THURSday, November 8, 2012 thehilltoponline.com
Vol. 96 No.21
The Student Voice of Howard University
est. 1924
2012 Election Issue
Photo courtesy of Barack Obamaʼs twitter
INSIDE Youth Vote Pulls
How young people made a difference in this year’s election. p.2
Results Are In
How the local elections turned out for the DMV. p.5
INDEX
Photo Gallery
Catch all the scenes on campus and in the city on Tuesday. p.7
CAMPUS..................... p. 3 METRO ..................... p. 5 LIFE & STYLE ............ p. 8 OPINIONS................ p. 10
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THE HILLTOP | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012
The Hilltop Newspaper Christina Downs Editor-in-Chief Adegboyega Akinsiku Webmaster Jonquilyn Hill Multimedia Editor Angelique Gayle Campus Editor Letese’ Clark Metro Editor Khalea Underwood Life & Style Editor Taylor-Rae Collins-Headley Sports Editor Multimedia Staff Gerald Jackson Anissa Pierre Dominique Diggs Taylor Harris Staff Writers Abeni Phillips Noel Ogbonnaya Staff Photographers Olivia Phifer Rachel Cumberbatch Andre Thomas Arneisha Copeland Jieasa McGivens Staff Cartonists Katie Downs Editorial Assistants Tierra Scott Jasmine Tillery Sarafina Wright Lindsay Buchanan Public Relations Director Public Relations Team Kelly Sharp Nicolette Graves Stephanie Holloman
Armanie Brooks Business Manager
Chasmin Anthony Asst. Business Manager Monique Marshall Operations Manager Tiffaine Stephens Marketing Manager All inquiries for advertisements should be sent directly to The Hilltop Business office at: The Hilltop 2251 Sherman Avenue NW Washington, DC 20001 campusadvertising@thehilltoponline. com
President Obama appeals to a youthful crowd.
Photo courtesy of United Liberty
Unexpectedly, Youth Vote Push Obama Over the Top by Ciara Smith HU News Service
about the presidential campaign as those who had a chance to help elect the nation’s first Black president four years ago. “Trends suggest[ed] that young people tend In 2008, young voters were critical to candito skew more liberal, while older people tend to date Barack Obama’s path to the White House. skew more conservatively or Republican, when A study conducted by The Pew Research Center, we talk about the two major parties,” Baker said. however, showed that the percentage of voters “So I think first-time voters will be willing, but under 30 who were following campaign news was not enthusiastic [to give President Obama their less than half what it was four years ago. Not vote].” only were voters younger than 30 less interested Enthusiastic is ‘I’m going to be here…I’m in politics in 2012, but they also professed less going to make sure my grandmother is here. I’m commitment to voting. going to make sure my auntie goes. I’m going to According to the Pew Research Center, 63 make sure that my church member goes.’ I don’t percent of young registered voters said they think we’ll see that out of college-aged students.” definitely planned to vote this year, down from 72 Michael Houston, senior accounting major percent just four years ago. Voter registration was thinks that he is typical of many young voters. down 11 points from 2008–the lowest number He has paid limited attention to the presidential in the past 16 years of Pew Research Center campaign and is less than impressed with both polling. And young voters this year was showing candidates. that young vioters had the lowest registration rate “To me it just seems like Obama hasn’t really of the last five presidential elections, according done anything,” said Houston. “Employment to Pew. Some political observers also said the is still down. I can’t fault him for it because the numbers reflected a simple reality of today’s economy is what it is. He’s just playing his part,” technologically driven media culture. President said Houston. Obama, they said, was old news. “The first time around “First-time voters will be willing, but not enthusiastic [to give President people only voted for [Obama] Obama their vote],” because they --Ray Baker, 28, wanted to see a black Host of Real Talk with Ray Baker on WHUR-FM man in office. They wanted change. I wasn’t old enough to vote back then, “It’s really difficult to galvanize the energy of but I wanted to see him in office because he was ‘the first’ all over again,” said Ray Baker, 28, host African American, too. But I won’t vote for him of Real Talk with Ray Baker on radio station just off that.” WHUR-FM. “Whenever you have a first someThough skepticism was prevalent sentiment thing, there’s a lot of energy that comes along when discussing the youth vote, young voters with it. And once you do it for a second time, it’s flocked to the polls in record numbers. This harder to gather up that energy again. year, the youth vote made up 19 percent of the Baker acknowledged that this election will total votes, up one percent from four years ago. have its own first-time voters, but he doubted Young people, for the second election in a row that the new batch of voters would be as excited
