4A -- Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com
4A - Wednesday, February 9, 2011 The Michigan Daily - michigandailycom
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STEPHANIE STEINBERG
EDITOR IN CHIEF
MICHELLE DEWITT
and EMILY ORLEY
EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS
KYLE SWANSON
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.
A hole in the 'ridge'
Students and legislators must stop welfare abuse
Bridge Card abusers, beware - an end to fraudulent food assis-
tance may be near. State Rep. David Agema (R-Grandville),
chairman of the House subcommittee that oversees fund-
ing for the Department of Human Services, is looking to end Bridge
Card abuse among college students. But legislators should be cautious'
when placing restrictions on a program that helps more than 1 million
Michigan residents annually. While the state should further inves-
tigate the consequences of alleged Bridge Card abuse, students and
retailers must act responsibly and stop abusing the welfare program.
Lt y the way, these are just
theories," my economics
professor casually noted,
implying that the mathematical rela-
tionships on the
lecture slide may
not reflect real-
ity. I imagined
myself stand-
ing up in my
lecture hall of °
300, exclaiming:
So why are we
spending all our ERIK
time learning the TORENBERG
ins and outs of
these theories?
Why aren't we also analyzing the
frameworks from which they rest?
A conversation with an alumn
exacerbated my intellectual discom-
fort. He told me he never used any
specific thing he learned from eco-
nomic classes. But don't worry about
that, he implied. Economics taught
him how to solve problems. I see the
relation - if he meant solving more
types of economic problems. But if
he meant solving typical problems
he may confront at work, I don't see
a clear connection. Although, some-
times it's nice to imagine myself
gaining four problem solving points
on my 0 -100 problem solvingmeter,
ready to tackle all sorts of problems
as I exit Lurch Hall every other day.
Now, I don't question the impor-
tance and applicability of quantita-
tive abilities. But such a justification
for a concentration hides the fact
that we economics majors have little
use for the theories we work so hard
to ingrain in our minds.
Most economics majors don't
mind. The reality is that many stu-
dents major in economics because it
ostensibly provides instant credibil-
ity for future employers. Financially,
it's practical.
But besides serving as a stepping-
stone to professional success, the
economics department also prides
itself on imparting to its students a
valuable framework for evaluating
the world around them. And it cer-
tainly does. But students will get an
even more nuanced understanding
of economic matters if they supple-
ment this lens with others.
For example, we study the Laf-
fer Curve - the tradeoff between
equality and efficiency - without
debating how much efficiency, how
much equality and why? The soci-
etal costs of inequality cannot easily
be quantified. Analyzing economic
issues from multiple lenses would
providea more complete picture. But
we don't discuss or debate this infor-
mation - we just consume it. Upper
level classes may offer comprehen-
sive analysis of these issues, but stu-
dents have to clear high hurdles to
access them.
While hammering in economic
theories, introductory classes actu-
ally disillusion many students who
care about economic problems. So
these students take social science
classes, typically heavily based on
content. It seems that these stu-
dents are more interested in eco-
nomic issues than actual economics
majors, even though they some-
times wallow in the anecdotal. They
claim that the dry and conservative
nature of the introductory classes
repelled them, but the heavy math
may have been the real reason. If so,
they are committing the same ideo-
logical error but in reverse: They're
prescribing social medications to
economic events without under-
standing the underlying economic
conditions.
There's one group of people pro-
posing solutions without an under-
standing of business and statistics.
There's another group of people
trying to quantify and model every-
thing without a moral framework to
prioritize their results. Comprehen-
sive analysis requires both of these
skill sets. Students typically only
have one.
An interdisciplinary programthat
evaluates events through economic,
philosophical and historical lenses
will instill these qualitative and
quantitative tools in its students.
Bringing together these depart-
ments might be bureaucratically dif-
ficult, but that shouldn't be a major
roadblock. Such a bridgingcan actu-
ally send a message: The Univer-
sity promotes an interdisciplinary
approach to solving interconnected
problems.
