the michigan review T Page he Michigan Review March 21, 2006 The Campus Affairs Journal at the University of Michigan Volume XXIV, Number 10 March 21, 2006 MR Who will lead the campus?

MSA Elections, Page 3

The University of Faceoff: MR vs. MD MCRI: The Battle Ahead Michigan in Detroit?

Brian Biglin explores the The Review’s Chris Stieber Michael O’Brien analyzes idea of more interaction be- and the Daily’s Toby affirmative action on tween UM and Detroit. Mitchell faceoff on Iraq. campus and the MCRI. Page 5 Page 6 Page 8 www.michiganreview.com the michigan review Page 2 Humor March 21, 2006 The Michigan Review MR Tackles St. Patty The Campus Affairs Journal of Bram O’Malley and Glen Hennigan return for the second annual the University of Michigan St. Patrick’s Day diary James David Dickson Editor in Chief fter last year’s spectacular day of alco- found the consumption too much to handle and booted up a Aholic debauchery, we - Bram O’Malley and Glen Hen- frothy green mix of Guinness and Bailey’s in the Ashleys men’s Paul Teske nigan, The Michigan Review’s two resident St. Patrick’s Day bathroom sink. At this point, it was time to meet up with Glen Publisher correspondents - spent the last 364 days conditioning for this at the legendary establishment on South University known as year’s great holiday. We increased our livers’ capacity to en- the Brown Jug. Sekou Benson dure hours upon hours of pints and shots. Needless to say, our Our Irish excitement bubbled over, and in a singular Managing Editor bodies were not happy with the adversity faced over the past act or European solidarity, Bram and Glen connected as one year, but we knew that humanity and Mother Ireland would be with kissing on each other’s cheeks (and lips possibly, we were Nick Cheolas grateful for our sacrifice. Here is our story. too drunk to recall). Every Michigan student who yearned to Content Editor The day began at Midnight. Bram was ushering in St. be Irish but came from some other crap country was parked at Patrick’s Day with a Car Bomb at his place of residence before Jug that morning. Old friends reunited and new friends were taking an obligatory nap before heading off to Ashley’s to be made over pitchers of green beer and broken glasses of Irish Michael O’Brien one of the first 25 drinkers through the door – in an effort to Car Bombs. This is where things start to get sketchy. Many Campus Affairs Editor capture a coveted free t-shirt. Glen decided to take a chance photos were taken, many memories were forgotten. This at midnight, and skip out on a coveted nap, also in hopes of perhaps marks the three hour period, where Bram and Glen Assistant Editors: making it to Ashley’s early for an even more coveted t-shirt. blacked out, all before the hour of 11:30. On multiple occa- Chris Stieber Glen felt that the most exciting way to spend the wee sions, Glen felt he would celebrate the day with old friends by hours of the night would be by playing beer pong at a local fra- ordering the “potpourri sampler” – invented by Glen and con- Staff: ternity house. The plan was to go to Ashley’s at 4am, drinking sumed by many, this order meant every special on the menu Michael Balkin, Brian Biglin, Karen Boore, heavily before waiting in the cold in order to make enduring brought to the table for everyone to try a new drink. Rebecca Christy, Tom Church, Jane Coas- hours in queue more enjoyable. St. Patrick’s Day was starting Bram reveled in his blackout state with the whole ton, Stephen Crabtree, Blake Emerson, well for Glen, as he went undefeated in beer pong against the bar, singing all of his favorite Irish drinking songs to the whole Kole Kurti, Jeremy Linden, Matt MacK- younger, less experienced undergraduate athletes. Glen made booth section of the Jug. Glen insulted everyone that he came innon, Brian McNally, Natalie Newton, one of the losing beer pong opponents go to Ashley’s at 3:45 in across, friends and enemies alike and made up for his insults Amanda Nichols, Adam Paul, Danielle order to scope out the state of the line. To his dismay, the line with shots. Putnam, Yevgeny Shrago for a t-shirt was at capacity at 25 people. The only way Glen Bram and Glen went with friends to Dominick’s knew how to cope with the bad news was to drink more, at a where they smoked fine cigars, sang Irish drinking songs, and Editor Emeritus: Michael J. Phillips faster pace. pelvic thrusted all of the clientele from the top of a picnic table The Michigan Review is the independent, student-run Bram awoke just before 3:30 to a phone call from one – basically a normal jaunt to Dominick’s. Glen and Bram de- journal of conservative and libertarian opinion at the of his friends who was waiting in line. The line was already at cided it best to take a respite, which turned into an extended University of Michigan. We neither solicit nor accept 16, and increasing fast. Bram was met with a burst of adrena- pass out adventure from which we awoke to a combined 25 monetary donations from the University. Contribu- lin; he had to make the line. Rushing out his front door, still missed calls. tions to The Michigan Review are tax-deductible un- der section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Ser- drunk from the night before, he tripped and fell down his front Upon waking up, Bram, realizing the late time, vice Code. The Michigan Review is not affiliated with step – almost spilling his thermos of espresso and Jameson. sprayed himself in cologne and sprinted to Ricks in fear of a any political party or any university political group. Knowing that he could not run for more than a few blocks, long line. Luckily, he made it in time and was able to meet up Jesus Christ reached down from the heavens and deposited a with his the final remnants of his Ashley’s crew to enjoy three Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board. Ergo, they are unequivocally cor- cab a block from his house. Thanks to God’s miracle, Bram hours of shots, beers, more pelvic thrusting and drunken face rect and just. Signed articles, letters, and cartoons arrived 24th in line. Praise be the Lord. licking. Around 12:30 pm, he realized it was time to go back to represent the opinions of the author, and not nec- Glen’s day took a turn for the worse quite early. After his home, the Brown Jug where Glen had been since 11pm. essarily those of The Review. The Serpent’s Tooth making a quick jaunt to McDonald’s for breakfast, lack of sleep Glen’s late night at the Jug proved to be an exciting shall represent the opinion of individual, anony- mous contributors to The Review, and should not and over consumption of alcohol resulted in an unprecedented one. All those who were not Irish enough for daytime drink- necessarily be taken as representative of The Review’s nap of 4 hours for Glen, who wouldn’t wake up until 10am, but ing had found there way to the legendary pub for nighttime editorial stance. The opinions expressed in this felt recharged and thirsting for liquid courage when his eyes revelry. Glen felt like a king, and drank like a homeless man publication do not necessarily those of the advertis- opened. At that late of a start on St. Patrick’s Day morning, with king’s money. He bought shots for friends and foes alike ers, or of the University of Michigan. We welcome letters, articles, and comments about the journal. there was only one Ann Arbor establishment where Glen felt until he could no longer see. He bought so many shots for a comfortable showing his face, the infamous Brown Jug. The few of his finest friends that they were kicked out of the Jug. Please address all advertising, subscription inquiries, line at the Jug proved to be formidable at such a late start time, One friend, unable to control his Irish anger, got too much and donations to “Publisher,” c/o however, by the grace of God and a year’s worth of condition- into the Irish spirit and accidentally broke a window. One of The Michigan Review: ing there, Glen was granted entry immediately Bram’s friends also couldn’t control his Irish-by-way-of-Africa Editorial and Business Offices: The line at Ashley’s promptly grew to over 150 in spirit and regurgitate an Irish Car Bomb all over the bar of the The Michigan Review less than an hour. Around 4:30 am, fellow dedicated Irish- Brown Jug. 911 N. University Avenue, Suite One men, already a few whiskey shots in the bag, decided it would Bram and Glen, knowing their friend’s limits felt it Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1265 mrev @ umich.edu be a good idea to mount the top of his friends car, which was necessary to continue the festivities away from other human www.michiganreview.com parked conveniently in front of Ashley’s, and urinate off the beings. They purchased a 30 pack and headed to a late night top of it onto State Street. Unfortunately, the pressure of the private affair. Long story short, they cut the line and Big Ten Copyright © 2006, The Michigan Review, Inc. All rights crowd proved too much, and stage fright gripped the poor Burrito where they were treated to complimentary Mexican reserved. The Michigan Review is a member of the Col- legiate Network. lad’s groin. After three hours of intense Irish coffee pounding cuisine, bonged multiple beers at the after party, wrestled their in the freezing cold, Bram and his buddies finally were admit- way into face injuries, and passed out at 4:30am. ted to Ashley’s at 6:30 am. They quickly gorged themselves All in all, it was a fabulous holiday. Next year, Bram with the fantastic Ashley’s buffet and chugged a few pints of and Glen will be taking the shit show to New York City where green beer. By the hour of 9:30, after many Irish car bombs we will undoubtedly have even more outrageous stories to re- and pints of green beer, one of Bram’s lesser Irishmen friends count to you, our faithful Irish readers. MR [email protected] the michigan review Page 3 Campus Affairs March 21, 2006 MSA Elections Promise to be Controversial For the first time in years, Students 4 Michigan faces a credible challenge from two new parties.

