CAMPUS EVENTS
WOMEN’S SOCCER DEFEATS CHABOT COLLEGE
RIBBON CUTTING FOR NEW CAMPUS BUS STOP Page 2 CAMPUS NEWS
DA STUDENT KILLED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
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La Voz Weekly VOLUME 42, ISSUE 4
The Voice of De Anza College Students Since 1967
OCTOBER 20, 2008
Chase on campus ends with arrest
FOCUS ON DE ANZA
A hard sell
Military recruiters at De Anza face hard knocks, hostile receptions from students they are anxious to enlist James Chen and Bella Yashayev LA VOZ NEWS
During a De Anza College Associated Student Body Senate meeting on Oct. 8, Students for Justice, a student activist group, presented a challenge to the United States military’s recruiting strategies on campus. They outlined a proposal to simplify the “optout” process for students and prevent military recruiters from accessing students’ personal information. The proposal states, “Military recruiters have a documented record
of trying to convince the most disadvantaged students that they will never make it in the professional world, thereby undoing the positive mission and influence of our college.” “They shouldn’t be approaching students,” said Students for Justice Co-president Ernest Chavez. “Students should be approaching them.” Chavez publicly endorsed the student activists’ proposal during the Oct. 8 Senate meeting. Prohibiting recruiters from canvassing the campus and narrowing their recruitment region is against See MILITARY, Page 4
SHAWN MCGANN/LA VOZ WEEKLY
De Anza student Roozbeh Enayati, left, speaks with FoothillDe Anza police Sgt. Stan Cross shortly after being captured Oct. 15.
De Anza student had two outstanding warrants, now jailed Shawn McGann
Bernanke, Paulson debacle and new ‘capital injections’ home mortgage behemoths FanWhat would become nie Mae and Freddie Mac, and known as the Troubled various other moves by the Fed Asset Relief Program – such as cash infusions, lower(TARP – get it?) began as ing short-term interest rates and an incredibly vague and a plan to pay interest on commeraudacious 2-and-a-half cial banks’ reserves being held by page document designed the Federal Reserve – and with by Treasury Secretary credit markets getting colder and Henry Paulson and Fed colder, and with signs of recesChairman Ben Bernanke. sion becoming more and more After months of ad visible, government officials aphoc attempts to stave off parently decided that what now a financial crisis, which was needed was an actual “coincluded the shotgun mar- Stephen Zill riage of investment bank Economics for Everyone herent” plan. The original plan, which Bear Stearns to JP Morgan Chase and ministered by the Federal would have given Mr. Paulson near-dictatorial Reserve, the government takeover of insurSee ZILL, Page 6 ance giant American International Group and
LA VOZ NEWS
The officer yelled, “Stop!” but the man in black kept running. Students watched silently and without expression as Foothill-De Anza police officer Manuel Respicio, dressed in a brown khaki uniform, ran fast and close behind the fleeing man. The two men darted through groups of students huddled to smoke at the front of De Anza College. Just as soon as they passed, those same students were using their cell phones to call their friends and tell them what had happened, even as they continued to watch the chase speed across Parking Lot A. “He just ran right past me, like, pushing me aside,” said one student into her cell phone after the two men ran past. “They’re still chasing him, too!” Many lost sight of the two running men, but at the far end of Parking Lot A near the north entrance to Stevens Creek Boulevard, another officer who had heard of the pursuit on his radio stood waiting. As the fleeing man
NEWS
SPORTS
OPINION
Overburdened blood drive rumor false
Lady Dons’ streak now six
‘Bradley effect’ just a tired ruse
De Anza women’s soccer team dismantles Chabot Gladiators, remains undefeated in the Coast Conference.
The idea that voters will flinch once they pull back the curtain is inconsequential; people lying to pollsters is the problem.
But no-shows have slowed the process, forcing long waits.
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SHAWN MCGANN/LA VOZ WEEKLY
Sgt. Stan Cross of the campus police pats down the wanted student before placing him in the See ARREST, Page 6 back seat of a police car.
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INDEX
CORRECTIONS
Campus Events.......................2 Alert Log................................3 Campus Snapshot...................3 Love Voz................................4 Sports....................................5 Joeʼs Sports Blurb..................5 Opinion.................................7
Oct. 6, Issue 2
A headline incorrectly stated the date of a Jean Miller memorial to be Nov. 4; it is actually Nov. 6.
Oct. 13, Issue 3
False attributions: James Chen wrote the article “Students attend charity ... ” (p. 1); Narsu Rao wrote the article “Upcoming ‘mock’ election ... ” (p. 1).
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CAMPUS EVENTS
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
OCTOBER 20, 2008
CAMPUS EVENTS Happenings around De Anza College Monday, Oct. 20 NO PARKING IN STAFF LOT A TODAY TODAY IS THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE UCSF School of Medicine pre-med workshop Monday, OCT. 20, 11:30 a.m. - 1 P.M., SCS 202
The UCSF pre-med workshop will include presentations on developing a competitive application, understanding the application process and helpful resources. For information call 408-864-8841.
Voter education: immigration legislation Monday, OCT. 20, 1:30 - 3 P.M., campus center RMS A & B
The elections have provided a focal point for activity among immigrants and new citizens: rallies and marches, voter registration and get-outthe-vote efforts are aimed at bringing hundreds of thousands from immigrant communities into a new level of civic participation. A record number of immigrants have become new citizens this year. Panelists from local immigrant rights organizations will discuss immigrant civic participation and proposed legislation impacting immigrant communities. Refreshments will be served.
VTA BUS STOP CELEBRATION Monday, OCT. 20, 3:30 p.m., BUS STOP, NORTH END OF STAFF LOT A
The De Anza community is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new on-campus De Anza College bus stop.
Tuesday, Oct. 21 film screening/community dialog: brett morgen’s ‘chicago 10’ TUESDAY, OCT. 21, 1:30 - 4 P.M., campus center rms A & B
“Chicago 10” explores the buildup and unraveling of the protest at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago and the ensuing 1969 conspiracy trial, where the leaders were charged with inciting to riot. The film mixes animation with archival footage. A moderated dialogue will follow the screening.
STORYTELLER OLGA LOYA to perform TUESDAY, OCT. 21, 1:30 - 3 P.M., WRC, ATC 309
Storyteller Olga Loya presents a “Dia de los Muertos” (“Day of the Dead”) performance. Loya is a nationally recognized Latina performer who uses a dramatic mix of Spanish and English in her onewoman shows. This event includes family stories, myths, folk tales and legends. Participants will join in the discovery of the power of ceremony and look at life and death in a personal way. For information, contact Alicia Cortez at 408-864-8365.
euphrat museum of art reception TUESDAY, OCT. 21, 5:30 - 7:30 P.M., Euphrat museum OF ART
A reception with presentations will be given for the De Anza and Foothill Art Faculty/Staff Exhibition, including an awards ceremony.
