The Daily Reveille - Sept. 14, 2011

SEC: Players comment on Texas A&M’s desire to join the division, p. 6

Campus crime: Man found with 68 grams of marijuana, p. 3

Reveille The Daily

Football: Chad Jones hopes to return to the NFL, p. 5

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 • Volume 116, Issue 17

www.lsureveille.com Act could produce job opportunities for students

‘Pass this jobs bill’

If the American Jobs Act is passed, some of the projects it will allocate include:

$30

Clayton Crockett Staff Writer

$ 25

In his latest attempt to energize the economy, President Barack Obama detailed a $447 billion plan called the American Jobs Act in a congressional address Thursday.

Instead of providing money to businesses to spur billion billion growth, the American Jobs Act is poised to cut taxes for states to prevent for school infrastructure, for businesses that either employ new workers or inteacher layoffs and projected to “modernize crease wages. The act particularly targets small busipromote hiring thereof. at least 35,000 public nesses by halving taxes on businesses’ payrolls up to $5 million. schools.”

According to the act, the cap of $5 million spent on payroll encompasses about 98 percent of businesses in the country. And if a business hires new workers or increases current worker wages, the business will not pay payroll taxes up to the first $50 million spent. billion These tax reforms for businesses will cost the billion government $65 billion, according to the White to fix transit systems, House’s American Jobs Act overview. including highways, for community TONY DEJAK / The Associated Press The act particularly provides for veterans with a railways and airports. college modernization. program called the “Returning Heroes Tax Credit.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The credits amount to $5,600 for hiring veterans who have been unemployed for six months or more and $9,600 if the veteran has “service-connected disabilities.”

Also in the act are a bipartisan National Infrastructure Bank and Project Rebuild — two initiatives to create jobs through “modernizing” transit systems, such as roads and airports, and renovating rundown schools.

Obama set aside an investment of $25 billion for

$ 50

$5

Total Cost

$447 billion $461 billion Total Savings

JOBS, see page 11

LGBTQ

Human rights advocate talks ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy

Lauren Duhon

Contributing Writer

Eric Alva, Purple Heart recipient and retired Marine Staff Sergeant, visited the University on Tuesday to share his story of recovery, message of equality and efforts to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

University Campus Life brought Alva to speak to students as a part of the University’s Civility Week.

Alva was one of the first American soldiers wounded in the war after being deployed for the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom in

2003. Alva said he was trying to cook an MRE (meal ready to eat) on the engine of a Humvee when he walked over to the passenger side.

“To this day, I have no clue what it was I was getting, but I never made it,” Alva said.

He walked over a land mine ALVA and sustained severe injuries. He was only in Iraq for three hours before being injured.

After being airlifted to a

hospital in Kuwait, Alva woke up dazed but completely aware of his injuries.

“I get teary-eyed to this day, but I remember seeing the right side of my blanket was flat,” Alva said.

For months, Alva recuperated and adapted to his new life after losing his right leg. He said he began to live by his mother’s motto — “Everything happens for a reason.”

After going back to school, Alva found an interest in standing up for social justice, specifically LGBTQ, see page 11

ACADEMICS

University remains top tier for fourth year

LSU drops four spots, ranks 128th Andrea Gallo Staff Writer

The University dropped four slots in the 2012 edition of US News & World Report’s best colleges list, published Wednesday, where it reigns in 128th place.

When ranked with only public universities, the University holds 63rd place.

Chancellor Michael Martin said he is pleased the University remained in the top tier, making the continued accolade an unprecedented event in Louisiana public education history. He said the ranking “reflects on our faculty, support and students.”

RANK, see page 4

BIRD IS THE WORD

LAUREN DUHON / The Daily Reveille

This owl lives at the University’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Read about the Wildlife Hospital’s Adopt a Bird rehabilitation program, p. 4.

The Daily Reveille

page 2

INTERNATIONAL

Nation & World

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

NATIONAL

STATE/LOCAL

Seven killed during Taliban attack on US Embassy, other Kabul buildings

Tests show Orange Beach tar balls are linked to last year’s oil spill

Former New Orleans police officer sentenced to 210 years for rapes

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Teams of insurgents firing rocketpropelled grenades and automatic weapons struck at the U.S. Embassy, NATO headquarters and other buildings in the heart of the Afghan capital Tuesday, raising fresh doubts about the Afghans’ ability to secure their nation as U.S. and other foreign troops begin to withdraw.

Seven Afghans were killed and 15 wounded in the coordinated daylight attack, which sent foreigners dashing for cover and terrified the city from midday well into the night as U.S. helicopters buzzed overhead.

No embassy or NATO staff members were hurt.

Former Argentine President Menem acquitted of arms trafficking

Brazil Census shows nearly 43,000 kids under 14 years old are married

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (AP) — A coastal mayor says tests show tar balls washed onto Alabama’s beaches by a recent tropical storm are from last year’s BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon said Tuesday the connection was found in preliminary tests performed by Auburn University.

Kennon says additional tests will be conducted.

Tropical Storm Lee dumped tar balls on the coast. BP says additional cleanup workers were added at the request of area leaders, and teams also are working longer hours.

Coyote-infested neighborhood residents oppose killing the canines

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Census figures from 2010 show that nearly 43,000 children under 14 years of age are living with a partner in Brazil in defiance of laws forbidding these unions.

Brazil’s penal code prohibits marriage with children under 14 and defines sex with them as statutory rape.

The states in which these unions are most common have the country’s lowest per-capita income.

GLENDALE, Calif. (AP) — Residents in a prosperous Southern California neighborhood infested by a pack of coyotes are urging authorities not to trap and kill the animals.

The coyotes took up residence in a home that was gutted by a fire last fall, and have since given birth to a litter of pups.

Homeowners say the canines have been showing up almost daily to lounge in their yards and refuse to be scared away.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A former New Orleans police officer who pleaded guilty in May to seven counts of rape has been sentenced to 210 years in prison.

The Times-Picayune reports Christopher Buckley’s sentence was imposed Monday by Criminal District Judge Karen Herman. The 39-year-old Buckley faced five to 40 years on each of the seven rape counts.

He pleaded guilty in May as his trial entered its second day. His ex-girlfriend’s 15-year-old daughter was preparing to take the stand and describe how he raped her multiple times in 2008.

Passenger accused of stealing car from driver at traffic violation stop

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Former Argentine President Carlos Menem and 17 members of his government were acquitted Tuesday of charges that they violated international weapons embargoes on Ecuador and Croatia in the 1990s.

