Granholm Speaks in Favor of Promise Scholarship Across the State

By: Christian Hokans

Just when students across Michigan had conceded the loss of $4,000 they were “promised” by the Michigan Promise Scholarship, there may be some reason for hope. Governor Granholm embarked on a campaign on Nov. 18 to revive the scholarship, making MSU her first stop on the way. She also stopped off at several other Michigan universities on her whirlwind tour to gain student support for her initiative.

As students filed off to class on a cold Wednesday morning, many turned out to voice their opinion on the matter in front of the Hannah Administration Building. Local news reporters combed the crowd, students carried signs while others distributed symbolic $100 “coupons” to be torn up later. A variety of student groups were represented including ASMSU/COGS, College Republicans and Democrats, Undergraduate Alliance and others.

Some were there in protest to the specific policies that necessitated the removal of the Promise Scholarship including Griffin Sharp, spokesperson for the College Republicans.

“Govorner Granholm’s failure to cut spending has led us to cut vital services like higher education,” Griffin Sharp, spokesman for College Republicans, said. “We believe that the Promise scholarship would still exist if Granholm and Cherry did not tax everyone out of Michigan starting seven years ago.”

Others were present merely to support the Governor’s efforts, including Mitchell Rivard President of the College Democrats.

“We are here to stand in solidarity with the Governor in her fight to bring back the Promise Scholarship,” Rivard said.

After other figures including President Simon spoke, Granholm took the podium. She too stressed the importance of the Promise Scholarship to the future of Michigan. Granholm went further, though, stressing the need for students to get involved in bringing back the scholarship. The Governor called for students to “make their voices heard” by writing their representatives in Lansing.

“A promise is not a promise if you have to rip it up,” Granholm said. “I am encouraging you to engage in democracy, I stand with you.”

The Governor’s campaign brought her to Saginaw Valley State University next where she met with larger crowds. At her stop at Central Michigan University, though, the Governor was criticized by student groups inquiring as to how she would find the money needed to fund the scholarship.

A CMU student editorial later said, “all she did was highlight the benefits of the Michigan Promise without giving a clear solution on how to bring it back.”

Later in the week, however, Granholm visited Eastern Michigan University with a plan in hand. She explained how allocating funds from the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit will provide the necessary funds. The MEITC is intended to award money to working class families throughout Michigan struggling to provide for themselves amidst tough economic times.

Throughout the campaign, though, the necessity of student involvement was the Governor’s overarching message. The Governor consistently called for students to contact their legislators and ask them to support the reinstatement of the Scholarship. But as next semester’s tuition bills come calling, thousands of Michigan students are left wondering if the Governor’s efforts are too little too late.

Louisiana Governor Speaks in Grand Rapids

By: Nicholas Kowalski

On Tuesday, November 17, the Michigan Republican Party (MRP) hosted a fundraiser at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids with featured speaker, Governor Bobby Jindal (R-LA).

The event was held in Grand Rapids to generate revenue for the 2010 GOP gubernatorial candidate, who will be decided by a primary this summer. A bulk of those in attendance were business professionals, politicians, and students from the area. Lunch was served after a few introductory remarks at around 12:30 pm.

MRP Chairman Ron Weiser welcomed the packed Pantlind Ballroom.

“In a year, voters will decide the next chapter in Michigan,” Weiser said.

Weiser stated that the recent election results in New Jersey and Virginia – two mid-Atlantic states that were won by republican candidates for governor – are a sign that the party is back.

College Republican activists from MSU, Hope College, and GRCC composed a large share of the audience. In reference to the substantial number of students, Weiser explained that the “prospect for the future” is the reason for the GOP’s strong response to the massive sums of money being spent and proposed by President Obama and the Democratic Congress.

Next, Peter Secchia, former Vice Chairman of the Republican National Committee, briefly addressed the eager body.

In welcoming the up-and-coming politician from Cajun country, the former U. S. Marine and MSU graduate (’63) made it clear that Governor Jindal views Louisiana State University a bit differently than Michiganders. Secchia explained that Nick Saban, former MSU head football coach (’95-’99), chose to leave East Lansing for Baton Rouge mid-season.

