asreview
1.30.12
Vol. 27 #16
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Viking Union 411 516 High St. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: 360.650.6126 Fax: 360.650.6507 Email: as.review@wwu.edu Online: as.wwu.edu/asreview @theasreview facebook.com/theasreview
©2011. Published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University. We are a student-produced, alternative campus weekly covering news and events that are of interest to the Western community. We support all programs, offices and clubs affiliated with the AS. We have a direct connection to the AS Borard of Directors, and although we report on board actions objectively, our relationship should be made clear. Submissions: We welcome reader submissions, including news articles, literary pieces, photography, artwork or anything else physically printable. Email submissions, or send them to the mailing address above. They will be returned as long as you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
NEWS / FEATURES
In This Issue:
A poster for YACHT. The band will perform at Western on Feb. 7. Poster by Austin Jansen//AS Publicity Center
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IT’S SCHRAMM TIME
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THE BURIED LIFE
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Western senior Kristin Schramm leads the women’s basketball team Digging up the dirt on one of MTV’s favorite casts
MEAN GIRLS ASP Films and the SAC screen the 2004 comedy YACHT
We don’t mean the luxury boat
HIT THE SLOPES
AS Outdoor Center at Mount Baker
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DRUGS
Two campus clubs take a realistic look at drug use
TROUBLED WATERS AS Environmental Center advocates for better care of Lake Whatcom
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SIMPLY DELICIOUS
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GOSIA WLODARCZK
This week: a stir fry and orange sauce delicacy
A photo essay
Letters: We also welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your letter to 300 words and include your name and phone number. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar, if necessary. Calendar/Ads: We don’t sell ad space. Sorry. Email as.review@ wwu.edu to have an event listed in the calendar.
Editor in Chief
Assistant Editor
Lead Photographer
Copy Editor
Kirsten O’Brien
Cade Schmidt
Assistant Photographer Joe Rudko
Adviser
Jeff Bates
Adrienne Woods
Evan Marczynski
Staff Writers
Anna Atkinson Eriver Eugenio Nick Markman Lauren Simmons Megan Thompson
Western seniors Arahmy Deltorro, front right, and Bonifacio Sanchez, front left, both members of MEChA, dance together at the Associated students Campus Activities Showcase on Jan. 25. Photo by Cade Schmidt//AS Review.
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WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER?
AS Environmental Center urges county to take back control of Lake Whatcom Anna Atkinson • AS Review
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veryone drinks it, bathes with it and cooks with it. Even without realizing it, students use water. But how much do people really think about where their water comes from? In Bellingham, drinking water comes from Lake Whatcom. It seems simple enough, but one group of students knows there are a myriad of complications with the body of water, including storm runoff and erosion of the land around the water, causing high-phosphorus levels in the community’s drinking water. That’s why the Associated Students Environmental Center is encouraging Whatcom County to request that the State Board of Natural Resources reconveys state-owned lands back into county control, rather than be managed by a state entity. This is in an effort to give the county more control over the local water supply coming from Lake Whatcom, said Jason Austin, AS Environmental & Sustainability Program Associate Director . The center conveyed their encouragement of this action in a letter addressed to the Whatcom County Council last November. “In a nutshell, a lower level of environmental impact would be allowed, and the community will have more control over local water issues as they develop,” Austin said. He said the center is working with Conservation Northwest, an environmental interest group that seeks to protect wildlife and wild lands in the northwest, to bring local control of environmental issues back into the hands of the community. “Having a state agency in control of local water concerns isn’t a good fit,” Austin said. “Having local control over them makes them more reachable to the community.” According to the letter, the lake is threatened by highphosphorus levels and algae growth. Landslides and erosion contribute to these problems, according to the letter. “If we don’t act soon, Bellingham may have to find a new water source in the future,” said Robert Eckroth, intern at the AS Environmental Center. “Bellingham takes pride in being a green community, so I hope that we keep that reputation by preventing anymore land
