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COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF OKLAHOMA STUDENTS FOR A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY Constitution ruling to bring two measures for vote in next election RICKY MARANON Daily Staff Writer

O k l a h o ma St u d e nt s f o r a Democratic Society member Matt Bruenig won a pair of cases against UOSA General Counsel Mike Davis in UOSA Student Superior Court, according to decisions released by the court Tuesday.

The seven-member UOSA

Superior Court ruled 5-2 that UOSA General Counsel Mike Davis went beyond the wording of the UOSA Constitution when he rejected Bruenig’s signature on a petition to recall Matt Gress, UOSA Student Congress vice chairman, who does not represent Bruenig’s UOSA congressional district. The court also ruled 4-3 that Davis’ decision to reject the request for ballot initiatives and use the vote count from the UOSA spring 2008 general election as a measure for the number of signatures required to place an issue on the ballot was unconstitutional.

As a result of the decisions, two issues will appear on an upcoming special election ballot: an amendment to the UOSA constitution requiring any UOSA elected official who wins an uncontested election to face recall in the next election cycle, and a measure to reform Student Congress, Davis said.

“Though we are disappointed in the court’s ruling, we will uphold and carry out all of the recommendations,” he said. “The constitution requires that we vote on the proposed amendments as soon as possible.”

Gress, political science senior, is subject to recall in the current UOSA election after Oklahoma Students for a Democratic Society presented a second recall petition which Davis accepted. The current UOSA election concludes at 9 p.m. today.

Bruenig said the ruling is a win for students.

“We are very happy that the court followed the constitution and ruled in our favor,” Bruenig said. “This ruling means that students will finally get to vote for positive and real change in their government.”

He said his group will now campaign to have people vote on the ballot measures. Bruenig also said he hopes a special election will take place sooner rather than later.

“I suspect we should have a vote either before the end of this semester or at the beginning of next semester,” he said.

UOSA Superior Court Justice Clint Claypole wrote the opinion of the court for the case involving the ballot measures, and Vice Chief Justice Chelsea Klinglesmith COURT CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

Student group formed to bring attention to child trafficking

DANIELLE ROBINSON DRIVES TO THE HOOP TUESDAY NIGHT

Oklahoma Justice Mission seeks to educate students, raise awareness BRITTNEY BROWN Daily Staff Writer

NEIL MCGLOHON/THE DAILY

Junior guard Danielle Robinson (13) tries to get the ball past an opposing University of Central Oklahoma player during the women’s basketball exhibition Tuesday evening in Lloyd Noble Center. The Sooners defeated UCO 109-55.

READ THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 7.

Every year in Oklahoma, 2 million children are sold and forced to work, often times as prostitutes.

In an effort to combat this social problem, students at OU have created Oklahoma Justice Mission, a campus organization attempting to fight human trafficking in Oklahoma.

Blake Jenkins, letters sophomore, said he decided to start the organization after speaking with the director of Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans or OATH. He said he did not feel there was another organization on campus that could work as actively for this cause as he felt was necessary.

Jenkins said he wants OU students to be aware of the issue and help solve the problem because there is a huge need to stop it in Oklahoma.

“It’s like 20 miles north of us and people don’t know this is happening,” Jenkins said.

Human trafficking is the selling of people, often children, for forced labor and for sex, according to Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans.

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to increasing awareness of human trafficking and providing services to victims in Oklahoma, according to OATH’s Web site.

Jenkins said Oklahoma is a big spot for human trafficking because I-40 and I-35 cross in the middle TRAFFICKING CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

Suspicious packages found on campus ‘Gendercide’ discussion focuses on women Panelists relay stories of women abused during wartime HAILEY R. BRANSON Projects Editor

Tens of thousands of women are traumatized by war every year, and their stories are largely ignored, panelists told an audience Wednesday night in Meacham Auditorium.

The discussion, titled “Gendercide: A Panel Discussion About Women and Conflict Around the World,” was hosted by the Women’s and Gender Studies Program in conjunction with UOSA, the Student Activist Association and the Union Programming Board as part of Human Rights Week.

“Although everyone is affected by war, women are disproportionately affected,” said Bekah Stone, panel moderator and

International Area Studies senior.

Each of the four panelists told a story about a woman traumatized by war.

“Often, the history books don’t tell these stories,” Stone said.

To fully understand war, she said, society must understand war from women’s perspectives.

The panelists were Zermarie Deacon, assistant professor of human relations, Jill Irvine, director of the Women’s and Gender Studies Program, Clemencia Rodriguez, associated professor of communication and Elyssa Faison, history professor.

A common thread in the panelists’ stories was the use of rape as a war tactic — one that is sometimes systematic, and almost always one that is not discussed.

Irvine told the story of a Croatian woman, GENDERCIDE CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

MICHELLE GRAY/THE DAILY

The South Oval was closed Tuesday night for 45 minutes due to a “suspicious package.”

RICKY MARANON Daily Staff Writer

A portion of the Michael F. Price Walk from Lindsey Street north to Copeland Hall was shut down for about 45 minutes Tuesday night because of a reported ‘suspicious package.’

The OU Police Department closed off the southern portion of the South Oval around 6:10 p.m. because of safety concerns surrounding the package found outside of the east entrance to Dale Hall.

“OU Police responded to a ‘suspicious package’ but found the package to be not dangerous to the safety of students,” said Lt. Bruce Chan, OUPD spokesman.

Chan said concerns were raised when an

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OU police officer patrolling the area found an unattended package on the ground.

The South Oval was reopened and the police tape was removed as of 7 p.m. The package was placed in the back of a police car and will be investigated further by the OU and Norman Police Departments, Chan said.

OU Police found a second ‘suspicious package’ around 7:45 p.m. at the CART bus stop south of Price-Adams Hall.

“I noticed the package as I was waiting for the bus,” said Natalia Saavedra, community engineering junior. “Then a police officer came and told me to get away from the bus stop as fast as I could.”

Saavedra said the officer put the package in his car and drove off without incident.

