The Daily Barometer Jan. 30, 2013 by The Daily Barometer

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY CORVALLIS, OREGON 97331

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Previewing the intramural basketball season

VOLUME CXVI, NUMBER 72

Reacting, responding to assaults on campus n

Women’s Center, Department of Public Safety, SafeRide provide tips on personal safety By McKinley Smith The Daily Barometer

Corvallis Police Department

Composite sketch of attacker from Jan. 26 assault.

Students and groups on campus have responded proactively after Saturday night’s assault, the second attack in less than two weeks. The Women’s Center has arranged a question-and-answer event in the Memorial Union journey room from 10 to 11 a.m., according to Lucero Garcia, program coordinator for the Women’s Center and a sophomore in exercise and sports science. “A lot of students can come and ask questions and get answers to their concerns regarding the last

two incidences,” Garcia said. Officer Autumn Jordan of the Department of Public Safety at Oregon State University will speak about safety, including “personal safety tips, things to look for around campus, and how to identify suspicious behavior.” “I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of questions about the assault; however, those won’t be addressed by me. I will simply be giving some guidance and some tools that can be used for individuals that are wandering around campus at night or anywhere,” Jordan said. Jordan suggests that students be aware of their surroundings. “Always walk in pairs, don’t walk in dark alleys, stay in areas that are lit up, let somebody know your path of travel. If something looks

suspicious, call for help,” Jordan said. Non-emergency line for Oregon State Police: 541-737-3010 Emergency line for Oregon State Police: 541-737-7000 Students have contacted the Women’s Center asking for safety whistles, so they ordered some and will have them available for free later in the week, according to Jenney Lee, program coordinator for the Women’s Center and a senior in anthropology. “We are really interested in putting on an outreach event like Take Back the Night,” Lee said. “It’s likely to happen; we don’t have a firm date or plan for it yet.” Even if a “Take Back the Night”

The Daily Barometer

Representative Peter Defazio addresses an audience at the Memorial Union yesterday.

Build: Athletic/Muscular/Bulky Unique features: Dark eyebrows (bushy) and eyelashes Clothing: Black athletic style pants, white shoes, and a dark navy blue or black hooded pull over style sweatshirt. In the first incident the sweatshirt had “OSU printed across the chest. In the second incident the sweatshirt had a white circle printed upon the back with cursive style writing that extended from the lower left side of the circle, across the center, to the upper right. If you should have information contact: Corvallis Police Department tip line (541) 766-6432 or Oregon State Police University Area Command (541) 737-3010

SIFC passes two budget proposals, with reservations about Student Health Services By Jack Lammers

fish in the tanks fill the room from floor to ceiling. Customers and visitors are free to look around at them without being pressured to buy anything, and Animal House staff aim for people to view the store as an educational experience if someone is interested in the hobby of pet owning. “I enjoy interacting with the customers and answering or troubleshooting their questions and problems,” said Animal House employee Kyle Hansen. “Also, taking care of the animals themselves is definitely a hobby of mine.” Many of the plants and animals present in the store were bred and grown by Stepnicka in his own home, where he personally owns more than 160 ponds and more than 80 aquariums. With the responsibility of that much life riding on him, he’s constantly busy and hasn’t had a vacation in 20 years. “The store definitely is a never-ending job,” Stepnicka said. “If you didn’t love it, you couldn’t do it. For me personally though, I enjoy it so much that I haven’t even considered it to be work.” This love for fish and other animals has been deeply rooted in Stepnicka’s life since childhood. At age nine, he received a job working at a wholesale tropical fish distributer in southern California. His own collection of fish soon followed. “I made 75 cents an hour,” Stepnicka said. “I never took home a paycheck though. I traded it out in fish and aquarium supplies. I soon had over 40 fish tanks in my

Last night, in the wake of a Monday meeting reviewing ASOSU and AABC budget proposals, the Student and Incidental Fee Committee heard two more presentations in sequence. The first proposal came from Counseling and Psychological services. Jackie Alvarez, CAPS director, and student representatives including Timothy Daniel, director of SafeRide, gave the presentation. The presenters noted the low ratio of CAPS licensed staff to the growing number of enrolled students. There are challenges, including no afterhours counseling, inadequate marketing resources and limited space. Currently housed in the fifth floor of Snell Hall, CAPS leaders are looking to relocate. “Students will receive better services if CAPS goes to 24/7,” Daniel said. “If we can use the student positions for marketing, we can better connect with students.” Group members outlined their budget proposals to account for mandatory salary increases, after-hours mental health care, hiring another office specialist and adding two student employees. Daniel noted the recent resignation of a CAPS specialist, who noted the workload as part of their decision. The package would allow for the specialist’s replacement and for an additional staff member. The SIFC board tentatively decided on the second budget proposal, titled “increased enrollment,” by a unanimous vote. They called for a slightly reduced student fee to account for increased enrollment, and for a total salary increase of $64,010 for professional and student staff with a $57,020 increase in other payroll expenses. The proposal entails a CAPS student fee of $35. “I appreciate that the decision

See ANIMAL | page 2

See SIFC | page 7

Mitch Lea

| THE DAILY BAROMETER

Dale Stepnicka holds a parrot at his Animal House store. The Animal House has been in business for almost 30 years.

Sharing an affinity for animals n

The Animal House sells a variety of pets, keeps a greater variety of its own By Ryan Dawes

| THE DAILY BAROMETER

Height: 6-6’3”

The Daily Barometer

Mckinley smith

Age: 20s

By McKinley Smith

See DEFAZIO | page 2

Gender: Male

SIFC reviews CAPS, Student Health Services budget proposals

Students in University Honors College and Leadership Academy embrace opportunity to speak with DeFazio

Following a conference on harvesting clean energy, Oregon Representative Peter DeFazio spoke at a question-and-answer session Tuesday morning. “He wanted an opportunity to meet with students,” said Dan Arp, dean of agricultural sciences at Oregon State University, and former dean of the University Honors College. Toni Doolan, current dean of the Honors College, said they recently received an inquiry from DeFazio. “The next thing we know, he’s going to be here,” Doolan said. Honors College students and students from the Leadership Academy, a program in the Colleges of Agriculture and Forestry, were invited to attend the hour-long session held at the Memorial Union. Students asked questions rang-

Race: White

See ASSAULT | page 2

DeFazio speaks with Oregon State students n

Suspect description

The Animal House, a pet store on 4th Street, will gladly help customers find that little fish tank, parrot or bunny they have always wanted. They will also be more than happy to take care of anyone’s giant man-eating sharks. In business for 30 years this March, The Animal House specializes in a diverse field of expertise— ranging from common-household aquarium fish to reptiles and amphibians to tropical birds to caring for particularly large sharks. “We take on a lot of projects,” said Dale Stepnicka, owner of The Animal House. “A big side project is maintaining a shark tank in a wealthy estate in Crescent Valley, the largest privately-owned tank in Oregon.” One time while diving in the massive tank to maintain it, Stepnicka had an encounter. He was bitten by a shark, which practically stripped the flesh off two of his fingers. “I got out of the tank pretty quickly after that,” Stepnicka said. “The blood soon would make the other sharks go into a frenzy, which I didn’t really want to be a part of. Let’s just say I learned to respect them quite a bit after that.” The pets The Animal House actually sells, however, are more docile and a lot smaller than these sharks. Entering the main door of The Animal House, aquariums, flashes of color darting through them from the hundreds of small

2• Wednesday, January 30, 2013

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Forum on landlord licensing draws crowd n

Collaboration Corvallis workgroup hears community comments on proposed rental property fees By Don Iler

The Daily Barometer

Rental property owners and tenants showed up to give comments and ask questions about proposed rules to implement landlord-licensing fees. Drawing a full crowd to the Corvallis Public Library meeting room, the Collaboration Corvallis neighborhood livability workgroup heard testimony for about 90 minutes following a presentation of the proposed rules. The workgroup is currently considering rules that would require all rental properties to be licensed by the city and to meet codes that will be based on International Code Council standards, and existing city ordinances and regulations. To be licensed, rental properties would need to pay an annual fee of $55 to $60, and have their rental properties be inspected every two to three years. Rental property owners currently pay an annual $11 fee for rental properties. Opinions about the proposed rules seemed split, with most rental property owners against the proposed rules in their current form, while most renters who spoke up said they felt current enforcement of livability standards was not enough.

