January 31, 2013

Two for the Hoops Siblings reunite for a season on the Bronc court Page 8

January 31, 2013

Volume 69, No. 16

A Revolution?

A look into UTPA Socialists Pages 4-5

Speaker Series Museum to host poet laureate Online

Sports Briefs Latest news in Bronc sports

Online

LAN Party

UTPA group hosts video gaming event Page 6

RGV Higher Ed. UTPA delegation plies Legislature to pass merger

Online

panamericanonline.com

By Charles Vale The Pan American News straight out of the Pentagon Thursday brought the lifting of a 1994 ban on women in military combat positions.

Close to home, the news caused a stir at the University.

“I think the decision is going to be effective,” said Lt. Col. Alfred Silva, a UTPA military science professor. “Women are already performing combat duties, so all this does is open up more opportunities for women who have the abilities to fill gaps within the ranks.”

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, along with the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin Dempsey, announced the rescission of the 1994 Direct Ground and Combat Definition and Assignment Rule.

The announcement will erase a ban that has kept women from serving in various positions, such as infantry, armory, artillery and other combat roles, along with eliminating gender-based barriers to the service.

At a press conference Jan. 24, Panetta shared his reasons behind the move.

“Women have shown great courage and sacrifice on and off the battlefield, contributed in unprecedented ways to the military’s mission and proven their ability to serve in an expanding number of roles,” Panetta said.

Over the course of both the War in Iraq, which started in 2003, and the War in Afghanistan, which began shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, there have been more than 280,000 women deployed. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, women make up 14 percent, or

Adrian Castillo/The Pan American

Sabrina Sanchez supports the repeal of the act that prohibited women from combat.

Sanchez, UTPA ROTC Cadet Battalion Commander, was deployed in 2007 to Iraq.

Continued on Page 3

2

opinion

January 31, 2013

utpa should go clubbing Karen Villarreal Design Editor

Freshman orientation probably didn’t mention the underground cemetery at UTPA. Passing by the cafeteria, the ghostly presence is strong. For across the walkway, within the Office of Student Involvement’s file cabinets, lie the last remains of yesteryear’s student clubs.

One entry in the club cemetery ledger, The Pinche Pendejos Comedy Club, was short-lived due to its controversial name, according to administrative assistants at the OSI. Other groups ended more mysteriously. Before The Pan Ameri-

can could cover UTPA’s first ever magical sports match, The Muggle Quidditch League disappeared quietly into obscurity.

Food Not Bombs, the Robotics Club and the Graphic Design Club were similarly abandoned and buried under countless other groups suffering a loss of interest or failed leadership.

Especially at the beginning of the year (take heed, freshmen), student groups do their best to reach the 21 percent of UTPA willing to get involved. Recruitment is important because as members graduate, membership dwindles and that’s how clubs die. Clubs that plan to stay recruit freshmen and sophomores to ensure members for the future. Unfortunately for the clubs, of the 19,000 UTPA students, only 4,000 join anything. With

numbers like that, it’s not surprising that some clubs, even the ones with contingency plans, just don’t make it.

Does the death of Graphic Design Club or Robotics Club or any other club mean that UTPA didn’t need it? Not at all.

A successful club not only provides a social outlet for persons of similar interests, but realworld experiences and opportunities, which every undergraduate student needs. When the inevitable graduation happens, classmates become competition, and students not involved in a club should be aware that not all of their peers go home between or immediately after classes. The recent grad who took advantage of the plethora of opportunities made available during their undergraduate years will have the

relevant somethings on their resume needed to get a callback for an interview. It’s unfortunate for future generations of students who will miss out on some of these chances because of one year of poor membership that killed a group forever.

Clubs can help students a lot - but they need help from students, too. Being involved in a club saves a club this year, which might allow it to remain active on campus for... as long as later generations of students will keep it. So join something. Help your future-self and everyone else. Clubs can’t do anything for anyone if they’re inactive or abandoned and they only die once. Don’t let any more clubs die this year.

photos of the week

Adrian Castillo/The Pan American

UTPA’s Mariachi Aztlán (Top) perform during the RGV Higher Education Day at the Capitol Jan. 30.

Many leaders spoke at the event, including Terry Canales, D-Edinburg (Bottom), to express their opinions about the proposed new university.

THE doctor IS in the house University obtains first full-time physician

By Jaime Leal The Pan American Dr. Cristel Escalona hardly has time for interviews. As UTPA’s first full-time physician, she can’t take a moment of leave because several patients are waiting in line for her.

Escalona politely finished the meeting Wednesday, Jan. 23 allowing for a few more pictures before taking off to see her patients. However, this is why she chose to obtain a medical degree. Escalona claimed that her passion is caring for people, especially when they are vulnerable, and this pushed her to pursue a career in medicine.

After graduating first from UTPA, and then the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 2007 with a certification in pediatrics, Escalona became a hospitalist. As a physician who specialized in caring for hospitalized patients, Escalona worked at local medical centers such as Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco and Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen.

The Mission resident worked as an on-call hospitalist for close to five years. Operating on a 24/7 schedule, Escalona decided that it was time for a change of scenery and in December 2012 was hired as the University’s full-time physician

by Rick Gray, director of Student Health Services.

“It was time that the University had gotten a doctor to be here all the time for the students and we had two people applying for the position,” Gray

said. “However, being that Dr. Escalona was a UTPA alumnus and showed the energy and drive to interact with college students is what ultimately led to her being hired. She’s a fine addition to the University.”

and I don’t want to mess this up.”

One of the things that Escalona loves about her career is that she can help students on so many levels. She explained that her job at the University allows her to help keep students out of

Escalona believes that one of the difficulties with her job is getting students to go to Student Health Services. She believes the primary factor students do not visit SHS is because they assume they are being charged for any kind of help. However, she said that this not the case and explained that services such as check-ups are free.

