4A - Thursday, October 18, 2007

The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com

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KARL STAMPFL IMRAN SYED JEFFREY BLOOMER
EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR 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.
The Daily's public editor, Paul H. Johnson, acts as the readers'representative and takes a critical look at
coverage and content in every section of the paper. Readers are encouraged to contact the public editor
with questions and comments. He can be reached at publiceditor@umich.edu.
Ca
Cells of progress
Ballot initiative not the way to reform stem cell restrictions
Michigan group lobbying for the lifting of restrictions on
embryonic stem cell research received some unexpected
publicity earlier this week when philanthropist A. Alfred
Taubman - after whom the University's college of architecture and
urban planning is named - doubled its annual budget with a $1.4
million donation. The Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research
and Cures - comprised of doctors, lawyers, biologists and politi-
cians from around the state - attempts to educate Michigan resi-
dents on the potential of embryonic stem cell research and the harsh
legislative restrictions researchers currently face in Michigan. The
group's aims are commendable, but change on this issue should not
come through a ballot initiative, as has recently been proposed, but
instead through legislative action by our elected officials.

OA " .A E
After nearly 15 minutes of soul-searching,
I have heard the call."
- Comedian Stephen Colbert, announcing his candidacy for the presidency Tuesday
evening on his Comedy Central show, "The Colbert Report."

A student advocate

T he most important decisions
made at this University are
ultimately decided by the infa-
mousgroupknown
as the University
Board of Regents.
Think of the
regents as a crew
of eight sitting t
at the adult table
at Thanksgiving,
having influential
discussions and NEIL
making key deci- TAMBE
sions at the behest
of stakeholders.
None of the regents, who are elect-
ed in statewide elections, are current
students. Students should not settle
simply for a seat at the little kids table.
When it comes to voting on University
policies like approving Big House ren-
ovation plans or tuition hikes, direct
representation of the student body
is essential and valuable. We should
advocate for the creation of a position
specifically for students on the Board
of Regents.
The regents and University admin-
istration do have some avenues for
student input, most notably through
the appointment of students to advi-
sory committees. The opportunity
to serve on committees is valuable,
but the debate and discussion about
the regental decisions mostly hap-
pen behind closed doors at so-called
executive sessions prior to the public
meetings. The regents have public
meetings monthly, but the votes cast
at those meetings are practically for-
malities. To have genuine influence,
students need representation at the
meetings held behind the scenes.
Several state university systems
across the country have reaped ben-
efits from having students represented
on their boards. I recently talked to a
student regent at the Arizona Board of
Regents, which oversees the Universi-
ty of Arizona, Arizona State University

and Northern Arizona University. He rigors of modern elections, the chances
told me that a few years ago, a student of a successful statewide student cam-
regent brought up the issue of text- paign are slim. Students will only have
books to the board, resulting in the ensured representation on the Board
expedient creation of a textbooks task of Regents by creating a spot reserved
force. At the time, he said, the board for a current student.
did not understand the urgency of Even though the process would
textbooks and that a student perspec- be difficult, it is possible. Many uni-
tive on the board was helpful in acting versities across the country, and in
quickly on the issue. the Big Ten conference have student
Textbook prices have been an issue regents. Those schools faced the same
on our campus since at'least 1998. obstacles that exist in Michigan and
Applying pressure directly to the overcame them. Last month's rally in
regents would be more effective than Lansing to show support for higher
having recommendations and propos- education funding illustrated that
als slowly percolate through an elabo-
rate system of advisory committees.
Perhaps the issue would have been Studentssbe
addressed sooner if we had a student should
on our Board of Regents.re es n d th
One worry is that student regents represented on the
would be uninterested or unqualified
to address topics that are not related Board of Regents.
to student affairs. In an interview, a
student regent from the University
of California system dismissed that there is some capacity for grassroots
claim, saying that any decision made mobilization and unity across campus
at a university affects students, even if lines that could be cultivated - a nec-
some issues are of greater interest than essary component in any effort to cre-
others. Beyond that, the nature of gov- ate a student regent.
erning boards is that there is always a At a time of continually rising
specialization in issue areas amongst tuition prices and controversy over
members, he said. regental decisions - like the alleged
There have been several efforts sequestering of public comments dur-
to create a student regent position ing regents' meetings - it is more
for the University of Michigan since important than ever to have a direct
the late 1960s. In the late 1990s, the student voice on the University Board
Michigan Student Assembly created of Regents. Students bring a progres-
the Student Regent Task Force to sive, unique perspective to University
try mobilizing support for the idea. issues. With a.student regent as a liai-
The difficulty is that creating a stu- son to the board, the regents would be
dent regent position would require better equipped to make University-
amending the Michigan state con- wide decisions because the students'
stitution. Amending the constitution perspective would always be present.
is a difficult process, which requires The regents and the University com-
approval on a statewide ballot. Secur- munity have a relationship. The cre-
ing a spot on a statewide ballot is dif- . ation of a studentregentwould improve
ficult in itself. the relationship for the better.
It is possible for a student to run for
a position on the Board of Regents in Neil Tambe can be reached
a general election, but because of the at ntambe@umich.edu.