One model already exists: Philos-
ophy, Politics and Economics. Origi-
nating at the University of Oxford,
PPE - which seeks to combine these
areas of study and examine the areas
where they intersect - is offered at
several leading universities around
the world. This University has flirt-
ed with implementing this program
before, but nothing has come to frui-
tion yet. Departments may respond
if its students demonstrate interest,
so e-mail your department if you'd 4
like to see such a program.
Economics
is more
than math.
g
Reports released by the DHS state that
10,000 to 18,000 Michigan college students
were receiving up to $200 a month in food
assistance from the state during the 2009-
2010 school year, according to a Feb. 1 article
in the Lansing State Journal. Agema and other
legislators are growing concerned that a large
portion of Bridge Card users have found loop-
holes in the application and are cashing in on
unneeded state assistance, though lawmak-
ers don't know the exact number of abusers.
Other proposals capping welfare benefits have
been introduced in the last month in an effort
to decrease the $1.8 billion budget deficit the
state faces the next fiscal year.
Before students apply for a Bridge Card,
they should remember that the purpose of
the program is to assist low-income fami-
lies, not to pay for unnecessary products.
Just because a loophole exists, doesn't mean
that it should be exploited. When students
take advantage of the program, they're tak-
ing money away from one of the most eco-
nomically depressed states in the country. In
addition to wasting tsaiernE dollars, abuse
destroys the credibility of a Bridge Card pro-
gram that millions of Michigan residents rely
on to pay for essentials.
Retailers must also be responsible when
it comes to Bridge Card use and shouldn't
view the program as a way to gain custom-
ers. According to state Rep. Rashida Tlaib
(D-Detroit), grocery stores across Michigan
are encouraging college students to apply for
the program simply to boost their own sales.
While this may seem like a harmless promo-
tion to retailers, urging students who may not
need the card to apply comes at the expense of
the less fortunate who will suffer if the pro-
gram is slashed.
While legislators plan their sting operation
against fraudulent card users, they should
consider changing the procedure to apply for
the Bridge Card. According to Agema, allow-
ing applicants to apply online instead of vis-
iting a local DHS office makes it easier for
students to get Bridge Cards they don't need.
Other lawmakers have claimed that the sim-
plicity of the application allows students to
lie about their financial situation. Lawmak-
ers should consider adding eligibility criteria
for the program. There needs to be a system
in place that limits abuse, while still allowing
those who need the card - including college
students - to have access to aid.
When it comes to putting an end to Michi-
gan's food fraud, students, retailers and law-
makers need to act ethically and make sure
that those who need help - not those who can
work the system - are getting it.
I don't envision unrelated intro-
ductory classes in the three different
departments. I envision interdisci-
plinary courses where students use
economic and philosophical lenses
to analyze problems - where they
converse as well as calculate.
Those who want to go into finance
or academia will still get the full
dose of economics. We certainly
need economics specialists. But
generalists are important, too. PPE
may foster more socially conscious
economists like Joseph Stiglitz and
Jeffrey Sachs. Or thinkers like Adam
Smiths and David Hume. There was
a time when our economists were
also our philosophers.
Perhaps a future alumnus will
come back and tell students that in
addition to learning how to evaluate
data, she also learned how to evalu-
ate texts and ideas. She understood
economic affairs in political and his-
torical contexts, cultivating a genu-
ine interest in the process. She'll
recommend PPE wholeheartedly,
redefining what it means to think
practically about one's major.