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AS Environmental Center Coordinator Hilary McGowan watches intern Nina Oliver demonstrate storm runoff into Lake Whatcom on Nov. 29. Photo by Cade Schmidt//AS Review. “This problem is getting worse and will continue to development around the lake.” Eckroth said land development is banned near lakes in get worse if more land will be zoned for development around Lake Whatcom,” he said. “It would be foolish to Seattle that are used for drinking water. allow more development around a lake that Bellingham “The reconveance would set the land aside, putting relies on as its source of drinking water.” more emphasis on the environmental potential of the Eckroth said originally the phosphorous was thought area,” Austin said. to have been a result of the fertilizer that residents living Other issues include high levels of phosphorus and in the Lake Whatcom watershed were using. increased algae growth. “But even since it has been banned, phosphorous has “Phosphorus is such a problem for two reasons,” still been a problem,” he said. “The phosphorus problem Eckroth said. “It depletes oxygen levels, which fish and other aquatic life need to live, and it feeds algae growth.” turns out to be a natural process coming from decomposing organic matter that gets into our storm water Eckroth said algae growth clogs filters and requires drains that go into the lake.” water to be treated more than it already is. the
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ETHNIC STUDENT CENTER LOOKS FOR A NEW HOME
Megan Thompson • AS Review
n 1991, the Ethnic Student Center received the space in the Viking Union where it currently resides. Then, only five clubs existed in the ESC with 50 members. Today, it is a little bit different. Thirteen clubs now belong to the ESC with hundreds of student members, Vice President for Diversity John Deng Duot said. The space is utilized by the members to
hold meetings, do homework and relax in a safe space. The problem now, Duot said, is the space is too small to accommodate the number of students that belong to the ESC. “[The ESC] does get crowded and we only have four computers in our homework area,” Co-Chair of El Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano@ de Aztlán de WWU (MEChA), Nadia Saldana-Spiegle said. Saldana-Spiegle
has organized a committee within the ESC looking for a solution to their spatial problem. Both Duot and Saldana-Spiegle feel the ESC’s importance is overlooked because of its placement on the fourth floor in the Viking Union. “The area is not accessible or well known,” Duot said. Duot and Saldana-Spiegle said they will find a solution within the next month. the
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SIMPLY DELICIOUS
January 30, 2012• 11
This week: stir fry with orange sauce
Megan Thompson • AS Review
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arlier this year I stumbled on a recipe for orange chicken. My excitement took over, and I rushed to make delicious breaded chicken with a tangy sweet sauce. I love orange chicken; I love it so much it is hard to explain. The sauce is sweet and the ingredients are savory, making it mix perfectly. I love the thick texture of the sauce and the hints of garlic and other spices playing through the orange flavor. Orange chicken is my perfect comfort food that isn’t a comfort food. I didn’t always love it. When I was a younger, pickier Megan, it was disgusting. All Asian food was disgusting; anything but cheese sandwiches were disgusting. Thankfully, I have come a long way since then. I should note that this meal seems complicated. Well, it is not. For best results, split responsibilities between two people. My roommate handled the stir fry, and I concocted the sauce. It turned into a delicious partnership.
Photo by Megan Thompson//AS Review.
STIR FRY
2 chicken breasts, diced ½ an onion 3 vegetables of your choice (I used bell peppers, mushrooms, and broccoli) ½ an orange, sliced 1 tablespoon canola oil In a large frying pan on medium high heat, put oil in the pan. Let it sit for two minutes until heated. Add the chicken and onions. Cook until chicken is all white and onions are softened. Add the vegetables and orange. Cook until the mixture is done, making sure all parts are thoroughly heated. This can be different for many people, I like my stir fry less crunchy and more cooked, but others prefer the crunchy. Cook to your taste.