Bobby Jindal, the first Governor of Asian Indian descent, began his speech with a response to Secchia’s playful remark: “[LSU is] fortunate to have another great coach from Michigan in Les Miles.”

On a more serious note, the 38-year-old politician said that Louisiana is similar to Michigan, in a negative way.

“We are both losing our greatest assets now: our sons and daughters,” Jindal said.

The Brown- and Oxford-educated Governor then shared a few interesting facts concerning Louisiana’s economic turnaround. Jindal cited two studies, one by Forbes and another by the Better Government Association – both ranked the Pelican State’s economic standing in 2006 as “poor.” Since Jindal took office in 2008, the economic situation in Louisiana has rebounded, despite the recessionary label of the national economy. In fact, U. S. News and World Report has named Shreveport, Louisiana, as one of the “Best Places to Find a Job” in 2009.

In a laughing manner, Jindal claimed he once told a joke on national television in saying that at any time half of the Bayou State’s politicians are under indictment. The presumable reference is to William “Cash” Jefferson, former U. S. Congressman from New Orleans, who was sentenced to 13 years in jail on 11 counts of corruption for bribery earlier this year.

Having served as U. S. House Majority Whip from 2004-2006, Jindal reminded the body of his commitment to lower taxes. He cited a campaign promise to veto all tax-increase bills – a promise that he has kept. Jindal also noted that the Louisiana state budget for fiscal year 2008 is much lower than it was under former Governor Kathleen Blanco (D) in 2007. For example, Jindal said the state combined two half-filled schools in Baton Rouge in order to save tax-payer revenue, which thus lowered the state budget.

“Unlike the federal government, we can’t create money or borrow from China, so we cut spending,” Jindal said.

The theme of ‘protecting the future’ resurfaced. Jindal said the nation’s top priority should not be oil, gas, or automobiles, but our people, the future workforce.

“Across America, only three-fourths of all kids finish high school. In Louisiana, it is only two-thirds,” Jindal said.

He argued the studies on educational performance prove the point that reform measures are a must for success. For instance, under Jindal, $500 million was allocated for community and technical college programs in Louisiana. Jindal has also increased the number of charter schools in the state, primarily in New Orleans, from 42 to 100 – an act that even garnered praise from President Obama.

It is apparent that Louisiana is “reinvesting and revamping” its workforce through common sense education reform.

Jindal stated that the best perk of being Governor is the opportunity to personally and sincerely thank our troops for their service, saying that he attends every return and departure that he can.

“I have actually held three babies before their fathers have. You hear some truly amazing stories on the job,” Jindal said.

Consequently, the hardest part of the job, says Jindal, is having to call the parents and spouses to inform them that their loved one will not be coming back.

The former Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Planning and Evaluation (2001-2003) spoke of two ways that our nation can get back on track: stop addiction to debt and invest in the future.

A prime example of such methodology would be to decrease the taxes levied against health insurance plans, says Jindal.

“We’re spending our children’s and grandchildren’s money. Our parents knew this was wrong, but, for some reason, we have not followed suit,” Jindal said.

He continued by defending the traditional principle of ‘if you can’t pay for it, don’t buy it,’ indicating that his father, Amar, would negotiate with the family’s doctor, shaking his hand and promising to pay what he could, when he could.

Next, an enthused Jindal told a story about his son’s behavioral performance in kindergarten and related it to what the federal government should be doing: working hard (i.e. reduced spending) to achieve a goal (i.e. a balanced budget).

“My son, Shaan, once brought home a ‘purple’ card, signaling that he had not behaved in school,” Jindal said.

Jindal further explained that he asked his son what he thought he needed to do in order to earn a ‘green’ card for good behavior. Shaan replied that he needed to “work harder.”

Jindal concluded his mid-day oration by firmly warning the audience of today’s leaders and the leaders of tomorrow. He noted that the strong disapproval shown by the people in response to the outrageous, unnecessary government spending by Obama, is fueled by fear for future generations.

“We must continue to pressure [the government] so to preserve the privileges for our children and their children,” Jindal said.

