Cornell Review XXIX #2

The Cornell Review

“We

Do Not Apologize.”

An Independent Publication

Limited Government. Traditional Values. America First.

Vol. XXIX, No. II

September 22nd, 2010

cornellreviewonline.com / cornellinsider.com

NEW FRATERNITY PROHIBITION POLICY RATTLES STUDENT BODY

Fall 2010

Spring 2011

The ‘Prohibition Policy’ aims to amend these methods, according to Associate Dean of Students for Fraut that glass down! ternity and Sorority Affairs TraPlastic party cups will be vis Apgar, by “three simple ways: dropping like flies by 2012, when no alcohol or drugs in initiation, the University aims to have near- rushing, or intake process of new ly completed a three year program member education, no hazing, to eliminate freshman drinking and the reorganization of frateron campus. After several years of nity time. It is not an initiation to deliberation on how best to mini- revoke self governance.” mize dangerous underage boozIn response to the administraing, the administration this Au- tion’s initiative, the Interfraternity gust put forward an amendment Council, lead by President Allen to the University Recognition Miller ’11, designed a Policy ImplePolicy for Greek institutions, re- mentation Plan which includes quiring the IFC to come up with calls for the ban of freshmen from a plan to reorganize chapters’ re- open parties by Fall 2012, and the cruitment methods. elimination of social events with Oliver Renick Matthew Truesdail and Noah Kantro

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INSIDE:

The Review speaks with:

More on the Greek debacle

Travis Apgar Vincent Andrews Allen Miller Ryan Lett

Fall 2011

sororities during the eight weeks in Spring of new-member education process.

Greek leaders and many students have responded with vehement opposition, expressing fears that 2012 as the new 1920 will spawn a culture of social drinking where Collegetown apartments and dorm rooms will become 21st century speakeasy clubs.

Sophomore Jonathan Karasik, a brother at Zeta Beta Tau expressed his concern, saying, “these restrictions will have an overall Please turn to page 6

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n Tuesday, September 7, The State University of New York committed to State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s “Student Credit Card Reforms for Colleges and Universities”.

His plan is dedicated to “[protecting] college students from falling victim to aggressive credit card marketing and unfair credit card terms”. This is through a process set forth by universities that will offer financial literacy programs,

Greeks get feisty at discussion forum

prohibit sharing students' personal information, monitoring and limiting on-campus marketing, and not accepting a percentage of finance charges imposed on students. Under Cuomo’s agreement, a school can also decide to enter an exclusive agreement with a credit card company as long as it selects a card “based on the best interests of students.”

This proposition comes on the back of Cuomo’s three year investigation of some credit card companies who allegedly use deceptive offers, fraudulent solicitations,

and illegal incentives to lure college students. According to the release issued by Cuomo’s office, the average 4-year college student graduates with nearly $4,100 in credit-card debt, on top of an average $20,000 in loans. This type of crusade looks great for gubernatorial candidates like Cuomo, since education is considered to be a backbone of the middle class. As anyone in the job market can attest, it is incredibly hard to land a well-paying job without a college Please turn to page 5

What else is in this issue ?

Catch up on campus events you missed:

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Page 4

Paranoid professor prophesies the Uprising

Famed quantum chemist explores the alienation of God from science

Obama, Capitalism, and Cyborgs

The God Hypothesis

Social events with alcohol involving Panhellenic sororities prohibited during first three weeks of newmember education First-year and transfer students not permitted to attend open frat parties in the fall

Spring 2012

Social events with Panhellenic sororities involving alcohol prohibited for first 6 weeks of newmember education

Fall 2012

First-year and transfer students not permitted to attend open frat parties

Spring 2013

Rush week substancefree. Social events with Panhellenic sororities prohibited for all 8 weeks of new-member education

Don't Haze Me, Bro!

Cuomo “Reforms” College Credit Kathleen McCaffrey Staff Writer

A permanent ban on alcohol-centered Thanksgiving dinners and any other recruitment events involving alcohol

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Page 9

Cornellians assemble a fitting tribute

Greg Stein analyzes the financial reform bill

September 11th memorial

Dodd–Frank a Dud, Frankly

Page 11 | Humor page! Spagglegromper returns with 35 must-do's for the efficacious Cornellian.

Law School Discusses Constitutional Authority

By Sam Pell and Chris Slijk

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n one of Myron Taylor Hall’s small seminar classrooms, the Cornell Law School hosted an intriguing guest: Dr. Mariah Zeisberg, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Michigan, who spoke in the Constitutional Law and Theory Colloquium hosted by Mike Dorf and Josh Shafetz.

Dr. Zeisberg’s talk, titled “Legislative Investigations as Security Power,” was a proving ground for the main arguments of her latest book on war powers. “Who has the power to declare war? The President or Congress?” Dr. Zeisberg argued that this issue is a political, not a constitutional, question.

Both the executive and legislative branches have some authority in Please turn to page 2

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Campus

September 22, 2010

Obama, Capitalism, and… Cyborgs?

Continued from the front page declaring war, because different branches need greater authority at Discussion on the Obama election descends into and the moderate elements of the different times. In a time of naObama Administration, Camptional crisis, the President should colorful rant against capitalism and technology bell had praise for both the Cuban have more authority. In a situation presentation from a generic left- dictator Fidel Castro and the vioBy William Wagner that requires deliberation, Con- and Michael Alan ist Obama supporter on how “his- lent black nationalist Malcolm X. gress should have more authority.

He stated bluntly: “I agree with he struggle against “cyborgs, toric” the President’s 2008 victory Fidel Castro,” the infamous dictaHow does one decide which robots,” and “technologi- was and a defense branch should have the great- cal singularity” will be the defin- of the adminiser sway? According to Zeisberg, ing political issue of the 21st cen- tration’s victories both branches should put forth tury. Thus did Horace Campbell thus far on issues arguments about why they are begin discussing his new book like health care or best equipped to handle the secu- “Obama and 21st Century Poli- financial reform, you’d be very rity situation at a given time. The tics,” setting the tone for the surmuch mistaken. branches should make arguments real two and a half hours of nonIn fact, when he based on the nature of their con- sensical babbling that followed. wasn’t running stitutional authority, and on why Fortunately, the event’s sparse at- PowerPoint slides their authority is best suited to tendance meant all but a handful of the First Famserve the particular situation. She of students were spared his pain- ily to Al Green’s especially focused on Congressio- fully inane ranting. This man, a 1972 hit “Love “very good friend of Cornell Afriand Happiness”, Horace Campbell and his new book nal investigations as a vital means cana Studies,” is quite inexplicably Campbell spent for the legislative branch to argue a Professor at Syracuse University, a decent portion of his presenta- tor accused by the Cuban Amerifor greater authority. serves as testament to the folly of tion attacking Obama’s economic can National Foundation of bruDr. Zeisberg claimed that Con- American colleges’ disconcertingteam, especially chief economic tally executing at least 12,000 of gressional investigations are suc- ly popular practice of hiring crazy advisor Larry Summers and noted his citizens. Regarding the proscessful when they have clear secu- people. failed TurboTax user Secretary pect of war with Iran, Campbell rity goals in mind. She especially Anyone looking for a vitriolic, Tim Geithner, along with the Pres- further elaborated that “the Unitfocused on the Iran-Contra inves- racist rant against the evils of capi- ident’s Harvard Law background. ed States has no right to tell Iran tigation as an example of a failed talism and the white people who He then touched upon the admin- it can’t have nuclear weapons if it investigation. It failed, she said, spawned it was not disappointed. istration’s continuation of the war was disarm itself,” showcasing the combination of ignorance and nabecause the Democrats mainly fo- According to the esteemed profes- on terror. sor, the white supremacy presently To be sure, Campbell also took ïveté that no doubt inform all his cused on the personal wrongdoembodied in capitalism “threatens the potshots at conservatives one policy opinions. He went on to ings of Reagan and his staff. to destroy the planet Earth,” while laud Malcolm X, the charismatic In taking such a line of attack, the decidedly pseudo-scientific would expect from a man who wrote his book as armament for thug, drug dealer, and occasional she argued, Congress overstepped “technological singularity,” erodes a “revolution” against the “white- prostitute, as one of the President’s its authority by attempting to people’s humanity. Some of Campness... of bankers and polluters” biggest influences and a driver of uncover criminal acts. This task bell’s musings on technology are behind the financial crisis. After many of the new social moveshould have been left to the ju- sure to raise some eyebrows on the lambasting the late Reagan for ment’s motivation. diciary. Dr. Zeisberg argued that Ag Quad; at one point he stated trying to “roll back... the civil While Campbell’s diatribe Congress should have focused that “life sciences departments are rights movement,” he went on to might leave some scrambling for their attention on analyzing the preaching eugenics and trying to decry Newt Gingrich and Dinesh protection from the impending political wisdom of engaging in turn everyone into a cyborg.” Iron- D’Souza as “henchmen for the bil- Cyborg attacks, anyone able to arms deals and on the foreign ically, he later stressed the impor- lionaires funding the right’s ac- take a step back and revel in the policy repercussions. Ultimately, tance of social networking sites tivities”. As for the Tea Party, Sarah absurdity of it all will no doubt be Congress undermined the efforts like Facebook in continuing what Palin, who has neither “backbone thoroughly entertained.