SAUCE:
1¼ cup water ¼ cup orange juice ⅓ rice vinegar 2½ tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon orange zest 1 cup brown sugar 1 clove of garlic ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons corn starch 2 tablespoons water In a medium sauce pan combine water, orange juice, rice vinegar and soy sauce on medium heat. Mix well. Add orange zest (graded orange rind), brown sugar, garlic and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a boil, and reduce heat. In a small bowl or cup, mix water and corn starch. Slowly add the mixture to the sauce until it thickens. Pour over stir fry and enjoy! the
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YACHT from page 7 to study and practice at home, and paragraphs that lightheartedly explain whether YACHT is compatible with people’s religion. Evans even said that YACHT has grown exponentially since its inception and will one day be it’s own sovereign nation. YACHT may seem cult-ish, but Evans said that everyone attending the show is in total control of their own experience. “We have no interest in directing your wills,” Evans said. “Just come with an open mind, do not feel selfconscious - if you can avoid it - and prepare to gaze into
the mirror of your own radical beauty and autonomous freedom.” Evans said the “Shangri-La” album was an attempt to explore the concept of utopia. It is not surprising then that the first track of the album, “Utopia,” is possibly the best musical summary for the entirety of “Shangri-La.” The song has a little bit of everything that makes YACHT’s music so catchy and danceable. Evolving, peaking synth leads mesh and build up with frantic guitar noises until one of the funkiest, fastest baselines ever rolls in after the drums. The simple, repetitive chorus of
the song is just a sample of a technique that YACHT has managed to master – creating vocal parts that get stuck in one’s head and refuse to leave. Both members share roots in Portland, Oregon. Evans said that the spirit of punk that resided in the Northwest in the time of her and Bechtolt’s upbringing is one that dominates their performance style. “Playing shows in the Northwest is like returning to the heart of our adolescent ideals,” Evans said. “We know the audience understands our background, to a certain extent, so we can really be free.” the
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GOSIA AT THE GALLERY Australian artist’s work is on display until March 3
Photos by Joe Rudko • AS Review
Between Wander & Settlement, a multi-disciplinary drawing installation by Gosia Wlodarczak, is on display in the Western Gallery. She is known for her performative drawings and creates art while interacting with students and gallery vistors.
ABOVE: Gosia Wlordarczak stands in front of Skin of the Wall. TOP RIGHT: Students from Garth Amundson’s Advanced Studio Seminar class discuss Skin of the Wall, and installation consisting of 676 panels covering the largest gallery wall.BOTTOM RIGHT: Gosia performs Dust Cover: Between Wander & Settlement, a site-specific drawing on furniture that responds to what she can see around her in the gallery. Photos by Joe Rudko//AS Review. Images courtesy of the artist, Western Gallery, WWU and Fehily Contemporary Melbourne.
January 30, 2012• 3
EVENTS JAN 30 - FEB 4 Monday Jan 30
Underground Coffeehouse Trivia Night 6:30 p.m., Viking Union third floor $1
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and get a team together for Trivia Night. The top three teams recieve cash prizes.
Tuesday Jan 31 Kayak roll sessions
8 to 9 p.m., Arne Hanna Aquatic Center, 1114 Potter St. $4.50
Learn, practice or perfect your kayak roll during this informative sessions lead by the Associated Students Outdoor Center. Sign up at the Outdoor Center. Students without a ride can meet at the Outdoor Center at 7:30 p.m. to carpool to the center.
Friday Feb 3 Beats Antique at Wild Buffalo
9:30 p.m., Wild Buffalo House of Music, 208 West Holly St. $20 - $25 The music of Beats Antique fuses experimental, world and electronic styles into catchy, danceable songs. The group hails from Oakland, Calif. Filastine, a musician from Barcelona, Spain, will open.
Saturday Feb 4
SASA Annual Heritage dinner
6:30 p.m., VU MPR $10 with student ID, $15 for general
Join Western’s South Asian Student Association for a night of performances, fun and food. Free parking will be available in the C lots. Dressing in formal or cultural wear is encouraged.
Wednesday Feb 1
Green Energy Fee workshop 5 to 7 p.m., VU 565 Free
The Green Energy Fee workshop will provide information and encourage networking and discussion about the Green Fee. Snacks will be provided.
Thursday Feb 2
ASP Films presents: “Mean Girls” 7 p.m., Academic West 204 Free ASP Films and the Sexual Awareness Center will host a showing of the 2004 comedy “Mean Girls.” There will be a dicussion about sexuality and relationships following the film.
