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TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013 • OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY CORVALLIS, OREGON 97331
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Opinion: OSU might be better without Starks
VOLUME CXVI, NUMBER 125
Furthering culture, medicine n
Author Anne Fadiman speaks at LaSells Stewart Center about epilepsy, western medicine, cultural differences By Gabriella Morrongiello The Daily Barometer
In the fall of 1982, two natives of Laos rushed their seizing infant daughter to an emergency room in Merced, Calif. Unable to speak English and unwilling to renounce religious beliefs, the parents’ resistance to treatments suggested by American doctors yielded tragic results for their daughter. Lia Lee, the American-born daughter of two Hmong refugees, suffered from severe epilepsy. Following the original diagnosis, Lee’s parents found solace in their culture and relied on traditions to aid in their daughter’s health. To her doctors’ dismay, Lee’s parents refused to medicate their daughter. They believed their daughter suffered from a spiritual illness, that her soul was wandering and needed to be called back. Across the country, Harvard graduate and Life Magazine columnist, Anne Fadiman, was preparing story pitches for the New Yorker. A chance encounter with an old college friend led Fadiman on a path that would change her life and American medicine forever. “It began by accident and I think all the most important things in life happen by accident,”
Fadiman said while lecturing OSU students and community members at LaSells Stewart Center Monday night. Fadiman’s friend mentioned the dozens of Hmong families who had created difficulties at the Merced hospital where he worked. According to him, they had rejected autopsies and other medical procedures, endangering their own lives and the lives of their loved ones. Seeing potential in the story, Fadiman included it among her pitches for the New Yorker. It was chosen and weeks later she found herself in the middle of a cross-country move to Merced to pursue research and follow the story. “I knew absolutely nothing about the history of the Hmong,” Fadiman said. Nonetheless, Fadiman’s curiosity and keen intellect allowed her to delve into the lives of Lee’s family and familiarize herself with Lee’s story and the cultural concerns of her family. Eight years of research, the help of a devoted young interpreter, development of a tender bond with the Lee’s and rejection by the New Yorker eventually led to Fadiman’s decision to author a book on the events. “I couldn’t face the Lees and tell them the story hadn’t been chosen to be published,” Fadiman said. “I couldn’t say those sentences so instead I wrote a 300-page book.” Fadiman’s book, titled, “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down,” a literal translation for the
Hmong name for epilepsy, told the story of Lees battle with epilepsy and eventual vegetative state. It addressed Lee’s struggles to accept western medicine and the various cultural conflicts that halted her treatment. In a broader sense, the book facilitates a discussion concerning patient-doctor miscommunications when dealing with conflicting cultures. Fadiman was brought to OSU through the Hundere Lecture program to lecture students on her experiences researching for and writing the book. Prior to her lecture Monday evening, she spent time in several classrooms speaking with OSU pre-med students whose curriculum included the reading of her book. “I was impressed by their thoughtfulness and intelligence,” Fadiman said. “So many already seemed to know, intuitively, the cultural levels of understanding that even I needed to learn before writing my book.” Sixteen years after her book’s publication, Fadiman keeps the Lees’ story alive as she travels to various college campuses, lecturing students and professionals to encourage the furtherance of cultural understandings in medicine. “I’m sure that if I had never met Lee’s doctors I’d be a different kind of patient, and I am sure that if I had never met Lee’s family I would be a different mother,” Fadiman recounted. Gabriella Morrongiello, news reporter news@dailybarometer.com
Enactus’ Suenos de La Tierra commits to helping improve Roger Deshon community By Jack Lammers
The Daily Barometer
As Rachael Buck toured Nicaragua with the help of a friendly taxi driver, her perspective shifted when the driver showed her his house, nothing more than a small, dilapidated shack. “It’s shocking to see people the same age as me living such hard lives,” said Buck, current co-initiative lead for Oregon State University Enactus’ international initiative Suenos de La Tierra. “There is a huge cultural lesson here in learning about how other people can live and seeing how people grow up with different opportunities than our own.” Over winter break, Buck and OSU Enactus helped the driver, his family and other Nicaraguans by putting roofs over their heads and giving them opportunities to grow. The trip was one of three taken by OSU Enactus, which sent members to See ENACTUS | page 8
courtesy of osu enactus
| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Volunteers from OSU Enactus and Techo, a youth-run non-profit organization, build houses and a community resource center in Roger Deshon, located in Leon in Nicaragua.
OSU pantry fights hunger among students, non-students Oregon State’s Emergency Food Pantry aims to ensure everyone, regardless of who they are, is fed adequately
weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Snell 230. When people come to the pantry, they are guided through by volunteers and they are allowed to take about three to five days’ worth of food. The size of one’s household determines what food they get and how much. All of the pantry’s By Greg Germano activities are overseen by the pantry coordinator. The Daily Barometer The current media and public relations coorA team of volunteers currently leads the Oregon State University Emergency Food Pantry, serving dinator is Caity Cagle, a 5th year senior at OSU. She is majoring in women, gender and sexuality anyone who needs the help. The OSU Emergency Food Pantry is part of studies with minors in English and writing. Cagle the Linn Benton Food Charity and it was started started working for the OSU Emergency Pantry about five years ago by a group of OSU students. in the summer of 2012. “Our biggest goal, and ultimately our mission, Located in the SnellHall/Memorial Union East, the pantry is open twice a month from 5 p.m. to is to make sure everyone gets fed, regardless of 8 p.m., normally on Mondays and Wednesdays. who it is,” Cagle said. There are two major spring term pantry fundraisEmergency food is also available for people on n
ers coming up and all proceeds go to the pantry. The first fundraiser is the Human Services Resource Center (HSRC) Mom’s Weekend bake sale in the MU quad on Friday from 12-5 p.m. The second fundraiser is the Iron Chef in McNary on Wednesday, May 15 from 5:30-8 p.m. The pantry receives $250 per pantry date to purchase food items in addition to what is given by the LBFC. “What I like the most about working at the HSRC is being able to provide resources to students so that they can continue to pursue a quality education,” Cagle said. “I think a lot of students don’t know about all of the resources that their student fees are paying for.” Greg Germano, news reporter news@dailybarometer.com
Glenn Ford, incoming OSU vice president.