CIS LECTURE SERIES: CAREER 2.0 TUESDAY, OCT. 21, 5:30 - 8 P.M., Campus center rms a & B
Computer Information Systems will hold an informational meeting about the department from 5:30 - 7 p.m., followed by guest speakers sharing career tips about the IT industry from 7 - 8 p.m. Topics are: “Job 2.0: Deploy Your Resume in the Cloud and Other Career Tips” with Peter Clarke and “You 2.0: Transform your Career” with Mohana Sasumana, which will give steps an IT professional can take to successfully transfer from one technology platform to another.
Wednesday, Oct. 22 Women’s conference videoconference Wednesday, OCT. 22, 10:30 - 11:30 A.m., Campus Center
Students, faculty and staff are invited to watch a highlight session from the live satellite coverage of Maria Shriver’s daylong conference in Long Beach. “It’s Your Voice: How You Can Use it to Change
WHAT’S HAPPENING? Let us know! Send event notices to Happenings@ LaVozDeAnza.com by Wednesday noon preceding the week of publication. Please type “Happenings” in the subject line. La Voz does not guarantee publication. All events take place on the De Anza College campus and are free, unless stated otherwise.
the World” session speakers include Christiane Amanpour, CNN Chief International Correspondent; Madeleine Albright, Former U.S. Secretary of State and Cerue Konah Garlo, Executive Director, Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia. For details on other sessions see http://www.californiawomen.org.
more information, contact the DASB office or e-mail cccmockelection@gmail.com.
cross cultural partners get-together Wednesday, OCT. 22, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m., Campus Center Rm b
The De Anza Flea Market offers about 825 vendor stalls and can draw up to 20,000 shoppers. Event will be held rain or shine. Entry is free; parking is $5 per vehicle.
The Cross Cultural Partners Program will have its first get-together for all applicants. Attendees will share tips and strategies for successful partnerships and meetings. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to CCP’s mailbox in ATC 304 or e-mail it to deanzaccp@ yahoo.com by Oct. 20.
SARAH WINCHESTER: Mysterious or MISUNDERSTOOD? LECTURE SERIES WednesdayS, OCT. 23, OCT. 29 & NOV 5, 5:20 P.M., CALifornia history center classroom
Historian Mary Jo Ignoffo will give three lectures, along with a field trip to the Winchester Mystery House (on Saturday, Oct. 25) on Sarah Winchester, the reclusive heiress to the Winchester rifle fortune. Sign up for the 2 unit class HIST 054X-97 (Call #3304) or call Tom Izu at 408-864-8986 for information.
Thursday, Oct. 23 De Anza COLLEGE JOB FAIR THURSDAY, OCT. 22, 10 a.m. - 2 P.M., Campus center rms A & B
Approximately 45 local employers will be on campus for the fall job fair. Students should bring several copies of their resumes to share with employers. For information contact the Career Center at careercenter@deanza.edu.
Friday, Oct. 24 PUENTE NIGHT AT TEATRO VISION Friday, Oct. 24, 8 p.m., Mexican Heritage plaza, san jose
De Anza’s Puente Night at Teatro Vision features the Sandra Cisneros play “La Casa en Mango Street,” directed by Wilma Bonet, which tells the story of Esperanza, a young girl growing up in the Latino quarter of Chicago. It is presented in Spanish with English subtitles. The Mexican Heritage Plaza is at 1700 Alum Rock Ave. in San Jose. Tickets are $12 each with proceeds going to De Anza’s Puente Scholarship Fund. To purchase tickets contact Alicia Cortez at cortezalicia@fhda.edu or Becky Roberts at robertsbecky@fhda.edu.
Saturday, Oct. 25 NIGHT of MAGIC Fundraiser saturday, Oct. 25, 5 p.m., main gym
Join President Brian Murphy and the De Anza College Commission for the 15th annual dinner, fundraising benefit and auction. This year’s proceeds go to the Auto Technology and Manufacturing & CNC Technology programs. Tickets start at $175. Discount tickets for faculty and staff are available by calling 650-9496230 or by e-mailing foundation@fhda.edu. For information see http://foundation.fhda.edu/nom.
Tuesday, Oct. 28 TRANSFER DAY TUESDAY, OCT. 28, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., main quad
Students can meet with representatives from various California universities and colleges.
CCC MOCK ELECTIONS TUESDAY, OCT. 28, TIME/LOCATION TBA
Vote in the DASB-hosted Mock Election, designed to educate students about the process and procedure of the national election. For more information, contact the DASB office or e-mail cccmockelection@gmail.com.
FILM SCREENING: ‘engage her’ TUESDAY, OCT. 28, noon - 1:30 p.m., Admin 106
The documentary film “Engage Her: Getting Minority Women to Vote and Lead” explores why the vast majority of Latina, African American and Asian Pacific Islander women in the United States do not vote. A discussion will follow the film.
Wednesday, Oct. 29 CCC MOCK ELECTIONS WEdnesday, OCT. 29, TIME/LOCATION TBA
Vote in the DASB-hosted Mock Election, designed to educate students about the process and procedure of the national election. For
Saturday, Nov. 1 DE ANZA FLEA MARKET SATURDAY, nov. 1, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., PARKING Lots A & B
SATURDAY student PARKING Saturday, nov. 1
Specially dedicated parking has been set aside for students on the top level of the Flint Garage on the first Saturday of each month while the De Anza Flea Market is in session. Students need student parking permits or need to show their DASB card to purchase a one-day student parking pass at the lower student rate.
Monday, Nov. 3 dasb funding requests due monday, nov. 3, by 4 p.m., student activities office
The 2009-2010 DASB budget applications, available on the DASB Web site at http://www. deanza.edu/dasb/budget, are due on Nov. 3. For questions regarding funding possibilities, procedures and requirements, attend a DASB Budget and Finance Committee Meeting on Monday, Oct. 20 or 27 at 3:30 p.m. in the Santa Cruz Room in the Campus Center. For more information, call Esha Menon at 408-8648695, John Cognetta at 408-864-8239 or Dennis Shannakian at 408-864-8757.
Tuesday, Nov. 4 election night party tuesday, nov. 4, 6 - 9 p.m., campus center
The De Anza community is invited to a special election night event sponsored by the Office of the President. Refreshments will be served. RSVP to Tina Woo at wootina@deanza.edu.
