inside the public 2 servant
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FSN: Two ways to give back
The official student publication of the Bush School of Government and Public Service V O L U M E
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Dean Card Talks Bushes, Baseball and Politics Ashley Herron and Michael Sobolik How does Andy Card remember the year of his wedding? Three words: Boston Red Sox. Avid baseball fans may recall 1967 as the year batting legend Carl Yastrzemski claimed baseball’s elite Triple Crown award. “It’s easy for me to remember which year I got married,” Dean Card laughed. But sports’ significance for Card goes beyond a simple anniversary alarm clock; they reflect his life-long passion for competition. “As a young boy, I loved sports,” Card reflects. “I used to sneak transistor radios to bed with me so I could listen to Red Sox games or Celtics games.” With age, passion turned to dedication. Every single year in high school, Card went out for the basketball team. Although he failed every time, his coach recognized his determination and ap-
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SGA presidents give thanks
Lessons learned in the first semester
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MPIA '13
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Veterans take center stage
T he Radish
A look at Santa's Wonderland
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pointed him team manager. Card found success in other sports, serving as captain of the cross country and track teams and See Card on Page 3
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Getting into the swing of dancing
Bushies triumph in Warrior Dash
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Entertainment/ The Back Page
New Student Organization to Take Point on Recruitment By Michael H. Ghutzman, James Nebl and Benjamin Phares
Coming in the spring of 2012, there will be a new student organization at the Bush School. The Ambassadors will serve as student representatives
at development functions, as the official student hosts of special guests visiting the institution and as the primary student organization assisting in recruitment efforts for the Bush School of Government and Public Service. Apart from these explicit duties, THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 1
The Ambassadors will also serve as a single point of contact for all entities in the Bush School needing assistance with official activities. Events and activities in these areas, like Interview Conference Weekend, See Ambassadors on Page 2
STUDENT LIFE The Public Servant 2011-2012 Staff List
Casey Braswell, Editor-in-Chief Thomas Buchanan, Copyeditor Jeremy Twitchell, Layout Editor Section Editors: Student Life: Kristin Simpson and Paige Ericson Local: Alyssa Johnson and Courtney Burge Opinion: Courtney Rottman and Jessica Yeo The Radish: Calen Caple Entertainment: Victoria Link Staff: Joe Aguiar, Andrew Bobo, Casi Buch, Chase Carter, Ashley Herron, Richard Luna, Nicola Mallik, Debe Nwanze, Rustin Rhone, Michael Sobolik, Ashley Spradlin, Lindsay Taylor, Katie White, Rachael Young The views expressed in this publication are those of bush school students, not necessarily those of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service.
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will continue to be open to all students who volunteer, but will be overseen by a leading student member of The Ambassadors, who will work in concert with respective graduate assistants for recruitment and the Scowcroft Institute for International Affairs. This will allow students to work on activities based on specific criteria, including career interest, foreign language acquisition, academic concentrations, internships, or country of origin. Student leaders will be selected to fill approximately 21 leadership positions, comprising the majority of available concentrations at the Bush School. Well-qualified candidates for the student leader positions will have demonstrated integrity, personability, dependability and academic excellence.
The purpose of this organization is to provide students with volunteer opportunities as school representatives. The Ambassadors will provide a formal channel for students to contribute their time, thereby increasing the efficiency and transparency of participation in these vital areas of interest to our institution.After receiving a green light from the Bush School administration, students began taking the necessary steps to form a recognized student organization. Currently, the authors of this article have been tasked with forming the organization and are in the final stages of writing a constitution, establishing guidelines, and having The Ambassadors recognized as an official Texas A&M student organization. As next semester rolls around, please keep an eye on your inbox if you are interested in serving as an Ambassador.