Those speaking against the rules said they felt they take care of their properties, and the new fees and regulations would be punishing them for the actions of a few bad apples. There were also concerns that increased fees and inspections that would require repairs would eliminate lower-income housing in the city. Many said the city already had a complaint system that seemed to be working fine, and higher fines as well as better enforcement should be sought by the city first. Those in favor of the proposed rules said they were long overdue and told stories of substandard housing in the city, and how finding adequate housing can be difficult. They said the new rules would help improve neighborhood livability by ensuring owners maintain rental housing. One speaker noted that when tenants move into a house that hasn’t been well-maintained, their incentive to treat the property well is less. Most agreed something needed to be done as far as enforcing existing rules better and making sure landlords who neglect their properties and do not maintain them are held accountable. Some suggested tougher enforcement of existing rules and higher fines for “slumlords.” The workgroup looked at similar programs in other cities and received responses from seven cities about their experiences. The cities reported no nega-

ASSAULT n Continued from page 1 event does not take place, Lee said the center will conduct an outreach event “so that students can feel engaged and involved.” Most people who are assaulted are assaulted by people they know, not by a stranger, Lee said. “The two scenarios that have happened recently on campus are scary because they’ve happened near campus, they’ve happened in a small community and we all feel threatened and scared by that, but in reality, this is the least likely scenario for assault,” Lee said. Lee stressed that the Women’s Center is a resource that helps people get in contact with the right groups. “We really serve as a liaison,” Lee said. Garcia recommends taking advantage of SafeRide, a service that has seen a jump in ridership since Monday. ASOSU SafeRide Director Tim Daniel sent out an email promoting SafeRide. “As a response to the assaults that have been going on around campus, we’ve

tive impacts to lower income housing, as well as improved living conditions, stabilization of decaying neighborhoods and better behavior from tenants and landlords. It estimates 30 percent of housing would not meet standards if inspected. The proposed fees would help fund two-and-a-half to five full-time positions to inspect properties and enforce rules. The fees would raise an estimated $715,000 if the city charged each of the 13,000 rental properties in the city $55. Last year, the city of Corvallis received 650 complaints. It was noted that many of these complaints stemmed from illegally created housing units, and health and safety issues. Tenants who have a complaint against their landlord can contact the city’s rental housing program to lodge complaints. Eric Adams, project manager for Collaboration Corvallis, said the workgroup would be taking the comments and questions into consideration over the next few weeks and incorporate them into any changes made to the proposed rules. The neighborhood livability workgroup meets again Feb. 12 at the Osborne Aquatic Center at 5:15 p.m. Students and residents are welcome, and encouraged, to attend the meetings and provide feedback to the workgroups

definitely seen an increase in ridership,” Daniel said. Daniel said the service has the most riders between Monday and Thursday, and that the number of people SafeRide transports tapers off over the weekend. Response time varies depending on the number of calls they receive, Daniel said. Most calls come in between 7 and 11 p.m. “We had the most calls we’ve had in at least the last two years on just last night,” Daniel said. “That time, wait times get really long.” Normally, Daniel said SafeRide transports about 75 people a night, but Monday there were nearly 160 people riding. SafeRide runs within about 10 to 15 minutes of campus, and a comprehensive map of SafeRide coverage can be found on the website along with hours of operation asosu.oregonstate.edu/saferide. “Please use it if you need it,” Daniel said. “That’s what it’s here for.”

Don Iler, editor-in-chief On Twitter: @doniler editor@dailybarometer.com

DEFAZIO n Continued from page 1 ing from tuition to partisan politics. The group also touched on sustainable energy research stimulus, gun control, politics and health care. “We’re looking at reauthorization of these programs,” DeFazio said, referring to federal financial aid. One student asked about increasing partisanship, and DeFazio said major contributors in government include media bias, redistricting and money. DeFazio emphasized the need to invest in new sustainable energy sources and spoke about the role of mental illness in gun violence.

McKinley Smith, news reporter

news@dailybarometer.com

Wednesday, Jan. 30 Meetings SIFC, 6:30pm, MU 212. Weekly meeting. Discussion of incidental fee issues and budgets. All students are welcome. Athletic Dept., 7pm, Student Success Center Rm. 133. Student Fees/Athletic Dept. Open Forum. ASOSU House of Representatives, 7pm, MU 211. Educational Activities, 5-7pm, Snell 149. Budget Open Hearing.

Thursday, Jan. 31 Meetings Baha’i Campus Association, 12:301pm, MU Talisman Room. The Equality of Women - Devotions and discussion on the role women are playing in the progress of the global society. College Republicans, 7pm, StAg 107. General meeting.

Events Cru, 7:30pm, Re!New Church, 1677 SW 35th St. I am second. Who is first? Come hear fellow students tell their stories of life, priorities and who is first in their life.

Friday, Feb. 1 Events Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center, Noon-1pm, Snell 427 (BCC). Cupcake Kick-off! Find out what events will be held throughout Black History Month - The Evolving History of Today. Gamma Alpha Omega, 5-8pm, MU Basement. Bowling Night with informational presentation regarding student involvement opportunities. OSU Music Department, Noon, MU Lounge. Music å la Carte: The Tardis Ensemble. A 6 pc. chamber ensemble featuring winds and strings.

Saturday, Feb. 2 Meetings Student Incidental Fees Committee (SIFC), 2pm, MU Journey Room. The Memorial Union and Music Department will be presenting their budgets.

Monday, Feb. 4 Meetings Student Incidental Fees Committee (SIFC), 6pm, MU Journey Room. Educational Activities and Athletics will be presenting their budgets.

Tuesday, Feb. 5 Meetings Student Incidental Fees Committee (SIFC), 6pm, MU 213. Student Sustainability Initiative and Our Little Village will be presenting their budgets. ASOSU Senate, 7pm, MU 211

Events Career Services, 11am-Noon, Valley Library, Willamette East & West Rooms, 3rd Floor. WEBINAR - Landing Your Dream Federal Job or Internship.

Wednesday, Feb. 6 Meetings ASOSU House of Representatives, 7pm, MU 211.

Events

ANIMAL n Continued from page 1

Career Services, Noon-3pm, MU Ballroom. Nonprofit & Volunteer Fair: Representatives from more than 50 local and national nonprofit and government organizations representing a wide variety of fields who are seeking OSU volunteers, interns and employees. Career Services, 11am-Noon, MU 206. Marketing Your Service Experience: Meet a panel of nonprofit professionals who will share tips and strategies on marketing your service and volunteer experience to potential employers. Career Services, 11am-Noon, MU Journey Room. Pursuing a Nonprofit Career: Gain insight into the nonprofit industry. Career Services, Noon-1pm, MU 208. International Service Workshop: Explore international nonprofit internships and service opportunities. Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center and Centro Cultural Cesar Chavez, 6-7:30pm, Snell 424, 4Cs Centro Cultural Cesar Chavez. The/Los Afro-Latinos.

bedroom alone.” Later in his life he co-owned his own pet store in California. However, the business partnership with the other owner ended up falling through, and Stepnicka ended up moving to Oregon. Here he first began a business of breeding and selling pet birds at wholesale, but later found that with wholesale he couldn’t make enough to support his children, which resulted in him opening up The Animal House for business. Since then, The Animal House has been open for business for almost 30 years with a desire to kindle and grow the love of pet-ownership throughout the Corvallis community. Ryan Dawes, news reporter news@dailybarometer.com

Calendar

Mitch Lea

Thursday, Feb. 7 | THE DAILY BAROMETER

The Animal House sells a variety of animals, including this lizard. Owner Dale Stepnicka opened the business after starting a business breeding and selling birds.

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Meetings Baha’i Campus Association, 12:301pm, MU Talisman Room. Rethinking Prosperity - Devotions and discussion on the meaning of prosperity and our search for it. College Republicans, 7pm, StAg 107. General meeting.

