3A - Monday, March 17, 2014 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com 3A-Mndyarh1. 04Th .ihia, aiy-mihgnd. yo Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@michigandaily.com MEGAN MCDONALD PETER SHAHIN and DANIEL WANG KATIE BURKE 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. FROM THE DAIL An alternate (PATH)way Community service should be another option to maintain welfare benefits epublican Gov. Rick Snyder is currently considering signing a bill that will allow state welfare recipients to use community service participation - in addition to other activities - to maintain their welfare eligibility. Already suffering at the hands of a difficult job market, allowing welfare recipients another option to extend their welfare benefits helps alleviate the situation. Welfare programs not only offer financial assistance, but encourage job training programs that help welfare recipients who are unemployed to develop the necessary skills to successfullyreentertheworkforce. Snydershouldsignthelegislationtohelp people on welfare maintain their benefits and continue their job training. KARA ARGUE E-MAIL KARA AT KARGUE@UMICH.EDU ALL 7f. .jf r? A 1 Political theatrics he average global tempera- ture during each of the last three decades has consis- tently risen. Levels of car- bon dioxide in the atmosphere reached 400 parts per mil- lion in 2013 - the highest they have been since humans began walking the earth. Sea lev- els are rising at PATRICK MAILLET Under the Personal Responsibility and Work OpportunityAct of1996,most recipients are required to work in order to receive federal cash assistance, though factors such as age and medical condition may excuse certain recipients from these "work for welfare" requirements. Michigan Senate Bill 276, approved by the state House last week, would simply allow the act of community service to fulfill the Department of Human Services'work requirements.As a supplement to Michigan's welfare-to-work program, recipients can participate the in Partnership, Accountability, Training and Hope program which requires individuals seeking welfare to participate in a three-week assessment of their personal employment barriers and help find some form of permanent employment. Including community service as an option provides an additional alternative for recipients to maintain their welfare eligibility. Michigan's Department of Human Services has said the bill wouldn't force welfare recipients to perform community service. Instead, if welfare recipients - for whatever reason - are unable to fulfill the other welfare requirements, community service can serve as a final resort to maintain eligibility. The community service option allows people to stay on welfare, which not only assists them financially, but also gives them access to services to prepare them for the future. Currently, the state sponsors a program called PATH. The program is comprised of a "21-day assessment period during which barriers to employment are identified and caseworkers work individually with clients to connect them with resources to address these barriers." Thus, those on welfare can receive state-provided assistance in finding a job and working on their weakest areas. Providing this will help people when finding long-term jobs and, hopefully, help them leave the welfare program permanently. While this is a necessary first step, there is a larger issue at play. Working full time - without welfare benefits - does not guarantee that the worker will be able to support themselves or their families. The minimum wage in Michigan is $7.40 per hour and isn't tied to inflation. The living wage for a single parent with two children is $22.34. The difference between what individuals need to earn and what employers actually pay creates the need for programs like PATH and the welfare system in general. Finding a way to reduce this wage gap would decrease the need for supplemental programs by improving the wage-earning potential of those in low-paying jobs. the fastest pace in recorded history and the rate is expected to continue to rise. And do you know what our government is doing about it? Hav- ing a slumber party. Last week, more than two dozen U.S. Senate Democrats spoke throughout the night about the dangers of climate change and the need for action. These Senators each took turns bashing the GOP and spewing facts that were meant to "wake up" Americans. Unfortunately, Democratic leaders have said that a bill on climate change won't be brought before the floor in 2014. So what was the point of this talkathon about climate change? The same two motivations for everything else in Washington: money and theatrics. For one of the first times in my life, I actually agree with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) with regards to this climate change all-nighter. McConnell referred to the event as "30 hours of excuses" perpetuated to appease "some billionaire in San Francisco." The man that McConnell is referencing is Tom Steyer, a former hedge fund manager and environmentalist who has pledged $100 million in the 2014 election cycle to make climate change a top-tier election issue. The vast majority of the Democrats who stayed up last week will likely get donations from Steyer withouthavingto actually do anything. Most Senate Democrats who face tough reelection bids at home stayed out of the event, such as Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and Mark Begich (D-Alaska) - all Democrats from traditionally red states who are afraid to come out in support of the environment. Democrats are quick to blame the GOP for why the government has remained virtually stagnant with regards to climate change over the last couple years. Though I'm usually all for pointing fingers at Republicans for America's trials and tribulations, Democrats cannot possibly argue that they have done everythingtheycantopassanyform of legislation that would seriously fight climate change. