4 - Wednesday, November 25, 2009 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com E-MAIL CHRIS AT CSKOSLOW@UMICH.EDU 74L e MIC4igan wily CHRIS KOSLOWSKI Edited and managed by students at the University ofMichigan 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. Extending equality State legislature must pass bills to recognize gay rights Michigan's overall legal climate is still one of discrimina- tion for the gay community. But coming on the heels of a small win for gay rights in the election earlier this month - when voters in Kalamazoo added sexual orientation to a local non-discrimination ordinance - the state legislature may consider bills that, if passed, would amount to significant legal improvements for gay people. While it's unlikely that the govern- ment will reverse the statewide ballot initiative that banned same- sex marriage in 2004, principled legislators should recognize that gay people deserve the same marriage rights as everyone else. Bills that reverse this injustice must be passed. Two separate bills to improve gay rights are currently making their way through the legislature. In the state House of Rep- resentatives is a bill that would overturn the 2004 amendment to Michigan's con- stitution that prevents spousal benefits from being offered to same-sex couples, including access to health care. Because the bill would overturn a constitutional amendment, it requires a two-thirds vote of approval to pass. And in the state Senate, a bill would update the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976 to include sexual orienta- tion and identification as a protected group under state non-discrimination laws. There is no excuse for anyone to be denied access to public services based on their sexual orientation or expression. Basic civil rights should extend to every- one, regardless of race, creed, color, nation- ality or sexual orientation. The fact that sexual orientation hasn't been included in the state law is symbolic of Michigan's fail- ure to recognize gay people as deserving of equal rights. Failing to pass the bill updat- ing that act would be a disgrace - one more in Michigan's line of discriminatory legislation regarding the gay community. The legislature shouldn't hesitate to pass this bill. But a more significant victory for gay rights would be the approval of the House bill to legalize same-sex marriage. So long as the statewide same-sex marriage ban remains codified law, Michigan will never be able to say that it is a state that affords all of its citizens equal rights and treats them with dignity. Reversing this should be one of the state's highest priorities. Realistically speaking, it may be unlike- ly that the legislature acts on this bill. As long as a majority of the voters of Michigan appear to cling to backward beliefs about marriage and sexual orientation, politicians will, regrettably, be afraid to cross them. Supporters of gay rights must do their best to demand equality with an even greater fervor and persuade the opponents of same- sex marriage that such a position is intoler- ant and unjust. And one day, when enough people have opened their eyes to this real- ity, same-sex marriage will, one way or another, win approval. But legislators shouldn't feel the need to wait until that day. They have the opportu- nity to change state law and end discrimi- nation against gay people. And in a broader sense, they can finally pgt Michigan oAthe correct side of one of the most important civil rights struggles of the decade. Both these bills should be put before Gov. Jen- nifer Granholm's desk and signed into law. Oh, hi there, Un Ive si ty7y6-Its h to vve up parenting officials. Don't mind me. Since 'n a cartoon character, now, because OTPs are the Im just enoyngthe coo the governtent says your onlycigarettes with the mild ehness of my children will be powerless to taste kids love. Mmmnm satisfy- OTPrand cigarees i resist my persuasive charts. in& Act nowbefore the ee capus ban is enacted Right, left and wrong Ihate being called a conserva- to be rather than as it is. This sets servatives have been swept up by a tive. Few things annoy me more the stage for a revolution in per- tide of false populism led by Sarah than responses to my columns manence, or a continuing political Palmn that offers no real change in that label me a conservative and my movement toward the ideal. The direction for our country.Atbest her views "right-wing." Most of what idea of a permanent revolution is vision of the future is a mix between I believe in runs common among the beliefs of other whatever World War II special she contrary to both -leftists, such as Marxists, social- happened no catch last night and a parties. 