October_15,_2008 by N.C. Central University Campus Echo

OCTOBER 15, 2008

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VOLUME 100, ISSUE 4 919 530 7116/CAMPUSECHO@NCCU.EDU WWW.CAMPUSECHO.COM

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Opinions

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Beyond NCCU

Photo Feature

Want to understand the financial crisis? It’s the Federal Reserve, argues Roundtree.

Eagles are stopped at the 1-yard line; now they’re 1-5.

How we got into this mess — the financial crisis explained.

Echo photographer Sebastian Frances turns his camera on the Big Apple.

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Campus Echo Crisis, Feds get bold

ELECTION NEARS | OBAMA AHEAD IN POLLS

BY KEVIN G. HALL

Budget cuts hit home Economic slowdown hits state — $4.3 million cut from NCCU budget

MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS (MCT)

WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department confirmed Friday evening that it will buy stakes in major U.S. banks and financial institutions, announcing the bold move as leaders of the world's leading industrialized democracies agreed to guidelines for joint action but stopped short of taking coordinated steps sought by investors worldwide. The revelation that Treasury will take nonvoting stakes in U.S. banks adds to a growing list of unprecedented government interventions into private financial institutions not seen since the Great Depression. The list includes the seizure of mortgage-finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the rescue of global insurer American International Group with an $85 billion loan, emergency lending to several financial firms, and the direct purchase of short-term promissory notes from U.S. corporations to bypass clogged credit markets. The announcements came after another turbulent day in world financial markets, and after Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson held an emergency meeting in Washington with the finance ministers and central bank presidents from the Group of Seven, which includes the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom,

BY GEOFFREY COOPER ECHO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

n See CRISIS Page 6

Washington University sophomore student Nicole Lopez jockeys for the best sign position as MSNBC tapes students before the vice presidential debate to be held at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, Thursday, October 2, 2008. ROBERT COHEN/St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MCT)

t’s been a long presidential campaign for everyone. Now it’s almost time to head to the polls — early voting starts tomorrow. The Republicans have occupied the White House for eight years. Will John McCain make it 12? Or will Barack Obama make history and become the first African-American elected to our highest office? Read about it in our special elections section. We’ll tell you where and when you can vote. There’s even a sample ballot.

INSIDE See our Campus Election Special. It’s in the fold.

Financial woes aren’t just on Wall Street these days. N.C. Central University is joining the club, along with the 15 other North Carolina public universities. About $4.4 million from NCCU’s 2008-2009 certified budget of approximately $109,803,916 has been cut. Alan Robertson, vice chancellor for administration and finance, said that on Oct. 9, an e-mail was sent from Gov. Mike Easley and the Office of State Budget and Management to the UNC General Administration authorizing budgets from N.C. agencies be downsized by 4 percent to maintain financial stability in an already shaky state and national economy. “I’ve been in this field for more than 30 years, and I have never seen anything like this before,” Robertson said in regard to the current economy. The first mandate came on Sept. 18 from state budget director Charles Perruse, stating that due to the slowdown of the national economy, Easley recommended lowered revenue expectations for all state-wide agencies. In order to reach this goal, Easley first proposed a 2 percent cut in authorized budgets for state agencies. “We are not immune from the nation’s economic slowdown,” Perruse said in the letter. “(We) are implementing measures now to give as much as possible to manage revenue shortfall should it arise.” Perruse also stated that Easley is attempting to ensure that N.C.’s budget is stable by June 30, 2009.

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On the road, less and less Tight budget, farther-away games means fewer road trips for Sound Machine BY SADE THOMPSON ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Since 2001, Jorim Reid, director of bands, has led N.C. Central University’s Sound Machine in a triumphant rendition. Yet when funds show no sign of increasing, the music doesn’t always make it to the stadium. And the instruments don’t always get purchased. The Sound Machine is funded by Student Affairs. “The number of students in the marching band has quadrupled,” said Reid. “The budget has not.” The band did make it to the Oct. 11 game against the Presbyterian Blue Hose. “It’s disappointing when we put in 20 hours of hard work during the week and can’t play at the game,” said

Former Sound Machine assistant drum major Austin Chambers shows the crowd how to get low at the 2004 Aggie-Eagle Classic

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Echo File Photo

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008

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So how does this affect NCCU? The mandate from Easley affects public schools, community colleges and the universities in the UNC System. On Sept. 24, Chancellor Charlie Nelms issued a University-wide e-mail explaining the contents of the mandate from Easley and outlining the NCCU administration’s plan to carry out Easley’s initiatives. Nelms said the slow-down in N.C.’s economy could be credited to scenarios Americans are facing, such as the “credit crunch,” bank failures, high unemployment and businesses going under. “This thing has a ripple effect,” said Nelms. “If anyone ever wondered about the global nature of the economy, if they need proof, this is certainly it.” Nelms said that although the University was not entirely prepared, he was not surprised at the cuts. He said he believes they are reasonable and that the University system is generally well supported by the state. “Any cut is too much, but

it’s understandable because this is a situation that is affecting all of us,” he said. “We are going to continue to do our share.” Nelms approved NCCU’s budget committee recommendations: • All state-funded vacancies were to be stopped as of Sept. 24. • In order for any vital University position to be filled, it must go through the approval of department chairs, deans, the provost or vice chancellor and the chancellor. Hiring decisions will be based on the urgency of the position and availability of funds. • As of Sept. 30, the funds for positions that have not yet been filled will be seized by NCCU administration. • Travel and purchasing decisions should be weighed heavily. Purchases should only be made that are vital to University priorities. The Office of State Budget and Management will monitor the revenue position monthly. The budget cuts may be lifted when the economy improves.

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The NCCU Sound Machine at this year’s Aggie-Eagle Classic in Charlotte’s Memorial Stadium. BRYSON POPE /Echo Staff Photographer

Reubin Ahukanna, a trombone player in the Sound Machine. Reid said he has purchased meals and paid for transportation for the marching band out of his own pocket. He also has purchased items such as drumsticks, reeds and sheet music, often because they were needed immediately. Due to scheduled performances, the band can’t spare the time to wait two or three months for monies

to be approved by the school. Price increases — especially gas prices — have also hit the Sound Machine hard and cut into their ability to travel to away games. “There was a time where diesel used to be cheaper than regular gas, but now it costs more,” said Reid. According to Reid, it now costs about $1,800 dollars per bus per trip, compared to $600 dollars per bus three to four years ago. “People have to get out

of the CIAA culture and mentality,” Reid said. “New stipulations come with transferring to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, and the marching band will not be at every game.” Schools that NCCU used to play regularly including Shaw University and Johnson C. Smith University, are located closer to NCCU. But MEAC games, at schools like Howard University in Washington,

D.C., and Florida A&M University in Tallahassee are farther way. Reid said that even when the band is not present, fans should be excited to see the Eagles play. “Students should be students and pep up the game,” he said. Reid said he reaches out to outside corporations, like Yamaha, for support. The corporation gave the Sound Machine equipment valued at half a million dollars for $100,000.

These shoes were found 46 yards from the crash caused by a drunk driver. Carissa Deason was thrown 30 yards and not even her father, a doctor, could save her.

Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008

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Book fair fares well

IVER SITY

VOTING IS THE CORNERSTONE OF DEMOCRACY

Scholastic Book Fair provides resources for NCCU’s Curriculum Materials Center BY MIKE DEWEESE-FRANK ECHO STAFF REPORTER

N.C. Central University’s Curriculum Materials Center hosted its fourth consecutive Scholastic Book Fair Oct. 6-9 to publicize the center and to add more children’s books to its collection. The fair was held at the Curriculum Materials Center in the H.M. Michaux Education Building. The CMC was originally located in Shepard Library; in 2004, it moved to the new Education Building. Yash Garg, CMC director, said the book fair was good publicity, helping bring people to the center and providing an introduction to its services. “The Curriculum Materials Center’s primary purpose is to provide resources to tomorrow’s teachers,” said Garg. The center provides educational materials for the teachers’ training program in the education department. Angela Terry, CMC assistant, said that the Scholastic Book Fair “went very well,” and is “good for the center.” The fair “lets people know that we’re here and that we exist,” said Terry. Besides publicity, CMC needed more children’s literature for its collection. The center now has more than children’s 1,000 books. Scholastic will donate books to CMC based on how many are sold. “We get to keep a certain percentage of sales for ourselves,” said Garg. The Scholastic Book Fair was not held to raise funds for CMC, but rather to receive in-kind donations from Scholastic. “I don’t want to make it a business venture,” said Garg. “I want to make it an academic venture.” Last year, CMC sold $1,200 worth of books at the fair, which resulted in book donations valued at $550. According to Garg 30 titles were selected this year, with a value of $350. Most of them are educational titles like “Freedom on the Menu,” “Birmingham - 1963” and “Hooray for Reading Day.” Other are storybooks like “The Rabbit and the Turtle,” “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” and “Old

ATTENTION STUDENTS NOTICE OF HISTORICAL ELECTION EVENT Tuesday, November 4, 2008 The Durham County Board of Elections will conduct a General Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. All of our 57 polling places will be open from 6:30am until 7:30pm. Races on the ballot will be: US President and Vice President, US Senate, US House of Representatives, Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Auditor, Commissioner of Agriculture, Commissioner of Insurance, Commissioner of Labor, Secretary of State, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Treasurer, NC Senate 18,20, NC House 29,30,31,55, District Attorney, County Commissioner (5), Register of Deeds, NC Supreme Court Associate Justice, NC Court of Appeals Judge (6), District Court Judge, Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor, and Tax Referendum. All registered voters residing in Durham County are eligible and encouraged to vote in this election. Voters who are currently registered need not re-register. Citizens who have not registered or voters who have moved or changed other information since they last voted must notify the Board of Elections by 5pm, Friday, October 10, 2008.

