I found Andy Granias' column on polygamy very thought-provoking. In general, I don't support government intervention in the personal lives of citizens. I believe that the 1st Amendment protects private practices and that polygamy, as Andy says, "Must be treated as an equal expression of love and legal standing."

However, the situation as it currently exists makes me extremely uncomfortable supporting this view in regards to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If this issue were purely a religious lifestyle choice or sexual liberties issue, I would not have a problem with their practices. However, the practices of the church transcend simple lifestyle choices and possibly cross over into the criminal realm.

An excellent article in the New York Times outlines one of the tragedies stemming from this practice. The expulsion of young teenage boys from their community to give more females to the elders is a terrible injustice. As you can read in the Times' article, hundred of these boys have been thrown out and abandoned. Unused to life outside of their fundamentalist church, many have extreme problems adapting to life in mainstream society.

The other main issue surrounds the arrangement of underage marriages and the use of coercion and pressure to force young girls into social and sexual situations that they don't desire. Religious freedom remains an integral principle of this country. However, there simply have to be certain limits to this. If a group strays across the line into forcible detention and threats against members or ex-members, there need to be consequences. Frankly, my examination of this matter indicates that the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints crossed this line years ago.

I support the argument that the social stigma and isolation that society forced upon polygamists has contributed to the present-day extremism of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Perhaps if the United States had not outlawed polygamy in the 19th century and allowed polygamy to be practiced openly this group would not have shut itself away from society in the way it has in this century. However, that does not absolve the church of blame for their abandoned children and forced marriages that almost certainly cross the line into child abuse.

Andy is correct in his call for polygamy to be legalized. There should be no penalty for choosing a different lifestyle than the "societal norm." However, I have to disagree with his whitewashing of the true situation surrounding the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For this specific group of polygamists, it is no longer a religious freedoms issue. Their actions have made this a legal matter for the state.

I was already teething with annoyance at the one-sided, fanatical response to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presence at Colombia University on Monday. But after reading the nationalist dogma dripping from Joe Trovato’s Wednesday column “Ahmadinejad Invite Unpatriotic Insult”, I knew a merited response was in order.

Dissecting the basic flaw of Joe’s argument lacks little brainpower. In the opening paragraph he contends — rightly — that “This is America, and the fact that the Iranian president, an archenemy of our government, can come here on our soil and speak his mind is an example of our most fundamental freedom at work. This is the beauty of our great nation…”

How touching. Yet only several lines later, Joe blasts Colombia for extending the invitation to Ahmadinejad, stopping just short of labeling it treasonous and settling on a condemnation of the university as being “unpatriotic”.

First off, playing the “unpatriotic” card is a cop-out; an act of mudslinging that undermines constructive intellectual discourse. It is overly simplistic and rarely accurate, and the label has lost its flavor since Republicans used it as a rhetorical weapon to squash dissent following the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For many, patriotism amounts to blind and unquestioning obedience — actions which most people would not consider in-line with the values of this country.

To call Columbia unpatriotic for hosting Ahmadinejad is a complete contradiction. How can exercising America’s championed cherished right — its “most fundamental freedom” — be considered inherently un-American? I don’t think I could think of anything more American than an institution of higher education providing a free-speech forum for a controversial leader.

University officials certainly did not offer a warm welcome. Perhaps Joe missed the opening speech by Columbia president Lee Bollinger — an extended condemnation of the Iranian leader’s opinions, perceptions, and actions that effectively made him look like the world’s biggest asshole before he even took the podium. In highlighting Ahmadinejad’s denial of the Holocaust, he eloquently and forcibly stated “you are either brazenly provocative or astonishingly uneducated.” Not a very gracious host.

As for Ahmadjinejad’s “opinions”, anyone who dubs the Nazis’ slaughter of European Jews in the 1940s a “myth” is clearly delusional. People tied to the Holocaust who hear such blasphemy are undeniably disgraced and insulted. Yet similar sentiments are shared by relatives of 9/11 victims when they are told by conspiracy theorists that their government is responsible for the death of their loved ones. Yet such outrage did not prevent Kevin Barrett from teaching a class at this university last fall that included a discussion of his views that 9/11 was orchestrated by U.S. officials — nor did people accuse UW of being “unpatriotic” in allowing him to teach. When the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater permitted Ward Churchill, who infamously classified victims of 9/11 as “little Eichmann’s”, to speak on campus despite nationwide cries for his head on a stick, no one questioned the patriotism of UW-Whitewater or its staff.

Of course, Americans’ pledge that everyone will be provided the opportunity to speak in no way means that everyone will listen. In all the media coverage and public protest against the Iranian president’s visit, virtually none bothered to look at the substantive content of his speech. What’s the point of exposing people to different perspectives and all that fuzzy warmth that forms the rhetorical backbone behind the First Amendment if no one bothers to actually listen to what people like Ahmadinejad have to say? It’s easy to discredit the Iranian leader’s words just because he’s a “bad guy”. But that doesn’t mean that all of his statements lack relevance in a world that is being increasingly shaped by perspectives and divided by misunderstanding, intolerance, a failure to communicate effectively.

Iran is a threat to the United States and the world at large — which gives credence to the idea that we should reign him in and challenge him, not shun him and adopt President Bush’s fatal tough-guy “You’re with us or against us” mentality. In no way does engaging the enemy betray our troops fighting overseas. Maybe if our political and diplomatic leaders did as good a job engaging world leaders as Columbia officials did, our military men and women would not be overseas in the first place.

