VOLUME 103, ISSUE 46
www.UniversityStar.com
WEDNESDAY
JANUARY 22, 2014
Defending the First Amendment since 1911
VIDEO | UniversityStar.com
SPORTS | Page 7
The Texas State Athletics video team produces live footage for display at home games and online.
Off to Little Rock: Women’s basketball will travel to the Jack Stephens Center tonight at 7 p.m. to face the Trojans for the second time this season.
CITY
Proposed Safe Passing Ordinance to protect ‘vulnerable road users’ Austin Humphreys | Star file photo A proposal for a nine-story development near downtown has been postponed to allow for more resident input on the project. The land is currently occupied by Cedars Mediterranean Restaurant, Triple Crown and Eskimo Hut.
CITY
Officials to hold talk for proposed development Madelynne Scales | Asst. Photo Editor David Thacker, biology senior, rides his bicycle Jan. 21 on Comanche Street. A proposed Safe Passing Ordinance would require all vehicles to give at least three feet of clearance when passing “vulnerable” road users including cyclists.
By Scott Allen
News Reporter
C
yclists and pedestrians will have more room on the roads if a proposed Safe Passing Ordinance is approved by the San Marcos City Council in the coming weeks. City councilmembers discussed the proposed ordinance during their meeting Tuesday, deciding to allow the proposal to head into the drafting stage with help from city staff members. The ordinance, if passed, will stipulate all vehicles must give at least three feet of clearance when passing “vulnerable road users.” Commercial ve-
hicles such as semi-trucks would have to give at least six feet of clearance. The ordinance, which applies to pedestrians and cyclists, already exists in 22 Texas cities. Neighboring communities such as Austin, New Braunfels and San Antonio have already passed the ordinance. The ordinance is expected to include language protecting the safe passing of all “vulnerable road users” on roadways. This includes pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, skateboarders, equestrians, physically disabled people, construction and maintenance workers, tow truck operators, stranded motorists and farm equipment
operators. Law enforcement would have the ability to write tickets for those who disobey safe passing rules. Robin Stallings, executive director for Bike Texas, a non-profit bicycle education and advocacy organization, said tickets in some cities can reach up to $500 and classify as a Class C misdemeanor. A length of time would be allotted before officers could begin ticketing offenders, similar to the system put in place for the alcohol ordinance enacted last year, said Mayor Daniel Guerrero. The ordinance, if passed, would include
See ORDINANCE, Page 2
The Main Street program will host a Coffee Talk for residents to discuss a proposed ninestory development that would take the place of Triple Crown and other local businesses on the corner of Edward Gary and Hutchison Streets. The Coffee Talk will be held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the LBJ Museum of San Marcos on Guadalupe Street. The talk is a result of the Planning and Zoning Commission’s Jan. 14 decision to gather more resident feedback before making a decision. The proposal requires a zoning change for the building, which is intended to be four stories taller than what is allowed under the current city regulation. The project includes plans for several levels of parking, retail and living spaces. The developer of the project, John David Carson of Carson Diversified Properties 2 LLC, will be present at the talk to answer public questions and dis-
cuss the specifics of the project. The Hutchison Mixed Use Redevelopment project proposed by Carson Properties would sit on land currently occupied by Triple Crown, Eskimo Hut and Cedars Mediterranean Restaurant. City staff recommended the approval of the development during the Jan. 14 P&Z meeting. The development would aim to create a “car free lifestyle” for its residents, John David Carson of Carson Properties said the development will “enhance the urban fabric” of San Marcos with its “highly efficient use of land that prevents sprawl.” The decision on the project’s height, which is four stories above city regulations, was delayed previously so engineers could upgrade the materials being used for the building. —Compiled by Taylor Tompkins, news editor
HEALTH
Community feeling effects of flu virus By Kacee Letbetter News Reporter
With the average influenza season in Texas typically lasting from October to May , San Marcos is already starting to feel the effects of the virus, which is hitting residents harder than in previous seasons. City officials say fewer arrests and medical incidents have occurred in parks due to the alcohol ban that went into effect Jan. 1, 2013.
City park alcohol ban sees ‘positive’ results News Reporter
A year has passed since public consumption and display of alcohol was banned in city parks, a move city officials say has resulted in less crime as visitors have sobered up. Fire Marshal Ken Bell and Rodney Cobb, executive director of community services, gave an update on the alcohol ban in city parks during Tuesday’s city council meeting. Bell and Cobb reported that fewer arrests and hospitalizations resulting from medical issues in city parks have occurred since the ban went into effect Jan. 1, 2013.
