liberal demographic and Clinton saying, in a forced and for votes, Bernie Sanders’ decision to pursue the endorsements of ultra- obviously pained voice, “Just chillin’ in progressive, non-traditional political commentators like Killer Mike was Cedar Rapids.” She really does enunciate a brilliant move. the dropped “g” in “chillin’.” Undoubtedly a respected figure within the hip-hop community, Killer For years, Hillary Clinton has fought social Mike’s lyrics have tackled numerous issues, including police brutality, stigmas and scandal: her husband’s public affair, the failed war on drugs and the unjust sentencing of marijuana crimes, her gender, her occasionally icy demeanor— and his writing frequently appears on the editorial sections of USA but her new fight is against inauthenticity, and it’s a fight she’s Today and NPR. What Killer Mike’s endorsement best demonstrates is undoubtedly losing. Every meme, every Clinton-branded tote not the shifting tastes of the nation’s youth, as many would assume, but bag, every robotic Snapchat video pushes her closer to utter the social shortcomings of Sanders’ opponent, Hillary Clinton. disconnectedness; even now, Internet commentators are Jonah Bromwich, a reporter for the New York Times, wrote that, reaching for comparisons to Amy Poehler’s role as when he reached out to the Clinton campaign for comment on Sanders’ Regina George’s mother in the film “Mean Girls.” endorsements, a “Clinton aide emphasized Mrs. Clinton’s support Clinton’s brand of cool-mom politics is by no among African-Americans and named African-American artists who stretch of the imagination an original ploy: in 1992, her are supporting her campaign, including Snoop Dogg, Usher and Waka husband appeared on the Arsenio Hall Show and played Flocka Flame.” a minute-long saxophone solo; in 2004, George Bush Jr. These artists are all, undeniably, of African descent, but the took reporters on a tour of his ranch for “a little fishing comparisons to Sanders’ endorsers ends there. Where Killer Mike—hip- and a little policy;” and in 2011, President Obama proudly hop fans will be interested to know that Big Boi, Lil B and Bun B also told the nation he collects both Conan the Barbarian and advocate Sanders—is a well-informed and respected political and social Spiderman comic books. Politicians have always felt a need commentator, Clinton’s endorsers are Snoop Dogg, a sentient case study to humanize themselves. for the detrimental effects of prolonged marijuana use; Usher, an artist But Clinton has crossed a boundary; no longer are her whose most political move to date was a brief stint of veganism; and tactics coming across as humanizing, only pandering— Waka Flocka Flame, who first announced that he would run for president maybe even a little patronizing. In the words of Duke political in 2016, and only later endorsed Clinton after making it contingent on science professor Michael Munger, interviewed by Vice, her support of his upcoming album. “Clinton either can’t be bothered or just isn’t able to come up Hillary Clinton has never been a trendy candidate; she was second with principles that unify the interest groups that are stitched hat to Obama in 2008 and has already faced intense lambasting this together into the Democratic coalition.” In simpler terms, election year for an email scandal and blatant policy flip-flopping Clinton is desperate. (see: gay marriage). Accordingly, her aide cannot be blamed for not The 2016 election may very well go down in the annals of understanding, or not caring, that her “cool” endorsements are very history as one in which authenticity won out over experience different from Sanders’. and resources in the minds of American voters, a trend borne Clinton’s campaign is, at best, an exercise in superficiality. It out by the surprising success of Sanders and Donald Trump— shamelessly panders to any minority vote that identifies under the who, despite their polar ideologies, share an almost pathological Democratic aegis and makes Clinton come off like an estranged parent inability to be anything other than themselves. Bernie Sanders is trying desperately to reconnect with their child by using “the Facebook” the default candidate of the young-and-cool demographic by virtue and blasting Billboard top 100 hits on replay. of not trying to be anything other than himself—and nowhere is The Clinton youth-minority propaganda machine really kicked into this more clear than in his relationship with Killer Mike. Despite the overdrive, however, when, all in the month of December, the presidential obvious cool factor that the rapper adds to Sanders’ campaign, their candidate appeared on Ellen and danced to Silentó’s “Watch Me” in a budding political bromance has always been exactly what it looks like: blue pantsuit, created a Kwanzaa-themed Twitter avatar and allowed A 74-year-old Democratic Socialist from Vermont sitting down with a her campaign to conceive a “all the ways Hillary is like your abuela” Pan-Africanist gangster rapper from Atlanta, and listening. Art by Eleen Fernandez THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN • Lunch on the Go embraced by students and faculty • Google’s self-driving car hits bus • Student Council volunteering at Juniper Elementary • Republican resistance to SCOTUS justice • House of Cards season four • Bend gas tax rejected by large margin • Apple rejects FBI requests • Donald Trump’s hand size • Highway 97 speed limit raised • Presidential debate moderators

Smarter balance test helps schools, not students

