COLLEGIATETIMES
tuesday april 14, 2009 blacksburg, va.
www.collegiatetimes.com
Center for Peace relocates to Norris Hall ZACH CRIZER & PHILIPP KOTLABA
ct news staff The view from the second floor is still the same, but the view inside was vastly different on Friday when Virginia Tech reopened the front wing of Norris Hall. Nearly two years after Seung-Hui Cho killed 30 people in the building, Norris Hall reopened, a product of the ideas of Jerzy Nowak and numerous other April 16 families. President Charles Steger was the first to speak at a ceremony in the new version of Room 209 in Norris Hall. “We believe that the reopening of this facility will help move the university forward while reflecting and always remembering the tragedy that occurred on the fateful day of April 16,” Steger said. Steger also said Norris Hall would always be tied to the event. “The day’s activities and those that will follow for many decades to come will serve and respect the memories of those lost in the terrible tragedy,” Steger said. It will house the Center for Peace Studies and the department of engineering science and mechanics. Nowak, whose wife Jocelyn Couture-Nowak was killed in Norris Hall, has left the horticulture department and will now serve as the head of the Center for Peace Studies. “Securing a safe school environment should be among the most fundamental obligations of any society,” Nowak said. “Its socio-economic well-being relies on the knowledge, skills and creativity from the next generation we raise.” The Center for Peace Studies will also be working with a newly formed club, Students for Non-Violence. Student officers were in attendance. Department head of engineering science and mechanics Ishwar Puri will also operate out of the new wing. He said the new wing was a product of a collective effort. “It is a story about community, because we came together through an open process,” Puri said. “We agreed, we disagreed, and then we came together so that we could move forward.” Provost Mark McNamee held meetings with victims, their families, faculty and staff to create a vision for the building. “The openness with which we invited ideas demonstrated how universities work at their finest,” McNamee said. Steger said the school wanted to see all ideas for the space. “We sought and received proposals for future uses from the entire university community, including the families, friends of the victims of the tragedy,” Steger said. “Many people across the university and from the extended Virginia Tech community shared their thoughts today.” Many ideas were proposed, but Steger said the building needed to be utilized. “Because of the tragedy of April 16 and because we knew that it would be used differently from that day forward, we knew that it could never be used again for the general purpose classrooms that were employed at the time,” Steger said. Puri said he looks forward to the new life of Norris Hall. “So it is with great pride that I stand in front of you today,” Puri said. “It’s been a somber two years. But you know what? Every day it gets less somber. And every day, the pride and joy of working and serving becomes deeper and deeper. Because the ultimate thing to remember was that we lost colleagues on April 16, 2007. We lost them as they were serving. They were serving our students. We lost students, who died as they were learning to serve society.”
DANIEL LIN/SPPS
From top, Provost Mark McNamee, President Charles Steger and ESM department head Ishwar Puri speak at the reopening of Norris Hall on April 10.
Checkpoints aim to improve safety RYAN PETCHENICK
ct news staff writer The Virginia Tech Police Department has been setting up DUI checkpoints on West Campus Drive, Southgate Drive and occasionally on Washington Street for the past decade. West Campus Drive and Southgate Drive have become popular locations to set up checkpoints. The police consider these spots to be at high risk for traffic-related accidents because of the fact that the road design cuts through campus and serves as a corridor for faculty, students and local residents. Washington Street is also a viable option for the Police Department because of its popularity for motorists and construction. Sgt. Scott Poff of the VTPD has been coordinating the DUI checkpoints for four years. Checkpoints can be set up anywhere on the Tech campus, though the police department has the ultimate say in their final location. “When we choose sites, we also have to take into account site distance, additional room to put in support vehicles and lighting,” Poff said. Sgt. Poff is in charge of coordinating
with various law enforcement agencies, mainly the Montgomery County police, the state police and occasionally the local Blacksburg police, to provide additional assistance at the checkpoints if needed. “(At) the West Campus Drive checkpoint, our plan says we need 10 officers, but we usually go well beyond with 20 or 25 officers,” Poff said. “We need a minimum of 10 for Washington Street, but once again, we go above and beyond. The biggest thing with the checkpoint is, once word gets out, people will hopefully avoid driving intoxicated. It’s a good deterrent.” The Virginia Tech Police Department last set up a DUI checkpoint on Nov. 1, 2008, in an effort to eliminate intoxicated drivers from the road and thus reduce the chances of injury. The Nov. 1 checkpoint, set up on Southgate Drive from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. and then on West Campus Drive from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m., was considered a success by the VTPD. The checkpoint resulted in 80 individuals receiving arrests and summons. Of these 80, the most serious offenses consisted of two individuals driving under the influence, 20
underage possession charges, two possession of marijuana charges, and one individual was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell. A total of 361 vehicles were checked at Southgate Drive, while 426 vehicles were checked on West Campus Drive. The checkpoints are required to be set up 48 hours prior to being implemented. The form, which describes the plans to be implemented, VTPD 214, is a diagram showing how things will be set up and what lanes will be used. The form also has dates and times that the checkpoint is to be set up and provides an alternate location to use in case something unforeseen, such as lack of adequate lighting, occurs. The plan includes what agencies will be participating in the checkpoint. “We know these checkpoints are successful in removing some impaired drivers from the road and arresting them, but it’s difficult to measure what you’re preventing,” Assistant Chief of Police for the VTPD Thomas Foster said. The Blacksburg Police Department is responsible for setting up the checkpoints off campus. “The department has a list of prede-
termined locations,” Lt. Joe Davis said. “We have 10 to 20 locations around town that are justified by local traffic data and approved by local judges.” Davis considers their checkpoints a success because they serve as a deterrent and added that, “Anytime you limit intoxicated drivers, you drop the chances of someone getting seriously injured.” The last Blacksburg Police Department checkpoint that was in operation was on March 21, 2009. The checkpoint, set up in the 1900 block of South Main Street, resulted in more than 30 traffic related charges, none of them DUI related. Neither police department discloses when it will hold a checkpoint — once a judge approves the location, the department may decide when and where (from among the list of permitted sites) to set up. “We see a lot of encouraging things at checkpoints, such as students that are using designated drivers, organizations that are being responsible,” Foster said. “We are always thankful when student organizations who are holding parties are being responsible; this is good. Our main goal is to make sure everyone gets home safely.”