What we saw wasn’t so much a higher incidence of the flu, but the people that had the flu seemed to be sicker.” —Clay DeStefano, Central Texas Medical Center
RECREATION
By James Carneiro
Center director. The health center has administered about 1,100 doses of the flu vaccine so far, he said. The flu vaccine is ordered by hospitals and health departments early in the year based on projected numbers from the year before, DeStefano said. Patients who receive the vaccine are still suscep-
Bell said the alcohol ban has helped eliminate a “witching hour” at night when there was typically a spike in criminal incidents and hospitalizations. Bell said this spike often resulted after visitors had spent roughly eight hours drinking in the parks. The city averaged 20 hospitalizations due to activity in city parks in summers before the ordinance was passed, Bell said, in comparison to five hospitalizations this summer. Bell said people have also been “hypersensitive” about throwing beer cans in trash cans since the ordinance went
See PARKS, Page 2
Strains of the H1N1 flu are predominantly circulating this season, and experts say effects of the virus are already apparent. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 138 to 145 million doses of the seasonal influenza vaccine were reported to the CDC for distribution in the U.S. Health care professionals in San Marcos agree this flu season will be particularly severe on those who contract the virus. “What we saw wasn’t so much a higher incidence of the flu, but the people that had the flu seemed to be sicker,” said Clay DeStefano, administrative director for public relations and marketing at Central Texas Medical Center. “It was a tougher flu, if you will.” The Student Health Center provided flu shots last fall and in the beginning of this semester, said Emilio Carranco, Student Health
tible to the virus, but the intensity of their symptoms is not as great and they have a lesser chance of catching the flu, he said. “It’s a preventive measure, and it’s a measure that helps to manage the illness,” DeStefano said. Physicians are generally in agreement that this year’s flu virus is severe and seems to be affecting healthy young adults more than usual, said Laureen Chernow, Hays County communications specialist. “In our case, we’re watching it closely. We’re tracking the trend, trying to make sure we are contributing to the solution,” DeStefano said. Even though younger patients seem to be experiencing harsher effects of the flu, college students still seem to be the least willing to receive the vaccination for the virus, DeStefano said. Students were not a large percentage of the total among those receiving the
vaccine at CTMC, he said. Some students may receive vaccines at their family doctor or pharmacy, so it is difficult to determine what percentage of the student population has been vaccinated, Carranco said. “With less people vaccinated, more people are vulnerable to infection with the flu and more people can spread the flu,” Carranco said. Texas State has a contract that guarantees the health center receives the vaccine, which few other universities have, Carranco said. The contract guarantees the Student Health Center the opportunity to order additional vaccines at any time throughout the flu season, even in the unlikely event of national shortages, Carranco said. The Hays County Local Health Department remains in control of an adequate supply of the vaccination at this time, Chernow said. Most vaccine shortages tend to come from smaller facilities, which in turn do not affect the total supply for San Marcos, she said. Although the estimates for the number of influenza vaccines has fluctuated this flu season, both Carranco and DeStefano said there does not yet seem to be a shortage in San Marcos. The Student Health Center has 400 doses of the vaccination, Carranco said. DeStefano said CTMC stated it still has the vaccine in several of its locations to support the community.
2 | The University Star | News | Wednesday January 22, 2014
WILD ART
PRESS RELEASE
University police, emergency management to perform test The Office of Emergency Management of the Texas State University Police Department will conduct a test of the TXState Alert emergency notification system at 12 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23. A test emergency announcement will be sent out using various systems such as the university webpage, text messages and other devices. This is only a test and no action needs to be taken by students, faculty and staff.
The purpose of the test is to assess how well the system operates in alerting the university community about a possible emergency situation that could affect lives or property. Texas State will be conducting at least one of these tests each semester. Although the university has taken steps to ensure that everyone has access to the announcement, this would be a good opportunity for those who have
not signed up for the TXState Alert system to do so by going to the University Police webpage and following us on the Office of Emergency Management Facebook and Twitter pages. —Courtesy of Liza Ramos, University Police Department support services supervisor
ORDINANCE, continued from front an educational period to allow the public to learn the rules, Guerrero said. The proposed regulations are designed to give the public easier access to locations around the city. It would also relieve traffic and encourage people to find alternative modes of transportation, according to the ordinance proposal. “At this point what we’ll be doing is giving the staff the go-ahead to start drafting something to bring those options forward,” Guerrero said. Benefits of the proposed ordinance were discussed during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s city council meeting. Tamara Piper, owner of Pedal Power Bicycles, said the ordinance, if passed, would help educate the
community on safe transportation. “The Safe Passing Ordinance will help cyclists feel safer using our roadways and educate motorists about how to pass the cyclists or other vulnerable road users safely,” Piper said. Stallings said he is an advocate of the ordinance. Since other nearby cities have already passed the ordinance, it makes sense for San Marcos to be the next one in line, Stallings said. “The rest of the state will notice what you’re doing here and other cities will follow your lead,” Stallings said. “I mean, 22 cities have already passed this.” San Marcos has a growing cyclist community, and the ordinance would cement the city as a cyclist cornerstone in Texas, Stallings said.