0 support ists and communists. The idea of Norman Rockwell calendar. free trade and end- complete self-ownership, the key But the Democrats are no better. ing subsidies to unifier of classical liberal and lib- Although Bush added to the deficit, oil companies. a ertarian thought, was perhaps best fought pointless wars and intro- supported unham- articulated by Lord Acton, a British duced Medicare entitlements that pered free markets statesman of the 19th century: "Lib- cost $15 trillion as unfunded liabii- and unlimited civil meralism is essentially revolutionary liberties. I sup- Facts must yield to ideas. Peeaoably port ending the VINCENT and patiently if possible.kViolently if War on Poverty, PATSY not." fisAl o Bs ayto the War on Drugs The right, on the other hand,is and our country's simply a reaction to these new politi- popular belilef wars abroad. Most cal philosophies and a longing for people today are locked in to the the restoration of the old srder. The RepubliCan and conservative vs. liberal paradigm of right represents the last dying ele- political choices, and simply can't ments of serfdom, theocracy and imagine another direction.But these rule by elites. As for our current enoCrats are people are confused on what left and political dichotomy, most politi- Con r t right actually mean. cians, whether Democrat or Repub- O ~ ~ r a1e The terms left and right as politi- lican, are on the right. They seek to cal distinctions came about in the keep their positions of power while French legislature duringthe French nominally supporting civil liberties Revolution. The side on which legis- or free markets, but urge for prag- ties, President Barack Obama has lanures would sin represented their matism to stymie any leftist cries for taken the Bush blueprint and run affiliation to the Ring of France, revolution, wild with it. His plans are adding with those on the right moderately In this proper context. 0 am proud trillions of dollars to the national supporting the regime and those to be a leftist. I am a liberal: 0 believe debt. And regardless of which party on the left opposing it. On the left that each person is sovereign only is in charge, the U.S's foreign policy were, broadly speaking, two types unto himself, and that each person remains interventionist. of thinkers -- the socialists and the owns himself and can act accord- Washington D.C., is right- classical liberals (or modern-day lib- ing to his wishes as long as he does winged. It is full of politicians who ertarians). not interfere with others' personal - like the French legislators who sat The key uniting feature of leftism rights, on the right and supported the king is that it is centered around a phi- Unfortunately, neither politi- - work to maintain the status quo. losophy and seeks to make the world cal party has been even close to They do this by bailing out their rich reflect that philosophy. The social- adopting this philosophy in the last financial friends while keepingpow- ists, fot their part, sought to end the decade. President George W. Bush erful special interest groups happy. idea of private property and replace imposed trade barriers on steel early I am not a conservgtive. Those it with communal ownership. The in his first term and began the pro- who support the modern Democratic classical liberals wanted to enhance cess of "stabilizing" the financial and Republican parties are the con- individual freedoms through free system by giving loads of money to servatives. markets and personal liberties. Goldman Sachs, an entity that just To be on the left means that one so happenedto have influence in the - Vincen Patsy can be reached prefers to see the world as it ought Treasury Department. Today, con- atsapaltsy@umich edu. The Daily is looking for a diverse group of strong, informed, passionate writers to be columnists for the winter semester. Columnists write a 700-800 word column every other week on a topic of their choosing. If you are an opinionated and talented writer, consider applying. E-MAIL RACHEL VAN GILDRR AT RACHELVG@UMICH.EDU FOR MORE INFORMATION. MILES JACKSON| I ~ f When racism hits close to home EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS: Nina Amilineni, Emily Barton, Jamie Block, William Butler, Ben Caleca, Nicholas Clift, Michelle DeWitt, Brian Flaherty, Emma Jeszke, Sutha K Kanagasingam, Erika Mayer, Edward McPhee, Harsha Panduranga, Alex Schiff, Asa Smith, Brittany Smith, Radhika Upadhyaya, Rachel Van Gilder, Laura Veith SEND LETTERS TO: TOTHEDAILY@UMICH.EDU PromiseScholarship should be based on need TO THE DAILY: Even as a recipient of the Michigan Promise Scholarship, I have yet to hear a truly compel- ling argument for its reinstatement, including the Daily's editorial on Monday (No more bro- ken promises, 11/23/2009). Yes, I value higher education funding, and yes, I understand the additional financial hardship that the scholarship's cancellationmay put on the backs of some Michigan families. The Michigan Promise Scholarship, however, was flawed from its introduction. The scholarship rewards stu- dents on a sliding scale based on their achieve- ment as measured by the state-run Michigan Merit Examination. But the high school students who often need the most financial assistance are those who reside in school districts that fare the worst on these examinations. I think that this situation calls for Michigan lawmakers to take a close look at their policies on education. Sure, roll back the earned income tax credit, but put the money to better use for students in greater need. I most likely will not receive my $2,000 scholarship this year and I'll miss it dearly. But I will just have to take the hit. But I know, nonetheless, that I'll soon be one of the proud Michiganders who can put their higher educa- tion to use for the greater good of this state. Eric Maier School of Music junior Republicans are atfaultfor failed Promise Scholarship TO THE DAILY: The Daily's editorial Monday unfairlyblamed Gov. Jennifer Granholm for the legislature's decision to cut the Michigan Promise Scholar- ship (No more brokenpromises, 11/23/2009). The editorial failed to recognize that it was the leg- islature - not the governor- that deliberately