Gerald Cox is one? Want to comment, Gerald?

6:38 - I got here late, in the middle of open forum. Polygon went up to speak, realized they actually confused eligibility hearings with open forum. Four less speakers. MCSC just spoke on their dialogues program. no questions. Moving on. Alex Gallagher speaks about Tenant Resource Center - they need to reapply after the Student Judiciary ruling. Discussing the agenda. moving on. 6:41 - we're actually seperated by about...half a room. Division, why is this necessary? Come together, SSFC! Motion to add an agenda item for Students for Tenant Resource Center. confused, but moving on. Eligibility hearings - starting with Polygon. 6:45 - Emilee Siverling explains the benefits - Engineering Bash, used for Welcome Week. allows student org to recruit for new members. FUSE dinner that has industry professors, staff, etc meeting with students to discuss diversity issues. Also have Freshmen set up dinners with the Dean. Do a kids day on campus for middle and high school - gives leaders a hands on rule with "service." General meetings monthly - hoping to improve the quality of education (ie the differential tuition increase) and have announcements on leadership opportunities. Career connections - "I'm sure you heard about the Halliburton thing in the paper." Jessica (?) explains openness to all students - all students and services are open to engineers and non-engineers. Ok, here's my question - why is this funded by Seg Fees? I still haven't heard why this is NOT funded by general tuition, especially when formed so close with a specific school/college. Polygon is tied to the Student Leadership Center - different bank accounts, different procedures. Umbrella group to RSO groups, a lot of them are competitive engineering groups. Still represent the whole university. Liason between college of engineering and the rest of the university. Getting tired of trying to connect lines yet? 6:54 - Q and A. First question regards SLC, how do you deal with them? - Sec. Gosslin How to use SLC fees, etc. Flores - Must provide additional "significant componants" to leadership and events. Can you elaborate? Siverling: Engineering Bash - help students get used to campus, upperclassman and the college - help them know where classes are, etc. FUSE dinner talks about diversity issues and an open forum to help problem solve on diversity issues. Improve the quality of education in engineering. Robert's rules? that's a burden, not an additional component. Brings companies (289) to the university to recruit. Again, why do students do this? Why not the college? 7:02 Flores: Asking them to outline leadership development components and event components. Man. Should have asked for a flow chart. 7:04 - rephrasing the original question, Could you highlight what your "substantial" additional components other than events? Woa. they're tough. Jenny responds: general meetings are networking components. The polygon people keep mentioning diversity dinner, kind of hinting, "that's additional." Jenny: did that answer your question? Alex: you can't ask questions. Rep Lee: If I'm majoring in marketing, what can I expect from Polygon? Jenny responds by saying they could be part of the polygon board. Also, if you're a member of an RSO, you could recieve advice from them on SLC and otherwise. Rep. Porton: you are an umbrella org for other RSO's. What is your relationship with these other groups? Siverling: our general meetings are the main way we act as an umbrella. A lot of our members have time to exchange ideas and contrast events to improve their own RSO's. But mainly, distribute funds. Jenny clarifies: wait, we don't recieve money from SLC, we are the "segway" between that. Maybe you just shouldn't have any hands on that money, eh? She also clarifies that RSO's come to them for advice. They have still not listed and student orgs. I'm waiting. 7:11 Followup from Porton- What the hell is SLC? (ok, not put like that, but close enough.) Jenny responds, to be an RSO, you have to register with the SOO. Don't know why the SLC started. (nor do I.) You don't have to be an engineering group, you just want to "affiliate" with that group. Try to work with SLC to explain extra benefits from that group. So what, when the SOO doesn't give you money, they can? Jesus. Porton: final question, many of the groups in SLC are competition based...any specific SLC org rules as opposed to a general RSO? Jenny mentions services...leadership...goes beyond a normal org. Talks about concrete canoes... Those organizations are run very differently. Help them to deal with a competition based org. Flores: When you say WE help them, is that SLC or Polygon? Jenny doesn't want to explain the competition aspect, but emphasizes the same talking points: advice, etc. Hmm. By the way, if SSFC wants to clarify what the hell is going on here with further comments afterward, please do. Just because, this is pretty confusing at times. Flores askswhat Polygon provides with these RSO groups...what would you catagorize this service as? Jenny: Liasons. Siverling: we're not planning an event by helping the competitive events, ok, maybe it's a leadership component. Rep Wiegand: Are there services that are seperate from SLC or do both organizations do all these same things? Siverling: all the events we've mentioned, other than career connections, are purely organized by Polygon. Jenny: The SLC isn't an organization, it's a group within the university within the SOO. Seems to be arguing that SLC fails occasionally and Polygon picks up the slack. Additionally - SLC doesn't troubleshoot with RSO's, Polygon does. Around and around we go... 7:25 - we're extending Q and A by 10 minutes. Porton - did Polygon recieve GSSF funding for this past year? Polygon: no. Porton: Could you guys function...well...have you ever recieved a GSSF grant? Can you describe why you can't operate at the same level without GSSF? Polygon explains - ever since we started in 1925, we ran career connections, and companies would pay us money to come to campus. We also recieved SSFC funding until...somepoint...Career Connections took over that service, took away the funding they were getting. For the past two years we've been denied funding. Now, we're only getting the funding from career connections. Siverling: We operate around a 10,000 dollar budget - includes what we've talked to you about before. Yes, we've had other sources of funding in the past, (industries), to continue functioning and continue to provide our services, it would not be feasible without the 10,000 dollars. If we don't get the funding, we could probably get some funding, but not all. Ok, but if you raise a little through Finance grants and other through industry...you're good, right? 7:30- Porton: How do you advertise events? Siverling - we flyer, chalk, email the goes out to engineering students - Every new student should recieve funding for that. "We have not advertised via the Cardinal or Badger Herald..." Anyone want to check that, Herald? 7:32 -"We do abide by the rules..." No shit? 7:33 - Damn, Porton really is hammering them for details. He's asking for details of attendence at their events. My question is - if it's open to the public, does this really matter? Maybe for funding, but not for eligibility. Jenny ends on this point: the reason we were able to operate at full capacity last year was because we "were lucky" and had extra money left over. Well, what do you know? Fiscal responsibility, hello? Hey, business majors, there's your in - work for Polygon! 