Brianna Leary English, sit through two discussions on percent, the school could lose their rating, is problematic because teachers are Staff Writer the subjects and complete a knowledge and possibly make it harder for younger encouraging students to take a test they, The junior year is considered by many task relating to the discussions and students to get into college. Last year our themselves, still know little about. to be the toughest year in high school. On subjects. The Smarter Balanced test school had a five rating, which is the best It should concern most parents and April 19, all juniors will take the dreaded requires more time and knowledge than the school can get—seeing as the scale educators that students will be testing ACT. The very next day, juniors will be the OAKS test, but for people who never tops out at five—making colleges look several times in the same month. An tested in math for the Smarter Balanced took the OAKS in high school, it may be at us highly. If the school’s rating does academically talented junior could take Exam. One week later, juniors will valuable to consider it. drop because of the lack of participation, the SAT, several SAT subject exams, the complete the language arts portion of the In order to graduate high school, it could potentially be harmful to college- ACT, several AP tests and finish with the exam. All advanced placement exams students must show they have a bound students. Smarter Balanced exams. will begin May 2 and continue through proficient knowledge of essential skills: How unfortunate, and yes, even unfair, All of these exams are very important May 13. Some juniors may take as many mathematical reasoning, analytical that any school’s ranking or score is based for college-bound students and may well as four AP exams. If the majority of the writing, and showing proficient reading upon the percentages of students taking determine not only acceptance to top juniors do decide to take the Smarter comprehension. The two main ways to the Smarter Balanced exams. Although schools, but scholarship opportunities, Balanced Exams, the language arts prove that students many officials as well. Since the Smarter Balanced test portion will be moved to May 16-27. The have met this mark may cover it up is not a mandatory test, it should not be last thing students want is another test. are the ACT test, It should concern most and not directly difficult for students and parents to opt Oregon students have always been and the Smarter say, this test is out of this clearly superfluous test. tested using the Oregon Assessment Balanced test. parents and educators that important mainly Opt-out forms were recently sent out to of Knowledge and Skills test, more Although colleges students will be testing several for reputation and families, and if anyone did not receive it, or commonly known as OAKS. Because look at the ACT money for the misplaced it, the forms are also provided of the ease of this test, and because it and not the Smarter times in the same month. school. It is pushed online. The form has to be approved and was not an accurate gauge of ability, Balanced test, on students signed by a parent or guardian; so, if that the Smarter Balanced test was initially Smarter Balanced telling them how is something that students are interested expected to begin in 2014. Instead of gives an extra chance to pass the essential important it is for them, when in reality in, they just need to be in agreement with expecting students to just click on skills criteria just in case a student’s ACT it does not matter. Yes, students will get their parents. the answers, it requires students, on score is not high enough. It may not get to see how well they did, and if that is a The forms have no due date, and if a reading comprehension to write essays looked at by the colleges, but without a reason for certain people to take it, than student was to decide halfway through showing their knowledge; on math tests high school diploma, college is also not they should. But if the only reason a the Smarter Balanced test that they no to write equations and then write verbal an option. But if a student’s ACT score person was to take the Smarter Balanced longer wanted to take or finish the test, the explanations of their problems. But there is high enough, it can be the alternative test was because they felt like they had to, form can be submitted halfway through is nothing on the Smarter Balanced exam to the Smarter Balanced test relating to they should not. the test. that would not be tested on the SAT or government graduation requirements. Although Smarter Balanced offers Overall, the choice comes down to the ACT, and barely holds any significance. According to vice principal Mr. many improvements on OAKs, there are students and their families. If taking the Students should not feel pressured by the McDonald, the school is in no way some drawbacks. One of which is the Smarter Balanced exams seems beneficial school to take it, and only take it if they pressuring any of its students into length of the test. Seniors that took it last and helpful, then it should be considered. want to see how they do, and if they want taking the test. “It is ultimately up to year found it to be an incredibly extensive However, if it seems unnecessary and to take yet another series of tests in an the student and their parents,” he said. test—longer than they were originally stressful, perhaps it is not worth the effort. already busy month. And although it is not completely clear told. And although the test is said to be Some students will most likely choose to The new test challenges students to even to administration, it is possible that shortened from last year’s version, no focus, instead, upon the important tests take two computerized tests in math and if the participation rate is lower than 95 one is sure how long it will take, which colleges use. B8 OPINIONS FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016 SMART DRUGS Reese Ringo are available at every school, it is simply a Opinions Editor matter of knowing the right people and paying the right prices. Using steroids to prepare for a competition One student at Summit with a prescription for is one of the most atrocious things an athlete Adderall said that he could (not would, to be can do; steroids give them an unfair advantage clear) sell a 30mg Adderall pill for five dollars. over those who do not have the means to That’s less than a grande Pumpkin Spice obtain these drugs. If performance enhancing Latte for a schedule II controlled substance, a drugs (PEDs) were permitted in professional category shared with cocaine and morphine. sports, every pro athlete would have to use Not only are these