Friday, September 28, 2012 Print Edition by Collegiate Times

Friday September 28, 2012

An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 www.collegiatetimes.com

COLLEGIATETIMES 108th year, issue 21 News, page 2

Sinkland Farm season opens Sat. CAMERON AUSTIN news staff writer

The fall season is officially among us, and one local farm continues to make their festivities a local tradition. Sinkland Farms, a family owned and operated farm in Christiansburg, is holding its twentieth annual Pumpkin Festival from Sept. 29 to Oct. 28. For five weekends this fall, visitors can enjoy a variety of festive activities such as a corn maze, local live music and hayrides to the pumpkin patch. Susan Sink, owner of Sinkland Farms, said last year they had more than 35,000 people over the course of the five-week festival. “What better way to enjoy the fall season, after of course, Hokie football, than a visit to the country to find your very own ‘great pumpkin,’” Sink said. The opening weekend will also include the second annual 5K Pumpkin Run. Registration for the run begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29. As a new feature this year, the New River Valley Rocketry Association will launch man-sized rockets every hour. Sinkland Farms was established by Virginia Tech alumnus Henry Sink in 1975. Now deceased, the family puts on the pumpkin festival annually to honor him. see FARM / page two

Features, page 4

Opinions, page 5

Sports, page 8

Study Break, page 7

r/Politicians on Reddit, students take note ANDREW KULAK news staff writer

Libertarian presidential candidate and former governor of New Mexico Gary Johnson spent an hour Wednesday morning answering questions posted by users of the social networking website Reddit. Johnson has appeared on the site previously, as has President Barack Obama, a sign that the offbeat online community may be growing in relevance. “We have been following the (Ask Me Anythings),” said Harrison Bergeron, sophomore biology major and vice president of Libertarians at Virginia Tech. Bergeron and the club were excited to hear from Johnson on Reddit. The club has 200 email subscribers and 50 active members. Libertarians at Virginia Tech believes Johnson offers the best solutions for the country, and especially for students preparing to enter the workforce. “The economy, unemployment, these are things that are going to affect us. We need a government that’s going to work to allow jobs to be created,” Bergeron said. Johnson’s online event Wednesday came during his campaign’s tour of the southwestern United States that included speaking engagements at Arizona State University and the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Bergeron was hopeful the candidate would also visit Tech before the election. Jim Gray, the Libertarian vice presidential candidate, visited campus on Monday. Johnson was able to respond to more than thirty comments during his time on Reddit. The former governor touted his libertarian platform, which aims to limit government in both social and fiscal matters. During his appearance, he promised to balance the federal budget by cutting government spending almost in half if elected, to eliminate the IRS in favor of a national sales tax, to allow gay marriage and to end marijuana prohibition. He likened his positions to those

KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS

Redditors have witnessed the trend of political discussion, not only from fellow users, but from politicians themselves. of Ron Paul, the libertarian-leaning Republican congressman from Texas, who has also appeared on Reddit. While some praised Johnson’s positions, he also drew criticism from those who found his libertarian ideology problematic. Users questioned the privatization of the New Mexico prison system during his time as governor, which some feared might create a fiscal incentive for private prison owners to attempt to increase the number of inmates in their facilities. Health care and education were major issues as well. “I believe the only way we reform education in this country is to bring competition into public education,” Johnson said in response to a question about his stance on privatizing

schools. Critics countered that this would reduce funding available to schools, as well as accountability for educational performance, and that his general standpoint in opposition to many government programs was too extreme. “It’s sad that a small, limited government following its constitution is considered extreme,” Bergeron said in response to such critics. Despite mixed feedback, Bergeron and Libertarians at Virginia Tech were excited for the opportunity the Reddit appearance offered their candidate, and thought it especially beneficial for a third-party contender like Johnson. “It allows a less-known political philosophy to become mainstream,” see REDDIT / page eight

JOHNSON

Students brave mud for cause Newman Library MEGAN AMRAEN

still seeks new cafe

features staff writer

FarmHouse Fraternity will be holding its first Mud Run to close out their philanthropy week on Saturday. The three-day long philanthropic effort by the fraternity has consisted of a variety of events, including a percentage night at Moe’s on Wednesday and Public Displays of Affections, which encouraged other organizations to recognize them physically, verbally or virtually throughout the week. Now, Mud Run is bringing everything to a close by supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Thomas Williamson, a senior and internal philanthropy chair for FarmHouse, saw this as a perfect opportunity to make others more knowledgeable about LLS. “We want people to be talking about us and raise awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society,” the crop and soil environmental sciences major said. This is the first year FarmHouse will sponsor the Mud Run for their philanthropy. The fraternity previously held other events to sponsor LLS, but decided a Mud Run would better support their cause. “A few years ago we had a chili cook-off and we found a lot of success with it,” said Chris Atkins, a senior agricultural sciences major. “But we found that with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, trying to bring awareness to the cause is a huge thing.” The upcoming Mud Run

MAX LUONG news staff writer

COURTESY OF CHRIS ATKINS

FarmHouse Fraternity promotes their organization on Drillﬁeld to gain recognition around campus. will be a relay-style event where teams of five will have to complete various challenges in order to cross the finish line. “It’s not about winning,” Williamson said. “It’s about toughing out the run like many have to do with cancer everyday.” The event has captured not only the attention of the Greek community, but also other clubs and organizations on campus. “We have at least a dozen

different Greek organizations and a few clubs that will be participating in our philanthropy, many of which are entering multiple teams,” Williamson said. “Every day the number seems to go up.” FarmHouse hopes to spread the word about their fraternity, and hopes students will begin to see them as more than just an agricultural organization. “Obviously our roots are in agriculture, but we’re

way beyond that on campus,” Atkins said. “The other groups that reach out and show that they’re willing to support the same cause we support — that’s really inspiring.” The Relay for Life executive team has also submitted a team in support of LLS. “They’re really passionate about fighting all types of cancer,” Atkins said. “To see Relay reach out and see RUN / page fou

