4A - Wednesday, January 31, 2007

The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com

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DONN M. FRESARD
EDITOR IN CHIEF

EMILY BEAM
CHRISTOPHER ZBROZEK
EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS

JEFFREY BLOOMER
MANAGING EDITOR

Unsigned editorials reflect the official position of the Daily's editorial board. All other signed articles
and illustrations represent solely the views of their authors.
Waves of the future
Vital wireless advancements late in coming
With perceptiveness for which we'd long ago abandoned
hope, LSA announced plans last week to launch a $1.5-
million effort aimed at dramatically expanding wire-
less Internet access on campus. Currently only 20 percent of LSA
buildings feature wireless, because the college has been notably
behind in the race to cut the Internet cord, even compared to other
schools and colleges at the University. Expanding the network to
cover all parts of all buildings is more beneficial than most admin-
istrators think, but it will be another two years before installation
is complete. That tardiness underscores past failures in the Uni-
versity's implementation of wireless technology.

Our investigations found high quality science
struggling to get out."
- Francesca Grifo, a member of the Union of Concerned Scientists, speaking yesterday to the House Oversight and
Government Reform Committee about the Bush White House's selective censoring of global warming research.
JOHN OQUISTI Y EET
GO AWAY WEIRDOS, YOU WANT WHYD YOU MAKE FUN OF THAT GUY YEAR BIT THAT WAS THEN. NOW
A SHOCKING TRUTH? HERE'S ONE, FOR BELIEVING IN A 9/Il CONSPIRACY? EVERY IDIOT AND HIS MOTHER
AL-Q.AEDA PULLED OFF 9/11. TWO DAYS AFTER THE ATTACK YOU BELIEVES THAT BUSH AND HIS
THERE, I SAID IT. LET'S GET TOLD ME THAT BIN LADEN WAS A PATSY CRONIES MASTERMINDED THE
TO CLASS. AND YOU'D BE DAMNED IF ANYTHING ATTACK. BELIEVING IN THAT
BUT A CRUISE MISSILE HAD HIT STUFF NOW IS SO...PASSE.
THE PENTAGON. YOU HEARD IT HERE
FIRST, FOLKS.
Congre*,"-ssional racist caucus

Students who have tried to access the
unreliable network in C.C. Little Science
Building or set up digital camp in the Den-
nison Building only to discover that it does
not support wireless access would agree
that the lack of wireless hinders their abili-
ty to do work. Wireless is not simply a mat-
ter of convenience, and it involves more
than just being able to access YouTube or
Facebook during lectures. Using this tech-
nology is an absolute necessity in today's
fast-paced educational experience.
Unfortunately, LSA and the University
as a whole have a lot of catching up to do.
In Intel's 2005 survey of wireless access
on college campuses, the University did
not even make the top 50. That's unaccept-
able for a top-tier research institution that
prides itself on being on the cutting edge
of academics.
While universities like Carnegie Mel-
lon and even Western Michigan have been
quick to adopt the technology on a broad
scale, LSA in particular failed to make
it enough of a priority. The costs, some
administrators claimed, would be astro-
nomical. Others pointed out that install-
ing wireless technology is complicated
and requires intricate planning.
These factors did not stop the imple-
mentation of wireless at the University's
other schools and colleges. The business,

law and engineering schools began wide-
spread development of the technology in
2000 and now boast fairly complete cov-
erage. LSA did not begin using wireless
technology until a little over two years
ago. Clearly, the school's conservative
approach has put it behind the curve. As
other universities experiment with inno-
vative technologies like podcasting, one
cannot help but wonder where else the
University might be falling behind.
Of course, LSA is not entirely to blame.
Cuts in state funding made it difficult for
the school to install wireless networks
and made it practical to wait until it could
be implemented at lower cost. The state
legislature, which recently cut funding
to universities year after year bears the
responsibility. The University warned that
repeated cuts would hurt the quality of
education it could afford to provide. Once
again, that became empirically apparent
in Intel's rankings.
Students and faculty have come to expect
leading universities to provide wireless
access. Incoming students want to be part
of an institution that values technology and
communication. Improving the wireless
network will help to demonstrate the Uni-
versity's commitment to both. LSA's new
initiative is certainly a positive change. But
it's still not exactly ambitious.,