medications illegal them in order to stay competitive. The primary to possess and sell without the proper legal PED is, in fact, caffeine. The average paperwork, but their side effects are drastic. American doesn’t think the effect from caffeine The consistency, not the severity of the side can be too drastic, (it is legal, after all) but tests effects, is what makes them problematic. Many since the 70s have found, to varying degrees of these drugs are stimulants which cause rapid of significance, a correlation between caffeine heartbeat, sweating, anxiety and other effects usage and stamina. Caffeine definitely shouldn’t that lend themselves to a general change in be banned: it’s a multibillion dollar industry, and the way users feel and act. Overdoses are 65 percent of American workers consume it uncommon and rarely life threatening, but as while on the job, but the fact that some PEDs drugs like Adderall proliferate amongst students are legal while others are not means that that are not meant to take them the frequency Americans have to consider where they want to of incidents could increase. draw the line. The increasing development and The term ‘smart drug’ refers to any drug sale of nootropics, or ‘smart drugs’, is dragging that acts as a cognitive enhancer. Legal this issue out of the shadows, and slowly into smart drugs, not to be confused with herbal the limelight. products like teas that claim to improve brain Smart drugs stem primarily from medicinal function, contain many of the same chemicals treatments of ADHD; ritalin and the infamous as their controlled, medicinal counterparts, Adderall share this origin. In the same way that but on a weaker level. Drugs like these often painkillers are abused because they make users lack scientific backing, and sometimes act no feel good, and steroids are abused because differently than a placebo, yet the industry that they make users stronger, ADHD drugs are produces them is rapidly expanding. The allure abused because they make users more focused of effortless self improvement attracts more and, seemingly, smarter. “The first time I took it, and more students in spite of the risks, and for it made me super calm… it makes me focus on those that care, these drugs are legal. Anybody one thing,” a Summit student with a prescription could do a quick Google search and have a for Adderall explained, and then asked, “have dozen options. you seen the episode of Family Guy where they So, smart drugs can help students power put Stewie on ADHD meds?” The pop-culture through work or crush a test, are as illegal as representation was, according to this student, cocaine yet easily obtainable, and are mimicked not too far off from reality. The ethics and laws by labs that could be less regulated than El that pertain to ADHD drugs are debateable, but Chapo’s farms; without a doubt, a dangerous their efficacy is not. set of attributes. Current legislation approaches Adderall, for example, is an amphetamine, the problem in a way where it tries to find a line which puts it in the same class of substances between what is okay for people to have and as MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine. Put what is not, but this is not leading to results. simply, these drugs are to be taken seriously. If smart drugs remain illegal, despite their Long term and short term memory, inhibitory increasing prevalence, only certain groups of control (the ability to reject natural behavior), people, those that can obtain prescriptions or wakefulness and motivation all improve while are willing to buy from black markets, will have under the affects of Adderall, and, variably, access to them. These people will have an other ADHD drugs. While an individual is on unfair advantage in schools and workplaces Adderall they become hyper focused; they around the world. Droves of people will turn to recall and uptake information at enhanced rates black markets when they realize how significant and become driven towards whatever is before this advantage is, further compounding the them. It comes as no surprise that something so pressure to use these drugs; a snowball effect. powerful is abused. Worse still, the market for nootropics, on the High schoolers probably know somebody verge of an explosion, will remain in the hands who has popped an Adderall before taking the of black market dealers. Imagine the coffee SAT or ACT. One dose is not going to harm the industry run by drug dealers. average teenager, and it definitely is not enough Now consider a world where smart drugs to develop an addiction or a dependency, but were legal. Students would be taking them to it does give the user a measurable advantage complete homework, cram for tests and get over his or her peers on a standardized test. better scores. Students would still feel a need Granted, it will not make your average Joe to take these drugs to compete with their peers, an Einstein in the math section, but he can but at least the industry would be regulated, get through the reading passages faster than paying taxes, and relatively safe. They would ever, with minimal distraction and impeccable become as staple as coffee. Caffeine is a memory of the content. For equality, this is multi-billion dollar industry that carries all of clearly a problem. the benefits and side effects of any drug, but Keep in mind that Adderall is just one of it comes in a drink, not a pill. If smart drugs, many drugs of varying strength that have ones with scientific support and proven efficacy, been developed for those with ADHD, but has were legalized then they would no longer lead come to be abused. There is ritalin, dexedrine, to economic stratification of test scores, be the zoloft, methylin, modafinil; the length of the cause of destructive legal sentences, and power list of these drugs is paralleled only by the the rise of a sketchy grey market. Instead, safe number of reasons to prescribe them. ADHD products will be what fuels our countries in the kids get drugs, bipolar kids get different drugs, future. America will run on smart drugs, one depressed kids get their drugs—a slew of drugs way or the other.