EST. 1936
ASURamPage.com
VOL. 86 ISSUE 11
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019
MSAP continues to enlighten
What’s in store! -Basketball
The Multicultural Center hosts Native American event
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Sophia Gravatt, staff writer
-Sports update
ASU on Nov. 5 held their annual Native American Heritage Celebration in the lobby of the Houston Harte University Center. ASU’s Multicultural Center hosted Cherokee representatives Paige Trubenstein and her father to display artifacts and answer questions. Cody Vasquez, student activities manager at the Multicultural Center, said this celebration is put on every year to recognize and acknowledge all of the Native American students at ASU and in the community. “We have actual Native American artifacts that come from the community,” Vasquez said. “We have some people who are from Cherokee descent here to talk to students about all of the artifacts.” Students could try free Native American food and make their own dreamcatcher. Alyssa Bolen, freshman, said she wanted to learn more about Native American culture. “I really enjoyed trying the food,” she said. “I also liked all of the arts and artifacts, so people can come and learn.” Bolen said she thought it was
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-Soccer Page 2
-Travis’ Column Page 3
-Sidewalk Survey Page 3
-Snap Happy Page 4
good that the Multicultural Center hosted this event. “As someone who doesn’t know a lot about other cultures, being able to come to an event like this and talk to people and ask questions is a good learning experience,” she said. Photo by Cora Bishoppetty: Paige Trubenstein, faculty member from the psychology department, explains to students what the paint work on each pipe means. Native American Heritage Month is celebrated every November and has been nationally recognized since 1990.
SGA Senate talks mental and physical health Representatives of Counseling Services and Shannon Health Care update Senators Ixchel Sotelo, staff writer star CMS hospital, and we try to bring all of that to you guys here in an affordable way. I’ll tell you our priorities for this year is quality.” For more information or questions about the health services offered, you can visit the ASU website. The results from the vaping survey sent campus-wide on Oct. 22 showed that 899 individuals who took the survey support a ban of e-cigarettes on-campus, while 587 oppose it. While it is still a ban unaffiliated with ASU, the results will be archived for future reference. After being sent to the Rules of the Senate Committee, Bill No. 91.07 was refined and presented once again to the SGA. Discussion opened regarding the modifications and the bill officially passed. Effective in December, SGA President Brayden Woods will be resigning from his position, as he has accepted employment in Washington D.C. There will be an executive position open after Woods’ official resignation. The Student Government Association on Nov. 4 held a Senate meeting in the Junell Center Conference Room with speakers representing the ASU Health Services. Mark Rehm, director of Counseling Services, presented a slideshow containing information about their new services, along with data collected over time. Rehm proposed potential additions to the services and the SGA offered new ideas to improve feedback from fellow students. Ram Chat Wagons, the Stress-Less Fair and the Mental Health Chatroom were also discussed. “Last year, we saw about 270 students
at this time in the fall,” Rehm said. “This year, we are over 300 students, so we are growing. We are getting the word out and people are coming in for mental health reasons.” Chris Martin, ASU alumnus and nurse manager, represented the ASU partnership with Shannon Health Care at the meeting. Martin spoke on the various benefits available for students, including a onetime fee for unlimited visits to both the on-campus clinic and their location on Jackson Street, which is looking to be renovated. “Shannon has grown to a huge organization,” Martin said. “We’re actually a four-
Photo by Ian Saint: Mark Rehm presents statistics and services offered by the ASU Counseling Services and discussed potential projects for the future. Rehm has been the director of Counseling Services for ASU since the spring of 2018.
11.15.2019
Rams warm up for the season
Men’s basketball win scrimmage against USAO Jeremiah Devereaux, staff writer
The ASU Rams basketball team on Nov. 4 competed against the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in their first exhibition game. The Rams came with a high, intensive energy and were ready to play Monday night. Senior Jeremy Hayes led the Rams with a total of 23 points. Hayes went 2-for-5 from beyond the arc, 5-for-5 from the line and 8-for-11 from the field. Junior Burone Edwards obtained a double-double with 12 rebounds and 11 points. Senior Andres Ibarguen and junior Paul Williams ended their
game with double-digits, 14 and 12. The Rams would outscore USAO in the second half, 40-29, and would successfully end the game 81-66. Freshman Andre Nunley said he has high hopes for this year’s season after the victory on Monday night. “It will be successful as long as we keep being humble and hungry,” Nunley said. “I feel anxious and ready to go out and compete because it makes me happy and I have fun while doing it.” ASU’s next home game will see them face Lubbock Christian University on Nov. 23 in the Stephens Arena at the Junell Center.
Photo by Ian Saint: Andres Ibarguen, senior, drives into the paint, battling two defenders for the layup. Ibarguen plays forward for the rams.
Sports update Football
Rams football on Nov. 9 lost in overtime against the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds, 20-17. They are now 8-2 overall and 5-2 in conference.
BBELL E E YYEALHLE EAH!!
Basketball
Rams basketball on Nov. 9 lost a scrimmage against the University of Houston 106-42. The Rams’ season-opening game will be on Nov. 15 in California against San Francisco State University.
