T H E I N D E P E N D E N T D A I LY AT D U K E U N I V E R S I T Y
The Chronicle
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTH YEAR, ISSUE 52
WWW.DUKECHRONICLE.COM
WHO DO STUDENTS WANT?
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS DALL
Duke students are registered...
The Chronicle, in partnership with the Duke Initiative on Survey Methodology, conducted a IRB-approved poll of 3,200 undergraduates via email from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2. The poll yielded 1155 responses, an approximate response rate of 36 percent. The Chronicle would like to thank Sunshine Hillygus, associate professor of political science, and Scott Clifford, a survey associate at the Initiative on Survey Methodology along with David Jamieson-Drake and Jiali Luo at the Office of Institutional Research. The listed statistics are approximations. Check out the full poll on page 3.
Check out more Chronicle election coverage at
chron.it/Q0B1sa and on pages 6-7.
CHRONICLE GRAPHIC BY ELIZA STRONG
18.5 % Republican 777777 32.3 % Independent 45.3 % Democrat
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2 | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012
THE CHRONICLE
In historically red NC, For some internationals, Durham bleeds blue no vote, no problem by Patton Callaway THE CHRONICLE
Durham continues to bleed blue in a traditionally red state on the eve of the presidential elections. North Carolina voted for Republican presidential candidates in seven elections in a row before President Barack Obama won the state by just over 14,000 votes in 2008. Unlike its rural neighbors, however, Durham County has historically voted Democratic in state and national elections. This disparity stems from Durham’s history, ethnic diversity and progressive institutions like Duke that draw people to the area, said Democratic Rep. David Price, the former Duke professor who represents North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District. “There isn’t a formula for statewide [Democratic] victory that doesn’t include Durham,” Price said. “It is a tradition that we consider ourselves the New South with this inspiration of being more forward-looking and building for the next generation.” In Durham County, 59 percent of voters are registered as Democrats and 24 percent are registered Republicans as compared to, for example, the 21 percent registered Democrats and 56 percent registered Republicans in nearby Yadkin County, according to data from the N.C. Board of Elections. Durham’s progressiveness stems from its history as one of the last of the state’s southern towns to emerge, developing only after the Civil War, said Mac
McCorkle, former Democratic political consultant and associate professor of the practice of public policy. A growing tobacco industry built a black middle class by offering better job opportunities than the textile industry. Surrounded by two universities, Durham developed as a working-class town where most of the well-paying jobs were in the cigarette and tobacco industries, said Phail Wynn, vice president for Durham and regional affairs. He added that these two factors have contributed to the county’s long-standing progressive tendencies. The combined presence of Duke and the large black population gives the county two of the strongest contemporary Democratic coalitions in one place—African Americans and people with a graduate education, McCorkle noted. “Durham is a more hospitable place to Hispanics, African Americans and gays— a hospitality signaled by this post-grad ethos,” McCorkle added. This population demographic attracts more liberal residents to Durham. he said. When the local politicians are liberal because of local coalitions, more liberalminded people move to an area. The county’s competitive businesses also attract employees from across the nation. Durham’s numerous businesses and job magnets, like Duke and its medical system, have brought an influx of people who are not from North Carolina, said political SEE DURHAM ON PAGE 4
by Jack Mercola THE CHRONICLE
Many Duke students are ineligible to vote in the upcoming election, but that does not stop them from engaging in U.S. politics. International students who do not have U.S. citizenship are unable to cast ballots in the 2012 general elections. However, as current residents of the United States, the outcome of the election has real ramifications for the international Duke community, some international students said. Despite not being able to cast a vote, sophomore Breno Maciel, who hails from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, said he has familiarized himself with the American political system. As a freshman, Maciel joined Duke Democrats and Duke College Republicans to immerse himself in both major U.S. political parties. This task would have been much more difficult had an American traveled to Brazil for college, where there are 36 competitive parties, he said. “I am a political science major, so politics has always been one of my major interests,” Maciel noted. “As soon as I came to the U.S., I knew I wanted to get involved in American politics. Right at the beginning, I didn’t know where I stood.... With time I made the choice to define myself as a Republican.” More than a year later, Maciel has solidified himself as a GOP supporter and has taken to volunteering for the
Republican Party this election season. In addition to making a donation to the Romney campaign, he has been going to door-to-door for the Durham GOP for the past two months. “I don’t feel marginalized, especially because I’ve been spending so much time with the [Duke College] Republicans,” he said. “They were excited to know that somebody who could not vote would help them promote the candidacy of Mitt Romney. Even though I cannot vote, I feel good because I was able to convince voters to go to the polling place, and I was able to help structure the campaign.” Nonny Scott, a sophomore from London, said she, too, began to pay attention to American politics when she moved here a year ago. Before starting at Duke, Scott said she knew little about the U.S. political system beyond the past few presidents. But Duke students are apt to engage in political discussion, she said, and many American political decisions can directly influence Scott and the people she cares about, so entering the political dialogue is “hard to avoid.” Scott was not engaged in the 2008 general election where many young Americans were excited about electing President Barack Obama. She said she supports the president, but only as a “lesser of two evils.” SEE INTERNATIONAL ON PAGE 4
Did you realize that OVER 16% of the current US population identifies as Latino/Hispanic? Did you know that this category includes people who are: black, white, and brown; Spanish-speaking and English-speaking; new immigrants as well as long term citizens; linked to Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Chile, Mexico, Spain or any of 20+ other countries? Whether you are Latino/a or not, this is an important population to learn about, and Duke offers many options to do so! Check out our certificate, Latino/a Studies in the Global South, that you can combine with ANY major/minor, and consider the following SPRING courses: Latino/a Autobiography and Memoir with Prof Claudia Milian, LSGS490S.01/SPAN490S.02.01 The “Hispanic” Challenge: “Latinidad” and “Americanidad” at Large through Lit & Film with Prof Walter Mignolo, LSGS490S.02/SPAN490S.02.02 Contemporary Art, Lit & Media of the US/Mexico Border with China Medel, LSGS290S.01/LIT390S.15.02/WOMST290S.01/ VMS290S.02 Education, Community, & Activism: Critically Examining Latina/o Experiences in Schools with Prof Jason Mendez, LSGS290S.02/EDUC290S.02 Health, Culture, and Latino Community, LSGS306.01/ SPAN306.01 Issues in Education and Immigration with Prof Rebecca Ewing, LSGS307S.01/SPAN307S.01 Spanish for Heritage Speakers with Prof Joan Munné, LSGS305.01/SPAN305.01 Art, Visual Culture & Politics in Central America with Kency Cornejo, ARTHIST290/VMS290/LAS390.02 El Norte: 100 Years of Mexican Migration with Prof Nicolas Eilbaum, WRITING 101.81 & 101.82
PROVOST’S LECTURE SERIES 2012/2013 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 4:00-5:30 PM 217 PERKINS LIBRARY spotlight.duke.edu/provostlectures/
Duolingo: Learn a Language for Free While Helping to Translate the Web LUIS VON AHN A. NICO HABERMANN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
For additional courses and more info, visit
http://latinostudies.duke.edu/ Feel free to e-mail Program Exec Director, jennysw@duke.edu, with any questions.
