4A - Monday, September 21, 2009 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com 4 L74t lWtc4t*pan,43at*(p Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@umich.edu GARY GRACA ROBERT SOAVE COURTNEY RATKOWIAK 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. Life without justice Prevalence of teenagers given life sentences a travesty There are 10,944 inmates in Michigan, and 346 are serv- ing a life sentence without parole for crimes committed as teenagers, according to the state Department of Correc- tions. A recent study by the University of Texas cites Michigan as the second-highest number of juveniles serving life without parole in the country. This alarming statistic reflects a fundamental injus- tice in the state's corrections system, and news that the legislature may ban such practices could not have come soon enough. Michi- gan's excessive number of teens facing life sentences is appalling and must be corrected by either state law or favorable Supreme Court rulings in two crucial cases. 4 The state House of Representatives Judi- ciary Committee has held two hearings on bills relating to the University of Texas's findings. The bills would abolish life-with- out-parole sentences for offenders under 18 years old or commute those sentences to include the possibility of parole. The com- mittee hopes to present a collection of bills to the full House later this fall. An effort to prohibit life-without-parole sentencing for minors is desperately need- ed. In 2005, the Supreme Court ruled the death penalty unconstitutional for minors, based partially on research by Dr. Dorothy Otnow Lewis that found a large number of juvenile offenders on death row in Texas were products of abuse, suffered mental illnesses or exhibited signs of brain dys- function, among other problems. It's unjust to sentence juveniles as adults when they don't think, behave or react in the same way that adults do. And aside from treating teenagers unfairly, life without parole is a self-defeat- ing policy for any corrections system. The purpose of the corrections system should" be to rehabilitate offenders, not simply punish them. But forcing juveniles to spend the rest of their lives in prison with no hope of returning to society explicitly precludes rehabilitation. The state prison system should work toward reforming young offenders and giving them a second- JASON MAHAKIAN chance to contribute to society as adults who have learned from their mistakes. Luckily, ifthebills failtopass, there's still hope. Two U.S. Supreme Court cases that will be heard in November could address the issue of teenagers in prison nationwide. The first case, Graham v. Florida, involves a 16-year-old currently serving life with- out parole for armed home robbery. In the other case, Sullivan v. Florida, a 13-year- old boy was convicted for sexual battery. Both cases argue that life without parole sentences for juveniles who didn't commit homicide violates the Eighth Amendment, which protects citizens against "cruel and unusual punishment." The Supreme court should realize, as it did in 2005, that teenagers can't be held accountable for their actions to the same extent adults can. Leaving them to rot behind bars for the rest of their lives does not serve the true purpose of the correc- tions system as a method of rehabilita- tion. To recognize society's responsibility to juveniles, life sentences without parole forjtveniles should be found unconStith- tional. If the Supreme Court fails to reject juve- nile sentences without parole, the Michi- gan legislature should be ready with its own legislation to save young people from a life behind bars without any hope of redemption. E-MAIL JASON AT MAHAKIAJ@UMICH.EDU I don't count on them" - President Barack Obama, commenting on the possibility of Republican support for health care reform in Congress, as reported yesterday by the New York Times. CHRIS KOSLOWSKI j E-MAIL CHRIS AT CSKOSLOW@UMICH.EDU Then he asked aosit he NOBODY PUTS SWAYZ Iays to the bartenderi funeral, and I sad !N A CORONER'S! -ieA anoooo mae. Point Break FUNERAL!E.. wste pinacle ofkbohthir -And whateer integrity reersP dea tsay_ once hads now gone, o X * ' oi+ Q 0 0 t.to i Lights, camera, losses orry, film students - you're not tives are clearly enjoying all the free Other states, including Louisiana and goingto like what I have to say. cash - about $48 million in 2008 and New Mexico, were offering film incen- I know that on the surface, expected to reach $200 million in the tives before Michigan was. Michigan Michigan's sub- next two years, according to a June 4 essentially stole their thunder, but sidies for the film Detroit News article. there's no reason that another state industry seem like But despite all the money Michi- won't turn around and do the same a really good idea. gan has spent on the movie industry, thingto this state. Then we won't even I know that all you this friends with benefits relationship keep those 254 jobs - and the-state prospective actors is only going one way. Last February, will be out hundreds of millions of and screenwriters Michigan State University published dollars. are thrilledthatyou a study on the economic impact of the can suddenly find subsidies. The study found that the work on movie sets ROBERT incentives had created 