Volleyball
Belles volleyball on Nov. 8 took all three sets against St. Edward’s University and, similarly on Nov. 9, won all three sets against St. Mary’s University. This puts the team 23-2 overall and 15-1 in conference.
Belles give Hilltoppers first conference loss Belles soccer beats St. Edward’s University 2-1
Jeremiah Devereaux, staff writer The Belles soccer team on Nov. 8 defeated the St. Edward’s Uni- Behind her was Scott with four shots and one assist. Warren had two versity Hilltoppers, 2-1 at the ASU Soccer Field. shots, one on goal, including one tallied goal for the Belles. This victory improved the Belles’ record to 8-4-1 in conference play and 12-5-1 overall. This would be SEU’s first loss in the Lone Star Photo by Cora Bishoppetty: Valerie Solis, freshman, seizes the Conference this season. moment and steals the ball from an opposing player in the first Sophomore Kira Miller showed her goalkeeping skills by interhalf. Solis, came to ASU from Arlington, Texas. vening between an attempted kick from SEU with a dive to stop the Hilltoppers from scoring. Trenadey Scott, senior, dribbled down the field during the second half and found junior Avery McNeme outside the keeper's box. McNeme would send the ball into the back-left corner of the net to give ASU a 1-0 lead. Later in the game, senior Ally Warren would score for ASU after an assist from McNeme, punching the ball into the net and bringing the score to 2-0. McNeme led the offense with four shots, two on goal, one goal and one assist.
11.15.2019
In defense of democratic socialism Travis Hunter, copy editor
Democratic socialism is frequently used as a boogeyman by conservative Republicans and the policies of democratic socialists are often derided as pie-in-the-sky fantasies by centrist Democrats. However, the truth of the matter is democratic socialism is a woefully misunderstood political ideology, which, when properly defined, boasts a surprising popularity among the American electorate. In this column, I will explain what this philosophy is, what it isn’t and why the United States should embrace it. While democratic socialism has seen a modern resurgence, the roots of the ideology in this country can be traced back to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s proposed second Bill of Rights in 1944. According to the Roosevelt Institute, FDR proposed a second Bill of Rights as he felt the first Bill of Rights had proven “inadequate to assure us equality in the pursuit of happiness,” because it only ensured political rights for American citizens. FDR’s new plan, which would come to be known as the economic Bill of Rights, would guarantee for every American the right to housing, education, healthcare, a job with a living wage and protections from monopolies and big businesses. If you’ve ever perused the platforms of presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders or Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, these ideas probably sound quite familiar. Although it never came to fruition during his time, the spark of FDR’s initial idea seems to have caught fire among a younger generation of Americans. According to a recent YouGov-Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation poll, 70% of millennials say they would vote for a socialist. While Marion Smith, VOC executive director, blames the poll results on “historical amnesia” in a blurb on the organization’s website, I feel the results are more indicative of young people having firsthand experience of the failings inherent in a capitalistic society. An important distinction to be made, especially when responding to criticisms from anti-socialist groups, is defining what democratic socialism is and isn’t. Despite widespread misconceptions, democratic socialism is not defined by gulags, government overreach or despotic and authoritarian dictators, nor is it a group of entitled people demanding free stuff. Democratic socialism is a movement by the people, for the people. It is an attack against greed and inequality and a method of righting systemic wrongs. It is a union of people who see a better future for
America, where healthcare, education and living wages are moral imperatives rather than luxuries reserved for the wealthiest among us. It’s a way out for so many people who are left feeling hopeless and trapped by our current system. Though the United States already has a few socialist-style programs like Social Security and Medicare, democratic socialists feel it’s time to go further. A common question levied at democratic socialists is, “How will you pay for any of this?” Interestingly, as many have pointed out, this question is never asked when it’s time to raise the defense budget to fund perpetual wars or bail out Wall Street after they’ve gambled away our pensions and wrecked the economy without consequence. While the proposals come with what seems to be a hefty price tag, programs like Medicare for All will prove cheaper than our current system in the long run, according to an article from People’s Policy Project. Other plans, like tuition-free college, could achieve solvency through a reconfiguration of tax codes and regulations of Wall Street and corporations. It’s a matter of deciding what is more important to us as a society. Tax cuts for the richest among us or the right to avoid bankruptcy if you happen to get sick? Allowing Wall Street to make tax-free speculations or the right to an education? The democratic socialist message has proved to have wide appeal among the American electorate. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, Bernie Sanders, who is responsible for mainstreaming modern democratic socialism, has the youngest and most ethnically diverse supporters of any candidate in the 2020 presidential race. However, the reality of the situation is none of these policies can be implemented without the votes to actually make them happen. Centrist Democrats often take a pragmatic approach, backing away from bold ideas, but the bold ideas of democratic socialists are exactly what is needed to create enthusiasm among voters, drive them to the polls and win elections. “The only way we achieve these goals is through a political revolution—a revolution in which millions of people get involved in the political process and reclaim our democracy by having the courage to take on the powerful corporate interests whose greed is destroying the social and economic fabric of our country,” Sanders said in a speech at George Washington University on June 12, in which he defined democratic socialism and introduced an updated version of FDR’s economic Bill of Rights to his platform. “My friends, these are my values, and that is why I call myself a democratic socialist. At its core is a deep and abiding faith in the American people to peacefully and democratically enact the transformative change that will create shared prosperity, social equality and true freedom for all.” I hope you’ll join us.