The Web’s content is split into hundreds of languages. Professor von Ahn will introduce his project – Duolingo – which aims at breaking the language barrier and thus making the Web truly “world wide.”
THE CHRONICLE
DukePoll sorority members
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012 | 3
See how different segments of the Duke undergraduate population broke for different candidates. More than 1,000 students responded to The Chronicle’s survey, which was formally approved by a Duke Institutional Review Board for research.
zKEY
69.2%
OBAMA
OTHER
ROMNEY
WILL NOT VOTE
26.6%
2.6% 1.6%
fraternity members 51.6%
37.5%
6.2%
4.7%
arts and humanities students 70.4%
22.6%
3.8% 3.2%
math and natural science students 72.6%
2.1 3.1%
22.3%
engineering students 49.7%
38%
7%
5.3%
social sciences students 66%
26.7%
2.4%
4.9%
family income under $50k 7.62%
17%
4.5%
2.3%
family income $50-100k 74.1%
18.4%
family income $100-250k 66.9%
4.9%
25.4%
4.2%
2.7% 3.5%
family income $250-500k 63.8%
family income above $500k 55.2%
28.5%
4.4%
38.8%
3%
3.3% 3%
asian students 13%
76%
black students 83.3%
5.5%
5.5%
12.1%
latino students 69.8%
20.8%
4.6% 5.6%
3.8%
white students 60.4%
33.1%
3.7% 2.8%
duke overall 65.6%
26.5%
4.4%
3.5%
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CHRONICLE GRAPHIC BY ELIZA STRONG
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4 | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012
THE CHRONICLE
INTERNATIONAL from page 2 “My economics-student friends all seem to prefer Romney, however, I just could never ever vote for someone with the views of social matters that he has,” she said. “So, I prefer Obama on principle, but unfortunately not because of any shining quality of his own.” Junior Jaakov Schulman carry dual citizenship between the United States and their home country, whose mother is Finnish and father is an American. Schulman, who volunteers with Duke Democrats, has lived in both the United States and Finland. He said his dual citizenship and residency has encouraged him to engage in both American and Finnish politics. “I phone banked from Finland using Skype in the ’08 [general election],” he said. “Little did people know I was calling from abroad.” Having direct experience with their native political systems, Maciel voiced some criticism of the U.S. political structure. Deciding a president via the electoral
college is inferior to using the popular vote, as is practiced in Brazil, Maciel said. “When politicians campaign [in England], there is a lot less money bandied around and it’s more about the party than the people,” Scott added. “And the campaigns slurring the other party are ridiculous. We have them too, I’m not denying that, but I don’t think it’s the sign of a good campaign at all.” Outsiders’ perspectives have helped international students form their political convictions. Scott, who is familiar with the British government-funded health care system, said Medicare and Medicaid must be reformed to more resemble European ones if America wants to provide sounds health care to its citizens. Maciel said he believes that America must keep a strong presence internationally and enthusiastically promote the principles of capitalism and democracy abroad, noting that Brazil’s transition from a dictatorship to a democracy was greatly aided by U.S. investment in these principles. He also said a move toward freer trade and stronger international market integra-
tion will benefit Latin America economically. “I lived in a country with universal health care and free education,” Schulman noted “I lived in a city that was safe enough for me to commute alone on a subway what I was ten. Those are conditions that make an alternative seem more tangible.” But an international student’s political sentiments need not be dictated by their country of origin, said John Scott-Jones, a junior from Ohope, New Zealand. Scott-Jones, who is a political science major and an Obama supporter, said he is very vocally active and joked that the “Obama 2012” sticker on his laptop could be a sign of his engagement in the American political system. “I don’t think being international has really influenced my thoughts during this campaign,” he wrote in an email Sunday. “I’m more affected by being human. Obama talking about gay marriage openly was a huge step forward, [and] his support of the DREAM Act seems like the right thing to do as far as I am concerned.” Find an extended version online at dukechronicle.com.
DURHAM from page 2
Student Visual Art Exhibition: Best In Show Awards October 26 – November 4
Congratulations to the students and to all participants in the Duke Arts Festival!
1st Place Winner
Abby Starnes Class of 2014 for Rapture, (painting, acrylic on canvas, 2011)
science professor Peter Feaver, who served on the National Security Council for former President George W. Bush. Durham companies compete nationally for employees, whereas companies in rural areas tend to draw from local populations instead. “That creates a geographic diversity outside the metropolitan areas, and that is different from the more traditional North Carolina,” Feaver said. Durham’s relatively urbanized population tends to be more Democratic, whereas suburban, exurban and rural voters tend to favor Republicans, he added. In the 2008 presidential election, 75.6 percent of votes cast in Durham county were for Obama, contributing to his narrow win in North Carolina, according to data from the N.C. Board of Elections. But many recent polls have Obama losing the state—the New York Times classifies North Carolina as a Republican-leaning state for this election. “North Carolina is one of the two states that Obama won very narrowly in 2008, and we know that nationwide his support is much weaker than it was four years ago,” Feaver said. “You would expect him to lose the state that he won very narrowly because he hasn’t expanded his support base.” But others think that the state could vote blue for the second presidential election in a row. The Obama campaign continues to rally North Carolina voters, sending first lady Michelle Obama and former President Bill Clinton to the state on the eve of the elections. “I believe as in 2008 it could happen again,” Price said. “If that weren’t possible, you wouldn’t see Clinton and Michelle coming to the state in the past week. It’s still within reach.”
ATTENTION FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS 2nd Place Winner
Joyce Wang Class of 2015 for Holding Back (drawing, graphite on paper, 2011)
3rd Place Winner
Nekoda Witsken Class of 2015 for Statue’s Soul (acrylic and gel medium on canvas, 2012)
Did you know you can apply to become a Robertson Scholar? The Robertson Scholars Program invites you to an open information session to learn more about this opportunity!