2,763 jobs that without having to SOAVE lasted about 23 days - the usual dura- M ichigan's film move to California. tion of filming for these movies. This c Maybe you even translates to about 254 year-round incentives aren't got to appear as an jobs. That's right: 254 jobs for $48 mil- extra in a scene with Hilary Swank or lion. W orth the costs. Drew Barrymore, who both had films Thestudythengoesonto assertthat produced in Ann Arbor under the based on its economic models, a "mul- film subsidies. Even Ralph Williams, tiplier" effect will indirectly produce famed University English professor, more jobs down the line. But Michael And when I say the state, I'm really got to be ina movie. LaFaive, a fiscal expertcwriting forthe talking about the state's residents. The But all this movie-mania fun has Mackinac Center for Public Policy on money for the film subsidies doesn't a cost. The only reason that the film- June 12, pointed out that these eco- come out of a magic box - it's being makers have temporarily located to nomic models didn't take into account taken out of the paychecks and profits the Great Lakes state (or the "Free what the incentives cost the state. "If of struggling Michigan workers and Money" state, as movie executives the proponents of film subsidies attri- small businesses. And while it may be are probably referring to Michigan in bute a multiplier effect on the benefit true that local communities who were their meetings) is because we're pay- side, they must also acknowledge the lucky enough to land a movie deal are ing them to hang out here. And as soon same effect on the cost side," he wrote. benefiting, everyone else in the'state as the money runs out or some other LaFaive stressed that a similar nulti- can barely afford to live here. state offers slightly better subsidies, plier on the costs side might very well Besides, when free market econo- the film industry will dump us. Hol- have discovered a net loss of jobs and a mists and Michael Moore agree on lywood will come away a little richer diminishing of the economy. something, doesn't that mean it has to and Michigan none the wiser. - - And it isn't just fiscal expe'f§ who kind of be true? Michigan has been paying movie are saying this. Kathy Hoekstra, also Michigan is facing a $2 billion stars to be its friends since April of the Mackinac Center for Pub- budgetary deficit this year. Yeah, it's of 2008, when the state legislature lic Policy, reported last July that at cool that movies are being filmed on approved the country's most generous a Traverse City forum on the film campus. But the state can't afford the film incentive program - a 42 percent incentives, Michael Moore directed bribes it takes to keep the film industry tax rebate on all in-state expenses a question to Michigan Film Office here. As the state legislature attempts for movies being filmed in Michigan. Director Janet Lockwood. Moore to come up with a passable budget in The idea was that Michigan needed observed that, "These are large mul- the next few weeks, I hope they can to produce something beside cars, so tinational corporations... Why do they summon the courage to kick the film why not make it movies? Film crews need our money, from Michigan, from executives off the state's couch - would frequent local businesses like our taxpayers, when we're already before these moviemakers leave town hotels and restaurants, create jobs broke here? I mean, they play one with even more of our millions. and help diversify the economy. And state against the other, and so they get with almost thirty films produced in all this free cash when they're making - Robert Soave is the editorial Michigan last year and at least forty billions already in profits." page editor. He can be reached more, in the works, movie execu- Moore is making a great point here. at rsoave@umich.edu. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Readers are encouraged to submit letters to the editor. Letters should be less than 300 words and must include the writer's full name and University affiliation. Letters are edited for style, length, clarity and accuracy. All submissions become property of the Daily. We do not print anonymous letters. Send letters to tothedaily@umich.edu. EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS: Nina Amilineni, Emad Ansari, Emily Barton, Harun Buljina, Ben Caleca, Brian Flaherty, Emma Jeszke, Raghu Kainkaryam, Sutha K Kanagasingam, Erika Mayer, Edward McPhee, Harsha Panduranga, Asa Smith, Brittany Smith, Radhika Upadhyaya, Rachel Van Gilder, Laura Veith Co EANt2je 4 SEND LETTERS TO: TOTHEDAILY@UMICH.EDU New beats are too much for Big House cherish - punct hardly necessar line" and "Don': che it's almost la We're better tha TO THE DAILY: I want to ma After reading the Daily article about the not asa curmud, piped-in music at the Big House (Reactions still consider my to the Big House's New Beats, 09/17/2009), alum (age 33), an I simply have one request: enough already, Ann.Arbor that make it stop! While I appreciate your mar- home in Washir keting perspective of keeping up with beloved Wolveri the Jones's and mimicking our peers, we ball Saturdays eA already are the Leaders and Best! Must we Like so many4 really follow the rest and embrace every live far away, o cliche, tacky habit of