“You already paid for that,” Escalona said, referring to the $27.35 charge students pay per semester in student fees. “But,

It would be nice if more students were aware of what we provided and it would be nice if more students would come to the center.

- Dr. Cristel Escalona University physician The University’s health center was initially run by a physician who mainly stayed away from campus, only appearing for needed consultation. Dr. Ivan Mireles, who practices internal medicine, would handle most of his patients’ cases electronically, having the forms forwarded to him and placed in electronic medical records.

Escalona has been working at the Student Health Services, located by the University’s recreational complex on 613 North Sugar Road, since Jan. 14. She sees the opportunity of being the University’s first full-time physician as exciting but scary.

Escalona said that these emotions come from the burden that follows from the position.

“All around, this is exciting,” she said. “But, it’s scary because I’m the first one, the first fulltime physician for the University

.

n..

soo

the hospital and gives her a way lab work and some vaccines, to teach them to prevent future such as Gardasil or meningitis, ailments. Being a physician also will require some payment of lets Escalona give a fresh perspec- around $20. The biggest barrier is that students don’t know tive to future medical students.

She is open to allowing stu- where we are. It would be nice if more students wereAmerican aware of dents training for theFrancisco medical Rodriguez / The Pan field, or looking into the career what we provided and it would path, to shadow her and get be nice if more students would come to the center.” hands-on experience.

If students or faculty mem“I want to be able to help all students learn,” she said. bers have any questions or con“Whether if it ranges from giving cerns regarding the Student them information about medi- Health Services, they can reach cal careers and what they can do the front desk at 665-2511. Stuin certain aspects of the medical dents are welcome to drop by field to simply wanting to know the center Monday to Thursday about meningitis or HPV, I’ll be from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m or Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. completely honest with you.”

Student Health Services Hours

Mon-Thur: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Adrian Castillo/The Pan American

#UTPA Tweet at and follow us @ThePanAmerican

Today is @utpa day at the Capitol of TX #gobroncs #utpa

- @DniniTX 7:30-9:30 a.m. Schunior Road gets crazy with psycho people #School #UTPA - @susantristan Why yes, I *do* enjoy excellent mariachi music at lunch. Great job, #UTPA! Made my day!

- @amybatheja

Letters to the

Editor The Pan American accepts letters of 300 words or less from students, staff and faculty regarding recent newspaper content, campus concerns or current events. We cannot publish anonymous letters or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks.

Please send all letters to:

thepanamerican @gmail.com

Vol. 69, No. 16

The Pan American

thepanamerican@gmail.com 1201 West University, ARHU 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 665-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122

Editors-in-Chief:

Karen Antonacci Daniella Diaz

News Editor:

Charles Vale

Sports Editor:

Norma Gonzalez

Arts & Life Editor:

Lea Victoria Juarez

Photography Editor: Adrian Castillo

Design Editor:

Karen Villarreal

Multimedia Editor:

Elizabeth Espinosa

Social Media Editor: Ismael Melendez

Adviser:

Dr. Greg Selber

Administrative Associate:

Anita Reyes

Advertising Manager:

Elva Ramirez

Webmaster:

Jose Villarreal

The Pan American is the official student newspaper of The University of Texas-Pan American. Views presented are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the paper or university.

Next Delivery:

Feb. 7 at noon

January 31, 2013 January 31, 2013

Women Continued from Page 1 202,400, of the military’s 1.4 million active personnel.

Silva has been an active service member of the Army’s aviation branch for 20 years.

“This decision will allow women to fill positions with more responsibility, perhaps even commanding positions. It will open up a wide range of career opportunities for them,” he said.

The presence of women in

and rehabilitation major who served in the Army. “I think the big push for that comes from the women’s side in that they are doing it already.”

When it comes to the dangers women already face while serving in the military, such as when in a convoy, Samuel Perez, a 30-year-old psychology major who served in the Air Force, stated that women are trained to

I think it’s great that women will have equality in the military, but again, women are psychologically different.

- Danielle Birne Public relations major the military is nothing new. Although they had been kept from combat career paths, many still served as either truck drivers, military police, field medics or Army aviation aircrew members.

In some of those positions, combat was a very real threat.

“As far as the current state, I know a lot of girls who have been put in combat situations, such as driving in convoys which are often hit,” said Frank Martinez, a 29-year-old dietetics

defend themselves.

“As soon as they get hit, that’s it,” he said. “That is a small battle, and they’ve already been trained to pick up their guns and fight.”

There are also female engagement teams, programs started by the U.S. Marine Corps nearly a decade ago. The teams were created because male soldiers are prohibited from looking at or interacting with any Afghan women they encounter on patrols due

to the cultural norms of Afghanistan. In order to interact with the female population, the marines established special teams consisting of servicewomen who have volunteered for the program.

Despite these exceptions women already faced while serving, Sabrina Sanchez, a 30-yearold psychology major who served in the Army, recognized that this announcement will bring about a difference in what women are allowed to do while deployed.

“Women weren’t even allowed to leave the gate,” Sanchez said. “Of course, if they were pilots or truck drivers they could, but I remember one time they asked for volunteers, and at that time I felt like they automatically went to the men.”

Sanchez served stateside and overseas as an aviation operations specialist. She was stationed in Hawaii for 11 months, and after coming back from a six-month maternity leave, joined up with her unit in 2007 that had deployed to Iraq. Her duties involved scheduling of flights, as well as maintenance of flight records. She is currently the UTPA ROTC Cadet Battalion commander.

There are currently 66 cadets enrolled in the ROTC program, about half female, according to Silva, who added that the program holds the same standards for women as it does for men.

Panetta gave the various departments of the military until May 15 to submit detailed inclusion plans for the integration

of women. The secretary plans for the process to be completed by the beginning of 2016.

MAKING THE CUT With the announcement on Thursday came concerns that women may not be able to meet the standards that have been expected of men in the military, both physically and emotionally.

“I think it’s great that women will have equality in the military, but again, women are psychologically different,” said Danielle Birne, a public relations major who served in the Army. “I don’t know what the ramifications of that will be.