MARCIN RUTKOWSKI/THE DAILY

(Left to right) Clemencia Rodriguez, associate professor of communication; Elyssa Faison, history professor; Jill Irvine, director of the OU Women’s and Gender Studies Department; and Zermarie Deacon, assistant professor of human relations, speak during a panel discussion about women who are victims of war crimes in Meacham Auditorium of the Oklahoma Memorial Union.

© 2009 OU PUBLICATIONS BOARD

VOL. 95, NO. 59

2 Wednesday, November 11, 2009 Meredith Moriak, managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 325-3666 • fax: 325-6051

Trafficking Continued from page 1 of the state.

Hearing facts like these made Jenkins interested in helping.

The organization has so far received such positive student response because of its local relevance.

Jared Haines, philosophy and economics junior, said he wanted to be involved in the organization because trafficking happens in Oklahoma.

“People don’t realize how close to home it hits,” he said.

Jenkins said the organization will raise awareness and educate students.

“It seems like it would be a worthless thing, but education actually does take steps toward remedying a problem,” Jenkins said.

He said the more educated

people are, the more likely they will be to recognize a trafficking situation and bring in law enforcement.

The organization will participate in Human Rights Week this week and in Thursday’s Activist Involvement Fair, in addition to hosting fundraisers. The group also plans to hold drives for safe houses where victims of trafficking can take refuge.

“It is a really bad injustice,” Haines said. “And ... being involved in organizations gives us the opportunity to raise awareness.”

GROUP INFORMATION Interested in joining Oklahoma Justice Mission?

E-mail Blake Jenkins at blakejenkins59@ou.edu or join the Oklahoma Justice Mission Facebook group.

OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCURACY The Daily has a long-standing commitment to serve readers by providing accurate coverage and analysis. Errors are corrected as they are identified. Readers should bring errors to the attention of the editorial board for further investigation.

In Tuesday’s edition of The Daily, Ricky Maranon’s byline appears on the story about the ongoing UOSA elections. Kathleen Evans wrote the story.

Gendercide Continued from page 1 Jadranka Cigelj, who was taken from her home during a series of wars in Bosnia during the 1990s.

Trying to maintain some semblance of a normal life, Cigelj worried what clothes to take with her to a notorious concentration camp, Omarska, in Bosnia, Irvine said.

But Cigelj soon realized that decision was trivial.

Cigelj was one of 36 women in a camp filled mostly with men. The women, Irvine said, were brought there to be raped, often by men they knew.

Loud music played in the camp when

OUDAILY.COM » GO ONLINE TO READ A STORY ABOUT TUESDAY NIGHT’S NORMAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND CATCH THE FIRST EDITION OF THE DAILY OFFICE.

Court Continued from page 1 wrote the opinion of the court for the case involving Bruenig’s signature on a recall petition.

In both cases, the court stated in their written opinions it was not their job to make new law, but to uphold what is specifically written in the UOSA Constitution.

“Erasing or replacing [the language of the UOSA Constitution] is not something this Court is willing or able to do. The remedy for any problems ... is not in the hands of this Court, but in the hands of the members of the UOSA.” -CLINT CLAYPOLE, UOSA SUPERIOR COURT JUSTICE “Erasing or replacing [the language of the UOSA Constitution] is not something this Court is willing or able to do,” Claypole stated. “The remedy for any problems ... is not in the hands of this Court, but in the hands of the members of the UOSA.” Klinglesmith said the UOSA Constitution must be followed as written to avoid confusion and future legal issues.

“As a necessary result of respecting the average student’s lack of detailed legal knowledge is that the Constitution must be taken literally and interpreted only so far as the literal language allows,” Klinglesmith stated.

someone was killed, tortured or raped, Irvine said. And the loud music played during the entire time.

The women, including Cigelj, were suddenly released after being discovered and reported by foreign journalists, Irvine said.

They were dumped outside the camp, left to walk home.

When Cigelj returned home, on foot, Irvine said she was a shell of the person she once was.

“Rape is a tool of war,” Irvine said. “It was intended to sow terror in the population and was deliberately used to make sure communities could never come together again.”

In many communities around the world, rape is so taboo that no help is available to

Chief Justice Kyle Eastwood wrote a dissenting opinion on both cases.

“To construe the text in such an unforgiving way is to deny the students the document that provides the right to a stable, effective and democratic government,” he stated.

Eastwood stated on the issue of the ballot signatures that it is not the intent of the UOSA founders to amend the UOSA Constitution by the “whim of one member of UOSA.” “Where the Constitution is ambiguous, this Court is charged with the duty to craft common law to ‘foster the smooth administration of justice and the sufficient protection of student rights,’” Eastwood stated.

RESULTS OF UOSA SUPERIOR COURT As a result of Tuesday’s UOSA Superior Court decisions, two amendments to the UOSA constitution supported by Oklahoma Students for a Democratic Society will be voted on by students in a special election.

• One would merge the Undergraduate Student Congress and the Graduate Student Senate into one house of a new UOSA Student Congress. The other house would be comprised of representatives of student organizations.

• The other would, if successful, require all elected UOSA officials who win uncontested elections to face recall in the next subsequent election.

the victims. They do not talk about what happened to them.

Rape is deliberately used in some wars as a way of impregnating the enemy population, Irvine said.

In many areas, this happens frequently because the national identity of a child is determined by who the father is, and it is assumed that women help increase the population of those “committing the atrocities,” Irvine said.

Cigelj and another woman who was held in the camp, Nusreta Sivac, testified for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague, in the Netherlands.

Now, if someone commits rape in wartime, especially if it is a systematic policy, it is

considered a crime against humanity by the International Criminal Court, Irvine said.

“It’s not talked about by communities; it’s not talked about by people,” Deacon, another panelist, said.

The women who are abused are thought by their abusers to “not count for anything,” she said.

“That’s why it’s a human rights issue,” Deacon said.

Tonight, as part of Human Rights Week, “Take Back the Night,” a rally and march to raise awareness of sexual assault, will begin at 8:30 on the Oklahoma Memorial Union’s east lawn.

The event will be sponsored by OU Advocates for Sexual Assault Awareness and the Women’s Outreach Center.