Shlomo artzi in concert tuesday, nov. 4, 8:30 p.m., flint center
Shlomo Artzi, one of the most successful Israeli performers, fuses rock with native Hebrew strains. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster from $61 - $151.
Thursday, Nov. 6 memorial for professor jean miller thursday, nov. 6, 3:30 - 5 P.m., campus center
A memorial will be held for English Professor Jean Miller, who passed away on Sept. 22 from complications associated with cancer.
ONGOING EVENTS art faculty/staff exhibition NOW - thursday, oct. 30, Euphrat, A-92
The De Anza and Foothill College Art Faculty/ Staff Exhibition in the Euphrat Museum presents a variety of artwork created by faculty and staff including sculpture, painting, drawing, prints, mixed media, photography and ceramics. Museum hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by arrangement. For more information go to: http://www.deanza.edu/euphrat.
FREE TUESDAY LUNCH WITH JIF EVERY TUESDAY, Noon - 1:30 p.m., Sunken Gardens
Come meet fun and interesting students from the De Anza Jews, Israelis and Friends club. A free lunch is provided during JIF’s weekly Tuesday gatherings.
PLANETARIUM SHOWS EVERY SATURDAY through dec. 20, planetarium
Journey to the stars with the Planetarium’s Infinium S Star projector and full-dome digital astronomy and laser light shows. Costs range from $7 - $9. Go to http://www.deanza.edu/ planetarium for a list of shows and times.
MASSAGE THERAPY CLINIC EVERY MONDAY & WEDNESDAY, 6 - 9 P.M., PE 12L & MASSAGE ROOM PE 12U
The Massage Therapy Program Clinical class is offering massages every Monday and Wednesday evenings through Dec. 3. Appointment times are at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Cost for students is $10, faculty/staff is $15, the community is $20. To make an appointment call 408-864-5645. For more information see http://www.deanza.edu/ pe/massage/clinic.html.
La Voz Weekly • General Excellence - La Voz Weekly staff • 1st place - Front Page Layout - La Voz Weekly staff • 1st place - Photo Illustration - Katie O’Hara • 2nd place - Feature Photo - Mike Anderson • 3rd place - Inside Page Layout - Tom Guffey and Jay Donde • Meritorious - Broadcast Video Journalism - Mike Anderson (2) • Meritorious - Online Photo Story - Dahlia Seroussi and Kelly Truong
COLLEGE REP VISITS Schedule appointments to meet with representatives in the Transfer Center on the 2nd floor of the SCSB or by calling 408-864-8841. Monday, Oct. 20 UCSF: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Admissions Workshop, SCS 202 UC Davis: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., by appointment, Transfer Center Thursday, Oct. 23 Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising: time and location TBA Monday, Oct. 27 UC Davis: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., by appointment, Transfer Center Thursday, Oct. 30 UC Berkeley: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., by appointment, Transfer Center Monday, Nov. 3 UC Davis: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., by appointment, Transfer Center Thursday, Nov. 6 UC Santa Cruz: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., by appointment, Transfer Center
UC APPLICATION HELP Free help with writing college application essays will be given at drop-in workshops at the Writing and Reading Center in room ATC 309. Tutoring is also available on a drop-in basis. Monday, Oct. 20 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: “Getting Started” Wednesday, Oct. 22 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: “Getting Started” Thursday, Oct. 23 10:30-11:30 a.m.: “Getting Started” Monday, Oct. 27 12:30-1:30 p.m.: “Writing Prompt #1” Wednesday, Oct. 29 12:30-1:30 p.m.: “Writing Prompt #1” Tuesday, Nov. 4 12:30-1:30 p.m.: “Writing Prompt #2” 1:30-2:30 p.m.: “Writing Prompt #2” Sign up for an appointment for help with your College Application Essay starting Nov. 3.
SKILLS WORKSHOPS Free study skills workshops are offered throughout the day to interested De Anza students. Preregistration in L-47 is required. Times are subject to change; please see the L-47 white board for current information and locations. Monday, Oct. 20 12:30 p.m.: Test Taking Tips 2:30 p.m.: Memory Strategies 3:30 p.m.: Engaging Ethics 6:00 p.m.: Textbook Reading Tuesday, Oct. 21 10:30 a.m.: Study Skills for Math and Science 11:30 a.m.: Editing Skills 12:30 p.m.: Anti-Procrastination 1:30 p.m.: Pre-writing 5:30 p.m.: Making Effective Decisions Wednesday, Oct. 22 9:30 a.m.: Time Management Strategies 10:30 a.m.: Note Taking Strategies 1:30 p.m.: Editing Skills 2:30 p.m.: Goal Setting and Motivation 3:30 p.m.: Tests with Less Stress Thursday, Oct. 23 11:30 a.m.: Engaging Ethics 1:30 p.m.: Memory Strategies Monday, Oct. 27 12:30 p.m.: Textbook Reading 2:30 p.m.: Note Taking Strategies
FALL QUARTER DATES Monday, Nov. 10: Veterans Day holiday Friday, Nov. 14: Last day to drop with a W Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 27-30: Thanksgiving holiday Tuesday-Friday, Dec. 9-12: Final exams Friday, Dec. 12: Last day to file for fall degree or certificate Monday, Dec. 15: First day of winter recess Monday, Jan. 5: First day of winter classes
winner of 14 awards at the Oct. 11, 2008 Journalism Association of Community Colleges Northern California Conference at SJSU
• Meritorious - Online Photo Story - Mike Anderson • Honorable Mention - Sports Feature Photo - Jose Marte • Honorable Mention - Critical Review - Paul De Amicis • Honorable Mention - Editorial Writing - La Voz Editorial Staff • Honorable Mention - News Feature Story - Paul Edison • Honorable Mention - Opinion Story - Dan Sealana • Honorable Mention - News Story - Matt Larvey
OCTOBER 20, 2008
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
CAMPUS NEWS
CAMPUS SNAPSHOT
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ALERTLOG CAMPUS POLICE DISORDERLY CONDUCT: DISTURBING THE PEACE Friday, Oct. 10 Location: Parking Lot A Summary: No further information.
SEX OFFENDER: INTERVIEW REGISTRATION Monday, Oct. 13 Location: Police Dept. 2103 Summary: No further information.
TRAFFIC HIT AND RUN: PROPERTY DAMAGE ONLY Monday, Oct. 13 Location: Parking Lot A Summary: No further information.
TOWED VEHICLE: STORED Tuesday, Oct. 14 Location: Parking Lot 2 Summary: Five or more unpaid parking citations.
INVESTIGATION: SMOKE Tuesday, Oct. 14 Location: De Anza College Summary: Smoke only, no fire.