"It's an unwritten rule (that whites
can'tjoin the Congressional Black Cau-
cus). It's understood.-It's clear."
- Rep. William Lacy Clay Jr. (D-Mo.)
he quest for equal rights in
America has been fought on
many fronts, but the war is far
from over. In the
1860s, we battled -
for the eradica-
tion of slavery.
A century later,
the Civil Rights 4
Movementwaged
war against the
forces of intoler-
ance and racism
so that the prom-
ises made a cen- JOHN
tury before would STIGLICH
be kept for centu-
ries to come.
But today I see an America that is
so politically correct that it has lost
its nerve and can no longer stand up
against racial injustices: We have com-
placently acquiesced to a racial double
standard. I am referring to black rac-
ism toward white Americans.
I'm sure that my mentioning this
problem has already caused a few of
you to break out your keyboard in
preparation for a nasty letter to the
editor, but I ask you to refrain until
you read the following example.
If you agree with the principle that
no one should be denied member-
ship in a group on account of race,
then you have to be outraged at the
circumstances surrounding Rep. Ste-
phen Cohen's (D-Tenn.) bid to join
the Congressional Black Caucus.
Cohen represents a congressional
district, formerly held by Rep. Harold
Ford Jr. (D-Tenn.), that is nearly 60
percent black. Last election season,

Cohen promised his constituents that
if elected he would apply for member-
ship into the CBC. Like a good rep-
resentative, Cohen kept his promise.
The only barrier to Cohen's fulfilling
his duty to his constituents is race
- he is white.
Knowing Cohen's intentions in
advance, senior members of the CBC,
including its retired founder Rep.
William Lacy Clay Sr., informed the
freshman congressman that he need
not apply. Despite the fact that the
CBC does not have a bylaw forbidding
white members, that Cohen has hired
a majority black staff and that he rep-
resents a larger number of blacks than
some current CBC members, Cohen's
skin color disqualifies him from mem-
bership. Last time I checked, this is
the textbook definition of racism.
Cohen is not the only white con-
gressman who has applied for mem-
bership in the CBC. The last to trywas
Rep. Peter Stark (D-Calif.) in 1975.
Like Cohen, Stark had a large black
constituency, was a liberal and had a
strong commitment to ending poverty
in America. However, while the CBC
was generous enough to hold a vote on
Stark's potential membership, he lost
out because of his race. Rep. Cohen
wasn't even afforded a vote. Appar-
ently the CBC's sense of fairness has
digressed over the years.
In both situations, CBC leadership
stressed the importance of the caucus
remaining all black, yet its rhetoric
does not match its stated purpose.
According to the CBC website, the
group's goal is "to promote the public
welfare through legislation designed
to meet the needs of millions of
neglected citizens." My question to
the CBC is this - do you have to be
black to help achieve such a goal? Are
white members of Congress incapa-

ble of promoting the public welfare
through legislation?
We know from history that rac-
ism will continue as long as those
who promote it avoid public scrutiny.
Speaking of public scrutiny, where
is the mainstream media's sense of
social justice? Not even Fox News
would touch this controversy with a
10-foot pole. The American media's
dedication to fairness took a conve-
nient vacation to avoid the two chil-
dren of political correctness - fear
and guilt - but that is a subject for
another column.
Black caucus
should not exclude
white reps.
What I am most disturbed by is the
members of the black community who
don't recognize the blatant hypocrisy
of their leaders. Whatever happened
to Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of
a society that judges people by the
content of their character and not
the color of their skin? Does that only
apply when whites judge blacks?
How can we expect American soci-
ety to abide by the tenants of racial
equality, social justice and full inte-
gration if we refuse to knockdown the
walls built by black leadership? Why
not encourage black leaders to accept
Cohen and other members of Con-
gress representing majority-minority
districts?
After all, if diversity is good for
America, why not in this case?
John Stiglich can be reached
at jcsgolf@umich.edU