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE REGISTER NOW & VOTE NOTICE OF ONE STOP NO EXCUSE ABSENTEE VOTING Any Durham County registered voter can vote early---you’ll receive the exact same ballot as you would at your precinct on Election day. If you have moved, it is easy to update your address at any one stop site.

ONE STOP LOCATIONS • Board of Elections Office: 706 W. Corporation St, Durham, NC 27701 • NCCU Campus: Parrish Center Meeting Room, 1400 S. Alston Ave, Durham, NC 27707 • Duke University Campus: Old Trinity Room, West Union, 114 Chapel Dr, Durham, NC 27708 • North Regional Library: 231 Milton Rd, Durham, NC 27712 • East Regional Library: 211 Lick Creek Ln, Durham, NC 27703 • Forest View Elementary: 3007 Mt. Sinai Rd, Durham, NC 27705 • Southwest Elementary: 2320 Cook Rd, Durham, NC 27713

ONE STOP HOURS (SAME FOR ALL 7 LOCATIONS)

Yash Garg, director of the Curriculum Materials Center, at the annual Scholastic Book Fair, Oct 6-9. MICHAEL DEWEESE-FRANK/Echo Staff Photographer

Bear.” Others acquired include pre-school titles, such as “Alphabet” and “Come Rhyme with Me.” Garg said she strives to offer a variety of literary genres, including adventure, science, fantasy, graphic novels, reference, history, and picture books. She said she tries to

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choose books for the CMC collection that will cater to a variety of interests and levels of reading. Garg said, “we want good literature,” and describes herself as being “very selective” in choosing not only what will be available at the Scholastic Book Fair, but what titles will be donated to CMC.

• Thur-Sat

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SAME DAY REGISTRATION-Voters are allowed to register and vote at one stop sites. It is quicker and easier to register in advance, but if you have not registered you can do it at one stop with proper identification. (This same day registration is not allowed at the precincts on election day.)

Information regarding registration, polling locations, absentee by mail voting, one stop hours, or other election matters may be obtained by contacting the Board of Elections at: 919-560-0700 or www.co.durham.nc.us/elec or 706 W. Corporation St., Durham, NC, 27701

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Want to become a health professional? Want to attend health career seminars and workshops? Want to meet recruiters from health professions schools? Want to meet students pursuing health professions?

If so, find out about the N.C. Health Careers Access Program at NCCU.

902 Old Fayetteville Street, Suite 201 Phoenix Shopping Center (across from KFC) 910 308 1935

Health Careers Center 521 Nelson Street Durham, NC 27707 919 530-7128 Barbara S. Moore, Director Alfreda D. Evans, Program Assistant

Campus Echo Online ~ www.campusecho.com Breaking news, past issue archives, advertising information, and more.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008

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NC TEACH — an alternative route BY CARA OXENDINE ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Undecided about what you want to do with your life or your degree? NC TEACH, or North Carolina Teachers of Education for All Children, offers students an opportunity to enter the teaching profession without a teaching degree or prior teaching experience. N.C. Central University is one of 12 colleges in the state that offer the program.

NC TEACH was developed nine years ago by the State Board of Education and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and has provided licenses to more than 1,500 students in 85 North Carolina counties. Graduates are hired as lateral-entry teachers, which means that prior teaching experience or a teaching degree is not required, just 24 credits in a specialized area. Students are allowed to begin teaching right away,

while taking coursework to complete their teaching certification. “It’s like a temporary license or a provisional permit for teachers,” said Katrina Billingsley, NCCU’s site coordinator for NC TEACH. The program provides new, alternative routes to teacher certification and enables school districts to respond quickly and more efficiently to high-need schools.

“The drawbacks to being lateral-entry is that you are learning as you are doing,” says Ragan Spain, a high school science consultant for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, Curriculum Instruction and Technology Division. “They don’t have the luxury of a student teaching experience,” he said. “Often your beginning teachers are saddled with more problem kids, lower levels, and lower couses.”

Some advantages of entering lateral entry are that students can avoid taking Praxis I by maintaining a 2.5 GPA and can start with higher salaries because of previous work experience. Even better, the program allows out-of-state students to be eligible for in-state tuition. “It’s the local systems that give supplements that differentiate the pay,” he said. This means that students must find schools that offer loan forgiveness programs

and pay incentives. “Teaching is a rewarding profession,” said Spain. “One where your hands actually shape the future every day.” “I doubt it will ever get the money it deserves, but retirement salaries in N.C. are among the highest nationally.” NCCU offers certification programs for grades K-12 in special education, and for grades six through nine in math, science, language arts and social studies.

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008

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Beyond NCCU

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008

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FROM WASHINGTON . . .

. . . TO WALL STREET

. . . TO MAIN STREET

Politicians of all stripes, long preaching the virtues of homeownership, resist efforts to tighten lending standards. The American economy depends heavily on free-spending consumers, and interest rate cuts beginning in 2001 were tinder for the housing boom.

Banks and mortgage lenders opened the vault to anyone who had a pulse. Platoons of mortgage brokers canvassed the country, offering deals that seemed too good to pass up. Wall Street bundled packages of good, bad and ugly loans for eager investors.

American consumers go on a borrowing binge. They buy homes they can’t afford, use their homes as an ATM and speculate in real estate. Some are victimized by largely unregulated mortgage brokers. When the bills come due, they’re tapped out.

Housing values never go down. That simple premise enticed American consumers and Wall Street to load up on mortgage debt. Plunging home values now threaten to drag down the global economy. THE BOOM 2000-2006

in global financial markets. In the U.S. on Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average swung more than 1,000 points in a wild day of trading, the biggest point swing in the blue-chip stock index’s 112-year history. The Dow closed down 128 points to 8,451.19, the best daily finish in a dismal week that had the index down more than 18 percent, the worst week of its storied history. Before getting to that final number, however, the Dow fell almost 700 points after the opening bell Friday and briefly crossed below 8,000 for the first time in five years. In a rare bit of good news, some battered bank stocks including Citigroup and J.P. Morgan Chase rebounded, preventing even steeper losses in the Dow. The tech-heavy Nasdaq actually closed up 4.39 points, or 0.27 percent, to 1,649.51. The S&P 500 posted modest losses of 10.70 points, or 1.18 percent, to 899.22. And the Russell 2000, an index of smaller companies, rose 4.6 percent. The U.S. numbers were tame compared to the turmoil abroad Friday, as investors projected into the future and fretted about a sinking global economy. Japan’s Nikkei exchange fell 9.6 percent, losing a quarter of its value this week. Exchanges in Hong Kong and Australia fell 7.2 percent and 8.3, respectively, on Friday. Asia’s turmoil spread to Europe, where London’s FTSE exchange was down 8.8 percent and exchanges in Germany and France closed down 7 percent and 7.7 percent, respectively. “There is no safe haven,” said Evariste Lefeuvre, an economist with the French investment bank Netixis, told the BBC. Most economists now project a U.S. recession and the possibility of a global one. Another bright spot: Oil prices tumbled 10 percent, settling at $77.70 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, almost half of July’s record of $147. For U.S. motorists, that translates to lower pump prices. The nationwide average price for a gallon of unleaded gas fell to $3.35 on Friday, according to AAA. That’s down 76 cents from the July 17 high of $4.11 a gallon and down 31 cents from a month ago. Meanwhile the credit market at the heart of the global financial turmoil sent conflicting signals. The most closely watched credit measure is the London interbank offer rate, or Libor, a rate banks charge each other for short-term loans. The British Bankers Association said Friday that the overnight Libor rate improved markedly, to 2.46875 percent on Friday from 5.09375 percent a day earlier. But the Libor rate for three-month loans, a sign of future confidence, actually rose from 4.75 percent to 4.81875 percent. Libor rates affect the cost of borrowing for U.S. businesses, as well as some rates on car loans, student loans and adjustable-rate mortgages.

2000: The dot-com bubble bursts in March, followed by the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. Stock markets tumble. The Federal Reserve, under Alan Greenspan, cuts interest rates 12 times beginning in January 2001. By June 2003, interest rates are at a 40-year low. New home construction, existing home sales and median home values surge. Lenders use the cheap money to create ever-more exotic mortgages, including adjustable-rate loans with “teaser” or introductory rates as low as 1 percent. Subprime loans, those made to borrowers with poor or risky credit histories, soar from 7 percent of all home loans in

2001 to 20 percent in 2006. Lenders pool the mortgages to sell on Wall Street, which embraces the real estate sector and its promise of high returns. Credit ratings agencies bless these mortgage packages with their safest rating, AAA. A key assumption: home values will continue to rise. Banks, insurance companies, hedge funds, pension funds and foreign governments gobble up these supposedly safe mortgage-backed securities. Some firms buy insurance policies from American International Group and similar firms to protect them in the event of defaults.

The Federal Reserve raises interest rates in June 2004, the first of 16 increases. The bubble begins to deflate a year later with the first wave of foreclosures, a slowdown in newhome construction and a slide in home values. January 2006: Ameriquest Mortgage Co. settles 49-state probe into deceptive subprime practices for $325 million. April 2006: Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke acknowledges “signs of softening” in housing market. Median home sale prices stall, then fall. Housing starts to fall. February 2007: Newhome sales drop 20.1 percent from same month in 2006.

Sales of existing homes fall. The consumer economy stalls as home sales — a key indicator of future consumer spending — fall. Teaser rates give way to higher monthly payments. Owners, unable to refinance or sell, start missing payments. Foreclosures mount. The value of those mortgage-backed securities sinks.