In July 2012, the Greenberry’s Coffee Co. on the first floor of Newman Library unexpectedly closed down. In its place remains a renovated, yet java-less student space. Since the Greenberry’s drop-out, Brian Mathews, associate dean for learning and outreach, has sought to secure a new tenant for the long run. His vision for the future of the space prioritizes student needs and efficiency. During Greenberrys’ short run, the independent company failed to reach its projected profit goals, according to library communications and marketing manager Laura Purcell. Students also expressed their aversion to the expensive coffee, as well as the shop’s exclusion from dining plans. “It just wasn’t the right fit,” Purcell said. Meanwhile, Mathews plans to completely reinvent students’ expectations for the average library cafe. “I want to cater to the particular students who occupy the library during late hours,” Mathews said. “Starting with the food, we are trying to introduce enticing night-time snacks, such as pizza bites.” In addition to catering, new furniture is on the renovation agenda as well. In a presentation to liberal arts undergraduates, Mathews

featured blueprints for futuristic seating and conference areas. These seating areas mimic high-tech corporate meeting rooms, equipped with laptop-to-TV hubs. “The idea is to create an enticing learning environment where students can collaborate efficiently,” Mathews said. The prospect of a new study hub seems to garner positive comments from students. “This gives me just another reason to stay in the library now,” said Billy Ozycz, a sophomore business major. “I’m pretty optimistic about the new renovations,” said Will Jones, a senior history major. “Hopefully we’ll be able to use our meal plans with the coffee shop.” The library staff, with Mathews at the helm, has been in contact with various potential vendors. They hope to complete the construction of an independent coffee shop by the advent of the spring 2013 semester. The project construction will be tedious, as optimum space is needed to allow for student traffic flow. “(There are also) future unforeseen circumstances that may add delay to the project,” said Purcell. Until then, Newman library fequenters must await their nightly coffee fix. Follow this writer on Twitter @MaxLuongCT.

news

september 28, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

editors: mallory noe-payne, victoria zigadlo newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Farms: Local festival on its 20th season from page one

sophomore communication major, is excited to attend the festival and use the pumpkins for fall festivities at home. “My favorite thing to do is cook and season the pumpkin seeds,” Bowman said. “Plus, they make great decorations.” Food concessions will be available, offering hot dogs, chili, pinto beans, corn muffins, apple cider and kettle corn, among other options. The live music will kick off opening weekend. High Country, a new country and bluegrass duo from Staunton, will perform in the barn at the farm from 1 to 4 p.m. Parking costs $5 a carload and gives visitors access to the music and clogging shows, as well as the rocket launch and much more. Other events will have additional charges. Another feature of this year’s festival is an open-air performance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Shows are held Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Student tickets

what you’re saying Tech changes privacy settings on ‘Hokie Stalker’

will be available for $5 at the event. Rocky Nunzio, a sophomore theatre arts major performing in the Shakespeare play, is excited to bring Romeo and Juliet back to its Shakespearian roots. “The plays were originally performed in open air theatres in England, so it’s a nice way to do Shakespeare,” Nunzio said. “(It’s) true to its origins.” Next weekend will feature the Punkin’ Chunkin’ world champion group Team Carbo. The group from Raleigh, N.C. will demonstrate their catapult and sling pumpkins up to 2,000 feet in the air. “College students generally love the pumpkin chunking,” Sink said. The festival is expected to generate large turnouts this year, and bring a little bit of fall festiveness to the area.

Anonymous: I think a better choice would have been to force new students to make a choice the first time they logged in to Hokie SPA. With the new default settings, 90% of students will be unsearchable simply because they were unaware that they needed to change something in order to be listed. I also think names E-mail addresses should always be turned up unless there is a good reason not to. Not everyone uses the database to ‘stalk’ people...some of us use it for e-mail address autocomplete, and it is very valuable for that! Anonymous: I remember when there wasn’t even an option to make anything private Anonymous: I agree. I run a few clubs, and it’s the best way to make sure I’ve spelled someone’s name and email address correctly. I hope your idea gets implemented, though. Coal mine layoffs, shutdowns result from government regulation

FILE 2011/SPPS

Therapy dogs return to Newman Library VT Helping PAWS (Pet Assisted Wellness Service) visits the library once a month to provide stress relief and companionship to library patrons. photo by Kevin Dickel

Brady: How can you write an entire article about the decline of coal and not mention the natural gas boom coming about as a result of fracking? Did you ever think maybe capitalism is at work here, or does that not fit into the narrative? Anonymous: How can you not imagine that fracking became so prolific as an alternative spurred by the increased regulation and loss of profitability of coal. Agreed it is capitalism at work though, just forced by government regulation Anonymous: What environmental regulations regarding coal plants have been put into effect? The author mentions increased regulation but can you point to a specific regulation that is responsible for Alpha closing its mines - certainly not cap and trade, which was not implemented. Like the previous commentator noted, it's natural gas, another cheap, abundent, easily burned natural resource, that is likely displacing coal Anonymous: "maybe capitalism is at work here" Using regulations to drive the market away from coal and towards natural gas is not capitalism. Anonymous: So EPA emissions rules has nothing to do with it??? Carbon pollution standards, which prevents new coal power plants, has nothing to do with it?? The attempted Cross-State Air Pollution Rule has nothing to do with it??? Mercury and Air Toxics Standards has nothing to do with it???? Coal Combustion Residuals has nothing to do with it???? 316(b) has nothing to do with it????? Yep, capitalism at its finest. I can see why natural gas is becoming more popular, it's because it is the markets only choice Anonymous: The total amount of workers may have been decreasing overall because of better technology, but that does not have anything to do with recent layoff of 1200 people. These layoffs were because of mines being forced to shut down and permits refused for new mines. The recent unemployment of almost all of the workers are a result of implemented regulations. Capitalism would allow for competition between the energy sources, not shutting down one industry to increase another.

crimeblotter date

time

offense

location

status

9/3/2012

9:17pm

Follow up to fraud

Lane Stadium

Unfounded

8/23/2012

1:01am

Appear intoxicated in public

Squires Lot

Inactive: Reported by Student Conduct

arrestee

editors: matt jones, zach mariner sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

sports

september 28, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Dual perspectives: Who should get the carries? Who deserves the carries at running back for the Hokies? Two of our sports staff writers debate.

Emert: Coleman stands out L

ast year, Shane Beamer’s job as the running backs coach was simple. The game plan was always the same: give the ball to David Wilson. This year, however, he does not have the luxury of such simplicity. In the Hokie’s first four games, they spread out 142 rushes over 10 different players. Eliminating carries that went to quarterbacks and wide receivers, as well as those done by backups in blowouts, four players are shouldering the load. Michael Holmes, J.C. Coleman, Martin Scales and Tony Gregory have all made their case to be the starter, but the question still remains — will the Hokies choose one back and make him the focal point of the ground game? Or will they continue their running back-by-committee strategy that has been used thus far? Coleman’s physical attributes have never made him stick out. He stands at fivefoot- seven and weighs right around 170 lbs. His stature is diminutive, even following in the footsteps the undersized David Wilson, but what he lacks in size he makes up in speed — lots and lots of speed. His fastest

