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PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Special Edition

2012

Collegian Los Angeles

Wednesday, November 7, 2012 Volume 168 Number 3

The Student Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929

Photo by Pete Souza,

Obama Victory Rocks Student Union Watch Party By Olga Tatarenkova

tudents waited in anticipation at Los Angeles City College-- for the results of the presidential contest on Election Day in front of the TV screen located outside of the Student Union Building. The Social Science Department, the Programming Board, and Service Learning sponsored the event. Students screamed, danced and hugged each other after the results were announced. “I feel tears coming from my eyes,” said Elmor Montana, an accounting major. “I think Obama’s victory is very important for the middle class.” Every time Obama’s picture appeared on the screen, students snapped pictures. They wore tri-color necklaces in red, white and blue. There was a sense of excitement in the air. “I heard people screaming. I came to hear what [was] going on and then I found out Obama won,” said Yvette Ingram, a social work major. Not everyone celebrated in the hours before Mitt Romney conceded. Before the announcement, some students appeared anxious. They spoke among themselves and looked at the screen. Others were quiet or restless as they waited for results. However, after the announcement the approximately 100 students sitting on the concrete benches outside the Student Union Building looked excited and relieved. side to give away coffee, popcorn and energy drinks. It seemed to help students stay energized throughout the night as they screamed every time President Obama appeared on the screen. “Obama will do things he said he will. He will help middle class families and immigrants who really need his help,” said Jessica Juarez, a nursing major. Some students came to the event at 6.30 p.m. and waited for two hours for the poll results. City College history instructor Dr. Christina Heisser celebrated the victory with students. “This presidential race was very symbolic. It tells us that we should be optimistic,” Heisser said. Heisser, who is new to Los Angeles, said it was an exciting moment to see Obama win. She is from Chicago, and lived across the street from Obama’s house.

INDEX

President Empowered by Minority Vote “We Are an American Family and We Rise or Fall Together ” - President Barack Obama By Matthew Ali President Barack Obama won the race to the White House in one of the closest presidential elections in recent memory. Latino voters in the major battleground states like Colorado, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio helped boost the president to victory. The race went down to the wire with the swing states Ohio, Florida and Virginia in a neck and neck race until the polls along the tive lead. In the end it was California, Wash-

Photo by Abel Zarate Jr./Collegian Students rejoice on hearing the news of the re-election of President Barack Obama outside the LACC Student Union on election night.

and reclined on the concrete benches to watch the crowd and talk to their friends. “I don’t care who will win. I don’t like either of them. I am from Ohio, and some of my friends expect me to be Republican, and others think I am Democrat because I live in California, but I am Independent,” said Jaimie Pierson, a music performance major. By 8:50 p.m. the event organizers started giving students a “10 minute warning,” signaling it was time to leave, but many were not quite ready to go. They wanted to keep celebrating They brought pillows and a blanket with them the Obama victory. “I am new in L.A., and it gave me a lift to celebrate Obama’s victory in a community,” she said. Salvador Garcia, an economics major said he spent two hours in front of the screen as he waited for the results. “I was here from the beginning. Obama seemed to be ahead of Romney all the time,” Garcia said as he held a bowl of popcorn in his hands. One couple was seen enjoying the coffee and

Opinion and Editorial ... 2-3 Nixon Retrospective ... 4-5 News & Commentary ... 6,7,8

“I believe he is working in the minorities best interest,” said Jerome Townsend, an LACC custodian. “Being an African American born and raised here … I think that everybody deserves a chance ... for the American dream.” According to Richard Morin, ABC OUTS News, President Obama won the Latino vote by a substantial margin. Exit polls show that the president won the Latino vote in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. “A lot of his stance[es], even just the Dream Act, I felt was really important,” said Kimberly Marquez, a criminal justice major. “I’m Hispanic, I have family that comes from other countries and they [want to] get education and that’s really important to them and a lot of them can’t because they’re illegal. That was one topic that was really important to me.” Romney won the White vote at 52 to 44 percent over Obama. Obama on the other hand won both the Black and Latino votes: 91 percent and 72 percent respectively. Obama supporters gathered at his Chicago headquarters in anticipation of the president’s “It moves forward because of you. It spirit that has triumphed over war and depression, the spirit that has lifted this country from the depths of despair to the great heights of hope, the belief that while each of us will pursue our own individual dreams we are an American family and we rise or fall together as one nation and as one people,” Obama said to supporters at his Chicago headquarters.