See on
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TAKING THE LEAD
Senior takes the reins for the Western women’s basketball team Lauren Simmons • AS Review
On any team and in any group, there are people who automatically fall into the role of a leader – it’s in their nature. But having leadership thrust upon someone who’s comfortable in the role of follower takes some getting used to. Just ask Western senior Kristin Schramm. Schramm is in her fourth year of being on the Western women’s basketball team, and is the only senior on the team – a role she is still adapting to. “This year my role has changed from previous years because I’m the only senior,” Schramm said. “I have to become a leader and I’m not really that loud or outgoing.” Schramm describes herself as someone who follows people and plays the role of silent leader. During this basketball season, she has had to actually start talking and leading her teammates.
“Even though I’m not that loud, I’ve been trying to lead by example – working hard and doing the right thing – talking comes a lot easier when I try to do that,” Schramm said. A wing for the Vikings, Schramm began playing at an early age. Her father had immersed her sister, Western basketball alum Sarah Schramm, and her in sports when they were younger, and basketball was what stuck with her, Schramm said. She started playing basketball year round, always being a part of travel teams and participating in tournaments. Schramm originally came to Western because her sister was on the women’s basketball team, but Schramm did not plan on joining because there was not room on the team. She attended open gyms with her sister though, Schramm said. After a series of players quit or got injured, Head Coach Carmen Dolfo asked to speak with Schramm. “I went in and she told me that if I ran tomorrow and the next day, and did all the conditioning, that I could play [on the team],” Schramm said. “That’s how I ended
up as a walk on, and I’m really glad I did it.” Schramm, who leads the Vikings in steals and field goal attempts this season, knows that the coaches expect more of her. They are doing a great job of not making her stress out about her leadership role, though, Schramm said. The leadership role Schramm has does have its upside. “I like the fact that people are coming to me for help, and looking at me as an example,” she said. “It’s really helped me with my leadership skills.” Schamm is a sociology major and is set to graduate in the spring, but does not know what she wants to do after college. Her hopes for the Vikings during the remainder of the season are to stay consistent and make the necessary changes to be successful. “We’re young, but we all have so much experience now,” Schramm said. “We still have a lot of changes to make, but I feel like if we get out defense more consistent we have a good chance of going to the GNAC tournament and regionals.” the
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Upcoming women’s basketball games at home Feb. 2 vs. Western Oregon Feb. 4 vs. Saint Martin’s Feb. 16 vs. Northwest Nazarene Feb. 18 vs. Central Washington All games begin at 7 p.m. in Carver Gym. Tickets are $3 for students with ID or $8 for general admission.
Kristin Schramm in Carver Gym on Jan. 27. Photo by Cade Schmidt//AS Review.
January 30, 2012• 5
Poster by Austin Jansen//AS Publicity Center
FULFILL YOUR DREAMS
Cast of popular MTV show comes to Western Eriver Eugenio • AS Review
Western students will be able to witness and enjoy unseen tales and stories from MTV’s “The Buried Life” as the cast makes its way from the television set to the Performing Arts Center Mainstage on Monday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. The event is hosted by Associated Students Productions Special Events and is $12 for Western students and $16 for general admission. The cast of “The Buried Life,” Ben Nemtin, Dave Lingwood, Duncan Penn and Jonnie Penn, will be sharing stories and video footage and interacting with the audience throughout the event, said AS Productions
You don’t need to be a fan of the show to enjoy ‘The Buried Life’ live. They’re hilarious guys on stage as well, and their passion for what they do is blatantly genuine. -Jordan Renshaw, ASP Special Events Coordinator Special Events Coordinator Jordan Renshaw. The entire event will be based on The Buried Life’s adventures not seen on television, as well as how how they complete their own dreams as those of other’s. The event is also tied in to “Fears vs. Dreams” in the Viking Union Gallery. Both events share similar themes of hope and awareness of the need for compassion, Renshaw said. At the end of the Buried Life event, the guys will move to the gallery for a meet-and-greet session for the “Fears vs. Dreams” reception. “The Buried Life” is not just for fans of the show, Renshaw said, but for anyone and everyone to come and have a good time. “You don’t need to be a fan of the show to enjoy ‘The Buried Life’ live,” Renshaw said. “They’re hilarious guys on stage as well, and their passion for what they do is blatantly genuine.” Regardless if it’s a die-hard fan or someone who has never seen the show, Renshaw is both excited and hopeful that those attending the event will enjoy themselves, “The Buried Life” and the night’s theme, he said. “The show has definitely made an impact on some people emotionally, and the whole point of this event is to share a common longing for hope and optimism in our communities,” Renshaw said. the
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THE MEANEST GIRLS
Comedy opens serious dialogue about healthy relationships
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Lauren Simmons • AS Review
ne word describes an upcoming film sponsored by Associated Students Productions Films and the AS Sexual Awareness Center – fetch. The two offices will host two showings of the 2004 comedy “Mean Girls” at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, in Academic West 204. A discussion panel will be held in AW 203 following
the 7 p.m. showing. Films Coordinator Hayley McVay said SAC Coordinator Morgan Jade approached her wanting to show a film that is prominent in pop culture, which led to the decision for both offices to show “Mean Girls.” By using “Mean Girls,” a popular film many students have likely seen, the two offices can discuss how and why the movie portrays sexuality. “It’s an awareness thing through a pop-culture lens that people are familiar with and like,” McVay said. The showing of “Mean Girls” is a perfect way to view pop culture’s take on stereotypes and the realities of topics such as sexual expression, SAC Assistant Coordinator Danny Canham said.
