4A - Noonday, January 10, 2011 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com C R1dC gan B3ailm Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@michigandaily.com 0 0 STEPHANIE STEINBERG EDITOR IN CHIEF MICHELLE DEWITT and EMILY ORLEY EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS It doesn't seem like he was motivated by a political ideology. Craziness is not an ideology"' - Aide to former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin Rebecca Mansour said on Sunday in response to the Arizona shooting, as reported by USA Today. KYLE SWANSON MANAGING EDITOR Unsigned editorials reflect the official position of the Daily's editorial board. All other signed articles and illustrations representsolelythe views of their authors. Planting the seeds A2 City Council should pass marijuana ordinance Medicinal marijuana was legalized by voters in 2008, but an abundance of state and local laws have pro- hibited the drug from being accessible to patients. On Jan. 18, Ann Arbor City Council members will decide whether or not to pass a licensing ordinance that will clearly explain the legality of marijuana dispensaries and cultivation facilities. The ordinance is crafted in a way that ensures the safety of residents in the vicinity of these facilities. City Council members should pass this ordinance to make legal prescriptions for medical mari- juana more available for patients and to strengthen an underde- veloped market. This has gone too far 'm slightly ashamed to admit it, but over the years, I've got- ten several column ideas from "The Daily Show." This one started out that way too. But a lot happened between start and finish.. Sen. Kirsten Gil- librand (D-N.Y.) was the guest on "The Daily Show" last Tuesday. IMRAN After watching SYED the interview and being intrigued by the centrist Demo- crat about whom I previously knew nothing, I decided to Google her. I then came across an interesting New York Times piece from 2008 titled "She Might, be President Someday" (05/18/2008). Written in the heat of the Democratic Primary season, the article discussed - in light of Hillary Clinton's eminent defeat to Barack Obama - who might actually become the first female president someday. Many of the usual, boring names were thrown about - Kathleen Sebe- lius, Janet Napolitano, Sarah Palin and Condoleeza Rice among them. But two younger women were men- tioned as actual contenders a bit down the road. Both deemed "dragon slayers," these women were thought to have a solid chance because they were Democrats who had fought their way to Washington from tra- ditionally Republican districts. Gil- lebrand was one of them. Gabrielle Giffords was the other. And so this column started, sure to be yet another predictable commen- tary extolling the virtues of being a centrist in today's fiercely divided political environment. As I did with Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) six years ago, I intended to anoint Gillebrand and Giffords as the right kind of Democrats, and the type of female candidates qualified and positioned to win the presidency six to 10 years down the road. A few days later, as I completed the final version of the column - much different from the first version - Gif- fords remained in critical condition in the intensive care unit at Univer- sity Medical Center in Tucson, Ari- zona. Doctors cautiously hope that she will survive, but the prognosis for the extent of her recovery remains grave. Six others were killed in the rampage at the event where Giffords was speaking informally with con- stituents. This terrible tragedy does nothing to change who Giffords has always been, the qualities I intended to dis- cuss. Indeed, in the most bizarre way, it actually promotes this discussion onto a higher level. Being a Democrat from Arizona who supports President Obama's health care plan and opposes Ari- zona's infamous, largely unconsti- tutional, immigration law made Giffords about as popular as a con- gressman from Michigan who drives a Toyota and spends his Saturdays in a scarlet and gray sweater. As a person whose political posi- tions often trouble both my conser- vative and liberal friends, I've always been fascinated by politicians who can speak to different parts of the political spectrum. Such people are worth studying for the simple reason that, in understanding their political thinking, I can gain more than just guidelines to a party platform, but rather actual social insights that drive a thoughtful, compassionate person. Giffords is one such person. A strong proponent of gun rights, she also received a 100 percentratingfrom the National Abortion and Reproduc- tive Rights Action League for her con- sistent pro-choice stance. While she opposes Arizona's fascist, search-and- seizure immigration law, she is actu- ally astrong proponent ofsecuringthe Mexican border. Those who know her spent the entire weekend talking on television about what an understand- ing and open person she is and how productive and effective that makes her as a congresswoman. Given that background, it's bizarre and distressing that Giffords - the calm, beloved voice of the cooler heads - will suddenly become the face of our explosive political age. The rhetorical firefight that erupted at Obama's election - involving slo- gans such as "Kill the Bill" and actual crosshairs being placed on political maps - has finally claimed a victim: It's the young congresswoman who did things differently, who avoided that bitter partisan fight and spent her free time talking to constituents rather than lobbying and plotting in Washington. 