Opinion & Editorial

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Collegian

Los Angeles

Collegian Co-Editors-in-Chief: Matthew Mullins Richard Martinez Copy Editors: Denise Barrett Esther Leng Photo Editors: Abel Zarate Jr. Kat Ayala Opinion & Editorial: Illustration By Jose Tobar

You Voted, Now Scream By Denise Barrett The election is over and we have our winner. Now the real work begins. And it’s not the president’s job. It’s ours. Google “citizens’ rights” and the search engine suggests any number of options to complete the phrase: Citizens’ rights to choose, bear arms, free speech, privacy, protest … Yet we often don’t take full advantage of these rights and responsibilities, even when threatened. For example, since 2011, 41 states introduced 180 restrictive

voting laws regarding IDs, proof of citizenship, early voting periods and more. By October 2012, 25 laws and two executive actions were passed in 19 states. Based on the near silence beyond the ACLU or celebrity pundits, ‘we the people’ seem unopposed to the assault. Similarly, an August 2012 Gallup Poll showed Congress with a record-low approval rating. The “Do Nothing Congress” and its lack of civility, political games and deep ideological biases will likely go down in history as one of the alltime worst. Yet many of the same

Graphic Designer: Gegham Khekoyan Reporters:

players are still in the game. Politicians played chicken with our future and we have decided to let them. Change will not happen unless we insist on it. Voting for a candidate is only part of the battle. In politics, your vote may be your voice, but sometimes you have to scream. Hold the president and other

later. Work now. Demand better schools now. Demand a solid economic plan and relief for poverty now. Demand jobs that stay on this side of the Atlantic now. Demand that everyone pay their fair share now. Demand our solider siblings, sons, daughters, mothers and fathers come back home now. These are the things that matter to us all. Let the president, Congress and the for their promises and their actions. rest know that we are watching, but That’s our job as citizens. we won’t wait long. It is time to Whomever you voted for, Barack move forward. Obama is our president. So, congratulations, Mr. PresiCitizens, celebrate (or complain) dent. Now let’s get to work.

Olga Tatarenkova David Stamp Byron Umana-Bermudez Rora Oh Hoon Kim Amanda Scurlock Geoffrey Smith Sarah Weiss Matthew Alli Photographers: Jorge Ponce Inae Bloom MultiMedia:

Letter to the Editor I have a bitter hatred toward initiatives because wealthy funders abuse them to circumvent the legislature. Most initiatives are stupid. I resent them even more for requiring me, a somewhat sane voter, to march to the polls on a weekday and to vote “no.” I intend to vote “no” for nearly 99 percent of initiatives that I will encounter in my life--here in California. I recently watched an episode of “Democracy Now!” Bill Moyer was featured to present his documentary on ALEC. I was shocked to listen to the sample ALEC bill (made by lobbyists and wealthy corporations) and found it to be almost identical to the recent changes at LACC regarding degree plans, progress reports, and restriction of fee waivers for full time, transfer students. I hear everyone commenting about the debates. Why do we put so much weight into debates? Debates only reward sophists and

Naomi Johnson

Dave Martin

smooth talkers. The political debate has atrophied since the legendary days of Lincoln and Douglas and no such air of candidates have ever achieved their glory since. The political candidate debate has turned hold an eerie similarity to a pair of four-yearolds screaming “Did not!” “Did too,” “Uh-uh” “Uh-HUH!” I don’t like the premise. The contender albent and tries to magnify his failures. This is an incorrect assumption of the American government. It happens to be a majority rule republic. Sure, Obama made some promises in his glory days of “Change” and “Hope.” Alas, only a dictator can install all drastic reforms; the American president can only try. Instead of television debates that reward CNN-style sound bites, I prefer the tradition

of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists who would write thorough tracts and engage in debate, real, thorough debate. They wrote essays and pamphlets that required pondering, extensive writing, and some rational exchange. Like vultures, vicious pundits grasp and scrutinize into the nonverbal of the candidates as psychoanalysists. I don’t care if Obama “looked like” he didn’t want to be there. I wouldn’t give a vote to Romney even if his smile and his quick-trigger words garnered compliments. I want a president to have the ability to research and be able to articulate both pros and cons of any issue. I, the American voter, deserve and want better. The presidential debate begs for a recall.