Marcolini: Gregory has speed and quickness O

kay look, I know agreeing is not really in the Dual Perspectives rulebook, but I think we can both say that so far, the running game has ranged anywhere from average to abysmal. Gone, at least this season, are the days of the Hokie bell cow back. There are no Lee Suggs, Kevin Jones, Darren Evans, Ryan Williams or David Wilsons in this backfield. Running backs coach Shane Beamer has had a heck of a season KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS trying to figure out which back to put in the game, J.C. Coleman rushed for 45 yards on four carries against Bowling Green and caught a touchdown. trying to feel out the hot hand. 40-yard-dash time to date Coleman can be very elu- ing them for big gains – I think it is safe to say that has been a 4.45, four-tenths sive. Gaining 45 yards the most recent a 10-yard there needs to be one back of a second faster than what on only four carries, he touchdown reception. who eventually garners the Wilson ran at the NFL was a threat with the ball Logan Thomas has carmost carries. It is fruitless combine. and an effective decoy ried the ball on 30 percent to split carries between all The Tech ground without. of all Tech running plays four running backs and the game does not need a He could be a productive, this year. Hokies’ personal battering bruiser to run over defend- every down back, and he Holmes is next on the list ram in Logan Thomas. ers in the open field — they has done his best to prove with 24 percent. Coleman’s The question is: already have one play- that on his limited carries biggest negative thus Who should get those ing quarterback. What if this year. far this year is his inexcarries? they find themselves in Although he has only perience; something that The back needs to be a pera third-and-short situa- been handed the ball will only begin to disapfect compliment to Thomas, tion and want to run the 18 times out of the back- pear with more playing a speedy (sorry Martin ball with someone other field, he has gained 99 time. Scales) guy that can also than Logan Thomas? yards, averaging 5.5 yardsEighteen carries in four take it in through the tackThey a lready have per-carry. games is not enough of les. Michael Holmes was Martin Scales to do That number is good for a sample size to see his given the chance to prove he that. highest on the team for true success, nor is it can be that guy, but hasn’t The offensive style of the running backs. enough for him to truly shown it that much. Hokies — a run-to-set-upColeman also looks like get in the f low of the J.C. Coleman is a nice playthe-pass strategy — tries he could provide a produc- game. er and an explosive weapon. to get their backs in open tive outlet for Thomas in But can he be consistently space. the passing game. He has JACOB EMERT productive if given 25 carWe have seen already, caught only two balls this -sports staff writer ries a game? most noticeably in the year, but on both he has -sophomore Eventually, yes. But this Bowling Green game, that shown glimpses of break- -history major season as a true freshman? No. That really only gives us one option. Tony Gregory has waited his turn, redshirting during Williams’

Nationals roster is loaded for playoffs O

n Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012 the Washington Nationals clinched a berth in the Major League Baseball postseason with a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. This will mark the first time a baseball team that plays its home games in Washington D.C. will be in the playoffs since 1933. It will also be just the second playoff appearance ever for the franchise formerly known as the Montreal Expos in 43 years of play. To say this is a big deal is an understatement. This is the first Nationals team with a winning record, and only the second to even reach .500. With a record of 93-61, they are in prime position to clinch a division title and home field advantage in the playoffs. The architect of it all has been General Manager Mike Rizzo. When Rizzo took over the team in 2009, he laid out a plan for success: athletes in the field, flamethrowers on the mound and investments in the draft. After three years, the plan has come to fruition, as Rizzo has overhauled the entire roster — only two starters wore a Nationals uniform prior to 2009. Now, the Nationals are a unique blend of power and speed and an all-around talented team who are a formidable opponent in all aspects of the game. Most of the credit for this special season however, should go to Manager Davey Johnson, who is now taking his fourth ball club to the postseason. This makes him the third such manager to do so in the history of baseball, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Johnson has dealt with

significant injuries to his starting shortstop, third baseman, catcher, right fielder and left fielder, as well as his closer and best pinch hitter while leading the Nationals to the best record in the Majors. Johnson has pressed every button correctly, getting excellent years out of players like Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa a nd Ad a m LaRoche, who many Nationals observers had given up on. Johnson also kept his young team in check, not allowing them to crack under the pressure their first playoff chase brought. But as Johnson often says, his MCT CAMPUS job is made easier by the bucket Adam LaRoche and Ryan Zimmerman will lead the Nationals into the postseason. loads of talent on the Nationals roster. But the Nationals bread increases in wins, attenThe Nationals are a deft is buttered by their pitch- dance, TV ratings and media mix of young and old, get- ing staff, which ranks attention both locally and ting key contributions from top five in the Major nationally. rookies such as Bryce Harper, Leagues in ERA (t-first), Because of the new oneSteve Lombardozzi and Tyler quality starts (third), strike- game wild card playoff, Moore along with veter- outs (fourth) and batting the Nationals celebrated ans like Ryan Zimmerman, average against (second). the occasion with a subJayson Werth and Adam Led by 20 game winner Gio dued champagne toast. LaRoche. Gonzalez and ace Stephen But with the number of Offensively, the Nationals Strasburg, their pitching young, controllable piechave a potent lineup of staff is full of power pitch- es on this team, they home run threats — six ers who can blow the ball should have plenty more players with double-digit past opposing hitters easily — opportunities for a more home runs, and are ranked earning them the nickname K r aucou s c elebr at ion second in the National Street. in the future. League with 180 homWhile many thought ers. They also mix in they were one year away JAMES O’HARA speed and timely hitting to from contention, 2012 -sports staff writer score an above average 692 has become the year of the -junior runs. Nationals, with significant -computer science major

breakout season, then sitting behind Williams, Evans and Wilson over his first two seasons. A quick back with a burst of speed, Gregory showed f lashes of his athleticism on kick returns a year ago, averaging about 20 yards a return. He saw his first bit of serious playing time against Bowling Green, and he did something no other Hokie running back has done this season: run between the tackles. He averaged over six yards per carry last week, rushing for 68 yards on 11 carries and having two receptions for 20 yards. To me, that sounds like a guy you want to give carries to. It really comes down to this — why not Gregory? He has never been given a serious chance to succeed before (39 carries in two years), and he looks like the best of a group that hasn’t particularly found success. He shouldn’t be discounted for what little he did in 2010 and 2011, but instead be credited for what he brings to the table in 2012 — an excellent change of pace from Thomas who can stretch the field, but also mix it up inside and is a solid receiver. It may not have been this way in the past, but no one should be surprised if there is a lot more No. 22 in the backfield for the rest of the season. BRIAN MARCOLINI -sports staff writer -senior -communication major

people & clubs

september 28. 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

editors: emma goddard, nick smirniotopoulos featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Tech accomplishments evolve with robot companions BEN KIM features staff writer

