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NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper

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Vol. 40, No. 27

OCTOBER 18, 2012 Vol. 40, No. 31 | THURSDAY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | SPECIAL EDITION

THE

ELECTION ISSUE

nyunews.com

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | NYUNEWS.COM

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

THERE ARE THREE S I D E S TO E V E RY S TO RY: YOURS, MINE AND THE TRUTH Together, they make three borders of veracity. But in politics, those boundaries slowly morph and dissolve. Like the cord between a child’s string and can telephone toy, the wavelengths of truth oscillate

and shake during a general election year. Both candidates yell into their cans, vibrating the

strings in hopes of reaching the cups at each of your ears. They roar louder and louder, nullifying each other, vying for your attention until a dead white noise is left ringing in an abandoned receiver. There is still a week left until the Nov. 6 Election Day, but that one day will decide the next four years of our lives. In this issue, we have featured the topics that matter most to you, like health care, the economy and financial aid. We have outlined the platforms, ideals and opinions of each candidate, and we haven’t forgotten other power players: the third parties, vice presidents and first ladies. We introduce students who are working to create change in a stagnant political climate, but we haven’t forgotten the goodies, like best celebrity tweets or election movies, that are a staple of the political theater. We lay this information out before you as a tool to build your own truth. Winston Churchill once said that “a lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.” And the media only

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TOP

ARe YOU Registered to Vote?

NYUNEWS.COM | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

Our

NYU oters S T R AW P O L L

in 2012 WSN POLLERS HANDED OUT OVER 800 POLLS DURING SHIFTS FROM 9 A.M. TO 8 P.M. ON MONDAY, OCT. 22 AND TUESDAY, OCT. 23. FOR A FULL DESCRIPTION OF OUR POLLING PROCESS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT NYUNEWS.COM.

What PARTY ARE YOU REGISTERED WITH?

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president?

Approve

21.1% Disapprove

18.3%

7.7% DE

C MO

T RA P

N ICA

L UB

IND

N PE

23.9%

C DE

IDE

CONTENTS

NYU Straw Poll Results 2-3

TOP 7 ISSUES EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW Economy 4-5 Financial Aid 5 Gay Rights 6 Womenâ€™s Rights 7 Immigration 8 Health Care 9 Environment 10

THE POWER PLAYERS First Ladies 12 Presidential Pets 12 Vice Presidents 13 Third Party Candidates 13

THE DECIDING FACTORS If I Were Elected President Tomorrow 14 Swing States 14 The Hispanic Voter 15 The Role of Social Media 15 Top 5 Election Tunes 15 Voices from Abroad 16-17

Suppose the presidential election were held today.

Who would you vote for? 75.6% yes

Campaign Donations 11 Most Used Convention Words 11

50.1%

78.9%

TA B L E

POLITICAL PORTRAITS

9.4% ROMNEY

Robert Raymond 18 Claire Stottlemyer 18 Michelle Pomeroy 19 Members from Students for Education Reform 19 Timeline of Election in Celebrity Tweets 20

24.4% NO

76.9% OBAMA

6.2% WON'T VOTE 4.6% NO OPINION 3.0% OTHER

1 TOP ISSUES

YOU SHOULD

KNOW

ECONOMY By ANDERS MELIN

The economy has dominated the political debate again. Like every year, both candidates will have to co policies are crucial to lifting the country out of anemic job growth, balancing the budget and achieving lo Especially during an era when many parts of the world have undergone severe economic deterioration, Pr Romney will need to work to restore the United States as an economic powerhouse.

WHERE OBAMA AND ROMNEY ST S TAT U S Q U O TAX POLICY

The 2001-2003 tax cuts and relief programs Obama enacted will expire on Jan. 1, 2013, and budgets of federal departments will be reduced, leading the government to face a fiscal cliff. This will result in a decrease in the budget deficit but will increase average tax expense per household by $3,500 annually.

OBAMA • • • •

•

JOB CREATION AND LEGISLATION

Even though experts disagree on the reasons behind the slow return of jobs, they said the trend is unlikely to reverse without government action.

• • • •

BUDGET DEFICIT

THESE TOP SEVEN ISSUES REFLECT THE TOPICS THAT

It has been at a historical high for the past four years. The deficit will be cut in half by the fiscal cliff, but is likely to increase in the long run as redemptions of Social Security and Medicare benefits increase.

• • •

Extend the current tax levels for households making less than $250,000. Increase taxes for the top two percent income bracket. Increase tax on capital gains to 20 percent and tax dividends as ordinary income. Reduce corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 28 percent for companies and to 25 percent for manufacturers. Institute a minimum tax rate on overseas corporate profits. Reinstate the research and development credit that expired in 2011. Make tax credit for renewable energy production permanent. Cut payroll taxes for businesses with less than $5 million in wage expenses. Increase federal infrastructure investments. Halt growth of federal spending. Reduce the deficit over the next 10 years. Slow growth of Medicare spending.

THE WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS FEELS ARE THE MOST PERTINENT TO NYU STUDENTS AT THIS TIME. THEY ARE NOT

ARE THEY THE SOLE SUBJECTS ON THE PARTY PLATFORMS.

ECONOMY

W H AT T H E E X P E R T S S AY

BACKUS: If you look at the numbers, GDP and consumption are now above where they were [in 2007]. But investments by companies are still down. What are companies doing? Sitting on cash. They could be building new plants, but they are not. The answer? We don’t know.

FINANCIAL AID

GAY RIGHTS WOMEN’S RIGHTS

ENVIRONMENT

IMMIGRATION HEALTH CARE

D AV I D B A C K U S

Heinz Riehl professor of economics at the Stern School of Business 2

KEN GOLDSTEIN

Senior analyst at the New York Conference Board 3

U . S . S E A S O N A L LY A D J U

Q: WHY HAS JOB CREATION BEEN SO SLOW?

B R I A N H A M I LTO N

CEO of Sageworks, Inc.

HAMILTON: There is real anxiety among these companies about their business in the future. We found that 60 percent of the 27 million private businesses are worried about what is going to happen in the future or have lagging effects from the recession. Q: WHAT IS NEEDED FROM THE GOVERNMENT? HAMILTON: Better political decisionmaking. I would rather have a marginal to slightly poor policy early than something that’s debated until the very end and then thrown at people. [Companies] need to know what policies are coming down the pipe so they can plan.

BY QUARTER

10 9 8 PERCENT

INTENDED TO REPRESENT THE NATION AS A WHOLE, NOR

7 6 5 4

2007

2008 Q1

20 Q1

GOLDSTEIN: Fiscal policies are more effective than monetary policy, but they haven’t come because of the political gridlock. Q: WHAT DO YOU PREDICT FOR THE NEAR FUTURE? WILL THE UNITED STATES MAINTAIN ITS POSITION AS AN ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE? BACKUS: The U.S. has a 200-year history of eventually solving its problems. The big issue is if people

NYUNEWS.COM | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID AND STUDENT LOANS By CHARLES MAHONEY Considering the shaky job market, the continuing battle over health care and the skirmishes among social rights activists, federal student aid seems to be a minor issue to many voters. But for students, this issue decides their future. There is roughly $902 billion of outstanding student loan debt owed by Americans today, with about $846 billion of that owed to the federal government. The Obama administration has supported the infusion of the federal government into the student debt market, citing the need to continue to relieve students of their debt burdens. However, the Romney camp is concerned that the federal government is accruing more debt than it can pay for and is concurrently distorting the true cost of college.

onvince the nation that their ong term fiscal sustainability. resident Obama and Gov. Mitt

DEFINITIONS:

AND ROMNEY • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

Reduce marginal income tax by 20 percent for all wage earners. Maintain current 15 percent tax rate on capital gains and dividends. Reduce corporate tax rate from 35 to 25 percent. Eliminate estate tax. Broaden the tax base by closing loopholes. Refrain from taxing profits earned by U.S. corporations abroad.

Remove regulations in the energy sector and focus on traditional fossil fuels. Lower costs of gasoline and electricity by achieving U.S. energy independence. Expand free trade agreements with Latin America. Repeal the Dodd-Frank Act. Repeal Obamacare. Cut federal spending from 24 percent to 20 percent of GDP by 2016. Balance the budget in 10 years Gradually reduce growth in Social Security and Medicare benefits

U S T E D U N E M P L O Y M E N T R AT E

PELL GRANT: Financial aid provided by the federal government to college students based on financial need. FEDERALLY SUBSIDIZED STUDENT LOAN INTEREST RATE: Federal financial aid to undergraduate students is also based on financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest for at least half the time a student is in school and the first six months after a student leaves school. FEDERALLY BACKED STUDENT LOANS: Student loans that are guaranteed by the federal government. They have a lower interest rate than other types of loans and can be subsidized or unsubsidized.

W H E R E O B A M A A N D R O M N E Y S TA N D S TAT U S Q U O

OBAMA

ROMNEY

FEDERALLY SUBSIDIZED STUDENT LOAN INTEREST RATE

An interest rate of 3.4 percent in federally backed student loans was set in 2007 and was extended to 2012.

The team campaigned in early summer, pushing for Congress to extend the student interest rate at 3.4 percent rather then allowing it to double to the 2007 level of 6.8 percent. While this helps keep college affordable, artificially low rates can also prompt over-consumption, fueling higher college prices and some students to make the wrong decision to attend college.

Romney supports the president’s effort to keep the interest rate at 3.4 percent. However, Romney’s vice president Ryan voted against the measure, concerned that the growing deficit meant education cutbacks would be needed. Ryan seems to believe the low rate has contributed to the deficit, as allowing the rates to rise works as a tax cut for students who pay back less interest on the loan.

PELL GRANT

Since 2008, the number of U.S. students receiving Pell Grants has increased from 6 million to 9 million. In 2010, the maximum grant awarded to students increased to $5,550 per year.

Obama would let the current maximum contribution expand to $5,635 as was established in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. He would also continue to expand the Pell Grant maximum with inflation.

Romney promises to refocus Pell Grant dollars on the students that need them most and has argued that flooding colleges with federal dollars would only drive tuition higher. Ryan’s budget would increase the income level for students receiving the maximum grant amount, create maximum income for grant eligibility and declare ineligibility for part-time students.

DEFAULT AND POSTCOLLEGE PAYMENT

Federal student loan repayment is capped at 15 percent of monthly discretionary income after tax and expenses. Student loans are forgiven after 25 years.

Proposed in 2011, the “Pay As You Earn” program would cap monthly federal student loan repayment at 10 percent of monthly discretionary income. Additionally, student loans would be forgiven after 20 years.

Romney still opposes the Obama administration’s promise to forgive student loans if students cannot afford to repay them. He would use private institutions to make sure students would be fully informed of their debt obligations upon entering college.

FEDERALLY BACKED STUDENT LOANS

The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act ended the practice of subsidizing private lenders to make student loans. Instead, all funds available for student loans are dedicated to direct loans from the federal government.

Administration propelled 2010 legislation that removed private lenders from federally guaranteed student loans, instead allowing the federal government to grant the loans itself. They would continue to have these loans provided by the federal government.

Romney argues that this nationalization drove away private lenders and moved a trillion dollar obligation to the federal balance sheet. He supports having private investors to fully inform students of their obligations when they take on federally backed loans.