Friday, Feb. 8 Events OSU Music Department, Noon, MU Lounge. Music å la carte: The Lyric Trio. A musical journey through English and American Poetry.

Saturday, Feb. 9 Meetings Student Incidental Fees Committee (SIFC), 2pm, MU 213. Student Diversity and Recreational Sports will be presenting their budgets.

The Daily Barometer 3 •Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Forum

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Don Iler Editor-in-Chief Megan Campbell Forum Editor Warner Strausbaugh Sports Editor

Grady Garrett Jack Lammers Jackie Seus

Managing Editor News Editor Photo Editor

forum@dailybarometer.com

‘Aggie Bonds’ essential to future of the small farmer Let us unlock T Editorial

our phones

n Saturday, Jan. 26, it became official: It is now illegal to unlock your smartphone. Unlocking a smartphone frees it from the current carrier’s network, and enables it to communicate with other networks. This law oversteps governmental boundaries and doesn’t do much else but generate fear. The maximum fine for first-time offenders is $500,000 and/or up to five years in prison. For repeat offenders, the maximum penalty increases to $1 million and/or up to 10 years in prison. To this, we must say, “wha-huh?” It’s important to know unlocking a smartphone and rooting one are two different things. Before you give Techy-Tom flak for rooting his phone, be advised he’s still technically not breaking the law. Rooting — also known as jailbreaking — a phone grants the owner administrative access on a device he or she paid for. Honestly, everyone should have administrative rights over their property. When a phone is rooted, the owner has the ability to clean out all the bloatware cellular providers load onto it, which generally increases the phone’s response time. It also allows the owner to install advertisement blocking in apps, and install other applications that may have not been previously available. There are other, more technical applications a rooted phone can do. Unless you’re familiar with what you’re doing, however, it’s probably best to steer clear of overclocking (which increases the power that runs through the CPU to speed up the device) or tethering (which basically turns your phone into a router). Though rooting a smartphone is technical work, unlocking it is an advanced step only the most comfortable and knowledgeable should perform. This law now locks customers in with a specific carrier. It could also hinder providers marketing specifically to those with unlocked phones looking to switch. It’s unclear how this will affect T-Mobile’s “bring in your own phone” campaign. Other than catching and penalizing the masterminds who dissect a phone’s software in order to unlock it and release the code and instructions for the rest of us, this law probably won’t affect many average users. Hacking and piracy has rampantly increased as our understanding of different technologies advances. It’s no wonder why the “victims” — like media, entertainment and government agencies — would make a fuss and demand government action. This law, however, doesn’t make sense. There are places that sell unlocked phones. Paying full price, as opposed to the discount prices packaged with a contract, you can legally purchase an unlocked phone. Some carriers, like AT&T, will unlock a phone once the contract expires. Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, if you want to legally unlock your phone you must first ask for permission from your carrier. Frankly, this is bologna. It’s like asking your mom for permission to stay up late after you’ve moved out. Once we’ve purchased something, it is ours. Cell phones are no exception. We should have the freedom to do whatever floats our boat, because it’s our property. If we want to drop it off a building just to see how it shatters, that’s our prerogative. If we want to root or unlock our phone, that too, is our prerogative. If you decide to root your phone, make sure you do your research. Don’t blame us if you brick it. We don’t advise you break this law. If you do, though, we won’t be the ones to rat you out. t

Editorial serve as means for Barometer editors to offer com-

mentary and opinions on issues both global and local, grand in scale or diminutive. The views expressed here are a reflection of the editorial board’s majority.

hough the number of young farmers seems bleak and the average age of farmers in Oregon is over 50, things may not seem too bright for the future of Oregon agriculture. However, many young men and women are stepping forward to take the plow, and to head into a new era of agriculture. With enrollment in agricultural schools increasing, according to Capital Press, providing ways for small farmers to pursue their dreams is essential. “Aggie Bond” programs help young and upstart farmers to attain the finances to pursue their dreams of owning a farm. According to the Capital Press, 16 states have Aggie Bonds programs. In such an important economic and socioeconomic sector, such as agriculture, there is no reason all 50 states cannot offer Aggie Bond programs. Not all states have the same agricultural output, but perhaps these bond programs will help increase their agricultural output, and therefore increase economic activity for the state.

should be a social priority to provide our young farmers an opportunity to pursue their dreams. Adding to the importance of Tyler such programs, agricultural schools in the West and around the nation are seeing an increase An Advocate for Agriculture of students going into agriculShockingly, Oregon does not tural degrees. The need for these have these Aggie Bond programs. programs has never been greater. This is nothing short of a disgrace. Who better to advocate for such Considering Oregon’s agricultural a program than Oregon State output, why shouldn’t we have a University? program that finances beginning Young agriculturalists know farmers? Oregon does have some the pains of finding land and financing options, but not Aggie sufficient finances to begin their Bond programs. Perhaps this is enterprises. Agriculture is a capbecause of budget restraints or ital-intensive occupation, and other reasons, but I still find it also requires a lot of land, varyappalling we do not have such a ing some for the type of agriculprogram in place. ture. These programs would benHowever, there is hope. House efit young farmers who struggle to Bill 2700, according to The Capital find ways to finance their dreams, Press, “directs the Oregon Business not only Oregon, but around the Development Depar tment United States. There are agriculturalists from to develop a Beginning and Expanding Farmer Loan Program all backgrounds who wish to to assist beginning farmers with obtain these loans. There are peobuying agricultural land and ple from urban backgrounds who improving it.” Oregonians should aspire to grow organic foods, yet unanimously support this bill. It have very little to no agricultural

Pike

experience. The OSU Extension Service can provide classes to educate young and upstart farmers. But what use is that education if they cannot find the capital means to apply what they have learned? Here, Oregon falls short compared to other states, such as Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa and Kansas. According to “Oregon Agriculture and the Economy: An Update,” a study done by the OSU Extension Office, agriculture in Oregon accounts for 10.4 percent of the sales in our economy, 12 percent of the employment and contributes to 7.1 percent of the value of the Oregon economy. I am glad HB 2700 is being proposed, but I am disappointed it is coming so late. As agriculture accounts for so much of Oregon’s economy, we should have implemented such a program years ago. Now is a good time to implement such a program, albeit a little late. t

Tyler Pike is a junior in agricultural sciences. The

opinions expressed in his columns do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Barometer staff. Pike can be reached at forum@dailybarometer.com.

Letters to the Editor Recent assaults on campus

Rape culture is the problem I heard something on campus tonight that gave me pause. A young man asked, “Do you need a ride home?” To which a young woman replies, “No, I brought my car. I don’t want to get raped.” “I don’t want to get raped” has been a common thread of conversation these days. In the days following the most recent assault of a young woman near campus, it seems that women are noticeably on edge. Female students are increasingly focused on and organizing their days around ways to not get raped. We are told to wait for SafeRide, never walk home alone at night, and keep to well-lit walkways. And while all of these are good pieces of advice, they all hinge on women taking the responsibility for not getting raped. But women failing to protect themselves from rape is not the problem. Rape is the problem. And rape culture is the problem. Rape culture is the phenomenon in which rape and violence against women is excused, normalized, and sometimes even supported. And rape culture isn’t just a horrific gang rape or the masked man jumping out from behind the bushes. Evidence of rape culture is also present in the everyday occurrences in which women are treated as objects of male desire, power and domination. Rape culture is walking home with your keys between your knuckles, just in case. Rape culture is every time a guy hollers at you and your girlfriends as you walk down Monroe. Rape culture is every time a survivor has to

continue to sit through the same class as her attacker. Rape culture is every time your friend says “she just needs a good f*ck.” Rape culture is that time someone called you a slut for wearing that skirt. Rape culture is every time a politician decides what counts as “legitimate.” And rape culture affects us all. Not just women, but men, too. And men are just as important in stopping rape culture. By refocusing the attention on teaching not to rape, we can stop rape culture. We just need the courage to name rape culture for what it is and make efforts to stand up against it, wherever it may be. Wren Keturi

