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(12/06/10 12:36am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Enjoy the moment, but always look forward to the next step.With the insecurities that came from high school, I tried to fuse this simple fact in my head. There will always be another journey and a new chance to change yourself once again. And as the time has come to transition to a new level in my life, the same motto will have to be in play. In high school, I was the overly outgoing popular kid who was coming to terms with his homosexuality. This Drew, though widely accepted by his peers, feared rejection about a personal trait that’s simply uncontrollable. So I looked forward to Aug. 19, 2007, my move in day at IU, and my new chance for redefinition. IU appealed to me because it seemed to be the most liberalized college in Indiana. When I was 13, I was awarded the 21st Century Scholarship, a program for Hoosiers who fit in the state’s lower class system. To receive this gift I had to stay in state, and for Indiana, IU is George Washington University in the east coast, preaching development and open-mindedness. IU was my ticket out of Tipton, Ind.Initially, IU provided me everything I could have wanted from a university. The classes challenged me, the people were ambitious and my independence excelled. But by the end of my sophomore year, I began to realize the faux bubble IU claimed to construct. Though this town does support diversity and acceptance, it’s a sort of commercialized warmth where only stereotypes could share prominence with the dominating social norm. As long as we fit within these pre-existing conditions, all is well. When we don’t, then we’re put in our place. If last week’s anti-Semitic attacks weren’t a clue, maybe this column will be a dead ringer. IU and the city of Bloomington are far from its embroidered liberal tag. This town is full of kids who view blackout stupidity as a indicator on how well the week went.Also, I don’t know what drug the Advocate’s Mike Albo was on, but we are not one of the “Gayest Cities in America” either. Our parties are immediately shut down, and the nearest gay bar is by Wal-Mart. How’s that for equality? While I will miss the memories IU provided me, I will not miss the seclusion my gay friends and I encountered each week. I look forward to the time when women won’t harass you about this “lie” your living because you’re “too masculine and cute” to like guys, as if a cookie-cutter image of a gay men existed.A good friend of mine in Washington, D.C. told me that for gay men, college is like our high school years and our 20s will be our collegiate ones.He couldn’t have said it any better as it sort of complements my motto — always look forward to new adventures. I’m not going to be the guy who says “the college years were the best of my life.” I didn’t do it in high school, and I won’t do it here. The best years of your life occur when you lose ambition for what’s to come. I’m going to miss everything about IU, but my flight is booked literally hours following my commencement. It’s time to move on. After three and a half years, it’s time for a new ride, but on this trip, there will be no expiration date.E-mail: dreander@indiana.edu
(11/29/10 12:42am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The hourglass is running out for House Democrats as the final congressional session, known as the lame duck period, will polish off the controversial 111th Congress. Typically, the lame duck period has been a session many elected officials have written off. Party power shifts hands, and the public turns its interest to what the new majority might do during it’s first few weeks in office. There will be no exception in 2011. The new Speaker of the House, John Boehner(R-Ohio), and the rest of the GOP plan to begin their “Pledge to America” by repealing the much scrutinized health care system the Obama administration passed in March 2010. Eric Cantor, Virginia’s 7th District representative and the House’s new Republican Majority Leader, has also been said to devise a new schedule, allowing two-week congressional sessions followed by a week back in the respective district. These strategies have barely caught the public’s eye because during the next four weeks, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid still control the Congress. Therefore, there’s a chance to sneak in a few more bills through the system before it’s time to hand the gavel across the aisle. What’s on the agenda? Mirroring a bitter sibling rivalry, both sides yet again find themselves at odds on what should be on the radar during the next month. While all attention settled on the fiscally driven health care bill last year, Democrats have chosen to align their focus towards the DREAM Act. The Act is a more socialized measure that once was tacked onto 2011’s Defense Authorization Act but stalled due to bipartisan support. Republicans, however, believe extending the Bush tax cuts should be a top priority. There are far more issues on the congressional agenda, though, when it comes to what looks attainable for the current Congress and administration. The DREAM Act should break away from the pack because it initiates opportunities and further renews the foundations this country established years ago.It’s hard to understand why Republican opponents express such opposition for those who have practically grown up within the country’s borders. According to reports, their claims come down to diminishing education opportunities, scholarship funding and federal loans for current kids who earned their way by a natural birthright. It’s an argument only extending past their political ties because if there was extensive research on the bill, voting against it would be un-American. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) carefully outlined the program, ensuring the bill’s credibility to both parties. Participants must have lived in the country for five consecutive years, have entered the country before the age of 16 and have graduated from an U.S. high school or received a GED equivalent. The question should not be why, but how, can we make this possible for new Americans. It’s speculated that the DREAM Act will be added onto a bill providing naturalization for Haitian orphans, which should only gain political credibility and bipartisan approval — a step both parties need to take for the beginning of this new year. E-mail: dreander@indiana.edu
(11/21/10 11:52pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Each year, I’m always impressed on how this country can rally together for the holiday season. Families force themselves to have a “traditional” dinner with loved ones. Radio stations raid the airwaves with Christmas jingles.The Starbucks cups transform from normal white to a deep red. You can’t escape the commercialized insanity. But as there is detest in this annual 30-ish day period in the year (I prefer to celebrate birthdays), there’s a new tradition I’ve grown really fond of during Thanksgiving break. When millions watch the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” or the “National Dog Show,” my television will be tuned to “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute.” This is the show where everyday people are recognized for making the world a better place. Starting in 2007, “Heroes” are nominated and voted on by viewers on CNN’s website throughout the year. The winners are announced in November, and for a few hours, Anderson Cooper as well as other Hollywood celebrities share the stories of these individuals who have made a difference in this world, with one person being crowned the “Hero of the Year.” Now I’m not going to lie by saying this show is a nice way for all of us to “count our blessings.” Nor is there a guarantee that there won’t be a dry eye in sight. CNN Heroes reminds us just how great life is for this country, and it also should fuse a personal commitment to help those who might need an extra hand. This year’s winner only follows the tradition that the program has set in its young existence. Anuradha Kiorala is a woman serving one purpose: rescuing women and girls from the underground sex slavery market in Nepal. Through her efforts with Maiti Nepal, Kiorala has saved more than 12,000 women from human trafficking, and has provided shelter, opportunities and a sense of home with their transition back to normalcy. Kiorala, after winning the prize of “Hero of the Year,” received $100,000 for further contributions for Maiti Nepal and her cause. In addition, each honored hero also received $25,000. The “CNN Heroes” program instills a cultural epidemic this country neglects to realize each year. Yes, the economy hasn’t been the best and opportunity isn’t what we’re used to in America. Instead of glorifying ourselves with meals and gifts, we should give thanks to those who dedicate their lives to others. The moment this problem is cured will be the time when the world won’t correlate arrogance with Americans. “CNN Heroes” will air at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving.I hope this is the beginning of a long-standing tradition of glorifying the people who really make this world a better place. E-mail: dreander@indiana.edu
