Volume XCVII, Number 10
February 14, 2020
Worcester, Massachusetts
Former Pentagon Official Talks U.S. Counterterrorism Policy
Inside The Spire
News.......................1 Opinions.................4 Features..................7 Eggplant.................9 Sports.....................10
Davey Sullivan ‘22 News Editor On Monday, Feb. 10, The Alexander Hamilton Society at the College of Holy Cross hosted a talk by Dr. Michael Rubin, PhD titled “U.S. Counterterrorism Policy in the Middle East: How Much Engagement is Necessary?” in Rehm Library. Dr. Michael Rubin is currently a Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, a public policy think tank headquartered in Washington, DC. Previous to this experience, Dr. Rubin worked at the Pentagon in the office of the Secretary of Defense, as well as working at many universities both in the U.S. and in the Middle East. Dr. Rubin spoke on many points about the nature of terrorism not only in the Middle East, but globally. One of the major issues that is faced on the global stage is that there is no globally accepted definition of terrorism. Many states decree that terrorism is bad, unless it is done under circumstances that the state happens to agree with. This poses a challenge of erradicating global terrorism when there is discord about what it means. Dr. Rubin asserted that a potential solution for this issue is for the U.S. to give counterterrorism assistance to countries only when a definition that the U.S. sets is agreed to.
SGA Puts on Sexual Respect Awareness Week Page 3 Photo by Kim Fetherston ’22
Dr. Rubin delivers his lecture in Rehm Library
Additionally, Dr. Rubin noted that there is another problem with dealing with terrorism on the global stage. He said that there are two ways of assessing terrorism: terrorism in grievance and terrorism for idelogy. They are very different and call for differing ways of dealing with them. Dealing with grievances is simpler; dealing with radicalized ideologies is difficult when the Qur’an is followed too literally, for example.
Following the talk, Dr. Rubin took questions from the audience. The questions ranged from the ethical use of drones, to the U.S. Policy with Turkey, to the different ways that the Qur’an is interpreted. Dr. Rubin himself commented to The Spire about the major takeaway from his talk: “Only a fool thinks there is a magic formula that will resolve all the problems in the world, and therefore,
when you look at any of these intractable problems, don’t let anyone tell you that you’re wrong, because if there were solutions to these problems they would have been found. Rather, when you consider when it’s in Congress, whether it’s in the State Department, whether it’s in the intelligence community, many of the people making decisions and
On January 25th, College of the Holy Cross alum, Judge Edward F. Harrington, was honored with the distinguished Edward Bennett Williams ‘41 Lifetime Achievement Award for his “service to the legal profession and devotion to the College.” While at Holy Cross, Judge Harrington was a member of the Navy ROTC and graduated with honors in 1955. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the United States Navy and he later went on to soar at Boston College Law School. The Holy Cross Legal Association (HCLA) praised Judge Harrington’s prominent legal career which spans over half a century. As a trial attorney for the United States Department of Justice, he was a member of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy’s “Hoffa Squad” which investigated the Teamsters Union. He was also part of Ken-
nedy’s handpicked team of attorneys protecting the civil rights workers in Mississippi. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter appointed him U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts where he battled corruption. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan nominated him for the United States District Court for Massachusetts where he served until he retired in 2013. At the luncheon, I was able to meet Judge Harrington and learn about his professional and personal accomplishments from his colleagues, family, and friends. One of his law clerks from the1990s, Attorney Gerry D’Ambrosio emphatically stated to me that “he is a lion of the bar and he is a fantastic mentor while being a great leader and wonderful person.” Attorney Tricia Murray shared, “I’d like to point to his profiles in political courage. Whether it was refusing to handle criminal cases once he determined that the sentencing guidelines really took the role of the judiciary away,
Page 4
See LECTURE, page 3
Judge Edward F. Harrington ‘55 Given Lifetime Achievement Award Alex DiBlasi ‘23 Staff Writer
Female Empowerment in the Superbowl Halftime Show
he has always chosen the hard right over the easy road.” Judge Edward F. Harrington’s prestigious legal career and life of civil service champion Holy Cross’ mantra, “men and women for others.” He told me that he “received not only a great education at the College of the Holy Cross, but a firm intellectual foundation.” Judge Harrington shared fond memories of his years on “The Hill” and was humbled with his recognition from the HCLA.
Peter A. Moriarty’s “Warm Room” Page 7
Valentine’s Day Tips from Father Boroughs Page 9
Imagining if Holy Cross Joined the Big East Page 10 Photo Courtesy of Holy Cross
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The Spire
NEWS
February 14, 2020
Student Government Association Senate Segment THIS WEEK IN THE SGA SENATE: Sub-Committee Updates
Bills
Intellectual Life updated us on establishing the Leadership Certificate and has met with Professors. The SBC gave an update on which clubs were granted money to during the past week. Internal Affairs has been planning a pizza party for the Senate. Public Affairs has been promoting the Spot-A-Senator initiative on Instagram. Worcester SGA introduced us to a survey that is collecting experiences from students at Worcester colleges. The link to the survey is http://worcestersga.org/survey and is also in the bio of our Instagram @ hcsenate. Participants will be entered to win prizes!
Two bills were passed this week. The first bill redefined the Cabinet Internship Program and the responsibilities and positions of the interns. The second bill reviewed a previous bylaw that required Senators to propose two bills a semester and instead revised it to proposing one bill a term.
Speaker Update The Unity Week speaker has been announced as Tarana Burke. The date for the talk is to be determined.
INSTITUTE CHANGE
Sarah Cooper ’23 is the Public Affairs Clerk for the Senate. Check back weekly for more Senate-specific updates and initiatives to make student life easier on the Hill. CONTACT US: www.facebook.com/HCSenate Instagram: @sga_hcsenate sgasenate@g.holycross.edu
Snapshots From the Hill
Photo by Valentina Moran ‘23 Students attend a Psychology alumni panel.
Therapy dog Keeva makes her weekly visit to campus.
Photo by Hui Li ‘21 Before “Cabaret,” students grab a bite to eat in Loyola.
Photo by Hui Li ‘21
Photo by Kim Fetherston ‘22 A Senior English major participates inThe Purple’s Annual Valentine’s Poetry Reading on Smith Bridge. The Spire student newspaper College of the Holy Cross Published weekly since 1925
The Spire is a non-profit, non-partisan student publication of the College of the Holy Cross. The Spire is distributed free of charge to all students, faculty, staff, and employees of the institution.
Jackie Cannon, Billy Fitzpatrick Editors-in-Chief Ethan Bachand, Jocelyn Buggy, Davey Sullivan News Editors Olivia Pan, Maggie Connolly, Ryen Cinski, Julia Maher, Grace Manning Opinions Eds. Kelly Gallagher, Grace Bromage, Bridget Flaherty, Nicole Letendre, Clarabel Smith Features Editors Greg Hausler, Matt Anderson, Hannah Johnson, Mario Micallef Eggplant Editors Bobby Tuzzio, Luke Anthony, Charlie Krumsiek Sports Editors Hope Goodman, Olivia Cesarini, Kennedy Corrado, Bridgie English, Anna Morris Copy Editors Kim Fetherston, Hui Li Chief Photographers Olivia Cesarini, Mary-Kate Cunningham, Bianca Miccolis Web Editors Caroline Manganaro, Cassie Smith Social Media Managers Professor Steve Vineberg Faculty Advisor Dean Brenda Hounsell Sullivan Staff Advisor
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The Spire
NEWS
February 14, 2020
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Student Government Associations Puts on Sexual Respect Awareness Week
Ethan Bachand ‘22 Chief News Editor Throughout the days of Feb. 10-14, the Student Government Association put on Sexual Respect Awareness Week in order to better educate the College of the Holy Cross community. By encompassing a wide variety of events each day, the SGA hopes to start a conservation with students about a difficult topic while also cultivating an attitude of respect. The first event of the week, on Feb. 10, was a seminar style talk led by Jody Shipper, entitled: “Let’s Talk About Consent.” Taking place on the fifth floor of Hogan, students engaged in a discussion that looked in depth at what consent truly is. Speaking to The Spire about her talk, Ms. Shipper stated, “I think I’m really hoping that we can understand that consent is nuanced and can be difficult to navigate. At the same time, that’s no excuse for not going through the effort to ensure that you have consent. I’m hoping we could all bring a little more attention to it so that we can collectively get better at making sure that there is a mutual understanding.” Adding on to her statement, Ms. Shipper spoke about Sexual Respect Awareness Week in general, saying “I
Photo by Madeleine Beaton ‘23
think it’s fantastic. I work with lots of schools around the country, and whenever students get involved it’s a plus for the entire community, even if a small subsection of students are the ones who are involved and learning, they can become ambassadors to the larger community.”