William Wagner is a sophomore of the judiciary by delving into is- he sees as the leftist revolutionary [nor] brain,” and Glenn Beck, a movement of young people that “white supremacist... manipulat- in the College of Arts & Sciences. He sues it was ill-equipped to handle. he claims brought about the re- ing the memory of Martin Luther may be reached at wpw27@cornell.

After Dr. Zeisberg delivered her sults in 2008 and is necessary to King”, head the movement he sees edu. talk, the floor was open for ques- address modern problems.

Michael Alan is a freshman in the as akin to Hitler’s Nazi party. tions. Dr. Zeisberg had clearly If you walked into the disIn addition to his attacks on the ILR school. He may be reached at challenged many of the beliefs of cussion expecting merely a capitalist system, conservatives, mja93@cornell.edu. some of the law students, and a meaningful discussion ensued. executive authority. The problem A professor wondered how de- question. She challenged a few One student blamed the failure was that the Democrats did not bates on war powers would actu- common assumptions among of the Iran-Contra investigation make legal arguments to advance ally settle anything, as both sides academics: that partisanship of the debate are constitution- is an inherently bad thing and on partisanship, not on failure to their point. ally valid. As he put it, “doesn’t that the public is the ultimate set a clear policy goal. The ReSome participants in the coleveryone have power as long as decider of legal questions, and publicans in Congress were more bent on defending President Rea- loquium accused Dr. Zeisberg of they can defend it?” Dr. Zeisberg that political power-seeking imgan than on defending the author- academic naïveté. Is not the pub- agreed, but believed such a situa- pedes the American political proity proper to their own branch of lic the basis for authority in the tion did not impede the political cess. Her talk gave a unique pergovernment. Dr. Zeisberg replied US? What does the public care process. “The branches of govern- spective on constitutional law. by arguing that partisanship “can about the proper nature of author- ment all want to maximize their authority from the authority availmean many things.” True, some ity? Zeisberg replied by asserting Sam Pell is a sophomore in the able to them. If our Constitution forms of partisanship impede that “a good argument is the basis is a good constitution, making College of Arts & Sciences. He can Congressional investigations, but other forms can help the process. of authority.” In her opinion, the such claims to authority is a good be reached at sep87@cornell.edu.

Chris Slijk is a junior in the ColIt was the Republicans’ loyalty to public is a factor in determining thing.”

Reagan that caused them to how authority plays out, not auDr. Zeisberg provided a unique lege of Arts & Sciences. He can be argue so strongly for strong thority itself. perspective on the war powers reached at cps95@cornell.edu.

horacecampbell.net

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TheCornellReview Founded 1984 r Incorporated 1986 Ann Coulter Jim Keller Jerome D. Pinn Anthony Santelli, Jr. Founders

Dennis Shiraev Editor-in-Chief

Oliver Renick Executive Editor

Raza Hoda President

Lucas Policastro Managing Editor

Joseph Bonica News Editor

Hannah MacLean National News Editor

Brendan P. Devine Campus News Editor

Anthony Longo

Treasurer, News Editor

Contributors

Peter Bouris Sam Pell John Farragut Lucia Rafanelli Noah Kantro David Schatz Karim Lakhani Chris Slijk Tianye Liu Greg Stein Colin Lounsberry Matthew Truesdail Kathleen McCaffrey William Wagner Alfonse Muglia Zachary Waller

Board of Directors Christopher DeCenzo Joseph E. Gehring Jr. Ying Ma Anthony Santelli Jr. Faculty Advisor Michael E. Hint

meh26@cornell.edu The Cornell Review is an independent biweekly journal published by students of Cornell University for the benefit of students, faculty, administrators, and alumni of the Cornell community. The Cornell Review is a thoughtful review of campus and national politics from a broad conservative perspective. The Cornell Review, an independent student organization located at Cornell University, produced and is responsible for the content of this publication.

This publication was not reviewed or approved by, nor does it necessarily express or reflect the policies or opinions of, Cornell University or its designated representatives.

The Cornell Review is published by The Ithaca Review, Inc., a non-profit corporation. The opinions stated in The Cornell Review are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or the staff of The Cornell Review. Editorial opinions are those of the responsible editor. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of the board of directors, officers, or staff of The Ithaca Review, Inc. The Cornell Review is distributed free, limited to one issue per person, on campus as well as to local businesses in Ithaca. Additional copies beyond the first free issue are available for $1.00 each. The Cornell Review is a member of the Collegiate Network.

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Editorial

September 22, 2010

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The Dangerous Moral High Ground O

ver the past month the campus has been abuzz about the newly announced Greek policies, which place heavy restrictions on fraternity drinking, recruitment and rush. My intention here is to focus on what I believe is the most misguided aspect of this new policy: starting in 2012, Cornell freshmen will be barred from attending open fraternity parties with alcohol.

This policy will lead to freshmen drinking in more dangerous situations and ultimately work counter to the purported goals of the administration.

This iconoclastic policy will also bring an end to a cherished Cornell tradition: the freshman herds. No longer will O-Week feature massive moving blobs of future frat stars and sorostitutes, guided down Thurston Avenue only by their frat maps and desires to down cheap fermented beverages.

Well, maybe that’s not quite right. Insofar as the herds represent the collective desire to drink as college freshmen, they’re not going anywhere. In its desire to change the Cornell drinking culture, this is what the administration doesn’t seem to understand.

Consider an illustrative example from public policy: what’s the optimal level of crime in society?

If you said zero, you’re wrong.

Criminal activity incurs visible societal costs, but so does regulating it. Policemen, jails, black fingerprinting ink— they all cost money that could otherwise be

spent on other valuable government services. To reduce criminal activity to zero would cost so much money that it would be a less than desirable outcome.

As any Economics major who has had to learn partial derivatives for Intermediate Micro knows, many problems in economics deal with constrained optimization. Given an objective function—in this general example, societal benefit— and a number relevant input variables, it’s easy to solve for the theoretical optimal level of regulation that maximizes the total amount of societal benefit. The optimal amount of undesirable activity is almost never zero.

Regulating underage drinking at Cornell is not much different. We want to maximize the overall benefit for the student body, constrained by the fact that underage drinking incurs costs and must be regulated to some extent. So what happens when we over-regulate and ban freshmen from attending fraternity parties? Instead of going to an open fraternity party on Friday night, freshmen will seek out new venues for drinking. Possible destinations include dorm rooms, the townhouses, maybe even Jessup woods. But the most likely destination is Collegetown. Instead of drinking in regulated environments where IFC officials are present, kegs and hard liquor are disallowed, and the only thing available is 4.2% ABV stones, they will be thrown

into the unregulated C-town free for all. Safe and controlled drinking turns into unregulated consumption.

Cornell administrators clearly have a choice in this case. They can either acknowledge that freshmen are going to drink, and that even though the underage drinking is illegal, it’s a reality that is best accommodated by providing safe places for them to do so. Or they can ignore the real-

Continued from page 7 Students Kent Hubbell prefaced a circumventing answer by reminding the crowd of his membership in the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity.

A red-faced Hubbell laughed off the hisses and boos, and went on to remind the students that this is a “national problem,” and that the University is “faced with a set of rising expectations with regard to abuse of alcohol on campus, and we are obligated to do something. We’re not here to advocate for a dry campus or a dry Greek system.” In a stern voice, he advised fraternities that “if you want to see success of the Greek system, you should join with us.”

Regardless of the administrators’ claims, IFC members continued to demand explanations for how the number of Greek recruits would be maintained, how safety would be improved, and why fraternities were being targeted in the first place. One student asked

why co-ops were ignored, claiming “an attack on the Greek system,” while Ryan Lett ’12, president of Phi Gamma Delta ‘Fiji’, asked if the university was merely trying “to move liability away from Cornell.”

Alpha Sigma Phi’s Doug Durant ’11 said that drinking “was not a keystone part of my recruitment. I see an affront on Greek traditions. I can see no other result from this besides shrinking of the Greek system.”