“This safe passing bill is symbolic of the wealth that San Marcos has for cyclists,” Stallings said. “It’s a step in the road to making this a great city for cycling.” Benny Rice, San Marcos High School senior, is hopeful the ordinance will pass. Rice, who lives on Post Road, said he has to bike nine miles back and forth to school everyday. Rice said he believes the ordinance will benefit San Marcos. “I think it’ll help the community grow by creating better access to things,” Rice said. Readings of the ordinance will continue in the upcoming weeks after the draft is written. City councilmembers will vote on whether to pass the ordinance once the draft is finalized.
PARKS, continued from front into effect. Bell said the results of the ordinance have been “extremely” positive. He said contrary to popular belief, the ordinance is not an outright ban of alcohol. “It is not an alcohol ban, it just cannot be visible,” Bell said. Bell said the ordinance was designed with voluntary compliance in mind, and citizens were expected to simply obey the rules. He said this expectation was fulfilled, and residents have said the ordinance has positively impacted the parks. “More families are using the parks during the week, and we’ve been seeing a lot of young adults and
students from the university,” Bell said. “We’re not seeing as much undesirable behavior as we’ve seen in the past.” Councilmember Lisa Prewitt, Place 1, asked Bell if the majority of arrests at parks come from nonresidents. Bell said this was true, and violators have traditionally been from out of town. “The local folks here get it,” Bell said. “They knew this was coming.” Guerrero, who voted in favor of the ban in 2012, said one of the reasons he supported the ordinance was due to personal experience. During his first year in office, Guerrero said he received a
large amount of calls from people saying they were never going back to the river because of unruly behavior. Guerrero asked Bell if the city has provided funds for additional personnel to help enforce the ordinance. Bell said city funds were used to hire a full-time enforcement management position, which will soon be filled. Councilmember Jude Prather, Place 2, said he was glad to see a decrease in undesirable behavior as a result of the alcohol ban. “It’s really positive to hear our parks are safer because of it,” Prather said.
Danielle Charles | Staff Photographer Students work in the printmaking shop at the Joann Cole Mitte building Jan. 20.
The University Star | Wednesday January 22, 2014 | 3
TRENDS
UniversityStar.com
ART
Wittliff Collections exhibit explores mental health issues By Madison Smith Trends Reporter
Trends Reporter
Nick Kotz
Pulitzer Prize-winning author
R
ows of black and white portraits line the Wittliff Collections interior. Each of the 38 photographs is matched with a different voice speaking about mental health. Denial, fear, stigma, healing and humanity are all given voices from real people exploring the world of mental health. Artist Michael Nye’s “Fine Line: Mental Health / Mental Illness” traveling exhibition recently came to the Wittliff Collections on the heels of the university’s push to further explore this year’s Common Experience. “The stories of these people are larger than life. Their voices are amazing and honest,” Nye said. “What society can learn from these people is important— important for our shared humanity.” Nye said each individual depicted in the collection tells a story and remembers what many try to oppress and forget. The exhibit brings several different feelings and emotions to light so they can be explored, he said. “I think we all can relate to these people—it gives us an opportunity to relate with that Common Experience (theme),” said Wittliff curator Carla Ellard. “It is important that visitors walk in with an open mind and really listen to these people and their stories because it’s very powerful.” Prior to becoming a professional photographer, Nye spent 10 years working as an attorney. Nye said his legal background taught him problem solving and language mastery that he still applies to his artwork.
By Jordan Gass-Pooré
Students had the opportunity Tuesday to hear Nick Kotz, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, discuss his groundbreaking book “Judgment Days: Lyndon Baines Johnson, Martin Luther King Jr. and the Laws that Changed America” on campus. In his novel, Kotz delves into the pair’s historic partnership that forever changed the face of the civil rights movement. Reynaldo Leaños | Staff Photographer Derricka Perry, biology sophomore, visits the “Fine Line: Mental Health/Mental Illness” exhibit Jan. 21 as part of the Wittliff Collections in Alkek Library.
