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11-15-2009 The Portland Spectator: November 2009

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PORTLAND Volume 8, !ssue 2, November 2009 MAGAZINE

What Happened to Food For Thought?

EDITORIAL The basement café misses the point. Here’s why it needs to make relationships, education and food the priorities. The Portland Spectator believes that the academic environment should be an open forum, where there is a chance for rational and prudent Staff conservative arguments to be heard. We encourage the expression of diverse ideology to promote thought-provoking discussions. Editor-In-Chief Joe Wirtheim

Senior Editor Spotlight Features Jonathan Miles Managing Editor Vincent Berretta 08 ❘ Student Fee Committee, 04 ❘ A President and His Nobel Copy Editor Creatively Tough By Erica Charves By Joe Wirtheim Megan Kimmelshue 06 ❘ Green Energy, Honestly Senior Writer 10 ❘ What Happened to Food By Molly Shove For Thought? Jeff Wickizer By Vincent Berretta Staff Writers with reporting by Joe Wirtheim Stories Samantha Berrier Erica Charves ❘ 13 Somebody to Look Up to By Samantha Berrier 14 ❘ Libertarianism, What’s it Contributing Writers Really Mean? Alexander Almeida

By Jonathan Miles Trevor Peterson Spectator Staples Molly Shove 17 ❘ Where Are the Libertarians? 02 ❘ News in Brief By Alexander Almeida Art Director By The Editors 19 ❘ Copy This Down: Plagiarism Laura Jones Health Has Consequences Photographer 19 ❘ STDs, STIs and You By Jeff Wickizer Clara Rodriguez By Megan Kimmelshue 20 ❘ There’s Another Hat in the Ring Graphic Designer Rearbuttal By Trevor Peterson Andy Nichols 21 ❘ Post-Partisanship, Conspicuously Absent from the Dictionary On The Cover By Jonathan Miles Hot oatmeal with dried cranberries from Food For Thought The Portland Spectator is published by the Student Publications Board of Portland State University. It is funded through incidental student fees, advertisement revenue, and private donations. All essays and commentaries herein represent the opinions of the writer and not necessarily theopinions of the staff. We reserve the right to edit mate- rial we find obscene, libelous, inap- Contact Us propriate or lengthy. We are not obliged to print anything to which we do not consent. Unsolicited material will not be returned unless The Portland Spectator accepts letters to the editor and commentaries from students, faculty accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. and staff at Portland State University. Please limit your letters to 300 words when possible. Submission constitutes testimony as to the accuracy. The Portland Spectator: P.O. Box 347, Portland, OR 97207 // SMSU S29 Copyright 2009 The Portland Spectator [email protected] // 503.725.9795 // www.pdxspectator.wordpress.com All rights reserved. Welcome

Dear Readers,

When the Student Fee Committee began hearing overage requests in October, we knew that this would be an important issue that students should hear about. I believe in our mission as advocate journalists, and only now am I coming to understand the power of public scrutiny to shine light in shadowy corners. In this role, we must tell the true story while holding to our basic values of fairness, responsibility, and accountability.

Which leads me to something I’d like to set straight. The Spectator relies heavily on student fees; that’s no secret. But a rumor has circu- lated that this magazine had switched its format and gone to all color on coated paper because we received some kind of large grant from a conservative or Republican donor—not true. We have received only the small grant we get every year. In fact, we experienced a cut just like every other group. Late last year we simply asked print vendors for a better deal, and bargained our way to a better product. This magazine is actually cheaper to print than it was a year ago.

We also embraced design and photography as a core competency, creating the feeling of a more “expensive” product. If you like the way this magazine looks and feels, then we have done our job and I hope you agree that we’ve used university resources and student fee money to its utmost.

It’s my hope that the SFC, through words and actions, puts pressure on student groups to use their funding to its greatest potential. Mon- ey is not everything—it’s just a resource, a tool, and with skilled, creative hands can be used to build something grand, whatever the mission. Portland State is a great university, with vast resources of knowledge and skill—mediocre application of our resources can no longer be tolerated.

If you are part of an organization that receives student fee money— honor that. Do great, innovative things with it. Be good at what you do, and above all be a leader. At the PSU Saturday Farmer’s Market Sincerely, Top Left: Simon Sampson of the Yakama Tribe holds a wild king salmon caught the night before. Joe Wirtheim Middle: Kale and brussel sprouts are in. Editor-in-Chief Bottom: Brett Kuenzi with fresh frozen juice 2009-2010 squeezed at his grandfather’s farm. Photos by Joe Wirtheim News Briefs

From the Editors

Everyone needs a good antagonist general in a time of crisis, he’s calculating that was originally proposed. His latest Jonathan Sanford loves being ASPSU the opportunities and threats. For him, campaign is focused on driving up student President. You can hear it in the excite- everything is on the table, including the voter registration. “We don’t have money ment in his voice when he talks about possibility of dropping out of the Oregon or massive lobbying organizations,” said all the programs happening this year, in University System (OUS) or merging with Proudfoot, “What we do is turn out the way he talks about all his high-level Oregon Health and Science University numbers,” and then, “Hey, we’re actually administration access, and in the way he (OHSU). Nothing official has been stated, eligible to vote,” which Proudfoot says is puts his feet up on his desk. “What do but in Weiwel’s early speeches he spoke particularly important for the upcoming you expect? I’m Scottish,” he likes of finding what amounted to a cocktail of special election in January. Up for bid in to say. funding sources as state funding continues that election are a few tax bills that will to drop year after year. Concentrating on determine whether the Oregon University However, Sanford’s antagonism toward private and research funds instead of state System will force PSU to raise tuition in the school administration may be unpro- funding is, as Weiwel likes to say, a whole the middle of the academic year. ductive, and at times his public behavior ‘nother kettle of fish. is unbecoming of a student body president In other news… (perhaps he can justify his gratuitous Free Food! Like a medieval cathedral, the ASPSU cursing by harkening again to his Scottish In October, ASPSU held a food drive and office is a safe-haven from political heritage). Recently it’s been rumored that filled their office with canned and dry talk since it’s essentially a non-partisan Sanford dropped his list of grievances goods for needy students. Knowing that student advocacy organization. When for PSU President Wim Weiwel, but is students will respond to free food is a tool persons hanging around ASPSU now pushing for a “shared governance” that ASPSU has used before. Legislative offices heard that Spectator staff writer status with Weiwel, citing an obscure Affairs Coordinator Chris Proudfoot sat Samantha Berrier identified herself as rule in Oregon law. The implications down in our office to talk about some of an Oregon Republican, a bit of teasing are that Sanford would essentially have the work that he’s been focusing on this began to cross the line into harassment. to follow Weiwel around at every public year. “I’m the guy that says, ‘Wow, college However, the response from ASPSU appearance. If true, this may be a strategic is really expensive! What can I do about executive staffers like Jonathan Sanford mistake to be so confrontational this early that?’” One effort Proudfoot made over and Chris Proudfoot, as well as the in the year. True, no one has to tell The the summer was to organize a “pan- Oregon Student Association Campus Spectator that we need to be critical of cake feed,” centered around the higher Organizer, Courtney Morris, was, by the powerful, however in this case, col- education tuition hearings on campus. every measure, excellent. In Obama laboration would probably yield the best With enough pancakes to feed about terms, it became a “teachable moment.” results for students and the long-term 280 students, the syrup and strawberries All parties discussed why this was not prospects for the school. managed to steer about 115 students into okay, alternative ways of talking about the Smith Building where they were able our differences were suggested, a round Everything’s on the table to “pack the room,” said Proudfoot. This of ‘sorrys’ occurred and finally, what Weiwel has shown a commitment to and other lobby efforts by Proudfoot have amounted to a round of hugs. In the end, the school’s core values and, like a good successfully kept the rise of tuition to a everyone felt a little closer. relatively low 8.5% against the 14.5% S 02 | two News Briefs

Local National Recall again Who will pull the trigger? Former state senator and Portland State According to CNN, Maine Senator University professor, Avel Gordly, has Olympia Snow (R) has proposed and taken over the reins from Jasun Wurster supports a “trigger” mechanism attached as chief petitioner for the second Sam to any health care bill. This measure Adams recall campaign. Gordly was would effectively set a timeline on further informally involved in the first petition health care legislation by “triggering” a run that failed to gather the required public option if goals for expanding cov- 32,183 signatures by October 5th of this erage and lowering costs for health care year. Wurster was quoted to have said were not achieved. Snow is best known as that he would hand over to Gordly the the only Republican to accept any health 30,000+ signatures he received through- care proposals and is a key component out his attempt. Although these can’t to Obama’s bi-partisan decision. This legally be applied to Gordly’s efforts, it “trigger,” attached to the more politically is reasonable to assume Gordly will use palatable non-profit cooperative health- them as a starting place. care plan, may be the deciding factor in getting more Republicans on board.