Sandy Stirs Election

Illustrator: Jose Ramon Tobar Faculty Adviser: Rhonda Guess

JOURNALISM ASSOCIATION OF

COMMUNITY COLLEGES

ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS

By Jesa Pugh Hurricane Sandy impacted upward of 50 million people. As I watched news coverage of the hurricane, I could not help but to wonder how it would impact this year’s election. President Obama cut his Florida campaigning trip short and Gov. Romney cut his New Hampshire trip out altogether. They said Virginia would not be seeing either of them. These are all areas that were affected by this catastrophic event. I believe these cancellations take away the personal connection between the candidate and voters. If they are unable to hear the candidates platform in person they will not feel the compassion and sensitivity of the government for their people. The president, seems to have the ability to appear above politics. During a natural disaster, a president’s job is to reinforce his representation of the people. Not just the people who vote for him but all Americans. He has spoken with both the Democratic and Republican parties to discuss how Hurricane Sandy is to be handled. Whereas Gov. Romney is restricted to just the Republican Party. Romney doesn’t have Although I did not vote for Romney, it’s comforting to know that he called upon his supporters to donate to the disaster relief. I think that’s what makes our country so great. When our country is in some crises, we all come together and help one another. I just hope that when it’s over, we see exactly what’s important and what we need in our country.

David Tapia

Deadline Schedule NEXT ISSUE: Dec. 5, 2012 Editorial deadline: Nov. 25, 2012 For all submissions including letters to the editor and publicity releases. Advertising deadline: Nov. 30, 2012 Send materials to Collegian office: Chemistry 207 losangeles.collegian@gmail.com

President Barack Obama hugs Donna Vanzant, the owner of North Point Marina, as he tours

The college newspaper is published as a learning experience, offered under the college journalism instructional program. The editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the Los Angeles Community College District, Los Angeles City College, or any officer or employee thereof. © 2012 Collegian. No material may be reprinted without the express written permission of the Collegian.

Collegian

Opinion & Editorial

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Self-Deportation

By Byron Umana-Bermudez There is no question that America is going through an economic downturn. This is evident everywhere you look, from the price of gas to the rise in unemployment. Whenever America faces troubles like this, it seems who cannot speak for themselves. It is horrendous to think that there are those in the political sphere who deny the impact of immigration on American history. In fact, the people who landed on Plymouth Rock were immigrants. One can even say that legal immigrants. Mitt Romney wanted to implement a self-deportation plan similar to Arizona’s SB 1070. Under this plan, every person hired in the United States would go through a background check and anyone found to be an illegal immigrant would be asked to leave the country. If the person did not comply, they would be forcibly deported. Those found guilty of hiring an illegal imRomney has said these immi-

grants should go through the proper channels for gaining citizenship. Unfortunately, he does not realize that many people cannot afford to become naturalized. According to The Washington Independent Web site, the cost of naturalization can be anywhere from $710 to $1,130. Romney stands for racial stereotypes. It’s undoubtedly clear as he is noted for saying, “Illegal Immigration brings in people who in some cases can be terrorists, in other cases they become a burden on society.” The burdens he is referring to are the same people who clean bathrooms, work in chemically hazarddren, and so on. Romney should address the question of who will take these jobs once the illegal immigrants concede to “self-deportation.” These men and women have worked hard and made America their home. They have given birth to the next generation of Americans. What will happen to these children? Romney’s response: “That’s the choice the parents would make.” For a person who has been a staunch advocate for family values, he shows disregard for the families of the people who have made this a better America. This nation is made all the better by the different races, ethnicities, and social backgrounds that comprise its cultural mosaic. If Americans decide to pursue the idea of “self-deportation,” the values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness lose the validity they hold today.