By Amanda Nichols, ‘08 an answer to student demands for more MSA passed a resolution on February 7 MSA waste,” according to Presidential high-profile events, and that it was never that made this exact issue a priority for candidate Ryan Fantuzzi in a correspon- sk an average American intended to turn a profit. He also cited the Winter 2006 semester. This resolu- dence with the Review. Billing SCP as the to name a third-party candidate. A a figure that the concert attracted over tion urged “the University administra- party of choice, Fantuzzi went on to dis- Ralph Nader and Ross Perot might come 7% of University students; other events, tion [to implement] a policy requiring all cuss the party’s central issue: Coca-Cola. to mind. A third-party candidate who had O’Brien claimed, cost much more and academic departments and/or professors According to SCP, bringing back Coke is any success? This question might only attracted far fewer students. Further- to disclose the required textbooks for the critical to their platform because it rep- elicit blank stares, and perhaps a men- more, MPP Presidential candidate Rese upcoming semester at least one month resents the lack of choice students have tion or two of Teddy Roosevelt and the Fox—perhaps the concert’s most out- before the first day of class.” Although on campus. Paraphrasing Ronald Reagan, Bull Moose Party, and that from the most spoken critic since the final figures were the status of this issue is unclear, text- Fantuzzi stated that “Individuals have… educated respondents. It was in classic released—voted in favor of funding the book prices can feasibly be solved by a the ability, the dignity, and the right to American fashion, then, that the 2005 concert not once, but twice. Therefore, simple email to a student’s professors. It make their own decisions and determine MSA election featured only two parties. if MSA is blamed for this event’s failure, is surprising, then, that MPP’s main focus their own destiny.” He also asserted that Last spring, Students 4 Michigan defeat- Fox must share in this blame. is an issue over which students can truly the party believes boycotting a company ed the Defend Affirmative Action Party Despite criticism, by choosing control. is an individual right, rather than a col- in the classic American two-party race; candidates who are leaders in many dif- In their efforts for better hous- lective right of the University. This issue, in fact, S4M’s victory was so far-reach- ferent facets of campus life, then repre- ing, MPP’s website states the party “be- then, ties in with “MSA waste,” because ing that it was almost reminiscent of the sentation will already be prepared to im- lieves that making sure students are not SCP believes it is wasteful for the assem- Reagan-era elections. However, the 2006 mediately lead upon entering office. The exploited by aggressive landlords is a bly to make decisions students can make election is proving to be much more con- party’s belief is “action, not ideology,” in fundamental duty” of MSA. MPP is in independently. tentious and hard-fought. Joining S4M the importance of a politically neutral yet favor of Mayor John Hieftje’s proposal However, Coke is not the and DAAP in the race are Walter No- ideologically-diverse MSA. Reaffirming to push back lease-signing dates. This only plank on which SCP stands. Like winski’s Michigan Progressive Party and the idea that only liberal groups will bene- is also a good idea, but it does not dis- MPP and S4M, they want to work with Clark Ruper and Ryan Fantuzzi’s Student fit from MPP’s admittedly liberal agenda, tinguish MPP from S4M; the S4M-domi- both on- and off-campus housing; how, Conservative Party. O’Brien said of Fox, “If I were in PIR- nated MSA approved such an objective though, they do not say. Fantuzzi also While the two new parties run GIM or Pi Phi, I would probably support in October 2005. While MPP asserts its stated that divestment from Israel, one largely on politics-related platforms, her. Unfortunately, everyone else gets differences from S4M, they seem to want of SCP’s issue in this year’s campaign, S4M’s campaign focuses on several issues screwed.” This can perhaps be best seen to accomplish many of the things S4M is has been largely overlooked. The party, unrelated to either end of the political through MPP’s support for the petition already working on or has already accom- he says, is against divestment from Israel spectrum, and will target the largest and that student funds should go to lobbying, plished. because it “means tooling with the status most diverse voting base. Party Chair even though such a motion failed to clear furthermore, the language of quo” and could affect students’ lives on Robbie O’Brien told the Review that MSA on February 21, 2006. Most obvi- the current proposal states landlords must campus. Again, then, SCP seems to feel “fighting for student rights” is what S4M ously, use of such funds would directly wait until one-quarter of the lease has this issue is personal rather than one the thinks is most important. This includes benefit PIRGIM, a statewide group that passed before renewing it. This means, University should deal with. assuring student groups will receive ap- lobbies for progressive causes, and of then, that May leases can be resigned as As usual, then, DAAP is the propriate and unbiased funding, ensuring which Fox is a member; she herself was a early as August. If the ordinance passes only party dealing specifically with affir- students do not receive MIPs while at the sponsor of the doomed MSA resolution. as currently written, why wouldn’t all mative action. Countering the charges of hospital, and reaffirming students’ rights By avoiding political agenda or affiliation, landlords simply shift their leasing dates being a single-issue party, Monica Smith to fair housing. O’Brien asserted S4M avoids such “cro- to May? In this way, they can continue told The Michigan Daily, DAAP instead S4M also answered the charges of those nyism,” and treats all students in an equal controlling the market. gives “emphasis where emphasis is due.” calling for increased fiscal responsibility manner. MPP’s unique focus from S4M, Emphasis, then, is also due to DAAP’s in MSA. According to O’Brien, by as- Of course, both MPP and SCP then, seems to be on the assembly and ties with BAMN. DAAP is likely to lose serting that in April 2005, the assembly, disagree. Because they are focused on making its legislative processes more what few voters it has to MPP, especially “began implementing a full revision of specific political agendas and issues, these transparent through roll-call voting and since the MCRI will decide the fate of af- student group funding practices.” Fur- new parties have largely been allowed to online records of representatives’ votes. firmative action in November 2006. Since thermore, he claimed the S4M-controlled determine the campaign’s most visible is- Nowinski also said that, in order to see the administration’s term would end in assembly has worked, and continues sues. MPP capitalized on the well-known MSA’s budget, a student must file a re- Spring 2007, they would be an adminis- to work, toward greater fiscal transpar- fiscal ramifications of the Ludacris con- quest through the Freedom of Informa- tration without issue, agenda, or even a ency by revamping “MSA’s discretionary cert, and has based their platform on the tion Act; such things are not open to the single goal for several months. Appar- funding procedure with the creation of purported errors of the current MSA public and, in MPP’s view, should be. ently DAAP does not believe emphasis is the MSA-Sponsored Events Fund.” This administration. “Better classes, better But SCP shares this view as due to this, though. ensures the assembly complies with the housing, and better government,” MPP well. In fact, they cite Vice Presidential Realistically, DAAP has no US Supreme Court’s University of Wis- asserts, and hopes these tenets will carry candidate (and one-time Review writer) chance to win, making this a three-way consin v. Southworth decision stating all them to victory. Tommi Turner’s work “to secure expen- MSA race. So, then, will SCP or MPP funding requests be made in a viewpoint- In an interview with the Review, ditures data from the current treasurer of prove to be the true American “third” neutral way. Nowinski, the Vice Presidential candidate MSA,” which means SCP filed a FOIA party and spoil the election for S4M? Although S4M claims fiscal re- of the Michigan Progressive Party, said the request. Has MPP? No such information Does a broad, ironically, nonpartisan par- sponsibility, there has been much talk party’s first priority is lowering textbook was available. Although SCP also wants ty have any place at Michigan? And does over the fiduciary ramifications of the prices for students; to do this, he said to make MSA more responsible to and anyone actually care? Ludacris concert. MSA, and by associa- the party will have textbook lists released trusted by students, they have a different Only time will tell. Don’t forget tion, S4M, has been roundly criticized for earlier. Through this, students will not be strategy to accomplish the goals. Instead to vote on March 21 and 22—otherwise, the loss of $15,000 on the venture. How- restricted to Ulrich’s, Michigan Book and of increasing bureaucratic efforts such as you’ll have no right to complain. MR ever, O’Brien defended the assembly’s Supply, and Shaman Drum. However, posting voting records, they aim to “cut decision. He asserted the concert was the michigan review Page 4 Editorials March 21, 2006 tally unconstitutional in regards to the Southworth precedent, , as it would take public The Michigan Review funds and invest them in expressly political efforts. MPP thought they could slide into The Michigan Review is the independent, stu- office by simply attacking S4M, while claiming to make progress on the issues that dent-run journal of conservative and libertarian opinion Students 4 Michigan had already advanced substantially, no thanks to Rese Fox and at the University of Michigan. Unsigned editorials rep- her cadre. The bottom line: Do not vote for the Michigan Progressive Party, Rese Fox, resent the opinion of the Editorial Board. Ergo, they are or Walter Nowinski. unequivocally correct and just. Signed articles, letters, The next major party, of course, is the incumbent Students 4 Michigan. As and cartoons represent the opinions of the author, and aforementioned, their loss of money on the Ludacris concert and the subsequent re- not necessarily those of the Review. fusal to take responsibility for the mistake were extremely disappointing. Last year, You can contact the Editorial Board at: under the leadership of Jason Mironov, it took extraordinary efforts just to prevent a [email protected] vote on divestment from Israel, an effort that is not only misguided, but fundamentally ■ From Suite One: beyond the province of MSA’s purpose. This round of campaigning has been charac- terized by the poor visibility of S4M’s Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, Nicole Stallings and Justin Paul, respectively. They have been upstaged in every way MSA Endorsements: by MPP and SCP candidates. Nevertheless, S4M is not without some merit. We ad- mire their expressly apolitical approach to student government. MSA should not be Don’t Vote Fox or MPP characterized by the same issues that dominate debate between the Democratic and Republican parties nationally. Students 4 Michigan’s platform is arguably most relevant to student interests, T IS REFRESHING to have competition reinvigorate Michigan Student Assembly and for that, we can express some degree of support for S4M. Their platform was the (MSA) elections for the first time in many election cycles. For too long, the gov- I obvious inspiration for MPP, and we are happy to give credit due to the party that was ernance of MSA, and by extension, the Students 4 Michigan (S4M) party, have run the first to generate these ideas. We urge careful discretion in voting for S4M candi- amuck, spending money freely and largely unaccountable to the student body that dates, and the discerning voter should take consideration of the individual character- elects them. And in the meanwhile, apathy on campus towards student government istics and stances of the candidates in deciding for whom they will cast their vote. We has grown, with decreasing proportions of students even bothering to vote in recent are absolutely thrilled with what Andrew Yahkind has done for Students 4 Michigan elections. on LSA-SG in the past year. Although we are disappointed he is not on this year’s bal- The monolithic character of S4M on MSA indeed caused the Review to de- lot, we are satisfied with S4M governance of LSA-SG. Vote for Joanna Slott and Justin cline endorsing even voting last year. Thankfully, this year, our position needn’t be Benson for LSA-SG President and Vice President. For MSA-LSA representative seats, repeated. 