4 - The Michigan Daily - Friday, January 30, 1998 (14j £irbigun ?Euttg 420 Maynard Street Ann Arbor, MI 48109 Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan JOSH WHITE Editor in Chief ERIN MARSH Editorial Page Editor NOTABLE QUOTABLE, 'Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be.' - Clementine Paddleford FROM ALL OF US TO ALL OF 'U' Newspapers Unless 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 Bollipnger's firs yer Leadership and charisma wins over 'U' L ast February, Lee Bollinger took his place in University history. Though his term is only one year old, President Bollinger has gained the respect and admi- ration of the University community in a way that few before him have. His dedication to students and to the community are evident i nthe pride with which he represents the University. As he settled into his new post, Bollinger's first order of business was to fill- several executive positions. Former University Provost J. Bernard Machen announced his decision to leave; Bollinger brought in Nancy Cantor, the University's first female provost, to take the reins as second-in-command. After Athletic Director Joe Roberson retired, Bollinger had another notable posi- tion to fill. NCAA investigations into alleged misconduct involving the men's basketball team complicated the situation. Bollinger made a wise choice in hiring Tom Goss, a progressive, student-minded administrator. Together, Goss, Bollinger aid the University have weathered the NLA investigation well. Additionally, one of Goss and Bollinger's first projects was a notable one; late last fall, construc- tipj began on a 5,200-seat expansion at Michigan Stadium. The past year presented the University with more attention than Bollinger bar- gained for. The Center for Individual Rights - the Washington, D.C.- based firm that gained notoriety with its 1996Hopwood v. Texas lawsuit- unleashed two ground- 1 king lawsuits against LSA and the Law Scl'ol. The suits attack the University's adiissions policies, which include race as one of many factors in admissions deci- m sions. In the face of the two lawsuits, Bollinger has shown his cool under fire. An immense amount of national attention is directed at the University, and Bollinger has represent- ed it with strength and grace. He and the rest of the administration stand steadfastly by the University's admissions policies. Students who recognize the importance of affirmative action in admissions decisions are pinning their hopes on Bollinger and the administration to pull the school through the lawsuits. Bollinger confirmed a place in the hearts of University students when he host- ed an impromptu "party" at the President's house on South University Avenue. After the Michigan football team upset the Nittany Lions of Penn State, a crowd of stu- dents congregated on the president's lawn and cheered as Bollinger stood on the front steps. He welcomed the crowd of more than 1,000 students inside, saying, "This is your house." He also made an appearance to tip his hat to the National Championship foot- ball team at its celebration in Crisler Arena. His speech was warm and humorous, mix- ing his characteristic eloquence with a wry analysis of Lloyd Carr's Rose Bowl game plan. Students appreciate Bollinger's enthusi- asm for the University experience. He has shown himself to be an advocate for some of the issues that come closest to our hearts: affirmative action, the right to freedom of speech and the value of a liberal arts educa- tion. As he carries the University into the next millennium, his ideals for education should continue to serve students well. Bollinger's vision and dedication bodes well for a bright future at the University. Today I embark on an unknown: University life without the Daily. Since my first day here, the Daily has provided me with everything a college student could possibly want or need, and no single memory could possibly do 3 1/2 years any sort of justice. I thank everyone who has come before me in the past 107 years for allowing all of us this experience, and I thank all of those outside of the Daily who have stayed with me throughout this out- rageous ride: The Taxi, Hensch, Kanary and of course my family. Once I was told to "leave things better than I found them," and I can only hope that that is what we have done. JOSH WHITE EDITOR IN CHIEF Four years of learning more than in any classroom 420 Maynard Street searches, scandals, Spots kegs, admin and the.rp trip to the Rose Bowl best friends in the world memories all fade together i'll miss you Daily JODI S. COHEN MANAGING NEWS EDITOR Not even a sunny week in Pasadena where, among other things, I vomited all over Alan Goldenbach can eclipse my most outrageous Daily