4 - The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, November 12, 1997 cIjz Lirbigtnl gi 420 Maynard Street Ann Arbor, MI 48109 Edited and managed by students at the tiniversity of Michigan JOSHi WHITE Editor in Chief ERIN MARSH Editorial Page Editor ej(ss otherwise noted, unsigned editorials reflect the opinion of the majority of the Daily s" editorial board. All other articles, letters and cartoons do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Michigan Daily. FROM THE DAILY A adiPaper dollars MA candidates should voluntaril limit spending "NOTABLE QUOTABLE,, '(DPS is) very concerned when this happens to a mem- ber of the community. (We will) do whatever we can to prevent this type of thing from occurring again.' - Department of Public Safety Spokesperson Elizabeth Hall, in response to the sexual assault of a University student at Nichols Arboretum yesterday .JORDAN YOUNG T U EP LETTERS TO THE EDITOR n a matter of days, the halls of many of the University's buildings will be strewn with posters and flyers advertising candidates for the Michigan Student Assembly elections. Beside being a bit of a nuisance to students passing through on their way to class, the flyers and other forms of campaigning cost potential repre- sentatives a lot of money. In an effort to reduce spending during MSA election sea- son, the assembly passed a $500 spending cap last semester. Keeping costs for poten- tial campus politicians down is a good Concept, but the assembly has neither the right nor the ability to enforce the policy. Between making copies at office-sup- ply stores and paying for other election gimmicks such as pizza and food coupons to hand out on the Diag, getting a seat on MSA can be financially draining. While some candidates claim that spending will help draw students to the polls on Nov. 21 and 22, holding free discussions on assem- bly -issues could also get candidates' mes- sages out and inform students about important election issues. The assembly should not impose itself on candidates' finances. While candidates spending should level off for elections, MSA should not mandate how students run their campaigns. One problem is that incumbent representatives have the inher- eht advantage of better name recognition. First-time candidates may have to spend more to overcome this bias - impossible if all candidates are required to spend the same amount. In addition, it is unlikely that the assem- bly will be able to enforce its spending cap. While the assembly can require that candidates give receipts for items and ser- vices purchased to the Election Director, there is no way to ensure that everything is submitted. A war of accusations could result as candidates and MSA representa- tives accuse each other of violating elec- tion spending dictums. MSA parties could make monitoring spending even more difficult for the Election Director. While parties serve to give potential representatives an electoral base to stand behind, party "soft money" could quickly cause an uneven playing field between candidates. While mandatory spending caps are a bad idea, candidates should voluntary limit their spending. If some candidates have the funds to spend thousands of dollars to get elected, their cash-strapped counterparts may find themselves with an inherent dis- advantage. MSA should make sure that students receive representation from the best people available from the student body, regardless of financial ability. If assembly candidates spend as much money as they want, they could price democracy beyond the means of many good potential representatives. While next week students will see multi-colored paper cluttering walls all over campus, it will also cause a serious financial drain for some students vying for office. As election gimmicks run rampant, students that have strong representative abilities but limp wallets may not be on equal footing with those who have cash to spare. MSA representatives and candi- dates should ensure that a large checking account does not become a prerequisite for office by voluntarily keeping their spending within the reach of average stu- dents. Fostering diversity U' program promotes p resident Bill Clinton recently recog- nized University efforts to build bridges within its diverse student body. The University's Program on Intergroup Relations, Conflicts and Comunity was one of only two college programs nation- wide to enjoy presidential attention. With class registration starting later this month, students should strongly consider includ- ing an IGRCC or similar course that pro- motes cultural exploration and understand- ing. The University offers many courses on topics such as race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and discrimina- tion. The race and ethnicity requirement, instituted in the fall of 1991, requires all students to receive credit in at least one of these courses to graduate. The requirement is a noble effort on the part of University faculty and administra- tors But the University cannot not be sat- isfied with the status quo. In its current fom, the R and E requirement does not do enough to promote diversity - many stu- dents are able to take courses that fulfill the requirement without truly expanding their cultural awareness. Courses such as those President Clinton highlighted, as a part of his year long Initiative On Race, are more in the spirit of the race and ethnicity requirement. The University's intergroup relations courses are small group sessions focusing on dia- logue. These courses encourage people to consider the United States' diverse nature, so they can expose themselves to thoughts and opinions they otherwise might not consider. cultural understanding ties to learn about different cultural back- grounds and modes of thinking. But class- es are not