National Al Franken’s first amendment In an embarrassing vote, only 68 members of the Senate passed the Al Franken anti-government contractor rape liability amendment. Which is to say that only eight Republican senators think that it is in the government’s purview to regulate whether it does business with companies (like KBR and Halliburton) that require their employees to sign a contract agreeing not to sue if they are raped by their coworkers. This bill was proposed after a woman who was gang-raped by cowork- ers while working overseas and then couldn’t sue for recompense due to the clause in her contract.

World World Afghan election done right Teach us, Obama Afghan President Hamid Karzai is still Japanese english language learners are aiming for a second term this time in a crazy for Obama speeches, reports The run-off election scheduled for November New York Times in October. A compila- 7th after a fraud riddled election in tion of his speeches have sold half a mil- August was dismissed. He’ll be up against lion copies this past year. His Inaugural his rival and former Foreign Minister Address is especially popular. Obama’s Abdullah Abdullah, who, when asked on vocabulary has an easy range, and he CNN recently if he’d form a coalition pronounces his words nice and clear. government with Karzai if he lost, said Even Japanese non-english speakers like he wouldn’t want to be part of “the same the speech, calling it “moving” despite deteriorating situation.” It remains to understanding only “Yes, we can.” Expect be seen if this election will be any more a Japanese Obama to emerge any moment. legitimate than the last.

03 | three S A President and His NOBEL What was the committee thinking when they offered Obama the coveted prize?

By Erica Charves

In a rare move of public support, four of the five judges for the Nobel Peace Prize spoke up in defense of President Barack Obama as the latest recipient of the prestigious award honoring those who work for peace. Why did they step forward to defend him when their process is notoriously steeped in secrecy? Surely the numerous winners in the past have been highly con- tested. Yasser Arafat (president of Palestinian National Authority), Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin (foreign minister and prime minister of Israel) shared the prize in 1994 to much public outcry. Critics of the president challenge that he should have turned it down. However, the president’s detractors would surely have admonished him as ungrateful and snobbish, or perhaps un-American, if he had declined the award.

S 04 | four Nation

The strongest argument of all is that he the obligation in his first two weeks. The has done nothing to deserve the award at idea behind the award, according to the this time. That is true; in fact, the president will of Alfred Nobel, was to recognize those Quick Facts About the said so in his acceptance speech. who inspire others to peace. He desired the He has “contributed,” according to nominees to “have done the most or the best NOBEL PRIZE the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, to, “a work for fraternity between nations, for the world with less tension.” Not exactly an abolition or reduction of standing armies After the death of Alfred exemplary statement for an esteemed prize. and for the holding of peace congresses.” Nobel, inventor of dynamite, in Considering the fact that the cutoff date for But, if all you have to do is talk about 1895, readers of his will were stunned to learn that he had nominations was only a few weeks after his making peace, then why didn’t Bush get the left the majority of his wealth inauguration, I am wary of their intentions. prize? Bush gave many speeches addressing to establish a prize that would What has he done for the world? He cer- peace and said things like, “I’m running award “those who, during tainly has the capacity, but he did more as to keep the peace,” “This is an administra- the preceding year, shall have a community organizer in Chicago than in tion that will do everything in our power conferred the greatest benefit his first few weeks of presidency. How much to make this world a more peaceful place,” on mankind.” can one man accomplish in two weeks? “It is an obligation to make the world more In his first two weeks, he passed a peaceful,” and, “Our advocacy of human The Nobel Prize was so stimulus package, admonished Wall Street freedom is not a formality of diplomacy, it is controversial that it took five fat cats, ordered the closing of Guantanamo a fundamental commitment of our country.” years before the first award was Bay, and got started on healthcare. He did Bush certainly promised peace, although he presented. very little for foreign policy at the time, certainly missed the mark. The Norwegian Nobel except for his usual uplifting addresses. As an eloquent speaker Obama knew Committee is made up of five Maybe the point was that he was not George just what to say, and spoke of the award as members appointed by the W. Bush, and that made the world (and a challenge and an inspiration. As he works Norwegian Parliament. apparently Norway), feel better for the for health care reform and environmental future of peace and America. After a rousing causes, he has the capacity to challenge and There are five Nobel Prizes: speech in Egypt, much of the Arab world change ideals. Only time will tell if Obama Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, felt better about America’s leader. Perhaps it will live up to the ideals that we expect of Literature, and Peace. is the possibility of change he affects in the Nobel laureates. world; it is, after all, a feel-good award. My point is that although he is a great orator and a smart community organizer, Obama has done little conceptually to fulfill

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05 | five S Energy

Green Energy, Honestly

Alternative energy gives us options, but only straight talk will help us make a better choice

By Molly Shove

It’s happened to you. Someone approaches you with a light in on any given day. Effectively storing the energy requires battery their eyes, as if they had just found religion, or ingested some really technology we simply don’t yet possess, and it takes petroleum to potent stimulant and says, “I have the answer.” They then go on to make solar cells, which defeats the point of it being 100% clean. tell you that the destiny of the nation’s energy policy must lie in Also, the down payment for a solar panel is too much for the aver- the hands of [solar, wind, hydroelectric, etc.] power and that if we age American family. It’s a great solution for affluent people trying don’t fund and implement said power by approximately next week, to make a small difference, but it’s not a viable alternative for the the sea will swallow our fish-fried corpses. whole country. Between the dewy-eyed idealists and the “straight talking” politicians who try to court them, I’ve heard a lot of utopian solu- Wind tions. The way they talk, I get the impression that the green energy Another popular alternative to the evils of coal is Don Quixote’s revolution is just around the corner, and the only reason that the arch-nemesis, the windmill. The idea of wind power is attrac- icebergs are still melting is because the mainstream government has tive because you don’t have to import it from other countries, it sold out to evil oil and coal executives who feed themselves on the releases no poison into the air, and compared to solar it’s cheap as internal organs of small children and kittens. dirt. But wind comes and goes as it pleases without much predict- Being a journalist, I’m forced to be suspicious of anything that ability. Even if we learned to control the weather, it takes up too seems too good to be true. So after using all of the advanced much space and produces too little energy. You can’t build them journalistic devices available to me (coffee and sleep deprivation), near cities because of the noise pollution they produce, so you have here are a few reasons why the future of our energy policies aren’t to add on the cost of building large-scale transition lines. In short, as simple as the idealists think. wind can be clean, public and supplemental energy, but when it comes down to it we’ll need something more practical and less Solar expensive to be the foundation of the clean energy utopia. Solar is a popular idea because it provides energy without CO2, CO1 or toxins of any kind. However, reliability is an issue. It only Corn-Based Ethanol absorbs energy during the day, and seeing as how we can’t control Possibly the best-publicized and the worst possible alternative to the weather, it’s hard to know how much energy will be available gasoline, corn-based ethanol has the potential to be worse for our