Nuremberg only tried the figureheads of the Nazi government, but all individuals carrying out crimes against civilians are considered guilty, from officers to privates. If the critics of “Windows and Mirrors” feel threatened, they should! You are responsible for initiating what many see as ignorance of the responsibilities of a human being. The common excuse of the Nazis, “I was only following orders,” was not accepted by the Nuremberg judges. From the designing of the handsome, sharp uniform, to the marketing skill of the Nazi PR, all were responsible in perpetuating and selling crimes against humanity. Each generation must be taught the values of human rights and responsibilities. In addition, Instructor, Women Studies we need to see the reminders of our failures, and learn from them. Art on display in the MU The art exhibit “Windows and Mirrors” at the Memorial Union is a reminder of a failure to folA reminder of our failures low our principles. In OSU’s Daily Barometer Forum of Jan. Edward R. Epley 24, student Masami Wadama stated that the B.S. OSU 1973 Memorial Union is not the proper place for the art exhibit “Windows and Mirrors.” As world citizens, we are required by international law by the Geneva Conventions, the Letters to the editor are welcomed and will be printed on a first-received basis. Letters must be 300 words or fewer and include the author’s Hague Convention, and the Nuremberg Trials signature, academic major, class standing or job title, department name to be aware of and to strive for peace and and phone number. Authors of e-mailed letters will receive a reply for the purpose of verification. Letters are subject to editing for space and justice. The 1945 Nuremberg Trials detailed crimes clarity. The Daily Barometer reserves the right to refuse publication of any submissions. against humanity, namely murder “commitThe Daily Barometer ted against any civilian population before, or c/o Letters to the editor during war.” The United States administration Memorial Union East 106 declared war on Iraq and Afghanistan on then Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331-1617 questionable intelligence (and lately proven or e-mail: editor@dailybarometer.com deceitfully wrong).

Letters

More guns, armed guards are not the solution T

he past couple of months have been tumultuous in regards to recent events. One event that stood out in particular was the Sandy Hook massacre, in which 27 people, including 20 children, were shot by a lone gunman armed with an assault weapon and two handguns. The tragedy sparked another debate about guns in the United States. Of course each side of the debate seemed to have solutions to this tragedy. The method approved by the White House is the reinstatement of the assault weapons ban and aggressive background checks on all gun sales. Republicans in Congress, however, almost universally oppose any legislation proposed by President Barack Obama. The National Rifle Association

Hunter Murga

The Daily Barometer is at the forefront of this opposition. As a political lobby, the NRA is within its official capacity to defend the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Until recently, they actually defended reasonable gun rights. Now the NRA is one of the most insane lobbying groups ever to have the pleasure of going to Washington. This isn’t your father’s National Rifle Association. In fact, this is the complete opposite of a competent organization. When the Sandy Hook massacre occurred, the NRA took a long week to issue an official response, while also closing its Facebook

page. The NRA took a tragedy and made complete fools of themselves to the American public and to the world. The least they could have done is offer condolences to the families affected, or offer some sensible solutions to the problem. Instead the vice president, Wayne LaPierre, made the most asinine statement in public relations history. “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun,” LaPierre said. The response was complete nonsense, since it is both a falsedilemma fallacy and completely untrue. He went on to say we need private armed guards at schools. Frankly, a school should not be a place where we have to be

guarded — specifically by private armed guards. Not trained officers, but literally volunteers. Private security would lack the funds necessary to properly train officers, which considering we are defending children in tight hallways, this is not a good idea. Even with police officers, this would run the risk of propagating a school to prison pipeline. LaPierre also went on to blame violent video games. Video games have about as much to do with school shootings as apples have to do with growing orange trees. That is, nothing at all. Another issue not understood is how people react in a situation where a gun is used. Adrenaline makes a person’s aim worse, even See MURGA | page 6

The Daily Barometer 4 • Wednesday, January 29, 2013

Sports

Beaver Tweet of the Day “Kaepernick needs to learn how to where a hat. Look like a goon with that straight bill”

sports@dailybarometer.com • On Twitter @barosports

@Sschultsie Scott Schultz

Previewing the IM basketball season

Mitch Lea

| THE DAILY BAROMETER

Jesse Zapata shoots a jumpshot in an intramural “A” league basketball game Monday night. Zapata plays for the “Cheesy Pizzas,” one of 78 teams in the “A” league.

There are 280 teams signed up to play intramural basketball this winter, making it the most popular IM sport

more international students, we’re able to hit diverse populations,” Wiltbank said. “It’s also easier to get a team together. You only need five or six people to make it happen. And it’s indoors, so you don’t have to deal with the elements outside. I think that helps in Oregon.” By Grady Garrett The Daily Barometer Wiltbank has worked in the department of recThere are 274 high schools in Oregon with a reational sports for eight years, and has paid close attention to the intramural basketball talent that’s varsity boys’ and a varsity girls’ basketball team. Assuming each team has a minimum of 10 been on display. For the men’s “A” division, which is made up players on it, at least 5,480 Oregon high schoolers of 78 teams, Wiltbank said the field is wide open play varsity basketball each year. For the vast majority, their days of playing this year. competitive, organized hoops end as soon as the “I think this year we have some turnover,” buzzer sounds at their final high school game. Wiltbank said. “Some of the teams that were really After that, they’re left to reminisce their glory good, those guys graduated. It’ll be interesting to days — dreaming of an opportunity to relive see who comes up and takes that void.” them. Last year, Lambda Chi Alpha won the AllEnter: Intramural basketball, the most popular University championship. Michael Smith, a senior and most participated-in intramural sport at See INTRAMURALS | page 5 Oregon State University. “There are a lot of people who played sports in high school who didn’t get the opportunity to play in college, but intramurals still give them a chance to get those moments of glory,” said Mitch Wiltbank, sports and special programs coordinator for the department of recreational sports. The intramural basketball season officially tipped off on Sunday. For men’s and co-rec teams in the “B” league, the season is made up of five games and runs through week eight of the term. For men’s, women’s and co-rec teams in the “A” league, the regular season is four games long and runs through week seven. Teams with a .500 record or better then compete in a singleelimination tournament that begins week eight. This year, a record 280 teams signed up to play intramural basketball, surpassing last year’s total of 272. Last school year there were 2,396 total participants in intramural basketball, a 5.36 percent increase over the year before. Soccer (2,005 total participants) had the second most, while softball (1,986) had slightly more than flag football (1,945). Basketball has been the most participated-in intramural sport every year since the 2009-10 school year. In 2008-09, softball edged out basketMitch Lea | THE DAILY BAROMETER ball for the top spot. Wiltbank spoke of several factors that contrib- Trevin Kellow of the team called “Babbitt’s Ballers,” a reference to Luke Babbitt of the ute to intramural basketball’s rising popularity. “It’s a global sport, and as we get more and Portland Trail Blazers, shoots an open jumper. n

News and notes from Oregon State baseball media day n

Matt Boyd to the rotation, Michael Conforto could be in for a bigger year, much more from yesterday’s media day By Andrew Kilstrom and Warner Strausbaugh The Daily Barometer