Remember the Spirit of Public Service this Holiday Season By the Bush School FSN Executive Board
The holiday season is upon us, and while the first years are basking in the end of their first semester and the second years are feeling the pressure of Capstone, the former students of the Bush School are wishing they, too, could enjoy a month long vacation. But it’s also a season of giving, the core value of a noble calling. Our main function as a constituent network of the Association of Former Students is to give our support to Bush School graduates in their endeavors and development. This holistic approach to network support not only empowers each graduate to pursue personal success but encourages each former student to remain an engaged and a communal public servant. In particular, the Bush School FSN
would like to highlight two causes that we feel strongly about. Andrea Pool Fellowship: Andrea Pool completed the Certificate in Advanced International Affairs at the Bush School. After she was engaged in her career, Andrea was diagnosed with breast cancer and after a hard-fought battle, passed away in September of 2009. Her husband, Scott Pool, MPSA 2002, wanted to ensure her legacy of public service would continue long into the future. Scott established the Andrea Pool National Security Fellowship, which is designed for Bush School students looking to make a mid-career shift into a national security profession. For more information about the Andrea Pool National Security Fellowship, including support, please contact Jerome Rektorik (Class of 1965) at (979) 458-8035 or by email at THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 2
jrektorik@bushschool.tamu.edu. Lily Voelkel Foundation: CHARGE Syndrome is a complex genetic condition which affects multiple senses and is seen in only 1 in 10,000 births. Our fellow Bush School graduate, Tyson Voelkel, is making great strides against CHARGE with the Lily Voelkel Foundation. Named after his second daughter, the foundation aims to serve and support all families affected by this syndrome as well as those children who are deafblind. To find out more information about the Lily Voelkel Foundation and the great work it does, please visit http://lilyvoelkel.com/. So in the holiday spirit, we ask that you look into these two causes, because public service starts with YOU. Have a safe and happy holiday season!
STUDENT LIFE
Bush School Honors Veterans In honor of Veteran’s Day, PSO hosted a Veteran’s Day Panel on Nov. 10 and organized a Wall of Honor. This event enabled students and faculty to gain insight from those who have served our country in combat. The six panelists represented many more service men and women within the school and across the country. The lessons they shared can apply to us all as public servants. Ultimately, they urged the audience to serve in whatever capacity they can and through all things to maintain honor and do the right thing. Thank you to all who attended and thank you to all who served.
Card
In the White House, Card explained, presidents use sports both as a distracFrom Page 1 tion from stress and as a tool to forge leading his track teammates to a state relationships. champion-ship. Whether he excelled or “It wasn’t unusual for [Bush 41] to struggled in a particular sport, however, say, ‘I’ll meet you at the horseshoe pit,’” Card recognized the value of playing as where the president would talk policy and a team. share issues that concerned him. Card also Years later, while running George recalled that President Bush frequented H.W. Bush’s New the congressional gym Hampshire primary in and met senators and 1988, he would look congressmen on the to basketball again for White House tennis Most leaders are motivation. court. competitive. If you “The campaign was While President pretty well-organized George W. Bush only are competitive with when I got there,” replayed horseshoes inthem in the sports called Card, “but it termittently, his pasworld, it is easier to didn’t have a lot of sion was for mountaindiscipline.” biking. Card regularly get an invitation. Wanting to promote accompanied the presi— Dean Andrew Card a team identity, Card dent on his rides, and visited every single preactually broke his left cinct within the state wrist and elbow on a and met with local volunteers. particularly grueling ride in Maryland. “When I met with these chairmen, To his credit, he got back on his bike and I said: ‘We are Larry Bird. We are two finished the course, even with an aching points down, and we’re standing outside and swelling hand. the 3-point line. There are two seconds Card insisted that acquiring a basic left in the game--and we want the ball!’” knowledge of sports enhances the potential Card’s confidence and optimism con- of aspiring young leaders. Low-level aides tributed to a successful primary and an have often distinguished themselves in eventual victory for President Bush. the White House through their grasp of
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baseball stats or history. Card believes students in particular should take this to heart, so that they can avoid developing tunnel-vision towards a narrow set of interests. Understanding sports demonstrates peripheral interests, which sets young leaders apart from paper-pushers. Even so, Card emphasizes the importance of sports for a more fundamental reason: “Most leaders are competitive; if you are competitive with them in the sports world, it is easier to get an invitation.” With such an invitation comes the potential to influence and effect positive change in policy, as reflected in Dean Card’s admirable history of public service.
Martinis and Mistletoe Bake-off Winners First place: Lindsey Taylor, Cheer Cupcakes Second place: Mr. & Mrs. Adrian Calcaneo, Christmas Tree Cupcake Balls Third Place: Chloe Stark, Santa's Naughty List Cupcakes Thanks to all who attended and participated!