decided the outcome. This election, Obama got 60 percent of the youth vote to Governor Romeny’s 37 percent, allowing Obama to get the 80 electoral votes up for grabs in Ohio, Virginia, Florida and Pennsylvania. It’s not just young Democrats who have are less attentive this election season. The pattern among young Republicans is similar. In 2008, according to the Pew study, 75 percent of young voters who supported Republican presidential nominee John McCain had given much thought to the election. In 2012, that number for young voters supporting Mitt Romney dropped to 59 percent. The list of reasons for students appearing to be apathetic is long, including the three presidential debates. “I watched the debates, and I’m registered to vote; but I don’t think I will,” Houston said. “Right now neither one of them makes me want to get out and vote.” Baker agreed that the three presidential debates were not accurate reflections of what either party’s presidency could bring. “The debates were just a dog and pony show, where they allowed us to pretend we’re learning about the policies of different candidates and incumbents, but in reality it’s just a rehash of the talking points and advertisements that we see,” he said. “President Obama was able to not necessarily lay out any meaningful or substantive plans. Instead, he articulated that ‘Hey! I was obstructed against. If I get a second chance, then I can lay out some things,î said Baker. Despite young voters not being tuned in to what was going on throughout the entire election and being highly critical of both candidates, they still showed up to the polls and for the second time, were the deciding factor in choosing the president of the United States of America.
Check out more election day coverage at thehilltoponline.com and howarduniversityelectionproject.com 2
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THE HILLTOP | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012
HOWARD UNIVERSITY Effective 10/31/12
Revised Spring Semester 2013
GENERAL REGISTRATION Monday, November 5 – Friday, November 16 DAY
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THE HILLTOP | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012
Metro
A Dream Becomes a Reality By Karissa Braxton Howard University News Service
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Letese’ Clark, Metro Editor
attended a Maryland high school for three years and obtained a high school diploma or GED. They must also provide documentation showSILVER SPRING, Md. — ing that they or their parents or Maryland voters approved a ballot guardians filed income taxes during measure that will allow undocuthe three year period . Additionally, mented immigrant students to pay the students must demonstrate that in-state tuition rates at state colleges. they intend to apply for permanent Referendum Question 4, known residency. If the initial requirements as Maryland’s version of the Dream are met, students qualify for in-state Act, was widely supported by vottuition at a two-year community ers. Proponents of the measure say college. After graduation from a it will enable millions of students community college (or complewho were brought to the United tion of 60 credit hours), students States as young children and eduthen qualify for in-state tuition at cated in the Maryland four-year public school system to gain institutions. “ nd all students, regardless of where they were born or their greater access to higher In addition education and become parents were born — [they] deserve the chance to have a bright to Maryland votproductive and coners, the Dream future and be a productive member of society.” tributing members of Act has found the American econo---Joshua Starr, many supmy. Opponents argue among Superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools porters it will encourage more various, legislaillegal immigration to tors, educators, the state. organizations and “I don’t see a problem with it,” said. “And all students, regardless individuals from across the country. said Teresa Smith, 21, a student at of where they were born or their One of those supporters is PresiMontgomery Community College. parents were born — [they] deserve dent Obama, who recently ordered “If it’s not taking away from Ameri- the chance to have