Blacksburg budget to spark town dialogue BILLY MITCHELL
ct news staff writer Tonight the town of Blacksburg will hold a public hearing regarding the recommended operating budget for 2009-10. The Town Council meeting will be an opportunity for Blacksburg residents to begin a dialogue about the $56 million budget and how to overcome a $600,000 downturn brought on by the recession. Representatives for the town of Blacksburg say that the town — like any other during a time of recession — will have to make budget cuts, but is likely to fare better than many other towns and counties because of its diverse sources of revenue. “The town of Blacksburg takes its revenue through a wide array of taxes,” said Steve Ross, the Town of Blacksburg deputy town manager. “Therefore, we are not as dependent on certain taxes that other areas may be dependent on.” One of these taxes that Blacksburg is not heavily dependent on is its real estate tax. Homeowners in the
Blacksburg area will not see an increase in their property tax this year. The town of Blacksburg has only raised its rate on real estate tax one time in the last 22 years, said Susan Kaiser, the Town of Blacksburg finance director. “We try to maintain the property tax rate and usually leave it as a last resort measure to be changed,” Kaiser said. Blacksburg’s real estate tax rate of 22 percent assessed accounts for 19.4 percent of the town’s general fund revenues. Many other areas in America depend on up to 50 percent of their revenue from real estate, Ross said. To balance the constant real estate rates, the town has chosen to raise utilities fees. A utility hike of $3.48 a month for the average family has been proposed. “In contrast with real estate, utilities are something people have control of how much they use, so an increase in utility fees is more welcomed,” Kaiser said. This year, town services such as brush collection, the annual town
calendar, and the town’s Fourth of July celebration will be reduced. Brush collection will be reduced from monthly pick up to twice a year, saving the town $117,000 over the year. Residents, however, can call the town for a special collection at a fee of $60.
The Town Council meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Blacksburg municipal building on 300 South Main St. The annual town calendar printed at a cost of $16,000 will be cut from the budget and reduced to online only. Blacksburg’s Fourth of July celebration budget will be reduced by $5,000. “Though these are services we wouldn’t like to cut, there are other services such as snow removal that just can’t be cut,” Kaiser said. The restaurant and hotel industry may see some changes if the new recommended budget is finalized as-is. In the past, restaurants and hotels
have retained the first 6 percent of total tax collection to account for their labor. It is proposed that they now retain only 2 percent of their total tax collection. “This action was put in place years ago when the restaurants had to do more manual work to prepare taxes,” Ross said. The work preparing taxes is less costly and much easier now, so the waiver was decreased, Ross said. The officials building the budget also had to consider their salaries in the time of recession. Top department directors will not take pay increases this year, and the remaining employees will take a $500 salary increase. “Even though economic times are rough, we recognize the hard work of our personnel,” Ross said. “Their teamwork brings huge savings that wouldn’t be there without them, and they deserve a reward.” The Town Council is set to vote on the budget April 28. The budget must be finalized by June 30 as the fiscal year starts July 1; however, it is almost always passed by the end of April, Ross said.
news in brief STARBUCKS SUSTAINS OGE-CHI’S LOSES ABC AUTOMOBILE ATTACK MIXED-DRINK LICENSE It wasn’t the jolt they were looking for at Starbucks. Freshman engineering student Chris Martin had just sat down with Madeline Moverly, his girlfriend who was visiting from Texas. “We got our coffee and went to sit in the oversized plush armchairs,” Martin said. Then, a 1997 Honda Accord smashed through the window they were sitting near. Martin was sitting facing the window and saw the car, driven by 19-year-old Blacksburg resident Mohammad Adeel, pull into a parking spot. “It wasn’t doing anything erratic,” Martin said. “It looked like it had parked or come close to a complete stop. Basically, all of a sudden it just shot over the curb and through the window.” Moverly could not see the car. Martin said it hit her oversized armchair, moving it 10 feet from its original spot. Martin said the armchair probably saved Moverly from serious injury. “She got a bruise on her leg,”Martin said. “She was just really shaken up.” Martin sustained a cut on his arm, which he attributed to broken glass. Both were checked out in the shop. According to Blacksburg Police, Starbucks sustained approximately $4,000 in damages while the vehicle sustained about $1,000 in damages. Adeel has been charged with Failure to Maintain Proper Control and will appear in Blacksburg General District Court on April 29, 2009. - Zach Crizer, CT news reporter
BLOOMBERG BACKS BACKGROUND CHECKS New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg will join Omar Samaha in campaigning for legislature to ensure private sellers conduct background checks at gun shows in Virginia. Samaha’s sister Reema was among 32 victims killed by Seung Hui Cho in the April 16, 2007, shootings at Virginia Tech.
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The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has revoked OgeChi’s license to sell mixed beverages, the Roanoke Times reported Friday. The announcement came Friday as a result of two violations of food-toalcohol sales ratios. In order to qualify for a mixed-beverage license in Virginia, a restaurant’s sale of nonalcoholic beverages and food must account for 45 percent of their gross total. At Oge-Chi’s, food sales were about 12 percent of their total. The revocation is effective immediately, barring a stay issuance by the ABC board or Montgomery County Circuit Court.