STUDENT OPINION
Changing of the Guard: Howdy Ags, Time has flown by and I can’t believe my term as Student Body President has come to a close. I have learned so much about the Bush School and about myself in this position. The students at the Bush School are the school’s best assets and are true public servants. I am so grateful to my committee chairs Sarah Saunders: and members of the executive council for Thank you for the all of their hard work opportunity to serve over the past year. The Student Government Association exists to maintain a happy student body and good community. As we wrap up the semester I can confidently say that we are a happy, close-knit family. The Student Government has contributed many things over the past year. We have coordinated with alumni to establish the Former Student Network, where students engage in a “big brother” program with alumni in their field of interest; we now have students who are voting members on the faculty search committee; and we have established a relationship with main campus SGA. The incoming SGA officers will face many new issues as they face an increasing student class size and assistance for the fundraising campaign. I want to encourage everyone to stay involved with SGA and attend meetings. This year we experienced the best SGA attendance rates since the organization began! Meet with your class representatives and let them know if you have an idea of how to better our program. Remember that your degree will continue to be worth more and more with the increasing prestige of the graduating classes. Second years please stay engaged even though you’re graduating! Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in this role and for all of your support and encouragement! Gig ‘em,
Past, Present SGA Presidents Reflect on Service and the Bush School
Howdy! I cannot thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to serve you as Student Government Association President. I know how much all of you care about the Bush School and I am honored that you have chosen me to lead throughout the next year. We have an exciting year ahead of us and I look forward to the opportunities before us. With the addition of Carly Hilley: new faculty, fascinating classes, and BTHO the Honored by your SEC, we have much to trust, ready to go look forward to! It is clear that the Bush School is an absolutely wonderful place, filled with brilliant faculty, devoted staff, and inspiring students. But with every great place, improvements can always be made. That is what SGA and your elected representatives are here to do. We are here to make the Bush School the best place it can possibly be. Know that SGA’s most important job is to always represent you and your interests. I truly care about you and want to do all that I can to assist you in accomplishing your career and life goals. Throughout my term as President, I pledge to try my hardest to elevate the reputation of the Bush School in order to attract stellar faculty, students, and donors. This is our home and we have the opportunity to make it an even better home for those that walk the halls in the years to come. Please do not hesitate to contact SGA if you have suggestions, comments, or concerns. Whether it be now or in the future, I am here to serve you in any way that I can. We can only make the Bush School a better place if we work together! Thanks and Gig ‘em, Carly Hilley MPSA 2013
Sarah Saunders MPIA 2012 THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 4
STUDENT OPINION
The Problem with Vets' Day Kethia Chheng
to the ridiculousness of retail that all MPSA '12 of us will soon be As the air of engulfed in. That’s November falls because Veterans upon the country, Day is becoming a slew of holiday increasingly madness approaches commercial. the horizon. Now let me November’s most preface by saying famous holiday, that I don’t hate Thanksgiving, veterans, just is usually the Veterans Day. first phase of the First off, why do commercial chaos we need a special day that saturates this to commemorate our time of the year. veterans? Shouldn’t Then along comes every day be Black Friday, Veterans Day? The Christmas, New Year’s, There's something wrong here... same principle applies and Valentine’s Day: to Valentine’s Day, all of which are great reasons to Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc. shop. I’m not sure why New Year’s You shouldn’t need a special day to warrants so many sales other than it celebrate the people you love. is between Christmas and Valentine’s And like those other holidays, Day. Veterans Day is becoming more But it turns out that November’s about spending money than actually second most famous holiday, Veterans Day, is becoming a preface See Veterans Day on Page 9
Bush School Needs a Latin American Curriculum Jose M. Rocha
MPSA Academic Affairs Liason
For a couple of weeks, our colleagues had been lurking around our halls engaged in a simulation exercise led by Dr. Charles Hermann. While listening to my colleagues prepare, I could not help but remember that several years had passed since I last visited Ciudad Juárez—the Mexican city mirroring El Paso. Prior to the outbreak of chaos and violence, I crossed the border into Ciudad Juárez at least