a bright future that deportations of undocumented can students in Maryland or giving and be a productive member of immigrants brought to the U.S. as [undocumented immigrants] extra society.” young children be deferred. funding to attend these schools that Del. Justin Ready, (R-District Although the president has been other citizens are not being offered, 5A) who represents District 5A in criticized for the lack of progress then I say we pass the act.” the Maryland House of Represenon reforming the U.S. immigraReemberto Rodríguez, 55, tatives, opposes the Dream Act. He tion system, he has been praised in Director of Silver Spring Regional told the Carroll County Times in some quarters for his support of the Center, said he was “very proud of an article published in September Dream Act. the Maryland community” for supthat he didn’t want “Maryland to “What he [Obama] is doing for porting the ballot measure. appear to be a sanctuary for illegal the Latino community is substanThe “state version of the immigrants.” tial,” Rodríguez said. “We are defiDream Act” is named for the “It would create another incennitely proud of him. He captures proposed federal legislation that tive for people to come and stay the essence of what America is, was, would grant permanent residency here illegally,” Ready told the Carand can be.” to uundocumented immigrants who roll County Times. Reporter Fallon Smith contribcame to the U.S. as minors, graduTo be eligible for in-state tuition uted to this report. ated from American high schools, under the Maryland Dream Act completed two years of college or undocumented students must have
metro@thehilltoponline.com
military service. The Dream Act would ultimately serve as a “lifeline to these students who are already working hard in our middle and high schools and living in our communities by granting them the temporary legal status that would allow them to pursue postsecondary education,” said Drew Gilpin Faust, President of Harvard University. Joshua Starr, superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, agreed. “A college education is often the key to unlocking opportunity,” he
A
Photo courtesy of Dream Activist Students in Antioch, California rally for the Dream Act. Voters approved the Dream Act measure on the Maryland Ballot in the general election 2012.
Local Election Results Roundup in the DMV By Letese’ Clark, Metro Editor
In the council races, challenger ing out Calvin Gurley with 71.5 David Grosso won an at-large seat, percent of the vote. Mendelson will unseating incumbent Michael A. finish out the remaining two years The 2012 election has finally Brown, with 20.8 percent of the of Brown’s term. come to an end. That means no more vote. According to the Washington Voters also approved three ads taking over the airwaves and Post, Grosso’s win marks the first ethics-related charter amendments televisions and all the signs can be time in D.C. since 2004 a challenger that would council members to put away. After months of camunseated a sitting council member. vote or expel a council member paigning in cities across the county, Incumbent Vincent Orange kept for “gross misconduct” and would President Barack Obama has won his seat as council member at-large require both the mayor and council a second term of challenger Mitt with 37.35 percent of the vote. to resign if convicted of Romney and Democrats maintained Marion Barry, Muriel a felony. control of the Senate. Here’s what Bowser, Yvette Alexander happened locally: and Jack Evans will all reMaryland: main on the dais. Barry Both The District: won with 87.4 percent Obama and President Obama overwhelmof the vote. Alexander incumbent ing received 91.1 percent beat challenger Senator Bill of the vote. Eleanor Ron Moten Cardin won Holmes Norton was with 86.8 re-election, re-elected to the percent of the Obama with District’s nonvote. Bowser 61.2 percent of voting delegation and Evans ran the vote and Cardin Photo courtesy of Antoine in the U.S. House unopposed. with 55.2 percent. Taveneaux, Wiki Commons with 88.7 percent, In a special In an interesting continuing her election, Phil House matchup, wining streak since Mendelson -- who was apRepublican Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, 1991. In the race pointed chairman by his a 10-term Maryland incumbent, for D.C. shadow fellow councilmembers lost his seat to John Delaney, 30.8 Photo courtesy of David senator, Michael D. after Kwame Brown percent to 65.5 percent. Grosso Campaign Brown won re-elecresigned -- was officially But Maryland voters had all tion with nearly 80 elected chairman, beateyes three high-profile issues this percent of the vote.