I

SEND LETTERS TO: TOTHEDAILY@UMICH.EDU

Affirmative action is awayeven in built
A versity forn
/brwardfrom oppression the Michiga
in good par
only buildin,
TO THE DAILY: League wasI
Friday's letter from Michael Colleran As you kn
(Admissions policies unfairly target white male Native Ame
applicants, 01/26/07) is misguided and unin- tions in 198
formed. As members of the campus communi- members in
ty and the Expect Respect campaign, we think artifacts fou
it's important to address some of the issues he larcenous a(
brought up. Michigan Un
The anger or guilt felt by some students is cal pieces, n(
often misplaced. When dealing with social Michigamua
justice issues it is important that those emo- to be last yea
tions are properly channeled. White students, I am not(
or any students, shouldn't feel like they have of Michigam
to answer for historical acts of oppression by fact, when I
their ancestors. The goal of learning about his- the names w
tory is to move forward. became knov
An ancient African proverb says, "Until the many memb
lion has a historian, the hunter will always be drawn from
a hero." It's important to begin to tell the lion's secrecy was
stories. Bringing oppression to light can, and nization was
has, triggered strong emotions. We hope these licity, behini
feelings will cause students to become allies of front page.
peoples who have been historically oppressed. Another
The University's commitment to excellence "dark past":
isn't only linked to SAT scores. The SAT sim- promoted di
ply measures how well an applicant scores on common use
the SAT. When attacking preferential treat- mative actio
ment, we must not limit the discussion to ing my year
examining race and gender-based affirmative and religion:
action. Legacy, geographic location and eco- Jewish mem
nomic background are all factors that were leged to hav
not attacked by Proposal 2 but are acts of pref- this organiz:
erential treatment. experience i
Affirmative action was never meant to pun- my life.
ish white males, but is just one tool in the area Lastly, if t
of higher education that gives disadvantaged igamua/OrdE
people more opportunities. Diversity is not constantly, I
a problem. Racism is a problem and exists in contribution
both K-12 and college educational systems. It regardless of
must be fought in both places, and it is abso-
lutely vital that white students join with racial Kelley Rea
minorities to fight racism. Alum
Jim Schreiber and Abbie Nurse
LSAjuniors L
Elite senior society will All reader
ters to the e
overcome Daily's taunts name, colle
TO THE DAILY:
Why is the Daily taking another shot at LettersE
Michigamua/Order of Angell (The secret words. The M
society that lived, 01/29/07)? Although the to edit for len
group was organized around a Native Amer- submissions
ican theme, it was designed to honor and
emulate the best traditions of Native Ameri- Letters wil
cans. It is true that the society was open to ness, orde
men only but so were many other societies at spac
the University. Segregation of the sexes - in
dormitory living, in honorary societies and

ding access - existed at the Uni-
most of the 20th century. Even
n Union, promoted and funded
t by Michigamua, was a men's
g for many years. The Michigan
the women's counterpart.
ow, Michigamua ceased to use
rican themes, dress and tradi-
9 and became open to women
2000. The Native American
:nd during the trespassing and
cts of those who entered the
nion tower in 2000 were histori-
ot part of any racist activities of
. The name Michigamua ceased
ar too.
opposed to releasing the names
aua/Order of Angell members. In
was a member of Michigamua,
rere published in the Daily and
wn to the entire campus. In fact,
ers (four during my year) were
the Daily. The only reason for
because the nature of the orga-
s to meet and act without pub-
d the scenes rather than on the
comment about Michigamua's
Michigamua was diverse and
versity before that term was in
or part of the University's affir-
n programs. The members dur-
were of many colors, cultures
s, including black, Japanese and
sbers. I will always feel privi-
e known them and to be part of
ation. It was the most enriching
n diversity that I have known in
he Daily wants to follow Mich-
er of Angell and write about it
say go for it. This group and its
s to the University will continue
f what is said about it.
etters Policy
s are encouraged to submit let-
ditor. Please include the writer's
ge and class standing or other
University affiliation.
should be no longer than 300
Aichigan Daily reserves the right
gth, clarity and accuracy, and all
s become property of the Daily.
il be printed according to timeli-
r received and the amount of
e available. Send letters to
tothedaily@umich.edu.