They’d also have to be able to do the same things as men, physically.”

However, Silva believes that the standards for recruitment would resolve the issue.

“It will all be based on gender-neutral criteria. If she isn’t able to meet the standards, then she wouldn’t be there in the first place,” he said. “That goes with

the psychological aspect as well.

If she is strong enough and has the will now, she will have the will in a combat unit.”

RISKY BUSINESS Cadet Mayela Ramirez was excited when she heard the news, but understood the reality of the announcement.

“It was a bittersweet feeling to find out,” the 20-year-old from Mission said. “The bad part is that it’s just scary to be considered for the frontlines.”

In a report released by the congressional research service in 2012, there have been 4,475 American soldier casualties in Operation Iraqi Freedom, 110 of which have been women.

In the war in Afghanistan, or Operation Enduring Freedom, there have been 1,915 American soldiers killed, 34 women.

And death is not the only threat for women in the military.

In 2010 there were 3,158 reports of sexual assault in the military and only 529 of them went to

3

trial, according to the Department of Defense Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military.

Also, the report estimates that this statistic only represents 13.5 percent of total assaults in 2010.

These facts don’t faze Angelica Montano, though.

“There might be rapes, but we can defend ourselves,” said the freshman from Pharr, a member of the ROTC. “It’s getting better because there are now training programs inside the army that help prevent these things from happening.”

Despite all of this, Sanchez still feels that this decision is fair and helps equalize women.

“I think it’s awesome. It’s been a long time coming,” she said. “Me, I’m already 30. I think (the decision) is more for the younger gals, but I’m happy for all of us. If one makes it through, we all make it.”

I think (the decision) is more for the younger gals, but I’m happy for all of us. If one makes it through, we all make it.

- Sabrina Sanchez

Psychology major, 30

utpa joins national student exchange Opportunities available for students to study at different universities in the US

By Karen Perez The Pan American Beginning this semester, The University of Texas-Pan American will offer students the opportunity to study at select universities nationwide for a semester while still enrolled in the University.

As a member of the National Student Exchange program since August 2012, UTPA now joins nearly 200 universities in the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands that serve as a network for inter-university exchange. The NSE, a not-for-profit education consortium established in 1968, is funded through institutional membership fees of $800 per year and student application fees.

An NSE coordinator is assigned to each member university.

The NSE allows students to study out-of-state and within U.S. territory for a semester and in some cases, up to a year. Summer terms may also be available at select campuses.

Christopher Keller, director of the Guerra Honors Program, a UTPA English professor and

the University’s National Student Exchange coordinator, said interested students should apply

by Feb. 24 to be able to attend the host campus of their choice by next fall.

While UTPA currently offers study abroad programs, the NSE may appeal to students who are not ready to study overseas but are still looking forward to the “study away” experience.

“The NSE program is a wonderful opportunity for UT Pan American students to experience the culture and academic environment of other universities in the US,” said Sandra Hansmann, the director of international programs. “Participation in NSE can be an ideal experience for students seeking a meaningful exchange experience but for whom international study abroad isn’t quite right.”

According to Keller, UTPA study abroad programs are usually ‘faculty-led’ where students travel with a professor to a foreign country and take a course. Study abroad courses usually take place in the summer. With the NSE, a student takes a full course-load during a

semester at another university with that school’s professors, has an ID card and lives on campus.

“A student traveling in the U.S. can gain as much diversity and experience as going to Eu-

In this tuition-reciprocal exchange program, two forms of payment are used. In plan A, students pay in-state tuition and fees directly to the host campus. In plan B, students pay the

A student traveling in the U.S. can gain as much diversity and experience as going to Europe.

- Christopher Keller

Director, Guerra Honors Program

Alfonso Ruvalcaba/ The Pan American rope,” Keller said. “It will still be a transformative experience going to Oregon as to France.

You get to immerse more with the host university in a semester than at a three-week study abroad program.”

Keller said it is more common for students to pay the normal tuition to UTPA instead of paying directly to the host university.

normal tuition and fees to their home university, but students are required to pay their own housing and meals if planning to live on campus.

The NSE is open to all UTPA students but recommended for juniors and seniors.

The program is designed for students to take courses that complement their academic majors,

Keller said.

Ten students, according to Keller, have expressed interest in participating in the NSE program and are currently in the process of filing applications.

“One student wants to study (music) away because the kind of guitar training he’s interested in is not available at UTPA,” Keller said. “Another student is interested in marine biology and wants to study somewhere on the West Coast so she can have direct access to marine life that isn’t available here in the Gulf of Mexico.”

To be eligible to participate in NSE, students must be enrolled in a member university full-time, have a cumulative 2.5 GPA and be in good academic standing.

Available placement for NSE participants at member universities depends on the campus and its available program and courses. Under what is known as a “1:1 ratio,” universities trade an equal number of students. Other students are accepted if space permits. In the case of an “even campus,” such as UTPA, the host campus ac-

cepts the same number of students it intends to exchange.

In an uneven campus, the host campus accepts a few more students than it intends to send.

Open campuses accept all qualified students.

Interested students are encouraged to stop by UTPA’s NSE office housed in the Guerra Honors Program, located in the Lamar Building, Room 130.

Keller also hopes to have a link of the NSE available on the UTPA website in a month or so.

Having recently joined the NSE, the new program at UTPA is in its promotional stages. As of now no UTPA students have studied away as part of the NSE. “We don’t expect to have 500 students leave campus, but we do hope some students will jump on the prospect. “It’ll take some time but if we get eight to ten students, then that’ll be a good start.”

For more information about the National Student Exchange program, visit their website at www.nse.org.