SUSTAINABILITY FORUM HELD TODAY IN TORGERSEN 2150 The Virginia Tech Energy and Sustainability committee will host a sustainability forum tonight from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30p.m. in Torgersen 2150. The forum is open to the public and aims to increase student feedback about Tech’s sustainability programs. Since 2007 the Environmental Coalition and sustainability committee have worked with the administration to sign the Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment and Sustainability Plan into university policy, which will happen at the end of this semester. The sustainability committee has come up with a list of guidlines and action strategies including waste reduction in dining halls and temperature controls in residence halls. The forum will consist of a short presentation of the plan followed by an open discussion between students, faculty, staff and administrators on what projects or initiatives they would like to see implemented within the VTCAC and CSP. All findings will be publicly documented and sent to the SGA for potential approval and implementation, upon President Charles Steger’s final approval. -Logan Vidal, CT news staff writer
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editor: bethany buchanan email: features@collegiatetimes.com phone: 540.231.9865 office hours: w 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., f 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
april 14, 2009
COLLEGIATE TIMES PRESENTS: Preview of comedic movie trailers by peter velz
Bruno – July 10 IN BRIEF: Sacha Baron Cohen hopes to match the success of his smashhit “Borat” with another film starring a different “Da Ali G Show” character. Feisty and flamboyant fashion designer Bruno takes America by storm, exposing a trail of hilariously awkward homophobia and celebrity-fatigue on his way. Looks promising: Two words: velcro jumpsuit. And gabbing with hunters over which “Sex and the City” girl they resemble is a guaranteed riot. Also, a hilariously misguided send-up of celebrities adopting babies from abroad will likely offend many and cause everyone else to convulse uncontrollably in laughter. Not so much: Can this slapstick satire of pomp and prejudice differentiate itself from “Borat,” or merely copy the formula of making people look like fools in the face of uncomfortably side-splitting situations?
(500) Days of Summer – July 24 IN BRIEF: The trailer lays it all out: “This is a story of boy meets girl.” Although it warns, “this is not a love story.” Ending in a breakup, the boy tells his story from the beginning about the would-be love of his life, Summer. Looks promising: After a slew of esoteric film choices, attractive leads Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt seem to be ready for primetime leading this teen-skewing, feel-good romantic comedy. Not so much: Early buzz from Sundance was mostly positive so it could be the perfect summer diversion. However, some may be turned off by its “Garden State”-level uber-hipness, complete with an ear infecting, must-have soundtrack (The Smiths!) and pretentiously quirky visual gimmicks a la “Little Miss Sunshine.”
Funny People – July 31 IN BRIEF: With each successive movie, writer-director of “Knocked Up” Judd Apatow’s fame moves further into the realm of the dramas. Now he’s dealing with terminal diseases in this Adam Sandler, Seth Rogan comedy. Looks promising: Apatow seems to model his body of work on James L. Brooks and his classic poignant and authentic comedies like “As Good As It Gets.” Nothing wrong with learning from the master. Not so much: The trailer seems to condense the movie into a standard three-act dramedy. Comedian befriends fan. Comedian confides in friend about cancer before overcoming it (maybe). Comedian enlists friend to win back the one that got away after getting a new lease on life. Hopefully the trailer is holding back the goods to make the movie worthwhile.
ICON KEY cuddly creatures
warm & fuzzy
definitely devastating
inexplicable explosions
hilarity to ensue
potentially pants-wetting
Downtown arts office looks to expand local scene MARY ANNE CARTER
ct features reporter Natural light spills through expansive windowpanes, illuminating the sleek tile floor and vibrant art collection of downtown Blacksburg’s newest tenant — the Community Arts Information Office. In an effort to “raise the profile of what is happening in arts and culture in the New River Valley,” the Community Arts Information Office opened April 1 next to the Lyric on College Avenue to provide downtown Blacksburg with a much needed “arts presence for local community groups,” said Executive Director of the Lyric Council Susan Mattingly. “There is a lot going on out there that people don’t know about, and most of the arts groups kind of struggled to fulfill their mission — they don’t have the funding or revenue stream to really pull this kind of thing together ... and we are just a little bit too small for an arts council,” Mattingly said. Through a colorful display of posters, postcards and flyers adorning the front desk, the Community Arts Information Office promotes upcoming art shows, street fairs, concerts, workshops and calls for submissions, while an entrance art gallery “showcases the visual arts of the area … with rotating art displays” explained Mattingly. The current art show, Views of the Lyric, “will show through the end of May … and then we want another show for the next two months” Mattingly said. “We are talking about reaching out to Pulaski and Giles counties to have a regional presence with artists outside of Blacksburg as well.” In addition to providing a space to cultivate visual arts, the Community Arts Information Office includes a much needed addition of a backstage to The Lyric, Mattingly said. “For stage events, we only had a skinny corridor. … Essentially we had no backstage, we had no wing space, and it limited the kind of productions we could do” Mattingly said. “We have knocked a hole in the masonry hall and connected the two buildings. … So now you can get to the Lyric backstage, and we have already used it two or three times for stage events … and larger
productions.” Furthermore, the renovation and occupancy of the space — formerly littered with cigarette butts, graffiti and a clutter of broken glass — ”has provided hope for the entire downtown area.” “I would walk by the vacant space all the time and it just seemed depressing,” sophomore biology major Kayla Jones said. “Although I’m not really an avid supporter of the arts or anything, I still think it’s really refreshing to see something new downtown. It makes a good impression on the whole area.” Although the space’s prominent location in downtown Blacksburg was desirable to a number of retailers and restaurants, the bleak condition of the space provided an advantage to the Community Arts Information Office.