WARRANT: FELONY ARREST KEN ENG/LA VOZ WEEKLY
A squirrel stares into the water of the Sunken Garden fountain at De Anza College. Much debate exists in the scientific community over whether or not animals notice their own reflections.
Motorcycle accident claims De Anza student Omar Jibril, 21 Soheil Rezaee LA VOZ NEWS
Tragedy fell upon De Anza College Sept. 30, when student Omar Jibril, 21, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Homestead Road in Sunnyvale. Jibril was riding his motorcycle to school that morning. As he passed through the intersection of Homestead Road and Canary Lane, another motorist made a sudden left onto Homestead Road and collided with Jibril. At 9:28 a.m., Sunnyvale police and emergency vehicles responded to reports of a car accident and found
Jibril in the roadway, suffering from major injuries. The other motorist involved in the accident was in her car and also had visible injuries. Both were taken to Valley Medical Center in San Jose, where Jibril passed away due to severe brain trauma. Police are investigating the accident. A memorial was held in his honor on Oct. 3 at the Muslim Community Association, where prayers were held followed by condolences from his friends. Each person who spoke reflected on his life and how he had affected them personally. “Omar was more than a good friend,” said Jad El Adaimi, a former De Anza student and a good friend of
Jibril. “He was a brother.” Those who were closest to him describe Jibril as a good friend, noting his generosity, honesty and his habit of never letting anybody down. Jibril’s family lives overseas in the United Arabs Emirates. His body was sent to his home on Oct. 6, where his family has said they will hold his funeral. “His love, understanding and honesty will always be a lesson that lives within me,” said Adaimi, “and all the memories he left with all of his close friends will never be forgotten.”
Soheil Rezaee is the video editor for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: soheilrezaee@lavozdeanza.com.
Wednesday, Oct. 15 Location: L4 Building Summary: Outstanding warrants, suspect taken to Santa Clara County Jail. COMPILED BY Narsu Rao
Young and old attend 12th annual Iranian culture festival Oct. 12 Alejandro Jimenez LA VOZ NEWS
On Oct. 12, while many Americans sat on the couch to watch football, or maybe take a Sunday nap, local Iranian-Americans young and old went to the Quinlan Community Center in Cupertino to connect with their roots. It was the 12th annual Iranian Arts and Culture Festival, and it was colored with music, dance, art exhibits, poetry readings and a wide variety of ethnic foods. The purpose of the event was to invite people from Iranian backgrounds in the Bay Area to come together and celebrate the traditions that give Iranian culture its unique flavor. De Anza English professor Azin Arefi, one of the organizers of the event, said she was particularly interested in getting Iranian youth to attend the event. After inviting everyone to eat lunch, she gave a speech in both English and Farsi on why it was important to have young Iranians in attendance. “We want the young people to make sure they learn and experience the traditions of Iran,” said Arefi. “We are not political or religious but we do promote our culture because young people need it. Just because they are in a foreign country doesn’t mean they should forget about these traditions that have been practiced for hundreds of years.” Leila Forouhi, a professional in environmental sciences from Cupertino, said, “A lot of Iranian culture revolves around nature. The Mehrgan Festival celebrates the end of the harvest season and beginning of fall. It is great time to see the Iranian community
coming together to preserve and share our culture.” There was a warm and welcoming atmosphere accompanied by soothing piano music in the early hours of the festival. As more and more people arrived, there was a greater sense of connectedness and community in the building. The cohesive atmosphere was in part due to this year’s theme for the event. That theme was to “elevate your individual self and be enlightened by the greater whole.” The Persian Sufi poet Rumi was quoted in an e-mail invite saying, “When my essential self unites with the Greater Whole, then every particle of the Universe will become enlightened to my soul ... I will blaze like a candle for the sake of this Union, so that all my life’s moments spent on the path of this love will become one.” Indeed, Iranians from around the Bay Area had a place to build community and become one. Some had the opportunity to network while simultaneously learning and practicing their Iranian customs. The festival was put together by Payvand and the Iranian Federated Women’s Club, a nonprofit organization that is both non-political and nonreligious. Members say their mission is to integrate the Iranian American community in the Bay Area in an effort to promote Iranian culture and educational services. This year’s festival seemed like it had accomplished just that, by giving the Iranian community a place to gather and celebrate.
Alejandro Jimenez is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: alejandrojimenez@lavozdeanza.com.
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CAMPUS NEWS
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
De Anza blood drive set back by no-shows Lina Kwon
LA VOZ NEWS
SOHEIL REZAEE/LA VOZ WEEKLY
MILITARY | Student activists seek to limit recruiters’ invasive tactics Continued from Page 1
college policy. In the past, recruiting was primarily held at, but not restricted to, booths or common student gathering areas outdoors. Although recruiters are currently deviating from previous operational practices, their tactics do not violate college policy. Many students feel the recruiters overstep the boundaries of what they considered fair and respectful tactics. Aryeh Lewis, 18, said a recruiter who tried to persuade him the U.S. military was the best chance for him to succeed “didn’t mention any negatives.” Lewis said, “I felt he avoided answering my questions by personalizing his military experience.” While certain students feel misled by recruiters, assistant military recruiter Lance Corporal Carvalho claims college recruiters inform students about military opportunities.
“We tell students about everything they want to know,” she said. “We tell students about educational opportunities.” Navy recruiter Roberto Valdez says that the Navy adheres to guidelines set by the college district. “It’s just about awareness,” said Valdez, emphasizing that the Navy recruiters are at De Anza mainly to clear misconceptions. Students For Justice believes the right of military recruiters to wander on campus “interferes with our own need to maintain a safe and diverse learning environment,” according to the proposal they submitted to the Student Senate. The activist group is requesting that the college begin reinforcing a table and scheduling policy for the recruiters. Under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, local educational agencies receiving governmental funds, which includes De Anza, are required to release much
OCTOBER 20, 2008
of students’ personal information to military recruiters, including contact information and home addresses. Students for Justice is demanding that the school Web site establish a check box that students can click to conceal their personal information from military recruiters. Currently, in order to conceal information, students must complete forms from the Admissions Office. The Student Senate is neutral on conflicts involving representatives of the military. “It isn’t proper for us to take a stance on the laws and policies of the recruiters,” said Terell Sterling, president of the Senate. Sterling believes it would be impractical to specifically limit military recruiters. “To do so would limit everybody’s abilities, especially student organizations.”
Bella Yashayev is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: bellayashayev@lavozdeanza.com.