(11/15/10 12:01am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Many predicted the Democratic downfall on Election Day and yet, this reality still stings anyone who was pulling for the left. The Republicans took the House and came five seats shy from gaining control of the Senate. The midterm elections could have been a lot worse for Democrats. This is not going to be a column explaining how the glory of the Democratic Party (and President Obama’s agenda) is still secured for two more years. It’s cliche and also far from the truth. The left’s foundation has cracked, and if leadership does not change, we might as well give the Senate gavel and the White House to the GOP for 2012. I feel compelled to respond to this election, professionally and personally. Some of you say my column has no journalistic credibility because my views don’t match yours. But throughout this semester, I thoroughly believed in my values and pledged my support for the candidates who fit these standards. These values still exist because the candidates who won on Nov. 2 do not accurately represent many of the Hoosiers in this state and the progressive standards America needs to hold itself to. The consequences might be hard, but my pride will not wane. This election, similar to 2008, will define the new generation of the Democratic Party.RESPONSE AS A JOURNALISTTodd Young’s victory carried the perfect political formula in 2010. Indiana’s 9th District had voter distrust, a new face in the congressional race and all the funding Young could ask for from the Republican Party. Not even President Obama could have survived this one. Young also carried swagger as his campaign waged through the district, and it was evident if you went to one of the town hall debates. With every question, Young provided a response that criticized Congressman Baron Hill in each message. It was subtly cocky, but it proved to gain support through the already hostile crowds of the 9th District.The election played out similar to the childhood game of cops and robbers where Young characterized himself as the good guy trying to stop Hill from advancing Obama’s agenda. Hill was facing a tough challenge and with this scenario, he was thrown under the bus. The campaign strategy for the 9th District only mirrored those around the nation. Republicans had the upper hand, and, as we saw on Nov. 2, the GOP took more than 60 seats in the House. Only two districts changed hands for the Democrats, showing how lopsided an election cycle can become. The Obama administration can do nothing but lend its ear to the other side. Likely House Speaker-to-be John Boehner and company already established their platform through their “Pledge to America,” a similar plan to 1994’s “Contract with America,” which outlined fiscal and social conservative values in this nation. In their motives to kill health care reform, the remaining stimulus and tax regulations will be blocked. But, if Obama wants to keep his job in 2012, he must establish a neutral footing between the two parties. RESPONSE AS A VOLUNTEERAs a political volunteer and a member of this community, the disappointment still rings everyday because, though we knew it would be a tough year, no one could see this stampede coming through Indiana’s 9th District. The Democrats in Monroe County did all they could in this toxic campaign. Whether it was the various fundraisers we had for Congressman Hill, the voting rallies or even the thousands of phone calls, College Democrats and community leaders didn’t join a campaign for opportunity — their support for the race was purely genuine. We believed in this man because he was the best kind of politician.Hill voted for the good of his constituents. Some decisions might not have been popular, but he is going to be the one to thank years down the road.Though the Democrats are proud of their hard work, regardless of the grim outcome, the continuing rivalry between the College Republicans and Democrats hit an all-time high, which made this election even more uninteresting for anyone who’s not regularly interested in politics. To tell the small details leading up to Election Day’s end would be futile, but to anyone who walked through campus, the Republicans’ actions were absurd and questioned their moral character. Again, they got by because they had the momentum from day one. Momentum won this election, not candidates or political values. The GOP will be riding this wave into the middle of next year. By then, government will be stalled and more public distrust will build. But this time, it will steer the other way. E-mail: dreander@indiana.edu
(11/02/10 1:25am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>There’s 12 hours left. Twelve hours for you to cast that ballot. The midterm election cycle has followed political history, and this year’s drama will be enough to fit into one season of network television. Here are the facts you will need to know for tonight’s election drama: The Democrats will lose seats in both the House and the Senate. Regardless if Democrats keep the House, Nancy Pelosi will lose her position as Speaker of the House. Indiana’s 9th congressional district race between Baron Hill and Todd Young (sorry Greg Knott, your “no bull” got nowhere) will be determined between 1,000-5,000 votes. Now that those issues are brought to the table, here’s what Bloomington needs to know for their Election Day. THE TRUTH HAS BEEN HIDDEN FROM VOTERSMudslinging is a part of politics, and if you’re familiar with the 9th district, you know political attacks begin the moment the previous election ends. This year has been no exception, but some attacks have been below the belt. Specifically, the claims our local publications placed on Congressman Hill should have reached the gossip tabloids instead of a legitimate news source. “When asked about term limits, Congressman Hill muttered some answer suggesting that term limits would ‘limit the power his constituents gave him.’ The entire non-partisan audience erupted in laughter.” Really? When this country’s focus is on repairing its current economic crisis, writers are worried about term limits? Furthermore, this same writer said Hill was neglecting his voting record. Now, if you were fortunate enough to attend, listen or watch the debates, you would know the congressman has never strayed from his personal record. In fact, he has gone on record saying he does not regret any decision he’s made while in office. This means Hill would vote for those bailouts, the healthcare reform and cap-and-trade again. Good try guys. These attacks are merely laughable considering your candidate has never made a political vote in his life. THE ELECTION IS MORE LOCAL THAN YOU THINKThere have been columns written, protests and election board meetings on whether satellite voting should be on IU’s campus, and still some believed they could vote on campus. We lost this fight months ago, but if the right local leaders are elected into office, early voting on campus will not be an issue come 2012. So who cares about these issues? Ask Linda Robbins, Mike Szakaly, Matt Pierce, Peggy Welch and all other local Democratic candidates because they know the direct relationship IU has with Bloomington, and they want to maintain this positive relationship, not destroy it. Also, the current education referendum should be considered. Contributing money to public education should be a no-brainer for voters. Yes, taxes in Monroe County will rise, but once it’s understood that this money will be directly handed to Monroe County Community School Corporation’s spending budget, then an argument against the measure shouldn’t exist. Voting “Yes on 2” saves jobs, after school programs and your moral credibility. GETTING TO YOUR POLLING STATION IS THE HARDEST PARTEarly voting in the state began the day registration ended. From Oct. 4 on, all residents had the power to vote before Election Day. Even though there’s been an abundant amount of opportunity, there are still votes to be cast, and knowing your polling location is the hardest part. IndianaVoters.com. It’s the only website you need to know for Election Day. Click on “Find My Polling Place” and within a matter of seconds, your correct polling station is in front of you. Have questions about candidates? Don’t worry. IndianaVoters provides that for you as well. Think of it as a one-stop shop before you go to the polls. Just remember, you have until 6 p.m. to reach your polling station and vote. I may be a political nerd. While some crave football, Politico gets my adrenaline pumping. It’s why I’m proud to be a part of the IU College Democrats. We may have been partisan since registration was finished, but this tactic ends once Tuesday morning begins. Public participation matters to us, and we’re not going to stray away from this standard. It’s an accountability we’re all proud to share. If you need a ride to the polls, get a hold of College Democrats. We may promote our candidates, but once you reach the voting line, we will be proud that we got another person to the polls.
