4A -- The Michigan Daily - Thursday, April 13, 2000 ~Ib £Iiriiaut aailg I became a ghost three months ago, know what Ifound? 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. Rogels' donation equals opportunity There is a term used to describe those alums that spent a good part of their col- lege careers on the second floor of the Student Publications Building putting out a daily news- paper. They're called Daily Ghosts. They wander in from time to time, mar- veling about how the old building still looks the same. We joke that their stuff is probably still in the drawers. No matter what year they graduated college, each Daily Ghost tells A the same stories. They talk about working for or meeting Daily leg- end Tom Hayden. They stare at the old dumbwaiter that used " to carry unpolished dummy copy from the top floor to the base- Heather ment production area. It hasn't worked for Kamins years, but the wooden K nd d frame remains in the office like an altar for the Ghosts. Former news editors always tell about the times that the production staff would yell up to the top floor, "Sports, send down a dummy." "Then one of the news staffers would say, 'which one?"' The Ghosts are easy to pick out. The dead give away is the password. Well, not a specific password so much as general Daily-speak, the lingo gathered and passed from one group of students to another. The first one is Daily Pay, which is obvious. It's the pocket change we earn, which helps out with rent though we'd all do it for free. There's the Bat Cave, a hidden room that looks like a closet, but really it's home to the Daily's most intense meetings. And of course there's the Attic and Jeopardy, two coveted senior traditions. Even if they choose not to speak to anyone, the Ghost's give themselves away. Usually they don't look like college kids. They're older, of course, and weathered by the real world. But they're different from strangers or parents, too. They all have this funny look on their face. It's like stepping through the leaded glass door that marks the Daily makes them unable to see the students running around the office. Instead, they see those they worked with how- ever many years ago. They see themselves. I, and the other graduating seniors on staff, joined a long and impressive list of Daily Ghosts nearly three months ago. In that time I've had the chance to do something I had always been curious about. I got to be a regular student with regular hours and free time to explore Ann Arbor beyond Maynard Street. I've been able to start papers before 2 a.m. I went to free skate at Yost Ice Arena. I've spent nights watching the final episodes of 90210 and eating White Castle. I've attended art shows, poetry readings and parties on weeknights. Not to my surprise, during my excursions I've confirmed two suspicions. Ann Arbor is a tremendous place to go to college. It's a perfect collage of intellectualism, athletics, arts and diversion. You could go through school 50 times here and never walk into the same buildings, join the same clubs or leave with the same ambitions. And while exploring I did find that I missed out on a lot during my first three-and-a-half years here. But I also reaffirmed my highly-held belief that the Daily is one of the University's truly special treasures. I'm not just talking about the Daily as a vehicle for public service. I do think that the role of the newspaper as the main source of information on the community's tri- umphs and tragedies is momentous. And the Daily as teacher, training genera- tions of journalists who have gone on to be leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, win Pulitzer Prizes and write brilliant novels, also is extremely significant. But all of that is just a small part of what the Daily has been to those who were lucky enough to stumble unsuspectingly up the 70-x year old steel staircase into a large carpeted room full of busy and eager college kids making phone calls and telling stories. These are the stories that will become the Ghosts' stories. They comfort and inspire. Like most, I never had a close relationship with my resident advisor in East Quad fresh- man year, but I had editors and older staffers who I could ask which classes to take and who brought me soup when I came down with mono. I remember watching the then-outgoing editors cry as they walked out of the Daily for the last time as staffers. I now understand why. At the Daily, editors are much tougher on the writers than editors at any major metro paper ever would be. Staffers get in fights about head- lines and the size of photos. Sometimes staffers get so upset they go home in tears. But the out- bursts are worthy. The difference between one word and another is cause for debate because' the push for perfection is unmatchable. The pureness of intent is unparalleled. There are no corporations driving the news, just a bunch of" kids with complete control. Never again will it be like this - this genuine. - Thank you to everyone I have work with. I can't imagine being locked up in an old building with a better bunch of people. This is Heather Kamins'final column for the Daily. She can be reached be via e-mail at hbk@umich.edu. GRINDING THE NIB Sn an act of remarkable generosity, Alumni Association President Richard Rogel and his wife, Susan, g ave the University $22 million for out-of-state financial aid this week. The Rogels are addressing two con- cerns with their incredible gift. The aid their donation provides will combat some of the financial elitism among out-of-state students that is a conse- quence of, what is for many, prohibi- tively high tuition. And bringing down the cost for out-of-state students will increase diversity by allowing many lower income students to attend the University. Out-of-state students are often those who need the most financial assistance, as not all out-of-state students are wealthy, as commonly thought. Many qualified out-of-staters do not even apply to Michigan because the cost of attending is overwhelming. This year's average cost for non-resident under- graduates is an amazing $19,514. But even for students who display full