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4 I Tuesday, January x8, 2000 I The Red & Black
Kevin Clark | Editor in Chief
edUor@randb.com
Jonathan Reed | Managing Editor
me@randb.com
Meghan Roecklein | Opinions Editor
opinions@randb.com
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Opinions
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Majority opinions of The Red & Black’s editorial hoard
Easing the way
Recommendations by the SAC could
mean better quality of student life
The Student Advisory Council is working to give
students a break, both financially and in every day
life. Representatives of the SAC will be lobbying
members of the Georgia General Assembly
throughout the current session, according to SAC
press secretary Brian Beers.
Their goal is to eliminate sales tax on textbooks
and to restrict access to students’ personal infor
mation. Currently, companies can file open records
requests to gain access to students’ names,
addresses and phone numbers.
Businesses like credit card companies use this
information to send mailings and make phone
solicitations.
SAC is comprised of students from schools
around the state, and they seem to have their fin
gers on the pulse of today’s students. If these rec
ommendations are taken seriously, the Georgia
General Assembly will be taking two steps toward
making student life a little easier.
While there are still many other issues that con
cern us, a tax-break and a reduction in annoying
solicitations would be definite progress. Other
states have already implemented measures like
these with great success.
Don’t leave all the work to the SAC. We can get
involved by contacting our local representatives
and letting them know how we feel about this
issue. Or check out (www.state.ga.us/) to find more
information or leave a comment.
Checking it thrice
The Un iversity takes the time to see
fraternity punishment fits the crime
When Omega Psi Phi was found to have been
involved in a case of pledge hazing last spring, the
University took action.
After going through student judicial review, the
chapter on this campus was permanently expelled.
The national fraternity appealed the case to
Richard Mullendore, vice-president for student
affairs. A panel he appointed to review the case rec
ommended the sentence be reduced to an eight-
year suspension followed by probation.
The fraternity then appealed to University
President Michael Adams, who appointed a com
mittee that recommended the sen
tence be reduced to a two-year sus
pension followed by a two-year pro
bation. Adams nullified this recom
mendation.
It is now Mullendore and Legal
Affairs’ responsibility, once the
national fraternity contacts them, to
negotiate new sanctions.
Why is this an issue at all?
Because last year when all of this
was taking place, the national frater
nity took their own disciplinary action against their
members: they expelled all four of them. Further
punishment of the fraternity with suspension
seems a little redundant.
We’re glad the University and President Adams
are willing to take another look at cases like these
and make sure punishment is fair and just.
ADAMS
Our Staff
NEWS: 543-1809
News Edrtor Lous Rortes
Associate News Editor Jennifer Copeland
Opinion Editor Meghan Roecklein
Sports Editor Gentry Estes
Variety Edrtor Will Kiser
Recruitment Edrtor Tara McCormick
Chief Copy Edrtor Lacey White
Front Page Copy Edrtor Ian Shelton
Copy Edrtors Amanda Brannon Enn Dickerson Micherte
Thomas
UGA TodayOucktake Jefl Montemayor
Online Editor Frank Harris
Web Intern R Lee Guampda
Photography Edrtor Rakhi Dalai
Chief Photographer Heather Allen
Photographers Becky Reid
News Writers Chandler Brown Paul Fulton Jr. Sharia
Gadentme Samira Jafan M.randa Mangum Mark Niesse
Knsten Wyatt
Sports Writers Darren Epps. Josh KatzowiU Lindsay Riddell
Variety Writers Suzanne Kayes Kyle Minshew. Craig Phillips
Stringers Kathleen Baydala Molly Barrett Guana Brooks
Graham Gamson. Marc Ginsberg. Bryan Grantham. Chris
Hassiotis Bianca Henderson. Hilary Hilhard Oena levitz
Kimberly Martin Stewart McAlpme Kyle Mmshew, Amber
Shaw. Mark Anthony Thomas. Joseph Wilke Mary Akeon
Wdshire. Kyle Wingfield
ADVERTISING: 543-1791
Advertising Manager Sara Spurr
Advertising Assistant Mary Beth Smuro. Jessica Lambert
Advertising Director Jason Valentine
Account Executives Justin Brooks. Leslie Irving, Shiketa
Jones. Jana McDaniel, Holy Memtt. Cartkn Murphy. Courtney
Renew. Knstm Stapleton
Special Protects Amanda Burton
Student Classified Manager Rusty Clifton
Circulation Assistant RyanO'Mara
Production Manager Amy Dahtstrand
Assistant Production Managers Jeremy Pickett. Brittany
Raines
Production Staff Benjamin Comers, Stephanie Davis. Jason
Wiggms. Em Wrtkams
Publisher Harry Montewdeo
Office Manager Mary Straub
Editorial Adviser Jen Godfrey
Assistant Office Manager Kim Oarrow
Receptionist Regina Pack
Edrtonal Assistant Taka Margohes
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Reaching Us
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Death leaves questions unanswered
I f God were physicaUy here talk
ing to me right now, I'm sure
he could explain everything to
me.