2006 is arguably the most consequential election in several years, thanks to candidates like Allison Jacobs, Josh Kersey, and Nate Fink exhibit the qualities we the entry of both the Michigan Progressive Party (MPP) and Student Conservative tend to value in MSA representatives. Party (SCP) in the wake of missteps by S4M. The Student Conservative Party is, practically and ideologically most in line There is no denying that the contentiousness of the race is nothing but the with the Review’s own philosophy. We have long supported bringing Coke back to result of the Ludacris concert this past fall, in which S4M leadership lost nearly $20,000 campus, which SCP’s candidates Fantuzzi and Turner have enthusiastically supported, on a concert which never sold out, and was justified to the campus community on to their benefit in this campaign. SCP also seems more inclined towards fiscal respon- the shoddiest kind of reasoning. The almost myopic inability of MSA President Jesse sibility in MSA, something sorely needed in student government today. But the Stu- Levine and his partners to acknowledge their mistakes and the mismanagement of the dent Conservative Party is not without its flaws. As of yet, it remains unclear whether concert might be the shovel digging S4M’s own grave. Insisting that the concert was the SCP leadership have a comprehensive strategy for governance on the bread-and- a success, and that diversity on campus was somehow substantially affected by the butter issues that require the bulk of time in MSA. If they should be elected, we are concert shows a narrow mentality that is more-or-less inappropriate in leadership for not entirely confident that they will effectively govern, though we are open to their student government. growth in office. We also wish that candidate Fantuzzi might have been a bit more The Michigan Progressive Party was founded in the wake of the Ludacris serious in demeanor, possibly having done damage to his efforts when he said in the fiasco. When MPP was first formed, there was initial promise that the new party might Michigan Daily that the Ludacris concert money might as well have been spent on a be able to serve student government in a more fiscally responsible, non-partisan way. “Wolverine Fart Club.” The demeanor of the SCP campaign might be a little more But things have gone downhill from there. Despite its name, party founder (and now serious, in preparation for student government. All in all, though, due to potential con- Vice Presidential candidate) Walter Nowinski seemed to indicate that the party was flict of interest (SCP Vice Presidential candidate Tomiyo Turner is affiliated with the less interested in being expressly “progressive,” in the political sense. But the party has Review), we respectfully decline to endorse any ticket for Michigan Student Assembly quickly devolved into such a slate of candidates, which represents some of the furthest President and Vice President. We do hope, though, that Mr. Fantuzzi and Ms. Turner left elements this campus has to offer. earn due consideration from voters. We sincerely do wish, though, that several SCP But our concerns about the Michigan Progressive Party range far beyond party members are elected to MSA, and can prove to be a vocal minority in govern- their liberalism. Their effort was once noble, and is now pathetic. We at first ad- ment that provides a check to the actions of the assembly at large. We encourage votes mired Representative Rese Fox, especially in her taking to task her fellow Students 4 for Rob Garvey and Ryan Glass for MSA-LSA representatives. Michigan colleagues for the loss of money on the Ludacris concert. Her creation of an It remains important to remember that while we are only college students, Events Review Board on MSA to keep a check on the spending authority of MSA was MSA has a significant, large budget that depends on support from what are essentially also commendable. But on the whole, Ms. Fox and MPP have led an opportunistic, taxes on students. We hope that MSA, in the year ahead, with a smattering of S4M slash-and-burn campaign more interested in accumulating personal power than any and SCP representatives, will be responsible enough to make MSA more humble and genuine sense of service to the campus community. Our first gripe with MPP is Ms. in-tune to the real interests of students. So please do vote this week, and be mindful of Fox’s unapologetically Machiavellian move to ditch the party which had first helped the ramifications of such action.MR her to achieve any political fortune, to run for the presidency on the MPP ticket. This shameless move should be recognized as the self-serving manuever it really was. Also, for as much as the MPP’s leader talks about fiscal responsibility, Fox’s actions indi- cate otherwise. We remain disgusted by Fox’s sponsorship of an MSA resolution that would have placed on the ballot a referendum to increase student tuition fees consid- Vote Slott & Benson for LSA-SG erably, just to fund the Michiganensian, the yearbook that cannot even fund itself, and is conveniently headed by a sorority sister of Representative Fox. MPP’s platform is of similar concern to us. It really seems as if the leadership of the Michigan Progressive Vote Jacobs, Kersey, Fink, Garvey, Party did not think they would have to bother proffering their own views on issues; it is much easier to steal the Students 4 Michigan’s platform. The only original ideas and Glass for MSA-LSA they really maintain are those in favor of allocating more student money on PIRGIM, which we have consistently opposed as not only a waste of money, but also fundamen- Representatives the michigan review Page 5 Campus and State March 21, 2006 The University of Michigan at Detroit? Ties between University, City could be better

By Brian Biglin, ‘08 lack of connectivity between one of the gram, now in its final year, has proved place like Detroit. She said that she cur- n Ann Arbor it’s easy to forget nation’s top public universities and one to have favorable results for the 2,000 rently knows more than ten candidates Iabout Detroit, the nation’s 11th larg- of the nation’s most downtrodden cities. Detroit middle school students who par- for Master’s degrees in education who est city, although it sits a little over a half In terms of raw real estate, UM’s ticipated each year. The improvements are student teachers in Detroit, and cites hour to our east. For many reasons, this presence in Detroit is a marginal 12,000 were on average a full grade level better the transportation situation as a limiting is something the region can ill-afford to square feet on Woodward Avenue in the on state administered tests. While 30 per- step in some cases. let happen, yet, the ways in which the city’s cultural center. Incredibly, this is cent of Detroit students pass the science For undergraduates, too, field University of Michigan itself fosters ties 12,000 square feet more than UM oper- portion of the tests compared to 66 per- work and a term of actual teaching with within the city are very limited. ated there a little over a year ago. The cent statewide, 42 percent students who a partner school is a graduation require- Detroit, the city of UM’s 1817 UM Detroit Center was paid for by the participated in the BioKIDS curriculum, ment for teaching certification. The origin, is a sad example of all the issues Provost’s office and a distribution over showed an average gain in science abili- School of Education webpage describing that have affected many ‘rustbelt’ cit- 17 academic units, and is used for meet- ties of a full grade level on state standard- these requirements suggests a clear bias ies. There was a precipitous downfall ings and lectures, and as satellite class ized tests. toward the western suburbs of Detroit. beginning in the 1950s when Ameri- space especially for the projects within It is good to know that the Most of this, one can assume, is for dis- cans became enamored with the notion the Taubman College of Urban Planning School of Education engages in research tance reasons. of prepackaged subdivisions, and were and Architecture. and outreach in a challenging urban envi- According to the School of frightened by the challenges of urban liv- With the opening of this new ronment. The question left un-explored, Education, students should expect a ing. The real loss in terms of population facility, President Mary Sue Coleman re- though, is the School of Education’s field placement in Ann Arbor, followed and tax base was disturbing. A city built leased a statement saying that UM “has willingness to prepare teaching students by another one in a district like Chelsea to fit around two million now houses remained committed and connected to for urban classroom environments, and or Plymouth-Canton. “Student teaching a little over 900,000. At the moment, this city,” and that she hoped “this center promoting a need for U of M students to placements in Detroit and Southfield however; the leading indicators, such as will strengthen the partnership between teach in Detroit schools. may also be available for those interested downtown development, retail through- UM and Detroiters.” Whether or not this Assistant Professor of Educa- in learning more about urban education,” out the city, real estate investment, and is veneer or actual commitment is up for tional Practice Shari Saunders said that according to the same documents an expanding upscale residential market, debate. But Coleman claimed U-M’s De- allocating good teachers in a way that will Clearly, the emphasis on learn- have been solid and strengthening since troit facility “makes us far more visible increase their numbers in underserved ing in urban environments lacks when around 2000. But the city is left with and accessible.” urban settings is a concern. it comes to these requirements, so the structural, budgetary issues that will last While this can only be counted “In urban settings, as in all sharing of UM’s intellectual capital with for some time, not the least of which is a as a minor bright spot when it comes to settings, some students are well-served the poorest districts like Detroit or Pon- poor public school system. Pile on top of UM getting involved in Detroit, there while others are less well-served. I would tiac is significantly capped, if for no other this a lingering identity crisis and all the is more substantial good news found love for our most competent and caring reason than distance. ills of inner-city poverty, and you have a in School of Education-run programs. teachers to choose to work with the most All of this raises the specter of city fraught with problems. Since one of Detroit’s chief