De Anza College students showed up in droves to donate their blood during the Stanford Blood Center drive last week. The blood drive attracted so many students that rumors circulated of potential donors being turned away and sent to blood collection centers elsewhere. However, those rumors proved to be false. The problem was due to people who had signed up for appointments to give blood and failed to show up at their allotted time, and the staff being to small to cover for all the no shows and still see walk in donors. Some were advised to visit other blood drive sites or told to come back another time rather than being rejected from giving blood, and they received maps informing them of other locations if they chose not to wait. Walk-in donors and no-show sign ups make it difficult for the Stanford Blood Center to predict how many staffers to book for each blood drive. “We had a problem with too many people signing up ahead and failing to show up on time,” said Chris McGeachi, a working nurse. Those who had appointments had priority, meaning that the wait occasionally became too long for some students to cope with. Some return-
ing donors did not mind the wait and chuckled at the inflated rumor. “Those who started that rumor were probably searching for an excuse to avoid the blood drive,” said fourth-time donor Izzy Alcala. “It isn’t a bad thing that the blood drive is getting more attention, though. Rumors popularize the subject.” But regardless of its unpredictable nature, the blood drive continues due to the urgent demand for blood in the United States. According to the Stanford Blood Center Web site, a patient needs a blood transfusion every two seconds on any given day in the U.S. Students make up the largest blood donor base. Students were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding medical history, travel and sexual practices. They were also given guidelines regarding prevention of fainting and eligibility rules. Under California law, donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more. Temperature, weight, hemoglobin levels and blood pressure are measured and recorded to determine eligibility. “There was a great turnout at De Anza this year,” said McGeachi, “and we will definitely return.” Lina Kwon is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: linakwon@lavozdeanza.com.
Open your mind to others thoughts, beliefs
These past weeks I’ve heard sev- dissimilar backgrounds and still love eral people discuss the issue of inter- each other? The answer is we can, we religious relationships. It’s a tough just need to allow ourselves to. Sharand sensitive subject for some to talk ing a similar background or religion doesn’t guarantee hapabout. Many get very piness or a successful emotional and defenrelationship. All relasive whenever this tionships are risky, so topic comes up. we should take the risk I want to open a and go for the person debate about interrewe love instead of the ligious relationships, person who is most express my own opinlike us. ion and try not to step We aren’t our paron anyone’s toes. First ents, nor do we have I should say that the to live up to their exBay Area is a wonpectations. Life is too derful place to live; I short to waste, so it don’t think I’ve ever Shabnam is important to live seen a place as diverse Mahmoudkhan your life the way you as right here. want and make yourPeople in the Bay Love Voz self happy. Choosing Area are mostly respectful of other ethnicities and a partner can be difficult and it is religions, yet sometimes there are important to make sure he or she is problems when two people of differ- someone you will care about. Even ent backgrounds want to be together. though your parents may not approve I’ve heard many Christians, Jews and of your partner, you must remember Muslims say that they couldn’t be that it is your happiness at stake, not in a relationship with someone who theirs. Many of us have made a checklist was not a member of their religion. Almost every time I ask them why, in our minds of the qualities and perI get the same answer: “My parents sonality of our ideal partner. It may wouldn’t approve,” or “I can’t be come as a disappointment to some, with someone who doesn’t believe in but that person doesn’t exist. Who we fall in love with is not entirely up to the same things as I do.” I respect that people have strong us; we can try to fight nature but it is easier to folbeliefs and want low it. to be with a partI thought that It gives me ner who shares a content feelthat same bewe – the new ing whenever I lief. However, I generation – were meet people who thought that we date and marry – the new genbeyond race, religion outside of their eration – were or even sex. religion. It gives beyond race, relime hope for the gion or even sex. I believed that we were open-minded; future. I hope we will stop letting our we were more accepting of others and differences come between us and we we allowed the heart to freely choose stop hatred and discrimination against whom to love and not base our judg- others. We should start to accept and love one another instead. ments on race or religion. Don’t close any doors to anyone Unfortunately, I see that I was mistaken. It is the year 2008 and people because of your fear of the unknown. still say “I could never, ever, be with That door may be the answer to all a Christan/Jew/Muslim!” I’m not your prayers – regardless of your resaying there is something wrong with ligion. being with someone who shares the same values and beliefs – but that is If you have a personal dilemma, want very different from excluding every- to comment on Love Voz or have one else who doesn’t. advice of your own, contact Shabnam Why can’t we have different faiths, at: lovevoz@lavozdeanza.com.
OCTOBER 20, 2008
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
SPORTS
SPORTS
Six in a row
Rays make for good television
Midfielder Herrera bounces back, nets three goals for De Anza College Quan Luong LA VOZ NEWS
On Oct. 10, the De Anza College women’s soccer team hosted the Chabot Gladiators and dominated throughout the game, winning 5-1. The Lady Dons weren’t messing around, getting on the scoreboard early and often. The scoring was led off by freshman forward Yasmin Mohamed, as she scored less than a minute into the game to take the early lead over the Gladiators. The game also witnessed the return to form of midfielder Jennifer Herrera, who made up for lost time on the field. She scored twice in the first half, pushing De Anza’s lead to 3-0 before halftime. “Herrera is at 100 percent full recovery after sustaining a knee injury two weeks ago against the Skyline Trojans,” Head Coach Cheryl Owiesny said. “She started slow in the last game against Canada, but today she did a brilliant job for the team.” To open up the second half of the match, Herrera bested the opposing goalkeeper once again, extending the Lady Dons’ lead to 4-0 and earning herself a hat trick. With 33:10 remaining, defensive back Rachelle Yarber made a hustle play
that led to another De Anza score. Yarber saved the ball from going out of bounds and was able to pass the ball to Mohamed, who then put the ball in the back of the net. This was Mohamed’s second goal of the game, and definitively put the game out of reach for Chabot, who trailed 5-0. In the last 10 minutes, the Lady Dons gave up their first goal in five games, reducing their lead to 5-1 over the Gladiators of Chabot. “We were able to figure out their offside track, and that helped us come out with a victory,” Herrera said. “We were able to work together as a team by keeping our composure together throughout the game.” Yarber, Mohamed and midfielder Alayna Bongiorno each had an assist on scoring plays. But forward Jennifer Kute led the team with three assists in the match. “In our last five games, we played team defense to prevent them from scoring a single goal,” said Owiesny. The Lady Dons extended their winning streak to six at this point, and they remain unbeaten in the Coast Conference. Quan Luong is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: quanluong@lavozdeanza.com.
KEN ENG/LA VOZ WEEKLY
Midfielder Alayna Bongiorno assisted in the Lady Dons’ 5-1 victory over Chabot College on Oct. 10.
The Sweat Spot De Anza College men’s soccer player Chris Mendoza does this little number to help keep the blood flowing and stay fit.
1.
