4 - Friday, January 7, 2011 The Michigan Daily - michigandailycam 4 - Friday, January 7, 2011 The Michigan Daily - michigandailycom Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@michigandaily.com MICHELLE DEWITT STEPHANIE STEINBERG and EMILY ORLEY KYLE SWANSON EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS 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. Taking care of business Snyder needs to turn his promises into realities he self-proclaimed "nerd" is now officially at the helm of the state government. On Jan. 1, Republican Rick Snyder was inaugurated as Michigan's governor. His inaugural speech focused on his plans for the state's overhaul and his belief that "it's time to start a new era." While the governor's words sound good, the state needs more than encouraging rhetoric. Rebuilding Michigan is going to take more than the efforts of one man, and Snyder needs to maintain the bipartisan ideals that characterized his campaign. Snyder must follow through on his campaign prom- ises and ensure he delivers results for Michigan. Where we cannot find common ground, we must stand our ground." - House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi at a ceremony honoring the Black Congressional Caucus on Wednesday, as reported by USA Today. JEFF ZUSCHLAG E-MAIL JEFF AT JEFFDZ@UMICH.EDU So, any New Year's resolutions Except this year, I'm serioussabout it! for2 7 EI I've written a note onall myfriends Nsmorewasinglhoursmessing ;Ye I This year I've ti Facebook walsabout it, and Ive spent /around ontheinternetl Framno nesolved -F be more oonYouTuberlearningal about ionImall aboutstyingproductive Wait. prodsinebynot the dangers ofprocrastination, andj n-task wasting so muchtime . _-__ ...._./% #&.M r p aw Merry Christmas to Jew Last Saturday, Rick Snyder was sworn in as the state's 48th governor. The ceremony took place on the Capitol steps in Lansing, :with nearly 1,000 residents in attendance lis- tening to the new governor speak about his plans for revitalizing Michigan. Snyder laid out his objectives, which include the diversi- fication of Michigan's economy, job creation, a secure and better future for Michigan's youth and ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the revamping process. Snyder's speech brings hope to a state with insurmountable problems. But the real- ity is that nothing will get better for Michi- gan until its economy is stable. Snyder, who will go to work with a Republican controlled state House and Senate, must focus on cre- ating jobs and developing emerging markets that are able to supplement and ultimately replace Michigan's declining auto industry. In his inauguration speech, Snyder said that "today (is) the birth of the era of innovation and the reinvention of Michigan." He must act on these words by fostering an environ- ment that grows new knowledge-based industries such as the green energy and bio- technology sectors. To accomplish this reinvention, Snyder must move beyond party politics and petty political banter. Throughout his campaign, he reiterated the importance of bipartisan- ship. Snyder even appointed a Democratic treasurer and a Republican adviser to his staff four days after the election. But Snyder needs to ensure that he is listening to both sides when determining legislation. And though Michigan is traditionally a blue state, lawmakers and citizens alike must realize that the state needs a fresh start and must trust this politically diverse administration. The economy is on the forefront of near- ly every Michigan residents' mind, but it can't be the only policy addressed dur- ing Snyder's term. Social issues shouldn't completely take a backseat to economic concerns. Michigan is a state where pub- lic education is faltering, gay rights issues have been largely unaddressed and envi- ronmental concerns often go unnoticed. And the constant struggle to clarify the state's medicinal marijuana law is an ongo- ing issue. Progressive ideologies, in addi- tion to a strong economy, will begin to draw people back to the state and should be among Snyder's priorities. Michigan desperately needs to be revi- talized. If Governor Snyder stays true to his word, the state's outlook will be much brighter than in year's past. But for this to happen, Snyder needs to focus on creating a successful bipartisan environment and a healthy state economy. P olitical correctness dictates I was safe. Hanukkah had been over that we use a standardized for weeks, and these folks were ship- "Happy Holidays" in lieu of a ping gifts. Merry Christmas. Instead, denominational I got a tongue-lashing from a Jew who winter greeting. invoked Jesus to teach me a lesson Let me begin about religious deference. by acknowledg- He only used "for Christ's sake" for ing that the con- emphasis. It's a common phrase that troversy over this seldom carries its literal connotation habit was primar- or weight. ily invented by the But that's no different from my righteous cable saying "Merry Christmas" - I most TV talking heads. certainly didn't mean "May you recog- It doesn't matter nize the glory of your Lord and Savior nearly as much as Jesus Christ and devote the entirety any of them would AARONSON of your being to commemorating His have you think. It's birth and His death for you, the sorry almost a non-issue. human sinner whose existence on this Almost. I'll also acknowledge that, earth is entirely owed to His sacrifice nearly two weeks after Christmas, and whose fate in the afterlife lies in this could not be less timely. Regard- the balance of His judgement." less, I'm inclined to weigh in. No. What I really meant was, "I In high school, I worked part time at hope you get to relax, spend time with a local pack-and-ship store. One late- family and enjoy some good food." I December night, I finished ringing up really did. And I'm sure that's what one harried middle-aged couple, stuck happened. my hand out with their receipt