7:39 - they keep extending discussion for two more minutes because they keep getting cut off mid sentence. Hit the breaks, don't pump them. Alright, Polygon is done. They'll vote Thursday. MCSC is up next. 7:41 - here we go - can't hear their names. Great job, Smathers great job. Their are two of them, so we'll just collectively refer to those two as "MCSC Reps." MCSC - serve as a vessal to other student orgs, offer free flyer design for under-represented audiences. Serves as a bridge to increase diverse dialogue. "UW-Madison is a decentralized campus, especially when conisdering multicultural dialogue." Involved in writing workshops with writing center, served about, one love series, Dating Mating and Relating, etc. Housing requests these services... MCSC is citing our racist rants on Gerald's column, a few Lambda things, etc, for their emphasis on needs for change. Hmong human rights campaign, after the "alleged" comments made by Kaplan. UW Police and Union meetings to stop profiling at hip-hop shows... I have to admit, they have a lot of programs going on here...Don't really think we can argue that they don't provide a service to campus. I mean, why wouldn't they be eligible? Funding levels, now that's the trick. 7:49 - "DEP no longer exists." It doesn't? I knew they were taken off the funding list, but...it's just gone? We need some education on diversity issues, but should MCSC really be doing this alone? Time for Q and A. 7:50 - Anyone taken this "Multicultural Dialogues" class? How'd it go? Porton - What is your role in conflict mediation services around campus? Good question. MCSC - with the Hmong issue, we actually stepped, gave them an open forum to discuss and "facilitate dialogue." Follow-up: You say you'll take over DEP, if you could really explain that more specifically. MCSC - really served more as a "Human Resources," we've taken on that role. With a lot of our dialogues and workshops, we really help. Well. That was concise. Rep. Wiegand: What are your significant additional components. MCSC: We respond to student inquiries. We provide trainings for groups, staff and individuals on LGBT issues, grant workshops, program workshops. Serve communities through "networking." Ok, specifics, please? Gosselin: for the sake of continuity, please talk about your accessibility to all students. MCSC: We are always open, we table at student events, etc. Also, networking, gotta have the networking. Man, they can make a better argument than this! Porton: If you don't recieve GSSF funding, what will you lose? MCSC: Staff. We need trained and reliable staff to operate. Follow-up: Is intercultural dialogues part of a fig? Or are their certain sections? MCSC: created with some FIG coordinators and a think tank. Student run, but facilitators taken. Porton is still hammering it home: You talk about working with Plan 2008. How did you work with the administration and in what way do you work with the administration? MCSC: We usually work with administrators monthly, in "Alphabet Soup" meetings to discuss the plan and diversity initiatives. 8:00 - End of Q and A for MCSC. Wow, that was quick. Now it's time for the Campus Women's Center. This better go quick. I don't see how you could argue against this group being eligible. Oh, bias, bias. oops. Lets go. 8:02 - Education, support, etc. on sexism, racism. We are the campus women's center, but we target the whole campus. Got it. Easy. Umbrella organization? Stop using that term, it makes you seem like a shell of a group. They give a story about a man who needed condoms because his girlfriend was coming into town. They gave him advice, resources and, of course, condoms. Also mention the safety whistles. Jesus, those things do NOT work. They made that clear during House Fellow training. Still, they hand them out. Oh well. At least you have a new whistle out of the deal. CWC is the only org on campus that provides FREE child care on campus. Woa. That's one hell of a "additional substantial service." 8:18 - took a brief break. Now they're on Q and A, talking about duplication of services. It's unique because it has a different atmopshere, it's a "discussion group." Follow-up: How do you conceptualize the center as a safe space. Mention of a poster that was moved because it was described as "offensive." Yawn. 8:25 - proceedings still boring, but let me make this point. Rep. Porton really does his best to direct the same questions to the same groups. Good job striving for VPN. 8:35 - Women's Studies is done. Time for a recess. YAY! 8:51 - Just talked with representatives from Sex Out Loud and Rape Crisis Center, and both stressed that they're on edge about this year's standards, which seem "stricter." Also saw Alex and Katrina inbetween breaks, who said they think they've been very true to Viewpoint Neutrality. "We've denied about five groups so far." Too true, but is denial equal with viewpoint neutrality? I'll have to think about. Especially considering the SJ views. Should make a column on Wednesday. Reconvening. 8:56 - Students Tenant Union. Voting? Flores: talks about additional significant components. Seems to support additional components. However, if you fund both tenant groups, there is a duplication of resources. So, really should just fund this group. 9:03 Call to question on eligibility. Student Tenant Union. Flores: Aye Gosselin: Aye Oh: Aye Porton: Aye Done. 9:04 - Rape Crisis Center. Porton: It's not an RSO! I'm looking for what people are feeling. Can we work around that? Flores: Can't answer that question specifically, but considering what they provide, it meets criteria. However, it's not an RSO. Have to follow the guidelines. Sec. Gosselin: What she said. Porton: Why aren't they an RSO? The group spoke extensively about how the service they provide serves tons of students, but can't be provided BY students. Need to see where a group can't be funded. I really appreciate the fact that they didn't try and finagle their way into it by changing the group into a student one. It seems like there is no leeway on this point. 9:08 - Call to Question. on Rape Crisis Center. Flores: Abstain. Gosselin: Abstain. Lee: Aye Oh: Nay Porton: Nay 1-2-2 - Rape Crisis Center denied. This RSO business...tricky, but needed. 9:09- Sex Out Loud decision. Flores: Biggest area of inquiry has been criteria C - significant additional components. Four core programs: Meaning, "Safety," "Pleasure," "Pleasure II," "Relationships" Porton: I see additional significant services, but not in the same area. More in the office, with information, condoms, etc. Oh: Programming can be considered educational, especially condom demos. Question! Flores: Aye Gosselin: Aye Oh: Aye Porton: Aye Lee: Aye Sex Out Loud makes it. In. Funding decisions should be interesting. 9:14 - motion to reconsider Students for Tenant Resource Center. Not eligibility, only puts it on the agenda for next meeting. Vote passes. 9:16 - Student Tenant Union - late budget application. They submitted their budgets on time, but realized the budget was flawed. Excel file was taken to a meeting with SSFC. Made revisions on another laptop. Printed out new version, whoops! It was the older version. Just a note, the rep. from the Rape Crisis Center passed me her information. Might call her tomorrow. Question. Motion passes. Allow a budget hearing? Question. Sure. 9:23 - letter regarding JCC, RCF and PREA 9:29- CFACT decision means they need to provide a structure and guideline for contract status. Doesn't deal with viewpoint neutrality. Gallagher has rewritten guidelines for contract status, gave the SSFC members the document as bedside reading. Will give them criteria. They're talking about contract status like it might not survive this year. Sounds good to me. Absurd status for a group to have. 9:38 - Flores is yawning, and so am I. I think it's time to go.

