THE LIBERATOR OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE LIBERAL ARTS COUNCIL THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 2012 ELECTION INSIDE THIS ISSUE 04 OCTOBER 2012

FEATURES OPINION

04 Student Org Spotlight: Essay Winner 15 University Democrats + America the Perrenial 07 College Republicans 05

The Slacker : 09 05 Professor Spotlight: Real Talk, Both Parties Blow Dr. Eric McDaniel

Finance Facts:

How Much do you Really Know 13 Academic Affairs 16 About Political Spending? On the Cover Hosts Presidential Panel 10 Texas Capitol photographed 5, 8, 9 Photos by Madhu Singh by Madhu Singh

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Keep Austin Engaged 09 Political Events in ATX THE ELECTION ISSUE 03 The Good, Bad, and Ugly: The College of Liberal Arts embraces university has a stake in the future of Biased News Consumption Presidential Punchline: varied perspectives and respects the this nation. We knew the best way to Where to Get Your Laughs 14 different ideologies and traditions that serve the student body was demystify inform our culture. With departments issues, educate the reader, and entertain Money Matters: to Keep from Crying in government, economics, history, them with facets of politics oftentimes 08 philosophy, and cultural studies, unnoticed. How the Future POTUS will our college seeks to provide a well- Our staff was committed to fair affect the cost of Education First Ladies of Fashion 15 rounded education that addresses the reporting and coverage that ran the foundations of social development. gamut of all things presidential. It is As THE LIBERATOR, we seek to our hope that, in reading this issue, How to throw the Ultimate 17 Liberal Arts Week 18 promote the same ideals in our you learn something new about a You Know You’re in LA When... Election Watching Party publication. Our mission has always candidate, an issue, or even a fashion been to keep students connected, so designer. We hope this issue inspires it was an easy decision to focus our reflection and discussion for you, first issue of the year on 2012 Election. so that you can make an informed Many of the students in our college are decision come November. ON THE COVER 10-12 |2012 Election : Where We Stand studying issues directly related to both platforms, and every student at the CASSIE MANEEN + CHEYENNE SMITH

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Love it? Hate it? Let us know! Letters to the editor reviewing articles from this issue will be printed in the next edition of THE LIBERATOR . THE LIBERATOR Cassie Maneen Cheyenne Smith THE LIBERATOR is the official publication of The Liberal Arts Co-Editor Co-Editor | Design Editor Council. As a liberal arts-focused news magazine, we aim to

to keep students connected to the university through updates Aisha Marino on legislation, campus affairs and student life. All questions, Kelly DeMoya Farah Mithani comments and concerns can be directed to THE LIBERATOR at: Harrison Dromgoole Natalia Naranjo [email protected] Ariel Flores Patty Sanger Dana Henning Madhu Singh Elie Wu THE LIBERATOR | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 2

, THE GOOD BADBIAS IN& NEWS UGLY SOURCES

Media sources dissect and display information to agree with what Fox News says. They’re interested in said, “but that is not to say that they have no effects on around the clock, spicing it up with their own politics and interested in that way of viewing things, and audiences. These programs can help people to learn a few interpretations. Raw information is a rare dish in modern they’re not going to be motivated in a particular way facts about politics. Further, some research suggests that media, but the spice added to it – the bias - might have more anymore than they would if they had not been watching watching these programs increases people’s attention to of an impact on voters than the actual content produced. Fox News.” news, yet their primary mission is not to provide credible Some people prefer the coverage of CNN, while others news and information to the public.” dislike its infatuation with gadgets. Some prefer the conservative clamor of Fox News, while others call it hot “Because the media is constrained SOCIAL MEDIA air. Everyone has a bias they project onto the media. But even if a media source attempted to eliminate any potential by time, they have to be biased – they Social media, something relatively new on the campaign bias, it may be unavoidable. have to pick and choose what to cover, playing field, has thrown a fast ball to politicians who so...there’s going to be bias in a sense now realize having an online presence is critical to any BIASED SOURCES campaign. When a person likes or follows a politician, that someone has to make a decision they become a part of their online environment, and that “Because the media is constrained by time,” Government on what’s important, and that decision presence can influence their day to day train of thought, Professor Tasha Philpot said, “they have to be biased – they creating a cognitive shift that just may influence the have to pick and choose what to cover, so even without alone introduces bias in what the election in November. an ideological bent, there’s going to be bias in a sense that media covers.” “The point of social media in politics is just to be in your someone has to make a decision on what’s important, and face constantly, to just bug you about it,” said Cheyenne that decision alone introduces bias in what the media SATIRICAL NEWS Matthews-Hoffman, a Journalism major and digital covers.” development intern with Obama For America (OFA), “to But why are some news sources entirely biased, taking have a permanent presence so you’re constantly getting the While most news sources seem to be informative and information and molding it to fit whatever slant they same information. To put it in your brain, so this is what molded to fit ideologies, others have arisen that present like? Some sources are so polarized, their differing you should do. It might make a small shift in voter turnout, the same information in a different, comedic format. John interpretations of election coverage are like a political especially among younger people. But in elections to come, Stewart and Stephen Colbert, known for their satirical seesaw. That bias is also there for a particular reason – especially since the Internet is kind of new to elections, it’ll critique of the American political scene, act as a filter for because that’s what the audience expects and agrees with. probably improve. Candidates will find different ways and political knowledge that many people regularly go to for a “People can choose which sources best fit their frame of strategies to get people to vote. This election is more of a laugh. But their credibility may not necessarily be intact. mind, their ideological spin,” Professor Philpot said, “So it’s stepping stone to that.” “These are primarily comedy programs, not credible not as if people who watch Fox News are not predisposed news sources,” Communications Professor Talia Stroud BY HARRISON DROMGOOLE SOCIAL NETWORK AS A NEWS SOURCES BY PARTY AFFILIATION NEWS SOURCE

THE LIBERATOR | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 3 UNIVERSITY DEMOCRATS & COLLEGE REPUBLICANS A conversation between student leaders