(10/17/10 10:51pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Sharron Angle. Christine O’Donnell. Todd Young.These three people represent the Republican Party during this election year. They, going in stride with the rest of the Tea Party, preach limited government, fiscal responsibility and the values free market economics brings to this country.On paper, this Tea Party movement looks pretty good. It’s a body of people who want to positively change this country by preserving capitalism and eliminating the national debt.But in politics, fiscal responsibility only represents half of what the voters care about come Election Day. And with the Tea Party’s consistent refusal to confront social issues head-on, this movement only confirms the assumption that this party believes in social inequality.In fact, the Tea Party’s true platform rests on throwing America back to the so-called “Christian foundations” that formed this country in the first place.Let the last statement resonate for a second. These candidates want this country to wipe away civil rights for anyone who does not identify with or support the Christian faith.You think I’m making this all up?On June 20, Indiana’s 9th District candidate Young said he didn’t believe women should have equal opportunities as men in the armed forces. He said having women in combat has “worked,” but in terms of expanding their roles of service, Young laughed off the thought and joked about Demi Moore’s role in “G.I. Jane.” O’Donnell’s history is pretty gray as well. Following her win in the September primaries, her past came to life. In a 1997 interview with C-Span, O’Donnell said people who contracted the HIV/AIDS virus deserved it because of their immoral behavior. She also said people with the disease should not be considered victims and the money used to fight the disease would only continue the spread of the virus. Finally, Nevada’s Senate candidate Angle is a woman of hypocrisy.Besides the fact that she said abortion is “against God’s plan” (regardless of the circumstances), Angle said the United States is letting the Islamic faith invade this nation.In an Oct. 7 rally, Angle used a television program to support her claim that Muslims were “taking over the United States.” In particular, she claimed Dearborn, Mich. was an epicenter for this invasion. Then she dared to compare the situation to the post-WWII era, saying Muslims should be sensitive to American issues like the Catholic Church was sensitive to Holocaust survivors.People like Young, O’Donnell and Angle have no place in our federal government system because they represent a demographic that is dying out in American society.These last few years have been tough, but to resort to “original construction” would only anger voters and propel our already tarnished reputation in the international spectrum.The last time I checked, this country didn’t have a national sexuality, an official religion or even a solidified gender from which to build. The Constitution was constructed during an era of progression. It was considered to be far left for that day and age.The same thing goes with present day America. This nation is redefining itself, and the Tea Party movement will do nothing but prevent the country from excelling as leaders for this world.That’s exactly why this election matters. If you pledge your support for these candidates, you’re in favor of a party who covers bigoted ideals with a fiscal blanket. E-mail: dreander@indiana.edu
(10/14/10 10:56pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The Nevada Senate race between Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Tea Party-backed Republican Sharron Angle is a perfect model of races across the country: An extreme right-wing Tea Party candidate versus an lackluster establishment Democrat. Neither are great choices to most Americans. Here, IDS columnists make the case for both sides as the lesser of the two evils. Sharron Angle is the lesser of two evils. Sharron Angle would do less damage to personal freedom than Harry Reid. The race to represent Nevada in the U.S. Senate is, like several other such contests, frustrating and fascinating at the same time.As is the case with many electoral contests across the country, the race pits an insurgent Tea Party-backed candidate running as a Republican against an establishment Democrat who may actually lose to someone who wasn’t even supposed to win the GOP primary.The Tea Party-backed Republican in this race is former state legislator Sharron Angle, who has had a narrow lead above incumbent Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for much of the general election season.What makes this race a frustrating one to watch is the same thing that has made most political races frustrating for decades: the lack of a candidate who consistently and coherently defends individual freedom on all fronts, not just in the social sphere or the marketplace.Now, it is important to remember that not all Republicans are dedicated free marketeers who also want to regulate every aspect of our personal lives, just as not all Democrats are committed civil libertarians who want the state to control the economy from top to bottom.Nevertheless, we can safely say that in both the Nevada Senate race and most other races around the country, voters are faced with one candidate who will do more to fight for economic freedom and less to fight for social freedom and another who will do largely the opposite.It may be an unpalatable choice to have to make, but at a time when economic freedom is being actively curbed (while social freedoms are merely at a standstill in most cases), the less destructive choice is likely to be the Republican, who will at least help slow the slide toward tighter economic controls.Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but with choices like these, it’s the most a candidate can ask for.- Jarrod LoweryNo, Harry Reid is. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid against Tea Party nominee Sharron Angle. You’d think this could be a shoo-in win for senator. But because of the toxic political climate this year, polls have shown these candidates within the margin of error. Both candidates have had their own follies throughout this year. Harry Reid almost voted against his own health care bill (twice), he was a part of a book scandal in early 2010 and is one of the key players in the GOP’s witch hunt against the Obama administration. Sharron Angle, on the other hand, is criticized for personal comments rather than actions in public service. Among these quotes, Angle has said her job didn’t require a plan to create jobs, the Federal Department of Education should be eliminated and the press was needed only to throw their agendas out to the public. The candidates are in a neck-and-neck race and yet when it comes time to vote for the best leader, Nevada needs to select Reid. Arguments against Reid are valid. There are times when he is out-of-touch with not just his position as Senate majority leader but also his role as a senator in general. But to kick him out of his seat for a Sarah Palin wannabe is absurd and (somewhat) horrifying.A seat in the U.S. Senate is too prestigious a position to let a radical right-wing Tea Party activist have. To be a senator, you have to incorporate your state’s values into the overall goals for the entire nation’s future. Angle does not achieve this because her credibility extends only feet away from a church’s door. She does not represent a majority of her constituents, yet alone Americans. Harry Reid might have seen his best days go by, but his public service is needed for at least another six years. - Drew Anderson