Illustration by Jose Tobar

Social Media Creates New Age for Candidates and billionaires a $250,000 tax cut,” Obama stated in regards to the hashtag. YouTube is another platform frequently used by the two candidates. Obamas’ channel, called “BarackObamadotcom” has over 2800 videos, while Romney’s channel, named “mittromney” has 280 videos. The Obama campaign sees the importance of social media and utilized it properly. “Are we going to turn around and go back to the same policies that got us

Social media has given the American people a voice in recent years. Popular TV shows and local news tell viewers to “Like” their page on Facebook or “Follow” them on Twitter. The invention of social media has created a way for companies, celebrities and even politicians to speak to their audience on a more direct level than ever before. Many out to tech-savvy audiences, pulling their interest by displaying messages online. By Amanda Scurlok Presidential candidates Barack Obama and Mitt Romney have been using Facebook and Twitter to gain popularity in order to achieve presidency. There are several pages for supporter groups like “Women for Mitt” and “Students for Obama” to aid in spreading the word about the candidates’ platforms. First Lady, Michelle Obama and Ann Romney also have their own pages to support their husbands’ political achievements. When the debates

personal political views. During the Democratic National Convention, there was a #DNC hashtag in the corner of the screen. This can be an unfamiliar sign if you are not a Twitter user. The acronym immediately following the the pound

Convention is trying to become a possible “Trending Topic” on the Twitter. campaign shared photos and published On Facebook, several promotiontweets, giving Facebook, Tumblr and al videos and photos are available Twitter users a reason to discuss their for supporters to share and enjoy.

Videos of debates, speeches, photos and diagrams to display their rivals political shortcomings create a buzz that can be passed around with the click of a mouse. Mitt Romney uses his tweets to show his credentials and send his promises of more jobs. In his more recent tweets, there was a #CantAfford4More hashtag, implying that Obama’s second term will put America deeper into debt. “We can’t afford another four years

like the last four” Romney tweeted on October 22. Over 500 people posted this comment on their accounts or “re-tweeted” the comment, showing how powerful one message can be, it begins with one and is shared by many. Barack Obama also lashed out against Romney with the trending topic #Romnesia, stating loopholes and consequences of Romney’s platforms. “He’s hoping you won’t remember that he wants to give millionaires

we going to keep moving this country forward?” asked Michelle Obama as she spoke to supporters in Colorado Springs. Videos on Romney’s channel emphasize on how many Americans felt about the last four years. In the video titled “No, I Can’t,” recently graduated college students explained how Obama’s presidency has lead them to unemployment. The wives of the candidates have been doing their part as well. Michelle Obama’s Twitter page shows her supportive tweets, as well as articles she has written for sites like Cafemom.com and Newsone.com. Ann Romney has also published an article on blogher.com. According to an article on Foster Web Marketing, over a hundred million Facebook users are of voting age. Social media is a breeding ground of press their views on Facebook.

In an impromptu welcome, Shell Milan kisses Mrs. Nixon’s hand.

Vice Presid sine that br

Collegian

Retro Photo courtesy of the White House

Collegian’s Editor Luis Orci interviews the vice president.

Dr. John Lombardi greets

Presidential Flashback It was a sunny day when Vice President Richard Nixon arrived at L.A. City College in Nov. of 1959. His wife, Pat Nixon and Press Secretary Herbert Klein who was also an alumni of City College, accompanied the vice president. Nixon delivered a speech to mark the opening of Jefferson Hall and the Women’s Gym. Collegian reporter Zaz Vignolle interviews Mrs. Nixon