THE MELTDOWN 2008 Accounting rules require owners of the mortgage-backed securities to “write down” their value. As the housing market worsens, confidence in the value of any mortgage-backed security evaporates. Investors are forced to write off hundreds of billions of dollars. February: AIG and other agencies that sold insurance against defaults have to pay up and take similar writedowns. March: Bear Stearns, a major investment bank and underwriter of mortgage-backed securities, runs out of capital and is sold to J.P. Morgan Chase. April: New Century Financial, the second largest subprime lender, files for bankruptcy. Sept. 7: Mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, with more than $5 trillion in mortgage-back securities, are taken over by the federal government to avert a bankruptcy after their market values fell by more than half. Sept. 15: Lehman Brothers investment bank goes bankrupt. Sept. 15: Merrill Lynch

hastily accepts a purchase offer from Bank of America to avoid Lehman’s fate. Sept. 16: AIG is rescued by the Federal Reserve with an $85 billion secured loan in exchange for a 79.9 percent government stake. September: Bankers, unsure of their total exposure to bad mortgages, raise interest rates for their best customers and shy from lending money to others. September: Fear of a deep global recession grows. September: Saying piecemeal interventions are not enough, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Bernanke propose a $700 billion bailout under which the government would buy and then attempt to resell mortgage-backed securities.

M I N N E A P O L I S S TA R T R I B U N E / M C T

Germany, France, Italy and Japan. In a news conference, Paulson said he told the visiting financial leaders how he’ll carry out the recently enacted $700 billion U.S. financial rescue package. He revealed that he plans to go beyond purchasing distressed bank assets to take nonvoting stakes in U.S. financial institutions to help recapitalize them. “We are developing strategies to use the authority to purchase and insure mortgage assets and to purchase equity in financial institutions, as deemed necessary to promote financial market stability,” Paulson said. He added that Treasury is working to develop a standardized approach for a wide array of companies to help them attract private capital as well. In a joint communique, G-7 finance ministers and central bankers said “that the current situation calls for urgent and exceptional action. “We commit to continue working together to stabilize financial markets and restore the flow of credit, to support global economic growth.” Their five-point guideline plan includes preventing bank failures; ensuring that credit and money markets return to normal functioning; enabling banks to raise capital from public and private sources; ensuring sufficient insurance of bank deposits; and restarting the secondary markets where mortgages and other loans are pooled into bondlike instruments. “This is a period like none of us have seen before. ... There were not (questions) on what we needed to do,” Paulson insisted, dismissing concerns that global investors wanted to see more immediate G-7 steps taken in unison. Action would be coordinated where possible, he said, but “individual countries are going to have different needs and are going to approach the problems differently.” Perhaps the statement’s most important point, however, was its message to the world that the G-7 powers are committed to coordinated and united action. Market analysts had stressed that such a stand was necessary to improve global confidence. That’s the point Paulson emphasized in a statement he issued following the meeting: “The G-7 is compelled to robust international partnership and cooperation. Never has it been more essential to find collective solutions to ensure stable and efficient financial markets and restore the health of the world economy,” Paulson’s statement said. Over the weekend, Paulson will continue meeting with leaders of the world’s 20 most important economies — including big emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, India and China — to seek additional ways of restoring confidence in the financial markets. They’re in Washington for meetings of the International Monetary Fund. The G-7 meeting came at the end of a turbulent week

THE SUBPRIME CRISIS LATE 2006 TO EARLY 2008

Clinton and Bush administrations and Congress, as part of their domestic agenda, push to increase homeownership from about 63 percent of U.S. households to 68 percent. Underwriting regulations are eased to allow more low-income borrowers to obtain a mortgage.

*Measures changes in residential real estate values by tracking repeat sales of individual properties.

BY KEVIN G. HALL McClatchy Newspapers

any Americans are nervously watching the wild swings on the New York Stock Exchange for signs of a Wall Street collapse, but it’s the opaque credit markets that matter most right now to consumers and businesses alike. These markets can be mind-numbing in their complexity, but they are vital to corporate America’s ability to fund its daily cash flow, and to Main Street itself. And they’re the reason why President Bush proposed the controversial $700 billion rescue plan. Here are some answers to questions about the credit markets.

Q: What’s the credit market?

A: It’s not one but several interconnected markets. Some of these markets involve banks lending to each other at overnight rates, while others involve issuance of a variety of debt instruments such as bonds that carry a short lifespan.

Q: Why do banks need to provide each other

2 percent since April, but the market-set rate actually shot up to 7 percent Tuesday morning before tapering off to 3 percent. That’s still a full point above the Fed’s target, and it means banks are hoarding cash and only willing to part with it for a high price. The result: They borrow less, and thus lend less.

Q: How does this translate to problems on Main Street? A: Commercial banks take a cue from the Fed funds rate when they set the prime rate, which is the interest they charge on loans to customers with the best credit. The prime rate is usually 3 percentage points higher than the Fed funds rate, but banks do set this rate based on conditions on the ground. Changes in the Fed funds rate affect short-term interest rates, foreign exchange rates and indirectly the price of goods and services and even employment. So overnight rates are a vivid, immediate expression of the confidence or lack thereof in credit markets. When nervous banks charge each other higher overnight rates, it ripples across all kinds of lending in the economy.

Q: How is this credit crunch affecting corporate America?

overnight credit? A: The Federal Reserve requires banks to keep a certain amount of cash in reserve on the premises or in one of the Fed’s district banks. The amount is actually a ratio to the level of deposits the banks have. The required ratio of reserves-to-deposits goes up and down, so banks lend to each other to cover this evershifting target. The Federal Reserve establishes a target for the rate that banks charge in overnight lending — called the Fed funds rate. This target is set through the Fed’s rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee, which normally meets eight times a year. But the actual overnight lending rate is set by the banks themselves. The Fed’s target interest rate for overnight lending has been at

A: Corporations don’t have piles of cash sitting in bank accounts to pay their bills. They issue IOU-like short-term notes, sometimes called commercial paper, that often mature in 30 days. In some cases, the collateral on these notes is a company’s inventory or other assets, so these bonds are also called asset-backed commercial paper. When these largely unregulated short-term notes mature, investors can cash in or roll them over for another 30 days. If there is the perception of more risk, the yield — or the interest paid to investors — rises. When there’s confidence in the markets, the yields are low, which means that borrowing costs for corporations are low. When fear is rampant, as it is now, investors are reluctant to hold these bonds, fearing a default. They demand a higher interest rate, or yield. As the yield rises, it becomes more costly to borrow to fund day-to-day operations.

Q: So what? These Wall Street fat cats deserve

what’s coming to them. A: Maybe so, but remember that although the investors who buy these short-term debt instruments may be on Wall Street, the companies issuing this debt are corporations that employ millions of people in the U.S. and around the world. When their costs of borrowing go up substantially, they have to cut costs elsewhere, and that often translates into layoffs. That’s how Wall Street problems quickly become Main Street problems.

Q: Any other examples?

A: Automobile dealerships. Carmakers don’t just give them cars. Dealerships borrow money to purchase the cars they will then sell to customers. When the cost of borrowing goes up for dealerships, they’re forced to raise the price of the vehicles they sell at a time when there are already few buyers and when loan terms have tightened sharply for consumers. The credit crunch also hits developers and civil-engineering firms that build shopping malls, office buildings and public works projects. When funding for their projects dries up, construction workers are laid off.

Q: How are local communities hit by the credit crunch? A: Many local governments rely on issuing debt, often in the form of municipal bonds, to fund road projects or other development in their region. They too are being squeezed as the cost of credit goes up. Local quality of life will suffer. “I think it’s going to limit (bond issuance) because it is going to be expensive to borrow. It’s going to be tough on small communities,” said Michael Long, the treasurer for Klamath County in Oregon, on California’s northern border.

MORE Q&A: McClatchy correspondents Kevin G. Hall and Tony Pugh are available to answer your questions about the economic meltdown at http://www.mcclatchydc.com/turmoil/.

Calif. restricts texting, driving BY EDWIN GARCIA SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS (MCT)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Get ready to remove your fingers from that tiny keyboard while driving. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday signed into law

a measure banning motorists from text messaging and e-mailing while operating a vehicle. The law, written by state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, takes effect Jan. 1. “Building on legislation already helping save lives in California, I am happy

to sign this bill because it further encourages safe and responsible driving,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement. “Banning electronic text messaging while driving will keep drivers’ hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road,

making our roadways a safer place for all Californians.” Drivers caught using their phones to write, read or send messages will be hit with a $20 ticket the first time and $50 on each subsequent offenses.

United Christian Campus Ministry

525 Nelson Street, NCCU Campus MID WEEK MANNA Lunch and Learn Bible Study Every Wednesday 12:00 Noon to 12:50 P.M. Old Holy Cross Catholic Church Guest Lecturers: Wed., Oct 15 ~, Dr. Herbert R. Davis, Pastor, Nehemiah Christian Center Wed., Oct. 22 ~ Minister Tammy Rodman, Abundant Hope Christian Church

Michael D. Page Campus Minister

Wed., Oct.. 29 ~ Wilbur Fletcher, Evangelical Lutheran Fellowship Students, Sign up to join Christian Student Fellowship, FITT MEN's Ministry or the new Women's Ministry.

For more information or to get involved in Campus Ministries contact Rev. Michael Page at 530-6380 or by e-mail at mpage@nccu.edu

www.campusecho.com

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008

Get a copy! White working class revealed

BY CARA OXENDINE ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Ever wonder why the white working class so often vote Republican — even though the vote they cast often works against their economic interests? Joe Bageant, author of “Deer Hunting with Jesus: Dispatches from America’s Class War,” provides insight into that quandry. Provocative and convincing journalist Joe Bageant will discuss and sign copies of his book, “Deer Hunting with Jesus: Dispatches from America’s Class War,” this evening at 7 p.m. The event will be held at the Regulator Bookshop at 720 Ninth St. in Durham. The book signing is open to the public. In a close inspection into his own native “ScottishIrish mutt people” of the working class in Virginia, Bageant shows how workers throughout America have continually voted for a Republican party that does not appear to support them. “He evokes working class America like no one else,” said Howard Zinn, author of “A People’s History of the United States.” The author of “Reservation Blues,” Sherman Alexie, warns that “we ignore its message at our peril.” Bageant says the problem for the white working class is that they “vote Republican because no liberal voice … that speaks the rock-bottom, undeniable truth, ever enters their lives.” This is a truly useful warning to heed at the edge of an important election.