memory: After asking if , in fact, worked for the Daily, former Michigan point guard Brandun Hughes eloquently proclaimed, "Ya'll be writing some fucked up shit, man." It may not have been my finest Daily moment, but it was certainly the strangest. JOHN LEROI MANAGING SPORTS EDITOR My freshman year, my roommate and I had a Friday afternoon ritual: We'd sit around after classes and read the editorial page column in the Daily. The columnist was a riot - I enjoyed reading his work so much that I decided to go check out this Daily place and see what it was all about. Newspaper in hand, I nervously walked into a mass meeting and was immediately hooked. And I met the funny columnist (who was also editor in chief at the time). His name's Michael. He's the best thing that ever happened to me. Thanks, Daily. ERIN MARSH EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR I'll always remember when my grandmother came to the Daily last winter and helped me put together the Arts pages for the next day. Even though we didn't finish until midnight, it was won- derful to share what's been most important to me in my college career with a former journalist and an important person in my life. JENNIFER PETLINSKI ARTS EDITOR When it seemed I had accomplished and experienced everything I could possibly wish for, the Daily afforded me one final gem: the truly wonderful opportunity to write a film review with my brother, a wiser man than I. JOSHUA RICH ARTS EDITOR In my four years at the me with whom to share these historic achievements, with whom to laugh and cry. Nick, John, Danielle, you're not only the best people to work with, you're the best friends anyone could ask for. I love you guys. That's good fortune. ALAN GOLDENBACH SPORTS EDITOR I will remember the day ESPN News made a commer- cial out of a press conference I had been at. Former Michigan basketball coach Steve Fisher held the press conference two days after he had been fired to defend himself in light of alle- gations against the program. With Fisher refusing to take questions, a writer from a Detroit newspaper interrupted Fisher, relentlessly demanding Fisher answer his question. Fisher's lawyer walked up to the reporter's face and the two almost came to blows. A month later, a commercial was made out of the incident. That's when I knew this job was cool. DAN STILLMAN SPORTS WRITER This is a day I thought would never come or at least one I wouldn't make it to. Despite the countless hours that goes into making the Daily, I'll mostly remember the final moments of a nightside as I paste up the final page. Nearly everything could go wrong - crashed computers, missing reporters or fuzzy photos, but I can't help smiling when I see what we've created. Though you see the collec- tive effort of our work every- day, we share the madness of the process. We do our best to meet the high standards set by 107 years of e:istence, yet sometimes we're just college kids. I'll remember most the laughter at dinnertime, the energy of story conference, and a job well done. ANUPAMA REDDY NEWS EDITOR Leaving this place for good now after 3 1/2 years, I feel like I did last month on the eve of the Rose Bowl. The moment is full of emotion but confusing, somewhere between the excitement of anticipation and the sadness of knowing you've been a part of something incredible - and the end has come. I remember sitting some- where in California the last day of the old year, trading stories from that awesome autumn with some of my best friends. Josh. John. Alan. Danielle. We knew the past was perfect, and still, we couldn't wait for tomorrow and the new glory that would dawn with the new year. And I knew this then, as I know it now: If the rest of my years turn out as well as my past four, I will be a most fortunate man. NiCHOLAS J. COTsONIKA SPORTS EDITOR Having Harry Connick Jr. on my answering machine was one of the more memorable experiences in my Daily career. But not even his sexy drawl can top the real professional and interpersonal lessons I picked up along the way, ensur- ing that I won't forget talking with the.rp, Pat Buchanan or any of the Daily writers that I call my close friends. STEPHANIE JO KLEIN TV/NEW MEDIA EDITOR Although interviewing Tim Booth and Damon One memory stands out as entirely representative of our years at the Daily: A few semesters ago, we wrote a combined feature on twins. We had to work our asses off for it. Needless to say, finally finish- ing the massive undertaking provided a great feeling of relief and accomplishment. A week later, we attended a small track meet at Michigan State. Behind us sat several family members of one of the subjects of our lengthy feature. Their appreciative comments? Something along the lines