Page 4

THE PAN AMERICAN

January 31, 2013

THE PAN AMERICAN

January 31, 2013

A Look at UTPA’'s

Revolutionary Socialist Alliance Story by Justin O’ Donnell

A man entered the conference room, the sound of his work boots followed by the footsteps of his wife and children. They sat near a young man in a faded Havana T-shirt and a student with long, messy hair and a knit jacket. All of these people had gathered in the packed room, more than 30 in all, for a club meeting unlike any other at UTPA: that of the Revolutionary Socialist Alliance.

The RSA, founded in August 2012, is based upon the tenets of socialism, the political theory of collective rule. Socialism is a diverse movement principally characterized by the public, cooperative rule of various aspects of society such as economy, resources, and property.

Socialism is considered by its supporters, the RSA included, to be a movement for the working class, a class that up to 75 percent of Americans self-identify as, according to a Gallup poll. It stands in direct opposition to capitalism, the current, predominant economic system in the United States and the majority of the world.

The RSA claims its purpose is to stand in opposition to capitalism, which some members believe is an economic system that is detrimental to society as a whole.

“The situation, the crisis of capitalism, the wars and economic problems that working people face creates the need for an organization that educates and is involved in political activity against the direction that the capitalist system is headed,” said David Anshen, the RSA’s faculty adviser and UTPA English professor.

The club sees capitalism, a political theory that supports private, for-profit ownership of a nation’s trade and industry, as supported by both major U.S. political parties, the Republicans and Democrats - a fact that served as a major stimulus for the Alliance’s formation.

“There was only the Republican and Democrat clubs on campus and we wanted something that would offer or express different political views,” said Roxanne Carrion, club president and a senior English major. “(We want to) get some discussion going on campus to show people something they’ve never heard about before.”

The members of the group are particularly critical of what they perceive as the exclusivity of the two-party system. They strive to bring to light the flaws they feel are inherent, and let the UTPA student body and the public at large know about it.

“They both support big business and imperialism,” Carrion said of the parties. “They just go about it in two slightly different ways.”

Anshen further compared the two parties, claiming their similarities are part of a larger structural problem.

“On domestic policies, the differences are minor,” said Anshen, who teaches English. “And on foreign policy, they both support aggressive military positions around the world…These things are not accidents…that could be rectified… rather they are built in to the way the society is structured.”

However, proponents of these political parties disagree with the RSA’s sentiments.

“Where (Republicans and Democrats) stand on the issues are night and day,” said Rogelio Chanes, a public administration masters student at UTPA and former legislative assistant for the Obama administration in Washington D.C. Chanes also denied the claim that The Democratic Party is not a party for the working class, citing its history of support for unions

and President Obama’s signing of equal-pay legislation for women.

Republicans also asserted that they support the working class’s interest.

“Everybody has their own set

of interests and skills,” said Elijah Casas, senior political science major and president of The Republicans at UTPA. “The Republican Party is about offering opportunity for you to work for what you want and to succeed.”

The RSA follows the “revolutionary” strain of socialism, which sets itself apart from other forms.

It clashes with Stalinism, a branch practiced by the former Soviet Union which requires the state to be run by a total military dictatorship, deemphasizes individual rights and favors rapid industrialization.

It also runs counter to democratic socialism, an ideology that socialism should come about by gradual, grass roots reform of capitalist nations, and generally favors a blending of capitalism and socialism.

“What makes us unique is the

CAPITALISM WHAT IS IT?

A political theory that supports private, for-profit ownership of a nation’s trade and industry

FAMOUS CAPITALISTS Adam Smith 18th century philosopher and political economist and known as capitalism’s Founding Father

Design by Karen Villarreal

way we get to socialism,” said Federico Gonzalez, RSA vice president and senior anthropology major.

“Unlike Democratic Socialists, we don’t believe that capitalism can exist at all, even if you reform it.”

Revolutionary Socialists, the RSA included, propose that the best, and perhaps only, way to achieve a better future is through a mass movement of the working class to seize power, not necessarily violently, from the Capitalists and their political allies.

The group attempts to reach these goals by uniting workers together regardless of nationality, race, religion or any other demographic.

“We think there should be a socialist revolution, and it should be part of worldwide socialism” Anshen said.

The RSA primarily attempts to further its goals through education.

The group promotes books on socialist-relevant topics such as Karl Marx’s Communist Manifesto and historical accounts of the events of the Cuban Revolution.

Additionally, the Alliance promotes the weekly socialist newspaper, The Militant, a paper that is distributed internationally and can be found online at www.themilitant.com.

The RSA also attempts to spread the message by inviting guest speakers such Maura DeLuca, 2012 U.S. vice-presidential candidate for the Socialist Worker’s Party, who spoke in October about what she believes to be the “farce” of the two-party system.

However, despite inviting a number of members from various socialist political organizations to speak, the RSA members have not officially endorsed any particular

campaign, preferring to devote themselves to their own revolutionary vision.

“I saw what the U.S. government-funded terrorists did to innocent civilians,” said Anshen, referring to his observation of Central American revolutions. “And that convinced me to do what I can for the rest of my life to oppose policies and brutality that I saw, that was directly related to the interests of capitalism.”

The group, however, recognizes the inertia that lies in the way of many goals.

“I think capitalism makes people ignorant,” said Gonzalez, backing the movement’s idea that the current system works well at maintaining its hold on the population.

Yet, the RSA maintains that their goal, far off as it may be, is still accomplishable.

“Sometimes I’m very hopeful,” Carrion said. “I would like to see a change. I don’t think this is the best way human beings can organize themselves and treat each other.”

However, their opponents maintain that the idea of socialism is a far-fetched dream.

“It seems like they’re pursuing a utopia,” Casas said. “It’s not possible. They seek to defeat human nature.”

The group recognizes that there will be many who disagree with its ideals, and members feel that some people would simply prevent their ideals from being heard by anyone. However, the RSA not only accepts debate, but in fact encourages it, with open invitations for people of all political affiliations to attend meetings.

“Encouraging debate is really important because there are some people that will disagree with us,” Gonzalez. “But we need those people to disagree with us, that way other people can listen to the debates and choose for themselves.”