financial need, financial aid usually falls short by as much as $10,000, for which Rogel's donation will help com- pensate. Making quality higher education more accessible is vitally important and the University now has more of the resources it needs to advance this goal. We extend our most heartfelt grati- tude to the Rogels for their incredible generosity and years of dedication to the University. Their gift will directly make a huge impact on the lives of many students and make this a better institution in the process. Their commitment to making higher education more accessible and to the furthering of diversity at the University is an inspiring tribute to this institution and helps guide it in the direction it needs to be going. Like the Rogels, we hope this only the first of many donations dedicated to easing the financial burden that keeps many highly qualified students from attending the University. They have set an important and moving example for the rest of the University community and deserve our highest praise and respect. "If you go to school with people who look like you, act like you and who were raised like you, how are you going to be prepared for the world?" Rogel said. We couldn't have said it better. CHIP CULLEN Don't repeat Seattle Protesters must be heard in D.C. As the end of the term draws near it is easy to get bogged down in per-. sonal considerations. But some issues are so important they merit our imme- diate attention. The debate between the International Monetary Fund and its critics is a matter that demands not only student awareness, but involve- ment as well. Often this international bureaucracy, as well as others like it, seems far removed from daily life, but its impact is felt every day by dozens of nations and countless people. The IMF, a prime mover in the glob- al economy, will be holding their spring semi-annual meeting on April 16th in Washington, D.C. More than ten thousand demonstrators from a vast array of interests and backgrounds have converged to make their dissenting voice heard. We would all do well to shift our attention to this weekend's events in the nation's capital, and to lis- ten to what these people have to say. The IMF plays a prominent role in the intricate economic relations between states and multinational cor- porations. As such, its policies have an immediate effect on millions of lives. Many of these policies have been denounced for what detractors see as contributing to economic hardship in underdeveloped countries and exacer- bating the disparity of wealth between First and Third World nations. In short, many observers point out that by tying its loans to stringent debt reduction policies, the IMF can hurt people in poorer countries. Enter the demonstrators. A grass- roots movement has brought together labor unions, religious groups, stu- dents, worker's rights advocates, envi- ronmentalists, women's groups, farmers and others to protest the poli- cies of the IMF and advocate debt relief for the poorest countries. Rarely has such a diverse and broad-based assembly of people united around a common cause. This remarkable col- lection, one that cuts across age groups, political ideologies and even national borders, underlines just how significant these issues really are. A reassuring sign that this coalition is attracting notice is the appropriate accommodation that has been made to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and safe environment for the protests. The Washington Metropolitan Police Department has said that it will close area streets to make room for the activists. The George Washington Uni- versity, situated literally blocks from the buildings that house the IMF as well as the World Bank, has opted to cancel classes for the weekend. These preparations evidence a com- munity much more responsive than the officials who mishandled the recent protests of the World Trade Organiza- tion in Seattle. In that instance, a true dialogue over critical global economic questions was hindered by the deplorable images of activists bloodied by police force. The resulting discord was unfortunate, especially since the WTO is another example of a topic that seems so obscure to most people despite its powerful influence on world affairs. University students can be an active force for challenging old systems and effecting positive change. Issues of environmental protection and sweat- shop labor are high on the list of causes that students have taken a major role in. Yet despite the fact that the interna- tional financial organizations wield so much influence in these areas, students have not given them adequate attention. The workings of the global economy are indeed often abstract and unglam- orous. But there can be no denying that the IMF, the World Bank and the WTO have a great deal of influence in how the business of the world is run. Stu- dents who desire to be politically aware have a responsibility to seek out infor- mation and to educate themselves as to what these agencies do, and how the questions surrounding their policies can be answered. Keeping a watchful eye and an open mind directed towards the demonstrations in Washington is a good way to start. Letter was 'deluded and misinformed' TO THE DAILY: A word of advice to the avid letter-writer before you launch a public debate about sexu- al assault in the letters to the editor - check your facts. I was appalled to find a significant portion of the editorial page devoted to a deluded viewpoint by David Goodman ("Vic- tims can take steps to prevent sexual assault" 4/10/2000) bashing Anna Philips for her response to Josiah Silverstein and her informed explanation of victim-blaming. I find it sad that the Daily is so quick to publish (and highlight, no less) a viewpoint like Goodman's that is so lacking in substance. If Goodman had taken a moment to check the official Michigan Criminal Sexu- al Conduct (CSC) Laws, perhaps he would have thought twice before wasting ink and newsprint - not to mention our time. As Philips stated clearly in her letter, "under Michigan law, a woman who is drunk can be legally raped." The State of