What’s Happening on Mount St. James? Check out this spot each week for a schedule of upcoming events that you won’t want to miss! Monday, Feb. 17 : College Choir Fundraising Bake Sale Monday, Feb. 17 : Thea Riofrancos talk in Rehm Library at 7p.m. about a Green New Deal for Climate Safety and Social Justice Tuesday, Feb 18: Emma Powell ‘20 delives the Vannicelli Lecture at 4p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18: SGA Elections- Meet the Candidates
Ms. Shipper has extensive experience in the field, working beyond just the scope of college sexual consent policy. As she put it, “I’ve been working in this field for about twenty years, before it was chic. I am currently working with schools, large and small, around the country. Policies,
From LECTURE, page 1 grappling with this are in their 20s, so Holy Cross students should join the debate by writing, by arguing, or by eventually joining government think tanks or other academic institutions. It would be sad if students felt that they couldn’t have their voices heard and therefore they didn’t try.” Dr. Clayton Cleveland, Assistant Professor of Political Science here at Holy Cross was in attendance at the talk. He commented to the Spire, “Holy Cross students should take
procedures, not just sex and gender issues but race, religion, and all of that. I do spend a lot of time on these issues helping school communities get smarter in the ways we address those issues.” Following that event was “Dialogue for Healing: Addressing Sexual Re-
away that countering terrorism and promoting the national interest involves understanding a complicated set of interrelated problems. Dr. Rubin showed us that there is not a magical silver bullet that can solve the problem of terrorism and that complicated problems require nuanced solutions. This suggests that Holy Cross students should read widely, discuss current and historical events and contexts with lots of people and prepare for the challenges facing our country by examining multiple approaches to the role of the U.S. involvement with the rest of
spect in Our Community”. Instead of a guest speaker, however, the event was moderated by the Chaplin’s Office as well as the Counseling Center. SGA Chief of Staff Delaney Wells ’20 spoke to The Spire prior to the event about how the whole week came together, saying, “We’re really excited to have been able to reach out to all sorts of groups on campus, reaching out to student organizations such as Pax Christi, the Relationship Peer Educators, all grade levels, as well as specifically Student Government. We’re excited to get a mix from all areas of this school.” Student Government Co-President Christian Realbuto ‘20 was also at the event, commenting in reference to Sexual Respect Awareness Week, “We felt like it was a salient issue on campus, in the same fashion that there is awareness around safe drinking, we’re looking to promote sexual respect. We want to build a respectful culture, so we are hoping this is a way to raise awareness and kind of spread the word.” The week also included the annual “Vagina Monologues,” preformed on Wednesday and Thursday, and the Valentine’s Day Breakfast, which is today.
the world.” The Alexander Hamilton Society is a non-partisan student organization that promotes foreign policy initiatives through promoting events and discussion on campus. Katie Romaine, Chapter Secretary of the Alexander Hamilton Society at Holy Cross, commented to the Spire that the Alexander Hamilton Society will be having another speaker on campus later this semester.
Public Safety Blotter ~Eggplant Eddition~ Saturday, February 8th Off-campus:Despite the light snow that had occurred days earlier, the Holy Cross Public Safety Department prepared for rigid temperatures. One officer compared the conditions to that of Aspen, Colorado. Students were advised to dress appropriately, but were encouraged to go outside Sunday, February 9th Alumni Hall: Around 5a.m., an officer was making early morning round only to discover a man standing outside his dorm in just his underwear. After standing outside for five minutes, the man walked back inside without a word. Monday, February 10th Healy Hall: Public Safety was called to a dorm in Healy early in the morning. After knocking on the door, it was discovered that the student who answered the door had called so the officers could be his alarm clock. Somehow, he still missed his class. Thursday, February 13th The Hoval: Two squads of officers quarantined the Hoval, as it started to show green grass. Reports say that snow is being brought in by truck to cover the area, and such deliveries will continue deep into March.
4 The Spire
Opinions
OPINIONS
February 14, 2020
See What Other Students Are Thinking Around Campus...
The Death of Kobe Bryant: Heroics vs. Talent Olivia Pan ‘20 Chief Opinions Editor On January 26, 2020, basketball legend Kobe Bryant passed away in a helicopter accident along with his thirteen year old daughter, Gianna, and seven other individuals who were also on board at the time. All nine individuals were travelling to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks. In recent days, the only major coverage of this tragic accident has revolved around the deaths of Kobe Bryant and his daughter. However, we rarely heard about the seven other individuals who lost their lives that day. In fact, they’re barely mentioned or discussed, as their deaths are so overshadowed by the mega celebrity status that was attached to merely one of the individuals on board. The truth is, Kobe Bryant was not the only person who lost his life that day, and we shouldn’t forget that. Additionally, this helicopter was given special clearance to fly that day, even though weather conditions proved treacherous. I think we all know that this helicopter was given the special allowance to fly, because of the celebrity who was on board. And of course, there has been controversy over even the slightest mentioning of the 2003 rape allegation Bryant faced and was arrested for. The criminal charges were later
dropped after the accuser declined to testify in court, and. Bryant later settled with the accuser, after the accuser filed a civil lawsuit against him. CBS broadcaster, Gayle King, is now
receiving backlash and death threats for posing an educated and honest question within the context of a lengthy and deeply layered interview, is preposterous and deeply troubling.
It does not make him a hero, saint, or above reproach. For a respected journalist such as Gayle King to ask an intelligent question about the man’s legacy, with regard to serious criminal
Photo Courtesy of NBC News
Kobe Bryant passed away along with seven others on January 26, 2020.
receiving death threats, after a brief clip of an interview she recently conducted with former WNBA player Lisa Leslie was posted online. In this clip, King asks Leslie about the rape allegation. The fact that King is now
Kobe Bryant was an extremely talented athlete, and lived a public life which afforded him many perks of fame, not limited to people’s worship of him. The fact that he died an untimely death at a young age is tragic.
charges in his past, is simply her doing her job. The fact that she asked the question is not troubling. What is troubling is the fanatic, celebrityworshiping mania that results in her getting death threats, and the fact that
people choose to blindly worship an athlete, albeit a very famous athlete. This indicates that something is very amiss in our culture. The truth of the matter is that most of us do not know what kind of person Kobe Bryant was, and we should not shut our minds to events that could possibly tarnish his sports legacy. That is not the kind of mindset I want to hold. I have never been one to worship celebrities, as I like to look for my heroes a little closer to home. Too many people in this KardashianJenner obsessed, pro-sports, movie star, and often vapid culture, attribute all manner of heroics to famous people who are just people, as talented or famous as they might be. I don’t negate that Kobe Bryant was a talented athlete, family man, and a good father by many accounts. However, athletic ability does not make you a hero, just as beauty, acting ability, or money doesn’t either. If you need a hero, look around your community, your family, and your own little corner of the world. I assure you that you know some. Some of us, if we are lucky and self- aware, know many heroes. They may not be as glamorous or wellknown or as good looking as celebrities, but they are heroes nonetheless.
Female Empowerment in the Superbowl Halftime Show Ryen Cinski ‘22 Opinions Editor After every Super Bowl halftime show, I go online to see what people are tweeting about the performance. When I clicked search and saw a sea of negativity, I was extremely irritated and honestly baffled. One of the first tweets that I saw underneath the #SuperBowlHalftimeShow was a tweet from TheCyberChick that read, “How did sexually-inappropriate displays of stripping and pole dancing, grinding in barely-there leather chaps & rhinestone thong bodysuit & shaking your all-too-bare-sweaty booty become about ‘female empowerment’ for young children?” My first piece of advice to her would be to take the obnoxious and dated term “chick” out of her username, then try again. After that’s been completed, I would advise her to identify why she really has an issue with the halftime show. Was it the two beautiful, hardworking women demonstrating their immense and vast talents? Was it the fact that Cyber Chick could never even dream of pole dancing as well as J Lo? Was it the diversity? Maybe even the important political message denouncing her favorite president who shamelessly called a woman a
“fat pig” and has allowed for the torture of children at the border? Was it the sheer force of the realization that every woman on that stage was better
support a man who thinks that it’s okay to “grab ‘em by the pussy.” Female empowerment is being comfortable in your own skin and unafraid
amount of strength, talent, and determination). J Lo and Shakira have earned their place. They are talented, confident, beautiful women who
Photo courtesy of Rawstory.com
J Lo and Shakira’s performance at this year’s Superbowl Halftime Show sparked controversy.
than her? I’m not quite sure how accurate this woman’s idea of “female empowerment” is if she can put down these women for their talent but openly
to display your talents, whether they be your kickass singing voice or the hours of training that go into learning how to work a pole (something that is an art form that requires an extreme
went out on that stage and did their job. Cyber Chick is just one of many who had negative things to say about the performance. There are actu-
ally individuals threatening to sue the NFL halftime show. Imagine getting so excited over J Lo and Shakira that you try to milk $867 trillion out of the NFL. My questions to those who were so offended by the show: Are you incapable of averting your gaze, of changing the channel, turning the TV off? If you don’t want your kids to see history being made by two amazing women, then send them outside. Maybe they can pretend that they are the players on the field during the game. Maybe they’ll develop CTE if they’re lucky. If men violently pummeling each other before the eyes of adults and children alike is one of the most popular events of the year, then what is so bad about some women singing and dancing? Those who were so offended need to grow up, and if they can’t, they should learn how to use their TV remotes. Sexism is dying. There is no place for it anymore. Therefore, I advise everyone to appreciate the hard work, talent, and thought that went into the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show.