Menem, still a sitting senator at 81, had faced up to eight years in prison if convicted, but two of the three judges on his panel found him not guilty.

ROB KEERIS / The Associated Press

Members of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests protest Tuesday in front of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.

PAINCOURTVILLE (AP) — Assumption Parish sheriff’s deputies say that when a woman was pulled over for a possible seat-belt violation, her passenger pushed her out of the car, took the wheel and drove through several yards in Paincourtville — nearly hitting several people.

The Courier reports 28-yearold Jermaine Moland of Belle Rose was found Sunday in the attic of a shed near the street where police found the car.

Today on lsureveille.com After one week of fantasy football, read the Tiger Feed sports blog for tips, advice and commentary on the hobby.

Read the Out of Print news blog for a first-hand opinion on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Get the latest news by downloading the LSU Reveille app in the iTunes Store and Android Market

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@lsureveille, @TDR_news, @TDR_sports

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CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards. This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes which may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified please contact the editor at (225) 578-4811 or email editor@lsureveille.com.

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The Daily Reveille

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

CAMPUS CRIME BRIEFS Student arrested for marijuana possession with intent to distribute

An 18-year-old University student was arrested Sept. 8 for possession of 68 grams of marijuana with intent to distribute, said Capt. Cory Lalonde, LSU Police Department spokesman.

LSUPD officers were called to East Campus Apartments at 3:17 p.m. after complaints of the smell of marijuana, Lalonde said. Officers located the apartment from which the odor was coming and identified Karl A. Neuenhaus, of 6623 Argonne Blvd. in New Orleans.

During the investigation, Neuenhaus admitted to having marijuana and drug paraphernalia, Lalonde said.

Neuenhaus was booked at East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

Man unaffiliated with University arrested twice while tailgating A 21-year-old man unaffiliated with the University was arrested Saturday for disturbing the peace while intoxicated at a football tailgate and was arrested a second time soon after for simple battery and resisting an officer, Lalonde said.

Officers were called at 5:33 p.m. to the Oaks Lot off of

Nicholson Extension Drive and saw John S. Simpson, of 506 Sullivan St. in Denham Springs, in a verbal altercation with fellow tailgaters, Lalonde said. Officers issued Simpson a misdemeanor summons for disturbing the peace while intoxicated and allowed him to return to the tailgate.

At 6:11 p.m., officers found Simpson in another altercation that soon became physical, Lalonde said.

They proceeded to arrest him though he physically resisted.

He was charged with simple battery and resisting an officer, Lalonde said.

Simpson was booked at East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

Man unaffiliated with University arrested for fighting, hitting an officer A 27-year-old man was arrested Saturday after striking an LSUPD officer who was trying to break up a fight, Lalonde said.

The officer was called to the corner of Dalrymple and East Campus drives and saw three men in a struggle on the ground, Lalonde said. When the officer approached the rumble and identified himself, Brian C. Shelfer, of 18622 Santa Maria Drive, struck the officer with a closed fist.

Shelfer was charged with

public disturbance, battery of an officer and resisting arrest. The other two individuals in the fight did not press charges, Lalonde said.

Shelfer was booked at East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

Man found asleep on bench arrested for public intoxication A 26-year-old man unaffiliated with the University was arrested for public intoxication, resisting arrest and public intimidation after found slumbering on a bench near the PMAC, Lalonde said.

A citizen flagged LSUPD officers at 9:40 p.m. in reference to a man supposedly disturbing the peace by the PMAC and Bernie Moore Track Stadium, Lalonde said.

He said officers found Jason Jamar Dixon, of 1262 Aster St., asleep on a bench. They woke Dixon, who then showed signs of intoxication and became belligerent, loudly cursing and shouting.

Dixon attempted to walk away and continued screaming and cursing when officers stopped him. He physically resisted when officers attempted to take him into custody, Lalonde said.

Dixon was booked at East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

SCIENCE

Research to develop DNA sequencer

Morgan Searles Staff Writer

When envisioning medical technology of the future, images of holographic x-rays, wristwatch system monitors and full-body scanners sweeping a person from head to toe in seconds spring to mind.

Although still years in the making, devices of this caliber may not be too far away.

A team of University researchers Soper in the Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering departments are developing a device that can find individual errors in a single strand of a person’s DNA, known as human genome sequencing.

The National Institutes of Health awarded Steven Soper, adjunct chemistry professor, a grant to fund research in genome sequencing.

The goal is to develop technology that can complete the sequencing for $1,000 or less.

“Using a simple handheld device, the doctor could generate huge amounts of information to determine the history and the future of a particular patient,” Soper said. “It can tell which diseases people are predisposed to and how best to treat them.”

Soper said the device they are working on should be able to complete a sequence for about $500, compared to the current cost of roughly $50,000 to $100,000.

“Insurance doesn’t pay for it and you have to have a family history done before they’ll do DNA testing, which makes it a challenge,” Soper said. “If this cost comes down and it’s easier to get that information, many people can be screened early before cancer metastasizes.”

Soper said the University is the

lead researcher on this project, but scientists and engineers are working with institutions like Weill Cornell Medical College, Baylor College of Medicine and Northeastern University in Boston.

Soper joined the University’s Chemistry Department in 1989 but is now a professor in biomedical engineering and chemistry at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

He will remain an adjunct professor at LSU, meaning he will continue to be affiliated with the University but will hold a more flexible position.

Students moving to UNC to continue researching with him will remain LSU students and will receive an LSU diploma after graduation.

Soper said his move will not affect the project. Students will continue working on the sequencer, and collaborators will remain at the University. The additional resources at UNC-Chapel Hill will accelerate work on the project, and researchers will be able to test the device in clinical settings, he said.

The Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering departments have been talking about and working on DNA sequencing technology like this for five years, and the anticipated completion date for a working model isn’t for five more.

A piece of DNA consists of three billion characters, he said.

page 3

The sequencer scans all three billion characters piece-by-piece for mutations, determining if each character is correct.

The technology developed by the University will allow doctors to do this quickly and at a low cost so insurance will pay for it. Right now, this is not possible, Soper said.

“I tell my students if it was easy to do, everyone would be doing it, and it wouldn’t be worth doing,” he said.

Jiahao Wu, mechanical engineering graduate student, said the project has been challenging.

“It’s very interesting as a mechanical engineering student working on something related to biology and chemistry,” Wu said. “It’s a totally different world to be working with a single molecule area.”

