4 -Friday, February 1, 2008 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com CJbE 1J*IC4digan aith Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@umich.edu 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 canbe reached at publiceditor@umich.edu. Green for years to come Being eco-friendly must be long-term strategy for 'U' Ready your clothespins and turn off the lights because today marks the beginning of the National Campus Energy Chal- lenge. During the month of February, the University of Michigan will be one of many campuses nationwide participating in a competition to have the most energy-efficient student body in the country. The Michigan Student Assembly's Environmental Issues Commission and the University's residence hall advisors will be motivating students across campus to change their wasteful ways. Instead of this just being a month of students scrimping and saving, however, the University needs to make the structural changes that will be efficient in the long term. 0 There's absolutely no reason why a woman shouldn't be in that office, but I am not sure about this woman." -Actress Susan Sarandon, on the possibility of Hillary Clinton becoming president, as reported Wednesday by Time magazine. A state of confusion n Wednesday Gov. Jennifer Granholm addressed Michi- ganders in her annual State of the State address. In the speech she announced the four major areas on which she plans to focus her attention:r the job market, citizen protection, health care and education. No sur- KATE prise, she wants change. In discuss- TRUESDELL ing plans for how to improve the job market, she honed in on alternative technology, heralding it as having "blockbuster potential" for the state. The biggest banner she waved was an energy package she encouraged leg- islators to pass. Granholm said it would result in DTE Energy and Consumers Energy spending $6 billion on renew- able energysources like wind turbines, creatingup to 17,000 jobs. All of this sounds great. In a state that has long been kept in the oil age by an automotive economy struggling to keep its head above water, I wel- come change of any sort, especially of the eco-friendly variety. But I have a confession: I'm confused. Because of what the state is allow- ing to happen, I'm also a bit skeptical. An excellent example can be found in Detroit, home to Marathon Oil's fourth-largest refinery. The plant processes close to 100,000 barrels of oil per day, mostly heavy crude oil from oil sands. This process hardly has a reputation of being environ- mentally friendly. Yet since its acqui- sition of Western Oil Sands, Inc. in July, the company has proposed plans for expansion of its Detroit location, plans that have met little resistance from the state. Granholm said on Wednesday night that "we must commit asa state to use alternative energy to meet our own energyneeds." The growing Marathon plant processes oil, hardly an "alter- native energy." Regardless of how much wood pulp Michigan recycles to make bio-fuel (another pat on the back Granholm gave the state), what message does allowing the expansion of pollution and reliance on obsolete technology send? The answer, in the context of the governor's claims, is a contradictory one. I'm also a bit confused about some of the assumptions she seemed to make. When she addressed the potential influx of jobs as a result of the development of alternative tech- nologies she stated, "There's no ques- tion that these jobs are coming to our nation. The only question is, where?" The answer, for her, is Michigan. But why? What will draw alterna- tive technologies to the great mitten- shaped state? Granholm said that it is because we have "manufacturing infrastructure," "available factory space" and "a skilled workforce," not to mention wind and water. Indulge my quick tangent. Before she pats herself on the back too much, it's worth pointing out that she likely had little to do with the existence of local wind and water, barring some type of unholy alliance with Captain Planet that didn't leak out during the gubernatorial race. Secondly, touting "available fac- tory space" - or factories that remain unfilled because we have failed to sig- nificantly improve a failing economy - is a bold move. And while there are certainly skilled workers in Michi- gan, what is her plan is for retraining these workers to use the new tech- nologies? More importantly, will these "advantages" be enough to over- come the state's stellar selling points like its crumbling roads, staggering lack of public transportation and overwhelming crime rates? I think not. When Forbes released its list of America's Most Miserable Cities this week, Detroit took the top spot. Rich white investors don't look kindly on those types of statistics. The bottom line is that I have my doubts. Granholm's euphemistic claims confuse me when compared with reality, but I'm willing to give optimism a try. At least alternative energy has entered the conversation. What we need to do now is set about achieving these goals with open eyes. Michigan must stop the development Granholm needs to keep promises on green technology of old, polluting technology if it really wants to focus oncleanernewertech- nology. It's time to acknowledge the challenges it faces in attracting new industry, addressing them instead of glossing them over. I'm not saying Granholm won't make strides toward developing a new energy economy; I'm saying I want to know the answers to my ques- tions first. I agree with her that it's time for change. I agree that creating this economy in Michigan would be a great thing for the state. I just want to be careful that, in her efforts to help the state green