“Although I’m not really an avid supporter of the arts or anything, I still think it’s really refreshing to see something new downtown.” - KAYLA JONES SOPHOMORE BIOLOGY MAJOR “There were all kinds of building issues in this ancient wood framed structure, and it was clear that restaurant or retail were not going to be able to come in — it was not cost effective,” Mattingly said. “The Lyric Council realized this was an opportunity that wouldn’t happen again. We are across the street from the Arts Initiative; everything is happening right here. It allowed us to expand and gave us much needed space for our programming purposes … as well offer shared office space with up to four not-forprofit organizations.” “We have four cubicles and only two are occupied, one by the Renaissance Music Academy and another by the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg,” Mattingly said. The Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg, which puts on events each year to draw citizens, students and visitors to promote the economic development of downtown, also serves to promote the arts “working closely with the Arts Alliance and Virginia Tech Arts Initiative,” said Sue
Drzal, administrative director of the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg. “Any profits we make are trafficked right back into programs, including the Lyric renovation, farmers market and the upkeep of downtown,” Drzal said. “We put our hearts in the core downtown area, and we wanted a more visible location so we could better serve as a visitor center.” Formerly located on the second story of For the Birds, Drzal expressed that it was “difficult to serve as a visitor center when you are located in the upper echelon of a store down the street.” The higher visibility has provided more traffic for the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg, Mattingly said, but it has still been “slow ramping up because it’s a new concept and a new idea, and it’s pretty slow with people coming.” “I’m really hopeful that it will pick up once the Black Box (theater) opens and there is more of an arts presence,” Mattingly said. “Plus, you have the whole fall football season, and I’m hopeful that the flocks of people who come in for football want to do more than just football.” Both the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg and the Community Arts Information Office provide a number of opportunities for students to become involved. While the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg work closely with a group of students to promote sustainability and “going green” in their upcoming events, the Community Arts Information Office offers students an opportunity to show their work, “sit during office hours” and drop off promotional materials for their work. It will soon be “partnering with the arts and culture writer (at the Roanoke Times) to do office hours here on Thursday afternoons, so if student groups or whoever have a special program they are doing and want to have face time with a media reporter, they will have an opportunity,” Mattingly said. “We have made a lot of good, lasting relationships with Virginia Tech students and staff,” Drzal said. “We hope to continue to build on that while we enhance the arts element downtown.”
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opinions 3
editor: laurel colella email: opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com phone: 540.231.9865 office hours: mw 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
april 14, 2009
EDITORIAL
Enforcing DUI checkpoints improves community safety The Virginia Tech Police Department has a history of setting up DUI checkpoints around campus in an attempt to catch students driving under the influence of alcohol. These locations include West Campus Drive, Southgate Drive and occasionally Washington Street. The student body as a whole is generally pretty well aware of these sites, and students who are looking to avoid a Class 1 misdemeanor charge will do their best to avoid them. Police officers are required to set up checkpoints at least 48 hours in advance with a specific plan in place; however, the whereabouts of this location do not have to be disclosed to the student body — just to a judge for approval. When it comes to driving while intoxicated, the majority of students who will be traveling in motor vehicles will not be students on campus — their cars are in the stadium or Duckpond lots — they rely more heavily on the Blacksburg Transit for transportation. While the checkpoints on campus certainly do deter drunken driving, it seems that the majority of unsafe driving takes place off campus in and around apartment complexes and coming and going from the downtown area. Off-campus checkpoints are regulated by the Blacksburg Police Department based on a list of predetermined locations that have been approved by local judges. Many college students might say that checkpoints in town take place on a less frequent basis. The last checkpoint took place on March 21 at the 1900 block of South Main Street and resulted in no DUI related charges. This might be because of the fact that the checkpoint was half a mile past the First and Main shopping center. If Blacksburg Police are trying to deter people from driving drunk,
they certainly didn’t choose the busiest of places to catch students and citizens in peak form. It’s not so much about the police “catching people” as it is about preventing people from driving drunk and keeping themselves and others safe. The point is to stop people from making poor decisions by motivating them to avoid the consequences of getting a DUI. This could be best achieved through publicizing the DUI checkpoints for the evening in the hopes of making students think twice before choosing to drive while intoxicated. Establishing checkpoints more consistently along commonly traveled areas on Main Street or Patrick Henry Drive will make students reconsider their actions before getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, especially if they know they’re in for a checkpoint. Regular checkpoints will also force students to take the idea of designated driving seriously. Driving while intoxicated from a downtown bar back to apartments in Hunters Ridge or Collegiate Suites has, ridiculously enough, become somewhat socially acceptable. We know what you’re thinking, and no, you’re really not a “great drunken driver.” Downtown is where the true problem of drunken driving lies, and Blacksburg Police should take the necessary steps to curb the problem. There is no excuse. To not step up and discourage the drunken driving of students, especially in the early hours of the morning on weekends, is nothing but laziness. Strict enforcement of these laws could potentially save lives.