Murphy attempted to reassure fraternity presidents, saying “This will not result in a shrinking of the system. It’s not up to me to decide your social life on a Friday or Saturday night. All we’re doing is changing policy – not practices or habits. I take issue with the claim that frats provide the only safe place to drink.”

Although the initiative aims to maximize safety, spokesmen from the fraternities echoed sentiments that abolition of recruitment

boozing would lead to more dangerous drinking environments in dorms and in Collegetown.

Rohan Siddhanti ’12, president of Sigma Pi, bluntly told the panel “fraternities and sororities will adapt. We will find ways to take these kids. To Collegetown, to Turningstone… they’ll be drinking in their dorms. It’s not changing the culture – it’s not changing the roots.”

While Murphy quickly reminded Siddhanti of his own chapter’s rocky past, the latter half of the forum was a rather raucous tagteam assault on the amendments proposed to redefine the University Recognition Policy. At one point forum leader Allen Miller reminded guests to “keep this professional… to a point.” With the Fraternities’ extensive laundry list of complaints and a single unanimous voice against the new policy, one almost expected an administrator to beg, “don’t haze me, bro!”

Dennis Shiraev Editor-in-Chief ity and pretend like the demand for drinking will be eliminated or at least mitigated by their new rules.

What does this policy accomplish, then, from the administration’s standpoint? It allows them to take the moral high ground.

Their position is clear: we are not condoning underage drinking, we are being compliant with New York state laws, and we are doing our best to ensure the safety of our students. But by ostensibly absolving themselves from responsibility, they are only against student interest. Herein lies the danger of the moral high ground, and starting in 2012, Cornellians will experience the consequences.

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Campus

September 22, 2010

The God Hypothesis Lucas Policastro Managing Editor

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n a lecture delivered to a substantial crowd at Call Auditorium, Dr. Henry Schaefer of the University of Georgia didn't prove that God exists. But he did give a hundred reasons why we should keep looking.

One of the most respected theoretical chemists in academia, Dr. Schaefer's job is to believe without seeing. He has published over a thousand scientific articles describing molecules on theoretical grounds, often predicting or invalidating the work of other scientists.

With a blessing from his friend and fellow quantum chemist, Cornell's own Nobel laureate Roald Hoffmann, Dr. Schaefer applied his intuitive powers to a more macroscopic problem: does science obviate God? Interestingly, he made no claims of his own during the lecture, preferring to craft a compelling argument solely from the statements of other scientists. And quote he did: drawing upon his vast network of acquaintances in the academic community, Schaefer delivered a rapid-fire slideshow of the seemingly innumerable scientists—Oxford, Cambridge, Nobel winners—who unabashedly admit their Christian faith.

Schaefer unfurled his bibliography with some shockers: • Schrodinger, master of all things quantum, saying the "answers of science are silly" • Steven Weinberg, Cornellian Nobel winner and atheist, saying

nature "seems more beautiful than strictly necessary" • Richard Smalley, Nobel Winner, calling Christianity "vital and powerful" The barrage was explicitly hostile towards atheism: statements from reputable scientists that the world is "too well put together", that mathematics is "unreasonably effective", and that atheism is "utterly unconvincing."

Putting it all together, Schaefer challenged the notion that the universe could pop up out of nowhere, slap together the natural laws, strap its own boots, and churn out Homo sapiens. If the most brilliant minds in science don't see it that way, then why evict God from science? After all, in Schaefer's experience, most atheist scientists regress to agnosticism under pressure.

Schaefer was careful to recognize the inadequacies of this argument: he concluded only that science has not disproven God. Free-speech advocates and stifled evangelists should make note of this fantastic tactic. By speaking vicariously through quotations, Schaefer gave a politically incorrect sermon in a University auditorium, swinging the axe at humanism just footsteps from Carl Sagan's former office.

But just how "valid" is it to attack scientific atheism here at cheerily postmodern Cornell?

Plenty valid: the debate, well past the century mark, isn’t over. Just this month, academic personality and prominent Big Banger Stephen Hawking published his latest popular-science book The

LUCAS POLICASTRO

Prolific Chemist Keeps His Options Open

Dr. Henry Schaefer's talk at Call Auditorium was sponsored by Chesterton House

Grand Design. In it, he brings a fresh assertion to the table: that a relatively new concept called M-theory (better known as string theory) "can and will" create the universe from nothing. According to Hawking, this theory does everything God can do, rendering "philosophy...dead." The book has provoked angry reactions from church leaders, simultaneously spurring some physicists to confess our relatively poor understanding of the universe.

Perplexed at Hawking's snooty claim, the Review sought explanation from a prominent conservative physicist whose research concentrates on string theory. He revealed that the theory's fundamentals "don't need any external cause or creator" to exist and believes that "an external agent... will not be returned to science."

Uh oh.

It appears that some on the forefront of science actually do anticipate disproving God. Undoubtedly, Cornell's own Physics department will play a role in the development and testing of Mtheory over the coming decades.

If experimental support for the theory accumulates (a big “if”), the religious community will face a new monster. As the scope of what science can’t address shrinks, the academics may call into question Dr. Schaefer's common-sense argument. But it may be strengthened—to him, an elegant explanation for creation is simply more proof for a creator. In the meantime, the Review sincerely urges the members of the Sage School of Philosophy to be careful around Clark Hall after dark.

Lucas Policastro is a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences. He may be reached at ljp74@cornell. edu.

Cornell to Match other Ivy Financial Aid Offers Lucia Rafanelli Staff Writer

better financial aid package from the other school.

This announcement has been ornell recently announced the center of some controversy the adoption of a finanfor three main reasons. Firstly, as cial aid policy that may alter the reported in a recent Inside Highamount of aid offered to certain er Ed article, some are concerned entering undergraduate students. that the new policy amounts to The policy, which is apparently de- the allocation of merit scholarsigned to make Cornell a more at- ships, an act strictly forbidden by tractive option to top-level admit- the Ivy League. Since only stuted students, says that Cornell will dents who have been accepted to match the financial aid offers of multiple top-tier schools stand to any other Ivy League school and benefit from the matching procewill attempt to match offers from dure, it could be argued that CorStanford, Duke, and MIT. In order nell is essentially giving the top of to take advantage of the policy, stu- the applicant pool (those admitted not only to Cornell but also to dents must demonstrate that they other Ivies) access to more finanhave been admitted to Cornell cial aid than their peers. In other and another “peer school”, words, the university is offering and that they have received a them merit-based scholarships.

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A second concern regarding the financial aid reform is that it may effectively institute athletic scholarships– which are also prohibited by the Ivy League– as part of Cornell’s admissions process. Although de jure the reforms apply equally to all eligible students, de facto they are expected to affect the matriculation decisions of athletes more than those of non-athletes. Further, according to Inside Higher Ed, Cornell Vice President of Student and Academic Services Susan Murphy commented that the university may not have adopted its new financial aid guidelines had they not been forced by the Ivy League to abandon a previous policy under which Cornell would match aid offers of other competitive schools, but only for

particular groups of students, including athletes. The League determined that this qualified as giving athletic scholarships and so ruled it impermissible.

The final concern regarding Cornell’s new policy is that it bears some striking similarities to that adopted several years ago by the Ivy League collectively, specifically the Ivy Overlap Group. This group consisted of representatives of the eight Ivies and MIT, who met at the end of each admissions cycle to discuss financial aid offered to students accepted to more than one of their respective schools. In an attempt to remove financial considerations from the matriculation decisions of these students, the representatives agreed on one Continued on the next page

Campus

September 22, 2010

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Continued from the front page degree. Similarly, anyone in college can speak of the egregious amount of money he or she must pay for any given degree. It seems to be a necessary sacrifice to go into debt in order to procure a degree.

Mr. Cuomo spearheaded this crackdown on credit card companies as a means to mitigate the plight of indebted college students. In the past few decades, America has seen many attempts to legislate college “affordability” through various measures like increasing federal funding for student loans, or, in the case of Cuomo's plan, even preventing “bad choices”. This is a popular political stunt since it holds noble aspirations, though the strategies themselves are rarely effective. For instance, a crux of the Obama administration’s goals, as stated on the website of the Vice President’s Middle Class Taskforce, is “increasing loans and grants, [to ensure that] families will always be able to count on the help they expect.” Yet Economics 101 suggests, and empirical evidence corroborates, an increase in federal loans, Pell grants, and other assistance programs results in higher tuition over time. According to a study

by Bridget Long of Harvard University, private four year colleges increased tuition prices by more than two dollars for every dollar increase in Pell Grants, and public colleges increased their tuitions by ninety-seven cents for every dollar increase. From 1979 to the present day, college tuition has increased in price by roughly 160%, while the average median family income has increased by 10%.