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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

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STUDENTS RAISE POVERTY AWARENESS, FUNDS DURING SHACK-A-THON Campus organizations compete to build creative houses, raise most money for Habitat for Humanity KATHLEEN EVANS Daily Staff Writer

Cardboard shacks and fundraising students will line the South Oval today as the OU Habitat for Humanity chapter raises money during its annual Shack-a-thon event.

The goal of Shack-a-thon is to raise awareness about poverty in America, as well as to raise funds for future Habitat for Humanity builds, said Kathryn Hamstra, Shack-a-thon head and College of Arts and Sciences sophomore.

To do this, student organizations will create their own shacks out of cardboard and other materials, Hamstra said.

They will live in the shack for the day and collect change from passers-by.

In contrast with previous years, the event will not be held overnight, but rather from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The change was made for several reasons, said Jordan Eppler, Habitat for Humanity president and international and area studies senior. “[Because Shack-a-thon] is in the middle of the week, we didn’t want to force students to stay up all night and thus affect class attendance,” Eppler said. “The goal of this event is to raise awareness for poverty housing ... and having this event during the day is a smarter, more effective way of accomplishing this goal.”

Also, because the event is in November, Eppler said the executive committee members thought a daytime event would be warmer.

The change has not decreased participation from clubs, and the chapter has more organizations participating than

in previous years, Eppler said.

Blaire Kerwin, microbiology junior, said the event was more fun when it was overnight, but she said she thinks the event will still be a success.

“It is like a big picnic on the lawn with all your best friends,” Kerwin said.

Kerwin is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, which is participating in the event with Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Although students participating in the event have fun, Ganga Moorthy, microbiology sophomore, said they still realize the meaning behind the event.

Shack-a-thon is not a completely realistic idea of what it is like to be impoverished, but it is still a big change to live in a box for the day rather than a house, Moorthy said.

Throughout the event, organizations will compete to raise the most money and to build the best cardboard houses, Hamstra said. Executive committee members will judge the houses for creativity and construction, and will choose an overall winner based on a combination of money raised and points earned.

The committee members will also choose the most creative house and the best-constructed, Hamstra said.

Tri Delta sorority does not have plans to do anything creative but will try to build the most stable house it can, Kerwin said. The 30 to 40 girls participating from the sorority got most of their cardboard boxes from big-little events they had a few weeks ago.

Last year students raised about $5,000 during Shacka-thon, which went to a current build project in Norman, Eppler said.

According to its Web site, Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps to build houses for low-income families.

POLICE REPORTS The following is a list of arrests and citations, not convictions. The information given is compiled from the Norman Police Department and the OU Police Department.

All those listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE Tyler Paul Powell, 21, 400 W. Boyd St., Monday POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA Adhir Juno Abraham, 21, 1800 Beaumont Dr., Monday, also unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous substance Christian Ovando, 22, 1800 Beaumont Dr., Tuesday TRESPASSING Anthony Broyles, 43, 4203 Willowpoint Dr., Sunday Johnette F. Broyles, 48, 4203 Willowpoint Dr., Sunday

MICHELLE GRAY/THE DAILY

Erin Thoes, history sophomore, Erin McColm, University College freshman, Leah Brown,accounting sophomore, and Gina Circelli, University College freshman, ask students for money to benefit Habitat for Humanity on the South Oval during the annual philanthropy event Shack-a-thon Sept. 30, 2008.

In the United States, about one-third of the population has housing problems, defined as paying a large portion of income to a house, owning a low-quality home, having an inadequate space or being homeless, according to a report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

CAMPUS NOTES MUNICIPAL WARRANT Brett Laird Jackson, 25, 333 N. Interstate Dr., Monday, also county warrant Joshuah Evans Lagrange, 31, 1981 W. Boyd St., Monday Michael Lee McIntire, 21, 901 24th Ave. SW, Monday Samantha Lynn Smith, 18, 303 E. Brooks St., Monday ASSAULT & BATTERY Stephanie Renee McElroy-Moore, 43, 4203 Willowpoint Dr., Sunday MOLESTING PROPERTY Amber Nicole Pate, 24, 2110 24th Ave. NW, Saturday PETTY LARCENY Stephen L. Rudnick, 33, 333 N. Interstate Dr. E, Sunday

TODAY CHRISTIANS ON CAMPUS Christians on Campus will host a Bible study at 12:30 p.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Union.

CAREER SERVICES Career Services will host a workshop on job search strategies for business majors at 1:30 p.m. in the union.

Career Services will be answering questions about resumes, cover letters and job search strategies at

1:30 p.m. in the union.

SAM NOBLE OKLAHOMA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History will host a lecture, “The U.S. and Iran in the Aftermath of the Iranian

Election Crisis,” given by Dr. Trita Parsi, at 4:30 p.m. in the Kerr Auditorium.

CAMPUS CRUSADE FOR CHRIST Campus Crusade for Christ will meet at 9 p.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Stadium’s Santee Lounge.

THURSDAY CAREER SERVICES Career Services will answer questions about resumes, cover letters and job search strategies at 1:30 p.m. in the union.

CRIME REPORT INTOXICATED JUVENILE ARRESTED IN WALKER CENTER

Matthew Paul Koch, 19, and a 16-year-old male were arrested after running from OU Police around 3:30 a.m. Sunday, an OU Police report stated.

According to the report, Koch ran from police inside Walker Center but gave up shortly after.

The juvenile ran from police and was later caught and detained after being chased by multiple officers.

Koch was taken to the Cleveland County Detention Center, and the juvenile was taken to the Cleveland County Regional Juvenile Detention Center, the report stated.

Koch was charged with public intoxication and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and the juvenile was charged with public intoxication, interference with official process and a curfew violation, the report stated.

MAN GOES FREE DUE TO FULL JAIL

A Norman man responsible for cutting a man in the head was released from police custody because the Cleveland County Detention Center was too full.

According to a Norman Police repor t, Reginald Bernard Henderson, 49, was arrested Nov. 5 after “severely cutting a man in the head” during a fight on Bull Run Street. Henderson was caught by Norman Police on

another nearby street as he was walking away from the fight, the report stated.

