4A - Tuesday, September 3, 2013 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com 4A - Tuesday, September 3, 2013 The Michigan Daily - michigandailycom Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. I don't know (and that's OK) 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@michigandaily.com MELANIE KRUVELIS and ADRIENNE ROBERTS MATT SLOVIN EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS MANAGING EDITOR ANDREW WEINER EDITOR IN CHIEF 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. The first Football Saturday has passed and undergraduate classes are underway - and that means The Michigan Daily is back for our 124th year of production. I'd like to take a few paragraphs to introduce you, or reintro- duce you, to the largest student newspaper at the University oftMichigan. The Daily produces five weekly editions, maintains a continuously updated website and is produced entirely by a staff of about 200 University students. The paper has been and will always be editorially independent of the University. There are a few professional staff members who assist our business staff - the students who handle the Daily's finances and advertising - but students, like myself, are ultimately responsible for all content that goes into print. With that said, we aim for complete trans- parency with the community we serve and take responsibility when we break that trust by straying from our mission of fairness and accuracy. Never hesitate to contact me -at anweiner@michigandaily.com or @andrew- weiner. When we make a mistake, we want to know about it: Send any corrections to cor- rections@michigandaily.com and we'll make the change online and run a correction in the next newspaper. Reading a printed newspaper too old fash- ioned for you? We're all over the Internet. Beyond our easy-to-navigate website, we maintain a robust presence on social media at www.twitter.com/MichiganDaily and www. facebook.com/MichiganDaily. This sum- mer, we began uploading each day's paper to www.issuu.com/MichiganDaily, so you can read the print edition if you can't grab a copy' around Ann Arbor. This semester is full of changes when it comes to the Daily: We've brought back live- blogging a variety of events and games, and now we're running book reviews with the help of a local bookstore Literati. And now we've spun sports coverage back from our sister site to the main website. Lastly, we're always looking for students to join our staff. Check out www.michigandaily. com/join-us to contact any of our editors. The best way to find out if the Daily is for you is to attend a mass meeting in the newsroom at 420 Maynard St. All meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m - we hope to see you there! " Thursday, Sept. 12 " Sunday, Sept. 15 " Tuesday, Sept. 17 " Thursday, Sept. 19 Andrew Weiner is the editor in chief. his past summer, I lived and interned in Wash- ington, D.C. While I was there, I learned to love D.C. for its quirks. I loved that after work meant . going to happy hour and that, as a born-again omnivore, there ZOE was a never-E ending supply of STAHL burgers to try. I loved picnics in Meridian Park for lunch and runs by the monument at night.' But as much as I enjoyed being in D.C., there were some things I just couldn't get used to: The muggy days didn't do it for me, nor did the long waits for the always overcrowded Metro. What I really couldn't stomach was how certain all of my fellow college-aged interns were about everything. On the Red Line to Union Station, I heard a Senate intern announce with absolute confidence that "Hillary has these next two terms in the bag. We'll have Gov. O'Malley after that, but for only one term. After that, you know, we will gotta swing back, so a Republican for two terms. Not sure exactly who yet." I also heard other twenty-some- things announce their "politically viable" plans to solve the Arab- Israeli conflict, income inequality and our public education system. They all knew exactly what they were talking about. At first, I was impressed and even jealous of how self-assured they were. However, I soon realized how this very certainty was actually blinding them, making them unwill- ing to hear the opinions of others - or even just the facts. In my head, I blamed their par- ents. They must have praised their kids for tying their shoes for the 100th time or remembering to say "thank you" at age 12 - all in the name of their children's self-esteem. I blamed the colleges they attended, too. I knew that these schools - like ours - constantly remind them that they are the smartest, they are the elite, they are destined for greatness. But then I realized that I myself was a little too certain. After see- ing "Fruitvale Station," I caught myself saying, "It will win the Oscar for Best Film. The Academy will want to make a statement." I also began to announce the results of the upcoming New York City mayoral race - four months too early- based off nothing except my own emotions. This epiphany didn't hit me until a couple of weeks later. A family friend had gone to the emergency room a few days before, but was dismissed. The emergency room doctor said it was just a virus and that it would pass. Well, it turns out that the doc- tor was wrong and our family friend had both pneumonia and a virus the hospital couldn't identi- fy. For two days, a resident tested out different antibiotics on him, hoping that one would work. His parents were told that he might not make it. A week later, he was discharged from the hospital, but significantly weaker. I don't know