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Jie Lisa Ji
Laurel Koch
Gihani Dissanayake
Olivia Chen
Class of 2014 Out of Joy
Class of 2015 untitled
Class of 2015 Stairway to Heaven
Class of 2015 Trapped
(acrylic on canvas, 2012)
(oil on canvas, 2012)
(photograph, 2012)
(photograph, 2012)
arts.duke.edu
Sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for the Arts, Duke Alumni Association, Duke Career Center, Duke University Union VisART Committee, and duArts
November 8th 6-7PM East Duke 209 Meet Members of the program staff and current scholars Discuss the benefits and expectations of the program ■ Review important information about the application process Please join us! ■
■
Learn more at www.robertsonscholars.org, or contact Nandini Kumar: kumar@robertsonscholars.org
Sports
>> THE BLUE ZONE
The Chronicle
MEN’S SOCCER
TUESDAY
Our player-by-player previews continue all week on the sports blog, continuing with redshirts Alex Murphy and Marshall Plumlee www.sports.chronicleblogs.com
November 6, 2012 www.dukechroniclesports.com
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Duke gets a Williams’ frustrating foot injury second shot versus UNC by Steven Slywka THE CHRONICLE
The first time Duke and North Carolina met this season, two second-half red cards doomed the Blue Devils to an overtime loss. With Duke needing to make some noise to earn an NCAA Tournament berth, the Blue No. 2 Devils have even more UNC on the line in today’s vs. edition of the Tobacco Road rivalry. No. 7 The seventh-seeded Duke Blue Devils (8-7-2, 3-4-1 Tuesday, 7 p.m. in the ACC) and secondFetzer Field seeded Tar Heels (14-2ACC Tournament 1, 6-1-1) will square off in the quarterfinals of the ACC tournament Tuesday at Fetzer Field in Chapel Hill. Duke has entered most of its games this season with an advantage on the defensive end. The Blue Devils rank second in the ACC in shutouts, goals against average and save percentage. They have recorded clean sheets against half of their opponents, a 0.71 goals
After being decimated by injuries late last season, this year was supposed to be different for Duke. But with the season just beginning, the Blue Devils already face a daunting obstacle as preseason All-American Elizabeth Williams has not yet recovered from a stress fracture suffered last March. The absence of Williams has put a damper on the high expectations for her and the rest of the team coming into the season. Returning four starters from a team that made the Elite Eight last year, expectations are high for head coach Joanne P. McCallie’s squad, earning the No. 3 ranking prior to the season. The Blue Devils are also the preseason favorites to win the ACC, but those rankings were contingent on the return of the 6-foot-3 sophomore, last year’s National Freshman of the Year. A stress fracture occurs when there is an incomplete crack in the bone. The injury typically develops over time and occurs as extended practice and overuse places undue stress on the bone, eventually causing a small crack or fracture to develop. In her first collegiate season, Williams averaged more than 30 minutes a game, the second-highest total on the team. This came on the heels of continuous practicing for more than a year between her senior year of high school and a summer playing for USA basketball, where she won a gold
SEE M. SOCCER ON PAGE 8
SEE WILLIAMS ON PAGE 8
by Lopa Rahman THE CHRONICLE
ELYSIA SU/THE CHRONICLE
The stress fracture in Elizabeth Williams’ foot has not fully healed in the seven months since it first came up.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Blue Devils earn a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tourney by Danny Nolan THE CHRONICLE
A year ago, Duke was upset by Wake Forest in the ACC tournament. The Blue Devils then went on to reach their first ever NCAA title game, falling to Stanford 1-0. Now 12 months removed from a championship game berth, Duke will try to reach the College Cup following a loss to the Demon Deacons in the conference tournament, with both earning No. 3 seeds in the field of 64. “I’m definitely super excited,” junior defender Natasha Anasi said. “I feel like we haven’t played in a really long time, since our game against Wake [Forest]. Everyone’s just jacked up and ready to play.” The Blue Devils (12-5-2) will take on Loyola of Maryland in their first round matchup this Saturday at Koskinen Stadium. The selection marks the 19th time in school history that Duke has received an NCAA bid. Players and coaches alike are excited to play again, even against a Greyhound squad that the Blue Devils know very little about. “I actually know nothing about them,” senior defender Erin Ko-
SYLVIE SPEWAK/THE CHRONICLE
The Blue Devils cheer as they watch the NCAA selection show, in which it was revealed they earned a three seed. balla said. “I’m excited to play them—a nameless, faceless opponent. I’m just ready to go after it.” The loudest reaction from Duke may have come later in the NCAA selection broadcast, when it was announced that Virginia would also be competing in their
quarter of the bracket. Nine ACC teams made the tournament, led by first-seeded Florida State. Players stressed that their primary focus is on their first round matchup, but they would not mind playing the Cavaliers later in the tournament, a potential
quarterfinal showdown. “Every team in the ACC is a rival,” Koballa said. “UVA is just such a good team and such comparable systems. It’s a great matchup.” When Duke takes the field Saturday, it will be the first time the
team will have played competitively in nearly two weeks. However, according to senior midfielder Nicole Lipp, the Blue Devils will have no problem shaking off the rust. “We had a scrimmage on Friday and played a full 60 minutes,” Lipp said. “I think we’ve been able to stay really competitive in practice and we’ve simulated gamelike situations pretty well.” Since the team lost to Wake Forest, a number of players picked up conference accolades. Ranking fifth in the nation with 11 assists, Cassie Pecht was named the ACC Freshman of the Year. Junior forward Laura Weinberg earned first-team All-ACC honors while teammates Natasha Anasi and Kim DeCesare picked up second-team honors. Weinberg and DeCesare have paced the team’s attack, combining for 27 goals on the season. But after a week of only practice, Koballa is ready to finally get back on the field for one last shot at an NCAA title. “I’m looking forward to Saturday already,” Koballa said. “I think we have a great bracket. Hopefully we’ll make it all the way to where we were last year and further.”
6 | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012
THE CHRONICLE
BATTLEGROUND NORTH CAROLIN Romney campaign confident in NC win, Obama pours resources into the state Information compiled by Tiffany Lieu and Jack Mercola, with data from The New York Times, Real Clear Politics, The National Journal and CNN. Graphics, photos and design by Lauren Carroll, Thu Nguyen and Caroline Rodriguez.