S 06 | six Energy

Photos Left to Right: Wind Farm, Oregon Corn Field, Ethanol Plant, Hydroelectric Turbines inside the Hoover Dam.

environment and economy then black gold itself. According to out of the river alive. Rivers are also used for irrigation to grow the current U.S. law, corn must be sold under the price of production crops we eat, so preserving water quality is good for us, and every or dumped. Being that corn is cheapened by this subsidy, it is used other living being within a 20-mile radius. On a security level, in a large range of products from plastic to soda to fabric. This cre- dams make excellent targets for terrorists who would want to cause ates a cycle of even more subsidized corn used in even more prod- damage to our infrastructure and way of life. It can be good in ucts. Commercial and industrial corn production depletes the soil moderation, but hydroelectric power is nothing to raise your glass of nutrients, through the use of tons of gallons of pesticides, which to. in turn pollute rivers. On top of that, without a special catalytic converter, burning ethanol produces more tailpipe emissions than Green energy has a ton of potential. The people zealously praising gasoline. Making it our primary source of fuel will cost taxpayers it aren’t delusional, simply misinformed. While it has potential, a fortune for something that won’t help save the world and has an the way some of the public treats it does more harm then good. It’s overall negative effect on the environment. better to have a functional grid, then a new pretty green grid that doesn’t work. There is no answer to what the next primary source Hydroelectric of electricity or fuel will be; it will be a combination of whichever One of the most commonly used forms of renewable energy in the technologies work. Instead of badgering politicians to dam our riv- world, it powers Las Vegas and provides a tenth of the demand ers and (further) subsidize our corn, we should work a bit more on in China. It runs as dependably as gravity pulls water down. the research and development. If you want to save the world, reuse However, its harmful effects range from environmental irrespon- water bottles, ride the bus and don’t let false promises break your sibility to national security. To begin with, they have a limited life heart. As I’m sure your mother once told you, “If sounds too good span. China’s Three Gorges dam is only expected to last seventy to be true, it probably is.” years because of the eventual build up of silt, and the environ- mental damage to the area has been devastating. Dams mess up the ecosystem of the river, from the area immediately surrounding the structure to several miles downstream, creating a “dam mess”. You may not think that water temperatures and acidity levels are so important, but they keep the fish and everything that drinks 07 | seven S Student Government

Student Fee Committee Creatively Tough Student groups seeking to forgive their over-budget accounts are scrutinized and often denied in a new atmosphere of accountability.

By Joe Wirtheim with photos by Clara Rodriguez

There’s a new sheriff in town—or rather the political nature of the SFC means that came before the committee bringing only sheriffs. This year’s Student Fee Committee by going over budget and making a case for their own testimony without paper work, (SFC), elected last spring, impressively stuck it next year, there’s a decent chance money expense receipts, or documentation. The to their fiscal guns during spending overage is forgiven. Couple this with the race to air was tense as Useni Makano, the group’s hearings for student groups this October. spend all allotted money before the end of president, spoke of poor management, The committee found a knack for using a the year—this is so groups can ask for more the high costs of bringing in dancers and creative combination of carrots and sticks to the next year. speakers from Africa, and that this cut underline responsibility while making sure To combat this, the committee discussed would impact their ability to bring African groups would survive. guidelines beforehand then has to use their cultures to PSU. Groups showed spending in the red judgment when considering overage requests, Aside from a comment from SFC member ranging from under $200 up into the tens often offering collaborative solutions to Waddah Sofan about the richness cultural of thousands. Almost all who asked to have groups in a pinch. Something called a groups bring, the majority of the SFC spoke their budget overage forgiven were denied, “discretionary reserve” fund exists to draw of the need for evidence of accountability. meaning the funds would be discounted from, but committee members indicated SFC Vice Chair, Jil Heimensen, reminded from their budget this year. The committee they were saving it for extenuating cases. them that the SFC is the “guardian” of made clear that exceptions would be made Sussing out the details student funds. The motion to deny carried. only for extenuating circumstances beyond To go before the committee means sitting The scene was repeated when the Pacific a group’s control and were often coupled in front of eight empowered students in Islander Club, who flew a band in from with pointed questions. a cramped conference room in Smith Hawaii, asked that their $4,000 overage be “We want to instill the philosophy that Memorial Student Union and explaining forgiven—it was also denied. we [groups] shouldn’t go over,” said SFC the situation while producing evidence; Check, please! Chair Johnnie Ozimkowski during the then staying while the committee, who uses Food For Thought (FFT), the student-run first round of hearings, which set a critical Robert’s Rules of Order, deliberates and restaurant café in the basement of Smith precedent. Motivating Ozimkowski and makes a motion that carries with a majority Memorial Student Union, posted a $33,995 the rest of the committee are the dual vote. The process, while civil, can be tedious budget overage for last year. The rent-free challenges of cleaning up the sloppy work as nervous student group representatives try café had already received $24,356 in student of last year’s committee and combating the to salvage something of their budget. fees while showing sales over $203,000, burden of rising fees on students. Asking early for overage forgiveness was according to a budget analysis on Banner, Life in the red the Association of African Students, who the PSU budgeting system. Going over budget is suspected of being a last year put on the African Cultural Night The staff, which uses a non-hierarchical strategy to get more funding earlier, not just event, and had overspent their $40,650 management scheme, asked the SFC in an an accounting accident. Groups realize that budget by $13,852. Group representatives eyebrow-raising October letter to forgive

S 08 | eight Food For Thought representatives explain their overage in a hearing before Committee members consider a request. L-R, the SFC October 21. L-R, Ara Nelson, Christian Messerschmitt, Johnnie Ozimkowski, Anne Olivia, and Patrick Lawson. Ron Lee, Jim Gent, and Wil Zimmers.

$18,000, saying without the forgiveness end of the year. FFT representative and the management procedures and building a the future of the café would be in question. only new employee this year, Anne Olivia, sustaining business model in order to get The letter went on to say that new, stricter said the labor was an investment in the the remaining funds. FFT representatives management policies are now in place cooperative management style, which took sounded receptive and the motion passed. after what it described as an atmosphere about seven months and involved full paid The implication is that the SFC, and of “lax” management or even no formal staff meetings and workshops. especially their liason, Ozimkowski, will be management for two years prior. Ozimkowski asked why these watching FFT’s reform process and business Faculty advisors from Student Activities management changes had not occurred development carefully during the rest of the and Leadership Programs (SALP) told The two years ago. Representatives responded year. Representatives embraced the idea, Spectator that in September they told the that it took months to make the decisions, saying, “We would love the oversight as a staff that the doors would not open until a saying, “It’s a long process.” Committee carrot [for the staff].” It remains to be seen number of conditions had been met. Among member Ron Lee took issue with FFT’s if FFT staff will be committed enough to them, find outside expert advisors, make mission of offering student-fee subsidized follow through with the demands being budgeted spending guides, and create a risk meals, saying “the underlying problem is made by advisors and the SFC. management plan to deal with unforeseen you can’t subsidize one person’s meal and One thing is clear, the SFC is showing a issues. Staff member Ara Nelson said in an not another’s.” Heimensen pointed to the refreshing knack for details, bargains, and interview that she scrambled with other committee’s precedent of “not rewarding responsible use of student money. staffers to pull everything together to open bad management.” However, Ozimkowski for fall term. signaled his willingness to work with FFT, Gratuity automatically added saying, “They’re too big to fail.” Heimensen At the October 21 hearing, three tense responded with disagreement, and FFT representatives, including Nelson, eventually said about the non-hierarchical told the committee of a new round of management style, “This is an expensive way training and improved policies. Adherence to do business.” to assigned shifts is now enforced, and free In the end, concerned about food at any time for employees has now been undercutting the café’s ability to build a changed to one meal per shift. potentially successful catering business at Most of the committee agreed that at PSU, Ozimkowski entertained a motion least $10,000 in loses were due to a drop from committee member Christian in revenue blamed on last year’s economy. Messerschmitt to forgive the $18,000 in Another portion of loses were due to a quarterly segments of $4,500. Beginning broken dishwasher, but the largest portion each coming term, FFT staff would need to check in with the committee and detail came from a “spike” in labor costs near the SFC Chair Johnnie Ozimkowski their progress toward reforming their 09 | nine S Special Report

EDITORIAL What Happened to Food For Thought? The student-run establishment misses the point. Here’s why our basement café needs to make relationships, education and food the priorities.

