DU Clarion Volume 123 Issue 26

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| NEWS

Election panel at DU aims to educate O

n Nov. 10, two nights after the announcement of America’s president-elect Donald Trump, DU held a panel discussion entitled “Election 2016: What We Learned, and What Comes Next.” The event was intended to inform DU community members about how the “shocking” result occurred, what will happen in the future and what this election means in terms of international and domestic politics.

The moderator of the event was Dr. Seth Masket, chair and professor of DU’s Department of Political Science. He was joined by five panel members of different disciplines. These experts were Dr. Deborah Avant, a professor of Josef Korbel School of International Studies, Dr. Sam Kamin, the Vicente Sederberg Professor of Marijuana Law and Policy at Sturm College of Law, Dr. Lisa M. Martinez, an associate professor of DU’s Department of Sociology and Criminology, Dr. Nancy Wadsworth, a professor of DU’s Department of Political Science and Megan Verlee, a general assignment reporter of Colorado Public Radio.

Masket started the discussion by introducing himself and his interest in the recent election.

He broke the tension in the room by saying, “Well, I was wrong,”

regarding the appointment of Trump. He mentioned that everyone was wrong in predicting this unorthodox election, in which campaigns and candidates almost became irrelevant. Masket then turned it over to the panelists, each of whom gave a brief mini-lecture on their specialty.

Kamin began his portion by identifying himself as a liberal Democrat who seeks to connect the two halves of the nation that do not communicate. There was, and is, a somewhat-even split in the United States, and Kamin stressed the importance of bringing these sides together. He encouraged unity and spoke little about his area of academia, marijuana law and policy, calling it “trivial” compared to the election.

Wadsworth, who studies race and religion in politics, spoke next, drawing parallels between the American populism of today and of decades like the 1890s, 1930s and 1960s. She observed that people have tended to condense this election down to sexism and racism, and while these are obviously important, the real issues fall mainly in economic grievances, race and the two-party system in America. Wadsworth argued that when white people face equality, they either unite with other races or find a scapegoat race to blame, and all too often, the latter occurs.

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Martinez followed Wadsworth, advising attendees to think like sociologists about the election: What can we do to understand the results and to plan for the future?

Martinez discussed the unprecedented nature of such overt racism, xenophobia, homophobia and more in this election. She further emphasized the study and importance of demographics in the race.

“Clinton had the demographics of tomorrow, but not the demographics of today,” she stated.

The audience next heard from Verlee, the veteran of Colorado Public Radio, who provided some insight into the relationship between the election and media.

Journalism, she said, has no model anymore, as this election completely undermined any precedents about media coverage and entertainment in politics. When voters are this angry and passionate, the entertainment factor of media no longer plays a role.

Verlee also commented on the diverse types of Trump supporters and how different they are—true believers (genuine fans of Trump’s character and policies), those desiring change (people unafraid to throw anyone into government so long as he or she is different from politics as usual) and friends of the Republican party

(those who want to strengthen the already-majority-holding government with a Republican leader). There may be more types of Trump supporters, but Verlee’s point was that between parties and even between Trump fans, there is “no agreed-upon reality” in America.

The last panelist, Avant, speculated the future of global politics.

“We are completely uncertain,” she said.

According to Avant, Trump could either steer international trade toward “muscular engagement” or toward a “populist and isolationist stance.” Either Trump will trade excessively or cut off trade. Avant also highlighted a few certainties in the coming times: The government will no longer work progressively toward human rights and any work on climate change will evaporate if Trump’s platform has more support than we might believe.

Finally, the panel did a question and answer session. They only had time for a few, but they were able to comment on inquiries about the FBI, Bernie Sanders, mental illness, the Internet and the failure of quantitative polling.

Taryn Allen | Copy Editor

DU Clarion EDITORIAL STAFF JILLIAN QUERI, Editor-in-Chief KELLSIE BRANNEN, Executive Editor

The Clarion is the official student newspaper of the University of Denver, serving as the “Voice of the Pioneers.”

Founded in 1899, it covers campus and local stories with the highest level of journalistic integrity possible. 1000 copies are distributed each Wednesday afternoon (throughout the academic year) across the DU campus, and every article is also published at duclarion.com. The Clarion does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty, staff and/or administration of DU, and the opinions expressed by columnists and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of the Clarion.

Reproduction of The Clarion in whole or part in any form written, broadcast or electronic without written permission of The Clarion is prohibited. Weather forecasts are of courtesy of the National Weather Service. The Clarion reserves the right to reject advertising, stories, columns or letters to the editor that it deems graphic, obscene or that discriminate on the basis of race, culture, gender or sexual orientation.

