hillsdale forum

fall 2007

the
Volume V, Issue I

Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is:

Why Hillsdale’s
Values Are No
Where to be
Found Inside the
Dining Hall Full Story Page 10
2 the crawler it is everything you ever needed to know...and some things you
Fall 2007

With Liberty and Justice A Pennsylvania man was

jailed after trying to pay for
(and Health care) for all... A Maine restaurant is con-
sidering removing its “naked groceries with a $1,000,000
bill.
by James Nesbitt details. The information provided on her
website constantly refers to what the plan will
lunch” from the menu after
two citizens complained,
There is little doubt that by now you and will not allow, but it proposes no specific A recent study by Cornell
have read about the latest crisis preparing bills or updates to laws. Consequently, we calling it “inappropriate.” The
to pummel our country. That crisis is our are given little knowledge of how the legal lunch offers a free sandwich claims that people tend to
deteriorating health care system. With code will be changed to meet Mrs. Clinton’s to anyone willing to jump consume 35% more calories
elections looming (as they always seem demands and little assurance that the plan from the dock naked. when dining at “healthy” res-
to do), every candidate in contention has has concrete limits. taurants.
developed a way to fix our broken system. Mrs. Clinton claims that part of the health
The most vocal is Senator Hillary Clinton, care crisis is caused by overpayment of HMOs Officials recently found 10.5
who has already unveiled her grandiose plan, and other Managed Care Plans. What she ounces of Ecstasy hidden Claiming that it produces
which will seemingly solve all our health never admits is the reason such organizations inside a Mr. Potato Head as germs that aid in the diges-
care woes. But although many people have exist and receive overpayments in the first tion of food, scientists say
heard of Mrs. Clinton’s plan, few people place: The requirement for private health he shipped from Australia to
actually know what it is. I urge you to go to care to conform to inefficient government Ireland. that your appendix is not so
Mrs. Clinton’s website (www.hillaryclinton. bureaucracy and regulation. The HMO useless after all.
com) and read it for yourself. It is so lacking Act of 1973 is a major contributing reason New York City’s WABC will
in detail that it hardly can be called a plan, to the continued need of HMOs in the first Google’s stock shoots up to
although perhaps this shows Mrs. Clinton’s place. The Act gave grants to HMOs at welcome Don Imus back to
true genius. It is hard to analyze and attack taxpayer expense and required employers to the radio beginning Decem- over $600/share, officially
a plan that has no specifics. However, if you offer HMOs as a health care option to their ber 1, 2007. making the Google empire
do not feel like expending such effort on such employers. This government intervention worth more than Wal-Mart.
a fruitless hunt for fact, I will outline some of into the free market of health care has
the more disturbing issues of her health care contributed to the current HMO problems Sen. Barack Obama, Sen.
ideas for you. of which Mrs. Clinton speaks, but you will Joe Biden, Gov. Bill Rich- Fred Thompson debuts at the
Mrs. Clinton’s plan is titled “The American never hear a whisper of it from her camp. ardson, John Edwards, and GOP Debates, but the spot-
Health Choices Plan.” Perhaps this is a joke? One of Mrs. Clinton’s objectives is to rope Rep. Dennis Kucinich all of- light fell on the Romney-Guil-
An increase in consumer choice is never all Americans into the system, including the iani battle over fiscal issues.
produced through government intervention. responsible citizens who currently are able ficially withdraw from Michi-
The choice to which Mrs. Clinton refers is a to manage their health care without the need gan’s January 15th primary.
tightly controlled sets of options from which of taxpayer support. This requirement will A poor marriage could lead to
the consumer is allowed to choose. A free force Americans who are currently self- Monday, the first round of severe heart problems later

“ This plan ensures that

market has no reliant and in life… literally… doctors say
set of options; managing their Baby Boomers become eli-
the choices own health care gible to receive Social Secu- that fighting couples raise
available to all who benefit from to assist those rity benefits—let the race to their risk of heart disease.
the consumer who cannot. As retirement begin!
are unlimited. the system share in the Mrs. Clinton Philippine medical officials
A n o t h e r puts it, “This
disturbing
responsibility to fix its plan ensures A teacher is suing his for- are outraged after finding
ideal is strewn shortcomings that all who mer employer who fired him themselves the subject of a