The Spire
OPINIONS
February 14, 2019
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Stop Pretending that Grading Students is Harmful Brendan Murphy ‘23 Staff Writer The long-popular campaign to eliminate grades from American schools seems to have gained even more traction in the last few years, championed primarily by vocal teachers like the University of Mary Washington’s Jesse Stommel, who argues in his articles Why I Don’t Grade and How to Ungrade that America’s grading process is a “hierarchical system that pits teachers against students and encourages competition by ranking students against one another.” He goes on to recommend that teachers who find grading tedious should simply give it up, and he also places extraordinary faith in the idea that students—even younger ones—are naturally inclined to work hard for the sake of learning itself. This idea that our children possess a natural inclination towards intel-
lectual rigor is one that I find to be particularly harmful—an idea that, if widely used to implement educational reform, could create a generation of children who never learn how to work hard on unpleasant tasks. It would be wonderful if students, especially in the trying years of middle and high school, were so enthralled by their schoolwork that they required no additional motivation beyond love of knowledge to keep them coming to class and paying attention to their teachers. Imagine a world in which sixteen year-olds were so enraptured by the graphs and functions of their pre-calculus classes that they pored over their textbooks in their free time, aching for a better understanding of this newly-discovered discipline. We’d be saved! There would be no more need for homework, tests, or grades. Heck, we might as well chuck the teacher out as well. The children would simply devour the necessary
textbooks themselves and practice the inside problems until they’d mastered the subject all on their own, powered by their own thirst for knowledge. In this world, grading is indeed the crushing ball-and-chain that teachers like Jesse purport it to be, and freeing the precocious teens would allow them to pursue their studies unimpeded. Unfortunately, it does not seem as if this alternate reality in which youngsters are naturally inclined to work hard on unpleasant tasks has any chance of becoming a reality. It boils down to this: it seems that children need (real) consequences to motivate them to do things that are not immediately satisfying or engaging, like schoolwork. When sharing this idea, I am often hit with the response, “Well, what about sports? Kids will spend hours kicking a soccer ball into a net without being forced.” This, however, is an entirely different scenario due to one simple fact: kicking a soccer ball
into a net provides an instant hit of satisfaction and adrenaline that solving a complex math problem will not provide for most young kids. In other words, kids have fun playing soccer. They do not (in the vast majority of cases) have fun doing math, a fact that is unlikely to be changed by any amount of friendly encouragement. Just to clarify, it seems obvious that love of learning is a real thing, and many exceptional students are driven in part by this factor. However, from my experience, this ‘love of learning’ is usually fostered toward the end of high school or the beginning of one’s college career. There are very few seventh graders who love doing their schoolwork, even for one subject. It seems then that in order for this passion to be properly cultivated, younger children need to be forced to work on subjects that are simply not enjoyable for them until they grow accustomed to working hard and slowly realize for
themselves the value of what they’re being taught. And no, we won’t do any favors by allowing our children to only study courses about which they are already naturally passionate. There are many (dare I say) “duller” subjects, such as economics or history, in which a basic understanding can provide for a child a valuable trove of skills and knowledge to help them navigate the world ahead of them—skills they miss out on when, given a choice, they inevitably pick a more attractive course. In a world that is increasingly filled with helicopter parents and participation trophies, the tough consequences provided by grading are an invaluable piece of the process in which naturally self-indulgent children develop into functioning, hard-working, confident adults who can, in turn, continue to move our society forward.
Racism Today: The Rise of Xenophobia during the Coronavirus and Climate Crises Grace Manning ‘21 Opinions Editor In 21st century America, there is a common misconception that racism and xenophobia are issues that don’t exist anymore or that they aren’t topics so prevalent that they should be discussed on a large scale. However, the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus tells us otherwise. Articles published in newspapers in France are entitled “New Yellow Peril?”, restaurants are posting signs in their windows urging Asian people to go somewhere else to eat, and Chinese university students are feeling targeted and mistreated. This behavior is sparked by a widespread panic
and, I would argue, an extremely self-absorbed one. Relative to the rest of the world, Americans are the most equipped to be able to deal with an outbreak like this one. The number of cases in the U.S. has been small, and the areas where the illness is the most concentrated are in China. I think for the most part, while we might argue that we are interested in helping stop a worldwide catastrophe, most of our concern lies within our own borders and within our own personal circles. Countries on the African continent, however, have real reason for concern. Should the Coronavirus break out in one of these countries and spread quickly, the healthcare systems would be able to do little to stop it devastat-
ing populations. But the Coronavirus has been used by some as an excuse to exclude and discriminate against Chinese people, proving that racism is very much still present in our society. Another recent example of such blatant racism is shown in a photo of four young, white climate activists who were attending the World Economic Conference in Switzerland. The photo was cropped by news agencies to exclude Vanessa Nakate, a Ugandan climate change activist. She, naturally, was shocked and hurt by the attempts to “erase a continent,” as she put it in an Instagram post. She believes that this was an example of how the media and the world tend to give African activists the back seat during important events,
even though the continent suffers the worst from climate change. While producing only 3% of total world carbon emissions, Africa suffers over 90% of the consequences of climate change and these consequences are very real, very visible, and can be utterly devastating. Nakate wishes to bring to light some of the issues surrounding attempts to muffle African activist voices and to discuss the question of racism as it pertains to the climate crisis. As for the Coronavirus, the question is, why are we, as a society, so quick to place blame on and to ostracize a country or a people for an illness that is far beyond anyone’s control? I would argue that the answer is a selfserving one. We are concerned for our
own well-being in a pandemic situation, and by targeting a group of people and holding them fully responsible, we can feel safer in our own society. But this is an extremely dangerous and utterly incorrect way of looking at the world. It encourages xenophobia and racism which is then excused as being a normal reaction to a crisis like the Coronavirus. Chinese children are being bullied in school, shunned in public, discriminated against, and even targeted because of their origins. All of this because the media is spinning stories that create fear and panic and that encourage xenophobia, when the facts of the situation are often ignored.
The Iowa Aftermath Maggie Connolly ‘21 Opinions Editor Last week, Democrats and Republicans alike across the nation put themselves to bed unsure of who had clinched the victory in the first democratic primary of 2020. The much-anticipated Iowa caucus had a glitch in the system, and no one really knows what to make of it. The caucus used a new app, developed by Shadow Inc., a newer company headed by people who worked on the Clinton campaign in 2016. According to the New York Times, their previous work was, “Marked by a string of failures, including a near bankruptcy.” The app was also not used with the greatest confidence. According to a CNN piece released reporting
on what happened the night of the caucus, some precinct captains realized a few days before the caucus that the app wasn’t working correctly. Likewise, people were complaining to their county party leadership. There was a general consensus of slight fear or worries about the app’s success in counting the votes. The Democrats pushed to use the app for many reasons. Partially, I think they wanted to make voting easier, but there was also a push to digitize the process more and gain a media presence that the Republican Party and the Trump campaign seem to have a monopoly of sorts on. To the best of our knowledge, it looks like, despite all errors and mishaps, former Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg, has won Iowa. He leads the race with 14 national del-
egates, Senator Bernie Sanders following him with 12 delegates. Both candidates have since called for a recanvass of certain areas in Iowa. Although it may not change the results, as quoted in a piece by POLITICO, Sanders said that a recanvass is a, “Necessary part of making sure Iowans can trust the final results of the caucus.” So, what does this all mean? A flop of a new app (such a flop that Nevada, another early state that caucuses, is no longer going to use the application to calculate results) and an underdog victory? I mean, I sure didn’t think Mayor Pete was going to come out on top. In many polls, Buttigieg was headed for a solid third place. For months, he has been ridiculed for not reaching the black vote, not having enough experience in national politics, and taking donations from billionaires.
Wine cellar anyone? These are just a few of the many qualms’ voters, especially young voters, have with Buttigieg and his campaign for president. Don’t get me wrong, I’m just as critical of Pete as many other young voters are. Maybe I have a little bit of a soft spot for him because he’s a Hoosier (that means Indiana-native for all of you New Englanders out there) or maybe it’s because my middle-aged, white mother has brainwashed me with her Pete obsession, but there is, unarguably, a spark there. For so long, people have been talking about Biden’s electability. He has the name-recognition, minority voters, and a moderate platform. But maybe we should’ve been talking about another more moderate candidate’s electability. Granted, Iowa isn’t the most cred-
ible source. As I said in my article last week, the state is not a proper representation of the nation or Democrats. Pete does have a good reputation with the Iowa demographic, so maybe these Iowa results mean nothing. Maybe Sanders and Biden are, in fact, the two front-runners for the campaign. Maybe the two old, white men are going to battle for the oval office… again. Yawn. Besides, how much faith will people have in a candidate who won with possibly faulty results? Is this win a real win for Pete, or just a slight confidence booster in an ultimately doomed campaign? I don’t have all the answers, but I do have a feeling Mayor Pete is going to keep defying the odds, regardless if it’s on the campaign trail or elsewhere.