-Erik Torenberg can be
reached at erikto@umich.edu.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
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words and must include the writer's full name and University affiliation. We do not print anonymous
letters. Send letters to tothedaily@michigandaily.com
HAMDAN AZHAR I
A Palestinian-Israeli approach
I
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS:
Aida Ali, Will Butler, Michelle DeWitt, Ashley Griesshammer,
Melanie Kruvelis, Erika Mayer, Harsha Nahata, Emily Orley, Harsha Panduranga,
Teddy Papes, Asa Smith, Seth Soderborg, Andrew Weiner
PATRICK MAILLET I
Well played, Mr. President
0
Americans disagree on virtually every
political topic. We, as a country, don't see
eye to eye on abortion, gun control, govern-
ment spending, gay marriage, immigration or
practically an infinite number of other divid-
ing issues. We don't agree on what the role
of government should be or how the Con-
stitution should be interpreted. Short of an
absolute tragedy, Americans have never been
in complete universal agreement on certain
political matters. Yet when it comes to China,
we can all agree on one thing: It scares the
hell out of us.
It's no secret that China is growing at an
unprecedented rate. Within just a couple
decades, China has reinvented itself and has
become a global superpower. Recently sur-
passing Japan as the world's second largest
economy, China has begun to encroach on
America's international dominance, leaving
many to believe that China will soon be the
world's major economic power. According
to a recent NBC/Wall Street Journal poll,
38 percent of Americans believe that China
will be the world leader in 20 years or less.
This statistic, compared to only 35 percent
of Americans who believe that the United
States will remain in power as the global eco-
nomic leader, causes many to show concern.
Those who are most concerned are unde-
niably our elected officials. Politicians from
both sides of the spectrum are desperately
seeking ways that we as a country can ensure
our continued dominance over China. Few
people understand this more than President
Barack Obama. Perhaps it's because of this
universal fear that Obama brought up China
on four separate occasions in his 2011 State of
the Union address, while also speaking about
growing Asian countries an additional three
times. This wasn't an accident. Obama wants
to make sure no one forgets about China's
growing dominance anytime soon.
As he embarks on the second half of his
first term as president, Obama has made it
readily apparent that he plans on heightening
America's investment in technology, educa-
tion and renewable energy. Unfortunately for
him, with the Republican-dominated House
of Representatives, funds for these expensive
endeavors won't be easily approved. Obama
has realized that the Republicans will never
approve the spending that he wants, so he has
to think of drastic ways to garner the support
that he needs. By reminding America of Chi-
na's threat, Obama is in effect trying to scare
Republicans into approving his spending in
order to keep up with China's continuous
growth. "China is building faster trains and
newer airports. Meanwhile, when our own
engineers graded our nation's infrastructure,
they gave us a D," he said in his address.
Obama knows just as well as the Repub-
licans do that to save American jobs and to
ensure our continued dominance, Republi-
cans will be willing to approve spending that
they normally would be hesitant to sign off
on. This is a brilliant political ploy because
this may very well be Obama's only chance
to gain the support he needs to approve the
projects he wishes to enact.
In reality, no one loses from this under-
taking. We as a country desperately need
improvements such as a high-speed rail transit
system, improved broadband speeds and fur-
ther investment in renewable energies. China
will surpass us very soon unless we make cer-
tain investments. As Obama reiterated in his
speech, "Just recently, China became home to
the world's largest private solar research facil-
ity, and the world's fastest computer."
America must act soon because if we wish
to ensure our continued global dominance, we
have to not only keep up with China's advance-
ment, but also surpass them in investments for
the future. The president's focus point in his
State of the Union was that "We need to out-
innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest of
the world." This was Obama's way of saying:
We need to catch up with China.
Patrick Maillet is anS LSA freshman.
Supporters of a University-sponsored study abroad
program in Israel argue that programs would pro-
vide greater academic opportunities for students
and enhance the University's global competitiveness.
While it's refreshing to see University students taking
an interest in the Middle East, there are several poten-
tial concerns that deserve consideration.
Steven Zuckerman, a Public Policy representative
for MSA and supporter of the initiative, insists that the
program is "not a political statement," according to a
Jan. 24 Michigan Daily article. But the petition's spon-
sor, WolvPAC, is "a strictly political group committed
to strengthening the US-Israel relationship through
dialogue and lobbying," according to its constitution.