problems is underserved students wherever they may further UM expansion within the City of There are plenty of ways to look the public school system, it makes natu- be,” said Saunders. “I am happy to say Detroit. Adding real estate and resources at the level of connectivity between UM ral sense to look at ways in which UM’s that some of them [former students of would enable UM teaching candidates to and Detroit. The UM community itself, well-renowned School of Education Saunders’] have chosen, and were hired more actively engage the needs of De- namely the student body, sends mixed shares its resources. in, schools in urban settings.” troit public schools. It would also help, signals. There are dedicated people who In more than one published Saunders said that preparing for UM to get involved in some capacity understand Detroit and who take an ac- statement, the Dean of the School of teaching candidates for urban settings in pushing for and studying the feasibil- tive role in organizations which focus on Education, Deborah Loewenberg Ball, usually requires courses built around so- ity of regional mass transportation which service for Detroit’s underclass. An ex- stressed the importance of the school of cial justice issues and content which deals would make this increased connectivity ample of this is clearly the Detroit Proj- education and its future teachers in help- with the “diversity and various facets of more feasible. ect. In addition many students, especially ing presently “underserved” children, teaching and learning such as curriculum, There is no better time than col- those blessed with cars (trains only run which one can infer are students stuck in instruction, classroom management, lege to experience things which will help between Detroit and Ann Arbor three poorly-funded schools. This is seen as an discipline, and working with families.” one decide on a career path while doing times a day, so there are really no com- urgent matter and factors into the School Saunders teaches many such courses. some good. For teaching candidates, muting options in metro Detroit other of Education’s research and outreach. Perhaps where the School of having teaching opportunities in Detroit than cars), will capitalize on Detroit’s The School of Education Education would have the most sway in more readily available than in suburban cultural and sports offerings by making shared its resources and talents very terms of immersing future teachers into areas which the school requires, would trips to special events. Many Greek orga- well in a research and science education challenging urban environments like De- raise the awareness of social justice issues nizations also plan events in Detroit. On program which recently was shown to troit is in the service requirements for and the idea of urban teaching as a voca- the other hand, plenty of UM students, have increased Detroit Public School gaining a teaching certificate. Saunders tion which Saunders spoke about. Above including those from metro Detroit it- pupils’ averages on standardized science said that she knows plenty of pre-student all, it would mean the realization of the self, hardly care about the city, let alone testing. More than 2,000 Detroit Public and student teachers who are placed, University’s elaborate credo on social go there. School students each year participate in willingly, in Detroit Public Schools; she justice and cultural awareness. MR The interests of the student BioKIDS, the University of Michigan would never place a student-teacher body are one thing; the actions of the School of Education and Museum of there unwillingly, though. University itself, whether it be in admin- Zoology program that uses technology Saunders suggested that the istrative decisions or the programs of and hands-on learning methods to help challenges of urban education are not for particular schools and academic units, middle school students ask questions the everyone, and that she does everything are a wholly different story. In research- way scientists do. in her power to facilitate the success of ing this story, it was astounding to see the The five-year “BioKIDS” pro- those who are interested in teaching in a the michigan review Page 6 Michigan Review versus Michigan Daily March 21, 2006

n the third anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, questions surrounding the rationale, planning, and execution of the war remain. Below, Chris Steiber of the O Review faces off against Toby Mitchell of the Daily, examining the prospects for victory, and the potential for defeat. MR By Chris Stieber ‘07 - Assistant Editor, Michigan Review By Toby Mitchell ‘06 - Michigan Daily or some people, there are several indisputable facts about the war in Iraq. t’s not clear what the conditions for declaring victory are in Iraq, so let’s FNo matter what evidence may be shown, there are those men and women who Igo with a good empirical measurement. Over 2,000 US soldiers have died so far, believe: 1) George W. Bush knowingly lied about the pre-war intelligence regarding versus roughly 40,000 dead Iraqis according to the White House. Since Iraq had no WMD; 2) the primary motivation behind such lies is to increase the profit of Hal- real army, the vast majority were civilians. So if this were a football game, we’re now liburton/Big Oil; and 3) Dick Cheney is the utter source of all evil. This column is winning by 20 to 1. not intended for them, for they have cloistered themselves away where no amount of Three years after the invasion of Iraq, the US has two options: pull out and logic or proof can sway them. What is more of concern is the growing sentiment of leave a behind a failed state which will certainly descend into chaos, or stay for an the people who supported the invasion to leave Iraq as soon as possible. As they see indefinite period at great cost while the Iraqi citizenry continue to resist violently and the escalating violence surrounding the attack at the Samarra shrine, and see polls (of the entire world shuns America. Whatever the result, “victory” is no word for it. The dubious quality) indicating growing frustration amongst the troops, there are more Bush administration continues to stand by its disastrous policy of preemptive warfare people calling for a withdrawal from the country. In the words of Donald Rumsfeld, and claim that victory is right around the corner. however, “. . . anyone looking realistically at the world today – at the terrorist threat we What victory would actually require? After toppling Saddam, we would need face – can come to only one conclusion: Now is the time for resolve, not retreat.” full military dominance to ensure stability. Given Iraq’s long history of ethnic strife Supporters of the war can draw some strength from the good news coming and complete unfamiliarity with democracy, forcible re-education of the population is out of Iraq, stories often not receiving the coverage they deserve. There are so many in order. The inevitable resistance would need to be decisively crushed and the Iraqi good stories, in fact, that I do not have room to list them all in this column. Whether media made subservient to our long-term goals of freedom and democracy. We’d it be the astounding 79% of the electorate passing the Iraqi constitution, or almost 12 need to do the same at home to ensure domestic support. If we continued this policy million voters in the December election, clearly the idea of representative government for a century, we could declare victory once the last memories of the old Iraq died. is growing in popularity in a country known for its brutal dictatorship and backward Mission accomplished: we successfully forced freedom on a nation, and all it took was social structure. a multi-generational troop commitment plus an act of wholesale cultural genocide. The disbandment of the Iraqi Army has been unanimously agreed upon as following the Second World War, the Allies gave Nazi leaders an open trial, a bad idea. That being said, the rebuilding of the Army and the subsequent training as much out of self-interest as from fairness. As US Judge Robert Jackson declared, have progressed even better than projected. While it may seem easy to train soldiers, “The wrongs which we seek to condemn and punish have been so calculated, so ma- be reminded that even in the U.S. Army, it takes between 6 months and a year, and lignant, and so devastating that civilization cannot tolerate their being ignored because that is with an infrastructure of trained staff and officers. In Iraq, we have to create an it cannot survive their being repeated.” No one would’ve shed a tear had the Allies educated and properly indoctrinated officer leadership, as well as an efficient ground executed the worst political criminals in history. We knew then that establishing inter- force. Even with such administrative and military hurdles, about three-quarters of all national law declaring that some wars were crimes and some crimes too horrible even the military operations involve the Iraqi military, and about one-third are completely for war was more important than revenge. Iraqi-controlled. This is yet another example of a success that is taking place in Iraq, following the 9/11, the US entered into war in Iraq motivated by a far dif- and worthy of our continued support. ferent self-interest. The attack challenged our supremacy, and the US decided to show Without a doubt, there are some strategies that need adjustments. There is the world exactly who was in charge in the crudest possible terms. In doing so we overwhelming support for a timeline, both amongst Iraqis and the U.S. troops sta- broke the very laws we helped write and replaced the world’s picture of a mostly be- tioned in Iraq. Advocating such a timeline or a benchmark of necessary events, how- nevolent superpower with images of the inferno of Baghdad and the tortures at Abu ever, hardly undermines the current necessity for a strong presence in country. After Ghraib. As political writer Jim Garrison noted in a speech at the University in 2005, decades of hesitant support for pro-West groups in the Middle East, it is of the utmost preemptive war and the shock and awe campaign once went by another name: Blitz- importance that we maintain a demeanor of solidarity and resolve in the face of op- krieg. position. Ronald Reagan’s unwavering opposition of the Soviet Union was crucial in It’s difficult to overstate how tragically we’ve squandered our political goodwill and the downfall of communism, and we can do no less in the fight against Islamic fascism. how much work we must do to rebuild the moral authority of the United States. Our support must not be eternal, either. The Bush administration must open itself up Garrison spoke eloquently: “An America hunkered down behind fortified walls may to the idea of defining specific goals for the Iraqis rather than nebulous concepts of compel by force of arms, but can never inspire by force of example.” Yet there is a democracy and freedom. victory which can be salvaged. As information travels in faster speeds and with greater detail, public opinion The UN lacks the military power to intervene in the state-sponsored wars of is apt to sway in increasing amounts as well. Immediately following each of the elec- aggression which the US waged a war of aggression to prevent. The US acting alone tions, or the capture of Saddam Hussein, Americans supported the Iraqi war. There- lacks the legitimacy that only international democratic agreement can provide. Replac- fore, each public poll or “general consensus” reached must be taken with a grain of ing this crumbling international order with one which works is the great challenge of salt. As Secretary Rumsfeld said in a Washington Post op-ed on March 19, “For- our generation. Meeting it requires America have the courage to give