COMMUNISM WHAT IS IT?

A theory based on property in common, ownership belonging to the community as a whole or to the state

SOCIALISM WHAT IS IT? REVOLUTIONARY SOCIALISM Political and Economic theory advocates the means of production, distribution and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole

Known for leadership of strictly statecontrolled nation, North Korea from 1994 to 2011.

DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM An ideology that Socialism should come about by gradual grass roots reform of capitalist nations, and generally favors a blending of capitalism and socialism

STALINISM A branch of socialism practiced by the former Soviet Union which requires the state to be run by a total military dictatorship, deemphasizes individual rights and favors rapid industrialization

MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS

1 2

Socialism and communism are the same While both share the tenet of emphasizing the collective over the individual, communism requires a government to be administered by the community, while socialism doesn’t specify the source of government

3

Socialism is antithetical to democracy The idea that means of a country should be regulated by the community and the idea that a government should be primarily decided by the governed are not opposite of each other. Capitalism is on the opposite side of the spectrum from socialism

Socialism doesn’t allow private property or freedom Political and philisophical theories exist in spectrums rather than absolutes, so it is entirely possible for a nation to be semi-socialist with some private goods and libertarianism

famous socialists Karl Marx

Philospher, historian, social scienctist and most influential Socialist thinker to emerge in the 19th century. Known for penning the Communist Manifesto in 1848

ES

C

FAMOUS COMMUNISTS Kim Jong-II

Subset that believes the best, and perhaps only, way to achieve a better future is through a mass movement of the working class to seize power but not necessarily through violence

S

R OU

Eric Arthur Blair

Known by his pen name, George Orwell, for authoring 1984 and Animal Farm, Orwell stated in “Why I Write” (1946) “Every line of serious work that I have written...has been written... for democratic socialism”

Eugene V. Debs

Formed the American Railway Union in 1892 and was one of the leaders of the Pullman Strike against a pay cut. Debs ran for U.S. president in 1908 and received 2.83% of the popular vote

Jan. 30 interview with James Wenzel, chair of UTPA Political Science Why I Write” in The Collected Essays, Journalism and Letters of George Orwell Volume 1 – An Age Like This 1945–1950 p.23 (Penguin) www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/sep/22/barackobama/obama-roosevelt-socialist-communist/ www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/wilson/peopleevents/p_debs.html www.commondreams.org/view/2010/04/10 www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/socialism www.vision.org/visionmedia/biography-adam-smith/868.apx

www.dictionary.reference.com/browse/communism

www.history.com/photos/cold-war-communist-leaders

Page 5

Page 4

THE PAN AMERICAN

January 31, 2013

THE PAN AMERICAN

January 31, 2013

A Look at UTPA’'s

Revolutionary Socialist Alliance Story by Justin O’ Donnell

A man entered the conference room, the sound of his work boots followed by the footsteps of his wife and children. They sat near a young man in a faded Havana T-shirt and a student with long, messy hair and a knit jacket. All of these people had gathered in the packed room, more than 30 in all, for a club meeting unlike any other at UTPA: that of the Revolutionary Socialist Alliance.

The RSA, founded in August 2012, is based upon the tenets of socialism, the political theory of collective rule. Socialism is a diverse movement principally characterized by the public, cooperative rule of various aspects of society such as economy, resources, and property.

Socialism is considered by its supporters, the RSA included, to be a movement for the working class, a class that up to 75 percent of Americans self-identify as, according to a Gallup poll. It stands in direct opposition to capitalism, the current, predominant economic system in the United States and the majority of the world.

The RSA claims its purpose is to stand in opposition to capitalism, which some members believe is an economic system that is detrimental to society as a whole.

“The situation, the crisis of capitalism, the wars and economic problems that working people face creates the need for an organization that educates and is involved in political activity against the direction that the capitalist system is headed,” said David Anshen, the RSA’s faculty adviser and UTPA English professor.

The club sees capitalism, a political theory that supports private, for-profit ownership of a nation’s trade and industry, as supported by both major U.S. political parties, the Republicans and Democrats - a fact that served as a major stimulus for the Alliance’s formation.

“There was only the Republican and Democrat clubs on campus and we wanted something that would offer or express different political views,” said Roxanne Carrion, club president and a senior English major. “(We want to) get some discussion going on campus to show people something they’ve never heard about before.”

The members of the group are particularly critical of what they perceive as the exclusivity of the two-party system. They strive to bring to light the flaws they feel are inherent, and let the UTPA student body and the public at large know about it.

“They both support big business and imperialism,” Carrion said of the parties. “They just go about it in two slightly different ways.”

Anshen further compared the two parties, claiming their similarities are part of a larger structural problem.

“On domestic policies, the differences are minor,” said Anshen, who teaches English. “And on foreign policy, they both support aggressive military positions around the world…These things are not accidents…that could be rectified… rather they are built in to the way the society is structured.”

However, proponents of these political parties disagree with the RSA’s sentiments.

“Where (Republicans and Democrats) stand on the issues are night and day,” said Rogelio Chanes, a public administration masters student at UTPA and former legislative assistant for the Obama administration in Washington D.C. Chanes also denied the claim that The Democratic Party is not a party for the working class, citing its history of support for unions

and President Obama’s signing of equal-pay legislation for women.

Republicans also asserted that they support the working class’s interest.

“Everybody has their own set

of interests and skills,” said Elijah Casas, senior political science major and president of The Republicans at UTPA. “The Republican Party is about offering opportunity for you to work for what you want and to succeed.”

The RSA follows the “revolutionary” strain of socialism, which sets itself apart from other forms.

It clashes with Stalinism, a branch practiced by the former Soviet Union which requires the state to be run by a total military dictatorship, deemphasizes individual rights and favors rapid industrialization.

It also runs counter to democratic socialism, an ideology that socialism should come about by gradual, grass roots reform of capitalist nations, and generally favors a blending of capitalism and socialism.