By Vincent Berretta with reporting by Joe Wirtheim

There’s nothing worse than an opportunity wasted. In a city in love with food, in a country recalibrating our relationship with food, Food For Thought Café (FFT) has stood as a disappointment in the movement toward healthy, innovative, local food. It hurts me personally to write this. I eat at FFT in the basement of Smith Memorial Student Union at least three times a week and like many of those I’ve talked to, I like the idea and embrace the values they espouse. But these values are undermined by one stark reality: students are paying the bill for an “experiment” in “consensus manage- ment” which is failing and is without merit. It places its own brand of social justice ahead of the actual intention of the establishment: to serve and value great food by building local relationships.

S 10 | ten Special Report

Ideally, it’s a non-hierarchical form of cooperative management, but in practice it only serves to stifle individuality and encourage complacency. Without academic supervision, coming preferably from the PSU community, there is no experiment. It is informed instead by an activist with an agenda to re-shape society by disempower- ing everyone. Leaders are stifled, disagree- ments discouraged and aspirations snuffed. In a non-competitive environment, there are no winners while everyone involved is a loser, including the students who pay $218 in student fees every term. The only thing learned is how not to run a business. You would think that in a school com- mitted to sustainability, where FFT is Staffer Jamie Brown works the given the resources, space and freedom to counter at Food For Thought. serve locally purchased food, and operate Photo by Clara Rodriguez according to sustainable practices, they could persist, nay thrive. And in fact, Milo Hayden, an employee of FFT with outside consultants. It was Arts & they like to believe they already do, but in and illustrator for campus tabloid The Letters major and long time FFT employee reality their management scheme prevents Rearguard told The Spectator that FFT’s Ara Nelson, who spoke to the flaw of their them from providing innovative food and consensus model was formalized by C.T. experiment when she said, “since we don’t education, which the university desperately Lawrence Butler; a founding member like to boss each other around, it was good wants. Instead, we are served sporadically of Food Not Bombs in Cambridge, to have someone from the outside tell us with an unremarkable menu, a student- Massachusetts. Last year, Butler was hired what was wrong.” But that’s clearly against subsidized bill, and an unwanted side of by FFT to the tune of $1,000 to “teach us their mission. These outside consultations socialist ideology. that consensus is settling arguments in a are just a form of management by another non-confrontational way where no power name. Worse even, FFT has subjected Non-Hierarchical Business Model? is being traded, no power is being exerted themselves to an outside authority. It’s not How about non-functioning. over another employee so that no one’s that they won’t boss each other around, it’s opinions are trivialized.” Butler provided that they can’t. Two years ago, in the café’s 2007 budget other insights like, “times were simpler in The idea behind an experiment is that request form to the SFC, FFT boasted a the medieval days because no one lied,” eventually one gets an answer to the successful transition to this non-hierarchi- about which, Hayden assured me, he con- hypothesis, but FFT appears content to cal “cooperative management structure.” tested with some rather choice vocabulary. repeat the same tests with dismal results It was a claim that doesn’t synch up with a So how do actual FFT employees feel year after year. How much money needs letter they wrote in October of this year to about this model? Hayden concluded, “It’s to be thrown away before we can officially the SFC asking for financial recompense like getting a group of cats to agree on what label this experiment a bust? for budgetary overages that were due to to eat. No, no, it’s more like getting them the costly efforts put forth to implement, to agree on whether they will stay inside or again, a “pioneering experiment in non- Local Business? Um, not quite. go outside.” Well, at any rate, it appears hierarchical management.” The letter Michael Pollan, author of In Defense of characteristically feline and fatally flawed. continued, “For at least two years, FFT Food and a leader in the conversation about The experiment in this egalitarian had no formal management structure at locally harvested and procured foods talks management sounds like a delightfully all to speak of,” which allowed the staff to about the importance of “food relation- social way to run a business, but it really slip into a “state of complacency, especially ships.” These relationships go beyond boils down to no one calling the shots and regarding budget issues.” In other words, simply ingesting that which we need to no one being responsible at the end of the the “cooperative management structure” function, but involves the care taken in day. The exceptions being when help needs was simultaneously put into practice choosing locally grown and harvested to come from outside, as was the case when successfully, but also responsible for all of foods. There is a need to develop and FFT’s Student Activities and Leadership FFT’s financial blunders. maintain relationships between produc- Programs (SALP) advisers told FFT staff ers and consumers, which is not easy, but this September that they couldn’t open that is the mission of FFT. Conspicuously, their doors until they built relationships

11 | eleven S Special Report

these relationships are absent or at least were Food For Thought’s very socialist-minded Here’s what Food For short-lived. “non-hierarchical” management style. Thought can do to get FFT’s mission claims that they use locally Someone needs to be held accountable for grown food for the bulk of their enterprise. their irresponsible performance, but up to on the right track Although Stumptown Coffee and Columbia the present no one has had to answer for it. Gorge Juice are certainly local, the rest In this way, their co-operative model func- Drop the non-hierarchy. is questionable. The produce comes from tions more like a corporate model where There’s nothing wrong with empowered man- agers with titles calling the shots and getting Charlie’s Produce, which is based in Seattle, the responsibility is spread out to minimize on with it. Compel and foster leadership. WA and distributes to Alaska, Oregon, liability. At FFT, we can’t turn to a single Idaho, Montana and Washington. And the bookkeeper or manager and ask why. Like Its not a job—its an education. major part of their food and supply bud- AIG corporate executives, the blame is dif- There needs to be a sweat equity component get (about 60%) goes to Food Services of fused to all but shouldered by none. to being involved at FFT. It’s an investment, America, the sixth largest food distributor and a key to building a community that cares. in the United States, with headquarters in It’s the organization’s job to make sure that Scottsdale, Arizona. The food relationship Where to Go from Here everyone’s time is worth it based on the experi- that FFT has with its suppliers extends only In an SFC hearing on October 21st, FFT ence and quality of the relationships. asked for $18,000 to be forgiven of the as far as the easy corporate distribution Clear deadwood, bring in fresh energy. $33,995 the café went over budget last year, companies they contract with. Rotating staff is important because it offers Again, the management lies at the heart saying they may survive, but won’t thrive opportunities for more students to have the of the matter. Without any delegation of without the funds. In a supreme display of FFT experience. Sometimes, people need a responsibility, no one is in charge of estab- benevolence, the SFC granted them $4,500 nudge to move on, don’t be afraid to give it. lishing and maintaining relationships with in forgiveness with the rest being dispersed Actively engage in recruiting for talent. local farmers. Instead, the task is (hopefully) quarterly if they could show “marked completed by a team member that wants to improvement.” If the trajectory of the last Build bridges. do it. As Hayden illuminated, “In the past three years can act as a testament to their Reaching out and developing a relationship progress it will require monumental cat with food producers is important to FFT suc- it was that one person just chose to call FSA cess. Community liaison work is a core compe- herding if they intend to see that money. and whether it got done, no one was sure.” tency of the café’s mission. How about joining Recently, however, a staffer has shown up To be clear, FFT isn’t the only student a CSA and using volunteer work to pay it off? and taken the reins on ordering, he says. group to egregiously misspend student This seems more of an exception than a rule fees, but it is the only group to do so that’s Run an innovative food-relationship because “there’s seldom any recourse for given (with no rental fee) a space to generate education experience. dropping the ball.” revenue on a daily basis. Besides, the future Drop the old hippy soup kitchen motif, and ask of food may be on the line. As Hayden what the future of food should look like. You’re not running a welfare program—another And What of Sustainability? Surely insightfully put it “Food For Thought needs to completely change; their management dollar or two per plate won’t kill us, just make it worth it. you jest. model is impossible. In order for Food For Pollan borrows from Marx to say that Thought to succeed they need to unabash- something is unsustainable if “there are edly embrace organic, local cuisine and internal contradictions that sooner or later dedicate themselves to craft and service will lead to a breakdown.” beyond PSU, beyond a café. I don’t see Well the breakdown has occurred and Food For Thought surviving until they FFT’s response to their internal breakdown dedicate themselves to these goals.” is to ask the SFC for the money to fix it. Hopefully the staff of FFT realizes the As an aside, it’s interesting to note that opportunity that they have before them and although Marx intended his statement their mission becomes more than just a cute to be a critique against capitalism, it can way to be different, but rather a way to serve ironically be used to describe the failure of truly inspired food. I hope The Spectator is there to tell the success story.