Despite the construction in West relevant at a public university like the working-class, middle-class families.” •American Constitution Society Campus, or the stale beer left on the interest rate on student loans, rising Zeng went on to offer some concrete •Campaign to End the Death Penalty sidewalks of Sixth Street , Election cost of tuition, and expansion of federal solutions to the education crisis, stating 2012 is most noticeably in the air finance aid. Treiber noted, “Obama just “Not everyone needs to go to UT… •Feminist Action Project Conference at the University of Texas. The west doubled Pell Grants. That seems like there are alternative routes for them •International Socialist Organization mall is laden with deputized students a pretty simply, black and white thing to do things for themselves and for •Policy Organization for Women urging their peers to get registered, and to throw out there. He made financing their families, and we need to look at nearly all tabling has turned to events for college much easier in general,” he all our options.” He discussed ideas •StandOut somehow linked to the presidential went on to explain that the President’s incorporating online blended learning •Students for a Sensible Drug Policy election. Two of the most active student initiative cut out the middle-man by and the potential of part-time colleges •Texas Freedom Network organizations in this push towards allowing money to flow directly from for working class families, while November are the College Republicans the government to students, bypassing stressing the importance of innovation •Texas Journal on Civil Liberties and Civil Rights and University Democrats. We met up in approaching the changing demands •Texas Law Democrats with the communication directors from of our world and economy—a sentiment •UT Votes each group for a fireside chat, true to the Treiber shared. Zeng advocated, “I think Roosevelt tradition. Sub the fireplace for “I THINK VOTING IS THE Governor Romney, having worked in •Young Americans for Liberty a seating area in the Student Services MOST FUNDAMENTALLY a Fortune 500 company, realizes those •Young Conservatives of Texas Building, and you’ve essentially got the AMERICAN THING YOU challenges. He’s worked with those issues point. CAN DO. I THINK YOU on China, he’s worked with those issues •Youth for Andre Treiber, University Democrats in terms of meeting labor demand, and representative summarized President SOMEWHAT HAVE A we believe he will do the right thing with Obama’s platform saying, “To simplify RESPONSIBILITY, BUT higher education.” it, I would say we want to continue EVEN IF YOU DIDN’T, Strapped with different political rebuilding the economy, and expanding ideologies, both the University equality; meaning, marriage YOU SHOULD ENJOY Democrats and College Republicans equality and equality for EXERCISING YOUR RIGHTS. had strategies to rally the troops *THIS IS NOT A women.” While Danny YOUR VOICE MATTERS, on campus to show up on Election OTHER POLITICAL ON CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS COMPLETE LIST Zeng, speaking on Day. In addition to plans for a guest OF POLITICAL NO MATTER HOW YOUNG ORGANIZATIONS behalf of the College speaker series, Treiber and Zeng both AT THE Republicans laid out OR HOW OLD” mentioned joining forces with Hook the UNIVERSITY Governor Romney’s plan, Vote, a student organization coalition “We want to look long- - ANDRE TREIBER encouraging voter registration. “I term, down the road. We actually normally have voter registration haven’t seen much progress cards in my backpack, but I used the coming from the 2008 last one today in class,” laughed Treiber, election. We need banks. Treiber added, “I cannot think clearly illustrating a hands-on approach to strengthen the of a better thing for students than to in reaching other students. middle class.” make less barrier of entry, less barrier of Ultimately, each representative was The discussion participation to higher education.” sure to emphasize the importance of the quickly tapered The pair agreed to the fact that youth vote in this election. “We are at a to issues the cost of higher education has sky- juncture-point where we have to decide m o r e rocketed at an exponential pace. where we want the country to head at Treiber noted that its rise has least the first half of the century. Some far surpassed inflation, and of the policies the president is setting Zeng added, “It has gone down are game-changing. It’s big-time up since the late 1970’s, fundamental changes to the system, and more than 400%. we need to focus on those topics,” Zeng Greater than health said. Treiber added, “I think voting is care cost, greater the most fundamentally American thing than inflation,you can do. I think you somewhat have and that’s a a responsibility, but even if you didn’t, real concern you should enjoy exercising your rights. for a lot of Your voice matters, no matter how 4 THE LIBERATOR | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 Photo by Madhu Singh families, young or how old.” BY CASSIE MANEEN ProfessorSpotlight: Only during election year where two prominent political leaders compete for the Presidency do people launch themselves into a flurry of ever-growing excitement and suspense. The bustle of 2012 is infectious and heightened by the injection of religious discourse into the political arena. Tensions are higher than ever as arguments of whether or not issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion can reconcile with religion. “There is still a kind of attempt to frame things in a religious way,” claims Professor Eric McDaniel, an associate professor in the Department of Government who specializes in African American religious institutions and their relationship with politics. “I think religion is still a key ‘component’ of campaigns,” he continues to say while noting the extensive reference to Scripture during both the Dr. Eric McDaniel Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland’s reiteration of a verse in Matthew 6:21, which states, “the scriptures teach us that where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” comes to mind, as does Grant Bennett’s “I hope to put forth a more holistic understanding of how reference to a quote from James 1:27 in the New Testament. belief systems shape personal behavior, policy attitudes, Dr. McDaniel earned his Ph. D in Political Science from the and interactions between individuals.” University of Illinois before joining the faculty at the University of Texas at Austin, where he now teaches a course on the role of churches and politics in the African American community. Having amidst the political commotion, voter apathy significant elections have been flooded with surveyed and studied the involvement of politically active churches and a general disregard for the “toxicity” of religious discourse. Dr. McDaniel offers the throughout his career, Dr. McDaniel’s analysis and knowledge politics diminish the desire to involve oneself in election of 1960 in which John F. Kennedy’s of the United States Government is the election year uproar. “Government is not as Catholicism was scrutinized—sometimes with vast. In his view, although the difficult as people make it out to be,” Dr. McDaniel disdain and distrust. Years later, ’s government’s enormousness asserts. After attending his class, one might religion was questioned by people who accused is intimidating, people agree. After all, Professor McDaniel’s aspiration him of being a Muslim. This year’s election has should not discourage is to mold his students into effective thinkers introduced a torrent of suspicion onto Mitt themselves from who can detect and understand patterns while Romney’s Mormonism. Furthermore, Romney’s negotiating with or upholding their professionalism. He admits Catholic running-mate is criticized transforming the that his students are responsible for a large for actions that contradict the teachings of the government. Yet, amount of work, but that their input and critical Catholic Church. thinking are necessary in Religion and politics by themselves evoke analyzing political events controversy, but when combined they can and relationships that will amplify firestorms. Luckily, the University allow them to become more of Texas at Austin has a professor who can successful—especially in endure the heat while maintaining utmost the realm of politics. Dr. professionalism. Dr. McDaniel continues to McDaniel stresses, “By analyze the relationship between religious “BY BEING being politically informed, organizations and politics, delving into the you can actually find ways profound intricacies of two integral and POLITICALLY to defend your interests.” evocative institutions. “To overall academia, I One person’s interests hope to put forth a more holistic understanding INFORMED, YOU could be lower taxes, more of how belief systems shape personal behavior, health benefits, or the right policy attitudes, and interactions between CAN ACTUALLY to marry whomever he or individuals,” Dr. McDaniel affirms. The critical she loves. The hot topic of thinking capabilities necessary to analyze FIND WAYS TO another’s could be heavily arguments are some of the traits that Professor influenced by religion. McDaniel hopes his students will inherit and DEFEND YOUR And, given that the continue to sharpen as they become integrated United States is one of the into pivotal political events. Such skills ensure INTERESTS” most religious nations in the they remain standing in the heat of a system that West, politics and religion fuses religion and politics. ELIE WU are almost inseparable. PHOTOS BY MADHU SINGH In fact, some of the most THE LIBERATOR | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 5 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU VOTE

Both the Republican and Democratic Party platforms have been outlined, H H with top leaders in both parties advocating for the election of their ELECTION candidate. Fundraising for both the Obama and Romney campaigns has been extensive and the polls are being closely watched in the key swing states. Depending on your party alignment, a lot is riding on this election ACTIVITIES in terms of immigration, healthcare and our ever fickle economy. If you are undecided at the moment, that’s alright. There is still plenty of time, and plenty of events, to help you become educated on the key issues and IN&AROUNDATX platforms of each candidate before you go out and vote. ARIEL FLORES