By Olga Tatarenkova “Glad to meet you, Mr. President,” Luis Orci, a Collegian reporter said. Nixon was the vice president at that time and he looked puzzled. The reporter corrected his own mistake saying he was looking a year ahead to the coming presidential elections. Nixon seemed to approve, according to Orci’s editorial published in the Collegian on Nov. 10, 1959. dents and CIA agents. While students wanted to shake the vice president’s hand, 12 secret service agents separated Nixon from the crowd. “His walk from the auditorium to the Student Union took 15 minutes, 12 over the scheduled time, as he inched his way across the campus, shaking hands and signing autographs,” Orci wrote. Nixon delivered his speech at the “auditorium” in front of 1,500 guests, according to the

of a few thousand listened to the speech on the public address system outside. 1959 was a busy year for Nixon. That July, he accompanied President Dwight Eisenhower to the Soviet Union. Three months later in October, a Soviet Moonwalker Luna 3 robot to Earth. Nikita Khrushchev also visited the The speech Nixon gave at LACC was a continuation of the so-called “Kitchen Debate” which began in Moscow. Nixon, Eisenof their own political systems. Nixon’s speech at LACC echoed the highlights of the debates. “We could make no greater mistake than to use the Communist yardstick to measure educational values in a free society,” the vice president said. Not all students were enthusiastic upon meeting Nixon. “For a man who has done little for this

country,” Natalia Jackson, a student at LACC wrote, “and especially for Blacks, it’s hard for me to understand why many are giving [Vice] President Richard Nixon so much support.” In her article, Jackson criticized Nixon for cutting education and job programs. “They [Nixon’s supporters] have forgotten, and they are going to slap us right back into four more years of no progress, no jobs and increasing poverty,” Jackson wrote. Walking by Jefferson Hall today, the home of the English and Humanities Departments, it is hard to believe the building was the site the soon-to-be president visited. Nowadays, the City College campus reminds one of budget cuts and canceled classes. More than 50 years have passed since Nixon’s visit, yet it is possible to piece that day together from archival materials. A pile of yellowed papers covered with dust contain pictures, letters and interviews that put

all the pieces together. The most curious details are fo article titled “Unexpected Inciden Interest in Richard Nixon’s Two Ho Campus.” It described an incident ing Pat Nixon. According to the article, Mrs. Ma a Student Union hostess was ban head with a camera. Pat Nixon im put her arms around the hostess an to a restroom. It seemed to steal t heart. Zaz Vignolle, described her with the second lady in her article gnettes.” Vignolle learned about th days in advance and she says sh carefully before meeting the secon “Thursday night, I planned my and my clothes. I brought heels an school just in case,” she wrote. Despite the reporter’s preparation view happened in a rush.

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UNTITLED WARHOL PROJECT “Now it was 15 minutes before their expected arrival. There was a big crowd outside and the Knights (campus fraternity) were pushing everyone back. She had to move on. It seemed like she always had to move on,” Vignolle wrote. Vignolle said she could barely could the second lady to ask her a question. “After the dedication ceremony I hustled over to the auditorium to catch her there. The crowding, and pushing were unbelievable, but I could not give up,” she said. Despite all the challenges, Vignolle called her experience “thrilling.” Orci described his interview with Nixon in similar terms. “I was really very calm when I talked with him. Although I did forget to give him the four Collegians I held in my hands, and forgot to take notes, and as I talked with him, the ground seemed to move my knees around a little. There was nothing to it,” Orci said.

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News & Commentary

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Collegian

Governor Welcomes Passage of Prop 30 By Olga Tatarenkova

Photo courtesy of Pavel Grigoryants in Panorama City earlier this week.

“From everyone who has been given portant to us,” Martinez said. much, much will be demanded,” Brown Director of the California Teachers AssoWith the future of California public edu- said. ciation David B. Goldberg said he supports cation in the balance, Gov. Jerry Brown The rally in Panorama City was part of the proposition as a parent and teacher. joined local teachers, students and commu“Students have suffered over $20 billion nity leaders to boost favor for Proposition ego and ended in San Francisco. dollars in cuts the last 4 years while mil30 on Monday, in a rally at the Plaza de At the end of his speech, Brown encour- lionaires have gotten even richer. Prop 30 Valle Shopping Center in Panorama City. aged supporters to go knock door-to-door, supports education funding for all students Early indicators showed limited support urging voters to vote yes on Prop 30. and higher ed. and allows millionaires to for the measure, but by Tuesday morning “I am planning to go around my neighthe governor got his wish. borhood and urge people to vote,” Olga berg said. Proposition 30 passed 53.9 percent to Martinez a member of the Mi Familia Vota Some believe the proposition will help 46.1 percent. Program said. families send their children to school. Brown told the crowd that Proposi“My son wants to be an engineer. We are Celesta Garcia from Mi Familia Vota tion 30 is about schools and children, a low-income family and we don’t have said “I have two kids nine and 14 and not about politicians. He even quoted money to send him to school. Loans are without Prop 30 I can’t afford sending Luke 12:48 in his speech. frustrating. That’s why Prop 30 is so im- them to school.”