The discussion panel will focus on multiple topics, including the film’s portrayals of negative and unhealthy sexual relationships. Jade and McVay, in preparation for the discussion panel, took notes on the key themes and key scenes in the movie. McVay said they plan to discuss the topic of “slut slamming,” which is brought up in the film, as well as how the movie jokes about sex education. One scene in the film shows a high school health teacher telling students that if they have sex they will get pregnant and die. Films and the SAC hosted a similar event last year, showing the film “Superbad.” the
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Poster by Brett Flora//AS Publicity Center
Mean quotes: Some of the best lines from the film
Gretchen: That is so fetch! Regina: Gretchen, stop trying to make fetch happen! It’s not going to happen!
Gretchen: I’m sorry that people are so jealous of me... but I can’t help it that I’m so popular.
Regina: Cady, do you even know who sings this? Cady: Um... the Spice Girls? Regina: I love her. She’s like a Martian!
Cady: [about Regina] I have this theory, that if you cut off all her hair she’d look like a British man.
Student: Nice wig, Janis. What’s it made of? Janis: Your mom’s chest hair!
Karen: There’s a 30 percent chance that it’s already raining!
January 30, 2012• 7
Poster by Austin Jansen//AS Publicity Center
SPACE BEATS YACHT is coming Feb. 7
Nick Markman • AS Review A yacht is a luxury ship typically owned by the extremely wealthy. YACHT, which stands for Young Americans Challenging Higher Technology, is a musical group that will be accessible to everyone when they perform at Western for the Associated Students Pop Music’s first electronic show of the year. YACHT will play on Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room. Doors for the show will open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 with student ID and $12 for general admission. “I think people are looking for live shows that are an experience,” AS Pop Music Coordinator Megan Housekeeper said. “With music from YACHT, I see this more as an opportunity for a dance party to wake people up out of winter quarter.”
Just come with an open mind, do not feel selfconscious - if you can avoid it - and prepare to gaze into the mirror of your own radical beauty and autonomous freedom. Jona Bechtolt, who plays many instruments and programs YACHT’s distinct, space-like beats, and vocalist Claire L. Evans are the duo behind YACHT. Evans said that YACHT has a goal for the live translation of “Shangri-La,” their most recent album, and for their live performances in general. “It’s impossible, but we strive for total translation via as much physical contact as possible, live and electronic instrumentation, an audio-visual experience, immersive interaction, and massive invasion of personal space,” Evans said. One of the most appealing aspects of YACHT is their inherent bizarreness. Their website, aside from providing information on the band, offers fans guides on how to appropriately tattoo YACHT symbols, a list of mantras
see YACHT on page 11
For disAbility accommodations please call (360) 650-2846
-Claire L. Evans, YACHT vocalist
8 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
HITTIN’ THE SLOPES
Take a trip to Mount Baker with the AS Outdoor Center Eriver Eugenio • AS Review
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hose wishing to ride the slopes and hit Mount Baker can do so in a way they never have through the Associated Students Outdoor Center’s Backcountry Ski/ Snowboard Days. The Backcountry Ski/Snowboard Days to Mount Baker are on Saturday, Feb. 4 and Sunday, March 4 and cost $35. These Backcountry Ski/Snowboard Days bring intermediate and advanced-level skiers and snowboarders to the backcountry of Mount Baker, which is the area outside of a normal ski resort, said AS Outdoor Center Excursions Coordinator Eric Messerschmidt. The goal of the excursion is for those on the trip to hit the mountain in areas they never have before while also being educated about avalanche safety, especially since the backcountry is not monitored or regulated like a ski resort would, Messerschmidt said. “Education is the most important thing,” Messerschmidt said. “You really have to know and have avalanche education if you come.”