H ON CAMPUS H HLOCAL EVENTSH HDEBATESH

The University of Texas has followed suit, Locally, there are many things going on in the Austin Election season is nothing if not interesting. Gatherings as there will be many events held for students on campus area. On Oct. 10th, KXAN, at the Long Center for for political parties, meetings for discussion of the issues, to get ready for Nov. 6th. On Oct. 21st at Gregory Plaza, Performing Arts, will be hosting a live town hall meeting and last minute campaigning will rule the month of October. the Student Government sponsored organization Hook that will help get the city of Austin informed on the issues Formal debates of the issues will take place and be televised the Vote will be hosting VOTERAMA!, along with the and candidates. The panel will include speakers like until the end of the month. The vice presidential debate University Democrats and College Republicans. All Council Member Sheryl Cole and Ross Ramsey, Executive between Vice President and Representative Paul partner organizations of Hook the Vote will be tabling Director of The Texas Tribune, and tickets will be available Ryan will take place on Oct. 11th from 8:00- 9:30 pm central across campus to register students from 10-4 pm. At night, online through Leadership Austin. Additionally, the Travis in which both will go toe to toe on foreign and domestic a rally with free food, t-shirts, guest speakers and live County Democratic Party will host fundraising events issues. The second presidential debate between President entertainment will be held in celebration. Students from all for the Obama campaign on Oct. 16th and Oct. 25th at Obama and Governor will take place on Oct. the partnering organizations will be using this time as an Mayor Pro Temp Cole’s House on Wildwood Rd and at the 16th from 8:00-9:30 pm and will be in the form of a town opportunity to raise awareness about early voting. These Historic Victory Grill on East 11th St. Every Thursday of hall meeting. The last presidential debate before voters go student leaders will be setting the example for their peers this month, the Travis County Republican Party will host to the polls will be on Oct. 22nd and will focus on foreign by casting their votes on the first day of early voting— a fundraising event for Mitt Romney’s campaign through policy issues exclusively. All debates will be aired live on Oct. 22nd. Hook the Vote will engage students further by a phone bank at their headquarters on Cameron Rd. A all major news and cable channels, such as ABC, MSNBC, hosting a live debate between representatives from both social event will be held after each phone bank ends. All of Fox News, and CNN. For those who may not be near a the University Democrats and College Republicans, on these opportunities provide a great chance to get involved, T.V. at these times, the debates will also be streaming Oct. 14th. The agency will be utilizing their social media not only with local campaigns, but with the community online. The debates should prove to be interesting, and outlets, and encourage students to actively participate overall. The town hall debate is sure to address a wide range provide great access to the issues for undecided voters. in these mock debates by tweeting their questions, so of topics that affects everyone. The local events will also These moments, historically, have become hallmarks of representatives address those issues most important to UT prove to be a good way for like minded people to gather presidential elections. The format of these events provides students. in support of their candidate as Election Day draws closer. invaluable insight, as the candidates are able to advocate on behalf of themselves. DON’T MISS OUT: 10.14 DEBATE BETWEEN 10.10 TOWN HALL MEETING 10.11 VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE UNIVERSITY DEMOCRATS 10.11 FUNDRAISING EVENTS FOR ON FOREIGN AND AND COLLEGE REPUBLICANS 18&25 THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN DOMESTIC ISSUES 10.21 VOTORAMA! 10.16 2ND PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE 10.22 EARLY VOTING 10.16 FUNDRAISING EVENTS FOR 10.22 FINAL PRESIDENTIAL &25 THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN DEBATE 6 THE LIBERATOR | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 AMERICA THE PERENNIAL How would a liberal arts education influence your personal platform for the presidency of the United States?

arts education would give that ability Sometimes people scoff to truly identify the citizens that would be affected by my policies as President. when I mention my The business owners who my tax laws affect. The LGBT individuals whose liberal arts major. statuses in America are reliant upon my decisions. The family that has defaulted They smirk at my job prospects. on their mortgage payments and since Other times they look at me, impressed moved in with a relative. Liberal arts by the difficulty of my course material. has taught me that when I develop my Neither reaction is better than the platform for these Americans, I need other. I didn’t get a liberal arts degree to understand their plights and truly to make people react. I got one because make an effort to empathize with them I wanted to learn more and think before I make decisions. Moreover it critically. In that, I gained a contextually has shown me how to empathize with deep understanding of America them. That understanding of other Ali Breland and learned to think with analytical perspectives will greatly influence my breadth, considering the viewpoints of platform in that I will look to the stories Junior, all people. In pushing me towards that of the people who my decisions affect, Plan II and greater understanding, my liberal arts not just statistics or a distant analysis. education has given me a better sense People aren’t numbers. Accordingly, Photo by Madhu Singh Philosophy of empathy. It’s that empathy and rich they shouldn’t be treated like them. understanding of America that will aid Understanding the full context of of America in the two years around me in the development of my platform America is something else that liberal I’ve flown to California, but my campaign, but represent America for the presidency of the United States. arts has given me that will undoubtedly in the full continuum of its existence. affect my platform as President of The it was Steinbeck who took It’s in the understanding of what is United States. I’ve flown to California, me out west in an over- and what was that can help us plan for but it was Steinbeck who took me out the road ahead, a more than a suitable Perhaps the most important part of west in an over-packed truck and then packed truck and then showed me pure evil in the tenant for a presidential platform. analyzing policies is the ability to look showed me pure evil in the Salinas America is not just a nation right beyond the paper and into the lives of Valley. I’ve learned about the American Salinas Valley. I’ve learned now. It was been one for a long time the people that your policies affect. The South, but it was William Faulkner and about the American and will continue to be one for a long humanities force you to do that. When Mark Twain who sent me tramping time. It has always been so much richer you look at perspectives of Europeans around the Mississippi River and gave South, but it was William Faulkner and Mark Twain than what was visible on its surface. It’s meeting Native Americans, or the me a true understanding of it. I’ve spent people and its spirit, perennial with of young women in Salem, years poring over the Constitution who sent me tramping freedom, law, and love are more than Massachusetts, you gain a deeper and Bill of Rights learning about the around the Mississippi what a statistic or quick glance gives comprehension by putting yourself foundation of America, but it was in way to. Walt Whitman taught me that in those experiences. Oscar Wilde’s my Philosophy classes that I came to River and gave me a true understanding of it. in liberal arts. It’s a cognizance of these “Picture of Dorian Gray” becomes so understand those foundations while things that I have gained from liberal much more real when you put yourself in reading the likes of Aristotle, Plato, and arts that will influence my platform for the shoes of Dorian and Basil Hallward. Locke. My liberal arts education would knowledge. I would be able to support the presidency of the United States of It becomes even more real when you influence my platform for presidency America. put yourself inside the head of Oscar in my understanding of America that policies and make decisions on behalf Wilde himself. From this, my liberal breaths depth and not just quantitative of the US that don’t represent snapshot THE LIBERATOR | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 7

WITH THE MYRIAD OF SOCIAL

MONEY PICTURE FROM CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG AND ECONOMIC ISSUES THROWN AROUND, IT’S EASY TO SEE HOW THE QUESTION OF COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY COULD GET LOST MATTERS ALONG THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL Neither Obama nor Romney has topic, students are left feeling uncertain have undertaken post-graduation. sector and focus on more specialized spent much time addressing it, but with about their futures. This election could They will continue to pay a monthly bill schools, which are becoming 71% of University of Texas students decide the future of many things, based on income until they have paid increasingly popular. and about two-thirds of students across including where these students end off their loan, despite how long it takes. Student debt cannot be ignored. It is the nation accepting federal financial up and what will happen to their debt. a bill that must be paid at some point. aid, it seems like it should be brought New laws have been recently passed to OBAMA’S PLAN ROMENY’S PLAN to the forefront. University students prevent even a graduate who declares are graduating with $20,000 in student President Obama’s plans center In contrast to Obama’s proposals, bankruptcy to be free of their loans. It is, loans on average, and that’s before around making education more the Romney-Ryan campaign pushes now, an almost unavoidable hindrance many decide to further their degrees. affordable. Based on his platform, for a more practical higher-education on the futures of many well-meaning Melody Karsi, a 3rd year Biology he aims to increase the credibility of experience. Similar to the housing crisis Americans. This is not legislation that major, sums up a universal concern community colleges, making them in which many people paid for homes only affects current students, however. among students, “I feel really more illustrious to students who do they could not afford by taking out Anyone with children looking scared. I’m afraid I’m not going to not want to pay for a larger, and more loans, they reject the idea of excessive toward higher education has reason be able to find a job that will give expensive, state school, but who also student loans for schools normally for concern. At the very least, both me the freedom other adults have do not want to forfeit the quality of out of a student’s price range. Instead, candidates see a way to end the cycle of because I’ll be stuck paying off debt.” education. As for students going to a Romney advocates choosing a school obtrusive student debt and hope to do more prestigious school, he advocates whose price tag matches the student’s so. It is all a matter of how each of them “I feel really scared. I’m for continuing tax credits that allow budget. A four-year University should chooses to go about it. afraid I’m not going to be families to write off students still in not be required if it means hindering PATTY SANGER school. Federal funding is also being future opportunities. In this case, able to find a job that will pushed to help students before they a community college degree give me the freedom other accrue debt. One of the most important could provide the same job, but Current projections for the 2013-2014 adults have because I’ll factors to note is Obama’s plan for more freedom later as opposed student loan interest rates are be stuck paying off debt.” Student Loan reform, known as “Pay to the same student graduating As You Earn”. His campaign promises from a four-year school. Higher that a student, no matter the amount collegiate learning is not always Projected Stafford Loan: 1.79% With the economy only just of debt the graduate with, will pay a the answer either, according to beginning to climb to its original monthly amount based solely on the their campaign. They are also Projected Stafford Loan: 2.39% grandeur and jobs being a hot button income they receive from the job they pushing to dive into the private Projected PLUS Loan: 3.19% www.finaid.org