OSU lures Linfield’s CFO n
Glenn Ford, Linfield’s VP of finance and administration, will move to OSU in July By Vinay Ramakrishnan The Daily Barometer
Enactus constructs homes, revitalizes Nicaragua n
courtesy of oregon state university
Oregon State University has named W. Glenn Ford, currently vice president of finance and administration and CFO of Linfield College, as the new vice president for finance and administration for Oregon State University. He will assume the office on July 8, and replaces Mark McCambridge, who has held the post for the last 14 years. Ford has been in higher education leadership for 28 years, and has been at Linfield College since 2007. “I couldn’t be more delighted to be the next vice president of finance at OSU,” Ford said. “OSU is a very distinct university, and a leader in higher education.” Ford was especially interested in joining Oregon State University, because his, “philosophy should align well with the university’s core values of accountability, diversity, respect and social responsibility,” he said. “As the land-grant institution for Oregon, OSU has connections with the entire state.” McCambridge has high hopes for his successor. “I’ve known him professionally for a number of years,” McCambridge said. “He’s highly qualified, and he will be very successful.” Rick Spinrad, vice president of research, seconded McCambridge’s comments. “Mr. Ford brings a wonderful diversity of experiences and some strong demonstrated effectiveness in leadership and management,” Spinrad said. “He will undoubtedly continue and extend the successful work of the finance and administration office at OSU.” McCambridge is retiring after 19 years at OSU. “McCambridge did a remarkable job keeping OSU strong, steady and stable through two recessions,” said Steve Clark, vice president for university relations and marketing. “Mark instituted a budgeting process that is very transparent and accountable. I would anticipate that Glenn Ford would continue this commitment to transparency, accountability and collaboration.” Ford has worked for three different land-grant universities. He began his career in higher education working for the University of Idaho, and has since worked for Washington State University and Utah State University. See FORD | page 2
2• Tuesday, April 30, 2013
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Calendar NBA’s Jason Collins comes out as gay, first to do so Barometer The Daily
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(CNN) — It’s the biggest move of his career and it’s off the court. Jason Collins, who played with the NBA’s Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards this season, has disclosed that he is gay, making him the first active openly gay male athlete in the four major American pro team sports. The center, who said he is now a free agent, made the disclosure in a column appearing in the upcoming issue of Sports Illustrated. “I didn’t set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I’m happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn’t the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, ‘I’m different.’ If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand,” he wrote. Collins also wrote that the killing of three people at the Boston Marathon persuaded him to make an announcement. Things can change in a moment, so why not starting living more truthfully, he wrote. On Twitter, Collins thanked everyone who sent him messages of support. “All the support I have received today is truly inspirational. I knew that I was choosing the road less traveled but I’m not walking it alone,” he wrote. Sports Illustrated’s managing editor said Collins was reticent about being a flag bearer. “It is a much simpler, more personal reason. He wants to
have a family,” Chris Stone told CNN. “He wants the same life that his twin brother, Jarron, has. This is a secret he’s kept for a very long time. He didn’t even inform his brother that he was gay until late last summer. ... So much for twin telepathy.” Jarron, who played in the NBA for 10 seasons and was Jason’s teammate at Stanford, tweeted to his brother: “Very proud of you.” “Jason Collins has forever changed the face of sports,” said the Human Rights Campaign, a civil rights group fighting for gay rights. It likened the announcement to Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in major league baseball in the modern era. “At a time when millions are reflecting on the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson, Jason Collins is a hero for our own times,” the group said. Collins is a 7-footer who has played with six NBA teams — the Wizards, Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies and New Jersey Nets — over the past 12 seasons. He has averaged 3.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 713 career games, and he has had a great deal of playoff experience with the Nets (who have since moved to Brooklyn) and the Hawks. Momentum had been growing in recent months for an active player in the National Football League, National Hockey League, National
FORD n Continued from page 1 He has served as vice president of finance and administration and the chief financial officer of Linfield College for the last six years. Ford looks back positively on his time at Linfield College. “I’m most proud of the trust we’ve developed across the institution with faculty, students and staff,” Ford said. Ford intends to develop these same types of relationships when he comes to OSU. He wants to focus on bringing strong listening skills and a collaborative mentality to the university to build relationshis with faculty and staff. McCambridge doesn’t expect any major
Basketball Association or Major League Baseball to come out. Just a few weeks ago, the NHL announced a new program teaching tolerance and giving support to gay athletes. Commissioner Gary Bettman said the agreement made the NHL’s policy of inclusiveness “clear and unequivocal.” “While we believe that our actions in the past have shown our support for the LGBT community, we are delighted to reaffirm through this joint venture with the NHL Players’ Association that the official policy of the NHL is one of inclusion on the ice, in our locker rooms and in the stands,” Bettman said in the joint statement with You Can Play. And NFL player Brendon Ayanbadejo, the New York Times reported, has been in contact with closeted players in several sports. “What we’re trying to facilitate is to get them together and do what they want to do, do what is right for them,” he told the Times. In February, former professional soccer player Robbie Rogers announced on his blog that he was gay. His former U.S. teammates showed solidarity in response to the news. Though reaction to Collins’ announcement also was overwhelming support, not everyone had a positive response. ESPN basketball analyst Chris Broussard said the Bible calls homosexuality a sin. “If you’re openly living in
changes at OSU with his departure and Ford’s appointment. “The university has a strategic plan that guides its direction,” McCambridge said. “Ford will continue to move OSU toward meeting Kitzhaber’s 40-40-20 plan.” The 40-40-20 plan, according to Gov. John Kitzhaber’s website, calls for 100 percent of Oregonians to earn a high school diploma by 2025, with 40 percent earning a “post-secondary credential,” and 40 percent earning at least a bachelor’s degree. The search for a new vice president of finance and adminstration was national. A committee consisting of members from across the university reviewed applicants, organized the search and conducted interviews. Spinrad chaired the committee that reviewed applicants.
unrepentant sin, whatever it may be, not just homosexuality, adultery, fornication, premarital sex between heterosexuals, whatever it may be. I think that’s walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ,” Broussard said. NFL receiver Mike Wallace tweeted Monday: “All these beautiful women in the world and guys wanna mess with other guys SMH.” He tweeted again, saying he was being misinterpreted. “Never said anything was right or wrong I just said I don’t understand!! Deeply sorry for anyone that I offended,” he wrote. The Dolphins, Wallace’s employer, issued a statement saying the team has spoken with Wallace about the tweets. The team said it will address its policy of inclusion with all of its players. NBA Commissioner David Stern said Collins, a 34-year-old veteran, is widely respected in the league. “We are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue,” he said in a statement. WashingtonWizards President Ernie Grunfeld said the team is “extremely proud of Jason and support his decision to live his life proudly and openly.” “He has been a leader on and off the court and an outstanding teammate throughout his NBA career. Those qualities will continue to serve him both as a player and as a positive role model for others of all sexual orientations,” Grunfeld said.
“Major factors [in the selection process] included experience, skills in administration and finance, familiarity with the mission of a land-grant institution and significance of impact and outcomes from career activities,” Spinrad said. A first-generation college student in his family, Ford grew up in Central Washington and is a graduate of the University of Idaho. He holds a bachelor’s degree in forest products (business management option), as well as an MBA. Prior to receiving his MBA, Ford worked for a company in Eugene called Bohemia Inc., a wood product firm headquartered in Eugene. Vinay Ramakrishnan, news reporter news@dailybarometer.com
Tuesday, April 30 Meetings
ASOSU Senate, 7pm, MU 211. Weekly meeting. Educational Activities Committee, 5:307pm, Student Media Conference Room, 120 MU East/Snell Hall. Discuss funding requests and policy changes. Women’s Center, 1-2:30pm, MU Board Room. Women’s Center Advisory Board meeting.
Events Leaders Empowering Asian and Pacific Islanders at OSU, 11am-4pm, MU Quad. Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month Kickoff! Join us for games, cake and company!
Wednesday, May 1 Meetings ASOSU House of Representatives, 7-8:30pm, MU 211. Weekly meeting.
Events Asian & Pacific Cultural Center, 4-6pm, APCC 27th & Jackson. Come learn about how the lei is used in the Hawaiian culture! Lei making and information is provided.
Thursday, May 2 Meetings Baha’i Campus Association, 12:30pm, MU Talisman Room. The Spiritual Covenant - What does God promise to humankind? Devotions and discussion. SIFC, 6:30pm, MU 207. Weekly meeting. Educational Activities Committee, 5-6pm, Student Media Conference Room, 120 MU East/Snell Hall. Discuss funding requests and policy changes.
Speakers OSU College of Forestry, 3:30-5pm, 107 Richardson Hall. 2013 Starker Lecture Series. Three panelists will address Environmental Considerations in Forest Biomass Use and Bioenergy Production. Following the presentation, panelists will field questions, comments from the audience.
Events OSU Pre-Law Society, 1st session 9-10:30am, 2nd session 10:30-Noon, lunch Noon-1pm, LaSells Stewart Center. Come watch the Oregon Supreme Court hear oral arguments on two exciting Supreme Court cases. Ticket required for lunch.
Friday, May 3 Meetings OSU Chess Club, 5-7pm, MU Commons. Players of all levels welcome.
Events OSU Music Department, Noon, MU Lounge. Music a la Carte - Crianças de Zumbi Samba School. Audience members are welcome to bring lunch to enjoy during the performance.
Saturday, May 4 Events Asian & Pacific Cultural Center and MUPC, Noon-2pm, MU Lounge. Tea tasting and jewelry making (macramé bracelets) for Mom’s Weekend. All Cultural and Resource Centers, 2-3:30pm, MU 213. Cultural Crafts & Coffee. Take a break, grab some joe and create some cultural crafts.