and grow, she makes promises she can keep. Kate Truesdell can be reached at ketrue@umich.edu. 40 Change could start at the University's architectural gem - the Law Quad. The University is in the development stages of adding an academic building and student commons to the Law School, as well as an upgrade to Hutchins Hall and the Cook Legal Research Building. The Environmen- tal Law Society has been challenging the University to improve its renovation plans so that the building can be certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System. Right now, the University is defending its current construction plans as environ- mentally friendly. However, if the plans are truly environmentally friendly, the Univer- sity should go further and ensure that the plans qualify for a LEED certification. Achieving LEED standards is a goal that is within reach. Students rallied behind the cause for the new Ross School of Busi- ness building and C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. As a result, both new build- ings anticipate high LEED honors. These buildings, as well as the Dana Building (which already achieved the LEED Gold Standard), stand as beacons of structural environmentalism for other institutions around the country. Beyond the realm of construction is the issue concerning the University's energy resources: its current contract with ener- gy-service provider DTE Energy. Current- ly, the University receives about 45 percent of its energy from its own Central Power Plant and meets the rest of its demand through DTE. The emissions from the natural gas-powered Central Power Plant are far less significant than the carbon released from DTE - whose energy pro- duction still relies on coal, and the mix of fuel used in its production is only 1 percent renewable. Last year, the University spent $64 mil- lion on energy from DTE. While this may seem excessive, the University cannot sub- stanially cut down that load. As a large research-oriented institution, it needs energy to power its many labs, classrooms and other campus facilities. However, the University could further pressure'DTE into providing a larger percentage of its elec- tricity from renewable resources. As one of DTE's largest customers, it is in a unique position to use its clout to move DTE toward more renewable energy sources. So far, the University has shown an admi- rable commitmenttoissuesofenvironmen- tal sustainability. It has the responsibility and a unique capacity through its size and resources to bring about changes in both perceptions about renewable energy and its practical level of consumption. The ini- tiative needs to come from all sides. 0 A trifling media EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS: Emad Ansari, Anindya Bhadra, Kevin Bunkley, Ben Caleca, Satyajeet Deshmukh, Milly Dick, Mike Eber, Gary Graca, Emmarie Huetteman, Theresa Kennelly, Emily Michels, Arikia Millikan, Kate Peabody, Robert Soave, Neil Tambe, Matt Trecha, Kate Truesdell, Radhika Upadhyaya, Rachel Van Gilder, Rachel Wagner, Patrick Zabawa. SEND LETTERS TO: TOTHEDAILY@UMICH.EDU Peace Corps still improves lives ofpeople worldwide TO THE DAILY: I read with concern the Daily's article Tuesday, in which some students expressed doubt about the impact of the Peace Corps (University ranks fifth in grads joining Peace Corps, 01/29/2008). My wife and I were Peace Corps Volunteers in India in the 1960s. Since becoming Peace Corps director, I have seen volunteers in action in more than 30 coun- tries-and extensively in sub-Saharan Africa. I disagree with the negative themes in the article and the notion that the Peace Corps is "patronizing the people of developing coun- tries," as LSA senior Claudia Williams said. Through strong relationships with countries specifically requesting our programs, Peace Corps volunteers continue to make a differ- ence around the world and improve the lives of others. The Peace Corps' success is more than anecdotal. Ninety-one percent of volunteers feel integrated into their communities. We also have created evaluation plans to better quantify the volunteers' impact. The quality of the volunteer experience has not changed and neither has the quality of the volunteers who serve. The Peace Corps recruits the best and brightest. Only one out of every three applicants becomes a volunteer. These volunteers provide trained skills at the grassroots level and promote a better cultural understanding of America. Government offi- cials throughout the world praise the work of volunteers and consistently request more volunteers. I am so proud to have been a Peace Corps volunteer, and we can all be proud of the ded- ication and quality of the volunteers serving today. I encourage Americans of all ages and backgrounds to consider Peace Corps service. As John F. Kennedy said: "there can be no source of pride more real than to be a member of the Peace Corps." Ronald Tschetter The letter writer is the director of the Peace Corps The unemphasized benefits of intercultural dating TO THE DAILY: As a woman in a happy interracial and interreligious marriage, I was excited to see Wednesday's Statement cover story about dating between people of different religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds (Like my parents before me, 01/30/2008). I expected the article (foolishly, perhaps) to touch on inter-cultural relationships. I can't begin to express how disappointed I was to see that the majority of the article was about reasons why people don't want to date outside their own racial, ethnic and religious groups and the prejudice experienced by people in inter- racial relationships. Why so little coverage of people in happy interracial