Beyond NCCU

Recent warming not cyclic Global warming unprecedented in 1,300 years — study BY RENEE SCHOOF MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS (MCT)

WASHINGTON — A new scientific study adds evidence that temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere fluctuated a bit over time, but that the sharp increase during the past few decades is bigger than anything in at least 1,300 years. The report was published Tuesday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Its conclusion is that temperature increased and decreased a little over the centuries, but the fluctuations were small enough that the line was roughly flat, like the shaft of a horizontal hockey stick. Then, from about 1980 to now, temperature increased sharply, more than any increase before — like the blade of the hockey stick. For the past 10 years, climate-change skeptics have been calling the hockey stick bogus. Now the scientists who studied the climate record and produced the original hockey-stick graph have done a new study using more data from more sources — and they got the same pattern. The new study “establishes further evidence that the recent warming isn’t just part of a typical cycle,” said climatologist Michael Mann, director of the Earth System Science Center at Pennsylvania State University. “Of course, this alone doesn’t establish the cause of that warming — that it must be due to human

influences,” Mann said. That’s left to other scientific studies of the climate. Forces of nature — changes in the output of the sun’s energy and volcanic eruptions — and random variation explain the changes in climate before industrial times, Mann said. But only if human factors are taken into account — particularly the production of long-lasting, heattrapping gases from burning fossil fuels — can scientists explain the unusually high recent temperature increase, he said. Mann’s group’s study collected additional data for the centuries before the mid-19th century, when scientists began recording temperatures. Their previous study depended on tree rings, and some critics said it was not a reliable way to reconstruct past climate over a long period. Mann said that while it’s not always true that tree rings aren’t reliable, his team decided to conduct a new study that didn’t depend on them. They took data from other natural sources of clues about past climate _ corals, ice cores and lake and cave sediments. “We found we got more or less the same answer,” Mann said. The recent temperature increase is an anomaly over 1,300 years without using tree rings, and for 1,700 years if the tree-ring data are used, the study found. Scientists have observed a warming of about 0.8 degrees Celsius during the past century.

Campus Echo Online Mann said there was a burst of about 0.3 degrees from about 1900 to 1950. Then, in the 1950s to 1970s, temperatures were flat or showed a slight cooling, because heavy particle pollution, which has a cooling effect, masked the heating effect of greenhouse gases, Mann said. Another, larger increase of temperature has been recorded in the past 30 years, he said, due largely to the increase of greenhouse gases. Particle pollution was reduced as a result of clean-air laws in the U.S. and other countries.

www.campusecho.com www.campusecho.com

On the Web: An abstract of the National Academy of Sciences report: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2008/09/02/080572 1105.abstract Earth System Science Center at Penn State: http://www.essc.psu.edu/

If you registered using NCCU as your addres vote at Old Holy Cross Church (next to the temporary cafe) Early Voting: schedule: Oct 16 to Nov 1, Oct 16-29, Mon-Fri, 9am-5:30 Oct 30-31, Thu-Fri, 9am-7pm Sat, Oct 18, 9am-3pm Sun, Oct 19, 12pm-3pm Sat, Oct 25, 9am-5:30pm Sun, Oct 26, 12pm-5:30pm Sat, Nov 1, 9am-1pm

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New York, New York W 8

O RTH

E DNE S DA Y

, O

A RO L IN A

C T OB E R

15, 2008

E N TRA L

I VERSITY

Photographic Essay by Sebastian Frances

Clockwise from top left: The new landmark on 5th avenue; the apple store is open 24 hours year round; a musician plays his instrument to make some extra money at Grand Central Station at the exit to 42nd street. A plaque on top of the doors reads: “To all who with head, heart and hand in the construction of this monument to the public service this is inscribed.” A young couple stops to admire the beauty of the main concourse of the Grand Central Station; three artists sketch works of art at the Carroll and Milton Petrie European Sculpture Court at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; a view of the sculpture, “Yellow Dog” by Jeff Koons on the roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

ho would have thought a quiet little island inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe would become what we now know as New York today? Every time I visit New York, I am amazed by the sheer scale of the buildings, the number of people cramped in tiny spaces and the energy that characterizes the city. It is fascinating to know that from its humble beginnings, the island of Manhattan has become a major cultural, commercial and financial center of our country. It has also become a staple in world travel, along with Paris, London, Moscow, and other major cultural hubs. The city is home to 38 museums, several renowned universities and an array of well-known landmarks and tourist attractions — all packed in 22.96 square miles. The presence of The United Nations and the New York Stock Exchange add to the diversity of institutions that make up this tiny island. Manhattan is also important to our nation’s history because, for several years, it was the gate to the United States for millions of immigrants. Some stayed in the city; others spread out across the country — all brought the dream of a new life of opportunities. In search of the same dream, hundreds of African Americans migrated to New York during the Great Migration from the South, to escape racism and make a better life. As a result, the Harlem Renaissance was born. Art movements, like abstract expressionism and pop art, were also born in New York and helped the city carve out its place in global culture. For these reasons, as well as others, I love and admire this city. I can’t wait to go back!

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008

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VOTING IS THE CORNERSTONE OF DEMOCRACY ATTENTION STUDENTS NOTICE OF HISTORICAL ELECTION EVENT Tuesday, November 4, 2008

YOUCAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE. NATIONAL CLANDESTINE SERVICE CAREERS

Be a part of a mission thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s larger than all of us. The CIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Clandestine Service seeks qualified applicants to serve our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission abroad. Our careers offer rewarding, fast-paced, and high impact challenges in intelligence collection on issues of critical importance to US national security. Applicants should possess a high degree of personal integrity, strong interpersonal skills, and good written and oral communication skills. We welcome applicants from various academic and professional backgrounds. Do you want to make a difference for your country? Are you ready for a challenge? All applicants for National Clandestine Service positions must successfully undergo several personal interviews, medical and psychological exams, aptitude testing, a polygraph interview, and a background investigation. Following entry on duty, candidates will undergo extensive training. US citizenship required. An equal opportunity employer and a drug-free work force. For more information and to apply, visit: www.cia.gov

T H E W O R K O F A N A T I O N. T H E C E N T E R O F I N T E L L I G E N C E.

The Durham County Board of Elections will conduct a General Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. All of our 57 polling places will be open from 6:30am until 7:30pm. Races on the ballot will be: US President and Vice President, US Senate, US House of Representatives, Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Auditor, Commissioner of Agriculture, Commissioner of Insurance, Commissioner of Labor, Secretary of State, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Treasurer, NC Senate 18,20, NC House 29,30,31,55, District Attorney, County Commissioner (5), Register of Deeds, NC Supreme Court Associate Justice, NC Court of Appeals Judge (6), District Court Judge, Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor, and Tax Referendum. All registered voters residing in Durham County are eligible and encouraged to vote in this election. Voters who are currently registered need not re-register. Citizens who have not registered or voters who have moved or changed other information since they last voted must notify the Board of Elections by 5pm, Friday, October 10, 2008.

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE REGISTER NOW & VOTE NOTICE OF ONE STOP NO EXCUSE ABSENTEE VOTING Any Durham County registered voter can vote early â&#x20AC;&#x201D; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll receive the exact same ballot as you would at your precinct on Election day. If you have moved, it is easy to update your address at any one stop site.

ONE STOP LOCATIONS â&#x20AC;˘ Board of Elections Office: 706 W. Corporation St, Durham, NC 27701 â&#x20AC;˘ NCCU Campus: Parrish Center Meeting Room, 1400 S. Alston Ave, Durham, NC 27707 â&#x20AC;˘ Duke University Campus: Old Trinity Room, West Union, 114 Chapel Dr, Durham, NC 27708 â&#x20AC;˘ North Regional Library: 231 Milton Rd, Durham, NC 27712 â&#x20AC;˘ East Regional Library: 211 Lick Creek Ln, Durham, NC 27703 â&#x20AC;˘ Forest View Elementary: 3007 Mt. Sinai Rd, Durham, NC 27705 â&#x20AC;˘ Southwest Elementary: 2320 Cook Rd, Durham, NC 27713

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Eagle Pride AMPLIFIED!!! With 25,000 + distinguished alumni nationwideâ&#x20AC;Ś YOU are no ordinary individual, YOU are the future of the NCCU alumni legacy, YOU are an Eagle, You possess power and soar toward greatness, so Go forth and excel humbly through service!

Go to NCCUALUMNI.org to find a chapter in your area or email news@nccualumni.org for more information! NCCU National Alumni Association, Inc.

A&E

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008

O R T H

A R O L I N A

E N T R AL

IVER SITY

Vagina, anyone? Vagina Monologues back once again to open eyes and ears. 12345 1234 123 12

Barack Obama Michelle Obama Joe Biden Sarah P

W H A T ?

