The Scene Issue 4 Fall 2018

SCENE THE

Fall Issue 4

Nov. 2, 2018

Medical marijuana

www.thescenefp.com

See page 3

‘Rowing to America’ See page 4

Trump’s nightmare See page 7

St. Louis Community College at Forest Park

VOTING F.A.Q.

• When do I vote?

Missouri doesn’t have early voting, so most residents must vote on Election Day, Nov. 6. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those in line at 7 will be allowed to cast ballots.

• Who’s running for U.S. Senate?

Incumbent U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, is opposed by Republican Josh Hawley, Missouri’s attorney general.

• What’s on the ballot regarding marijuana?

• Where do I vote?

Look for your polling place on your voter registration card or go to the Missouri secretary of state’s website at sos.mo.gov.

Photo by Daniel Shular

Protesters in a Families Belong Together march through Keiner Plaza in downtown St. Louis on June 14. They were demonstrating against the separation of families at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Election rhetoric troubles international students, staff

By Jason Ethridge The Scene staff President Donald Trump has made immigration a key issue in the campaign leading up to the Nov. 6 midterm elections.

His administration also has taken a series of controversial steps, including reducing the number of immigrant visas, separating children from Mexican parents entering the country illegally, sending troops to stop a caravan of Central American refugees and proposing that the United States spend billions on a border wall.

The debate is of interest to many students, faculty and staff at Forest Park, the most international campus in the St. Louis Community Hulsey College system.

“There are a lot of soundbites out there — soundbites that don’t really help people understand some of the issues surrounding immigration,” said Global Education Coordinator Layla Goushey, also an associate professor of English. “Even in my own family, there are those who don’t understand.”

Goushey was moved to tears when talking about 12-year-old Mario David Castellanos, one of thousands in the caravan, mostly from Honduras and Guatemala. She said he wanted to find work in the United States to help his family back home and walked more than 1,000 miles with no parental supervision before he was physically assaulted and detained by Mexican officials with no known release date.

“Why are we in our foreign policy not looking into these issues instead of creating

inflammatory rhetoric about what’s going on?” Goushey asked, noting that many refugees are fleeing their homes because of gang violence and extreme poverty.

The subject of immigration hits close to home for Goushey.

“My dad was a Palestinian refugee who never finished high school,” she said. “He never got the opportunity that I did and that I try to give to those I teach.”

Forest Park has 250 to 300 students from other countries who speak English as a second language. A few are international students utilizing F-1 student visas with plans to return home after their educations.

The vast majority of students from other countries are known as “non-native-speaking” Goushey or NNS students, who want to stay in the United States permanently.

One is Astou Conte, 24, an English major who arrived nearly 18 months ago from Senegal with her family. She is occasionally homesick and doesn’t enjoy the stress associated with life in the United States, but she considers it a land of opportunity and looks forward to seeing what she can achieve.

“We have the chance to work,” she said.

“We can have enough money to do whatever we want.”

Many international and NNS students take classes through the English as a second language program at Forest Park. Some are involved with its International Club, which has about 50 members.

See Immigration page 2

• What do I need to bring?

McCaskill

A driver’s license, student ID, bank statement, utility bill, passport or some other approved form of identification.

• How do I get to the polls?

Uber is offering free rides to the polls on Nov. 6, and Lyft is providing a 50 percent discount. You can also ride a Lime bike or scooter at no charge.

Hawley

Two propositions and one constitutional amendment are related to medical marijuana. All would allow doctors to prescribe it for specified illnesses.

• What’s the campaign finance issue?

A proposed constitutional amendment would establish limits on campaign contributions for state legislative candidates.

• Where can I find a sample ballot?

Access the St. Louis Post-Dispatch voters guide at stltoday.com/votersguide and type in your address to find your ballot.

Photos by Daniel Shular

Halloween karaoke

Meteorology major Johnathan Heinle, 18, dances and lip-syncs to Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” in the Highlander Lounge for Campus Life’s Halloween Karaoke and Mocktail party on Oct. 31.

News

Immigration

from page 1

The sponsor is Keith Hulsey, an English Foqa said. “Some people don’t like others. professor and coordinator of the English as They punish people for how they look and a second language program. The club pro- what they talk about.”

