0 4 - Tuesday, September 20, 2011 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com 4 - Tuesday, September 20, 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 HANNAH DOW E-MAIL HANNAH AT HDOW UMICIo.E)U STEPHANIE STEINBERG EDITOR IN CHIEF MICHELLE DEWITT and EMILY ORLEY EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS NICK SPAR 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. Dome stic dispute Same-sex partners should get employee benefits The Republican-led Michigan House is again attempting to ban domestic partner benefits. The House passed two bills last week, both of which seek to prohibit public employ- ees from extending their benefits to live-in companions including unmarried partners and roommates. These bills further demon- strate Michigan Republicans' disregard of domestic partnerships, and the state Senate should not pass them. Though the legislation labels unmarried heterosexual partners of state employees as individuals who may not receive benefits, the spirit of the law specifically targets same- sex couples. The proposed bills would make it impossible for same-sex partners of public employees to receive benefits, since gay mar- riage was banned in Michigan in 2004. If the legislation passes in the Senate, unmarried het- erosexual couples have recourse to obtain state employee benefits. Same-sex couples - as leg- islators well know - will not have that option. After a series of recent, high-profile legisla- tion recognizing the rights of homosexual men and women - notably the state of New York - it's unfortunate that the Michigan Legislature continues its efforts to constrain what many consider to be basic, equal rights. However, that is exactly what the House did this week in passing the pair of bills. The state Legislature doesn't have the authority to define morality and individual behaviors of consenting adults. The passage of the legislation by the state Sen- ate would limit access to benefits for people in domestic partnerships. This vote makes Michigan a particularly unfriendly place for the gay community. If t is bill does pass, Michigan could drive homosexuals and the greater LGBTQ com- munity out of the state. Analysts predict that the ban could save the state about $8 mil- lion in the upcoming year, but they neglect to examine what could potentially be lost if lawmakers push the LGBTQ community out of Michigan. If the legislation truly stems from economic considerations, then the Leg- islature would be cutting partner benefits across the board, instead of isolating a spe- cific group. Since only domestic partnerships are being targeted, the legislation is clearly based on social considerations. Though the proposal extends to universi- ties, schools and local governments, Democrats say public universities have the constitutional power to establish their own rules regarding partner benefits. The University should assert its autonomy and allow for domestic compan- ions to collect benefits regardless of the Senate vote outcome. This cannot be a subject of col- lective bargaining-the University should defy the tentative ban and maintain its commitment to diversity and equality. The Michigan Civil Service Commission also has the authority to decide on the types of benefits given to state employees. A vote already took place earlier this year to allow domestic partner benefits for certain state employees beginning in October. The Univer- sity should follow the group's precedent and offer the same benefits forlive-in companions. As citizens of an open democracy, we shouldn't be trying to restrict the practices of individuals. The House should spend its time working on bills pertaining to jobs and the economy, rather than individual lifestyles. Michigan can't afford to become an unfriend- ly state to any community and should strive to be a welcoming place. Senators should ensure that this bill is thrown out when it reaches their floor. Season student football tickets: $210.00 Posters to decorate your new dorm room: $40.00 New North Face backpack: $75.00 Paying 400 dollars for books you will never use again: PRICELESS A balancing act T hose who know me would school thespian. So I didn't. I diver- of pushing a radical gay agenda, not be surprised to find out sified my portfolio and I wrote on a it's because they feel they couldn't that I did theater in high host of topics that often had nothing push any other sort of agenda if they school. Some- to do with Jews or anythinggay. came out. Other minority groups thing about the out of the seven articles I wrote experience the same rigid charac- glint in my eye, during my last semester as a col- terization, even if they don't have I suppose. Nor umnist, one focused on Israel and the curse or blessingof being able to would it shock one discussed a matter of gay iden- hide in the closet. The woman politi- them to hear tity. And among the eight columns cian; the black television anchor; the that I played I wrote during the semester before disabled political correspondent. most of my roles that, not a single one centered on as Jews, even - anything specific to the Jewish or when the script MATTHEW LGBTQ communities. Yet upon my didn't call for it. GREEN return from a semester abroad, I I don't w ant to be (I once played a heard from multiple people, "We Christian mis- missed all of your gay, Jewish col- pigeonholed into sionary with a Yiddish accent. "Chas umns when you were gone." v'sholom, Sergeant Sarah, they're These remarks were surely meant any one category. going to close the mission!") Most to be kind or lighthearted, and I of the time I did this to ham up a only took them as such. But as I sat comic role for even bigger laughs. down to write this week's column, Sometimes my directors specifical- I couldn't help but get a little self- We fit people and ideas into neat ly asked me to do so. And I suspect conscious. I