According to the report, while in custody, Henderson was found to be wanted on an outstanding Cleveland County warrant on four counts of obtaining cash or merchandise by the use of a bogus check.Henderson was released from police custody because the Cleveland County Detention Center was full, the report stated.

YOU ARE INVITED! Public Master Classes

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Adopt - An - Area Adopt an Area starts next week! Look for your organization!

ALFA Flight A

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Delta Upsilon

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Gamma Phi Beta

P Gamma Delta Phi

Alpha Gamma Delta A

EEngineers Without Borderss

P Kappa Psi Phi

Alpha Kappa Alpha A

Phi P Kappa Sigma

Alpha Kappa Delta Phii A

Hispanic American Student Association

Alpha Omicron Pi A

IIota Phi Theta

Alpha Phi A

KKappa Alpha

Alpha Phi Alpha A

KKappa Alpha Psi

Alpha Phi Omega

KKappa Alpha Theta

Alpha Tau Omega A

KKappa Delta Chi

Beta Theta Pi B

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Catholic Student Assoc.

C c. KKappa Kappa Psi KKappa Sigma Chi Omega C Delta Chi D

Lambda Chi Alpha

Delta Delta Delta

N oc. oc Non-Traditional Student Assoc.

Delta Epsilon Psi D

Okla. Student Volunteers O

Delta Gamma D

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Delta Sigma Theta D

Our Earth

Pi P Beta Phi PPi Kappa Alpha RRUF/NEK Lil Sis SSigma Alpha Epsilon SSigma Gamma Rho SSigma Lambda Gamma SSigma Nu SSigma Phi Epsilon Zeta Phi Beta Z Adams A Cate C Couch SSooner Walker W

Way to go! Keep up the good work!

Volunteer u Programs Our Traditions through Service to State and Society LeadershipStrengthening Development and Volunteerism • leadandvolunteer.ou.edu The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Institution. For accommodations on the basis of disability, call 325-2340

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Tuesday, November 17 and Friday, November 20 Pitman Recital Hall Catlett Music Center OU Arts District Free and Open to the Public For more information, go to http://music.ou.edu/

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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

COMMENT OF THE DAY »

Will Holland, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 325-7630 • fax: 325-6051

In response to Annelise Russell’s Tuesday column, “Okla. a state worth visiting for different reasons” YOU CAN COMMENT AT OUDAILY.COM

OUR VIEW

“What about all the wonderful outdoor areas to visit? The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Preserve is very much worth a trip to Oklahoma.”

-dargus

GUEST COLUMN

Sentences UOSA doing ‘great work too strong for students, by students’ for minors Today, you the students will go to the polls to vote in the UOSA fall Election.

Hopefully you have paid close attention to the items on the ballot and tried to learn a little bit more about the candidates that you can elect or recall. I know I have, because this election will prove critical in deciding the future direction of UOSA. JOHN I took particular JENNINGS notice of the Our View editorial published Nov. 3, titled “UOSA should drop ‘us versus them’ mentality.” I was glad to see that The Oklahoma Daily’s Editorial Board had taken notice of UOSA, but disappointed at some of the misleading accusations.

Firstly, the editorial expressed the assumption that UOSA is somehow battling the Oklahoma Students for a Democratic Society. This is untrue.

Although some, both inside and outside of UOSA, may be combating some of the accusations made by this organization, I know UOSA Student Congress as a whole has been way too busy for that.

Rather, we’ve been busy working for students.

Student Congress is planning Higher Education Day with the Executive Branch, setting up Green Week 2010 in conjunction with various groups and distributing funding to student organizations.

Student Congress is working to get sidewalks built near Wagner Hall, bike racks erected across campus and condom machines placed in the dormitories, and that’s just a sampling of the diverse initiatives your representatives are working on.

Simply put, your previously elected representatives are doing the jobs that you elected them to do: advocating for students.

Secondly, the column suggested that UOSA has blocked the amendments

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the constitutionality of sentencing minors to life in prison without parole, according to a Washington Post article.

The hearings involved two cases, the article said.

The first was the case of a man who raped an elderly woman when he was 13 years old.

The second was the case of a man who committed armed robbery and home invasion at age 17.

Both were sentenced to life without parole, the article said.

The lawyers for both men are arguing life without parole for minors should be deemed unconstitutional based on the Eighth Amendment, which bans cruel and unusual punishment.

While we firmly believe anyone, including minors, deserves to be punished for the crimes they commit, we think life without parole for minors does fall under the label cruel and unusual, especially in these cases where neither of the men committed murder.

Unlike adults, minors are still fully developing in maturity. Because of this, they may not fully understand the consequences of their actions, and they often make bad decisions which they may not have made as more mature adults.

In the cases of these two men, their decisions were very poor.

And like we said, they deserved to be punished harshly for their crimes.

But we think it is unfortunate that these men have no chance to redeem themselves later in life when they are more mature.

Perhaps they will not mature enough to recant and reform. But if at age 40 or 50 they are reformed, it will not matter because they have no chance to obtain parole.

If they don’t reform, they should not obtain this parole, but the option should be there.

As it stands now in these cases, the option does not exist, and these men’s lives become hopeless due to a terrible mistake they made when their brains were not fully developed.

We think that is cruel.

For this reason, we oppose life in prison without parole for minors.

We hope the Supreme Court agrees.

that the Oklahoma Students for a Democratic Society proposed.

Frankly, if an individual or group wants to get items placed on the ballot, there isn’t much the Executive Branch, Graduate Student Senate or Student Congress can do. Rather, the UOSA General Counsel, a neutral party, invalidated the amendments for legal reasons which were documented in The Daily.

Nor can it be argued that the General Counsel’s office is fighting the Oklahoma Students for a Democratic Society; while the General Counsel defended his actions at the Superior Court hearing, an Associate Counsel argued the Oklahoma Students for a Democratic Society’s side.

The General Counsel was just doing his job, and your elected officials in the Executive Branch, GSS and Student Congress had nothing to do with it.

Finally, I wholeheartedly disagree that poor turnout in the spring UOSA elections somehow means that “what UOSA is doing right now doesn’t seem to matter.”

