IUPD

IUSA abuses power, acted unlawfully

I have been a student at the Bloomington campus for three years, and I have always heard of the rampant corruption of the IUSA. However, until reading about the disqualification of the TOGA party, I have never been so thoroughly revolted. IUSA has abused its power by forcefully and fraudulently eliminating a party ticket simply because they are afraid of TOGA's popular support. I don't remember any portion of the IUSA constitution that says the current people in power are allowed to have dictatorial powers over the students. This pattern of corruption in order to maintain the status quo is reminiscent of the "purges" that were prevalent during the reign of Joseph Stalin.

Losers of the world unite

It has recently come to my attention that I'm a loser. Apparently it had already come to everybody else's attention, it just took a while for it to get to me.

Dorms must go smoke-free

Residential Programs and Services is considering a proposal to declare all dorms smoke-free by 2003. Seven other Big Ten schools, most recently Purdue, have instated smoke-free dorms with little resistance from students. This proposal should be supported by students -- smokers and nonsmokers -- because it will provide long-term benefits to the student body.

Waechter's column derogatory

Calling someone, President George W. Bush or anyone else, a "rich white man" or a "racist," or even "a rich white man who is a racist," may be wrong, and it may even be wrong in some morally blameworthy way (it may also be a correct and morally praiseworthy thing to say). But it is not an act of racism or bigotry. On the other hand, talk about "miserly Jews" or "drug-snorting coloreds" is racism and bigotry.

Mitchel's column lacks tolerance

As I sat with my mouth agape, reading Duncan Mitchel's opinion column entitled "Minorities of the World Unite" (Jan. 26), I wondered what could possibly be the point of this piece. How ironic that the "coordinator" of the Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Speakers Bureau at an institution of higher learning would be so inept as to reduce his judgments of others to broad generalizations. It is not only unethical to generalize about any race, color, or sexual preference, it is (or should be) unacceptable.

Regulations insult women

Last week, legislation was introduced that would restrict women's access to the safe early abortion pill RU-486 (Mifepristone). European women have used it safely for 12 years, but only this September did the FDA approve it in the United States.

Dividing the world into 2 camps

There are two types of people: those who unconsciously assume a position of reverence when Celine Dion sings "My Heart Will Go On," and those who find such a thought somewhat frightening.

State must provide more funds for higher education

For our University, every biennial state budget is important. But that's especially true this year. Without strong budgetary support, Indiana's public colleges and universities will be unable to build on the progress we have made.

From the wheels to the reels

IU alumnus Kendall Harnett poured his heart and soul into training for the Little 500 as a student in the late 1980s. More than a decade later, Harnett is pouring his heart and soul into putting the history of the race on film.

Ask the Sexpert

Ask the Sexpert

Volleyball: Junior goes up against the best

Laurie Gardner said she felt a little intimidated. Playing alongside 13 All-Americans will do that. So will the prospect of earning a spot on the USA Women's National A-2 team, a summer squad composed of college volleyball players who have remaining eligibility.

IU looks into garment plant

An investigation into fair labor practices at companies that manufacture University apparel might challenge IU's commitment to fair labor practices. Jan. 18, four workers from a garment plant in Altexco, Mexico, filed a complaint with the Workers Rights Consortium claiming that the Kukdong Co. physically and verbally abused employees. The complaint also alleges the company violated child labor laws and unlawfully terminated workers who participated in a Jan. 9 strike.

House ticket to run for IUSA positions

The House ticket announced its candidacy for control of the IU Student Association this week, citing increased administration accountability as its primary goal. The ticket consists of freshmen Dale Drizd for president, Jim Brueggemann for vice president for Congress, Heath Voegerl for vice president for administration and Adam Traylor for treasurer. The group said its strength rests in improving current standards established by past IUSA administrations. Ticket members said they can enrich relationships between on- and off-campus students, as well as faculty-student associations.

Chairman of MBA progam steps down

Dan Smith, chairman of the Kelley School of Business MBA program, will reach the end of his three-year term in August. Although he has the option to apply for another three years, he said he won't.

AIDS musical to educate

Death can inspire life, or so it did for Steve Schalchlin, composer-lyricist-singer-pianist and the mastermind of the musical, "Living in the Bonus Round," which will be performed 7:30 p.m. today at the Whittenberger Auditorium.

Swimming for the home crowd

The talk last week wasn't about turns and technique for the women's swimming team, which is preparing for this weekend's Big Ten Women's Swimming and Diving Championships. Days before the biggest meet of the year, the women were thinking about which music would echo through Counsilman Billingsley Aquatic Center before each event.

Sports Commentary: All-Star lineup disappoints

Saturday night at the NBA All-Star Game was disappointing. And that's putting it mildly. Usually a fun night, with lots of excitement, Saturday was a dud. The crowd was about as a excited as if it was going to the dentist's office. The players and participants of the events were better, but not much.

Indiana legislator mulls switch to daylight-saving time

Daylight-saving time might get the time of day in the General Assembly, thanks to Rep. Bob Kuzman, D-Crown Point. Kuzman, who chairs the House Public Policy Committee, said he will allow consideration of a shift -- as long as it's to the Central Time Zone. It's Kuzman's call. For such legislation to go anywhere, he has to grant it a hearing. Representing constituents in the Chicago area, Kuzman previously rejected the idea of lifting the state's exemption, expressing the fear that it would bring the western edge of the state into Eastern time zone.

Fourwinds Resort pasta bar mediocre

The setting of Fourwinds Resort and Marina, on lovely Lake Monroe, creates the potential for a romantic getaway for Valentine's Day or during the warmer spring season. With large windows overlooking the water and a quiet, pleasant atmosphere, this could be a great place to bring a date. The drawbacks of the restaurant -- located at 9301 Fairfax Road -- are the quality and selection of its food. When we ate here Saturday -- "pasta bar" night -- it was mediocre at best.