(10/13/10 12:16am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Dear Mr. Todd Young,This year must be a whirlwind. You announced your candidacy for Indiana’s 9th Congressional District and went toe-to-toe against Mike Sodrel and Travis Hankins, winning the nomination by more than 1,200 votes. Though you went to Tea Party rallies across the 9th District (trust me, I was there for a few), you’ve managed to steer clear from the ultra right-leaning label, calling yourself more of a Republican “young gun” than a Tea Party sponsor. Furthermore, I must give you credit. Your television ads, which have flooded this district since the semester began, are really scary. It’s no wonder FiveThirtyEight, one of the nation’s best political forecasting companies, has said this seat has a nearly 57 percent chance of switching parties. The fear these ads convey scare all voters to support you.But with all that aside, I want to get to know the real Todd Young — because I do know there is some good in everyone, no matter what kind of public image they choose to carry. For instance, do you really believe Social Security and Medicare are forms of welfare? To support this argument, you did call these programs (primarily Social Security) a “Ponzi Scheme” this past summer.This program has positively contributed to American society and benefits more than 36 million people at any given time. So how is this a “scheme?” Or maybe it isn’t. If this is the case, you might want to change your campaign website. You’re misleading your supporters, and you don’t want to be that kind of politician, now do you?Also, do you really want to lead this district on what the Constitution exactly says, word for word? Your website says you believe in limited government, but while you’ve been on the campaign trail, you’ve said you are a social (and fiscal) conservative, claiming yourself as a ”marriage defender.” Now fiscal conservatism is not a bad concept. Nearly all of the Democratic candidates are Blue Dogs as well, but your idea to take the Constitution word for word is unbecoming. If this is the case, what year do you support? It has developed throughout the years. Does the original 1789 version suit you, or the one in 1865? What about the 1919 version, or even the 1992 copy? It’s unclear where you stand, and we (the voters) want to know. Finally, why have you been avoiding the national press? It seems every news feature hitting the stands comes from traditionally right-leaning publications. Granted, it is working to your advantage, but sooner or later you’re going to have to face every side of the press. If elected congressman, you won’t be able to choose which news organization you want to speak to. Every sentence you say will be under a microscope.These questions are just the tip of the iceberg for me; I would love to sit down with you sometime before the election. I realize you’ve chosen not to thus far (because you’ve ignored my e-mails), but I do want to get inside that head of yours sometime. Clearing the air for all constituents in this district will be nothing but a positive step for your efforts as a public servant. Yours truly,Drew AndersonE-mail: dreander@indiana.edu
(10/05/10 4:17pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>You’re lying if you say this election has zero credibility for the community. Nov. 2 will change Washington, Obama’s presidency, and if the Monroe County Community School Corporation’s referendum fails, the fate of thousands in the public school system. The statement is not meant to sound melodramatic, but the situation’s reality needs to be known for those planning to vote this fall.In spring 2010, the MCCSC School Board slashed the year’s budget by $5.8 million, cutting programs like the Elementary Strings, shutting down libraries and eliminating schools such as Aurora Alternative High School. Some blamed Gov. Mitch Daniels on his priority (or lack thereof) to save public education funding, but the burden was set. Bloomington voters (you) have an opportunity to reverse this decision and save the resources our future leaders need in the school system. The MCCSC Referendum Board calls it “Vote Yes on #2!” Through a 14 percent annual property tax increase, an estimated $7.5 million will be raised to counteract the budget cuts. Essentially, Bloomington residents have an opportunity to save the school system. Now, before you raid this column with accusations, I want to say that I do understand why some would be upset about this increase. Life is hard, and there are bills to pay and families to provide for. But when the fate of our future leaders is placed in limbo, the best thing to do is to grin and bear it because these kids deserve the best opportunities Indiana public education can provide. Students need libraries to fuel their intelligence, they rely on teachers to guide them and crave music programs as an outlet for their teenage years. Not all students are created alike, and the school system should not try to mold them to these standards. The referendum should be looked at as a moral issue for the city instead of a monetary one. Do you wish to eliminate creative arts programs? Do you want class sizes to grow to 30 to 35 students per teacher? Should students burdened with alternative learning be integrated into basic classrooms? If you agree with any of those questions, leave and take your ignorance with you. Public education should be the top priority, and your selfishness is not welcome. When you’re done selecting your candidates for the November election, take a moment and check “Yes on #2.” Give the next generation the opportunity they deserve. E-mail: dreander@indiana.edu
(10/05/10 12:03am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Teenagers find themselves in an ever-evolving identity crisis and adding sexuality throws fuel into the fire. While adults categorize this as teenage angst, the recent Andrew Shirvell scandal in Michigan reveals the online homophobia existing in the corporate world. Chris Armstrong currently serves as president of University of Michigan’s student body and is the first openly gay person to serve in the school’s history. Since being sworn in in March, he has been the target of Michigan’s Assistant Attorney General, Andrew Shirvell’s obsession.Shirvell’s strategy to “expose Armstrong’s radical homosexual agenda” became clear during recent weeks and has received national coverage. He started a blog, Chris Armstrong Watch, detailing the day-to-day actions of the student leader. Shirvell went even further by harassing Armstrong’s friends and family members, videotaping him and describing his leadership as “Nazi-like.” The absurdity is endless and yet, Shirvell still has his job. Michigan’s Attorney General, Mike Cox, has publicly criticized Shirvell’s actions to the local press, saying he was “clearly a bully” and his actions were “unbecoming.” But according to Cox, the obsession was not severe enough for employment termination because he was protected under his First Amendment rights. The facts present a clear black and white case. Andrew Shirvell, a servant to the public, carries bigoted beliefs and an agenda to harass Armstrong until his presidential term is finished. Ethical boundaries are stretched and because Shirvell has not acted unlawfully, he continues this slanted monstrosity. Federal action must be taken. In early 2009, Representatives Linda Sanchez (D-CA) and Kenny Holshuf (R-MO) introduced The Megan Meier Cyberbullying Prevention Act, making any form of online harassment a federal crime. The bill has only reached the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security but in light of recent tragedies, a swift action must be established. As for the Shirvell story, the assistant attorney general has since taken a paid personal leave of absence. Upon his return, Cox confirmed Shirvell will face a disciplinary hearing on his actions outside of the office. This hearing will not include his blog, but only the other attempts to “expose” Armstrong. Cyberbullying’s effects goes unnoticed among older generations. The American youth has matured as a sort of “Viral Generation” where online communication carries as much weight as personal interaction. Kids cannot simply ignore incriminating messages because their peers carry these messages to reality. Teenagers cannot remove themselves from these worlds. Opportunities do not exist until graduation and for a 14-year-old, it’s a lifetime away. E-mail: dreander@indiana.edu