F E D E R A L F I N A N C I A L A I D AT N Y U B Y T H E N U M B E R S

009 Q3

2010 Q1

2011 Q1

2012 Q1

on a large scale would start doubting the U.S. as a safe investment. But the chances are slim, what else [is] there? Europe? China? GOLDSTEIN: In the next decade China moves from a developing economy to developed. They won’t see 10 percent growth in 2020. While that’s happening the U.S. [is] climbing. We will climb faster than Europe will. I think that most of our problems are either with us or behind us, not ahead of us.

64% and more NYU students rely on some form of federal financial aid

55% of NYU students graduate with some debt

21% $4,227

* according to director of Public Affairs Philip Lentz

of NYU students receive some amount of Pell Grants

64%

average amount of debt NYU students have when they graduate, a figure $11,000 higher than the national average

average amount of Pell Grant NYU students receive — just a little over $1,000 less than the maximum

4th

place in The Daily Beast’s “Least Affordable College” survey in 2012

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | NYUNEWS.COM

G AY R I G H T S By JESSICA LITTMAN The term gay rights extends far beyond marriage equality. In many states, same-sex couples are also restricted from adopting children. According to the Human Rights Campaign, it is legal to fire someone for being gay or bisexual in 29 states, and it is legal to fire someone for being transgender in 34 states. However, marriage equality is the most tackled issue by both presidential candidates. Although most students may not yet be concerned about marriage, NYU has a large and thriving LGBTQ population, and changes in same-sex marriage laws may pave the way for an expansion of gay rights in the future.

W H AT N Y U S T U D E N T S S AY

ETHAN RESNICK Gallatin sophomore, California

MARRIAGE AND CIVIL U N I O N R E G U L AT I O N S Take a look at the states that will feature gay marriage on the ballot this year and the states that might ban same-sex unions altogether.

QUESTION: ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY? ANSWER: Yes, absolutely. And there’s no reason not to be. The only inherent difference between gay and straight couples is that gay couples can’t have kids. But secularly or legally we haven’t defined marriage to require having kids: If that’s what it were about then a marriage would become official once the first kid was born. Q: HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT PROPOSITION 8, THE BALLOT INITIATIVE IN YOUR STATE THAT BANS GAY MARRIAGE? WOULD YOU VOTE TO REPEAL IT? A: I remember pretty vividly when Prop 8 passed. That same day, three or four other gay rights measures about adoption and other legal rights were also on the ballot in other states, and all of them came up against equality. That felt like a stab, especially juxtaposed with a black president getting elected. With Prop 8 in particular, it hurt more to think about just how vehement the opposition was.

HESHAM NOAH

CAS junior, New York

Q: DO YOU BELIEVE GAY MARRIAGE SHOULD BECOME A RIGHT BY LAW? A: I think it is crucial to distinguish what constitutes marriage and

gay marriage. Traditionally marriage has been between a man and a woman with, most often, an intended purpose to produce offspring. Gay marriage in its present form defeats years of tradition and flies against what is considered survival of the human race. However ... it is necessary to accept and tolerate a diversity of different views without imposing specific mindsets on particular demographics.

WHERE OBAMA AND ROMNEY S TA N D

OBAMA •

•

Obama is far to the left of Romney on gay rights issues and has expressed more liberal views as his term has progressed. In 2009, Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law. This makes an action against sexuality a hate crime. In 2010, Obama repealed the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which required gay members of the military to hide their sexuality. This year, Obama formally announced his support of marriage equality for the first time. While most Democratic politicians support gay marriage, Obama was the first sitting president to do so. Obama has stated that the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as a union between a man and woman, is unconstitutional. He has since announced his support for an act in Congress that would repeal Defense of Marriage Act. Earlier this year, the White House coordinated with departments, agencies and key community organizations to host a series of conferences around the country geared specifically toward LGBTQ Americans.

ROMNEY •

•

Romney says he is in favor of gay rights and equality for all but has opposed marriage and workplace equality for all LGBTQ people. When Romney ran for the Senate in 1994, the year after “don’t ask, don’t tell” was implemented, he supported openly gay and lesbian individuals serving in the military. But as a presidential candidate in 2008, he supported “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Since then, he has acknowledged that repealing the policy has not caused problems for the military, as some conservatives argued it would. Romney has promised that if elected, he would appoint an Attorney General who will support Defense of Marriage Act. Romney also advocates a constitutional amendment that will define marriage in accordance with Defense of Marriage Act. Romney opposes the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, a bill currently in Congress that would make employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation illegal.

GAY MARRIAGE IS ON THE BALLOT THIS YEAR: Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington

GAY MARRIAGE IS ALREADY LEGAL: Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and Washington, D.C.

CIVIL UNIONS OR DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS ARE LEGAL: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Oregon, Nevada, New Jersey and Rhode Island CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS BAN GAY MARRIAGE: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia

B A L L O T I N I T I AT I V E This year, four states are battlegrounds for pro- and anti-gay marriage advocates, as citizens vote on ballot initiatives that could decide the fate of gay rights in the country. Currently, six states plus Washington, D.C. give same-sex couples the freedom to marry. MAINE’S QUESTION 1: In 2009, the Maine state legislature voted to legalize gay marriage. Shortly after, voters in the state approved a ballot measure that banned same-sex marriage. Question 1 would reverse that ban, making same-sex marriage legal again.

MARYLAND’S QUESTION 6: Question 6 asks whether voters wish to uphold the Civil Marriage Protection Act, which exempts clergy members from performing ceremonies that defy their religious beliefs.

MINNESOTA’S AMENDMENT 1: An amendment to Minnesota’s constitution would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman in the state. If this measure passes, it would still be possible to legalize same-sex civil unions but not marriages.

WASHINGTON’S REFERENDUM 74: Referendum 74, a bill passed in Washington earlier this year, would make same-sex marriage legal. It asks voters if same-sex marriage should be legalized. If the majority says no, the bill will be vetoed.

NYUNEWS.COM | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

WOMEN’S RIGHTS

By NICOLA PRING Thirty-nine years after the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision upheld abortion rights, women’s rights remain at the forefront of the American political scene. Recently they have come to dominate the social issues of the 2012 presidential campaign. Issues of the legality and morality of contraception have resurfaced due to opposition by conservative candidates during the Republican presidential primary race. Questions raised by President Obama’s new health care policies have shifted attention again. Additionally, women’s equal rights and equal pay issues garnered attention this year when state governments made arguments deemed in favor of the gender pay gap. Labeled the “war on women” by some, the reemergence of opposition to abortion, contraception and equal rights on a national level is central to female and male students alike.

W H E R E O B A M A A N D R O M N E Y S TA N D

W H AT T H E E X P E R T S AY S

ABORTION

CONTRACEPTION AGAINST

FOR

SUSAN TORREY

AGAINST

FOR

OBAMA

ROMNEY

OBAMA

ROMNEY

According to his official website, President Obama believes a woman’s health choices are personal and best made between a woman and her doctor rather than by politicians. On Jan. 23, 2012, the day after the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Obama said, “I remain committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose and this fundamental constitutional right. While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue we must stay united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, support pregnant woman and mothers, reduce the need for abortion, encourage healthy relationships and promote adoption ... we must also continue our efforts to ensure that our daughters have the same rights, freedoms and opportunities as our sons.” Obama supports Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the nation’s largest provider of women’s and reproductive health services, which include cancer screenings, contraception and abortion services.

According to his official campaign website, Romney believes the best course for America on abortion issues is to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision and allow individual states to determine abortion laws. In a 1994 senatorial debate with incumbent Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Romney said he and his family supported the Roe v. Wade decision and a woman’s right to choose. As of 2005, Romney no longer holds this position. In an interview with the Boston Globe, Romney stated: “I am prolife. I believe that abortion is the wrong choice except in cases of incest, rape and to save the life of the mother.” Romney supports the Hyde Amendment, which aims to end federal funding for abortion services through Planned Parenthood and similar organizations.

Under Obama’s health care initiative, insurance plans are beginning to cover birth control without co-pays or deductibles. Obama believes that decisions regarding birth control are personal and that they should not be mandated by the government.

Romney’s comments regarding contraception sparked controversy in late February when he flipflopped on support for the Blunt Amendment, which would allow employers with moral objections to opt-out of covering birth control for female employees. The Senate rejected the amendment in early March.

E Q U A L PAY AGAINST

FOR

OBAMA

ROMNEY

According to the 2010 U.S. census, women who worked full-time made 77 cents for every dollar men who worked full-time made. In January of 2009, Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law that ensured women’s right to file pay discrimination lawsuits.

Romney’s campaign has stated that the candidate supports the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Law and would not overturn the law if elected.

W H E R E N Y U S T U D E N T S S TA N D ANDREW DAHREDDINE

CHLOE J U RY- F O G E L

EAMON DOWNEY

Tisch junior

Tisch alumnus

“Women’s rights issues will affect my voting decision in November because I believe that women are entitled to the same rights as men. Governor Romney does not seem to believe that women are equal citizens in this country. In fact, if he had it his way, I would bet he wished women didn’t have the right to vote.”

“The fact that there is even a question that I shouldn’t have full control of my body and my decisions is absurd. You can talk to me about the economy and the military and health care all you want, but nothing is as important to me as my rights as a woman.”

“As a man, I don’t consider women’s rights every day... On the surface, [we’re] pretty equal…[but] it’s not too difficult to see that women are not nearly as well off as men. As the son of a loving mother and brother to the most amazing sister, I’d say women’s rights are [important] to my vote.”

ELIZABETH PREZA

K A N U P R I YA B H A R G AVA

LINDA YU

CAS junior

SCPS junior

Stern freshman

“While I don’t necessarily buy into the whole ‘war on women’ rhetoric, there is a significant difference in how the major party candidates view women’s reproductive rights. I cannot imagine voting for a candidate with a pro-life platform. Getting the government out of my uterus [is] a top concern.”

“Obama has always been a strong supporter of pro-choice initiatives and if Romney wins I see a lot of progress that has been achieved through Obamacare going away. People say one man doesn’t have the power to reverse what’s in place but I believe Romney can definitely begin the process.”

“It’s imperative that whichever candidate I choose respects and fully endorses the freedom of women to make their own decisions in regards to their health and bodies.”