In actuality, everything that could go wrong with that election did. Many parties took issue with an Election chair and Board who put little effort into conducting elections with even a slight chance of being validated.

The Campus Activities Council Chair election is a great example of this. After a grueling campaign which was subsequently invalidated, one candidate dropped out upon a Superior Court ruling that ordered a new election.

Simply put, poorly organized elections are a great disincentive to running.

Another issue was the dire lack of publicity. Poorly designed advertisements with multiple errors ran in The Daily, and beyond that, there wasn’t any publicity. In fact, both the chairman of Congress and myself, vice chairman at the time, tried to get an OUMM sent out to promote the application deadline but were disallowed the opportunity due to a new administrative

policy.

Plus, shouldn’t the Election chairman have been doing that?

To elaborate on my second point, students who represent you in UOSA are doing all they can do “to matter.”

The executive branch started the UOSA Tailgate to promote fraternity among students from across campus.

The GSS continually administers the extremely popular graduate grant program.

Student Congress is working to make OU a more sustainable and studentfriendly campus by fundraising money for recycling bins and the previously mentioned initiatives, including advocating for a bike-friendly campus.

The Campus Activities Council is doing what it always does: programming exciting, engaging events at an exceedingly high level of quality.

Howdy Week and Homecoming, only two of its many events, were great successes which brought students on this campus together.

Simply put, I am extremely proud to be a part of UOSA this year because the Executive Branch, Senate, Congress and CAC are doing great work for students, by students.

Take a close look at your student government. I am glad that the Editorial Board did, even if I believe it made a few errors in the Our View editorial.

What is important to recognize is that students and UOSA, your student government, are not separate entities.

Rather, students are UOSA. It is in your hands to ensure the quality of government you want. Apply to join a CAC event, become involved in an Executive Branch department or run for Student Congress. After an extensive recruitment campaign, your friends, classmates and neighbors are.

So do your part today: vote!

John W. Jennings is the UOSA Student Congress chairman and a management information systems senior.

STAFF COLUMN

Care for military veterans has long way to go Take time today to appreciate what our veterans have done More recent studies also point to the frequency of for us.

Traumatic Brain Injuries, or TBIs. These are similar to what Now think about how little we do for many professional football players endure over their careers. them.

Some soldiers are exposed to these “mini concussions” Far too often we forget our ongoing ef- multiple times during their tour, eventually adding up to forts overseas. We lose connection with the significant neurological problems, like memory loss and fact that the soldiers serving are people who confusion. have families back home, and instead they Scientists believe that TBIs affect the same part of the brain just become a statistic. that post-traumatic stress disorders do. Together, they can Recently, both wars the U.S. is fighting lead to depression, insomnia and anxiety problems. have been overshadowed by politics and With a troop “surge” becoming a distinct possibility, we bickering about the nuances of health care. need to ensure there are programs in place to help soldiers IAN Meanwhile, deal with PTSD and TBIs FULLINGTON P re s i d e nt once they return home.

Obama has The immense weight yet to finalize a plan of action put upon these men and in Afghanistan, which preswomen is more than most ents a quickly deteriorating citizens could imagine. situation.

Combine that with the But the real tragedy ocfear of peer perceptions, curs when soldiers return. As and you have a recipe for a many as one in five returngeneration of maladjusted ing from Iraq or Afghanistan veterans. have post-traumatic stress Recovery programs are disorder, or PTSD, and only starting to make progress, half of those seek treatment. but there is much more we When considering the can do. These programs erratic and demanding lifeneed to better emphasize PHOTO PROVIDED styles these service men and the acceptance of soldiers The Marine Corps Iwo Jima War Memorial stands in Washington, women endure every day, it D.C. in memory of those who died during the Battle of Iwo Jima, who seek help. would not come as a surprise which took place during World War II. Our armed forces are if that number wasn’t higher. trained to have a mindset

T=: O@A6=DB6 D6>AN Jamie Hughes Editor-in-Chief Meredith Moriak Managing Editor Charles Ward Assistant Managing Editor Ricky Ly Night Editor Will Holland Opinion Editor Michelle Gray, Merrill Jones Photo Editors

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of being self-sufficient. And this mindset certainly benefits them in combat.

But it hurts them later when many of them must deal with PTSD of TBIs. We should instead encourage them to actively seek help whenever they need it.

And military programs aimed at reducing the occurrence of PTSD should be more comprehensive. A simple six-week program will not suffice.

The military should monitor veterans well after their service has concluded.

The recent shootings at Fort Hood, Texas also illustrate the need for pre-deployment programs that emphasize the seriousness of PTSD. Too many people shrug it off as something that is “just in one’s head.” Even more fail to recognize the symptoms.

Educational programs before leaving for combat could help curb the cases upon return. From many accounts Major Nidal Hasan, the alleged shooter at Fort Hood, was under intense stress in anticipation of his upcoming deployment.

Although a complete investigation will be needed, predeployment programs may have prevented Hasan’s actions.

Rather than engage in fickle partisan politics, lawmakers need to recognize the imminent needs of thousands of veterans.

Regardless of whether or not they support our current wars, they should support the troops returning home.

It’s a shame that Veteran’s Day is only once a year because our forces serve year-round.

Ian Fullington is an economics junior.

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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Cassie Rhea Little, L&A editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 325-5189 • fax: 325-6051

5

« WEEKEND UPDATE

Making weekend plans? Check out Thursday’s Life & Arts to see what’s happening around Norman this weekend.

The Daily’s Osi Aken’Ova reviews three of this week’s most notable new comic books DEADPOOL #17 Picking up right where the story left off, “Deadpool #17” begins with Deadpool being made an official member of the X-Men. Our hero believes he was given the opportunity because of his extraordinary skills (and lots of begging), but OSI the X-Men actually AKEN’OVA wants to keep tabs on him because of his disturbing and unpredictable methods.

Since Deadpool comics returned last year, not counting “Deadpool and Cable,” the character’s popularity has risen, bringing with it three ongoing “Deadpool” series, numerous miniseries and a number of cameos in other books.

With these many appearances, it might be hard to pick just one to read — especially since they’re all good — but if I had to suggest a single series for “Deadpool” fans, I’d say this series is your best bet.