US has responsibility to act as the world’s police KEVIN GILLISPIE regular columnist Somali pirates seize the U.S.-flagged cargo ship Maersk Alabama, the captain surrenders himself to the pirates to ensure his crew’s safety, the Merchant Marine crew takes back control of its hijacked ship, and then U.S. Navy Seals make a mid-ocean assault and rescue the ship’s captain: If I had this much testosterone in me I’d be in a coma. It’s not wise to romanticize any of this, but my mind is spun up in a vortex of awe and sweet jingoistic bliss over what has transpired. ... OK, now that I’ve had my man-moment, the consequences must be addressed. Piracy has been an age-old practice that even I’ve come in contact with — though only after the fact. While in the Navy, my ship was ordered to escort a submarine through the Strait of Malacca. This was prompted by an incident where some Malaccan pirates decided to open fire on a U.S. submarine. The strait is too shallow in places for submarines to submerge beneath the passing shipping traffic, and subs are generally not outfitted to engage in any kind of surface warfare. Centuries ago, pirates were hung when captured. An old legal dictionary says, as cited by The Wall Street Journal: “A piracy attempted on the Ocean, if the Pirates are overcome, the Takers may immediately inflict a Punishment by hanging them up at the Main-yard End; though this is understood where no legal judgment may be obtained.” The rationale was that they were too dangerous to transport back to a home country. That and pirates were more apt to kill. Felony murder, as it were. (Nowadays, United States Code prescribes life imprisonment for foreign-born pirates. More reasonable when murder is not an aggravating factor.) Somali pirates are much less prone to murder than pirates centuries ago, but it has happened. And in a pseudo-
victimized, face-saving rant they are vowing revenge for the deaths of their three dead “colleagues” or “compatriots” or “cohorts” (I’m not sure what their preferred relational appellation is), stating that “the French and the Americans will regret starting this killing. “We do not kill (last year two people were killed by Somali pirates), but take only ransom. We shall do something to anyone we see as French or American from now (on),” to quote from a Reuters report. (The pirate was referring also to an earlier incident with French commandos.)
Some Americans don’t like the idea of the U.S. acting as the world’s police, but there is no one else to do it. There is no other nation on this planet that is willing to sacrifice for others as we do. Usually Somali pirates are handed over to Kenyan authorities to adjudicate, but Kenya is in no position to mete out justice or governance for another country — even if that other country (Somalia) has no government of its own. We are at a crossroads. Much like the United States was with the Barbary pirates. Do we pay “tribute” or do we fight? Thomas Jefferson opted to fight. And he was right in doing so. Though the U.S. government pays no tribute to any Somali pirates, American companies such as the Stamford, Connecticut-based shipping company Industrial Shipping Enterprises Corporation have. And when the CEO, James Christodoulou, of ISEC goes on NPR and tries to equate not negotiating with pirates as like “trying to blame the victim” he undermines the safety of everyone at sea. He alludes to and dismisses the position of non-negotiation by saying, “It’s not really my job to set policy
or to draw lines, that’s really the job of governments and other agencies.” Cowards are targets. And will continue to be so, especially when a coward gives in to the demands of those targeting them. The employees of ISEC should do all they can to find another company to work for unless they want to risk spending another two months as hostages like the crew of the ISEC’s MV Biscaglia. The BBC reported that the U.N. Monitoring Group on Somalia “issued a damning report last December in which it castigated ship owners for paying ransom. Exorbitant ransom payments have fueled the growth of (pirate) groups.” Even the U.N. gets it. And in the same BBC report, Paul Reynolds identifies exactly what must be done. He quotes Lord Palmerston, British Foreign Secretary in 1841: “Taking a wasps’ nest ... is more effective than catching the wasps one by one.” Stephen Decatur did it with the north of Africa, and it must be done with the Horn. History teaches us not to negotiate with thugs. Preservation of the many over the few demands that we don’t negotiate with thugs. Somalia must be dealt with, and with the same gusto as Iraq. Some Americans don’t like the idea of the U.S. acting as the world’s police, but there is no one else to do it. There is no other nation on this planet that is willing to sacrifice for others as we do. And that is how we will stay great, free and prosperous. I’ll leave you with Brett Stephens of The Wall Street Journal: “Pirates, said Cicero, were hostis humani generis — enemies of the human race — to be dealt with accordingly by their captors. Tellingly, Cicero’s notion of piracy vanished in the Middle Ages; its recovery traces the recovery of the West itself.” Our greatness, our freedom and our prosperity — indeed, our very civilization — is dependent upon safe trade. Without it we will wither, and without it we’re dead in the water.
2,247. That’s the average number of abortions that occur each day in the United States (CDC, 2005). The magnitude of that number indicates that abortion is a serious issue that affects many people in this country. On Monday, Right to Life at Virginia Tech erected a display of 2,247 small white flags (known as a Cemetery of the Innocents) on the Drillfield to raise awareness of the abortion issue and remember the deaths of those aborted. A common critique of the prolife movement is that it stands against abortion but does not provide any solutions. Many women do not feel that abortion is right, but they also do not have the means or ability to care for their child. It is a tragedy that such a situation should exist in a country containing so much wealth. By displaying flags for the aborted, Right to Life wishes to not only protest the political, social, and moral injustice of abortion, but also motivate members of the Virginia Tech community to do something positive about abortion. Here are some ideas: Support a Crisis Pregnancy Center: These places assist
women, financially and emotionally, as they face an unplanned pregnancy. Give them some diapers or donate your time (Christiansburg: 540-394-5004). Reflect: If you belong to a religion, Christian or not, offer some prayers. If you are not religious, spend some time contemplating this issue and what it means. Be a friend: Some of your peers may be going through the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy. They need you now more than ever. Organize: If you go to Virginia Tech, join Right to Life and help out. Most other colleges and communities have a prolife organization that you can join. If not, find a friend and start one. Protest: Not everything our government does is just. It is our duty to call for solutions when this happens. Attend the March for Life next year. 2,247 represents a wealth of knowledge, personalities, friendships, love, and life that our country lacks each day. Together, let us find real solutions to change this. Kevin Riedel Vice President, Right to Life at Virginia Tech junior, forest resource managment