by Jack Mercola THE CHRONICLE
Four years ago, all eyes were on North Carolina as polls and journalists almost unanimously agreed that voters in the Tar Heel state race were down to a fifty-fifty split between then-freshman Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain. Now, not everyone agrees that North Carolina is the battleground it once was. Obama won North Carolina in 2008—a feat not accomplished by a Democrat for 32 years prior—by a margin of 0.3 percent, a tenuous hold over the historically conservative state. The four years since have given time for the state political climate to evolve or devolve, depending on who you ask. In 2010, North Carolinians elected a very Republican state legislature, and this May, voters approved a Republicanbacked anti-same-sex marriage amendment that shone the media spotlight on what seemed to be an increasingly conservative North Carolina. Those indicators suggested that the president would be facing an uphill battle in his re-election pursuit, and poll data over the course of the 2012 campaign season have confirmed that notion. The Real Clear Politics average of polls, a tabulation that aggregates data from several renowned polling firms, shows that since Mitt Romney clinched the Republican presidential nomination, he has only lost the lead in North Carolina for an eight-day stint after a video surfaced in which he said 47 percent of Americans “believe that they are victims” and “believe that they are entitled.” On the eve of the elections, Rom-
ney maintained a full 3 percent lead in North Carolina, according to the RCP average. The aggregation includes a range of data from a Rasmussen poll that put Romney six points ahead of his opponent to an Elon University poll that put the two candidates in a dead tie. Romney’s 3 percent lead in North Carolina is stronger than any lead either candidate had in contested states Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Ohio, New Hampshire and Virginia as of Nov. 5. These data have helped instill confidence in the Romney camp’s security over the North Carolina. Another statewide indicator is support for Gov. Bev Perdue. Since her election in 2008, her approval ratings have decreased steadily, and she decided not to run for another term. Republican gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory is now polling 14.3 points ahead of Democrat Walter Dalton, according to the RCP average. “The momentum is on our side, and North Carolina will turn red this November,” said Rachel Adams, communications director for Romney’s North Carolina Victory campaign. But the Obama campaign has not even considered giving up the fight for North Carolina, said Cameron French, press secretary for the North Carolina branch of the Obama For America campaign. In fact, grassroots supporters are now working as hard as they ever have to keep Obama’s most narrowly won state blue, he added. OFA’s presence in North Carolina has not left since the president’s election in 2008, he noted, and more than 400 volunteer “neighborhood teams” and 54 offices have been working toward Obama’s re-election in recent months. Democratic A-listers first lady
Michelle Obama, second lady Jill Biden and former President Bill Clinton have visited the state in the last four days leading up to Election Day. While Clinton and the first lady took to Raleigh and Charlotte—both Democratic mainstays—Biden rallied support in more conservative western regions of the state. “This is not a last ditch effort. It’s a continuation of the work we’ve been doing,” French said, adding that he does not consider 3 percent a large enough gap in the polls to predict a Romney victory. “Once we started the early vote, every day has been Election Day.” Early voting ran from Oct. 18 to Nov. 3 in North Carolina, and results suggest that all is not lost for Obama in the state, he added. “Democrats overwhelmingly came out more to vote in terms of turnout compared to what Republicans were able to do,” French said. During the North Carolina early voting period, approximately 1.3 million registered Democrats, 861,128 registered Republicans and 565,836 registered unaffiliated voters cast ballots, according to data from Carolina Transparency, a website that tracks election data for the state. However, early voting results do not have a history of accurately predicting elections. In 2008, Democratic early voters greatly overwhelmed GOP early voters in North Carolina, much like they have done in 2012, but Obama took the state by just more than 14,000 votes. Republicans expect that they will have a much higher voter turnout on Election Day, Adams noted, and the
proportion by Democrats le early voting is than it was in “Republica the Democra margin in No than triple O gin of victory dent’s lead in hold with Gov likely to vote o 33 percent m is a clear choi North Carolin Romney.” On Oct. 18 Observer repo staffers, inclu chief Romne Carolina, had more compet move, 24 offic throughout t have remaine Levoff, a Rom Republican their lead, Fre to win North to recoup the by picking up Ohio, Nevada all have been tent leads for French ar na’s changing in Obama’s fa According that tabulated sus Bureau dat white citizen vo
Recent campaign highlights June 28—The U.S. Supreme Court upholds Obamacare in a 5-4 ruling.
Aug. 31—At the Republican National Convention in Florida, Romney is officially nominated as the Republican presidential candidate. Clint Eastwood delivers memorable speech.
Sept. 11—The U.S. compound hazi, Libya corre one-week dip in Obama.
Aug. 11—Romney announces Paul Ryan as his running mate, which does not significantly affect polls but brings women’s issues to the forefront.
Sept. 5—At the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, Obama is officially nominated as the Democratic candidate. Bill Clinton delivers memorable speech.
Sept. 17— at a camp Romney says t of Americans on the govern
THE CHRONICLE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012 | 7
NA: IS IT A SWING STATE ANYMORE?
y which d in 2012 s less extreme 2008. ans have cut into ats’ 2008 early vote orth Carolina by more Obama’s 14,000-vote marin the state.... The presin early votes isn’t likely to v. Romney leading those on Election Day by a 60 to margin,” she said. “There ice on Election Day, and na voters will choose Mitt 8, The Raleigh News and orted that many Romney uding Robert Reid, the ey spokesman in North d been relocated to other titive states. Despite the ces have remained open the state and volunteers ed engaged, said Michael mney spokesman. ns may be too secure in ench said. If Romney fails h Carolina, he will have e loss in electoral votes p states like Wisconsin, a or Pennsylvania, which polling small but consisObama. rgued that North Carolig demographics may play avor come Election Day. to a Nov. 2 OFA memo d 2008 and 2010 U.S. Centasets, the rate at which the oting age population of the
e attack on the d in Bengelates with a n the polls for
It surfaced that aign fundraiser, that 47 percent are dependent ment, sparking voter outcry.
Online at chron.it/Q0B1sa state is increasing is only one fourth of the rate at which the equivalent black population is increasing and only one eighteenth of the rate at which the Latino population is increasing. The memo also said that, through the first 14 days of early voting, voters between the ages of 18 and 24 had already cast over 9,000 more votes in 2012 than they did in 2008 early voting. Black, Latino, and youth voters have consistently been polled to favor Obama this election cycle. Both candidates poured plenty of funding into the state, but Romney and his surrogates have the advantage on ad spending, according to a National Journal report. Obama for America spent $24.1 million, the Romney campaign spent $17.1 million and Romney-surrogate political action committees spent $22.9 million in North Carolina. Today, voters will decide whether North Carolina will be as close a race as it was in 2008. Both campaigns said they have committed massive resources and efforts into the state, and will focus on motivating as many voters as possible to cast their ballots.
Get a sneak peak at some of our online-only articles below. Keep up with The Chronicle’s election coverage on our special page, and pick up the print edition for follow-up analysis. Also like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @DukeChronicle. Duke students weigh in as election arrives After months of campaigning, Election Day has finally come. The Chronicle spoke with students about their thoughts heading into decision day. Governor’s race favors two-time candidate McCrory Democrat Walter Dalton, the current lieutenant governor, will face Republican Pat McCrory, the former mayor of Charlotte, who ran for the Gubernatorial post in 2008. McCrory has been polling far ahead of his opponent and is likely to be voted into Executive Mansion. His platform for education includes budget cuts to higher education, which will affect the University of North Carolina system and indirectly Duke, even as a private institution. Race for Duke’s representative in US House is lopsided Current Democratic N.C. Congressman G.K. Butterfield expects a smooth re-election today. Butterfield, who has represented North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District since 2004, is running against Republican Pete DiLauro and Libertarian Darryl Holloman. During the congressional redistricting after the 2010 census, the 1st District expanded to include Durham and Duke’s campus, areas that tend to vote heavily Democratic. Neither DiLauro nor Holloman have fundraised or spent money on their campaigns.
Oct. 3—Obama and Romney face off for the first time at the University of Denver. A weak performance by Obama leads to a jump in the polls for Romney.
Oct. 11— Biden and Ryan debate about domestic and foreign policy at Centre College in Kentucky.
Oct. 16— Obama rebounds with a stronger performance against Romney in the second debate, a town hall at Hofstra University in New York.
Oct. 22— Obama and Romney face off in the final debate on foreign policy at Lynn University in Florida. The debate contributes no significant change to polls.