THE AVERAGE AMOUNT UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ENTERING REPAYMENT PROGRAMS OWE AFTER GRADUATING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN $21,175 WWW.SIMPLETUITION.COM

8 THE LIBERATOR | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 BOTH PARTIES BLOW

Disclaimer: I am ugly in comparison to the males and lack any sort of glory not a politician or or power. No progressive party would seriously allow itself economist. I’m not to be represented by a bird that treats its women like ugly an aspiring Fox ducklings. No, our women are strong, independent and News or MSNBC beautimous. A war on women is the last thing to support. contributor. I don’t How about Flamingos? Nothing screams USA better have a thorough than a plastic flamingo gracefully adorning a lawn during understanding of the the glistening sunrise of an American morning. And American political that gorgeous pink plumage! Even with such beauty, the system, nor a solid flamingo demonstrates its fierceness in its fabulous, sassy grasp on issues. And strut and condescending composure. It may very well be a I’m certainly not your friend who thinks fitting symbol of progressivism, including the elderly who they’re well informed, and decides to raise awareness by so fondly remember the pink flamingo lawn ornament as sharing random crap to complain about how oppressive a pop culture icon. However, there is a fundamental flaw the world is. with the flamingo – it lacks courage and power. Other birds literally kill and eat flamingos just for the fun of it. Romney and Obama, unlike the previous presidential America is not a nation of weak, shaky prey. candidates who suspiciously ignored me till I turned I think Benjamin Franklin was right. He’s on the eighteen, are fighting over me. They both crave my vote hundred dollar bill for a reason, and he said we needed to because I’m delicious. While their hors d’œuvre was the be represented by turkeys. Sure, male turkeys are adorned right and left wings of the metaphorical eagle that is the with a more majestic plumage, but they’re absolutely American political spectrum, they’re now fighting for hideous compared to the grace of a female. Both male and the breast. I’m a part of that juicy, tender middle that female are equally obnoxious, aggressive, loud, and proud. everyone wants a piece of. Sharing is a taxing task that AFFAIRS CORRIDORS MUDSLINGING Yes, the headstrong, courageous turkey that crossed the neither enjoy (although Romney might), but Mother road and didn’t give a damn. A new party, a party rooted AFFLUENCE GAME POWER Democracy demands it. Unfortunately, I’m dissatisfied in Thanksgiving, America’s first dinner party, and, to with both candidates’ table manners – Romney because APATHY HYSTERIA PRIVACY quote Mr. Franklin, represented by the “Bird of Courage.” he’s a business and political vulture who takes whatever BLAME IMPEACHMENT SCANDAL And we shall be named the Drumstick Party. We march he can get, and Obama because I’m interested in humble to the drum of freedom. CAMPAIGN LOBBYIST diners, not celebrities or borderline demigods. I won’t even mention the Libertarians. They sit at the kids’ table. THE SLACKER So how does one person determine the fate of a nearly 250 year old nation? All the doomsayers claim this is the MOST IMPORTANT ELECTION EVER. But with the knowledge of a third grader’s standard American education, I think I can put a dent in this political prophecy by stating that George Washington was our first president, THE SLACKER WANTS YOU and there’s a thing called checks and balances. And I’m talking about the checks and balances on our branches of government, not the financial ones purchasing both HERE’S WHERE THE DRUMSTICK PARTY STANDS ON party’s chances at election. THE ISSUES... IF YOU’RE INTO THAT SORT OF THING Did you know that if you rearrange the word “bipartisan” you come up with “abstain” and “RIP”? That is to say, the word meaning “refrain from voting,” and the You’re probably going to get divorced phrase “rest in peace,” are inherent within our political anyway, so who cares? fabric. Coincidence? No. The system is doomed and I can MARRIAGE hear George Washington rolling in his grave. We can always ask China to help us I’m sure 250 year old eagle meat tastes disgusting. They’re bald eagles after all. America needs something new, a fresh party represented by something truly FOREIGN AFFAIRS Citizens who pay into our retirement program progressive, something I’d want to chew on during a festive red, white and blue barbeque. Chicken, while cheap will be granted a voucher good for one whole and common like so many democracies of the present condominium in the Florida Keys world, is associated with timidity and bores me. While it’s HEALTHCARE certainly an American treasure that flows fried through Al Gore lost to Bush for a reason our fast food chains, the new symbol must be unique and liberating, yet just as American. ENVIRONMENT Much like America’s diversity and regality, a peacock We are prepared to bribe teachers from could be a suitable representation with its majestic colors countries with top education systems to teach and cocky swagger. But there’s a flaw with the peacock that contradicts the beliefs of this new party. Have you seen a EDUCATION here in the land of opportunity female peacock? Mother Nature has some feminine rivalry issues, because those chicks got dealt a bad hand. They’re THE LIBERATOR | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 9 WHO WE ARE WHAT WE BELIEVE