”
throughout benefit from after discovering a YouTube joke on a recent Desperate
the document, -Hillary Clinton the system Housewives episode. Mo-
offering some share in the video of him painting with
general insight responsibility his bare buttocks. (Sit in ments after the show ended,
into Mrs. Clinton’s ideas about government. to fix its shortcomings.” By benefit, Mrs. paint, sit on canvas. Repeat a petition for an apology was
Her plan “gives” Americans the choice. Clinton simply means participate. She will as necessary.) already circulating the inter-
Those choices are a government grant, not require those who currently do not participate net.
a freedom. This fundamental view of the in our failing government health care system
purpose of government offers a glimpse of not only to participate, but to bear the burden Fraternities across the coun-
what Mrs. Clinton will do not only in health of fixing its shortcomings. The possibility try are fighting back against
care, but in whatever arena she can control. for success rests on the assumption that the “frat-boy” image by Saying that they make chil-
One thing Mrs. Clinton does not give to Americans who currently can produce results dren “late for class,” Prin-
Americans is the chance to make an informed on the free market can and will continue to bringing new activities such
decision. She apparently does not have do so when forced into a socialist one. a yoga and wine-tasting into cipal Victoria Sharts has
much confidence in the common voter’s An issue Mrs. Clinton does not touch is the their chapters. banned hugging in her ur-
critical thinking abilities; the downloadable burden and restrictions on personal life such a ban Chicago middle school.
plan from her website is full of large, color system will inevitably cause. Since personal
pictures and charts, but offers few important Continued on page 3
 h
forum news
theHillsdale Thompson Declares
forum Candidacy!
Emilia Huneke-Bergquist Old news? Maybe, but how
much do you know about this
Julie Robison
rising conservative star?
Editors-in-Chief
by Nathan D. Lichtman
Mary Kate Cavazos
Subscription Manager On September 6, 2007 a man from
Tennessee posted a video on the
internet that could ultimately lead to the
Brian Johnston re-vitalization of a major political party,
Martin Kraegel III and keep the direction of this country
Kate Martin from skewing too far from what is right.
Christina Miller The man, though seemingly not a man
of high political notability, is trying to be
Stohn Nishino elected President of the United States.
Scott Rozell The man is Fred Thompson.
G. Stolyarov II Revitalizing a political party represents
Staff Writers a two-part undertaking. First, one must
be able to be a person of such high
charisma that he can convince people
Matthew Cole that their political alliances belong with
Calvin Frieburger his party. Secondly, he must redefine
Nathan Lichtman what the party believes in.
Jeremy Marshall The model for the charisma and
John McNamara emotional capacity required to convert
and re-align believers with a political
James Nesbitt party is Ronald Reagan. Reagan, the
Heather Shell fortieth US President, was known for
Dave Wasmer his ability to turn anyone into a friend,
Contributing Writers to shove aside any negative claim, and
to promote hard-core stances without
sounding irrational. It can be said that
Fred Thompson is akin to Reagan. They
h
have a similar background; Reagan an
actor in several movies, Thompson an
forum
actor, most recently recognized for his
performance on the popular television
show Law and Order. They both have
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
SHORT STRIKE CAUSES MICHIGAN STRESSES
by Jeremy marshall
For the first time in 37 years the United
The Hillsdale Forum is a Auto Workers called a national strike
student publication distributed against General Motors. UAW President
Ron Gettelfinger announced that, effective
four times throughout the school
September 26 at 4:00 AM, the strike was
year. recessed.
The UAW and GM bargaining teams had
Questions? reached a tentative agreement as of 3:05
Comments? AM that same morning. Workers resumed
work the same day, starting second shift. If
Submissions?
needed, skilled tradesmen could be called to
work earlier. The strike lasted 41 hours.
Contact The Hillsdale Forum: The last nationwide strike took place in
1970, and lasted 69 days. A limited strike
hillsdaleforum@gmail.com was called in 1998 at two plants in Flint,
Michigan. The 1998 strike lasted 54 days.
The tentative agreement, pending member
ratification, would shift a significant
Hillary from page 2
burden and restrictions on personal life such a
system will inevitably cause. Since personal
health issues become public expenses in a
socialist system, regulations regarding our
personal lives will eventually be forced upon
us. John Edwards has already cautiously
advanced the idea of requiring citizens to visit
the doctor on a regular basis for checkups.
The rationale for these requirements is that
proper preventative health care will incur
fewer costs. However, under this plan the
following scenario is far too tangible: health
care lobbyists will pushing for regulations
requiring examinations of body parts you
didn’t even know existed, corrupt politicians
will receive their rewards from lobbyists by
passing the regulations, and doctors will
gain from crammed waiting rooms full of a
public attempting to abide by the law. The
American public, however, loses.
With all these deficiencies, why would
anyone seriously consider Mrs. Clinton’s
proposal? The quality Mrs. Clinton’s plan
portion of $51 billion in unfunded retiree
health benefits to the Voluntary Employees
Beneficiary Association, which is a trust is
run by the UAW.
GM will pay new hires a “second-tier”
wage. GM and the UAW are withholding
agreement details. This wage will be less
than current employee wages. GM hopes
to close the wage gap between foreign auto
makers and themselves. The Detroit-based
auto maker currently pays $25 more per
hour than foreign competitors. Agreement
details are being withheld until reviewed
by a national council meeting and sent to
membership.
“There’s no question this was one of the most
complex and difficult bargaining sessions in
the history of the GM/UAW relationship,”
commented GM chairman and CEO Rick
Wagoner. “This agreement helps us close
3
seems to have that attracts voters is its effect
on each individual voter’s pocketbook.
Voters are attracted by the fact that her health
care plan will reduce their direct out-of-
pocket expenses. However, this belief lacks
prudence. The truth is that the money to pay
for health care has to come from somewhere.
Whether you pay directly to your insurance
company or whether you pay through a sales
tax here and a gas tax there, you are still
paying for the services you have used.
There is no doubt that our health care system
is in dire need of improvement. However, it
is generally agreed that improvements are
made by removing the defective parts of
a system. Our current health care system
is choked by government policies and
extending those policies to the entire system
will only make things worse. Mrs. Clinton’s
plan contains the argument of compassion
that often captures the emotional side of the
voter, but let’s not allow her to love us to
death.
cartoon courtesy of USBCI Education Foundation, 2007
the fundamental competitive gaps that exist
in our business. The projected competitive
improvements in this agreement will allow us
to maintain a strong manufacturing presence
in the United States along with significant
future investments.”
UAW Members are voting over a couple
weeks on the new contract.
Gettelfinger hopes the GM contract will
serve as a pattern for Ford and Chrysler
negotiations. The two-tier wage system
attracts the two auto makers for new hires
because the second-tier is lower pay for new
hires.
GM is considering closing plants in Ohio,
Indiana, and Michigan. The company is also
thinking of building a new engine facility in
Flint, MI to replace the outdated Flint North
factory.
4 spotlight Fall 2007

GUNS IN AMERICA
Seeking to redefine the Second Amendment, the case
brewing in Washington D.C. could mean big changes
for one of America’s oldest past-times

not, is conspicuously lacking when it comes a “collective right” interpretation, with are not necessary for self-defense because
by martin kraegel III to guns and the Second Amendment. They notable exception of the 5th Circuit Court. the police exist. This is clearly not the case
Strange as it may seem, I have recently simply feel, more or less, that the Second Both sides are eager to proceed to the when the police are not obliged to protect, and
become a firearms enthusiast. Of course, I Amendment is anachronistic and that Supreme Court, which they believe could it is especially disingenuous for the District to
have always favored individual gun ownership American citizens do not need to possess decide on taking the case, now titled District arm its police with handguns, while denying
as matter of principle and as a right enshrined firearms, especially handguns or assault of Columbia v. Dick Anthony Heller, by its citizens the same right, especially in
in the Constitution’s Second Amendment. But rifles. And while gun control has seemed to November of this year. The stakes are high America, a country dedicated to the protection
my recent personal experience with the use of take a backseat as a political issue in the because, since the court has not ruled on the of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
firearms has given me a greater appreciation of past few years, it looks like it could be coming gun rights implied by the Second Amendment To make matters worse, the same D.C. law
what it means to be one of the tens of millions back in to the fore, with the potential to be an since 1939, and now the question becomes that bans handguns also mandates that all
of responsible gun owners in the United States. issue of importance in the 2008 elections. “Whether the Second Amendment forbids rifles and shotguns be dismantled, locked,
I always go to the state owned shooting range A recent case in the U.S. Court of Appeals the District of Columbia from banning and unloaded in the home, and so the District
located near where I live in Indiana. Among for the District of Columbia Circuit has the private possession of handguns while of Columbia is in essence not allowing
the firearms I typically shoot are handguns, potential to be a landmark case in this regard. allowing possession of rifles and shotguns,” its residents to use guns for protection at
such the Beretta px4 Storm 9mm Lugar and According to an article in The New York Times, a ruling could set wide-ranging precedents. all in a city notorious for crime, including