Before politicians lend their pens to “save” college students, perhaps they should reflect on the egregious leaps in tuition that coincide with their first attempts to legislatively fix the problem of college affordability.

Kathleen McCaffrey is a junior in the College of Arts &Sciences. She can be reached at kam424@cornell. edu.

Continued from page 4 aid offer to present to mutually accepted students. However, the Department of Justice discovered this and it was eventually declared that the practices of the Overlap Group effectively deprived students of their rights to entertain competing aid offers, and were thus illegal. The group was disbanded, but in light of Cornell’s new aid

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Cuomo Targets Student Debt

A moment of silence is held the morning of September 11th on the Arts Quad

September 11 Memorial Brings Good Will and Hard Memories to Campus Joe Bonica / News Editor David Schatz / Staff Writer

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s students have returned to classes and the campus is swarming with activity, it is the time of year once again that we are reminded of the malicious September 11 terrorist attacks that killed thousands, ignited the War on Terror, and permanently changed the mindset of Americans. Commemorations and memorial services took place all across the country; President Obama spoke at the Pentagon, Biden made an appearance at Ground Zero, and people from all walks of life affected by the tragedy united in order to memorialize those perished.

The Cornell campus was no exception; last week the Arts and Sciences quad played host to a memorial of miniature American flags laid out as to spell “Remember 9/11.” Students, faculty, and visitors to the campus who passed the memorial took a second to pause, appreciate the display, and mourn the innocent lives lost at policy– and rumors that other toptier schools may soon adopt similar policies– some are concerned that the problems associated with the Overlap Group (which essentially implemented large-scale aidoffer matching) may be about to return.

According to Cornell law professor and anti-trust law expert George Hay, however, it is unlikely that a successful lawsuit could be

the Pentagon, Ground Zero, and in Pennsylvania.

In addition to viewing the memorial, passersby had the option to plant a flag in the ground in memory of a specific loved one or just the victims of the tragedy in general. For every flag planted, the organizations at the head of the event would give $1 to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Those who planted the flags were also encouraged to give a $1 donation to the VFW if they so chose. This endeavor was very successful; between voluntary donations and matching donations for the flags, over $700.00 was given to the VFW. As all involved expected, the event was met with praise and respect, with almost no major incidents surrounding the memorial.

In fact, the sole threat was when a few intoxicated students began to remove flags in the wee hours of the morning,. Fortunately, the students were physically accosted by good Samaritans, who returned and replanted the flags. Many observers commented positively on

the display, including one donor who made a large donation in honor of her son-in-law, who had served multiple tours of duty in the Middle East. Even a few who voiced criticism at America’s post9/11 foreign policy donated with good intentions, citing the Veterans of Foreign Wars as an honorable organization deserving of the fundraising.

The display was certainly a powerful reminder to the Cornell community that we mustn’t take our Ivy League educations for granted, and must appreciate the freedoms we have in our academic community and our nation. This simple display of patriotism and honor on the Arts quad undoubtedly achieved that goal by honoring the lives of those lost and urging us to appreciate every single liberty we possess.

Joseph Bonica is a junior in the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. He can be contacted at jmb582@ cornell.edu.

David Schatz is a freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences. He can be contacted at dbs94@cornell.edu.

brought against Cornell or its peer schools, even if they all instituted aid matching policies of their own. Hay remarked that what made the Ivy Overlap Group’s actions illegal was that they were based on an explicit agreement among schools to alter aid offers. If schools implement matching policies unilaterally, as would be the case if other Ivies follow in Cornell’s footsteps, there would be at

most an implicit agreement of this type among schools. According to Hay, it would be possible for antitrust law to be interpreted as prohibiting such behavior, but such lawsuits about tacit rather than explicit agreements are “much, much harder case[s] to bring.”

Lucia Rafanelli is a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences.

She may be reached at lmr93@ cornell.edu.

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War on Drinking

September 22, 2010

University Pushes New ‘Prohibition Policy’ to Dismay of Students, Greek Leaders

LONGO

Continued from page 1 negative effect on our community.

As a fraternity member [I can say that] the lack of a real rush week means less of a freshman presence and less prospective brothers.

Additionally, this will push more and more freshmen to participate in dorm room drinking.”

Cornellians are also worried that the administration has not done enough to include student input. This concern was enumerated in a letter from the Student Assembly to Dean Hubbel on September 8th in which the SA said they “are troubled by the administration’s lack of consultation with student governance and relevant stakeholders.” Hubbel responded by assuring the SA student voice will be taken into account.

“This lack of dialogue is absolutely unacceptable,” SA President Vince Andrews later told The

Reactions from the Hill IFC President Allen Miller ’11, Phi Gamma Delta President Ryan Lett ’12, Associate Dean of Students Travis Apgar, and SA President Vince Andrews discuss the amendment to the University Recognition Policy for Greek recruitment Noah Kantro Staff Writer Review: Where are freshman in a safer drinking environment: inside fraternities, or in ‘underground’ locations such as Collegetown, dormitories, apartments, co-ops, etc.?

Miller: Within the Greek system, fraternity events that are open to all students must abide by a set of restrictions. These rules include but are not limited to: registering the event with the OFSA several days in advance, providing one sober monitor for every 25 guests, ensuring that there is water, food and hand sanitizers at the event, providing for a central service distribution center, banning all hard-alcohol from the event and providing for some form of security. Fraternities also have medical amnesty and may only operate the event from 10pm-1am. These are several of the more salient provisions the IFC has in place for non-catered invites. The system is certainly not perfect, but it does provide a certain level of safety for social events, which only continues to improve year after year.

Apgar: I think the frats do a terrific job of trying to create the safest environment they can by creating safe practices and managing the shape their facilities are in during those events. If there’s a comparison between one or the other - in Collegetown or fraternity houses - the fraternities are safer, not only because of the best practices managing distribution, but the facilities: exits are not blocked, alarms are working, etc.

Andrews: If freshmen only have two options, to drink at a fraternity party or “underground”, I think it is pretty clear that drinking in a more regulated and supervised environment, which fraternities claim to offer, would be the safer option.

That being said, every semester students get transported to the hospital from both registered and unregistered fraternity events, an issue which undoubtedly needs to be addressed by the IFC. I think it is these incidents which have caused the administration to target the Greek system. However, the Administration’s current attempt at addressing these issues within the system, in my opinion, won’t be very effective.

Review: Is the new ‘Prohibition Policy’ going to affect the number of fraternity pledges / recruits you see coming in the Fall and Spring?

Lett: There is no question that To my knowledge Collegetown, dorms, apartments and co-ops do not have such an infrastructure in place. a Greek-run party at a fraternity house, operating under IFC protocols, is vastly safer than drinking that occurs in Collegetown or other nonregulated settings. The regulations of the IFC exist for the reason of safety. A student consuming hard alcohol in an unregulated setting such as Collegetown is at a much higher risk for an alcohol related incident than a student consuming Keystone Light in a setting where all the aforementioned safeguards are in place.

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Miller: This is hard to say. I think only time can really tell how recruitment numbers will change.

Lett: Higher numbers of students rushing is probably not a reasonable prediction - that number will likely decrease. Concerning the number of students pledging fraternities, I expect there to be less of a negative effect. Assuming consistent enforcement of a partially (or fully) dry rush week, I expect that fraternities will still look to target roughly the same number of pledges. While rush

Review in an email. “If the Administration ever hopes to effectively implement meaningful and effective changes to the Greek system, which actually address the unsafe practices within the system (think binge drinking and hazing), they must include suggestions from students and the relevant organizations that are affected by the changes.”

In a forum between IFC members and administration Untouchables Susan Murphy ’73, Vice President for Student and Academic Services, Dean of Students Kent Hubbel ‘69, and Travis Apgar, Greek members fired questions

that cast doubt on the safety of students outside of fraternities.

The administrators acknowledged the ambiguity of the current timeline, however, reassuring students that there are many facets and specifics that have not yet come to completion.

“That [original] plan is currently under review, and we are now working towards putting a new plan in place,” IFC President Miller told The Review via email.

The Prohibition Policy in its final form is scheduled to be presented to the Student Life Committee of the Board of Trustees for review on October 29.

efforts might need to be applied in new ways, for the most part, I expect most houses to hit their recruitment goals.

and team-work in the last week or so. We are now working on envisioning how these changes will actually affect the system in reality. Consequently, the IFC is now working towards a new proposal that will probably look significantly different from the one currently in place. Increased recruitment numbers across the system is always a goal of the IFC, as is a reduction in the number of medical transports.