8 | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012
WILLIAMS from page 5 medal as a member of the 2011 U-19 team. “I played USA basketball through the whole summer and once I got back I went straight into preseason,” Williams said. “I never rested my body for an extended period of time.” All that time on the court finally caught up with Williams just before the NCAA Tournament when she was first diagnosed with the stress fracture in the tibia bone of her right leg, two days before the Big Dance began. Despite the pain, she elected to play through the injury and acquitted herself nicely, averaging 11.5 points and 28.3 minutes during the four games. The primary treatment for stress fractures is extended rest. Relieving pressure off the bone is crucial for allowing the fracture to heal. In the offseason, Williams refrained from any basketball activity. She traveled with the team for their preseason trip to France and Italy, but did not participate in any of the games or practices. Williams used this time to get stronger and learn how to avoid placing as much pressure on her leg. “I still lifted weights with the team, since I couldn’t do a lot of basketball stuff,” Williams said. “In rehab I did a
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lot of hip and ankle strengthening so that I wouldn’t be putting too much stress on my shin, and I would be able to learn how to use my hips more.” Unfortunately for the Blue Devils, her recovery has not progressed as quickly as expected. The healing time for stress fractures can vary from four to 12 weeks, or even longer, but Williams with seven months since she first suffered the injury, her leg still has not completely healed. “I’m day-to-day right now. Depending on my pain level is how much I’ll practice.” Williams said. “[It hurts] at points where I put a lot of pressure on it, jumping, if I lean to much in one step, things like that.” The sophomore post player managed to play briefly in the team’s season-opening Blue-White scrimmage, but was limited to only 15 minutes. Even worse, after the team’s first exhibition game against Shaw, McCallie reported that the soreness in Williams’ leg had come back and she would be sidelined indefinitely. “She’s been hurt and trying to strengthen that bone, but it keeps popping up,” McCallie said. “It’s been seven months since the stress fracture, and it would have been better if she had broke it.” For now, the Blue Devils are resigned to withholding their star player from practice in hopes that her stress frac-
ture will recover in time for conference play. Extended practice often triggers the pain, Williams said, while playing in games can be encouraging. “It felt good playing, honestly,” Williams said in reference to the Blue-White scrimmage. “The pain usually comes if I play in practice for a couple of days in a row without rest and that’s when I start feeling the soreness.” McCallie, however, did not sound optimistic about the benefits of more rest. “She gets oodles of rest. She hasn’t been through a full practice in over seven months,” McCallie said. “The key is I’ve got to be honest to Elizabeth. I can’t let her play at 40 percent.... She’s just got to simply see what she can do.” If Williams’ stress fracture persists, the Blue Devils could be short on depth as they look to improve on their Elite Eight berths from the last three years—freshman forward Katie Heckmann is out for the year with an ACL injury while sophomores Chloe Wells and Richa Jackson are also battling injuries. So for now, the team’s late-season potential is just a distant for McCallie as she waits for her team to get healthy. “Based on the injuries we’ve had, I just don’t think about that,” McCallie said. “We’ve got a starting five out. I realize how quickly things can change. These are all events outside of our control.”
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M. SOCCER from page 5 against average and an 84-percent save rate. Senior goalkeeper James Belshaw blanked the Blue Devils’ past four opponents, including Elon and SIU Edwardsville, which are ranked in the top 30 in RPI. “Duke defends exceptionally well,” North Carolina head coach Carlos Somoano said. “They have an outstanding goalkeeper and are very hard to break down.” But No. 3 North Carolina’s defensive advantage reigns supreme. They own the highest shutout percentage in the country, holding 13 of their 17 opponents at nil. Their nation-leading goals-against average of 0.24 is in a league of its own—the next closest team in Division I is Akron at 0.33. North Carolina’s senior goalkeeper Scott Goodwin leads the nation at stopping shots on goal with a 90-percent save rate. “We returned three of our back four, our goalkeeper and our defensive midfielders, and everybody else was new,” Somoano said. “It’s natural that we had a head start on our defense going into the season based on returning players, familiarity and continuity. They’ve reached another level this year, and
we’re very pleased.” Of the 17 teams that North Carolina has played this season, Duke is one of just four to successfully break through its defensive unit and score against Goodwin. Sophomore Riley Wolfe tallied a goal against the Tar Heels in the regularseason matchup between Duke and North Carolina. Wolfe has become an increasingly potent offensive force during the course of the season. The midfielder notched two assists against SIU Edwardsville Friday and a goal against Virginia Tech the week before. “Riley has done a good job of penetrating defenses because he’s a great crosser of the ball, but he’s also a good dribbler,” Blue Devil head coach John Kerr said. “He’s got a great shot on him. He has three dimensions that can hurt you.” Currently one game above .500, Duke is on the bubble of inclusion to the NCAA Tournament field. A conference tournament win against the third-ranked team in the country would strengthen the Blue Devils’ case, putting to rest concerns about Duke’s ability to compete with the best. “We will have a great chance to get into the tournament if we win, and there will be lots of question marks if we don’t win,” Kerr said.
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The Tar Heels have held 13 of its 17 opponents scoreless this season, but Duke’s Riley Wolfe was able to score against them earlier this year.
Looking to hire part-time tennis instructors during the 2013 Spring semester. Location is about 5 miles from campus. Please send resume to hollowrocktennis@ gmail.com if interested.
Looking for reliable nanny on Thurs/Fridays for care of two young boys, 2 and 5. Care is including drop off/picks ups from nearby schools. Must have safe driving record and car, and enjoy kid outings (parks, etc). Looking for start date after Thanksgiving. Majority of the time would be spend with 2 1/2 yr old while older one is at school. Pay is $13/hour. Email lindsay.wojo@duke.edu
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Carrboro, NC based television computer animation company has entry-level position for assistant animator for 6 month position. Looking for individual with basic knowledge of Photoshop, 3D computer animation, and preferably After Effects skills as well. Seeking highly-organized and detail oriented individual for a job working on a cuttingedge, Discovery Channel tv series at our offices in Carrboro. Send resume via email: carolinacg.artist.job@gmail.com
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The Chapel Hill Restaurant Group (Spanky’s, Squid’s, 411 West, 518 West, and Mez) is proud to announce the opening of another restaurant in RTP, called Page Road Grill(PRG). PRG is dedicated to providing a quality dining experience for everyone who walks through our doors and we are looking for people who will uphold our high standards of service with a passion for food and drink. PRG will open in late November 2012 and we are looking for energetic, friendly, and team oriented hosts and servers with previous experience. Please email jobs@pageroadgrill.com for information.
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Give house model room to grow This headline appeared Community identity cannot in the Nov. 2 issue of The materialize overnight. Right Chronicle: “Independents now, we find ourselves still in lack sense of community in the trial phase. Duke house model.” We recBut the trial phase is the ognize the article for what it most important phase. Acwas: A muchtions that stuneeded mid-sedents take now editorial mester checkwill shape the up on Duke’s new house house model for generations model. But we fear that stu- of Duke students to come. dents may mistake the article Instead of prematurely profor a death notice. claiming the house model’s While one might infer failure, students should be from the article that the actively contributing to its house model is failing, we success. The house model is cannot make such strong founded on the belief that judgments yet. The house the right of return and stumodel is barely three months dent-run programming will old—not nearly enough time lead to unique residential for any strong sense of cama- communities. In the first few raderie to be fostered among years of implementation, it an entire house. The transi- is crucial that houses set a tion into the house model good precedent for house will take years, not months. leadership and social life.
“
I cannot believe that in this day and age those same people who were screaming, “Can’t we just treat everyone equally?” years ago are now doing exactly the opposite. —“tealiberal” commenting on the story “Duke freshman ignites debate with letter criticizing affirmative action.” See more at www.dukechronicle.com.