0 In an attempt to better regulate medical marijuana in the city, the Ann Arbor City Council made several changes to the licens- ing ordinance for dispensaries, cultivation centers and home growers. The most recent draft makes three major changes to the ordinance. According to a Jan. 4 article in the Daily, home growers will no longer have to register with the city, individuals who have been charged with drug-related mis- demeanors will be permitted to open dis- pensaries and there will be an increase in the maximum number of facilities allowed in the city. The ordinance also mandates security measures like alarm systems, cam- eras and ventilation systems in facilities where marijuana is distributed. Medical marijuana laws have been the subject of controversy since the legaliza- tion of medical marijuana in 2008. The laws are poorly worded and explained in a way that penalizes otherwise law abiding citizens. Ann Arbor's ordinance will help to advance the acceptance of marijuana as a legal prescription drug. If implemented, the ordinance will clearly lay out what is a legal way to grow and sell marijuana to patients with a prescription. This is impor- tant for giving many people the medicine they need. At a time when Michigan's economy is struggling, medical marijuana is a viable source of revenue for many people. Ann Arbor's unemployment rate is hovering around 8 percent, and 30 new dispensa- ries and cultivation facilities will create new jobs. Not only will increased clarity help patients, it will also help new busi- nesses operate efficiently and legally. City Council needs to approve this ordinance to facilitate a new industry in Ann Arbor and support economic development. While marijuana is often regarded as inherently illegal, the reality is that it's a legal prescription and an effective way to treat many ailments. Medicinal marijuana was legalized by Michigan voters, and it's good that efforts are finally being made to make obtaining a legal prescription more efficient. City Council is also taking every possible precaution by requiring certain safety measures at facilities. The rest of the state needs to approve these rules and make the laws around medical marijuana clear and easy to abide. With proper regulations in place, there will be increased comfort and clarity for those who wish to legally provide and receive medical marijuana. And this will not come at the expense of Ann Arbor residents' safety. The regulations concerning medical marijuana have been unclear for too long, and City Council shouldn't hesitate to spell out the distinct laws and regulations. The rhetorical firefight has claimed a victim. Fingers were pointed as early as Saturday evening, with liberals blaming the Tea Party movement for creating the nuclear environment that emboldens the mad. The Right responded with a sharp condemna- tion of those who seek to politicize this tragic event - an interesting response, given their 10-year love affair with 9/11. This is a time when pointing fin- gers comes so easy. But there's a big- ger lesson here for all of us, the young firebrands on this campus especially. As important as it is to advocate for your issues, to win debates and to make change, there is something else that's much more important. Godspeed, Madame President. - Iran Syed can be reached at galad@umich.edu. 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 Attack policiesnot people .0 SEND LETTERS TO: TOTHEDAILY@MICHIGANDAILY.COM Women's studies department promotes an equal society "relax in our Ad been "blown awa politicians and ti work - and star TO THE DAILY: need to know th In Eric Szkarlat's column, (Gender studies be difficult to ov 101, 12/09/2011) he criticized feminism and ger have time ft the field of women's studies for not being con- cannot performt cerned about "true equality of the sexes." I'm elected. writing to invite Eric - and anyone else who is curious about gender and inequality - to take John Laich WS240, our introductory course, to learn what University alum. we're about. As Szkarlat notes, women activists start- Climate c ed our field and our name, women's studies, reflects and honors that history. But today, risks that women's studies encompasses much more than that. One of the first ideas we talk about in WS240 is that if the aim of feminism is for TO THE DAIL women to be equal to men, it begs the ques- By failing to tion of which men women should be equal to. change, we not Certainly all men aren't equal. So if we want to own most vulne understand the ways gender is at work in soci- elderly and the p ety and to work for equality, we must also try world's poorest, to understand the ways race, sexuality, social lions as well. class, ability and other forms structure our In the United society and opportunities within. tures and shiftin For this reason, our mission statement ety of harmful describes our department as dedicated to frequent and se building interdisciplinary collaborations respiratory ilins among faculty and students that bridge gender, spread. Accordir racial, ethnic, economic and national divides; Control and Pr creating new knowledge about women, gen- million America der, race and sexuality; challenging unequal chronic illness tI distributions of power; and improving the impacts margin- lives of all women and .men. Here in wom- related factors h en's studies, we do believe that in the future in asthma preval we can have a more just society. And we're years. working for it every day. Please join us! In developing mate change ar Elizabeth R. Cole countries amoni Chair ofthe Department of Women's Studies. increased atmos they are also pr the most severs Hold officials accountable thuencestse qecsof these regardless ofparty affiliation far-reaching, inc collapse adinc; eases. TO THE DAILY: In times of ec I found Will Butler's editorial (Rick Skywalk- it can be easy to er, 1/5/2011) on Governor Snyder's inaugura- ments about fin tion to be both comical (partying Ewoks) and believe that inv appropriate (demand results from political win these argum agents). However, as a "strongly-committed the underlying e Democrat," he chose to spend time waxing forget what is tru about President Barack Obama and national climate change.' politics rather than focuse on the problem we es of energy will7 have in this state. Where were Butler and his threaten our glot Democrats during the two terms of the inef- human and fina fective Granholm administration? Butler's serious about as commitment to party identification is stronger time to repowe than his commitment to holding the political elite accountable. Those Michiganders seek- Thomas Witk ing work and opportunity want to know as we Engineeringsoph irondack chairs" after having ay." It's time to stop loving our me to demand that they do the ry-eyed supporters of Snyder at the state's dysfunction will ercome - and that we no lon- or those elected officials who the