"It would hurt those who need help the most, the most."

"I know Thirsty Thursday is coming up, so..."

"If Hillary had what she wanted, these people would be punished and punished so that nobody would ever...do something like that."

And you want to sell me a candidate? Get someone else to speak.

Erica, volunteer coordinator.
Laundry list of things you can do. Quick, painless. good. Why can't they all be that efficient?

Now they're zipping through items. See, this is how you do it - focus on the issues, take your time - then deal with administrative at rapid speeds. (not too rapid, you don't want the kids dizzy.) Breakneck speed the whole way through is nice, but eventually, the enthusiasm has to dip.

And, really, this sounds more like a pitch than a round-up. I stand by my statement, these kickoffs are as much about pitching as it is about getting volunteers.

And it looks like it's done. Good job. No flare, no enthusiasm but good job. Clap!

"I don't quite know how the taxes work exactly, I'll get back to you on that."
Nobody really knows how taxes work. Except my roommate. And he's an accounting major. However, you should have that information somewhat prepared so that if people ask you, you have an answer. Come on, you wrote a column on this!

They're actually discussing issues! Wow, Students for Obama, you could take notes!

They're talking about private lenders screwing over students.

Students borrowers bill of rights. Rights that you should have as a borrower. Know exactly what your rate is going to be, how much is it going to be. Hillary wants to make that out in the open

"I think it's going to keep a lot of people from making mistakes when getting loans."
That could actually work and be implemented. Good pitch.

Also, a plan to pay for education if you promise to work in a service field after graduation.

Now Hillary's new Universal Health Care plan. Which was in the Herald today. Hmm.

"This campus has been tipping point in every election." Since when? At least S4O were honest when they said our position in the national electoral position was not as strong as it used to be. "But we can still matter in the primary." That's more like it! They're talking about putting kids on phone banks before hand - and leaving them with some booze. Yep, because drunk teenage telemarketers are much more pleasant. Here comes the Iowa pitch. "It's politics like you've never seen it." Yes, because they're hidden by fields of corn. *rim shot*

"Does the candidate have my values?

Got to have my values, but if you don't have the skills and experience to get the ball rolling, you're not my candidate.

Hillary has both."

I also just realized - There are now about 40 people here and only 7 of them are men. Probably why Falk started talking about how amazing it was that a woman could accomplish these things.

"I should be doing the county budget right now. "
No, why bother? They don't care at the state level.
She's talking too much about her niece. Come on, you have five minutes and you're spending it telling family stories? Especially when they are all comments designed to talk about erasing the sexism and putting a woman in the oval office.

And she' s gone and Carl's in tow. Run, Carl, Run!

Pretty sparse. My guess is about 30 or so people here. However, Kathleen Falk is here. sounds interesting.

Also, they don't sound as rushed as Obama.

"Hillary has the best understanding of how politics work."
Politics is a lot different then saying, "Hillary knows how this country works."

Also, "We don't want to change everything, there are some things that work."
Yeah, like...

People have started to pour in a little more. We're in 1131 Humanities. So, much smaller, but, we'll see if they can fill it.
Kathleen Falk is coming up. Suchita has just commented on how good she looks today. She's right, I suppose. Like the earrings.