The University Star sat down with Kotz to discuss his beginnings in journalism and the impact of journalists on history.
Nye’s process is immersive, re- museum and the exhibit.” quiring him to spend a significant Martha Fierro Alarcon, comamount of time with each of his munication design senior, said subjects. Nye said he stays with she was overwhelmed by the stoeach subject for about a month, ries she heard when visiting the and it takes between 50 and 60 collection. hours of editing to produce five Fierro Alarcon said the name minutes of auof the collecdio for the extion implies hibit. simplicity, but The photogthe exhibit itrapher’s handsself is rich and on approach to complex. the collection “I was very spilled over over whelmed into the physiby the power cal layout of the of their voices. exhibit as well. —Martha Fierro-Alarcon, It’s almost too Nye worked dicommunication design senior much in the rectly with the moment to ablibrary museum sorb it all,” she to ensure that his vision was ex- said. “I was thinking about it long ecuted perfectly. after I left the exhibit.” “(Nye) handpicked the 38 porEllard said all students are both traits we have and where they welcome and encouraged to view would go within the rooms,” the exhibit to reflect on what it Ellard said. “‘Fine Line’ is one of has to offer, adding that the colthe few collections that relate to lection’s audio-visual component Wittliff’s Common Experience makes the experience special by theme, which is just a plus for the bringing the theme to life.
Jordan Gass-Poore’: How did you get into journalism? Nick Kotz: The short story is I was going to be the Ernest Hemingway of my generation, but I had never written anything, and he had started as a newspaper reporter, so I went and got a job as a newspaper reporter. Now that might not make a lot of sense, but that was a large part of it. I went to Dartmouth, and then I spent a year at the London’s School of Economics, and then I spent two years in the Marine Corps. On my last furlough, I went across the country looking for a job, and the last paper I stopped at was The Des Moines Register. I worked at the Register for 12 years, half the time in Washington. JGP: What role do you think journalists play in shaping history? NK: The expression is they write the first draft of history, and I think that’s quite important.
Courtesy of Nick Kotz
One of the wonders of the World Wide Web today is something called NewspaperARCHIVE. com. It’s spotty, but a huge help to me. Somebody, it may have been Google, I don’t know who, scanned the San Antonio newspapers back into the 1860s, similarly with the Chicago Tribune—same thing with the clerk of Bexar County who has led the country in scanning. I don’t know how in the heck it’s done because the Library of Congress and the National Archives, they’re doing millions of pages. I’m told Google has something where they can scan a book in a couple of minutes. I don’t know how they do it. People like me say ‘I’m coming to write the second draft.’ There is a wonderful New York Times writer’s description of the Selma (to Montgomery) March on Bloody Sunday and that is better than anything. I mean that’s a primary source. He was there. JGP: And with that great responsibility that journalists have, do you think journalists during the time of King and Johnson helped shape those legacies and how we remember them today? NK: Absolutely. Other civil rights leaders were very aware that for their demonstrations to succeed, more than the written press, they needed to have them on television, and television wanted drama, and King and his cohorts gave them drama. But the fact is the networks were out there covering that story, and it could be quite dangerous at times.
4 | The University Star | Wednesday January 22, 2014
OPINIONS
UniversityStar.com
THE MAIN POINT
T
Residential parking program positive step
hanks to a new permit program, San Marcos residents will hopefully feel peace of mind when parking in front of their homes without students’ cars unfairly cluttering neighborhood streets. City councilmembers voted unanimously to approve the creation of a Residential Parking Permit Program in their Jan. 7 meeting, according to a Jan. 14 University Star article. Residents can enact the program by circulating a petition to gather signatures within their neighborhoods.
