voices Central Michigan Life
4A Friday, Sept. 4, 2009
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” – The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
[cm-life.com/category/voices]
Brian Manzullo, Editor
in
Chief | Will Axford, Voices Editor | Matthew Stephens, Presentation Editor | Lindsay Knake, Metro Editor | David Veselenak, Managing Editor
EDITORIAL | Students are the ones who end up paying for the things they steal
The cost of thievery
S
tudents are constantly reminded of how expensive college is. The mountains of loans, the costly text books, admission to events — all of these things are up to the student to pay. But some expenses are within student control, especially when it comes to issues of morality.
Stealing dishes and dining ware from residential restaurants is costing the school — and, ultimately, the students themselves — and needs to be stopped. Dining halls are constantly replacing dishes and dining ware because of students’ loose hands. Last year, the school lost $20,000.
That is a considerable amount of money that should not have to be spent. First of all, stealing from the dining halls is inexcusable. One of the first things that children are taught is not to steal. It is a rule that follows human beings for the rest of their lives.
The irony in stealing from the dining halls is students are making things more expensive for themselves. The $20,000 has to be paid back somehow, so it will come straight from CMU’s budget, creating an extra shortfall. One way the university makes up for shortfalls each year? Tuition increases. A lot of things on campus seem unfair, especially when it comes to money. But it doesn’t give the student body the right to retaliate through theft and pity larceny. Simply put, it is childish. Need silverware, cups or dishes? Make it easier on yourself and buy them. Believe it or not, you are putting other students at a disadvantage when the university has to account for an even larger deficit each year. The university is cracking down
on the thefts, as it should be. Consequences, if caught, include small misdemeanors up to higher larceny charges. Fees and fines could be applied to the student. In some extreme cases, thieves could face jail time for up to a year. This all may seem excessive, but it is apparent these consequences need to be in place. If students are not mature enough to keep their hands off of what is not theirs, they will have to face the punishment. It’s not just up to the university to stop these thefts. Each student should be on the lookout for the culprits. The actions of few can set the reputation for many, and this situation is no exception. Turning a blind eye costs more than students may imagine. In this case, it’s $20,000 for simply not saying a word.
ASHLEY WEISS [CARTOON] What really happened at Brooks Hall
Jason Gillman Jr. Columnist
Politics for the college crowd Looking back at a finance class I took, I chuckle as I think about when I went off about government regulation or other various rights. “That crazy guy’s at it again!” and “Why is this cat getting so wound up?” were probably some things people were saying to themselves. Indeed, why am I so wound up about these types of things, which wouldn’t seem to be an immediate concern of most college students? I’ll start with the subject of property rights as why we should be concerning ourselves with such things, and why I get... vocal. I don’t own real property or any businesses. I would say that a good majority of other college students don’t either. But we can assume that once students leave college, they may try to buy a house or maybe a business. I get irate about things like Mount Pleasant requiring ToDblD’s to close its doors at 11 p.m. Or voters having the ability tell United Investments that they can’t build what they like on their land. That could be anyone in the future. Even worse, these significant violations can be cloaked under the auspices of much more politically palatable names. Take, for example, the various regulations concerning campaign finance. After all, we can’t have candidate “X” getting an unfair advantage, can we? Think about it for a minute: When you contribute to a campaign, what are you doing? Clearly, you’re using your money as a way to spread your message. Some college students still wonder why they should concern themselves with such issues. As a columnist for CM Life, I’ve been given the guidance that I should write things that interest students. I believe that discussing these things in class or in a column is quite appurtenant for the audience, whether they realize it or not.
[our readers’ voice] match his personal pledge dollarDonor: Still committed for-dollar as a vote of confidence in the president and his vision for to the medical school As the donor identified transferring his donation from the proposed medical school to the Rose Arena expansion, please let me clarify. Terri and I are supportive of bold, new pursuits, seeking excellence in education. We became huge fans of former President Michael Rao and his energy, vision and initiatives at CMU. We endowed a scholarship at CMU in the name of my parents, Jack and Patricia Anson, to honor them for precisely this reason. Mike and I had several conversations out in California near our home about the need for new, iconic and architecturally significant structures on campus. We were also looking for ways to strongly support him and to encourage his tenure at CMU. Consequently, the moment we first learned of his bold, new medical school initiative, we contacted Mike and offered to
CMU and as an investment in our former hometown community. We were delighted for CMU that he had apparently made a longer term commitment to the university. His departure announcement followed shortly on the heels thereafter just as the Rose Arena expansion fundraising effort was shaping up. As a gesture to our dear friend and one of CMU’s leading luminaries, Dick Enberg, and at a time when following President Rao’s departure the future of the medical school was up in the air, we suggested that the pledge be transferred to the Rose Arena project. A portion of the Rose Arena project will promote Dick’s incredible legacy at CMU. We remain committed to the concept of a new medical school at CMU. We expect to support it in the future. Todd J. Anson 1977 CMU alumnus
Create a green economy As our state sees its unemployment rise and jobless increase, a growing number of individuals are discovering how to put Michigan back to work – by creating a green economy. Michigan’s economy has changed forever and many of the jobs that have disappeared will never come back – but all hope is not lost. In order to take back its place as the beacon of American ingenuity and knowhow, Michigan must once again be at the cutting edge of the manufacturing industry as well as equip itself with the jobs of tomorrow. This October, students from all over Michigan will be attending the Power Shift Michigan 2009 Conference in Lansing. Here, they will learn about the importance of a green economy and the benefits of an environmentally sustainable future for Michigan families. Young people will attend organizing workshops, hear from incredible speakers, and learn about the political aspects of this cause. If you are interested in learning more, check out our Web site at mipowershift.org. Steve Ross Michigan Field Organizer
C M Y o u | How do you feel about the new name of the student section?