Sidewalk Survey Do you plan to vote in the 2020 election?
“I do not. It’s not that it doesn’t matter to me, it’s just that I’m not big on political aspects of things.” -Fabian Muniz, senior
“Yes, I plan to vote in this coming election.”
“I would like to, but I want to be more informed of the candidates.”
-Deja Hardy, freshman
-Mathew Hernandez, freshman
Staff Writers Sophia Gravatt Ashley Rodriguez Jeremiah Devereaux Ixchel Sotelo
-Kamryn Alward, junior
Editor: RamPage@angelo.edu Newsroom: (325) 942-2323
Ram Page ASU Station #10895 San Angelo, Texas 76909
Copy Editor Travis Hunter
“Yes, because I am not happy of how politics are currently and I think my opinion matters. Even if the outcome isn’t what I want it to be, I know that I tried what I could for my country.”
Member of The Texas Tech University System Texas Intercollegiate Press Association
Designer Dominic Rodriguez
Editor-in-Chief Axel Marcenaro Photographer Cora Bishoppetty
Photo Editor Ian Saint
Circulation Manager Jeremiah Devereaux
Faculty Adviser Dr. Ellada Gamreklidze
PUBLISHING POLICY
Published every Friday and available on campus and online. The student newspaper of Angelo State University is a public forum, with its student editorial board making all decisions concerning its content. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. Ram Page welcomes opinions from anyone who would like to share. If you would like to contribute, please email us. Do include your name, major (if applicable) and classification/position. The paper reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and clarity, and all submissions are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel and privacy. Deadline is 5 p.m. on a Monday.
11.15.2019
Oh snap!
Snap Happy Photography Club holds exhibit Ashley Rodriguez, staff writer
ASU’s Snap Happy Photography Club on Nov. 9 held a photography exhibit at the Coop Gallery to display various works. “This has been the first time that we’ve done an art exhibit,” said Jaelyn Holmes, SHPC vice president. “The turnout has been great.” Sophomore Danielle Mullen had a few of her works on display in the gallery. “Seeing some of my work in frames and being up in a gallery made me so proud of the pictures,'' Mullen said. “[My work] being surrounded by really impressive shots by other photography members made it an even greater experience.”
Maria Atkerson, senior, also had a few photos hanging in the gallery. “I never thought that my pictures were worthy enough compared to other photographers,” Atkerson said. “So, seeing my work is like, ‘What?’ It was different to me.” SHPC has been a registered student organization at ASU for six years. Their goal is to bring people together who enjoy photography and hope to improve their skills, Holmes said. The club is open to anyone who has an interest in photography, with no experience necessary to join.
Photo by Cora Bishoppetty: Sunny Kwon, senior, revels in delight while sharing her photography with the community and her friends. This is Snap Happy Photography Club’s first time collaborating with the Coop Gallery downtown.
Events Calendar
Friday 11/15
Angelo State University Mission Statement
Mission Statement Angelo State University, a member of the Texas Tech University System, delivers undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines. In a learning-centered environment distinguished by its integration of teaching, research, creative endeavor, service, and cocurricular experiences, ASU prepares students to be responsible citizens and to have productive careers.
Vision Statement ASU strives for excellence by fostering an innovative, collaborative, and supportive learning environment that enables a diverse student body to achieve success as citizens and professionals. Values Opportunity - Innovation - Engagement
-International Art Exchange Exhibit 9:00am - 5:00pm M-F (to Nov 22) *Gallery 193, Carr EFA Building -Leadercast Women Angelo State 9:00am - 5:00pm *Tom Green Co. Lib -Official Ring Ceremony 6:00pm *C.J. Davidson -Ram Band Review 7:00pm *LeGrand Stadium
Sunday 11/17
-Luke Perkins Senior Recital 2:00pm *Eldon Black Recital hall
Tuesday 11/19
Saturday 11/16
-Ram Jam All Day *LeGrand Alumni Center -ASU Volleyball vs Dallas Baptist 12:00pm - 2:00pm *Junell Center -ASU Football vs Texas A&M Commerce 3:00pm - 6:00pm *LeGrand Stadium -Dinner Theatre Musical: “Fun Home” 8:00pm Daily (to Nov 16) Carr EFA
Monday 11/18
-International Art Exchange Exhibit 9:00am - 5:00pm M-F (to Nov 22) *Gallery 193, Carr EFA -SGA Senate Meeting 7:00pm - 8:00pm *University Center
-Business Brown Bag Series: “Stress Less with The Depressurized Zone” 12:00pm - 1:00pm *Business Resource -International Education Week CeleCenter bration -Woodwind Chamber I Concert 11:00am - 1:00pm *University Center 7:00pm *Carr EFA Building -ASU Humanities Month: Student Research Symposium 12:00pm - 3:00pm *C.J. Davidson -Woodwind II Chamber Concert 7:00pm Carr EFA
Wednesday 11/20