Virginia Tech’s Robotics a nd Mecha nisms Laboratory team will be featured on PBS’ “NOVA scienceNOW,” hosted by David Pogue and “Through the Wormhole” narrated by Morgan Freeman. The shows will recognize the team’s various competition-winning robots of RoMeLa. The star of the show will likely be DARwIn-OP, a kid-sized, humanoid soccer-playing robot. It has two consecutive victories at the international RoboCup soccer competition in its size league. DA RwI n- OP ’s “ big brother,” CHARLI-2, is no slouch either. This robot is also a two-time, consecutive champion of the RoboCup soccer competition in the adult-sized humanoid league. Both are autonomous robots, meaning that during the tournaments there are no controls — they process the actions and play on their own. “CHARLI is a full-size humanoid; it’s actually the United States’ first autonomous, full-size humanoid that walks,” said Coleman Knabe, a graduate researcher at the lab. Both DARwIn-OP and CHARLI-2 have been in the spotlight for a while, but RoMeLa has other projects in the works. One of the up-and-coming projects in the lab is SAFFiR. “SAFFiR is intended to be a shipboard firefighting robot,” said John Seminatore. “The goal of SAFFiR is to have a robot

capable of autonomous decision making, that’s able to fight a fire and hopefully put it out.” According to Seminatore, the tour coordinator and graduate researcher at the lab, ship fires are incredibly dangerous. He said that a ship simply isn’t a place where a robot with tracks or four legs will be able to navigate because of the nature of bulkheads and the narrow staircases commonly found in ships. This is precisely why the Autonomous Shipboard Humanoid, or ASH, the first robot in the SAFFiR project, is a two-legged robot that will be able to use human equipment and navigate successfully inside of a ship. RoMeLa’s history is full of a number of different projects, which range from firefighting robots like ASH to projects like the THALeR project, which is an effort to build a 30-foot tall three-legged robot. “Normally, when you’re controlling a robot, it keeps itself balanced at all times,” Seminatore said. “If you look at how robots walk, it’s sort of a shuffle; they are never off balance. When humans walk they push themselves forward and get off-balance.” According to Seminatore, the final goal behind the THALeR project is to create a 30-foot tall robot that can serve as a mobile communication tower or observation post. The THALeR project is an attempt to change the ways in which robots move and to mimic the walking style of humans. This is very

MARK UMANSKY / SPPS

Graduate student Coleman Knabe works on CHARLI-2 for an upcoming demonstration by school’s Robotics and Mechanisms Labratory team. much in line with the lab’s research interests which include robot locomotion and manipulation, as well as kinematics and mechanisms as stated on the RoMeLa website. “Our overall goal is to be able to make robots to help people, and the movement of robots and having them be able to walk like people is a very big part of that,” Seminatore said. RoMeLa is located in the basement of Randolph Hall and is comprised of three different facilities known as RoMeLa 1, RoMeLa 2 and RoMeLa 3. Seminatore said

these areas house the various tools and working spaces that the researchers need to be able to design and fabricate the robots, which are almost completely built in-house. Only a few of the parts are directly purchased from outside manufacturers. Tours of the lab spaces are held by graduate students based on appointment for anyone interested in visiting the facilities. According to Knabe, the lab is made up of mostly graduate students with about 20 to 30 undergraduate volunteers. “We work long hours,”

Knabe said. “I think if you go in the lab at almost anytime of night or day, there will be somebody working. It’s not because Dr. (Dennis) Hong wants us to, or because we have to, but because once we get started on a project, we really enjoy being there and getting work done.” The researchers at RoMeLa are dedicated to advancing the field of robotics. This dedication and drive for success has caught the eye of more than just academics . RoMeLa will be featured on PBS this fall and on the Science

Channel in the summer of 2013. This isn’t the first time that the lab has been in the media. Hong, an associate professor and the founding director of RoMeLa, was personally profiled in an episode of a Korean documentary television series known as “Age of Global Success” for the achievements of RoMeLa. “RoMeLa is trying to bring robots to the point where they operate in a more human-like fashion and can eventually help humans in the home, and in the job environment” Seminatore said.

Run: Students challenge to change from page one

support our cause is something that we’re extremely proud of.” Although it is only the first year the event will be held, FarmHouse hopes to accomplish what they set out for, and to have the ability to continue the event in the future. “We feel like it’s an event that everyone can participate in,” Atkins said. TREVOR WHITE / SPPS Win or lose, everyone involved in Fraternity brothers high-ﬁve, putting their PDA philanthropy event into action. the event hopes to see success through they have to just get their and ensure that they comraising both money team across the finish line,” plete it as a group. With and awareness for LLS Atkins said. “We don’t cancer, the entire famtogether. care if it takes them 10 ily has to complete the task “When these teams come minutes or 10 days. We with the one person out, we’re really excited to will be there to support who’s struggling with see them give everything them and cheer them on, it.”

opinions

editors: josh higgins, bethany melson opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

september 28, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903

Reddit provides political overload I

n recent years, the Internet has taken over television as the most effective way to spread information to the entire general public. Over the last 50 years, political talk shows, advertisements and debates have been a staple for mass media. It was only a matter of time before oldfashioned, rough and tumble politics were introduced to the fast-paced “World Wide Web,” as politicians have found new ways to reach a new generation of voters. Politicians running for office have used the Internet to make websites, raise money for their campaigns, and run videos on media streaming websites, such as “YouTube.” Now, politicians and their campaigns have aimed their focus at yet another profitable way to influence the many voters out there: Reddit. Reddit is one of the most viewed websites in the entire world, ranking No. 137 in total traffic received by the web information statistics company Alexa. In the U.S., Reddit ranks No. 66. Hence why our politicians have targeted it with a grin. Recently, President Barack Obama and former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, who is running for the Libertarian Party, have used the Internet’s most impressive front page’s “Ask Me Anything” or AMA functions. With this function, website users are allowed to ask the person who put up the post anything they want. However, it is unknown how effective these online campaign events really are. Virginia Tech freshman A.M Leingang likes the idea of using Reddit as a campaign strategy. “I think it’s a powerful tool to reach young, opinionated voters as well as answer any questions or concerns that anyone interested, whether from the U.S. or U.K., might possibly have,” he said. Of course, politicians reaching out to younger voters, who are possibly easier to influence, is a valid plan to tip the popular vote into their favor. Unfortunately, this method seems to have some shortcomings. Obama spent thirty minutes on the AMA, but only ended up answering ten questions out of a total that exceeded thousands. According to CBS News, there were a total of 34 million unique page views on