J MAC

Janelle Monáe Metropolis: The Chase Suite Atlantic Records

out of on the 4 5 black hand side Don’t think that an album already in circulation doesn’t deserve its props. Yes world, I give you Janelle Monae. This young, inventive artist is taking the music scene by storm. “Metro-polis Suite 1 of IV : The Chase” takes everyone on a futuristic journey with Ms. Monae’s alter ego, android Cindi Mayweather, a heroine in 2719 facing challenges to not feel human emotions. The album is a take on the space-age 1927 German film “Metropolis” by Fritz Lang. Monae’s “Metropolis” is a melting pot of rock, soul, funk and a hint of jazz. Although when first listening to the music, I got the feeling that I was listening to Prince, I also get me

the vibe of a New Age Lauren Hill. It’s been a while since someone has come along with such creativity and diversity and is not just setting the tone with the everyday bitter black woman approach. Although that’s needed temporarily, it gets old. Favorite tracks on the album include “Many Moons,” a funky cyber sonic tune that reminds me of the movie “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. “Violet Stars Happy Hunting” is an upbeat, highenergy piece, with a guitar break that sends chills and last but not least, the lyrics. Sincere lyrics. “Jane” takes me back to the 1963 orchestra set of the classic “Pink Panther,” with the orchestration in the back mist of this track is very enticing. Monae is full of funk, high energy, and a breath of fresh air that we all need. Welcome to Metropolis. World, I give you Cindi Mayweather. — Chasity Nicole

V-day 2009 judges listen intensely auditioning new cast members. SAVIN JOSEPH/Echo Photo Editor

BY COURTNEY MORGAN ECHO STAFF WRITER

Say “The Vagina Monologues” out loud. What is the first thing that comes across your mind? Is it feminism, abuse, pain or neglect? Or is it rape, strength, courage and breakthrough? The “Vagina Monologues” is a production put on by college campuses across the nation as a part of the V-Day celebration. According to the V-Day Web site, V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stop violence against women and girls, including, rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation and sexual slavery. The play, which has been going

strong since 1998, celebrates women’s strength and courage. Written by Eve Ensler, “The Vagina Monologues” tells the stories of women who have faced sexual abuse and assault. In 2006, Dr. Francis Graham assisted in bringing the monologues to NCCU, making it the first historicially black co-educational school to perform “The Vagina Monologues.” “I attended the first production of the monologues at Central, I enjoyed it then, and I am so looking forward to it now,” said Tiffany Whitehead, history senior. “The words spoken throughout this production inspire me as a woman.” “The monologues make me proud to have a vagina,” said Whitehead. This February, VOX: Voices of NCCU, will put on its production of

“The Vagina Monologues.” Auditions, which are being sponsored by Sigma Phi Beta Inc, VOX, and the NCCU Women’s Center, are open to women on every campus, and will be held today at 5:30 p.m. in Ruffin Hall. Senior hospitality and tourism major Theresa Garrett, lead organizer for V-Day 2009 and co-founder of VOX, encourages women to come out and be a part of this uplifting event. “Just think of ‘The Vagina Monologues’ as females sitting down and talking about their own personal stories that may have changed their lives. “This play gives women the courage to never forget but at the same time the strength to get over their issues that may be holding them back.”

Prof honors Mandela BY LARISHA J. STONE ECHO STAFF WRITER

“My commitment is to improving the quality of life for us,” Joseph told a crowd of students Tuesday in the B.N. Duke Auditorium. Joseph spoke as part of N.C. Central University’s Nelson Mandela Celebration. As U. S. Ambassador to South Africa from January 1996 to November 1999, he was the first ambassador to present credentials to President Nelson Mandela. James A. Joseph was born in Louisiana’s third oldest city, Opelousas. He did not venture too far from home for undergrad, attending Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. After Yale Divinity School, Joseph moved to Tuscaloosa, Ala. to teach at Stillman College, where he helped organize the local civil rights movement in 1963. Before serving as an ambassador

in South Africa, he was the first chairman of the board of directors of President Clinton’s Corporation for National Service. Joseph served under three other U.S. presidents. He was Interior undersecretary and chairman of the presidentially appointed Commission on the Northern Mariann in the Carter administration. Under President Reagan, he was a member of the Advisory Committee to the Agency for International Development; and incorporating director of the Points of Light Foundation. Under President George H.W. Bush, he served as a member of the Presidential Commission on Historically Black Colleges. At NCCU, Joseph reminded students to always “maintain a commitment to the community that gave you birth. Don’t forget where you come from no matter how high you rise,” he said. Solomon Burnette, history senior, asked Joseph, “How does one go about affecting transfer of economic

wealth in South Africa and America?” Joseph informed students that in order for reconciliation to occur there would have to be economic reformation, which don’t always occur as fast as political reformation. He is the author of two books, The Charitable Impulse (1989) and Remaking America (1995), and is now at work on a book that focuses on ethics in public life. He has taught at Yale Divinity School and the Claremont Colleges. Joseph is professor of the practice of public policy studies at the Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy and leader-in-residence at the Hart Leadership Program at Duke University. “I have a responsibility to return something to our community,” he said. Gary Brown, dean of Greek Affairs, has been on the planning committee for the lecture since the beginning. “We’ve been planning this for a while,” he said.“We’re happy that it’s been a success.”

Ambassador James Joseph speaks with students in B.N. Duke Auditorium Tuesday. SAVIN JOSEPH/Echo Photo Editor

Girl got a good job so baby aint broke/ come hop in my shower I'll be your soap/ Girl so fine I'll drink your bath water. A soul-searching journey begins when a professor’s wife leaves him on the eve of the Million Man March. Through a night of visits from the spirits of his ancestors, their stories and songs help him reconnect with his cultural heritage. Tony Awardwinning Trezana Beverley, director of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, returns to PlayMakers!

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—Paul Wall ft. Akon “Girl On Fire”

This has got to be the most corny line ever. And drinking bath water is so original. So, next time you ask yourself how Paul Wall got that girl on his side remember, it was the money and not the game he talks. ––Wade Banner

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008

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It’s time to start preparing for the ‘world of work.’ University Career Services is the student’s focal point for career planning. We offer career counseling, part-time job placements, internships, and cooperative education placements in both the private and public sectors.

START BECOMING A LEADER.

START BUILDING CONFIDENCE. START PUSHING YOURSELF.

START REDEFINING EXPECTATIONS.

We offer workshops on resume writing, inteviewing, cover letter writing, and stress management. Plus, in our Glaxo Career Library, you’ll find career-related videos, brochures, pamphlets, and magazines, as well as graduate school catalogs and annual reports — all there for you to review. Call for an appointment or drop by to meet with one of our counselors.

University Career Services William Jones Building, Room 005 560-6337

Not sure what you’re doing next?

START BUILDING LEADERSHIP.

START AN ONLINE COMPANY. START TAKING ON CHALLENGES.

START BUILDING A TEAM.

GO FOR MY MASTERS. JOIN THE PEACE CORPS.

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There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. Enroll in the Army ROTC Leader’s Training Course at NCCU and you will be ready for life after college. Because when you attend this 4-week leadership development course, you will take on new challenges and adventures. You will also be on course for a career as an Army Officer. To get started, contact 1LT Robert J. Pate at 919-660-3085 or rjp15@duke.edu.

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Sports

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008

Blue Hose slip one by Eagles NCCU FUMBLES ONE-YARD SNAP FOR THE WIN AGAINST PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE

NCCU sophomore safety Jeffery Henderson (#8) and sophomore defenisive lineman Teryl White (#50) share a tackle on Presbyterian running back S.J. Worrell at Presbyterian. ROBERT LAWSON/Office of Public Relations

BY A ARON SAUNDERS ECHO SPORTS REPORTER

With 39 seconds left, the N.C. Central University football team was within inches of scoring the gamewinning touchdown. But a bobbled snap on the 1-yard line derailed that chance and gave Presbyterian College the

28-24 victory on Saturday. Shock and awe set in on the Eagle players and their fans. They were in disbelief that they could not punch it in from inches away. The fumble was indicative of how the Eagles’ season has gone so far. The Eagles came out a little sluggish in the first

drive, going three and out and being forced to punt. The Blue Hose also struggled to find their rhythm early. The Blue Hose struck first with a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Brandon Miley. The Eagles answered back with a 52-yard, 12play drive that lasted

almost 7 minutes. It was capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by fullback George Mobley. In the third quarter, the Eagles found themselves down 28-10 when third string quarterback Michael Johnson, a transfer from University of Tulsa, entered the game. It didn’t take long for

Johnson to find his rhythm as he hit wide receiver Will Scott for a 52-yard touchdown pass on his second pass of the season. On the next drive Johnson continued his onslaught on the Blue Hose defense with another long touchdown pass — a 24yarder to wide receiver Wayne Blackwell.

With 3:54 left in the game, the Eagles defense stepped up big time, forcing the Blue Hose to punt after three plays. The Eagles took over at their own 40-yard line and the stage was set for the ultimate comeback. After being sacked on the second play, Johnson completed a screen pass to wide receiver Deshawn Spears, for 37-yards. With the ball on the 19yard line and 47 seconds to go, the Eagles handed the ball to running back Tony McCord for an 18-yard run, which put the Eagles on the 1-yard line and on the verge of their second consecutive win. But it just wasn’t the Eagles’ day. After battling back from an 18-point deficit, NCCU could not complete the comeback. However, there were plenty of bright spots for the Eagles in the heartbreaking loss. The defense once again stepped up big by forcing two turnovers. Quarterback Johnson completed 8 of 9 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Neither Coach Mose Rison nor any of his players were available for comment. The Eagles look to bounce back next week as they travel to Conway, S.C. to face Coastal Carolina University, led by talented rushing trio Eric O’Neal, Arthur Sitton, and Jamie Fordham.

Books meet braun at Dunn building N.C. Central Univesity athletes benefit from mandated academic program BY

ASHLEY GRIFFIN

ECHO SPORTS REPORTER

When the Alexander Dunn Building comes to mind, many N.C. Central University students automatically worry about how they’ll meet their community service requirements. But, to NCCU’s athletes, the building is a place they get help with their studies. The Comprehensive Academic Support Center, better known as “study hall” for athletes, is designed to help students succeed in the classroom. The center opened in 1993 under the guidance of former chancellor Julius L. Chambers. He noticed that athletes were blooming in their particular sport but struggled in their classes. Chambers worked with Ann Edmonds, director of the Comprehensive Academic Support Center, to open the help center for the athletes. When making the transition from high school to college, most students have not learned proper study habits

and have poor time management skills, Edmonds said The program was funded through the chancellor’s trust fund until 2006, when the state started picking up the tab. Women’s volleyball coach Georgette CrawfordCrooks said she has seen her players’ grades improve each year after attending “study hall.” Last semester, only three out of 15 volleyball players had a GPA under 3.0. “It helps (athletes) with time management and teaches discipline,” she said. “You have to figure out how you will map out your entire week with games, practice and school work.” One of the more popular services offered by the center is individual peer tutoring. “We pick our student tutors on how well they excel in their classes and what subject is needed at the time,” Edmonds said. Athletes can be tutored in math, science, English

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“They have everything I need to make sure all my work gets done on time. I know in the long run this program will help me become a better student.” DAMI SAPARA BASKETBALL, SMALL FORWARD

Junior track long jumper Michael Edwards works on a paper in the Alexander Dunn building before hitting the track. SAVIN JOSEPH/Echo Photo Editor

and foreign languages, among other subjects. The free program is open to all undergraduates.