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The Spire
OPINIONS
February 14, 2020
The Great American Setback Kate McCarthy ‘23 Guest Writer President Thomas Jefferson never gave a State of the Union address to Congress. He wrote the address but had it delivered to Congress via a clerk, starting a tradition that would last more than one hundred years, ending with Woodrow Wilson addressing Congress in-person in 1913. Jefferson believed that delivering the speech was unnecessarily time-consuming and did not give legislators ample time to prepare a response. Many of his fellow party members viewed the president delivering the address as the mirror image of a speech from the throne, in which the monarch addresses the legislature at the opening of parliament. When President Donald Trump gave his State of the Union address, he ascended to his demagogic throne and legislators had no problem responding in the moment, without time to prepare. At the State of the Union, tensions were high as the final vote of the trial on impeachment and removal from office was the following day. In accordance with tradition, President Trump handed Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi copies of his speech, and when Pelosi extended her arm for a hand shake, Trump ignored her gesture. This rejection of bipartisanship and refusal to act rationally towards a member of the federal government proceeds an administration typical of such behavior and foreshadowed the entire address. This was confirmed by Speaker Pelosi’s smile and shrug after the handshake was denied, as she did not seem surprised by the President’s actions. Before President Trump began to speak, chanting from the Republican members of Congress made it seem more like a MAGA rally than a dignified tradition between the president and Congress. “Four more years! Four more years!” was heard not only by the Democratic members of Congress shaking their heads, but by all Americans tuning in, many of whom either felt enchanted or invigorated by the
repetition of those three words. The president started by saying, “Three years ago, we launched the great American comeback,” a statement designed to tee-up a series of claims of economic success, defense of the health care system, strides on illegal immigration, the border wall, and renewal of American “values.” The president boasted about record numbers in job and income growth, the unemployment rate, a strong military, and that the country is “highly respected again.” However, a closer look at the facts reveal that the “great American comeback,” in reality, is the great American setback. Stating America is once again highly respected is a dubious claim, as it was only two months prior when world leaders such as Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau, French President Macron, Netherlands Prime Minister Rutte, British Prime Minister Johnson, and Princess Anne were filmed mocking Trump’s behavior. The president said that his administration ended “years of economic decay,” meanwhile the economy had actually been growing steadily for years before he took office. Trump also said that the economy is “the best it has ever been,” with a gross domestic product growth of 2.3 percent. However, according to factcheck.org, a project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, inflationadjusted GDP grew 2.9 percent in 2015, 3.8 percent in 2004, and 3.5 percent in 2005. On job growth under his administration, Trump declared, “since my election, we have created 7 million new jobs” and that the “years of economic decay are over.” However, in the 35 months before he took office, nearly 8 million jobs were added; the rate of job growth has slowed under the Trump Administration. At the end of January, Trump signed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement, which he estimates “will create nearly 100,000 new highpaying American auto jobs,” while the U.S. International Trade Commission says it will be closer to 28,000 jobs over five years. Boasting that over one-
hundred miles of the border wall have been completed, Trump did not mention that ninety-nine of these miles consisted of replacing existing barriers—only one mile of new border wall extending the border wall’s length was built. Trump has been a strong supporter of Republican efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act, which is why it came as a surprise to many when he said, “I’ve also made an ironclad pledge to American families: We will always protect patients with pre-existing conditions.” Proposed Republican health plans, if adopted, would have charged those with preexisting conditions higher premiums. In the energy sector, Trump also claimed major gains: “The United States has become the number one producer of oil and natural gas anywhere in the world, by far,” and credits this feat to “our bold regulatory reduction campaign.” However, the United States has been the top producer of natural gas since 2009 and petroleum production in 2013, both of which were well before Trump was elected. Seeing as many of these “facts” presented by the President are misleading, it still does not account for all of what makes the acclaimed “American comeback” the American setback. The president proclaimed, “The state of our union is stronger than ever before,” however, the down-themiddle split between those standing and cheering and those sitting down and shaking their heads says otherwise. Echoes of the president’s campaign talking points could be heard throughout the speech in lines such as, “Our job is to put America first,” and topics such as religious liberty and gun rights. The president promised to always protect Americans’ Second Amendment right to bear arms and expressed his devotion to defending religious liberty, such as the right to pray in public schools. Trump announced that the U.S. will join the One Trillion Trees Initiative, joining the government and private sector to plant trees around the world. However, this effort to help the environment seems to be cancelled out by his efforts
to deregulate the Environmental Protection Agency and roll back many Obama-era proposals. For the first time in history, the Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded during the State of the Union, with First Lady Melania Trump putting the highest civilian honor on conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh. The president justified giving the award to be “in recognition of all that you have done for our nation, the millions of people a day that you speak to and that you inspire, and all of the incredible work that you have done for charity.” The awarding of this medal to Limbaugh is a great source of controversy, as he is known to make sexist and racist remarks and spread conspiracies, such as the claim that President Barack Obama was not born in the U.S. For instance, Limbaugh has said that “feminism was established so as to allow unattractive women access to the mainstream of society, ” and when talking about the dangers of smoking: “That is a myth. That has been disproven at the World Health Organization and the report was suppressed. There is no fatality whatsoever.” The message sent to the American people by awarding Rush Limbaugh is in direct contrast to what Trump said during his speech about inclusivity: “We are…lifting our citizens of every race, color, religion and creed very, very high.” Contentions were especially high during discussion on prescription drug prices and bipartisanship. Trump stated, “I’m calling for bipartisan legislation that achieves the goal of dramatically lowering prescription drug prices. Get a bill on my desk, and I will sign it into law immediately.” House Democrats began holding up three fingers and chanting “H.R. 3! H.R. 3!” They were referring to the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which would require Medicare to negotiate for lower prices on life-saving medications. The bill was passed by the House back in December, and is now indefinitely waiting for Senate approval. Although most of the State of the Union consisted of Republicans
standing and cheering and Democrats sitting unamused, there were points of unity in which both sides expressed support. This includes Trump’s remarks on criminal justice reform, support of the Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó, recognition of Charles McGee, one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen from World War II, a newly signed law providing parents in the federal workforce paid family leave, a need to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure, and working towards ending America’s wars in the Middle East. With the closing remarks of the State of the Union came an unexpected response from Speaker Pelosi. Once the speech was finished and the crowd began to cheer, the Speaker began to tear up her copy of the President’s speech, section by section. The act has been called into question by many, but Speaker Pelosi defended her actions at a press conference, stating that Trump’s address reflected a “state of mind that had no contact with reality whatsoever,” and that she “tore up a manifesto of mistruths.” Following the State of the Union, the Democratic response was given by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer who emphasized how Democrats across the country have been fighting for hard working Americans, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats have passed a “landmark bill on equal pay” that will increase the minimum wage, and legislation will give Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices, all of which are “gathering dust on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s desk.” In response to not only the State of the Union, but also the impeachment trial that was at the time still pending, Whitmer said something that all Americans should heed in order to create a true American comeback: “The truth matters. Facts matter. And no one should be above the law…Listen to what people say, but watch what they do.”
Menstrual Equity and Awareness on College Campuses Julia Maher ‘23 Opinions Editor Once as I was waiting in line for the restroom in Stein Hall, I saw a sticker on the tampon and pad dispenser that said in bold red letters, “Cura Personalis. Period.” I was confused by its meaning, so I decided to research the phrase. I found out that Holy Cross implemented a two-year pilot of the Cura Personalis. Period. Initiative during the fall semester of 2018. A committee of Holy Cross students, in collaboration with Facilities and the Office of Finance, decided to provide free menstrual products, like tampons and pads, in women’s
and gender-inclusive restrooms among all of the academic buildings. In a previous article written by the Student Government Association (SGA) for The Spire, the students stated that, “We have titled the initiative Cura Personalis. Period. because as a Jesuit institution we are called to care for the entirety of each individual.” The article was published only in a print version, not online; therefore, the awareness of Cura Personalis. Period. was not spread as widely as possible, since many students prefer reading online. This is an especially relevant issue for students who cannot easily afford basic needs like menstrual products. If students in need are not aware of the free tampons
and pads, then they will not have access to them; therefore, they may have to jeopardize other basic needs to afford menstrual products. Even in the United States, 64 percent of low-income women in a large US city could not afford to purchase tampons or pads during one year, and 21 percent said they experienced this issue every month (Reuters: “Even in the U.S., poor women often can’t afford tampons, pads,” 2019). It is crucial that Holy Cross raises awareness and visibility of free tampons and pads on campus so that its students can thrive. In the same article, SGA expressed a desire to distribute free tampons and pads in all of the women’s and gender-inclusive restrooms on cam-
pus, including those in the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex and the residence halls. By the end of the initiative’s two-year pilot, the College should attempt to stock all of its restrooms, not only those in the academic buildings, with free menstrual products if the institution would truly like to affirm its Jesuit identity. Several other institutions in the US have adopted initiatives like Cura Personalis. Period., including Georgetown University, Swarthmore College, the University of Washington, Boston University, Brown University, and many others. If certain colleges and universities have the money and resources, then they should provide free menstrual products. Tampons
and pads are basic rights, and they should be stocked in restrooms, just like toilet paper, soap and water. Although some people view them as luxury items, they most certainly are not. Finally, Holy Cross should increase awareness and visibility of Cura Personalis. Period. so that the entirety of its community, especially first-year students and those in need, knows of its existence. As a Jesuit institution, we should not be ashamed of a program that strengthens our spiritual identity and improves the wellness of our community; rather, we should celebrate it as a blessing.