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When it comes to summer jobs, don’t be afraid to have a little fun “Keep the hippies out of traffic, and keep the traffic out of hippies.” Bobb D, owner of Event Staffing Inc., must have repeated this BEN job description WOODY about 10 times in the four-hour regular training session columnist Saturday for the Bonnaroo festival in June. This summer will mark the second consecutive summer in which I will not enrich my skimpy resume with an internship. That doesn’t bother me too badly. Maybe it will later, though. Meanwhile, I’m going to get paid to listen to Bruce Springsteen, Phish and Snoop Dogg while sitting in Manchester, Tenn., wearing a green shirt that says “Bonnaroo Safety.” The supply of would-be interns continues to grow amid the sour economic climate. Rather than attempting to climb the mountain of my peers to snag that internship dangled over our heads, I am going to enjoy my summer by working con-
certs. I have always enjoyed listening to music, and my friends would probably agree that the pleasure is a little obsessive; I just haven’t been a huge fan of live music. I’m going to give it a shot this summer. Perhaps next summer will be more appropriate in terms of my major, but as far as the present is concerned, I shall have to enjoy my summer. As a student whose palette includes a handful of communication courses, I have been beaten with images of the media scaring the public with recession coverage. Layoffs! The Dow Jones Industrial Average is hovering at 8,000! The Hannah Montana movie reached number one at the box offices last weekend! All of these nightmarish situations facilitate feelings of pessimism in regards to the job market and likelihood of landing a sweet internship. Instead of going out of my way to get all the necessary materials for an internship I wouldn’t enjoy anyway, I am getting paid to watch live music. I’m a bit excited. With a handful of my friends wor-
rying about their med, law and grad school applications and whether they’re chock-full of goodies, I have almost lost my mind talking to them. Relax, guys. You have plenty of time to build your resume. If your summer doesn’t feature an internship, go get a job at a camp. Check your local county’s Web site. There are jobs galore through your local parks and recreation department. Find a landscaping position or a camp leader position and you will have a good summer. Retailers, namely sporting goods stores, will be looking for people. Football season means a lot of cleats, pads, cheerleading equipment and other stuff to be sold. Find a concert series — Bonnaroo, Allgood, Warped Tour, etc. Usually, security is not used sparingly. Peanut vending at ballparks will always provide an awesome atmosphere with relatively easy work. Usually, restaurants are a safe bet to find employment. Either way, there is plenty of work to do this summer. Think outside of the box and you will find something to do.
Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board. Letters to the editor are submissions from Collegiate Times readers. We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, e-mail spps@vt.edu. Have a news tip? Call 231-9865 or e-mail: newstips@collegiatetimes.com Collegiate Times Phone Numbers News/Features 231-9865 Sports/Opinions 231-9870 Editor-in-Chief 231-9867 College Media Solutions Phone Number Advertising 961-9860 The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday through Friday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. The Collegiate Times receives no funding from the university. The Collegiate Times can be found online at www.collegiatetimes.com. Except where noted, all photographs were taken by the Student Publications Photo Staff.The Collegiate Times is located in 365 Squires Student Center, Blacksburg, Va. 24061. (540) 231-9865. Fax (540) 231-9151. Subscription rates: $65 semester; $90 academic year; $105 full year. The first copy is free, any copy of the paper after that is 50 cents per issue. © Collegiate Times, 2009. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.
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editor: thomas emerick, brian wright email: sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com phone: 540.231.9865 office hours: w 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.; t 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
april 14, 2009
Before he plays football, Vick first must be forgiven As the NFL draft approaches, a football fanatic’s desire for the season to return cannot outweigh the longing Michael Vick feels to step back onto MATT the gridiron. COSTELLO Vick has been sports out of football staff writer since 2007 when he was indicted on dog fighting conspiracy charges that ultimately gave the former superstar a 23-month sentence. The previous Hokie quarterback hopes to be back in the NFL by September, barring any additional suspensions handed out by league commissioner Roger Goodell. Goodell has said that he will review Vick’s case after he is released from prison and will largely base his decision on the amount of remorse the former Atlanta Falcons signal caller has for his past actions. Fans of the NFL need to ask themselves whether they are ready to forgive Michael Vick for what he did. Some people are going to think that what Vick did is unforgivable, but people with that thought process need to sit back and take notice of some of the players still playing in the NFL today who have committed or had suspicions of committing far worse crimes. First let’s have a look at St. Louis Rams’ defensive end Leonard Little, who is still actively playing in the NFL. Little had a three-year stint from 2001 to 2003 seasons as one of the top sack artists in the game, averaging more than 12 per year in that span. What the average fan probably does not know about are his past legal issues. Back in 1998, Little left a party after drinking during the night and ended up crashing his vehicle into another car, resulting in the death of Susan Gutweiler of St. Louis, Mo. After the accident, it was revealed that Little’s blood alcohol level measured at 0.19, a level that is twice the legal limit in the state of Missouri. Little was charged with involuntary manslaughter, and the punishment he received for the crime was 90 days in jail followed by four years of probation and 1,000 hours community service. Little served just 90 days in jail for driving while intoxicated and killing another human being. To make matters ever worse, six years later Little was arrested again for drunk driving while speeding. After a horrific moment that
occurred in 1998 in Little’s life, one would believe the thought of drinking and driving could never again cross his mind, but through his actions he showed zero remorse or change in character. The next case to look at, which has been completely brainwashed from all the minds of football fans across the country, is that of superstar linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, Ray Lewis. Back in 2000 following a Super Bowl party, Lewis was involved in a fight that resulted in the death of two people by stab wounds. Eleven days after the incident, Lewis was indicted for murder and aggravated assault. Yes, Lewis was acquitted of the murder charges in the end of the case, but do people really remember how that came about? During the trial, several eye witnesses were supposedly the key for the prosecution to prove Lewis’s guilt. The witnesses before the trial claimed they had seen Lewis stab one of the victims and even heard Lewis admit to the murder days after the crime occurred. When it came time to testify, the eyewitnesses changed their stories almost completely, claiming Lewis was the peacemaker throughout the altercation or claiming they could not correctly identify who had stabbed the victims. Lewis’ attorney wound up arranging for the prosecution to drop the murder charges if he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of obstruction of justice. When Lewis returned to the NFL the following season, he was not suspended any games but fined a league record $250,000. These two stories are just a fraction of what some of the players have done or been accused of in the NFL. It’s wrong to say that fans should sweep Vick’s dog fighting scandal under the rug and root for him on the field, but do not say that the man does not have a right to return to the gridiron in a speedy process following his release. As mentioned earlier, Vick has served 23 months for his crime. And as an owner of three dogs myself, I feel — like most feel — that what he did is horrific and inhumane. I also believe that if our society can quickly forgive and forget the transgressions of a Leonard Little or Ray Lewis, the same should be applied to Vick. Vick was once the face of the NFL and arguably one of the most recognizable sports figures in America. Now, Vick is a man trying to get his life back on track, and our society should give