Apgar: The amendment to the Recognition Policy talks about how recruitment without alcohol could have an impact on how many of those new students participate in recruitment if there were not alternative recruitment practices. If there were no alternative recruitment practices, then sure, those numbers could decrease. But the frat that is creative and can utilize the alternative recruitment methods; they could see an increase, and it could increase their pledge class.

Andrews: I hope not. Believe it or not, the Greek system stands for something beyond open parties and drinking. The image that the system is only about drinking/partying has developed because it is the only entity which provides a fun and social atmosphere between the hours of 11:30pm-1am for Greek and nonGreek students under the age of 21.

Therefore, due to the lack of social outlets for students on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, fraternity parties have become the most common weekend activity and in turn have become the most visible aspect of the Greek system to the community. Thus, if the changes go through, the resolution may affect the number of new members in the short-run due simply to the reduced visibility of the system on campus. However, if the changes go through, fraternities will eventually figure out new ways to make themselves known on campus to attract new members.

Review: The proposed changes include a section that predicts lower medical transports and higher numbers of rush attendees by 2012 as ‘measurable outcomes.’

Do those constitute the ultimate goal of this new policy? Where did these figures come from, and are they supposed to be used to gauge how successful the changes will be?

Miller: There has been a marked shift in tone from the administration towards a sense of partnership

Lett: In my opinion, when incidents do occur at fraternity events it is most times the result of one of two things, the most common being students who ‘pregame’ before arriving to a fraternity event. Students who consume hard alcohol just before a fraternity event may appear sober enough to be allowed into the event, but then continue to drink beyond their physical limits. The second reason is when a fraternity fails to properly prepare for an event. If security or sober monitors are not in place, they cannot do their jobs. If entrances are not secure individuals who would otherwise be too intoxicated to be allowed in, may enter.

Such problems, however, are highly resolvable and the responsibility for them falls solely upon the individual chapter who is running the event.

Apgar: Members of the IFC exec board drafted that proposal – I can do my best to try to comment on that, but those are not my words. I would have to let Allen tell you how he came up with those numbers.

Transport– that’s an interesting number that has been used over the past several years during rush week to try and gauge the success of other policies the IFC has implemented such as the ban on hard alcohol, and it’s a similar number that’s used on Slope Day to see how we manage alcohol on the slope, the number of medical transports on the slope, and how many go to the hospital. It’s a bit of a gauge, it’s not perfect obviously, just like at rush week, we don’t know if they drink at one or more fraternities, if they pregame prior to going to those events.

I think 4 years ago – 11 transports during rush week, that were related to fraternity rush events. The IFC took a very tough stance against hard alcohol during rush week, and the year after that there were 0 transports,

War on Drinking

September 22, 2010

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Don't Haze Me, Bro

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the year after that, there were 2-3, last year we know there were 4, but that was a bit of a skewed number, because three were from one event.

I think they’re trying to use previous numbers to try and gauge to see if we are being successful on this effort. In terms of predicting how students will participate in rush, I really don’t know how they reached those figures.

I think the “Measurable Outcome” numbers were written to provide an end goal to the IFC’s implementation plan. That being said I am not exactly sure how those numbers were calculated.

Review: What do you think originally initiated this massive overhaul? Who or what was the spark that suddenly got this whole thing started?

Lett: While this is somewhat speculative, I believe these amendments stem primarily from two straws that broke the camel’s back. The first being an incident at a fraternity house during rush week that resulted in multiple medical transports, the second being a pledge party held second semester last year. Both events resulted in the removal of recognition of both chapters. The rush week incident, in my opinion, was particularly damaging to the Greek image and administration’s perception.

Apgar: Well, it’s interesting because I think it is the perception, of students especially, that this is very sudden, and they also see this is a massive overhaul. Two thoughts: one, this is something that we’ve tried to work very closely with students and alumni and the frat and sorority community for years to address and every year we try new ideas – some things work and some things don’t.

Ultimately we’ve heard from those student leaders who become alumni leaders that the University needs to take a clear stance on this issue and communicate what it is it makes it very difficult for the student community to take the stance that we want them to. So, the past few years we’ve worked a little more focused, we’ve seen the IFC try to address these issues, we felt very strongly as a University to align ourselves with national policies around recruitment

as well as state laws that apply to all individuals that go through recruitment. There are very few people who join a fraternity that are over 21. There is a law in NY state that outlaws hazing as well. I would say it was a bit more of a gradual movement but the specific movement that spurred this was the conversation last year at the sorority and frat council meeting – tri council presidents, number of trustees, alumni, 3 graduate councils – that we need to amend those policies.

Andrews: I think this has been in the works for a little while. Both administrators and Trustees have had issues with the rush process, something which Associate Dean Apgar tried to address last year by proposing a “dry” day to rush week. However, after adopting the change to rush week the IFC subsequently reversed their decision after Associate Dean Apgar left the room. I think the unwillingness to address the rush process which IFC demonstrated last year caused this more encompassing overhaul. That being said, the reason the IFC reversed their decision and rejected the Administration’s proposal was, I believe, due to a lack of discussion with students and relevant student organizations.

This lack of dialogue is absolutely unacceptable. If the Administration ever hopes to effectively implement meaningful and effective changes to the Greek system, which actually address the unsafe practices within the system (think binge drinking and hazing), they must include suggestions from students and the relevant organizations that are affected by the changes.

Review: How will the new policy change the average type of person that is attracted to pledging fraternities (what kind of people will be drawn to dry rushing, pledging)?

Lett: Personally, I cannot see these new regulations bringing in new individuals to the rush process. It is likely that some individuals who had come to rush week to have fun and enjoy a wet rush experience will likely be deterred by new sanctions.

Apgar: In my opinion, we aren’t very

creative in the way we go about recruiting new members. We don’t do a good job of helping all of campus understand what it means to be in a frat or sorority, so we’ve left the general student body with a stereotypical impression of a frat guy or sorority girl. There is a much a deeper experience once you get past that social scene. The potential benefits of this in the type of person that may be interested in a frat or sorority [could be a result of the new changes].

Andrews: It won’t change the type of students attracted to fraternities.

The culture of each individual fraternity will not change by the new Recognition rules. Students who like to attend parties will join fraternities who demonstrate an affinity towards ‘partying.’ Students who don’t like open parties and rather spend time in different social settings will join those fraternities who demonstrate that culture. In the end, the culture of the Greek system is much stronger than the potential effects of these changes.

Review: Overall, do you think this is going to change the Greek fraternity system for the better or worse? How? Miller: Now that we are looking at a shift towards a sense of partnership between the administration and the Greek system, we definitely have the opportunity to create a positive effect on the system. If everyone’s voice is heard and we work together, I’m confident that we can create a system that is both safer and more enjoyable for students.

Lett: Certain aspects of this overall plan will damage not only the Greek community, but the student population as a whole. For over one-hundred years the Greek community has provided, in addition to a unity amongst its members, a social outlet for much of the student body. New amendments to the University’s recognition policy, for all intents and purposes, greatly limit freshmen from enjoying this social experience.

The Greek system as a whole will always persist through any sanctions the University may levy; however, the damage to the student body as a whole is simply inexcusable. It is

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from attending fraternity parties involving alcohol. Each objecIn a plaid-laden auditorium, University tive is planned in such a way as to slowly wean admins are met with interrogation, hisses, boos, the frats off of alcohol, bros, and even a Keystone reference as Greek and all changes will members battle new Prohibition Policy be fully implemented auditorium filled by Greek mem- by Spring 2012. HowOliver Renick bers and lines of angry bros wait- ever, Apgar made it Executive Editor clear that the Univern response to the University’s ing behind police for seats to sity doesn’t want to “control [the recent crackdown on Greek become available. What gavel-tapsocial life, Cornell fraternity mem- ping IFC President Allen Miller ’11 Greek system],” and that they “still bers held a forum September 8th planned as calm, collected meet- need to work out details.”

While fraternity speakers were to voice their concerns about the ing quickly morphed into a mild campus-wide movement to mini- hazing of the three administrators complemented with vehement mize alcohol abuse. With a single and what was labeled as their ill- applause and finger-snapping, the sometimes roundabout reunanimous mission, a Greek Pha- conceived plan.

The proposal, spearheaded by sponses from Cornell’s adminislanx of speakers soon assembled against Cornell ‘Untouchables’ Apgar, is designed to “amend [fra- trators were often met with grumTravis Apgar, Dean Kent Hubbel ternity] recognition policies in a bling and hissing. The group of ’67 and Susan Murphy ’73. few simple ways,” by requiring al- disgruntled Cornellians became The scene in Uris G01 was cer- cohol-free rushing and pledging, especially lively when Dean of tainly a fratty one, with the entire as well as disallowing freshman Please turn back to page 3

Administrators hope to "wrap up" freshman boozing

my hope that the University will recognize that there is much more to a college experience than academia.