up power in tunately, history is not made up of daily headlines, blogs on Web sites or the latest order to continue to lead. sensational attack. History is a bigger picture, and it takes some time and perspective The officials responsible for the propaganda which led us to war and for the to measure accurately.” In the bigger picture of the Iraq war, for the Unites States to tortures of detainees must be prosecuted as war criminals. Given the Bush adminis- withdraw from Iraq at this current junction would be unparalleled in its short-sighted- tration’s disregard for both international law and the US Constitution, impeachment ness, and a perpetuation of the fallen policies we have used in the Middle East for the should be considered. Beyond immediate accountability for this war, the US can past 60 years. Our military, and the U.S. population at large, is learning what it takes recommit to international law and work with the UN to secure Iraq and set up an to successfully defeat the enemy of the 21st century, the insurgent/guerilla who uses International Reconstruction Fund for Iraq. asymmetric warfare to undermine public morale. We are winning in Iraq. We have The US must apply to itself the same standards that it demands other nations gained much, and there is much more still. “Now is the time for resolve, not retreat.” obey. Anything less is more than hypocrisy, it is a failure to live up to the core truth MR of our nation: the power we wield is only retained so long as it serves the ideals of hu- man freedom. However you interpret those ideals, our experience in Iraq has shown that the America which led the world by example is far superior to the America which dominates the world at gunpoint. the michigan review Page 7 Columns March 21, 2006 ■ The Angry Greek

n such a polarized campus, it’s easy“Debate,” to be- volved in have taken place,U rather, of in barsM and Style houses, Many of our courses here focus on the fact that Olieve that those on the left and right have little in at parties and coffee shops – and certainly in the Review there were, or currently are, aspects of racism, inequality, common. In Ann Arbor, where liberal ideology domi- office. In fact, many of these “debates” evolve into a sur- or malice toward certain groups in our society. These nates, I’ve noticed that many inside this bubble endure prising degree of agreement and intellectual acceptance. facts are indisputable. However, many professors here life with little or no understanding of alternate ideologies. Take, for example, a discussion I had this past seem to enjoy beating that point into the ground. What Look at any campus debate: the “colorful” Vagina Mono- weekend. A liberal friend and I, a libertarian, began to results is the notion that any and all means to repair such logues; affirmative action; the minimum wage. While discuss urban education. Conventional campus decorum, harms are inherently just and correct. Ergo, one who op- there are reasonable arguments to be made, the majority seeing as I write for the Review - would label me a rac- poses such efforts does so with a sense of bigotry. of this campus fails to understand, let alone refute, any ist, wealthy white male conservative who questions any And so it is seemingly only on the barstool or at opposing views. individual who dare challenge my position in society. As the beer pong table that we can open up and discuss the Thus, those who oppose the “all color” Vagina such, I would have little in common with my friend, who, fact that the vast majority of us – not just “progressive” Monologues are misogynists, and have per the campus code, was a progressive, tolerant liberal activists – indeed strive to better society. no qualms about domestic violence. who fought for the noble goals of social justice and equal- How else could one know that I oppose affirma- Those who oppose affirmative action ity. tive action and increased educational funding not because are racists, seeking to deprive students But, having known each other for years, we I value my “privilege” or want to save my tax dollars, but of color any sense of opportunity. made no assumptions about each other. We saw not rather because I can make a well-founded argument as Those who oppose the minimum wage malice or hatred as the basis for opinion, but rather logic to how urban education can be improved without those are greedy, wealthy individuals who and reason. Indeed, we saw relatively eye-to-eye when policies? Perhaps I believe that urban students – and the fear the rise of the impoverished. discussing urban education. I have long held the belief taxpayers – would be better served by completely reform- This type of myopic “de- Nick – along with many liberals – that a good education critical ing our educational system, rather than funding a system bate,” or lack thereof, tends to lead to Cheolas to a successful life, especially for urban students, and a that has time and time again proven unsuccessful. This a reinforcement of leftist ideology. In successful economy. In short, our goals coincided; our system fails half of our poorest children, long before af- classrooms, conservatism is mocked, means to achieve that goal did not. Regardless, we were firmative action or any scholarship program could have broad survey courses focus solely on “oppression” and able to debate our respective viewpoints on their merits, any effect. “inequality,” and communism is treated with tacit approv- rather than claiming the moral high ground and declaring But ask many on this campus – especially some al. There are numerous courses here where attendance is our ideas untouchable. choice, “enlightened” GSIs in prominent departments – hardly necessary to receive an A; the “accepted” ideology The problem I see far too often on this campus, however, what the Michigan Review is all about, and their response is widely known, and success depends only on successful is that sweeping liberalism stifles productive discussion. will hardly reflect what I have written here. regurgitation. The lack of debate within the classrooms It takes little intellectual fortitude to align oneself with And that’s where this institution has failed us on this campus once stunned me; it now seems a fore- “progressive” ideology, and in turn, the noble ends of the most. MR gone conclusion. “social justice” and “equality” justify any means neces- Some of the best debates I’ve ever been in- sary to achieve those goals.

Evangelicalesting religion that is Islam. Awareness Falwell, and James on Dobson Campus aren’t repre- discrimination, on hurtful language against By Chris Stieber, ‘07 In that spirit of inquiry, and in the sentative of evangelical-dom. Following various groups. If anyone hears or sees his campus, ever the bastion hope that future evangelical-bashing dia- are a few examples of influential leaders bigotry, they are encouraged to report it to of enlightened “tolerance” and “pro- T tribes are more informed, I’d like to make who aren’t spending their time complaining the authorities. Many students, however, gressive” thought, prides itself on the plight this an “Evangelical Awareness Column.” about the latest R-rated film. Rather, they have no problem yelling “Jesus Christ!” as of every demographic group, how they have firstly, evangelicals are hardly are spending their energies trying to fulfill an exclamation. But do you hear protests been oppressed, or how their culture has the monolithic political beast some might their duties as followers of Jesus Christ. against, or even reports of, such bias? Nev- been ignored. Yet, for all of this posturing imagine forever beholden to the Republi- John Stott, called by David Brooks of the er -- and that’s a good thing. Christians re- and concern, the U of M community and can party. There are many evangelicals who New York Times the “pope of Evangelicals,” alize that there are people who don’t believe greater Ann Arbor are woefully uninformed would hardly consider themselves right- is never mentioned in any left-liberal con- Jesus Christ is their Savior, and it is wrong on the behavior and attitudes of one group: wing. Relevant magazine is a progressive versation about Christianity, but he has to hold them to the same ideal as one would evangelical Christians. Christian culture publication that is full of devoted his life to teaching and mentor- hold a fellow believer. This is tolerance:al- This is somewhat ironic, as there articles questioning the Church’s position ing third-world pastors in the spread of the lowing people to express themselves even are few groups hated more around Ann on the environment, the War on Terror, Gospel. Rick Warren, whose book Purpose- when it is offensive to you. On our cam- Arbor than evangelicals. Every few weeks and other social topics. Sojourner magazine Driven Life has sold over 22 million copies, pus, though, the Left is eager to eradicate there is an editorial cartoon in the Michigan is actually quite liberal in all its policies, and has become a whole-hearted advocate of any such offensive behavior, except when it Daily mocking President Bush or the evan- yet devotedly evangelical. Last month, 86 African aid, and has helped create new aid offends Christians. gelical leadership for its beliefs and how they evangelical Christian leaders from all over programs throughout Rwanda. There are many people on this don’t match up with - according to a liberal the political and denominational spectrum On our campus, however, none campus who are anti-Christian. They don’t humanist - Jesus’ “true teachings.” There wrote a public letter declaring global warm- of this is ever considered. Even worse, see Christianity in a more realistic and nu- are numerous student productions and lo- ing an issue of concern for people of faith. no one even makes the effort to try and anced view, as a religion with problematic cal events criticizing the Religious Right, Derek Webb, singer and guitar player from learn these facts. Black Americans get up- events and groups as well as truly bright touching on everything from evangelicals’ million-selling Christian group Caedmon’s set when people assume that Jesse Jackson moments. They prefer to only look at the homophobia to their pro-life stance. It Call, has just released an album with lyr- and Al Sharpton are representative of the Crusades, the Inquisition, and every pain even reaches to Facebook, with groups ics questioning the close-knit relationship thoughts of all black citizens, and rightfully and suffering of the West, and blame them such as “Campus Crusade for Hey, Shut the between evangelicals and the Right: “there so. Yet, when someone like Pat Robertson on Christians, and decry conservative Chris- F*** Up.” Several months ago, there was are two great lies that I’ve heard: ‘the day or Jerry Falwell gets on television, liber- tians for “distorting the true message” of a “Muslim Awareness Week,” highlighting you eat of the fruit of that tree, you will als have few qualms with painting such a Jesus, one that just so happens to coincide many elements of Islam, including some not surely die,’ and that Jesus Christ was a broad brush across evangelical Christianity. with the liberal secular humanist. Frankly, not covered by the nightly news. white, middle-class Republican.” In dorm rooms all around campus, there they don’t want to see Christianity any other Muslims and non-Muslims alike Secondly, Pat Robertson, Jerry are countless warning signs about bias and way. MR were eagerly learning more about the inter- the michigan review Page 8 Commentary March 21, 2006 The MCRI: A Battle Ahead, Part I In this piece, Campus Affairs Editor Michael O’Brien examines the battle ahead over the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative. This is the first piece in a series of two, with the second piece appearing in the next issue of the Review.