tasks for which they were hange poses health cannot be ignored take bold action on climate only put the health of our rable citizens - children, the poor - at risk, but many of the most disadvantaged popula- States alone, rising tempera- ng climates can lead to a vari- health effects, ranging from were allergies, to heat stroke, esses and infectious disease ng to the Centers for Disease revention, approximately 6.8 an children have asthma - a hat already disproportionately alized communities. Climate- ave led to a four-fold increase Jence in the U.S. in the past 20 nations, the problems of cli- e twofold. Not only are these g the least responsible for the pheric carbon concentration, edicted to bear the burden of e climatic shifts. The conse- shifts are likely tobe dire and cluding drought, agricultural reased ranges of tropical dis- onomic stress and uncertainty, reduce every matter to argu- ancial costs and benefits. We estments in clean energy can ents. However, we can't ignore thical challenge, and we can't sly at stake when talking about Transitioning to cleaner sourc- reduce harmful emissions that bal health and cause unneeded ncial strain. It's time we get ddressing climate change. It's r America - and the world. in and Eileen Divringi omore and LSA junior n Saturday, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, along with 19 other people, were shot outside a supermarket in Tuscon,. Ariz. The Demo- crat representa- tive was attending an event called "Congress on Your, Corner," which allowed constitu- ents of her district to meet with her and discuss issues concerning the MICHELLE federal govern- DEWITT ment. There were six fatalities in the shooting, includ- ing John Roll, a chief judge in the U.S. District Court of Arizona and a 9-year-old girl. As of 8 p.m. last night, Giffords was in critical condition. While no direct motives are under- stood at this time, authorities have said that this was a clear attempt to end the life of a public official. Giffords tenure as a representa- tive of the state of Arizona has not been without controversy, and many assumptions point to this attack as being politically motivated. Many have thought of Giffords as being soft on immigration, which is a particu- larly contentious issue in Arizona. She outspokenly opposed the state's immigration laws that are some of the strictest in seeking to deter ille- gal immigration. Giffords was also one of the supporters of the health care reform bill - a decision that drew some criticism and led to the vandalization of her office. Saturday's events were a disgusting and heinous crime that has brought about tragedy for the families of six individuals. And while no difference of opinion could even begin to justify the shooter's actions, many people are pointingtotheheated politicalclimate between Republicans and Democrats as inciting this type of behavior. The purpose of Giffords's meeting was to facilitate open discourse with the constituents of her district and civilly discuss what is happening in our fed- eral government. Butit instead turned into a terrifying disaster because of the actions of a cowardly, repulsive individual. It's no secret that politics in the United States have been particularly polarized lately, a fact that was made very clear during November's elec- tions. Health care reform and eco- nomic concerns alone have almost completely separated Republicans and Democrats. And neither group is mincing words about how they feel about the opposing party. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has been particularly criticized in the wake of these attacks for com- ments like "Don't retreat - Instead, reload!" There have also been com- ments about her controversial "cross- hairs map" that she posted on her Facebook page during the midterm election season. The map depicted districts where Democratic repre- sentatives were up for re-election in the crosshairs of a gun, and Giffords's district was among those targeted on the map- Republicans aren't alone in this type of display. Also during the midterm elections, Democrat Joe Manchin, who was running for a seat in the West Virginia Senate, released an advertise- ment in which he fired a gun ata copy of the cap-and-trade bill. In the ad, he spoke strongly about "taking on Wash- ington" and taking "dead aim." It's frightening to think that these types of displays have become the business as usual approach for today's politicians and talking heads. The notion that outright displays of violence have become acceptable metaphors when discussing legis- lation is nothing short of absurd. Political talk shows have become increasingly extreme in their rheto- ric, and there is constant talk - even among politicians - about battle lines being drawn between Republi- cans and Democrats. And while there are certainly large, divisive issues at play in our country, there are also consequences for the way we speak about them. I don't think that any politician or media figure wants physical harm to come to an individual of their oppos- ing party, but they speak as though they do. The fact that one of the only ways that Americans can speak in support of their party or a piece of legislation is to deride the opposing view - instead of building up their own - is one part of the problem. Everyone needs to be conscious about the environment we're creating and ensure that debates and discussions are the promoted outlets for political action. Psychotic, insane people are going to do the things that psychotic, insane people do, but shows on CNN and Fox News don't need to offer any misguided encouragement. Today's heated political climate is frightening. While it's important to evaluate whether the climate surrounding politics has become dangerous, it's also important to acknowledge that the shooting was an attack carried out by an individual. These tragedies serve as a reminder that we're all connected in our basic human right of life, and my thoughts go out to the victims and their families who had that right taken away. - Michelle DeWitt is co-editorial page editor. She can be reached at dewittm@umich.edu. 0 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. We do not print anonymous letters. Send letters to tothedaily@michigandaily.com.