“
the Walther P22. At
the range I tend to
encounter people that
more closely resemble
the stereotype of
America’s gun
culture: hunters and
However, notice the words of D.C. Attorney
Whatever right the Second General Linda Singer, “Whatever right the
Amendment guarantees, Second Amendment guarantees, it does
not require the District to stand by while its
it does not require the
citizens die.” This quotation is interesting,
District to stand by while especially when coupled with that fact that
it’s citizens die D.C.’s petition for review contains mainly gun
homicides. As with so many other liberal
political goals, the idea is that individual
citizen is not competent to be responsible
for his or her own safety and welfare.
The framers of the Constitution had the
opportunity to exclude pistols from the Second
Amendment. They didn’t because, to quote

”
outdoorsmen, many violence statistics and not legal arguments as Tench Coxe, a Pennsylvania statesman, “Their
of them veterans or -Linda Singer to why the Supreme Court should take the swords, and every other terrible instrument of
current members of case. Aside from the emotional appeal, which the soldier, are the birth right of an American.
the Armed Forces, wearing bush hats, boots dated September 5, 2007, the court voted 2-1 is always typical, the argument is that citizen ... The unlimited power of the sword is not in
and camouflage pants. They shoot a wide to strike down a District of Columbia law that gun ownership is inherently dangerous. Only the hands of either the federal or the state
array of weaponry including more military banned all private ownership of handguns rifles and shotguns are “reasonable,” but if, say, governments, but, where I trust in God it will
oriented guns such as the AR-15, MAC90, by individuals, excluding police officers. The the D.C. police are allowed to carry handguns, ever remain, in the hands of the people.” The
semi-auto AK-47, and the Uzi pistol. Despite case, Parker v. District of Columbia, was it is clearly a case of the government saying, militia in colonial America was every able-
their rough exterior, they are usually friendly, brought by six D.C. residents who believed in effect, “handguns for me, and not for thee.” bodied male in the community. It is not the
knowledgeable, and if you ask politely, they the law violated their Second Amendment Speaking of precedents, several courts have case that there was ever a doubt that the
may let you try some of their hardware. rights. The court government would not be
The purpose behind this personal anecdote is agreed stating able marshal enough arms
to make an observation about guns in America. that the Second Gun Control Laws by State for its own military, as is the
That is, that there is a very fundamental divide A m e n d m e n t argument of the “collective
rifles & shotguns/handguns right” theorists. Instead it a
in America over guns. I do not believe I would included an
Indiana Michigan Ohio main right of a free people,
constitute what is thought of as the typical gun individual right to
user. Yet, to many liberals who favor stronger gun ownership, Permit to Purchase? NO/NO NO/YES NO/NO the idea being that just
gun control, the image they get is that of what and said that “once Registration of Firearms? NO/NO NO/YES NO/NO government derives its
I previously described: assault rifle wielding it is determined -- Licensing of Owners? NO /NO NO /NO NO /NO powers from governed,
militiamen, a “red-state” phenomenon pure as we have done NO/YES and that if the government
Permit to Carry? NO/YES NO/NO
and simple. The gun users I know put safety -- that handguns should fail in its duties the
and responsibility first at all times, but it will not are ‘Arms’ referred people may take their own
surprise many that they also tend to have a to in the Second action to defend their rights.
right wing, libertarian aversion to government, Amendment, it is not open to the District to ruled that the government is not obligated to That is why the Second Amendment and this
especially that brand of liberal nanny-statism ban them.” The Second Amendment reads: “A protect individual citizens, including the District particular case are so exceedingly relevant
that advocates increasing government in well regulated Militia, being necessary to the of Columbia’s Court of Appeals in Warren v. today. That is why I have always supported
the name of “safety.” To them, safety is their security of a free State, the right of the people District of Columbia (1981). The court stated the Second Amendment as “the right of the
responsibility and gun ownership is something to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.” explicitly that it is a, “fundamental principle people.” And if you asked any of the men
uniquely American. Needless to say, there is The District of Columbia has decided to of American law that a government and its at my shooting range whether they are the
nary a Hillary Clinton vote at the shooting range. appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme agents are under no general duty to provide American militia, they would certainly reply in
The advocates of gun control, I believe, Court with the belief that the court was public services, such as police protection, to the affirmative.
cannot relate to this. The enthusiasm liberals breaking precedent, noting that most other any individual citizen.” It is always a smug
have for a plethora of rights, Constitutional or federal appeals courts have endorsed assertion of gun control advocates that guns
 h
forum commentary
A French Lesson for America’s Grand Old Party
bynewt gingrich
guest columnist
It is time for some strong medicine for
American conservatives and it does not get
any stronger then this: if Republicans are
going to have any chance of victory in 2008,
they need to learn a thing or two from the
French.
That’s right. The French.
For Republicans in Washington, the election
of Nicolas Sarkozy is significant not because
he is a conservative but because he was a part
of a deeply unpopular incumbent government.
For those who are willing to learn, Mr..
Sarkozy’s win shows that it is possible to
produce a decisive national decision in favour
of more conservative reform when voters
are faced with a choice between ideological
failure on the left and bold solutions and
bold leadership from a newly redefined right.
Going into the election, the parallels
between the incumbent French government
of President Jacques Chirac and that of
President George W. Bush were hard to miss.
Mr. Chirac, who had been twice elected to
serve a total of 12 years in office, was very
unpopular. Frenchmen were tired of the
the Eiffel Tower
bicycles
Chirac government. The contest was just
what the 2008 contest in the US is shaping
up to be: a classic “change” election.
But the opposition on the left, the
Socialist party, failed completely to
capitalize on this desire for change. It
nominated Ségolène Royal, who proved
herself to be the candidate of the status
quo, not of change. Most significantly, Ms.
Royal was committed to keeping all the
bureaucracies that were failing and all the
policies that were creating unemployment.
Still, with the incumbent conservative
government so unpopular, the left would
normally have been expected to win the
election. But the conservative candidate,
Mr. Sarkozy, won decisively because
he is an aggressive, different kind of
French political leader. He was able to
overcome his association with the Chirac
government by being a different kind of
French politician. He proved himself as a
tough, confrontational leader - a man who
was not afraid to stand up to the French
establishment that Mr. Chirac represented.
In the campaign, Mr. Sarkozy not only
argued that the French have to work longer
hours, he called for an incentive for them
to do so: no taxes on wages earned from
working overtime. Critically, he said the
And now that we’re taking political advice from them...
l us take a look at some of the other cool things France
has given the world:
hot air balloons
(minority child
not included)
Haute Couture
(Would you like a croissant with that?)
people must obey the law. Finally, he
insisted that you could come to France
if you wanted to learn to be French.
This might not sound like much to the
American political ear, but in a country that
routinely accepts the burning of up to 15,000
cars a year by hooligans who, according to the
elites, are simply “expressing their desire to
disrupt society”, this was a jarring message.
In a country that was very proud a few years
back to have the first mandatory 35-hour
work week in history, campaigning for tax
breaks for overtime work was nothing less
then transformational. The outcome of the
contest proved that a majority of the French
believe that without the kind of changes Mr..
Sarkozy was calling for, France’s stature
and standard of living would disappear in
a wave of lawlessness and economic decay.
As for the opposition in the French
election, much like the US Democratic
party it is trapped by its commitment to
big labour, big bureaucracy, high taxes
and social values people do not believe in.
Every time French voters seriously looked
at Ms. Royal and the kind of politics she
represented, she lost ground. The result
was a surprising and powerful upset by
Mr.. Sarkozy - a victory by a centre-right
reformer, a member of the unpopular ruling
Mayonnaise
the Etch-a-Sketch
5
party, who came to personify change.
Here is where American Republicans really
need to pay attention. In France, voting for
change meant voting for the party in office,
but not the personality in office. And voting
to keep the old order meant voting for the
opposition, not for the incumbent party.
If Republicans in the US hope to win the
presidency next year, they had better find a
candidate who, like Mr.. Sarkozy, is prepared
to stand for very bold, very dramatic and very
systematic change. Not only that, but they
had better make the case that the leftwing
Democrat likely to be nominated represents
the failed status quo: the bureaucracies
that are failing, the social policies that are
failing, the high tax policies that are failing
and the weakness around the world that
has failed so badly in protecting the US.
As Margaret Thatcher would say: “You