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The Clarion is open to contributors of all years and majors at DU, including both undergraduate and graduate students. There’s no application necessary; all you have to do is show up to one of our weekly meetings, which are held every Monday at 6 p.m. (during the academic year) in the Driscoll Underground. Can’t make it to a meeting? Send an email to duclarioneditor@gmail.com and we’ll do everything we can to get you published.

JOHN POE, Business Manager SASHA KANDRACH, News Editor BRAIDEN ALBRECHT-REED, Sports Editor GRACE CARSON, Opinions Editor SYDNEY KAPP, Lifestyles Editor RYAN NINESLING, Entertainment Editor DUSTIN AMICK, Photo/Video Editor TARYN ALLEN, Copy Editor MADISON HELLER, Copy Editor OLIVIA HYDE, Social Media Director ANDREW MATRANGA, Faculty Adviser

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NEWS | 3

COLORADO BALLOT MEASURE BREAKDOWN Election 2016 Results: What passed and what it means for the state of Colorado Representative to the 115th United States Congress - District 1 Diana DeGette Amendment T Disallows the use of prisoners for involuntary unpaid labor.

UNDECIDED

Amendment 69 Create a universal health care coverage plan in the state of Colorado funded by taxpayers called ColoradoCare.

NO Amendment 71

Make it more difficult for citizens to ammend the Colorado constitution.

YES

Proposition 106

Give mentally competent, terminally ill people who have been told they have six months or less to live a right to access lethal Medical Aid-in-Dying (MAID) medication.

YES

Proposition 108 Create an open primary for all non-presidential elections. Voters unaffiliated with a political party could vote in the primary and would receive a ballot with all candidates from every party.

YES

Referred Question 2B Add into the city constitution an office of independent monitor and the citizen oversight board, who will make recommendations and monitor law enforcement investigations in the Denver Department of Safety.

YES Ballot Issue 4B

Provides funding for science and art institutions within the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.

YES

United States Senator Michael Bennet Amendment U

Amend the state constitution to eliminate property taxes for individuals or businesses that use government-owned land with a market value of $6,000 or less for a private benefit.

NO

Amendment 70

Raise the CO minimum wage to $12 an hour over the next four years

YES

Amendment 72

Increase taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products to be used towards medical research, tobacco prevention, veterans’ health services, youth behavioral health services and other health programs.

NO

Proposition 107

Replace the current caucus system with a primary system for the presidential elections.

YES Referred Question 2A All 2015 profits received from the 0.3 percent sales and use tax rate increase will be used in support of the Denver Preschool Program.

YES Ballot Issue 3A & 3B Increase taxes towards Denver Public Schools by $56.6 million in 2016 and in 2017.

YES Initiated Ordinance 300 If passed, certain designated public areas would allow consumption of marijuana.

UNDECIDED

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Rally for Hope allows students to voice election fears

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n Nov. 9, a Rally for Hope was held in front of the Free Speech Wall from 6 to 8 p.m. to allow students to “...come together no matter political affiliation and rally for hope...” as well as to “... figure out what we as students can do in these times,” according to the Facebook page for the event.

The event was hosted by freshmen Scott Romano, international business and economics major from Littleton, and Colin Phipps, political science and philosophy major from Portland, Oregon.

Romano said that his goal in putting together the event was to give students hope after the tension that arose on campus after Donald Trump’s win on Nov. 8 night.

The event began with students playing guitar and singing “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show and then transitioned to a speech

by Romano (written by Phipps)

about how, in spite of the results of the election, students must not lose hope and continue to fight to make the United States what they want it to be.

“Famous statesman Adlai Stevenson once said, ‘What counts now is not just what we are against, but what we are for. Who leads us is less important than what leads us—what convictions, what courage, what faith—win or lose,’” said Romano. “It’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to be scared, and it’s certainly okay to be mad...But I ask all of you to brush yourselves off. Tend to our scraped knee, stand up, and do everything you can to help yourself, your neighbors, and, most importantly, your country.”

The rally was then opened to comments from the audience about anything from how the election made them feel to solutions to more songs. Students took turns going to the front of the group and speaking

on their fears, calling others to action through activism or volunteerism, expressing disillusionment with the electoral college and the American political system in general, looking towards the midterm elections and personal anecdotes. “[People are saying that this is] no big deal. Nothing’s going to happen. And the first thing that comes to mind is, yeah—because it doesn’t really affect you. I woke up this morning and the first thing that came to my mind was my dad.