The Spire
FEATURES
February 14, 2020
7
Features
Best Foot Forward in Crusader Crusader of the Week: Classic Ballroom Competition
Christine McLaughlin ‘20 Favorite Kimball meal: Mac and cheese, and cucumbers Favorite Cool Beans Drink: The Pub Unsafe Latte (secret menu) Favorite spot on campus: The woods Favorite off-campus restaurant: Pizzeria Delight Guilty Pleasure: Watching hospital shows Some small things that make your day better: Rats. First thing you do when you wake up: Try to remember my dreams Photo courtesy of Christine McLaughlin Last thing you do before going to bed: I fall asleep at random, so Name: Christine McLaughlin Favorite place you have traveled Hometown: Queens, New York to: Paris Major: English Something you look forward to Campus Activities: ACT, The Purple when you go home: Going on advenmagazine, just generally Vibing tures with my friends Favorite Movie: Cats (2019) Post-Graduation Plans: Hopefully Favorite song: “The Void” by The grad school, generally writing and makRaincoats ing art Favorite singer/group: James Corden Favorite memory at HC: Using a ouija as Bustopher Jones in Cats (2019) board at a party with my friends Favorite color: Green Favorite sports team: The Mets, babey Favorite class taken at Holy Cross: Any Creative Writing class Item on HC Bucket List: Roller skate down Easy Street Bragging Rights: Won 5 awards for Midnight Theatre Words to live by: “You have nothing to lose but your chains”- Britney Spears One thing you would change at HC: I wish the campus were more politically engaged Favorite TV Show: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Favorite Book: Jesus’ Son by Denis Johnson, and All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks
Nicole Letendre ‘23 Features Editor In Hogan Ballroom on Saturday, Feb. 8, the 22nd Annual Crusader Classic, a college-wide ballroom competition, commenced bright and early at 8:00 a.m. and lasted until nearly 4:00 p.m. In addition to College of the Holy Cross participants, competitors travelled far and wide, from local colleges such as Clark University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, as well as Rhode Island College, University of Connecticut, and more. Hogan Ballroom was filled with dancing couples and supportive spectators. The energy and enthusiasm was undeniable as dancers put their best foot forward. Throughout the many rounds of dancing, individuals in the audience would supportively shout out the assigned numbers of couples, cheering them on. Dancers competed in their respective divisions, and when it came time for newcomers to compete, their levels of style and confidence were consistently impressive. During event 17, newcomers waltzed to a version of the song “When We Were Young” by Adele. Each dance of the waltz was elegant and smooth. Newcomers were wholeheartedly invested in the technique and fun of the competition. From there, they danced the tango followed by the foxtrot. In contrast to the waltz, their movements were sharper as they danced to the strong beats associated with the tango, and the foxtrot possessed a jazzy element. Though newcomers may have been unfamiliar with formal competition, they certainly held a high level of talent and dedication to this art. In the silver division, more ex-
perienced dancers Photo courtesy of Grace Bromage also reached an ex- Editors Kelly Gallagher (left) and Grace Bromage traordinary level of (right) partnered up for the Crusader Classic. achievement. During the competition, they Overall, the Ballroom Competidanced a smooth waltz, slowly and tion was a fantastic opportunity to surely, while couples were dressed in watch dancers give their all on the a range of beautiful dance costumes— dancefloor and for audience mempatterned, gemmed, and wonderfulbers to recognize their high level of ly unique. From there, they danced talent. From newcomers to highly the tango, elongating their moveexperienced competitors, everyments and creating a more upbeat atone appeared to have a fun time mosphere with the music and style. doing what they love. Holy Cross The foxtrot was cool, calm, and constudents Sydney Grosskopf ’20 and trolled. Their movements were fluid, Andrew Chin ‘23, received 1st place and they were clearly focused on in the Bronze American Cha Cha, their technique and form. The au2nd place in the Bronze Ameridience was encouraging of the comcan Rumba, and 2nd place in the petitors, as well as astounded by their Bronze American Swing. It was a abilities. In addition, they performed full day of dancing for participants, the Viennese waltz, a style of dance but I can imagine it was worth the that appeared fluid, yet it possessed experience gained, friends made, sharper, larger movements in which and lasting memories. For more inthe speed variated. They danced to formation, or to become a member the song “Always Remember You of the Ballroom Dance Team, conYoung” by Thomas Rhett, and the tact ballroomdance@g.holycross. ballroom was energized with supedu, or attend any of their practices portive audience members. Couples on Monday nights at 6:00 p.m. or performed stylistic spins and twirls, Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m., which creating a moving atmosphere that can be found at holycross.edu/holycaptivated onlookers. cross-ballroom-dance-team/lessons.
Beauty in the Natural and Man-Made: Peter A. Moriarty’s “Warm Room” Grace Bromage ‘23 Features Editor Surrounded by plants of all shapes and sizes and the fresh smell of flowers, greenhouses invoke a sense of peace. While the Cantor Art Gallery is not filled with the flora that a greenhouse is, black and white images of grandiose structures and lively plants fill the quiet room with the same sense of beauty and calm. These images are a part of Peter A. Moriarty’s “Warm Room” exhibit. Moriarty is a local Worcester resident. Having left the city to teach at Vermont State College and Trinity School in New York City, Moriarty has since returned to Worcester to be near his family. “Warm Room” is one of the creative projects he has had time to work on since retiring from teaching. Moriarty also works as a guest curator BigTown Gallery in Rochester, Vermont. In the 1990s, Moriarty visited Plant-
ers are of mosaics ing Fields, an arand the glass strucboretum in Long tures that hold the Island. During this flora. Changes in time, Moriarty had seasons and times been working with during which the people, taking phopictures were taken tographs of endurare illustrated by ance athletes and sunlight filtering meaningful possesthrough leaves and sions. In an email snow resting upon to The Spire, Moglass roofs. In these riarty wrote that, ways, Moriarty “beauty and frashows the contrast grance of the glass Photo by Jacob Bucci ‘21 between what is house represented a Visit Peter A. Moriarty’s exhibit “Warm Room” before it closes on Feb. 29 organic and what change in approach is man-made, what that was like workis light and what is ing in an open air the notable gardens included in Moristudio.” Moriarty enjoyed this change arty’s pictures are the Botanical Gar- dark. In addition to displaying pieces and the freedom it provided. This was dens of New York City, the Houston the beginning of “Warm Room”. Butterfly Room, the Royal Botanical from “Warm Room,” the Cantor Art “Warm Room” displays historical Garden, and the Kew Gardens of Eng- Gallery also exhibits pieces from Mogreenhouses and arboreta from around land. Despite all the pictures being riarty’s “Light Shed.” The subjects the world. Greenhouses and gardens taken in greenhouses, the subjects of of “Light Shed” are not magnificent from California, Texas, New York the pictures vary. Some photographs structures built by royal architects, City, and Paris are displayed. Some of are of flowers, palms, and trees. Oth- but rather small, working greenhouses
in unassuming locations. The name “Light Shed” is inspired by the Bauhaus art school and Laszlo MolohyNagy’s work with light. Moriarty says: “There is a simplicity and a purity about how light transforms these sites in a compelling way.” Other parts of Moriarty’s gallery were also inspired by this Bauhaus art form and what different materials such as wood, glass, and metal can create when paired with light. On what Moriarty hopes that people will take away from this gallery, he says: “I hope that viewers of Warm Room leave the Cantor Gallery with a heightened sense of nature and the importance of conserving this natural beauty.” Peter A. Moriarty’s “Warm Room” will be displayed in the Cantor Art Gallery until February 29. The gallery is open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from noon until 5:00 p.m. during the weekends.
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The Spire
FEATURES
February 14, 2020
Bridget’s Declassified Valentine’s Day Survival Guide Bridget Flaherty ‘21 Features Editor Well friends, it’s that time of year again: Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. We’re all taught to be wary of any Friday the 13th, but I think we can all agree that Friday, February 14th is one million percent more horrifying. If you, like me, are terrified of two-week-old couples who claim they love each other, keep reading for Bridget’s Declassified Valentine’s Day Survival Guide. First, there are plenty of activities available so don’t fret if you don’t have a significant other and a reservation at Via. Go see a movie. If you’re the jaded type, the cinema in Blackstone Valley is playing Fatal Attraction on Valentine’s Day Eve, which is hysterical and totally iconic. If you like nostalgic stories about friendship, life, and love, see Little Women. If you like sweaters, Knives Out is your jam. If you don’t want to leave your room, put on your favorite pair of pj’s and watch P.S. I
celebrate PALStill Love ENTINE’S You -- the DAY! (I am persequel to the sonally trying to brilliant film re-name this day To All the as Pal-entine’s Boys I Loved Day and it is goBefore, aka ing about as well the ship that as my attempts launched a to become an thousand Instagram InNoah Cenfluencer, which tineo fans. clearly isn’t goSide note: ing great considIs he canering I’m still in celled or are school and not my sources on a sponsored wrong? If trip to Bali.) Do he is canwhatever you celled, then Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific and your friends watch Cheer You don’t need the traditional trappings to feel the love this Valentine’s Day! love to do. Goson Netfsip, play board lix because games, make Tik that show transfer to Navarro College. If you see is fantastic. Trust me, after one epi- any bruises on my body, they’re from Toks, watch that one friend make Tik Toks alone after the rest of you refused sode, you’ll be trying to tumble in trying to mimic Navarro’s routine. your dorm room. After two, you’ll be If movies aren’t your thing, plan a to join in, try the stunts from Cheer, calling your Class Dean and asking to little get-together with friends and play Mario Kart, whatever makes you
happy. If you’re feeling hopeless, send in an application for The Bachelor/ette. Fair warning, the application is a bit lengthy and tedious. I, for one, was too lazy to take the TWENTY-EIGHT required pictures of myself and bowed out early on. Of course, should all this fail, you can always change your name, move to Mexico, buy a small bungalow on the water, waitress at a beachside bar, get super tan, drink lots of piña coladas, fall in love with a surfer, and live happily ever after.