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Gender on Film - “The Warrior” 9/19/2011 $5 refundable deposit required to reserve tickets Contact LSU Women’s Center @ 225-578-1714 for more info.

Thursday September 15, 2011 at 530 pm in rm. 1119 Patrick F. Taylor Hall Learn about what NSBE-LSU has to offer you this semester Find out about scholarships, internships, and increasing academic performance while having fun Join us for food, fun and feel free to bring a friend This week at LSU UREC Registration open at the UREC SRC Intramural Tennis, Table Tennis & Racquetball Visit www.LSU.edu/UREC for details.

Contact Morgan Searles at msearles@lsureveille.com

Survivor: Bush 3PM (Campus Channel 75) The Ramen 4:30PM (Campus Channel 75) The Ramen 6:00PM (Cox Cable Channel 4) The Ramen RERUN 6:30 PM (Campus Channel 75) Making Moves RERUN 7PM (Campus Channel 75) The Ramen 7:30PM (WBTR Cable Channel 19) The Ramen RERUN 8PM (Campus Channel 75) The Ramen RERUN 9:30PM (Campus Channel 75

The Daily Reveille

page 4

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

Grant to fund study of cigarette particles University one of four to be awarded Joshua Bergeron Contributing Writer

The University’s College of Science announced Tuesday it has received a grant of approximately $11 million to fund research to look at the toxicity of fine particles similar to those found in cigarettes.

The grant is the largest offered by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

The grant was awarded to four institutions, including the University. The other institutions include Duke University, the University of North Carolina and the University of California at Berkeley.

The research program will comprise about 50 people and will be used on six projects, said Principle Investigator and Chemistry Professor Barry Dellinger. About 12 University graduate students will work on the research. Three of the projects will take place within the College of Science and three at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. A small part of the project will also take place at the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, according to Dellinger.

“For a long time, researchers have thought that the

components of cigarettes existed as molecules,” Dellinger said.

“The truth is that they exist as these fine particles.”

The research will look into the particles’ effect on individuals and the environment.

“This could create a whole new way of looking at air pollution,” Dellinger said. “We hope to correlate our research with actual cases related to fine particles found in the health care system.”

Dellinger said this is a longterm project that was supposed to begin on Aug. 1, but the College of Science didn’t receive the official paperwork from the NIEHS until Sept. 1. Dellinger did not specify when the project would begin.

The grant will be paid over the course of five years.

The college received a smaller, reduced grant two years ago from the National Institute of Health.

“This grant is considerably larger than the starter grant,” Dellinger said. “This grant is not part of a class; however, the research could lead to future class offerings.”

Kevin Carman, College of Science dean, said this is a great step forward for the University.

Contact Joshua Bergeron at jbergeron@lsureveille.com

University’s tuition rates, which are lower than that of its SEC colMartin said he believes the leagues, and said the University University dropped in the peer must raise tuition to stay on the evaluation category because of same plane as these other colleges.

US News & World Report news being leaked about its budget problems over the past three found the University’s 85 percent average freshmen years.

The Univer- SEC US News & World Report retention rate as sity was ranked Rankings (in alphabetical order) high and its sixyear graduation 128th in the rate of 61 percent 2010 edition but • University of Alabama: 75 as medium. In climbed to 124th • University of Arkansas: 132 • Auburn University: 82 terms of selectivin 2011. ity in admissions, The Univer- • University of Florida: 58 the University was sity shares 128th • University of Georgia: 62 labeled as “more place this year • University of Kentucky: 124 selective.” with Colorado • University of Mississippi: 143 US News & State University, • Louisiana State University: 128 World Report exHofstra Univer- • Mississippi State University: 157 tended its ranksity (N.Y.) and • University of South Carolina: 111 ings to 200 slots The New School • University of Tennessee: 101 this year, allowing (N.Y.).

Louisiana Tech Among the • Vanderbilt University: 17 University in RusLSU’s Southeastern Conference peers, Vanderbilt ton to break through to the top tier University far exceeds all others, in 194th place.

“I believe all universities in ranking 17th this year, while Mississippi State University ranks the state benefit from the stature the lowest of the schools at 157th that LSU has achieved because it place. In addition to Mississippi elevates the national public perState, LSU also ranked ahead of ception of higher education in the University of Arkansas and the Louisiana,” Martin said in a news release.

University of Mississippi.

LSU’s closest SEC neighbor on the list is the University of Kentucky, which ranked in 124th place.

Executive Vice ChancelContact Andrea Gallo at lor and Provost Jack Hamilton has repeatedly emphasized the agallo@lsureveille.com

RANK, from page 1

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

VET SCHOOL

Wildlife Hospital’s Adopt a Bird program rehabilitates hurt birds Process can cost $50 to $100 per animal

Kate Mabry Staff Writer

The Adopt a Bird program at the Wildlife Hospital in the University’s School of Veterinary Medicine continues to care for injured wild birds including bald eagles and turkey vultures.

The Adopt a Bird program has been around for more than 15 years with assistance from Vet School students who care for the birds by feeding them and cleaning the cages, according to Javier Nevarez, assistant professor of zoological medicine and director of the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana, The six resident birds, which cannot be returned to the wild because of permanent injuries, are often used in educational presentations, such as church and school groups.

Nevarez said the purpose of the presentations at schools is to provide an educational message for children. In return, the children will adopt a specific bird as a group project.

“Many times elementary school classes will raise money to adopt and sponsor a bird,” Nevarez said.

Nevarez said the Wildlife Hospital is currently caring for 10 to 12 birds that are in rehabilitation for future release.

One of these birds includes a bald eagle with a wing fracture.

Nevarez said this is a common injury among birds.

From the time the birds are brought in and until their release, the rehabilitation process for a single bird can cost anywhere from $50 to $100, he said.

The adoption funds can be used for both resident and rehabilitating birds.

Since no state or federal funding is provided to care for the birds, the program is 100 percent funded by the public with an occasional private business donation.

Donation amounts differ among the birds depending on the amount of food the bird consumes. For example, expenses for Hilary, a Harris hawk, cost about $200 each year while Brize, a Mississippi kite, only costs $100.

Popular adoption birds

LAUREN DUHON / The Daily Reveille

Morgan, a 30-year-old red-tailed hawk who is missing a wing, has been cared for at the Wildlife Hospital since 1985.

include Squirt, an Eastern screech owl and Morgan, a red-tailed hawk.

Morgan, who is missing a wing, was brought to the Wildlife Hospital in 1985 as an adult.