One of the great things Historically, young voters have never about attending a school been known to rush the booths in great TO THE BOOTH! numbers. The all-time highest youth with 50,000 students is that turnout was 55.4 percent in 1972, the “If students care about there is rarely a moment when first year that 18-year-olds could vote in a affording the rising costs everyone nods their heads and presidential election. The 2008 election saw says, ‘I agree.’ During election the second highest turnout of young voters, of tuition, having a job years our differences are somewhere between 49.3 and 54.5 percent, when they graduate, according to an exit poll analysis released magnified and the debates are and securing access to by CIRCLE, a nonpartisan research center affordable and quality heated. However, one thing at Tufts University. remains consistent: students “What we know is Americans don’t like to healthcare, then they believe that their peers should participate in politics very much,” professor need to come out and Sean Theriault said. “2008 was off the vote” be voting; the difference comes charts [for young voter turnout]. Of course, Huey Rey Fischer in who they are voting for. the not off the charts again, but that doesn’t mean they’ve gone down to the 1996 or “I think students should always exercise 2000 level.” their right to vote,” junior Sara Benner said. Still, the big question remains: How do we students and their peers out to vote for “It’s one that many take for granted, and get young people to vote? their side. many people shrug it off like it’s something “I think in 2008 Barack Obama convinced “For young Republicans it is important unimportant. But the way I see it, you either [young voters] that they had a real stake [to vote] because there is a myth that all vote and make your opinion documented, in the election.” Theriault said. “ We talk young people are Democrats,” junior Taylor or you hand over your power to someone much more about loans and jobs [after Guerrero said “I think it is important that e l s e .” graduation] than we did before. So, we show the country we are here and we are However, even though most students hopefully young people recognize that this going to show up at the polls and make our agree that they should be voting, a large election is in part about them. If they don’t voices heard.” percent of them never make it to the booth. let their voices be heard it means other Of course, with 50,000 students one can “Realistically I do think that students groups who vote with greater numbers are expect to find more than just democrats should vote,” senior Brendan McDonnell the ones that draw all the attention and get and republicans. said. “Who runs the country will affect all the policies.” “The libertarian party has a very credible present and future issues that are facing So while the candidates continuously are candidate,” said José Alberto Niño, their generation. Then again I’m apathetic trying to excite their base and convince president of Longhorn Libertarians. “It’s with fierce opinions... that I won’t do students they can truly play a role in their crucial that people look at him and look anything about.” future, there are those who do care about at his platform and ultimately vote for him politics and are already passionate about because he offers an alternative to the two voting and knowing what’s going on in the party duopoly that exists right now.” ELECTION 2012 world. While the varying of viewpoints of the “If students care about affording the rising issues are, of course, what divides parties, costs of tuition, having a job when they young voters at UT can feel united in COULDN’T CARE LESS graduate, and securing access to affordable knowing that they all care most passionately and quality healthcare, then they need about the same issues. to come out and vote,” Huey Rey Fischer, “Education is an economic, cultural, “Realistically I do think that students should vote. president of the University Democrats, Who runs the country will affect present and future and security issue,” Fischer said. “We need said. to invest in our future fully. That means issues that are facing their generation. Then again Although UT is generally known as supporting young people from Pre-K to I’m apathetic with fierce opinions... that I won’t do a liberal school, there are of course college.” anything about.” republicans who are just as eager to get Brendan McDonnell

YOU CAN’T VOTE IF YOU DON’T REGISTER DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 9, 2012 MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! WHERE WE STAND

TURN OUT PERCENTAGE FOR PEOPLE Benner agrees that “the most important debates to change their mind. issue at stake here is education. We’ve been “I do plan on watching the debates, but OF VOTING AGE BY ELECTION cutting it back for the last decade, with great I’m mildly apathetic to what they will talk detriment to our society’s future growth.” about.” Benner said. “Ultimately, whatever Most also agree that, despite dramatic they say is just talk... I’m just waiting for the events taking place overseas, foreign policy talk to stop and action to begin.” will not play a large roll in this election. President Obama and Governor Romney 55 “There are other concerns that Americans squared off in the first presidential debate 1972 care more about,” Theriault said. “I don’t and battled over taxes, deficits and job think Obama is denying what’s happening creation, among other things. Both is happening, but times are tough here so it’s candidates talked extensively about the hard for us to vote one way or another on weak economy and unemployment as 53 how we feel about a Syrian dictator versus, expected. 1976 ‘are we either having positive job growth or “Jobs, jobs and jobs. That’s the thing are we above 8% unemployment?’” that matters,” Theriault said. “The only However, there is, again, always another difference between the democrats and the way to look at the world. republicans is the lens through which they 1980 52 “I think [the violence overseas] will wake want us to view the job numbers.” people up to vote on the libertarian side,” And after all the talk, it seems what pople said Niño. “All this violence is erupting due found most interesting about the Oct. 3 to the many, many years the establishment debate was – the moderator. has followed a straight interventionist “I’m not going to say I’ve done a poor 53 foreign policy platform.” job...” moderator Jim Lehrer said, assessing 1984 Interestingly enough, self-proclaimed the performance on his part in the debate. apathetic McDonnell said, “America is so However, by the end of the debate obsessed with immigration, gay marriage, Lehrer had to apologize for how much time abortion... and anything else that is dichotic had been lost and twitter reviews ranged 50 in nature between conservative types and from: “Big losers of the night: Big Bird, Jim 1988 liberals. They’re obsessed with these things Lehrer, women,” and “[he] shoulda ended because they can get real mad at them and the debate with, ‘Thank you and I’m sorry.’” have fun with others doing so.” Stand-up comedian Bill Maher Of course, those who don’t go out of their was another one among many who 1992 55 way to follow the news or policies going summed up his thoughts on the debate in through government are most likely to hear the ever popular 140 characters: “my rating: only the issues talked about most through Romney won the debate, Obama had the the media. facts on his side, and Lehrer sucked. Next So while most students have already debate, get @SethMacFarlane to host!” 1996 49 decided not to vote or who they are going RACHEL MARINO to vote for, there are some out there who are truly undecided. “[In order] for Obama, [to convince me to vote for him, he 2000 51 needs] to show me that he has made changes that are already in effect or will be shortly. Romney needs to convince me he’s in touch ON THE FENCE 55 with the reality of the needs of a 2004 median income family, rather than “[In order] for Obama, [to the ultra-wealthy super elite.” convince me to vote for him, he For those who are unconvinced, needs] to show me that he has it may be beyond the presidential made changes that are already 2008 in effect or will be shortly. 57 Romney needs to convince me he’s in touch with the reality of 2012 STATS FROM WWW.PRESIDENCY.UCSB.EDU the needs of a median income family, rather than the ultra- wealthy super elite.” THE LIBERATOR | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 Sara Benner 11 HERE ARE A FEW BLACK AND WHITE ISSUES THAT CAN ARE YOU STILL ON THE FENCE? HELP DETERMINE WHICH PARTY YOU WANT IN POWER

It is the right of all families to share equal Marriage is critical to the health and respect, responsibility and protection well being of a nation. It is important under the law. Laws or constitutional MARRIAGE to preserve the traditional definition amendments discriminating against, or of marriage as being between one man denying equal protection to same-sex The war on marriage refers to conflicts of interest and one woman. Legislation such as couples, are opposed. The Defense of regarding the legality of same-sex marriage and the Defense of Marriage Act that affirms Marriage Act should be repealed and the preservation of marriage in the traditional states’ right not to recognize same- replaced by the Respect for Marriage Act. sense – between a man and a woman. sex marriages licensed in other states Religious entities are entitled to decide should be upheld and a Constitutional on their own administration of marriage amendment endorsing the traditional without government interference. form of marriage should be pursued.

Stand behind Obamacare and continue Repeal Obamacare (Patient Protection and to improve the current legislation. Invest HEALTH CARE Affordable Care Act). It is an unconstitutional in the public health infrastructure and expansion of government control over end insurance discrimination to ensure The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, our personal healthcare choices and the all Americans have access to affordable also known as Obamacare, represents the most economy. Reform the healthcare system to healthcare, even those with pre-existing significant overhaul of the American healthcare empower senior citizens to make their own personal healthcare decisions and prevent it conditions. Medicare should not be system since the creation of Medicare and from further contributing to our future debt. privatized. It should be strengthened in Medicaid in 1965. Obamacare aims to reduce order to improve care, fraud prevention, The current trajectories of Medicare and costs of healthcare and expand health insurance and benefits. Strengthen Medicaid, expand Medicaid cannot be sustained. Medicare access to it, and oppose block-granting the to all Americans. Insurance companies will be should be converted from a defined-benefit

model to a defined-contribution model. THINK REPUBLICANS program. required to cover all applicants. The controversy arises because some see this as significant, premium-support model in order to limit unconstitutional government overreach. costs and Medicaid should be turned over to the states. Easy access to women’s health services, contraception, and family planning are all resources that should be provided to The war on women does not exist; it women of the United States. Women have control of their bodies and reproductive is a political strategy employed by choices. In the event that they require it, WOMEN democrats to influence women voters. women should be able to seek out a safe Life begins at conception, which is why and legal abortion. This is a very personal the decision in Roe v. Wade should The war on women refers to the initiatives taken and private decision in which government be overturned. The government and politics play no role. Women also by the Republican Party in federal and state should not be responsible for funding deserve equal pay in the workplace and governments to restrict women’s rights, especially abortions or abortion advocates, such the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act is designed with regard to reproductive rights and abortion. It as Planned Parenthood. Strong family to accomplish this. To further the expands to include workplace discrimination and values are important and it is the duty commitment to women, President Obama equal pay for women. of Americans to protect the sanctity of has created the White House Council on Women and Girls. life and know the difference between personal opinion and the law.