• The Oregon State baseball team is confident about the upcoming season, and the polls back it up: Baseball America ranks the Beavers No. 6 in the nation, and No. 14 in the ESPN/ USA Today Coaches’ Poll. Senior pitcher Matt Boyd: “The highest poll is No. 6. That’s a lot of room. That means there’s five teams we need to get after.” • Head coach Pa t Casey doesn’t feel the Pat Casey team deserves Head coach to be as confident as they are, or that the Beavers deserve such high rankings. Casey: “I’m not quite as impressed with them as they are with themselves, it sounds like. But I think that I like our club and I think that I like the personalities on our team. But at this point I’m not as impressed with them as Baseball America and the

guys are.” • Boyd is the frontrunner for the third spot in the starting pitching rotation. Juniors Ben Wetzler and Dan Child are locked in for the first two spots, and last year’s freshman standout Jace Fry is currently recovering from Tommy John Matt Boyd surgery and will Senior pitcher miss the entire 2013 season. Boyd has only started two games in his career at OSU, and both were in his freshman year. He had a 3.41 earned run average and 31 strikeouts in 34 appearances out of the bullpen last year. Boyd: “The goal has been to start and that’s what I’m working toward right now.” • Sophomore outfielder Michael Conforto is coming off a historic season in which he hit .349, 13 homeruns and drove in a school record 76 runs. Despite a season where Conforto was the Louisville Slugger Freshman of the Year, Casey thinks the sophomore could actually be better in 2013. Casey: “I don’t see Michael Conforto not being a better hitter, he will be a better hitter. But whether his numbers match up or not, that depends on who hits around him, who hits in front of

him, who hits behind him and how other people react.” • Junior Jake Rodriguez is the ultimate utility-man for the Beavers. He’ll be looked at to be on the field every day at either catcher, second base or third base. Rodriguez: “I’m prepared everyday to play any position the coaches put me at. In the wintertime I played third base, I played second base, I caught. I feel comfortable at all these positions.” Casey considers Rodriguez and Jerad Casper — a transfer from Bellevue College — the frontrunners to start at third, but Rodriguez will be playing all three positions. With Ryan Gorton’s departure, it will be Jake Rodriguez sophomore Nate Esposito takJunior infielder ing over catching duties when Rodriguez is in the infield. Casey: “Nate Esposito has done a nice job [at catcher], it gives us the flexibility for Jake to go play second or third.” • Senior Danny Hayes, who only played 33 of the team’s 60 games last year due to injury, is someone Casey believes could be due for a big year. In those 33 games, Hayes had a .307 batting average and a 1.001 on-base

plus slugging percentage. Casey: “I really believe that Danny Hayes is in better shape than he’s been since he’s been here; we’ve had to patch him together four or five times since he’s been here. I think he’s finally healthy and I think he’s going to have a big year for us.” • Senior shortstop Tyler Smith figures to be a key cog in the Oregon State lineup this season after finishing second on the team in batting (.343) in 2012. Smith has turned heads in practice and could be even better this season. Casey: “I think Tyler Smith’s made a huge jump. He’s going to be a better player.” • Freshman right-hander Andrew Moore has already impressed the coaching staff and could see significant time on the mound this season. Moore, from North Eugene High School, was the Oregon 5A State Player of the Year and could come out of the bullpen or potentially even slide into the starting rotation at some point this season. Casey: “He threw very well for us this fall. I was very impressed with him. The only thing he needs is game time and I think the game will be the teacher for him a little bit, but I like his stuff.” Wetzler: “He’s going to be real good. He’s got great stuff.” • It was a pleasant surprise for OSU when senior right-hander Taylor Starr was announced eligible in 2013 because of a medical redshirt. Starr

missed three full seasons at Oregon State with three different Tommy John surgeries early in his career. The sixth-year player should be one of the first relievers out of the bullpen, and possibly a fill-in starter for the Beavers. Casey: “He brings a lot of experience and I think a lot of character to our club. I really like him. He helped us win some games last year, I can tell you that, and he’s better this year.” Wetzler: “He’s almost like a Ben Wetzler third coach in the bullpen. He’s Junior pitcher been through the battle and the war, and he can shed some of that light on the younger guys, as well as us.” • Mostly, the players are eager to get back on the field for games. The team felt there was something left on the table after being eliminated from regionals in Baton Rouge, La., last June. Wetzler: “As soon as that last pitch was thrown at LSU, I think we’ve been real hungry to get back out there. We didn’t like the feeling that we had there.” Andrew Kilstrom, sports reporter Warner Strausbaugh, sports editor sports@dailybarometer.com

sports@dailybarometer.com • On Twitter @barosports

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 • 5

Men’s Basketball Power Rankings By Alex Crawford The Daily Barometer

1. Oregon (18-2 overall, 7-0 5. Stanford (12-8 overall, 3-4 overall, 2-5 Pac-12) The Cougars gave the Ducks a run for Pac-12) Pac-12) It’s hard not to pick Oregon as the best overall team in the Pac-12 right now. The last time the Ducks lost (Dec. 19), people were still preparing for the Mayan Apocalypse. This week (prediction): L @ Stanford, W @ Cal

2. UCLA (16-5 overall, 6-2 Pac-12)

The Bruins have the best offense in the conference, but one of the worst defenses. Their two Pac-12 losses have come by an average of 14.5 points per game, but they are beating opponents by 8.2 points per win. If they can find some semblance of consistency, UCLA will be an NCAA Tourney lock. Prediction: W vs. USC

3. Arizona (17-2 overall, 5-2 Pac-12) Arizona followed up a tough UCLA loss by blowing out USC by 24 points — their biggest margin of victory since demolishing Oral Roberts back on Dec. 18. The Wildcats have the best scoring margin in the Pac-12 and, top to bottom, might be the most talented team — they just need to play like it. Prediction: W @ Washington, W @ WSU

4. ASU

After back-to-back losses against tough opponents — Oregon and Arizona — the Sun Devils have won two in a row and have a solid shot at sweeping the Washington schools this weekend. ASU’s resurgence can be credited in large part to Jahii Carson, who is putting together a campaign for Pac-12 Freshman of the Year with 17.3 points and 5.5 assists per game. Prediction: W @ WSU, W @ Washington

The Cardinal have had a very inconsistent season thus far, but put together their second-best scoring performance of the season last weekend when they beat Utah 87-56. If Stanford can replicate the performance they had against the Utes, they will upset Oregon tonight. Prediction: W vs. Oregon, W. vs. Oregon State

6. Colorado (14-6 overall, 4-4 Pac-12)

The Buffaloes currently have the second-longest winning streak in the conference, albeit a mere three games. Still, they have the best rebounder in the conference in Andre Roberson, who has 11.6 rebounds per game, and should handle the Utes on Saturday. Prediction: W @ Utah

7. Washington (12-8 overall, 4-3 Pac-12) Although the Huskies are technically higher in the conference standings than the two teams ahead of them in the power rankings, UW is in the midst of their biggest losing streak of the season and managed to give Oregon State and Utah their first — and only — conference wins. Prediction: L vs. Arizona, L vs. ASU

8. California (11-8 overall, 3-4 Pac-12)

Cal hasn’t won by more than single digits and hasn’t lost by less than double digits since entering conference play. They might have the conference’s best scorer in Allen Crabbe — 20 points per game — but this is an average Bears team at best. Prediction: L vs. Oregon State, L vs. Oregon

9. Washington State (11-9

their money and handled business against Oregon State. Despite their stingy defense — allowing a conference-low 59.5 points per game — Washington State’s offense is anemic and they will struggle to find wins this weekend. Prediction: L vs. ASU, L vs. Arizona

10. USC (8-13 overall, 3-5 Pac-12) The Trojans’ three conference wins have been a surprise to many, but they don’t stand a chance against crosstown rival UCLA on Wednesday night. USC is the only Pac-12 team with a negative scoring margin on the season. Prediction: L @ UCLA

11. Oregon State (11-9 overall, 1-6 Pac-12)

The Beavers have been severely underperformed since conference play began and just cannot seem to get over the hump. When they put together a complete game — as they did against the Huskies — they look like a top-five conference team. OSU’s problem is playing well for the whole 40 minutes. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Beavers won both games this weekend, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they lost both either — that’s exactly the kind of year OSU is having. Prediction: W @ Cal, L @ Stanford

12. Utah (9-11 overall, 1-7 Pac-12)

It’s hard to win when you constantly give the other team the ball. Utah has an average turnover margin of -3.45, which is good enough for last in the Pac-12 and is 1.73 more turnovers per game than the second worst team. Prediction: L @ Colorado