the post. In a sense, this was quite successful in getting his name and a couple of his major points out in the public eye. However, Obama took a heavy amount of criticism for the types of questions he answered and the responses to those questions, with many claiming his answers were generic and could have been typed by anybody. Virginia Tech freshman Hunter Vayer agreed with many skeptics. “The person conducting the AMA has the choice to answer any questions they want to and ignore any as well, making them prone to target simple questions with positive answers rather than controversial topics,” Vayer said. Politics has become too much of a part of the media in general. Face it! Nobody can escape the political advertisements and events; they are literally everywhere. They are on the articles you read, on your Facebook page, on the YouTube videos you view, on your Pandora channels and on many gaming websites, not mentioning the ones played continuously on television. Now, politicians have invaded Reddit, trying to find new territory to make their mark. In almost every sense, we can view this ploy as just another way for politicians to reach out to us and preach their position. It is all a matter of opinion. Some just want to forget the election is happening, while others want their voice to be heard. It is for the ones who desperately want a voice in our government, who approve of the presidential campaigns’ uses of Reddit and other media tools as well. However, it would not hurt politicians to take a step back and let the American public live their lives without mention of the election every five minutes. It may get more people to listen during the times they do speak to the public. The candidates in this election have placed their mark on many websites. With little help to their own campaigns, they have resorted to using the world’s favorite front page. I am probably not alone when I say, “Take it somewhere else.” RYAN TURK -regular colomnist -freshman -business information technology

Collegiate Times Editorial Staff

MCT CAMPUS

Voter laws strip away freedoms T

he promise handed down to every succeeding generation in the United States since its founding has been that regardless of how much personal wealth an individual may have amassed or how much political power they possess, the greatest equalizer of the democratic process comes on Election Day by voting. Every individual in this nation possesses the right, and perhaps the duty, to cast their ballot on Election Day and make a personal decision for which form of government they desire for their nation. This promise, however, is now under assault by those who wish to eradicate the ability of whole sectors of the electorate to vote, and would rather constrict elections to those who are more likely to vote the way they would desire. Over the past several years, two-thirds of the states of this country have attempted to enact voter identification (Voter ID) laws which would disenfranchise millions of people. As it stands now, 31 states require some form of state-issued identification to vote and 17 require a stateissued ID card with a photo. The argument proponents give in favor of these laws is that election fraud, and particularly voter impersonation, is a serious issue that our government must address. Putting aside the moral argument for a moment, what the proponents of these laws fail to recognize, or refuse to admit, is that election fraud is a remarkably minor issue in the democratic process. Since October 2002, 86 individuals have been convicted of

election fraud. Out of those 86 people, only 10 of them have been convicted of voter impersonation, the precise form of fraud these laws are attempting to end. Certainly the fact that almost 100 people have been convicted of election fraud is an issue that requires serious thought, but considering that during this same time period more than 196 million ballots were cast, it appears as though there are more serious issues that need to be addressed. As these numbers indicate, election fraud is not a problem that requires such a draconian response as the refusal of millions of people to vote. A recent study conducted by New York University reports that the laws enacted over the past several years in 31 states would disenfranchise nearly 21 million people. Though this number is remarkably large on its own merit, we must keep in mind that out of this group, 25 percent of African Americans would be disenfranchised along with 16 percent of Latinos, while only 9 percent of Caucasians would be. This fact is far more serious than mere disenfranchisement given that the 2008 election was one of largest elections in American history regarding minority and youth turnout. In 2004, only 44 percent of African Americans voted, but in 2008, nearly 52.3 percent voted. The same trend is evident in other minority groups and students. Is it a mere coincidence that only two states enacted voter identification laws prior to the 2008 election? I am not arguing the states that enacted these laws or the

individuals that support them have racist motives; what I am arguing is that the 2008 election terrified those in power who wish for the established order to remain in authority, and these laws are a symptom of their desire to end the flourishing of the democratic process we all witnessed four years ago. The past several years have already seen the eroding of the democratic system and spirit given the Supreme Court case of Citizens United and the growing power of personal wealth in elections, and these laws are now seeking to destroy the last bastion of the equalizing power of our democracy. From the most powerful person in the nation down the lowliest member of our society, our country has always promised that each person possesses one vote to cast, and thus to make a decision on how our nation will progress. If these laws are allowed to take full effect, this promise will be stripped of its worth and our country will sink even further away from the greatness we should hold. I call on all Americans to defend their democracy and stop those with the power from destroying the last bit of influence the rest of us have. If we wish to remain a democratic republic and not fall into an aristocratic nation as those with wealth and power wish us to be, then we must stand united, begining here in Blacksburg, in solidarity against these laws. JASON CAMPBELL -regular colomnist -senior -philosophy

Maintain market competition, avoid Apple Coming to you somewhat hypocritically from my MacBook Pro, let’s discuss the Apple Franchise and its place in our culture. Stepping back to gather perspective on Apple’s influence on our lives, we fi nd the following: from phones to computers, and from tablets to music downloading, the image of the partially eaten apple is consistantly and indefi nitely present in our everyday lives. To be honest, I can’t even remember what life was like without my Macintosh products. I’ve been an avid supporter of the company for as long as I can remember, and over time their technology has helped me tremendously. I mean who else is there to help me correct an awkward spell-

ing error in a text? Apple has been taking significant strides in the technology industry since its conception in 1976, and they show no signs of stopping. Even with the passing of founder Steve Jobs, Apple has managed to grow through enhancements and releases of new products. It is this outlook of a fruitful future that makes me stop to think about whether or not this is even a good thing. Obviously they’ve played a vital part in the advancement of their field, but when is enough, enough? I found this question very compelling, so I broke down the business into three researchable sections: personal computers, smartphones, and electronic music. According to Lance

Whitney of CNET News, in the market of personal computers, Mac only accounts for 11 percent of the total sales in America, which pales in comparison to Microsoft HP’s 23 percent and Dell’s 22 percent. Relatedly, iPhones only make up 7 percent of total sales of smart phones in the U.S. Samsung sits atop this market with a commanding 23 percent of total sales. So yet again, Apple is well within their rights as a competitive business. Now, to analyze the final section, take note of this statistic: According to Belmont University, approximately 32 percent of music sales are digital downloads. Of this portion, 75 percent belongs to Apple’s iTunes. They’ve managed to take hold of three-

quarters of the electronic music sales in the country. 75 percent is a ridiculous ownership plateau, and I seriously question other companies’ ability to compete in such a fi xed market. Not only has the company made the field a difficult place for competition, they have also taken possessive actions that hardly seem fair to customers. And as my fellow opinions writer Marcus Williams explained, Apple’s ridiculous “Terms of Service Agreement” is ridiculous. Seldom understood, the agreement states that when you purchase a song on iTunes, you are technically renting it for life. There is no real ownership, and along with the song comes various copying and distribu-

tive policies. I’m not yet prepared to call Apple out for violating any anti-trust laws, because in my opinion, they haven’t. However, I do hope to illuminate the potential of the said trust forming in the near future. With the steady rising ownership in the field of electronic music, iTunes could soon run other companies such as Google Play and Amazon Music out of business. For this reason I encourage everyone to branch out and try new ways of purchasing music. At the very least we could maintain market competition in our economy. STEVEN BRUNESON -regular colomnist -freshman -commnication