twice a week, either to visit friends and family or to enjoy an amazing restaurant. Just like the rest of Mexico, Ciudad Juárez has become a hornet’s nest swarming with vengeful and merciless gun-toting drug traffickers, while being consumed by a brutal drug cartel war. People in the United States who live in border towns (where crossing the U.S.-Mexico border is a normal part of everyday life) are concerned about the effect the drug wars and See Latin America on Page 9 THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 5
Lessons Learned in Semester One Thanasis Kombos and Calen Caple MPSA '13
Some things to consider for future Bush School students: Let’s start with an easy one: Avoid Dr. Bearfield’s class at all costs. Seriously. The group projects (they should be called “mini-capstones”) for his Foundations in Public Administration course will take over your life and force you to bond with people that you would probably never associate with (except my group, of course!). But then again, maybe there is a method to the madness. I now have a pretty good idea of how the “real world” operates (in theory). You’ll also have to take economics, and of the professors who teach the course, consider yourself lucky if you land in Dr. Griffin’s class. There’s a catch, though; you’ll have to learn to speak the language. Avoid “gov’ment” regulations at all costs, keep economics out of “Warshington” and never underestimate the power of the bolo tie. There are also a couple things you need to know about how to act in front of your fellow classmates. For starters, never leave your polished political mask at home. Letting down your guard and acting human is definitely not the way to go. You’ll also need to learn to make snap judgments about other people on a whim. Throw the old adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” out the window. Your time is precious; don’t let other people waste it. Oh, and remember this, the Bush School is really just one, big, happy family (a.k.a. a rumor mill). You can forget about keeping something quiet, or just between you and a few See Lessons on Page 7
T he Ra 'Twas the Night Before Finals Casi Buch MPIA '13
'Twas the night before finals, and all down the hall Not a student was sleeping, not even Jordan Nalle Printer coversheets hung on the doorways with tape In hopes that Mike Ghutzman would walk by and gape The students were huddled, hunched over in cubbies While reading and typing, some even in snuggies Discussing while drinking caffeine wrapped in koozies How the Bear’s simulation is really a doozie New grad students fought through smart power and Stata Our leadership plans, internships, and good data While the second year students put off ‘til vacation Language tests, grant proposals, and job applications When up from the student lounge rose such a clatter I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter Food experiments left in the kitchen for later Picked up and ran off with the refrigerator The new copier toner had taken a leave The staplers and microwaves wanted reprieve They hopped and they skipped to the BCS nexus Joined the Occupy Crowd on University and Texas Don’t worry, ‘twas then I found out I was dreaming My head on my keyboard, my music still streaming But I did not ignore the chimerical warning I went to the kitchen to bid them good morning I dutifully put a few printouts in mail slots Cleaned out my leftovers and washed a few spill spots The stapler I left for a craftier student Feeling I had been sufficiently prudent We all know the mantra: You’ll sleep when you’re dead But, friend, as you study, keep these thoughts in your head Sleep is good, don’t Reply All and, for heaven’s sake, Happy finals to all and to all a good break! THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 6
Pizza Hut in Ir Espionage a Adam Kirby MPIA '12
It should be no surprise to anyone that companies engage in corporate espionage to gain an edge over each other. What may surprise you is that recently Pizza Hut, the undisputed pizza world champions (undisputed amongst drunk college students who can no longer differentiate between food and rat poison, that is), committed intelligence suicide when its intelligence ring operating in Iran and Syria recently collapsed. The death of Pizza Hut operations in Iran came about from poor tradecraft, including using its own restaurants for agent meetings, scheduling the meets to coincide with manager breaks, and having intelligence officers wear Pizza Hut polos at all times. When asked why Pizza Hut would engage in such caviler practices an unnamed official stated, “It got really boring doing all that stuff all the time and the company shirts are really soft.” The primary target of Pizza Hut operations was the California Pizza Kitchen company, acting in response to rumored attempts by the competitor to move into Middle Eastern markets. Pizza Hut has long feared an attempt by the California-based company to bring its superior product to the pizzadeprived Middle East. Early reports of Pizza Hut espionage activities include covert-action propaganda operations aimed at convincing Middle Eastern customers that California Pizza Kitchen pizza dough is pork based, which is offensive to both major religions in the area, Islam and Judaism.