LETTERS POLICY The Chronicle welcomes submissions in the form of letters to the editor or guest columns. Submissions must include the author’s name, signature, department or class, and for purposes of identification, phone number and local address. Letters should not exceed 325 words; contact the editorial department for information regarding guest columns. The Chronicle will not publish anonymous or form letters or letters that are promotional in nature. The Chronicle reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length, clarity and style and the right to withhold letters based on the discretion of the editorial page editor.
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Direct submissions to:
E-mail: chronicleletters@duke.edu Editorial Page Department The Chronicle Box 90858, Durham, NC 27708 Phone: (919) 684-2663 Fax: (919) 684-4696
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Inc. 1993
YESHWANTH KANDIMALLA, Editor LAUREN CARROLL, Managing Editor JULIAN SPECTOR, News Editor ANDREW BEATON, Sports Editor CHRIS DALL, Photography Editor MAGGIE LAFALCE, Editorial Page Editor KATHERINE ZHANG, Editorial Board Chair PARKER KUIVILA, Managing Editor for Online JIM POSEN, Director of Online Operations CHRISSY BECK, General Manager KRISTIE KIM, University Editor TIFFANY LIEU, Local & National Editor ANDREW LUO, Health & Science Editor CAROLINE RODRIGUEZ, News Photography Editor PHOEBE LONG, Design Editor MICHAELA DWYER, Recess Editor SOPHIA DURAND, Recess Photography Editor SCOTT BRIGGS, Editorial Page Managing Editor MATTHEW CHASE, Towerview Editor ADDISON CORRIHER, Towerview Photography Editor NICOLE KYLE, Social Media Editor SAMANTHA BROOKS, Senior Editor REBECCA DICKENSON, Advertising Director MARY WEAVER, Operations Manager DAVID RICE, Director of External Relations
The key to success for the house model will be student involvement. Just as Duke’s many thriving selective living groups started as grassroots projects, so must the house model residential communities be borne out of student initiative. Two things must happen for this grassroots growth to occur. First, the administration must place control of the houses with unaffiliated students—not the graduate residents or residential assistants. For any lasting community to develop, unaffiliated houses must be accountable for social programming, house governance and disciplinary issues in the same way affiliated houses are. Otherwise,
unaffiliated houses will never feel the same sense of autonomy as affiliated houses. It is imperative that houses begin to control their own policies for students to have any incentive to buy into the process. Second, unaffiliated houses must become viable social bodies. The most typical programming in the house model right now—typically innocent “get to know each other” events like s’mores nights—won’t give most unaffiliated students the robust social experience they desire. Consider looking to selective living groups for successful programming models. Social opportunities within the house model must be appealing enough to grab and hold the interest of unaffili-
ated students. If unaffiliated students always feel the need to look outside their house to find fulfilling social opportunities, the house model will never work. To that end, the administration must reexamine how it polices on-campus gatherings, be it in terms of alcohol, noise or number of gatherers. If this year’s draconian crackdown continues, it will push more and more socialization offcampus, stifling the ability of these brand new houses to create viable social spaces for their residents. At this stage, the success of the house model is still unclear. Students must breathe life into the house model. Administrators must give them the leeway to do so.
Emily, Greg, Lakisha, Jamal
onlinecomment
Est. 1905
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MARGOT TUCHLER, University Editor JACK MERCOLA, Local & National Editor DANIELLE MUOIO, Health & Science Editor ELYSIA SU, Sports Photography Editor ELIZA STRONG, Design Editor HOLLY HILLIARD, Recess Managing Editor CHELSEA PIERONI, Online Photo Editor ASHLEY MOONEY, Sports Managing Editor SONIA HAVELE, Towerview Editor MELISSA YEO, Towerview Creative Director NICOLE KYLE, Special Projects Editor MAGGIE SPINI, Senior Editor MICHAEL SHAMMAS, Recruitment Chair BARBARA STARBUCK, Creative Director MEGAN MCGINITY, Digital Sales Manager
The Chronicle is published by the Duke Student Publishing Company, Inc., a non-profit corporation independent of Duke University. The opinions expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of Duke University, its students, faculty, staff, administration or trustees. Unsigned editorials represent the majority view of the editorial board. Columns, letters and cartoons represent the views of the authors. To reach the Editorial Office at 301 Flowers Building, call 684-2663 or fax 684-4696. To reach the Business Office at 103 West Union Building, call 684-3811. To reach the Advertising Office at 101 West Union Building call 684-3811 or fax 684-8295. Visit The Chronicle Online at http://www.dukechronicle.com. © 2012 The Chronicle, Box 90858, Durham, N.C. 27708. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior, written permission of the Business Office. Each individual is entitled to one free copy.
I
was used to having the minority viewpoint at These types of discrimination remind us that my high school. Not many people aligned with identity markers still matter, and that’s before my political views, especially within my con- any discussion of structural inequalities that have stitutional law class where we were built up through past and current always discussing current events. discrimination—gender roles, lack When it came to the issue of afof mentors, correlation between firmative action, even the handful race and socioeconomic status, of liberal-leaning students left me etc. Trying to understand how all to defend affirmative action all by of these issues intersect and affect myself. It was about 30 to one. No us is extremely complex, but that’s matter what argument I offered, why any talk of solutions must also someone would always respond about nuanced policies. rajlakshmi de be The with something about how fairness way I see it, in an ideal minority report requires choosing the “most qualiworld where discrimination and fied” student or job applicant. structural inequality did not exist, Maybe I’m writing this because I’m still a little we would need to base our policies only on sociomiffed that I couldn’t convince anyone four years economic status, and the rationale behind that ago, but chip on my shoulder aside, the topic of would be differential resource access. Two people affirmative action is even more relevant today with equal potential for achievement will most than it was then. Last month the U.S. Supreme likely perform very differently if one person has Court heard arguments for the Fisher v. Univer- access to a laptop, SAT books and private schoolsity of Texas at Austin case, which could limit the ing and the other person does not. It sounds future use of affirmative action in admissions, strange but, at least in our capitalist system, this depending on how the court rules in the spring. is the ideal situation. Only socioeconomic status Curtailing affirmative action would be a step (via resource access) inhibits equality of opporbackwards. tunity, so it is the only thing that would need Identically equal qualifications don’t lead to correcting. Given that this is our long-term goal, equal outcomes, thanks to both purposeful and current policies must factor in other minority atsubconscious discrimination. In 2003, economists tributes in addition to socioeconomic status. This from MIT and the University of Chicago conduct- is to account for issues like discrimination and ed an experiment submitting equally qualified structural inequality, and policies should be nuresumes, but randomized the name on top to be anced to reflect different institutional features. either “White sounding” or “African American For example, taking gender into account would sounding.” In the study, “Are Emily and Greg More look different for undergraduate applications Employable than Lakisha and Jamal? A Field Ex- than it would for graduate-level sciences. This is periment on Labor Market Discrimination,” the an imperfect system: There is no realistic way to researchers found that despite equal qualifications, actually know how an individual has been affectmore White sounding names received 50 percent ed by his or her identity markers, so we have to more callbacks for interviews than black sounding use features like race and gender as proxies for names. These results held up even for companies experiences because there isn’t a more feasible that identified themselves as “equal opportunity” option that captures systematic discrimination employers. At the average number of years of ex- and inequality. perience, the economists estimated the benefit of In the end we all benefit from affirmative aca white name to be equivalent to about eight addi- tion. It’s not a zero sum game. As a South Asian tional years of experience. A recent study conduct- woman, I’ve heard people tell me that affirmative ed by Yale researchers found a similar premium on action is hurting me, but that could not be further having a male name on an application, compared from the truth. There are very few South Asian to an identical one with a female name. The fic- women in powerful positions, and to break that tional candidates in this experiment were senior ceiling I need a diverse environment during my undergraduate students applying to a laboratory time at Duke. I need to hear perspectives, be chaljob and evaluated by 200 academic science faculty. lenged, find my voice and think in a way that tranBoth men and women faculty were not only more scends our society’s inequality. That’s something likely to hire the male, but they also ranked him only diversity can breed. higher in competency and were willing to pay him $4000 more than the woman. These faculty memRajlakshmi De is a Trinity senior. Her column runs bers were also more willing to mentor the male stu- every other Tuesday. You can follow Rajlakshmi on Twitdent than the female student. ter @RajDe4.