Start off by laying down on your back in a relaxed position, preferably when you first wake up at the start of the day.
3.
After completing step 2, roll over so that you are laying flat on your stomach.
PAGE 5
2.
Raise your hands above your head and position your arms pointing away from your torso. Stretch and hold this position for at least ten seconds.
4.
Your legs should be fully extended. Stretch your upper body with your hands overhead. Hold this posture for ten seconds. Repeat sequence as desired. COMPILED BY NARSU RAO/LA VOZ WEEKLY
The beautiful thing about baseball is that it can’t be scripted. Television executives are quivering at the sight of a Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies World Series this year. The Rays have come out from the cellar this year to have a 97-win season, after finishing with 62 wins last season. This was also their first winning season and everything seems to be falling into place for them. The Phillies are no strangers to the postseason like the Rays are. They won the World Series in 1980, and that remains their lone world championship. Between the two, the Phillies have a better lineup to compete against the Rays. But the Rays have a good mix of veteran and young players. It should make for a good matchup for the TV Joe Chunnic people and they should The Sports Blurb be pleasantly surprised with the ratings they get. Speaking of the lineups, Philly is loaded at the top of their order. They lead off with shortstop Jimmy Rollins, the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 2007. He’s a quality at-bat for the Phils and a menace on the base paths. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard wait behind him to deliver big hits. But with this in mind, Tampa’s shown a different side of themselves this year, and it all started in spring training when they brawled with the Yankees. They were proving a point and they are still playing, while the Yanks sit at home. The Rays have speed and power all over their lineup and have proved they are a complete team, even with key injuries to star players during the year. Third baseman Evan Longoria has been a catalyst for this team, along with outfielders Carl Crawford and B.J. Upton, but their biggest surprise has been their pitching staff. The pitching has taken them deep into games this year, something the Rays have not been totally accustomed to. The old “Devil Rays” would maybe have a pitcher pitch into the sixth inning if they were lucky. Their starting rotation is deep and there is no getting around it. But when it comes down to it, I like the Phillies’ pitching over Tampa’s. The Phillies are led by left-hander Cole Hamels, who is 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA this postseason. He’s been dominant in his starts and will most likely get the ball in Game 1. Their bullpen has also been stellar, as well. When the Phillies are leading going into the eighth inning, they are 86-0 this season. Along with closer Brad Lidge, who has not blown a save all year, they look unstoppable. It will be tough to tame that potent Tampa batting order, but good pitching can always beat good hitting. The Rays are out to prove something to the rest of the baseball world and they could very well end up winning the ring. I think the World Series will be entertaining and should make for riveting television, especially if it’s been anything like the playoffs thus far. I’d like the Rays to win the World Series in their first visit, and to win in seven games. How can anyone go against the Rays? They’re an exciting team to watch and Fox Television should be happy with the Rays and Phillies. Joe Chunnic is the sports editor for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: joechunnic@lavozdeanza.com.
PAGE 6
CAMPUS NEWS
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
OCTOBER 20, 2008
ARREST | Police ZILL | ‘Bailout’ is a rescue plan hold wanted man to save our standard of living following pursuit the Senate) rejected the plan. With the House’s rejection, the Paulsonpower over $700 billion dollars to Bernanke plan set stock markets into buy the “so-called toxic paper” (the a free fall. So they decided to reconpiles of bad debt clogging the finan- sider, and the new version of the bill of classes to determine his location Continued from Page 1 cial system) from whatever institu- – which would include additional Wednesday morning. tion he wished in an attempt to save provisions and several hefty portions At 10:30 a.m., Enayati was atof pork (makers of children’s woodapproached, the officer drew his U.S. credit markets. weapon and moved in to apprehend tending a journalism class on news It had gotten to the point that en arrows were overjoyed – hmm, never knew they had him. The confusion, the flash pursuit, writing in room L-42. Two officers, banks were unwilling such powerful lobbythe adrenaline rush that had started one in a tan uniform and the other to lend to pretty much ists) – would eventujust minutes prior ended just as in plain clothes, approached the L4 anybody – including building where Enayati waited unally weigh in at over abruptly at 10:54 a.m. Wednesday. each other. 400 pages (the plan is Officers on the scene breathed suspecting. There were at least The plain-clothes officer entered now of an indetermiheavily in the calm that followed the two rather substantial nate size). chaotic pursuit. They had a wanted the classroom and, standing near the problems with Plan I The bloated bill man in custody. Roozbeh “Rooz” doorway, asked if Enayati would step – for one, as already passed 263-171. And, Enayati, a 28-year-old De Anza stu- outside to speak with him. mentioned, it would “It was probably about ten minas an aside, it might dent, had two outstanding warrants have given Paulson be noted that the vast out for his arrest; one in San Mateo utes into class,” said Aiselle De Vera, an almost unquesmajority of those that County for failing to appear in court also a student in the news writing tioned authority over voted “nay” are up on charges of domestic violence, and class. “He got up and went towards the process. And by for reelection in a the other in Santa Clara County for the door and they just left. The whole the time Congress got class kinda looked as they left. We few weeks. As Hemviolating his probation. its hands on the deal it Stephen Zill ingway once wrote, Several campus and county police didn’t know what happened after that had grow to 106 pagEconomics for Everyone “Courage is grace ununits responded to the back up call, because Rooz never came back.” es. The Economists Once outside the classroom, the and Enayati was placed under arrest who accepted the need for a plan der pressure.” That was almost two weeks ago, at 11:11 a.m. The police searched his plain-clothes officer attempted to generally dubbed it “(barely) better person as well as his backpack be- speak with him when Enayati, posthan nothing, because something had and since then a major change has fore locking both inside a Foothill- sibly spotting the uniformed officer, to be done.” Still others were stick- taken place as to how some of that De Anza police car. Campus police turned and fled toward the parking ing to their faith in markets, and that $700 billion will be administered. delivered Enayati to Santa Clara lot. they would work things out better And, given that I am writing this The officer in uniform, Respicio, early Wednesday afternoon, the plan County Jail, where he is being held left alone. followed closely behind while calluntil he can appear on trial. The public’s response to the plan in its current state could at this very Interim Director of Campus Safety ing into his radio for back up. Units was almost unanimous outrage. At moment be being tweaked further. So and Security Bob Cancilla was one of from the Foothill-De Anza police first this surprised me, but on second who knows how relevant this all will the first officers to respond to the call department and Santa Clara County thought, given the public’s recent be when it sees the light of day? The major alteration, and now the for back up. “I was very impressed responded to the call, and the North (deserved) distrust and substantial with the other officers’ handling of end of campus was soon flanked