the only way to engage in such pursuits. The IGRCC program sponsors seminars throughout the year on diversity questions. In addition, many groups on campus, such as UAC and Hillel, hold pro- grams on race relations and related topics several times each term. Donating a few hours in pursuit of a greater understanding can prove to be a rewarding activity. The nation has made significant strides, but racism is still a powerful societal force. Since racism and other forms of discrimi- nation are such colossal problems, people sometimes choose to ignore them - tak- ing a certain defeatist attitude. However, programs such as the IGRCC prove that, as White House staffer David Chai says, "There are successful programs out there." The president's lauding of a University program that deals effectively with the issue of diversity comes at a pivotal time. Discrimination is a hot topic on campus, due to the recent lawsuit launched against the University regarding alleged discrimi- natory practices in the University's admis- sions policies. By taking an IGRCC course, students can form opinions with a much clearer view of the issues, and a much deeper understanding of themselves and others. Students should take advantage of a program that effectively confronts and combats racism and other forms of dis- crimination. By showing enthusiasm for these courses and engaging in intelligent discourse on diversity questions, students will be better prepared to prosper in U.S. military actions are 'imperialistic' TO THE DAILY: The ultra-nationalistic zeal expressed by Josh White in his Nov. 4 column ("Respect the military for the peace of mind it allows all of us") upholds the media-created image of a benevolent U.S. military power and its interests abroad. Above all, White's col- umn is exclusionary. He pays homage to the mili- tary's protecting "the one thing we all have in com- mon," that "we are all Americans." The University attracts large numbers of international students every year. This disproves White's claim that this is "the one thing we all have in com- mon. White still fondly recalls the "Be All You Can Be" military advertisements of the 80s. Apparently White does not recall the U.S. inva- sions of various Latin American countries such as Nicaragua, Grenada and Panama during the 80s. This information is not to be found in either the con- fines of mainstream media or in White's article. However, as editor in chief, I would expect White to have objectively researched U.S. foreign policy before singing the military's praises. To ignore the truth of U.S. mili- tary actions is nothing less than moral cowardice. However, White is cor- rect in stating that our armed forces protect "our inter- ests." It allows us to fly the American flag in five bases surrounding the Persian Gulf. Perhaps White should consider what exactly our interests are. If China had five bases in the Persian Gulf, I assume that White would (correctly) condemn the Chinese for their imperi- alism, instead of calling their military acts "protec- tion of their interests." Not to hold the same standard to U.S. interests is sheer hypocrisy. JOE SEXAUER LSA SOPHOMORE Affirmative action is 'absurd' To THE DAILY: The University makes a point to diversify its student body, and with this I strong- ly agree. By giving prefer- ence to the less advantaged it ensures that everyone is given a chance. Despite my to make a larger, more sig- nificant point. I do not think that any student at the University would be happy if I had dressed for the game against Penn State. It comes down to the simple fact that I am not qualified. I do not have the skills to compete with some of the finest ath- letes in the nation. My point now seems clear in that affirmative action policies, which use lower standards to aid the less advantaged in admission, are absurd. If a student is not qualified to be here, then he should not be here. The fact that I do not meet any of the requirements to play Michigan football should not be overlooked solely because I am at a disadvantage in my size and skill level. The same principles ought to apply to admissions. If a person does not meet the same requirements that everyone else must face, then he has no place at this University. KEVIN CAVAUERI LSA JUNIOR Article on 'U' professor is 'one-sided' To THE DAILY: In reading Stephanie Hepburn's article "U' prof. faces trial on charges of improperly interviewing a child" (11/4/97), I am left with one critical question: Why are Professor Kathleen Coulborn Faller's views not represented in the article? The prosecuting attorney, Demosthenes Lorandos, is quoted extensively. Moreover, outside sources affiliated with previous cases in which Faller was sued are quoted at length. In fact, all substantive quotes in Hepburn's article give weight to the prosecu- tion. Because it is framed in this manner, Hepburn's arti- cle is extremely one-sided and biased. While Hepburn indicates that Faller's attorney declined to comment on the specifics of the case, no such statement is made on behalf of Faller herself. Such one- sided commentaries are meant for the editorial sec- tion, not the news section. Accurate and fairrepre- sentations of court cases are especially critical in cases of sexual abuse because of their complex nature. In addition, a case such as this one has far-reaching implications for professionals and survivors alike, in that it could set a precedent that not only bars helping professionals from the immunity they are sup- posed to receive but also underscores the tremendous Marrow donation is not painful To THE DAIL: The Daily editorial on Nov. 10 ("The gift of life") described marrow harvest as "a difficult operation." Actually, it is a simple, safe operative procedure - more than 18,000 have been per- formed. In fact, a syringe, not