I

U

Despite the potential for further scientific
breakthroughs at universities throughout
the state, Michigan remains one of the most
stringent states in the country with respect
to its stem cell laws. State law forbids har-
vesting embryonic stem cells through a
somatic cell nuclear transfer (which allows
for the creation of tissues that match a
patient's body) and deriving new embryonic
stem cell lines (which come from embryos
that would otherwise be discarded).
Having restrictive and confusing laws
on stem cell research has severely disad-
vantaged the state. Researchers lose out on
federal funding and are unable to use state
or private funding to derive embryonic stem
cell lines. This results in researchers either
having to pair with scientists out of the state
in projects or to simply move their work to
states more friendly toward their research.
As the Citizens for Stem Cell Research say,
the ethical boundaries of the state's current
law are unclear and need modification.
Since research on embryonic stem cells
began in 1998, the possibility for significant
advances in medical care and disease pre-
vention has opened up. Among the poten-
tial use of stem cells is the replacement of
damaged tissue or cells, the prevention of
birth defects and cancer and the treatment
of diseases such as Parkinson's, diabetes
and HIV/AIDS. These advances, however,
will be made at places other than the state
and University of Michigan if the restrictive
laws are not reformed.
The efforts to lift restrictions on embry-

onic stem cell research are noble. Grass-
roots organizations are necessary in a state
that seems more focused on making cuts to
programs than making progressive reform.
However, the Stem Cell Research Ballot
Question Committee, formed at the start of
this month, is currently exploring ways to
get the issue on the 2008 ballot. While this
committee is advocating for what is right, a
ballot initiative should be the last option in
working for this change.
Ballot initiatives have a tendency toforce
voters to make uninformed decisions - as
shownby Proposal 2 in 2006,which banned
affirmative action. We have a representa-
tive democracy for a reason. Lawmakers
are the best equipped to gather complete
information and make informed decisions.
They just need to make sure that they are
acting in the best interests of the people of
the state of Michigan. The health and eco-
nomic benefits that a lifting of restrictions
on embryonic stem cell research would
bring makes this a no-brainer. If lobby-
ing current representatives for changes to
stem cell research laws is unsuccessful, it
is our duty to elect different representa-
tives in the next election.
As home to major research universities,
there is no reason for Michigan to remain
at the low end of stem cell research because
of a law passed way back in 1978. For the
future of the state and for the future of sci-
ence, Michigan lawmakers must update
their views and votes on embryonic stem
cell research.

EMILY MICHELS
Inconvenient and unworthy

Does anyone else feel like Al Gore is
obsessed with padding his resume? His film,
"An Inconvenient Truth,"took home an Oscar
for best documentary. His time in the White
House ended ethnic cleansing in Kosovo,
restored democracy to Haiti and dramati-
cally decreased our national deficit. And now
he can take pride in his not-so-well-deserved
Nobel Peace Prize.
The prize, presented last Fridayin Norway,
was given jointly to Gore and the U.N.'s Inter-
governmental Panel on Climate Change for
their efforts to draw international attention
to the severity of global warming. The IPCC's
win is legitimate. The panel reviews the most
recent scientific literature and digests it for
the masses to understand and better educate
themselves. In the past, the IPCC has pub-
lished reports on how to safeguard the ozone
layer, developed methods to reduce green-
house gas emissions and created task groups
to study scenarios of what could happen to
the planet because of pollution.
But how much of that did Gore do? I'll
be the first to admit that "An Inconve-
nient Truth" brought much needed atten-
tion to the problem of global warming. But
here's the real inconvenient truth: Al Gore's
involvement with the film only goes as far as
publicity. The movie was really the brain-
child of its many producers and its director,
Davis Guggenheim.
I'll give the filmmakers the benefit of the
doubt and congratulate them on their genius
PR scheme. Appointing Gore as the narrator
and spokesman brought in more than $24
million domestically from a movie that would
otherwise be known as a moving yet forget-
table independent film.
But here is where the problem arises:
Appointing Gore as a figurehead to the global
warming campaign is acceptable as long as
the credit goes to those scientists, research-
ers and organizations thathave actually made
a difference. When part of the Nobel Prize is
given to someone who claims other people's
victories as his own, debate and outrage are
bound to occur.
Needless to say, this isn't the first time