He’s been in Mexico for about 14 years because he can’t come back.

And now, I think that he’ll never come back,” said one student. “And I’m scared. I’m scared because we had finally passed DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and when I was younger we fought so hard for that and it finally passed... and that might go away. So don’t tell somebody that it’s no big deal because it is…Use your education

Kellsie Brannen | Clarion

Kellsie Brannen | Clarion

Kellsie Brannen | Clarion

to educate others, but don’t make people feel bad, either. We all really need to stick together.”

FOX31, a local Fox affiliate, was at the event to film the rally and interview Romano. The crowd dispersed around 7 p.m.

Romano hoped that the rally gave students a sense of optimism and Phipps expressed hope that students will continue to engage in these kinds of discussions.

“Discourse, political dialogue and discourse is always the next step. It’s very easy to kind of disregard Trump as a racist or a sexist, but that’s not going to get us anywhere. What’s going to get us as a community forward is talking things through. Arguing with well-reasoned facts and listening to the other side. Productive dialogue, discourse, discussion is the next step,” said Phipps.

Kellsie Brannen | Executive Editor

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OPINIONS | 5

Opinion: Moving forward in a country that chose hate

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n Nov. 8, after it was made clear that Donald Trump would be the 45th president of the United States, I got calls from multiple friends and family members, all women and people of color. Many of them were crying, some were in shock and others in complete denial. Many of them asked me what this meant and how we could ever move forward.

I did not have an answer.

After a long night of consoling the ones I love, I laid in my bed in terror. I thought of my family, a multiracial family who lives in the deep South. I worried for their safety in a place that clearly does not want them

there. I worried about women’s right and access to affordable healthcare. I worried about my immigrant friends, who no longer feel wanted in the place they call their home. I worried about my Muslim friends, my refugee friends, women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color. My heart was broken that night. My heart was broken because the nation that I proudly call home chose hate over love.

On Thursday, Nov. 10, I joined thousands in downtown Denver to protest not only Trump’s presidency, but also hate, racism, xenophobia and sexism. We came together in love

and peace, chanting phrases like “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.” Not only was it a moment of empowerment because I was able to use my voice to stand up against injustice and hate, but it was also a moment of healing because I was surround by so much love.

I left the protest feeling hopeful for the future.

It will take time to finally heal, so mourn as long as you must. Mourn for a week, or even a month. But when you are done, you must rise. I am not asking you to accept hate, I am asking for you to do your part in working against it. I am not asking for you to start a revolu-

tion, I am asking for you to love in a world that chose hate.

Donate to your local Planned Parenthood to support women’s access to affordable healthcare, show up to Black Lives Matter and other racial equality meetings, protect those around you, continue to vote in midterm elections and use your voice, both on social media and in person, to speak up against injustice and hate. Yes, the United States chose hate on Nov. 8, but all the good that has existed before is still here. There is a lot of work to be done, but together we will survive.

Grace Carson | Opinions Editor

Grace Carson | Clarion

Braiden Al-

Grace Caron | Clarion

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| OPINIONS

OPINION: DEAR MR. PRESIDENT

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A LETTER FROM A MILLENNIAL STUDENT

ear Mr. President,

I am writing to you in a clouded state. A state of shock, confusion, anger, disappointment and concern, but with a glimmer of hope.

We are the land of the free because of the brave; but, Mr. Trump, you are not brave. You are a coward who hides behind words fueled by hatred and ignorance. My heart hurts.

Your victory sends a clear message. Your victory was more than just a loss for Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party, it was a loss towards progressing forward together as a nation— confirming the hesitation to trust and support a woman in a position of executive authority.

But you know what, Mr. President? I will fight. And I will not stop fighting. I will fight the fight against inequality that women before me, and women

after me, will face. I will fight for a unified nation not divided by color. I will fight for equality across the board. I will fight because I am not a quitter. I am not an object to be judged based on appearance. I am a human being. I feel. And I feel sorry for you. Sorry for your underestimation, your negligence.

Because we are intellectuals.

We are problem solvers. We are ambitious. We are passionate.

We are innovative. We are persistent. We are equals. We are the future. We are Americans.

Just like you.

YOU were chosen to lead this country. Maybe as a cry for help and a desperation for change.

Well change is certainly coming, isn’t it?

As you attempt to repeal and dismiss the progress that the Obama Administration has implemented, create a physical barrier preventing the openness

of a “free” nation, disregard the severity of climate change and backtrack LGBTQ rights protections, we will unify. As Martin Luther King Jr. wisely said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” We will join in unison, together, supporting one another and fighting for a better, brighter America.