“Being a student tutor has enabled me to give back to my fellow students,” said biology junior Naima

Stennett, who has tutored students in math, French, biology and chemistry for a year. “When I am able to help others, it makes me feel good.” Getting the grades may be one thing, but making sure athletes continue to push for higher academic achievement involves a little extra supervision. The center also provides class attendance monitoring, where counselors will e-mail professors about an athlete’s class attendance, participation and progression. The “How to Study” workshops are popular by the center. These work-

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shops show students how to take notes, make the most out of their study time and how to manage their responsibilities. Athletes are mandated to attend study hall, and while some oppose the mandate, others like the extra help. “I find study hall very useful,” said men’s basketball forward Dami Sapara. “They have everything I need in there to make sure all my work gets done on time,” he said. “I know in the long run this program will help me become a better student.” The center is open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• general gynecology • abnormal PAPs • emergency contraception • pediatric & adolescent gynecology • in office procedure • menstrual irregularities

Accepting new patients. Evening hours. 6216 Fayetteville Road, Suite 105 Durham, N.C. 27713 919.405.7000 Fax: 919.405.7006

Opinions

14 N

O R TH

A R O L I N A

E N TR A L

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008

IVER SITY

Don’t blame me! t saddens me that in the midst of economic turmoil, the truth has yet to be revealed. The search for the culprits of the housing crisis has recovered the finger prints of the predatory lenders and their ties to Wall Street, the government offiDevin who Roundtree cials failed to regulate, and even the rarely blamed homebuyers who made the biggest investment of their lives without doing a little homework. Yet, there is a mastermind behind this crisis that has gone un-criticized and completely forgotten in this investigation, the Federal Reserve. Since everyone (i.e.,

The biggest untold truth about our country’s economy will go unnoticed once more.

both presidential candidates) is not an economic stud, it’s appropriate to keep things simple. The Federal Reserve (aka the Fed) operates as the central bank for commercial banks and the US Treasury. When the Fed cuts interest rates to “stimulate the economy,” it increases the supply on money, which increases spending, which increases the price of goods (inflation), which increases the risk of creating a financial boom destined to bust. The housing crisis is in line to be another text book example of this phenomenon. Back in 2000, Wall Street was hit hard by the dotcom bust

and in the following year, 9/11 worsened the situation. So in order to “stimulate the economy”, the Fed began to cut interest rates. The lowering in interest rates jump started the housing industry and the lower they got the more inflated the price of houses became. According to the Washington Post, Alan Greenspan, the Fed chairman in 2002, noticed the housing boom 6 years ago and even stated that, “our extraordinary housing boom … financed by very large increases in mortgage debt, cannot continue indefinitely into the future.” Nonetheless, interest

rates continued to decline and in 2003, they were cut to the lowest level in history, just 1 percent. Perhaps the Fed got caught up in the success of Wall Street, record homeowners, and Government appraisal. Regardless of the reason, the Fed continued to encourage lending and the Bush Administration promoted Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to expand homeownership. As a result, banks had more and more money to lend and began giving loans to unqualified customers at unprecedented rates. By the end of 2005, subprime loans had nearly tripled since 2000

and the Fed had already begun increasing interest rates in response to, guess what, inflation. The recipe for disaster was complete, which brings us to the present day. While Wall Street will get most of the blame as it did 79 years ago, the biggest untold truth about our country’s economy will go unnoticed once more. It would be comforting to know that we have learned from our mistakes, but history has shown that we will eventually repeat them. And by the way, did I mention the $700 billion in credit that will be used to fix our current credit crisis?

Letters Good morning to all, I read the article “Medical Records Private” in the 10/01/08 issue of the Campus Echo and I would like to say I agree with Ms. Thornton’s comments in reference to HIPPA Laws and the release of medical information to the campus. I am handicapped and currently posses a valid handicap placard issued by the DMV of North Carolina that expires in December 2008. I am required to resubmit a disability form in order to maintain my status. As I left work yesterday I noticed that I was issued a citation for $50.00 for being parked in a handicap zone. I did have displayed on my mirror my state issued handicap placard, my university parking permit placard and my university issued

handicap placard that expired 08/31/08. I was given the handicap placard when I started working here in April 2006. I went to the Police department the first week in September to be reissued my handicap placard. I was given the additional university form to be completed by my physician to get a new handicap placard. My physician has not yet returned the form and I really felt reluctant to have it filled out for anyone to know the details of my disability. I was legally issued a N.C. placard with an identification number that can be verified by calling the DMV or verified by the use of the system currently installed in each police vehicle. The placard is linked to your driver’s license and/or vehicle license

plate. Does the Campus Police Department have the ability to verify these placards that are issued by N.C.? If so why isn’t this being done and if not what is going to be done? Or is it easier to just issue tickets and have employees with valid stickers waste valuable time in the Police Department and not within the assigned duties that they are being paid? I do understand that there are employees who use handicap placards that are not issued to them. They should be issued citations, not those of us who pay additional costs to the state for these placards.

N ORTH C AROLINA C ENTRAL U NIVERSITY

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There are also employees who are issued reserved parking places but use their handicap placards to tie up two parking spaces. There are temporary employees who are using reserved parking spaces in which permanent employees could be using. In addition to the mismanagement of university parking there are not enough handi-

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The Echo welcomes letters and editorials. Letters to the editor should be less than 350 words. Editorials should be about 575 words. Include contact information. The Echo reserves the right to edit contributions for clarity, vulgarity, typos and miscellaneous grammatical gaffs. Opinions published in the Echo do not necessarily reflect those of the Echo editorial staff.

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cap parking spaces for the Hoey Building parking lot and the Building is not handicap accessible due to not having a ramp to the front door and the construction being done in the rear of the building. I would also like to appeal my ticket/cost and have attached the form to my complaint, but the form does not allow enough room for detailed comments and request that this message be used in my appeal process. I would also like to suggest that the police department verify the state issued placards and use them for campus parking. I believe it would reduce the cost of creating university placards and the time spent appealing valid placards. David Whitfield

drawing by Rashaun Rucker

Question: What would you say to someone who says they aren’t going to vote?

“That’s ignorant. People from our past died for us to have that right. This is a very important election. Whether you’re into politics or not it’s the least you can do.” — Latashia Ford “You’re missing out on a good opportunity. Voting is very important especially during a historic election like this one. —Leonard Rowe

“You need your ass whooped. We have struggled for years for this opportunity. Don’t blow it thinking ignorantly.” —Sylvester Johnson

OCTOBER 15, 2008

A CAMPUS ECHO PUBLICATION

ELECTION SPECIAL

2008 elections

Kent Williams wants you to vote

Who votes, who doesn’t

Taking a road less traveled

Historic shift may be in cards

This NCCU black Republican looks right, as most others on campus look left

BY CHI BROWN Greetings Eagle Family, First let me say thank you to the hundreds of students who have registered to vote. The ability to vote is one the greatest Constitutional rights we have as Americans. Our ancestors fought, marched and died REASONS so we could have TO VOTE the right to vote. S o v o t e — what better way to say thank you to the p e o p l e who made KENT voting posWILLIAMS sible at all? Your vote will help determine the next four years of our lives. I am sure most of you are not pleased with the current state we are living in, so I have come up with “Kent’s Top Five Reasons to Vote.” I hope they will give you more reasons to vote. 1. To bust the stereotype: “Young people are lazy, they don't care, they won't vote.” Let's prove them wrong. 2. To honor our history: As long as this country has existed, there have been

ECHO STAFF WRITER

This year’s election has many people looking at the factors that shape whether people go to the polls. Key factors include: education, income, age, race and gender. Additionally, Southerners vote less than other Americans. Education also plays a significant role in who makes it to the polls. According to the 2004 voting and registration statistics reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, 84.2 percent of persons who held advanced degrees voted, while persons with anything less than a high school education only had

n See VOTERS Page 3

African-American Youth Ages 15-25 Least Likely to View Voting as Important

Courtrney Jordan says the Republicans have a stronger record of promoting individual responsibility. MITCHELL WEBSON/Echo Staff Photographer

BY MATTHEW BEATTY ECHO STAFF WRITER

60%

40%

20%

0% White

AfricanAmerican

Consider voting important

n See WILLIAMS Page 2

a 39.5 percent voter turnout. “Those with more education have more income and therefore may have more of a stake in what happens in terms of politics and public policy,” said Jarvis Hall, associate professor of political science. Income also helps determine who votes. Families who made $100,000 or more in 2004 had an 81.3 percent voter turnout, while families who made under $20,000 only had 48.3 percent voter turnout. “Certainly, poor people would have a stake in terms of health care issues,

Latino

Don’t consider voting important

Source: Council for Excellence in Government

Most N.C. Central University students are sporting Barack Obama Tshirts and buttons this fall, but one student’s loyalty is for John McCain and the Republican Party. Political science sophomore Courtney Jordan grew up in a home where he was free to make his own decisions. But Jordan admits he’s torn between who he will vote for for president of the

United States. “I would like to vote for [Obama], but just because he looks like me doesn’t make him the best candidate,” he said. “He can also hurt future African-Americans who decide to run if he doesn’t do the best job in office. I have to look at the candidate who will benefit me.” Jordan rejects the stereotype that Republicans are self-centered, rich and racist. He’s working on a benefit concert that will help a

number of causes, including relief efforts in Haiti and scholarship money for a NCCU student, and is helping to get young people to vote. “Most people think a bad Republican is a Bush Republican,” he said. “Everyone isn’t like that. The facts are there as to what he did — no denying that — but everyone isn’t like that. There are some Democrats who fit the

n See REPUBLICAN Page 3

2008 Election CAMPUS ECHO PAGE 2 10.15.2008

WILLIAMS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 people who didn’t want us to vote. Well, guess what? Today, there are still people who don’t want you to vote. Now is the time to stand up and vote to preserve and honor those who fought for the right to vote. 3. Every vote counts: The 2000 presidential election proved how close things can get, so every vote counts ... enough said. 4. For our children: As college students, we will soon begin to settle down and eventually start our own families. Honestly, would you want your kids living in the current state we are living in (i.e., economic instability, lack of educational resources, and the threat of war abroad)? 5. Stop complaining: If you are eligible to vote, but choose not to, then do not complain about the decisions your elected officials make. As I close, I would like to quote a good friend of mine. There are three types of people in this world; those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who sit and wonder what happened. What type of person are you? Remember, a voteless people is a hopeless people! So make a difference and vote.