big time sports? spirit, enthusias I was most upset by Assistant Athletic endless pride. It Director Mark Riordan's comments about many decision-s the need for music as we await the team every trend and running out of the tunnel. I've attended Twittering, Yoi Michigan football games since 1986, and "Temptation", I still get goosebumps in those moments "Let's Go Blue after the band ceases playing and 110,000 and the legenda Wolverines anticipate the winged hel- need on gamec mets bursting out of the tunnel and run- and Oregon Sta ning under the Go Blue Banner. Does this and "Don't Stop invigorating, iconic moment really require our history and accompaniment by 90s arena-rock like marching band AC/DC's "Thunderstruck"? I suggest not. fill the Big Hoi The band having just completed "The Vic- Michigan herit tors," impromptu chants of "Let's Go Blue" rock. throughout the stadium, and that quiet anticipation of the team emerging through Stuart Berlow the tunnel is a moment all true Wolverines Alum uating it with trite music is y. Seriously, "Sweet Caro- t Stop Believin"' are so cli- ughable and embarrassing. an that. We're Michigan! ake clear that I write this geonly, gray-haired alum. I yself to be a relatively young nd cherish the eight trips to I make each year from my rgton, DC to cheer on my ines on those fleeting Foot- very Fall. other Michigan alums who ur school's rich tradition, m and excellence provides is so disheartening that so makers feel we must chase fad that emerges from our uTube, reality TV world. "Hawaiian War Chant", ", "Bullwinkle", "Varsity" ry "The Victors" are all we days. Let Purdue, Rutgers te have "Sweet Caroline" Believin"'. Let's embrace tradition, let our amazing fire up the crowd and let's use's quiet moments with age, not Australian arena Military strength makes liberal li fe possible TO THE DAILY: I recently read Anna Sheppard's response to your articles about the Univer- sity's "darker history" (Military research is cutting edge and saves lives, 09/14/2009). Since weapons researched at universities have secured my First Amendment rights, I'll take the time now to exercise them. I am a veteran of Operation Iraqi Free- dom, serving at Camp Ramadi from March to December 2008. I have pretty much come to terms with the fact that my liberal- ism and Ann Arbor's really don't match. In fact, socialism seems to be the order of the day rather than good old American demo- cratic-republican liberalism. Killing people is a very dirty business, and waris something that should generally be avoided. However, if you like drinking alcohol, not having a state-imposed cur- few on a Friday evening, extra-marital sex or being a college student at University of Michigan and having the right to show the world how ignorant you are with your gen- uine but misguided attemptsto save lives in the short run, be thankful for all the weap- ons and killing that have happened in the name of securing those rights for you. I've been to a country where alcohol is illegal, pornography is illegal and homo- sexuals get murdered just for being who they are (yet pederasty is socially accept- able for some reason). Is this the world you want to live in? Where gays get stoned just for their sexual preference? If your answer is no, and you like the right to have abortions, be gay or avoid religious persecution, then be damned thankful. Thankful for people like the engineers who design new, effective ways of killing those who want to deprive you of your rights and make you conform to their political beliefs. James Simpson Eastern Michigan University student UN report is too harsh toward Israel TO THE DAILY: Reading about the United Nations' recently completed probe into the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, I thought I would contribute my two cents (UN probe finds evidence of war crimes in Gaza, 09/16/2009). First, accusations against Israel need to take into account the fight- ing conditions. The Palestinian armed groups don't always wear military uni-, forms and it's hard to distinguish civil- ians from armed militants until they fire at you. The article quoted reports that the Israeli armed forces failed to "distin- guish between military targets and the civilian population." The Palestinians weren't exactly operating out of declared military bases - they fight a guerrilla war with consequences that inevitably include higher civilian death tolls. Second, the chief prosecutor is quoted as saying, "It's very important that justice should be done." The execution of the war was justice for Israel. Israelis have dealt with ongoing rocket attacks fired wildly into Israeli territory. When the UN does not completely ignore these attacks, its committees respond by asking the Pales- tinians to please stop. Lastly, instead of waiting for Israel's patience with Palestinian militant's attacks to completely expire, the UN should, perhaps, keep the attacks from happening in the first place. The UN force deployed in the region, besides being grossly under-strengthened, can do noth- ing to stop the Palestinian attacks unless the militants decide to invade Israel. Perhaps the UN will try to deal justice. If so, I wouldn't be surprised if they found it difficult to arrest, much less convict, any Palestinians. Jason vonEhr Engineeringfreshman I I