While each trip is tailored to the group’s needs, which are established at a pre-meeting, the main focus is to show skiers and snowboarders new ways to remain safe while on a mountain, said AS Outdoor Center Trip leader Henry Hagood. Some of the lessons focus on group dynamics, which involve making decisions as a group, while other lessons involve analyzing the dangers of trees and large snow slopes while being caught in an avalanche, Hagood said. “There are features that would increase the consequences of an avalanche,” Hagood said. “We do terrain evaluation [and] what kind of terrain would have more consequences if it slid.” While education and teaching safety is the most important aspect of the trips, both Messerschmidt and Hagood agreed riding the slopes and having fun doing so is never left out. “We touch on riding with back packs and riding in powder and fresh deep untouched snow a lot of people haven’t before,” Hagood said.
Although the Bac Next thought of being on a Ski kcou mountain that may be /Sn n prone to avalanches ow try D b ay: might turn some away, Feb oard Hagood assures those .4 who haven’t been on the Backcountry Ski/ Snowboard Days that their safety is most important and that the trip will show them how to enjoy skiing or snowboarding in a whole new light, Hagood said. “We have a pretty impeccable safety record and that’s because we’re on an institutionalized trip and we have a pretty low of margin of risk,” Hagood said. “We want to show them what the back country has to offer and expose them to a world enough where they want to learn about it more themselves. It’s super fun, it’s super cheap; everyone should ride out.” the
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Poster by Zhuang Zhao//CSA member
Photos courtesy of the AS Outdoor Center
January 30, 2012• 9
A different take on drugs
Guest submission:
like Occupy have a Campus clubs promote realistic views of substances Protests history of change Nick Markman• AS Review
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ver since president Richard Nixon coined the phrase in 1971, the United States government has been involved in the War on Drugs. It took 40 years of increasing drugrelated incarceration rates, accessibility, more frequent use by minors, and policy struggles between foreign, national and state governments before the Global Commission on Drug Policy declared the War a failure in 2011.
This past month, two new Western clubs gained university recognition. One club, Students for Sensible Drug Policies, is a chapter of an international, student-run, grassroots organization dealing with drug policy reform Photo by cade schmidt //AS Open ReviewDialogues on localillustration and national levels. The other, about Drugs, promotes healthy conversation and awareness through group discussions and sharing. Both intend to collaborate with each other in hopes of changing society’s attitudes, stigmas and legislature on drugs in the wake of a failed war. “We are really serious about this and we think it’s going to have a really huge, positive effect at Western,” Odd Club founder Renae Stowell said. SSDP Club Coordinator Matthew Hilliard set out to form a drug awareness club at Western during his freshman year. After a year of trying, he discovered SSDP. Hilliard said that SSDP’s activism-centered approach made him interested in the organization. “We’re concerned about the impact that drug abuse has on our communities, but we also know that the war on drugs is not only failing our generation, but our society overall,” SSDP Western Regional Outreach Coordinator Devon Tackels said. SSDP had their first meeting on Monday, Jan. 23. They plan to meet bi-weekly or weekly at 5p.m. on Mondays in Academic West 205. Hilliard said the club needs to focus on gaining members, but that soon they will pick an SSDP campaign to partake in. SSDP offers a variety of campaigns for its chapters, each one geared toward changing drug policy. Hilliard said that one campaign in particular, Campus Change, is relevant to Western because it aims to change campus penalties for drugs and alcohol. Hilliard said that he would like to see dorm eviction and expulsion poli-