Director of the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT CURRENT WOMEN’S RIGHTS ISSUES ARE? A: My bias of course is health care. What we’ve been seeing over the last few months is a slow, steady assault on the health care of women with the target issue being the right to life and women’s choice on abortion. It’s really clear to me that this will really have a huge impact, and [it] goes far beyond the rights of a fetus to the actual health of women. [It] will directly correlate with outcomes for children, particularly poor children. This has been a steady march to this point over decades, but now we’ve reached a level that is shocking to me; that we can talk about legitimate rape or we can demonize a woman for speaking in front of Congress about her health care. Q: WHY DO YOU THINK THESE ISSUES ARE IN THE POLITICAL SPOTLIGHT? A: I think women are still an incredibly disenfranchised and vulnerable population. When you look at the mean income for women who are working now, it’s significantly less than [the mean income for] men, at a time when women are working because the economy requires it. This isn’t the 1950s where you could argue that staying at home and raising your family was really more important. Now women have to [work]. It may have to do with the changing economy or with the change of our population generally, away from a predominantly white, half-male population to a very different, wonderful blend of the people that we are now, and that’s probably pretty threatening to people who have been in power for a long time. Q: IN TERMS OF HEALTH CARE, WHAT DO YOU THINK THE EFFECT OF DEFUNDING PLANNED PARENTHOOD WOULD BE? A: In practical terms, I think it would be monumental for poor women. As much as the public health system creates two levels of care, it really is a true safety net. When you take away the non-profits like Planned Parenthood, there’s very little left. I think it’s going to be really, very, very difficult. It’s very discouraging to me to see people not understand that when you defund Planned Parenthood, even though Planned Parenthood [performs many] abortions, they also supply care to women who don’t have access for their preventative health care. Breast cancer screenings, cervical cancer screenings, prenatal care, stuff that [state] governments don’t pick up the tab for. If you look in our country, the influence that mothers have on their children, a low level of education and low-income setting for the mother is a key determinant for the kid. Not just if they get out of poverty or go to college, but do they go to the doctor? Do they get immunized? Even the most basic rights, assuming health care is a right, really are linked to mothers. It’s not just women. It’s really our children. Some of these issues, like access to abortion for women who have been raped, access to care through Planned Parenthood that is not abortion, those are real. You can touch what the effect may be. Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK THE EFFECT WOULD BE FOR STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE? A: For sure, huge pockets of under-insured people are students. Maybe not if they go to NYU, but if they are going to state or community college they may not have access to health care through their school or through their parent’s insurance. Certainly once you get out into the working world the question is if there is going to be health insurance with your job.

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | NYUNEWS.COM

I M M I G R AT I O N By HANQING CHEN Think back to when you first applied to NYU: One of the easiest parts of the application was filling out your social security number to apply for financial aid. But for the rising number of young, undocumented immigrants in the United States, those nine digits may be one of the first roadblocks to securing a seat in a college lecture hall.

The number of undocumented immigrants in the United States has swelled to more than 11 million in recent years. Legislators pushed for immigration reform in 2009 — and again in 2010 — to integrate immigrants seeking higher education. The choice between President Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney this election season is one between the possibility of further expansion of the Dream Act or a much more restrictive view of immigration reform.

BY THE NUMBERS

11 180,000 1.3

million undocumented immigrants

million qualified for Deferred Action

applications received

4,591 approved

W H E R E O B A M A A N D R O M N E Y S TA N D

THE DREAM ACT T H E D R E A M A C T S E T S A PAT H F O R C O N D I T I O N A L N O N I M M I G R A N T S TAT U S : — The applicant must have entered the United States prior to their 16th birthday. — The applicant must have been in the United States for at least five consecutive years prior to the bill passing. — The applicant must have graduated from High School, obtained a G.E.D or currently be enrolled in college, a trade school or another type of institution for higher learning. — The applicant must currently be 30 years old or under at the time they are applying. — The applicant must have good moral standing (no previous or current convictions). While the Dream Act has all but been rejected at the federal level, the original concept of supporting the education of undocumented immigrants has splintered into several different pieces of legislation in different states. DREAM ACT FIRST INTRODUCED IN CONGRESS Rep. Luis Gutiérrez submitted the Immigrant Children’s Educational Advancement and Dropout Prevention Act, which called for undocumented immigrants with similar qulifications to be granted citizenship in the United States. It was revamped in the Senate by Orrin Hatch, a Republican from Utah, and Richard Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois. Democratic House Rep. Howard Berman from California and Rep. Chris Cannon from Utah also assisted with redrafting the act. DREAM ACT RE-INTRODUCED BY BIPARTISAN GROUPS The act sat in Congress from 2009 to 2010 and went through several revisions, most importantly retaining a ban on in-state tuition for undocumented students. ARIZONA IMMIGRATION LAW SB 1070 SIGNED The law requires state police to investigate the immigration status of any person suspected of being in the country illegally. CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT The act grants in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants.

ROMNEY

OBAMA •

Supported the Court decision down Arizona immigration law.

•

Passed the Deferred Action executive order in June 2012, which gave high school-educated undocumented immigrants under the age of 29 a two-year renewable reprieve from deportation. This was the only federal attempt at successful reform in nearly a decade.

•

Supreme to strike anti-illegal

Completed fence on Southern border in response to Republican concerns.

•

Advocated for a state-based solution to immigration reform in the wake of that Supreme Court decision, instead of reform at the federal level.

•

Argued that we should stop tuition breaks and other immigration “magnets” that draw illegal immigrants to the United States.

•

Wants to build a high-tech fence along the 2,000-mile U.S.Mexico border to further secure the United States against illegal immigrants.

ILLINOIS DREAM ACT The act allocates private fund to provide financial assistance for undocumented students and legal immigrant students. SUPREME COURT DELIVERS DECISION ON ARIZONA IMMIGRATION LAW The Court upheld police rights to investigate, but not to arrest, suspected illegal immigrants, and invited further challenges to the law based on its practical application. PRESIDENT OBAMA PASSES DEFERRED ACTION EXECUTIVE ORDER The order grants a two-year, renewable reprieve from deportation and allows immigrants to apply for work permits and pursue higher education.

S E P T. 2 0 0 1

MARCH 2009

APRIL 2010

J U LY 2 0 11

AUGUST 2011

JUNE 2012

6 W H AT T H E E X P E R T S AY S

DIANE TOBING

Assistant director of insurance and billing at NYU Student Health Center Q: WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF ALL NYU STUDENTS HAVING HEALTH INSURANCE WHILE ENROLLED? A: While most undergraduate and graduate college students are in good health and face few serious illnesses in school, medical and psychological issues can arise at any time, sometimes without warning. With the high cost of health care in the United States, the absence of adequate insurance coverage can result in temporary or permanent interruption of a student’s education. Q: ARE THERE OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS THAT CANNOT AFFORD HEALTH INSURANCE? A: All matriculated NYU students have access to a comprehensive set of medical and mental health services at the Student Health Center, many at low or no cost. However, this does not eliminate the importance for students to maintain adequate health insurance coverage for primary and specialty care when they are off campus or at home. Students who are employed should check with their employers to see if they can enroll through their employer’s group plan. Even if the cost may be at the student’s own expense, he or she would be able to take advantage of the employee plan group discount. Q: What happens to students covered by the NYU Health Insurance plan after graduation? A: Students who were covered under the Student Health Insurance Plans and then complete their degree programs have the option to continue their coverage for an additional onemonth, three-month or six-month period at an additional cost. Students who graduated are no longer able to access care at the Student Health Center. Q: HOW DOES THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT AFFECT THE NYU HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN, IF AT ALL? A: Each year, the university evaluates the program with regard to its costs and benefits. The overall goal of the NYU-sponsored Student Health Insurance Program is to provide our students with comprehensive quality health care, which will ensure their well-being as they pursue their studies. In meeting this goal, the benefits package of the NYU Plans has often exceeded statutory mandates.

NYUNEWS.COM | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

H E A LT H C A R E By BRIDGETTE DORAN Whether it is an issue now or when you are older, health care affects you as a student soon entering the workforce. Whether Obama stays in office or Romney takes the White House, your method of receiving affordable and accessible medical care will rely heavily on the outcome on Election Day.

STUDENTS AND THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Since President Obama took office in 2008, health care has been at the forefront of his administration’s agenda. The passing of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 is considered one of his greatest achievements in this past term, an achievement that Republican candidate Mitt Romney has adamantly vowed to repeal if elected to office. So what does this mean for you — the students tucked away at a private university, about graduate into a different world? Young voters have opinions on many issues surrounding this election, and students may not have health care as a driving force behind their vote. Perhaps they should. Tisch alumna Whitney Young is currently freelancing as an actress and singer. Health insurance is another item she has added to her new list of worries. “My health insurance is provided by my parents,” Young said. “Fortunately, I am covered by the Affordable Care Act which is fantastic seeing as I am essentially an unemployed, struggling artist without the health benefits that accompany most jobs.” The recently passed Affordable Care Act requires that all Americans have health insurance in some capacity. But NYU enacted its own version of this a few years ago: Students enrolled in degree-granting programs are required to maintain health insurance. The university’s health insurance also automatically charges students approximately $900 every semester for coverage. The Student Health Center also provides options for students to opt out of their plan. To do so, students must submit proof of coverage that includes inpatient and outpatient hospitalization benefits in the New York City area. But upon graduation, the luxuries of NYU health care expire as students will need to find their own coverage. The Affordable Care Act allows dependents to remain on their parent’s insurance plans until the age of 26 if their employers do not cover health care costs, which could benefit recent graduates who work part-time or are in positions that usually do not include health benefits. Prior to the act, many people’s coverage on their parents’ plans ended at 18 or when they graduated from school. “Students and young adults have enough to worry about after college and graduation than to worry about how they are going to pay to go to the doctor,” said Allison Malloy, a Gallatin senior graduating in May. “Today I actually went to the doctor and had a $10 co-pay. I feel extremely lucky and fortunate to be able to not worry about how I will pay for

doctors’ appointments.” One element of the plan that will take effect in 2014 will offer employees and their families who are not afforded health insurance by their employers the option to purchase a low-cost plan through an online insurance market. The system will work much like that of the travel or car insurance websites that compare rates on hotel rooms, rental cars or airline tickets. Consumers will be able to compare plans and costs and select the one that works best for their economic and health-related situations. While the Affordable Care Act gives Americans an option to select their own plans, it does not give citizens the choice to opt out of health insurance altogether. Under the legislative act signed into law by Obama, Americans are now fined onetwelfth of their annual income they choose to forgo insurance. This percentage is slated to gradually increase in subsequent years to almost two percent. Romney has vowed that if elected into office, he will repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act on the first day of his term. Its replacement has not yet been revealed. For the NYU community, students will still be insured through the university. For the recent graduates however, health care coverage may be left to the states. For Young, a repeal of the Affordable Care Act may bring a heavy burden on her own finances. “If, God forbid, I am still unemployed, I don’t know what I would do for health care,” she said. “And it’s obviously a terrible idea to live without it, hoping nothing will happen to you.” But while Romney has vowed to repeal the Affordable Care Act, he is also a proponent of universal health care, which is evident by the act he passed into law for the state of Massachusetts in 2006, during his time as governor. But for Romney, the modus operandi to accomplish the goal is vastly different. “What I did, worked for our state in the way the Constitution intends, which is states crafting a plan that worked for their states–not a federal one size fits all plan,” Romney said in a 2011 interview with Bret Bair for Fox News. It is unclear what specific policies Romney will outline if he is elected. But in an interview with David Gregory of NBC, Romney assured constituents that he would work to ensure “that the marketplace allows for individuals to have policies that cover their family up to whatever age they might like.” This could be good news for dependents who may need to rely on their parents’ health insurance plans after graduation and the first few years navigating the job market.

W H E R E O B A M A A N D R O M N E Y S TA N D OBAMA UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE

Universal health care is mandated through federal legislation.

ROMNEY Universal health care should be implemented at the state level, but individuals will be allowed to purchase insurance across state lines.