Despite the challenges, “nothing could vides a place where students from other countries can feel comfortable, introduces have stopped” her from coming to the Unitthem to campus and allows them to practice ed States, she said.

Business administration major Suzan Jaff their English.

American-born students also can join the became a U.S. citizen in April after emigrating from Kurdistan club if they want to six years ago. learn about other cul“The current administration nearly She and her husband tures and meet people received special from all over the world. is certainly not proimmigrant visas, “We all benefit each other,” Hulsey immigrant, either document- thanks to his job as a contractor with the said.

While every ined or undocumented. They U.S. Army.

Even though Jaff ternational and NNS student has a different are trying to drum up a fear already has her citizenship, she’s conset of circumstances, cerned about changes of the immigrant to rally many are concerned in societal attitudes about recent White their side, I suppose.” toward people from House hostility and other cultures. the way immigrants “Things have are portrayed by ­— Keith Hulsey, English as a second changed a lot,” she language program coordinator some media outlets, said. “In some good Hulsey said. ways, but in many “The current administration is certainly not pro-immigrant, bad ways for immigrants and refugees.”

Hulsey said the U.S. reputation as a safe either documented or undocumented. They are trying to drum up a fear of the immigrant place for people seeking democracy and freedom has suffered in recent years, even to rally their side, I suppose.”

Information technologies major Dalia Foqa, among its allies.

“This is a country of immigrants,” he 17, is a Palestinian refugee who came to the United States with her family three years ago. said. “We need to be able to accept the peoShe said they have all suffered discrimination ple who are the weakest, the neediest, who need the most help. We should be bigger because of their clothing and customs.

“The U.S was not really welcoming,” than the politics that are going on.”

Interested in Transferring?

Learn about Webster’s exciting academic programs.

Did you know Webster offers programs in Animation, Game Design, Film Production, Sports Communication, Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations, and more? Learn about these at our special School of Communications Preview Day on November 9.

JOIN US! Connect with Webster — on your campus or ours!

Nov. 5 • 10am-1pm Outside Advising Office Nov. 9 • SOC Preview Day (@ Webster) Learn about: Webster’s exciting academic programs; generous transfer scholarships; apply for free; and request free estimated evaluations of your transfer credit!

For more information on transferring: WEBSTER.EDU/TRANSFER Office of Admission 314-246-7800 or 1-800-753-6765 • admit@webster.edu

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Nov. 2, 2018

Campus chatter Stacy Crum, 33, respiratory therapy “Yes. It will keep people out of prison. Let’s be honest, everyone’s tried it before.”

Max Eisenberg, 36, nursing “Yes. There’s been a lot of evidence to support marijuana helping with various conditions.”

Lassite Quinines, 26, general transfer “Yes. It will give Missouri extra cash for education and roads and (serve) medical purposes.”

Tynachia Brown, 35, nursing “Yes. I think a lot of people should use it as an alternative to opiate medication.”

Should medical marijuana be legalized in Missouri?

Patrick Mayfield, 19, general transfer “Yes. Lots of people go through health problems that need medicinal marijuana instead of pharmaceuticals.”

Trina Haynes, 40, respiratory therapy “Yes. I agree it could have benefits, medically speaking, but disagree (with legalizing it) for recreational usage. It has a major effect on the destruction of the lungs.”

Rick Mahil, 26 respiratory therapy “Yes, because it has potential benefits for cancer patients.”

Dominic Levett, 21, general transfer “Yes. It will help a lot of people with chronic illnesses.”

By Timothy Bold

Allison Hopkins, 21, automotive technology “Yes. Many pain medications are addictive. Marijuana is proven non-addictive.”

Nov. 2, 2018

Mary Polander, assistant to the dean of liberal arts “Yes, if it’s strictly for medicine. It will benefit our tax revenue, depending on where politicians decide to put it.”

Rodney Wead, sociology professor “Yes. It’s proven that medical marijuana helps tonsils and glaucoma. Doctors have endorsed it as a great form of medicine.”

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Derrick Valentine, 19, physical therapy “Yes, to help people focus on learning and relieve severe pain.”

Layout by Jayy Dixon

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Photo by Daniel Shular

‘Rowing to America’

“Rowing to America: The Immigrant Project” will be performed at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 9-10 and 4 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the Mildred E. Bastian Center for the Performing Arts.