Class of 2020 Celebrates 100 Days Ball Kelly Gallagher ‘22 Chief Features Editor The merry click of high heels joined the excited chatter rising through Smith Bridge and Hogan on the evening of Feb. 7 as seniors made their way to the third floor of Hogan, where they awaited transportation to the 100 Days Ball. Wearing their best cocktail dresses, suits, or sport coats, over 500 seniors gathered at the DCU Center to celebrate the occasion. As the name suggests, the dance marks 100 Days before graduation and is a long-standing Holy Cross tradition.
The 100 Days Ball was organized by Purple Key Society. PKS provided food, a talented DJ, and transportation to and from the Ball. The dance took place at the DCU center, where graduation will also be held in a few months. After weeks of preparation, several PKS members additionally volunteered their night to oversee the event, checking attendees’ coats and making sure everything ran smoothly at the DCU. PKS member Amanda Wilderman ‘22 shared that PKS hoped for the event to be an opportunity for seniors to “enjoy one of their final celebrations
together on the Hill and reflect on their time at Holy Cross while looking forward to graduation in a few short weeks.” When responding to a comment about the hard work that PKS put into running this event, Wilderman said: “We sure do, and we all love it because it helps to foster more connectedness in our Holy Cross community. We know that one day it will be our turn, and we hope that the annual events continue even after our time at Holy Cross comes to an end!”
All photos by Ricky Pabon ‘21
The Class of 2020 celebrated its 100 Days Ball, marking 100 days until graduation.
The Spire
EGGPLANT
February 14, 2020
9
The Eggplant
The Spire’s Satirical Page
Valentine’s Day Tips from Father Boroughs Matt Anderson ’21 Chief Eggplant Editor
3. 4.
Attached below is a copy of Father Boroughs’ Valentine’s Day email draft leaked to The Eggplant.
5.
Dear Members of the Campus Community, As we begin what feels like a particularly busy spring semester, I want to wish you and your classmates a joyous and holy Valentine’s Day. In light of this, and because I believe that the essential message of Valentine’s Day has been forgotten, I have decided to issue my “top tips” for how to celebrate the holiday in accordance with Catholic dogma: 1.
Premarital eye contact is a sin.
In an effort to return to an “authentic” Valentine’s Day, Father Boroughs gives his two cents.
2.
If you are even thinking about dancing, remember the essential Catholic school rule: to leave room for the Holy Spirit be-
It’s that time of year ladies, gentlemen, and first years. Love is in the air, valentines are being sent, and friends are sending dank Valentine’s Day memes to each other. Although the vast majority of us are going to be spending our Valentine’s Day with our significant others or in my case my Playstation, I thought it would be a nice time to spark a lovely Bleacher Report style power ranking of campus options for Woody Allen’s favorite holiday aside from Father’s Day. Per the advice of various romantic comedies, texts with my mom and advice from girls I’m friendzoned by I have estab-
lished an unabashed master list of campus options that not only include the dining option but the time of the meal needed to make this Valentine’s Day the best one yet at the College of THE Holy Cross. 1. Science Cafe: 12:50 PM First off, make sure your date Grubhubs her order because you don’t want to be waiting in that line. Second, order a sandwich with guacamole in it because if there’s one thing we can all agree on in 2020 it is anything having to do with avocado. Thirdly, don’t forget that water cups are an extra 25 cents, may not seem like a big deal but splurge and get that orange juice for $1.50. 2. Cool Beans 10:30 AM
Nocial Sorm Listen, I like breaking social norms as much as the next guy, but if we are meeting for the first time and you make no effort to share your social security number with me do not expect me to smile and do the head nod thing to you. Also, if we are eating sandwiches and you do not eat horizontally, you can not expect me to keep my appetite. By the way, if you share a pencil with me and I swiftly return it at the end of the semester, I’d welcome a smile to those teeth marks I left on it. Speaking of welcoming a smile, I provide nothing less when I see the barista has left room for cream even though they didn’t ask me if I wanted room for cream; forcing me to ask them to fill it up again because I didn’t pay $3.25 for 98% of the cup to be filled. There is no social norm that I enjoy more than that of changing seats every class throughout the semester so that my classmates are always guess-
8.
Crazy, Stupid, Kimball
Greg Hausler ‘20 Deposed Chief
Mario Micallef ’22 Eggplant Editor
6. 7.
tween you and your date. No really, stay at least a Bible length apart. Remember to stay hydrated and drink water. For breakfast, instead of something decadent, frivolous, and romantic, try one of my favorite depressing recipes, a St. Valentine’s Oatmeal Bake! Like Corn Flakes™, this recipe was designed to be so bland it will purge the body of any impure, sinful thoughts. To repent for your sins, try flagellation!* Instead of Lizzo, try listening to Saint Hildegard von Bingen, a preeminent medieval composer of sacred monophony. Remember, if you’re at the stage where you’re asking for consent, there’s someone you forgot to ask, the Lord Jesus Christ.
ing at where I’ll be sitting next. I look forward to Mondays when my friends ask me what my plans are for the next evening, “Aren’t you going out tomorrow? I have like one class anyway, being dizzy for Calculus 2 was all of my senior year of high school.” My best friend’s favorite norm to keep up with is dressing like a guy from a cologne commercial, donned with a soaking collard shirt, and a face exhibiting spite towards the actor who got the underwear gig. Personally, I find it quite hard to preserve the norm of refraining from tipping those who wait on me and giving money to those who need it for more heroin. Most people call me a ‘ people person’, and so I take great pride in reminding those that eating dinner at 4:30 is one of the most important social norms to follow, falling only second to going to bed at 7 o’clock sharp. Editor’s Note: All views and comments expressed in this article are endorsed by Mark Czerwinski.
Are you funny? Write for us. Email spire@g.holycross.edu.
What’s better and less stressful than a nice, little, coffee date? Plus, no one spends too much as we all are broke due to our college’s incredibly affordable $70,000 tuition. Best case scenario: date is going well and the conversation is flowing, order a breakfast sandwich from Cool Beans or call an audible and move to The Pub. 3. Crossroads Pub: 6:00 PM Limitless food options, a nice setting, and the chance of running into a professor all come with this 5 star option. My recommendation is to get all the finger food you can, I can’t think of any more attractive quality than watching someone try and consume a Super Steak and Cheese sub.
Valentine’s should be a time of sanctity, of virtue and of platonic love. Please take the time over the weekend to disconnect, to spend time with your loved ones (again, platonically). More importantly, however, it is a time to spend with God. This Sunday, therefore, make sure you come to St. Joseph’s. I’ll be waiting there for you (this is a threat). Sincerely, Philip L. Boroughs, S.J. President *For the purpose of publishing, this is a joke. The Eggplant— Holy Cross’ premier news outlet— does not in any way endorse flagellation or its associated practices. Nor will it issue an apology to anyone dumb enough to do it.
4. Chipotle/somewhere on Shrewsbury Street It’s 2020, we have Uber, Grubhub, Doordash, etc. Even if you don’t have a car on campus go somewhere. 5. Crossroads 11:30 PM The only place open for the late night hours if you hypothetically have a little bit too much of the Blood of Christ and are in need of some late night replenishment. Croads has everything to offer. Unhealthy food, intoxicated students, endless cutlery, and the chance to give a “whatsup” to the dude that sits next to you in class that you don’t talk to normally. It may be your last case scenario but something’s better than nothing.
The Magic of Study Abroad: “My Transformative Experience” Hannah Johnson ’21 Woke They say studying abroad is a life-changing experience. You become a “citizen of the world” as you embrace an entirely new culture, language, and way of life. Not many dare to take the plunge, but in order to take a peek behind this mystic veil, we at the Eggplant were lucky enough to score a brief interview with Hannah Johnson ‘21, currently the only Holy Cross student in Russia, who also happens to frequently write for the Eggplant, sometimes in character. So, of course, what we really wanted to know was, is what they say true? Are the majority of people who don’t study abroad missing out? I came to Hannah with this concern and she had this to say… “No, it’s absolutely true. Trust me, it’s the best thing to ever happen to me. I will admit to you that I was a bit of a skeptic at first… but I found that, before too long, [I was a] totally new--and better--person.” This idea intrigued me. I asked more, trying to find out why and how exactly studying abroad changed her into who she believes is a fully different person than who she was before she first left the States. “Oh, you don’t know?” she replied. And she leaned in close, as if divulging
a precious secret to me. “They also say that… every student who studies abroad has a single, powerful, life-changing moment, called… the transformative experience.” I was captivated at this point. After some further conversation and pleading on my part, I was finally able to get her to tell the story of her own transformative experience. I listened closely, wondering if I was about to get some insight into human nature, a glimpse at what it is about the world we live in that fundamentally shapes us as people. I’m sure you will be just as enlightened and delighted as I was, learning her story… “Okay, so… It was last semester, in the midst of wintertime, on a chilly evening. I was crunching along in my boots down Novoslobodskaya, the street I live on in central Moscow, walking back to my apartment for the night. Just kind of thinking to myself, you know? Spacing off. It’s a quiet evening, not really many people on these sidewalks. And I’m brought back to my senses and I pause my walking when there’s a dash of movement in front of me, across the snow. A rat had emerged from the gutter of a nearby alley… and he just kinda ran, in front of me, across the path, onto the street. And I just stopped, and I was watching him, you know? And he scurried about, onto the street… Thankfully there are no cars passing by at this mo-
ment, must have been a red light down the street… he, like, looks around a little, but before too long, he turns around, scurries back the way he came, back across the path, and runs back, into the gutter! And I just watched this, thinking, like… Wow, you know? I watched the rat run around, it really made me think. He went, like… onto the street, from the dark alley… and then back into the gutter… It was something.” Needless to say, I thanked her graciously for sharing this moving tale with me. I’m sure we can all learn a thing or two… And perhaps studying abroad might be worth a try, to better ourselves. Happy Chinese New Year 2020--year of the Rat.