The Daily Barometer 3 •Tuesday, April 30, 2013
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‘Dancing Mike’ is upbeat, unique homeless man
Confessions W page vile he Oregon State University Confessions Facebook page is a vile example of the worst aspects of social media. Its creators, avid followers and anonymous submitters should feel ashamed of themselves. The vulgar and demeaning posts have popularized hateful cyberbullying on this campus, hurting both students and the reputation of this university. But the problem is that as long as this page, as awful as it may be, is operating within the bounds of the law, it has the right to do so. The page is in horrible taste and we know anyone with any sense of decency would have taken it down already, but the creators have the right to make the page. Some of the posts could be seen as libelous, but beyond that there is not much to do about it. More importantly, the site makes us all look bad and it says more about ourselves and our generation than anything else. Here we are, a university of college-educated — or soon to be — people, laughing at and taking collective pleasure in the sophomoric antics and lewd actions of our fellow students. As much as we can all say the page is mean and shouldn’t exist, more than 6,000 likes and a steady stream of anonymously submitted content tells another story — it says we have no problem celebrating the worst elements of our university. The creators have argued that this page, or something similar, would have been created whether they had done it or not. This may be true, but just because it would exist otherwise does not make it anymore acceptable or right to have created it. The creators should not have spread this blight to our campus as well. Hate speech and bullying happen whether or not this page exists. But the creators made a forum where this can flourish. Instead of lurking in a not-so-public space, it is out in the open for an entire world to see. And once thousands of people start to see, they can suddenly join in on the reprehensible parade. Worst of all, this page encourages the sort of speech and actions that result in suicides and victims being demonized. This page perpetrates and perpetuates the same sort of cyberbullying that results in young people committing suicide or in vilifying the victim of a sexual assault. If for no other reason, this is why the page should be removed. We as a campus need to become responsible for our speech and actions, and do everything we can to make sure hate and belittlement are not glorified. If we did not want to see or read what we saw on Oregon State Confessions, then it would not exist. But since we are not holding ourselves accountable, this abomination exists. We expect better out of Beaver Nation.
Editorial Board
hile the homeless population in Corvallis rarely confronts passersby by asking for spare change, at least compared to larger cities like Portland and Eugene, that doesn’t mean they’re struggling any less. Many of them sit in groups in alleyways or parks, often with a sullen look on their faces. Others spend their time trying to make a buck or two collecting bottles to return for 5 cents a pop (no pun intended). It’s a sad reality that makes anyone with a heart lose a bit of hope — until you meet “Dancing Mike.” Mike is one of the 200 or more homeless people in Corvallis, according to the Gazette-Times’ estimate. Unlike his sullen comrades, Mike likes to keep a smile on his face. He dances his way through the streets, often singing or humming, while his braided foot-long beard and receding Einstein-hair wave in the breeze. If you talk to Mike, he doesn’t ask for assistance, or complain — he wants to talk about the universe, philosophically. Mike was born in Corvallis in 1968. As a child, he loved to play Atari and Commodore 64 with his friends. When Mike was a teenager, he got a girl pregnant and his family disowned him. The girl ended up leaving the newly born son with Mike and running away. Mike
Alexander
Vervloet
The weekly rant - @RantsWeekly was left to raise his son without a place to call home. He ended up staying on a friend’s couch for a couple of years, finding ways to make money wherever he could in order to support his son. Fortunately for Mike, his girlfriend provided some assistance in raising his son. Although, Mike admits, when he and his girlfriend first started dating, she wasn’t as helpful as he would have liked. Eventually, they got married, and got an apartment together. Life seemed to be progressing for Mike, until the divorce. By that time, Mike’s son had moved out and found life on his own, and Mike was left homeless again, but by himself this time. Now, Mike alternates between a friend’s couch and sleeping on the streets. One of the biggest separations between Mike and the rest of Corvallis’ homeless is how he spends his money. Mike spends his limited income not on drugs and alcohol, but on Ninjutsu
lessons. “I love martial arts, and Ninjutsu allows me to feel free,” Mike said. “One of the core concepts of Ninjutsu is the idea of ‘Zero,’ or not needing or wanting anything — just being. Sometimes I can reach Zero, and I just move and flow with the rest of the elements of life: air, earth, water, fire and void.” According to the local Corvallis Bujinkan Dojo, “The art of Ninjutsu is based on defense of self and others and prizes restraint and evasion of conflict more highly than engagement in actual confrontation.” Without asking, Mike will gladly show you his moves, and not just in Ninjutsu. “I love to dance,” Mike said, with a huge smile. “Corvallis is great because wherever you go, music is playing. I don’t need an iPod with the endless track-list of the cars bumping by and house parties.” At night, Mike likes to practice his moves on the dance floor. He said that he doesn’t care about what people think of him, he just goes to have a good time and be himself. When he’s not flowing with the universe, he’s talking about it with whoever will give him the time of day. Mike loves talking to local college students, and to ask them about their thoughts on the
universe. “I got into a debate with one student,” Mike remembers. “He told me the universe has an end, to which I told him he was wrong. He pointed to a picnic table, put his soda bottle on it, and said, ‘Pretend this table is the universe, and this soda bottle is Earth,’ to which I responded by knocking the soda bottle off the table and asking, ‘Which universe is the ground?’ ” Mike firmly believes there is no such thing as beginning and end. Time is infinite in both directions, as well as the physical universe itself. “I don’t like the idea that the universe was created,” Mike said. “If it was created, who created the creator?” Unlike many amateur philosophers, Mike doesn’t just regurgitate ideas; he provides plenty of examples. Whether you believe his ideas or not, it’s still refreshing to listen to someone who has clearly thought about every aspect of his beliefs. After our discussion ended, Mike walked away with a smile and a spring in his step, singing happily to himself. t
Alexander Vervloet is a senior in communications.
The opinions expressed in his columns do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Barometer staff. Vervloet can be reached at forum@dailybarometer.com or on Twitter @Rantsweekly.
Letter to the Editor Nick Rosoff
Personable, approachable leader Last year, I met Nick Rosoff during a United States Students Association (USSA) conference, and he had clear passion for advocating for cheaper higher education for all students. He was personable, approachable and a leader I made it a point to know. When working to determine fee money accountability Rosoff understandably upset peers, but would personal attacks referring to a “penis-measuring” contest be so warranted if he wasn’t a straight, white male? Such oneliners distract from the issue at heart. Please follow this story until Rep. Mat Palm and others realize so and come around. David J. Lamando Tony Ngo is a junior in pre-pharmacy.
Richard Stockton College Senate VP, Eagle Scout
Students should have been consulted about new Beaver logo
R
ecently, a new Beaver logo was rolled out. It was a big production. It was a lot of hype. For many of us, it was a letdown. I sat in class after class, listening to people — including professors — complain about the ugly logo, wonder why we didn’t get any input and wish for change. Facebook was blowing up with angry posts, and the university seemed to be blind to it all. Then, I heard about something that seemed to say we could make a difference. Recently, the University of California, Berkeley changed its logo. It was not well accepted. What happened next though, was beautiful. The voice of the students and alumni was important to those in charge, and they agreed to do away with the new logo. Inspired by their success, I started a petition on change.org, and then got to finding out why this all went down the way it did. I started out by speaking to a number of OSU administrators, but found the dismissive attitude was pretty prevalent. Associate athletic director Steve Fenk said that this is exactly the same outcry they got when the logo was changed nearly two decades ago and that “people just need to see it on an August Saturday.” Senior associate athletic director John Rizzardini simply said, “Thanks for sharing your concerns ... but we are committed to moving forward with the new brand identity system.” Wow, thanks. Once I found a few people willing to really talk about it, I decided that Beaver Nation needed to have their questions answered, so I asked students to sub-
Lydia Myers
Guest Column mit questions for the administrators. I addressed all your questions during an interview with Steve Clark, vise president of university relations and marketing. Eighty-five percent of you asked why we didn’t get a say in selecting the new logo. I brought up the fact that the school successfully gathers opinions of students every term with student evaluations of teachers. His response was, “This kind of work isn’t done by vote. We’re hearing support. We don’t know who these people are who don’t like it. They could be from another state. People will get used to it.” Apparently they don’t know how to click on people’s Facebook profiles to see where they’re from and where they go to school. When I brought up the change that happened at Cal, Clark said, “You’re comparing apples and oranges. We all just need to agree to disagree [on this logo] and move forward. We can’t listen to all 26,000 students. This is a business enterprise.” So who exactly did they listen to? Well, the athletes, past and present. That shouldn’t be surprising though, if you look at how the athletes are treated. They have their own building for studying while we all wander through the library looking for an open computer. They have a special spot to sell their books back at the end of the term while we stand in line in
the MU ballroom. They’re fed lunch every day while we fork over our hard-earned cash. Don’t get me wrong here. I’m a diehard Beaver fan and can quote stats better than some guys. This isn’t about hating on the athletes. They’re awesome. What’s not being recognized is that just because the logo goes on the sports uniforms doesn’t mean that the rest of us have another logo. We don’t. The logo represents the entire school, as much as they’ll try to deny it. Sorry, engineers who have pulled in government contracts for the university. You didn’t do it on national television, so your opinion means nothing. Apparently Terry Baker’s got a better grasp on who we are today than we do. Stephanie Berg of Corvallis commented on the Change.org petition, “It is unfair that we were not asked our opinion just because we are not part of the athletic department at Oregon State University.” Hundreds of you have already signed the petition and voiced the same sentiments. For those of you who like the new logo, that’s great! I’m glad you’re pleased with it, but ask yourself something: Does it bother you that your school doesn’t want to hear what you have to say? The question is: Will the university continue to ignore our voices? The petition can be found at: www.change.org/petitions/oregon-state-university-discontinue-the-use-of-the-new-logo-allow-a-vote Lydia Myers
OSU student in psychology, human development and family sciences
The Daily Barometer 4 • Tuesday, April 30, 2013
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Beaver Tweet of the Day “Week 5 is what I think a dementor's kiss would feel like.” sports@dailybarometer.com • On Twitter @barosports
@K_blalock2 Kelsi Blalock
OSU better off without Starks?