The biggest applause of the luncheon came at the expense of intolerable governing by liberal democrats in Louisiana and Michigan.

“We’ve had poor leadership, but we’re not a poor state,” Jindal said.

Dear Lisa – October

Dear Lisa,
I have recently started a long distance relationship with my girlfriend. She has made some new friends, some of which are guys. However, one in particular seems to be really close to her. I really think he likes her as more than a friend, but I am afraid to say something, and she doesn’t seem to notice his intentions. I don’t want to seem overprotective and drive my girlfriend away, but at the same time I don’t want to lose her by not doing anything. What should I do?

Sincerely,
Far-Away-Boyfriend

Dear Far-Away–Boyfriend,
Being in a long distance relationship is hard and adds more stress to college life. In this type of relationship, the main thing that keeps it afloat is trust. If you don’t have it, then a long distance relationship is not for you. You do not have to completely trust the guy, but you have to trust your girlfriend. If you question his or even her intentions, it just pushes her farther away from you and closer to the guy. In a nutshell, all you have to do is keep the line of communication open and remind her that you trust her enough that she won’t betray you.

Xoxo
Abby

Dear Lisa,
I recently started my life in college with my best friend. Before we went away to school, we decided we would spend lots of time together and would meet new people together, despite rooming with other people. Now that we are here, she forgot what we had previously arranged and has made a whole new group of friends and has ditched me. I’ve made some new friends, but I really want to hang out with my best friend. What do you think I should do?

Sincerely,
Forgotten-Friend

Dear Forgotten Friend,
Personally, I believe if you really want to hang out with your best friend a lot more, you should tell her. Sit her down one day and say how you feel; explain that you miss spending time with her and miss the good old days of friendship. Also, to even spend more time together, go out with her and her new friends. This is a good idea because you are making more friends while still being close with your best friend.

Xoxo
Abby

Dear Lisa,
It’s my first year here at MSU, and I am staying in one of the dorms on campus. I’m taking a lot of classes, and the work load is overwhelming, causing me to be up late doing homework. However, to add to the stress, my roommate comes back at early hours of the morning and is usually drunk. I have tried talking to my roommate, and we’ve talked to the resident mentor on our floor, but my roommate continues to be noisy and rude. Do you have any advice?

Sincerely,
Annoyed-and-Angry

Dear Annoyed – and -Angry,
I feel if you have talked to your roommate and your adviser already and she still is not being respectful, it is probably time to move out. I understand that adds more stress to being a first year student, but it seems like she is not getting the point that you need your sleep, and it is your room too. Also, by moving, you will get a new roommate that hopefully respects that this is college, and it is not all about the fun, but work too.

Xoxo
Abby

Send your Dear Abby questions to abby@thespartanreview.com

Letter to the Editor: Past Torture Abuses Should be Investigated

Allegations of torture carried out by U.S. officials may sound like a broken record, but the recent report by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reveals shocking new details.

The ICRC reports that prisoners held by U.S. government officials in secret CIA prisons were forced to stand for days in painful positions and denied of solid food for just as long. CIA officials wrapped prisoners in plastic, covered them with cold water and smashed them headfirst into walls.

Torture is criminal. These tactics violate U.S. and international law. Thankfully,
President Obama has moved to ensure that torture doesn’t happen again and that Guantanamo is closed. But it is hard for the United States to take steps forward when it keeps tripping over new revelations of past abuse.

The U.S. government shouldn’t have to wait until a well-respected, impartial
organization accuses it of torture to investigate human rights violations. But now that it has, the Obama administration and Congress must seek out a full accounting of past abuses through an independent commission of inquiry. It’s time to expose and finally close this dark chapter in the nation’s history.

Nehal Amer
President, Amnesty International: MSU Chapter

Letter to the Editor
November 17, 2009

Letters to the Editor can be send via email to spartanreview@thespartanreview.com

Index Page

Great Challenges Loom for the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are one of the driving forces of Michigan’s economy. However, a fish from Asia may be slowing down that economic force. The Asian Carp are getting close to entering the Great Lakes from Chicago, and Michigan lawmakers are trying to stop it.