The following is the labor of three hours, a missed class and a lot of running. Although the flash resolution on the video really cuts back on part of this protest, it is a pretty comprehensive look (as much as I could do) at the protest against Halliburton at the Engineering Expo. The text beneath this video gives a little more context to the content. Hopefully, the first video blog in the history of the Badger Herald will not be the last. 01:12 PM: Live from the Halliburton Protest

They started off marching from Bascom Hill at about 12:15, went down charter, came around the engineering building and filed in slowly to the engineering expo, each one of them flashing an ID card stating they're a UW student. well, maybe not all. Pedro didn't have his and got in anyway - though the protesters remarked, "See you're oppressed!"

Right now, they're keeping to a murmur with their announcements and chanting, although a separate group of people dressed as a prisoner, clown and...well, I don't know what, are slowly banging a drum in the background.

Oh, wait a minute - they just led the clown out by police. It's a little less crowded now and traffic is moving smoothly.

There is going to be a comprehensive multimedia post later tonight documenting the whole thing. Stay tuned.

01:28 PM: Despite the protest...

There are still people who are managing to make it to the Halliburton table to deliver their resume. At the same time a kid named Joshua was chatting with the three recruiters in white, a professional with another company was having an argument with two protesters over their choice of Halliburton saying, "I mean, it's basically hanging on to a buzz word."

I couldn't agree more. Bush and Cheney are polarizing targets, they are the ones with the connections to Halliburton, so they make the best target. War profiteers? Sure. But there's a whole group of them here with ties that no one protests because it's not big enough.

Piecemeal research, anyone?

01:49 PM: "We will now read from the scripture..."

And now they're singing their hymns again. The rest of the crowd is dissipating and the CAN members are pretty obvious. they're clapping.

Also, they said they might march to Chancellor Wiley's office after this. If is true, then this can only get more exciting. Well, and potentially end badly.

I'll keep you updated until...well, as long as I can.

02:27 PM: And now, we're at the Chancellor's office...

But Wiley is not here. We marched up and were informed he was out of town. Probably is, he is very rarely on campus. Busy man.

The reporters are still here, including an AP reporter. They're all sweating bullets, as I am.

All of them are sitting outside of Wiley's office now as Chris Dols is really hitting the talking points pretty hard now.

We'll see what happens. Somehow, they're trying to compare this to the Jena 6? Give me a break. Socialist talking points with little relevance to this issue.

More, as it happens.

02:41 PM: Just talked to one of the members of the UWPD

According to Sgt. Jason Whitney, the protesters can stay here until the building closes, at which point, the Chancellor's office would have to make a decision along with UWPD as to what to do. That means there is another three hours before this thing has to either move or be moved.

Right now, it's like a rap session between all the protesters. They're starting to talk about deciding when to end this protest - they could end soon, but we'll have to wait and see if they announce an end date.

We'll wait and see. I would like it to be soon as I haven't eaten a thing today, but I suppose journalism means taking it to the limit. Right Pedro?

By the way - running down Dayton St. chasing the CAN protesters with a cameraman taking our pictures - priceless.

05:04 PM: Halliburton Protest - finale

As far as I could tell, the protest ended peacefully and was about to disperse when we left at 2:50.

As I mentioned, they'll be a blog post tonight (my Mac willing) with footage of the event compiled with a few interviews and such.

I think the protest was a success, and will probably draw more people to their cause while keeping those who marched today in the CAN organization. I actually agree with the aim of their protest, as Halliburton is a great example of some of the soulless corporations that manipulate our foreign policy decisions. Sure, soulless corporations who work for every cent in the process can be defended as taking capitalism to it's necessary conclusion, but it isn't just free market principals when the government contracted group is closely connected to the state. To those who cite the fact that Dick Cheney is completely separate from Halliburton and has severed his ties, I say, who are you kidding?

Halliburton did get one recruit, at least. Good job kid, it takes guts to wade through that crap and try and pursue interest anyway. They may criticize, but you were there for a job, not politics.

Good job to CAN as well, however, for not antagonizing the student. Really kept themselves within certain boundaries.

However, that being said, I felt the Chancellor Wiley measure was misplaced. I doubted Wiley would actually be there, and I was proven right. There seems to be this college habit of occupying administration when there is nothing else to do.

Maybe they should have gone to Lori Berquam's office and had a little rap session.
It would have at least been cooler than where they went. Ugh.

There will be posts later tonight, with some during and after the Students 4 Hillary kickoff.

Stay tuned, kids!

Quactrong Bui - Music Director WUD - Hip Hop as a Movement marred by lack of understanding, Blues Scholars show nearly cancelled. UWPD has a misunderstanding with the WUD regarding hip-hop. They have to understand, as a student org on campus, we have a stake to what we put on here. We don't book bands to cause problems.

Shainah - Halloween policy - no music at the union, due to, what she thinks, was an Omega party last year. "We're not just a number or statistic" - need to make strides to make people feel welcome.

John Barnhardt -Union President- Isn't happening just here, it's happening other places - such as Colorado Springs where they're considering banning hip-hop shows.

Matt Forrest - on a campus where hip-hop is becoming a cultural tool, it seems to be something that UW is embracing but rejecting at the same time.

Bui - We are not the Majestic. UWPD came here during the Blues Scholars shows, declaring "you forced us to be here."

First off, let's clarify - the meeting with the union and MCSC does not involve the union. I don't quite understand how this wans't made clear before hand, especially because it says UWPD at the top of the agenda (although it doesn't outline participants), but that's how it is.

I'll update this meeting as it happens.

Other than that...

We have the Halliburton protest at noon, which should be interesting given the inclusion of anarchists in the mix (not associated with CAN). We'll keep a close eye on that.