and As I shared the story with others, said, "Merry Christmas." I learned that this response was rela- Her face turned sour. He gave her tively common, though perhaps not to what could only be a "don't get into it" the same extreme. There are .people look. But she did, indeed, get into it. who are actually offended by well- "We're Jewish," she said, cocking wishing, if it's not the precise senti- her head and putting a hand on her ment that suits howthey worship. hip, pausing thereto make sure itcsunk Store clerks shouldn't have to worry in with me. that their extension of warmth might He leaned in to snatch the receipt put someone off, and cab drivers from me, adding: "For Christ's sake, shouldn't have to offer the transpar- you know, you can avoid offending ently diplomatic "Happy Holidays" to anyone by just keeping it to 'Happy ensure that they get tipped. Holidays."' I'm not hung up on it the way Bill That's right, for Christ's sake, don't O'Reilly, for instance, is. His disdain wish us a Merry Christmas. for "Happy Holidays" stems from a As the son of a Jewish man and a bizarre persecution complex and a Catholic woman, raised in the church longing for some fictitious, idealized but comfortable with the cultural "way things used tobe in this country." sensibilities of both sides, I reasoned As O'Reilly or Sean Hannity would tell you, this is a Christian country, and they're not about to let the PC Police take that away by bastardizing"Merry Christmas." Instead, I just don't think Christ mas - Bible Christmas - has much to do with it. Christmas is asecularholiday in the United States. American children, in their most impressionable years, sub- mit to the canon of Santa Claus before they know or understand who Jesus Christ is, or the concept of a Christian God. It's the omniscient Santa Claus who "knows when you are sleeping ... knows when you're awake ... knows when you've been bad or good." It's Santa with his gifts, not Jesus with his promise of eternal salvation, who guides Christian childhood morality Americans spend more and more each year on Christmas, while fewer iden- tify as Christians and even fewer regu- larly attend services. Holiday greetings now lack religious connotation. To say "Merry Christmas" isn't to assume that everyone shares the same worldview, and it's not an underhanded assertion of the supe- riority of that worldview. It would be nice if all involved parties could take "Merry Christmas" for what it is: a nice thing to say to another person. - Matt Aaronson was the Daily's managing editor in 2010. He can be reached at maarons@umich.edu. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Readers are encouraged to submit letters to the editor. Letters should be fewer than 300 words and must include the writer's full name and University affiliation. All submissions become property of the Daily. We do not print anonymous letters. Send letters to tothedaily@michigandaily.com. SEND LETTERS To: TOTHEDAILY@MICHIGANDAILY.COM :Fans shouldn't worry about finding a 'Michigan Man" Michigan football. Those of you who didn't, not only did you not support Michigan football, but you also crippled its foundation. It's important to have your own ideas, and you should hold EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS: Aida Ali, Will Butler, Eaghan Davis, Michelle DeWitt, Ashley Griesshammer, Erika Mayer, Harsha Nahata, Emily Orley, Harsha Panduranga, Teddy Papes, Roger Sauerhaft;Seth Soderborg, Andrew Weiner TO THE DAILY: onto them, but sup Michigan, support your coach. I'm sick of all the misguided conclusions toward Rodri- Chad Paulinski guez's failings and the erroneous ideology of Engineeringsenior the "Michigan Man." To all of the people who attacked Rodriguez from the start: You actively C s of 2 helped to destroy Michigan footba lass Nearly everyone is eager to point out the statistics: losing records to rivals, extremely . low defense rankings, missed bowl games, etc. Those aren't pleasing statistics. The things TO THE DAILY: considered most involved in obtaining those The University statistics are what people are blaming Rodri- Bowl defeat at the :guez for: neglecting defense and special teams, which appears to not recruiting well enough or the right players coach Rich Rodrig and not winning games, among others. These seasons, was a lous problems fall partially on the fan base itself. fan to ring in the I From the very beginning, the Michigan fan special significanc base was torn in half because of the new system in this outgoing cl - not having a "Michigan Man" coach and losing like Obi Ezeh, Step tradition. College football changes, and it's up to dros and Martell M the coaches, players and the fan base to adapt. part of the fifth-st Michigan used to run the wishbone offense against the Buckey before going to a pro set. Offenses change, but now become the fi. it's still the same game. The Michigan Man ide- of just a handful is ology has to be changed. The man who coined late a losing record it, Bo Schembechler, only had affiliation toward Arbor - quite ad -Michigan as the "enemy," Ohio State. A Michi- ball's winningest p gan Man (or Woman) is someone who represents Bookended by S the University at the highest level, not just some- cle on one end an one who attended the University. ner against Appal I won'tstopyou from arguingthat NCAA vio- the class of 2011 h lations do not represent the University at high- record. Students w est level. I admit it; I'm not a fan of Rodriguez. I the ones who silen thought that he didn't mold the Michigan talent dorm rooms from to its potential and that he didn't adjust his sys- state of acute disqu tem to the players' strengths. Support, however, game on Sep. 1, 200 for a coach is so incredibly crucial; it affects in 46 years to chee: recruiting, mindset and the morale of both the wins. Most of us coaches and the 18 to 22 year olds on the field - possible three or ft thus the entire structure