WHERE AND HOW TO VOTE, THE BALLOT “The government is us; we are the government, you and I.” THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Kent Williams Jr Student Body President

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain reacts to his supporters before the start of his Road to Victory Rally on Oct. 10 in LaCrosse, Wi. JOE KOSHOLLEK/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (MCT)

Ads turn ugly BY TORI PITTMAN ECHO STAFF WRITER

Last week it got ugly on the campaign trail as the McCain campaign released a host of negative campaign ads on Senator Barack Obama’s association with William Ayers. William Ayers was the director of the Weather Underground and an antiwar activist in the 1960s. The Weather Underground was known for its stridently militant opposition to the Vietnam War. Obama served on an educational charity in Chicago with Ayers. Ironically, the charity was funded by the conservative Annenberg Foundation. The McCain campaign has repeatedly tied Obama to Ayers. However, Obama was 8 years old when Ayers was active in the Weather Under-ground. “I felt that the McCain campaign wants to put these lies out here in order to win,” said criminal justice senior Joseph Perkins. “The ad attack reveals to me that the McCain campaign is in desperate need of voter support.” In a rally on Oct. 6 in Clearwater, Fla., vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin tried to capitalize on the Ayers-Obama tie, using a New York Times story on Obama’s association with Ayers. Palin claimed that Obama “palled around with terrorists.” Soon some people at McCain and Palin campaign rallies were heard shouting “terrorist” and “kill him.” Many attribute the attack ads as a response to McCain’s slipping poll numbers. According to Slate.com , Obama leads McCain in national polls by up to nine points.

n See ADS Page 3

WHERE AND HOW TO VOTE N.C. Central University is located in Precinct 55-49, which votes for N.C. Senate District 20 and N.C. House District 29. Students who have registered to vote using their NCCU address will vote at the Old Holy Cross Church at 1400 S. Alston Avenue, next to the temporary cafeteria. Voting hours on Nov. 4 are 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

16 through Nov. 1. You can even register to vote at One-Stop Early Voting.

will appear on your ballot if you are voting in NCCU’s precinct at Old Holy Cross Church.

You are allowed to bring any voting guide you choose into the polling booth with you.

There are five sections to the ballot: Presidential, Straight Party Voting, Partisan Offices, Nonpartisan Offices and Referendum.

See our Web Voting Guides section on page 3 for links to the recommendations of the N.C. Democratic, Republican and Libertarian parties. Durham’s Independent Weekly also makes election recommendations with indepth candidate discussions.

First-time voters may be asked for an ID. Bring your NCCU student ID.

THE BALLOT

One-Stop Early Voting runs weekdays from Oct.

Below is a list of candidates in the order they

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STRAIGHT PARTY VOTING Do not get confused: A straight party vote does count as a vote for the presidential race, the nonpartisan offices or the referendum. A straight party vote only counts for state and local partisan races.

WHO IS ON THE BALLOT IN PRECINCT 55-49? Presidential Contest Barack Obama Joe Biden - Democrat John McCain Sarah Palin - Republican Bob Barr Wayne A. Root - Libertarian

N.C. Lieutenant Govenor Walter Dalton - Democrat Robert Pittenger Republican Phillip Rhodes - Libertarian N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper - Democrat Bob Crumley - Republican

Write-In________________ Straight Party Voting Democratic Republican Libertarian Important: A Straight Party vote does not cast a vote for U.S. President and Vice President. Partisan Offices U.S. Senate Kay Hagan - Democrat Elizabeth Dole - Republican Christopher Cole Libertarian U.S. House of Reps David Price - Democrat William Lawson- Republican N.C. Govenor Bev Perdue - Democrat Pat McCrory - Republican Michael Munger Libertarian

N.C. Auditor Beth Wood - Democrat Leslie Merritt - Republican N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Ronnie Ansley - Democrat Steve Trozler - Republican N.C. Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin - Democrat John Odom - Republican Mark McMains - Libertarian Labor Commissioner Mary Fant - Democrat Cherie Berry - Republican N.C. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall - Democrat Jack Sawyer - Republican

N.C. Treasurer Janet Cowell - Democrat Bill Daughtridge Republican District 20 - N.C. Senate. Floyd McKissick - Democrat Kenneth R. Chandler Republican David C. Rollins - Libertarian District 29 - N.C. House of Representaives Larry D. Hall - Democrat Justin Lallinger Republican County Commissioner Select Five: Joe W. Bowser - Democrat Becky Heron - Democrat Brenda Howerton Democrat Michael D. Page - Democrat Ellen Reckhow - Democrat N.C. Register of Deeds Willie L. Covington Democrat

Court of Appeals Judge Jewel Ann Farlow James A. (Jim) Wynn Court of Appeals Judge Sam J. Ervin IV Kristin Ruth Court of Appeals Judge Cheri Beasley Doug McCullough Court of Appeals Judge Dan Barrett Linda Stephens Court of Appeals Judge John S. Arrowood Robert N. (Bob) Hunter, Jr. District Court Judge District 14 William A. (Drew) Marsh Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Danielle Adams Ryan O’Neal Echoles Kathryn Spann

Non-partisan Offices Referendum Supreme Assoc. Justice

N.C. Superintendent of Public Instruction June St. Clair Atchison Democrat Richard Morgan Republican

Robert H. (Bob) Edmunds, Jr. Suzanne Reynolds Court of Appeals Judge John C. Martin

Levy of a Prepared Food Tax Referendum One percent local prepared food tax, in addition to the current local sales and use taxed.

2008 Election CAMPUS ECHO PAGE 3 10.15.2008

VOTERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

18- TO-24-YEAR-OLDS WHO VOTED 64%

60% 47%

40%

20%

0% 1984

1988

1992

18- TO 24-year olds who voted

1996

2000

2004

All other citizens who voted Source: U.S. Census Bureau

A Majority of Youth Ages 15-24 Feel They Can Make Little Difference in Solving the Problems of Their Community 60%

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama greets supporter on the street in Glenside, Pennsylvania, Friday, October 3, 2008. Supporters lined Keswick Ave. in Glenside to get a glimpse or a handshake from the candidate. ALEJANDRO A. ALVAREZ/ Philadelphia Daily News (MCT)

40%

REPUBLICAN 20%

ELECTION POP QUIZ

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

0% White

AfricanAmerican

Great Deal/Some Influence

Latino

“People are staying in the projects on welfare, but their cars are on 20-inch rims. That’s a problem, but you want the government to take care of you?”

2: How many colleges did Sarah Palin attend as an undergraduate?

COURTNEY JORDAN

A Little/Almost No/No Influence

POLITICAL SCIENCE SOPHOMORE Source: Council for Excellence in Government

welfare issues and transportation issues too,” said Hall. “But the way it’s usually translated in the real world, it’s those people who have property and more income who feel as if what happens in terms of politics has a direct impact on their lives.” Age also shapes voting behavior. According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, voting by 18-24-year-olds dropped about 13 percent between 1972 and 2004. “Maybe they think that if they vote and make a wrong decision and things don’t get any better they probably will feel bad about it,” said Shable Gaddy, NCCU accounting major. The 2004 U.S. Census states that 73.3 percent of 65to-74-year-olds made it to the polls, while only 46.7 percent of 18-to-24-year-olds made it. There are also regional variations in voting behavior. The Census report shows that 61 percent of Southern voters voted, while 67.8 percent of midwesterners voted. There also are significant ethnic variations in voting behavior.

White voters had a 67.2 percent turnout in 2004, while blacks had a 60 percent turnout. Just 47.2 percent of eligible Hispanics voted that year. Lastly, women are more likely to vote than men: 65 percent versus 62 percent. An important finding of the reports is that simply registering to vote significantly increases one’s likelihood of voting “The majority of people who were registered to vote actually voted,” Hall said. In 2004, 72.1 percent of registered voters made it to the polls. In all, 63.8 of eligible voters actually voted. According to Hall, things might be different this year. The popularity of the Obama campaign has mobilized both young voters and African Americans, two groups with historically lower voting rates. NCCU student Jamal Abdur-Razzaq, 30, said he has never voted in his life, but this time he registered and says he will vote. “I didn’t feel like it would make any change,” AbdurRazzaq said. He said he no longer feels that way with Obama in the race.

stereotypes of Republicans.” Black Republicans are not nearly as prevalent as Democrats, especially at HBCUs, but Jordan is not alone. The Republican party was started in 1854 by antislavery activists. Members include activist Booker T. Washington, former NFL player Lynn Swann, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Jordan, like most

Republicans, believes that individuals should be held responsible for their actions versus being bailed out by the government. “People are staying in the projects on welfare, but their cars are on 20-inch rims,” said Jordan. “That’s a problem, but you want the government to take care of you? Welfare should be limited until you get on your feet.” Psychology senior Landrick Alston says otherwise. He believes the government should help him,

especially when gas and milk are so expensive. “In this time of need it’s the least that the government can do is help Americans,” said Alston. Jordan knows he’s a minority on campus. Even one of his close friends, political science junior Jabari Blackmon, supports Obama. “I respect everyone’s views,” Blackmon. “I just seem to have a different opinion when it comes to Republican values. But the choice is for him to make.”

