4 -- The Michigan Daiiy - Wecnesday, March 22, 2000 I I catb e £rb|u &tgig O.J sheds light on Middle East politics 420 Maynard Street Ann Arbor, MI 48109 daily. letters@umich.edu Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan MIKE SPAHN Editor in Chief EMILY ACHENBAUM Editorial Page Editor 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. Roe and Erickson poised for success M iddle East politics becomes much simpler if you can remember how people felt about the O.J. Simpson trial. A friend once told me that during the trial, every white person he knew was certain of O.J.'s guilt, while every black person he knew had full confidence that O.J. was innocent. The rea- son: Even though these people gave honest opinions, their opposing stances tended to be products of the very different environ- ments in which they were brought up. Such is the Mid- dIe East. If you are Jewish, you might have a gut feeling Ethan Shalom that the Arabs would Johnson like nothing better than to expel all P Jews from Israel. If Mond you are an Arab, you might believe that the Zionists are imperialists who intend to expand Israel's borders as far as possible, not to mention that they also control America. Why would you believe these things? Because you were raised that way. Somehow, there are plenty of sources of support for both groups' beliefs. The Arabs point to select groups of Orthodox Jews and certain historical figures who have stated their desires to annex the total Biblical Land of Israel, to Israel's pres- ence in southern Lebanon and to Israel's links to the West (as in Western Imperial- ism). Jews respond with references to the wars begun by the Arab nations against Israel in 1948, 1956 and 1973, to the con- stant threat of bus bombings, to Hezbol- lah's continuing attacks on northern Israel from southern Lebanon, and to the inflammatory rhetoric that many high- ranking Arab officials float to their citi- zens. I have my own version of "the truth," but does it really matter? The current state of affairs (objective- ly as possible) is like this: The Palestini- ans effectively control the Gaza Strip and much of the West Bank, but statehood has not yet been declared, and their economy is basically at ground zero. Israel is tired of losing troops in southern Lebanon try- ing to subdue the Hezbollah. Syria, which exerts considerable control over Lebanon, may be interested in signing a peace deal if Israel relinquishes its hold on the Golan Heights (formerly an important strategic spot). Egypt and Jordan have peace with Israel. Does anyone trust one another? Not a chance. Several months ago, (a miracle took place when) I agreed with a statement made by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Kamenei. Now, I have about as much in common with Ayatollah as the NAACP does with the KKK. But when he said, "Iran is the biggest and most important center of confrontation with Israel," it was as if he took the words right out of my mouth. Of course, Ayatollah would prefer to see the Israelis take a very long swim in the Mediterranean - not exactly my idea of Middle East peace. Nevertheless, his statement underscores the notion that Iran may be the biggest obstacle to lasting peace since it funds many of the region's terrorist organizations. While Syria acts as puppet-master to Lebanon, Iran is underwriting Hezbollah's performances. If Iran were to cease financing for the activities of Hezbollah, Hamas and Jihad, it would significantly impair these V groups' operations and help assuage feel- ings of distrust between Arabs and Jews. Sounds impossible? Well, here is new rea- son for hope: Last month, Iranians elected the most liberal parliament since the 1979 revolution swept extremists into power. In response, U.S. Secretary of State Made- line Albright announced on Friday that America will ease economic sanctions against Iran, eliminating restrictions on carpet imports and reducing tariffs on pis- tachios and caviar. The concessions are trivial, though, compared to America's embargo on Iran- ian oil, a critical piece of Iran's economy. Right now may be the perfect time to end this embargo. Such a move would lend greater momentum to the reform move- ment in Iran, giving conservatives fewer reasons to lash out at America and foster- ing positive interchange between the two governments. The extra supply of oil to relieve astronomical U.S. gasoline prices wouldn't hurt either. Naturally, change will not come quick- ly. Iran is still a country in which wearing nail polish is considered treasonous., However, any move that would encourage the Iranians to stop spending their money on Palestinian pipe bombs and start fund- ing Palestinian economic development that could reduce the unemployment rate.. in Gaza is a step in the right direction. Just about everyone in this world has been raised