Those who can afford coverage that costs less than eight percent of their annual income but choose to forgo it will have to pay either $695 or 2.5 percent of their annual income.

Those who do not comply with state mandates should not face financial penalties.

FUNDING HEALTH CARE

The law is expected to cost just more than $1 trillion over the next 10 years, but the Congressional Budget Office expects it to cut the deficit by $1 trillion in the second decade of its enactment.

State funding for health care reform should draw from funds diverted from Medicaid.

PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

Insurance companies are not allowed to discriminate based on pre-existing conditions. They are allowed to discriminate based on age, premium rating area, family composition and tobacco use.

Those with pre-existing conditions should get coverage.

TAX CREDITS AND ADVANTAGES

Lower-income families will be covered by Medicaid while middle-income families will receive tax credits to help pay for private insurance.

Tax codes should promote individual ownership of health insurance. Currently, subsidies are granted to employees if health insurance is purchased through the company and not if purchased on one’s own.

OBAMACARE

Keep the law intact and ensure that policies slated to be enacted over the next 10 years will take effect.

Obamacare should be repealed on day one in office.

PRIVATE INSURER REQUIREMENTS

Insurers are required to spend between 80 and 85 percent of every premium dollar on medical care.

Federal standards and requirements on both private insurance and Medicaid coverage should be limited.

FORGOING HEALTH CARE

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | NYUNEWS.COM

ENVIRONMENT By TATIANA BAEZ As the election gets closer, conversations about the environment are bordering on nonexistent. Candidates, particularly those representing the Republican and Democratic parties, refuse to dedicate time or openly discuss environmental issues in their campaigns and turn instead to more immediate problems. Many people in the United States do not seem to undertand how serious environmental problems are, and the issues need to be addressed sooner rather than later. In our country, the young people and students are the future enablers of change. Education about environmental issues is crucial. The ability to stall the global shift toward environmental degradation is attainable. Voting for a president who has these problems at heart is relevant to every person in the United States because these concerns apparent in every household and every community. This is where the presidential candidates stand and how they plan to combat environmental problems.

W H E R E O B A M A A N D R O M N E Y S TA N D ROMNEY

OBAMA GREENHOUSE GASES

Greenhouse gas emissions would decrease because Obama lowered federal subsidies for industries that emit a high amount of greenhouse gases. He gave tax breaks and other economic incentives for companies to produce less greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse gas emissions would increase because Romney wants states to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, and he wants less regulations on industries that emit greenhouse gases. He hopes to increase the current domestic coal industries.

OIL DRILLING AND HYDRAULIC FRACTURING

Oil drilling and fracking would increase, but Obama wants to enact strict regulations. They have both been at a high during his presidency, however he wants to keep regulations federal and not decided by the states.

Oil drilling and fracking would increase because Romney wants to make all federal land and water available for drilling. He has discussed extending natural pipelines from Canada into the United States and lower current regulations on drillings and fracking.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

Cultivating alternative energy sources would increase because Obama has already invested in alternative sources like solar, wind and nuclear power. Like Romney, he focuses on oil drilling and fracking as the primary ways to capture energy, but he has given incentives and federal subsidies to companies that produce alternative energy.

Cultivating alternative energy sources would decrease because Romney hopes to expand oil drilling and fracking first. He supports harnessing alternative forms of energy like solar and wind power but wants to primarily focus on drilling and fracking.

W H AT T H E E X P E R T S AY S

NICHOLAS CHRISTIE-BLICK Professor of sedimentary geology and tectonics in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University Q: DO YOU THINK ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES HAVE BEEN SOMEWHAT IGNORED IN THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS? WHY OR WHY NOT? A: Yes, as James Carville observed in 1992, it’s ‘the economy, stupid.’ Q: WHAT IS THE MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE OR ISSUES FACING THE UNITED STATES THAT SHOULD SPARK GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION? A: The unsustainable impact of the U.S. economy and, more generally, the global economy from global climate change to environmental degradation to the loss of biodiversity. The United States must, with considerably greater urgency, reduce [carbon dioxide] emissions by moving from an economy dependent upon fossil fuels to one that harnesses renewable energy. Q: WHICH CANDIDATE SEEMS TO BE MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY? A: Obama. The administration’s announcement of new fuel economy standards for cars and trucks, 54.5 mpg on average by 2025, will reduce U.S. oil consumption by an estimated 2.2 million barrels per day. For comparison, global demand is currently around 87 million barrels per day. Of that, the United States uses about 19 million barrels per day. Mr. Romney and the GOP more generally have no interest in environmental issues. They are locked into a 20th century mindset in which taking steps to preserve the environment is seen as necessarily harmful to the economy. Q: DO YOU THINK THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD PLAY A LARGE ROLE IN REGULATING FRACKING AND DRILLING? A: Two new technologies [fracking and directed drilling] have led to an uptick in domestic oil production and especially gas production. It is nonetheless dishonest for Romney to claim that the former will, on any timescale, eliminate our dependence on foreign oil. U.S. petroleum production peaked in 1970 for a very good reason. By 1970 we had used up enough of our domestic reserves not to be able to meet rising demand. Shale gas is a bridge to the future. However, throughout the United States, regulations in place have proven not adequate to prevent damage to the environment and the shallow aquifers upon which many people in rural areas depend for water. It ought not to be possible for companies with well-financed legal departments to run roughshod over private citizens.

W H AT T H E N Y U S T U D E N T S AY S

KEVIN CHEN CAS sophomore majoring in environmental studies and economics Q: DO YOU THINK ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES HAVE BEEN SOMEWHAT IGNORED IN THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS? WHY OR WHY NOT? A: Absolutely. In order to address pressing economic concerns, the candidates have focused almost entirely on America’s short-term prosperity, discussing job creation and energy independence through pro-natural gas and pro-oil rhetoric. Of course, this comes at the cost of addressing long-term environmental issues. It makes sense since voters are likely more worried about paying their next bill than the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, but I’m definitely disappointed with the candidates’ attitude towards such topics. Q: WHAT IS THE MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE OR ISSUES FACING THE UNITED STATES THAT SHOULD SPARK GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION? A: I think the U.S. government should intervene in the energy industry. It makes zero sense that oil companies receive such huge subsidies given their profit margins. We should instead invest in sustainable energy sources that look past the next 10 years and plan for the next 10 decades. Q: WHICH CANDIDATE SEEMS TO BE MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND WHY? A: Given the fact that Romney has failed even to mention the environmental concerns of oil and natural gas, I think it’s safe to say that President Obama is more environmentally friendly. However, he has softened his stance on many environmental issues, such as the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, in order to score political points. Still, I question if either candidate will have the guts to stand up for the environment. Q: DO YOU THINK THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD PLAY A LARGE ROLE IN REGULATING FRACKING AND DRILLING? A: Yes, I think the federal government has a moral responsibility to protect the environment and should therefore regulate activities that will harm it, such as fracking and offshore drilling. These practices have effects that do not stop at state or national boundaries, and people have a right to live in communities free of environmental hazards. The federal government should also invest in alternative forms of energy for the same reason that the Federal Highway Act was passed. Huge interstate infrastructural projects simply cannot occur without help from the federal government, but that doesn’t mean that [we] should stop pursuing them.

NYUNEWS.COM | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

C A M PA I G N D O N AT I O N S SCALE

The Odyssey.

(per icon)

1+2 = 3 ... for dummies

undergraduate students' tuition ($41,000 EACH) Each icon represents 3,000 undergraduates

By TONY CHAU

MOST

As the presidential campaign heads into its final week, one thing is already certain: raising money was not a problem for either of the two candidates. Together, Obama and Romney raised exorbitant amounts — reaching nearly $2 billion. To put that into context, WSN has modified the amounts of money raised to values NYU students can find relatable.

C O M M O N LY USED CONVENTION WORDS By BILLY RICHLING

REPUBLICAN NOMINATION ACCEPTANCE SPEECH Aug. 30, 2012

1+2 = 3 ... for dummies

Bush

ROMNEY

OBAMA

The Odyssey.

America job

The Odyssey. 1+2 = 3

president

... for dummies

The Odyssey.

1+2 = 3

... for dummies

$567

The Odyssey. 1+2 = 3 ... for dummies

The Odyssey. 1+2 = 3

MONEY RAISED BY CAMPAIGN

$361

country

1+2 = 3 ... for dummies

The Odyssey. 1+2 = 3

MILLION

... for dummies

The Odyssey.

... for dummies

work

world

The Odyssey. 1+2 = 3

$254

The Odyssey. 1+2 = 3 ... for dummies

The Odyssey.

MILLION

1+2 = 3 ... for dummies

$61.6

The Odyssey. 1+2 = 3 ... for dummies

MILLION

MONEY RAISED

IN NATIONAL

CAMPAIGN

MONEY RAISED

BY POLITCAL

ACTI O N COMMITTEES

$331

... for dummies

The Odyssey.

new

1+2 = 3 ... for dummies

The Odyssey.

MILLION

1+2 = 3 ... for dummies

fight

$171.2

govern

The Odyssey. 1+2 = 3 ... for dummies

The Odyssey. 1+2 = 3

MILLION

... for dummies

DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION ACCEPTANCE SPEECH Sept. 6, 2012

The Odyssey. 1+2 = 3 ... for dummies

The Odyssey.

1+2 = 3

... for dummies

The Odyssey.

1+2 = 3

... for dummies

The Odyssey.

1+2 = 3

... for dummies

$975 MILLION

TOTAL IN

DONATIONS

$981 MILLION

The Odyssey.

1+2 = 3

... for dummies

The Odyssey.

1+2 = 3

The Odyssey. 1+2 = 3 ... for dummies

... for dummies

The Odyssey.

1+2 = 3

... for dummies

America

president job

country promise people world home tax care

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | NYUNEWS.COM

THE POWER P FIRST LADIES By COURTNEY MARMON

President Obama and Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney have been on the campaign trail canvassing for votes from American citizens. But behind these powerful politicians are two strong-willed women working just as hard to advance the political and philanthropic goals they believe in.

MICHELLE OBAMA

ANN ROMNEY

First lady Michelle Obama has reinforced the role of first lady as more than a mere figurehead. In 2010, she started the Let’s Move initiative dedicated to elimnating childhood obesity so that the next generation can live a healthier life. The initiative combines various strategies to teach kids about the importance of exercise and nutritious eating while providing parents with ideas and information to support nourishing choices at home. After spending three years making media appearances to advocate healthy living legislation, the first lady announced last January a $3.2 billion plan to reform school lunch nutrition standards. During her term, she also wrote a book to share her experiences with revamping the White House Kitchen Garden and to illustrate the importance of making nutritious, affordable food part of the American diet. If President Obama wins a second term in November, we can expect Mrs. Obama to continue “supporting military families, helping working women balance career and family, encouraging national service, promoting the arts and arts education and fostering healthy eating and healthy living for children and families across the country,” according to the White House.