Morgan is estimated to be about 30 years old and is retired from presentations.

Many of the residential birds are accustomed to being handled by people and have similar characteristics to pets. Nevarez said Sydney, a turkey vulture, enjoys playing with toys, especially his LSU tennis ball.

Jenna Alfonso, kinesiology freshman, said she had never heard of the Adopt a Bird program before, but she thinks its a good cause.

“This is really great,” she said. “I think the state should help

out with some of the funding, and the Vet School should look into finding more sources for funding to help out more birds.”

Bonnie DeVera, computer science sophomore, said she also was unaware of the program’s existence.

“It’s good that the Vet School is helping out wildlife,” she said.

“Working with the birds is also great experience for the students.”

See photos of resident birds at lsureveille.com.

Contact Kate Mabry at kmabry@lsureveille.com

Tiger Feed: Read speculations about Mo Isom’s new rumored kicking ambitions at lsureveille.com.

Sports

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

page 5

FOOTBALL

Nike Pro Combat uniforms unveiled

Jonesin’ toPlay

Chris Abshire Sports Writer

Former safety still recovering from accident, may return to NFL with rehab Chris Abshire Sports Writer

From thrilling thousands of LSU fans as a two-sport athlete to wondering if he would ever play football again. That was the fate of former LSU safety and relief pitcher Chad Jones after a gruesome car accident last June in New Orleans mangled his left leg and put his professional future in doubt.

Two months earlier, the New York Giants picked Jones in the third round of the NFL draft. But the single-vehicle accident shattered his tibia and fibula, ripped large chucks of skin from his heel and leg — exposing the damaged muscles — and gashed several nerves and veins. The surgical aftermath focused more on Jones’ eventual ability to walk, let alone play football.

Jones, known affectionately as the “Dreadlocks of Doom” by LSU fans for his flowing mane, said he had no idea the injuries were so severe in the immediate wake of the crash.

“In the ambulance, on the way [to the hospital], I was in and out [of consciousness], but I thought I had a broken leg and would probably be out just a few months before I got rolling again,” the New Orleans native said. “Once I woke up in the hospital and the doctors told me, that changed real quick.”

Jones said he is now “70 to 75 percent” as he rehabs in his hometown in hopes of returning to the NFL in time for the 2012 season. Despite being ahead of schedule with his rehabilitation, Jones said the process has been excruciatingly slow, INJURIES, see page 7

FOOTBALL

File photo

Senior safety Chad Jones returns the kick-off of the fourth quarter for a touchdown Sept. 26, 2010, during the Tigers’ 30-26 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville, Miss. Jones was chosen in the third round of the NFL draft by the New York Giants, but currently resides on their Physically Unable to Perform list after a June car accident in New Orleans that shattered his lower leg.

LSU’s classic white uniforms will come with a new twist Oct. 22 when the Tigers play Auburn.

Nike unveiled its Pro Combat Series jersey design for LSU on Tuesday. The Tigers’ traditional white jerseys will be embellished with gold trim and lined with a royal shade of purple on the sleeves and tiger eyes on the gloves.

“Nike takes pride in giving athletes an advantage by providing them with cutting-edge innovation.

The Nike Pro Combat system of dress uniform delivers unparalleled on-field performance benefits while inspiring the team through each uniform’s unique design,” said Todd Van Horne, Nike’s creative director for football, in a news release.

LSU will be the latest in a line of high-profile teams to don the modern gear, as Georgia, Boise State and Oregon have already done so in 2011. LSU coach Les Miles said his team is honored to receive the Pro Combat treatment.

“While we love the tradition and the historical significance behind the uniform we wear each week, our players also enjoy the opportunity to wear something different,” Miles said.

See page 7 for a preview of LSU’s Nike Pro Combat uniforms.

Contact Chris Abshire at cabshire@lsureveille.com

Deangelo Peterson thrives at tight end Senior was leading receiver in opener Mark Clements Sports Writer

ZACH BREAUX / The Daily Reveille

LSU senior tight end Deangelo Peterson is tackled by two Oregon State players Sept. 3 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Tigers won, 40-27.

Entering the 2011 season, many Tiger fans questioned the ability of LSU’s passing game, which finished 107th in the nation last year.

LSU graduated its leading receiver and lost its third-leading receiver and starting quarterback to off-field issues, leaving doubts lingering offensively.

Toss in the uncertainty of junior wide receiver Rueben Randle and his struggle with tendinitis, and LSU faced a real problem.

While many thought new additions like freshmen wide

receivers Odell Beckham, Jr., and Jarvis Landry would receive the bulk of the looks, it was a familiar, yet somewhat forgotten face that found himself filling the void.

“Being an older guy, I see the young guys making plays, and I want to make plays too,” said senior tight end Deangelo Peterson. “I know I can run routes better than receivers. I’m focused and I’m ready to show up for my senior year.”

Peterson was the Tigers’ leading receiver after the blockbuster season-opener against then-No. 3 Oregon, catching four of senior quarterback Jarrett Lee’s 10 completed passes for 62 yards.

The tight end capped his hot start by hauling in a touchdown pass in the first quarter of Saturday’s clash with Northwestern State.

“He did a great job for us,” Lee

said. “Sometimes we have other guys covered who have made plays for us in the past. You’ve got to find other guys, and [Peterson] is just the guy right now that’s getting open for us, and he’s doing a great job.”

To Peterson, it’s no surprise that he’s thriving in the offense.

The 6-foot-4-inch senior spent most of his high school days at Desire Street Academy lined up as a receiver before making the switch to tight end at LSU. Despite his past, Peterson has adjusted well to the move, saying he actually prefers playing tight end now.

“That’s where I want to be better,” said Peterson, who now has 71 receiving yards on the year. “By me moving to tight end, it gave me the PETERSON, see page 7

The Daily Reveille

page 6

CROSS COUNTRY

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Top runner to redshirt this year, return for her final season Andrew Chapple Sports Contributor

The Lady Tigers’ fastest runner, Laura Carleton, requested to use her redshirt at an abnormal time.

Carleton, who already used her redshirt season in track, chose to use her redshirt season in cross country during her final year of eligibility — this year. She said she wanted to run her final seasons of track and cross country in her last year at LSU. “Instead of using up my last year this year, I wanted to wait until next year,” Carleton said. “Hopefully I’ll be faster, and I think our team will be stronger, too, because I’m the oldest on the team so no one is going to be leaving.”