(09/26/10 11:41pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>They’ve “pledged” to exclusion.Minority leaders in the House unveiled their post-election platform last week called the “Pledge to America,” detailing goals after their presumed takeover in Congress.In this 21-page article, conservatives’ demands stretch toward the elimination of the remaining TARP and stimulus funds, the repeal of health care reform and the re-establishment of “traditional marriage.”The “Pledge” is exactly what this country does not need, as these ideas only reestablish the ignorance we had throughout the last decade. To be clear, America is not the dominant force it used to be. We lost this role during the Bush administration. And though President Barack Obama has tried to improve our image, we have to realize this man can’t do it alone. The TARP and stimulus plans were passed because we were in an economic crisis. And do we not remember the TARP was a bi-partisan effort? House Minority Leader John Boehner, Rep. Eric Cantor and 89 other Republicans supported this measure alongside their Democratic counterparts.The stimulus, because it didn’t carry the Bush brand or because it immediately followed the 2008 elections, did not see such compromise. Battle lines were drawn and instead of saving jobs, and the GOP chose to ignore American need. Then, in a bold move, the Obama administration chose to reform the country’s health care system. With the continuing “no” strategy, only one Republican of the 435 members of the House and not a single Republican in the Senate supported the measure. What could have been considered as the most successful, bi-partisan step forward for the nation proved to be another fall back in American politics. With the “Pledge,” John Boehner, Rep. Mike Pence and the rest of the Republicans are feeding Americans lies. Cutting the administration’s legislative progress will kill any hope for a full economic recovery. Employment will spike and cause yet another recession. Americans will be continuously denied from life-saving health care. The idea of the modern American family will be tarnished by culturally outdated morals. Progress is needed because this country has lost its identity. If anything, the stimulus should have been larger. Health care should have carried the public option ,and though “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was blocked (by yet again, the GOP), sexual identity should have lost its relevance decades ago. America is about inclusion. It’s the foundation of our country. It’s how this recession was finally put to its grave. And it’s how the country came to be what it is today.The “Pledge to America” is an excluding ideal, polarizing our overall identity as Americans. If you think this election doesn’t matter, then think again.E-mail: dreander@indiana.edu
(09/19/10 10:12pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Bloomington students: Your backs are against the walls, again, as your community credibility will be determined on Nov. 2. Tuesday was the final opportunity to gain satellite voting on IU and Ivy Tech campuses, and with cameras rolling, Monroe County Election Board member Judith Smith-Ille admitted her “no” decision carried deep partisan roots.The members of the election board as well as Bloomington resident Cindy McCullough said our involvement in Bloomington’s community runs as far as the doors of Kilroy’s. “I don’t think any of these kids are so hurting for time that they can’t find a moment to take away from their studies. I mean they all manage to get to Kilroy’s,” McCullough said at Tuesday’s election board meeting.Apparently, they didn’t count the students who study full-time, work full-time and still manage to volunteer their time to community involvement.And if students couldn’t have been beaten anymore, the Chairman of the IU College Republicans stood by the decision, claiming students need to adjust their schedules for Election Day. So for any student who has an 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. school day, doesn’t own a car or in some cases both, you are out of luck. See you in 2012. We’ve been told our opinions do not matter and our turnout rate will determine our respect for this community. Our say has no say in Bloomington. Wrong. If there is ever a moment to prove our credibility as future leaders for this country, this is the time. You don’t have to participate in a rally or canvas the city. All I’m asking is for your vote on Election Day, and I don’t care if you’re a Republican or Democrat. These ignorant stereotypes of college students need to end. The early voting issue aside, the focus should now be on not where to vote, but how to get there. And for some students, it will be their priority to help you bust this fiction.Student organizations are already drawing game plans for the few early voting dates at the city’s Curry Building. Within the next month, bus stations will provide students and faculty the chance to get the ballot in when we’re best available. This process will drain little time from the day. So use that 30-minute class break to “check” voting off your list. If you feel you may be late to your next class, let the professor know beforehand. They would much rather excuse your tardiness because you chose to vote instead of sleeping in the Union. It’s a shame some Bloomington residents believe our opinions mean nothing to the community. In a way, we should be thankful. Residents like McCullough have opened a Pandora’s box. It is a dose of reality the students needed to have before November. Thank you. Now we can prove you wrong. E-mail: dreander@indiana.edu
(09/15/10 12:10am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>There are plenty of Republicans ready to strip down and run for president in 2012. Look out Mitch Daniels, we picked a few of our favorites.Scott BrownAmerica didn’t see it coming, but this silver fox never looked so good. Senator Scott Brown is the definition of the political heartthrob. Having already been a (semi-nude) model during his twenties and an accomplished legislator in Massachusetts and Congress, what’s more to love in a man? He’s got both power and looks. Plus, his wife is also a hottie (Can we say the next Barack/Michelle?). But America knows that looks only help a presidential campaign. Real public servants know how to flex their muscles while also using their brains at the same time. The senator has that covered too. Brown received his bachelor’s from Tuft University then later his JD degree from Boston College Law School. He’s smart and sexy. Now that’s hot. For 2012, Brown will have to choose between a re-election bid and the White House. If he chooses the latter, then a match up against Obama is sure to heat up. Brown and Obama’s political beliefs are oil and water. When Obama tries to fix the economy, Brown voted against unemployment benefits. The senator disapproved of Elena Kagan when the president loved her. While Obama is the face of the liberals, Brown is the GQ for conservatives. But no matter where the 2012 results fall, at least there will still be some eye candy inside 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.Ron PaulRep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, might be three times the age of his largely college-aged supporters (he turned 75 last month),but he has nevertheless generated