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election. Question 6, the same2008 marked the first time a Demosex marriage law was upheld with crat won the state since 1964. 52 percent of the vote, making In a heated race, former Maryland the first state to vote for Democratic Virginia the legalization of same-sex Governor Tim Kaine marriages. (Voters also apwon against another proved same-sex marriages former governor, in Maine and Washington Republican this election.) 58 percent George Allen 52 of voters also voted in to 47 percent. favor of Question 5, the Voters Dream Act—a law that overwhelmallows undocumented ingly approved Marylanders to pay in-state a constitutional tuition to attend state schools amendment that if they attended a Maryland would limit eminent Photo by Kevin Cupp, high school and their parents domain, making it Wiki Commons pay state taxes. And in one of harder for Virginia most debated issues on the ballot, localities to seize private property voters voted in favor of Question for redevelopment. (76 percent of 7, gambling expansion, 52 to 48 voters approved this amendment. percent. A sixth casino will now be In the race for the house, Demadded in Prince George’s County ocrat Gerald Connolly won with 61 and all existing casinos will allow percent of the vote and Jim Moran table games. was elected to his 12th term as he clinched 65 percent of the vote. Virginia: Republican incumbents Frank In the swing state, President Wolf and Rob Wittman also were Obama beat out challenge Gov. victorious with Wolf winning 59 Mitt Romney by 2.7 percent percent and Wittman winning 56 (Obama 50.5 percent, Romney 47.8 percent. percent). The President’s victory in
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THE HILLTOP | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012
Election Day, in photos
From volunteers, to polling, viewing parties and the celebratory trek to the White House
Students watch election results at a viewing party in Blackburn Ballroom.
Photo by Jieasa McGivens, staff photographer
By Christina Downs, Editor-in-Chief Viewers watch the newscast at Howard viewing party. By Jieasa McGivens, By Jieasa McGivens, staff photographer staff photographer (Left and right) Howard students at viewing party
By Rachel Cumberbatch staff photographer A man at the White House Tuesday.
By Christina Downs, Editor-in-Chief Howard student responds to election results on campus.
Onlookers cheer at the Howard Theatre watch party
Photo by Rachel Cumberbatch, staff photographer
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Hungry? For more photos, that is. We’ll feed you. thehilltoponline.com
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THE HILLTOP | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012
Life&Style
Khalea Underwood, Life and Style Editor
The Aesthetics of Politics
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lifeandstyle@thehilltoponline.com
Every Little Thing Counts
by Karlton D. Smith and Ashley Smith Contributing Writers
average working professionals to mal wear boutique, public office in the United States. paid very close In a sense, candidates are what they wear,” he said. “I think that being from Massachusetts, Romney’s style attention to the wear. is geared more towards a conservawardrobe of First This past presidential election, President Barack Obama’s tive and safe look.” Lady Obama and the presidential debates, campaign reelection was grounded in the Creating a classic American Ann Romney. trail videos, tweets and various country’s belief in his campaign look may seem effortless, but there’s “I think both speeches gave voters a glimpse of messages, his volunteers and his a calculated method behind the Michelle and Ann who they were as individuals and gains during the past four years. madness – especially when dressing did a great job of the type of leader they would be But in elections, there’s another the president. Sales professional exemplifying grace for America. factor that involves more than Alexander Hooks of Georgetown and elegance durFreshman business managecandidate rhetoric. Apparel is a sigshop Suit Supply broke down the ing the campaign. ment major Obria Shaw felt that nificant dynamic when running for meaning of dressing the part. Their interpretathe appearance of the president “Mitt Romney’s suits are more tion of ‘first lady’ and first lady boxy and they subconsciously serve attire was fairly affected how she as a testament to his stiffness and similar in appearviewed them four inability to relate to people. The ance, but the true years ago and padded shoulders represent an difference was in today. “You ou want a well-manicured person to represent you. You want want someone who can not only speak the part, but who looks the a wellmanicured part as well.” —Obria Shaw person to Freshman business management major represent you,” she said. “You want English Bourgeoisie that is far retheir designers of someone who not moved from the American people,” choice,” she said. only can speak he said. “Whereas Barack Obama “Michelle wears and say the part, wears more tailored, natural fitting an assortment of but who looks the suits. Tailored but not too tailored mostly American part as well. Mitt suits givev him a more relaxed, designers including and Ann Romney relatable look more than anything.” more mid-priced have a traditional These small details that most options like J. Crew vibe that says barely notice when we see the canand H&M. She ‘this is the way didates on stage has a big presence is also known for Photo by Gage Skidmore, WikiCommons things were’ and in our feelings towards them. recycling outfits. All ‘this is how things “A candidate’s presence in a of these traits make are going to be.’ suit can be a double-edged sword Michelle more of When I look at – both an inviting force and an a “recessionista” the president and alienating one,” Hooks continued. and connects with Michelle Obama, “A candidate that’s too wellAmerican public I get more of a dressed can come off as too far that she is one of contemporary Photo by Presidenza della Repubblica Italiana, removed