The Greek system provides these ‘social intangibles’ that throughout history have been so classically associated with an Ivy League education.

The University has an obligation to all of its students to keep them safe, provide for them the highest degree of education and allow them the opportunity to develop as socially competent individuals.

Apgar: I can’t see how it would do anything but strengthen it. Our student leaders, and they’re doing this correctly now, need to spend more time with chapter representatives and chapter leaders and hear what they think are the positive and negative aspects, and think in a creative way how to implement and comply with these new policies. I don’t think there’s one thing I can look at and say that’s not realistic. They need to spend time to look at their chapters and think how they can rethink recruitment to meet those needs. I have faith that they can do that.

Andrews: Again, I think it may change the Greek system by reducing its visibility on campus, at least in the short run. I think Greek Life at Cornell adds a lot to our campus; thus reduced visibility is not a good thing. What the proposed changes to the University Recognition Policy do not do is actually address the major issues within the Greek system, which are the unsafe drinking practices which occur. Banning all parties may seem like a fix but the reality of the situation is that those students who want to drink at Fraternities will find a way into houses to drink.

This will lead to the same amount if not more unsafe drinking in smaller settings without sober monitors. The resolution could therefore have the effect of reducing the overall visibility of the Greek system. However it may highlight (instead of mitigate) the unsafe drinking practices within the system. The resolution will not change the culture of the system but could definitely hurt the image of the system and short run visibility of the system.

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Nation

September 22, 2010

When Will America Do Something about Pakistan? n late July of this year the Indus River in Pakistan flooded,killing over two thousand people and displacing millions more. There are now further implications in Pakistan, including the risk of famine and airborne diseases. Regardless of this detrimental situation in Pakistan, global, and especially American, support for the Pakistani people has been pathetic compared to the support shown for other natural disasters.

This complaint, along with questions regarding the future of Pakistan and India, was discussed by a panel sponsored by the Cornell International Affairs Review last week in Goldwin Smith Hall.

Beginning with a lecture, Professor Durba Ghosh examined the flood’s consequences on Pakistan’s future. She explained that the country has lost its main crop-producing areas from the flood, along with over ten thousand schools and a large part of its infrastructure. Making it worse, the recovery process has lagged with poor world support. With the Pakistani government lacking proper stability, the majority of the support, she explained, is coming from Islamic charities that have already been established in the country.

Furthermore, the question is: how will this flood impact the on-going peace process between India and Pakistan?

Opening it up to a panel representing such organizations as MECA, Society for India, Cornell India Association, Pakistan Students’ Association, and Islamic Alliance for Justice, the students began to express their feelings on the outlook of peace between the two countries. One student advocated for continued peace talks through Pakistan’s recovery

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SOUTHALL PAKISTAN FLOODS APPEAL

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KARIM LAKHANI

Karim Lakhani Staff Writer

Obama Initiatives and the Election Season

India. Moreover, with a peace agreement, both countries can work together to drive the Pakistan Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups out of the area, helping the process, pointing out that one fac- stability of the country in the long tor preventing peace is that both run. countries stop talks after certain But for now, the country needs natural or terrorist situations arise. more of our support. The CorIn addition, students promoted nell Community has done vari- Colin Lounsberry the need for further interaction ous things to support the relief ef- Staff Writer on a civilian level. They noted that fort, including a benefit concert s the November election cricket matches, student exchange last Saturday at Alpha Delta Phi season approaches, Presiprograms, and common finan- fraternity. Still, for reasons I don’t dent Obama has been on the campaign trail, touting a new $50 billion infrastructure investment plan and a small business jobs proposal, both intended to boost dismal job growth. This is not a surprising move, considering the realities of the mood of this election season. Americans continue to see mediocre progress towards recovery, despite mountainous spending and tireless rhetoric by the federal government.

The six-year infrastructure The panel held by Cornell International Affairs Review brought to light Pakistan's continuing struggle to recover from the floods bill would center on job growth through road repair and highcial interests could bring people completely understand, the counspeed rail investments. Important together and expedite the peace try at large is lacking in support. to note, however, is the reluctance process.

This may be a result of recent an- by the administration to call this One individual on the panel ti-Islam hysteria, where Americans new creation by what it truly is: became very bothered by the lack do not feel the need to support of focus the discussion had on the one of the largest Muslim nations another stimulus. When asked exactly whether this was a second true issue: Pakistan’s recovery pro- in the world. stimulus at a September 10 press cess. She said that the critics of Americans need to join togeth- conference, Mr. Obama skillfulPakistan’s government, those who er, as they did after the Haiti earth- ly avoided the question, concludclaim the country houses terrorquake, to help those in the world ing his answer by saying that “…I ists, and those who solely focus that are in need, regardless of their will keep on trying to stimulate on the peace process are not helprace or religion. Not only would growth and jobs for as long as I’m ing the millions of people in need giving food, water, and shelter from the largest natural disaster President of the United States.” to millions in need be the right to ever hit this area. This passion This reluctance shows that the caught the attention of Felicity thing, but Pakistan’s recovery and Obama administration recognizYost ’12: “This really stood out to its peace with India also play an es the negativity associated with me. We are discussing peace when important role in our success in the stimulus, both economically a humanitarian crisis is going on, Afghanistan. A strong and inde- and politically. Yet the President where millions of people need our pendent Pakistan will lead to suc- stubbornly insists upon its apcess in conquering growing terrorhelp.” parent success at every campaign The peace process with India ist forces, as the American troops stop. Three million is of course his and Pakistan in fact plays a very in the Afghanistan War move closestimate of the number of jobs important role in the recovery er and closer to Pakistan’s border. saved – and let it suffice to say that Karim Lakhani is a freshman in process. With a devastated econothis number has been the subject my, Pakistan needs to create a pow- the School of Hotel Administration. erful financial relationship with a He can be reached at kml248@cor- quite a bit of debate in the past few months. Politically, this could growing and nearby country like nell.edu. be an admission that the stimulus is a campaign dud for Democrats – unless they voted against it, of course.

The small-business jobs bill looks more like a conscious decision to re-center the Democratic agenda at election time. It was first proposed in the previous Congressional session but failed to pass due to a Republican filibuster. This bill would provide over $10 billion in tax breaks for small businesses, while creating additional aid to small-business loan programs. Traditional Republican allies such as the Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Continued on the next page

Nation

September 22, 2010

Dodd–Frank: the Acceptable, the Bad, and the Counterproductive

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Continued from page 8 Independent Business support the measure, despite reluctance on the part of Republicans to pass it. This reluctance is not surprising, as Republicans would not want to hand Democrats a political victory so near to election time. Everyone should expect to see this issue gain more attention, as Congress reconvenes this week.

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started off this summer angry at the financial sector. I knew that many of my family members had lost a good amount of their assets when the market crashed and I was under the impression that something had to change.

Despite my feelings, I ended up finding a job in downtown New York working with the very corporations that I was instructed to loathe by the party with which I once so blindly associated. It was an eye-opening experience to be so close to people who were making an honest living out of something which the Obama administration considers illegal: proprietary trading.

When the Dodd–Frank Act was proposed, I decided it would be a good idea to look over a number of the key points of the legislation to stay informed about the future of my workplace. Under the heading of “bold action” that promises to provide “a sound foundation” for repairing the economy and the job market, what I found was, among a modicum of good points, a litany of poorly laid out plans that will threaten businesses and supposed ‘fixes’ that don’t logically follow from the events leading up to the recent economic collapse.

The financial crisis was caused, in a nutshell, by those who inflated the value of their assets (those infamous Collateralized Debt Obligations, or CDO’s) and sold them to others: something that is essentially illegal to begin with and that doesn’t need a sweeping financial reform bill to prevent from causing another crisis. The Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform And Consumer Protection Act unfairly limits the financial sector and will likely create more issues in its effort to fix a nonexistent systemic problem.

As to not misrepresent the intensions of the bill, all of the following information on the Act comes from a summary on the U.S. Senate Banking website.

First, I haven’t dismissed every aspect of the act simply because I disagree with its overall purpose.

One Hundred Eleventh Congress of the United States of America AT T H E S E C O N D S E S S I O N

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Greg Stein Staff Writer

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Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the fifth day of January, two thousand and ten

An Act To promote the financial stability of the United States by improving accountability and transparency in the financial system, to end ‘‘too big to fail’’, to protect the American taxpayer by ending bailouts, to protect consumers from abusive financial services practices, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act’’. (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

For example: the “No Compensa- will effectively try to subdue the Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. tionSec. for2. Lies” plank “requires that companies that, despite being the Definitions.