a great deal of enthusiasm among young people since running for president during the 2008 election cycle.During that unsuccessful presidential run (who saw that one coming?), Dr. Paul generated so much enthusiasm among 18- to 24-year-olds that 500 high school and college chapters of Students for Ron Paul — which became Young Americans for Liberty after Paul withdrew his candidacy — were founded in just an eight-month span.Much of his support resulted from his adherence to traditionally libertarian principles of constitutionally-limited government, free markets, sound money, permissive social policy, non-interventionist foreign policy and free pot for everyone.Although the congressman did not win any primaries or caucuses in 2008, he placed second in seven such contests and set fundraising records that were all the more impressive given his relative lack of support in polls. Dr. Paul placed a close third in the primaries with approximately 35 of the more than 1,500 delegates available. Since end of the 2008 campaign, Dr. Paul’s political star has continued to rise, as he won the Conservative Political Action Conferance straw poll in February and was one vote shy of winning the Southern Republican Leadership Conference’s April poll. Sarah PalinJust when you thought the Republican ticket for 2012 was a boys only club, the wet dream of every young creationist is ready to take a stand for your rights. You may know her from a failed vice-presidential bid in 2008, or perhaps because of her cute almost-son-in-law spilling her family’s secrets in the media, but from now on you will know her as a Mamma Grizzly, listen to her roar.Sarah Palin says she believes in freedom, honor, liberty and a slew of other generic feel-good terms. She will fight for your right to grope a gun, respect a racist and harass a homo. Perhaps known best for use of the phrase, “No Commie” after endorsing more government oversight for oil drilling, she is sure to spice up this election season with a slew of delightfully witty catchphrases. If we’re lucky, she will hold onto her faux-folksy accent as she reaches out to (metaphorically) slap liberals with the notes on the palm of her hand. God, guns, glory and Palin in 2012.Mitt RomneyWith his reputation for (somewhat) conservative stances and dislike of caffeinated beverages (he’s Mormon, after all), Mitt Romney has impressed many in the Republican Party. He is widely credited with helping make the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City a success despite reports of corruption and bribery in the host city bid process. Romney is also well known for his venerable tenure at Bain & Company (and was a co-founder of investment firm Bain Capital). However, he may have a tough time wooing uncertain voters who question the enacting of near-universal health care, and gay marriage, In the wake of a blatantly Muslim president, American voters will have to grapple with the big question — can we afford to place another member of an extremist religious group in our highest elected spot? His apparently flexible views on a variety of issues will probably earn him success on the national stage — just ask Senator John McCain. Romney may look the part of a future U.S. president, but only time will tell if we’re willing to place another rich white man in the Oval Office in 2012. No matter what happens, he’ll still only be the second most attractive east coast politician — John Kerry’s got that spot on lockdown. (Brown’s pret ty cute, too). If Sarah Palin is any indication though, looks may be enough to propel this Massachusetts money maven to GOP superstardom. Mike HuckabeeMike Huckabee’s candidacy will mean Americans can meet another man who believes in a place called Hope. And as obesity rates soar nationwide, we all yearn for another audacious bedtime story from a commander-in-chief. Huckabee offers his book “Quit Digging Your Grave with a Knife and Fork.” Governor Huckabee believes God helped him in the 2008 campaign. In a likely field of candidates that includes new-comers such as Sarah Palin and savvy returnees such as Mitt Romney, Huckabee, a former Baptist preacher, may again need a substantial amount of intervention from above to win in 2012.Tea Party supporters will be delighted to learn about the number of ways Huckabee’s polymath skills will contribute to lowering taxpayer expenses. If elected president, Governor Huckabee won’t need to hire fancy, formally trained musicians to entertain guests at inaugural balls. In fact, winning the election might give Huckabee and his band Capitol Offense a first shot at performing at an official inaugural ball. Evidence suggests Huckabee may also be handy with the White House’s holiday festivities. His most recent book is a volume of 12 simple Christmas stories. In search of a fiscal conservative, Republicans may find themselves a Renaissance Man who cultivates a blossoming of the arts.
(09/13/10 12:41am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>So the Bloomington political pandemonium begins. Either you’ve been through this before (thinking “That’s so 2008!”) or it is your first time. If it is your first time, student organizations are sure to pull you in different directions, asking you to support “X” candidate for “X” party. It’s going to be a polarizing experience like no other. But before volunteers harass you with calls or campaign literature, here is the “How-To” before Election Day. REGISTER TO VOTE (AGAIN)There’s a big misconception about voter registration. Sorry. You do not carry an indefinite voters’ pass once you’ve registered for an election. So your hands may have punched that red button in 2008, but unless you’ve lived in the same place these college years, then you have to register all over again.According to Indiana law, a person is considered a resident once they’ve lived at the current address for at least 29 days. Therefore, your apartment, house or dorm is where Indiana places you under residency. It’s not the place you lived in 2008. Campaign volunteers may be annoying when they ask you to register, but it’s because we want to make sure everyone has the same opportunity as those who call Bloomington their long-term residence. We are students, but we also live in Bloomington. Our vote carries the same weight as a life-long resident. DON’T MISS THE DEADLINESimilar to the residency requirement, registration forms are due 29 days before any general election. Once this time passes, there is zero chance to get your name on the voter list. This rule stumps voters time and time again. You might be fully qualified but unless you get the forms in on time, your opportunity is wasted. Set your calendars. The last chance to register is Oct. 4. Get the forms in. Find campaign volunteers or contact either IU College Republicans or IU College Democrats for registration forms. In the time it took to explain why there’s no time to register, you could have already done it. It’s a two-minute process. I’m sure professors won’t mind tardiness if it’s for a good cause. GET LOCALSome (conservative) Bloomington community leaders (Judith Smith-Ille, Jim Fielder, Les Compton) claim student involvement negatively affects the Republican base. It’s why they’re eliminating early voting opportunities in the Union. In their opinion, the more obstacles in our way, the less chance we’ll mess up community (and Mitch Daniels’) agenda. Students need to prove Bloomington wrong. Among the controversial issues, the city faces a multi-million dollar referendum that could negatively affect the local school districts. Gov. Mitch Daniels forced budget cuts in early 2010 to public schools statewide, causing the school corporation to layoff teachers and slash crucial after school programs. The Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) is asking all residents to pledge their support for a referendum, which will counter the budget cuts. Taxes will rise in Bloomington, but community leaders believe their motto “Vote Yes on #2: Our Students Need You!” could tip the scale in their favor. Jobs and arts programs will be saved if students throw their “yes” vote. We can show the community this city is more than just our party playground. Let’s tell Bloomington we can make a difference in this election: on a national and local scale. E-mail: dreander@indiana.edu