Hummus plate from 12 | twelve S Food For Thought Special Report

Left: Cassy Whitaker, RCC Crew Right: Peter Kramer, RCC Grad Assistant Photos by Laura Jones

Rec Clubs Council has more to Somebody to offer than fun and games. The council stands as an excellent role model for managing Look Up to student groups. By Samantha Berrier

Last year’s budget requests for student group could find a way to divide the existing groups crucial in building a successful foundation funds added up to about $6 million dollars into similar groups.” Some recommendations for a rec club committee member. I spoke more than the $13 million that the Student Ozimkowski has offered to the SFC include with Peter Kramer, graduate assistant for the Fee Committee (SFC) had to work with. separating categories like student publications RCC, who correlates the success with the This year, the SFC has to find a solution to and cultural groups under their own subcom- experience of its committee members, who a two-fold problem: stopping the rampant mittees. He stated that, “With a successful spoke of the leadership development aspect. growth of student group budgets before reform, I believe the activity fees will not “They know the process, and they know all student fees become a serious burden and only decrease, but the dues will be used more the little things that make up a budget. We developing a system that removes the guess- efficiently and effectively. The structural groom people to be leaders, so the cream of work from the delegation of those funds. organization of the RCC leaves little room the crop runs the RCC.” for mismanagement. The RCC provides a Before the SFC began hearing forgiveness sound system of democratic participation and New clubs are more than encouraged, and requests from the deluge of student groups institutional memory.” every addition receives the training and that blew last year’s budget, SFC Chair support of the RCC. Kramer illustrates Johnnie Ozimkowski spoke to The Spectator The RCC consists of five students who the importance of challenging each group about reforming the way the committee oversee the budget and development of rec- before rewarding a budget. “Their budget does business. So far this year, the SFC has reational clubs on campus, like the Rugby is more of a practice run. Prove to us that shown less leniency than in years past, but or Medieval Combat Clubs. As a subcom- you can develop a club without money. the overall issue of how one committee can mittee of the SFC, the RCC acts as a liaison If the club can get through the first year effectively manage such a large and growing between a cluster of recreation clubs and without a budget, then it will be more suc- fund remains unanswered when the process the SFC. Brooke Romines, the secretary cessful for the next year when they have of awarding or denying a group’s request of RCC, gave her opinion concerning the a budget, because they have established is subject to the amorphous and changing success of their allocations model during leaders and members.” political whims of the committee each year. an interview. “We support a very unique group of clubs, which is why we can be The RCC model is an example of how Ozimkowski believes the Rec Clubs Council successful.” The RCC is not just a group of the SFC can redirect student fee funds (RCC) has the answer. Undergraduate students who were elected to run a budget, into a system that is not subject to the student and RCC Treasurer James Taylor each elected officer underwent a series of personal opinions and objectives of a recommends the structured process of the roles: first a participant, then a leader of a committee that usually experiences a toal RCC as a model. Taylor said of the SFC, “If rec club, and after a victorious year leading, turnover annually. they decided to have other subcommittees the person is then eligible to be elected into that model our system, it could work. If they the council. The leadership development is 13 | thirteen S Politics

By Jonathan Miles “We’re not going to be the party of Ron The U.S. has a long history personal rights are being morally chal- Paul,” shouted Sen. Lindsay Graham lenged in a political arena, then perhaps (R-SC) in October to a packed audience of questioning government the more modern Republican thing to while dissenting voices rang back with sup- power. Here’s what it do would be to appeal to a fundamental- port for Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX). Paul ran ist Christian voting bloc by restricting for president as a Republican in 2008, but means to believe in the personal rights for the sake of adhering to a 20 years earlier he ran for the same office third party today. higher moral code. as a Libertarian. “I don’t think I’m going For Democrats, the same statements to win,” he told the New York Times in a about restriction versus release could be 1988 campaign interview. Instead, he ran made in reverse. These are very general The Libertarian Party in the U.S. is for the same reason that Ralph Nader runs terms, but it is useful to note that the anything but liberal by that definition. under the banner of the Green Party every thing Democrats and Republicans have in However, given the stated ethos of the year: to grow support and awareness for the common is they each like to be increasingly party to free individuals and the economy party. Why are the Old Right Republicans in control of one aspect of a citizen’s life by reducing the size and scope of the like Graham so afraid of Paul and the while completely hands-off in another. The government, it would seem that the term Libertarians? First, we have to understand net effect of this constant push and pull liberal is more apt to describe Libertarians what the word “libertarian” even means. in a stale two-party system remains to be than Democrats. “Get government off our If it’s the late 18th century enlightenment debated until the end of time, but what’s backs,” was one line that might show up period, then libertarian means someone important to note is the effect that the at a Ron Paul rally back in 1988, and his who believes that humans have the agency growing influence of the Libertarian Party campaign in 2008 held true to the promise to make their own future and are there- is having on mainstream politics. To sum- of reducing the government’s role. Paul fore not determinists. If it’s the mid-19th marize the Libertarian’s political perspec- opposes every tax increase vote in Congress century, then a libertarian is most likely a tive, simply take the hands-off approach and unlike Graham, does not support the French anarcho-communist, and this is the in both the personal and economic realm, government bailout of big businesses like first time the word is actually politicized. with a handful of caveats. AIG. Although Paul is no longer flying the Once libertarianism entered the political “The protection of individual rights is the Libertarian flag, he certainly brings the realm, it took a little over 100 years to only proper purpose of government,” is the ethos of that party into his politics. become the conservative epithet that today central point from the Libertarian Party’s While small government is touted as a stands for independence from government statement of purpose released at their first Republican value, it isn’t always the model control in both the realm of tax burden and national convention in 1972, one year after Republicans in office bend towards when social values. the party was founded. A favorite defense given a choice. Generally speaking, when Noam Chomsky, who defines himself as of this claim by Libertarians is that the the matter of the right for a business to a libertarian-socialist, claims “libertarian” Founding Fathers wrote the federal govern- operate freely in the market place is on is globally defined as a liberal political ment a really small part in the revolution- the table, the strictly Republican thing to identity and that the U.S. is nearly alone ary play: national defense. It’s no wonder do would be to release the restriction and in its use of the word towards a conserva- that the first president was our nation’s allow the business to flourish. The familiar tive bent. Of course, to hear this argument favored general, and the nickname for that justification being that a business which one must first accept the term “liberal” to office remains today “commander-in-chief.” is allowed to operate free from constraints mean tightly regulated and governmen- However, the defense of the nation has to will generate more profit, thereby increas- tally propped-up economy with socially apply both abroad and within if it is to ing the holy GDP and employing more liberal values, adding in the occasional protect a citizen’s individual rights. patriotic citizens. On the other hand, when environmental bias. S 14 | fourteen Politics

Lady Liberty is the of- ficial symbol and “The Party of Principle” its tag line. The original 1972 logo was an arrow going through “TANSTAAFL,” an acronym for “There Here’s the platform Ain’t No Such Thing as a Free Lunch.” While there isn’t room here to detail the entire set of Six state parties use statutes which constitute the Libertarian Party platform the Liberty Penguin or LP as their mascot. (which hasn’t changed much in the last 37 years), here’s a brief list of individual rights that should not be impeded by a libertarian government.