Sec. 3. Severability. public companies primary agents of action in the Sec. 4. Effective date.set policies to Sec. 5.

Budgetary effects. takeSec.back executive compensa- last crisis, are among the only forc6. Antitrust savings clause. tion if it was based on inaccurate es that can truly get the economy TITLE I—FINANCIAL STABILITY financial Sec. 101.statements” Short title. . This is good going again.

Sec. 102. Definitions. because it doesn’t allow for CEO’s The government has also reSubtitle A—Financial Stability Oversight Council to make money off of illegal required that “companies that sell Sec. 111. Financial Stability Oversight Council established.

Sec. 112. authority. porting andCouncil would prevent execu- products like mortgage-backed Sec. 113. Authority to require supervision and regulation of certain nonbank financial companies. tives from making a quick buck by [must] byretain at ofleast Sec. 114. Registration of nonbank financialsecurities companies supervised the Board lying.

Governors.

5% of the credit risk, unless Sec. 115. Enhanced supervision and prudential standards for nonbank financial the I draw the line when thebyfedcompanies supervised the Board of Governorsloans and certain bank holdunderlying meet standards ing companies. eralSec.government 116. Reports. decides that it that reduce riskiness”. This will Sec. 117. Treatment of certain companies that cease to be bank holding companies. is going rework the structure further slow down the market beSec. 118.toCouncil funding.

Sec.industry 119. Resolution of supervisory jurisdictional disputes among member agencies. of an which has, overall, Sec. 120. Additional standards applicable tocause activities or practices for financial sta-fails what the government bility purposes. or when proven to be profitable to realize is that many of the large, Sec. 121. Mitigation of risks to financial stability.

122. GAO Audit of Council. theSec. government creates hurdles ‘complex’ financial entities are the Sec. 123. Study of the effects of size and complexity of financial institutions on capfor companies aren’t so much ital that market efficiency and economic growth. only ones which can put enough Subtitle B—Office ‘too big to fail’ but, rather, ‘too bigof Financial Research money into a business to prevent Sec. 151. to exist’ . Definitions.

Sec. 152. Office of Financial Research established. it from going under. The firm Sec. 153.

Purpose and duties the Office.

The Dodd–Frank Act of“makes Sec. 154. Organizational structure; responsibilities primary programmatic wouldofalready be worriedunits. enough Sec. 155. Funding. to the Federrecommendations Sec. 156. Transition oversight. about its perception in the eyes of al Reserve for increasingly strict its stockholders, that it would no rules for capital, leverage, liquidlonger be likely to put up the cash ity, risk management and other requirements as companies grow to save a dying company.

The Dodd–Frank Act is, as in size and complexity” under the promised, a “bold action”, but in heading “Tough to Get Big”. This unfairly punishes companies that such a way as to perturb an alare essentially too successful for ready volatile part of the econothe government to understand. my. With the financial sector in its Such action disincentivizes large current state, this legislation is the companies from existing and sup- last thing the country needs.

Greg Stein is a sophomore in the presses the creation of the most important, successful and power- College of Engineering and can be ful forces on the market. The act reached at gjs58@cornell.edu.

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President Obama is quick to say that each new agenda item is paid for in full, just as the health care bill was deficit neutral. This means that the spending increases are offset either by a spending cut in some other program, or an increase in government revenue.

This money has to be coming from somewhere, and this is where many conservatives take issue with the Democratic policies of the administration and Congress, for it is a rare occasion that spending is cut. A recent example is the extension (or lack thereof) of Bushera tax cuts for the wealthy. In his September 8 remarks in Parma, Ohio, Mr. Obama explained that it would cost $700 billion to give the wealthy these tax cuts. As he put it, “This isn’t to punish folks who are better off… It’s because we can’t afford the $700 billion price tag.”

It is of course totally necessary (in his mind), given the negative political consequences of increasing the deficit and of increasing taxes for middle or lower class Americans. These facts make it hard to believe some of the President's other recent statements regarding government and the economy. In his September 8 remarks, he stated, “I believe government should be lean; government should be efficient. I believe government should leave people free to make the choices they think are best for themselves and their families so long as those choices don’t hurt others.” He continued, stating that Democrats believe in a vibrant free market, but one that works for everybody. This is the idea, a sort of fairness doctrine on a large scale, that all Americans should beware – despite what Democrats may think, ‘fair’ and ‘free’ are very distinct words. America’s twoyear experiment in these policies is coming to a close, and they are being sent out for referendum.

Whether or not America will be smart enough to say no remains to be seen.

Colin Lounsberry is a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences and can be reached at cwl57@ cornell.edu.

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September 21, 2010

Reflections

At the start of each year, the Review asks its new writers to reflect on their first month at Cornell.

Not as Political as You Think

By ALFONSE MUGLIA

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y Wednesday afternoons are spent in Okenshield’s dining hall and on September 1, the scene was like any other: countless students enjoying their tacos andmaking casual conversation, while flipping through the pages of the New York Times. The day’s headline?

“Obama Declares an End to Iraq Combat Mission,” and while, politics aside, most would agree that the time had come to move forward in Iraq, it was the manner in which students were receiving their propaganda that caught my attention.

Where was the New York Post’s side of the story? Or the Wall Street Journal? Were none of my peers interested in the more notoriously conservative headlines? What the heck had I got myself into by attending an Ivy League school?!

Well, as I quickly learned, I couldn’t have been more naïve.

With the dawn of a new era in Iraq, so too has my gradual exposure to the conservative side of campus come to light. These revelations have been more subtle, like the girl on my floor that didn’t tell anyone she was going to the Cornell Republican meeting on a Monday night for fear of being looked down upon by the intellectuals around her, or the New York Times headline two days later that read “In a Shift, Fewer Young

From Coast to Coast: Apathy and Activism in Student Politics

By CHRISTOPHER SLIJK

how vocal and active the students are at Cornell. Political activity is n making my journey here not only common here but it is from California, I wasn’t exundertaken full heartedly. pecting much of a change in the My previous college experience political atmosphere. Leaving one liberal stronghold for another, I was one of contradictions: I was in assumed that the driving conten- Orange Country, an area generally tious issues, the aura of political considered conservative relative to correctness, and of course, the an- its surroundings, yet in a public uninoyance of activists parading their versity, thus attracting many stereoopinions around campus, were typical hippie stoners and layabout largely universal sights in college. liberal arts majors. While I certainWith the generally left-leaning ly saw and argued with my fair share reputation of the Ivy League, I as- of leftists and even outright admitted sumed that Cornell would hold communists, this mingling of left and nothing new for me in terms of right never yielded the furious bloodpolitical climate. Yet such is the letting arguments that I had expectdisinterest of the average college ed and sometimes even hoped for. student in my area, who often Rather, the atmosphere was one of cares for nothing but social and overwhelming apathy: whether due academic life (if even that), that to fear of speaking out or genuine even some of the most political- indifference, students rarely voiced ly charged of west coast colleges opinions on either side of the politseem underwhelming. So it was ical spectrum. The most vocal stumuch to my surprise when I saw dents hosted political clubs of course

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First Impressions

By NOAH KANTRO Today, my English instructor told me that writing is like keeping thirty balls in the air at once. As it turns out, so is college, and it has been ever since my new home, Cornell, graced me with her oh-so prestigious acceptance. My first few weeks here sure have been a juggling act.

Long ago, in a place far, far away – Long Island, to be exact – a talented and eager youngster gathered himself and his belongs and prepared to venture out into the great unknown of university life, staring outwards at his bright future, getting ready to leave his friends and family behind… Well, that romantic little bubble has burst pretty hard since actually arriving on campus. All kidding aside, what is this business that the incoming freshman must

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attend to so carefully? Especially for the freshmen political junkie hooked on talk radio and Drudge Report?

There is the obvious, of course, like taking time to read Phillip K. Dick’s latest post-apocalyptic masterpiece at a nice leisurely pace over the summer, then frantically trying to get the writing gears in your head to shake off their summer rust and turn out a decent essay at two in the morning on the second night of orientation. Even more obviously, perhaps, was orientation itself, which had me feeling a bit like a kid at summer camp, except with better food, less naptime, and more groupthink brainwashing activities to ditch out on. Meeting people too has been one of the most important activities for a freshman. At every turn there are new faces, new names, and first impressions, but there is certainly no lack of friendliness among Cornellians. I think every person on North Campus instantly made at

Cornell University Class of 2014

Voters See Themselves as Democrats.”

In two years after one of the most momentous and progressive presidential elections in history, journalist Kirk Johnson told me that my campus’s political environment wouldn’t be nearly as liberal as I had thought it would be.