Each household will be granted up to five parking permits, depending on the number of residents, and officers will be allowed to ticket vehicles lacking the proper identification, according to the article. City councilmembers made the right move by listening to residents’ concerns and working together to create a worthwhile program designed to increase parking efficiency. It is always commendable when the city’s elected officials are in tune with their constituency and pass ordinances to benefit the community. Nonetheless, it is a shame the situation even had to reach a point
Breanna Baker | Star Illustrator
where students’ inconsiderate behavior led to some residents experiencing difficulty parking in their own neighborhoods. Historically, it is no secret there has been a divide and disconnect between some residents and students as a whole in San Marcos. If students expect to be treated fairly by residents, it only makes sense that students should, in turn, be respectful to those who live in San Marcos neighborhoods. Pure laziness is the only excuse students can use for parking in residential neighborhoods, deserting their cars and walking to class in droves. There are multiple modes of transportation available to students— none of which have to include parking for free in neighborhoods and disadvantaging residents in the process. Students can hitch a free ride on the Bobcat Tram, purchase a perimeter permit to park in the commuter lots or walk to class from their dorms or apartments if they live in close proximity to campus. While the Bobcat Tram is not exactly popular, it will always get students to class on time if they are responsible enough to board the bus at the appropriate time. For perspective purposes, students should imagine what it would be like to see random cars parked outside their places of residence each day. Spaces are
UNIVERSITY
Molly Block exas State officials need to begin T renovating the interior of Old Main to complete the process of restoring
a major university icon to its former glory. As many students might have noticed on the first day of classes this semester, the renovations to the exterior of Old Main are finally finished for the most part. The construction project, which began in November 2012, included the replacement of the entire roof in addition to maintenance work to help stability. According to a Feb. 12, 2013 University Star article, the projected cost of the renovations was $1.8 million. While most students can probably agree the work done to the outside of Old Main makes the building look decades younger, the interior could use some attention as well. In 1902, Old Main became the first building to be constructed at Texas State. In the 112 years since the iconic building was built, there have only been two renovations to the inside of the building, according to the Texas State website. Upon entering the massive, castlelike structure, one can spot many cracks in the walls and mold growing in the corners of the ceiling. To put it nicely— the building’s interior is pretty gross. Additionally, many of the
The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University.
DATING
Looks play important role in dating success
Officials should renovate historic Old Main interior
Opinions Columnist Journalism senior
limited at many dorms and apartment complexes, and no student enjoys driving around trying to find a parking spot. The residents’ frustration becomes even more understandable when thinking about the situation escalating to the point where a haphazard sea of cars occupies a majority of free spaces in neighborhoods. It is common courtesy to be mindful of residents’ personal space and ability to park near their homes, especially since many are adults and have families of their own. It is not fair for residents to feel the burden of student population growth by bearing the brunt directly in their own neighborhoods with a lack of parking spaces. The new parking permit program is a solid step in the right direction to better accommodate those who live in neighborhoods and help bridge the historic gap between residents and students in San Marcos.
bathrooms need some serious work done. There are surely many mechanical, electrical and plumbing problems that need to be addressed and fixed. Although extra renovations would be a slight inconvenience for students who attend classes in Old Main, the decision to renovate would be worth the effort and the money. The exterior has already been completed, so it just makes sense to finish what was started. The challenge in undertaking a project such as this would be to preserve the structure’s historical integrity while essentially repairing much of the inside. Of course, construction crews would need to be very careful not to ruin anything of significance or disturb the learning environment while this is going on. One way to achieve this would be to wait until evening when most classes are over to work on any construction. Though it is impossible to say nobody would be distracted by the restoration, there should be very few students or faculty members who would be bothered by the noise and cannot concentrate if the construction only took place in the evening. Some might argue Texas State has already spent enough money restoring the roof and making the building look good on the outside. Regardless of the cost, however, the work that needs to be done has yet to be completed. Old Main is an icon at Texas State, and university officials need to spend the necessary money to finish the job. Texas State is a beautiful campus with rich history and Old Main, as an iconic building, is central to that image. If university officials want Old Main to be beautiful and functional for another 100 years, repairing the inside of the building is vital.
Rivers Wright Opinions Columnist Mass communication sophomore
tudents should accept that looks Simportant and personality traits are equally in a match instead of trying
to appear less shallow by denying the importance of attractiveness in a potential mate. The dating game would become much easier if personality traits could automatically be known when sitting across from someone at a bar. Knowing someone is funny, sarcastic or smart just by looking at them would make finding a true match much easier, rather than having to guess what kind of a person they are during an initial chitchat. However, since wearable dating profiles have yet to be invented, physical attributes are usually the main deciding factor when choosing who to start a conversation with and who to pass over. When people say looks are not important or that they only go for people with “great personalities,” they are most likely just trying to avoid sounding shallow. It is insincere to say that physical appearance does not affect one’s initial decision to approach a potential match. Everyone is shallow to a certain degree. However, even though compatible personality traits are important in a potential mate, those factors are usually only discovered later, after
already making the decision to talk to someone based on their looks. I am not saying anyone should enter a relationship solely based off of a person’s abs or beautiful long hair. While appearance is a large factor in deciding whom to approach, people cannot know someone’s personality until they talk to him or her. After all, when searching the bar for someone to hit on, no one can expect to know how the other person likes to spend his or her Sunday afternoons. The only available information about that person upon first glance is physical attractiveness. It is interesting to hear people say looks mean nothing to them and they would rather have someone who can make him or her laugh instead of dating a person who is simply hot. Deep down, everyone wants someone who is good to look at and can make them laugh. This should not be a problem. Physical attraction is the bait that draws another person in, while personality is the hook that keeps them there. Despite this, longterm relationships cannot be formed off looks alone. After a while, if two people have nothing in common, they will eventually move on and continue their search for “the perfect one.” In the end, it is okay to be shallow and go for the person who is blatantly attractive without knowing what their personality is like. Ultimately, both looks and personality are equally important, and personality is something that one can discover over the course of a relationship. Students should feel no shame in broadening their horizons, lowering their standards and having fun. Students should stop denying looks are important to them and go for the person they are interested in—there should be no shame in that.