How Slavic Rats Sit
10 The Spire
Sports Jack Milko ‘20 Staff Writer Every week for The Spire, I have had the pleasure of writing a weekly update on both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. The men play host to Lafayette this Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Hart Center while the women will travel to Easton, Penn., to take on the Leopards of Lafayette College. Instead of providing an in depth update this week, as I did just last week, I decided to go in a different direction; imagine if Holy Cross had accepted an invitation to join the Big East Conference. Before 1979, dozens of colleges in the northeast played as independents, which meant that they had no conference alignment and scheduled games against any opponent without any higher jurisdiction providing any structure. For instance, a team like Syracuse, who has always had a well-established program, would play against Georgetown on a Friday night; then, four days later, the Orange would host a Division II or Division III program just to fill the schedule up. The same applied to Holy Cross. Holy Cross would have games against Boston College, Providence, and Northeastern, but then also played the likes of WPI, Clark, and Assumption. Schools such as Kentucky, Duke, North Carolina, and UCLA did not have this problem as these “blue bloods” all had homes in their own respective conferences. Former Providence head coach Dave Gavitt, whose teams played Holy Cross frequently, spearheaded an effort to create a conference of Northeastern schools. Gavitt, along with Jim Boeheim at Syracuse, John Thompson at Georgetown, and Lou Carnesecca at St. John’s invited Boston College, Connecticut, Holy Cross, Rutgers, and Seton Hall to form a new conference in 1979. Holy Cross, to this point, had a very storied basketball history. George Kaftan, Bob Cousy, Joe Mullaney, Earle Markey, Togo Palazzi, and Tommy Heinsohn were all responsible for college basketball’s “Purple
SPORTS
February 14, 2020
Imagine if Holy Cross Played in the Big East Conference
Reign”: when little Holy Cross won the 1947 National Championship and the 1954 NIT. Of course, Cousy and Heinsohn went on to have tremendous success with the Boston Celtics, both members in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
the time, conferences were not as they are today; they could have offered distractions and potentially disparaged the College’s academic reputation. Thus, I write this piece not to criticize the decision, but to rather ask what if. In structuring the Big East, Gavitt
St. John’s has always played its marquee games at Madison Square Garden. The only exception to this prerequisite was Connecticut. However, UConn is a state school with public funding, a larger student body, and a large endowment. The university also
Photo courtesy of Mark Seliger/Holy Cross Athletics Had Holy Cross joined the Big East in 1979, the Crusaders might have developed a famous rivalry with Providence. Above, Pat Benzan ‘19 in a tight game against the Friars in November 2018.
Just before the Big East invited Holy Cross in 1979, Holy Cross actually defeated Providence twice during the Crusaders’ 1977 season. Holy Cross also made the NCAA Tournament that year; the Crusaders led topranked Michigan at halftime of their first game, but the Wolverines came back and ousted Holy Cross from the Big Dance. Needless to say, by the time 1979 rolled around, Holy Cross was quite relevant across the northeast basketball landscape. As we all know, Holy Cross declined the invitation to join the Big East, citing the College’s commitment to academic excellence. The administration prioritized academics over athletics, and who could blame them? Holy Cross is one of the best Catholic liberal arts colleges in the world. At
wanted each of the schools to play in a larger venue in a metropolitan city. Providence played in the Providence Civic Center – known today as the Dunkin’ Donuts Center – which still holds a crowd of over 12,000. Seton Hall, located in Newark, New Jersey, played in the Meadowlands Arena. Today they play in the Prudential Center in downtown Newark. Syracuse still plays in the Carrier Dome in downtown Syracuse. Although Boston College hosted games on campus, BC could have easily played some games in the Boston Garden. Georgetown has always played in the same arena as D.C.’s professional basketball team. At the time of the Big East’s inception, the Hoyas started off playing at the old Capitol Centre and now play at the Capitol One Arena.
built a new arena in 1990, which became the largest on-campus facility in New England. Hence, all of these schools had access to a large metropolitan area, large sums of money, and larger arenas. This now leaves us with Holy Cross, who could have hosted games at the Worcester Centrum. Now the DCU Center, the Crusaders still host some games there on occasion. The last such instance took place when Holy Cross hosted Rhode Island on Dec. 8, 2018. If they did end up joining the Big East, Holy Cross surely would have had to play more than half of its games at the DCU Center. Additionally, being in the second largest city in New England, I am certain that the Crusaders would sell out almost every game. With all of this now in mind, we
can only rely on our imagination. The 2019-2020 Crusaders, sitting with a 7-5 record in the Big East, and a 17-7 overall record, play host to No. 10 Seton Hall on Saturday. The game at the DCU Center is sold out, with over 12,000 tickets sold. A large majority of the student body of 3,100 plans on going to the game, a 6 p.m. tip-off. And oh, by the way, College GameDay will be in Worcester, too. It is a huge game as the Crusaders sit firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble. A win over the Pirates would probably put Holy Cross in the Big Dance as an atlarge team. After all, in the non-conference, Holy Cross defeated former Big East rivals Syracuse and UConn. Unfortunately for the Crusaders, those two basketball powerhouses are not having the seasons that they should have. Thus, those victories do not carry as much weight as they should have. Following the game against Seton Hall, Holy Cross travels down to Philadelphia to take on the No. 15 Villanova Wildcats. After their stop in the City of Brotherly Love, the Crusaders remain on the road to travel to Omaha, taking on fellow Jesuit school and No. 23-ranked Creighton. A tough three games are in front of Holy Cross; however, just one victory will pay huge dividends for its NCAA Tournament chances. If Holy Cross makes the Big Dance, this would be the third time in the last six years. The Crusaders won the Big East Tournament back in 2015, when Malcom Miller hit a 12-foot buzzer beater over Villanova’s Ryan Arcidiacono to secure Holy Cross’s first Big East title since 1992. Hopefully, the Crusaders can earn an at-large bid to the 2020 NCAA Tournament, along with four or five other Big East Teams. How does that sound? Crazy? Probably. But it’s less of a long shot than you would think, and it’s fascinating to think about where this program and this College - would be, had the Crusaders accepted that offer to join the Big East over 40 years ago.
Men’s and Women’s Track & Field Compete at URI Bobby Tuzzio ‘20 Chief Sports Editor On Saturday, Feb. 8, the men’s and women’s track and field teams traveled to the University of Rhode Island to compete at the URI Coaches Tribute. On the men’s side, sophomore TJ Duggan placed third in the pole vault, posting a mark of 4.35 meters. Junior Dan Dempsey cleared 1.86 meters to place seventh in the high jump. On the track, the men’s team put together some solid performances. First-year Kyle Vandermak placed ninth in the 3,000 meter run, clocking a time of 9:00.94. Sophomore JT Leland finished right behind Vandemark, placing tenth and running 9:02.35. The middle distance runners also posted strong performances. Firstyears Gray Nichols and Kyle Culley ran 2:01.09 and 2:01.21, respectively, in the 800 meter race. Their times put them at 11th and 12th in the meet. For the sprinters, sophomore John Gni-
Sophomore bus was 12th in Kelsey O’Hara the 500 meter placed first in run, running a the 500 metime of 1:09.77. ter run with a Senior Garrett time of 1:18.41. Fortin was 14th Junior Riemke in the prelims Bouvier was of the 60 meter sixth in the 500 dash in a time meter run in a of 7.34 seconds. time of 1:21.54. On the womJunior Hailey en’s side, there Mulville and were several sophomore solid perforSam Carroll mances across Photo courtesy of GoHolyCross.com finished in a tie the board. Sophomore TJ Duggan placed third in the pole vault, clearing 4.35 meters. First-year pole for sixth place vaulter Annie in the 400 Linberger won meter dash, in ters in the weight throw to place third. the pole vault, clearing an ECAC- Sophomore Meah Austin was seventh which they both ran 1:02.10. Junior qualifying and personal-best mark of in the high jump, clearing 1.55 meters. Marina MacKinnon and sophomore 3.71 meters. Junior Abbie Mokwuah On the track, first-year Laura Turn- Grace Hoelscher teamed up with won the shot put with a mark of er placed 12th in the 200 meter dash Mulville and O’Hara for a 4x400 me13.67 meters. That was not her only in a time of 27.15 seconds. Sophomore ter relay, in which they placed third in highlight of the day, as she tossed an KC Grady was tenth in the 60 meter a time of 4:10.00. Junior Aly Walsh placed tenth in ECAC-qualifying mark of 16.27 me- dash, running a PR of 8.14 seconds.
the one mile run in a time of 5:25.82. Sophomore Paige Davis (2:26.38) finished ninth in the 800 meter run, while freshman Carly Robinson (2:28.44) placed tenth. As for the distance squad, juniors Cricket Richter (10:40.09), Caitlin Tzimorotas (10:40.34) and Mackenzie Jordan (10:44.76) finished third, fourth, and fifth, respectively in the 3,000 meter run. Both the men’s and women’s teams will return to action this Friday and Saturday for the David Hemery Valentine Invitational at Boston University.