I could ask, "God. why did you
let a 16-year-old boy get mur
dered?”
He would reply and comfort
me and I would feel better.
But God isn't here right now
and I am having a hard time fig
uring all of this out.
It's 8 a m. on Saturday. I just
finished reading more about
Arthur Middleton's death. I’m
supposed to be at work right
now.
I'm late and I don’t care.
I have seen and read news sto
ries in the past about young chil
dren being killed.
I watched in disbelief as the
shootings at Columbine unfold
ed.
My father, being a district
attorney, has told me stories of
sad crimes. I have even seen the
clothing of murder victims when
my dad was working at home
with his colleagues on a case.
I never met 16-year-old Arthur
Middleton, but his murder last
Thursday night won't get out of
my head.
Young Arthur has reminded
me that some things are more
important than other things.
I can't help but keep thinking
of what I was doing at 16.
I was in high school of course
and having the time of my life. I
was just learning what life was all
about.
I remember getting my license
and thinking, “Wow, I could drive
Matt Gordon
to California if I want to.”
I got my first job bagging gro
ceries and numbly thought that
if all else failed I could always fall
back on this.
I think about the friends I had
and how we strutted around the
school like we owned it. We wast
ed our free time like there would
always be a tomorrow.
I remember so well my base
ball team and the time my coach
pulled me aside in the bottom of
the ninth inning when the game
was on the line.
I was up at bat and was more
nervous than I had ever been. He
told me that the game wasn't my
life and wasn’t important in the
grand scheme of things. I relaxed
and hit a double for the win.
I recall so well age 16 when I
first touched a girl. I thought
there was no better feeling. Soon
after, I fell in love for the first
time. I thought losing that love
was the ultimate pain. I’m sure
the Middletons would disagree.
Most of all, I remember my
parents and my family, and how
much love they had given me
and still continue to give uncon
ditionally, At times, I felt they
were my only friends. I put them
in the Middleton family’s place
and want to find my family and
let them know I'm all right.
I know this:
I've had my problems that I
thought were never going to end,
but not seeing tomorrow — that
never crossed my mind.
I have changed in so many
ways since 16 years of age. I’m 22
now. I couldn't begin to tell
Arthur what all he is missing. I
wish he could have experienced
growing up.
The only loved ones I have
lost were due to old age or sick
ness. They were still able to live
happy and fulfilling lives.
Yes, God took them away, but
I could see it being their time.
I’ve never had someone so
close to me and so young be
taken away.
How would I deal with it?
Arthur had only begun to taste
life.
I am angry with the suspect,
Michael Akin, and many will
claim that it’s his parent's fault
or that society has failed him.
Well I disagree.
Michael Akin, if you are guilty,
you have failed us. You know the
difference between right and
wrong. Nobody deserves the
power to take away life like that.
That is why I still sit here late
for work. I’m unsatisfied.
I trust in you God. but "God
has His reasons” just offers no
consolation for this one.
— Matthew Gordon is a senior
in newspapers.
Mailbox
E-mail, tetters and fares from our readers
New Snelling furniture was necessary
Having worked at Snelling
Dining Hall for more than a year
now as a student employee, I feel
I can justify the necessity for the
new chairs just purchased.
First, not only were the chairs
“rusted” and "peeling,” the seat
cushions were often not attached
or falling apart. The wooden
seats in most of the dining areas
were very rough and heavy.
Come on now, these chairs are
20 years old — older than most
people on the meal plan who use
these chairs. If that's not enough
of a case for new chairs, what Is?
Twice a day, the chairs are
hoisted on top of the tables in
order to clean the floors. If SGA
wants to volunteer their services
in lifting these chairs so they can
get their precious commuter
meal plan, I welcome them to it.
May they enjoy all the splinters
and bruises that go along with
their new job.
SGA officers should take a few
more business courses before
attacking UGA’s Food Services.
If they thought the commuter
meal plan would be profitable.
Pood Services would be quick to
Institute the program.
We all know the University is
as interested In turning a profit
as in producing a successful aca
demic or athletic program.
I'm glad that there is a group
like SGA to look out for so-called
“student Interests."
Before automatically jumping
on the side of SGA, The Red &
Black needs to look at the overall
picture and be a little more
objective before slamming any
University Institution.
ALECIA BOESE
Student Supervisor
SneHns Dining Hal
Junior, Canton
Management
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Opinion Meter failed
to mention Tate films
Having just run a story in sup
port of the Tate Center Theater
on Monday, I wonder how you
could have printed such an erro
neous item In Friday’s Opinion
Meter.
First of all, Alps Cinema was
not a dollar theater at the time of
Its closing, but a full priced art-
house cinema.