The lack of consistency on the part of the sponsors is
especially concerning given the growing national move-
ment calling for an academic and cultural boycott of
Israel. To be clear, there are certainly those whose criti-
cisms of Israel reflect nothing more than thinly veiled
anti-Jewish prejudice. But this doesn't imply that there
can be no legitimate and morally grounded criticism of
Israeli policy and behavior.
One of the foremost proponents of boycott is a man
whose human rights record is unassailable: Nobel
Laureate, South African anti-apartheid advocate and
Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The same man in 2008
was honored with the University's Wallenberg Medal,
which requires "unmatched heroism, courage and
self-sacrifice in the protection and rescue of the per-
secuted."
"Israeli universities are an intimate part of the
Israeli regime," Tutu said in an article in Times Live.
"While Palestinians are not able to access universities
and schools, Israeli universities produce the research,
technology, arguments and leaders for maintainiigthe
occupation."
Many of us - myself included - may find it difficult
to reconcile the idea of academic boycott with our com-
mitment to academic freedom. A stronger rationale for
opposing University-sponsored study abroad in Israel
is that such programs may unintentionally further dis-
crimination and violate the University's commitment
to equal opportunity.
Last month, for example, Human Rights Watch
reported, "Palestinians face systematic discrimination
merely because of their race, ethnicity and national ori-
gin, depriving them of electricity, water, schools and
access to roads." The situation within the Jewish state, of
which around 20 percent of citizens are Muslim, is even
worse. According to Haaretz.com, "segregation of Jews
and Arabs in 2010 Israel is absolute."
Supporters argue that University-sponsored study
abroad in Israel would offer many academic and cultural
opportunities. Under Israel's current border policy, how-
ever, thousands of University students would risk being
effectively barred from these opportunities.
Accordingto the U.S. State Department, "U.S. citizens
whom Israeli authorities suspect of being of Arab, Middle
Eastern, or Muslim origin ... may face additional, often
time-consuming, and probing questioning by immigra-
tion and border authorities, or may even be denied entry
into Israel."
It gets worse: "U.S. citizens have been detained and/
or arrested at the airport and at other border crossings
on suspicion of security-related offenses... In some cases,
Israeli authorities have denied American citizens access
to U.S. consular officers, lawyers, and even family mem-
bers during temporary detention."
These are very real concerns. Last January, an
American. Harvard University law student of Egyp-
tian descent was detained upon landing in Israel and
eventually deported after she refused border officials'
requests to search her e-mail. A similar case involv-
ing a Wayne State University student occurred a few
months later.
Will all University students - regardless of race, reli-
gion or political beliefs - have equal opportunities to
participate in the proposed study abroad program? What
measures will the University take to ensure that certain
segments of the student body aren't disenfranchised in
the new program?
The proponents of the initiative, thus far, have failed
to demonstrate sensitivity to these concerns. In his let-
ter to the editor, LSA Junior Jacob Steinerman speaks
of Israel as an idyllic tourist hotspot. "Where else can
you go skiing, hiking, scuba diving," he wrote (Study
abroad in Israel, 1/26/2011).
If we truly wish to enhance the learning experience
outside the classroom, we must transcend such sugar-
coated views of the region. It's also likely that University-
sponsored study abroad in Israel will be perceived as a
political statement and may result in our inadvertently
endorsing segregation and de facto discrimination.
The opportunity to study in Israel and Palestine
would provide an unparalleled learning experience.
Why not a joint Palestinian and Israeli study abroad?
Surprisingly, the idea isn't as novel as it may seem -
American University and George Mason already have
similar programs up and running.
By partnering with a Palestinian as well as an Israeli
university, the University would signal its commit-
ment to promoting dialogue as opposed to monologue.
Moreover, we will move one step closer to realizing
the promise of the University's mission - "developing
leaders and citizens who will challenge the present
and enrich the future."
Hamdan Azhar is an University alum.