Ann Romney has been out on the campaign trail for the last 18 months supporting her husband in his five-point plan to restore the American economy. The former first lady of Massachusetts is no rookie to the world of political campaigning — she was an active member of Mitt Romney’s first presidential campaign in 2008. In 2007, it was revealed that she donated $150 to Planned Parenthood in 1994, but since then her political views have evolved to align with her husband’s pro-life stance. Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen has criticized Ann Romney for not having worked “a day in her life,” but the former stay-at-home mother has been actively involved with several charities, including Right to Play — a nonprofit that focuses on using sport and play as a developmental tool for children in disadvantaged areas of the world. Ann Romney, who was dianogsed with multiple sclerosis in 1998, has also been an advocate for raising awareness of the disease as a Board Member of the New England Chapter of the MS Society. Although she has been tight-lipped on specific issues like gay marriage and women’s rights, she has defended her husband’s character in the wake of his “47 percent” remarks. She told Jay Leno during an interview on the “Tonight Show” in September that her husband is “a guy that cares for the hundred percent.” As election day looms near, we can expect Mrs. Romney to stand with her husband on his economic policy.

* a random selection of

PRESIDENTIAL PETS Compiled by KATYA BARANNIK

JOHN F. KENNEDY (1961-1963)

LYNDON B. JOHNSON (1963-1969)

RICHARD M. NIXON (1969-1974)

GERALD R. FORD (1974-1977)

JAMES CARTER (1977-1981)

Macaroni (Shetland pony)

Yuki (Mixed breed)

King Timahoe (Irish Setter), Vicky (Poodle), Pasha (Yorkshire Terrier)

Liberty (Golden Retriever)

Misty Malarky Ying Yang (Siamese cat)

RONALD REAGAN (1981-1989)

GEORGE H. W. BUSH (1989-1993)

BILL CLINTON (1993-2001)

GEORGE W. BUSH (2001-2008)

BARACK OBAMA (2009-2012)

Rex (King Charles Cavalier Spaniel)

Millie (Springer Spaniel)

Buddy (Labrador Retriever)

Spot (Springer Spaniel)

Bo (Portuguese Water dog)

L AY E R S

NYUNEWS.COM | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

VICE PRESIDENTS

By DANIEL HINTON

JOE BIDEN

PA U L RYA N

ABORTION: As a Catholic, Biden personally opposes abortion but supports a

ABORTION: Ryan opposes abortion in all cases, except when the life of the

woman’s right to choose. The vice president agrees with the Supreme Court’s decisions in Roe v. Wade (1973) and Griswold v. Connecticut (1965), which recognized the right to privacy under the 14th Amendment. Biden has voted to ban federal funding for abortion services.

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: As a senator, Biden voted for the Defense of Marriage

Act in 1996 but against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2006. In May, Biden endorsed same-sex marriage while on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” becoming the highest-raking government official to promote the controversial issue until President Obama seconded his vice president’s opinion.

mother is at risk. The congressman is a co-sponsor of the Sanctity of Human Life Act, which would officially define a fertilized egg as a human being with the right to live.

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: Ryan is also staunchly conservative in regards to LGBTQ

rights. The GOP vice presidential nominee opposed the Obama Administration’s repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” and voted for a Constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

ECONOMY/TAXES: As a supporter of lower taxes, Ryan strongly favors extending

favors increasing taxes only for the top 1 percent of the income bracket. Biden supported extending unemployment insurance in 2010. While in the Senate, Biden voted in favor of raising the minimum wage and the Employee Free Choice Act, which proposed the expansion of union rights.

the Bush tax cuts, eliminating estate and capital gains taxes and establishing a flat rate on income and sales taxes. As a Republican leader in Congress, Ryan has proposed major tax reforms in his Taxpayer Choice Act and his budget plan known as the Path to Prosperity. Ryan voted in favor of extending unemployment insurance from 39 to 59 weeks, but he voted against the minimum wage increase and the Employee Free Choice Act in 2007.

HEALTH CARE: Biden strongly supports the Patient Protection and Affordable

HEALTH CARE: The congressman views the Affordable Care Act, particularly the

ECONOMY/TAXES: Biden opposes the Bush tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 and

Care Act. Commonly referred to as Obamacare, the health care reform bill protects pre-existing conditions and extends private insurance coverage for Americans up to 26 years old, among other provisions.

WARS IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ: The vice president supports the current

administration’s plan to withdraw from Afghanistan and to transfer control of military operations to Afghan forces by 2014. Biden voted to authorize the use of force in Iraq in 2002. But in November 2010, he supported the Obama administration when it announced its decision to withdraw.

T H I R D - PA R T Y C A N D I D AT E S

individual mandate, as an unnecessary expansion of the federal government and a burden on businesses and individuals. In his budget proposal, Ryan changes Medicare and Medicaid into federally subsidized private plans for all citizens under 55 years old and above a certain income level.

WARS IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ: Ryan opposes any timetable for withdrawing

military operations in the Middle East. Under the Bush administration, Ryan supported the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the troops surge strategy in 2007.

By ESHA RAY Because many voters have already aligned themselves with the Democratic or Republican parties, it is easy to forget that President Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney are not the only ones running for election this November. Here are the top three — albeit lesser-known — third-party candidates and their stances on crucial issues.

GARY JOHNSON

JILL STEIN

VIRGIL GOODE

Libertarian Party, New Mexico

Green Party, Massachusetts

Constitution Party, Virginia

STUDENT DEBT: Federal student loan programs should

STUDENT DEBT: It is necessary to provide tuition-free

STUDENT DEBT: The government should not interfere with

GAY MARRIAGE: Gay marriage should be allowed, but

GAY MARRIAGE: Discrimination against same-sex couples

GAY MARRIAGE: Marriage is defined as a union between

be blamed for the higher education bubble. Without the guarantee of student loans, universities will be forced to drive down prices to stay competitive and fill classrooms.

religious institutions should be allowed to follow their own beliefs and not be forced to perform any ceremonies that go against their faith.

WOMEN’S RIGHTS: Women should be allowed to make

their own decisions regarding their pregnancy until the point of fetal viability or the ability of the fetus to survive outside the womb.

ECONOMY: Serious reforms need to be made to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, and spending and taxes should both be cut. Inefficient military spending should be cut, the Internal Revenue Service should be abolished and federal involvement in the economy should be restricted.

HEALTH CARE: The Affordable Care Act needs to be repealed.

Less government intervention will allow competition and state innovation to help make health care more affordable. Block grants should be given to states that find them necessary.

education from kindergarten until college and to forgive the existing student debt from the “current era of unaffordable college education.”

should be ended, and marriage equality needs to be promoted. The federal government, not the state, has the responsibility to defend all human rights and the Defense of Marriage Act.

WOMEN’S RIGHTS: Women should have greater access to

the morning-after pill, which the Obama administration currently restricts. Increasing sex education and social services could help reduce the number of abortions, and abortions should be legal.

ECONOMY: More jobs need to be provided in sustainable

energy, mass transit, clean manufacturing, social work and education. Military spending should be cut, taxes for the rich need to be higher and the current Medicare and Social Security programs need to be protected.

IMMIGRATION: Undocumented immigrants who are working and living in the United States should be granted full citizenship. Border crossings in North America should be demilitarized, and the North American Free Trade Agreement should be repealed to reduce the inflow of immigrants.

education costs. By ending government loans and letting the private sector freely compete among students, interest rates on loans will decrease.

a man and a woman. Gay marriage and gay civil unions should not be allowed, and the federal Marriage Protection Amendment needs to be supported.

IMMIGRATION: Illegal immigration costs Americans billions

of dollars every year, and the government should use troops, fences and legislation that grants amnesty should be stopped. Children of illegal immigrants should not be granted citizenship.

ECONOMY: To reduce the deficit, spending cuts should be

applied to the National Endowment for the Arts and No Child Left Behind. Veteran benefits, however, should be protected. More jobs can be created with less government regulation and energy independence.

ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT: The United States must develop

its own alternative energy resources, such as biodiesel and hydrogen, to become less dependent on foreign fossil fuels. Nuclear power should be utilized, and domestic and offshore drilling for natural gas and oil should be increased across the nation.

SWING S TAT E S

THE DECIDING FA C TO R S Swing States The Hispanic Voter The Role of Social Media Voices from Abroad Political Portraits

IF I WERE ELECTED PRESIDENT TO M O R R O W, I WOULD... Compiled by DANIELLE ZUCKERMAN

“promote a policy of wearing skirts and eating more French toast and fries. Also, I’d insist that I be called ‘m’lady’ instead of ‘Madam President.’”

COLORADO

FLORIDA

I O WA

2008

| 2004

FACTORS

• •

These nine states and their combined 110 electorate votes will be the deciding factors come Nov. 6. As seen in the 2000 election between George W. Bush (R) and Al Gore (D), the votes of swing states could determine the outcome as a whole. Based on the 270 solid votes and projected votes necessary to win, President Obama needs to add at least 33 of the 110 possible votes in comparison to the 79 needed by Gov. Mitt Romney. While the gap is much wider for Romney, it would not be out of the question for him to gain the advantage if he takes the larger states.

9 delegates

•

By BRIDGETTE DORAN

Obama could face problems with the weariness of big government looming over the state Independents and women strongly support the Republican party Has a long history of voting Republican

SIGNIFICANCE

The state is largely known as a swing state due to the independent nature of its electorate. In 2004, Bush narrowly beat John Kerry by 4.7 percent. The following election, Obama took McCain by nine percent. Colorado’s population has grown significantly in the past few decades — the state has added 50 percent more electoral votes since the 1960s — creating an unsettled political demographic of voters.

29 delegates

2008

| 2004

FACTORS • •

•

Sour economy and home foreclosures Despite the large population of retired individuals who consistantly vote, it faces challenges amongst youth and Hispanic voters The Republican National Convention was held here

SIGNIFICANCE

Bush won the 2000 election by a margin of 537 votes out of the six million that were cast in total. After the other states were decided, Florida’s votes were the ones that seriously counted because of the narrow margin. Due to the controversy surrounding a recount, Florida’s role as a swing state led to calls for electoral reform in the state.

6 delegates

2008

| 2004

FACTORS •

•

Obama narrowly won this state during the last presidential election Romney has spent a huge amount of money attacking Obama in this state

SIGNIFICANCE

This state used to have a reputation for voting Republican, but lately has drifted to the left. During each election, all eyes turn to Iowa because it is the first of the presidential caucuses. In the 2004 election, Iowa went narrowly to Bush but shifted in 2008 when Obama won by a margin of 150,000 votes. From 1968 to 1984, Iowa voted Republican, but from 1988 to 2000 the state settled on Democrats. Both parties have been campaigning hard in the state.

— Hannah, CAS sophomore

NORTH CAROLINA

NEW HAMPSHIRE

N E VA D A

—

“legalize weed.”

— Nikki, Gallatin freshman

15 delegates

—

“adopt a chow chow puppy.” — Sarah, Steinhardt sophomore

—

“make [many] more holidays.” — Yuening, Silver junior

—

“make ice cream free.” — Jenny, LSP sophomore

—

2008

| 2004

FACTORS • •

The Democratic National Convention was hosted here Has a long history of voting Republican

4 delegates

2008 FACTORS • •

SIGNIFICANCE

It will be hard to determine how North Carolina will vote this election. Obama was the first Democrat since Jimmy Carter in 1976 to take the state and hold the Democratic National Convention. This was a strategic move for the Democrats to retain their momentum. The political climate of the state is largely Republican, and the party took over the majority of state legislature in 2010.