Bringing you the finest in investigatory journalism since last month
adish
ran: Corporate at its Worst Armchair intelligence experts say it is unlikely that Pizza Hut will be able to recover quickly enough from this devastating blow in time to prevent its rival from solidifying its hold on the region and with it the valuable customer base. Pizza Hut had been working on developing its spy ring for nearly a decade before its agents were discovered and all Pizza Hut intelligence officers were expelled from the region. This could not have come at a better time for the state of California, which views this development as an opportunity to save its struggling economy. The expected tax returns from a pizza monopoly in the Middle East would be enough to put California back in the black. Having long abandoned more conventional means of generating tax revenue, Californian legislators have now turned largely to exporting restaurant chains. The California Pizza Kitchen is the first attempt at a public/private co-culinary overseas venture. There are no reports that the Californian government played any part in the recent Pizza Hut set back. In a geopolitical context, State Department officials feel that an influx of pizza to the Middle East may help ease tensions and lead to the long sought-after peace talks. Based on the stoner pizza binge model of international negotiations, a subset of the liberalism branch of international relations theory, the effects of several metric tons of pizza should encourage the peoples of the beleaguered region to set aside their generational conflict in favor of Italian flavor. Structural realists counter that only a stuffed crust centric option would lead to a reduction in tensions.
How to Not Fail Finals By Thanks & Gig 'em For those of you who are taking graduate school finals for the first time, or those for whom finals (and Capstone presentations) stand between yourselves and graduation, the authors have found it prudent to impart some of their hard-earned test-taking knowledge upon you. Sporting a Northgate average attendance of 4.0 per week, we feel that we truly represent the common Bush School student as they undertake this endeavor. Here are the top 10 lessons we consistently follow: 1. Have a good night’s sleep – make sure you begin your drinking at 4:00 p.m. the night before to ensure you are passed out in bed (or some random person’s couch) by 8:30 p.m. 2. Eat a good breakfast the morning of the exam – the rotting food in the Student Workroom does not count. 3. Do not cram the night before – we recommend cramming five minutes before the exam, otherwise it is not fresh in your mind. 4. Use your exam time wisely – if you work well under pressure, just wait. If you don’t, wrong career choice.
Lessons
From Page 5
other people. Once your business is out there, everybody wants to help by giving their opinion on the situation. One more thing to consider: bring your lunch. Aside from the warm smiles you’ll get from Ms. Donna, the weekly cycle of turkey baguette, panini, spinach salad, chicken caesar wrap and sushi rolls will not only bore your taste buds after a while; they’ll leave you broke, too. I have oftentimes considered raiding the fridge in the workroom for someone else’s lunch, but alas, I’ve never worked up the courage to do it. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you can catch the tail end of a brown bag lecture or faculty candidate THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 7
5. Maintain good posture – keeping a stiff back and not hunching over eases the process of looking over your fellow students’ shoulders, because learning is a collaborative process. 6. Eliminate your multiple choice answers – if you don’t pick any, you can’t pick wrong. 7. Create flashcards – this is a good use of all those business cards you don’t utilize. 8. Remember to study key concepts – because we believe if you can’t say it in three words, it’s not worth knowing. 9. Follow exam instructions – independent thought is not rewarded. 10. Don’t fill out your student evaluations until you get your final grades back – you’re only secure if you possess second-strike capabilities. As always, we hope our advice is useful to you. If these tips do not help you achieve the grades you want, feel free to deposit your complaints in the proper receptacle, namely the trash can. However, we only accept complaints complete with a cover sheet. Thanks and Gig ’Em. presentation and get in line for a free lunch. You’ve got to be stealthy though; I’ve seen people who have been caught and denied a meal. As a first-year student at the Bush School, I’ve learned quickly that survival is key. It’s not necessarily about the grades you make, but the hands you shake—at least that is what I told myself after experiencing the academic suicide that is a Dr. G exam. But in truth, I have taken a lot away from my first semester here. I can pretend to know statistics through this magic tool called “STATA,” I’ve mastered the art of “reading” something in under ten minutes, but most of all, I’ve learned to cope with the eternal disappointment that is Aggie football. Gig ’em.