(09/07/10 12:03am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A proactive community produces change. But without proper opportunities, such transformations won’t happen. The New York Times declared the “Millennial Generation,” those born between 1982 and 2002, the factor in this year’s midterm election. Because of a crippling recession and a small job market, young voters are now in a “toss-up” as party loyalties begin to wane from the left, causing the public to wonder where our allegiances will fall. Pundits claim we will fall in rank with other disgruntled voters, but local GOP leaders have already hindered the chances for this generation to make that difference. Hoosier students, along with other student organizations across the country, flexed their muscles in the 2008 presidential election. Voter turnout in this demographic helped determine the outcome of the presidency with a 62 to 30 percent margin over the Republican Party. More than 4,400 IU students took advantage of this opportunity to cast their ballot at early voting satellites because of the convenience and familiarity on campus. The same opportunities would be here this year had the voting resources IU students counted on not been eliminated. Instead of receiving praise for our activism, local leaders believe 2008 was a fluke, calling it “the 100 year flood.” Our voting sources are now leveed to strict measures for future elections because one person chose to only see party boundaries.For years, government officials have tried to pique youth interest, but once the right saw the kids go left, our credibility was leveled at first chance. Now, instead of a convenient period to vote early, IU students are on their own to find their polling site. Early voting on campus gave a sense of familiarity, but now we’ve been allotted a 12-hour time frame to find our precinct on Google Maps. When the polls are closed, far more students will have lost their chance to become involved than in 2008, and some leaders in Monroe County will have gotten their way.“You’re the future” and “tomorrow’s leaders” are campaign nudges from candidates that are being challenged right before our very eyes. The moment we found out that what we want can happen, those in opposition of our choice took it into their own hands, showing us the light of their ways. This isn’t about us and it will never be. We are more concerned about our country’s future than which political party is in power.The piece from the New York Times was right. We are poised to make a difference once again in a national election. Party lines do not matter to us. Our concerns are more on progress than what side we stand in the political spectrum. But in order for this to happen, students need more opportunity during the election year. Cutting off satellite polling sites, which have proved to be successful, is not the right move for the city of Bloomington. The community prides itself on providing residents, students and visitors the chance for success. This cannot occur if some community leaders choose to stray away from what’s the best moral decision for a politically active community. It’s a grim reality.The Monroe County Election Board made their decision last week, and now it’s time for the students to make a stand. Whether you’re a screaming liberal or a Sperry-wearing Republican, we need to stand up for our voting rights. At 4:15 p.m. Sept. 14, Students for Access of Voting Early (SAVE) will have a rally for anyone who wants to show their disapproval for the measure. We are also urging students to contact the Monroe County Election Board. The more letters or phone calls the board receives, the greater chance this decision could be overturned. And in order for this generation to contribute, all opportunities must be available.
(09/05/10 9:40pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Say goodbye to early voting this fall. Actually, don’t count on it in 2012 either. The Republicans’ top election priority: eliminating voting opportunities. Last week, the Monroe County Election Board (primarily board member Judith Smith-Ille) rejected the opportunity for Bloomington residents, including students, to vote in satellite polling sites for the upcoming general election. And if Smith-Ille’s decision wasn’t enough of a jab in the gut, Monroe County Clerk Jim Fielder supported her vote, claiming satellite voting for IU wasn’t necessary because of historically low turnouts at five on-campus sites. Evidently, neither Smith-Ille nor Fielder read their own local papers. In 2008, early voting turnout reached record-setting proportions in the primary and general elections. More than 10,000 people were registered to vote before Nov. 3 and almost 7,000 of those voted in satellite sites. It’s no wonder why “historically low” turnouts in precincts occurred. People voted when it was convenient for them. One would imagine that Republicans would pounce on the chance to garner more votes in an anti-incumbent year. Their fear-driven ad campaigns cupped with the no-vote policies in Washington have only overshadowed their primary objective to restrict voter opportunity.In Indiana alone, polling locations are only open for 12 hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.), providing little to no time for middle and lower class voters and students to make it to polling precincts. Not only do minutes matter to this demographic, but if voters did try to cast their ballot, the unfamiliarity of the process will shun them away from contributing to the process. Discouragement will hinder any chance for that person to be involved in local and national politics. It’s the most sly and conniving way to win an election. But instead of campaigning on a platform, local Republicans are cutting down any opportunity possible for the average voter. Republicans know that because of busy schedules and unfamiliarity with the city, students will not wait in line. Also, the Right knows the middle-class workers will only have their lunch hour to vote at their precincts. They are betting on long lines and voter fatigue to help tip the scale in their favor. So while national GOP candidates like Todd Young urge political activism, they are counting on local political figures to help rig the election in their favor. This decision will place elitists in the advantage for the next four years. Unless there is a change of heart, there will never be another record-setting year for voters. Young voters will lose interest in politics because they are cornered into abiding by the confining rules placed for them. In a world where political leaders stress youth involvement, local community leaders are tearing us down before we try to jump on board. To Judith Smith-Ille and Jim Fielder: Shame on you! Shame on you for blocking accessible voting to residents and students in Bloomington. You will be portrayed as ignorant partisan leaders who chose to worry about party agenda instead of community involvement. And I hope you realize this does not make you a community leader. E-mail: dreander@indiana.edu
(04/13/10 12:23am)
If you caught the “political bug” after the 2008 election and want to change your community, strap in. According to senior AnnElyse Gibbons, former president of IU’s Students for Hillary campaign, these tips will prepare any aspiring volunteer for what she calls the “election roller coaster.”