to have certain preconceptions about other groups of people. As difficult as it may be, sometimes it is better to try to reconcile than to argue about who is right, because many times, one's preconceptions do not actually fit the truth. And, after all, if it does not fit, you must acquit. - Ethan Shalom Johnson can be reached via e-mail at ethanj@umich.edu. I T he Michigan Student Assembly is not revered on campus. Most students don't know when their student government meets, what they do, or how MSA impacts their lives. Still, the Daily annually urges students to vote in MSA elections. It is the body which represents the student voice. And this year, students should voice their opinion in favor of Blue Party candidates Glen Roe for President and Elise Erickson for Vice-President. An endorsement of the Blue Party may initially seem like a contradiction in Daily precedent. The Daily has consistently dis- agreed with MSA actions, especially their content with a low profile on campus. Endorsing the Blue Party, which holds a majority in MSA, seems like an affirmation of the very body which the Daily often derides. Still, noting that MSA is not perfect does not change the fact that the Blue Party candidates are the most qualified to serve student needs through the existing struc- ture. MSA presidential and vice-presiden- tial candidates are administrators and mediators before they are political activists. Instead of spearheading student move- ments, the head of MSA needs to tend to the needs of groups that already exist. In fact, MSA's most relevant function is fund- ing student groups. As chairman of the Budget Priorities Committee for the past year, Roe is exceptionally qualified to con- tinue funding student groups. Roe's experience in allocating funds and in MSA in general is especially important considering the future Supreme Court deci- sion in The Board ofRegents of the Univer- sity of Wisconsin v. Scott Southworth. The case, which will be decided by the Supreme Court this summer, stands to deny general-student funding to some student groups. The college environment funda- mentally demands the expression that stu- dent groups provide, regardless of their financial backing. Roe's relationship with the administration is also the best among candidates. While MSA is specifically responsible for some things, like student group funding, many of their opinions are realized through action by University administrators. It is essential that the MSA President and Vice-President have a good relationship with the University administra- tion - and all signs indicate that Roe and Erickson would have the best relationship. Besides the strength of their experience and their relationship with University offi- cials, the Blue party slate is strong and real- Blue Vote Blue in the] m his year's candidates for president and vice-president of the College of Litera- ture, Science and the Arts Student Govern- ment constitute a strong field of individuals with the drive, capacity and focus that one would hope for in any election. The Daily has chosen to endorse the Blue Party LSA- SG executive slate of Adam Damerow and Steven Sharpe. They have demonstrated a superior grasp of the needs of their prospective posts, an understanding that is highlighted by their solid platform and prior experience. The LSA Student Government needs to be led by people who comprehend the par- ticular focus on student-oriented and acad- emic issues that apply to the body's work. The Blue platform for the LSA-SG emphasizes such realistic and relevant items such as working with University Administrators on drop/add and pass/fail deadlines, which currently fall far short of meeting students' needs. Damerow and Sharpe also allow for enough fluidity in their agenda to be truly responsive to their constituents. istic. The Blue party doesn't propose popu- lar ideas like "freezing" tuition, nor should they. Instead, the Blue party focuses on fea- sible issues that still impact University stu- dents. The Quality of Life Consortium, a major piece of Blue policy, aims to address topics like safety, racism, diversity and drug and alcohol use on campus. Roe and Erickson realize the scope of MSA and will address issues it can affect. Convincing students to vote. in this year's election might not be as hard as usual. It is common for students to be unaware of MSA candidates right up to election day, but this year that won't be the case. Hideki Tsutsumi has been campaign- ing for election as an independent candi- date for almost a year, carrying his famous sign in tow wherever he goes. While his enthusiasm and commitment to students is admirable, he is not the best presidential candidate. Hideki is devoted to a core group of issues, including lowering text- book prices, but he shows little interest in considering other ideas. A lack of