“What makes us unique is the

CAPITALISM WHAT IS IT?

A political theory that supports private, for-profit ownership of a nation’s trade and industry

FAMOUS CAPITALISTS Adam Smith 18th century philosopher and political economist and known as capitalism’s Founding Father

Design by Karen Villarreal

way we get to socialism,” said Federico Gonzalez, RSA vice president and senior anthropology major.

“Unlike Democratic Socialists, we don’t believe that capitalism can exist at all, even if you reform it.”

Revolutionary Socialists, the RSA included, propose that the best, and perhaps only, way to achieve a better future is through a mass movement of the working class to seize power, not necessarily violently, from the Capitalists and their political allies.

The group attempts to reach these goals by uniting workers together regardless of nationality, race, religion or any other demographic.

“We think there should be a socialist revolution, and it should be part of worldwide socialism” Anshen said.

The RSA primarily attempts to further its goals through education.

The group promotes books on socialist-relevant topics such as Karl Marx’s Communist Manifesto and historical accounts of the events of the Cuban Revolution.

Additionally, the Alliance promotes the weekly socialist newspaper, The Militant, a paper that is distributed internationally and can be found online at www.themilitant.com.

The RSA also attempts to spread the message by inviting guest speakers such Maura DeLuca, 2012 U.S. vice-presidential candidate for the Socialist Worker’s Party, who spoke in October about what she believes to be the “farce” of the two-party system.

However, despite inviting a number of members from various socialist political organizations to speak, the RSA members have not officially endorsed any particular

campaign, preferring to devote themselves to their own revolutionary vision.

“I saw what the U.S. government-funded terrorists did to innocent civilians,” said Anshen, referring to his observation of Central American revolutions. “And that convinced me to do what I can for the rest of my life to oppose policies and brutality that I saw, that was directly related to the interests of capitalism.”

The group, however, recognizes the inertia that lies in the way of many goals.

“I think capitalism makes people ignorant,” said Gonzalez, backing the movement’s idea that the current system works well at maintaining its hold on the population.

Yet, the RSA maintains that their goal, far off as it may be, is still accomplishable.

“Sometimes I’m very hopeful,” Carrion said. “I would like to see a change. I don’t think this is the best way human beings can organize themselves and treat each other.”

However, their opponents maintain that the idea of socialism is a far-fetched dream.

“It seems like they’re pursuing a utopia,” Casas said. “It’s not possible. They seek to defeat human nature.”

The group recognizes that there will be many who disagree with its ideals, and members feel that some people would simply prevent their ideals from being heard by anyone. However, the RSA not only accepts debate, but in fact encourages it, with open invitations for people of all political affiliations to attend meetings.

“Encouraging debate is really important because there are some people that will disagree with us,” Gonzalez. “But we need those people to disagree with us, that way other people can listen to the debates and choose for themselves.”

COMMUNISM WHAT IS IT?

A theory based on property in common, ownership belonging to the community as a whole or to the state

SOCIALISM WHAT IS IT? REVOLUTIONARY SOCIALISM Political and Economic theory advocates the means of production, distribution and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole

Known for leadership of strictly statecontrolled nation, North Korea from 1994 to 2011.

DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM An ideology that Socialism should come about by gradual grass roots reform of capitalist nations, and generally favors a blending of capitalism and socialism

STALINISM A branch of socialism practiced by the former Soviet Union which requires the state to be run by a total military dictatorship, deemphasizes individual rights and favors rapid industrialization

MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS

1 2

Socialism and communism are the same While both share the tenet of emphasizing the collective over the individual, communism requires a government to be administered by the community, while socialism doesn’t specify the source of government

3

Socialism is antithetical to democracy The idea that means of a country should be regulated by the community and the idea that a government should be primarily decided by the governed are not opposite of each other. Capitalism is on the opposite side of the spectrum from socialism

Socialism doesn’t allow private property or freedom Political and philisophical theories exist in spectrums rather than absolutes, so it is entirely possible for a nation to be semi-socialist with some private goods and libertarianism

famous socialists Karl Marx

Philospher, historian, social scienctist and most influential Socialist thinker to emerge in the 19th century. Known for penning the Communist Manifesto in 1848

ES

C

FAMOUS COMMUNISTS Kim Jong-II

Subset that believes the best, and perhaps only, way to achieve a better future is through a mass movement of the working class to seize power but not necessarily through violence

S

R OU

Eric Arthur Blair

Known by his pen name, George Orwell, for authoring 1984 and Animal Farm, Orwell stated in “Why I Write” (1946) “Every line of serious work that I have written...has been written... for democratic socialism”

Eugene V. Debs

Formed the American Railway Union in 1892 and was one of the leaders of the Pullman Strike against a pay cut. Debs ran for U.S. president in 1908 and received 2.83% of the popular vote

Jan. 30 interview with James Wenzel, chair of UTPA Political Science Why I Write” in The Collected Essays, Journalism and Letters of George Orwell Volume 1 – An Age Like This 1945–1950 p.23 (Penguin) www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/sep/22/barackobama/obama-roosevelt-socialist-communist/ www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/wilson/peopleevents/p_debs.html www.commondreams.org/view/2010/04/10 www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/socialism www.vision.org/visionmedia/biography-adam-smith/868.apx

www.dictionary.reference.com/browse/communism

www.history.com/photos/cold-war-communist-leaders

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January 31, 2013

land of the lan

ACM hosts party, tournament for gamers

Maria Sosa and Mario Gonzalez, both juniors majoring in electrical engineering, participate in the Local Area Network party Friday, hosted by the UTPA Association for Computing Machinery. Gamers from various majors stayed in the Science building until 2 a.m. to socialize and compete in video games.

Calendar of Events

Ask electrical engineering major Mario Gonzalez why he attended a Local Area Network party in the Engineering Building on a Friday night, and get a simple answer.

“I like video games,” the junior said matter-of-factly.