by lack of faith in the government, and a centerpiece of the deal, is that step the situation,” he said. “It was all several police cars and vans. Campus PR campaign (if you can call it that) one will consist of “capital (meandone very professionally. Our job is police were informed of the second that was perhaps one of the worst ing here: money) injections” into the to make this a safe environment for arrest warrant after Enayati was apsince the Philip Morris tobacco com- country’s banks (hmm, sounds kind the students and faculty, and I feel prehended. pany’s infamous 2003 study in the of sexy). Some $250 billion worth. “He seemed pretty normal,” said we have accomplished that today.” Czech Republic which concluded What this involves is taking an eqAccording to the Belmont, Ca- De Vera about Enayati. “He’d talk that cigarette related deaths are bene- uity stake (hmm, sounds kinda tasty) homework, like AD what’s6.063” the an- x 7” lif., police department, Enayati wasDEabout ficial to that country because it saves with the purchase of preferred stock ANZA LA VOZ arrested July 18, 2006, in Belmont swer to this question, or what did you their government more than $100 and warrants on common stock (prein San Mateo County on a “Battery do over the weekend or what classes million per year in healthcare costs ferred stock differs from common On Spouse, Cohabitant, Or Former are you taking. He never really said (the unpopularity of the study among stock in that it pays a fixed “divianything about himself personally.” Spouse” charge. Czechs may or may not have been dend,” carries with it no voting rights Campus police first received word the reason for the company’s deci- and, if the company runs into solTuesday from San Mateo County Shawn McGann is the editor in chief sion to change its name to Altria), I vency issues, will get paid off before common stock; warrants are “rights” of the bench warrant that had been of La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: shouldn’t have been. issued for the De Anza student’s ar- lavoz@fhda.edu. Soheil Rezaee And, in a not-so-rare act of cow- to buy stock). The deal was brokered by Paulrest. The police used his schedule contributed to this report. ardice, the House (after passing in son, who reluctantly accepted the approach that had previously been ACUPUNCTURE ERBOLOGY NERGETICS IETETICS ASSAGE favored by people like U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown, claiming that the direct cash injection approach – which many favored over the more indirect “toxic paper” purchase approach – was a sign of weakness (MEN!). In a scene that sounded a bit like something out of Hollywood (minus the sex and violence, as far as I know), Paulson called the heads of America’s major banks to the Treasury, who, somewhat reluctantly, agreed to participate on a “voluntary” basis to the, as Continued from Page 1
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one person put it, “take it or take it plan.” This amounts to an, at least temporary, semi-nationalization of the commercial banking system. Additionally, the option of using some of that $700 billion to buy bad debt is still on the table, on sort of “wait and see” basis. There are a few other elements included in the plan, but space here is too limited to name them. First of all, let’s be clear about a few things. This is no magic elixir. Once the capital injections begin, the healing will take time. We currently have a huge “crisis in confidence” concerning much of our financial system, and considering that this fiasco didn’t just happen overnight, it won’t be fixed overnight either. Assuming that the recently approved plan works – as well as the other steps being taken or that will be taken to heal our wounds – I’ll leave the predictions as to when we can safely say this nightmare is behind us to the crystal ball gazers (or at least maybe another column on another day … ). Another caveat is that this program is going to be managed by the same folks whose past missteps have helped get us into the mess we are now in. For one thing, both Paulson and Bernanke (and so many more – myself included) underestimated the massive spillover affects from the subprime crisis. In addition, up to this point you may have noticed that I have not used the term “bailout.” This too was, in my opinion, a major gaffe. The emphasis should have been that the plan was not a bailout, per se, of a system that has failed so miserably, but rather a plan to rescue your way of life as you know it. There was also massive failure in simply explaining to the public how the government’s plan was supposed to work. In times of uncertainty, clarity is essential. Consistency is also necessary, and, again, here the government failed when they let Lehman Brothers go belly-up after saving other institutions. In short, with the banking system staggering from a series of blows, already acting rather chilly to potential borrowers – including each other – it was frozen nearly solid by the failure of Lehman. Thus, let’s just try to carry on with our lives as normally as possible, and hope that the flawed but (again, in my opinion) necessary rescue plan will work its magic. On second thought, let’s pray. Stephen Zill is an instructor of economics at De Anza College. He wrote this article for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: zillstephen@fhda.edu.
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OCTOBER 20, 2008
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
OPINION
OPINION
PAGE 7
EDITORIAL
How to fix a 21,000 sq. ft. blemish The Voice of De Anza Students
Shawn McGann Editor in Chief lavoz@fhda.edu
Josh Bays Managing Editor
managing@lavozdeanza.com
Audrey Barker News Editor Matthew Larvey Features Editor Joe Chunnic Sports Editor Kelly Truong Opinions Editor Dae Kim Copy Editor Soheil Rezaee Video Editor Daniel Gamberg Website Editor
Business Staff Beth Grobman Faculty Adviser grobman@fhda.edu Walter Alvarado Lab Technician alvaradowalter@fhda.edu Reza Kazempour Business Manager ads@lavozdeanza.com
About Us
La Voz Weekly is a First Amendment newspaper written and published by De Anza College students. La Voz Weekly is partially funded by the De Anza Associated Student Body and is printed on recycled paper at Fricke-Parks Press. All rights reserved; no part of La Voz Weekly may be reproduced without permission. Staff editorials reflect the opinions of the majority of the editorial board and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author or the opinions of the La Voz staff. Opinions expressed by staff and contributors are the opinions of the individuals and not necessarily the opinion of La Voz Weekly. Phone: 408-864-5626 Fax: 408-864-5533 lavoz@fhda.edu www.lavozdeanza.com Room L-41 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd. Cupertino, CA 95014 Come to Room L-42 Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:45 p.m. to attend the newspaper staff class.
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ments, instead of whatever clouded vision the people involved in the choice of color. Better yet, De Anza students could organize and create either a series of murals or one large mural that encompasses most of the building. When completed, the mural would be a reflection of a young generation’s vision for a better world. Or be
generous about it. Give the wall space to struggling artists or graffiti entrepreneurs. Anything would be better than what’s there now. The bloody earthen color is fine in its own right, but standing in unabashed display beside every other structure in the area, the thing just doesn’t match. De Anza buildings follow a traditional Spanish
mission aesthetic, with a bland beige and moody red palette. Did something go wrong? And if certain people are too afraid of allowing students to have creative freedom, there is an alternative. The college can work with the city to bus in whole classes of grade school children and have them finger paint the building however they like. Riots of hyperactive children will run in the parking lots, tossing paint everywhere they go. A fun time for all! We at La Voz look upon all crises as unrealized opportunities. After all, if life hands you lemons ... (Especially really ugly Tang-orange lemons.)