Editor in Chief: Michelle Sutherland Managing Editor: Nick Cafferky Design Editors: Andrea Ledesma, Alicia Tillman Public Editor: Erin Chapman Web Editor: Chelsea Gunter News Editors: Mallory Noe-Payne, Victoria Zigadlo News Reporters: Priscilla Alvarez, Cody Owens Features Editors: Emma Goddard, Nick Smirniotopoulos Features Staff Writers: Ben Kim, Katie White, Kara Van Scoyc, Allie Sivak, Jacob Wilbanks Opinions Editors: Josh Higgins, Bethany Melson Sports Editors: Matt Jones, Zach Mariner Special Sections Editors: Cody Elliot, Gina Patterson Photo Editor: Kevin Dickel Copy Chief: Nora McGann Copy Editors: Allison Hedrick, Kristin Gunter, Kayleigh McKenzie, Mackenzie Fallon, Alexis Livingston Collegiate Times Business Staff Business Manager: Ryan Francis Circulation Manager: Travis Neale Student Publications Photo Staff Director of Photography: Brad Klodowski Lab Manager: Trevor White College Media Solutions Assistant Ad Director: Carla Craft Account Executives: Elizabeth Dam, Emily Daugherty, Taylor Moran Inside Sales Manager: Amanda Gawne Assistant Account Executives: Andrew Newton, Jordan Williams Creative Director: Danielle Bushrow Assistant Creative Services Director: Alyssa Morrison Creative Staff: Mary Dassira, Chloe Young, Cameron Vaile, Diana Bayless Voice your opinion. Readers are encouraged to send letters to the Collegiate Times. 365 Squires Student Center Blacksburg, VA, 24061 Fax: (540) 231-9151 opinionseditor@collegiatetimes. com All letters to the editor must include a name and daytime phone number. Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include position and department. All other submissions must include city of residence, and if applicable, relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). All letters should be in MS Word (.doc) format, if possible. Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor-in-chief and the managing editors. 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. Have a news tip? Call or text 200-TIPS or e-mail newstips@collegiatetimes. com Collegiate Times Newsroom 231-9865 Editor-in-Chief 231-9867 College Media Solutions 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 direct 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. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints. collegemedia.com. The first copy is free, any copy of the paper after that is 50 cents per issue. © Collegiate Times, 2012. 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.

september 28, 2012

Regular Edition Today’s Birthday Horoscope: Growth both at home and abroad broadens your horizons this year, expanding knowledge, perspective and personal power. Travel, education, communication and action to forward a concrete vision come together especially after October. Sow seeds for future harvest.

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5 9 3 2

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3 5 4 2

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65 Everyone, to Ernst 66 Stops bleeding 67 Sail support 68 Meg of “Courage Under Fire” 69 Have an inkling

6 3 7 9

By Gail Grabowski and Bruce Venzke

Week ending September 28, 2012

ACROSS 1 Yawn-inspiring 6 “Arabian Nights” birds 10 Big name in razors 14 Alpaca kin 15 Pop singer Brickell 16 Washerful 17 Word on a French postcard 18 Laura of “Jurassic Park” 19 Forever, so to speak 20 Shareholder’s bonus

Top Tracks Gangam Style • PSY

(5) 1

One More Night • Maroon 5

(3) 2 3

We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together • Taylor Swift

(4) 4

Some Nights • fun.

Your Body • Christina Aguilera

23 Dir. from Memphis to Nashville 24 Something to grind 25 Throw easily 26 Phone bk. info 29 Kitchen island material 32 Spinning sound 35 “It’s a Wonderful Life” studio 36 Brief fisticuffs 37 It has lots of slots 38 Invite to one’s penthouse 41 Some necklines 42 Macaroni shape

WORDSEARCH: NFL Teams Locate the list of words in the word bank in the letter grid.

W I

W Y

W A

W O

W B

W Z

W I

W R

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W T

W A

W Q

W D

WORD BANK 1 PACKERS 2 REDSKINS 3 STEELERS 4 FALCONS 5 RAVENS 6 CHARGERS 7 PANTHERS 8 GIANTS 9 TEXANS 10 PATRIOTS 11 EAGLES 12 VIKINGS 13 COWBOYS 14 SEAHAWKS 15 BRONCOS 16J AGUARS 17 RAMS 18 LIONS

9/28/12 44 “I could win on my next turn!” 45 Bk. before Job 46 Wrap for leftovers 50 __-Tiki 51 Wimple wearer 52 Window units, briefly 53 Mud bath venue 56 Laundry convenience 60 Empty room sound 62 Roll of fabric 63 Garlicky sauce 64 In __ of: replacing

DOWN 1 Little shaver 2 Troublemaking chipmunk 3 Too trusting 4 Madame’s “mine” 5 Two-seated carriage 6 Jeff Foxworthy jokes about them 7 Pigged out (on) 8 Word with sewing or traffic 9 Lisbon mister 10 Actor Baldwin 11 Created a study aid in class 12 Was on the ballot 13 Program breaks 21 One in a crowd scene 22 Goes back to sea? 27 Large wedding band 28 Smidge 29 Witch craft? 30 Balderdash 31 Flat 32 Inflict, as havoc

33 Nametag greeting 34 How grapes grow 39 Remove the chain from, say 40 Doggie 43 Skid row regular 47 Crunchy snack 48 Not at all sacred 49 “Compromising Positions” author Susan

53 Gazpacho eater’s need 54 Furrier’s stock 55 Hop out of bed 57 Boorish sort 58 Jazzy Fitzgerald 59 __ High City: Denver 60 Shade source 61 “The Bourne Identity” org.

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

9/27/12

people & clubs ?