He paused and thought a bit before adding, “I like to play

LoL,” he said, referring to League of Legends, a battle arena game enjoyed by about 11 million players in November, according to the magazine PC Gamer.

UTPA gamers also played and competed in the games Team Fortress 2, Halo, Empire Earth and Starcraft II at the LAN party hosted by the Association for Computing Machinery, a campus group. A LAN is a kind of network used to connect

Feb. 1 Open mic poetry 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Hinovations Art studio 1009 Laurel Ave. McAllen

Feb. 1 McAllen Art Walk 5 p.m.

Arts District McAllen Main Street

Feb. 1

Heart Walk 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Roosevelt’s at 7 821 N. Main St.

Jan. 31 Feb. 1

UTPA Student Union

Doors open at 7 p.m.

Pharr Events Center

Feb. 5 Billiards Tournament 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

UTPA Student Union

Career Styles Fashion Show Noon to 1 p.m.

UTPA Ballroom

Feb. 8

Stone Sour and Papa Roach Doors open at 7 p.m.

Pharr Events Center

in college, but not a freshman in video games,” he said, adding that he would probably pick the Pyrrhus gaming mousepad if he won the 4-player tournament.

Later, after mice were clicked thousands of times, Hernandez would hold the Pyrrhus merchandise triumphantly as part of the 2nd place four-person team.

According to many of the gamers, the LAN parties are

card game come-back A

Objective: Have the best hand or make people believe you do

The Dark Knight Rises 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 Eli Young Band

Feb. 5

many computers in the same area so group video games can be played with no lag.

While Gonzalez came to the party Friday to relax and play LoL, other attendees such as biology major Christian Hernandez brought a desktop computer and 28-inch HD TV to the party with a very specific goal: to win back his $5 entrance fee in prizes.

“I will crush anyone to the best of my ability. I’m a freshman

By Lea Victoria Juarez The Pan American

A

Photo and story by Karen Antonacci The Pan American

The cards are dealt and the chips have fallen. The Student Union’s Texas Hold ’Em tournaments are back for the spring semester.

The once-a-month event, held in the Student Union commons, gives students a chance to earn bragging rights and Bronc Bucks. Tournament days are scheduled Feb. 19, Mar. 28 and April 24 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Prior to the event, students, faculty and staff members sign up to play at the Union desk. On tournament day, players sit at tables, each playing their hands and attempting

to eliminate their opponents. As the players are eliminated, the number of tables are reduced until the final opponents are sitting face to face in the end, duking it out.

Bronc Bucks are only awarded to the top finisher, but if a faculty or staff member win, they will not be awarded Bronc Bucks. The amount of Bronc Bucks depends on the amount of people who play. If more people play, the top place finisher will be awarded more Bucks.

Student Union employee Jazmine Garza explained that about 30 to 40 people sign up for the tournaments on average.

“People get competitive, but everyone is very respectful,” the 22-year-old senior said.

Garza has been at the University since 2009 and explained that the tournaments have been going on since before she came to UTPA. Texas Hold ’Em is just one of the events the Union hosts along with FIFA video game and billiards tournaments, movie showings and live music.

“I wish students would take advantage,” Garza said. “They’re paying for the Student Union so we try to give them fun things to do.

We try to help students out.”

about much more than guilds, levels and lives.

“The event is for tech people to socialize,” said Miguel Eduardo Garcia, a computer science major and the president of ACM. “Face to face is way different than if you’re home alone.”

Before the tournament began, metal and classic rock music punctuated the sounds of whirs and clicks in the Engineering Building lobby - at least until junior Francisco Jimenez got a hold of the open DJ group online.

“I started playing bad music and they kicked me out (of the online group), but I came back in,” he said, laughing.

Within minutes, the “It’s Britney, bitch” line in the song “Gimme More” was drowned out by the frustrated groans of gamers subjected to Britney Spears. Jimenez cracked up and started defending himself from friendly insults coming from around the room.

“Dude, that’s not me!” he appealed, jovially. “It’s not!”

The event ran until 2 a.m. and Jimenez manned the concessions table with fellow ACM members Rosendo Salazar and AJ Aguilar. They shared a good laugh over the DJ system’s seemingly eccentric taste in music as it volleyed from “Gangnam Style” to Rebecca Black’s “Friday.”

“You know, it’s kind of like a club (downtown),” Jimenez said.

“Starts up around 11 and ends at 2, and there’s music and food.”

At this, Aguilar laughed and gestured to the assortment

arts & life of college-student fare for sale at the table.

“Yeah, last call for Hot Pockets is at 2,” the junior added, and the table cracked up.

This was the third LAN party the ACM has hosted this academic year, but Garcia said due to difficulties securing a location and the upcoming Computer Science Student Research Day, another event might not be possible. The Computer Science Student Research Day, a chance for comp sci undergraduates to showcase research in the field, will take place in April.

“If we do make a fourth LAN party before the end of the semester, I would want to rent the Academic Services lab,” he said. “People complain that they don’t like to bring their computers all the way to Pan Am. They want us to provide the equipment and have all the games already downloaded there.”

Sophomore Luis Leal said he likes attending the parties because it gives him an opportunity to meet others that are interested in video games.

“It’s the only time I actually stay out this late,” the computer science major said. “It’s an escape from classes.”

Gonzalez, who is seated across from Leal, laughed and yelled, “What is homework anyway? If it’s due tomorrow...”

“Do tomorrow!” Gonzalez and Leal finished emphatically.

Student Union to host Texas Hold ‘Em tourney

January 31, 2013 January 31, 2013

UPDATES: SPEAK

STUDENTS

7

men’s Basketball

- Lost to New Jersey Institute of Technology 64-51 Jan. 26 - Beat Oklahoma Panhandle State University 76-68 Jan.29

- Next match up Feb. 2 against Chicago State University at 7 p.m. in the Field House

SUPER BOWL EXPECTATIONS As the Ravens and 49ers gear up to face off in the biggest football game of the season, The Pan American Sports Editor Norma Gonzalez asked students what they are looking forward to most from Super Bowl XLVII Sunday.