experi- ence and administrative ability clouds a campaign that has brought a refreshing excitement and genuine dedication to usu- ally routine MSA elections. He is the first candidate in ages to get people interested in MSA. The Blue Party, if elected, have a lot to learn from his tactics. The All People's Party and the Defend Affirmative Action Party also seem like good choices at first glance. Headed by Kym Stewart and Erika Dowdell, respec- tively, the two parties look primed to sup- port Daily issues like the abolition of the Student Code of Conduct and continue to support affirmative action. But again, both parties are hurt by their administrative skills. Stewart, Dowdell and Jessica Curtin, the DAAP vice-presidential candidate are among the most potent activists on campus. Their time is better spent supporting their individual causes than helping to perform the administrative duties required of MSA executive positions. MSA is not perfect. But protesting by voting in favor of APP, DAAP or the inde- pendent candidate would do more harm than good. MSA does perform a group of less-visible, but important functions, name- ly doling out group funds and appealing to University administrators. Especially with the possibility of universal group funding being taken away, Roe and Erickson of the Blue Party are the best candidates for Presi- dent and Vice President. It is the safe vote, but it is also the right one. *too SA-SG elections , Damerow and Sharpe are both highly motivated candidates with a singular enthu- siasm for the sometimes thankless work that student government entails. Their abili- ty to forge cooperative relationships with others is a skill that will be crucial in work- ing with University administrators. Wolverine party candidates B.J. Orandi and Erin Reese are also very capable and are not lacking in experience. The Blue platform displayed a more refined scope of what LSA-SG can do, should try to do and how to get those things done. However, Orandi and Reese have the focus that can be tapped by the President and Vice-Presi- dent to execute these endeavors and are highly encouraged to remain active - they are assets to the LSA-SG. The prospects are good indeed for an effective LSA-SG next semester, one that will set its resources towards realistic goals that can have a positive impact for students. Simply put, a combination of aptitude, experience and direction make Adam Damerow and Steven Sharpe the Daily's choice for LSA Student Government. THOMAS KULJURGIS TENTAIVELY SPEAKING KICK THAT OLD, DEAD " EM IASST i Hideki campaign shows unmatched effort TO THE DAILY: I just wanted to write this letter to show my appreciation for one brave soul. Who in the midst of all the chaos here on the University campus has persevered. He could have been easily sidetracked by the recent SCC/Michigamua turmoil, the Jamal Crawford incident, and the firing of Tom Goss. But this man has not been phased by any of these things because of his great drive and focus. He is a man with a plan and a dream. This man is "Hi" deki. A man who began his campaign for MSA president before school even start- ed, formed his own campaign Website, and who has been faithfully carrying his famous sign around everywhere he goes (including the library). If you have ever been to a football game, a basketball game, or even been out on the Diag, you have seen this dedicated man. In my five years at Michigan I have never seen a harder working presidential candidate. I have had the pleasure of meeting this young man, and it was an honor. I and much of the student body here at the University, just want to thank you four dedicated service. Good luck and God bless. FRANK LODESERTO KINESIOLOGY SENIOR Wolverine party candidates are the right choice TO THE DAILY: The Michigan Student Assembly (MSA) elections are less than two weeks away. As in previous elections, many par- ties will be on the ballot - each claim- ing superiority. However, only one of the student parties embodies the refreshing' spirit of reform, character and courage that has so well defined Sen. John McCain's great crusade. While many stu- dent parties may preach devotions to causes greater than their own self-inter- ests, the claims of all but one of these parties are laughable. Upon evaluating the platforms and candidate credentials of each student party running, we felt the only organization to truly hold the best interest of our university at its heart is the party of our dauntless mascot - the Wolverine. The University needs an MSA Presi- dent and a coalition of representatives willing to fight relentlessly for causes in which they wholeheartedly believe. Of all the MSA Presidential candidates, the only one with an established record of leadership and results worthy of Sen. ,A+fn n' 2n m c n . mm n) h _ to .-- - :tr. ic, Wrw R , 1. 0 4 i3 qno a