Read the Story

Islam Documentary Screened at Fairchild Theater

By: Nicholas Kowalski

The East Lansing premiere of the documentary “Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think” was held at Michigan State’s Fairchild Theater on Friday October 23.

Executive producers Alex Kronemer and Michael Wolfe described their work as “a documentary film based on the Gallup poll of worldwide Muslim public opinion.” The event was sponsored in part by the Association of Michigan Muslim Physicians and the Michigan State University Muslim Studies Program.

Dr. Mohamed Elnabtity began the evening with a brief opening statement. Elnabtity began by proclaiming that there are approximately 1.57 billion – not one billion, as the title of the film suggests – Muslims worldwide, which equates to about one in every four people. The licensed neurosurgeon also argued that non-Muslims commonly misperceive the Muslim religion and its followers, continuing that their misperceptions are predicated on inaccurate beliefs, or what Elnabtity called, “projects of the media.”

Following an introduction by Master of Ceremony Saeed Khan, Dr. Paulette Granberry-Russell, Director of the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives at MSU, offered her gratitude and excitement for the event. Granberry-Russell stated that the documentary was a six-year work-in-progress, essentially since the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

“As a non-Muslim, I look to have the myths debunked about the faith,” Granberry-Russell said.

Alex Kronemer, executive producer of the documentary and co-founder of Unity Productions Foundation (UPF), addressed the crowd. Kronemer injected humor into the pre-film presentation by using a joke about a rabbi and the Pope to illustrate to the audience that, according to him, disputes over religion “lead to tragedy not comedy.” Kronemer ended his speech by thanking the MSU community for their advocacy in global peace.

U. S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-MI) was slated to speak prior to the showing; however, the Congressman was unable to make it out of Washington. An official correspondent on behalf of Rep. Rogers remarked that the Congressman has been kept busy by a tightly packed schedule in the House Committee on Intelligence.

“Since MSU is promoting global peace, it is fitting to display documentaries portraying often misunderstood religions, such as Islam,” Kronemer said.

The film itself was a presentation of a series of statistics gathered by Gallup through surveying people from thirty-five nations over the span of eight years. Much of the documentary is devoted to displaying a range of facts from a sampling of opinions from a broad test group through various graphs and data tables.

One of the primary speakers in the film is Dalia Mogahed, Senior Analyst and Executive Director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, a nonpartisan research institute that strives to provide analysis derived from data on the views of Muslim populations. In the documentary, Mogahed claimed that “Americans” – presumably those native to the U. S. and not Central or South America – and Muslims are equally likely to find terrorist attacks on civilians as morally unjustifiable, and that a large majority of Muslims, if it were up to them, would include a free speech provision in a new written constitution.

The film also attempted to display the discontent towards the United States in the Middle East. The film highlighted a poll that showed 60% of Egyptians hold a negative view about the United States, while only 3% hold the same view of Canada.

“Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think” is being viewed in cities across the United States and Canada with confirmed dates up to February 20, 2010.

Races to Follow on 2009 Election Night

By: Nicholas Kowalski

With Tuesday’s off-year elections looming, there are three political battles in particular that have grasped the attention of the keen national media: the gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey and the special election in New York’s 23rd Congressionl District.

November 3 will mark the first national elections since President Obama took office ten months ago. The outcome of these elections will serve as a notification to the Obama Administration as to the general mood of the public concerning the direction of our country. Joe Biden and Rahm Emmanuel need a heads-up. From universal single-payer health care – with a “consumer option,” as Speaker Pelosi and friends label their highly controversial plan for a full-fledged government takeover of the nation’s health care industry – to cap-and-trade to [insert liberal democrat agenda item here], the Democrats are riddled with “ideas” on how to kill our nation. The president’s approval rating is 47% and dropping, according to Rasmussen. The results of Tuesday’s elections may come as no surprise, given the level of frustration expressed across the country for Obama’s policies at grassroots tea parties and local health care town hall forums within the preceding months.