BATMAN/ DOC SAVAGE #1 The Golden Age and Modern Age of comics collide in this one shot crafted by “100 Bullets” writer Brian Azzarello.

The issue serves as a springboard for a six-issue miniseries starring other non-superpowered Golden Age heroes such as Doc Savage, The Spirit, The Blackhawks, Rima the Jungle Girl and many others in 2010.

Azzerello, a self-professed fan of pulp magazines and noir, seeks to re-invent these classic characters for a new audience while retaining some of their key attributes.

For example, this universe’s Batman still resides in Gotham and uses fear to intimidate his enemies but also uses dual Colt .45s.

Although the comic is oversized, the only extra features are Phil Noto and Rags Morales’ character sketches, which aren’t much, but the story

by Azzarello is well worth it.

books are so well-written and welldrawn that I always buy them.

Besides, if there’s anyone who can add a curveball or two to stories that might have otherwise overstayed their welcome, it’s Warren Ellis.

Osi Aken’Ova is a film and video studies senior.

Former 98 Degrees member re-enters the music scene ASHLEY BERNTGEN Daily Staff Writer

Fivepart harmony and bleached blonde hair were easy to find in the late ‘90s when boy bands hit the music scene.

Girls gushed over the pop icons, guys went to the salon to have their hair frosted and teens raced home after school to see who scored the No. 1 video on “TRL.” The boy band scene has since dissolved and former 98 Degrees member Jeff Timmons recognizes this.

Timmons said he has been doing a lot of production, studio work and cowriting since his days in 98 Degrees.

He also has been working on a solo record, due for release some time between Christmas and the New Year.

For this record release, Timmons said he is counting on some savvy marketing strategies and technology.

He said he is specifically targeting former 98 Degrees fans who are now

SUPERGOD #1 “Supergod #1” is another superheroes-goingbad book by none other than master scr ibe Warren Ellis.

“Supergod,” like many othe r s b e f o re i t , tells the story of superheroes that were created by the government to save its citizens but end up on a path of unintended destruction. There’s really nothing new here; in fact, this is the third time Ellis has told the same story with the same publisher (Avatar).

First there was “Black Summer,” then “No Hero,” and now “Supergod.”

Despite its tired subject and my complaints, these anti-superhero

FORMER BOY BAND MEMBER TO RELEASE FREE SOLO ALBUM

PHOTO PROVIDED

college-aged, as well as making the record available for free download on the Internet.

“I don’t expect people to go shell out $10,” says Timmons. “[The music industry] is not the same as it was five years ago, let alone 10 years ago, it’s up to the artist to make good music for people to download.”

Timmons alsohas acc o u nt e d f o r t h e e v o l ving tastes of his target fan base.

He said fans can expect to hear fewer slow songs and more dance-driven tracks that can be played at parties.

“98 Degrees was ver y ballad-driven,” Timmons said.

He said his new album, which is yet to be titled, is much different. “[It has]a lot more uptempo club stuff,” Timmons said.

Timmons said fans can receive a code on jefftimmons.com with a link to download the record for free.

He also hopes to go on tour with the album.

“I would rather do a college tour than anything else,” Timmons said. “Fans in that age range are very loyal.”

6 Wednesday, November 11, 2009 Thad Baker, advertising manager classifieds@ou.edu • phone: 325-2521 • fax: 325-7517

PLACE AN AD Phone: 325-2521 E-Mail: classifieds@ou.edu Fax: 405-325-7517 Campus Address: COH 149A

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Training provided. 1-800-965-6520 x133.

Survey takers needed! Make $5-$25 per survey! www.getpaidtothink.com STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in Norman 100% FREE to join. Click on Surveys.

Hiring Leasing Agent Immediately Large apt complex seeking responsible student P/T & Sat, exible schedule, F/T during breaks. $7.50 - $8.50 based on ability. 613-5268

$5,000-$45,000 PAID EGG DONORS up to 9 donations, + Exps, non-smokers, Ages 19-29, SAT>1100/ACT>24/GPA>3.00 Contact: info@eggdonorcenter.com

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Businesses may be eligible to apply for credit in a limited, local billing area. Please inquire with Business Office at 325-2521.

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Avail Dec 21 - brick house, 911 S Flood, 3 bd, 2 ba, wood oors, CH/A, W/D, dishwasher, disposal, garage, no pets, smoke-free. Do not disturb occupant.

Call Bob 321-1818 for appointment. Others this side of campus available in May. Nice 3 bdrm, 1 bath, CH/A, 1314 W Boyd, near OU, $650/mo, $500/dep. No pets, please. Call 329-5568 or 496-3993 (c).

4 BDRM, 2 Bath, walking distance to campus, kitchen appl incld, w/d, pets OK. Call 826-1335.

TOWNHOUSES UNFURNISHED Taylor Ridge Townhomes 2 Bdrm, 2.5 Bath, Fully Renovated Townhomes near OU! Pets Welcome! • Call for current rates and Move-in Specials!!!

Taylor Ridge Townhomes (405) 310-6599

ROOMMATES WANTED F roommate, avail spring semester: 825 Redbird Lane, gated condo, no smoking, no pets, $300/mo - 918-955-9812

APTS. FURNISHED $400, bills paid, efďŹ ciency LOFT apartments, downtown over Mister Robert Furniture, 109 E Main, ďŹ re sprinkler, no pets, smoke-free. Inquire store ofďŹ ce.

TM

Payment is required at the time the ad is placed. Credit cards, cash, money orders or local checks accepted.

J Housing Rentals

APTS. UNFURNISHED Eff. apt w/ loft bedroom - 3 blks from campus - bills paid incl. cable TV, internet and local phone. $400/mo, 364-6388 WINTER SPECIAL! NEAR OU, 1012 S College $295/mo. 360-2873 / 306-1970.

Prices Reduced/$99 1st Months Rent!

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CONDOS UNFURNISHED 1 bd/1ba $500 mo. Includes all kitchen appliances. No pets. Longburk Real Estate 732-7474.