initially considered little boxes that don't accurately rep- there were times when they cast me writing a column about the Pales- resent them as abstract entities. And in roles they thought would be par- tinian statehood bid, until I decided while there are surely times to focus ticularly humorous with an added oy I didn't want to advance an overly on race, gender or sexuality, we have here and there. Jewish image. Then I contemplated to be careful about reducing people I never got any lead roles. Apart writing about Jane Lynch hosting to what - in some contexts, anyway from being a lousy actor, I knew the Emmys this weekend and what - are ultimately just adjectives. It's this had something to do with the it implied for the gay rights move- obvious, perhaps, but this lesson fact that I always played each part ment. But wait, another gay column? is something we need to remem- the same way. A lesson was to be I could just imagine the eyes begin- ber particularly at a time when our learned. ning to roll, national political discourse increas- Fast forward four years.. The So in my neurotic attempt to ingly follows the logic of: I am this. scene has changed, I'm somewhat come across as neither overtly gay You are that.So we are enemies, and more able to grow facial hair and nor Jewish, I'm presenting myself as I won't listen to you. I've traded scripts and costumes for both. Don't get me wrong, I think it's In my columns I have strived the opinion page of my college news- terrific to have a Jewish, gay voice as to find a balance, in content and in paper. When I started writing my part of The Michigan Daily. And I'm style, between the various elements own column, I attempted to use the proud to be that person, from time that make up my voice. I accept as medium to find my voice as a writ- to time, when it's relevant. But I'm a a published writer that I have little er. Naturally, my Jewishness again little concerned by howsome people control over how I am perceived. I came to the fore. This time, how- pigeonhole me and refuse to see me can only hope that readers view me ever, it was coupled with a burgeon- in any other light. as more than just "the gay, Jewish ing desire to explore my gay identity Even today, there are actors in columnist." Even if I have to write a through columns. Somewhere along Hollywood who refuse to come out gay, Jewish column to get there. the road, my parents warned me that as gay because if they did, audiences I ought not typecast myself again, struggle to see them as anything but. -Matthew Green can be reached lest I suffer the fate I met as a high It's not because they'd be accused at greenmat@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. We do not print anonymous letters. Send letters to tothedaily@michigandaily.com VANESSA RYCHLINSKI | Punishing patients, 0 0 EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS: Aida Ali, Michelle DeWitt, Ashley Griesshammer, Patrick Maillet, Erika Mayer, Harsha Nahata, Emily Orley, Teddy Papes, Timothy Rabb, Seth Soderborg, Andrew Weiner CAROLINE SYMS I Many steps for health reform Republican Gov. Rick Snyder recently pro- posed his "revolutionary plan" to create a healthier state - one that is free of obesity and full of wellness. Snyder aims to grant children better access to healthy foods and exercise, regulate childhood obesity through routine body mass measurements and create an exchange for citizens and businesses to buy health insurance. Snyder also wants Michigan to join the 27 states that provide coverage for autism. In addition to these governmental reg- ulations, Snyder calls upon Michigan's citizens to take control of their own lifestyles through a new "4x4" fitness program that encourages citizens to make healthier food choices, exer- cise more frequently and take initiative to visit their doctors regularly. It's commendable that Snyder wants to promote health throughout Michigan since obtaining a healthy lifestyle should always be a number one priority for all individuals. Sny- der's decision to provide health coverage for people with autism is also incredibly impor- tant; it's time the government acknowledges the severity of the disorder and does its best to aid those affected. I am finding, however, that Snyder has not thought through the logistics of this new health reform as thoroughly as he should. For starters, it doesn't.seem plausible that the government alone will be able to afford to implement these drastic changes. So, what does that mean for Michigan citizens? Taxes. While Snyder does call upon federal funding and grants to meet the requirements for his plan, what will the source of that funding boil down to? My best guess is taxpayers. Michi- gan families will be the ones spending their hard-earned dollars on Snyder's reforms, but how are low-income families supposed to par- ticipate? This leads me to believe that it's not the right time for Michigan to begin these numer- ous health care modificaions. Why is Snyder trying to turn obesity around right now? Yes, changes need to start somewhere at some time, but Americans across the country have been struggling with obesity and health care coverage for a long time with no real improve- ments resulting. Similarly, engaging in Sny- der's plan for an exclusively healthy diet seems to be a leisure of the wealthy, since they are the ones able to afford large supplies of organical- ly grown foods and healthier products on the whole. Low-income families don't have this luxury, so Snyder's "4x4" plan isn't exactly realistic for the entire state. There certainly are alternative, more affordable measures that the government can implement for promoting healthy living throughout the state. We know exercising is one of the best things you can do for your body, so why doesn't Snyder focus on organiz- ing campaigns at local schools, events or busi- nesses to relay the importance of