left funding for the Michigan Promise out of the budget. When this budget reached her desk, the governor had two choices: Veto it and force a government shutdown, or sign it and hope to fund the Michigan Promise Scholarship with a supplemental appropriations bill. She chose the latter because a government shutdown would have been catastrophic in a state suffering from the ongoing recession. The blame for this cut lies mostly with the Republicans in the state Senate. Under Major- ity Leader Mike Bishop, Senate Republicans have refused to create new revenue sources to compensate for revenue decreases as a result of the economic downturn. Since Michigan's constitution requires a balanced budget, the legislature must make cuts to eliminate budget shortfalls if it is unwilling to raise revenue to close these budget gaps. One of the cuts that the Senate Republicans chose to make was the Michigan Promise Scholarship. Unfortunately, House Speaker Andy Dillon was complacent when faced with the decision. Contrary to the Daily's editorial, Granholm's actions with regard to higher education match her rhetoric. She continues her campaign to restore the Promise Scholarship. On Monday, for example, she traveled to Eastern Michigan University to encourage students to pressure their representatives to prioritize education funding. As the leader of the executive branch, she does not have the power of the purse and is unable to restore the scholarship by herself. She needs students to help her efforts by pres- suring legislators to keep their promise. I encourage you to contact your legislators over the next few weeks and let them know how you feel about their broken promises and reckless cuts. I am confident that by raising our collective voice, we can convince the legisla- ture to keep its promise to us. Samuel Marvin Chair of the University's chapter of the College Democrats . On Oct. 24, 1 came home to see my roommates' friends watching the football game. I introduced myself and walked to my room, just beyond the living room. I hung out in my room with the two girls while the guys were glued to the TV, drinking beer. After the game, I noticed my Barack Obama poster had been moved. Not only had the poster been relocated, but the word "NIGGER" was also scribbled across it. One of the guests had written the ignorant slur and disappeared. I angrily demanded to know who had written it, but the others in the house pleaded the Fifth. President Barack Obama is a symbol of change and progress. But for the narrow-minded citizens that still infest our country, his face manifests the end of their Jim Crow white supremacy. Obama, as a political champion and the first African-American president, has achieved the equality that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed about. The racist act of vandalism that happened in my house is a reminder that the racism that we have fought to end still exists. My father grew up in the South, and he endured racial battles everyday. As boys, my father and uncle were verbally harassed by whites. Whites called them the "N" word and gave them no respect. One time, a police officer approached my father - who was working on a Goodwill truck to put himself through college - and drunkenly put a gun to his face. I cannot imagine how my father must have felt, but after my poster was defaced, I felt defenseless, irate and dehumanized. I am deeply offended and disgusted by this defamation. I don't know if what this person wrote was aimed at Obama, directed at me, or both. I have experienced racism before, but to have such a repulsive act done to me in my own home caught me off guard. I condemn not only the criminals who defaced my property, but also their friends, who sat quietly, allowed such disrespect and scurried away when confronted. What can I do to exact justice on these criminals? I called the Ann Arbor Police. The officer collected information on a yellow notepad and then asked me how much the poster was worth. Well, sir, the poster is invaluable to me because Obama is the first black presi- dent and that means something to me and many other people. But it's probably worth $5. Do you want to buy me a new one so when I show my. future kids, they do not have to see the ugly racism that still existed in 2009? Discrimination still permeates our society, but I never thought that I would be its target. Who would have thought I would encounter such hatred in Ann Arbor? As a campus, we must combat these crimes with vigi- lance and fervor. 0 hope for justice, and I believe we can step forward as an integrated, united society if we-all promote equality. I cannot love my enemies - I can only hope that they will acknowledge their wrongdoing. But I won't sit quietly. I intend to spread this message widely. I ask fellow students to join me in condemning hatred and bigotry. All students - black and white, gay and straight, Asians and Native Americans, Arab and Jew- ish - should unite to protest this stupidity. I am hoping the campus chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and other anti-racist organizations will join with me to demand that action be taken whenever such events occur. In addition, I am ask- ing that the Ann Arbor Police find the culprit and make him or her explain these actions upon prosecution, and have faith that these actions will be punished by law. Miles Jackson is an LSA senior. 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 tothedoily@umich.edu.