Carleton completed her undergraduate degree in management in May with a 4.0 grade point average and enrolled in LSU’s graduate program this fall to pursue a master’s in business administration and continue running.

“Another reason I wanted to redshirt this fall is to make the adjustment to graduate school easier,” Carleton said.

Carleton said the first semester of LSU’s MBA program involves a lot of group work which she may have had to miss if she had to travel for cross country meets.

A stress fracture in her foot forced Carleton to use her track redshirt in 2010, leaving her with two more track seasons in 2012 and 2013. Carleton said her primary focus this fall is to prepare for a successful track season.

“I’m not racing as much because I don’t want to tire myself out, but at the same time I’m pretty much doing all the same training because I think what you do in the fall has a huge effect on how you do in the spring,” Carleton said. “I think it’s worked well for me running last year all through cross, indoor and outdoor, so I don’t want to mess anything up by taking it too easy.”

Carleton’s teammates said she’ll be missed this season but are excited to have her back with an additional year of training.

“We were hoping to have her back on the team, but I think she wanted her senior year to be her last year and to have a good last year. Hopefully she won’t get hurt

or anything and she’ll be able to come back even better next year,” said junior Leigh-Ann Naccari.

Junior Brea Goodman is also looking forward to Carleton’s return to next year’s squad.

“It’s kind of sad because she’s one of our top runners, but we have a lot of girls who can pick up the slack for next year,” Goodman said. “I think it’s a good move for the team because next year we have a really good shot.”

LSU coach Mark Elliott said Carleton can make a bigger impact on next year’s team, which he said will be improved from this year’s team.

“Next year with our new recruits and the kids we have here getting better, she’s going to make it a much better team,” Elliott said.

“I think Laura could definitely affect the position we finish this year, but I think we could have the team finish the highest it ever has in the conference next year.”

Elliott said Carleton wanted to devote another year to training before her last competitive season.

Carleton said redshirting will allow her to train the whole season while her teammates will need to

BLAIR LOCKHART / The Daily Reveille

Graduate student and distance runner Laura Carleton [left] runs with the cross country team Monday evening. She is redshirting this fall, but continues to train with the team.

rest before and after meets. Runners usually have easy runs the day before and after a race, but Carleton will be able to keep training.

“I’m just trying to take advantage of having a lot of training

and not having to prepare for any meets,” Carleton said.

Contact Andrew Chapple at achapple@lsureveille.com

FOOTBALL

Slive: A&M move to SEC will strengthen conference Scott Branson

Sports Contributor

Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive said Texas A&M joining the SEC is no longer a matter of “if,” but “when,” in a statement Monday.

Slive said the SEC first became interested in a possible expansion when it was contacted by Texas A&M President Richard Loftin.

“While the SEC wasn’t thinking about expansion, it was impossible not to be interested in Texas A&M,” Slive said.

When put to vote last week, all 12 SEC presidents voted to accept Texas A&M, but only if the school is free of legal issues stemming from its departure from the Big 12.

Several Big 12 schools ­— namely Baylor — ­ have said they don’t support Texas A&M’s departure and have the right to file a lawsuit on behalf of their concerns.

If Texas A&M does eventually make its way to the SEC, long lost rivalries within the SEC would be rekindled.

Texas A&M and Arkansas have squared off in the Southwest Classic 67 times since 1903, but only twice since 1992. The rivalry was put on hold when Arkansas left the Southwest Conference for the SEC in 1991. Arkansas leads the all-time series 40-24-3.

LSU and Texas A&M have met 50 times, including in LSU’s 2011 Cotton Bowl victory. But not since 1995 has the match-up occurred on a yearly basis. The teams met every year between

1942-49, 1955-56, 1960-75 and 1986-95. LSU leads the all-time series 27-20-3.

“It was a big rivalry before we stopped playing them,” said sophomore linebacker Kevin Minter. “It would be nice to have that back.”

Minter said playing Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl last season felt like a rivalry game.

“It would be great if [Texas

A&M] came to the SEC because that would mean more competition,” Minter said.

Slive reflected a similar sentiment, saying Texas A&M has an “exceptional athletic program.”

Slive also noted Texas A&M’s “passionate fans and wonderful traditions” as why the school would be a good fit for the SEC. The topic of expansion in the SEC has been a mainstay in the

news since late August when the Aggies decided they would leave the Big 12, but that doesn’t mean it’s a topic of discussion among all of LSU’s football players.

“We don’t look at that right now,” said sophomore wide receiver Kadron Boone. “We’re just focusing on one game at a time during the season. Whatever happens, happens.”

If Texas A&M completes its

transition into the SEC, Slive said the conference doesn’t have immediate plans for a 14th member.

“We aren’t thinking in terms of numbers,” Slive said. “We think about the strength of the SEC and the attractiveness of Texas A&M as an institution.”

Contact Scott Branson at sbranson@lsureveille.com

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 INJURIES, from page 5

especially for an elite athlete accustomed to an all-out training regimen.

“It’s just hard running, doing squats, and lifting [weights] and not being able to do the drills at that level I’m used to,” said the former St. Augustine star. “When football games come around and I have to watch the Giants play, that’s where I want to be. It’s painful to watch sometimes.”

Still, one can hear the excitement in Jones’ voice as he describes the next big step in his recovery. On Oct. 5 — his birthday — he will run his first timed 40-yard dash since the accident.

When and if Jones plays in an NFL game, it will likely be with the Giants, who embraced him at training camp this summer and currently have him on their Physically Unable to Perform list.

As the Tigers prepare to travel to Starkville, Miss., for their Thursday night showdown with Mississippi State, the setting has brought back memories of what was perhaps Jones’ finest hour as an LSU football player.

With LSU locked in a tight battle early in the fourth quarter as a heavy favorite at Mississippi State in 2009, Jones fielded a punt at his own 7-yard line, made a few shifty jukes, shook off several tackles and followed the excitable windmill blocking of former cornerback Patrick Peterson down the right

PETERSON, from page 5

opportunity to create mismatches. I feel like no linebacker or no safety can cover me, and mainly, if it’s one-on-one, I don’t think they can.”

His most memorable contribution last season came in the fourth quarter against Alabama, when Peterson’s number was called on a 4th and one reverse that he brought to the 3-yard line, setting up the go-ahead touchdown.

Peterson finished fourth on the team with 16 receptions and 198 yards last year despite missing the first three games with an ankle injury.

Watching from the sidelines, Peterson said he used his down time as motivation for his senior campaign.

sideline for a 93-yard touchdown.