from the people and on them and is consense to restorWikiCommons the other end of the spectrum, one cerned about the ing traditional may seem tedious but in the end, it too poorly-dressed can come off as economy.” values.” makes up parts of who the candilackadaisical and lose credibility. As “Ann Romney’s wardrobe Senior politidates are and what they stand for. a candidate, you strive to look good leans more towards high-end cal science major The demeanor and vibe that voters – not great, to an extent.” prices – even down to a shirt that Sahkei Haynes get from a presidential hopeful can While style and stitching may was almost $1000. I think she was feels the Obamas be interpreted on Election Day be the center of the discussion trying to go with the first lady style capture “Ameriand with the reelection of Barack when it comes to suit choices for prototype of the past, especially can fashion at its Obama, it is clear that his White the men, pricepoints and designwearing Oscar de la Renta. Mifinest.” House swagger has had and will ers play a large part when dressing chelle Obama is the first FLOTUS “It’s nothing continue to impact the American wives and first ladies. in three decades not to wear his extravagant or public. Junior telecommunications designs,” said Nweze. too pricey but management student and stylist The time, money, and effort something that Vivian Nweze of Signature, a forspent into the aesthetics of politics Photo by VOA, WikiCommons you would expect
“Y
Last Night’s Top Tweets Some of America’s top celebrities were tuned into the election just like us. What were some of your favorite tweets?
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Sports
THE HILLTOP | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012
Obama Defies ‘The Rule’
Taylor Rae-Collins, Sports Editor ï sports@thehilltoponline.com
The Battle for the Sunshine State
Sports Editor Taylor-Rae Collins-Headley was one of the many students who traveled home to cast her vote on Nov. 6. She lives in Broward County, one of the presidents strongholds in Florida that led to his victory in the battleground state. After voting, she interviewed a few of the people casting both absentee and traditional ballots. By Taylor-Rae Collins-Headley
“[I voted for] Barack Obama. Put it this way, that’s the only man out there that’s for us. [Romney] ain’t for us. He’s all about his money people.” --Vin Haye (left), naturalized citizen from Jamaica lives in Sunrise, Florida
Photo by Keith Allison, Wiki Commons For years some people have used the fate of the Washington Redskins on the weekend before election day to predict the outcome.
By Glynn Hill, Contributing Writer If the crowds of supporters in front of the White House last night were any indication, there is plenty of excitement over President Obama’s recent victory. It’s a victory for supporters that came despite the looming doubts the Redskins loss on Sunday would impact the election the way many feel it has done since 1940. It’s called the Redskins Rule, and it is one of many superstitions that some believe affect the outcome of presidential elections. The rule claims that if the Redskins lose their final home game before a presidential election then the incumbent will not be re-elected. While it is tempting to immediately write this off as craziness, the rule has actually been somewhat accurate in the past. Prior to 2012, the rule had correctly predicted the next president 17 to 18 times since 1940—the Skins moved to Washington, D.C. in 1937. The only other time the rule was wrong was in 2004 when the Redskins lost at home to the Green Bay Packers 28-14. That same year then-president George W. Bush was re-elected over John Kerry. Steve Hirdt, the executive vice-president of Elias Sports Bureau, is commonly credited with creating the rule. Of the 2004 outcome, he is quoted by CBS Sports saying, “I went back and studied the ‘Redskin Rule’ data and what happened in 2004 was explained in 2000. Because Al Gore actually won the popular vote in 2000—but lost in the Electoral College—it reversed the polarity of the subsequent elections. So, with that, the Redskins’ loss in 2004 signaled that the incumbent would remain in the White House.” Still, the rule proved wrong in 2012 as Obama led Romney in the popular vote as of yesterday. On Sunday the Redskins lost
at home to the Carolina Panthers 21-13, which should have won Mitt Romney the election, but we all know how that turned out. Dr. Lorenzo Morris, a professor in Howard’s political science department, says that “most superstitions aren’t taken too seriously.” In the case of the Hirdt’s rule, he adds that typically the president is re-elected when things go well, that when the economy does well then D.C. does too, and when people have money, they go to the games. The superstitions don’t stop with the Redskins rule though. Since 1984, the winner of the Alabama University vs. Lousiana State University football game has been rumored to predict the winner of the election that year. It is said that when Alabama wins, so does the Democratic candidate and when LSU wins, the Republican ticket takes the victory. Alabama beat the Tigers in Baton Rouge, La. last weekend. Another says that when the American League wins the World Series, a Republican wins the White House and when the National League wins, Democrats do too. This rule was perfect from 1952-1976. If you put it up against the Redskins rule (since 1940), it has correctly predicted the winner 72 percent of the time. This October, The San Francisco Giants of the National League beat the Detroit Tigers for the World Series. As for the President Obama, he plays basketball on every Election Day. The only time he did not, he lost in the 2008 New Hampshire primary to Hilary Clinton. On this instance, Obama aide Robert Gibbs told the Chicago Sun-Tribune, “We made the mistake of not playing basketball once. I can assure you we will not repeat that” Perhaps it was the President’s lay-ups yesterday, or the “roll tide” that reigned, but one this is for sure, Barack Obama will be in the Oval Office for the next four years.