Gymnastics Power Rankings By Warner Strausbaugh The Daily Barometer

with a 39.425. Makayla Stambaugh and Stephanie McGregor led The Bruins finally had their first road meet of the season, but the Beavers to a season-high 49.425 in bars, each scoring a 9.925. 5. No. 12 Arizona showed why they’re No. 4 in the nation with a score of 196.375 in a win over Arizona State. Vanessa Zamarippa continues to show Despite a loss to Utah, the Wildcats scored a season-high team why she has the second-highest all-around score in the nation, total of 196.075 last week. Arizona has been the mark of consiswith a 9.950 on vault in the last meet. Sophina DeJesus earned tency in the Pac-12, scoring between 195.850 and 196.075 in the Pac-12 Freshman of the Week honors with a consistent effort last three meets. — scoring between a 9.800 and a 9.875 in uneven bars, balance 6. No. 20 California beam and floor exercise. Cal is the sixth Pac-12 team (there are only eight Pac-12 2. No. 11 Stanford schools with gymnastics programs) in the top 20. The Golden Stanford was led by Ashley Morgan in Saturday’s meet against Bears fell in a bit of a rut in the two meets before last week with Cal, which saw the Cardinal score a season-high 196.450. Morgan scores under 195, but came back with their highest score of the won vault and floor, scoring a 9.925 in both and won all-around season last week vs. Stanford. Madisyn O’Brien is tied for second with a 39.225. She was awarded Pac-12 Gymnast of the Week. in the conference in uneven bars. Stanford faces its toughest test of the year this Saturday when 7. Arizona State UCLA comes to Palo Alto, Calif. The Sun Devils got off to a sluggish start, with scores of 193.625 3. No. 9 Utah and 194.350 in their first two meets. ASU has improved though, The Utes were barely edged by Stanford for the second slot. and passed Washington this week to avoid being ranked last in Utah has the Pac-12 individual leader in vault (Tory Wilson — the conference. Natasha Sundby scored a 9.900 in last week’s averaging a 9.333) and uneven bars (Georgia Dabritz — averag- meet against UCLA, and the Sun Devils actually topped the Bruins on the floor exercise in the meet. ing a 9.883).

1. No. 4 UCLA

4. No. 14 Oregon State

8. Washington

The Beavers have improved their team score in each of the first four weeks, notching a 196.825 in the Metroplex Challenge against No. 2 Oklahoma, No. 7 LSU, No. 9 Georgia and Washington. Kelsi Blalock, in her first time competing in all-around, finished third

INTRAMURALS n Continued from page 4 in Lambda Chi Alpha, is the only returner on the team, making a repeat unlikely. “It’s pretty much me and all the guys who were on our second team the other years,” Smith said. When asked who has the best chance to dethrone Lambda Chi Alpha, Smith said: “[Sigma Phi Epsilon], because they’re big.” The team Lambda Chi defeated in last year’s title game, the “Super Soakers,” are not back this year. Lambda Chi’s title marked the fifth time in six years that the All-University championship was won by a team from the fraternity/co-op division. Sigma Phi Epsilon won in 2007 and 2009, Kappa Sigma won in 2008 and Varsity House won in 2010. “Some of it is their familiarity with one another, practicing and doing things as a group help,” Wiltbank said of the trend. “For the [non-fraternity/co-op] division, we don’t have all-star teams form. A lot of guys just play with their friends. The best guys don’t come together to run the table.”

Unlike Oregon State, the Huskies did not play at the level of their highly-ranked opponents at the Metroplex Challenge, finishing last with a 194.800. A bad sign for the Huskies: Their best team score of the season was in their first meet.

Another potential reason why fraternity/ co-op teams have dominated recent All-U championships: they have an easier road to the game. When the playoff brackets are made, all the fraternity/co-op teams are placed on one side of the bracket, while the rest of the teams are placed on the other side. This results in the fraternity/co-op teams only having to win three games to reach the All-U championship, whereas the rest of the teams have to win five or six games to reach the All-U championship. “Some of [the reason] is historical, in that they’ve played that way in the past,” Wiltbank said. “I think it adds a little element to our thing by giving the houses an opportunity to play against one another in their own bracket.” On the women’s “A” side, there are 18 teams — including each of the last two champions: “Soccer Junies,” made up of current and former Oregon State women’s soccer players, and “High Fives and Smiles.” The group of soccer players won the women’s “A” championship two years ago, but was defeated in the championship

game by “High Fives and Smiles” last year. “We mess around but are competitive at the same time,” said Marissa Kovac, who was a sophomore defender on OSU’s soccer team this last fall. “We laugh when we suck, but get pissed when we lose.” What happened last year? “[High Fives and Smiles] had really good shooters,” Kovac said. Grady Garrett, managing editor On Twitter @gradygarrett managing@dailybarometer.com

The Daily Barometer’s Grady Garrett, Andrew Kilstrom and Darryl Oliver III will cover men’s and women’s “A” intramural basketball over the course of the term. Check each Tuesday’s Barometer for notes and observations from the previous week’s intramural basketball games. At the conclusion of the regular season, the Barometer will release “power rankings” for both men’s “A” and women’s “A” teams, just prior to the start of the playoffs.

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6â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday, January 30, 2013

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MURGA n Continued from page 3

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ber automatic colt pistol. The reduction in noise for other calibers is miniscule; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still when they are fully-trained fairly loud and can cause officers. You cannot train quite an annoyance for anysomeone enough to prepare one nearby. The bottom line is, more them for it. Statistically, if a person is carrying a gun he or she is more likely to be shot, according to a 2009 New Scientist article. Self-defense is a legitimate reason to own a handgun, but the silliest reason to own a weapon is in case of a supposed tyrannical government. Our nation is a democratically elected representative government. Unfortunately, the government does things we may all not be fond of, like traffic tickets, but they are necessary. There are people, mostly from the far right wing at this point, who advocate overthrowing the government because they think a law passed by Congress is Marxist. This is flat out stupid. If that is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marxistâ&#x20AC;? then Social Security and the Food and Drug Administration are â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marxistâ&#x20AC;? as well, since they both look out for the wellbeing of people. How do you think a little tacti-cool AR-15 with a dozen attachments is going to compete against the U.S. military? In short, not very well. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like a ladybug going against a bucket-wheel excavator. Recently, the NRA proposed an even more insane idea on its website. They suggested sound suppressors, an attachment for the front of a gun, be used to â&#x20AC;&#x153;protect childrensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ears from the sound of a gun,â&#x20AC;? and for gun ranges near residential areas. This made me gag. This logic fails miserably with the physics of exit velocities and the pressures involved when the bullet exits a gun. The only calibers that could allow the suppressor to be practical are the .22-caliber and .45-cali-

and more Americans support or armed guards arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the some form of legislation for answer. firearms, especially backt ground checks. It is simply Hunter Murga is a freshman in chemistry. opinions expressed in his columns do common sense to do some- The not necessarily represent those of The Daily thing sensible to prevent Barometer staff. Murga can be reached at these tragedies. More guns forum@dailybarometer.com.

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Senate looks at First Year Experience Proposed resolution asks for more student involvement, exemption for certain groups By Ryan Ludlow

The Daily Barometer

ASOSU Senate looked at a new resolution calling for a creation of a forum and delay of the implementation of the First Year Experience program last night. â&#x20AC;&#x153;JR-04.01: Resolution for Student Involvement in First Year Experienceâ&#x20AC;? was submitted for consideration by Senators Terra Setzler, Kevin Coffey and Dylan Hinrichs, as well as undergraduate representatives Tom Sanderson and Brayden Johnson, in response to the recent town hall meeting addressing the First Year Experience. The resolution as read on the floor calls into question the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impacts, as well as the inclusion of student opinion during the First Year Experienceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conception. Setzler made brief comments addressing concerns that portions of the resolution contained factual errors and warranted a revision, suggesting co-op, fraternity and sorority exemption may alleviate impacts the First Year Experience might have on those communities.