Secondly, it was in no way
“the only cheap theater nearby”
even when it did feature second-
run movies.
Right In the center of campus
sits the Tate Center Theater,
which shows multiple movies,
both new and old, every week for
only $2. If that’s not cheap, I
don’t know what is.
And while It is Indeed sad that
Alps was forced to close, please
don’t perpetuate the myth that
the mall Is the only place to see a
cheap movie.
What made this item even
more ridiculous was its final line:
“Starbucks patrons, take note.”
I read several pro-Starbucks
Items In this very paper last
semester.
While there were a few
columns In support of local busi
ness (mostly by Kyle Wingfield, If
I remember correctly), there was
little printed oppostlon to this
corporate infringement to Blue
Sky "territory."
Now. suddenly, big business is
bad and Alps is an example of
martyrdom?
The inconsistencies in this
paper are rampant, but flip-flop
ping on important issues and,
even more unforgivably, on the
FACTS, is inexcusable.
Please try to get your loyalties
and facts straight in the future.
MEGAN LOVETT
Sophomore, Chamblee
Pre-Journalism
Women, rap/rock have
big influence in music
While I agree with Patrick
Saunders that bands such as the
Dave Matthews Band and
Widespread Panic are more tal
ented and original than today's
popular "rap/rockers,” there are
also many others out there who
aren't led by scrufiy-looking
white guys.
Ani DifTanco, Tori Amos, and
Lucinda Williams are only a few
of the many women who have
worked their asses off to do what
they love — make music.
The Roots is another great
example of a band who has stuck
it out for over a decade and
aren't going anywhere anytime
soon.
As for the “rap/rock,” the
Beastle Boys came out In the
'80s and they’re still here.
In the future, don’t forget that
talent comes (Tom all sorts of
people, not Just from bands that
appeal to white college kids.
KELLY DESTAFNEY
Freshman, Albany
Pre-Nursing
Will Kiser
▲
As American
as drunkards
at a wedding
I t’s as American as strip
malls, and just as demented.
Our society celebrates with
an excess of alcohol.
Besides the more obvious
reasons like liver damage,
slobbering and the slaughter
ing of brain cells, the whole
concept is off-kilter.
The end of a century, a 21st
birthday party, baby showers
— all disappear into a cloud of
Beam and Coke or spin down
a funnel of watered-down
Coors Light.
“Well I had a long week of
work, and here I am at home
for my buddy’s birthday party.
I don’t want to remember a
second of this very important
time.”
It’s one thing to yell and
scream during football games,
but a wedding is a little differ
ent.
I had a cousin who was a
big partyer in college and got
married right after gradua
tion.
The first row of the church
was filled with shirtless
drunkards, his college bud
dies, with letters painted on
their chests spelling out
“Monogamy schmnogomy.”
(There were a bunch of them,
’cause of all the letters.)
During a quiet part of the
wedding, (I believe it was
when they were saying then-
vows and my cousin paused to
weep) one of his buddies
screamed out.
“Don’t do it Jeff)”
My grandmother wept.
The groom wept even loud
er.
Sitting around the other
day, one of my friends
remarked that if our “friend
with a serious girlfriend” were
to ever get married, we would
drink ourselves into oblivion
at the reception.
Everyone in the room nod
ded in agreement
Hell yeah, they said.
Why?
To punish him for getting
married?
Is making an ass out of
yourself a way of being a good
friend?
It’s the strangest thing that
we take it for granted. We
assume that ruining your best
friend's wedding is something
you do. Why? Because that’s
the way it is.
It's similar to beating
someone on their birthday.
Under any other context it’s
called assault, brother.
"Officer, don’t worry, we
weren't killing him — it’s his
birthday. And we'll clean up
the loose teeth and battery
acid when we re done with
him."
Boys will be boys.
Even sadder is that a wed
ding is a beginning, of new
families and new lives.
"Welcome to the family.
Will, that’s your new father-in
law apparently relieving him
self in the coat room. No,
excuse me, that’s the
kitchen.”
Can you imagine being my
friend on his impending wed
ding day?
“This is the hap-hap-happi-
est day of my life (as grooms
men are dropping like flies). I
can’t wait to start my new life
(the best man begins dancing
down the aisle declaring him
self an 'honorary flower girl').”
You know what? My friends
don’t have to drink to ruin my
wedding day. They can just all
line up and kick me in the
crotch one at a time if they
like. It would save money on
alcohol.
Maybe we’re just looking
for an excuse. Maybe we do it
because it’s a weekend, or
maybe we do it because it’s
fi-ee.
Everybody knows that free
McOillicutty Whiskey is better
that $100 single malt scotch.
I was tossing this theory
around in my head at a wed
ding this weekend and I came
to a conclusion towards the
end of the reception. I figured
out exactly why we do this ...
but right now I'm having a
hard time remembering what
It was.
— Will Kiser is the variety
editor for The Red <& Black.