The Spire SPORTS February 14, 2020 11
Crusader Sports Roundup Through Feb. 11
Billy Fitzpatrick ‘20 Editor-in-Chief
topped Merrimack, 13-12, on the road in North Andover, Mass. HC got out to a hot start, leading 4-1 after the first quarter and 8-4 at halftime. However, Merrimack clawed back in the second half, tying the game at 10 with just over eight minutes remaining. Senior midfielder Connor Waldron broke the tie, but Merrimack responded with another equalizer. Seniors Kevin Kodzis and Sean Mullaney scored goals in quick succession to give HC the crucial two-goal lead.
With winter sports season rounding third base and some spring sports already underway, let’s take a look around campus to see how Holy Cross athletics has been faring in competition recently… Note: All stats and records updated as of Tuesday, Feb. 11. Men’s Basketball Since we last covered the men’s basketball team, the Crusaders have dropped two Patriot League contests, one at home and one on the road. On Wednesday, Feb. 5, HC (3-22 overall, 2-10 Patriot League) hosted Loyola (Md.) and fell by a score of 74-60. The Greyhounds (12-13 overall, 4-8 PL) led by 11 at the half and hung on in the second frame for a comfortable win. Holy Cross junior guard Austin Butler joined the 1,000 point club in this one, the 52nd Crusader in program history to reach the milestone. He led HC with 16 points, three assists, three rebounds, and two steals. On Saturday, Feb. 8, Holy Cross made the short journey to the state’s capital to take on Boston University. BU (15-10 overall, 9-3 PL) clinched a season series sweep by topping the Crusaders 77-68. Firstyear forward Joe Pridgen paced the Crusaders with 22 points and eight rebounds. HC entered halftime with a one-point lead, but a strong second half from BU gave them the win.
Photo courtesy of GoHolyCross.com
Sophomore Jolie Creo was named CKSmith Superior Crusader of the Week after totaling five points against Fairfield.
Women’s Basketball
Men’s Ice Hockey
Women’s Ice Hockey
Last Saturday, Feb. 8, the Holy Cross women’s basketball team faced BU in an important league matchup. Coming into the contest, both clubs stood at 6-4 in Patriot League play, meaning this game was loaded with playoff seeding implications. The Terriers (1210 overall, 7-4 PL) walked away with a 62-51 home victory over the Crusaders (13-9 overall, 6-5 PL). HC fell in a hole early as BU opened up a 15-8 lead after the first period and never looked back. Sophomore guard Avery LaBarbera led Holy Cross with 17 points, while senior forward Lauren Manis added 12 points and seven boards.
Last weekend, the men’s ice hockey team had a rare non-conference game in the middle of the Atlantic Hockey schedule, hosting No. 11/9 Arizona State. The Sun Devils (19-9-3) managed to top Holy Cross 3-2 in a comeback overtime victory. Holy Cross (9-13-5) used two second period goals to take a 2-1 lead heading into the final period. However, Arizona State leveled the score early in the third period and then won the game with less than two minutes remaining in overtime. Prior to that, Holy Cross split a twogame home series with RIT.
Last Saturday, Feb. 8, the women’s ice hockey took on No. 8 Boston University at home. The Terriers (20-6-3) won 5-2, despite Holy Cross (3-21-5) opening the scoring in the first period. The HC goalscorers were junior forward Katie MacCuaig and first-year forward Mary Edmonds. Prior to that game, the Crusaders tied the University of Vermont in Burlington on Feb. 2. Men’s Lacrosse The men’s lacrosse team (1-1) has opened its season by splitting a pair of close games. On Feb. 1, Holy Cross
Last Saturday, Feb. 8, the Crusaders nearly notched what would have been an impressive early season win, falling to Providence 6-4. The Friars (2-0) held a 5-1 halftime lead, but HC mounted a late rally to make the hosts earn the victory. Senior Justin Lynskey cut the lead to three late in the third period. First-year Dean DiNanno and Kodzis each notched goals in the fourth quarter to cut the PC lead to one with five minutes to go. However, Providence held strong and put the game out of reach with a goal in the last 30 seconds. Women’s Lacrosse The women’s lacrosse team opened its season last Saturday, Feb. 8, with a 10-8 road win over Fairfield. It was the Crusaders’ first win over the Stags in their last three tries. Sophomore Julie Creo and senior Bryn Carroll each scored four goals. Fairfield closed the gap to 9-8 with just under three minutes remaining, but Carroll iced the win for HC with her fourth goal with 53 seconds to go.
This weekend in Holy Cross athletics... visit goholycross.com for more information on how to watch or listen to HC athletics. Friday (Feb. 14):
Baseball opens up its season at South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. (4:00 PM) Men’s ice hockey hosts Robert Morris at the Hart Center (7:05 PM) Women’s track & field competes in the David Hemery Valentine Invitational at BU (1:00 PM) Softball opens its season with a doubleheader in Rock Hill, S.C., against Towson (10:00 AM) and Georgetown (3:00 PM) Men’s golf makes its season debut in the Martin Downs Collegiate in Palm City, Fla., against UNC-Greensboro (8:00 AM)
Saturday (Feb. 15):
Men’s basketball hosts Lafayette at the Hart Center in Patriot League action (2:00 PM, on Spectrum News 1) Men’s lacrosse has its home opener against the University of Vermont at Kuzniewski Field (1:05 PM) Women’s ice hockey also hosts Vermont at the Hart Center as the first part of an HC hockey doubleheader (1:05 PM) Men’s ice hockey again takes on Robert Morris at the Hart Center (7:05 PM) Baseball will takes on South Caroline in the middle game of a three-game set (2:00 PM) Women’s basketball travels to Easton, Penn., to take on Lafayette in important Patriot League action (2:00 PM) Men’s track & field competes in the David Hemery Valentine Invitational at BU (10:30 AM) Men’s golf continues play in Palm City, Fla. (8:00 AM) Softball has another doubleheader in Rock Hill, facing off against Virginia (3:00 PM) and Winthrop (5:30 PM) Men’s tennis kicks off its season in Latham, N.Y., against La Salle (3:30 PM)
Sunday (Feb. 16):
Women’s lacrosse makes its home debut against UMass Lowell at Kuzniewski Field (1:05 PM) Women’s ice hockey finishes off its two-game series against Vermont at the Hart Center (12:05 PM on NESN) Baseball rounds out its three-game set against South Caroline (12:00 PM) Softball finishes its first weekend of the season against UNC-Greensboro (12:00 PM) Men’s golf plays caps off its first tournament of the season in Palm City (8:00 AM)
Monday (Feb. 17):
Men’s basketball hosts Bucknell at the Hart Center in primetime television (7:00 PM on CBS Sports Network)
12
The Spire
MEET THE STAFF
February 14, 2020
Meet The Staff Jackie Cannon ’20 Editor-in-Chief English & International Studies
Billy Fitzpatrick ’20 Editor-in-Chief Economics
Olivia Pan ’20 Chief Opinions Editor English
Kelly Gallagher ’22 Chief Features Editor English & Russian
Matt Anderson ’21 Chief Eggplant Editor History & PCON
Bobby Tuzzio ’20 Chief Sports Editor Political Science & Film Studies
Kim Fetherston ’22 Co-Chief Photographer English & Environmental Studies
Hui Li ’21 Co-Chief Photographer Classics & Psychology
Jocelyn Buggy ’22 News Editor History Major & Religious Studies Minor
Davey Sullivan ’22 News Editor Political Science & Education
Ryen Cinski ’22 Opinions Editor English
Maggie Connolly ’21 Opinions Editor English & Political Science
Julia Maher ’23 Opinions Editor Undecided
Grace Manning ’21 Opinions Editor English & French, PCON Concentration
Grace Bromage ’23 Features Editor Undecided
Bridget Flaherty ’21 Features Editor English
Nicole Letendre ’23 Features Editor Undeclared
Clarabel Smith ’20 Features Editor English
Greg Hausler ’20 Eggplant Editor Political Science
Hannah Johnson ’21 Eggplant Editor Philosophy & Psychology
Mario Micallef ’22 Eggplant Editor English
Luke Anthony ’23 Sports Editor Undecided
Charlie Krumsiek ’20 Sports Editor Economics
Olivia Cesarini ’20 Copy Editor & Web Editor Psychology & Deaf Studies
Ethan Bachand ’22 Chief News Editor Political Science
Hope Goodman ’21 Chief Copy Editor Economics
Bridgie English ’22 Copy Editor English
Anna Morris ’21 Copy Editor English
Mary Kate Cunningham ’21 Web Editor Psychology
Bianca Miccolis ’21 Web Editor English
Caroline Manganaro ’23 Social Media Manager Undecided
Kennedy Corrado ’21 Copy Editor English
Cassie Smith ’23 Social Media Manager Undecided