he University of Michi- overcomes affirmative action’s repugnan- ricula. This is very well; to act as if race or graduation does very little, even over long Tgan may very well be the home cy to the Fourteenth Amendment. The ethnicity has not been or is not a source periods of time, to help the vast numbers to the ‘leaders and the best,’ a legendary Court did not find that diversity had to of conflict throughout humanity would of students in struggling schools that are football program, outstanding academ- be pursued at all costs by universities. It be an act of profound academic blithe- still left behind. A few educated gradu- ics, and a beautiful campus and home- only held that affirmative action policies ness. But inasmuch as the climate of ates of an inner-city school does very town, but it cannot escape its reputation were constitutionally permissible, which academics and student life has been pro- little to guarantee a better education and as “Affirmative Action University.” For states and organizations have the option foundly over-racialized in recent years, better skills for the massive population the past decade, the controversial policy of opting out on. many courses act as if race, ethnicity, and of students still left in a stagnant system. of offering select minority groups rather Enter the Michigan Civil Rights gender are the only factors that make his- Affirmative action allows the University strong preferences in undergraduate and Initiative. Since the 2003 decisions and a tory. to feel good about itself as a community, graduate school admissions has been the re-tailoring of the LSA admissions policy, Professors often talk in their and say it is doing something concrete to source of numerous rallies, debates, and a group of activists have sought to put the classes about race being a social con- help minority communities, when in real- even two landmark Supreme Court cases. Initiative (MCRI) on the ballot, on which struction, and they are very much right ity it reacts to a bullet wound with a band- The issue has defined being a student at voters in the State of Michigan could on this point. But for as much as profes- aid. Michigan more than maybe any other is- choose to outlaw preferential treatment sors unite against social constructions furthermore, little concrete sue, but this fall, all of that might disap- on the basis of race in governmental insti- as falsities in our midst, they might also evidence exists vindicating the rather pear in an instant. tutions. This was no doubt a reaction to choose to critically reevaluate their own abstract arguments of affirmative action the University of Michigan decisions, and construction or paradigm they have cre- proponents. Many hold up “diversity” as History its high-profile defense of its affirmative ated on campus. The paradigm which a sufficient end unto itself, and argue that action policies. Passing the MCRI would now takes charge largely stifles points its presence is essential to enhancing the Affirmative Action is a policy mean that the University, by state law, from those who might be thought of as educational experience. Diversity, indeed, that gives preferential treatment to select would have to abandon its affirmative ac- inauthentic in having personal opinions. may be beneficial in terms of the dynam- minority groups in college admissions or tion practices. Canvassers tried to acquire “Diversity” is a feel-good battle-cry, and ics it instills in student interaction. But professional hiring. The policy withstood enough petition signatures to place the one from which virtually no one can dis- this still begs tough questions of affir- constitutional muster in the 1970s, in MCRI on the ballot in the 2004 election, sent, on its face. But the racialized para- mative action proponents. Is there a rec- Regents of the University of California but failed. This election cycle, despite digm on campus substantially chills any ognizable amount of sufficient diversity v. Bakke, which held that the policy was flailing allegations of voter fraud from speech about what diversity should mean such as to enhance student experiences? constitutional, but quotas in admissions its opponents, MCRI canvassers have ac- or look like, in terms of the student body But more importantly, how exactly do or hiring were not. Two decades later, cumulated enough signatures to put the and public policy, unless it falls more-or- we choose to define “diversity?” The the University of Michigan’s LSA and issue to a vote this fall. Affirmative action less squarely into line with the vision of concept is only given skin-deep consid- law school admissions policies were again will be the prime issue on campus this “diversity” perpetuated by the University eration, so-to-speak, to the exclusion of challenged. The LSA scheme assigned fall, reaching a climax even more conse- administration, faculty, and select student a number of other factors that color stu- points for certain qualities, with 100 gen- quential than the 2003 decisions. groups. dent life. An individual’s race, especially erally needed for admission. Minority stu- for minorities, surely informs their life dents were given 20 points; more points Race and the university Affirmative Action re-evaluated experiences in unique ways. But to act as than even a perfect SAT score would if race should be the prima facie determi- award students. The law school admis- Affirmative action has increasingly racial- With the MCRI looming on the horizon, nant of diversity automatically reduces to sions process was less rigid; it considered ized the University of Michigan beyond more voices should be heard in the debate. a lower level the arguably more important race more abstractly compared to other the point of parody, during its time of With an issue of such defining impor- individual characteristics that add variety factors, and employed the policy in trying prominence. Racialism is pervasive, from tance to an entire generation of students, to the student body. It assumes a com- to achieve a “critical mass” of minorities Mary Sue Coleman’s office, to the GSI there are literally hundreds or thousands monality, as well, in minority experiences, in each class of law students. (Curiously, Lounge in the Sociology department, to of viewpoints that may be voiced by this in that it does not examine the particular this critical mass almost directly mirrors various radical student groups on cam- fall. But simple, catch-phrase “diversity” way an individual’s race has affected their the percentage of minorities in the gen- pus. Since Justice O’Connor’s majority for which Mary Sue Coleman, et al. will life and only looks at what color box for eral applicant pool every year.) decision in ‘Grutter,’ the word “diversity” campaign this fall is exceedingly simplis- “race” is checked on a student’s applica- The Supreme Court split the has become altogether a slogan and battle tic, especially as a mantra for the student tion. difference in twin 2003 decisions. In cry; a concept, a single word under which body. Affirmative action also exists Gratz v. Bollinger, the case challenging the pro-affirmative action forces on cam- Affirmative action is not an is- in a vacuum from socioeconomics. It LSA admissions, the court struck it down pus rally. sue simply considering the legitimacy in does little to help class dynamics, espe- 6-3 as unconstitutional in regards to the Michigan’s liberal, progressive racial preferences, or not. In reality, it cially given the current brain drain out of ‘Bakke’ decision and the Fourteenth tenor is not exclusive to the affirmative is far more complex, extending into the Michigan. This issue is very much tied to Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. action fights. Students for a Democratic spheres of a number of other public poli- education, as economic status becomes The numerical points assigned to minori- society, after all, was pioneered here, and cy and political areas. increasingly dependent on one’s educa- ties unconstitutionally resembled a quota, radically liberal activism has defined sev- Affirmative action, first of all, is tion. the court found. However, the general eral generations of the University’s life. a stop-gap in having to address a flailing practice of affirmative action was upheld This perspective often creeps into class- education system in the State of Michi- in a 5-4 decision in Grutter v. Bollinger. rooms. History, Political Science, Eng- gan and elsewhere that only exacerbates Justice O’Connor, writing for the major- lish, Sociology, American Culture, and inequality and racial problems here and See “MCRI,” ity, held that diversity was a sufficiently other departmental classes always main- elsewhere. A cadre of educated minorities Page 10 compelling government interest that tain a special focus on race in their cur- who might very well leave the state after the michigan review Page 9 National Affairs March 21, 2006 Testing Roe

By Natalie Newton, ‘09 for the results to create their own laws, banning abor- after 30 years on the Supreme Court, would intentionally ntil this month, the United State’s Supreme tion. Whether Michigan will be one of them remains to retire, knowing full-well the possible and likely repercus- UCourt ruling legalizing abortion, Roe v. Wade, has be seen, but Michigan’s current abortion restrictions are sions. gone relatively unchallenged. While it is true that in re- relatively relaxed compared to many other states, requir- Before making its way to the Supreme Court, cent years states have sought to limit a woman’s right ing parental consent for minors but otherwise allowing South Dakota’s abortion law may first be sent to the to abortion, in some cases requiring parental consent women free-reign in abortion decisions. South Dakota voters; the state’s unusual Constitutional for minors, these restrictions have proven ineffective The law is not expected to be upheld with the provision allows new laws to be voted on before taking at creating a major dent in the number of abortions current Supreme Court members; five votes would be effect; Planned Parenthood is currently contemplating performed each year. The law prohibiting partial birth necessary to overturn Roe v. Wade, and only Antonin whether they will challenge the law by collecting enough abortion signed by President Bush in 2003 is only now Scalia and Clarence Thomas have admitted a willingness signatures to place it on the November ballot. After a making its way to the Supreme Court, having been ac- to do so. Newly appointed Chief Justice John Roberts stint in the lower courts, the law would then go to the cepted by the Supreme Court last month; a ruling won’t and Samuel Alito refused to give a clear answer either Supreme Court, if it is voted to be heard by four of nine be expected until 2007, displaying the obvious difficulty way during their confirmation hearings, but conserva- Justices. A ruling could take anywhere from less than a of inhibiting or overruling current abortion laws. tives are hopeful that the two conservative Justices will year to three or four years. South Dakota’s legislature, with Governor be in favor of an abortion ban. However, the remain- If put into effect, the law would ban doctors Mike Rounds, sought to change that when they signed ing five Justices have some proclivity to uphold Roe v. from performing abortions, punishing those convicted into effect a law banning abortion, including cases of Wade, and in some cases have previously voted to do so. with a $5,000 fine and a 5 year prison sentence; there incest and rape, unless the pregnancy endangers the life The only possible contingency could be Justice Anthony would be no punishment for the mothers upon whom of the mother. While the law is a direct challenge to Roe Kennedy, who, though he did vote to uphold Planned the abortion was performed. Advocates in favor of a v. Wade, and its progeny, Planned Parenthood v. Casey Parenthood v. Casey in 1992, is the least solid of the woman’s right to choose argue that the law would en- (1992), it remains to be seen whether the new law will ac- remaining five Justices in his views on abortion. courage the performance of illegal abortions, which are tually go into effect in July, as scheduled. Though clearly South Dakota is essentially gambling with sev- far more expensive and likely to endanger the mother, passing a law that is, under current