OTHER VIEWS
So-called ‘Bradley Effect’ is meaningless today Dae Kim
HIS OPINION
All this talk about the Bradley Effect is tired, irrelevant trash the media is passing off as interesting news. The Bradley Effect is the idea that voters – who plan on and will end up voting for the white guy – will claim to favor a minority candidate over a white rival to avoid being cast as racists. Even though Tom Bradley was ahead on pre-election and exit polls, he ultimately lost to white rival George Deukmejian in the 1982 election for Governor of California. This has no bearing on the current presidential election. This is no different than a poll asking married women if they cheat on their husbands. Of course a significant number of married women are going to lie about cheating. What about a poll asking if you make over or under $60,000 a year? Of course a
significant number of people are going to lie about their yearly income. Newsflash: People lie. Sometimes those lies happen to involve race. The focus should be the fact that polls are inaccurate, not what the inaccuracies happen to be. This is a perfect example of oversensitivity when it comes to race. Remember the geniuses who wanted to introduce Ebonics into the classroom? In 1996, the Oakland school board wanted to recognize Ebonics as a valid language due to the failing performances of the (mostly black) Ebonics-speaking population. This patronization is the difference between sensitivity and pandering.
Where’s the maverick, his civilized politics? Audrey Barker HER OPINION
My friends, whatever happened to the good McCain? In a country split down the middle by partisan tensions, the “maverick” from Arizona – although culturally and fiscally conservative – used to offer us a refreshing sense of unity by reaching across the aisle. I miss the man who was going to “take the high road” all the way to War-Shington. I miss the good old days of McCain-Feingold, the campaign reform act implemented in response to the 2000 smear campaign launched against the old respectable McCain. During the recent town hall debate, the new McCain wandered around aimlessly with seemingly no awareness of his surroundings. It is entirely possible that he was struggling to remember the difference between Shi’ite and Sunni Muslims, or merely mumbling the tune to bombbomb Iran. Maybe he was trying to figure out how to spin his latest major drop in the polls. McCain’s “wag the dog” political moves seem to be the only thing keeping his campaign off the respirator. Say, for example, the Democratic
National Campaign is a smashing success. Solution: pick an Alaskan hockey mom as your running mate, and make sure she can field dress a moose. Say you have a staffer with unseemly ties to Freddie Mac during an economic crisis. Merely suspend your campaign for a few days, and walk around the halls of War-Shington with a self-important wind at your back. The new McCain seems increasingly deranged as the polls sink lower, laughing at his own jokes and insulting Tom Brokaw. Oh, McCain, what happened to thee? After much scientific research, I have formulated a hypothesis. McCain accidentally consumed some traces of nuke-ular waste in his morning bowl of bran flakes, and has mutated into a bitter, crotchety old man who refers to Obama as “that one.” So maybe nu-kular power plants popping up all over the country isn’t the best road to energy independence. Obama’s stance on the safe storage of nuclear waste could benefit every American, including McCain and – most importantly – “my friends.” Audrey Barker is the news editor for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: audreybarker@lavozdeanza.com.
Their hearts were in the right place, but their brains weren’t getting enough sunshine. It’s getting to the point where it is offensive simply to identify someone by his or her race. If an office has one black person while the rest are white, what is wrong with identifying him as the black guy? Nobody is implying that being black is wrong or bad. They are simply identifying him by the most easily recognizable physical trait, just like calling someone the tall guy, the hot girl or the fat one. People are assuming that identifying someone by race automatically attaches negative stereotypes to that person. It’s like giving someone a ILLUSTRATIONS (4) BY GALEN OBACK
La Voz Weekly
Let’s be honest. It’s about the new Visual and Performing Arts Center: It’s an eyesore. It sits in what might be the most prominent and recognizable location on De Anza College campus, its fetid orange color glaring down on the thousands of students who pass it each day on Stevens Creek Boulevard. The building needs an army of De Anza’s best artists to give it the ultimate makeover. One suggestion is to divide up the walls into blocks, auction them off, and then use the money to pay artists to use creative vision on their seg-
baseball bat and automatically assuming he’s going to beat a person over the head with it. Does anyone else see a problem with that? “Hey man! Don’t call him French! That’s a horrible thing to say!” What’s wrong with being French? What’s wrong with being identified as French? The goal shouldn’t be to avoid or shy away from racial differences. The goal should be to identify and promote differences. Let’s stop worrying about this Bradley Effect nonsense. Grow a pair and say you’re voting for the white (or black) guy. Just because he happens to be white doesn’t mean you’re voting for him because he’s white. And if you have something to say, feel free to drop by the La Voz Weekly news room. I’m the Chinese guy with glasses. Dae Kim is the copy editor for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: daekim@lavozdeanza.com
Radicals not practical, liberals need to grow up Kentaro Uzuki HIS OPINION
Obama is not merely a politician’s name anymore. For better or worse, it is now a movement. Who in the world ever imagined an African-American this close to the White House a decade ago? If one of the original founding fathers were here to see Obama proclaiming this country’s need for change, he would certainly pass out. Surrounded by liberals and radicals at college, it seems this nation trusts Obama to bring change. But do we need it? If so, what kind and how? Change is not necessarily bad. But we have to remind ourselves that radical change does not always work. Consider the French Revolution, which led to terror. Conservatives also desire change – they just don’t believe in radical change. Only slow and steady change makes a difference. Everyone comes to realize it. As the saying goes, “A man who is not a liberal at 16 has no heart. A man who is not a conservative at 60 has no head.” Nobody knows what kind of change Obama will bring. At the beginning of the campaign, he promised to withdraw all troops from Iraq immediately. But it seems a change
occurred in his mind and policy. On one hand, Obama says that we should employ diplomacy while dealing with Iran, but on the other hand, he says it is appropriate to remove the Taliban from Pakistan. That would require invading Pakistan. Furthermore, as Ahmadinejad has been shouting about eliminating Israel from the map, I doubt Obama seriously thinks diplomacy could solve the issue. Economy-wise, I have heard people exclaim that neoliberalism is oppression targeting the poor. But does the American definition of “poor” really compare to children starving in Somalia? The answer is no. Neoliberalism is based on the theory that wealth trickles down, which is a long process. In the end, everyone will benefit from the profits produced by society as a whole. Nowadays every decision is made with short-term vision, and we should really be thinking about the long-term implications of our actions. Obama is a brilliant, tough and smart person. However, you must consider whether his vision is what we want. Never vote just because you are swept up in a movement. Kentaro Uzuki is a student at De Anza College. Contact him at: lennon_mccartney_1@msn.com.