Minutes later, Jones essentially saved the game with a seemingly superhuman pass deflection near the goal line in the game’s final minute that prevented a probable winning touchdown for the Bulldogs. LSU coach Les Miles tabbed the former safety’s heroics as his favorite moment from the Tigers’ 30-26 triumph.

“The memory that I have is Chad Jones returning a punt and [former defensive tackle Charles] Alexander leading the way with a block at midfield with Patrick Peterson waving his arms, giving directions,” Miles said. “It’s hard to forget that one.”

Jones said he defied standard punt-return procedure by picking the football up inside the 10-yard line.

“The ball was rolling real slow, and the receiver coach at the time, D.J. McCarthy, always warned me not to let those balls get downed too deep,” Jones said. “But you’re not supposed to catch anything past the 10-yard line, either. I pick it up, and, next thing I know, with some great blocking and a few moves, I was stumbling into the end zone.”

Jones said he still keeps in touch with the LSU program, especially through several players he hosted during recruiting visits, like Lavar Edwards, Tyrann Mathieu and Deangelo Peterson.

“I developed a bond with those guys on their visits. I brought them in,” said Jones, who also won a “I think the motivation and what helped me was me having a year under my belt last year,” Peterson said. “I was hurt the first three games, and having that experience only helped. Now I’ve just got to stay focused at practice and know what I’ve got to do and just come out and ball every game.”

Peterson was recruited as a four-star athlete who chose LSU over a slew of offers including Oklahoma, Tennessee and West Virginia.

He said he looked up to former Tiger standouts Demetrius Byrd and Brandon LaFell as role models entering LSU. “I liked looking at guys before I got here, and I talked to a couple of them before I got here,” Peterson said. “I still follow them now.

The Daily Reveille baseball national championship in 2009 as an effective relief pitcher for coach Paul Mainieri’s squad. “They were right there, showing concern after my injuries and seeing how I was doing. But everybody at LSU has been incredible to me.”

Jones’ father, Al, said the “LSU family” helped his own family, which includes his son and former Tiger defensive end Rahim Alem, handle the chaos following Jones’ accident.

“I don’t think I’ve gone a day without someone asking me about Chad or his progress,” he said. “Les, I know he’s busy, but he still checks up on my boy. We still go to games and tailgate with the friends we’ve made around the program. Their concern for us feels real and genuine.”

The younger Jones said he has kept a close eye on this year’s Tiger defense.

“They look real good,” said the 2009 Second-Team All-Southeastern Conference safety. “Defensive backs are flying to the ball. Some of the young guys have popped up real good, and got the defense rolling. They look like one of the best defenses in the country, which LSU should be every year. It’s continuing the legacy. I’m proud to be a part of that legacy.”

Contact Chris Abshire at cabshire@lsureveille.com I know what they did wrong and know what they did right. I tried to pick up the positive things and go forward.”

If you ask his coach, Peterson has done just that.

LSU coach Les Miles commended Peterson on his transformation as a tight end and called 2011 “his time.” “[Peterson] is bigger, stronger and faster than he has been,” Miles said. “His team is counting on him more as a blocker and as a receiver, and he really is making the best of it. He goes to work and works hard every day. He’s a great teammate.”

Contact Mark Clements at mclements@lsureveille.com

page 7

EYE ON THE BALL

photo courtesy of JAMES GOLDEN

Nike unveiled Tuesday the Pro Combat Series jersey design that LSU will wear Oct. 22 during its game against Auburn in Tiger Stadium. Check out a gallery of other views of the uniform at lsureveille.com.

The Daily Reveille

Opinion

The

page 8

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Peanut

Gallery

Mississippi citizens are facing the possible outlaw of abortions, birth control, in vitro fertilization and stem cell research.

What do you think about banning these health services? compiled by LAUREN DUHON

‘Abortion is wrong no matter what. . . .

Extinguishing

a child’s life architecture sophomore isn’t fair.’

Madeline Maestri

‘In some cases abortion might be the right option, but it shouldn’t be the first.’

Gayatri Menon biological sciences freshman

Jack Cadigan

biological chemistry freshman

‘[Abortion] is up to the woman, and it should stay up to the woman.’

‘I wouldn’t personally

[have an abortion], but people should have a choice.’

Jared Desoto

electrical engineering freshman

Lexi Schlamp

undeclared freshman

‘The option should be to somebody who’s in the situation.

We shouldn’t outlaw [abortion].’

U.S. must step up support in Israel alliance

In response to Zach Davis’ Sept. 8 column, “Israeli actions show American alliance is irresponsible”: Since you have so graciously published your views on the American-Israeli alliance in The Daily Reveille last week, allow me to provide you the history your teachers

forgot to tell you. First of all, there have been at least five opportunities for peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, all including offers of Israeli land in exchange for peace.

Each time, the Palestinians have rejected this offer by either blatantly refusing to negotiate or attacking the people of Israel.

Secondly, let me remind you that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. It is the responsibility of the United States, as a democracy, to support all democracies in the world that strive for

peace and freedom from oppression, including Israel.

Lastly, let me put this situation in perspective. If the U.S. was repeatedly attacked over the U.S.Mexico border by the Mexicans launching missiles into the southern states because it was their land first, would our military not defend us by fighting back? Wouldn’t we also confront those that funded and voiced support for those attacks?

What right do we have to demand Israeli leaders to allow its citizens to be attacked without retaliating? On the

contrary, the U.S. needs to support Israel in defending itself from those attacking its citizens by whatever means necessary. The alliance between the U.S. and Israel is an alliance we must defend because democracy and freedom are worth fighting for.

Rebecca Ringuette Physics graduate student Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com

THE BOTTOM LINE

Unending tax cuts are unsustainable, can’t continue

Really, this has to stop.

We’ve deluded ourselves for far too long. I think I can safely generalize and say in nearly every political race, lower taxes are proposed by at least one well-intentioned candidate.

Occasionally?

I’m all for it. If we can cut excess DEVIN GRAHAM spending or repeat Opinion Editor programs, I certainly won’t stand in the way of progress. But when we make a platform out of lowering taxes, we cannot be successful.

That is, we cannot continue to lower taxes forever. Eventually, it takes a quantifiable amount of money to actually fund this thing. We need roads, buildings, public service officials like firefighters, police and yes, politicians, not to mention regulatory agencies, military spending, social programs and so on.

Take the Tea Party. In the “Contract from America,” lowering taxes is listed as a “plank” of the contract.

And herein lies the problem: an approach to taxes which fundamentally ignores the economic and fiscal environment.