“invade Cuba.”

— Carlos, CAS junior

| 2004

Vice president Joe Biden has made many trips to try to sway voters and argue against Romney Romney is the state’s “favorite son” and a frequent vacationer

6 delegates

2008

| 2004

FACTORS • •

Declining economic outlook with slow rebound Obama is hoping to appeal to the Hispanic and lower-income population

SIGNIFICANCE

New Hampshire has had four electoral votes since 1884. The independent nature of its voters lends to its reputation as a swing state. However, the state has voted Democrat in four of the past five elections. Obama’s win last election does not guarantee another. He beat McCain, who didn’t have the same longstanding relationship with the state, by only 9 percent.

Until the 1980s, Nevada’s three electoral votes were solidly red. However, since the influx of a largely Hispanic and blue population in the past three decades, Nevada has become a deciding state in elections. It also has a very large Mormon population.

—

“annex Canada. They have it too good up there.”

— Chris, NYU-Poly sophomore

—

“host Saturday Night Live.” — Michelle, CAS sophomore

—

“subsidize higher education.” — Kevin, Stern freshman

—

“dance naked around the White House.” — Nabeela, Steinhardt junior

—

“sleep all day.”

— Danielle, Steinhardt senior

OHIO

VIRGINIA

WISCONSIN

18 delegates

2008

| 2004

FACTORS • •

Voters may be motivated by Obama’s win last election and their improving economy Large portions of the state remain conservative

SIGNIFICANCE

Ohio was dubbed the most important state in the nation by The Washington Post. A Republican loss in the state has never coincided with a Republican election to the White House. The state has a long history of voting Republican, but Obama reversed the trend in 2008. It is worth noting that in the past 12 elections, Ohio has accurately chosen the elected president.

13 delegates

2008

| 2004

FACTORS • •

Large population of government workers, shifting political demographic Deeply conservative historically

SIGNIFICANCE

In the past 10 elections, Virginia voted exclusively for Republicans until 2008 when they elected Obama. It was a surprise victory for Obama. The shift from right to left leaves the outcome in 2012 unpredictable. The state elected a Republican governor, Bob McDonnell, in 2009. In the 2011 elections the Republican party was the majority in the state Senate, giving them control over both houses of the legislature.

10 delegates

2008

| 2004

FACTORS • •

Historically voted Democratic Rep. Paul Ryan is from this state

SIGNIFICANCE

Wisconsin is rather new to the swing state club. In the past six elections the state has gone Democrat. But with Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate, Romney has significantly shrunk Obama’s lead in the state. Recent trend towards red, including the 2010 elections of Ron Johnson (R) to the Senate and Scott Walker (R) to governor, could give Romney an edge.

NYUNEWS.COM | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

T H E H I S PA N I C V O T E R Despite America’s ever-growing Latino population, a low registration from the group may curtail its influence on American elections. In fact, Hispanic actor Wilmer Valderrama said 50 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 are registered to vote, but only 39 percent of Latinos of that age group are registered. In response to these statistics, volunteers, celebrities and organizations from across the country collaborated to host the first National Voter Registration Day. Valderrama and actress Rosario Dawson visited NYU on Sept. 25 to raise awareness for the event and promote political activity among Hispanic students. “[The Hispanic vote] is going be the deciding vote,” Valderrama said. “They have the power to mold, shape and elect our government heroes.” As the chairwoman of VotoLatino, Dawson launched National Voter Registration Day to educate young Hispanics and encourage them to be more involved in the political process. She said voting in this upcoming election would give Latinos the opportunity to make their mark on history. “When people vote for the first time, it’s their first [moment of] activism. You feel the connection to your history,” Dawson said. “When you do it collectively, that’s when you

really show the world what you’re really about.” The economy is one of the enormous concerns for Latinos, as they were especially affected by the recession. The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics report showed that approximately 2.3 million Hispanics in the United States are unemployed, and many are unable to pay for

health insurance. Consequently, 53 percent of Hispanics ranked the economy as their top issue and immigration followed at 40 percent, according to Victoria DeFrancesco Soto, senior analyst for Latino Decisions. She also said Latinos are experiencing serious losses. “Latinos aren’t just losing their jobs and

THE

I M PA C T O F SOCIAL MEDIA By GRACE WHITNEY Steinhardt junior Justin Berkowitz had to miss the first presidential debate between Gov. Mitt Romney and President Obama earlier this month. But he said he was unaffected by not being able to watch the broadcast. “I was able to keep up with the debate through Facebook,” Berkowitz said. “Just through status updates.” Many undergraduate students at NYU are experiencing the first presidential election in which they can vote, and they are turning to what people are beginning to utilize for everything: social media. As Facebook posts and tweets abound, how much of the election is determined by social media, and what kind of engagement is being promoted? Gallatin professor Vasu Varadhan, who specializes in media studies,

said even though social media allows for more inter-connectivity among young people, it does not do so on a level that would encourage more informed voting or increase political involvement. “After the first debate, many posts on Facebook were parodies of Big Bird,” Varadhan said. “Rarely did anyone comment on the details of how each candidate would boost the economic recovery or the inaccuracies in their statements.” But Gallatin senior Kana Felix said she felt differently about Obama after seeing the president’s playful post on his Tumblr page, which referenced the movie “Mean Girls” and a joke about the debate on Oct. 3. “The way I have perceived Obama has changed,” Felix said. “It makes him more of a friend to me ... it felt like he was reaching out to me as a person ... Now he seems more real.” Although social media engages

young people, students are also finding it hard to believe the content they read on sites like Facebook or Twitter. CAS junior Alison Isaacs, who remains undecided about her vote, has a hard time discerning what to think after viewing the onslaught of opinions, jokes and parodies she finds on sites like YouTube. “I want to make an informed decision, but I’m depending on the people that are so pro- either candidate, that they’re not telling me anything real,” she said. “Just antagonizing one side.” Ryan McTernan, a Steinhardt junior, agreed. “Facebook is extreme,” he said. “There’s no moderate view. There are a lot of uncertified half-truths.” Varadhan expressed a similar opinion. She said untruths can be masked quickly and rumors can circulate on social media. “These platforms make it difficult

By KAYANA JEAN-PHILIPPE

health care, they’re losing their middle class,” she said. “Rich Latinos are getting richer and poor Latinos are getting poorer.” Experts say much of the Hispanic vote depends on the candidate who will reshape the economy and provide more employment opportunities. Racial politics expert and associate professor of media, culture and communication Charlton McIlwain said Romney and Obama have equally been courting Hispanics, but Obama has been more successful. “Obama has a leg up given his more recent policy of easing immigration restrictions, while Romney favors a much more restrictive policy,” McIlwain said. “[Romney] says [Hispanics] are worse off economically than when Obama first took office ... But that promise is much less tangible than Obama’s concrete actions.” Maria Teresa Kumar, president of VotoLatino said as the Latino community has grown more powerful, politicians have begun to take interest. However, he said this does not mean Latinos can be pandered. “You can’t put us in boxes and separate our possibilities,” Kumar said. “Both parties are trying to understand this community, but they have yet to understand that we are Americans.”

to determine the credibility of the source,” she said. But as members of the already polarized voting constituency habitually use the Internet, they are not forced to confront opposing opinions very often. After all, the beauty of social media is that people get to choose what they see and do not see. “Even when given contrary evidence, most people will ignore the findings and stick to their original opinions,” Varadhan said. “Merely hitting the like button on Facebook does not necessarily translate into action. Most Facebook users share friends who tend to be like-minded politically.” Tisch senior Gwynna ForghamThrift gets most of her election news from Twitter and admits that she is not seeing all sides of the story. “I follow liberal-leaning people. I’ve chosen them,” she said. “I know what I’m getting with them.” Gallatin senior Eileen Liang, who suspended her Facebook account two years ago, expressed her belief that the interactions young people may have with a candidate on social media represent more of a superficial engagement. “If you think about it, you go to a rally or see a president speak, that’s a completely different experience than seeing something

that the Obama campaign posted on Facebook,” she said. “It’s trying to create a substantial relationship on nothing.” However, it seems as if most people already know where their vote is going. Changing their mind, on Facebook or otherwise, may hardly be possible. When asked, students agreed that their opinions are rarely changed by status updates they receive on Facebook. “I think [my opinion] was never drastically changed,” said CAS senior Alyse McGuigan. “I think it would just reinforce things I already believed because I don’t think it’s at the stage where it’s powerful enough to completely change my opinion about something.” Gallatin sophomore Kasey Connolly described the interaction between candidate and voter as a double-edged sword. “It helps the candidates reach a wider audience,” Connolly said. “But I really don’t know how many people are actually influenced, I don’t know how positive it is.” But she said social media can be an effective tool people can use to become more educated. “Facebook is a vehicle for finding news elsewhere, leading to an article that might change my mind,” Connolly said. “[But] I feel like the status updates are never particularly informative.”

TOP 5 ELECTION TUNES Compiled by CHRIS DINARDO

“Born in the U.S.A.” — Bruce Springsteen

“Rockin’ in the Free World” — Neil Young

“Chicken Fried” — Zac Brown Band

“Pink Houses” — John Mellancamp

“Party in the U.S.A.” — Miley Cyrus

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | NYUNEWS.COM

VOICES

SHANGHAI

“

China

Interactions have shifted a number of times since Obama was elected. Nonetheless, the Chinese respect Obama and have seen him as a positive connection to the West. Obama’s re-election would serve as a way to stabilize tensions across the Pacific, especially in light of Romney’s recent anti-Chinese rhetoric. Stability through Obama’s re-election would also reduce uncertainty in Beijing, as China’s new president will also be selected this fall.

FROM

”

— DANIEL WITCIK Stern junior

ABROAD

“

PRAGUE Czech Republic

While Mitt Romney and [President] Obama are not common names heard around the Czech Republic, the locals here do have their own opinions about the election. According to an NYU professor here, many Czechs feel that Mitt Romney’s policies are too conservative. Among the students here, other candidates are being discussed as well.

”

Compiled by RICHARD ZHANG Indecisiveness about the 2012 presidential election is just as relevant abroad as it is domestically. Students studying at the various NYU abroad sites throughout the world weigh in on their thoughts about the candidates, voter participation and how it feels to be away at this crucial political moment. These students may be geograhphically removed from the issues for the time being, but distance cannot stop them from voicing their opinions. The media’s influence plays an important role abroad for those distanced from the election, leaving both sides up to intense interpretation. The U.S. elections may not be at the epicenter of daily discussion among foreigners in hesitant Buenos Aires or weary, Obama-leaning London, but it is certainly present.

— SAMI WONG LSP sophomore

“

Here in Buenos Aires, people seem to avoid political conversations. In 2008, bringing up the election would have been a great icebreaker, at least for American students. This year, not so much.

”

BUENOS AIRES

— MEGHAN O’CONNOR Steinhardt junior

@nyunews

Argentina

NYUNEWS.COM | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

“

Even overseas the big question is ‘Who will be the next president of the United States?’ Students in the NYU Florence study abroad program attempt to stay in the political loop while residing in a different country.