1 day ............. $4.25/line 2 days ........... $2.50/line 3-4 days........ $2.00/line 5-9 days........ $1.50/line 10-14 days.... $1.15/line 15-19 days.... $1.00/line 20-29 days.... $ .90/line 30+ days.......$ .85/line

2 4 8 8 4 1 7 3 5 3 8 2 9 6 7 1 5 7 1 3 8 1 2 6 5 9 8 7 4 2 6

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1 6 3 9 7 5 8 2 4

2 4 5 3 8 1 7 6 9

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9 8 6 1 5 2 4 7 3

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Monday- Very Easy Tuesday-Easy Wednesday- Easy Thursday- Medium Friday - Hard

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker November 11, 2009

Contact an Acct Executive for details at 325-2521.

ACROSS 1 Proto finish?

6 Biddy 9 Long-time rival of Sparta 14 Capital of Vietnam 15 “Thanks, I already ___�

16 African heavyweight 17 Anatomical canals 18 ___ generis (of its own kind) 19 Kitchen game?

20 It “went to market�

23 F.D.R.’s shelter org.

24 “In one ___ and out the other�

25 Word attached to “cold� or “lion�

27 Secretary of state before Powell 32 Nephew of Cain 33 Floral greeting in one U.S. state 34 “That thou ___, do quickly�

(John 13:27) 36 Brimless woman’s hat 39 Casey Jones’ occupation, briefly 41 Chisholm or Santa Fe 43 Complain about trifles 44 Group of plotters 46 “Sesame Street�

2 col (3.792 in) x 2 inches Sudoku ...........$760/month Boggle ............$760/month Horoscope .....$760/month 1 col (1.833 in) x 2.25 inches Crossword .....$515/month (located just below the puzzle)

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6

8 7 4 5 1 9 6 3 2

Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

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Previous Solution 6 1 9 2 3 8 5 4 7

Muppet 48 “... ___ and buts were candy and nuts ...�

49 “That was ___ of fun!�

51 Sit astride of 53 Spanish grocery stores 56 Expert pilot 57 “Swing ___, sweet chariot ...�

58 Oxymoronic shellfish 64 Alley Oop’s main squeeze 66 “Well, ___ be!�

67 More like Solomon 68 Jewish folklore figure 69 Grant’s adversary 70 “It’s ___!� (“See you then!�)

71 Davenports and love seats 72 Former name for Tokyo 73 What nods often mean DOWN 1 Doctor of afternoon TV 2 Sol-do link 3 Work without ___ (be daring) 4 Classifier 5 Put in the wrong spot 6 A padlock secures it 7 Small needle case 8 “No� vote from a horse?

9 Insect in a marching column 10 Baseball

11 12 13 21 22

26 27 28 29 30 31 35 37 38 40

scoreboard initials Largest mollusk known Johnny-___spot Truly tragic Rye grass malady Word preceding “I never thought of that�

House topper Sir Guinness Hideous “Li’l Abner� character Storied home wrecker “Present!�

Winter Palace dwellers Add a little color to Defunct gridiron org.

Being, in Caesar’s Rome Rough breathing sound

42 Former capital of Italy (Var.) 45 Stoppages at the lumber mill?

47 Both coming and going 50 Nineteenth Greek letter 52 Subject to ridicule 53 Online diaries 54 New car’s odometer reading 55 “Candid Camera� request 59 Suffered from a cut 60 Spread from a tub 61 “Stupid ___ stupid does�

(Forrest Gump) 62 Apportion (with “out�)

63 White House VIP 65 Pasture

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

Š 2009 Universal Uclick www.upuzzles.com

CREATURE FEATURES by Daniel Jones

Millions of Americans expose themselves to noise levels above 85 decibels for hours at a time – the level audiologists identify as the danger zone. Lawn mowers, sporting events, live or recorded music, power tools, even traffic and crowded restaurants can sustain these levels. If you’re around noises like these for prolonged periods, you’re risking permanent hearing loss. For more on the 85 dB threshold, and ways to protect your hearing health, visit ASHA.org.

Previous Answers 1-800-638-8255

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

« WRESTLING Go online tomorrow to find out how OU fared in Edmond.

7

Annellise Russell, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 325-7630 • fax: 325-6051

OUDAILY.COM

BASKETBALL

SOONERS DISMANTLE OKLAHOMA SQUAD Sooner close out exhibition season with lopsided win over in-state foe Oklahoma Christian University JAMES ROTH Daily Staff Writer

The OU women’s basketball team was back in action Tuesday night as it took on Oklahoma Christian University.

The Sooners were able to make it two wins in a row in dominant fashion as they went over the century mark and beat OCU 109-55.

The Sooners started off to a slow start but were able to get through their shooting woes and pull out the victory.

In the first half the Sooners shot well from the field;

however, they really struggled from behind the arc and at the free-throw line.

In the first half the Sooners attempted 20 three pointers and only made five, 25 percent. They also struggled from the free-throw line shooting only 27 percent in the first half.

“We saw a tale of two halves just like we did against Rogers State,” head coach Sherri Coale said. “This game though, we saw 40 minutes of unrelenting defense.”

The Sooners were still able to put up 52 points in the first half because of their stifling defense.

The Sooners forced 23 turnovers in the first half, and held OCU to 38 percent shooting.

OU went into the break leading 52-28.

In the second half the Sooners were able to exercise

their demons and turn around a forgettable shooting performance in the first half.

The Sooners started the second half making their first three point attempts, shooting 66 percent from downtown in the second half.

They also improved their free throw shooting to put the game out of reach.

One Sooner who stood out Tuesday night was senior center Abi Olajuwon.

Off the bench she finished with 17 points and six rebounds and was really a force in the low post, something that the Sooners lost with the graduation of Courtney and Ashley Paris.

Although she fouled out with seven minutes left to go in the game, she received a standing ovation for her impressive play.

“I just tried to get good angles and good position so I could do what I do,” Olajuwon said. “I just tried to focus on little things that I did against Rogers State, and applied them tonight against OCU.” Other top scorers for the Sooners were senior guard Nyeshia Stevenson with 17 points and junior guard Danielle Robinson with 15 points.