scalpel, is used. The pro- cedure does not require a three-day hospital stay. In Ann Arbor, marrow donation is an outpatient procedure - patients typically enter and leave the hospital the same day. Additionally, the editorial perpetuates a common mis- conception: "marrow dona- tion is a painful procedure." Because of anesthesia, the process itself is not painful. In fact, patients are given the option of being asleep during the procedure. Furthermore, in the near future marrow harvest may be done by apheresis - a process in which the key ele- ments are harvested not from bone, but rather from a blood vein. "Does it hurt? Is it safe?" These are questions we all have. Perhaps they contribute to why there is a need for minorities to register. In truth, most donors have little trouble with the physical dis- comforts of the process. The residual soreness has been likened to "a bruise from a fall on ice." If anything, it is the emotional aspects which may prove difficult. Even though marrow regenerates quickly like blood, voluntari- ly giving up a part of oneself sometimes causes surprising emotions. In general, the public, and perhaps the Daily editorial, overestimate the physical dis- comforts involved with the process. However, in terms of addressing the need for minority marrow registration and emphasizing the possibil- ity of giving a recipient the gift of life, the Daily is right on target. ERIc HUANG MINORITY MARROW DONOR COALITION Papers should exchange editorials To THE DAILY: As a recent graduate of the University, I used to anx- iously anticipate the swap- ping of chest-pounding stu- dent paper editorials with the competing school before a big football game. The The truth about internships' disappointment is inevitable I n the modern age of college educa- ltion, the line between upperclass- men and underclassmen has become almost invisible, with the freshme still being easily identifiable to the casual observer. More and more, students are taking semesters and years off to pursue other interests or taking fewer class- es per term to accommodate such interests. It also happens that the priggishJAMES and usually sense- MILLER less required MILLE courses make a ON TAP four-years -and out strategy impossible, no matter how desirable it may be. As all this hap- pens, the traditional terns of sopho- more, junior and senior lose their def- inition and people of all ages arei different stages of their educations a different times. The one area, however, where the difference between an old hand and a greenhorn is brightly clear is summer plans. People in the twilight years of undergraduate education devote huge chunks of their brains to where they are going to spend their summers. Paid or unpaid? In this field or that field? Home or away? Joe job or resume builder? The young'uns may be able to pick their summer avocation on the basis of whether or not showing up drunk is readily noticed by your superiors, but the geezers have to be a bit more stringent. Do all of you remember what High School Bullshit smells like? Let me give you a hint. "You know, that typ- ing class will really help you get into college" "I'd study a little bit harder, mister! Do you think you'll be able t get into a good school if they see you got a 'C' on a calculus quiz?" The people who told you that every deci- sion you made in high school, short of clothing and prom date selections, would have an awesome and defini- tive effect on your college (if you get into one), your career and the general quality of your life, are at it again. "You know, interning is a great way to get your foot in the door at a com- pany." You bet! Having a building full of people treat you like something they blew out of their nose for the unpar- donable sin of not being older than 30, with a lot of experience obtained from God knows where; that sounds great. This is an open question for anyone who has ever been a summer intern anywhere: Is it ever a positive experi-4 ence? Have you ever heard anyone say this?: "Yeah, interning at Norbert, Booblick and Felch was the greatest thing I ever did. I got to do all kinds of work that actually required me to use my brain and my education. They really made me feel valuable, wanted and successful. They offered me a job after graduation. Everything's coming up roses!" No, you don't. How about this: "Yeah, it sucked. I lost money sublet-4 tigmy apartment. The only place I could afford that was on the bus line to work was condemned by H UD the day after I moved out. I fetched coffee, filed things and put up with snide remarks and condescending attitudes for the enormous personal privilege of working for a brain-dead, fat broad who made four times as much as me, took two-hour lunches and hadn't been laid since Christ was a corporal" They said they weren't looking to hire anyone just of college, with the Assistant Coordinating Project Manager of Communications, Community Services, Multi-Media Initiatives getting a 20 percent raise and all. But they said I could come back next summer and work in the Whipping Boy division again. Have you seen my business school applica- tion anywhere? Ask anybody over thirty..Any skills they learned that relate to their career, or any contacts they made that got them into their said career were obtained after graduation and have nothing to do with their college expe- riences. So stop letting them lie to you. I'm a liberal arts major with little practical career experience. Despite my better judgment, I can't shake the feeling that anyone in charge of hiring summer interns or (God forbid) actual paid employees will hire me for anything except eating shit and asking for sec- onds. Unless the fields of Complaining, Venting and Reading Books suddenly experience a renais- sance and stew-un in base nay. I'm pet- 0 r h D I I I