FLORENCE Italy

”

— FA N G FA N G L E E Stern junior

“

Every country still takes the U.S. election as seriously as its own, but it is the leaders of both parties and associated news media that are making America’s election and reputation tread on thin ice. English people, if they were American, would vote Obama, but only because he seems to be the lesser or two evils, and it seems that NYU students are divided as ever. — HENRY HSIAO CAS sophomore

“

”

United Arab Emirates

— SUNDUS S. ARAIN CAS junior

As a student with a deep interest in politics, I have been regularly following both campaigns through news sources, blogs and the recent debate. Here at NYU Sydney, I believe most students have an interest in the upcoming election but feel somewhat distanced. — A L E X C L AV I J O CAS senior

“

”

SYDNEY Australia

PA R I S France

Elections are a big topic here at NYU Paris. Just yesterday, I talked with a group of people about the debates, our absentee ballots and the election in general. We are definitely worried here. Some of us might be inclined to stay in Paris if Romney wins. The Internet makes it easy to stay updated on the latest election news, and The New York Times has been uploading the full debates on YouTube.

”

— KELSEY LEDGERWOOD

England

”

LONDON

I think the political climate at NYU Abu Dhabi is unique in the fact that non-Americans greatly outnumber Americans here. I’d say 50 out of 400 are Americans.

ABU DHABI

“

CAS junior

“

MADRID Spain

We Americans can't help but be reminded of the politics back home. A number of NYU students attended the recent Rock the Vote event at which Americans could register to vote or even cast their votes, depending on their states. Especially at NYU, I see an even stronger patriotism than I've seen in the States recently — maybe it really does have to do with the current political climate in Spain.

”

— TIM GORICHANAZ GSAS student

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | NYUNEWS.COM

POLITICA

STUDENTS FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE

CLAIRE STOTTLEMYER Common Cause

R O B E R T R AY M O N D Food Co-op and NYU Bike Share

By EMILY MCDERMOTT Being politically active does not only mean endorsing candidates or passing out fliers in Washington Square Park. To be politically active, all you need is to advocate a cause you strongly believe in. For Gallatin senior Robert Raymond, political activism means promoting sustainability. It means studying the influence of factors like education and political participation on the economy, environment and society. And most importantly, it means experimenting. “Sustainability is the great experiment of our time,” Raymond said. “We’re basically going to have to redesign how we relate to our environment and each other, both in our social and economic lives.” Raymond believes sustainability is only attainable through social, economic and environmental reform. He actively promotes these ideas through various means, including operating co-ops, leading the NYU Bike Share Program and spreading environmental awareness. Raymond said he realized his power to make a difference from his experience as a choir member. His Chicago choral group brought together students from various neighborhoods, suburbs and income levels in the city, and allowed Raymond to hear different perspectives and learn from the experiences of others — the basics of social sustainability and justice. Since then, Raymond has founded the Student Food Cooperative at NYU and became a member of the 4th Street Food Co-op in an effort to strengthen both social and economic sustainability. “I created a co-op at NYU to give people an outlet to do things they’re passionate about,” he said. Raymond said co-ops help economic sustainability by providing members with needed resources at accessible costs. Members are encouraged to voice opinions in discussions to reach decisions that they all agree on.

Subsequently, social justice is achieved. As the coordinator of the NYU Bike Share Program in the Office of Sustainability, Raymond also educates a large community about sustainability and continues to create a lasting impact. “The bike share is kind of like the gateway drug to sustainability,” Raymond said. Through the bike share program, students are introduced to the concept of co-ops and are encouraged to help maintain a collective system. Since Raymond took the position in January, the program has grown to include 13 locations and 75 bicycles. As time progressed, Raymond said he realized environmental justice presents one of the largest challenges faced by our generation. “It is not only an issue of buying local and going green,” he said. “It requires an immense shift in the world’s structure and ideals.” However, he is concerned that sustainability hasn’t been a big issue in this year’s election. “Because big energy and oil companies fund [candidates], they can’t speak out against them,” Raymond explained. Raymond wants to see political figures address climate change, other parts of environmental justice and sustainability as a whole. But he said America’s current structure is inhibiting. To engender the necessary infrastructural and ideological changes to achieve sustainability, Raymond believes awareness must start locally. He actively engages in discussions about things such as food and the bike share program in his own community. After graduation Raymond hopes to be a community organizer and to continue turning ideas into realities. He aspires to promote sustainability by brainstorming concepts of social, economic and environmental justice and testing them out in reality. Following the path of education and experimentation, Raymond said he would like to eventually become a teacher. “If people don’t have a place to explore alternatives and be creative with others, awareness will not change the world,” he said.

By DANIEL HUANG Remember the girl in fifth grade who would not stand up for the pledge of allegiance? The one who was protesting the way America exercised its foreign influence? The same girl who, a couple of years later, cried when America re-elected Bush? That girl is Claire Stottlemyer, now a senior in Gallatin and out to change the world, or at least get students registered to vote. A summer intern-turned-outreach fellow at Common Cause, a nonprofit, nonpartisan citizens’ lobby, Stottlemeyer has spent the last few months approaching New Yorkers on the street and inviting them to register. Stottlemyer has found that it is more difficult than you might expect. “It was kind of shocking how many people, older people even, have never voted and never been registered,” she said. “A lot of them would actually come up and try to talk to me for a long time about why they weren’t going to vote.” Stottlemeyer recounted these stories with energy and a sense of humor, and she spoke quickly but purposefully. “She has a way about her that makes people want to engage and spend more time with her,” said Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause New York. “She carries a passion for advocacy and a talent for organizing that you just don’t see every day.” As the daughter of a civil rights attorney and nonprofit organization founder, Stottlemyer has been steeped in activism for her entire life. She attributes her political awakening to her family and discussed her transformation with gratitude and pride. “It used to be my parents forcing me to watch the news every night,” she said. “But then it became [that] I wanted to watch the news every night, and then I needed to watch the news every night.” In high school, Stottlemyer volunteered to help register citizens in her hometown of Sarasota, Florida. Though the rules for voter registration were stricter in Florida, the independent, tough-as-nails attitude of a New Yorker has proved to be a different challenge for her. Voter turnout in New York over the last few elections has hovered around 60 percent, only slightly higher than the national average — an embarrassing statistic for

a country that champions democracy and freedom. In Stottlemyer’s experience, people’s reasons for not voting span from feelings of apathy and indecision to disbelief in the power of the vote. Her response? A battle-tested spiel she could rattle off in her sleep. “If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain,” she said. “There are many options available if you really want to make a change, but everything comes as a supplement to your vote. It’s the simplest, most basic thing that you can do.” This election season could prove to be especially pivotal. Beyond the issues that receive the most airtime – unemployment, health care and education – Stottlemyer seemed more concerned with a problem that may soon take center stage. Critics of the government’s role in the nation’s future are deepening an ideological divide between those who foster an American attitude of entitlement, and those who recognize that various people and systems have contributed at every step along the way. Stottlemyer’s stance on the issue is clear. “As the wealthiest nation in the world, it makes no sense to me that we should favor the approach that Romney advocates, [which is] putting a select group of people above the collective good,” Stottlemyer said. “It will continue to divide us as a country if we don’t put a stop to it soon.” That such an important election should happen in Stottlemyer’s final year of college only seems fitting. Her work is symbolic of a final stamp of action on four years of activism and involvement. From teaching dance and meditation to incarcerated youth at the Rikers Island Prison Complex to facilitating workshops at Occupy Wall Street, she has consistently sought out the most stimulating opportunities this city has to offer. Last spring, while most of her study-abroad peers were exploring the vibrant culture and lower drinking age of a carefree Europe, she spent the semester in Ghana working for a human rights group that helped local Ghanaians obtain legal services. As graduation looms on the horizon for the Class of 2013, Claire is not worried about what comes next. There are people to be helped, reforms to be championed and mountains to be moved — one registered voter at a time.

NYUNEWS.COM | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

AL PORTRAITS 3

MICHELLE POMEROY Wagner Women’s Caucus

By KRISTINA BOGOS Every morning during the summer of 2009, Michelle Pomeroy woke up at sunrise in Dharamsala, India with a group of exiled Tibetan nuns. Together, they performed meditation rituals at the local temple and walked along the kora, a Buddhist trail circumambulating the Dalai Lama’s residence. In the afternoons, she taught English and computer skills, helped run errands and assisted in cooking meals. After receiving a research grant from NYU during her sophomore year in the College of Arts and Science, Pomeroy traveled to India over the summer to work with a settlement community of exiled nuns who spent decades fleeing rural Tibet as the Chinese government removed them from their homes. With the grant money, Pomeroy used outlets like audio and video as vessels to explore the monastic lifestyle changes the nuns underwent during their emigration. While working with the nuns, she overheard discussions about the lack of women representation and leadership in their village. Pomeroy felt motivated to help them realize their potential, and returned to Dharamsala the following summer. With the help of the Tibetan Women’s Association, she launched the first two-week long political leadership training for the exiled community. “There were many moments of inspiration when the women had self-realizations about a future goal or self-worth,” Pomeroy said, “like watching the women who were uncomfortable in public-speaking environments create really powerful ideas for the community, or projects they could implement.” Pomeroy gave the underprivileged women living in Dharamsala and the surrounding communities a platform for their muted voices to be heard. She credits this trip as a driving force for raising awareness on policies for women. Now a candidate for a master of public administration degree in the Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, Pomeroy stumbled upon the Wagner Women’s Caucus this September while strolling through the Wagner student activities fair. As a first-year

representative, she works with her fellow board members to facilitate learning and discussion on domestic and international topics affecting females throughout the world. To capitalize on the national concerns for women, the WWC hosted a debate on Oct. 22 to explore the two presidential candidates and their positions on gender issues. Even though Pomeroy has not registered as a Democrat or Republican, the discussion helped her decide how she might cast her ballot this election season. “Voting on a social issue basis only and issues that are more friendly to women, Obama is clearly the stronger candidate,” Pomeroy said. “I also think that what either candidate will do that’s substantial for women and women’s access to health care and other rights will not be substantial in the next term.” Despite her doubts about the next president, Pomeroy still sees the need to help women achieve a better lifestyle. In November, she will spend every Friday afternoon at The East Harlem School on 103rd Street to work one-on-one with a Latina high school sophomore. As a volunteer in the Latinas on the Verge of Excellence mentoring program, an NYU initiative that enhances academic performance and high school graduation rates among young Latinas, Pomeroy will be a role model and motivator for young Latin women en route to a higher education and a stable future. “Mentoring is a really powerful empowerment tool, especially when you’re working with people between critical ages who are deciding whether or not they’re going to make it into college and how that will impact their future,” Pomeroy said. From a nunnery in rural India to an all-girls high school in East Harlem, Pomeroy has traveled the world to create empowering opportunities for women. And by working with groups from various cultural backgrounds, she realized that mentorship extends both ways. “It’s really a two-way street in the journey of me trying to figure out how, in the long run, I might be able to have some real effect [in women’s lives].”