When will the Tea Party Patriots who support the Contract from America say taxes are fair and low enough? They won’t ever because, as a policy, taxes are too high. Above zero? Too high.

It’s just an ignorant position.

A bit closer to home sweet home, our ever-loved Gov. Bobby Jindal is expected to let the tax on cigarettes expire soon, which brings in something in the neighborhood of $12 million each year for Louisiana’s coffers.

In unrelated news, Jindal supports raising tuition and fees on students, but I digress.

Unsurprisingly, our governor also supports the barely-literate Rick Perry. Why? Because of “job

The Daily Reveille Editorial Board

Matthew Jacobs Chris Branch Ryan Buxton Marissa Barrow Sydni Dunn Devin Graham

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Editor-in-Chief Associate Managing Editor Associate Managing Editor Managing Editor, External Media News Editor Opinion Editor

creation, lower taxes and smaller government.” What about Texas’ improvements in standard of living, citizens’ quality of education or research into life-extending medicines?

Is the best measure of a politician’s effectiveness his ability to pass myopic tax cuts, only to cripple the budget for the next candidate? It seems so.

Actually, the tax rate seems to be only tangentially related to the real issue. Countries like Australia and Switzerland have similar income tax rates compared to the U.S., but seem to be faring the international economy much better. Switzerland, for example, has hovered around 3 percent unemployment for some time now.

But in somewhere like France, where the tax rate is much higher, but the social programs more generous, the income tax rate goes up to 40 percent. The corporate tax rate is right at 33.1 percent, slightly lower

than our top-level 35 percent rate in the U.S. And how is France handling its big gains from higher income tax levels? Not well, apparently, with the French budget deficit reaching around $90 billion this April.

We cannot assume our financial situation will improve, based only on a platform of lower taxes always, any more than we can count on successful social programs just by throwing money at them. Both positions oversimplify an already simple problem: don’t spend more than you make.

Now, I have to take the time to clarify a couple points. While there are some reasonable parallels to personal finance, the government can legitimately spend more than it makes from taxes by financing the debt through other countries and investing the cash. We may have spent some dough, but we do so to make more later. It’s a very good thing.

In other words, avoid unnecessary spending, promote investment.

Short-run deficits, when caused by lots of investment, pose little threat to a financially sound government.

But when we always spend more than we make from taxes, we must either pay more or ask for less.

We cannot have both forever.

Systematically, politicians at all levels continue to promise shortsighted tax cuts and improved programs in all circumstances. Those running for office have to stop promising their constituents the impossible, and we as voters need to stop electing the delusional.

Devin Graham is a 22-year-old economics senior from Prairieville. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_DGraham.

Contact Devin Graham at dgraham@lsureveille.com

THE BOTTOM LINE

Editorial Policies & Procedures

The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University.

The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, paper or University. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-26 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must have a contact phone number so the opinion editor can verify the author. The phone number won’t be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration without changing the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor-in-chief, hired every semester by the Louisiana State University Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.

DEVIN GRAHAM / The Daily Reveille

Quote of the Day “As for me, all I know is that I know nothing.”

Socrates Greek philosopher 469 B.C. — 399 B.C.

The Daily Reveille

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

SHOCKINGLY SIMPLE

Opinion

page 9

Frankenburgers could save energy and the environment Researchers around the world are racing to develop a commercially viable alternative to meat, without the inconvenience of raising and slaughtering millions of animals every year.

Lab-grown meat promises equivalent nutritional content to normal meat while requiring less energy and producing fewer Andrew Shockey emissions, but Columnist will people want to eat it once scientists work out the kinks?

The search for animal-free meat began more than a decade ago but has recently made serious advances. In 1999, Dutch inventor Willem van Eelen received patents for the “industrial production of meat using cell culture methods.” Eelen has been working on lab-grown meat ever since, sparking dozens of other labs to take up the cause over

the past decade.

Scientists are now able to take cells from animals and entice them into reproducing in a nutrient-filled petri dish. The growing cells are then placed on a biocompatible scaffold, allowing the muscle tissue to further develop. The technology is still in its infancy, but it promises to not only change the way we eat meat but also benefit the environment.

A significant portion of land in the U.S. and around the world is used for raising livestock, particularly cattle. Farmers in the U.S. also use incredible quantities of land, fertilizer and fresh water to produce crops to feed these livestock. Lab-grown meat could make this wasteful process obsolete.

Eating organisms high on the food chain is an incredibly inefficient use of energy. Even livestock raised on a vegetarian diet represents a significant portion of lost energy because only a fraction of the energy an animal

consumes will ever be passed on in the form of tasty meat.

Livestock also contributes significantly to global warming through emission of greenhouse gases via biological functions, as well as providing incentives for deforestation and other habitat destruction.

Lab-grown meat wouldn’t waste all of the energy and nutrients cows spend every day grazing, sleeping and doing whatever else it is cows do. It will also cut back on greenhouse gasses by reducing land requirements and cutting down on bovine flatulence.

A recent study by Oxford University and the University of Amsterdam estimated that replacing conventional livestock production with lab-grown meat could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 96 percent while requiring between 7 and 45 percent less energy.

Unfortunately, by all accounts the meat looks terrible and tastes even worse. One

researcher described it as “steakflavored Jell-O.” The best in vitro meat anyone has come up with so far still looks far from appetizing. The small white gummy strings of protein are hardly recognizable as meat and are only about the size of a contact lens.

Scientists will have to find a way to overcome these aesthetic hurdles either by mimicking the system of blood vessels that give real meat its coloration, or finding another way to make the meat more marketable.

This issue could be solved with dyes for the ground meat researchers are currently pursuing, but constructing a convincing steak would take significantly more time, energy and effort, and would almost certainly not be cost effective if it can be done at all.

As with many groundbreaking areas of research, the technical challenges of producing lab-grown meat will likely be dwarfed by the marketing

challenge of convincing people to try the new meat alternative.

Consumers have traditionally been wary of genetically modified and cloned food, and I expect lab-grown meat to be met with the same skepticism.

With the way the technology is shaping up, I think we can hope for a reasonable facsimile of a hamburger sometime in the future, but we shouldn’t hold our breath waiting for the slaughterfree porterhouse.

Andrew Shockey is a 20 year-old biological engineering junior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_Ashockey.

Contact Andrew Shockey at ashockey@lsureveille.com

BERXERXES

Don’t take US News and World Report ranking too seriously

A radioactive cloud of gloom has descended over the Quad as our beloved University dropped four places in US News and World Report’s recently released ranking of American universities.