Parsing the Politics of Food By David Stamp

high price of hamburgers.

The government has its hands in everything, yes, even your mouth. It has subsidy and patent laws that affect the type and quality of crops produced for food. This year in California, Proposition 37 is on the ballot. If approved food industries would be required to label Ge-

port program under President Roosevelt was aimed at maintaining food prices through keeping surplus grain off the market. Modern agricultural subsidies paired with industrial farming practices have made certain crops available in such abundance that they have since become a large part of diets in the United States. Even U.S. cows eat corn and soy.

in grocery retailers. In the United States, the price of food is lowered by giving farmers subsidies to produce certain crops in excess. Subsidies cost the American taxpayer approximately $19 billion a year. These agricultural subsidies favor crops such as soybeans and corn. The surplus of food created by these subsidies affects foreign markets by prices and undercuts farmers in other countries. in 1973, when President Richard Nixon and Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz, began subsidizing food to lower prices. This came at a time when there was a nationwide meat boycott to protest the

soybeans are GMOs. According to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications report, 81 percent of all soybeans and 29 percent of all corn grown globally were GMOs in 2010. This year, Californians are voting on whether or not to label GMO foods as such. Proposition 37 would pass legislation to inform consumers on what they are eating. The ballot measure would raise state spending anywhere from $300,000 to over $1 million dollars. as the only way for food production to match population growth. “You need to feed the population. So

not, you still need to feed the people, having to label all the GMO food is just a waste of tax payer money,” said Yana Hakobyan, a high school student taking classes here at City College. Others see the methods used to create GMOs as dangerous and unnatural. The process of creating genetically enzymes from bacteria in combination with altered viruses to enter cells and change their genetic code. “That isn’t food, and people should pay attention to what they’re eating,” said Hrach Gabrielyan, psychology major at LACC. There are patent laws that recognize genetically engineered seeds as intellectual property, prompting farmers to pay every time they use those seeds. This is true even if the farmer had saved the seeds from his own crop the year before. link in the food chain. Control over seed means control over our lives, our food and our freedom” said Vandana Shiva, physicist and environmentalist, in a lecture given on Oct. 30 at Loyola Marymount University.

COMMENTARY

Two-Party System: Let It Be By Rora Oh Yesterday, we saw democracy at work. As we watched network TV keep count of the votes state by state and as we watched some states turn out red and some blue, we saw our political system at play. Yet, it was hard to celebrate this election victory with red, white, and blue confetti. This presidential Romney’s ambiguity on issues and change. Tired Americans yawned with disappointment. Skeptics said to themselves, “Who cares?” The Collegian raised the question: “Is the two-party system working?” In the Constitution, our founding fathers included three short paragraphs stating how the Electoral College would work. These paragraphs also laid the foundation for the twoparty system we know today. The only way for a third party to enter today’s political scheme, would be to amend Constitution. Simply abolish the Electoral College. The winner-take-all nature of the for any third party to gain momentum in the presidential race. So, to make it abundantly clear, the only way to get rid of the twoparty system is to amend Article

II of the Constitution. In 225 years of our constitutional history, Congress approved amendments to the Constitution only 27 ments were passed in a bulk; two Prohibition Amendments canceled each other out; and one was proposed alongside the Bill of Rights, Proposing an amendment to get rid of the Electoral College system and thus two-party politics sounds far-fetched. Third parties have a small voice in today’s politics, and they’re not loud enough to win over the two-thirds of both Houses of Congress required to pass an amendment. Even if we were to toy with this idea of a constitutional amendment to kill the two-party system, why not devote the same amount of time, energy, and resources for another amendment that’s worthwhile? Say, the Equal Rights Amendment. Leave the Constitution alone. ing to amend it. Now, let’s say, for the sake of the argument, Uncle Sam somehow ends up side-stepping the two-party system without a constitutional change. Let’s say, we pull a third political party out of the magician’s hat and bring it into our conversation.