him that opportunity. Recently Vick filed for bankruptcy to a Virginia court only to be rejected because of the fact that his plan to repay creditors was not feasible since there is no assurance that Vick can return to the NFL and reclaim a lucrative contract. The only income Vick can count on now is a $10 an hour construction job where he’ll be working 40 hours a week. According to Judge Frank Santoro, who heard Vick’s appeal for bankruptcy, Vick would have to earn somewhere around $7.5 million to $8 million dollars annually to just break even over the course of the next three years. The man is doing everything he can to try and restore the life he once had. How can a person not feel remorse for his actions after what it ended up costing him in the end? “I can’t live like the old Mike Vick; I was very immature,” Vick said to a courtroom in front of his closest friends and family. “I did a lot of things I wasn’t supposed to do being a role model.” Once Vick is finally reinstated, teams have to wonder whether the athlete can revive his career once again as an elite NFL quarterback or whether he should switch positions to receiver. Looking around the NFL you can name several franchises that are in dire need of a quarterback who can put their team over the hump and into the playoffs. Teams such as the Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets and the Detroit Lions are all teams with huge question marks at the position. The Lions will most likely come off that list of teams in need of Vick’s services if they decide to draft Matthew Stafford with the first overall pick in this month’s NFL draft, but the remaining three teams cannot argue the fact that they would be much more improved teams if they had Vick under center. Fans need to forgive, but not forget what he has done. It’s easy to jump on the band-wagon and say Vick should never play quarterback in the NFL again. But when you truly assess how much the former Hokie star has been through, fans should recognize he has served his punishment for his crime. I, as many NFL fans, am excited to see Vick return to the game as the exciting player he once was and a new man who has learned a lifelong, damaging lesson.
HARRY E. WALKER/MCT
Quarterback Michael Vick rolls out of the pocket against the Washington Redskins in a Dec. 3, 2006 game at FedEx Field. The former Atlanta Falcon and Tech standout is set to be released from federal custody this July.
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editor: thomas emerick, brian wright email: sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com phone: 540.231.9865 office hours: w 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.; t 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
april 14, 2009
sports in brief SWEEP OF BC RESULTS IN WIN NO. 500 FOR THOMAS
BASEBALL COMPLETES FIRST ACC SWEEP
ON SENIOR DAY, WOMEN’S TENNIS DOWNS DEACS
Head coach Scot Thomas picked up his 500th career win after his Hokies softball team defeated Boston College in the last game of the series, which Virginia Tech swept three games to none. The Hokies (17-19, 7-5 ACC) got to Thomas’ milestone victory in dominating fashion. In each of the three games against the Eagles, Tech posted a double-digit number of hits. It also plated 32 runs in the series. Senior outfielder Jenna Rhodes scored eight of those and went an impressive 10-for-12 — good for a .833 batting average. Sophomore pitcher Kenzie Roark picked up all three wins, throwing over 200 pitches in the process. The first game of the series was a long, drawn-out 9-5 win, due to a weather delay. The Hokies still pounded out 14 hits, and senior Charisse Mariconda stole three bases. Mariconda became the fifth player in school history to score 100 runs and to have 200 hits and 100 RBIs. The first game of a Saturday doubleheader saw the Hokies cruise, 14-6. Senior Erin Ota led the team by going 4-for-4 with seven RBIs, three doubles and two runs scored. The third game was a pitching domination by Roark, who went six innings, allowing one run in a 9-1 victory. Senior Beth Walker gave Roark some run support with a three-run homer to straight away center in the first inning. The Hokies travel to face Liberty on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Lynchburg. – Ray Nimmo
The Virginia Tech baseball team achieved its first Atlantic Coast Conference series sweep this weekend on the road against Maryland. Starting pitching led the way for the Hokies (21-12, 7-10 ACC). Rhett Ballard, Justin Wright and Mathew Price combined for three wins, 20 innings pitched and only six earned runs over the three games. The Tech defense also excelled this weekend, committing only three errors to aid the solid pitching effort. While the bats didn’t live up to past production, they did enough for the sweep. Center fielder Steve Bumbry hit an RBI triple and a solo home run to lead the Hokie offense on Friday in a 5-3 victory. In Saturday’s 4-3 decision, Tech managed only four hits, but the team made the most of them. Ty Hohman and Buddy Sosnoskie each picked up a hit and an RBI apiece, and Bumbry also got an RBI on a sacrifice fly. The Hokies didn’t need much on Sunday with the 5-0 shutout of the Terps, and Tech took the lead in the first inning on a wild pitch and never looked back. Bumbry came up big again for the third game in a row with a two-run single in the seventh inning with the bases loaded to seal another victory for the Hokies. Tech next travels to High Point for a game on Wednesday. – Joe Crandley
To conclude its regular season, the Virginia Tech women’s tennis team capped off senior day with a 5-2 home win over Wake Forest. After splitting the first four singles matches, freshman Courtney Rauscher beat the Demon Deacons’ Ryan Cutillo by a count of 7-5, 6-1. Sophomore Holly Johnson followed in tow thanks in part to a three-set triumph over Katarina Reveche, 2-6, 7-6 and 10-4. In doubles action, Tech (13-10, 3-8 ACC) took care of Wake by winning two of the three matches. Johnson and senior Jessica Brouwer cruised to an 8-3 win while senior Inga Beerman and freshman Martha Blakely provided the difference with their 9-7 victory. It proved to be the second consecutive win in Atlantic Coast Conference competition. Two days earlier against North Carolina State, the Hokies made quick work of the Wolfpack in a 7-0 blanking. The only blemish came in doubles play as Johnson and Brouwer lost a close-fought 8-7 match with Daria Petrovic and Lenka Hojckova. However, the Hokies won all the rest, including six singles matches, to claim their first victory over NC State since joining the conference. Tech will take part in the ACC championships in Cary, N.C., from April 16-19. – Brian Wright
HUSSEIN AHMED/SPPS
Freshman Martha Blakely eyes her upcoming return shot in Sunday’s regular season finale. The Hokies toppled Wake Forest by a score of 5-2.