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he she

september 28, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

SAID

He said: Dress appropriately I

have a love-hate relationship with Blacksburg weather. Always surprising and shifty like a jungle cat, I love to live life on the edge, and the conditions in Blacksburg are always an adventure. Every fall and spring, waking up is filled with wonderment. Will the rain continue until you consider building an ark and gathering two of each neighborhood animal? Will it be 80 degrees in mid-November? One never knows. What I do know however, is that when the cold hands of Mother Nature descend upon the Burg, they come with a vengeance and are here to stay. The question remains unanswered as to why people respond to the frosty weather in the ways they do. But it is a fact that cold weather conditions never fail to cause people to dress in alien fashions, which I do not understand. So, in the style of David Letterman, here is my top five list of dumb winter weather apparel. 5. Thin Virginia Tech sweatshirts: I know that at least 50 percent of college students seem to own the classic JanSport sweatshirt in maroon, gray or orange with Virginia Tech stamped boldly on the front. Though these are a great asset for those not-quite-cold-only-slightly-chilly fall days, midwinter they allow the icy tundra Drillfield winds to cut through you like a knife through butter. Fashion must take a backseat to warmth, no matter how much the Hokie spirit has come upon you. 4. Shorts: It’s negative 13 degrees outside. You may want to have feeling in your legs in the next week or so. 3. Ugg boots: They look like elephant feet. Don’t act like you don’t see it. Although I have never worn MUggs (Man Uggs) and cannot attest to how warm or comfortable they are, I do have eyes and can see that they are solely composed of cotton balls and recycled yoga mats. Blacksburg winters guarantee precipitation on the reg, and these boots clearly cannot stand up to the demands, which the lakes of sidewalk slush make daily. 2. Pajama bottoms: Flimsy and unflattering, this fashion faux pas leads to nowhere but despair for the wearer and onlookers during the harsh winter months. I was a freshman once, and the temptation to wake

up three minutes before class, slip on shoes and go, is one I can relate with. However, with experience comes wisdom, and I can confirm that these comfy monsters do little to negate the wind, rain or ridgelines of the nether regions. Heed this advice and turn away from the appeal fellas. You’ll thank me later. 1. Yoga pants/leggings: These are the most unrealistic clothing item that any college student has ever dared to wear in Blacksburg winters. Now, speaking from familiarity, there isn’t anything nicer than a set of Under Armour heat gear to keep everything “down below” warm and cozy. But I can promise that there is always a layer safely on top of these conforming insulators. Girl leggings and yoga pants are a different story. Constructed without considering things like warmth, effectiveness or decency, there is no chance that the millimeter of fabric stretched over the southern hemisphere of your body is providing any protection from the wind or the carnivorous eyes of your male classmates. What do I recommend, you ask? Layers. There’s hardly a worse feeling than walking from frigid conditions into a classroom that has been conserving heat since last June. You do not want to be in McBryde at 9 a.m. pouring sweat because of your thick woolen sweater. Layers are the answer. Shed ‘em when you don’t need ‘em, use ‘em when you do. Take a page out of Shrek’s book and consider the majestic onion. At the end of the day however, I am no fashion or heat transfer expert — just a simple man trying to stay as warm as possible. As winter arrives, wear what you want. You’re all intelligent adults and can decide what garment will or will not prevent you from having frostbite come evening. JAMES HARRIS - featured columnist - senior - history major

ALICIA TILLMAN/ COLLEGIATE TIMES

She said: Do not judge comfort I

have a lovehate relationship with my esteemed “He said” counterpart. Always surprising and shifty like a jungle cat, I’m never quite sure where his comments on winter weather will go. Seasons changing, Bambies leaping, something about wonderment, rain and wind … where will the descriptions end? No one knows. What I do know, is that when the cold hands of Mother Nature descend upon the Burg, I don’t take kindly to a man telling me what to wear — unless of course, his name is Clinton Kelly. The question remains unanswered as to why folks respond to the frosty weather with even frostier comments about my apparel — last time I checked, it was none of your damn business. But for the sake of fair play and knocking some vocal critics down a peg or two, I’m willing to justify my go-to outfits. Here is my top five list of awesome winter weather apparel: 1. Yoga pants and leggings: Dear God, where do I begin. Sonnets should be written about yoga pants and leggings. I now have a semi-respectable way to put in as little effort as possible on chilly mornings where I can’t physically roll out of bed until at least five

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minutes before my first class — a feature which I cannot imagine is terribly new to men’s clothing but is revolutionary for girls’. Also, I’m not sure if you’ve ever worn a pair of women’s jeans, but they’re about as insulating as wet tissue paper; the same goes for just about any article of clothing against the Blacksburg wind. So I’m going with the option that feels like a pair of grungy old sweatpants and still makes my butt look banging. 2. Pajama bottoms: Nothing says “I have absolutely no cares left to give” like rocking the same pants you’ve slept in for the last month and a half. This look is less of a fashion statement and more of a survival technique. Once you hit that point in the semester where your life feels like it’s caving in and you’re drowning in a sea of papers and exams, you just naturally revert back to your favorite pair of flannel SpongeBob jammies. It’s human nature — why fight it? 3. Ugg boots: Little known fact: Ugg boots are actually more addictive then crack-cocaine. I’ve tried to kick the habit, I swear. But no amount of little inspirational notes or repetition of the statement, “You are a grown woman, Victoria. You cannot wear Uggs,” over and over

to myself in the mirror could pry those rascals off my feet. Also, last time I checked, the majority of men’s footwear is equally as heinous as Uggs. I’m not saying my $30 Costco FUggs (Fake Uggs) are attractive, but at least I have the decency to own up to it. The next awkward engineering boy to tell me that Uggs are hideous while wearing a pair of glowing white New Balance sneakers has another thing coming. 4. Shorts: It’s negative 13 degrees outside, so if you’re wearing them you’re probably on your way to the gym — or in the Polar Bear Club. Or from Canada. So stop judging. 5. Thin Virginia Tech sweatshirts: All my wool sweaters were at the dry-cleaner and I’m wearing four thermal tees under this amorphous layer of fluff, so back off. This winter, let’s all try a little something new: Wear what you want and what makes you feel good, and don’t get on each other’s backs about wearing something different. VICTORIA ZIGADLO - news editor - senior - English major

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LIKE SUSHI?

VOT E N OW

couple

OF THE

week

FOR THE UNTIL OCT 12TH

JOHN & SARAH

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COLLEGIATETIMES.COM/BESTOF

"If I could fall into the sky, do you think time would pass us by? 'Cause you know I'd walk 1,000 miles if I could just see you tonight."

she says: In the fourth grade, I made a mixed

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Focus emotional energy on work, not on drama. The job may get complex, but it’s also rewarding. You may as well enjoy the experience. Watch out for hidden agendas, though.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Give your mate the bene it of the doubt. Check the Internet for ideas, but limit your time. There are plenty of great experiences around the corner, not far from home. Explore.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Breathe deeply and relax. Access your creative side to overcome obstacles with playfulness and joy. Avoid distractions from what’s truly important. Share love.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Develop a creative plan of action. Expand wisely, without haste or waste. Emotions center on money, but cash may not be the core issue. Go ahead and be outrageous.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Public duties take from private time at irst. Later, relax at home away from noise and raucous crowds. Tell your friends you’ll see them later. Clean house.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Pay attention to everything around you. You get lashes of insight at the oddest moments. Don’t take inancial risks if you encounter resistance. Avoid distractions.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Watch out, or you will spend more than expected. Don’t despair; the tunnel could be a simple igment of your imagination. Besides, there’s a light at the end, anyway.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Find inspiration in a book, and venture far. But listen to the voice of reason to assure that the giants you ight are not actually windmills. Don’t make expensive promises.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) The job now is keeping what you’ve learned. Home improvements will drain savings if you’re not careful. Friends can help you replenish your reserves. Schedule carefully.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Consider all options before taking on new responsibility. A risky proposition could be rewarding, but may also fail. Trust your instincts, and be willing to accept the consequences.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) You may have to make a mess to get things right, but don’t push your luck, especially around inances. Acknowledge limitations. Friends help you meet the right person.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) It may seem like resistance coming from above, but you may be your biggest obstacle. Get out of your way and face your public. There’s nothing to be afraid of if you really think about it.