The right to get high The right to hide your guns The Libertarian That’s right, the Libertarian Party supports Second Amendment advocates will cry with Party on Today’s repealing all “victimless” crimes and stands joy if the party ever succeeds in deregulating Issues on the idea that the prohibition of street drugs one of the biggest markets in the United States: Crime: end drug prohibi- today is no more effective than the prohibition policing. While the party supports doubling the tion, double the police of alcohol was in the 1920s. On the party Web existing police force, it still contends that the force, and let vigilante site, Al Capone is equated with the Los Angeles state-supported police should have to compete forces defend themselves Crips and Bloods. Not only will decriminalizing with private enterprises as big as Blackwater Environment: leave it the use of any drug give people a lot more to do, and small as the Lone Ranger. If the cops are up to private groups like it will also decrease the U.S. prison population late, pull out your gun and solve the problem the Audubon Society and by about 25%! yourself. And, if guns were easier to get and the Nature Conservancy keep, then we’d all be cops! Economic: reduce government taxes to the amount needed to pro- vide for national defense, The right to be stupid The right to save the deregulate all markets No more pencils, no more books! The party of environment including education and principle will not allow poor people to put up healthcare letting private The party rightly points out that the govern- with the dismal failure that is our public educa- organizations sponsor ment is responsible for more pollution than Big tion system. Parents shouldn’t be forced to send programs for the poor, Oil, chemical companies and nuclear power and let citizens “opt out” their kids to subpar, class-dividing schools while plants combined. Therefore, eliminate govern- of social security. the rich get to Ivy-League track their kids for ment administration of “public land” and you success. Where will the kids go when all public eliminate the biggest polluters. For that matter, schools are permanently defunded? The obvious eliminate public land altogether. If every cubic answer is that private donors will step in and inch (that includes the air) of resources in the save the day, because they wouldn’t want the U.S. are privately owned, then they can be poor to be ignorant and beholden to low-paying defended by the owners who hire a lawyer to jobs with bulletproof glass ceilings...ahem. sue the crap out of the offender. Since the court system in the U.S. pretty much spells justice every time, no land, water or air will ever be polluted, ever!

15 | fifteen S Politics

Political philosophy isn’t always on the forefront of our brains. However, these underlying belief sytems determine how we vote, and how we feel about government policies. A Spectator questionarie conducted by the staff surveyed 130 random undergraduate students this October. One of the results showed how little many people know about Libertarianism, and yet may actually agree with some of the underlying principles of its economic policy. Info graphics by Laura Jones

Do you self-identify as a Do you know someone Libertarian? Yes: 21% who is Libertarian? don’t think so: 24% don’t know what don’t know what that is: 41% that is: 22% No: 35%

yes: 55%

Do you know who Ron Paul is? isn’t he that drag queen?: 1% no idea: 11% Which do you most agree with? not really: 48%

yes: 41%

Government is Niether Free and open trade necessary to financially is a solution for regulate the economy. peace and prosperity. Read as Democrat. Read as Libertarian.

Did you vote in the last Yes: 72% No: 17% I will next time: 11% presidential election?

The most interesting Believe in 32% 24% 45% responses came from an free and economic values state- open trade. Say they’re Know they’re Don’t know what Libertarian not Libertarian Libertarian means ment asking to choose Read as: between open trade (a Libertarian Libertarian value) or government financial regulation (a Democrat Voters Believe in value). While the total 8% 50% 42% government respondents were about Say they’re Know they’re Don’t know what even on the issue, a regulations. Libertarian not Libertarian Libertarian means decent portion of non- Read as: Libertarians share the Democrat value of more open trade.

S 16 | sixteen Politics

Third party candidates have difficulty gaining traction. The Oregon Fusion Bill may breathe new life into libertarians, but they have to show up first. By Alexander Almeida

My suspicions were apparently not so that “we think we are based on the number aren’t in wars right now and they’re not correct. I had assumed that the political of candidates we run and number of votes attacked by terrorists.” Socially, he says party that prides itself on and thrives under we get [nationwide],” and not necessarily on the Netherlands embrace the libertarian the banner of “liberty” would be booming the number of registered voters. standard with legalized prostitution and right about now. It makes sense considering But is the party growing? “Our member- narcotics, “and they’re a successful, wealthy the current largesse of government spend- ship hasn’t changed a lot,” according to country.” He quickly interjects that ing (in some unfathomable number called Benedict. He blames it on the party’s poor “America is pretty good on the libertarian “trillions”), the last eight years of individual nationwide effort to encourage growth in scale, one of the better ones.” liberty crippling and this administration’s the party itself, but also says the political Cox is now a registered Republican push for even greater federal involvement in environment is perfect for growth right who still embraces the philosophy of lib- almost every aspect of life. now. “I think the voters are ready for us.” ertarianism. “Libertarians are essentially I thought with all the tea partiers (or Thomas Cox, a former Libertarian the political arm of the philosophy. I teabaggers, as the liberals refer to them. candidate for governor in 2002, know plenty of people who associate with Mature, by the way), the huge backlash of Libertarian Party state chairman in 2003, the philosophy but identify with mem- the healthcare debate and the ever-increas- and candidate for House District 29 in bers of the Republicans or Democrats, ing wages of war in Afghanistan, the party 2004, says that “part of the conversa- depending on if they’re more socially of “more freedom” and non-intervention tion in understanding libertarianism is liberal or fiscally conservative.” would be a hotspot for the malcontented. that it is a philosophy” which is distinct As far as the Libertarians gaining But as I knocked on an apartment door, from the main political parties. “Among ground, Benedict hinted at 2010. “We’re looking at the end of an empty hallway Republicans you have just a party and not gearing up,” he said, telling me of big plans on the second floor of a rickety office suite a distinct philosophy.” for mid-term election season. Benedict adorned with a handmade wooden sign So what is the philosophy of the has only been the executive director of lettered with white paint reading, “The Libertarian Party and is there any the national party since July of this year. Libertarian Party of Oregon,” I realized my example of it in practice? Benedict says Previously, he was the executive director suspicions might be wrong. the two states in this country that tend of Texas, where he had record fundraising So I left my business card under the door to best exemplify libertarianism are New and party growth that he hopes to emulate with a note on the back, and sulked back to Hampshire and more obviously, Nevada. nationally for 2010. the parking lot, feeling like a former lover New Hampshire has historically had very Cox sees the bigger hurdle for Libertarian leaving a pleading letter of “can we just low taxes, though has lost some credibility. candidates as the “long-standing skepticism talk about it?” As of press date, no return “They recently enacted a state wide smok- of third parties.” Viability is key but he sees call, no return e-mail. Their Web site listed ing ban…[their state wide motto is] ‘Live that it “might vary on a candidate by can- no office number or hours or even contact free or die,’ except for the smoking ban.” didate basis.” For Oregon, it might be espe- e-mail. And this is the party’s headquarters Nevada perhaps is a better example, with cially interesting as “the fusion bill passed for Oregon (their former headquarters was legalized statewide gambling, the only state last year, which allows one candidate to be on a busy corner in Beaverton and adorned with legalized prostitution, in addition nominated by two parties. A Republican with images of the Statue of Liberty). Their to being able to smoke inside almost any could seek the Libertarian nomination and Web site doesn’t seem to have been updated establishment. Unlike most states, Nevada Republican nomination.” since July of this year, with other updates sells alcohol 24 hours a day; bars don’t If the surge in a more libertarian drive lagging as far back as 2008. have to close. It is also one of several states within the GOP and in nationwide protests “I’ll have to talk to them about that,” considering gearing up for a Supreme Court is any indicator, the Libertarian Party were the words of Wes Benedict, the execu- fight in their attempts to flat out legalize might actually see a rise in votes, if not tive director for the National Libertarian marijuana growth and sales. membership as well. But for the Oregon Party, as I talked to him over the phone. Among nations, Benedict tells me there state party, however, it might help to have Oops, I squealed. The national party’s web- are a number of countries that embrace their headquarters outside of an unlisted site boasted the Libertarian Party as being libertarian beliefs. “Hong Kong,” he says door in a non-descript office suite. If people the third largest in this two-party system embraces the free market aspect and is are knocking, there’s currently no one there of a country we have. I asked Benedict how doing quite well. He points to Switzerland to answer. he figured this, and he said that there were as an example of their ideal foreign “different ways to measure that,” but overall policy, which is non-intervention. “They 17 | seventeen S Students