(03/30/10 2:59am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Spring is here. The chipmunks are coming out of their burrows, crocuses are pushing their fragile heads into the pale March sunlight and IU’s gardeners are ready to get their fingers green.That’s because Residential Programs and Services has just opened its campus garden allotments to students. The plots, located near the water tower on the East State Road 46 bypass, are part of the office’s strategy to create green spaces. Forty plots are available, each measuring 11” by 11”, at a cost of $25.This is the second year that the allotments have been available. In the past, students had to apply for a place at Hilltop Garden and Nature Center, but last year there was no more room. So University architects and housing services came together to create the new enclosure.“We threw this together,” said Tim Stockton, associate director of apartment housing, “and it worked.”The students helped organize and then create the garden. They tilled the land, cleared away rubbish and erected a fence. It wasn’t always a smooth process, but eventually it all came together.“We had a few growing pains with the fence,” Stockton said, who lent his own gardening tools to help with the plots. “I loaned them my truck — my truck will never be the same.”Last year students grew common produce such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, but there were also some more exotic species.“There were some things even I didn’t recognize,” Stockton said, noting that last year he saw the garden as an experiment that can be perfected this year.“It’s an amazing place to see cultures interact together,” Garden Manager Katie Peebles said, who revelled in the opportunity to witness Asian and European gardening techniques first-hand.Peebles’ role is not only to organize the garden but to offer advice and assistance to students. She sends out a weekly gardening guidance e-mail, gives a monthly workshop and recommends books and Web sites that might help students. The University, using the registration fee, provides tools and a safe storage place for any extra equipment that the students contribute. Stockton himself took a plot last year and intends to do the same again this year.Area Coordinator of apartment housing Erna Rosenfeld said there has been a greater interest in the allotments this year, and 16 of the plots have already been taken. Stockton plans to plant flowers in any unused plots, which would not only be attractive but would keep weeds at bay.As well as providing residents the chance to grow their own food, the gardens have also acted as a meeting place for students.“It’s a good thing for the community to rally around,” Peebles said.Stockton said he hopes the gardens will encourage self-reliance, promote understanding of the environment and enrich the campus. This year he is planning on planting a line of sunflowers along the edge of the garden to beautify the view from the bypass.The plots can also serve the rest of Bloomington. One way is by donating the produce to food banks or organizations such as Martha’s Kitchen that provide meals for the homeless. Another idea that Stockton wants to promote is that the gardens can educate children about where food comes from. In the age of processed platters, Stockton said gardening can teach natural nourishment.Peebles said she believes gardening is something everyone should be passionate about, and the allotments are an expression of an innate urge.“When you want to garden, you’ll find a way,” Peebles said.
(03/30/10 1:10am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Spring is here. The chipmunks are coming out of their burrows, crocuses are pushing their fragile heads into the pale March sunlight and IU’s gardeners are ready to get their fingers green.That’s because Residential Programs and Services has just opened its campus garden allotments to students. The plots, located by the water tower on the East State Road 46 bypass, are part of the office’s strategy to create green spaces. Forty plots are available, each measuring 11” by 11”, at a cost of $25.This is the second year that the allotments have been available. In the past, students had to apply for a place at Hilltop Garden and Nature Center, but last year there was no more room. So University architects and housing services came together to create the new enclosure.“We threw this together,” said Tim Stockton, associate director of apartment housing, “and it worked.”The students helped organize and then create the garden. They tilled the land, cleared away rubbish and erected a fence. It wasn’t always a smooth process, but eventually it all came together.“We had a few growing pains with the fence,” Stockton said, who lent his own gardening tools to help with the plots. “I loaned them my truck — my truck will never be the same.”Last year students grew common produce such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, but there were also some more exotic species.“There were some things even I didn’t recognize,” Stockton said, noting that last year he saw the garden as an experiment that can be perfected this year.“It’s an amazing place to see cultures interact together,” Garden Manager Katie Peebles said, who revelled in the opportunity to witness Asian and European gardening techniques first-hand.Peebles’ role is not only to organize the garden but to offer advice and assistance to students. She sends out a weekly gardening guidance e-mail, gives a monthly workshop and recommends books and Web sites that might help students. The University, using the registration fee, provides tools and a safe storage place for any extra equipment that the students contribute. Stockton himself took a plot last year and intends to do the same again this year.Area Coordinator of apartment housing Erna Rosenfeld said there has been a greater interest in the allotments this year, and 16 of the plots have already been taken. Stockton plans to plant flowers in any unused plots, which would not only be attractive but would keep weeds at bay.As well as providing residents the chance to grow their own food, the gardens have also acted as a meeting place for students.“It’s a good thing for the community to rally around,” Peebles said.Stockton said he hopes the gardens will encourage self-reliance, promote understanding of the environment and enrich the campus. This year he is planning on planting a line of sunflowers along the edge of the garden to beautify the view from the bypass.The plots can also serve the rest of Bloomington. One way is by donating the produce to food banks or organizations such as Martha’s Kitchen that provide meals for the homeless. Another idea that Stockton wants to promote is that the gardens can educate children about where food comes from. In the age of processed platters, Stockton said gardening can teach natural nourishment.Peebles said she believes gardening is something everyone should be passionate about, and the allotments are an expression of an innate urge.“When you want to garden, you’ll find a way,” Peebles said.
(02/22/10 11:25pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Last year was a bad year for Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly. The company faced a continued fall in stock price, government fines and bad publicity.This year looks no better. Last week, Lilly agreed to an $18.5 million settlement with the Arkansas Attorney General’s office over false advertising of the antipsychotic drug Zyprexa.But it wasn’t bad news for everyone at Lilly: CEO John Lechleiter received a 2009 compensation package of $20.9 million, according to the company’s preliminary proxy statement. The compensation package was $6.4 million higher than in 2008. Executive pay has come under increased scrutiny since the economic slump began, with both the public and politicians expressing anger about the pay awarded to company directors.Although Lilly reported a 7 percent increase in revenue during 2008, the company sold its Lafayette plant and plans to shed 5,500 staff by 2011.“There’s always going to be a tension between the CEO and the employees,” said Carol Rogers, deputy director at the Indiana Business Research Center. “Is it the job of a business to employ people or to make money?”During the next five years, Lilly will also lose patents on many of its drugs, including Zyprexa, allowing competitors to make cheap generic copies.Lilly’s poor performance doesn’t help other Indiana companies. Rogers said pharmaceutical companies cluster together, creating a group of experts who can supply the industry with the research base it needs, so Bloomington pharmaceutical companies such as Cook Medical and KP Pharmaceutical Technology, Inc. could suffer, too.IU is also reliant on Lilly for research grants totaling millions of dollars each year.The culture of increasing executive pay is not a new one. In 1949 the highest paid executive’s salary was 200 times the average worker’s pay. In 2009 the highest paid executive received a salary 15,000 times the average worker’s pay.“CEO pay is just going up since the depression,” said Tom Szymanski of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 725 Bloomington, who actively lobbies for caps on executive pay. “Workers are still suffering while CEO pay goes up. It’s just not right.”In January, President Barack Obama said he would limit executive compensation to $500,000 for companies receiving government assistance. But companies like Lilly that did not receive financial help, have no obligation to limit executive salaries and can pay whatever they want.Lauren Cislak, adviser for corporate responsibility at Lilly, said corporate pay would always be dictated by performance but declined to comment further.