if it could have gone any differently. Still, I found myself wondering if the resident could have called on an older, more experienced doctor instead of waiting and guess- ing. Perhaps it would have saved my friend and his family from this ter- rifying experience. I have to acknowledge the limits of what I do and don't know. At the same time, it's certain that I don't know what could have or might have, but in the end, it clicked: I have to acknowledge the limits of what I do and don't know. So, the next time someone men- tions some intellectual-sounding book I don't know, I won't nod and smile like usual, and when someone asks my opinion about what's going on in Egypt, I'll admit I haven't been followingthe news too much. It may sound ignorant, but hey, at least it's honest. - Zoe Stahl can be reached at zoestahl@umich.edu. The summer, condensed Wrapping up the last four months of University, city and state news This summer was an especially busy one for the University, Ann Arbor and the state of Michigan. Returning to school can become quite stressful when you're unaware of the recent changes to University policy and Michigan law. This edito- rial will help fill you in on all of the changes you've missed over the past four months, and what we'd like to see happen in the A perfect politician? near future. This past July, the University's Board of Regents voted to expand in-state tuition eli- gibility to many of Michigan's undocumented students, marking the end to a student-led campaign for tuition equality. Beginning in January 2014, undocumented residents in the state may qualify for the lower resident tuition prices, provided they can meet new residency requirements. While this historic decision may now make enrollment to the University pos- sible for the state's undocumented population, legal hurdles hinder the new policy's impact. Undocumented students are currently ineli- gible for state and federal financial aid. Con- sidering the average undocumented family earns $27,000 annually - roughly the cost of attendance for one year at the University - the broadening of in-state tuition is not enough. If the University intends to promote a more economically diverse campus, administration must push state and federal officials to widen financial-aid options - regardless of where someone was born. In August's primary election for Ann Arbor City Council, both Ward 3 and 4 were up for reelection. Incumbent Democrat Stephen Kunselman was reelected in Ward 3, and Jack Eaton beat out Marcia Higgins in Ward 4. Both Kunselman and Eaton suggested that Ann Arbor and the University should have a bet- ter relationship with each other - a talking point that's often brought up but rarely acted upon. A break in this pattern is necessary come November's election. For instance, Kunselman said the University and the city need to work together more efficiently in terms of security. Better communication between the Univer- sity Police and the city's law enforcement can help prevent crime on campus. Even certain improvements in the city, such as increased street lighting, may promote both student and resident safety. The council has a history of seeing the University as a separate concern from city matters; this year, we hope to see a shift in this mindset. Last Tuesday, the battle for Medicaid expansion finally came to a close (for now) in Michigan, with the state Senate reluctantly approving the expansion, which is a criti- cal mandate of the Affordable Care Act. Sup- ported by Gov. Rick Snyder, the proposal will add roughly more than 400,000 Michigan residents to the low-income health insurance plan. The expansion has been supported by numerous organizations, including the Michi- gan Health and Hospital Association and the Small Business Association of Michigan. These groups, like Snyder, have advocated the positive fiscal impact ofexpandinghealth care. Unfortunately, the conservative-dominated state legislature's drawn-out debate over Med- icaid was divided more on party lines rather than the bill's flaws or merits. The ideological divide nearly prevented Michigan's uninsured from gaining coverage - an embarrassment that even the Republican governor recognized. The legislature should follow the governor's example more often. ne of the s concepts t grow up a: no one - abso- lutely no one - is perfect. We learn that some of our great- est heroes in life often have equally great flaws, challeng- ing our relent- less admiration of them. In recent months, I be darker side of onec sured idols. Reading about Mayor Cory Booke every reason to ad has made a name f intelligent and cl tician with the c work ethic of a c nizer. As mayor, Bo ally shoveled snow allowed hurricane his home and even ing building to sav His energy and p ment have led to an national profile, an won the Democrati New Jersey's vacan In many ways, B ome of what a publi be. He cares deepl works tirelessly a intimately with h However, Booker be the epitome of e with high-profile I ticians. The prog group Blue Amer endorse Booker, relationship with Silicon valley elite privatized educati: willingness to cutS President Baract nost difficult President Bill Clinton and countless o grasp as we other Democrats have taken similar nd mature is that paths, trying to be "pro-business" as a way to garner bipartisan sup- port while filling their campaign coffers. They championed deregu- lation, cut into the social safety net and abandoned the middle class on their way to the top. As a bona fide rising star, it appears Booker may be no different. JAMES The