have to win the argument before you win the
vote”.
This article originally appeared in the
June 12, 2007 issue of The Financial
Times, and was republished with the ex-
press permission of both The Financial
Times as well as Mr. Gingrich.
www.newt.org
the Statue of Liberty
6 open forum
Hillsdale, Love it or Hate it...it is Where You Are
by matthew Cole
Hillsdale is a college that prides itself
in its Judeo-Christian values and a
strong conservative background. Quite
frankly I don’t see it. Don’t be mistaken,
Hillsdale college as an institution
is well rooted in conservatism. The
students however, are far from anything
that could be considered conservative.
I came from Grand Rapids, Michigan,
one of the most conservative major cities
in the world. Considering that, I used to
joke with my friends about leaving my
tainted city and moving to Hillsdale,
a sinless land of strong faith and good
family values. I pictured a utopian
paradise hidden away in rural America.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The first thing I noticed upon my
arrival was the language. I swore
once in my life and to this day still
struggle with the guilt of having done
so. On the contrary, students here
are unbelievably comfortable using
inappropriate language in everyday life.
I had no idea that swearing at someone
in the hallway was a type of greeting,
nor did I know calling your classmates
vulgar names was an accepted practice
for displaying friendship. Not only
is profanity disrespectful, it is a sin.
James three warns us to be careful of
what we say, and yet the people here
who praise God with their lips are the
same people who in different settings
curse and take his name in vain.
Furthermore, the amount of drinking on
campus is disgraceful. I personally do
not drink, but I acknowledge drinking as
a socially accepted American pastime.
However, although drinking itself is
not a sin, getting drunk certainly is. Far
too many students look forward to the
weekends when they can go to parties
and get stupid. Not only is drinking a
bad choice medically speaking, but it
also opens up opportunities for many
more sins. Corinthians 1:6 reminds
us that our body is a temple and not
our own, yet students continue to
give into destructive bodily pleasures.
Likewise, students, and even professors,
seem to have a problem with drug use. I
would think in this day and age with all
the proven health risks as well as being
morally condemned, drugs wouldn’t be
a problem. Sadly, many students have
already been expelled for possession of
banned substances. I am further bothered
by the professors who can be seen lighting
up before class. How can they possible
claim to be wise and knowledgeable
teachers when they are too naive to realize
they are killing themselves. I’m surprised
that this school is known for studying
the higher things when so many people
have yet to discover the obvious things.
Another disgusting feature of our school
is the way in which women are viewed.
Instead of acknowledging females as
glorious gifts from God, many male
students see them as nothing more than
an object to be obtained, a mere piece
of meat to be won. Instead of showing
the young ladies of Hillsdale respect
and treating them with dignity, many
men regard them simply as trophies.
The comments made about women on
this campus are absolutely appalling.
Additionally, I was totally shocked by
how lightly sex is weighed here. I know
America is going down hill, but since
when did virginity become unpopular
amongst conservatives? I have already
been called “old fashioned” for expressing
my desire to wait until I am happily
married before having sex. Staying pure
is so easy and there are countless moral
and health reasons for waiting for sex,
but nevertheless many students have
already corrupted themselves and
continue to do so here on campus.
I would like to believe that despite all
the short comings of Hillsdale students,
at least they are going to church and
repenting their sins. But the truth is,
many students aren’t going because
they are either too tired or have a
hangover from the Saturday night
parties they attended. I don’t understand
how students can go to a school like
Hillsdale and behave the way they do
without having unbelievable guilt.
I accept that we all sin and even at this
strong conservative school people will
make mistakes, but we need stop using
our position as sinners as an excuse
for our bad behavior. It’s time we took
some responsibility, for we are called to
live in the world, but not to be of the
world. I realize I will never find the
paradise I long for until I go to heaven,
but I was under the impression that we
hold ourselves to a higher standard here
at Hillsdale. I expected better.
Each year, The Princeton
Review Online release their Students Most Nostalgic for Ronald
(in)famous lists detailing the
good, bad, and ugly of college
campuses across the na- Future Rotarians and Daughters of the
tion. This year, Thomas Aqui-
nas stole our place as the
most conservative school in
Students Pray on a Regular Basis
the United States, but not
to worry, we can get it back
next year. In the meantime,
check out the other places
we hold:
#2
by John mcnamara
Reagan I would first off like to personally thank
#5 Matthew Cole for clearly stating his
beliefs; you clearly have strong character
and do not allow others to influence you
American Revolution behavior. Cole comes to Hillsdale from the
“major city” of Grand Rapids Michigan.
#8
Describing Hillsdale as a “Utopian
Paradise”, Cole envisioned a land of sinless
#18 wonder where family values abound
amongst the student body—a fishbowl
Professors Get High Marks environment where anyone who swore
#19 would quickly have their mouths washed
out with liquid dial and be sent to their
Don’t Inhale dorm room to think about what they had
done. His view of a college is a place where
students never drink too much, smoking is
unheard of, abstinence is the only from of
birth control, and the student body is tucked
into bed early enough Saturday night
in order to be up for church on Sunday.
Cole accuses a majority of the student
body of being foul-mouthed-naïve-
womanizing-sexaholic-drunks and anyone
who falls into this category is neither a
Conservative nor Christian in the eyes
of Cole…they should also wake up each
morning with an unbelievable amount
of guilt and run to repent. I was raised
by Catholic parents who were both arch-
conservatives. Though I consider myself
to be more moderate then the a majority of
the students at Hillsdale I fail to see how
knocking back a six-pack on Friday night
takes away from either of these things. When
did Conservatism become synonymous
with sobriety? Allow me to remind you
that even Jesus turned water into wine.
Cole’s reasons for not smoking are
supported by medical facts and I agree
that smoking is terrible habit. I, too, find
cigarettes to be repugnant and disgusting,
though on occasion I will smoke a cigar.
However, to condemn your fellow student
for smoking is simply close-minded.
Several friends of mine choose to smoke,
and though it is not a decision I necessarily
agree with, it is their body and their
health. Professors, too, have the right to
make this choice. Many of the professors
on this campus are decorated scholars in
their field who choose to smoke and you
describe them as naïve. These are men
who have already forgotten more than you
know. One of these men was Dr. John Reist
who is scholar of literature and theology
and ordained clergymen as well as a pipe
smoker. Reist, one of the men my late
father said he would trade what he knew
in order to learn what Reist had forgotten,
said he agrees with Cole that smoking is
both dangerous and hazardous to his health.
He also reminded that W.C. fields once
said, “A good cigar is a gift from God.”
You describe women as Glorious
gifts from God. I find these words to be
somewhat old fashioned but to each his
own. I was raised to both treat women
with the respect and dignity they deserve,
and I like to think that my parents did a
good job instilling those values. Compared
to other schools women are treated very
Fall 2007
well here at Hillsdale College. I have
seen males students give up their seat,
help them carry things to their car, and
walk them home on late nights. With
few exceptions, the men here hold doors
open, something rarely seen in today’s
society. While I realize that most of these
things are social graces, all too rarely
are ‘they exemplified in today’s society.
And, yes, there too are those students
who wish to “hit and quit it,” but you
are going to find those at every college
in world, with very few exceptions.
The students at Hillsdale College are
for the most part intelligent, considerate,
conservative, God-fearing individuals
and should one of them choose to
smoke, drink in excess, or engage in pre-
marital sex it does not make them any
less of a conservative or Christian. If
you think students at Hillsdale College
are that disgraceful, I suggest you visit
Michigan State. Students there drink
more, experiment with drugs, and men
and women alike are nothing more than
trophies won. The school you describe
in your article is not Hillsdale College…
The school which Cole depicts is not like
any college campus I have ever been, it
is one where people have regard others
are only out for themselves. Cole seeks
a college that does not exist and in my
opinion never truly did. Claiming that he
will not find what he is looking for until
he reaches Heaven, I would guess is that
even in Heaven there will be someone
who swore in junior high, smoked in high
school, drank too much in college and yes
even someone who wasn’t “pure” when
they were married. I find it disappointing
that someone who has been at this college
for such a short time as already judged it
and condemned many of the fine students
on this campus. I have been here nearly
three years…whereas he is closing in on
three months—gain some experience,
until then, let’s hold off on the judgments.
8 opinion Fall 2007
thus giving him a majority of votes
Who Am I
competitive and innovative.” He
THOMPSON FROM PAGE 3 recognizes the necessity of securing our come Election Day.”
a similar speaking style: slow, focused, borders. He believes in the strength of Not all these reasons, however, will