The play is described as a “collection of short plays written by a group of award-winning culturally diverse playwrights. In sometimes comic, sometimes tragic, and sometimes poetic style, each playwright shares their unique vision on immigration, emigration and migration, exploring culturally diverse issues that help define our country.”

Above, general transfer students Kimberly Clyne, 18, left, and Meg Cooper, 23, rehearse a scene. Left, Corey Anderson, 29, left, and surgical technology major Juri Ross, 24, rehearse with Kathy Dawson, 54, right, a nursing instructor at Goldfarb School in St. Louis.

Anderson is a tutor in the fundamentals of music technology.

Photo by Timothy Bold

If our elected leaders won’t enact stronger gun safety laws, then we’ll elect stronger leaders.

VOTE NOVEMBER 6 TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

GUNSENSEVOTER.ORG PAID FOR BY EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY ACTION FUND

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Nov. 2, 2018

Photo by Daniel Shular

Culinary arts major Camren Harrison, 19, left, samples South African yellow rice as he and his classmate, Tyrone Parks, 44, take a break from serving at the World Beats and Eats of Africa festival in the theater building.

Photo by Timothy Bold

Respiratory therapy student Jennifer Williams, 29, left, watches as classmate Juilianna Baumann, 25, adjusts an intubation tube on a mannequin in the Student Center lobby.

A Day in the Life of Forest Park

Photo by Bethany Tyler

Education major Cheryl Cobbs, 29, left, talks with continuing education secretary Tekela Underwood, 44, to get information on available classes.

Photo by Bethany Tyler

Non-credit student Angela Jackson, 52, makes her first base in ceramics class.

Nov. 2, 2018

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Page 5

Opinion

Stand up to bullies Weighing In

Choose UMSL.

By Zacchaeus Windham The Scene staff

Open office hours for STLCC Forest Park students: Mondays and Tuesdays Walk-ins only 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Advising Center – SC-200

“I can help with all of your questions about transferring, scholarships and what it’s like to be a Triton!”

Stacey Pugh Transfer Specialist

2018142/0718/jb

askstacey@umsl.edu 314-516-5161

Serious education. Serious value.SM

The New York Post recently published a story about an elementary school student who had been bullied for three years but refused to fight back because, he said, “It’s not the Jedi way.”

The student’s name is Aiden Vasquez, and he’s 10 years old. In August, he was pushed against a wall by another student, causing lacerations on his cheek and under his eyebrow, and his eye was bloodied.

The incident was captured on video. Aiden’s mother, Lizette Casanova, said it was the second time she had taken him to hospital due to bullying. I found this story to be disturbing.

Often, bullying only involves teasing and other verbal abuse. Sometimes it gets physical, resulting in a bloody nose, black eye or bruises. Or it can escalate, as it did in Aiden’s case.

When you’re a kid, you’re influenced by what you see on TV and at the movies.

Characters inspire you and give you some-

thing to believe in.

But it seems to me that “Star Wars” isn’t helping Aiden at all. By not fighting back, he will likely end up back in the hospital, and next time, his injuries might be much more serious.

In the newspaper story, Aiden’s mother commented that her son was smarter and nicer than other boys his age. She plans to press charges against the school. She also wonders why police aren’t doing more to stop the bullying.

I understand how Casanova is feeling. If a kid like Aiden is going through a bad situation, such as bullying, and no one is doing anything to stop it, then a mother has a right to be upset.

I think it’s safe to say that all teachers should make more of an effort to stop bullying in schools. If they don’t, verbal abuse can lead to physical abuse, and physical abuse can lead to gun violence.

The video of Aiden’s assault went viral, and Aiden’s mother said many people approved of his determination not to resort to violence.

That included “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill.

But other people said Aiden should fight back, and I agree with them. I know that Aiden isn’t the kind of kid who resorts to violence, and that shows wisdom. But his passive reactions haven’t helped him one bit.

When you don’t resolve an issue involving a bully, then he, or she, will think it’s OK to do it again and the situation will escalate. Or the bully will find someone else to pick on.

In Aiden’s case, he had no teachers or security officers to help with his situation. I’m not saying that people should always respond to violence with violence, but a kid shouldn’t be afraid to stand up for himself by throwing a punch.