Michigan defines Criminal Sexual Conduct as sexual penetration (not exclusive to intercourse, as Silverstein's letter falsely implied) or sexu- al contact, and according to the statute, if the assailant is aided by the victim's inca- pacity this is classified as 3rd degree CSC and punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The law includes under "victim incapaci- ty" the term "mentally incapacitated," which means, "the victim is temporarily incapable of appraising or controlling his/her conduct due to the influence of a narcotic, anesthetic or other substance administered with consent or due to any other act committed upon the victim without consent." Therefore a woman who is (even volun- tarily) intoxicated cannot, under Michigan law, be deemed capable of giving consent and no consent constitutes rape - regardless of whether her state of intoxication, as Good- man puts it, "was very likely a contributing factor to the assault." Whether she was intoxicated or not, there is never an excuse for sexual assault, nor is there any need to label the survivor a "vic- tim" so that the insecurity and mental anguish a 0 d n 7- n r 1 GOT IMY (JOLLIES *t NA "\"* " p ' ~ , rc p i i....,: present after an attack can be worsened and perpetuated. Goodman - as well as others sharing his outlook - would be wise to become more informed about the Michigan CSC Laws and to take into consideration the perspective of sexual assault survivors before passing such ignorant judgment. CARRIE DOWNES LSA JUNIOR 'No' to police force during Naked Mile TO THE DAILY: The Ann Arbor police have made it clear: Engage in your favorite school tradi- tion and you will be arrested. Celebrate four years of hard work and effort by run- ning nude through campus and you will be placed in handcuffs. Some people believe that the Naked Mile is a disturbing tradi- tion. I believe that the greater pathology is the way the police department is handling this matter. What concerns me is the way the decision has been made to end this event. Students have demonstrated an uncanny ability to organize the run and provide safety at a grass-roots level. And why shouldn't they? It is their tradition - it means something to them. It does not mean anything to the Ann ,. Arbor Police Department. Consequently, if " this tradition is to end, it should be the stu- dents who decide to end it. They should be ' trusted and brought into the decision-making process. Yet have student groups at the Uni- versity been conferred? We should encourage democratic deci- sion-making. If you wish to end the Naked Mile, do it through appropriate student channels. Don't end it through the use of brute force. That method is dangerous. It." can produce unforeseeable, hostile reac- tions and put deleterious forces into.a$ motion. Ten thousand people in the streetsZ of Ann Arbor can be a serious situation.' Prudence dictates that such a crowd should not be provoked. But brute force is also inhuman. The students at the University deserve to be treated with greater dignity. University President Lee Bollinger sent a letter to seniors and urged them to avoid the run. He should now protect the dignity of his students and send a letter to Walter Lunsford and urge him to avoid making arrests. The Naked Mile can be dealt with in more sensible ways. STEPHEN GRODNICK INDIANA UNIVERSITY 0 Little naked me ... or not T omorrow, thousands of naked bodies will be writhing and sweating and praying for endurance. Yes, it's that time again. Time for the Naked Mile. But you won't find me putting on my running shoes and taking off my clothes. Now, you might think I would want to do the dirty deed just one time before I graduate. Hellillllll nooo! This woman will not be caught running around like a patient who's escaped from a high-security men- tal institution. Yes, you heard it here first. I will not be parading my pasty little butt around campus, nor will I be giving any sur- prise stretch shows Camille before the race. N o e I will not, repeat, will not be running Last en mass to horny viewers, I would rake in the royalties! Secondly: I'm from Dearborn. Dearborn as in a 25 minute drive from Ann Arbor as in both cities share the same local news, which my parents watch religiously meaning my face, and a few other choice body parts, on channel seven at 11 meaning my parents get a view of my ass that they haven't seen since I was three. Third: Many cameras are involved. Many people will get the privilege of seeing some, uh, glossy prints, of Joe Blow from English class and Jenny Jiggles from chemistry. Unless you're Madonna, this sort of publicity is worse than being featured on a milk carton. "Have you seen this girl's clothing?" Fourth: Film, photos and footage aside: Be careful what company you keep. The Naked Mile is a tradition that was begun more than a decade ago by the men's crew team. They decided that a lap around town minus the uni- form would be a good time, and after a year or two, students of all affiliations began to join them. Hence the sport was born. However, thlr nv c it'c n frpP ~fnr all- finecta~tcrsrand watching. God only knows what would hap- pen if my "Dinosaurs and Other Failures" instructor were to cross the finish line behind me, or if Broomhilda, English instructor extraordinaire, happens to think that my chest looks better than hers and she's got a bone to pick. I need to graduate - you catch my drift? Eight: Pain. You know where. I have no tol- erance for activity without proper attire, and I don't support the exploitation of plastic cling wrap. Nine: In case you haven't heard, the AAPD is ready and waiting to arrest participants this year. I don't like cops. I don't like cops seeing me naked. I don't like resisting arrest while topless. Comprendez? Ten: I'd run if I were a man. No one looks at men! I know for damn certain that I don't. Let's face it, it's not how it looks bouncing down the road, but what you can do with it, hmm? But men watch to see women, and women watch to see who looks better than them. Considering I'm not okay with being scrutinized, I'm not running. My decision to not run is nersonal. nott I rl . . ..