Voting For? and rational. The Austin American- families. And, as the web site describes, guarantee a Thompson victory. He
Statesman said that his, “towering he remains determined, “to remain continues to have many struggles
6-foot, 5-inch frame, basso voice engaged in the world while remaining in this campaign. Entering the race
and commanding presence”, could true to America’s principles” later than most, he faces tremendous
by Scott Rozell define Fred Thompson. Reagan and Supporters of Fred Thompson explain budget problems. Thompson was able
to raise around eight-million dollars this
Thompson are also both are true that they are supporting Thompson for
Candidates are elected because they are conservatives, believing in limited many reasons. Christopher Malagisi, quarter, while MSNBC is reporting that
moderate. Today in politics, the more government, a strong defense, and National Grassroots Coordinator of the both Democratic Party frontrunners
moderate you are the more votes you can low taxes. Leadership Institute and former Political have raised over seventeen-million.
pull in. Elections have become choosing Thompson may even surpass Director for The Republican Party of Additionally, Thompson somewhat
between a lesser of two evils; who is Reagan in his knowledge of how to Virginia, explained in an interview, “I bucks the current social-Conservative
going to hurt the country the least? This win in the warfare that is politics. In believe he has the ability to bring together trend toward banning gay marriage
mentality desecrates the ideals men like 1994, Thompson proved his worth as a the presently disparate conservative outright. He wishes for a constitutional
Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, politician capable of winning regardless coalition and has not alienated certain amendment banning judges from
George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln of the odds. He, with a relatively small parts of it like other candidates. Any legalizing gay marriage while still
stood upon. These men desired to give amount of time, ran against a popular Republican candidate will need this in allowing for state legislatures to do so.
an opportunity to each citizen for a better six-term congressman for a vacant US order to win the presidency. His star While optimistic that his solution strikes
life, a chance to create their own success. Senate seat. The polls announced that power will obviously help him as a a balance, Thompson conceded in an
Unfortunately, our government today Thompson was 20 points below his national candidate and his already proven Associated Press article that some
penalizes success and laughs at the idea opponent. Yet, instead of giving up, he ability to utilize new media resources conservatives prefer their own wording.
of rewards based on merit. It is time for a took a bright red pick-up truck around will spread his message in ways that They are primarily concerned about
president to stop spouting politically correct Tennessee, meeting with people and have not been fully utilized before by marriage being a union between a man
propaganda to get into power. listening to their needs. He wound up presidential candidates. His positions and a woman.” These issues seem to
So who do I want to vote for? I want to vote winning the senate position and went on immigration, fiscal discipline, and lack the strength needed to outweigh
for a man who will voluntarily step down on to be re-elected two years later. entitlement reform should resonate not the positive impact he is having on The
from power, I want to vote for a man who While, overall, Thompson supports only with the conservative base but with Republican Party but are issues that
says something is wrong and fights for what many conservative causes, his official the average Joe American demanding must not be overlooked either.
is right, I want to vote for a man who refuses web site, www.fred08.com, identifies desperate reform within our government. While only time will tell, Fred Thompson
the idea of social entitlements. Where did his passions. He believes that Islamic And finally, I believe he is the only one seems to be the Republicans best choice
men like this go? They evaporated in the terrorists pose an ongoing threat. who truly has a chance of beating Hillary in this race. Voters in the primaries will
political heat of correctness. No one in this Believing that the idea of federal Clinton in a general election since he have to be the judges as to whom they
nation wants to offend anyone else. No one entitlements represents an economic has the proven ability to work across the wish to pose as their candidate against
wants to stand upon absolutes. Everything threat, Thompson also understands aisle and has taken various independent what is likely to be a strong Democrat
is relevant in politics today. Everywhere the “need for lower taxes to ensure positions that would resonate with candidate. Fred Thompson is certainly
in the world there are absolutes. Nature is our nation remains economically Reagan Democrats and Independents, a valid option when considering this.
built upon them, men once fought for them,
and now governments mock them. There are absolutes in the world, there are absolutes in Fresh from the Mackinac Island
this nation, but they are being discarded at the expense of our country. To stand strong in
today’s world we need a leader who will stand up for America. I want a president who will
Back From Mac: Republican Conference, one student
examines the real reasons behind
stand up and say terrorism is a threat to America’s foundation, that it will not be tolerated coming together
and will do everything in my power to cease it. I want conviction in their voice, I want
to know they believe in America and the goodness of its people. I do not want a president
by Nate Anderson nation’s monuments. In the book,
who spends more on the unconstitutional pursuit of education than on national defense. I A long mass of Republicans stand Gingrich tours D.C., pointing out the
want a president who will take a firm stand against those who do not support us. I do not in line, with a recent lecture still plethora of reverential and scriptural
want a president who caters to the needs of other nations against ours. We do not live in a buzzing in their minds, and a book in references. For example, atop the
politically correct world. We live in a world where societies are raised to hate us, to despise hand. The venue is the Republican’s Washington Monument are printed
us, and to kill everything which makes our nation great. How can we stand as a light unto
Mackinac convention, and after a the words Laus Deo, or praise be to
the world when we refuse to light the wick of truth? How can a nation consult others
which are not harmed by our enemies, which are not threatened by our threats, which do rousing speech, the crowd lingers God. Even after breezing through
not hold the values and principles we treasure? We have a right to protect our nation, our on, hoping that Newt Gingrich will this pocket-sized guide, I suspect that
values, our way of life. We have a right to fight. Why should we consult nations which scrawl his signature onto one of their any liberal would be stuttering over
hate us? I will vote for the man which stands upon our Constitution and does not bend it books. Many hold one of the former claims of Jefferson’s or Franklin’s
towards his will. I will vote for a man who has conviction in his voice. I will vote for a man
House Speaker’s latest writings, secular views.
which is concerned about being the best, not the elected. I will vote for a man who looks
at Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Reagan and says, “I will do better.” I will refuse to Rediscovering God in America. Yet, as I stand in this line, among
vote for anybody who does not wish to stand upon values and absolutes, who aims to please The tract develops the thesis that political allies, I am rudely reminded
and not protect, who desecrates the legacy of our great leaders. I want the American people America can boast of its amazing that there are political motivations
to exercise their right to vote, to stop laying down for the minority groups for fear of being success only because of this country’s that run even deeper than party lines.
labeled “politically incorrect.” It is time for our nation to elect someone who is looking to
religious roots. Faith, morality I hear a person say, ‘We’re here to
promote the United States, not play lame duck and hope the world smiles upon us as our
doom lies above our head. Today’s citizens face unparalleled threats to our life, our liberty and virtue are words that appear make contacts and get power.’ I look
and our pursuit of happiness, and it is time they take their opportunity and change the repeatedly throughout the text, to the speaker only to find a student,
course this nation is on. I will exercise my vote to do this. and more importantly, all over this continued on page 9