Then, at 6 is the Hillary kickoff.

At 8, Andrew Bird.

A packed day, but I'll try and update as much as possible.

In response to the response (Obama: Visionary, not fraudulent) to my column (Barack Obama: Presidential special interest whore): "Szarzynski's claim that Obama shares Cheney's poor position on gay rights is intellectually dishonest and an insult to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans." Wait, so you support a candidate who opposes gay marriage (i.e. legal equality for gay Americans) and I'm the one who is insulting the LGBT community? Right. (Just curious: Do you, Ami, like your candidate, also oppose gay equality?) It's also comforting to know that Obama is "willing to use force if necessary" and kill civilians on my behalf, because, you know, the threat of getting killed in a terrorist attack is up to, like, one in a million now. Indeed, he must "fight them over there, so we don't have to fight them over here." It's not US actions which cause resentment against America, it's our "freedom." It is, after all, easy to see how a poor Arab half a planet away could become infuriated by the first amendment. His frustration has nothing to do with our support for Israel, authoritarian regimes, military presence, economic policies, etc. It's that we're free. Glad to see that Obama doesn't believe in these so-called root causes of terrorism and just wants to send kids off to war. "In closing, I want to address the negativity at the foundation of Szarzynski's piece instead of continuing to refute each distortion." Yeah, why bother with substance? Fashionable politics is so much easier. "Students deserve to be inspired." Well now, I guess I see the validity in that statement. A guy who who praises the WTO, votes to build walls along our border with Mexico, supports apartheid regimes, has a neocon's salivation for Iran and believes corporations need more protection from lawsuits - now, that's inspiring. A final note: Voting for Obama with a clear understanding of what he is - a lesser evil - is one thing. But doing so under the assumption that he is a genuinely progressive force and that his election is the end-all of the political struggle is just plain delusional. But don't tell Ami.

Congratulations on once again wasting our time. Congratulations on ignoring the burden of increased house parties. Congratulations on abandoning logic in the pursuit of overtly paranoid "security measures." Local alders seem to think the free market principals that have kept the capitalistic system running for two centuries don't have the proven effect that an ill-advised restriction on booze will. The fact that 13 alders thought limiting bars would be enough to cut alcohol related crimes, means they obviously don't drink that much, which makes me suspect we aren't living on the planet, let alone in the same city. The drunks of this town will see your bar ban and raise you a hundred keggers. When the proliferation of raucous house parties spread our police forces too thin, you better admit your mistake and change course. Of course, that will never happen. A city as "progressive" as Madison has no need for backtracking. The Madison City Council had a real chance to break out of it's counter-productive "progressive" streak by slamming this measure and taking the chains off business opporunties in the downtown area. Instead, the council just cemented a restrictive measure, which they've already been doing for some time, as city law. I can only commend student Alder Eli Judge for trying his damnedest to derail this ridiculous measure. Nice try, but next time bring more students with you. Steven Lawrence and Suchita Shah can't do it on their own. Actually, I take that back: students should have brought students to this meeting. How can this university's populace not be galvanized by the prospect of shrinking access to alcohol? In all of this mess, I can only hope City Council will have enough sense to fund the 30 new police officers Mayor Dave is requesting. Otherwise, our problems are only going to get worse. Of course, that's up to our legislators. If they don't pass that budget soon, those extra police will hang in limbo while Madison residents run like chickens with their heads cut off. Don't give City Council any more time to trash our reputation: act fast.

First off - Students for Obama rally ended at 6:30, because the ambassador from Venezuela came in to speak directly afterward.

Furthermore, those questions and answers were obviously not direct quotes. I had trouble hearing most of his lengthier comments and he had a lot of tangents.

One last point - to the commenter who said I need to add commentary - I would, if they had said anything worth weighing in on. Perhaps next meeting.

Or, perhaps at the Students for Hillary kickoff.

A question from a local businessman.

Q: We like the fact that you talked about a cooperative. How can we help our own people, both Latino and Afircan-Americans deal with the issue of poverty in the United States

A: In the United Stats, poverty is in the structure. It's not a problem you will solve through charity. It's also due to the weakness of the US economy (???)

It needs to be centered as a national issue. There is not discussion about the weakness of the US System, because it has to be perfect. Everything we can do to raise the issue of poverty. I don't understand why it's so hard to have this connection with so many groups. Everything is so "atomized."

But I have to stop here because I might be expelled.

Furthermore, I've implored Ashok to write a letter. He seems receptive to the idea.

Q: I've been living in US in the last 10 years. Went back and saw some change, some good, some bad. We used to have to get along across political parties, now the Chavistas and Opposition are at each other necks. Makes me ask. I'd like to know what we're getting back from Nicaragua and Bolivia. Also, what are you doing about government corruption - What is Chavez doing? Because my family back there is still suffering.

A: Is you family suffering because they don't have social services?

Q: Used to work for the government - but they got fired.

A: Well, that's fine.

Q: Well...

A: I welcome any comment, I welcome any comment. The change in Venezuela is not a beautiful change throughout the country. As for the Bolivian country, I think we have a different mission - I don't expect anything back. Brings up the health statistics again. Not sure why.

How can we avoid this level of confrontation? It's difficult.
It's the responsibility of the government to do something to counteract that. If you heard the story from the side of the government, you would cry. There is political intolerance on both sides.

People who are saying they are now being treated badly, they were playing a strategic game - and they lost.

They make an announcement at this point.
Two elected officials in the room - Ashok Kumar and Alder Robbie Webber.