Copy This Down: Plagiarism Has Consequences

Portland State’s academic policy, however, leaves loopholes and temptation

By Jeff Wickizer

Even Ted Kennedy, “Lion of the Senate,” was expelled for cheat- of 06-07 there were 45 cases, followed by 19 cases in 07-08 and 36 ing. It was 1951 and Kennedy was a freshman defensive end on cases in 08-09. Although the last numbers would make it appear the Harvard football team. Nervous about his eligibility for the that plagiarism is up from two years ago, it needs to be mentioned team, he had a friend take a Spanish test in his place. The resulting that these are only the number of cases reported to and acknowl- expulsion would haunt him throughout his career, and possibly edged by the University. contributed to his failure to reach the presidency. Duke University and their widely-respected Academic Integrity Due to the increased attention given to academic honesty by my Council are leading the research done on the prevalence of cheating professors during the first week of this term, I decided this was a and plagiarism. They reported similar statistics to those of PSU topic that needed more clarification for both students and faculty. when compiling their yearly findings and concluded that the I was determined to speak to my instructors directly and with numbers are misleadingly low because 22% were handled between Natalee Webb, the senior conduct officer for Portland State, to find teacher and student, without administrative involvement. This out more about plagiarism at PSU. means that one quarter of students caught cheating are essentially Today, Portland State University’s student code of conduct being left “off the books.” Stearns is among those who choose to does not appear to have any policies in place that act as a strong settle with students outside of administrative procedure. “I work it deterrent against academic dishonesty. While an instructor can out with the student. I have never used the official process.” give a student a failing grade, they rarely do much more than that. A true deterrent to a dishonest action is a swift, identifiable, According to Webb, “If a student is not suspended or expelled, the and appropriately severe consequence. This is not to say that infraction does not appear on their record. If they are suspended, a student should not be dealt with differently if it is a minor it is only on their record during their suspension.” She says that and unintentional error, however, if it is blatant plagiarism the the number of students expelled is at, “one, maybe two, but I don’t gloves need to come off. Professors and teachers of all levels get think it was for academic dishonesty.” PSU instructor Alia Stearns into the profession because they want to educate, and as PSU feels that there are no real consequences. “The deterrent right now Communications professor David Kennamer pointed out, “I did seems to be the threat of expulsion,” she says, “Eventually, they’ll not get into teaching to be a cop.” figure out that doesn’t happen.” What bothers Stearns more than the cheating is the disrespect it Larger class sizes, due to the unemployed going back to school, shows. “My problem is not with cheating but rather with the lazy create more autonomy and less teacher-student interaction. Stearns and obvious way that students go about it. It is always insulting believes this may be the culprit. “I think a classroom that creates as an instructor to realize just how much more clever than you a a student-teacher relationship makes cheating incidents obvious,” student believes themselves to be as they try to slip fraudulent work she says. “Large class sizes contribute to student anonymity, which past you. Savvy plagiarism takes time.” Probably the same amount enables plagiarism.” Public records indicate that in the school year of time it would take to produce one’s own work. S 18 | eighteen Health

The special relationship that STD’s, STI’s keeps on giving. Here’s what you should know about and You sexually transmitted diseases.

By Megan Kimmelshue More than $8 billion are spent each year to diagnose I was fortunate enough to escape my continue to do irreparable damage. If and treat STDs/STIs & their complications. This figure does not include HIV high school sex-ed class without having to ASHA believes that one in two sexually practice putting a condom on a banana, active individuals will contract an infec- Worldwide, an estimated 250 million new cases of STDs but the sexually transmitted diseases and tion by age 25, why isn’t there more occur annually infections slideshow was a different story. public awareness? We have certainly moved Testing Image after image of oozing and infected beyond the days of Victorian modesty, and The long list of STD/STIs includes Chlamydia, body parts projected onto a huge screen pretending that they are minor incon- Gonorrhea, Genital Herpes, HPV, Pelvic were forever burned onto my brain, scaring veniences or assuming that handing out Inflammatory Disease, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis me enough to run in the opposite direction condoms will fix the problem seems to be and Hepatitis A and B. Doctors recommend that whenever a guy expressed any sort of inter- ineffective. This argument is also extended individuals get tested for STDs even if there are no est that went beyond intellectual. While I to include the HIV/AIDS epidemic that is physical signs, as many are symptom-less and only admit that my reaction was reminiscent of ravaging the globe. The approach of imple- detectable through specific testing. those of us who ran around the playground menting procedural steps or creating neat at recess yelling “cooties!” my fears were Power Point presentations will not work, Treatment justifiable. In 1998, the American Social just as the high school slideshow didn’t Stop having sex until a doctor sees you. Health Association (ASHA) predicted that stop the majority of us, at some point, from Use condoms whenever you have sex, especially with new partners. more than half of all people would contract having sex without protection. Be sure your sex partner or partners also an STD/STI at some point in their lifetime. The good news is that most STIs are are treated. Fast-forward nine years to 2007, when curable. The scary news is that many of the the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) most serious STDs and STIs are “silent”, Prevention reported that the Chlamydia trachomatis and it is impossible to know if an individ- Use a latex condom every time you have sex. If you numbers represented the largest ever to be ual is infected unless they ask to be tested. use a lubricant, make sure it is water-based. reported for any disease at an estimated one These silent infections, while proving Limit your number of sexual partners. The more million cases. an uncomfortable or unattractive afflic- partners you have, the more likely you are to catch The National Institute of Allergy and tion for men, are disastrous for women. an STD. Get checked for STDs. Don’t risk giving the Infectious Diseases corroborated this Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HPV can lead infection to someone else. Remember that you may be less likely to use a research by reporting, “Young adults (ages to infertility, tubal or ectopic pregnancy, condom if you are using drugs or alcohol 15 to 24) make up nearly half of the 19 mil- cervical cancer and infections in infants Know the signs and symptoms of STDs/STIs. Moni- lion new cases of STIs each year.” In reality born to infected mothers. tor yourself and, if possible, your sex partners. the number is larger, as the CDC only Sexual health intelligence includes taking requires gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, the time to get tested annually. Many stud- SHAC Services, Hotline and hepatitis A and B to be reported to ies have confirmed that using latex condoms Wellness Resources 1-800-777-2437 or health officials on the state and federal level. successfully reduces the risk of contract- www.shac.pdx.edu oregonaidshotline.com The medical profession is partly respon- ing all types of STDs, so respect yourself sible for the high infection rates. When and your partner(s) by using protection. Multnomah County Columbia University’s the American Journal of Public Health Free condoms are available at SHAC, the Health Department STD “Go Ask Alice” goaskalice.columbia.edu surveyed U.S. physicians in 2002, less than Women’s Resource Center, Queer Resource Clinic by appointment th one-third routinely screened patients for Center, at city health clinics, health-centered 426 SW Stark St., 6 Floor STD/STIs. It is also thought that less than nonprofits and Planned Parenthood. (503) 988-3700 half of individuals ages 18 to 44 have ever The Student Health and Counseling Outside In Clinic been tested for an STD/STI other than Center (SHAC) provides testing services on 1132 SW 13th Ave HIV/AIDS. campus, or you can visit the Multnomah (503) 535-3890 STDs and STIs still seem to fly below County Health Department for testing that www.outsidein.org/clinic the radar of public conversation, yet they includes HIV/AIDS. Oregon AIDS/STD 19 | nineteen S Politics