Gore's fabricated achievements and over-
whelming hypocrisy reared their ugly heads.
Remember that this is the man who once said
that he created the Internet and who report-
edly uses more electricity in his Tennessee
home in a month than the average American
household uses in a year. Back in March, he
refused to take Congress's Personal Energy
Ethics Pledge, a declaration promising not to
use more energy than the average American.
He also holds hundreds of thousands of dol-
lars in stock in an oil drilling company called
Occidental Petroleum.
So why is Gore painting himself as a tree-
hugger when he is really a political has-been
with credibility issues? Because this fame
could give him a very real shot at the presi-
dency.
National elections have turned into politi-
cal and social popularity contests. People
question Hillary Clinton's chances of win-
ning because many American voters find her
too aggressive and masculine. Rudy Giuliani
could have a fantastic shot at taking the
Republican ballot if only he hadn't married
his second cousin, cheated onhis second wife
and estranged himself from his two biologi-
cal children. And then there is John McCain.
His history of spouting off Vietnamese slurs,
candid declarations about Chelsea Clinton's
unattractiveness and singing about bombing
Iran to the tune of the Beach Boy's "Barbara
Ann" has turned potential supporters into
skeptics.
Given the judgmental tendencies of Ameri-
cans, it makes sense that Gore would want to
secure his title asa likeable social activist and
Hollywood staple in order to ensure a suc-
cessful presidential campaign if he decides to
run. Unfortunately, this tactic compromises
the legitimacy of his largest accomplishment
to date.
The Nobel Peace Prize is meant to honor
those who have discovered, sacrificed and
influenced. What it isn't meant to do is give
unwarranted praise to a politician-turned-
"philanthropist" vying for publicity.
Emily Michels is an LSA freshman.

Republican candidates are just
characters in a bad TVshow
TO THE DAILY:
Imran Syed's column last week (Eight men out,
10/11/2007) shows the Republican presidential candi-
dates' true nature in the political spotlight of that dis-
graceful show of a debate. At the end of the debate, Mitt
Romney guffawed, "This is a lot like 'Law & Order,' sena-
tor. It has a huge cast, the series seems to go on forever
and Fred Thompson shows up at the end." Thompson
replied, "And to think I thought I was going to be the best
actor on the stage."
That's exactly what those Republicans are, actors.
Between Romney, who is no Gerald Ford, and Thomp-
son, who doesn't have a clue about Michigan's economy,
you have vile animals like Rudy Giuliani and Tom Tan-
credo. Romney was wrong; the debate wasn't like "Law
& Order." It was like "The Simpsons," where, as a parody
of President Bush, Homer screams out: "We don't need a
thinker. We need a doer."
To all the Republicans in power: You stink.
Michael Kozlowski
LSA senior
Ban on indoor smoking should be
expanded to cover all ofMichigan
TO THE DAILY:
During fall break, the University Health System
expanded its smoke-free area on the Medical Campus to
create a healthier environment for patients, visitors and
employees. This decision reflects an increasing focus in
the health care field on prevention as opposed to treat-
ment in addressing smoking, the leading cause of pre-
ventable death in America.
State legislators should follow the University's lead and
promote public health by passing House Bill 4163 and Sen-
ate Bills 109-110, which will ban smoking in indoor bars,
restaurants and workplaces throughout Michigan. Several
states, including Ohio, have already passed similar bans.
A ban onindoorsmokingdoes not discriminate against
smokers. They can still smoke in their homes, their cars
and most outdoor areas. This legislation protects the
rights of non-smokers - namely, their right to breathe
clean air. Approximately 440,000 Americans die each
year from smoking-related illnesses, with more than
10 percent of these deaths resulting from secondhand
smoke, according to the American Lung Association.
The positive effects of this proposed ban are as great
as the negative effects of smoking. A less obvious but per-
haps more important long-term impact will be a signifi-
cant reduction-in medical costs, which could playa major
role in solving our nation's health care crisis. The Univer-
sity chose to lead by example. Now it's the state's turn.
Aaron Potek
Engineering senior
The letter writer is a junior management engineer
at the University Hospital.
Armenian genocide should not go
unrecognized any longer
TO THE DAILY:
President Bush's recent refusal to acknowledge the
Armenian massacres of 1915 as genocide is appalling. It
has been 92 years since the genocide happened, yet us
Armenians in America are still not at peace. Our grand-
parents were massacred in the first genocide of the 20th
century, and the country we call home still refuses to

SEND LETTERS TO: TOTHEDAILY@UMICH.EDU
acknowledge Turkey's bloody past, which deeply dis-
honors our grandparents and is simply inhumane.
When I read last week about how Turkey was try-
ing to intimidate America into rejecting legislation for
that genocide to be recognized as such, I felt hopeful
that many other University students - Armenians and
non-Armenians alike - would see the injustice done to
the Armenian people by our own government and do
what's right to honor the victims of the genocide. Tur-
key is threatening to remove its American ambassador
and to punish America economically if our government
recognizes the Armeniangenocide. But it has only taken
minor steps in punishing countries that have recognized
the genocide. Such threats should not be a deterrent
anyway; if America acknowledges the massacre of 1.5
million Armenians in Turkey as genocide, that act will
make our nation look better because it will prove that
this is not a country of false promises. The 92 years of
denial, pain and bitterness must end now.
Anahid Matossian
LSA freshman
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS:
Emad Ansari, Kevin Bunkley, Ben Caleca, Milly
Dick, Mike Eber, Brian Flaherty, Gary Graca,
Emmarie Huetteman, Theresa Kennelly, Gavin
Stern, Jennifer Sussex,Neil Tambe, Matt Trecha,
Radhika Upadhyaya, Rachel Wagner

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
Readers are encouraged to submit letters to the edi-
tor. Letters should be under 300 words and must
include the writer's full name and University affilia-
tion. All submissions become property of the Daily.
We do not print anonymous letters. Send letters to
tothedaily@umich.edu.
ALEXANDER HONKALA
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