of, "The Michigan Daily, now there's some quality journal- ism." Sarcasm fully intended. As writers, if we could ever rely on anything, it was the undying faith and support of our public. Sarcasm fully intended. But, ultimately, we had a good time, and that's what counts. CHRIS FARAH FRED LINK SPORTS WRITERS The Daily has taught me a lot. In addition to becoming a better writer, certain moments stand out. The Minnesota trip provided an opportunity to repossess a seat from The Metrodome at about 12:30 a.m. (Thanks for the pick, T.J.!) I had the opportunity to talk to Olympians and other athletes who will only live in this paper. The Daily also gave me one more chance to play quarterback and get mention in the paper. (Thanks Alan, even though the touchdowns were out of order!) Thanks to Alan, John, Nick and Danielle who helped along the way. GO BLUE, GO BRONCOS. It's been quite a run. JOHN FRIEDBERG SPORTS WRITER While photographing at the Daily over the past four years, I have been pooped on, sprayed with mace (twice), sustained a concussion, and found myself covered in vomit - I loved every minute of it. SARA STILLMAN PHOTO EDITOR After the hockey team won the national title in 1996, I was standing in the press area when Red Berenson walked by. I was standing in his way, but instead of pushing pass me or saying, "Excuse me,"- which usually meant "Get out of my way, - he put his hand on my shoul- der and smiled. You can imag- ine my astonishment: the man who we all thought was inca- pable of emotion and positive reinforcement was actually nice underneath the gruff exte- rior. I told my fellow beat writ- ers John, Nick and Alan about it, and we all laughed a little. Since that time, the four of us have shared many more laughs, had a few fights, shed some tears and drank a few beers. We recently shared a great week in Pasadena, wrote a book and ended four great years at the Daily. Thank you Daily, and thank you John, Nick and Alan. We were the best beat ever - no matter what we cov- ered - and we are the best friends. I love you guys. DANIELLE RUMORE SPORTS EDITOR Derek Jeter attended Michigan for just one semes- ter and this was before I was even here. But Jeter, the New York Yankees' phenomenal shortstop, sat next to me in the Detroit Stadium dugout an hour before he was getting ready to play the Tigers in September of my junior year. After the interview, he asked me how things were going in offer a glimpse into Communities and their values A year ago, I walked in the Student Publications Building as editorigl page editor. One year later, I emerge. OK, maybe that's an exaggeration. But it is fair to say that the Daily has occupied the bulk of my hours and thoughts for the majority of my college career. Today, we can access up-to-the- minute informa- tion - complete with graphics, ERIN photos and com- MARS mentary - with- THINKING out leaving the OF'U house or changing out of our bathrobes. A wealth of Websites and all-news TV channels cover every hard-news and soft-news story. News shows report it, tabloid newsmagazines exploit it, and the talk shows discuss it to death. And if you can point and click, you can access a World Wide Web of good stuff on pret- ty much any topic your heart desires. With all these innovations and cort- venient, easy ways to get a daily (or hourly) update, some say that newspa- pers will soon be obsolete. I disagree. I still believe in newspapers. TVs and computers are single-serv- ing-size devices. We sit; we stare; it talks to us, we don't talk back.4 Newspapers were meant to be shared. They remain on cafe tables after the teacups are drained; they are left on subway seats after its owner reaches the end of the commute. It really all depends on how we wish to take our news. Like coffee, it can be robust, sweetened, exotic, weak, pun- gent, or spicy. It can come delivered off the syrupy tongue of a TV anchor or in the printed prose of a daily news-4 paper. Newspapers offer a window into the communities that they serve. They tell, in part, the stories of the people who live and work there. The way we define "community" affects the bene- fits we take from the medium. And of course, there's no better way to read about the community than while actu- ally being in the community itself. The New York Times means very dif-4 ferent things in an Ann Arbor apart- ment than it does in the window at Zabar's, next to a heap of lox and a paper cup of coffee. The Chicago Tribune is best enjoyed on a bench-in Grant Park, while the chilly waters of Lake Michigan lap at the pilings. The dedication of a bridge, the annual hol- iday pageant at an elementary school, the death of a beloved mayor: All of these events are best appreciated4 when seasoned with the flavor