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Walking in a Winterless Wonderland Jordan Nalle MPIA '13
Santa’s Wonderland on south Highway 6 is a fun experience for adults and kids alike. You can experience the trail of lights from the comfort of your own vehicle (costs extra) or indulge in a traditional open-air hayride that picks up and drops off from Santa’s Village (included with ticket). The trail takes about 20 minutes to drive through and has some impressive displays like leaping reindeer, jingle bell forests and the Resurrection. If taking your own vehicle, you can pull right in to the trail from the highway and visit Santa’s Village after. Santa’s Village offers drinks, food, live music and numerous activities like mechanical bull-riding and a petting zoo. Santa is feeling the economic crunch these days too, so bring some cash for these activities. The petting zoo (wear jeans) offers a variety of animals native to Texas (cows, hogs, goats, rabbits) and some that are apparently native to the North Pole (camel, wallaby, some type of miniature alpaca). Pony rides are available for younger Aggies or really determined old ones. The village itself is heated by Christmas spirit with the occasional raging fire pit for decoration, though you should still dress for the weather. Santa’s Wonderland is a fun departure from the norm and the lights are worth the trip. It makes a good date night and there is plenty for the kids to do. It’s not too late to visit and ask Santa for that ‘A’ in statistics. For more information about Santa's Wonderland or to purchase reducedprice advance tickets, visit http://www. santas-wonderland.com/tickets.htm.
LOCAL LIVING
Where to Cut Footloose Jeneice Howe and Mauricio Cifuentes
If you love to shake your booty like John Travolta or Jennifer Lopez, you might have discovered that College Station is just not the place for you. When you come to a school of almost 50,000 students, you would expect great places to play a variety of music; from Alexandra Stan to Buena Vista Social Club to George Strait. The problem is that there is too much Toby Keith and not enough Pitbull. We have reviewed the best places to hit in town for a little dancing. The Village: (210 W. 26th Street, Bryan). This is probably the best place for merengue, salsa and reggaeton. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, there are free salsa lessons which are actually quite good. After the lesson, the floor opens up and the lights come down for social dancing. The downside is the $5 cover after 10 pm. Note: This place is lots of fun, but not creeper-free. So watch out. Fat Burger Grill: (11907 FM 2154 #101, College Station; on Wellborn Road by the Legacy House). You know a town needs Latin music when a hamburger place decides to play Latin music over the weekends. This place is ok (still charges $5), but has the potential to be pretty awesome. Note: Dress to impress. Hurricane Harry's: (313 College Avenue, College Station). Located on the edge of Northgate, this place is a convenient location for all your dancing needs. Harry's mainly plays country, but is known to mix it up a little. They also have a set of pool tables for those THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 8
Need a little Salsa in your life? Don't miss out on free lessons offered every Wednesday night at The Village.
wallflowers among us. Thursdays are college night and cover is free. Note: The SGA social committee frequents this dance hall, so check your email for weekly updates. Texas Hall of Fame aka The Hall: (649 N. Harvey Mitchell Pkwy., Bryan). Ladies grab your boots; here, country-western dancing is free of cover all night. Guys pay $1 until 11 pm with a college ID. Doors open at 8 p.m., and Thursdays it has free lessons to help you brush up your moves. Note: Boots and plaid shirt recommended. Hat optional. Halo Bar: (121 N. Main St., Bryan). Known as the gay bar, this place welcomes everyone and is the closest BCS has to a nightclub. Expect top 40s and lots of dancing. Fridays and Saturdays the drag show starts at 11:30, but get there before 11 and there is no cover. Note: "Best night of my life."
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LOCAL LIVING
Put a Little Swing inYour Step Amanda Stueve MPIA '13
A few Saturdays ago, I and some fellow Bushies went out to a swing dance party hosted by the Aggie Swingcats. There was a one-hour East Coast lesson preceding the party for those who had no idea what they were doing!