forumh
GOING GREEN!
by Dave Wassmer
On December 2 1942, fifty individuals in a converted
squash court beneath the University of Chicago’s
abandoned Stagg Field witnessed the birth of a
new era of science: the nuclear age. At 3:25pm
Chicago time, the nuclear reaction occurring inside
the experimental core became self-sustaining,
igniting the possibility of nuclear power. Despite its
rather humble beginnings, that small reactor inside
those makeshift laboratories birthed a technology
that would be praised and hated, and one that
would also become largely misunderstood over the
coming decades. Yet, after over half a century of
unapprised fear, nuclear power survives, now with
the potential of being the most viable, efficient, safe,
and ecologically sound source of energy capable of
meeting the increasing global demand.
One of the commonly cited concerns with nuclear
power is dreaded nuclear waste. The rhetoric of
Greenpeace, would have the average individual
believing nuclear waste is an unsolved problem that
proves to be the knockout punch for nuclear power
as a whole; according to the organization’s website,
nuclear power will “create tens of thousands of tons
of lethal high-level radioactive waste”.
Nevertheless, before we go shutting down all the
nuclear power stations, which together supply
approximately 20% of our nation’s energy, let’s
put things in perspective. According to the latest
statistics available (2002), a total of 47,023 metric
tons of nuclear waste have been generated since the
start of civilian nuclear power in the US, or roughly
1,400 metric tons per year. That certainly appears
as a substantial volume. Just for the purposes of
comparison,take a look coal waste. Fly ash, just one
type of waste from coal power, amounts to around
100,000,000 metric tons per year – over three tons
a second. In volume, coal power produces around
71,500 times more waste than nuclear power each
year, while only generating approximately 2.5 times
the electricity.
Certainly, though, a volume-to-volume comparison is
not entirely accurate. Coal waste is not radioactive,
however, despite the legitimate hazard of nuclear
waste, there is a substantial misunderstanding of
the nature of this hazard in the public mind. Nuclear
waste shipped off the plant facilities has a half-life
of several thousand years, thus rendering it relatively
safe to handle for short periods of time. Additionally,
a technique exists to transform the waste into a
stable, glass-like compound, which can be stored
underground in stable geological formations until
the radiation decays to safe levels. Yucca Mountain
Repository, a site that utilizes this technique, could,
alone, could contain all the US nuclear waste until the
year 2080. Coal waste, on the other hand, contains
heavy metals such as mercury or arsenic, which
never decay, and will remain forever hazardous.
Another major concern is the safety of the reactors
themselves. Here, Greenpeace once again sets
opinion
(Calm down Hippie
Haters, it is in the
radioacitve sense...)
the tone for the anti-nuclear advocates. Calling to
mind the Chernobyl and Three Mile Island nuclear
accidents, the Greenpeace website makes the claim
that a significant increase in the use of nuclear power
would “result in a Chernobyl-scale accident once
every decade,” invoking an instinctive, irrational
fear of nuclear power.. Chernobyl was, above all, a
Soviet designed reactor. The Soviet designs, among
many other flaws, featured no containment vessel
– essentially, a massive wall to contain possible
steam explosions, whereas, US reactors feature
a containment vessel as well as state-of-the-art
technology, which would aid in the prevention of
future disasters.
Simultaneously, Three Mile Island is popularly
touted as our own nation’s failure. In truth, Three
Mile Island was a success. Every safety measure
that was put in place worked. No radiation was
ever accidentally leaked. No one was killed or even
injured. While the reactor core had to be shut down
and scrapped, it was a perfect score for the safety
procedures and implementations.
Meanwhile, new reactor designs are implementing
a new generation of safety features termed passively
safe designs. These reactors use the inherent laws
of physics involved with nuclear reactions to create
self-limiting scenarios. In other words, in the
physical world we occupy, these reactors cannot
meltdown. The new General Electric ESBWR reactor,
in a serious “loss of coolant” accident, “requires no
operator action . . . for three days”.
The final issue facing nuclear power is security.
Because world-wide terrorism is a major threat,
the idea that nuclear reactors could be used to
deliver terrorists with an atomic bomb is enough to
make many oppose the technology altogether. Once
again, this view is based on a fundamentally flawed
understanding of nuclear reactors. Reactors require
2-3% enriched uranium, while uranium-based atomic
bombs require 80-90% enrichment, a feat much
more difficult to achieve. Plutonium, created in
reactor cores, is also usable for atomic bombs. While
this may be a concern among developing countries or
rouge states, that should not limit the US from using
the technology.
In addition, the reactor cores themselves
are designed to withstand extreme weather,
earthquakes, and even direct aircraft strikes. In one
test of a containment wall, a sample cross section
was erected at the end of a track, to which an F-4
Phantom jet was bolted. The jet, fully loaded with
jet fuel, slammed into the wall at over 500 mph, and
though the jet was vaporized on impact, the wall
remained intact.
With the current outlook on fossil fuels steadily
growing dimmer, it is time for the US to consider its
alternatives. With renewable sources such as solar
or wind unable to provide consistent, reliable energy
sources, and the price of fossil-based fuel continually
climbing, nuclear power is rising as the best choice
for the US energy future.
9
-College Republican Corner-
We are only a few weeks into the year, and already, the CR’s have brought
several awesome opportunities to campus including the Leadership Insti-
tute’s Grassroots Training and a trip up to this year’s MRLC.
In the near future, they plan on:
a political movie night
meeting with the local republican party and local republican candidates
sending students to the New Centurion program in Lansing
hosting viewings for the debates
bringing in more speakers
attending CR events at the University of Michigan and MSU
Interested? Questions?
E-mail: hillsdalegop@gmail.com
Mac from page 8 is a different matter. The divide lies
about 18 years old, who made the trip between the rational, self-interested
from his school in Minnesota. I can’t individuals, who seek the expedient
help but ask him to elaborate on these first, and moralists, who question
assertions. In less than a moment my the action’s righteousness first.
mind finds enlightenment. Politics It is difficult to find any greater fault
is about seeking power. Those with line that runs through the Republican
power are best able to seek the party, and it would be a hollow
beneficial. The final topping makes it claim that maintained it does not run
all palatable; what is truly beneficial through Hillsdale also. Ludwig von
is truly good. This student clearly Mises, a writer often defended in
believed that Republican strategies Republican circles, Hillsdale being no
simply work better, or in other words, exception, writes in Liberalism that,
are more stable and productive. “Everything that serves to preserve
Such a link between the beneficial the social order is moral; everything
and the good has been outlined that is detrimental to it is immoral,”
before, but it was often inverted and “improvement of his material
in classical times. Every Hillsdale condition...is the motive power of
student reads a portion of On Duties. all human action.” Mises’ words are
In this piece Cicero also argues that as much a gospel to some Hillsdale
the beneficial and good only appear students as Cicero’s are to others.
to contradict at times, reasoning that Those who find a friendlier home in
they are ultimately one and the same. the latter camp, should not seek to
Choosing the correct action begins downplay this essential difference.
with “whatever is right conduct” They would do well to recognize
and ends with the “expedient.” He that their deepest principles might
has little faith in “the false reasoning resemble those of bleeding-heart
of unscrupulous men,” who seek liberals from the New School instead
to first identify the expedient or of their conservative cohorts. At least
beneficial action. No mortal can while these factually misguided souls
reason from the beneficial to the drowned the state beneath the debt of
moral. Whether Cicero’s position their welfare programs, some notions
can persuasively be argued without of the passionate and selfless would
bringing the eternal flames of hell remain.
or joys of heaven into the equation
10 arts & entertainment fall 2007