precedent, unconsti- eral factors: the views of the current Supreme Court Jus- creating an income-based gap in the women able to af- tutional, Rounds decided to sign the law in the hope that tices, the possibility of impending retirement for the pro- ford the best illegal abortion care and those forced to it would provide the Supreme Court an opportunity to Roe Justices, and the inevitability of a long trial process, seek alternatives, either childbirth, adoption, or cheap overturn the Roe v. Wade decision, thereby returning during which any number of Justices could change their illegal services. In any case, though, the results of this the decision on the legality of abortions to state legisla- opinions on the case or retire, allowing the appointment new law may shake-up abortion precedent and define tures. If successful, the law would not only effect South of a new anti-abortion Justice. John Paul Stevens, the another generation of post-Roe v. Wade law. MR Dakota, but would lead to abortion bans in Arkansas, oldest and most liberal member of the Supreme Court Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, and Montana, who is adamantly pro-choice, seems the most likely can- which all have “trigger laws,” banning abortion if Roe v. didate for retirement, though in light of South Dakota’s Wade is ever overturned; several other states are waiting new law, it seems unlikely that he, being in good health The Economy You Aren’t Hearing About By Michael Balkin, ‘09 omy. In fact, it is a wonder people are the top income tax rate are business own- 1990s, when Bill Clinton was President. he US economy has faced concerned about the economy when the ers or sole proprietors. If you want jobs, The story gets deeper. Econo- Twidespread criticism in the US me- Dow Jones Industrial Average is resting you need financially healthy and -confi mist Larry Kudlow, of CNBC’s Kudlow dia during the past few years. In a recent safely above 11,000 points. Simply put, dent employers with dollars to invest.” and Company, notes that, “Poll after poll CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll, only there is an ever-widening gap between From the looks of it, Moore is saying the keep telling us how unhappy people are 40% of the respondents said they ap- the actual and perceived performance of Bush tax cuts have created jobs. But what with the President Bush, the economy, proved of the way President George W. the overall economy. Moore is really trying to say is that small the Iraq war, and the direction America is Bush was handling the economy, while Here are some facts over business owners pay corporate income going in. Yet stocks are telling a decidedly 57% claimed they disapproved. Addition- looked by the mainstream media. Over taxes at the highest personal income tax different story. They are making five-year ally, in a related Gallup poll, 55% of the the last four years, the real (inflation ad- level. Therefore, if you cut personal in- highs among the broadest averages, a respondents rated the economy as “fair” justed) GDP has grown at an average rate come taxes you cut business taxes for completely different message altogether.” or “poor.” of 3.2%. The GDP, or Gross Domestic small business owners who can then In fact, important stock market indexes There are many immediate fac- Product, measures the value of all legal create new jobs. Most of the jobs in our like the New York Stock Exchange (more tors that might help explain these dismal goods and services produced in the Unit- economy are created by small businesses, than 2500 individual stocks), the Trans- poll numbers like high gasoline prices, ed States. GDP growth, moreover, is a not huge corporations. portation index, and the small-cap Rus- President Bush’s unpopularity, and/or very good indicator of how the economy But, wait a minute, the economy sel 2000 are all registering all-time highs. tepid feelings about America’s place in is performing. Therefore, if the economy is creating jobs and more people are work- Is this a reflection of a poorly perform- the world. Still, there is an additional fac- was performing poorly, then the GDP ing. Yes, that’s exactly what is happening, ing economy? Is this the economy that tor to consider: the mainstream media’s would be expected to shrink. However, but you wouldn’t know it of course. In is “verging on recession, perhaps all out interpretation of overall economic per- that is hardly the case. Thanks to a com- the last two and half years, the economy depression?” formance. It is relatively commonplace bination of factors, including historically has created 4.6 million new jobs. That’s The American economy is not for journalists and reporters to “trash low interest rates, companies are produc- right; 4.6 million more people have found in shambles like the mainstream media is talk” the economy. ing more goods and services because they jobs and are now working. Perhaps the saying. Rather, our economy is experienc- Thus far, we’ve examined some have more money to spend on produc- most widely unreported data, however, ing healthy and intense growth, millions of the factors that contribute to this seem- tion and labor. This brings us to our next is that the unemployment rate is now of jobs have been created, the unemploy- ingly universal belief in slow and stagnant fact. hovering around 4.8%. This, by historical ment rate is very low, and Americans are economic performance. However, not Stephen Moore, a senior fellow standards, is considered “normal unem- “finding” the time and money to invest in one of these reasons involves the actual at the Cato Institute, says that, “Roughly ployment” and is significantly lower than stocks and bonds. So, that begs the ques- position of the overall American econ- two-of-every-three Americans who pay the average unemployment rate of the tion, where are the Hoovervilles? MR the michigan review Page 10 State of Michigan March 21, 2006 New Education Requirements for Michigan Schools Critics argue tougher standards will hurt retention rates

By Rebecca Christy, ‘08 fine arts or music; and one-half each in and three additional courses in foreign up north and drive a nice car…Those civics and economics. A “learning expe- language, career and technical educa- days are over.” Recent events in the Auto ath 105… no one really rience” course would also be required as tion. The public charter school Black Industry are showing this to be quite evi- wants to admit that they’re taking M an online administered class. Previously River in Holland, Michigan ranked 104 dent. At the end of January Ford Motor it, but more are enrolled in the class than a foreign language requirement was a in the Complete List of 1,000 Top U.S. Company announced the elimination of one would think. In a report by Achieve, component, but was later dropped in or- High School. Their graduation require- 35,000 to 40,000 in North America, and Inc., nearly 30% of college freshmen in der to receive enough passing votes. On ments came closest to meeting the new the closing of the Michigan assembly Michigan are immediately placed into re- March 2nd 2006, the bill was passed by a state-wide standards. The only changes plant. medial courses that cover material they strong 70 to 31 vote, with support from the school would need to make in its re- Opponents of the bill believe should have learned in high school. The Governor Jennifer Granholm and the quirements would be an additional year that the mandate may in fact produce state does not currently require anyone to Republican leaders in the State Legisla- of mathematics and English, as well as the opposite results the state is looking take pre-calculus to receive a high school ture. The new requirements are expected the implementation of the online course. for. With an increasingly difficult course diploma. In fact, right now the state of to be in place for the graduating class of Some who oppose the bill feel the fi- load, some Michigan residents believe Michigan has only one course which is 2011. nancial burden on rural and inner city many students will drop out of high mandatory to walk to the rousing Pomp When adopted, Michigan will schools will be too high to accommo- school. Another argument against the and Circumstance. If the state only have some of the most rigorous state date the new standards. bill is that with the increase in required insists on one course that every Michi- standards in the country. It would join Major strides have been made in classes, many students will not have time gan high school student must complete the ranks of Iowa, Colorado, Minnesota, improving high school education in the to take electives such as music, and shop it’s probably a staple for an education. North Dakota, Massachusetts and Ne- state over the past few years. In July of classes thus eliminating the opportunity Math? English? Nope. Civics. The fol- braska, which have similar state require- 2005, Michigan was one of ten states to to pursue other career paths in the fu- lowing is from the Revised School Code ments to Michigan’s current system. receive a grant from the Bill and Melinda ture. The issue comes down to which in the Michigan Complied Laws: Once implemented, the new state laws Gates Foundation for further reform in is the lesser tragedy for the state: More “A high school in this state would resemble those of Indiana and the state’s high schools. The 1.8 million students graduating from high school which offers 12 grades shall require a Ohio. In regards to the new mandate dollar grant is going towards funding unprepared for the rigors of college, or 1 semester course of study of 5 periods Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, a Western in high school programs which hope- the potential for more dropouts, but stu- per week in civics which shall include the Michigan Republican and former school fully will result in doubling the number dents entering the collegiate system bet- form and functions of the federal, state administrator, told the Detroit News, of college graduates in Michigan by the ter equipped to succeed. and local governments and shall stress “I think we’re doing a good thing. It’s year 2015. In a meeting with President After Indiana implemented the rights and responsibilities of citizens. unfortunate the state has to step in and Mary Sue Coleman in May of last year, higher graduation standards officials A diploma shall not be issued by a high do this, but we are at the point where Lt. Gov. John Cherry reported that few- reported an increase in the number of school to a pupil who has not success- we feel like we have to have a state- er than 22 percent of Michigan adults students attending college. College may fully completed this course.” mandated curriculum.” Up until this have bachelor’s or advanced degrees, not be the best choice for everyone, but The 2006 House Bill 5606 to point, individual high schools were able which is less than the national average of those who desire a secondary education mandate high school graduation require- to choose the requirements for high 26 percent and more than 10 percentage should feel prepared with their required ments adds a little more to the Michigan school graduation, so this bill may not points lower than states that are leading high school education to flourish. MR high school student’s plate. The new really make huge changes for Michigan the nation in economic growth. State regulations require four credits in Eng- curriculum. Okemos High School near Superintendent Mike Flanagan, who in- lish language arts and mathematics; three East Lansing currently requires two troduced the bill, told the Detroit Free in science; one course each in U.S his- courses in Math, two of Science, three Press that times have changed in Michi- tory, world history and geography; one of English, two Social Studies two and a gan from past decades. “[Y]ou could do in health and physical education; one in half of Phys Ed/Health, one in the arts, well as a dropout. You could get a place