of the team. That's not to si In a Sports Illustrated College Football Pre- memories from th view article, an overwhelming majority of Big gan football. Beati Ten players - 55 percent - said they would and Florida in Mi want to play at Michigan the least because of the Carr's final game, coaching situation. The biggest problem I think sin in 2008 in an e Michigan football had was attrition (players Notre Dame three leaving) and depth. To plug these holes, college more quarterback football teams need to recruit strongly, but no sion have been unf one wants to come to the University when half to be part of the fir the fan base hates the coach, and they may not with a losing footb -play for the same coach during theirtenure. I'm we'll be the last. not saying it could have worked out. I'm say- ing that I support Michigan's coach even if I William Petrich -have my reasons against him because I support LSA senior port your team. 911 has had the fears of football of Michigan's 52-14 Gator hands of Mississippi State, have cost former football Suez his job after only three sy way for every Wolverines New Year. But the loss holds ce for players and students ass of 2011. Football players phen Schilling, Mark Moun- ebb are more than merely a raight senior class to go 0-4 yes. More strikingly, they've rst class since 1964, and one n school history, to accumu- over their four years in Ann distinction for college foot- rogram. aturday's Gator Bowl deba- A that still-fresh 2007 stun: lachian State on the other, has compiled a 24-26 losing -ho started school in 2007 - tly walked back to their new the Big House in a stunned aiet after their first Michigan 7 - are part of the first class r on Blue to more losses than wouldn't have thought that our years ago. ay there haven't been great e past four years of Michi- ng quarterback Tim Tebow chigan football coach Lloyd shocking top-five Wiscon- pic comeback, beating hated times and watching sopho- Denard Robinson's ascen- forgettable. So I'm not bitter st Michigan class in 46 years all record - I just hope that WILL BUTLER I Rick Skywalker On New Year's Day, Republican Gov. Rick Snyder was inaugurated as the 48th governor of Michigan. An appro- priate ceremony for the day, many declared that inaugura- tion not only begins a new year with a new governor, but also dawns a new era for Michigan. Editorials from across the state describe a sense of hope for the future for Sny- der's ambitious goals of bipartisanship and for an end to the "business as usual" corruption in Lansing. Bill Schuette, the new attorney general for the Snyder administration, had the confidence to proclaim that it's "morning in Michigan." He continued to add, "There are better days ahead for Michi- gan." Being a "nerd" himself, Snyder might appreciate this analog. The scene at the inauguration looked a lot like the Ewok celebration at the end of "Return of the Jedi": the defeatof the evil Darth Granholm and a new era of freedom with Rick Skywalker. The inauguration, the campaign and the support all remind me of another formerly-beloved politician: Presi- dent Barack Obama. Whether Snyder would admit it or not, so much of his campaign was based off hope and change- a positive campaign to bring in independents and build bipar- tisanship- exactly like Obama. But as more and more on the left become disappointed with the president, Snyder's supporters may want to heed this warning: Your candidate is not a Messiah, he is not a superman and he will not fix everything. He is a politician. At best, he will be a good one. At worst, he will be a bad one. This is exactly what happened to Obama. Everyone became so enthralled during the campaign. They became enamored with the rhetoric. The left is always looking for their messianic figure, their progressive savior, and many thought they found him with Obama. But as political real- ities set in and some political losses occurred, supporters became low on morale and lost motivation and energy. As a strongly-committed Democrat, I still fully support Obama and intend to help him get re-elected. However, I never bought into the myth. I supported him because he was my party's candidate and because his legislative ambitions and policies were most similar to mine. How- ever, many supporters were not able to stick with the president when times got tough, and they realized he was, in fact, just a politician. Snyder most likely shares the same fate. He's in his hon- eymoon phase.-He has done little politically, givingthe pub- lic no reason to dislike him. But once he must start making difficult decisions about the future of this state, decisions that some may dislike, supporters will fall out of love and lose faith in the Snyder fairy tale. This is especially true when it comes to Snyder's claims that he will fight corrup- tion in Lansing. This is a wonderful campaign promise, but while he tries to accomplish his legislative goals, he may be tempted to indulge in them. It's not that Snyder might not be successful in passing his agenda. Even as a Democrat I recognize his intelligence and competence. But Obama isn't a failure either. He passed health care reform - something Democrats and progres- sives have been trying to accomplish for more than 50 years - financial reform, ratified the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) and even repealed "don't ask, don't tell". But all this didn't stop people from losing their messianic image of Obama. The same process will likely occur for Sny- der. There is a reason why they stopped the Star Wars mov- ies at the Ewok celebration, and it's because that way you always saw Luke Skywalker, you never saw him fail. Unfor- tunately, Rick Snyder's career didn't stop at his inauguration celebration. Will Butler is an LSA sophomore. A 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 MICHELLE DEWITT AT DEWITTM@MICHIGANDAILY.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.