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Managing editor: Timothy Bold

Business/web manager: Victor Paletta Layout editor: Jayy Dixon

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Circulation: Zacchaeus Windham Reporters/photographers: Joshua Phelps, Jason Ethridge, Daniel Shular, Soroda Nasiri, Jonny Geigle Cartoonist: Arrak Hutcherson Faculty advisers: Teri Maddox, Fred Ortlip

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Nov. 2, 2018

Opinion

Vote! It’s your right and responsibility Uncensored

By Soroda Nasiri The Scene staff Midterm elections are right around the corner, and I can’t help but feel nauseous.

During any election, some people get stressed out, anxious and grumpy, spreading negative energy across the nation.

This year, everywhere I turn, someone is talking about the importance of the Nov. 6 election and the impact it will have on the presidency.

Republicans now run both chambers of Congress. Some would argue that they’re just rubber-stamping what the president wants and declining to investigate, criticize or provide any other oversight, per their constitutional duty.

The election will affect the presidency because, if Democrats took over the House or Senate, they would be a “check” on Donald Trump’s power.

That’s a valid point. The election is im-

portant. But some people have gone crazy, turning into evil trolls and becoming dismissive of other people’s feelings and opinions.

Just like myself a few years ago, many people don’t understand the impact of midterm elections. Americans aren’t voting for president or vice president. The people who fill those offices are selected in general elections every four years.

Trump was elected in 2016, so he won’t be up for re-election until 2020.

But voters are making many other important decisions in midterm elections, which take place two years into each president’s term.

They’re choosing all U.S. representatives, some U.S. senators, some governors and many other state and local officials.

Sometimes voters in midterm elections are also deciding on bond issues, propositions and other public-policy matters.

U.S. senators serve six-year terms, and those terms are staggered, so only onethird of the U.S. Senate is up for election or re-election at any one time. In Missouri, the big race this year is between incumbent Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, and her Republican opponent, Josh Hawley, the state’s attorney general.

I know that this election will have a big effect on the rest of Trump’s presidency

and the 2020 presidential election. And I know I must vote, but I have a hard time generating any enthusiasm for it. I hear empty promises being made by politicians, and that makes voting seem more like a chore than a civic duty.

During all election campaigns, candidates are asked about issues affecting our nation, including the U.S. economy, immigration, justice reform, trade, health care, abortion and gay rights.

Debating the last two is mind-boggling to me. Why is an adult’s decision to love another adult up for anyone else’s business? We don’t question heterosexual rights. And I’m really tired of the pro-choice verses anti-abortion debate. You should be able to do what you want with your own body.

I have conflicting thoughts about elections. I don’t believe most of the points argued address what is really important to human life.

Look at the food we put into our bodies. Whenever I go to the grocery, I’m amazed that there are so many options.

And whether food comes in a can or box, whether it’s organic or not, that can have a long-term effect on your health.

This makes me ask, “Why is it legal to put sugar in everything?” If health care is such a big issue, why not enact laws to make sure our food isn’t poisoned? Why

Chaos and Contradiction

Nov. 2, 2018

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do we have organic and non-organic produce? Why can’t we all eat the same food without giving the rich the upper hand, leaving the poor to suffer?

The reason why this change would never take place is that the people in power wouldn’t benefit from it. I could give many other examples of things that bother me, but I won’t.

I honestly believe that if our government, lawmakers and other leaders cultivated a culture with “quality” of life in mind, the world would be so much more productive, and people would live lives of dignity.

Instead, most politicians and others in power focus on “quantity” of life, including how to make America more profitable and how to make themselves richer.

The system needs to be improved, and we should practice quality over quantity as a nation. It’s an uphill battle sometimes, but I will continue to do my duty and vote.

From a theoretical standpoint, voting is important because we get to engage in the function of government, helping to elect leaders who will make a difference.

I’m encouraging everyone to print out a sample ballot, do their research and vote on Nov. 6. Uber is offering free rides to polling places. You can find the location of your polling place at showmevotes. civicengine.com.

Remember, many of us (including women and blacks) didn’t have the right to vote for generations. People fought to give us this right. Take advantage of it to honor their hard work and dedication.

By Arrak Hutcherson

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E T O V

6 R E B M E V O N , Y A D S E U T Problems voting? Call the Election Protection Hotline at (866) OUR-VOTE • (866) 687-8683

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