Question 3: First off, mentioning cooperatives gets another clap. Question is - how can we have solidarity between cooperatives in US and Venezuela?

A: Gap between restrictive companies and active companies. But these active companies represent 8 percent of GDP. Cooperatives are working with them now for the production of oil. 75,000 active cooperatives (applause) in Venezuela. Used to be more, but the government was not ready - some thought they would get benefits, etc.

Alright, this is getting really long winded.

OK, answer finally? We are trying to discuss social capital...They say this is the "connection (?) of cooperatives?"

Final answer - We're working on it.

Woa.

Question 1: My son is in Iraq, a Marine. Chavez offered "our president" oil from Venezuela for 50/barrell - would have stopped our government from going into Iraq (my son says we're there for oil). What can we do to make our government react?

A: it's important what we do, because our agenda affects everything. All the citizens of the world should vote - because it's just for you, it's for the world.
Also, in a country with all these movements, how do we put it into a political context and change the agenda? Do this stuff from outside the box. The world likes this country, but the world would like to have a country that's more dedicated to the democratic process AND the world.

Ok, now he's talking about 9/11 and how everyone backed them, but that America lost sight of the real causes.

So his suggestion? Look at the world for answers. Also, don't forget that things change. Neo-Cons create problems.

Final Answer: I don't know. keep trying, keep moving on, we have to go beyond what people tell you is the normal situation, there's so many possibilities."

Clapping. For what?

Question 2: Citgo being the gas company of the Venezuelan government, I thank them for working for Citgo and helping poor children (what?) Wanted to know if it's possible to create a piece of paper that compares the costs between Citgo and other oil companies, since boycotts are happening - but not with the help of your government.

Answer: Well, let me at least provide the data! From outside sources, yes yes.

"There are common agendas, social issues...and we are the majority. "

the audience claps when he mentions the problem of "heating oil," probably in reference to that meeting Chavez made to Brooklyn promising to help them out by giving that community some of their oil.

Also, I swear they clap every time they hear the word "cooperative."

Alright, now a few questions. Standing ovation first, well, not completely. Nice try.

Giving subsidized food to 60% of Venezuela. Providing graduates from High School with 25 books - every student has his own private library. Is guaranteed that every students has everything they need in High School. Now have 5,189 schools - schools that have everything - culture, musis theatre. 950,000 students. Project to fund surgery for cataracts - alright, sort of bizzare health care reference, but granted. Oh, but they can't do it alone. Thanks to Cuba. One older man claps, many join him. Alright, fine you've got a massive amount of social services, we don't. I'm waiting for your suggestion on how we do that - convert to Socialism?

1973 - 1994 - 2006 From President Allende's overthrow, to the meeting of South American govts. in Miami and the election of "neo-liberal" presidents, people have recovered their hope. "It's what I call the revolution of participation." "Participation is not only a right, it's a committment." Sounds like the shift from Payne's "Right's of Man" to Mazzini's "Duties of Man." You know who expounded on that little theory: Mussolini. Civic participation is a wonderful goal, but it can take some nasty forms. And here comes the Iraq criticism, but only briefly. I'm so glad that the "But Iraq!" has become the rest of the world's all purpose chastisement.

by a man from "Liberty Tree" who is pushing for a "democratic revolution" and cites the media "pushing out a man who tells the truth: our president was a draft dodger!" Dan Rather, I'm guessing. Don't quite agree with that, it's more a question about sources, but it's past now. He also makes the case for "multi-partisan" elections, like in Venezuela. Oh, but not for President, right? After all, Venezuela would like to allow Chavez to be elected as much as possible. That's why they removed term limits. Oh, but now they're giving him a cheesehead and a picture of Bob LaFollette, a picture of what "might have been" if he had been elected. Hmm. Alright, let's get started.

Wants the Dane County Board to end "profiteering in county jails," but the meeting is starting.

The TITU actually listed this as starting at 7pm. Great job, Union.

And he's from Venezuala! Well, well. That's a horse of a different color...
I see the older ladies and gentlemen walking in with their "War Criminal" shirts depicting Bush. Maybe this will be an interesting forum...?

right now, a few women are passing around a singing doll that bares a strong resemblance to Hugo Chavez.

And here comes one of the members of CAN. Where are all the socialists? I mean, all the campus socialists?

Ok, all the notable campus socialists.

Ok, where's Paul Pryse?

News - ambassador's in the building. Right as that sentence is uttered, in walks Ashok Kumar. Irony?

Oh, and he's sitting right next to me. How about that. Maybe we can chat a little?

Sen. Obama will be making a trip to Wisconsin...Lots of clapping...sometime in the coming...weeks. There's a very good chance he could come on this campus. Well, he better!

Can we get him to come talk with the Herald?

Wait, that's it? 30 minutes? Ridiculous! Oh well. "Some Ambassador" needs to speak. Someone from SLAC was standing outside waiting for it.

"Only 150,000 are expected to caucus on January...whatever day it is, it changes so much." He says this right after saying Wisconsin is less important. Yeah, I'm bitter too. We're more representative of the national picture than Iowa, right? "All we need is your body and your time." Go to Iowa or "what we're doing here is for nought." Are you willing to give one day to change the course of this country? The clappers come, but they're really hesitant. I understand - who wants to go to Iowa? Especially five times this year?