MEN’S TENNIS FALLS TO WAKE IN ACC FINALE The No. 22 Virginia Tech men’s tennis team (13-6, 6-4 ACC) wrapped up its spring regular season on Easter weekend. At No. 51 NC State on Friday, the Hokies edged the Wolfpack by a score of 4-3. Tech made its way across the state Sunday and fell to a 6-1 defeat against No. 25 Wake Forest. The Hokies beat State with the help of a clutch win by Nicolas Delgado de Robles. He took down the No. 36 ranked player in the nation, Jay Weinacker, in an upset that propelled his team to victory. Other Hokies to come away with wins that day included Patrick Daciek
MICHAEL MCDERMOTT/SPPS
Senior shortstop Erin Ota cleanly fields a grounder during the Hokies’ contest with Boston College on Friday afternoon. Tech went on to sweep the Eagles, thanks in part to scoring 32 runs in the three-game series. and Brandon Corace. Tech also took the doubles point after winning two of three doubles matches. On Sunday against the Demon Deacons, Delgado de Robles couldn’t pull off the upset against No. 21 ranked Cory Parr. Brandon Corace was the only Hokie to come away with a win on the day, winning his match easily in straight sets. The Hokies return to action in the ACC championships, which will be held in Cary, N.C., from April 16-19. – Garrett Busic
FOR LACROSSE, A LETDOWN IN OREGON In its last road contest of the season and the Hokies’ first to the state of Oregon, the Virginia Tech lacrosse team (7-8) fell to the University of Oregon Ducks (10-3) by a final score of 15-10. Despite the 2,700-mile trip out west, the Hokies led early with a 4-1 advantage in the first 15 minutes. Even with the lead and the confidence of a three-game win streak behind them, Tech was unable to stage off a 6-1 run by the Ducks into the half, which put Oregon up 7-5. Senior veteran and scoring leader Rachel Culp brought the Hokies to within one less than a minute into the 2nd-half, but Tech would not get any closer. Both teams traded goals for most of the second half. However, with 4:11 left and Tech down by one, the Ducks went on a 4-0 run to end the game. The Hokies will finish their regular
season at Thompson Field this Saturday against the ACC-rival Maryland Terrapins at 1p.m. – Melanie Wadden
ner Duke. The Devils posted a thirdround score of eight-under-par, 280. Tech next awaits the ACC championships in Baden Lake, N.C., starting April 17. – Lindsay Faulkner
GOLF FIFTH AT RIVER MEN’S RELAY TEAM LANDING This weekend, Tech golf traveled to SETS SCHOOL MARK Wallace, N.C., to compete in the 2009 River Landing Intercollegiate that featured a field of 15 teams, seven from the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Hokies shot a three-round total of 864 and finished fifth at the par 72, 6,942-yard course on the River Landing Country Club. Tech finished fourth out of the seven ACC teams competing — behind Duke, NC State and Wake Forest. Leading the team was sophomore Marshall Bailey who finished at threeunder-par 213, tying for fifth, just seven strokes behind first place Matt Hill of NC State. Freshman Blake Redmond shot a one-under-par 215, tying for 10th, and junior Matt Boyd shot 218 and tied for 26th. Seniors Drew Weaver and Will Oldham tied for 43rd with a 222. The team struggled in the first two rounds, shooting 291 Friday morning and 290 on Friday afternoon, landing in sixth place before the final round. However, Tech turned things around on Saturday, shooting five-under-par 283 advancing to fifth to end the tournament. Its final round score was the second best of the day, only falling short to win-
The Tech track team was running against the weather and the competition during the Sea Ray Relays held in Knoxville, Tenn., this weekend and proved once again that despite its lack of experience, it is made up of talented underclassmen. The men’s 4x100-meter squad, comprised of three freshmen and one sophomore, broke the school record in exciting fashion. Sophomore Ebenezer Amegashie teamed up with first-year runners Keare Smith, Nick Vaughn, and Keith Ricks to post a winning time of 41.04, besting the previous record by .12 seconds. Vaughn also shined individually in the 400-meter dash by taking first in the fourth heat and finishing overall in second place. The women’s 4x100 relay squad finished in third place. Ricks took fourth place in the men’s 100-meter dash, while fellow freshman Ogechi Nwaneri nearly matched his effort by placing in fifth in the women’s 100-meter event. Aunye Boone also gave the Hokies a lift by capturing a second place finish in the women’s 200-meter dash. – Brandon Shipp