I challenge my fellow Americans, let us unite not as red or blue, but as Americans in hopes of redefining a country we can be proud of once more.

There is still hope. It may seem distant or untouchable, but we are the future.

Just like I challenge my fellow Americans, I challenge you, Mr. President. I challenge you to be transparent, to take ownership. To be compassionate and considerate. To “Make America Great Again” by fully

acknowledging America for what it truly is. This is not a business or a reality television show; this is a nation full of people whose lives matter.

While I may be a 20-year-old sophomore in college my voice will be heard.

As Clinton stated in her concession speech, “We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead,” and I painfully accept that. Not because the words were delivered by Clinton, but because you are the President-elect.

Despite your obscene behavior and crude remarks, I owe you the chance you have rightfully earned. I choose love.

Just know we are stronger together. You may hold authority for the time being, but our voices outnumber yours. And we will be heard.

Sasha Kandrach | News Editor

NOVEMBER 14, 2016 9:00am - 4:00pm ON THE DRISCOLL BRIDGE

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PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY SANDWICHES to donate to those in need in the Denver Community!

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OPINIONS | 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Perspectives on the 2016 Election: Faculty Advisor for the DU Republicans weighs in

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he 2016 election, which for many DU students was their first, made history almost from the beginning. A crowded field of seventeen Republican candidates came down to Donald Trump, an outsider who challenged the status quo from just about every angle. For the Democrats, Senator Bernie Sanders clearly energized students on college campuses throughout the country as an outsider against Hillary Clinton, an established figure on the U.S. political landscape for over 25 years.

The official vote tally is not complete as of this writing, but it appears the turnout of the Voting Eligible Population (VEP) of about 232 million is down from the 2012 elections, at about 58 percent in 2016 from 58.6 percent in 2012.

This latest data comes from the United States Election Project at the Department of Political Science, University of Florida.

Once again, this nation has elected a “Minority President” because so many people just do not vote. To put this in perspective, about 232 million ballots should technically have been counted on November 8, and we wound up with about 134 million. Donald Trump, who lost the popular vote, wound up the Electoral College Winner with 60 million popular votes, or about 26 percent of the 232 million VEP. Thus, regardless of whether Trump or Clinton won, either would have been a “Minority President” in my view at roughly one fourth of the VEP. Moreover, the word “Minority” can be applied to our vote for U.S. Senate, Congress, Governor,

City Council, etc.

For millennials, the age 18-35 group, the turnout rate in 2016 is estimated at around 48 percent versus nearly 70 percent for the Baby Boomers, the age 52-70 group. This takes on added importance when earlier this year the number of millennials eligible to vote was about equal to the Baby Boomers (yours truly) at 69 million.

In the end, I think this election simply came down to “Mr. Outside” Trump versus “Mrs. Inside” Clinton.

The statements by Trump, which were considered divisive to many, and Clinton’s emails, which raised several serious questions, seemed to be overshadowed by the fact that “we” simply wanted change. I say “we” because if you did not vote on Nov. 8, as about half

of millennials did not, and 42 percent of the VEP did not, then don’t complain about who won or who lost. Still, people will complain our elected officials don’t represent us as citizens. I am not surprised. We can only really “Make America Great Again” (Trump) or be “Stronger Together” (Clinton) when we exercise our civic duty to simply vote. It is not that difficult to do once every two and four years. We are not that busy.

Andrew J. Sherbo Faculty Adviser, DU College Republican; Faculty Adviser, DU Young Americans for Freedom November 14, 2016

Faculty Advisor for the DU Dems speaks on election

I

am the Faculty Advisor to the DU Democrats and wanted to share some of the post-election feelings Democrats are having.

I believe the Trump victory was made a bit more difficult because Clinton had led in the polls and won the popular vote despite losing the electoral college vote. Many

younger Democrats may not be as familiar with the electoral college. There has been some news about reviewing the status of the electoral college with changes possible. This was not the first election where the popular vote winner was not elected, but it is fairly rare.

We have also seen protests of Trump in many cities in the

United States, a few violent.

This is rare after presidential elections, but maybe understandable after this one. On a more positive note, we are seeing the usual “smooth transition” with Trump visiting the White House and meeting with Obama. We will now watch how Trump performs in the next four years as we plan for

the next election.

Steve Fisher Associate Professor /University Historian, Anderson Academic Commons November 14, 2016

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