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D- Nev.) and Democratic leadership in the Senate have stated that there is no use in passing a climate change bill because it will undoubtedly be shot down by the Republican House of Representatives. This logic hasn't stopped the House from voting on repealing the Affordable Care Act 42 times. Speaker of the House John Boehner knows that the Democratic-controlled Senate will never repeal President Barack Obama's landmark legislation, yet he still allows these repeal bills to come to the floor because it allows Republican candidates to go back to their district and tout that they have done everything in their power to repeal the ACA. Why doesn't the Senate take the example from its Congressional counterparts and at least show concerned Americans that someone in our government cares about climate change? Like most things in life, talking the talk is much easier than walkingthe walk. Senate Democrats are afraid of actually taking any action against climate change because they fear upsetting the very businesses that finance their campaigns. Coal, oil and natural gas companies - the biggest producers of carbon emissions - give millions of dollars every election cycle and hire more lobbyists than almost any other industry. There are even some Senate Democrats who are vehemently opposed to any climate change legislation such as Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) who literally shot a copy of the Clean Air Act nailed to a tree with a rifle during one of his campaign ads. Considering that West Virginia is a major coal-producing state, it's no wonder that most coal companies and workers came out and supported Manchin soon after that ad aired. Instead of actually taking any action, Senate Democrats are able to play both sides by appeasing to the environmentalist left of the party by making this public spectacle while also not actually doing anything and keeping their donors happy. Climate change is very real. According to NASA, more than 97 percent of scientists agree that human activity is very likely causing Earth's temperature to rise. Our government needs to stop pandering to its powerful donors and start worrying about the planet that will be left for generations to come. My message to Senate Democrats: put aside the theatrics and actually do something about our warming planet. - Patrick Maillet can be reached at mailletiumich.edu. EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Barry Belmont, Nivedita Karki, Jacob Karafa, Jordyn Kay, Kellie Halushka, Aarica Marsh, Megan McDonald, Victoria Noble, Michael Schramm, Matthew Seligman, Paul Sherman, Allison Raeck, Linh Vu, Daniel Wang, Derek Wolfe LET TEE TO THE EI)l TOE R SEND LETTERS TO: TOTHEDAILY@MICHIGANDAILY.COM The expanding infuence of former AD Bill Martin and former President the Athletic Department James Duderstadt, claims this lack of regulation is responsible for the "unbridled TO THE DAILY: expansion" of University Athletics that late While the student body's condemnation Athletic Director Don Canham warned of. of former Michigan kicker Brendan Gibbons' This expansion has occurred with limited alleged sexual assault and support for his benefit to student athletes, but amounts alleged victim signal a campus with a con- to a 62-percent increase in administrator science, the same cannot be said for Michigan's compensation and a near tripling in the AD's administration. The circumstances surround- salary compared to his predecessor. ing the University's response (or rather, the Though soaring ticket prices may already lack thereof) to the reported assault point to hurt students' pocketbooks, Gibbons' case a growing disconnect between the interests should be taken to be the first example of of students and those of the school, which Michigan's profit-driven focus on athletics has been veiled with boisterous displays of actually harming students . Students must supposed focus on students (see: Victors for now question whether administration will Michigan). Though such efforts may ultimate- look after their welfare or act in the interest ly improve the quality and availability of the of athletic (read: financial) performance. The Michigan education, Michigan Athletics and University may see repercussions as a result of the University of Michigan seem to be increas- the ongoing Department of Education investi- ingly separate entities; the latter being defer- gation, but Michigan's suspicious handling of ential to the former. this case and its delayed punishment does not According to John U. Bacon's, a college - bode well for students' confidence in the Uni- football writer and Michigan alum, blog, versity's future decision making. Michigan Athletics has shed faculty control under Athletic Director Dave Brandon's Jake Prosyniuk leadership. Bacon, who has interviewed 'LSA junior Evidence is consistent with someone acting deliberately inside the plane." - Malaysian Prime Minister Najibrazak told