The Internet acts as a platform of innovation in today’s society and its INTERNET The right to free speech is protected under freedom should be defended. It should the First Amendment and any regulatory be dependable and secure and preserved The war on the Internet refers to recent barriers to free speech on the Internet are as the platform it is for expression, controversy over piracy and what to do about opposed. Removal of outdated regulations assembly, commerce, learning, and more. it. Congress tried to pass the Stop Online Piracy that prevent further advancement and While the extension of intergovernmental Act and the Protect Intellectual Property Act, innovation with regard to the Internet controls is not supported, the protection two controversial anti-piracy bills designed to is supported, as is the multi-stakeholder of U.S. intellectual property and a multi- governance approach. Personal data is go after the enablers of online piracy. Strong stakeholder governance approach is. It is guaranteed full constitutional protection important to be respectful of intellectual lobbying from the tech sector and protests from from government intervention and property, access to a wealth of information, Internet users around the world has resulted in individuals retain their right to control DEMOCRATS THINK and privacy. the shelving of both SOPA and PIPA, as they have third party use of their data. come to be known. 12 THE LIBERATOR | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 BY DANA HENNING MONEY IN POLITICS WHAT YOU Myth 1 THOUGHT YOU Citizen’s United gave corporations the right to unlimited donations to political candidates A popularly held belief is that Citizens United allowed corporations to donate unlimited amounts of money to political candidates and parties. KNEW, BUT Actually, as the Securities and Exchange Commission states, “Corporations and unions are still prohibited from making direct campaign contributions to federal candidates and parties,” even after Citizens United.

HAVE NO IDEA The Truth: Corporations and Unions can make unlimited “independent expenditures”. “Right now, you can prostitute What Citizens United actually did was reaffirm the right of corporations and unions to spend their money for all of the politicians some of the purposes of free speech. Just as you have the right to spend $100 writing signs that say ‘Students for Obama’ time, and prostitute some of the or ‘Young Americans for Romney’, so do corporations (albeit on a much larger scale). Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t anything new – it was established in 1976 in another Supreme Court case, Buckley v. Valeo; all politicians all the time, but … with- Citizens United did was remove the limits on ‘independent expenditures’. in ten years, every politician in As clarified by our friends at the Securities and Exchange Commission, “corporations and unions can now this country will be a prostitute.” make unlimited expenditures for or against candidates as long as those expenditures are not coordinated with – Keith Olbermann the candidates.”

Unless you live under a rock, have been in a coma for the past sixteen months, or live on a deserted island in the middle of the ocean, you know the US Presidential election is Myth 2 quickly approaching. Even if the above cat- egories do apply to you; I’m still sure can- Citizen’s United established SuperPACs didates have managed to get their message Most people think that one of the outcomes of Citizens United was the legalization of SuperPACs –guess again. out to you somehow. After all, the $5.8 bil- lion dropped on the 2012 elections has to go somewhere, right? The Truth: SuperPACs didn’t come along until SpeechNow.org v. Federal Election Commission. That’s right; I said ‘billion’ as in with a cap- While Citizens United reiterated Buckley v. Valeo’s protections for corporate free speech and allowed for ital “B”. To put it in popular consumer terms, ‘unlimited independent expenditures’; it was actually SpeechNow.org v. Federal Election Commission that you could purchase more than 12.5 million allowed for the “Super” to be added on to “PAC”. It took away the contribution limit for individuals to PACs, iPhone 5’s or 16.9 million Samsung Galaxy thereby allowing for ‘unlimited donations’, including those from corporations and unions. s3’s with that kind of change . In any terms, that’s a lot of money. For political junkies, the ultimate question these figures bring to mind is, “Where does it all come from?” Mainstream popular belief says that as Myth 3 a result of the controversial Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission case de- Corporations are the main source of donations for SuperPACs cided by the Supreme Court in 2010, the In reality, the facts completely contradict this. bulk of this money comes from corporate donors through the form of SuperPACs (Political Action Committees). Mainstream The Truth: The majority of funding for SuperPACs comes from a small group of privately wealthy individuals. popular belief, akin to what Mr. Olbermann Data compiled by OpenSecrets.org (based upon financial disclosures made by SuperPACs to the Federal said during his January 21 comments on Elections Commission) reveals that, “The top 100 individual donors to super PACs, along with their spouses, MSNBC’s Countdown, also believes that represent … 73% of the money they delivered.” That’s right, individual people constitute the majority of Citizens United led to corporate funding donations to SuperPACs – not corporations. becoming the greatest source of political donations to candidates and SuperPACs. Frankly, the connection between money and politics is obvious. In the “land of the free”, you’ve got to ‘pay to Sorry to burst the doomsday political bub- play’– and the price isn’t getting cheaper anytime soon. However, as you can see, a lot of the things we ‘think’ ble, which sounds more like an Ayn Rand we know about money in politics – we actually don’t. dystopia, but mainstream popular belief is wrong. Here’s why. BY PHIL WISEMAN THE LIBERATOR |OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 13 WHERE TO GO FOR LAUGHS WHEN POLITICS MAKE YOU WANT TO CRY

SKETCH ROYALTY Let’s be honest, was a better Palin than the Late Night Talk Shows Alaskan nominee herself

For those of you that appreciate more reserved, politically correct laughs, like to seem a little more grown-up, and want to be able to reference shows to your On Demand Laughs boss or mom and younger brother, don’t worry, there’s something for you, too! Check out late night talk shows on the local networks. Seasoned veteran, David You want political jokes and you want them Letterman, is sure to make some political puns and there will be at least one now! Worry not! Head on over to YouTube and Top-10 List before November 6, and who doesn’t love a Top-10 list? Don’t like you will, quite literally, find an endless list of David Letterman? Check out the Jimmies—Fallon and Kimmel. There’s also candidate and issue comedy and parody videos. Conan and his predecessor/successor, Jay Leno. Regardless, you’ll be sure to If it’s unanimated pictures you’re looking for or find something in the myriad of late night shows and that’s the best part, these you just want to read (because us Liberal Arts are late night. Don’t worry about missing something while you’re in class. students can’t get enough of that, right?), there are several options. Most major newspaper websites The Late Show with David Letterman – weeknights at 10:35pm CT on CBS have political cartoons online and The Huffington The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson – weeknights at 11:35pm CT on CBS Post even has an entire political humor page that The Tonight Show with Jay Leno – weeknights at 10:35pm CT on NBC features short videos and blog snippets. There Late Night with Jimmy Fallon – weeknights 11:35pm CT on NBC are also a number of blogs, some serious, some Jimmy Kimmel Live! – weeknights at 11pm CT on ABC not, trying to poke fun at politics, such as The Conan – weeknights at 10 on TBS Washington Roast, Gawker, and The Daily Kos, Comedy Sketch Shows just to name a few. The beauty of YouTube, and the Internet in general, is that it allows you laugh Looking for all sorts of laughs with some about any election, any time you want. Want to political ones in the mix? Don’t have re-watch that crazy campaign ad from 2004? Have time to laugh on school nights or when no fear, YouTube is here! Downside, you have you have to worry about that looming Polarized Talk Shows to have a general idea of what you’re looking for, midterm the next day? Check out the age- and search for it. Upside, you can do this to your old classic, on, you If you’re looking for biased opinions, and you don’t care, lefties, check out Real heart’s content whenever you feel like it. If all else guessed it… Saturday nights. This weekly Time with Bill Maher and righties, tune in to The O’Reilly Factor. But beware, fails, there’s always The Onion. program features a celebrity host and these are not for the faint of heart. Not only can they be quite serious most of various comedy sketches, most of which the time, but also be prepared for rash comments and political incorrectness. are relevant to current events, especially YouTube “Weekend Update”. SNL alumni include The Huffington Post Real Time with Bill Maher – Fridays at 12 AM on HBO Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Seth The O’Reilly Factor – weeknights at 7+10pm on Fox The Onion The Daily Kos Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wiig, and The Washington Roast many, many more; there’s no way you can Gawker go wrong here. As an added bonus, you also get a musical guest that performs 2-3 BAD LIP READING songs over the course of the hour-long Three words can describe program. So sit back, relax, and chuckle. this favorite, “Big Potato Moths” Saturday Night Live – Saturdays at 10:30pm on NBC