At first I was worried because of the few people there. However, as the night progressed, more people arrived. Bush School guys should venture out there because, predictably, the ratio was in their favor. The men did a great job of dancing around and made it fun, though we only knew the four moves we learned before. West Coast dancers might be better
Veterans Day From Page 5
celebrating those whom the holiday is meant to celebrate. More and more, companies are using images of the military and soldiers in advertising, exploiting patriotism for profit. After all, what better way to honor those who have given the greatest service to our country than by shopping at WalMart? Turning the great men and women who have sacrificed their lives and well-being into pawns for advertising is the ultimate dishonor. Restaurants like Applebee’s offer free dinner to veterans. So actually, I changed my mind. Taking a veteran to Applebee’s is the ultimate dishonor. That place should be called Awful-bee’s. They found a way to mess up salad. If you know a veteran, please don’t be
Latin America From Page 5
public corruption are having on their sense of safety. Their fear leads them to question their decision to cross the border and face this violence. Some media outlets have reported that law enforcement officials and analysts believe that it is only a matter of time before innocent U.S. citizens and residents living on the U.S. side of the border get caught in the cartel crossfire. Yet, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton did not hesitate to state that the United States’ “insatiable demand for illegal drugs fuels the drug trade.” While the United States remains the world’s largest market for illicit drugs, there is a growing need for bilateral cooperation between the United States and Mexico to prosecute individuals linked to the drug trade. Accordingly, securing witnesses is an inherent need for such legal procedure. Witness protection is usually required in trials against organized crime groups, where witnesses face clear and present danger of intimidation, physical harm or death
served going to other events hosted by the Swing Cats, as this party focused heavily on the East Coast side. All in all, we had a great time, and it was fun watching people out on the dance floor. The Swing Cats host free lessons every Thursday on campus. For more information check out their website here: http://tasc.tamu.edu/ thursday_nights
cheap. Pay for their meal at a nice, expensive restaurant— one that doesn’t serve you an overpriced TV dinner with a side of dog food. One of my friends served as combat infantry through two tours in Afghanistan. He told me it wasn’t nearly as bad as the steak dinner at Applebee’s. Even though Veterans Day has already passed, you can still celebrate your veteran. Celebrate your veteran on Christmas and New Year’s. Celebrate them during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and on Kwanzaa. Celebrate them on Tuesday. Just celebrate them, regardless of when your calendar says to. At the Bush School, we celebrate them by asking about their experiences and acknowledging their wisdom. So celebrate them not by shopping, but by honoring them for the service that they have so generously given in a manner that is meaningful and respectful. Just whatever you do, don’t take them to Applebee’s. for providing testimony in a prosecution. One of the problems that presents itself to our public policy makers and scholars today is whether or not it is the United States’ responsibility to prosecute Mexican drug lords for crimes committed on both sides of the border. Another consideration is whether the United States should use federal funds to relocate Mexican foreign nationals and their families to the United States in return for their testimony. Some public policy scholars ask whether we can afford to penny-pinch in “fighting the good fight” when it comes to the war on drugs. As the Bush School of Government and Public Service expands our faculty by continuing the search for prominent members of academia, MPSA and MPIA students keep wondering whether our selection will also include professors that could offer courses on Latin American and border affairs. Many students believe that an academic curriculum offering a better understanding of the implications of Latin American countries’ domestic and foreign policy should be explored by our Bush School administration; I agree.
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ENTERTAINMENT
A Warrior's Call of Duty Caitlin Harwood MPIA '13
Mud. Sweat. Beer. These three words brought five Bushies together on Sunday, Nov. 21 to tackle the famed Warrior Dash in Bastrop. The terrain included 3.1 miles of twists and turns, ups and downs, and warriorstyle obstacles drenched in mud. The crowd was diverse: toddlers in strollers, men with greying hair and costumes of all kinds. Elvis Presleys, Nacho Libre and Reno 911 police officers gathered at the starting line with growing anticipation. Once the battle began, it was full speed ahead for the Bush team. The first mud pit proved challenging as footgear was lost, many spills were taken and a soldier was nearly lost, but they pushed on. Minor setbacks included unlaced shoes, achy knees and skepticism over height-ridden obstacles. But morale was high and no man was left behind. The race finished with a plunge into a pool of mud covered by barbed wire. The warriors crossed the finish
Photo Courtesy Caitlin Harwood
From left to right, Bush School students Caitlin Harwood, Scott Kenyon, Jake Brahce, Carly Hilley and Bill Dunker pose after triumphing over the Warrior Dash course.