Outfitting a revolution

here is a fairly comical scene
in P.G. Wodehouse's "Carry
On, Jeeves" (which, by way of
mention, is shamefully missing from
the University library's millions of
volumes), in which the ever-incor-
rigible Bertie
Wooster encour-
ages his rather
dissolute friend
Sippy to steal a
policeman's hel-
met. The theft
is comical not
because Sippy
has a desire to
become a police RAFI
officer and in soM
doing wishes to MARTINA
take the guise of
one. Indeed, he leads far too comfort-
able a life for something as arduous as
that. Rather, on Bertie's advice, Sippy
fancies the novelty of the policeman's
helmet. It's droll and preposterous,
a token taken out of place and used
rather absurdly. To make a long story
short, the theft also lands the two in
jail, though that hasn't much to do
with why the story came to mind.
Really, the story of Sippy's mis-
guided penchant for a malapropos
object came to mind on a recent jaunt
to Urban Outfitters. The trip was on
the urging of a friend of mine, who
told me it was selling something so
unbelievably doltish and misplaced
that I'd have to witness it to believe it.
Yes, next to a tacky T-shirt with the
Manishevitz logo fixed above Gefilte
Fish, sat a stack of variously colored
keffiyehs, the traditional Arab head-
dress recently associated with former
Palestinian Liberation Organization
leader Yasser Arafat and lately a sym-
bol of solidarity with the intifada.
No doubt the product was designed
to complement the wardrobes of those
already in possession of Che Guevara

T-shirts and West German army sur-
plus winter coats - those cohorts
(bourgeois and undoubtedly self-
loathing of the fact) who, like Sippy,
fetishize objects grossly out of place
in their comfortable lives.
The mock-militarism and the out-
landish embrace of revolution (always
in the abstract, mind you) invari-
ably reveal an unmistakable imma-
turity: revolution in the form of a
callow and clich6d paroxysm. Quite
frankly, the scarf alone didn't trouble
me: One need only imagine how dis-
mayed those sympathetic to Palestin-
ian plight must be at seeing "Israeli
Defense Force" T-shirts. What made
the kitsch absurd in the extreme was
the product description. It was an
"Anti-War Scarf."
Don'tget me wrong. I'm not against
Palestinian statehood or anti-war
activism. It's just something about
their conflation that rubs me the
wrong way. What's more, I can't imag-
ine proponents of either cause sin-
cerely approving of Urban Outfitters's
approach (though Urban Outfitters's
decision to remove the product from
its website was apparently the result
of complaints from Jewish groups).
The message is so muddled, the icon
so commodified.
Making a symbol of hardship and
struggle (and to some, war and vio-
lence) into a, product - allegedly
against war - seems emblematic of
utterly oblivious corporate culture.
The object is so preposterously out
of place that a slew of Urban Outfit-
ters executives might as well be jailed
for their own blundering stupidity.
But more disturbingly it evinces how
altogether inattentive our consumer
culture really is.
An anti-war keffiyeh? Come on!
Even if you didn't know the name
for it, the inherent contradiction is
undoubtedly self-evident. It's one

thing for politics to become trendy;
indeed, the tritely-phrased "Everyone
Loves a Democrat" and "Don't Let
Friends Vote Republican" T-shirts
sold at Urban Outfitters are testa-
ments to the popularization of poli-
tics. While laughable, such products
needn't demonstrate anything near
the absurdity of an anti-war keffiyeh.
And yet such trite politicalmanifes-
tations as T-shirts and scarves aren't
particularly novel for our generation.
Indeed, our aversion to articulating
any serious political or intellectual
ideas has dovetailed with a proclivity
for bumper-sticker activism. Perhaps

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Anti-war scarf
an example of
vapid activism.
we're so caught up in ourlives that we
haven't the time for committed politi-
cal agitation or thought; instead we
adopt standardized tropes to convey
our beliefs and opinions. In all likeli-
hood, this is an over-generalization,
but judging by the popularity of such
products at Urban Outfitters (which
is possibly the only store where
Long Island sorority girls and Cath-
erine Street hipsters shop together), it
might hold for a large segment of our
student population.
If the comic novels of Wodehouse
have any instructive value, it's in their
derision of the idle rich whose blas6
attitude toward the world unfolding
around them invariably obstructs
their commonsense. Remember that
should Urban Outfitters begin selling
policeman's helmets.
Rafi Martina can be reached
at rmartina@umich.edu*

Editorial Board Members: Kevin Bunkley, Amanda Burns, Sam Butler, Ben Caleca,
Brian Flaherty, Gary Graca, Jared Goldberg, Jessi Holler, Emmarie Huetteman, Toby Mitchell,
Rajiv Prabhakar, David Russell, John Stiglich, Neil Tambe, Radhika Upadhyaya, Rachel Wagner.

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