I prefer the game. I’m looking forward to seeing the Ravens lose.

I don’t like the Ravens.

- Miguel Guerrero

Freshman biology major

I’m looking for a hard-hitting defense. I’m also waiting for the barbecues, and after a few beers , the commercials seem funny.

- Enrique Ochoa

Senior general rehab major

I want to see the Coca-Cola and Doritos commercials – Doritos always have funny ones. I want to see a close game. I’m looking forward to the cookouts and I’m rooting for the Ravens.

- Cecilia Vasquez

Junior kinesiology major

women’s Basketball

- Beat University of New Orleans 71-56 Jan. 26

- Joyea Marshall named Madness Great West Conference Player of the Week Jan. 28 and Great West Conference Player of the Week Jan. 29

- Next match up Feb. 2 against New Jersey Institute of Technology

8

sports

January 31, 2013

Norma Gonzalez/The Pan American

Brandon (left) and Blake Provost take a moment on the court. The 2012-13 season is Brandon’s last and Blake’s first season with the Broncs.

the brothers provost Senior shares final Bronc basketball season with younger sibling

By Norma Gonzalez The Pan American

Blake and Brandon Provost are just two siblings on the basketball team, but they aren’t typical brothers.

This is Blake’s first year at the University, while his older brother Brandon will complete his final season with the Broncs this year and graduate in May. It seems the additional Provost has either gone unnoticed or has puzzled people.

“People confuse me with Brandon. They’ll say, ‘Hey, great game last night,’ but I don’t play,” the freshman said.

Brandon just shook his head side to side, although he seemed slightly amused.

“I’m a whole five inches taller,” Brandon burst out.

The 22-year-old senior stands 6-foot-3 while Blake is 5-foot-10.

Besides a difference in height and hairstyles, the two have twin-like features, but Blake’s are highlighted by his smile as he laughs at himself when he thinks he’s funny. Brandon’s eyes speak volumes as he shoots looks at his brother.

The two grew up in Katy, near Houston, but not always under the same roof. When their parents divorced, Blake chose to live

with their mother, while Brandon moved in with their father.

“I was too young to choose,” Blake explained about splitting up. Brandon, on the other hand, decided to live with his father because he didn’t want him to live alone while his sister Brittney and Blake were with his mother.

Because they did not share the same address, the brothers attended different high schools.

Blake graduated from Katy Taylor High School and Brandon from Seven Lakes High School.

“We didn’t start talking again until my senior year, right before I took off for college,” said Brandon, who spent his freshman year at the Air Force Academy.

THE REIGNING PROVOST The older Provost has already added himself to the record books this season, becoming the 23rd Bronc in program history to join the 1000-point club. However, that was just the start of the holiday season for Brandon.

On Christmas Eve the senior was named Madness Great West Conference Player of the Week, by the College Sports Madness website, and two days later the Great West Conference CoPlayer of the Week.

At the time, both accolades were for Brandon’s role in leading the Broncs to a 2-1 record. In the previous three games, Brandon had averaged 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

During the Dec. 20 game against Alabama State University, Brandon scored a game-high 25 points in an overtime win for the Broncs (76-70), but that wasn’t enough for the soon-tobe graduate.

“I’ve never had a 30-point game. I’ve been close, so that’d be nice,” Brandon said about his new goals. He’s averaged 14.5 points per game so far this season and has converted 56 threepointers. “We’ve also never won a conference championship.”

This is the Broncs’ last season in the Great West Conference as the move over to the Western Athletic Conference will go into effect July 1, so this is the last opportunity for them to win the ring in the GWC. “This is our best chance,” Brandon said about winning the conference tournament. “We have a lot of experience and everything is coming together.”

The Broncs also recently added a momentous win to their record when they beat two-time defending conference champion

Utah Valley University 62-60 Jan. 19. The men hadn’t won against the Wolverines since March 10, 2010.

“We want to win the most games and try to put up some banners,” said Brandon, whose team is 11-11 right now heading into the conference game against

add some stats to his name, but averaged 12.5 points, 5.2 assists and 2.3 steals per game as a high school senior.

“I can bring the defense,” Blake said about his future contributions to the Broncs. “I can get assists to my teammates, work on defense and get some scoring.”

We’re different players.

We’re blessed in different ways. Blake got the pretty genes and I got the height.

- Brandon Provost Senior guard

Chicago State University at 7 p.m. in the Field House.

THE SUCCESSOR Due to personal reasons, Blake decided to redshirt his freshman year. By redshirting, he is delaying his participation on the team so as to lengthen his period of eligibility.

“I chose to use it as a developmental year,” the 19 year old explained. “Save a year and build up.”

Because he’s not playing this season, he hasn’t had a chance to

Blake isn’t worried about being compared to his older brother or living in his shadow.

He plans on doing his own thing on the court when he starts playing next year.

“We don’t really have competitiveness,” Blake said. “We work together. We’re competitive towards others.”

BROTHERLY LOVE The Provost brothers spend most of their time together on the court in the Field House,

because they don’t live together.

Brandon insisted he tries hanging out with his little brother, but is disregarded by Blake.

“He ignores my text messages,” Brandon said. “I text him about seven to eight times a day.”

“You didn’t text me, did you?” Blake asked, trying to defend himself.

Even though they don’t spend much of their free time together, they still manage to keep some of the same interests. Both enjoy watching the NatGeo network’s Border Wars, recognizing some of the towns featured such as Pharr and Hidalgo.

“I watch it all the time, but don’t think we actually watch it together,” Brandon said.

“I watch it by myself and he watches it in his room with his girlfriend.”

Throughout the bickering and good-natured taunts, these brothers don’t actually fight and don’t necessarily compete on the court - they support and help each other.

“We’re different players.

We’re blessed in different ways,” Brandon said. “Blake got the pretty genes and I got the height.”