POLITICS
Corporatism poses increasing threat to American democracy
Brandon Sams Opinions Columnist Journalism freshman
odern American democracy has M been turned on its head, morphing from a capitalist system into a corporatist plutocracy run by the rich and big corporations. Corporatism is defined as a society in which corporations exert political power over the government and the people within the bounds of its jurisdiction. A plutocracy is more simply defined as a government that is essentially run by a small group of the richest citizens. In the landmark 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United v. Federal Election
The University Star 601 University Drive Trinity Building, Room 101 San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708
Commission, corporations legally became “people” who can unlimitedly fund political candidates. After this case, the election of many of our politicians has been legally bought, giving corporations incredible power over political decisions that affect them. If multinational corporations can fund politicians indefinitely, that means they can put conditions on the money they independently give. This often leads to backdoor meetings where corporations and industries instruct politicians on which way to vote and address certain issues in exchange for a well-financed campaign. Unfortunately, the wealthiest campaigns are often the most likely to win elections, leading a large percentage of American political positions to be occupied by corporate puppets. It is not a mere coincidence that every winner of the presidential election in the past several decades has been the one who spent the most money on his campaign, or that 90 percent of congressional seat winners are the ones who spent the most, according to information from The Center for Responsive Politics. It is an unhappy fact that in our current election system, the victor is almost always the one
Editor in Chief................................................Caitlin Clark, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor..........................Liza Winkler, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters..................................................................................starletters@txstate.edu News Editor............................................Taylor Tompkins, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor.............................................Amanda Ross, startrends@txstate.edu Opinions Editor..................................Savannah Wingo, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor.......................................Austin Humphreys, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor.......................................Odus Evbagharu, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief................................Lesley Warren, starcopychief@txstate.edu Video Editor........................................................Alex Peña, starvideo@txstate.edu
with the most campaign money. The top 10 percent of the richest Americans held more than half of the annual wealth earned in the U.S. in 2012, according to a Sept. 10, 2013 Seattle Times article. To put that in perspective, it means 31 million people in this country made more in 2012 than the other 282 million people combined. This deficit is the highest proportion-wise since the government implemented the income tax in 1913, and the gap is only widening. Many corporations own the media outlets that perpetuate the illusion of American democracy. They are creating false distinctions between parties which, in truth, are both owned by corporations and discredit politicians who may reject their bribery attempts or are otherwise not ideal representatives. Because of this, there will likely never be a third party with legitimate influence and power in this country. Corporate greed is the leading reason why minimum wage has not kept up with the cost of living, which if it had, would likely exceed $21 an hour. If the minimum wage at the very least kept up with inflation, it would be more than $10 by now. But because corporations are not willing
Design Editor.................................................Lee Moran, stardesign@txstate.edu Web Editor.........................................Anthony Garza, starwebeditor@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Catie Brossard, starad3@txstate.edu Account Executive.................................Blakely Knowles, starad4@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Hannah Wilson, starad5@txstate.edu Media Specialist............................................ Chris Salazar, c.salazar@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator...........................Kelsey Nuckolls, starad1@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator.......................................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...........................Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu
to pay their workers a reasonable amount, minimum wage has been kept artificially low. This lack of reasonable pay has permanently crippled the middle and working classes and has hindered economic growth. As many economists have pointed out, when middle-class Americans earn more money, they—and this is a shocker— also spend more. Middle-class Americans spending more would help to pull our economy out of its current rut, but with wages so low it is unlikely to happen anytime soon. However, money knows no bounds. Americans cannot expect “people,” whose main interest is profit, to take a hit to their own revenue in order to help the country. In our current system, money is alpha and omega, and green is the only color that matters. Actual people are irrelevant. The people have been lead, like lemmings to the sea, to a system in which the rich become richer, and the poor become poorer. Here the American dream of upward mobility we lay to rest, and may it rest in peace. Meanwhile, the people must say hello to an unprecedented degree of income inequality. ‘Merica!