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Wetzler back to 2012 form
B
en Wetzler has re-emerged as the dominant starting pitcher he was a year ago. And now, he’s better than we’ve ever seen him. After the junior left-hander threw his first career complete-game shutout against Washington on April 21, Wetzler kept up the scorching pace by going eight strong innings on Sunday. Wetzler entered the 2013 season coming off a season in which he had an 8-2 record, a 3.10 earned-run average and was the ace of the pitching staff for the Oregon State baseball team. The beginning of the new season was much different for the Clackamas High School product. Wetzler began on the shelf with a pulled back muscle, and didn’t make his first start until OSU’s 12th game of the season — against Bryant University on March 3. He was the Friday night pitcher, the proverbial “ace” in college baseball, but was bumped to Sunday after the lights-out pitching of Matt Boyd and Andrew Moore. Let’s take a look at the stats of two pitchers. Player A: 0-1 record, zero quality starts (six innings pitched while allowing, at most, three earned runs), averaged 3 2/3 innings, 2.89 ERA, 1.34 WHIP (walks plus hits divided by innings pitched), 1.8 strikeouts per start, averaged 60 pitches per start and 34 strikes thrown (57 percent of pitches thrown). Player B: 4-0, four quality starts, averaged 7 2/3 innings, 1.19 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, six strikeouts per start, averaged 104 pitches per start and 67 strikes thrown (65 percent). Player A was Wetzler’s first five starts this season. Player B was Wetzler’s last four starts, beginning with the UCLA game. So it’s the same pitcher, but separating Wetzler between two different stretches of the season is telling. He looks like a different pitcher. The version of Wetzler in March couldn’t get past the fifth inning. To be fair, he was on a pitch count early on, which limited how deep into the game he could go. But the injury set him
Grady
Garrett @gradygarrett
T
o be fair, Victor Robbins probably didn’t expect to be stopped by a reporter Friday evening at the Oregon State spring football game. The news that Robbins’ teammate, Ahmad Starks, had decided to transfer had been made public just hours earlier, and Robbins likely hadn’t been prepped on what to say — or what not to say. Nonetheless, Robbins obliged when asked if he had a few minutes to talk. “I feel like we’ll be better, actually,” said the athletic combo guard who was seldom used as a freshman last season. “Ahmad couldn’t really guard Pac-12 guards. Me being 6-foot-6, 6-foot-7, it’s going to help guard the Pac-12 guards at 6-foot-3, 6-foot-4. Ahmad couldn’t really do anything, they were going to shoot right over him. I think we can do better next season. I think we’ll be way better next season.” There you have it. The Beavers, who won just four Pac12 games last season, are more than capable of absorbing the loss of Starks. They may even be better because of it. Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate what Starks brought to the table. Some grew frustrated with his tendency to fire ill-advised shots, but his streakiness won more games for OSU than it lost. He’ll leave Corvallis as the program’s all-time leader in 3-point field goals made (185), and he is one of two Pac-12 players who shot better than 37 percent from 3 each of the past two seasons. His experience — 73 career starts — would have been nice to have, and he’ll be sorely missed by teammates on and off the court. But Starks never shook the label of a one-dimensional small guard who can fill it up from deep, and head coach Craig Robinson never truly figured out how to best utilize Starks. It wasn’t until midway through last season that Robinson realized OSU’s offense ran smoother with Challe Barton at the point, and who knows what Starks’ role would have been
COMING SOON Tuesday, April 30 Men’s Golf @ Pac-12 Championships All day, Los Angeles, Calif. Softball @ Portland State 6/8 p.m., Portland, Ore.
Wednesday, May 1 Men’s Golf @ Pac-12 Championships All day, Los Angeles, Calif.
Friday, May 3 4 p.m., Eugene, Ore. Pac-12 Networks (TV) Women’s Track @ Oregon Twilight 4 p.m., Eugene, Ore. Women’s Track @ Pacific Twilight 4 p.m., Forest Grove, Ore. No. 5 Baseball vs. California 5:35 p.m., Goss Stadium Men’s Soccer @ Portland Timbers 6 p.m., Beaverton, Ore.
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next year. In fact, the “what to do with Ahmad Starks?” storyline could have derailed next season, given Robinson’s past reluctance to sit Starks. Over the final eight games of last season, Starks averaged just 4.9 points and shot just 26.9 percent from 3, but still logged nearly 25 minutes per contest. Next year he won’t be around to steal minutes from younger guards who may — key word: may — have higher ceilings. Like Robbins. “I do it in practice all the time,” Robbins said. “It’s just coach [Robinson] has got to give me that chance to do it in the game. He won’t give me that chance because he’s got all the seniors and seniority and stuff like that, but I’m a good player and he’s got to let me play. Once he lets me play, he’ll realize what he’s got.” It remains to be seen what OSU really has in Robbins and fellow sophomore-to-be guard Langston Morris-Walker, and it’s anybody’s guess whether or not incoming 6-foot3 guard Hallice Cooke will contribute as a freshman.
But at the very least, the trio will offer an upgrade defensively. Considering the Beavers finished last in the Pac-10/12 in field goal percentage defense two of the past three seasons, that’s important. “It’s less of a liability [defensively] with Ahmad leaving,” said the 6-foot5 Morris-Walker, who earned playing time because of his defense last season. “We’re going to have bigger guards up there. We’re definitely going to be able to stop people, because they’re not just going to be able to shoot over us like they were in the past.” The Beavers will only truly be better off without Starks if Morris-Walker, Robbins and company are able to replace Starks’ scoring. Senior-to-be Roberto Nelson, the Pac-12’s leading scorer last season at 19.1 points per conference game, will be next year’s only proven scorer in the backcourt. Like Robbins, Morris-Walker said he’s capable. “I’m a way better scorer than what I showed,” Morris-Walker said. “I wasn’t needed to be able to score last season, but as a sophomore with Ahmad and Joe [Burton] leaving, we’re going to
have 20 points to fill in.” Robbins shot 36.4 percent from the field last season; Morris-Walker shot 32.6 percent. The two combined to score more than three points in a game three times. Barton, who will probably average close to 30 minutes a game next season as the team’s lone true point guard, showed glimpses of offensive ability toward the end of last season. But he will have to take the next step. “I think what Ahmad had that Challe didn’t have is a lot more starting in-game reps,” Nelson said. “Once Challe’s confidence level goes up and he starts having confidence in himself, in his shot and his ability to get to the rim and finish, I think he’ll do a lot better.” Of the players I spoke with, Nelson expressed the most concern over Starks’ departure. He pointed out that teams often packed the key defensively against OSU last season — sometimes playing a triangle-andtwo against himself and Starks, which often led to Burton and Eric Moreland See GARRETT | page 5
The Daily Barometer Athlete of the Week
See STRAUSBAUGH | page 5
Softball @ Oregon
vinay bikkina
Ahmad Starks looks on at the action against Utah on Feb. 6. Starks is transferring from Oregon State to move closer to his ailing grandmother.