engaging in daily exercise? After all, walking or running in the fresh air doesn't even cost a penny. If indi- viduals of all ages are educated about the ben- efits of exercise and the difference it makes in creating healthy lifestyles, then everyone wins and economic pressures are put to rest. First and foremost, however, the local government should place an emphasis on childhood education in general, so children can become intellectually capable of mak- ing healthy choices and will have a chance to overcome poverty by securing employment in the future. This will help low-income families overcome poverty. Then the state can focus on these drastic reforms. By first controlling unemployment and poverty, the state will be much better off at actually succeeding in health reform. If Snyder uses smaller, tactful steps to emphasize the sheer importance of both edu- cation and simple exercise, it will go a long way in leveling the economic playing field so that everyone has equal opportunity to par- ticipate in turning Michigan into a health- conscious state. Caroline Syms is an LSA sophomore. The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled medical mari- juana dispensaries in Michigan to be unconstitutional Wednesday, Aug. 24. The following day, two dispensa- ries in Ann Arbor were raided by the Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team. State police officers, in head-to-toe black outfits complete with face masks, stood in front of MedMar on Packard and A2 Go Green Corp on Main Street. Officers loaded cardboard boxes into white vans, likely containing thousands of dollars in assets. Three staff members were arrested. With the entire hubbub, it is important to look at other recent events before speculating about the future of medical marijuana. The Oakland County Narcotics Enforcement Team conducted another raid almost exactly a year ago. Spearheaded by Oakland County Sherriff Mike Bouchard, more than $750,000 worth of medicine and plants was seized from two dispensaries in Waterford Township and Ferndale, Michigan. Voters sent a strong message in Nov. 2008 when they approved the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act by a 63 percent majority. As Chuck Ream, co-owner of MedMar, said on Thursday in an AnnArbor.com article, "I real- ly didn't think that they (federal police) would do this because we have so much support from the voters here." Unfortunately the lack of clarity in the legislation allows for many to take advantage of the system, from those participating in the industry to moralists who wish to shut it down. This latest attack on local Michi- gan businesses was not altogether unforeseeable. This past June, the U.S. Department of Justice stated in a public memo that people involved in cultivating, sell- ing or distributing marijuana may be subject to federal enforcement action and potential prosecution. When Isabella County filed the complaint that the Compassionate Apothecary in Mount Pleasant, Michi- gan was a "public nuisance" that violated the pub- lic health code, it was easy for the Michigan Appeals Court to rule* the sale of pot between persons with state-issued cards unconstitutional (i.e. virtually all entities who make the MMMA possible). Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox blocked previous Drug Enforcement Administration- issued subpoenas for patient records, which demanded everything from state-issued identification cards to payment information. Cox rightfully cited the attempt as a violation of patient confidentiality. Bill Schuette, his successor, handed over the documents to the DEA after less than a week of being in office. The MMMA has never been succinct and has never protected the people that it was supposed to empow- er - allowing only the "delivery" and "transfer" of medicine rather than explicit sale by a business. If the law had included some mention of dispensaries, then Michigan businesses would have had something legiti- mate to stand behind. Dan Riffle, legislative analyst for the Marijuana Policy Project, has stated the state ought to have provided a control model for dispensaries, pro- viding a legislative base that has been lacking thus far. The law would be clear from either side of the fence, and all dispensaries would be responsible for adhering to a set of standards. Furthermore, the state could also tax businesses, generating much-needed revenue fo- a depressed economy. It seems that such legislation will be necessary if the medical marijuana industry hopes to continue. Opera- tion within the "gray area" of the law will no longer be possible. The bottom line is marijuana used for medicinal purposes is legal - cardholders have a right to their medication. Schuette and the DOJ clearly wish for patients to look on the streets for their needs, since in two short days they have simultaneously delegiti- mized a process that has been approved by the people of Michigan and deprived sick people of their rights. Schuette's job is to protect and oversee laws, not make new ones based on the fact that he's in the pocket of pharmaceutical companies. It's hard to say how the industry can rebound from this setback. The day before the raids when dispen- saries were ruled illegal, an intern at OM of Medi- cine in Ann Arbor pointed out to me, this event only serves to make any pro-pot organization that much more difficult to exist. Many small business owners saw their livelihoods literally dismantled before their eyes because of the raids, losing funds and assets as well as spirit. Despite President Barack Obama's prom- ises regarding medical marijuana, his administration's DOJ has interfered more than that of former President George W. Bush. What's even more disheartening? That in this economic downturn, a Michigan official would be willing to halt a source of revenue instead of accommodating it. Vanessa Rychlinski is an LSA junior.