Comedy Talk Shows OF COMEDYPHOTOS LIP READING CENTRAL, SNL AND BAD

If you’re looking for daily laughs about current campaign happenings, Comedy Central is your holy grail. Home to classic favorites The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report, Comedy Central is your best bet for campaign laughs. In addition to the nightly political and WISE GUYS current events satire (and it is current!), Comedy Central also hosts a lot of other shows that will Class clowns unite! Colbert and Stewart crush the notion feature comical campaign cracks, such as Key and Peele, South Park, as well as a wide variety that politics are boring. Try to make it through an episode of stand-up comics, from Aziz Ansari, to Louis Black and Chris Rock. But wait! There’s more! of the Daily Show without laughing - I dare you. Once again, Comedy Central has put together their network’s dedicated coverage of election season festivities, known as Indecision 2012. In addition to coverage on various programs, check out www.indecisionforever.com for videos, a blog, and more. DANA HENNING THE LIBERATOR | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 The Daily Show with John Stewart, weeknights at 10 14 The Colbert Report, weeknights at 10:30 first ladies OF FASHION For readers tired of the endless campaign commercials A few days later at the Democratic and headlines, there is a new battle to focus on this election National Convention, stepped Michelle Obama season—a First Lady fashion face-off. While Michelle on stage in a Tracy Reese cocktail dress. Straying Obama has been winning the hearts of the fashion world from the traditional Democratic color of royal Tracy Reese, $300 since 2008, this fall she has a fierce competitor in Ann blue, the blush pink and light blue patterned Romney, who has been showing her fashion prowess as well. dress was refreshing and unexpected. Also, the These ladies have not only resurrected the image of a stylish sleeveless option contrasted nicely with the first lady, last seen in Jackie Kennedy, but use their fashion rounded neckline and classic A-line fit, making choices to communicate their personalities and political it a risky, but still appropriate choice. The look platforms. At the recent Republican and Democratic was tied together with pink pointy-toed shoes national conventions, both ladies brought their A game. but no accessories. Compared to her long sleeved turquoise dress at the 2008 convention, this dress is much more fashion-forward and displays how Obama’s sense of style has blossomed during Dressed in a bright red Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress, her time in Washington. Perhaps the best aspect Ann Romney looked glamorous on stage at the Republican of this Tracy Reese dress it that it shows off national convention. The dress’s quarter-length sleeves Obama’s fabulous figure, including her famous and collar gave it a more formal, timeless look, while toned arms. As an advocate for preventing the belted waist and flared skirt added a retro feel. Black childhood obesity and providing healthy school peep-toes completed the outfit, a more contemporary shoe lunches, the choice of a sleeveless dress with than seen with recent Republican first ladies. Ann’s dress no accessories parallels her campaign as well was not without hints of Republican tradition, however. as displays her own athleticism. Also The red color was definitely appropriate for the occasion, interesting was Mrs. Obama’s choice emphasizing her alliance to the Republican Party and in designer, as Tracy Reese dresses ideals, and the longer sleeves and classic fit likely appealed usually retail around $300. This is to more conservative viewers. Additionally, Oscar de la a reasonable price for a nice dress, and Renta has been a go-to designer for First Ladies in decades a frugal First Lady is often applauded. past, so one can expect her to continue such a tradition should Mitt Romney be elected. A downside of this designer choice is that Oscar de la Renta pieces usually retail for upwards of $1000, a price not many Americans While Ann Romney dazzled on stage with are able to pay for a dress. Likewise, with a Republican her blonde locks and bright red dress, Michelle campaign focused on economic restructuring, perhaps a Obama took a fashion risk and stayed true to her own less expensive choice would have been better. sense of style. Romney’s classic red dress is a favorite of mine, and I believe more appropriate for a national convention than the Tracy Reese dress worn by Michelle Obama. BY FARAH MITHANI CAN WE RELATE? That being said, I also believe the dress Kristin Stimpson, a graduate student studying Rhetoric worn by Michelle Obama was a fashion and Language studies and instructor of the Professional forward choice that displayed more of her Communication Skills course at UT, described the first personality. In this fashion face-off I have to ladies to be dressing with intention and specifically for an declare Michelle Obama the winner. As for who will win the Presidential election, we audience. will find out in November. BY EMILY YOUNG Ann Romney “A certain group can relate to Michelle Obama wearing J. Crew or other accessible brands as opposed to wearing Oscar de la Renta, $1000 more high-end clothing such as a Chanel suit. She represents a diversity in the designers she chooses and is conscious of these choices.” THE LIBERATOR | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 15 AA COMMITTEE HOSTS PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE very pleased with the turnout and thought KEEPING STUDENTS INVOLVED the discussion was informative. Alycia Habib, There were many students, outside of Liberal sophomore economics major, summed up the During Liberal Arts Week last month, the Liberal the national debt?” were posted online. Other Arts Council, who attended and participated impact of the evening by saying, “This event Arts Council’s Academic Affairs committee topics addressed related to the impact of in the discussion. David Ayala, a sophomore, really helped put the upcoming election in invited students from all colleges to attend a negative advertisements and how it affects voter said he was “too busy with school and this perspective.” rousing and informative discussion centered on enthusiasm. Albertson addressed this question would be a good way to keep up with what is Although the event was discussing serious the current presidential race between incumbent by stating, “Campaigns continue to use attack currently going on.” While junior, Katherine issues, there were many comical moments Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney. Dr. campaigns, even though it demobilizes the Leung, embraced the event as an opportunity including Albertson’s allusion to Mitt Romney’s James Henson, director of the Texas Politics electorate and discourages the election. Negative to be a part of Liberal Arts Week. The general appearance on Saturday Night Live. She jokingly Project, Dr. David Edwards, Government ad campaigns are effective though, and you consensus of those that attended was that the remarked about the overwhelming presence Professor and Harvard graduate, and Professor remember those attack campaigns on Election discussion was very informative, and it was of one party in some states, but defended Bethany Albertson, assistant professor in Day.” Voter turnout was also a hot topic. Dr. exciting to learn from professors who taught exercising the vote by saying, “I vote because it the government department, were invited to Henson mentioned, “There hasn’t been a ton of and researched these topics, but outside of is my civic duty.” This night closed with Tiff’s speak. Dr. Edwards has written multiple books, movement, the number of persuadable voters the formal classroom. Morgan Caridi, senior Treats and a fiery crowd who was exposed to including The American Political Experience; is always much smaller in my mind than press and president of the Liberal Arts Council, was some issues to go home and chew on. AISHA ALI Professor Albertson’s has researched the effect says” but Dr. Edwards refuted this by saying, “If of religious appeals in American politics, and Latinos start turning out in elections, they will Dr. Henson investigates the political impact transform the elections in many states, not just TWEET TWEET of the Internet and described this event as an Texas [but] nobody seems to know how to get Technology reigned opportunity to, “strike while the iron is hot.” Latinos to the polls, and that’s the problem.” Kalvala and Academic Affairs co-chair, as government INTERACTIVE DEBATE Amtul Batool, worked hard on this particular professors Edwards, event through the summer, which speaks to the Albertson and Henson During the event, students were asked to submit importance they placed on students engaging in answered twitter their questions via Twitter. Sonali Kalvala, a election issues. Batool stated that the purpose in questions from the third-year government major and co-chair planning this event was, “to create something audience for the Academic Affairs committee, stated that would peak everyone’s interest.” Kalvala was she was “proud” of the results Twitter yielded. especially pleased with the “good turnout.” She Many questions such as “What is unique about was glad to see students’ interests about foreign the 2012 Presidential Election?” And “Do you policy and the candidates were being addressed. think any candidate would seriously address