Andrew Moore The Daily Barometer
Freshman right-hander Andrew Moore has been fantastic all season for Oregon State, and was once again on Saturday. The Eugene-native needed only 81 pitches to throw 7 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball against USC, getting his eighth win of the season in the process. Moore allowed five hits and walked two in the outing. Moore wasn’t expected to be a
regular conference starter this year, but has been a pleasant surprise for head coach Pat Casey’s club. Delegated as the Saturday starter, or game two starter, Moore has accumulated an 8-1 record in his freshman campaign. The right-hander has a 1.54 earned run average — fourth best on an Oregon State team that’s No. 2 in the nation in ERA at 2.09 — and opponents are hitting .213 against him. Control is a common weakness for young pitchers, but Moore has walked only 17 batters in 70 innings this season. He’s also racked up 42 strikeouts and has allowed only 12 earned runs on the entire season. Moore has started 10 games in his freshman season and recorded a save in his only appearance coming out of the bullpen. With the eminent return of sophomore left-hander Jace Fry — last season’s Saturday, or game two, starter — Oregon State will have a lot of options at the end of the season. But the way Moore has thrown this season, he’s a
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Freshman right-hander Andrew Moore reaches back to fire a pitch against Texas State on March 9. lock to remain in the starting rotation, World Series aspirations this season. allowing Fry to ease his way back. The Daily Barometer Moore’s emergence this season is a On Twitter @barosports big reason OSU has realistic College sports@dailybarometer.com
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Tuesday, April 30, 2013 • 5
Oregon State looks to keep win streak alive against PSU n
The Beavers play a doubleheader at Portland on Tuesday By Grady Garrett The Daily Barometer
The Oregon State softball team will look to extend its current winning streak from four to six games when it takes on Portland State University on Tuesday in Portland. The nonconference doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at PSU’s Erv Lind Stadium. The Beavers (30-17, 7-11 Pac-12) are coming off three wins over No. 23 Arizona, OSU’s first-ever sweep of the Wildcats. Dating back to a 1-0 win over No. 10 Cal on April 21, OSU has won four consecutive games, all by one run. It’s the Beavers’ longest winning streak since early March, when they won six straight nonconference games. Pitching has been the difkevin ragsdale | THE DAILY BAROMETER ference for OSU lately. Senior pitcher Tina Andreana has Senior Lea Cavestany watches the ball after making contact tossed three complete games in Friday’s 2-1 win against No. 23 Arizona. in a row, and has allowed just two runs in 22 innings during OSU’s current winning streak. four-hitter in OSU’s 2-1 win key to the Beavers’ recent success. Senior Lea Cavestany has Fellow senior Marina Demore over UA on Saturday. is coming off a complete game, Timely hitting has also been drove in the winning run two
games in a row for OSU. On Saturday, it was an RBI fielder’s choice to second with the bases loaded and nobody out in the bottom of the seventh inning. On Sunday, it was a walk-off, two-RBI single with the Beavers down to their final out in extra innings. The Vikings are 19-27 overall, but 11-4 in the Big Sky Conference. They’re coming off a series win over Sacramento State. PSU is 0-10 against the Pac12 this year, with losses to No. 17 Stanford, Cal, two losses to Arizona, three losses to No. 6 Oregon and four losses to No. 5 Arizona State. Three of those 10 losses did come by two runs or less, including a pair of one-run losses to ASU in February. The Sun Devils swept OSU in late March. After facing PSU, the Beavers will return to action on Friday when they begin a three-game series against the Ducks in Eugene. OSU will close out the regular season the following week when it hosts three games against No. 18 UCLA. Grady Garrett, sports reporter On Twitter @gradygarrett sports@dailybarometer.com
kevin ragsdale
GARRETT n Continued from page 4
STRAUSBAUGH n Continued from page 4
dribbling around the top of the key, unguarded — and worried that OSU could see more of the same next year, even with Angus Brandt back in the fold. “Ahmad’s capable of hitting three or four in a row at any point in the game,” Nelson said. “It’s going to be tough with him gone. We’ll probably see a lot more zones next year.” Robbins didn’t necessarily share Nelson’s concerns. “Challe can really shoot, Langston can shoot, I can shoot,” Robbins said. “Eric, he was in the post most of the time, but he can shoot, too. We’re not worried about shooting with Ahmad leaving.” Beaver Nation should wish Starks well. He’s a good kid who’s leaving for the right reasons — to be closer to his ailing grandmother in his hometown of Chicago. But Beaver Nation should take solace in the fact that OSU could benefit from the move. It’ll just be up to guys like Robbins to play as big a game as they talk.
back enough to make it more difficult to get back to form. “Coming back, everybody else gets the whole spring to throw live,” Wetzler said after Sunday’s win over USC. “When I came back, I was probably a couple months behind everybody when I started throwing in games. I just had to knock the rust off a little bit.” His mechanics weren’t as consistent as he wanted them to be, but in the last month those mechanics have regained that consistency. It’s shown in his performance. Since the April 7 start on the road against UCLA, Wetzler has thrown at least 99 pitches, and has reached the seventh inning every time. In Sunday’s game, Wetzler threw 73 strikes in 101 pitches. “That’s probably the most efficient I’ve ever been in my life,” Wetzler said. “Being able to get ahead with my fastball, and then later in the game, being able to get ahead with offspeed pitches to keep [hitters] off-balance the whole game.” Wetzler surfacing as another dependable arm on an already exceptional pitching staff — OSU ranks second in the
Grady Garrett, sports reporter On Twitter @gradygarrett sports@dailybarometer.com
hannah o’leary| THE DAILY BAROMETER
Ahmad Starks drives the lane against New Mexico State’s Sim Bhullar on Nov. 11, 2012. The senior point guard is Oregon State’s all-time leader in 3-point field goals made with 185. Starks averaged 10.4 points per game last season.
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Senior third baseman Desiree Beltran charges a groundball against the Wildcats. nation in ERA (2.09) and fourth in WHIP (1.06) — couldn’t have come at a better time. He sealed the series win at UCLA — a top-10 team — three weeks ago, and bailed OSU out of an embarrassing sweep at Washington and dominated en route to the Beavers’ first-ever series sweep of USC. The combined ERA of Boyd, Moore and Wetzler is 1.69. Don’t forget, though, junior Dan Child as the fourth option has a 4-1 record and a 2.65 ERA in 37 1/3 innings, and sophomore Jace Fry will be returning to action in the near future. The Beavers may be tied for 98th in the nation in runs scored, but as head coach Pat Casey said on Sunday, it isn’t about how many runs a team scores, it’s how many more runs a team scores than its opponent. OSU is No. 6 in the nation, and looks primed for a College World Series run. It would be the first time the Beavers have been back to Omaha since winning the second of their back-to-back national titles in 2007. With Wetzler better than ever, the list of reasons why OSU will return to Omaha only increases. Warner Strausbaugh, managing editor
On Twitter @WStrausbaugh sports@dailybarometer.com
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
MOMS & FAMILY WEEKEND 2013 MAY 3-5
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Merchandise on sale beginning April 29 in Memorial Union 103 and at the MUPC Welcome Table May 3rd & 4th in the MU Concourse. For more information about the schedule of events, check out mu.oregonstate.edu/mupc/momsweekend
6• Tuesday, April 30, 2013
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Syrian prime minister uninjured after bomb targets motorcade
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Watch the Oregon Supreme Court at work.
Q & A session with the Justices and Counsel after each session. Lunch with the justices, 12-1 pm; limited tickets LaSells Stewart Center, available in Snell 149 on Monday April 29.
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Info session Tuesday, April 30, 6-7pm in Gilkey 305 to discuss the scheduled cases.
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Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), officially proclaimed “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month� by President Barack Obama, is a celebration of the culture, traditions, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. This month was chosen by Congress in 1978 because two important anniversaries occurred during this time: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in America on May 7, 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad (by many Chinese laborers) on May 10, 1869.