I’d take this idea one step further and suggest that the campus isn’t as politically minded, in general, as I had expected. The more impressive aspect I’ve learned about this school, however, is that every conversation you have has the capability of being an extremely intellectual one, regardless of political affiliation. Now that’s something special.

So to everyone from the Palin-loving Tea Partiers to those of you that just don’t care about politics, don’t

hold back in making your voices and ideas heard around campus. You are not alone. While the liberals may be the visible ones as they read the New York Times, your brothers and sisters may be reading the WSJ headlines in secrecy on their laptops and iPhones.

Every person that’s studying under the tree isn’t a tree-hugger, and every person on your floor isn’t looking to get into political debates with you. This atmosphere isn’t as political as you thought attending Cornell would be.

But then again, I can only speak for my month on campus. We’ll see how that opinion changes in November 2012.

Alfonse Muglia is a freshman in the School of Industrial & Labor Relations.

He can be reached at arm267@cornell. edu.

– we had our run-of-the-mill Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, and environmentalist clubs - but turnout at any given event held by these clubs was lackluster at best. By virtue of being in a publicly-funded university in one of the most utterly bankrupt states in the union, I did witness quite a bit of student upheaval as tuition and budget cuts continually ravaged the school and student life. But even something that cast the very future direction of the university into doubt prompted only lip service from most of the student body; protests were held and student strikes organized (more often than not as just another excuse to skip class), yet at the end of the day the average student simply shrugged his shoulders and walked away from the ruckus to get back to drinking or playing video games.

Yet here, I have seen students of all political stripes – but especially conservatives – taking an active role in championing and defending their beliefs. Not satisfied with simply letting the world pass them by, Cornellians generally seem to take much more of an interest in the goings-on of the

Cornell University Class of 2012

least a suite-full of new friends, to be sorted through at a later date.

After the sweet peace of those first few days, classes have frozen to absolute zero all of the socializing, leisure, and impromptu capture-the-flag games of summer and orientation. It was then that the real balancing act began. Classes and fun are constantly in conflict now that the semester has been kicked into gear. I am in college, and I am here to learn, but since homework is even worse than the Ithaca weather, I joined a few clubs to aid my procrastination efforts and actually have a good time. It seems to me though, that the most important thing that needs attending to these days is maintaining my identity. I could have come into college and been anyone I chose to present myself as, but all I want is to be myself.

In part that means being a conservative in the face of the overwhelming liberalness I was warned about, but

world around them and take action in some form or another. And while much of this may be driven simply by peer pressure and hedonism (a recent Cornell Democrats event which had several conservative acquaintances of mine in attendance comes to mind), there seems to be much higher expectations of students to hold political views of some kind.

Perhaps the higher incidence of preachiness and activism are viewed as an annoyance to some, but I find the ability to start up a meaningful political conversation with just about anyone I meet to be incredibly refreshing. Though ultimately a strong liberal presence looms over the campus, I know that the strong and outspoken segment of conservatives on campus is making more of a difference than it may seem.

Christopher Slijk is a junior in the School of Arts & Sciences He can be reached at cps95@cornell.edu.

Cornell University Class of 2014 I am now experiencing in the ivory tower Ivy League. In part it means taking responsibility for my own wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Learning how to cope, adapt, and problem-solve, whether it be by unleashing the full force of my conservative wrath at some asinine university policy or event in the Review, or by taking an afternoon off to relax, put on some favorite tunes, and forget about the collegiate rat race, is going to be the most important skill to learn in the university, for the most important thing for any juggler to have is a solid foundation and a good sense of balance.

Noah Kantro is a freshman in the School of Engineering. He can be reached at nk366@cornell.edu.

Humor

September 21, 2010

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Colonel Cornell Presents:

35 Things Cornellians Should Do Instead of the Boring 161

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Why hello there! I am Cornell alumnus, ex-professor, and nephew of Ezra, Colonel Theodore Pompey Milhous Spagglegromper-Cornell IV. But you can simply call me Colonel Cornell. While not all Cornell alumni will be able to experience the ravishing rush of running a once-profitable company into the ground and subsequently emerging unscathed thanks to friends in Congress, you do stand to benefit greatly from your Cornell education.

I have compiled a list of advice that I often give Cornell students, as a visiting ex-professor, Cornell alumnus, corporate CEO, and military man. These will help you maximize your Cornell experience. According to my personal experience, you should:

by ANTHONGY LONGO and tianye liu

1. Skip the floor meeting on move-in day.

2. Ask permission to steal a tray at the dining hall.

3. Sign up for every single club at Clubfest with someone else’s Net ID. 4. Bring real tapestry to “Tapestry of Possibilities” and attempt to sell it. When being told that the meeting is actually about diversity, tell them the tapestry you have is very diverse and you feel very culturally offended that they doubt your English reading skills.

5. Facebook chat with the person who lives one door down.

6. Attempt to sell condoms while standing next to a free condom giveaway.

7. Gain the freshman 35.

8. Lose the freshman 35 by attending a Cornell Democrat meeting and do a push-up every time the word “Bush” is used.

9. When a cappella groups blocks the Balch Arch when you are trying to get through, go to the center of crowd, sit down, and start doing homework.

10. Don’t spend a penny from your Big Red Bucks until the last day of school. On that day, buy $800 worth of Powerbars and bring them home with you (true story).

11. Turn down the first 20 floor-dinner invitations from your overly-enthusiastic RAs/floor mates, then organize 20 yourself during Prelim Season and invite everyone.

12. Purposefully walk through a frisbee game and just stand there.

13. Distribute fake flyers containing the content of one event and the meeting time of another.

14. Ride your bike to class—literally to your actual seat in the class.

15. Go to the 8th floor of Bradfield Hall and ask if global warming exists.

16. Refuse to engage in a conversation with an overeager freshman who tries to sit with you in dining halls.

17. Buy out all the tickets to an a capella performance…and

don’t show up.

18. Use an inappropriate fake name when ordering food at Nasties and make the employees call it out loud.

19. Ask residents of Mews Hall if they’ve ever seen him.

20. Bring your own bagel to CTB and eat it there.

21. Instead of going to Slope Day, drive to the Meadowlands and see a real concert.

22. Bring your desktop computer to a big lecture hall and take notes with it.

23. At the final review session of a 4000-level chemistry class, ask the professor “What is an electron?” with a very serious face.

24. Go to a lecture hall early, reserve the entire front row by putting your personal belongings on the seats when you actually don’t know anyone in Artwork by Anthony Longo

the class.

25. Find one of those enthusiastic Marxists on campus, agree with everything he says, and hang out with him for a week.

Then read the Cornell Review in front of him.

26. Use apple cider for breakfast cereal.

27. Eat ice cream at the Cornell Dairy Bar. 28. Convince a freshman that the school is actually pronounced “Colonel” by sophisticated people/Creed Bratton.

29. Find out where Ann Coulter went for her undergraduate degree.

30. Don’t take the swim test. Wait until it’s no longer required.

31. Don’t take a first year writing seminar. Wait until it’s no longer required.

32. Witness a lecture from your room via Skype on someone’s laptop, with the broadcasting computer placed in its own seat.

33. Secretly write “Vegan” on the tags of meat products served in dining halls.

34. For an entire semester don’t go to any of your classes; instead, live nocturnally.

35. Ask when the construction is ever going to be done.

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Humor

September 22, 2010

Wisemen & Fools I would say the best moment of all was when I caught a 7.5 pound largemouth bass in my lake.

George W. Bush on his best moment in office The Cuban model doesn’t even work for us anymore.

Fidel Castro, 2010 We are going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good.

Hillary Clinton I did not have sexual relations with that woman.

Bill Clinton I’m a metrosexual.

Howard Dean

A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.

Dwight D. Eisenhower Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for.

Will Rogers The one thing I want my kids to remember about me is that I was an athlete.

The hell with the rest of this stuff.

Joe Biden, Jock-in-chief The great masses of the people will more easily fall victim to a big lie, than to a small one.

Adolf Hitler

His mom lived in Long Island for ten years or so.

God rest her soul. And– although, she's–wait–your mom's still–your mom's still alive. Your dad passed.

God bless her soul.

Joe Biden referring to the mother of Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen Equality, rightly understood as our founding fathers understood it, leads to liberty and to the emancipation of creative differences; wrongly understood, as it has been so tragically in our time, it leads first to conformity and then to despotism.

Barry Goldwater

"Emergencies" have always been the pretext on which the safeguards of individual liberty have been eroded.

Frederich Hayek Politics is the entertainment industry for ugly people.

Mark Turpin Governor Patterson is a drug addict.

Carl Paladino Change change change change change change change change change change change change change change change change change change change change change Barack Obama

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