Senators Madison Parker and Tyler Hogan raised questions regarding the legislationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposed ends. JR-04.01 proposes that first, ASOSU create a â&#x20AC;&#x153;forum for collaboration and communication between administrators and students.â&#x20AC;? Second, the implementation of the First Year Experience be delayed until the 2014-15 school year. And third, that administration and committees working on the First Year Experience make information regarding their workings readily available to interested parties. Parker and Hogan both questioned the ambiguity and definition of the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;forum,â&#x20AC;? calling to question the duration and form of this proposed forum. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we are able to amend the resolution next week, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m hoping that the nature of the forum will be more clearly defined,â&#x20AC;? Parker said after the meeting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I understand having room to work with, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to see the request for dialogue fall flat.â&#x20AC;? Setzler defined the forum as â&#x20AC;&#x153;any way for students and the administration to come together and talk.â&#x20AC;? She made clear her desire to keep the term vague so the individuals or organizations tasked with the creation of the forum might create the best possible outlet for student

Weapons seized off Yemen point to Iran, U.S. official says WASHINGTON (CNN) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A cache of weapons seized from a ship off the coast of Yemen had markings that indicate they came from Iran, a U.S. official said Tuesday. The markings on those weapons â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which included surface-to-air missiles, potent explosives and rocketpropelled grenades â&#x20AC;&#x201D; indicate they came from Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities, said the official, who declined to be identified because of the sensitive nature of the information. The weapons were believed to be headed for Shiite Muslim insurgents in Yemen, the official told CNN. The countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government has fought periodic battles against the Houthis, a Shiite rebel movement in northern Yemen, in a conflict seen as both separatist and sectarian. Yemen accused Shiitemajority Iran of supporting the Houthis during their last major revolt, in 2009, which saw Sunni-led Saudi Arabia launching airstrikes against suspected Houthis on its side

of the border. Iran denied the allegations and criticized the Saudi strikes. Yemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government announced the arms seizure on Monday, saying the ship had been boarded in Yemeni territorial waters in the Arabian Sea on January 23. The American destroyer USS Farragut was working with Yemeni authorities when they spotted the vessel in question, an Obama administration official said Monday. The ship had several flags onboard, but no reliable documentation showing where it came from, the official added. The firepower included antiaircraft missiles, C4 militarygrade explosives, ammunition and bomb-making equipment such as circuits, remote triggers and various handheld explosives, the Yemenis said. The vessel carried a crew of eight Yemenis, they said. The Obama administration official described the seizure as a joint operation, and said U.S. forces joined their Yemeni counterparts in boarding the suspect boat.

feedback. JR-04.01 will be debated next week during the regularly scheduled meeting of the Senate. Dr. Larry Roper, vice provost of student affairs, is expected to give testimony. Other business included the confirmation of ASOSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s task force officers, ASOSU directors of veterans affairs, queer affairs, disability affairs and nontraditional affairs. The directors detailed their work during the fall term as well as their expected programming. Issues discussed included Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s week, Trans Awareness Week, ASOSU and the Able Students Allianceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s joint lobbying, as well as the creation of a comprehensive handbook to address the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s childcare subsidy. Legislation supporting tuition equity in Oregon was quickly withdrawn after its first reading for reinstatement at a later date, giving other parties the opportunity to join in support of this issue. The Senate adjourned just before 7:45 p.m. Copies of the discussed legislation and meeting minutes can be found at asosu.oregonstate.edu/records. Ryan Ludlow, news reporter news@dailybarometer.com

SIFC n Continued from page 7 packages were laid out in a very clear way,â&#x20AC;? said Brad Alvarez, SIFC chair. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a neat way to reach more students and incorporate student fees,â&#x20AC;? added Tyler Hogan, SIFC board member. The second presentation came from Student Health Services, with representatives presenting on behalf of a board of 12 students and four faculty members. SHS is a full services medical clinic on campus. Sixty percent of students have scheduled appointments there in 201112. Presenters requested the same amount in student fees to support SHS next year. Hunter Alldredge, a Junior, made a case for SHS, arguing for the consideration of mandated student healthcare at OSU. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As of now, 4,000 students stand without healthcare,â&#x20AC;? Alldredge said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many of these students are in precarious financial circumstances.â&#x20AC;? SIFC board members questioned SHS more than CAPS. Many of the questions focused on the proposal to eliminate contraceptive care. Board members including

Brad Alvarez, Hogan and Terra Setzler voiced their concern about the budget, citing contraceptive care as an example of an important resource for students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are a lot of issues raised with this proposal,â&#x20AC;? Setzler said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just from my observations, the student presenters do not seem to be taking their first proposal seriously.â&#x20AC;? The board decided to pass the budget, calling for SHS student fees of $85.20 for fall, winter and spring, and a summer fee of $89.09. Brad Alvarez said SHS should be prepared to re-work its budget proposal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will spend the next two weeks creating something to agree on,â&#x20AC;? Brad Alvarez said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then we can get to a more clear budget for the board.â&#x20AC;? The SIFC will convene this Saturday to review the Memorial Union and Music budgets. Final decisions on the student fee budget will be made at 5 p.m. in the Memorial Union ballroom on Feb. 12. For the complete SIFC meeting schedule, visit oregonstate.edu/sifc/ meetings. Jack Lammers, news editor On Twitter @jacklammers news@dailybarometer.com

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Kerry confirmed by Senate colleagues as secretary of state WASHINGTON (CNN) — John Kerry was overwhelmingly confirmed Tuesday as the 68th secretary of state by his colleagues in the U.S. Senate. The vote was 94-3, with Republican Senators John Cornyn, Ted Cruz and James Inhofe voting no. Kerry voted present on his own nomination. Earlier in the day he received the nod of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The panel approved his nomination unanimously by a voice vote. Kerry, the longtime senator from Massachusetts and 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, has served on the committee for decades and was the panel’s chairman the past four years. Kerry submitted his resignation

letter to Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, saying he resigns his seat effective Friday at 4 p.m. President Barack Obama last month nominated Kerry to succeed outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as the country’s top diplomat. In a statement, he said, “I am pleased that the Senate has confirmed John Kerry as our next secretary of state with overwhelming bipartisan support. From his decorated service in Vietnam to his decades in the Senate as a champion of American global leadership, John’s distinguished career has prepared him to guide American diplomacy in the years ahead. “John has earned the respect of leaders around the world and

the confidence of Democrats and Republicans in the Senate, and I am confident he will make an extraordinary secretary of state,” Obama continued. “I look forward to his counsel and partnership in the years ahead as we ensure American leadership in the world and advance the interests and values that keep our nation strong.” Patrick, who will appoint a temporary successor to the seat, said in a statement that he thanks “Senator Kerry for his decades of service to the people of Massachusetts. “From his days as lieutenant governor to his nearly thirty years in the United States Senate, he has been our steadfast champion,” Patrick said. “I know that he will bring the dedication, intelligence, and pas-

sion to his new role that he brought to representing Massachusetts. We are sad to lose him as our senator, but excited about and grateful for his service to the nation on the international stage.” Democrat Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts freshman who becomes the state’s senior senator with his resignation, said, “John Kerry is a true statesman, and he will be an extraordinary Secretary of State. His experience as a Navy lieutenant, veteran, prosecutor, Lieutenant Governor, Senator, and Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee uniquely qualifies him to represent the people of the United States around the world. I was proud to cast my vote - and I am excited to call him Mr. Secretary.”

Decmoratic Rep. Ed Markey, the only declared candidate so far for Kerry’s seat, praised him, saying: “Americans can be confident that John Kerry is the most qualified, knowledgeable, and passionate person to represent our interests around the world. Going from Hillary Clinton to John Kerry at the State Department is like the Red Sox going from Ted Williams to Carl Yastrzemski, both possessing hall of fame talent and passion for the job. Kerry has served in the U.S. Senate since 1984. Kerry’s confirmation makes him the first new member of Obama’s second-term cabinet to be installed. Obama has also nominated candidates to lead the departments of defense and treasury.