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MEDIA POSITION
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•Summer Barometer Editor June 17 – August 16
This position is open to any bonafide student at Oregon State University. To be considered, an applicant must: (1) have earned a g.p.a. of at least 2.0 from Oregon State University, (2) be enrolled for at least 6 academic credits Spring 2013 and intend to be enrolled for at least 6 academic credits Fall 2013, (3) not be on disciplinary probation, and (4) be making normal degree progress. To apply, applicant must: (1) complete an application form obtained from the Student Media Office, MU East 118, (2) submit a transcript, (3) submit a letter of application, (4) submit a resume, and (5) submit a letter of recommendation. Deadline to apply is Friday, May 3 at 5 p.m. Position open until filled. Applicants will be interviewed by the University Student Media Committee on May 17 at 3 p.m.
(CNN) — Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi survived a bombing targeting his motorcade on Monday in an upscale Damascus neighborhood, but the government and the opposition each reported casualties. “The premier is safe,� the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency said, citing an official government source. The incident occurred in a leafy swath of the Mezzeh district in southwest Damascus. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a group opposed to President Bashar al-Assad’s government, also reported that the prime minister survived. The observatory said one of al-Halqi’s escorts and five civilians were killed. Another escort and a driver were badly injured, the group said. SANA, which called the blast a “terrorist explosion� targeting al-Halqi’s convoy, reported casualties but did not list details. The agency’s website cited material damage and posted images of badly damaged cars and a person being carried away on a stretcher. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the blast. United Nations Secretary-
General Ban Ki-moon condemned the attack, saying all violence in Syria must end. “The targeting of civilians and civilian objects by anyone is unacceptable,� a spokesman for his office said in a written statement. “The secretary-general remains extremely worried at the continued escalation of violence in Syria, where civilians continue to be killed, injured, detained and abducted every day.� Mezzeh is strategically important because it is along a highway that connects to a major Syrian air force base. It is also near Mount Mezzeh, the home of al-Assad’s palace. For months, Syrian rebels have been trying to infiltrate Damascus in their attempt to oust al-Assad and end four decades of family rule. The civil war in Syria has killed more than 70,000 people, mostly civilians, over the past two years. Syria and chemical weapons Russia sounded another warning Monday about the West’s consternation about allegations that Syria has used chemical weapons. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov maintained it’s “unac-
ceptable� for countries to use the weapons of mass destruction issue in Syria to topple the al-Assad government. “Perhaps there are some states that believe any methods are good as long as they can help overthrow the Syrian regime. However, the subject of the use of weapons of mass destruction is far too serious,� he said, according to state-run RIA Novosti. “I think it is unacceptable to use it, to speculate on it for geopolitical purposes.� RIA Novosti said Lavrov was commenting on American and British statements that chemical weapons may have been used in Syria. The foreign minister previously warned against a repeat of the “Iraqi scenario� in which claims that Saddam Hussein’s government possessed so-called weapons of mass destruction were the basis of the U.S.-led invasion. He also said that international investigators were asking “too much� by demanding access to all facilities in Syria and to have the right to interview any Syrians. In a letter sent to lawmakers before Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced there was evidence that sarin was
used in Syria, the White House said that intelligence analysts have concluded “with varying degrees of confidence that the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons on a small scale in Syria, specifically the chemical agent sarin.� President Barack Obama has said that the use of chemical weapons in Syria would cross a “red line� threshold for greater U.S. action in the country. The White House cautioned that the “chain of custody� of the chemicals was not clear and that intelligence analysts could not confirm the circumstances under which the sarin was used, including the role of al-Assad’s regime. British Prime Minister David Cameron said that he supported Obama and that the use of chemical weapons should constitute a “red line,� the UK Press Association reported. But if a red line has been crossed, Cameron was less clear on what the next steps should be. Syria denies that it has used, or even possesses, chemical weapons, accusing the United States and Britain of lying in order to pressure the embattled Damascus government.
Mexico police see new trend: Traffickers abandoning immigrants at sea (CNN) — Mexican authorities said Monday that they’ve spotted a troubling immigration trend: large numbers of migrants abandoned at sea by traffickers. Every month, Mexico’s navy says it rescues about 150 stranded migrants, left adrift in overloaded boats off the country’s Pacific coast. As part of the scam, officials said in a statement, traffickers tell the migrants that there has been an equipment failure and promise to return but never do. The immigration and maritime authorities said the frequency of that approach — about 10 or 12 times per month — inspired them to issue a warning on Monday: “Do not allow yourself to be fooled and put your life at risk by leaving it in the hands of people without scruples whose only goal is obtaining money without caring about the lives of other human beings.� Authorities have long warned of the dangers of illegal border crossings, often focusing on perilous desert treks by land. And in the past five years, maritime border crossings into the United States have
become a “new frontier,� said David Shirk, a professor of political science at San Diego State University and an expert on Mexico and border security. “It’s a reflection of the fact that is has become significantly more difficult to cross the border by land,� he said. That means the Border Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard will likely need more resources, he said, “to address not only the illegal activity, but also the different kinds of risks that implies for people who are putting themselves in that situation.� “We’re likely to see a dramatic increase now in drownings and other kinds of water fatalities and other kinds of danger associated with crossing in the water,� he said. The statement from Mexican authorities on Monday suggests that attempted border crossings by boat are drawing increasing concern. But it isn’t a new phenomenon. In 2009, U.S. officials said Mexicans smuggling drugs and migrants into the United States were increasingly turning to the Pacific Ocean for a short sail to the California coast.
“We’ve seen a huge spike in smuggling by water,� Lauren Mack, a spokeswoman for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in San Diego, said in 2009. Despite the dangers of border crossings, new figures released by the Pew Research Center on Monday indicate that more than a third of Mexicans surveyed say they would move to the United States if they could. In a national opinion survey of 1,000 Mexicans conducted last month, more than 60 percent said they would not move to the United States even if they had the means and opportunity to do so, but a “a sizable minority� of 35 percent said they would move to the United States if they could. And 20 percent said they would emigrate without authorization, according to Pew. Immigration is expected to be one of the topics on the table when U.S. President Barack Obama travels to Mexico this week.