In fact, every Sooner played and every Sooner scored at least five points in the victory.

Junior forward Carlee Roethlisberger got her first start of the season last night.

Roethlisberger, who many thought would be the Sooners’ sixth man played well tonight in the starting five and finished with 10 points.

“We started with some small ball, and did well with it,” said Coale, “We rewarded people who did well in practice this week.”

The Sooners officially kick off the regular season at 7 p.m. Friday against Mercer.

NEIL MCGLOHON/THE DAILY

Sophomore guard Whitney Hand (25) dribbles the ball down the court during the women’s basketball game against OCU Tuesday evening in Lloyd Noble Center. The Sooners won the game 109-55.

HOROSCOPE

By Bernice Bede Osol

Copyright 2008, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -Getting involved in something another is mishandling might not be the answer if you know little about handling it. Seek out a trusted person who has the wherewithal to take charge.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Don’t be stubborn about holding firm to your ideas if everyone thinks you are wrong.

It’ll be far easier to adjust your thoughts to theirs than to continue fighting.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- It’s not unusual to do something on a hunch. But if it’s important not to make a mistake, you had better go by the book -- no matter how much you trust your sixth sense.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -You may fulfill your ambitions, but if it’s at the expense of usurping the interests of others, you might have to ask yourself whether it is worth the cost of losing all future support.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Keep friends separate from your commercial dealings because it could save you the loss of a pal should things go wrong -- and there is always that chance.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Your thinking is nimble, allowing you to size up situations accurately and to outsmart yourself with your cleverness. If you know the difference, you’ll do fine.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Being a curious person, you like to figure things out to the nth degree. But take care that you don’t unwittingly stick your nose in a place another wants to keep private.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -One of the things you detest the most is when someone makes a judgment call purely on emotional feelings, and yet that is exactly what you might do when dealing with a friend.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- To fulfill your expectations, you’ll need to be industrious and enterprising. But depend only on yourself -- relying on chance is folly.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- More frustrations than usual are possible with regard to your work.

But if you can take things in stride rather than holding them inside, you’ll get through the day nicely.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Optimism brings positive energy that can serve you well, especially when things are going wrong. Don’t ignore reality, but keep that upbeat attitude working all day long.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- You and your mate must be in full accord before spending any hard-earned money on a frivolous activity. If you can afford it, the reason for denial might need to be more than “I don’t feel like it.”

8

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Too much displaced anger this season

MICHELLE GRAY/THE DAILY

Greg Cannon wrestles with an Cal Poly opponent during a match which took place during the 2008-2009 wrestling season in the Lloyd Noble Center.

Sooners to make short road trip MJ CASIANO Daily Staff Writer

The No. 18 ranked OU wrestling team will travel less than an hour north to Edmond, battling University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond for the first regular season action inside Hamilton Field House at 7 p.m.

Last year the Sooners had no problems in the opener versus UCO in a 39-0 blowout.

OU leads the all-time series with an impressive 41-8-1 record.

The Bronchos head coach David James, in his 28th season, is the winningest coach in school history with a 318-111-5 record.

James is also one of only 35 coaches in history to mark over 300 victories.

Last season UCO went 11-6-1, which was their ninth straight tenwin season.

Five OU grapplers are ranked to start the season including defending Big 12 Champion and No. 6 ranked Kyle Terry at 149 pounds.

Also ranked is his twin brother No. 13 Chad Terry at 157 pounds, No. 9 Jeff James at 174 pounds, No. 8 Eric Lapotsky at 197 pounds, and No. 15 Nathan Fernandez at heavyweight.

“We are really excited about this week’s meet because it is the first of the year and because it is against

another Oklahoma team with a great wrestling tradition,” OU head coach Jack Spates said. “There should be some great matches. Our lineup isn’t set, so every time our guys step out on the mat it is an evaluation.”

Spates has won 14 straight opening duals and the team has outscored its opponents 523-64, an average margin of 38-5.

Also, Spates has never lost a dual in the month of November.

Next up for the Sooners, select wrestlers will travel to Brockport, N .Y. a n d a t t e m p t t o w i n a n 11thstraight team title at the annual Brockport/Oklahoma Gold Classic on Saturday.

Football is a game of anger.

Although, this year there has been a bit too much of it, or at least unnecessary anger.

We’ve seen Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount punch Boise State linebacker Bryon Hout square in the jaw during a post-game altercation. And even though he promised a “buttwhooping” to the press, Blount’s performance didn’t match the words, until post-game.

Blount rushed for -5 yards on eight carries. In other words, I out-rushed Blount in that game, and so did you. But nothing looks worse than not keeping to a prediction and then starting fights afterward.

I’m sure his mother was proud to say “Hey, that’s my son on the television” to her friends that night.

Then Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes apparently thought it would be OK to go all Oedipus the King on us and attempted to gouge Georgia running back Washaun MJ Easley’s eyes out.

Seriously, Spikes. Easley didn’t father CASIANO children with his mother, he just wanted to play some football.

And yes, I understand that Spikes had his helmet ripped off and the slightest touch of a finger grazed his eye, but Spikes is the captain, which means he needs to positively represent his school. Plus, they were playing Georgia. It was a blowout victory, not worth it.

The icing on the cake was when former OU star and current Chicago Bears defensive lineman Tommie Harris decided to punch Arizona Cardinals guard Deuce Lutui in the head. In a game where your team is down from the start, like the Bears were Sunday, players have to think more about their decisions because the Bears obviously needed Harris.

Oh yeah, and Lutui was wearing a helmet, so it’s not like punching him in the face mask was excruciating. It just made Harris look like he was trying out for a movie about street life in Chicago.

For goodness’ sake, these players have nothing to be angry about. They all have, or will have, millions of dollars from playing a game they enjoy.

Not to mention they don’t have redshirt freshman Landry Jones at quarterback or redshirt freshman Tress Way at kicker for their favorite football team.

With that said, and the understanding of the misery my colleagues and I sit through every Saturday, these three players should apologize to me and let me take a turn at throwing a punch.

MJ Casiano is a broadcast and electronic media junior.

>> Another Sooner lineman is out this season. Details at OUDaily.com.