Central Michigan Life Editorial Brian Manzullo, Editor in Chief David Veselenak, Managing Editor Matthew Stephens, Presentation Editor Eric Dresden, Student Life Editor Lindsay Knake, Metro Editor Sarah Schuch, University Editor Andrew Stover, Sports Editor Ashley Miller, Photo Editor Tim Ottusch, Assistant Sports Editor Will Axford, Voices Editor Caitlin Wixted, Design Editor Advertising Lindsey Reed, Katie Sidell Advertising Managers Carly Schafer, Shawn Wright Multi-Media Marketing Coordinators Professional staff Rox Ann Petoskey, Production Leader Kathy Simon, Assistant Director of Student Media Neil C. Hopp, Adviser to Central Michigan Life Central Michigan Life, the independent voice of Central Michigan University, is edited and published by students of Central Michigan University every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring semesters, and every Wednesday during CMU’s summer sessions. The newspaper’s online edition, cm-life.com, contains all of the material published in print, and is updated on an as-needed basis.
Nathan Inks Columnist
Faulty system Detroit schools: Think of the kids High school drama. It’s something we’re all used to. What we’re not used to is school drama at the administrative level. That is, unless you live in Detroit. Coming from metro Detroit, I try to focus on news concerning Detroit. Lately, I’ve found the drama going on in Detroit Public Schools (DPS) is childish. This time, it’s from the emergency financial manager for DPS, Robert Bobb. He filed a lawsuit against the school board. This battle started back in August when the board appointed a permanent superintendent. When Gov. Jennifer Granholm appointed Bobb, she put him in charge of finances and hiring for DPS for one year. Bobb, represented by the Attorney General’s office, is suing the school board. He claims it overstepped its bounds making that appointment. The school board is suing Bobb, claiming he overstepped his bounds overhauling the district. This comes as no surprise, knowing the history of the Detroit school system. It’s filled with corruption. Bobb controls the finances because the school board and past superintendents were unable to end the corruption and bad management practices that have shaped DPS for decades. These problems come just after five DPS employees were charged with embezzlement and other felonies. There’s approximately 500 health care dependents illegally receiving health care coverage from the district. I can understand why the school board would be unhappy with Bobb making drastic changes, but it already had the chance to fix things. The only option Bobb may have left is to have the school system file for bankruptcy. It’s something that has never been done for a district as large as Detroit. But it may lead to additional fights. An inevitable part of the bankruptcy hearings will be the end of contracts with union employees, something the teachers’ union will certainly fight. The teachers’ union in Detroit is strong. Instead of focusing on the well-being of students, the union has been too concerned making sure teachers’ benefits and pay doesn’t get cut. The district cannot afford to keep paying employees as much as they have been. Nobody likes pay cuts, but it is something that needs to happen for the district to make money. Gov. Granholm and Bobb already expressed their thoughts for what should happen when Bobb’s one year contract is up: have the mayor take control. This may be the only option left, since nothing else has worked. Instead of continuing this game of power struggles and corruption, those in charge need to do what’s best for the children of Detroit.
[letters to the editor] E-mail | letters@cm-life.com Mail | 436 Moore Hall Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 Fax | 989.774.7805
“It seems pretty cheesy, but I don’t think I could come up with anything better.”
“I think it was the best out of the three, but I feel we could have had a catchier one.”
Amanda Mehalko,
Grand Blanc senior
“I think it’s odd that so much thought was put into something so small.”
“I think it’s alright, but it doesn’t matter what they call it as long as people show up.”
Michelle Tolodziecki, Nathan Moulton,
Sacanac senior
Midland senior
Ethan Neuberger,
Grayling sophomore
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