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commentaries
Reflecting on today’s election in 2040
R
eflecting on today’s presiden- themselves, “When senior figures in my tial election decades later, I party were using their elected positions believe many Democrats and to cast clouds of doubt and suspicion Republicans who were over millions of innoactively involved in 2012 cent, hard-working Amerelections, either as candiicans, why didn’t I take a dates or supporters, will moral stand? Why didn’t be highly ashamed and I tell these people, loudly embarrassed of what has and clearly, ‘Have you no been said of the Amerisense of decency as you can-Muslim community try to tear our social fabduring this critical elec- abdullah antepli ric and disturb our social tion. More importantly, harmony? Why are you blue devil imam they will be ashamed of wasting everyone’s time what is NOT being said and energy as we face or done about millions of upright, tax- real, pressing challenges today?’” paying American citizens who happen For those who do not have loud and to be Muslim. angry Islamophobes in their party, the In the United States of 2040—as source of shame and embarrassment Islam is cemented into American so- will come from their lack of courage, ciety just like any other religion prac- for being sheepishly intimidated by ticed in the U.S., as the Islamophobes the voices and forces of exclusion in of today are thrown into the trash bin 2012’s America. They will remember of history next to anti-Semites, racists the cheap and deeply troubling avoidand homophobes, as we heal from our ance tactics of their political party. current xenophobia—many members How they invited every possible faith of our two major political parties and representative to pray at their nationtheir supporters will be filled with al convention but cowardly did not shame and guilt as to why, in 2012, extend that invitation to the Amerithey sheepishly caved into the strong can-Muslim community, how they inanti-Islam and anti-Muslim elements tentionally failed to include Muslim in our country. Why did they turn off political activism within their party in their consciences and ignore their the official schedules and made sure moral compasses when it came to Mus- that the events organized by or for lim Americans? Why did they happily American Muslims did not appear on (but shamefully) treat the American- their websites. How they conveniently Muslim community as a liability, trying ignored Muslims in America. their best not to be seen with any maMany other Americans, not actively jor American-Muslim community in involved in party politics or the crucial the same picture? election in 2012, will share this shame They will have a difficult time ex- and guilt equally, if not more, for their plaining to the generation of 2040 why lack of action in the face of hate and they did not bother to knock on the discrimination. For not taking a prodoors of American Muslims—when phetic position and not doing anythey were desperately reaching out to thing substantial to prevent this canevery possible community for support cer of hate from spreading further. in the election. When they were franWhy am I so confident about my tically campaigning in all swing states predictions of what will happen? Beuntil the last minute, making sure not cause I am an American who, currenteven one vote was wasted. When some ly, is embarrassed about my country’s faith groups even changed centuries- past moral failures. When my 11-yearold theological positions on another old daughter comes from school and faith group in hopes of influencing asks me, “Daddy, I am confused and the election results. When American really frustrated. So help me underMuslims number in the millions and stand, just because their skin color have a significant presence in every was different or they held different swing state. Forget about knocking on religious and cultural beliefs, we did their doors and reaching out to them. all these shameful things to so many Why did they let so many American innocent Americans? How is this even Muslims and Muslim organizations in possible? Why did the good people of this country fall on their faces as they America at that time allow these things ran toward them, attempting to give to happen?” I don’t have much to say them an embrace of support? to her other than to thank God and The intense guilt and shame will the people who worked so hard and come from different places for differ- risked their lives to help us heal from ent people. Some of the movers and those diseases of the past. All we can shakers of today’s election will remem- do is learn the lessons of those ethical, ber how their party housed those an- moral failures and make sure we don’t gry, hateful and un-American voices replace them with others. that said inconceivable things about I can just imagine and picture a millions of American citizens, painting similar dinner-table conversation hapthem as monsters, traitors and more. pening in many American homes durThey will see how their party’s candi- ing my grandchildren’s generation. At date, including the presidential candi- least, I hope so. May the results of todate, happily schmoozed with members day’s election be a source of blessings of an organized Islamophobia network to all, and may it be a turning point in the hopes of getting more votes for America for a much better future from certain demographics. Appalled, for all of her citizens and beyond, God they will ask themselves, “Where was willing. I when all these horrible things were being said and done?! Why didn’t I Abdullah Antepli is the Muslim Chapdo anything about this? Why did I let lain and an adjunct faculty of Islamic this fear-mongering boat sail smoothly Studies. His column runs every other Tuesin order to gain political currency?” day. You can follow Abdullah on Twitter They will scratch their heads and ask @aantepli.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012 | 11
No representation without taxation
O
ne’s right to vote rests on one’s flows into the government’s coffers and citizenship. One’s citizenship is of- gushes out all over the country) is worthy ten a product of birthright: wheth- of our contemplation. er one tumbles out of the At times, we refer to lawomb on American soil or bor that wrings sweat from onto the deck of a USS friga human body as taxing ate docked in Japan. As the work. Guest workers who race to occupy the White arrive at North Carolina House reaches its final leg, farms to harvest turgid tothe elections prod us to conmatoes and pearly bluesider what constitutes the berries are shielded from right to vote. neither the scorching heat jing song ng We want this right, a nor demanding labor conjingapore says cardinal condition of any ditions, which less transient democracy, to stand on workers would avoid. grounds that are more substantive than The boost in labor productivity allows the capricious location of one’s birth. Americans to enjoy the fruits of this labor, Rights are bound to obligations. A person sanctioned by the H-2B visa. Calloused can make demands on others because she hands and parched, UV-saturated skin are adheres to certain duties. products of this taxing labor. ConsequentIn the context of a ballooning deficit, ly, tax dollars can be diverted from subsispeeches and electoral debates have scru- dizing farm products or the food on our tinized the American government’s man- tables. Guest