Mississippi man accused as Ricin suspect ordered held without bond OXFORD, Mississippi (CNN) — The Mississippi man accused of making a potent toxin found in letters mailed to President Barack Obama and other officials will be held without bond pending a preliminary hearing later this week, a federal magistrate ruled Monday. Federal authorities arrested James Everett Dutschke, 41, on Saturday on charges of possessing and using ricin after initially charging — and then clearing — another man with whom Dutschke has sometimes feuded. Wearing an orange jumpsuit, and his hands and feet shackled as he entered the courtroom, Dutschke told Magistrate S. Allan Alexander that he understood what he had been charged with. His attorney, George Lucas, told Alexander that they had not yet had time to go through the complaint. Alexander agreed to order Dutschke held without bond on grounds he could be a danger to the community or could try to run. She set a preliminary hearing for Thursday. Both Lucas and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad Lamar declined to comment. While the eight-minute
proceeding produced no new details, the public could learn more about the accusations when the criminal affidavit in support of the complaint is unsealed. That is now expected to occur at the preliminary hearing, according to the Justice Department. Dutschke’s arrest was the latest head-scratching twist in what could be a tale of smalltown intrigue that blew up to become international news. The letters — sent to Obama, Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, and Sadie Holland, a local judge, arrived April 16 and touched off anxieties in Washington and elsewhere in the wake of the bombing of the Boston Marathon. The two incidents were unconnected, officials said. Before police settled on Dutschke as a suspect, they took into custody a Corinth, Mississippi, man named Paul Kevin Curtis, who makes his living impersonating Elvis, Buddy Holly and Randy Travis. Curtis vehemently denied sending the letters, said he was framed and identified Dutschke as a potential culprit. The ties that bind Dutschke used to work for Curtis’ brother at an insurance company, under the direction
of Curtis’ ex-wife. Curtis has said that while Dutschke worked for his brother, the two talked about collaborating on the publication of a book but later had a falling out. He has accused Dutschke of stalking him online, a claim the latter has denied. In an April 22 court hearing before the charges were dropped, Curtis said he was being framed and identified Dutschke as a potential culprit. Dutschke told reporters last week that he did not know Curtis well. “He’s just a little nutty,� he said. “I don’t have a relationship with him.� The ties that bind II So where do the lawmakers fit in? Dutschke can be linked to Sadie Holland through her son, Democratic state representative Steve Holland. Dutschke failed in a bid as a Republican to unseat the younger Holland. As for Curtis, Sadie Holland presided over a 2004 assault hearing involving Curtis, who says he has been in jail “over 20 times,� but never convicted. And Wicker? Dutschke said he once met Wicker. Suspect No. 1
The letters read, in part: “To see a wrong and not expose it, is to become a silent partner to its continuance.� They were signed “I am KC and I approve this message,� a source told CNN. Each letter had a Memphis, Tennessee, postmark and no return address. The very next day, authorities arrested Curtis. His attorney, Christi McCoy, said he’d been framed by someone who used several phrases Curtis likes to use on social media. The FBI said the letters tested positive for ricin, a toxin derived from castor beans that has no known antidote. The very next week, authorities dropped the charges against Curtis after they said they had new information. “I think now, how many people are thrown in jail because of circumstantial evidence and someone can frame you that easily,� he told CNN last week after being cleared. Suspect No. 2 The feds then turned their attention to Dutschke. Agents searched his residence and former martial arts studio. Dutschke told CNN affiliate WMC-TV that he agreed to the FBI search “to help clear my name.�
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Tuesday, April 30, 2013 • 7
Feds find female DNA on fragment of pressure-cooker bombs, sources say present during the search. Agents left the home with items that included a black case and a clear plastic bag identified as DNA samples. Female DNA was discovered on a fragment of the pressurecooker bombs used in the attack, and investigators are trying to determine whose genetic material it was, law enforcement sources told CNN. But one of the sources stressed the DNA could be from anyone who came in contact with the products used to make the bomb and it does not necessarily implicate anyone. The second official warned that even if Russell’s DNA matches the female DNA on the pressure cooker, that does not necessarily prove she had anything to do with the preparation of the bomb. She — or any other female — might have come into contact with the cooker in the past. The DNA could also be from one of the victims, Lawrence Kobilinsky, a DNA expert at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, told CNN’s Erin Burnett. “It certainly is possible that it came from one of the victims,� he said. “You have to interpret what we see.� Russell has said she was completely in the dark about her husband’s alleged plan. Her attorney said the news “came as an absolute shock.� The two were married on June 21, 2010. The elusive “Misha� interviewed Also Monday, a U.S. government official told CNN that FBI agents have interviewed the man identified as “Misha,� an elusive figure whose name has surfaced in the Boston bombing investigation. The double bombing near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15 killed three people and wounded more than 260. Twenty-three remain hospitalized. At least 14 people have needed amputations, according to medical officials. Investigators spoke with the man in Rhode Island after reports surfaced suggesting that members of the suspected bombers’ family blame
a “Mishaâ€? for radicalizing Tsarnaev, whose wounded brother has identified him as the mastermind of the attack. The man, whose real name is Mikhail Allakhverdov, denies ever encouraging a violent take on Islam and says he was not Tamerlan’s teacher, according to a New York Review of Books writer who says he interviewed Misha. “He began telling me he cooperated with the FBIâ€? and had handed over his computer and cell phone, reporter Christian Caryl told CNN on Monday. Allakhverdov insisted he had “nothing to do with radicalization,â€? Caryl said. CNN has made repeated efforts to speak with Allakhverdov, but has so far been unsuccessful. A lawyer who stepped out of the West Warwick, Rhode Island, apartment listed for Mikhail Allakhverdov told CNN he represents the parents of someone who lives there, adding, “We call him Michael.â€? The parents have answered all questions the authorities have asked of them, attorney Richard Nicholson said. The parents are nervous because of the media focus on them, he said, adding that the mother has a heart condition. Misha’s family ‘friendly and welcoming’ Caryl said that when he showed up at Misha’s home, he took the family by surprise but managed to spend some time with him. “I wasn’t his teacher. If I had been his teacher, I would have made sure he never did anything like this,â€? Allakhverdov said, according to Caryl’s report. “A thirty-nine-year-old man of Armenian-Ukrainian descent, Allakhverdov is of medium height and has a thin, reddish-blond beard,â€? Caryl wrote. “When I arrived he was wearing a green and white short-sleeve football jersey and pajama pants. Along with his parents, his American girlfriend was there, and we sat together in a tiny living room that abuts the family kitchen.â€? He added, “In many ways, Allakhverdov’s parents seem typical former-Soviet ĂŠmigrĂŠs
who had embraced middle class life in the United States. His father is an Armenian Christian and his mother is an ethnic Ukrainian.� In the article, Allakhverdov’s father is quoted as saying, “We love this country. We never expected anything like this to happen to us.� Ruslan Tsarni, Tsarnaev’s uncle, told CNN last week that a friend of his nephew “just took his brain. He just brainwashed him completely.� After The Associated Press said members of Tsarnaev’s family identified the friend as Misha, Tsarnaev’s former brother-in-law told CNN that Tsarnaev had a friend by that name. Elmirza Khozhgov said the friend apparently “had influence on Tamerlan.� But Khozhgov said he did not see Misha try to radicalize Tsarnaev. Death-penalty expert to defend bomb suspect Tsarnaev, 26, died after a shootout with police. His younger brother, Dzhokhar, 19, sustained gunshot wounds and is being held at a prison medical facility west of Boston. He has been charged with using and conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction resulting in death, as well as one count of malicious destruction of property by means of an explosive device resulting in death. On Monday, a federal judge appointed prominent defense lawyer Judy Clarke to represent the wounded suspect, who could be sentenced to death if convicted. Legal colleagues consider Clarke to be the nation’s foremost expert on defending federal capital cases. She has represented numerous highprofile clients facing Death Row, including Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber; Eric Rudolph, who admitted to the 1996 Atlanta Olympic bombing and other attacks; and Jared Lee Loughner, who pleaded guilty to killing six people and wounding 13, including then-U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, in a Tucson, Arizona, shooting spree. All of them are serving life in prison. Landfill search turns up empty Investigators searched
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But one of those killed was an associate of Abu Dujan, the slain leader of a militant Islamist organization that produced at least one video that Tamerlan Tsarnaev apparently posted and later removed from a social media account, according to an analysis by CNN and the SITE Intelligence Group. ‘Jihad’ discussed in wiretapped phone call Russian authorities intercepted a phone call in early 2011 from one of the Tsarnaev brothers in the United States to their mother in Dagestan, an official with knowledge of the investigation told CNN over the weekend. The wiretapped communication discussed jihad, but the conversation was vague, two U.S. officials said. It’s unclear why the Russians were eavesdropping on the mother or for how long. CNN has previously reported that the FBI conducted an investigation — including an interview with Tamerlan Tsarnaev — after Russia expressed concerns in 2011. The Russians also raised questions about Tsarnaev’s mother, Zubeidat Tsarnaev, according to several sources. Her name was subsequently added to a terrorism database along with her son’s, an intelligence official said last week. The FBI said at the time that it found nothing to justify further investigation and that Russia did not respond to U.S. requests for more information. The case was closed after several months.
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a landfill in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in hopes of finding a laptop that could be relevant to the case. But the two-day effort ended without success, a U.S. law enforcement official told CNN Monday. The FBI was following leads from Dzhokhar and others that his laptop was thrown in a Dumpster and then picked up for disposal at a landfill. The laptop might not be crucial to the investigation, the official added. The suspects allegedly used low-grade explosives inside pressure cookers. Investigators so far have found no evidence that the Tsarnaev brothers tested such bombs in the United States, the U.S. law enforcement official told CNN Monday. If Tamerlan Tsarnaev received training in making bombs, it may have come during his trip to Russia, the official said. Sources: Russian forces kill two jihadists Investigators are looking into whether Tamerlan Tsarnaev was influenced toward radicalization during a six-month visit in 2012 to Dagestan, a region known to include radical jihadists who have battled the Russian government. Russian special forces killed two members of a jihadist group in an early morning raid last weekend in the semiautonomous republic, two Russian police sources told CNN on Monday. Authorities have not said whether the raid was linked to the Boston bombing.