The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the spring and fall and every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Wednesday, January 22, 2014. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief. The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy. Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.
Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com
The University Star | Advertisement | Wednesday January 22, 2014 | 5
6 | The University Star | Advertisement | Wednesday January 22, 2014
The University Star | Wednesday January 22, 2014 | 7
SPORTS
UniversityStar.com
Texas State basketball heads to Little Rock for second matchup
Women’s basketball will play Arkansas—Little Rock Jan. 22 on the road. The Bobcats are 1-6 for away games.
By Quixem Ramirez Sports Reporter @quixem
Texas State will travel to the Jack Stephens Center tonight at 7 p.m. to face the Arkansas—Little Rock
Trojans for the second time this season. The Bobcats won the first matchup in San Marcos, limiting the Trojans to 35 points and 29 percent shooting. UALR is seventh in the Sun Belt Conference
with a 3–3 record. The Trojans have not finished lower than second in the last six seasons. They are 90–22 in the conference since the 2007–08 season. “They are a tough team,” said Coach Zenarae Antoine. “For
Erin Peoples sophomore forward
Reynaldo Leaños | Staff Photographer
By Quixem Ramirez Sports Reporter @quixem
Sophomore Erin Peoples grew up in Little Rock, Ark. where her father, Ernest, molded her into the player she is today—a slashing forward that rebounds and defends multiple positions. Peoples is averaging 9.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in her sophomore season. She is 30th in
9.4
Star file photo
scoring and 11th in rebounding in the conference. “My dad made me love basketball,” Peoples said. “He taught me everything—how to shoot, dribble, how to read a defense. He was always there to support me and give me tips. He showed me the ropes in basketball.” Peoples led Parkview High School to the Class 6-A State Championship in two consecutive years. The team finished second during her junior year. Peoples tallied 20 points, eight rebounds and five steals in the 5031 victory against Russellville High School during her senior year. She earned the state tournament MVP for her performance. “It was a big deal because every year we made it far, and we finally pulled it off,” Peoples said. “We were known for winning championships. I’m pretty sure my coach had five before I arrived.” Peoples received offers from Georgetown, Houston and Texas State. The first school she visited, Texas State, ended up being her last visit. “They made me feel at home,” Peoples said. “I loved the team and coaching staff when I visited. Coach (Zenarae) Antoine—she just got me. She was this mother-like figure to me. She’s really passionate about the
game. She loves basketball just as much as I do.” Antoine, an assistant coach at Arkansas for three years, was familiar with Peoples’ basketball skill set. Antoine met Peoples in high school during the Amateur Athletic Union season. “Erin is considered one of the top players in the top state of Arkansas,” Antoine said in a press release after Peoples committed to Texas State. “Erin is the most versatile player in this class. She can play both the guard and post positions and has the ability to score and rebound with the best of them.” Peoples was the only Texas State freshman who started every game last season. Peoples, a WAC AllFreshman Team selection, led the team in rebounds and steals last year. “It was difficult,” Peoples said. “The pace was a lot faster, but my team helped me, and I was prepared. I worked hard, and I put in extra work.” Peoples said her life revolves around basketball. She will often head to the recreation center to play basketball after a three-hour practice. “Erin is one of the hardest workers on the team,” Antoine said. “She does have a chance to be a professional basketball player, but she needs to develop a 3-pointer. She’s an excellent rebounder and passer. She can defend and create points off the dribble.” Peoples still has two years of eligibility remaining, but she does not want her basketball career to conclude at the collegiate level. “I’ll never stop working,” Peoples said. “I want to still play basketball in five years. I hope I’m still playing after college. I’ve always dreamed to play professionally—overseas or in the WNBA.”
lection, is averaging 13.8 points per game, ranking seventh in the conference. Senior guard Taylor Ford is averaging 9 points per game, fourth on the team. Gault and Ford combined for 3 points and 1 of 16 shooting against Texas State. It was Gault’s third scoreless game in her threeyear career. Texas State is 3–2 in the conference. They are one-and-half games behind Sun Belt leader Arkansas State with 13 conference games remaining. Antoine replaced sophomore guard Ayriel Anderson with junior guard Meghan Braeuer in the starting lineup. Braeuer is averaging 7.8 points as a starter and 2.8 points off the bench. Texas State is 2–1 since the lineup change. “(Braeuer) has done a phenomenal job for us,” Antoine said. “Kaylan Martin has been our sole leader. She’s been steady in the classroom and on the basketball court. We recruited (Braeuer) for that same reason. It allows for our younger kids to make mistakes, and play through our hiccups when you have (Braeuer) and (Martin). Regardless of who we play, this is an area I’m really excited about.”