Sandy Hook hearing reveals divide on gun control Warning of Egypt’s collapse as antiWith a framed photo of her slain 6-year(CNN) — His voice wavering, Mark Mattioli wiped away tears as he recalled the day his old propped up beside her, Pozner called on 6-year-old son died when a man wielding an Connecticut to become “an agent for change” AR-15 semi-automatic rifle broke into Sandy across the country. During her testimony, she held up a crayHook Elementary School and began shooting. His son, James, was among the 20 children and on drawing that Noah once scrawled on seven adults killed by Adam Lanza on December Thanksgiving. “I am thankful for the life I live,” he wrote. 14 in Newtown, Connecticut — an event so horAt one point during the hearing, Neil Heslin, rific that it has since spawned a federal task force and kick-started a national conversation about father of a 6-year-old boy named Jesse who was also gunned down that gun control. day, asked why the public But unlike the handful of other assault weapons and parents who testified Monday at We’re not living in the needed high-capacity magazines. the emotionally charged hearing in Wild West. We’re not Some people in the crowd Hartford, Connecticut, Mattioli said there are more than enough gun laws a Third World nation, then interrupted his statement and shouted the on the books. He called instead for a We have the strongest “Second Amendment shall closer look at mental health policies. “I don’t care if you named it ‘James’ military in the world. not be infringed.” “We’re not living in the law,’ I don’t want (another law),” he We don’t need to Wild West. We’re not a Third said during the first of a series of meetings set up by a legislative task defend our homes with World nation,” Heslin continued. “We have the stronforce assigned to review the state’s weapons like that. gest military in the world. gun laws. We don’t need to defend our “I think there’s much more promhomes with weapons like ise for a solution in identifying, Neil Heslin that.” researching and creating solutions father of Jesse Connecticut already has along the lines of mental health.” Connecticut’s medical examiner said he was some of the nation’s strictest gun laws. Gov. Dannel Malloy, a first-term Democrat, has told that Lanza, 20, had Asperger’s syndrome. Research has not shown a link between that con- also vowed to address the factors that led to last month’s massacre and set up a 16-member panel dition and violence. The hearing drew hundreds to the Connecticut of experts to come up with recommendations. state house and revealed the sharp divide in pub- It includes experts who reviewed policies after lic opinion over what should happen next in the mass shootings in Colorado and at Virginia Tech. The panel must meet a March 15 deadline massacre’s aftermath. “The time is now,” said Veronique Pozner, for its initial report, which Malloy is expected to whose son, Noah, was also killed, referring to a use in drafting initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence. strengthening of the nation’s gun laws.

‘‘

government protesters defy curfew (CNN) — The political turmoil dividing Egypt threatens the nation’s future, the defense minister said, as the instability persists in the Arab world’s most populous country. “The ongoing conflict among the various political forces ... may lead to the collapse of the state and threaten the future of our coming generations,” Defense Minister Gen. Abdul Fattah al-Sisi said Tuesday. Anti-government protesters ignored President Mohamed Morsy’s curfew order in cities along the Suez Canal and clashed with police and troops, state-run media reported Tuesday. In Port Said, about 4,000 people joined the protest, which began at Mariam mosque and continued for hours, winding its way through the streets. They chanted antigovernment slogans, at times laced with profanities. The authorities didn’t appear to be detaining any of the demonstrators. On Tuesday night, the Muslim Brotherhood announced on its Facebook and Twitter pages that the president has delegated authority to either limit or cancel the curfew to governors of Port Said, Ismailia and Suez. The protests are the latest in the seesaw struggle between Egypt’s first democratically elected president and dissidents who say his tenure is a throwback to past dictatorships, particularly the reign of President Hosni Mubarak, toppled in a popular revolt two

years ago. The most recent furor stems from Morsy’s declaration of a limited state of emergency for violent hot spots. On Sunday, he announced a 30-day nighttime curfew for the provinces of Port Said, Suez and Ismailia. Those areas have seen a spate of bloodshed in recent days, starting with the second anniversary of the Egyptian revolution on Friday. Dissidents angry about the slow pace of change fought with Morsy supporters and police. At least seven people were killed in those clashes. The tumult intensified a day later, when a judge issued death sentences for 21 Port Said residents for their roles in a deadly football riot last year. Port Said, which has had a difficult relationship with Cairo over the past six decades, erupted in chaos. At least 38 people were killed in the two days following the verdicts. Egypt’s defense minister has denied reports that the army used live ammunition on protesters, state-run media reported. Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim told police forces Sunday that he understands the challenges and demands they’ve faced, saying “together with your brothers at the armed forces, you constitute the country’s shield and fort in face of all dangers.” “You’ve faced unprecedented and systematic patterns of violence,” he said. “Your security during these confrontations is my goal.”

U.S. to base surveillance drones in Niger, ambassador says, military role not yet defined WASHINGTON (CNN) — The United States has signed a deal with the central Africa nation of Niger that allows deployment of surveillance drones to keep tabs on Islamic militants in the region, officials from both countries said Tuesday. Niger is next door to Mali, where France joined the fight against Islamic rebels earlier this month Pentagon spokesman George Little said the role of the U.S. military in Niger “has not yet been defined” — but Niger’s ambassador to the United States, Maman Sidikou, told CNN that his government has agreed

to let U.S. drones operate from its territory. Sidikou said his understanding of the agreement is the drones will be unarmed and used for surveillance to monitor extremist movements. He refused to discuss where in the country the drones would be based or when they will be operational. Niger lies to the east of Mali, where French troops and warplanes are fighting alongside government troops to push back Islamist fighters who seized much of the former French colony in 2012. The rebels took advantage of

the chaos that followed a revolt by Touareg separatists and a military coup, and banned music, smoking, drinking and watching televised sports in the territories under their control. Washington is backing its NATO ally by sharing intelligence, flying French troops to neighboring countries and refueling French jets. Mali is the home of al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, the North African offshoot of the terrorist movement. The group has been connected to the recent assault on the natural gas facility in Algiers and the attack

on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, that killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans. Little said the group does not pose a direct threat to the U.S. homeland, but that could change. “I’m unaware of any specific or credible information at this time that points to an AQIM threat against the homeland, but, again, I’m not ruling it out,” he said. “We take al Qaeda, wherever they are, very seriously. We are not going to rest on our laurels until we find that that kind of specific and credible information.”

A U.S. official said that intelligence-gathering in that part of Africa is a challenge. The United States has a drone base in Djibouti, at the southern tip of the Red Sea — on the opposite side of the continent from Mali. “Djibouti is a long way from Bamako, and there’s certainly a growing need for intelligence-gathering,” the official said. While not confirming the reports about establishing a drone base, the official noted that if one was created, the operation would need infrastructure, security and support.

South Korea to make new attempt to put satellite in orbit after North Korean attempts to launch rockers SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) — South Korea says it plans to make a new attempt on Wednesday at launching a rocket intended to put a satellite in orbit, a feat it has failed to achieve on previous occasions. The pressure on the South Korean rocket scientists has increased since the country’s hostile neighbor, North Korea, carried out its own successful launch last month in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Only weeks before that, the South was forced to suspend its previous attempt to launch the Naro-1 rocket after finding problems with the electronic signal in part of the rocket’s mechanism just minutes before it was due to take off. Officials say the technical issues have been

resolved and the rocket is scheduled to take off from a launch site on the country’s southern coast on Wednesday afternoon. It comes at a delicate time on the Korean peninsula: North Korea said last week that it plans to conduct a new nuclear test and carry out more rocket launches after the U.N. Security Council voted to tighten sanctions on the secretive regime. Pyongyang didn’t say when it intends to carry out the nuclear test, which follows previous underground detonations in 2006 and 2009. Although the North’s rocket launch last month managed to put an object in space, it was widely considered to be a test of long-range ballistic missile technology.

In its saber-rattling statements last month, North Korea said its missile and nuclear program were part of a new phase of confrontation with the United States. It also threatened “physical counter-measures” against South Korea if it participates in the imposition of the new sanctions. South Korean authorities say their latest attempted satellite launch is a crucial step for the development of the country’s civilian space program. The satellite carried by the launch vehicle is mainly intended for gathering climate data, they say. Analysts have said the South Korean launch is different from that of the North because it is more transparent, clearly focused on civil-

ian applications and doesn’t contravene U.N. sanctions. The development of the South Korean rocket program, using Russian technology for the firststage launcher, began in 2002. Previous launch attempts in 2009 and 2010 failed. Seoul is aiming to develop its own thruster by 2021 through a program estimated to cost 1.5 trillion won (about $1.4 billion). A successful launch Thursday would put South Korea among the small group of nations that have sent a rocket into space from their own soil. Others include the United States, Russia, China, Japan, France, India, Israel, Iran and North Korea.