reporters in regards to the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. The aircraft disappeared March 8 with 239 passengers. STUDENTS ALLIED FOR FREEDOM AND-EQUALITY I Support divestment, support human rights This past Tuesday, members of Students Allied for Freedom and Equality proposed a resolution to the Central Student Government titled "A Resolution For the Uni- versity of Michigan to Divest From Socially Irresponsible Companies that Violate Palestinian Human Rights." The resolution calls on the University of Michigan to re- evaluate its financial investment in corporations that unethically profit from and facilitate the viola- tion of Palestinian human rights. The companies in question include United Technologies, Caterpillar, Heidelberg Cement and General Electric. All these companies are explicitly linked to Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine and ongo- ing human rights abuses. United Technologies possesses millions of dollars in contracts with the Israeli Air Force for the manufacture of armed Blackhawk helicopters, which have been used by the Israeli military in offensive campaigns against Palestinian communities, resulting in many civilian deaths and casualties. In addition, United Technologies produces the engines for the F-15 and F-16 aircraft used in strikes that result in the killing of innocent civilians. F-15 and F-16 aircraft were used in Operation Cast Lead in 2008/09, when 1,400 Palestinians were killed over a three week period, the vast majority of them innocent civilians. Caterpillar produces the D9 mili- tary bulldozers that are used to ille- gally demolish Palestinian homes. Its bulldozers and civil engineer- ing tools have also been crucial to the construction of the separation wall and settlements on Palestin- ian land. The #UMMockEviction campaign SAFE organized last semester raised awareness about the illegal demolition of Palestin- ian homes. Since 1967, more than 27,000 Palestinian homes have been demolished. Heidelberg Cement is involved in theexploitationofnaturalresources in occupied Palestinian land for the benefit of the Israeli construction industry. It operates two concrete plants and one asphalt plant in the West Bank and has provided the cement used for the building of illegal settlements as well as the building of the separation wall. Lastly, General Electric sells engines for a variety of Israeli military aircraft and provides the propulsion systems of AH-64 Apache helicopters that have been used in terrorizing raids against Palestinian towns and villages. The human rights violations in which the University is invested are severe. Five million Palestin- ian refugees are forcibly prevented from returning to their homes. In the West Bank, Palestinians live under a military occupation, in Gaza they are under constant siege and Palestinian citizens of Israel are explicitly denied equal rights under the law. Israel arbitrarily and punitively destroys Palestinian homesand farms, impris- ons and tortures Palestinian children and has killed thousands of Palestin- ian civilians since the year 2000. Investing in companies that profit from military occupation and vio- lence, no matter where or why, is wrong. And with thousands of via- ble alternatives, it is not necessary. In asking for the divestment from companies that continue to cooper- ate with the violation of Palestinian human rights, we are merely hold- ing our University accountable to its stated moral and ethical standards. The President's Advisory Commit- tee on Labor Standards and Human Rights at the University of Michi- gan states that its role is to "moni- tor code enforcement and promote University leadership in corporate citizenship with respect to fair labor practices, human rights and sustain- ability in its licensing operations." The University has reflected its commitment to ethical practices and human rights in its corporate investments in the past, when stu- dent pressure led to divestment from apartheid South Africa in 1978 and from tobacco-related companies in 2000. By calling attention to this issue, we are continuing the spirit of the thousands of University student activists who have been and contin- ue to be committed to social justice and equality for all people - not just those whodemanded divestment from apart-heid South Africa, but also the courageous students that vocally opposed the Vietnam War, that pried open the doors of higher education to people of color and those that continue to fight for equal access to higher education. Instead of being cause for contro- versy, the respect for human rights should be a commonly acknowl- edged principle. When the student representatives vote next Tuesday on the resolution, they will face a simple choice: whether to stand in solidarity with Palestinians' non-violent resistance to occupa- tion and violence, or to remain as accomplices in human rights viola- tions and indigenous displacement. The voting for the resolution will take place tomorrow, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Chambers room of the Michigan Union. Please join us if you would like to show your support and stand in solidarity. Additionally, Ali Abunimah, the founder of Electronic Intifada, will be speaking about his latest book The Battle for Justice in Palestine and the future of Palestine and Israel March 17 at 7 p.m. in the Rackham Amphitheater. This viewpoint was written by the members of Students Allied for Freedom and Equality.