Get to Know Raven Burns
sophomore guard
By the Numbers Number of points Peoples averages per game, which is the second best on the team.
Total amount of games Peoples started last season. She was the only freshman to start every game for the Bobcats.
5.8
whatever reason, they haven’t been as good as they usually are so far, but they are still one of the better teams in the conference.” UALR is allowing 55.6 points per game, the 13th lowest mark in Division I. The Trojans lead the Sun Belt in field goal percentage defense and 3-point defense. “They can defend with the best of them,” Antoine said. “They do a very good job limiting highpercentage shots and protecting the paint. We are going to have to work really hard for good shots against them.” The Trojans received six first place votes in the Sun Belt preseason coaches’ poll. The Trojans were the top-ranked team with 95 points, 3 points ahead of secondranked Western Kentucky. “I haven’t looked at their previous seasons, but they still look good on paper this year, despite their record,” Antoine said. “We beat them the first time, but they closed the game very well. I anticipate another close game.” During the first matchup, Texas State scored 18 points in the second half, and the Trojans trimmed the 12-point deficit to 7. UALR was within 4 points with six minutes remaining, but the Bobcats finished on an 8–5 run. Junior guard Taylor Gault, a Sun Belt preseason first-team se-
30
Peoples’ average number of rebounds per game this season. The sophomore forward leads the team in this category. Your friendly neighborhood watchdog.
Reynaldo Leaños | Staff Photographer
By Gabby Tropea Sports Reporter @gabbytropea
GT: What do you like to do when you're not playing basketball? RB: Listen to music. I'm the person on the team who's always up to date with music. GT: If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? RB: I'd stay in Houston. I love my city. GT: What is your dream car? RB: An all-white Range Rover. GT: Who is your celebrity crush? RB: Chris Brown. GT: What is your favorite restaurant in San Marcos? RB: Chipotle Mexican Grill.
GT: What are you most looking forward to this basketball season? RB: Going to New Orleans (Sun Belt conference championship tournament) and winning. GT: What is your best memory growing up involving playing basketball? RB: Making eight threepointers in a game. GT: Why did you choose Texas State over UT-El Paso and Stephen F. Austin? RB: I fell in love with the campus. I liked the coaches. I've never played for a woman coach and I wanted to try something different. Also, I wanted to stay close to home. GT: What was it like to be ranked 170th nationally in scoring and 19th in Texas in high school? RB: It was such a blessing. I felt honored to know that my hard work paid off.
8 | The University Star | Sports | Wednesday January 22, 2014
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
KTSW fm-89.9 Other Side Drive proudly features bands from The Texas State women’s basketball team is currently 3–2 in the Sun Belt Conference and tied for second with four other teams. The Bobcats were picked by the coaches to finish ninth out of 10 teams in the preseason polls.
Texas State University
Broke Folks January 22 at 5:30
Thrilljoy January 24 at 5:30
ktsw.net
The ball club is shooting 61.4 percent from the free throw line, which is second to last in the conference. The team is ranked 314th out of 343 teams in the nation in this category.
The Bobcats are shooting a conference-worst 35.3 percent from the field this season. They are 326th out of 343 teams in the country in field-goal percentage.
classifieds SUB-LEASE ON AN open br in a 5 br unit at The Avenue (1111 Avalon Way). Lease expires in May. Monthly rent of $509, bills not included. Jan rent is already paid, and another $200 provided. Includes: hardwood floors, washer and dryer, large fitness center, pool, etc. On the Bobcat Tram Route. Great roommates. Immediate occupancy. Call Shayne Johnson at 817-797-3792; e-mail to: kentsuej@att.net
1100 SQ FT 3 bedroom 3 bathroom, Rent $900.00, $600.00 deposit, $45.00 application fee, Washer/ Dryer included, Nonrefundable Pet fee limit 2 pets. Please call 512505-0053 $6,000-$10,000 PAID EGG DONORS.ALL RACES, N/SMOKERS, AGES 18-26. SAT>1100/>ACT>24/ GPA>3.0 Reply to: info@eggdonorcenter. com