MEMBERS FROM S T U D E N T S F O R E D U C AT I O N R E F O R M Featuring Andrew Barron, Alison Newell and Sam Williams

By KRISTINA BOGOS Inspired by problems rooted in the public school system, NYU Students for Education Reform are pursuing change in the classroom as a means to give America’s youth equal access to a quality education. For Alison Newell, CAS senior and outreach coordinator at NYU SFER, the quest for equality in the classroom began when she learned about the prison pipeline phenomenon. Poor students, particularly African-American youth, are funneled through the nation’s public school system like broken parts on a beltway. Some students graduate, but most drop out and some end up in jail. Local prisons then look at the schools’ dropout rates to gauge the number of cells needed. “Education should be a human right,” Newell said. “Even though we say it’s a civil right in our country, most of the students are getting a terrible education because we’re not funding it and we’re not making changes to it that would actually benefit children.” After witnessing the mediocre performance of his middle-class high school, SFER vice president and CAS senior Andrew Barron said he worries about the success of students in poorer neighborhoods. “I’ve always believed in equal opportunity and feel that education is the biggest way to achieve that,” Barron said. “We’re just failing so many kids.” NYU SFER’s mission is to close the achievement gap by raising awareness of the state of education on a local and national level. On Oct. 22, the club held a teach-in at NYU Steinhardt’s Pless Hall to discuss the reform strategies of all five presidential candidates.

“Our goal was to paint everything in a broader picture and where candidates stand in context with other candidates,” said club president and Steinhardt senior Sam Williams. “I think people left the event with a better knowledge of what was going on, on both a national and local [level] of policies in terms of education.” This semester, NYU SFER is focused on the future of teacher evaluations in New York City, a debate where $300 million of education funding hinges on an agreement between the Department of Education and the city’s teachers’ union. Both have been debating for months about whether or not evaluations should be conducted by peers, by the school principal, or be based on students’ standardized test scores. If they can settle on a plan by mid-January, the city will receive a four percent increase in their education budget. “We want them to find a middle ground so the kids can benefit,” Williams said. “If there is more widespread knowledge throughout the community, then there will be more pressure on each side to reach an agreement.” For NYU SFER, the college community will play an instrumental role in ensuring the city’s public schools receive the $300 million, a sum of money that could lead to improvements in infrastructure or new supplies like computers. NYU SFER hopes to join forces with other SFER city chapters, like those at Columbia University and The New School, to plan a rally or awareness campaign to recruit more college students to the cause. “We’re the adults who are closest to those kids age-wise,” Williams said. “We’re advocating for children because their voices cannot always be heard.”

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 | NYUNEWS.COM

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

A QUICK RECAP:

TIMELINE OF THE 2012 ELECTION IN CELEBRITY TWEETS

Editor-in-Chief AMANDA RANDONE Managing Editor

JAEWON KANG

Compiled by HANNA RIOSECO

Web Managing Editor

AMY ZHANG

SEPT. 25

NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY

@SAMUELLJACKSON

Trump reached out to Kardashian via Twitter to convince her to vote for Romney. She has yet to respond to the tweet.

As part of the Wake The F*ck Up campaign, Jackson is encouraging people to get out and vote.

Deputy Managing Editor

SEPT. 6

@BarackObama we also need to cut them for those that are listed on Forbes as “millionaires”, if they are not, you must consider that as well

SEPT. 17

Hey @KimKardashian— I hear you are undecided in the election. I can explain why you should vote for @MittRomney

Election season is winding up, so listen to Shaft and wake the f**k up! http://wtfu2012.com/#. UGSNE1zvQ-Y.twitter #wtfu

@LINDSAYLOHAN

In response to a tweet sent by President Obama about how he has cut taxes for middle-class families and small businesses.

S TA R T H E R E

@REALDONALDTRUMP

features

KATYA BARANNIK special issues ESHA RAY foreign correspondent

RICHARD ZHANG NICOLE GARTSIDE

CONTRIBUTORS

@SESAMESTREET Big Bird: My bed time is usually 7:45, but I was really tired yesterday and fell asleep at 7! Did I miss anything last night?

@BOBSAGET I’m really enjoying these debates. I can’t wait til they have the swimsuit competition.

In response to the performance of both Joe Biden and Paul Ryan at the debate.

@INGRAHAMANGLE

OCTOBER 11TH

Ryan is a nervous Walmart manager. Biden is an irate customer with the receipt, the warranty & he’s friends w/ the store owner. #debate

Jim Lehrer, the moderator of the #debates pic.

In response to Mitt Romney’s comment about Big Bird and PBS.

VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

@PATTONOSWALT

@TYLER OAKLEY

Did the Prez in an answer on education use the phrase “me & him”?

In reference to how often both candidates cut off Jim Lehrer, the moderator of the first Presidential Debate.

OCT. 16

@JESSETYLER I hear @BravoTV is renaming The Real Housewives “Binder Full Of Women”. That debate was better than a real housewives reunion

In response to Mitt Romney’s remark in the second presidential debate.

OCT. 22

LAST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

In response to Mitt Romney’s comment about having “binders full of women.”

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are hosting the Golden Globes! I guess the Hollywood Foreign Press found a binder.

JUSTYNA TORRES MARINA ZHANG

OPINION PAGE opinion editor

CHRIS DINARDO deputy opinion editor

JESSICA LITTMAN

ADVERTISING BUSINESS MANAGER

REBECCA RIBEIRO

UNIVERSITY SALES COORDINATOR

KAITLYN O’BRIEN SALES REPRESENTATIVES

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ADVISING DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

NANCI HEALY EDITORIAL ADVISER

KEITH LEIGHTY About WSN: Washington Square News (ISSN 15499389) is the student newspaper of New York University. WSN is published Monday through Thursday during NYU’s academic year, except for university holidays, vacations and exam periods. Corrections: WSN is committed to accurate reporting. When we make errors, we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible. If you believe we have erred, contact managing editor Jaewon Kang at managing@nyunews.com or at 212.998.4302.

PHOTO CREDITS:

SECOND PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

@THEELLENSHOW

Editor-at-Large

FRANCIS POON

ELLEN MCQUEEN, MELISSA YNEGAS

social media agent

Creative Director

MERYLL PREPOSI

CHELSEA GOLD

KAYANA JEAN-PHILIPPE

In reply to MTV Talent Lauren Zins about the presidential debate.

HANQING CHEN DANIEL HINTON

CIRCULATION MANAGER

city/state

@snooki bring it on bitch “@laurzins: What do you think Mitt and Barack just said to each other? #PresidentialDebate”

KELLEHER copy JORDAN MELENDREZ senior editors KRISTINA BOGOS, JULIE DEVITO, BRIDGETTE DORAN, JONATHON DORNBUSH, CHARLES MAHONEY

TATIANA BAEZ

@SNOOKI

city/state TONY CHAU features NICOLA PRING multimedia JAMES

university

FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

SENIOR STAFF

DEPUTY STAFF

OCT. 3

EMILY YANG

Assistant Managing Editors

@KATHYGRIFFIN I wish they would address the Armenian threat: the Kardashians. In response to Obama and Romney’s discussion of the conflicts in the Middle East.

@ZACHBRAFF Debate screwed my Halloween plans. Frantically trying to add a horse and bayonet to my “Bieber throwing up” costume. In response to Obama’s comment on how the U.S. military has “fewer horses and bayonets” because its technology has changed.

COVER: Romney: Mitt Romney photographed at Nashua, New Hampshire Rally for Romney Ryan 2012, by Katherine Cresto/ Flickr; Obama: Barack Obama photographed at Chandler, Arizona, by Intel Photos/ Flickr; POLL: cash: via fineicons.com; healthcare: via fineicons.com; globe: fineicons. com; ECONOMY: Head: Pete Souza/ White House; Obama: U.S. Senate; Romney: Gage Skidmore via Flickr; dollar: David Guo’s Master via Flickr; ECONOMY: Obama: Pete Souza/ White House; Backus: Courtesy of David Backus; Goldstein: Courtesy of Ken Goldstein; Hamilton: Courtesy of Brian Hamilton; AID: Romney: Gage Skidmore via Flickr; pig: Ken Teegardin via Flickr; GAY: cake: via CreativeCommons; Obama: Pete Souza/ White House; Romney: Gage Skidmore via Flickr; WOMEN: Rosie: via Google Images; Obama: Pete Souza/ White House; Romney: Gage Skidmore via Flickr; Dahreddine: Courtesy of Andrew Dahreddine; Jury-Fogel: Courtesy of Chloe Jury-Fogel; Downey: Courtesy of Eamon Downey; Preza: Courtesy of Elizabeth Preza; Bhargava: Courtesy of Kanupriya Bhargava; Yu: Courtesy of Linda Yu; Torrey: Courtesy of Susan Torrey; IMMIGRATION: passport: tiffini via Flickr; Obama: Pete Souza/ White House; Romney: Gage Skidmore via Flickr; HEALTH: pills: sacks08 via Flickr; Obama: Pete Souza/ White House; Romney: Gage Skidmore via Flickr; ENVIRONMENT: trees: Keoni Cabral via Flickr; Obama: Pete Souza/ White House; Romney: Gage Skidmore via Flickr; Christie-Blick: Courtesy of Nicholas Christie-Blick; Chen: Courtesy of Kevin Chen; DONATIONS: Obama: Pete Souza/ White House; Romney: Gage Skidmore via Flickr; LADIES: Michelle: via ABCNews.com; Ann: J. Scott Applewhite via Telegraph Herald; PETS: Macaroni: via Wikimedia.org; Yuki: via Wikimedia.org; Nixon: via Wikimedia.org; Liberty: via Wikimedia. org; Siamese: via Wikimedia.org; Rex: via Wikimedia.org; Millie: via Wikimedia.org; Buddy: via Wikimedia.org; Spot: via PresidentialPetMuseum. com; Bo: Wikimedia.org; VP: Biden: Marc Nozell/ Flickr; Ryan: Tony Alter/ Flickr; THIRD: Johnson: via GaryJohnson2012.com; Stein: via JillStein.org; Goode: via Wikipedia; HISPANIC: VotaLatino: William Martin For WSN; SONGS: Springsteen: via Amazon; Young: via Amazon; Band: via Amazon; Mellancamp: via Amazon; Cyrus: via Amazon; VOICES: Witcik: Courtesy of Daniel Witcik; Wong: Courtesy of Sami Wong; O'Connor: Courtesy of Meghan O'Connor; Lee: Courtesy of Fangfang Lee; Hsiao: Courtesy of Henry Hsiao; Arain: Courtesy of Sundus S. Arain; Clavijo: Courtesy of Alex Clavijo; Ledgerwood: Courtesy of Kelsey Ledgerwood; Gorichanaz: Courtesy of Tim Gorichanaz; PORTRAITS: Raymond: Emily McDermott/WSN; Stottlemyer: Courtesy of Claire Stottlemyer; Pomeroy: Courtesy of Michelle Pomeroy; Education: Kristina Bogos/WSN; TWEETS: Lohan: via Twitter; Trump: via Twitter; Jackson: via Twitter; Snooki: via Twitter; Saget: via Twitter; Sesame: via Twitter; Oakley: via Twitter; Ingraham: via Twitter; Oswalt: via Twitter; JesseTyler: via Twitter; Ellen: via Twitter; Griffin: via Twitter; Braff: via Twitter; ONLINE: book: via Amazon; movie: via imdb; skit: screenshot

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