This is perhaps a tad dramatic, but these rankings annually generate headlines when the ranking itself should be largely ignored because of the murky methodologies used to create the popular listing.

This year, the University dipped, but still found itself in the top tier of universities and in a four-way tie for 128th place nationally. Historically, the top tier has consisted of about 130 schools but has recently been extended to about 200 institutions.

While the top-tier position has often been lauded and used as a selling point for the University to potential students and legislators, what does it really mean?

Not too much, it seems.

Much of the rankings are rightfully built with hard data like graduation and retention rates. These are legitimate ways of calculating the effectiveness of an institution.

But for a ranking that fancies itself a “starting point for the college search,” an unfortunate portion is derived from subjective measures.

The primary example of this subjectivity is “undergraduate academic reputation.” This measure derived from survey responses by academic administrators at peer institutions who judge the University’s intangibles like “faculty dedication to teaching.”

How exactly an academic administrator can have any inkling

of faculty members’ dedication at another institution is lost in the ranking’s method.

Keeping with the example, perhaps the most valuable experience I’ve had at the University has been with certain faculty members and their dedication to educational engagement. EfXerxes A. fective instrucWilson tors are the ones Columnist who can pull a student into the subject matter by making it relevant and spurring student involvement.

While some tenured faculty members have tendencies to languish in their cozy offices, many professors go beyond their base duties to inspire creativity from students. This can’t be measured by any number and has no place in creating a ranking of colleges.

It should also be mentioned the University saw some modest but tangible improvement in some of the purely statistical categories like freshman retention and average alumni giving rate.

The latter of those examples saw a minute but significant increase as the University looks to diversify its funding as state appropriations decrease.

This is where the usefulness of the report, not the ranking, comes in. In creating the useless ordinal ranking, the report compiles a trove of statistics like graduation rates and faculty resources that can be a competent indicator of the overall health of the University if

used intelligently.

Further, what most of these colleges’ rankings fail to illustrate is how effective institutions are in getting their students gainfully employed upon graduation.

Believe it or not, some students attend college for purposes other than football and binge drinking. The gloomy reality is that we will all need real jobs one day.

This is where college rankings

and statistic compilations rarely reach, though it is the most important measure of success an individual school or college could have.

I understand with research and community engagement, there is more to universities than vocation. But wouldn’t the most useful statistic for students be a measurement of the ability for an institution or individual college to place its graduates in jobs or

advanced degree programs?

Xerxes A. Wilson is a 22-year-old mass communication senior from Lucedale, Miss. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_Berxerxes.

Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011 JOBS, from page 1

school infrastructure, which he projects will “modernize at least 35,000 public schools” nationwide. An extra $5 billion was allotted to community college modernization as well.

Thirty billion dollars will be set aside for states to prevent teacher layoffs.

Another $50 billion will be dedicated to fixing transit systems in the U.S., which will create jobs.

Because of the restorationbased initiatives, Associate Director for Employment Services Trey Truitt believes the plan will mostly benefit students involved in construction and engineering.

“Anything that energizes hiring will benefit our students,” he said.

Truitt also pointed out that veterans leaving the University could see more personal opportunities because of the tax credits for businesses that hire them.

While the number of veteran students at the University is uncertain, approximately 500 students receive veterans benefits, according to the Registrar’s Office.

Robert Newman, economics professor and department chair, was keen to point out “the government doesn’t create jobs.” Instead, he said the government needs to restore confidence in businesses.

“The administration is inconsistent in its approach,” Newman said.

The inconsistency lies in the tax and regulatory increases currently under way, he said.

Lingering discussions of raising taxes on the wealthy and health care reform, which Newman said is going to increase employer costs, could prevent businesses from hiring as eagerly as the president hopes.

According to Newman, even with the tax breaks, businesses “lack confidence” and are unsure about what their future costs may be — especially considering the health care reform bill passed in 2010.

“It can work,” Newman said.

“But [results] will be meager.”

Adding to future expenses are the means by which Obama plans to pay for the $447 billion plan.

The majority of the act’s hefty price will be paid with a series of tax reforms.

One reform will limit tax deductions for individuals making $200,000 or more annually and families making $250,000 or more.

This reform is slated to raise approximately $400 billion over the next 10 years.

Obama also estimates another $40 billion in revenue through ending tax subsidies for “certain” oil companies.

Tax breaks for anyone owning a corporate jet will be eliminated as well, bringing in a projected $3 billion.

If the president’s approximations are accurate, the reforms should raise $461 billion to counteract the $447 billion American Jobs Act. The act also seeks to extend unemployment insurance. According to a recent news release by the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the number of new claims for unemployment insurance in Louisiana

The Daily Reveille increased this past week from 3,648 to 3,878, and a recent Census report stated the U.S.’s poverty rate in 2010 reached an all-time high of 15.1 percent.

A Congressional Connection Poll was conducted from Sept. 8-11

by Princeton Survey Research Associates International to gauge the American people’s responses to Obama’s proposals.

The survey showed 75 percent of those polled approved of his plan to provide tax cuts for hiring businesses. Another 70 percent agreed with his provision to states to prevent teacher and public worker layoffs.

While the main facets of the American Jobs Act are meeting general approval, Republican policies to fix the deficit also hold sway with the public.

Approximately 67 percent approved of a balanced budget amendment for the federal government, and 52 percent approved of cutting corporate tax rates.

Contact Clayton Crockett at ccrockett@lsureveille.com

LGBTQ, from page 1

for the LGBTQ community. He was asked to serve as the national spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign’s efforts to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

Alva decided to come out as a gay man who had served proudly for his country in front of Congress when the bill to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was released. He boldly spoke out for all people of diversity.

In the years that followed, Alva worked adamantly to make sure the policy would be repealed.

This goal was achieved on Dec. 22, 2010, when Alva stood behind President Barack Obama as he signed the repeal to the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, allowing openly gay men and women to serve in the military.

“It got a little confusing from there, but for the next several months everyone had to go through training for the implementation of the appeal,” Alva said.

Read more on Alva’s speech and watch a video at lsureveille.com.

Contact Lauren Duhon at lduhon@lsureveille.com

APPLY TODAY! sg.lsu.edu Applications are due Monday, Sept. 19th in the SG Office (150 Union) Interested in being a part of Students on Target?

Visit sg.lsu.edu for information on getting involved!

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The Daily Reveille

Wednesday, September 14, 2011