line with arms raised in glory. They gladly dedicated all the mud and sweat to their namesake: the great 41. Giant turkey legs and beer logically followed
and the Bushies returned home victorious. Who will report to duty next? http://www.warriordash.com/
10 Can't-Miss Christmas Movies and Albums Courtney Burge MPIA '13
Five movie suggestions: 1. White Christmas – My best friend’s family and I watch this film every Christmas. Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, and others get you in the Christmas mood with this early romantic comedy. The Broadway style songs will be stuck in your head for days on end, making you wish you could actually see a White Christmas in Texas! 2. Home Alone – I’m ashamed to say I didn’t watch this classic 90s Christmas movie until I was an adult! Having seen it now, I must believe that the sheer genius of little 8-year-old Kevin makes this an essential comedy for any Christmas collection. 3. The Santa Clause – Tim Allen brings Santa Clause to life – after killing him of course – in this great Christmas
film. Watching Tim pack on the pounds at a business meeting that would make Sally Dee Wade cringe is thoroughly amusing, and the movie ends with a good feeling of the importance of family and tradition on Christmas Day. 4. It’s a Wonderful Life – Another old classic, It’s a Wonderful Life is a modern take on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. James Stewart’s character, George Bailey, is shown by an angel how the lives of those around him would have been changed had he never existed. This movie is will make you appreciate your family and your own wonderful life! 5. Miracle on 34th Street – cute little Susan Walker captures our hearts as she fights to defend a man she believes to be Santa Claus. Regardless of whether you’re watching Natalie Wood or Mara Wilson, this movie will melt even the grinchiest of hearts as the innocence and faith of children prevail.
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See Christmas on Page 9
! Christmas From Page 10
Five music suggestions: 1. Charlie Brown Christmas – You can’t go wrong with the Charlie Brown Christmas album. Everyone recognizes the Linus and Lucy song within seconds, and it brightens the room whenever it's played. 2. White Christmas – Bing
Across
2. Group of singers for the holiday 6. Jingles on your snow ride 9. Name of snowman with an old top hat 11. Famous ballet during Christmas 12.A creamy drink with lots of eggs 14. Striped sugar stick 15. Plant usually found during the
ENTERTAINMENT
Crosby’s smooth crooning transports you back in time to a simpler era. The songs are soft enough to get you dreaming of nutcrackers and sugar plum fairies. 3. WOW Christmas – Various Artists; this collection of 30 songs debuted about 10 years ago and includes the favorites Let It Snow, Mary Did You Know, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Definitely one for the road home from College Station! 4. Noel – Josh Groban’s The First
Noel is beautiful enough to melt anyone’s heart. His pure, angelic voice makes you want to play Christmas music in July! 5. A Christmas Story – By Point of Grace; this is one of my personal favorites. The album is a mix of orchestral and lyrical music, as well as a mix of secular and Christian Christmas carols. This quartet of women mixes harmony beautifully, making for a wonderful album to listen to as you sip hot cocoa by the fireplace.
holidays with red berries 16. Person who knows if you are naughty or nice!
5.An evergreen with twinkly lights 7. Color that is significant to Hannukah 8.A week long celebration for African culture 10. Red nosed animal 12. Santa's Helper 13. Color at Christmas and a world goal today 14. Sugary treats baked with love
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1. Everyone's favorite things to give 3. Lots of kisses under this twig 4. Eight day celebration for Jewish culture THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 11
THE BACK PAGE ! International Affairs Discussion group open to all
S U D O K U
Rob Altman MPIA '13
A group of Bush School MPIA students formed an informal discussion group based on the Princeton precept model and named the group, "Fair Game." The group was formed based on the recommendation of Dr. Hermann after first-year theory students approached him wanting to gain a better understanding of, and have more in-depth discussion on, international relations theory and its role in policy making. Fair Game addresses a range of topics, including Why Theory, China as a threat, North Korea's future as a failed state and possible international contingencies, Wiley lecture series on Arab Spring, the U.S. decision to leave Iraq, and current autocratic regimes within the Middle East and North Africa. Past faculty involvement has included Dr. Hermann and Dr. elHusseini. The group looks forward to future faculty and staff participation and meets Wednesdays at 6PM in Room 1108. All are welcome!
PSO Volunteer Opportunity Salvation Army Bell Ringing: December 5-9th, 5-8pm every day. Shifts at Sam's Club and Hobby Lobby. Contact Phil York, pyork.grad@ tamu.edu. Sign up sheet outside office 1032. THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 12