Rep. David Wu of the 1st District There’s Another Hat in The Ring Rep. Wu faces another Republican contender, but will Rob Cornilles be Rob Cornilles, running for 1st strong enough to end his reign? District U.S. Representative

By Trevor Peterson

The last thing college students should message. “I know how to create a budget and Cornilles thinks there is a different issue we have to worry about is if there will be any stick to a budget. I know that you don’t go should be focusing on instead of the health jobs when they graduate. Rob Cornilles, who into debt to get out of debt.” care debate. “An issue that we should be is running for Congress against incumbent As a husband, father of three boys, and spending more time on right now is how Rep. David Wu, sympathizes when he says business owner, Cornilles says, “I believe to resuscitate the economy,” he says, “that’s of college students, “They spent thousands of in people more than programs.” People what needs to be focused on right now.” dollars and some of the prime years of their are beginning to believe in Rob’s ability to David Wu has held the 1st district seat life pursuing an education, and then after lead as well. In a report from The Federal for the U.S. House of Representatives that tassel goes on the other side of their cap Election Commission report from October since 1998. Wu has won by a comfort- they can’t find work.” 15, Cornilles raised over $125,000 dollars able margin every election, but Cornilles Cornilles is a native Oregonian who in his campaign’s first quarter, of which believes when the voters get a chance to has a successful business in Tualatin called 97% came from inside Oregon and 99.8% compare David Wu to Rob Cornilles, he GameFace. The private company does from individuals. Only 50% of Wu’s contri- has the upper hand. Cornilles asks, “Have training and placements, helping potential butions came from inside Oregon. we been better off the last 12 years with employees find full-time careers in the Focusing on some of the pressing issues, David Wu as our representative? “ sports market. While Cornilles, who is a Cornilles thinks President Obama’s A primary election on May 18, 2010 Republican, has never held a political office, approach in the health care debate is hurt- will feature Rob Cornilles and two other he is fine with pointing out past Republican ing the very people who can help health Republican candidates. Cornilles feels he failures, “Yes some Republican policy from care. “The more our president stands at will come out the victor and looks forward years past is partly to blame for this [deficit].” the podium and tells Americans that he’s to his campaign’s success against David He says now is the time to bring the message working to keep insurance companies and Wu on November 2, 2010. For sure, it of fiscal conservatism back. He believes his doctors honest, the more he’s saying that won’t be easy. experiences as a business owner can help that they are dishonest,” he says. However,

S 20 | twenty Rearbuttal

`e SpeÀator’s Rearbuıal Editor’s Note: Through June, The Rearguard and The Spectator will each feature a column of “banter,” in a civilized manner, on issues of concern to the reading public at Portland State University. This is the Portland Spectator’s response to the following challenge, agreed to by the Editors: Your take on post-partisanship.

Post-Partisan: Conspicuously Absent from the Dictionary... By Jonathan Miles

earlier saying “the Republicans want you to Patrick Ruffi of the New Right offered some ately, there has been a lot of noise made L die quickly!” If the people want to see an reasoned observations on the congressional about post-partisanship. Before I take on end to partisanship, it is probably because climate of partisanship when he notes that the opinions extant on this issue let me be of men like Grayson whose political agenda Democrats are far less willing to roll over up front with mine; there is no such thing is driven more by South Park-style shock for Obama than Republicans during the as post-partisanship in the United States. comedy than research and reason. If that’s Bush years, which he refers to as following If there were to be a post-partisan govern- all partisanship is, then I would be against a “yes man approach,” with a “GOP ‘roll ment it would probably look a lot like Hugo it as well. But that’s not the baby, that’s just over’ strategy on White House initiatives.” Chaves’ “democratic” Venezuela. the dirty bath water. Grayson calls himself the “congressman with guts” and calls Republicans the party Every four to eight years the White House of “no.” He screams, “If Barack Obama changes color from either Red to Blue or could somehow bring about world peace vice-versa. And, every two years Congress then the Republicans will blame him for becomes a more or less ambiguous blend of destroying the defense industry.” Yet, as purple. But, when we’re lucky, the congres- Obama calls on Congress members to act sional pallor opposes rather than reflects in a bipartisan manner, Grayson certainly that of the executive branch. We’re a rep- stands in opposition to the executive branch resentative democracy, and no one should as well. Is this opposition useful? Well, I want a strong-arm federal government. prefer it to a lap dog Congress that allows Post-partisan means no more parties, the White House agenda to become the which in my opinion means no balance of Sorry Rearguard, rule of thumb. power and no representation for the social being an good of the citizenry. Columnist Donna Anthony Stine over at The Rearguard men- Brazile theorized in a recent article for The Independent tions the growing number of registered Washington Times that post-partisanship Independents as evidence of a burgeoning was born from the desire of citizens “to doesn’t make you group of Americans who want to identify see their leaders come together to solve post-partisan. themselves as “politically independent.” problems.” Well, here in the good old U.S. Unfortunately for Stine, his argument of A. we call that bi-partisanship. Obama rests on the idea that being registered has called on Congress to provide a con- as an Independent means that you don’t sensus on healthcare legislation, and that Yuval Levin, a fellow at Ethics and Public have to tow a party line. Of course, as bi-partisanship has been a Sisyphean battle Policy Center, defended partisanship in a the well-informed reader will know, the with the lone Rep. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) Newsweek article last April when he wrote Independent party is a partisan group supporting Democrats’ efforts thus far. that “large modern parties” provide a form that has its own set of requirements for to what would be cacophonous disagreement homogeneity. It is true that the actual third It really is understandable that people between millions of individuals. Parties, largest party in the country boasts on their would like to see an end to party politics Levin argues, “express a genuine difference Web site that they want to include “the when you look at a case like Rep. Alan of opinion about what is best for the whole.” growing number of independent-minded” Grayson (D-FL), who recently spoke to What the Republicans are doing may enrage people in America, but it is also true that an empty room on Capitol Hill in D.C., 60% of the country, but the other 40% is the party line includes, among other things, accusing Democrats of wasting time on probably in agreement with the opposition a decrease in government spending and bi-partisan efforts to approve a healthcare front that exists in Congress right now. a push towards alternative energy. Sorry reform bill, and telling the Republicans to That’s the point. Stine, being an Independent doesn’t make “get out of the way!” This is coming from you post-partisan. the same man who addressed the public 21 | twenty one S Make the move to Unitus® today!

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