tape with "1,000 Miles" on it for John, and now the lyrics just seem so appropriate for our story.

how we met: John and I met in the fourth

grade. We were each other's first kiss and considered ourselves an item despite our young age. It was really sad when John had to move away at the end of the year, but we ended up meeting again in high school. We realized not much had changed since we were ten and continued our relationship. I feel so fortunate that not only was I able to reunite with my first love, but over the years I also gained such a close best friend.

september 28, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

news

editors: mallory noe-payne, victoria zigadlo newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Reddit: Users question site’s value as a political forum Although he does meet the other requirements, he is only polling around 6 percent, according to Bergeron. Some suggest several polls used by the Commission do not list Johnson, who is currently on the ballot in 47 states, as an option. Pending the outcome of the lawsuit, he must break the 15 percent mark to be allowed to participate. Bergerson was hopeful that his candidate would be allowed to participate and felt Reddit was especially useful for Johnson to boost his polling numbers and national recognition, MCT CAMPUS as his campaign is Gary Johnson speaks during the Libertarian Party presidential candidate debate on struggling to receive mainstream media Feb. 11, 2012. coverage. from page one “If we’re able to get our message out and increase visBergeron said. “The greater presence that Johnson ibility through things like AMAs and social media, has online is definitely going to show in the polls.” then people will support him more,” Bergerson said. The event came at a moment in his campaign when “I believe that he will be able to get into the debates polls are especially critical. In spite of grassroots if we keep pushing the way we’re pushing right now.” efforts to promote the former governor’s campaign, Johnson’s post received more than 500 comments his numbers remain in the single-digits, well behind within the first 15 minutes, and was the twelfth most President Obama and Mitt Romney. popular page on the site. Low polling numbers currently prevent Johnson By the time the former governor fielded his last from participating in the upcoming presidential question, it had risen to the fourth most popular debates, and the ability to take part in the nationally position and had received well over a thousand televised events could make or break his campaign. responses. It was the former governor’s third appearThe first debate is scheduled for next Wednesday. ance on the site. On campus, reaction to the event “We have been excluded and we have filed a law was mixed, though many agreed Reddit is becomsuit,” Johnson said when asked on Reddit if he would ing more mainstream and, along with other social appear in debates with Obama and Romney. The media, represents an important source for informacampaign believes that policies established by the tion and potential a tool for political candidates. Commission on Presidential Debates, the organiza- Carl Capindo, a freshman engineering major, found tion that organizes the debates, are unfairly omitting himself on Reddit searching for memes and has now their candidate. been an avid Redditor for almost a year. Johnson meets the requirements for participation He recently participated in a meet-up organized by established by the Commission, except for its polling Virginia Tech’s subreddit, r/VirginiaTech. threshold. The Commission requires a candidate be The group is not officially affiliated with the unieligible to hold the office of president, have achieved versity, but Capindo said he found information sufficient ballot access to attain an electoral majority, presented by members helpful in adjusting to life at and have support at or above 15 percent, according to Tech and selecting classes. He also uses the site for polls selected by the organization. news and politics.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I get like half of my news from Reddit,” Capindo said, laughing about his obsession with the site. He says he checks Reddit multiple times a day. While he did not plan to participate in Johnson’s AMA, he did say that things he learned on the site could factor into his political decision-making. “I found out about a good amount of candidates from there myself that I probably wouldn’t have heard about on mainstream news,” he said. Catherine Do, a sophomore architecture and international studies major, also uses the site daily and planned to check Johnson’s page. She said she has used the site for two or three years. “I usually check out the AMAs because they give a lot of coverage to people who aren’t usually talked about,” Do said. “I feel like it’s a good way to learn more about politics.” Both Capindo and Do mentioned that the site has drawbacks. Humorous and unusual posts, not all of which are G-rated, tend to receive the most attention, along with pictures of cats. The anonymous user base allows pages that may not be credible to be posted easily and without attribution. In an AMA like Johnson’s, a candidate could be responding to questions posed by staff members. Further, Capindo and Do agreed that the site reflects a political bias on the part of most users. Brandon Barr, a junior political science major, agreed that the site should not be seen as an accurate representation of American political opinions. “I think that most people who use Reddit are liberals, young people, college students, so it isn’t really true to what all Americans think,” Barr said. Barr said he might check Johnson’s AMA, but does not use Reddit regularly and said it would not factor into his decision at the polls in November. Laura Oganowski, a fellow junior political science major, does not use Reddit at all, but said that other social media, like Facebook and Twitter, could play a role in her political decision-making. “I’ve looked at Reddit once but it didn’t really strike a chord with me at all,” Oganowski said. “I think Reddit is the male version of Pinterest.” Though Capindo would recommend the site to friends, he can relate to Oganowski’s trepidation. “You have to kind of get acclimated to it, see if it’s your thing,” he said. “The culture is … interesting.” Depending on the subreddit, interesting can be an understatement. Follow this writer on Twitter @KulakCT.

Confused? Here’s how Reddit works: Reddit allows members, called ‘redditors,’ to post links to the main page, or to one of thousands of ‘subreddits,’ which represent particular interests. Other users then ‘upvote’ pages they like and ‘downvote’ those they do not. Posts are listed in order of popularity. AMA, or ‘ask me anything,’ is a Reddit term for a post that invites the community to pose questions to the user who created it. The r/IAMA (I am a…) subreddit, which hosts AMAs, is one of the most popular subreddits, with 2 million readers. The site was founded in 2005 and now includes more then 3.5 billion pages, according to the organization. Last month, the site recorded 43 million unique visitors from 173 countries. r/VirginiaTech, an unofﬁcial subreddit established for students, alumni and fans of Tech, has almost 3,000 subscribers. Reddit recognized it as one of the best on the site during a membership drive earlier this year. Reddit changed its colors to maroon and orange and featured an image of the HokieBird for a day, as a reward for winning the contest.