In Virginia, Bob McDonnell, the Republican candidate for Governor, has victory in sight. According to a variety of polling organizations, as of Oct 29, McDonnell is leading the Democratic opponent, Creigh Deeds, from anywhere between 10 and 17 points. Virginia, a “purple” state that Obama carried last November, has elected back-to-back Democratic governors and is currently represented by two Democrats in the Senate. However, the notion that Virginia’s independents are suddenly shifting to the right may not be accurate, but rather the democratic base is unenthused, planning to remain home on Tuesday. Bottom line: McDonnell has run a better campaign, and his democratic opponent has suffered further due to national criticism of Obama and Pelosi-Reid’s Congress.

The more interesting gubernatorial race is in the tiny dark blue state of New Jersey. Incumbent Governor Jon Corzine is locked in a dead heat with Republican challenger Chris Christie. Corzine has witnessed rising state unemployment (9.7% in September) and stifling taxes (New Jersey residents pay some of the highest property taxes in the country) during his four years in office. Christie, a former U. S. attorney, has canned over one hundred-thirty public officials on charges of corruption.

Some Republican strategists say that Christie has run a vague campaign, failing to pinpoint his plan of action on key issues such as cutting taxes, state spending, and revamping New Jersey’s state budget. Corzine, on the other hand, who has far outspent Christie and chose not to accept public financing due to his bountiful personal wealth, has had to rely on last-ditch stump efforts from former President Bill Clinton and President Obama in order to remain in the thick of the tight race.

“I’m proud to be President Obama’s partner in building a better America and certainly a better New Jersey,” a gracious Corzine said in lieu of the loving support from his liberal brethren.

The most up-to-date Real Clear Politics average (Oct. 22-30) has Christie edging Corzine, 42%-41%, with the heavily under funded, centrist Independent Chris Daggett receiving a quiet 11.5% of the surveyed vote.

What has evolved into this election’s most fascinating, daytime drama-like grudge match has occurred in upstate New York’s 23rd Congressional District. Entering the weekend, the battle for the district’s empty seat in Congress, which was vacated by Republican John McHugh who accepted Obama’s offer to become Secretary of the U. S. Army, was three-fold. The nominees of the Republican and Independence Parties, state Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava; the Democratic and Working Families Parties’ candidate, attorney Bill Owens; and the Conservative Party’s selection, Doug Hoffman are all set to duke it out.

Since it is not a given under New York state law for parties to host primaries in advance of special congressional elections, the county party leaders hand-picked their candidates. In a surprising move, Scozzafava, a pro-gay marriage and pro-choice RINO (Republican In Name Only), was selected as the Republican party’s nominee. As if the nomination had not already brewed a fuss within the GOP, New York Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs publicly stated that Scozzafava’s husband Ron McDougall, a labor activist, had spoken with key local Democrats prior to the nomination of candidates regarding the possibility of the Assemblywoman switching parties.

This race had the makings of a debacle for the New York Republican Party, given the significant chance for success, until Saturday, when Scozzafava announced that she has pulled out; her name will remain on the ballot as the Republican and the Independence nominee, however. In bowing out, the liberal-minded upstate Assemblywoman originally stated that her supporters should vote for Hoffman, the conservative. More recently, she has changed her tune.

“I am supporting Bill Owens for Congress and urge you to do the same,” Scozzafava said.

So much for all the work the NYRP did in support of Scozzafava up until the last few days. As of this morning, Intrade has projected that Hoffman has a 67% chance of winning, which has risen from 50% since Scozzafava’s announced withdrawal. This district has been represented by a Republican in Congress since 1871; hopefully, there will not be a paradigm shift on Tuesday. With all the madness in mind, it is no surprise that NY-23 has become the most exciting race in the nation.

Hey, conservative Republicans (i.e. not Scozzafava): are you ready? Well, you ought to be, as this Tuesday’s elections should yield a strong foundation for the Party to build from for the 2010 mid-term elections. Whether it be the Commonwealth’s not-so-close gubernatorial race, the Garden State’s deadlocked governor’s contest, or the Congressional battle of NY-23, there is justification for the conservative in us all to have ‘hope’ that ‘change’ is near – without “fundamentally transform[ing] our nation.” Long live the democratic process of the land of stars and stripes.