accusations raised by his BRENNAN opponents on the left are not unfounded, as Booker has accepted millions in donations from Wall egan to see the Street, has made close friends with of my most trea- the leaders of tech giants and has supported dubious charter-school Newark, N.J. initiatives. It seems that the mayor r, I quickly found many have dubbed "Superman" is ore him. Booker not quite the hero he was made out for himself as an to be. harismatic poli- As disheartening as it may be ommitment and to mature and realize that people ommunity orga- like Booker are not the gods they 'oker has person- seemed like at first, part of grow- for constituents, ing up is also finding the good in victims to stay in situations rather than the perfect. ran into a burn- The critiques of Booker's politi- e someone's life. cal stances and potential to be a ersonal involve- national leader overshadow what explosion in his truly matters about him, which is id last month he a concept that no poll or study will c nomination for ever be able to quantify. it Senate seat. People like Booker inspire all ooker is the epit- of us to do what it takes to really it servant should make change happen. When I look y for his city, he at the list of the would-be senator's nd he connects accomplishments, I say to myself, is constituents. "I could do that." I don't know if I also appears to could get Mark Zuckerberg to give verything wrong my school district a $100-million Democratic poli- grant, but it doesn't take a Rhodes ;ressive activist scholar to volunteer with Big rica refused to Brothers Big Sisters. It also doesn't citing his cozy take a mayor to shovel snow or give Wall Street and people displaced by natural disas- s, his support for ters a place to stay., on reform and a As much as progressives can Social Security. and should call into question what k Obama, former Booker really supports, they have to look past political positions and realize what's really impor- tant. Booker deserves his "Super- man" moniker purely for inspiring thousands of people to do the lit- tle things that make big accom- plishments possible. Going out to shovel snow motivated dozens of Newark residents to do the same and suddenly an entire community was helping people get to work, go to the store and take their kids to school. It's not the most glorious, headline-grabbing achievement, Being a true public servant - and for that matter, a true hero - is about helping others. but it makes a difference. Being a public servant is not about writ- ing laws, just like being a hero is not about dressing up and fighting crime. Being a true public servant - and for that matter, a true hero - is about helping others. You don't have to be elected mayor or get a law degree from Yale University to be a public servant. Would I have voted for Booker had I lived in New Jersey? I honestly can't say. What I can say for certain, though, is that I will always admire Booker for the way he.inspired me to help others, even in little ways. He has inspired countless others, and the ripple effects of his sym- bolic acts have made a difference that cannot be quantified. Booker will always be a superhero to me, not because of what he does, but because of what he symbolizes and how he inspires me. - James Brennan can be reached at jmbthree@umich.edu. 0 SEND LETTERS TO: TOTHEDAILY@MICHIGANDAILY.COM Response to "Open letter to Provost Pollack" edge" alluded to E advised by a semi School of SocialV not to burn your1 TO THE DAILY: Lm outh shut, beha Dr. Shane Brady provided an excellent white liberals, esp description of what many black students and The disinvitatic black faculty at the University of Michigan have compelling failure known for years - activism is always welcome dent Mary SueC at Michigan, but there are strong restrictions response, i.e., ap on who may articulate the activism. "insider knowled, Blacks may "altmost" freely pontificate on the it's par for the cc subject of race, but only during Martin Luther the next election f King Day or Week, and only after receiving Regents to seek n approval from the office of Multicultural Stud- Dr. Brady. Believe: ies. Mind you, nothing too controversial. ment is not renew Being a woman of color with staying power at Michigan requires some sacrifice. The Audrey Jackson nature of this sacrifice is the "insider knowl- University alum by Brady. As I was recently -retired black faculty in the Work, "you have to be sure bridges." Simply keep your 'e gratefully and don't upset ecially ones with money. on is no surprise. The more e is that of University Presi- Coleman to offer a public ology. But for those with ge" of University. politics, ourse. Well, there's always or the University's Board of eeded change. Thank you, me, if your lecture appoint- ed, some of us understand. EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Kaan Avdan, Sharik Bashir, Barry Belmont, Eli Cahan, Eric Ferguson, Jesse Klein, Melanie Kruvelis, Maura Levine, Patrick Maillet, Aarica Marsh, Megan McDonald, Jasmine McNenny, Harsha Nahata, Adrienne Roberts, Paul Sherman,Sarah Skaluba, Michael Spaeth, Daniel Wang, Derek Wolfe ARE YOU BORED? DO YOU CARE ABOUT THE ISSUES WHATEVER THOSE MAY BE? COME TO EDITBOARD. MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS AT 6PM. 420 MAYNARD ST. EMAIL OPINIONEDITORS@MICHIGANDAILY.COM FOR DETAILS. CHECK US OUT ONLINE Keep up with columnists, read Daily editorials, view cartoons and join in the debate. Check out @michdailyoped and Facebook.com/MichiganDaily to get updates on Daily opinion content throughout the day. A