16 THE LIBERATOR | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 PHOTO BY KELLY DE MOYA BEAT THE STRESS The Student Affairs committee, led by Alana Harrison and Supriya Misra, organized a de-stress event LIBERAL ARTS WEEK for all students in hopes of showcasing UT’s mental health resources. YOU KNOW YOU’RE IN LIBERAL ARTS WHEN...

PHOTOS BY MADHU SINGH

LA FOR 500 DOLLARS Liberal Arts student Stephen Michael SAY CHEESE Liberal Arts Council Vincent participates in the member Katie McMurray poses New York Times Jeopardy, hosted by LAC’s Traditions for a photo to be displayed in committee. Chairs Ali Raza the new Liberal Arts Building. and Landon Sparks aimed Students and faculty finished to unite the college’s trivia the sentence “You Know You’re buffs for a night of fun and in Liberal Arts When...” factoids.

The Liberal Arts Council hosts Liberal committees hosted events relating to the pride with the potential that the pictures Arts Week every September in order to presidential race and how religion and taken will be featured in the new Liberal begin the academic calendar by displaying the media are key deciding factors. Arts building. pride for our college. Our council aims Other events included: Jeopardy with a Our council’s goal is to properly to showcase various resources, highlight New York Times representative covering represent the student voice and connect fields of study and engage the College’s current events. Registering students to students to the various resources on study body in current issues. vote, which council registered over 150 campus. Every year, we strive to positively This year Liberal Arts Week’s theme University students. A ‘De-Stress’ event increase our affect on our fellow Liberal was “You Know You Are in Liberal Arts that allowed our peers to blow off steam Arts peers. We hope that all students When...” by beating on bongo drums and learning who took part in the events enjoyed their All seven of our committees hosted a about the various mental health services experience and will also make an effort to variety of events. Since such an important available on campus. Also, taking pictures attend the events in years to come. election occurs next month, two of our of students displaying their Liberal Arts’ BY LAC PRESIDENT MORGAN CARIDI

THE LIBERATOR |OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 17 HOW TO THROW AN ELECTION PARTY PARTY

MITT’S PLAYLIST PLAYLISTS Roy Orbison PAUL RYAN’S The Beatles OBAMA’S MICHELLE’S The Eagles PLAYLIST Clint Black ACDC PLAYLIST PLAYLIST Miles Davis Randy Travis Led Zeppelin Sting John Coltrane Johnny Cash Grateful Dead Jazz Bob Dylan Metallica Beyonce Stevie Wonder Beethoven Bach Cello Suites Hank Williams Jr. FAMOUS COUPLES IN POLITICS Have each guest put one of these slips on their forehead (without BARACK OBAMA AL GORE seeing who they are). Mingle with everyone else, asking MICHELLE OBAMA FLORIDA questions about your person. The first two to find their match win the game! MITT ROMNEY HERMAIN CAIN ANN ROMNEY PIZZA GEORGE BUSH MONICA LEWINSKY BARBARA BUSH ALASKA

18 THE LIBERATOR | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5 DRINKING GAME ELECTION DAY 47% issaid after commercials shows theirlogo only toreturn another setof commercials The network RED PUNCH correspondent” 1.5 oz.MalibuRum 2 oz. Cranberry Juice 2 oz.Cranberry The words are used 2 oz.PineappleJuice “senior mentioned on screen Anderson Palin is appears Sarah Cooper Anyone says a pun Rachel Maddow calls someone a racist network misses Anyone working their cue with the gadget isinthe whatever new 0.5 oz.BlueCuracao say “timesup” candidates to interrupt the BLUE PUNCH BLUE Wolf Blitzer flagrantly abuses studio tries to 2 oz.SourMix 1 splash7-up 1.25 oz.Vodka being themost election ever. mentions this important Someone DRINK TWICE DRINK ONCE candidate The other candidate wins a state wins a state Your

ELECTION MOVIES for after the ballots are in

DRAMA THE LIBERATOR | AN IDEALIST WHOISBRILLIANTATAN IDEALIST A DOCUMENTARY LOOKAT HEALTH THAT OCCURREDINTHESTATE OF STARRING: REESEWITHERSPOON HEALTH CARE OFFERED IN OTHER OFFEREDINOTHER HEALTH CARE COMMUNICATIONS ANDONTHE COMMUNICATIONS AND THESUBSEQUENTRECOUNT WITH WHOMTHETEACHER HAS IN THEU.S. COMPARED FREE TO A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER GETS A HIGHSCHOOLTEACHER GETS IDES OFMARCH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONSMAINTENANCE DIRECTED BY: MICHAELMOORE A DRAMATIC OF REENACTMENT STAFF OFACAMPAIGN, FINDS FOR PRESIDENT AGAINST THE PRESIDENTAGAINST FOR DURING THE2000ELECTIONS STARRING: GEORGE CLOONEY

MADE FOR TV RUN TO PLAYER A FOOTBALL UNCONTESTED TRACYUNCONTESTED FLICK, THE EVENTS THAT HAPPENED THE EVENTS HIMSELF GETTINGACRASH COURSE IN DIRTY POLITICS COURSE INDIRTY COMEDY STARRING: KEVINSPACEY

DOCUMENTARY ELECTION PERSONAL ISSUES. PERSONAL RECOUNT OCTOBER 8,2012OCTOBER SICKO COUNTRIES FLORIDA | ISSUE5 19 fall 2012 career & internship fair SXSW October 17 • 11 a - 3 p LIVESTRONG LIberal Arts National Security Agency Texas Union Ballroom Career Services National Instruments Spencer Ogden FAC 18 JOBS & INTERNSHIPS 512.471.7900 Office of the Governor - TX utexas.edu/cola/ Morgan Stanley Professional Attire Required orgs/lacs/ JET Program Equal Justice Center Open To All Majors Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM Gerson Lehrman Group http://links.utexas.edu/bhudlzi Peace Corps Career Coaching Frost & Sullivan Resumes & DHL Express Making the Most of the Cover Letters Interview Prep Goodwill Industries Career Fair Workshop Internship Advising And More... Mon, Oct 15 • 12-1pm • FAC 18 Career Courses Pre-Law Advising Grad School Advising Co-Sponsored by Liberal Arts Council & Liberal Arts Career Services 20 THE LIBERATOR | OCTOBER 8, 2012 | ISSUE 5