relationships? What about how much being with someone from a different cultural background can enrich your life and widen your horizons? What about how much you learn from each other? What about the plain and simple fact that if the person who makes you happiest in the world comes from a different racial, ethnic or religious back- ground, then none of the other barriers will matter? Elizabeth Rausch-Phung School of Public Health y favorite U.S. president, Bill Clinton, cheated on his wife and lied. My hometown's mayor, Kwame Kil- patrick, cheated on his wife and lied.All mybestfriendshave, or have had, a boy- friend who cheated on them and lied. My gay male friends had boyfriends who have cheated on SHAKIRA them andlied. Callit bitter black woman SMILER syndrome, but I am - convinced that all men are trifling regardless of race, age, religion, income, education, political affiliation or sexual orientation. What is the source of this phenome- non? Maybe I missed the memo about the annual International Association of Lying-Ass Men Convention. Or maybe there's a secret serum injected into baby boys called Triflingosterone. Regardless, there seems to be a pat- tern of two-timing behavior in men that baffles women around the world. OK, enough of my man-bashing - for now. Besides, they can't help it anyway. Everyday, men are bombard- ed with dozens of articles and adver- tisements in men's magazines that not only tell them it's commendable to be a player, but also give them a playbook for how to do it. Both my brother and I are maga- zine junkies. He has subscriptions to men's magazines like Maxim, Sports Illustrated and Men's Health. I'm a fan of Essence, Ebony and Cosmo- politan. Each month, there are new tips in my magazines on how to spice up your sex life, deal with your man's annoying habits or meet "good, single brothas." Flip the page, and there is a countdown of the top-ten sexiest pieces of lingerie to drive your man wild. Even more annoying are the gift suggestions: $75 engraved pock- etknives and diamond-encrusted Movado watches. If I didn't know any better, by the time I got to the last page in Cosmo I would want to sprint into Victoria's Secret, run over to Studio 4 Night- club, grab the next guy I saw, buy him diamond cufflinks and cater to his every need. Fortunately, I wasn't born yesterday. The concept of dating and rela- tionships takes a full 180-degree turn in men's magazines. After flip- ping through 76 pages of car adver- tisements and protruding booties in my brother's March 2007 edition of Maxim magazine, I finally found an article called "Seduce and Destroy." This repugnant man's guide to casual office sex gave men techniques on what game works best on what kind of female employee. It evenwent as far as labeling the different types of women in the work office as "the agingexecu- tive" "the prudish H.R. dame," "the puppyish intern," "the girl next cubi- cle" and "the siren secretary." Why is the middle-aged, career- oriented, independent woman who has worked her way to the top con- sidered an aging executive? Do men get together at urinals and laugh at the enthusiastic undergraduates who are "puppyish interns" and "cute and eager to please"? Is "seduce and destroy" really the main objective of corporations? No wonder most women are still staring at the glass ceiling. There was another article in the issue that "decoded the science of casual sex" so that "the only strings attached in your next one-nighter will run from your wrists to the bedposts." In Essence, erotic novelist Zane also suggests trying out kinky new sex techniques that might involve strings and bedposts. But even then, women are always restricted to trying it with "their man" and their man only, not Joe the pizza delivery guy. What pissed me off the most is how Maxim magazine's gift of the month was a damn pair of knee socks. I'm supposed to buy a guy a Movado watch, and he has the audacity to give me knee socks? I don't think so. Maybe this is some kind of sublimi- nal warning to urge men to be cau- tious of money-hungry, gold-digging women waiting to suck the life from their bank accounts like leeches. If this were the case, I'd probably want to put an electric fence and guard dog around my wallet too. But come on, after dealing with angry e-mails from mysterious girlfriends, bricks thrown through by neglected baby's mamas car windows and frequent-buyer cou- pons for Valtrex, women deserve a little more than a $5 pair of socks. Granted, both parties are guilty of being manipulative, but the dou- ble standard is that men are publicly encouraged to act that way. Women are criticized for it. Media sources constantly force women to believe that they have to be attractive, sexually fulfilling, supportive, understanding, motivating and, above all things, loyal in relationships. Meanwhile, accord- ing to Maxim, the only concerns men How men learn their lying and cheating ways should have are how to get women in bed and how to prevent the relation- ship from going any further. I guess this information was dis- persed during one of the workshops at the top-secret International Associa- tion of Lying-Ass Men Convention. I wonder if I can convince Kwame Kil- patrick to text message me a copy of his notes? Shakira Smiler can be reached at stsmiler@umich.edu. 0 0 JASON MAHAKIAN illsI tAt C 14 Q A1\ - - iv\ a. ' LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Readers are encouraged to submit letters to the editor. Letters should Vj be less than 300 words and must include the writer's ful name and University affiliation. All submissions become property of the Daily. We do not print anonymous letters. Send letters to tothedoily@umich.