workers subsidize the price of date and capacity to fund programs. It farm labor. Taxing labor is a de facto tax. seems to follow that the person who wants In the same vein, the Wal-Mart employher voice to count at the ballot box should ee who wheels the clattering train of carts at least contribute to the country’s coffers. across the gravel parking lot and the FoxFulfilling this obligation is essential for the conn worker in Shenzhen who assembles government’s existence. Notwithstanding the new iPad mini after four hours of sleep quantitative easing, the state cannot redis- are hidden parts of the American tax code. tribute if its pockets are empty. These workers widen profit margins, a porIf representation (a right) is coupled tion of which becomes tax dollars footed with taxation (an obligation), the provoca- by corporations and people in managerial tive question arises whether a larger obli- positions. gation (higher taxes) behoves the state to Some might object that analogizing grant a larger right (a weightier vote). tedious, taxing work to paying taxes is a This fancy encounters the rapid objec- naughty sleight of hand. The formal tax tion that it is undemocratic. The rich, who code coercively extracts tax dollars; indigenerally pay more tax dollars, are already viduals and corporations cannot shun taxprivileged. Why further bless the privileged es. Low-waged workers, both in the United with more privileges, especially in the zero- States and abroad, have a choice whether sum ballot box where increasing the value they wish to subject themselves to certain of one’s vote diminishes the value of the working conditions. votes from the less affluent? On the issue of coercion, the well-to-do However, when we stretch the idea of demographic could actually reduce their coupling representation with taxation, taxable income either by taking home less this thought experiment could enhance pay or through tax evasion, abetted by the enfranchisement in the world’s most lawyers and accountants. People on the eminent democracy. other end of the wealth spectrum have less For instance, legal persons like corpora- wriggle room. tions and countries would have a say at the As Americans march to the polls, we polls. Corporations pay corporate taxes, should contemplate the determinants though many would fairly point out that that justify the ability for one’s opinion to they already have a firm grip on American count in the ballot box vis-à-vis the inabilpolitics. Countries also foot a fraction of ity of someone else to be counted. All of tariffs; the remainder of the tax trickles to us are enmeshed in a circuit of relationAmerican consumers. They contribute to ships that breach national borders. Our the government’s coffers. ravenous consumption also connects us Those who believe that taxation is a to Americans subsisting on meager hourly prime obligation but grow uncomfortable wages who can ill afford to head to the poll by the aforementioned suggestion might stations and be counted. counter that this is a necessary, but insufAt the core of the right to vote, there is ficient, condition. With this, we spiral into a weighty obligation to appreciate the hua discussion on what the other conditions man lives that lie beyond our immediate might be. Ideals and allegiance are hard visible horizons. to ascertain. Legal persons can also pledge themselves to these intangible concepts. Jing Song Ng is a Trinity senior. His column Beyond stodgy accounting definitions, runs every other Tuesday. You can follow Jing what counts as tax dollars (money that on Twitter @jingapore.
Want to contribute to campus dialogue? The Chronicle is now accepting applications for regular columns, as well as Monday, Monday and rotating author series columns. Email mfl5@duke.edu for an application.
12 | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012
THE CHRONICLE
November 6 - 12 EXHIBITIONS Student Action with Farmworkers: 20 Years of Growing Farmworker Activists. Thru Dec 9. Perkins Library Gallery. Free. Documenting the Politics of Food: Photographs from the Rubenstein Library Collections. Thru December 10. Rubenstein Library Photography Gallery. Free. Collecting Matisse and Modern Masters: The Cone Sisters of Baltimore. Thru February 10, 2013. 10am-5pm. Free to Duke students (1 per day with I.D.) Tickets: 919-684-4444 or tickets.duke.edu.
EVENTS November 6 Voice Master Class. Louise Toppin. 5pm, Bone Hall, Biddle Music Bldg. Free. November 7 Art History Lecture. Gregory Levine (UC-Berkeley), “Captured Buddhas.” 3-4:30pm, East Duke 108. Free. Visiting Artist Lecture. Bea Nettles (U-Illinois Emerita), “Memory Theatres: Books & Photographs by Bea Nettles.” Noon. Carpentry Shop. Free. November 8 Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising, and Marketing History 20th Anniversary Lecture Series. Nancy Fletcher, CEO of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America. 5pm, Gothic Reading Rm., Rubenstein Library. Free. Women Beware Women. By Thomas Middleton. Directed by Jay O’Berski. A Jacobean tragedy where women seize hold of their sexual power, plumb the depth of their ferocity, and find that they are capable of depravity equal to any man. 8pm, Sheafer Theater, Bryan Center, West Campus. $10 Gen. Public; $5 Students/Sr. Citizens. November 9 Exhibition Opening. Experimental Communities. In conjunction with Convergence 2012: The Geo/Body Politics of Emancipation conference. Curated by XCO Group. Thru January 31, 2013. East Duke Corridor Gallery. Free. Women Beware Women. (See Nov. 8) 8pm. November 10 Women Beware Women. (See Nov. 8) 8pm. November 11 Women Beware Women. (See Nov. 8) 2pm. Organ Recital Series Concert. Alumnus Parker Kitterman returns to Duke as part of the “Alumni Series” in a recital on the Flentrop organ. 5pm, Duke Chapel. Free. Duke New Music Ensemble [dnme]. Tim Hambourger, dir. Covers Concert II. 8pm, Bone Hall, Biddle Music Bldg. Free. November 12 The Restraints: Open and Hidden. Gordon Parks’s Life magazine segregation series. Thru March 2, 2013. Center for Documentary Studies. Free.
SCREEN/SOCIETY All events are free and open to the general public. Unless otherwise noted, screenings are at 7pm in the Griffith Film Theater, Bryan Center. (ED) = East Duke 108. (N) = Nasher Museum Auditorium. (SW) = Smith Warehouse - Bay 4, C105. (W) = Richard White Auditorium. 11/7
SECRET SUNSHINE (aka Milyang) (S. Korea, 2007) (ED) Feminism & Freedom Film Series
11/12
TURTLES CAN FLY (Kurdish, 2004) (W) Tropes of Home: Films from the Middle East ami.duke.edu/screensociety/schedule
DIRECTED
BY JAY
O’BERSKI, THEATER STUDIES
FACULTY
UNLEASH THE HELLHOUNDS OF LOVE - Thomas Middleton’s Women Beware Women burns with feverish characters who manipulate the desires and fears of both their enemies and friends. This lost classic hums with the sensuality of a film noir and howls with comedic characters that spiral into a passion pit of their own making.
NOVEMBER 8-10 & 15-17 AT 8 PM NOVEMBER 11 & 18 AT 2 PM SHEAFER THEATER, BRYAN CENTER $10 general public, $5 students and senior citizens tickets.duke.edu or 919.684.4444 This message is brought to you by the Department of Art, Art History and Visual Studies, Center for Documentary Studies, Chapel Music, Duke Dance Program, Duke Music Department, Duke Performances, Nasher Museum of Art, Duke University Libraries, Screen/Society, Department of Theater Studies with support from the Office of the Vice Provost for the Arts.