4: Which candidate was greeted by a crowd of 200,000 enthusiastic Europeans? 5: Which VP candidate was recently rebuked for ethical violations in his or her home state? 6: Which candidate refused to have a series of town hall meetings during the election? 7: Who is William Ayers?

9: About how long has Sarah Palin been the Governor of Alaska?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “terrorist” line of attack. It “incites the most dangerous reaction,” he said. In a statement, U.S. Congressman (D-Ga.) John Lewis compared the tone at Palin and McCain rallies to that of George Wallace’s segregationist rallies in the 1960s. “All attack campaigns, in my opinion, distract the real issues instead of focusing on what their opponent did or did not do,” said biology senior Breanna

3: Which candidate proposes tax credits in his healthcare plan?

8: About how long has Barack Obama served in the U.S. Senate?

ADS This would translate into an election landslide of 364 to 174 electoral votes. “I dislike the ad attacks,” said mass communication professor Lolethia Underdue. “I think they keep voters focused on inconsequential things that are not germane to the issues.” Long-time Democratic consultant Bob Shrum of the Huffington Post said McCain’s campaign had “crossed the line” with the

1: Who uses the expression “My Friends” most often?

Fonville. According to Thomas Evans, professor English and mass Communication professor, there are useful resources for getting to the bottom of campaign ads. He said FactCheck.org analyzes the advertising claims from both candidates. The final debate between Obama and McCain is tonight at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.

10: Who did Governor Easley first endorse during the Democratic primary? 11: Republican gubenatorial candidate Pat McCrory is the mayor of what N.C. city? 12: Which candidate has been nicknamed by his or her supporters as “The Barracuda”? 13: The N.C. Democratic gubernatorial candidate currently holds what position? 14: Where was Barack Obama born?

DON’T GUESS!

2008 elections

TRY THIS Get advice from those who share your political beliefs. It is even legal for you to print out these recommendations and take them into the polling booth with you.

13. Lieutenant Governor 12. Sarah Palin 7: Former member of the Weather Underground 6: Barack Obama 5: Sarah Pailn 4: Barack Obama 3: John McCain 2: 5 colleges 1. John McCain

Early voting hours: Oct 16 to Nov 1, Oct 16-29, Mon-Fri, 9am-5:30 Oct 30-31, Thu-Fri, 9am-7pm Sat, Oct 18, 9am-3pm Sun, Oct 19, 12pm-3pm Sat, Oct 25, 9am-5:30pm Sun, Oct 26, 12pm-5:30pm Sat, Nov 1, 9am-1pm

8: 4 Years

EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE

If you registerd using NCCU as your addres vote at Old Holy Cross Church (next to the temporary cafe)

9: 2 Years

If you want recommendtions from a progressive and left-leaning perspective, the Independent Weekly’s recommendations will be online by Oct. 20: www.indyweek.com

14. Hawaii

If you consider yourself a Libertarian, go to: www.lpnc.org/candidates.php

15. Panama City

If you consider yourself a Republican, go to: www.ncgop.org/info_candidates.jsp

ANSWERS 16. Fur and Ice reception

If you consider yourself a Democrat, go to: www.ncdp.org/2008_North_Carolina _Democratic_Candidates_election

16: What was the name of the event at which Sarah Palin hosted international diplomats?

10: Hillary Clinton

OK, we know it can be hard to get informed on every single electoral contest.

John

11. Charlotte

Do you really know who the best candidates are for the court of appeals?

15: Where was McCain born?

2008 Election CAMPUS ECHO PAGE 4 10.15.2008

KEY PHILOSOPHICAL POSITIONS OF LIBERALS AND CONSERVATIVES Liberals

Health care Free healthcare provided by the government (socialized medicine) means that everyone will get the same poor-quality healthcare. The rich will continue to pay for superior healthcare, while all others will receive poor-quality free healthcare from the government. Health care should remain privatized. Support Healthcare Spending Accounts.

Abortion The decision to have an abortion is a personal choice; the government should stay out of it, including partial birth abortion.

Affirmative Action Support affirmative action based on the belief that America is still a racist society. Due to prevalent racism in the past, minorities were deprived of the same education and employment opportunities as whites. We need to make up for that.

Homeland security Wary of parts of the Patriot Act.

Immigration Support legal immigration but do not support illegal immigration. Government should enforce immigration laws. Oppose President Bush's amnesty plan for illegal immigrants.

Death penalty We should abolish the death penalty. The death penalty is inhumane and is ‘cruel and unusual’ punishment. Every execution risks killing an innocent person.

Religion The phrase "separation of church and state" is not in the Constitution. The First Amendment to the Constitution states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." This prevents the government from establishing a national church. However, it does not prevent God from being acknowledged in schools and government buildings. Oppose the removal of symbols of Christian heritage from public and government spaces. Government should not interfere with religion and religious freedom.

Economy Favor a market system in which government regulates the economy. We need government regulation to level the playing field. Unlike the private sector, the government is motivated by public interest.

Education - school vouchers School vouchers are untested experiments. We need to focus on more funding for existing public schools in order to raise teacher salaries and reduce class size.

Same-sex marriage Marriage is between one man and one woman. Opinions differ on support for the creation of a constitutional amendment establishing marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

Conservative

The Environment

Social Security

Industrial growth harms the environment. Global warming is caused by an increased production of carbon dioxide. The U.S. is a major contributor to global warming because it produces 25% of the world's carbon dioxide. The U.S. should enact laws to significantly reduce that amount.

Generally oppose change to the current Social Security system. Changing the current system will cause people to lose their Social Security benefits. Support a cap on Social Security payments to the wealthy.

Taxes

Affirmative action

Gun control The Second Amendment gives no individual the right to own a gun, but allows the state to keep a militia (National Guard).

Support higher taxes and a larger government if needed to solve social problems. High taxes enable the government to do good and create jobs.

People should be admitted to schools and hired for jobs based on their ability. It is unfair to use race as a factor in the selection process. Reverse-discrimination is not a solution for racism.

Health care

United Nations (UN)

Death penalty

Support universal government-supervised health care. There are millions of Americans who can't afford health insurance. They are being deprived of a basic right to healthcare.

The United States has a moral and a legal obligation to support the United Nations (UN). The UN can be effective in promoting peace and human rights. The U.S. should submit its national interests to the greater good (as defined by the UN).

The death penalty is a punishment that fits the crime; it is neither ‘cruel' nor ‘unusual'. Executing a murderer is the appropriate punishment for taking an innocent life

War in Iraq

The free market system, competitive capitalism, and private enterprise afford the best opportunity and the highest standard of living for all. Free markets produce more economic growth, more jobs and higher standards of living than those systems burdened by excessive government regulation.

Homeland security Oppose the Patriot Act.

Immigration Support legal immigration and increasing the number of legal immigrants permitted to enter the U.S. each year. Support blanket amnesty for current illegal immigrants. Families shouldn't be separated.

Religion Support the separation of church and state. Religious expression has no place in government. Support the removal of all references to God in public and government spaces. Religion should not interfere with government.

Same-sex marriage Marriage should be legal for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender couples to ensure equal rights for all. Believe that prohibiting same-sex citizens from marrying denies them of their civil rights. Opinions differ on whether this issue is equal to civil rights for African Americans.

This is Bush's war for oil. Saddam Hussein was no real threat. We have not found weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), so Saddam did not have any. President Bush lied about WMDs and the dangers posed by Saddam. We should have given the UN more time. We have alienated the rest of the world by our unilateral action (‘go it alone' attitude). A democracy can't succeed in Iraq. Not everyone wants to live in a democracy.

War on terror/terrorism Sees failed U.S. foreign policy as one souce for the rise of global terrorism. Places the threat posed by terrorism has been exaggerated by President Bush for his own political advantage.

Welfare Support welfare. We need welfare to provide for the poor. We have welfare to bring fairness to American economic life. Without welfare, life below the poverty line would be intolerable.

Abortion

Social Security

Human life begins at conception. Abortion is the murder of a human being. Support legislation to prohibit partial birth abortions.

The current Social Security system is in serious financial trouble. Changes are necessary because the U.S. will be unable to maintain the current system in the future. Support proposal to allow a portion of Social Security dollars withheld to be put into an account chosen by the individual, not the government.

Economy

Education - school vouchers School vouchers will give all parents the right to choose good schools for their children, not just those who can afford private schools. Parents should decide how and where to educate their child.

The Environment Desire clean water, clean air and a clean planet, just like everyone else. However, extreme environmental policies destroy jobs and damage the economy. Changes in global temperatures are natural over long periods of time.

Gun control The Second Amendment gives the individual the right to keep and bear arms. Gun control laws do not thwart criminals. You have a right to defend yourself against criminals.

Taxes Support lower taxes for higher income groups and a smaller government. Lower taxes create more incentive for people to work, save, invest, and engage in entrepreneurial endeavors.

United Nations (UN) The UN has repeatedly failed in its essential mission: to preserve world peace. History shows that the United States, not the UN, is the global force for spreading freedom, prosperity, tolerance and peace. The U.S. should never subvert its national interests to those of the UN.

War in Iraq This was a preemptive strike to protect the U.S. All intelligence indicated that Saddam Hussein possessed and used weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in the past and was prepared to use them again. He would not allow United Nations weapons inspectors to confirm his claim that he had destroyed his WMDs. A democracy can succeed in Iraq if the people are given the opportunity to create one. All people want to live in freedom

War on terror/terrorism The world toward which the Militant Islamists strive cannot co-exist with the Western world. Militant Islamists have repeatedly attacked Americans and American interests here and abroad.

Welfare Oppose long-term welfare. We need to provide opportunities to make it possible for poor and low-income workers to become self-reliant.

Source: www.studentnewsdaily.com

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