erwise prevail, affirmative action only sets apart another ality of affirmative action. The altered composition of group of students who are increasingly less likely to con- the Supreme Court in the current year probably puts at “MCRI,” tribute back to the economies from where they came. risk the beloved policy, should it encounter the delibera- From Page 8 Affirmative action is arguably efficacious in tions of Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito. But while helping students broaden their perspective, and befriend the composition of the Supreme Court has changed, the more students from other cultures and traditions. But it Constitution has read the same in the meanwhile. Many is not clear how a particular “critical mass” of minori- have claimed that scarcely any government issue out- Opening the University of Michigan to more minori- ties in a given class of students guarantees this increased weighs the importance of the equal protection clause. ties scarcely addresses why so many individuals remain awareness. And the attitude that minorities must be And despite the ‘Grutter’ decision, it still remains murky impoverished in Detroit, and why so many blue-collar brought to campus to combat racism, while sympathetic under Constitutional Law how exactly a system that en- union workers will continue to be laid off. Affirma- on its face, wavers dangerously close to an argument that dorses preferential treatment on the basis of skin color tive action may help a few more students out-compete seems to encourage the import of minorities for the ben- can pass muster with the Fourteenth Amendment. MR poorer citizens, and make them wealthier. We should efit of white or otherwise non-minority students. Also, not pretend that wealth and economic success is a bad combating racism is not a one-way street where the en- aspiration, either. But making the University of Michi- gineering of a critical mass of students of different races Read the conclusion of this piece gan more “diverse” scarcely does anything to address on campus constitutes progress. It involves a kind of in the next issue of The Michigan Michigan having one of the highest state unemployment personal engagement that is ultimately incumbent upon Review, coming out early next rate. Where priming the state economy with incentives the consciences of students during their time at Michi- month. to attract jobs, or encouraging individuals to seek techni- gan. cal training or community college education might oth- This is all aside from the dubious constitution- the michigan review Page 11 Campus Affairs March 21, 2006 Getting Intelligent About Intelligence By Amanda Nichols, ‘08 bureaucratic. Both Professor Lieberthal and Professor the laws, it is the legislature’s responsibility to restrain ow far is too far? This question is be- Halberstam seemed to concur with Rep. Schwarz on this those actions through laws. Although he spoke much Hcoming increasingly relevant in the technologi- point; however, the three men were not in accord as to about legal precedents, Halberstam’s most interesting cally advanced world of intelligence gathering. Typically how an honest intelligence community can be achieved. points dealt with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance deemed spying or investigating, this work done by the Lieberthal, former Senior National Security Act (1978), or FISA. He asserted FISA created a secret FBI, the CIA, and other governmental agencies is cru- Advisor in the Clinton administration, told the crowd court for cases specifically like the current political is- cial to national security. However, recent leaks from the that integrity in the intelligence community could be sues, and since their inception, they have only rejected Bush White House regarding domestic wiretaps with- achieved again by questioning the legality and efficacy four claims. However, the Bush administration did not out warrants raises this ubiquitous question. After all, of the community’s ethics. To illustrate his point, Li- take wiretap requests to FISA, and Halberstam thinks does the government—and particularly the executive eberthal used the examples of terrorism and torture. He their actions are therefore unlawful. Instead, he believes branch—have the power to bug the phone lines of its asserted that terrorism is very unethical, and therefore such issues have to be worked out “in the crucible of own citizens because they suspect terrorism or anti- counterterrorism tactics should inherently be ethical. political negotiation.” American plots are afoot? And can they do this without However, he noted these tactics could be taken to un- Although each panel member spoke on differ- any authorization or judicially-issued warrant? ethical extremes—such as the now-infamous torture at ent aspects of the intelligence community, the moderator On March 13, experts in the field of govern- Abu Ghraib. Calling it “inefficacious,” Lieberthal also attempted to connect each man’s remarks through the ment intelligence gathered at the Michigan Union to dis- pointed out that a government should never take such question-and-answer portion of the evening. This was cuss such issues. Republican Congressman Joe Schwarz drastic measures, because the number of fanatics will in- not successful, though. Instead of actually determining of Michigan’s 7th district (which includes much of crease. Lieberthal also addressed Bush’s wire-tapping “what limits [there should] be on American intelligence- Washtenaw County) joined two university professors, tactics and called them a method that only increases the gathering during an age of international terrorism,” Ken Lieberthal of the Ross School of Business and the number of dots a government or intelligence agency members of the audience mostly asked Schwarz about Political Science department and Professor Daniel Hal- must connect. Like Schwarz, Lieberthal also recognized the integrity of the Bush administration and Republican berstam of the law school, to discuss the current issues that the bureaucratic mentality of the intelligence com- leadership in Congress. Of course, there were also the surrounding intelligence and the government. munity increases as gathering methods become more obligatory diatribes by political activists—the speeches As a former member of the CIA, Congressman technologically advanced. by an aging gentleman (who referenced his 115-page Schwarz called his interest in the intelligence community As a professor of Constitutional Law and FBI file of the ‘60s) and by members of the cult-like natural, and even asserted this information-gathering Federalism, Daniel Halberstam’s spin on the issue of Lyndon LaRouche camp were particularly memorable. culture has been part of the United States since the Rev- wire-tapping without warrants naturally dealt more spe- Perhaps the only thing the three panelists— olutionary War. However, he argued that, in the past cifically with the method’s legality. Calling the President and the audience members—agreed on were the current 100 years, the process of gathering information has dras- the “main organ in foreign affairs,” Halberstam as- flaws in the intelligence community; this might be a first tically changed. While Schwarz called the intelligence serted that our nation’s executive has the powers Con- step. After all, the first step to fixing an issue is admit- methods through his era “proper” and “lawful,” he did gress allows him/her to exercise. Thus, in cases where ting it exists. If only the intelligence community itself assert that now the community has become much more the President seems to be stretching or going beyond were to make such a concession. MR Solomon Amendment Upheld for Law Schools By Jane Coaston, ‘09 free association. Los Angeles Times. But faculty at several the right “to provide for the common De- n March 6, the Supreme Court The controversy regarding the law schools banded together to support fense” through support and maintenance Oruled in favor of the government Solomon Amendment goes back to Public “Solomon amelioration.” According to of the military branches. Supporters argued in Rumsfeld v. Forum for Academic and Law 103-160, otherwise known as “don’t www.Solomonresponse.org, the website that this is most effectively done through Institutional Rights, deciding unanimously ask, don’t tell” enacted in 1993 during the of the plaintiff, “discretion in the form of recruitment, and therefore to limit recruit- in favor of the Solomon Amendment, a beginning of the Clinton presidency. It mandated silence is itself a form of op- ment is to go against the Constitution. provision in federal law which allows the states that a member of the Armed Forces pression and discrimination.” Legal chal- At the University of Michigan School of Secretary of Defense to deny federal fund- can be discharged if he or she states that lenges to the Solomon amendment culmi- Law, support has generally been with the ing to institutions of higher education that they are homosexual or bisexual, or en- nated in the decision by a lower court in American Association of Law Schools and prevent military recruitment or informa- gages in homosexual acts. In response to Burt v. Rumsfeld, despite several motions their decision to pursue the suit through tion gathering. Writing for the majority, the new policy, the American Associa- for dismissal made by the federal govern- the federal court system. According to the Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the tion of Law Schools demanded that the ment based on jurisdiction, to end its en- blog of the UM Outlaws, the law school’s Solomon Amendment did not improperly military be banned from recruiting on law forcement at Yale University in 2005. The gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender or- regulate speech, noting, “Nothing about school campuses, like other “discrimina- federal government filed an appeal with ganization, Chief Justice Roberts’s opinion recruiting suggests that law schools agree tory employers,” because of the military’s the Supreme Court, which was granted. showed that the “Court began its inquiry with any speech by recruiters, and noth- “inability to fulfill nondiscrimination - re The decision was upheld by already knowing what it wanted to find.” ing in the Solomon Amendment restricts quirements.” To counteract the ban, Con- Congress, which voted in a 347-65 margin But the University of Michigan did not what the law schools may say about the gress passed the first of several “Solomon to support the unanimous court decision. join the lawsuit. The only universities that military’s policies.” He then said that amendments” that stated that schools Two-thirds of Democrats voted with the publicly announced support were New students can tell the difference between that bar military recruiters from campus- majority, surprising many. Criticism of the York University, George Washington “speech a school sponsors and speech a es were to be denied federal funds from ruling was almost immediate. In a press University, and Golden Gate University. school permits,” meaning that simply be- the Department of Defense. In 1996, the release, the president of the Harvard Law This ruling is not the last in the cause a school allows recruiters onto cam- amendment was extended to include the School Lambda club, an LGBT student fight to overturn the Solomon - amend pus does not implicitly express agreement denial of funds from the Departments of group, said in an opinion written on be- ments and end the “don’t ask, don’t tell” with the policies of the recruiter’s orga- Labor, Health and Human Services, and half of several gay student organizations policy in the American military. Possible nization. He further clarified the Court’s Education. In 1999, the amendment was that the ruling was a “disappointment” lawsuits regarding high school military re- opinion by saying that though law schools pushed further by extending the applica- that “concentrates on the technicalities cruitment have already been proposed in “associate” with military recruiters by in- bility to not only law schools, but to entire and logistics of on-campus recruiting in several major cities. But the conservative teracting with them, the recruiters do not universities. order to avoid discussion the real issue.” makeup of the court and its Chief Justice become a part of the law school, therefore Colleges and universities were But supporters of the decision pointed will provide a significant challenge. MR negating FAIR’s argument that the Solo- loath to challenge Solomon’s dictates, with to Roberts’s citing of the Constitution, mon Amendment violated the right to $35 billion in aid at risk, according to the specifically the clause that gives Congress the michigan review Page 12 Advertisement March 21, 2006