of their communities. Newspapers give us back the tactile side of the news. We can hold it, share it, fold it over. They bring us a chance for interaction, and let us take the news at our own pace. For all the sparkle and glitz offered by TV and the Internet, in some ways these media cause us to suffer sensory deprivation. They hold us captive. But think about Sunday mornings. Terry bathrobes, bare feet on cool wooden floors, thick, weighty Sunday editions, trading the sections with someone you love. Mornings like these bring back the physical aspects of the news; they replace some of the humanity that is absent in sleekly edit- ed TV shows. I love newspapers. In particular, I love this newspaper. The Student Publications Building is familiar to me in all its degrees of activity. I know it in the morning, when the newsroom is quiet and the computers are dark, when sunlight streams through the stained-glass windows, making small pink and pur- ple puddles on the well-worn carpet. I know it in the afternoon, when phones ring, reporters buzz around with notebooks and pens, and staffers dash from one meeting to another. I1 know it at night, when pizza boxes lit- ter the desks and editors holler for deadline. Something is always happening at the Daily. Phones are always ringing. Someone is always laughing. It's been a very special experience to work at a place where the fruits of my labor end up in the hands of the University community. It's been an honor to work with a collection ofl such talented, interesting, enthusiastic and intelligent people. The Daily has given me some truly great gifts. I've made some friends who shine like diamonds - they are brilliant snarks of light that make my life 0 4 I Under wraps State must not encourage concealed weapons Under normal circumstances, the state of Michigan refuses to issue con- o ealed gun permits to the general public. As many as 60,000 concealed weapons permits have been distributed since 1990, though usually restricted to a particular circumstance, such as transporting large amounts of money to the bank. Otherwise, permits are generally only granted to prominent figures, judges, retired police officers, or citizens with special circumstances. Additionally, the permits may be as temporary as 30 days and never last more than three years. Until now, the most Michigan county gun boards have routinely denied most requests for concealed handgun permits, as it ought to. Allowing more citizens to carry a concealed weapon in a public place could considerably increase the risk of injury and death by handguns. The risk is already too high, thanks to widespread availability of guns, through both legal and illegal channels. Despite the high rates of handgun vio- lence, a package of bills that condemns the county gun boards' strict guidelines is gain- ing bipartisan momentum in the Michigan House of Representatives. It calls for state- wide changes to the ways county gun boards handle requests for concealed weapon permits. Although law enforcement officials have repeatedly condemned any legislation that facilitates distribution of concealed weapon permits, Rep. Alan Cropsey (R-DeWitt), the chief sponsor of the proposed legislative package, insists legislation would enable the average citizen to carry concealed weapons for the purpos- es of self-defense. But the increased pres- ence of handguns may increase the proba- bility of violent incidents, whether acciden- tal or intentional. It is truly frightening that Cropsey sees the package as a ticket to cit- izens' self defense. When guns play a role in confrontations, small incidents escalate quickly. Law enforcement officials have always insisted that drawing a gun during a criminal attack increases the owner's risk of bodily harm. This package of bills ignores the facts and instructs county gun boards to approve concealed gun permits for most applicants. The bills would, among other changes, require a board to grant permits to all appli- cants with good records, raise the minimum age to 21 (unless the permit is for one's employment,) increase the application fee from $10 to $100, and require applicants to complete only 12 hours of handgun safety instruction. In today's society, the proposal lacks common sense. Although the state of Michigan registers high reported crime rates, allowing more concealed, loaded guns in public will certainly not bring crime rates down or do a better job of protecting society. For better or worse, citizens must rely on their law enforcement agencies to insure a functional, civilized society. Distrust is not reason enough to loosen the gun concealment laws. State representatives should reconsider their support for this package, which could lead to an increase of