“[I voted for] Mitt Romney. I believe in his plans. I didn’t like Obama’s plan from the beginning and I like Mitt’s plan better.” -- Anthony Gualtier (right), 19, Plantation, Fl. Photos by Sophia Collins
Read more of the interviews on thehilltoponline.com
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Opinions
PERSPECTIVES: Settling for the Status Quo “This is Howard, and that’s how it goes.” __ You hear it all the time, don’t you? When you see something and you’re just like “Oh well that’s how Howard is.” You don’t even think twice when this is said because this is how Howard has been for as long as we have known it. What have you seen this year or even this month that could’ve been better, but you just accepted it as how Howard is? Has Bisonweb ever broke down on you? Who did you tell? Friends? Facebook? Twitter? What did that change? We have grown to accept what we see around us, and I don’t think it’s that we don’t want to see things improved. We are just waiting for someone else to do it. Our
step up and solve the problems we have. The job is ours if we choose to take it or not because these problems are not going anywhere. In this generation we are so accustomed to instant gratification that we do not want to wait for improvement, we want things changed now. Substantial and long lasting change takes time though; it takes people not worried about making it better for them but making it better for the freshman class of 2030. A famous Greek Proverb reads “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” When we realize that it’s not all about us but it is about progression, it is about growth, it is about development. When we realize that it will take time to improve the problems we see, but it will not happen unless we take the time to improve them. It’s time for all of us to take
“If there is something wrong those who have the ability to take action have the responsibility to take action. “ --Thomas Jefferson generation has a fear of leading. We are so confident and at times cocky in our abilities when talking amongst ourselves, but when it comes time for action we fade into the background. Is it because we do not think we are ready? Are we not capable? The examples I always look to, and it may sound cliché but hear me out, when you look back at the Civil Rights Movement it was not old people at the sit ins or on the buses riding for freedom. It was college student’s ages 17-25 that sparked this movement. We have the ability to inspire the next generation and the previous generation all at the same time. We are the youth and I know you hear this all the time, but we are the future leaders. Older people are inspired by our passion and energy; younger people idolize us because they think we are cool. We can blame the past generation for not showing us how to lead. We can blame the last generation for not being good parents or for being complacent and not fighting as hard as they could for change. Blame can be passed around across the board, but is that going to help the situation? Placing the blame somewhere is just that—placing the blame, its not going to solve the problems that will be here no matter where the blame goes. Let’s solve this like we know we can and should. Let’s stop assessing blame and start finding solutions. Let’s stop waiting for someone else to
personal responsibility for the problems we see, even when we may not be responsible for the problem, and in most cases, we are not. We can continue along this path of simply ignoring the problems unless they affect us directly and saying “I made it so why can’t you.” Or we could say, “I made it how can I help you make it even further?” We must change the conversation from assessing blame to solving problems because at the end of the day its not about who did it, its about how can we fix it. Power is worthless if not used properly and justly. It was once said “If there is something wrong those who have the ability to take action have the responsibility to take action.” The ability, and more importantly the responsibility, is in our hands. So, what are we going to do with it? If you see a problem or something that needs to be fixed at Howard take a picture or a video and send it to HowardNeeds@ gmail.com we will be compiling this information and presenting it to the people who can change these things. Its past the time for talk. It’s time for action, so take action and send us the problems you are facing. Anthony Miller is a senior Economics major. He is also the president of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council.