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News & Commentary

Collegian

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

COMMENTARY

Divided We Stand By Geoffrey Smith

The divide this nation faces because of the two-party system has never been so evident. It is because of this divide, and a growing dislike for the other side, that we are unable to accomplish key goals within a four-year term. The way politics in the U.S. are run today, really puts progress into the periphery of the country’s agenda. Because of the bitter and gritty competition between the Democrats and Republicans, aka “The Party War,” both parties are less likely to compromise on more important issues. This is very visible in Congress, and speaks volumes about our slow and inefApparently, voters are disgruntled with the sluggish pace of the American government, and there is a steadily growing distrust in the two major political parties running it. Earlier this year, “independent” voters registered at an all time high of 40 percent. To combat the division, third-party candidates should be allowed to debate alongside Democratic and Republican presidential candidates.

I believe their introduction into the main presidential debates would slowly open America’s eyes to the value of variety and create a healthy political environment Thanks to super PACs, the two-party system here in the U.S. has manifested into a big money machine, drowning out all other competition. This leaves us to choose the better of two evils. Both of which are adamantly pushing their own party’s agenda. This unhealthy relationship between the parties only serves to distance us from each other and progress. In recent years, disgusting smear campaigning and ruthless bad mouthing between the two parties is turning the American political arena into a daytime soap. As the national debt grows higer and higher and America’s middle class deteriorates, our status as a world superpower is in serious jeopardy. To see two candidates bicker over whose party has done more damage is sickening, especially when there are far greater matters at hand. This election does nothing but perpetuate the growing downtrend in the nation’s political ethics. Hopefully change is here to come.

Two Parties Prove Limited The problem with America’s two-party system is that it restricts a voter’s ability to have any real political power without aligning themselves to one of the two major political parties. The principles this country was founded upon aim to prevent tyranny by the majority, but the two party system encourages just that. What if your beliefs do not align with those of the major political parties? What choices do we have? Close to none. The two-party system either pick Obama or Romney. Our current political model operates on only two choices. This means that many times voters feel forced to vote for a candidate they do not truly support. There are those who say, “I’m voting for him, because he is the lesser of two evils.” Is that a valid reason for selecting one of the most powerful persons in the world, the next commander in chief of our country? Both parties have to appeal to as many Americans as they can. Therefore, their policymaking will cater to middle America; placing all other Americans on the fringe of the political sphere. Politicians vote according to their party lines, and policies that do not favor either party are likely to be ignored. Real change cannot come to America this way. I know change is a slow process, but it should not be deterred any longer. Another disadvantage of the two-party system, is that constituents oftentimes will select a candidate who they believe will win, but who is not; in their eyes, the best option. At the end of the day, you’re left with two candidates who will ultimately promote the well-being of their party, but not necessarily that of the average American. It is extremely hard for an outsider to run

ian and the Green Party are highly unlikely to win any election. The voice of American diversity is completely being left out of the public discourse. Independent voters are severely underrepresented. It’s practically impossible for these voters to have a candidate on the ballot and win. Their voice will be kept silent as long as the two parties are running our political system. Candidates who run for either of the mayor parties have a clear advantage because of name association. If you want to win an election, you’ll run for one of these two. Another factor alienating a portion of that it costs hundreds of millions of dollars to run for president. Those who have considerable amounts of money to spend on political

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along with super PACs and special interest groups. Casino millionaire Sheldon Adelson, has donated millions of dollars to unseat President Obama. According to the New York Times, Adelson is eager to donate money to Obama’s rivals. According to a New York Times article, Adelson donated more that $30 million to super PACs backing Newt Gingrich before he dropped out of the race. The Los Angeles Times reports that, “caSheldon Adelson and his wife Miriam,” donated at least half of one “Pro-Romney” super PACs’ earnings, taking the total to $20 million. Clearly, wealth is an enormous contributing factor to the victory of a president. The two-party system clearly splits American in half, and unfortunately this ideas are completely categorized, “conservative” or “liberal” and you become nothing more than a label.