Evan Knappenberger • Guest submission cies regarding drugs to be treated on a case to case basis instead of having a policy that encompasses everyone so that good students that get caught up in drugs or alcohol do not have to risk losing their higher education. “There’s a lot of flaws in the system right now, not just at Western, but all over the country and we need to figure out ways to solve those,” Hilliard said. Stowell has been a long-time volunteer for Dance Safe Bellingham, a nonprofit that promotes health safety at dance events. She also volunteers for SSDP and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, an organization that provides funding for research on psychedelic drugs. She decided to create Odd Club as a way to combine all the efforts of the individual organizations she volunteers at into one group. “There’s so many drugs around but nobody really knows a lot about them and they’re too afraid to ask questions or they feel ashamed,” Stowell said. “It’s almost like taboo that they’re going to do these drugs. The danger comes in when they don’t know what they’re doing.” Odd Club meets every Monday at 5 p.m. in AW 405. The club has a semi-structured approach. There is a topic for each meeting such as particular drugs, art and movies. Group discussion is encouraged and individuals can bring up whatever topics they want. “Anyone can come in. If they’ve never done a drug before that’s totally fine. You can come in and just hear what other people have to say and talk about your own opinions and experiences,” Stowell said. “There’s nothing wrong with talking about it. We don’t promote drug use; we just promote the freedom to talk about it.” Stowell, who used to use crack cocaine and methamphetamine, said that drugs have been both the darkest and lightest parts of her life. Her discovery and therapeutic use of psychedelic mushrooms helped her realize and deal with personal trauma. Stowell said that she hopes to communicate this at Odd club meetings: drugs are dangerous, but they can also be beneficial. “We just want to acknowledge that people do drugs, that they’ve always done drugs since the beginning of time,” Stowell said. “We just want to promote accurate, honest information and not make it something to be ashamed about.” the
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There’s nothing wrong with talking about it. We don’t promote drug use; we just promote the freedom to talk about it. -Ranae Stowell, founder of Open Dialogues about Drugs club
Police in riot gear with shotguns and gas masks march through the park, facing down a rag-tag group of protestors who have been using the space to spread a message of justice and equality. The image has been repeated across this country thousands of times. Front in the consciousness of the student community has been an ongoing dialogue about such movements and tactics, but forgotten is our history: we have done this before. In 1986, a navy veteran and college student, Brian Evans, was fed up with the system of oppression. Evans, who was a popular KUGS DJ who went by the name “Cloudhopper,” climbed a tree in the area between Viking Union and Old Main. Police demanded that he come down, but he refused, instead dropping a list of demands that included a halt to logging operations and a release of WWII-era archives. He spent nine days camping in the tree, during which time he hosted a radio show with his friend Rowan Petersen, and was even shot at by an angry counterdemonstrator, who stormed up the tree to confront Evans with a gun. In 2007, I got a permit for an eight-day protest in downtown Bellingham, where I set up a mock army guard tower to protest military policies. While I was occupying, I heard many stories of “minioccupations” in Bellingham. In the 1960’s, young men burned their draft cards in front of the Federal building on Cornwall street, sometimes camping for as long as three days. The reality is, Occupy Wall Street (and its Bellingham counterpart) is quite an old idea. Protesting full-time has often been the catalyst for nation-shaking political and social change. To learn the lessons of the past is to re-learn the minor histories of oppressed groups- veterans seem to have played a key role in most major social movements, as have college students. Often these movements start with one or two people, like Brian Cloudhopper, and have little visible effect. But the truth is, the changes which these long-term occupation tactics accomplish are manifold if not visible: they prove to the participants the efficacy of their own voices. They prove to the world the seriousness of the issues in question, and they demonstrate the will of the people for justice. Serious activism takes many forms, and follows many paths. But at its heart is the persistent belief in the goodness of one’s neighbors and the willingness to sacrifice for the imminent world where oppression is non-existent and ultimately where there will be no 99% and 1%. So here’s to the Brian Cloudhoppers among us, waiting for the right time to speak out.