It’s Not Over We did it! Tuesday Marked the re-election of President Obama! He is the first black president and the sixth democratic president to have two terms! We won despite uncertainties throughout the campaign process. But this time I urge us all to come together, not just blacks, but whites, Asians, Hispanics, Indians, gays, Jews, everyone. We have a president who cares about the people but we cannot expect him to do it to himself. We still have a government who spends more money on defense than on programs of social uplift. We have also invested more money into our prison system than we have to make quality education a reality for all. If we continue this way, I believe we will reach spiritual death. In order for us to create change we need upper and middle class citizens of every race to rise up together and not focus on tranquility and continuing the status quo. We must challenge the fundamental value system of America. We must change our value systems from materialism, militarism, and racism, and strive towards, peace, love and justice. America is still the greatest purveyor of violence and economic extraction on the face of earth. We are still a segregated nation, and we still strive for more for ourselves than spreading what we
meals, just so their child may eat. We must press on until our black and brown brothers and sisters are not being locked up mostly for non-violent crimes (drug charges). We must press on until repentance is honored in our nation because it is not fair that one mistake can place you in a disparaging situation that it is nearly impossible to recover from. Where jail sentences equate to social, economic, professional, educational, and corporate death because nobody wants to give a second chance. We must press on until our economy is more person-centered than property and profit centered. We must press on until we break barriers beyond selfcentered goals, and work towards a new humanity. We must push to love one another no matter race, creed, color, religion, or sexual orientation. We are all in this together, we all want to live happy lives in a just nation. We must challenge our plutocratic government until they bend to our requests for an equal opportunity. We do this, my people, and we will not only ameliorate America by challenging the governing structure but we will transcend to an idealistic nation where peace, love, and equality is for all. We must not become complacent because we have a black president. We
“We must press on until no American parent has to sacrifice by skipping meals, just so their child may eat. have equally amongst one another. We must dream big, we must dream of a day where social and economic depression dissipates, and blacks, whites and hispanics live side by side in adequate, sanitary housing arrangements. We must press until race to the top and No Child Left Behind has a serious reformation. We seek to get to a place where we plan to educate our children to be innovators for tomorrow and not simply train them to pass state examinations. We must press on until no American parent has to sacrifice by skipping
must use this opportunity more than ever to put the pressure on Washington because we know we have someone at the helm who truly loves people. He can’t do it by himself. We must help Obama.
Immanuel Lewis is a junior pre-physical therapy major, president of the HU Running Association, and Mr. CNAHS 2012-2013.
And how does this make YOU feel? Perspectives are the first step to admitting you have something to say. email eic@thehilltoponline.com
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Meccanisms
By Katie Downs, staff cartonist
C
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Classifieds
DEALS!
Lakisha Abney Presents: “My President’s Black” Specials : • • •
Full Sewn Weaves: $100, Bonded $75 Blowouts $30 Relaxers, Style $55
• • •
Silking $40 Loc Main $55 Eyelashes, Waxing
C. Alan Salon 2824 Georgia Ave NW 20001 202-391-9618 / 202-462-4770 THE HILLTOP
11
THE HILLTOP | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012
HU...
Make Sure
YOU
Stay In The
KNOW!
Week of November 8, 2012
Thursday 11/8
Friday 11/9
Saturday 11/10
The Hilltop Business Office is hiring Sales Associates, Office Assistants, and Graphic Designers. Contact bizmanager@thehilltoponline.com with your inquiry and resume. COAS Week:
A Dark Knight To Remember Fine Arts 3rd Floor Rehearsal Room 7 PM-9 PM
Canned Goods Drive Blackburn 2 PM-5 PM
2 Dollar “BILL” Concert Blackburn Ballroom 7PM -11 PM
Hey BUSINESS BISON, We want to get all up in your business.
11.15.12 Student ad rates. Stories. Networking Let the countdown begin. Inquire about it all with bizmanager@thehilltoponline.com