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Collegian

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

A Tale of Three Cities DOWNTOWN - KOREATOWN - CRENSHAW

New Yorkers have Democracy Plaza in Rockerfeller Center, Chicagoans have Obama HQ, and now Angelenos have, “Grand Park.”

Park Your Politics

Located between the Music Center and City Hall, Grand Park will now be the hearth of cultural events and celebrations for Los Angeles. “Park Your Politics: Grand Park’s Election Day Viewing Party,” was the this pivotal election night. True to its promise the event was very much a party and oozed L.A. If “Park Your Politics” were an expensive cocktail its ingredients would read: two parts club, mixed with one part bar, and a splash of democracy A 30 ft. screen projected CNN election predictions while DJs mixed songs ranging from indie tunes to Michael Jackson classics. The usual food trucks were in attendance and received patronage from those coming and going from the outdoor beer garden. Throughout the evening Anthony Valdez from K-CREW made announcements such as, “This is a no partisan park party!” though when Obama clinched vital swing-states the masses responded in a collective roar. ‘I think it’s quite nice for the people to join together, to go in the streets together to celebrate that,” said Pauline Lannier, a French university student.

Photo by Inae Bloom/Collegian Cheers rose from the crowd on Grand Park’s Performance Lawn as CNN projected President Barack Obama would carry the state of Ohio and win re-election.

“I think it really shows how people are involved in political life.” The overall event however, was not centered on ideologies but rather a celebration of civic participation.

“Park your Politics” set up an opA photo-opportunity where Obama and Romney supporters alike portunity for people of different ages, was available for people to dress up ethnicities and nationalities, and party in cowboy hats next to their carddrink beers, and sit on the same lawn. board political hero.

“I wanted to be out with the collective instead of just sitting home by myself watching the electoral process,” said Shashona Brooks, a voting Angeleno.

Koreatown’s Community Makes a Stand at the Polls don’t believe it can get any worse … I believe With headquarters on the intersection of Western Avenue and Olympic Boulevard, the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles has been spreading Korean culture throughout the Los Angeles area for the past 50 years. Now, the headquarters serve as a polling place; bringing Koreatown’s diverse community together for an exercise in democracy. derful. The poll workers were very friendly and helpful. I voted yes on 30, because I’m a community college student and I don’t want them to cut classes,” said Edwin Monterrubio. David Lim, vice president of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles says the economy is an important factor to consider when deciding whom to vote for. He says President Barack Obama is the right choice. “The economy is horrible right now. I

omy … We are a minority group and I believe Obama looks out for the minorities,” Lim said. People from various ethnic groups gathered at the polling place throughout the day; many focused more on the outcome of the propositions and proposed measures than the outcome of the presidential race. “I take public transportation so Measure J was very important for me. We could have a better transportation system. We live in such a populated city where public transportation should be [important]. This measure will create jobs and help people taking public transportation,” said Darryl Harper, another voter present at the polls on Election Day. The presence of signs and ballots in the multiple languages, as well as the diversity of the poll workers spoke for the varied representation of America.

L.A. Sentinel Lifts Every Voice By Amanda Scurlock

The Los Angeles Sentinel is a newspaper that features news of interest to the African American community in the Los Angeles area. On Election Day, their conference room became a polling place, drawing the diverse community of the Crenshaw District together to cast their vote for president. People of different ages walked through the Sentinel’s doors to vote; from young, calm before the anticipated 5 o’clock rush. Women showed up in big numbers, many with a storng belief of a Democratic win. “I think Obama is going to win,” said voter Charles Burks while others stood in agreement. However, this campaign has been mak-

ing some nervous. “It’s scary close,” said Kimberly Sinclair, a poll worker at the Sentinel. She has a close connection to working at polls. “I’m carrying the tradition of my grandmother. She was a poll worker,” Sinclair said “Me and my family members decided to just jump in and pick up where she left off.” Adrian Bates was at the Sentinel on Tuesday and says, “I don’t think that the media has really been respectful or the genBates said. One could not mistake her support for Obama. Regardless of the confusion of the propositions and the passion voters displayed for this year’s election.

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