"John Kerry would have lost Wisconsin in 2004, had it not been for the students." Yeah, and he lost the rest of the country as he celebrated at Capitol Square. Do want to repeat such mistakes? Now he makes a challenge - sign up 20 other voters. What's more, the sign in sheet has a little part at the end asking "From Iowa?" Who wants to take a trip home to campaign? Any takers? Doyle's done and Gordon's about to touch on his emphasis: Iowa has never been more important. Really? couldn't tell.

I hear a few "ooohs" from the ladies in front of me. He's plugging "Students for a Fair Wisconsin" again.

Says he's supporting Obama's defense LGBT issues. Claps follow. More people filling the seats.

Rep. Gordon Hintz came back from Oshkosh's College Dems meeting to talk here. Talking about record turn out of the vote, pushing funding for the university, talking about funding so there's more buildings, really playing to the field of students.

Endorsing Obama why? He has all this vague talk of "opportunity" and "hope" and "potential." "It taps into my idealism." Well, certainly there's not much in his voting record to actually tap into.

Now Gus Doyle? Come on, just get on with it.

"It's a Beautiful Day" starts off the meeting, along with an introduction of the necessary Ed Board members. I didn't realize there was such a thing as a "Visibility Chair." It's fairly packed, though not full. 1100 Grainer has...what capacity? Oliver Kiefer of College Dems is making his way down now. Looks dapper and dressed in that "tie-less blazer" look. He makes it clear they're "staying neutral in this." I'm sure we're going to see him at the Hillary kick off as well. and Edwards. If it happens. Now Roosevelt institution comes down to plug a meeting about energy policy. Introduce, Introduce. Continue and fast, you only have an hour!

This Muckrakers introduction was printed Sept. 12, 2007. "All the news that's fit to print." How arrogant. The New York Times can claim supreme journalistic integrity, but for everyone else, it's a pretty steep value judgment of the news. It's as if saying, "I am the alpha and omega of news coverage." It used to be established media professionals that made these claims. Now, it appears those elitist views have seeped into new class of journalists. Last week, University of Michigan student Theresa Kennelly -- also an opinion page editor, from The Michigan Daily -- painted a fairly bleak future for print media. Further declining readership, online shifts and tabloidization is creating a populace that is uninformed and uneducated. While she blamed cable news commentators such as vitriolic noise box Nancy Grace, Ms. Kennelly had a bigger target in mind: blogs. Ms. Kennelly, like many in the mainstream media, makes the mistake of trying to establish a line of demarcation between journalists and everyone else. She argues, "Bloggers just don't have the same level of accountability as journalists do." For those gossip blogs like TMZ.com and Perez Hilton, the criticism is apt, as rumor pervades every post. However, a large portion of the blogosphere is comprised of concerned citizens who wish to make their voices heard, bloggers who make accountability their No. 1 priority. For example, the liberal national blog Crooks and Liars may blatantly slant commentary toward leftist initiatives, but conservative blogs like Little Green Footballs are ready to scour their posts for untruths, misquotes and inaccuracies, and vice versa. The community not only fact checks itself, but also examines the spin of major news media outlets. Even daily posts on the Madison student blogosphere have been able to catch multiple mistakes in The Badger Herald. Although mainstream media may point to bloggers betraying a political slant, the wide expanse of the Internet ensures a more comprehensive analysis than print journalism can ever provide. The mainstream criticism of the blogosphere may focus on content, but it's territorial, at the root. As Ms. Kennelly says, "Blogs cannot and should not replace traditional news and commentary." I agree, but that was never a real possibility. To think that a collection of citizen commentary and observations could replace centuries-old journalistic institutions is incredibly far fetched. Blogs are not in competition with traditional media; they supplement it. The Badger Herald attempts to cover the issues vital to students, but we, along with every other news agency, sometimes miss some stories. In these cases, bloggers are ombudsmen of the local media. The relationship between bloggers and mainstream media is like a representative's relationship with his constituents. Just as legislators make judgments as to what's "right for the people," so do newspapers decide what's "fit to print." The difference between bloggers and constituents: Constituents demand change, bloggers make it happen. At least they do when people actually write them. With the disarray of respected local conservative blog Letters in Bottles and the relative infrequency of posts in the student blogosphere as a whole -- myself included -- student concerns, observations and debates aren't nearly as fulfilling as they could be. The current population of student bloggers is doing a fine job, but we all have studies and work to focus on, too. In this case, another one of Ms. Kennelly's main criticisms should be reinterpreted as a catalyst: "It's not difficult to speak up." If even 2 percent of the student population on this campus wrote the occasional reflection on university issues, city politics or musings on their curriculum material, we could establish a legitimate public forum capable of tackling local issues. While the blogosphere is a relatively new result of technology, the idea has a historical corollary. This country's colonial revolutionaries passed around pamphlets discussing the philosophy of the Enlightenment, proposals of the day and ongoing debates between citizens. Today, we link to each other's commentary on city council votes, the war in Iraq and the state of our nation. With enough luck, this new method of public discourse may provide equally revolutionary actions. But that ivory tower of printed news must not be ignored. The most informed and analytical of all blog writers are the ones who absorb every bit of content they read. Certainly, newspapers not only attract a smarter populace, but one more engaged in civic participation. When traditional news produces an item for inquiry, dialogue will inevitably occur. The only difference is that now, it happens much more quickly and with a much larger group of participants. Thankfully, the gap between traditional and new media is rapidly closing, including at this newspaper. Starting today, The Badger Herald Opinion Page has re-entered the blogosphere. And with tools like these, print journalism can move with its readers into a vibrant new arena for public discourse. Jason Smathers ([email protected]) is the editorial content editor and a senior majoring in journalism and history.