Found on Let’s face it, YouTube has

everything. Here at The
What Does SAGA Say
YouTube:
Hillsdale Forum its our job to
About:
ECONOMICS?
make sure you can find the
best of the best... go ahead,
laugh a little.

ch
sear

nt
u g o t y our acce by Heather Shell expected/hoped it to be. It was a few weeks
o
to see y uthern into my freshman year. I was inching my
1.) Nice lary, Twang, So Capitalism. Laissez-faire Economics. Free way through the hot line, per usual, when
il
back: H Market Enterprise. These words ring through I was startled by a large clattering from
o h n E d wards, the hallowed halls of Hillsdale, echoing the tray of the student in front of me as he
y? J
. ) F e e l i ng Prett tyle with the lofty ideals and the high-minded spilled his entire glass of Mountain Dew
2 Hair, S philosophies of those intellectual giants who into the pan of green beans. I leapt back,
have gone before us. These are the principles expecting a surge of SAGA workers frantic
to
g e t R on Paul that Hillsdale College is built upon, the to clean up the mess and supply their clients
y
Gallowa orm, Interview cornerstones of this great institution. They
3.) Can
with a fresh batch of veggies. Alas, I was

t? R o n Paul, D permeate the campus and are integrated into
vis i every aspect of the school.
, Free
G o v e r nment 1 UF
4.) Big e r ry, Tase
r, Aren’t they?
0 : K
Speech My experiences would imply otherwise.
There is a notable discrepancy between
those lofty ideals held up in the classroom
and what students contend with in our
everyday lives. As you may have noticed,
the food in our esteemed cafeteria at times
leaves something to be desired, and, given
the choice, I would often opt to purchase my
She couldn’t have done it without us, and meal from a different source. However, along
with a liberal arts education, I am forced to
we cannot do it without you! buy from SAGA at least fifteen meals that
I do not want at a price that I find slightly
exorbitant. Honestly, anyone who has been to
an event where SAGA Catering has provided
the meal knows that our cafeteria is capable
of so much more. I mean, has anyone else
noticed that the only differences between
“Cheesy Potatoes” and “Jazzy Potatoes” are
the name and a day’s worth of desiccation?
I recall the first time I realized that SAGA
was not the high-quality eatery that I had
much disappointed. I think that al they did
was slap a new sign on the plastic, renaming
the soiled dish “Jazzy Green Beans”.
Now tell me, how does this encourage
Capitalism and Free Market Economy? We
are forced to pay for an inferior product
that I do not use half of the time. If only
we could employ a pay-as-you-go system
where you may purchase only what you
want. I know, it is frighteningly reminiscent
of a Free Market, but hey, a girl can dream.
Who knows, without forced consumership,
SAGA might even feel the incentive to
provide a better product, and thereby earn the
income that they now receive by obligation.
Mmmm…smells like Capitalism.
Capitalism and Free Market Enterprise are
some of the highest ideals of our patriotic
school, yet they fail to trickle down into
the seemingly mundane details of our daily
lives. While I appreciate hallowed halls and
intellectual giants, I often think that those
great ideas held high in the core of Hillsdale
College would have just as much value at the
lunch table.

--Let‛s Do the Math--

Apparently, reading The Hillsdale Forum while intoxicated is not only dif- A 19/Week Meal Plan: $3,600/2(semesters) = $1,800/Semester
There are 16 Weeks & 8 (Holiday) Meals/ Semester (16 * 19 + 8 ) = 312
ficult, but dangerous as well. Lindsey learned the hard way. But, while in $1800/312 Meals = $5.77 per meal
rehab, she dedicated hours to reading the Forum, and learned to love being
conservative. With a 15/Week Meal Plan: $3,350/2(semsesters) = $1675/Semester
There are 16 Weeks & 8 (Holiday) Meals/Semester (16 * 15 + 8) = 248
* $1675/248 Meals = $6.75 per meal
Showing Celebrities the Light Since 2002. Help Us.
* An average student will eat at SAGA 10 times weekly.
HillsdaleForum@gmail.com Their meals cost $10.71 (19 Meal Plan) and $9.97 (15 Meal Plan)
 h
forum arts & entertainment 11
When Good Athletes Go Bad
Turning on SportsCenter for the latest news has been a rather depressing experience lately. Almost every day, it seems as if some new crime or scandal
has been unveiled, rousing disbelief from the public. Consider just some of the events that have happened over the past year:

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was Mike Nifong, district at-
arrested and charged for his involvement in a torney in Durham County,
dog-fighting ring, which will almost certainly NC, was disbarred after act-
land him in prison. ing too aggressively towards
filing sexual assault charges
against three Duke lacrosse
NBA referee Tim Donaghy was charged with players, when it was later re-
betting on games that he officiated, which may vealed that the accusations
have influenced calls he made in those games. were false.
Radio personality Don Imus caused an uproar
when he referred to Rutgers women’s basket-
ball players as “nappy-headed hos.”
And, of course, there is always the steroid
controversy, which was debated perhaps as
strongly as ever when Barry Bonds broke
Hank Aaron’s career home runs record.

by Brian Johnston
While it has lately been a difficult
time in the sports world, just as bad
has been the media’s poor coverage of
these events. Conservatives today are
often critical of the mainstream media
for being too liberal or politically cor-
rect, and that has certainly carried over
into sports coverage. In covering these
events, the media has proved once again
that it has its own agenda and cannot
be trusted to accurately cover sports.
Let’s start with the Michael Vick case.
Once one of the NFL’s biggest stars,
Vick will soon be going to jail and now
faces the possibly never playing profes-
sional football again because of his par-
ticipation in an underground organiza-
tion responsible for the organization of
dogfights. We have heard much about
the gruesome practices of torturing
and killing dogs who do not win. Ani-
mal rights supporters have come out in
large numbers to condemn Vick, receiv-
ing lots of national attention and setting
off a huge debate over whether Vick’s
actions justify this level of ridicule.
While Vick’s actions certainly should
not be condoned, this is a great example
of lost priorities, both by the media and
much of the public. Hardly a day goes
by in which a player from the NFL,
NBA, or another league is not arrested
for DUI, possession of illegal drugs, do-
mestic abuse, or some other crime that
is far worse than dog fighting. Yet the
media, as well as many fans, usually for-
get the incident within a couple of days.
While the media has been constantly
condemning dog fighting, they have said
virtually nothing about the dangers of
drunk driving and substance abuse since
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Josh Han-
cock died after crashing his car while
intoxicated well above the legal limit.
Now consider the Duke lacrosse case.
The story first broke in early 2006 that
three white Duke lacrosse players were
being investigated for sexually assaulting
a black stripper at a party. In this case the
media turned the case into both a gender
and racial issue, which were perfectly le-
gitimate goals -- if the charges were true.
However, the charges were false. The
accuser, with a history of lying about
rape incidents, changed her story sev-
eral times, while Durham County DA
Mike Nifong ignored critical evidence
and rushed to judgment, hoping to fur-
ther his career. Of course, the media ate
this all up, until Nifong’s misconduct
was revealed. Even though these three
men’s lives have been permanently ru-
ined, no one in the media has offered
an apology, nor has anyone discussed
the need to curtail reckless reporting.
Then there was the incident involving
radio show host Don Imus. When dis-
cussing the 2007 NCAA Women’s Bas-
ketball National Championship Game
between Tennessee and Rutgers, Imus
jokingly referred to the Rutgers team as
“nappy-headed hos.” While these were
definitely inappropriate comments, they
were nothing more than some shock
jock radio host making a fool of himself.
Civil rights leaders such as Al Sharpton,
with the help of the media, successfully
portrayed the situation as a race rela-
tions crisis, ultimately leading to Imus
being fired from both his radio program
and the CBS broadcasting network.
In the media’s coverage of these events,
as well as of sports in general, there are
two major problems. First, sports cov-
erage has become too sensationalized,
focusing more on individual behavior
than on team and on-field accomplish-
ments. Perhaps nothing exemplified
this more than ESPN’s pathetic “Who’s
Now” segments this past summer, when
talking heads and Hollywood stars came
on to debate which athlete was the most
“Now,” whatever that means. Most fans
want to hear about their team did last
night or what they need to do to make a
run at a championship, not about Alex Ro-
driguez’s wife wearing a profane t-shirt
while in the stands at Yankee stadium.
Secondly, as serious as some of these
stories are, these are not momentous oc-
casions that “transcend” sports. Yet the
media frequently portrays them in this
way, as in the examples mentioned above.
There are those great moments, such as
Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s col-
or barrier and the U.S.A. beating Russia
in hockey at the 1980 Olympics. Yet, the
purpose of the sports media should be
to report what happens and occasionally
offer some analysis and even conver-
sation on hot topics, but nothing more.
Above all, it is important to remem-
ber the proper role of sports in our so-
ciety. They are not meant to be used
in crusades for social change, nor
are they to be covered in a glamor-
izing way. Their purpose is entertain-
ment, and nothing more, and it would
be nice to see them reported this way.
cartoon courtesy of USBCI, 2007