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(CNN) — Federal agents are looking into possible links between dead Boston Marathon bomb suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev and a Canadian boxer-turned-jihadist killed by Russian troops in 2012, a source being briefed on the investigation said Monday. William Plotnikov and six others died in a firefight with Russian forces in the southwestern republic of Dagestan in July 2012, while Tsarnaev was visiting the region, the source said. The 23-year-old Plotnikov was born in Russia, but his family moved to Canada when he was a teenager. The source said Plotnikov’s body was prepared for burial by a local imam on July 14. Tsarnaev flew out of Dagestan two days later, arriving in New York on July 17. Investigators are looking into the possibility he left because of Plotnikov’s death, the source said. Additionally, the source says investigators are looking into whether Tsarnaev had any contact with another militant named Mahmoud Mansur Nidal, 18, who was killed by Russian forces in May 2012 during a gun battle in Makhachkala, Dagestan’s capital. Tsarnaev’s parents live in Makhachkala. Possible links between Tsarnaev and Plotnikov and Nidal were first reported by a Russian magazine, Novaya Gazeta. And the source said that about a month before he returned to the United States, Tsarnaev applied for a Russian passport at a government office in Dagestan, telling authorities he had lost his existing passport. According to the source, Tsarnaev left Dagestan before his new passport arrived. It’s not clear whether he traveled on an existing Russian or Kyrgyz passport. The source spoke the same day investigators moved forward on another front in Rhode Island, searching the family home of Tsarnaev’s widow, Katherine Russell, for about 90 minutes. Russell and her toddler daughter — Tamerlan’s child — have been staying at the North Kingstown home with her parents. Her attorneys were
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Transportation pick would add to Cabinet diversity “has once again overlooked his most loyal constituency.” “President Obama has selected the lowest number of African American Cabinet members in 38 years, and fewer than his Republican predecessor George Bush who nominated four African Americans to his Cabinet,” Thompson said on April 9. The CBC’s chairwoman, Rep. Marcia Fudge, wrote in a letter to Obama that “the people you have chosen to appoint in this new term have hardly been reflective of this country’s diversity.” Obama himself disputed the notion his inner circle was lacking diversity, urging patience at a news conference in January. “I’m very proud that in the first four years we had as diverse, if not more diverse, a White House and a Cabinet than any in history,” he said on January 14. “And I intend to continue that, because it turns out that when you look for the very best people, given the incredible diversity of this country, you’re going to end up with a diverse staff and a diverse team.” “I think until you’ve seen what my overall team looks like, it’s premature to assume that somehow we’re going backwards,” he added later. “We’re not going backwards, we’re going forward.”
Sandra Day O’Connor wonders on wisdom of Bush v. Gore (CNN) — In one of those “what could have been” moments, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor is expressing some misgivings about the controversial 2000 election decision that allowed George W. Bush to assume the presidency. Speaking to the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune, O’Connor didn’t question her own vote on the matter. But she did wonder whether it was wise for the high court to take on the case to begin with. “It took the case and decided it at a time when it was still a big election issue,” O’Connor told the Tribune. “Maybe the court should have said, ‘We’re not going to take it, goodbye.’” The 5-4 Bush v. Gore decision in December 2000 ended a manual vote recount in Florida that was mandated by the Florida Supreme Court, cementing Secretary of State Katherine Harris’ certification of GeorgeW. Bush as the winner.With the Sunshine State in his column, Bush had secured enough electoral votes to win the White House.
O’Connor, who was appointed to the court in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan, voted in the majority. She retired from the Supreme Court in 2006. The Bush v. Gore decision drew contentious and angry reaction from Democrats, who accused the justices of political partisanship. Bush v. Gore “stirred up the public” and “gave the court a less-than-perfect reputation,” O’Connor told the Tribune. “Obviously the court did reach a decision and thought it had to reach a decision,” she said. “It turned out the election authorities in Florida hadn’t done a real good job there and kind of messed it up. And probably the Supreme Court added to the problem at the end of the day.” O’Connor’s remarks to the Tribune aren’t the first time she’s thought back to the 2000 decision. She told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer in 2010 that Bush v. Gore was “a hard decision to make,” but that she didn’t think a different outcome in the court would have resulted in a President Gore.
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Enactus and Techo volunteers made houses and the community center in Roger Deshon with help, in part, from the Lowes Foundation.
ENACTUS n Continued from page 8
spring break in Roger Deshon. Business ideas for the microloans vary from clothing to soapmaking to tortilla stalls. “There are a lot of businesses vying for Nicaragua during the last summer, winter microloans, and many looking to be of service and — most recently — spring breaks. OSU Enactus is an entrepreneurship club to their community,” Weik said. In addition to microfinancing, where university Enactus and Techo constructed six students apply their homes and a community resource business-related center in Roger Deshon. The commuMicroloans like academic expericenter came from a grant through ences to real-world these can be a great nity Lowe’s Foundation, supplying funds situations. Enactus’ way to break the for the center, sports equipment and international proeducational materials. gram is Suenos de cycle of poverty. Enactus students worked with la Tierra, which disSONATI, a non-profit promoting enviperses microloans Rachael Buck ronmental awareness through enviand has improved Suenos de la Tierra initiative co-leader ronmental education for children, to the quality of life organize events like environmental fairs in Guatemala and now has moved to assist for local elementary school students. Nicaragua. The Suenos de la Tierra initiative goes With the help of Techo, a youth-based nonprofit organization, the group has worked beyond material goods, also providing worktoward building homes in the Roger Deshon shops to community members. Those who community in the city of Leon, relatively close receive the microloans, for instance, will learn how to sustain their businesses and create to the Nicaraguan capital of Managua. “Techo is literally run by youth,” Buck said. manageable growth. Enactus also offers work“Most of them are in their early twenties and shops on nutrition, gardening and teaching. “We come in with ideas of our own and we are very passionate and serious about what try to share the knowledge we have,” Buck said. they do.” This summer, Weik and Buck will head back The first few projects, including summer, winter and spring break trips, Enactus down to Nicaragua to begin an English as a focused on building the infrastructure of Second Language program alongside teachRoger Deshon. In their winter trip, volunteers ers from the Roger Deshon community. The built two homes and started work on a busi- group hopes to visit Nicaragua at least twice ness plan, which they prepared when they a year to check on the community’s progress. “We want to focus on key things to make came back to the United States. “When we’re not in Nicaragua, we are them successful,” Weik said. “We want to help strategizing for our next project,” said Shireen businesses pay back their loans and want community members Weik, Sueños de la Tierra co-leader. to learn and sustain Students in OSU’s Austin themselves.” Entrepreneurship Program deterThere are a lot “My experience in mined which businesses to fund Nicaragua has defiof businesses vying for microloans based on their own nitely shaped what research, and invested money with for microloans, I want to do,” Buck start-up funds given to them from and many looking added. “I wanted to the class. These funds come from help people and I am community support and sponsors, to be of service to now slowly finding and the number of loans depends on their community. my path. I want to the amount of support they receive make sure everyone through fundraising. Shireen Weik has access to basic life “These students have the chance to Suenos de la Tierra initiative co-leader necessities.” learn how to invest while benefitting Enactus welcomes others,” Buck said. “Microloans like students from all disciplines. The group meets these can be a great way to break the cycle on Wednesdays. of poverty.” The group decided to give microloans rangJack Lammers, news editor On Twitter @jacklammers ing from $200 to $800 to potential businesses news@dailybarometer.com in Nicaragua, and had 26 interviews during
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summer’s Democratic National Convention, which drew tens of thousands to Charlotte without any major logistical hiccups. “As mayor of one of America’s most vibrant cities, Anthony Foxx knows firsthand that investing in world-class infrastructure is vital to creating good jobs and ensuring American businesses can grow and compete in the global economy,” the White House official said. But picking Foxx will also help dispel the image of Obama naming only white men to top posts in his administration. The criticism began earlier this year, when the first Cabinet picks of Obama’s second term - Secretary of State John Kerry, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew - were all white men. After taking heat, Obama named several women to prominent roles, including Sylvia Mathews Burwell as director of his budget office and Mary Schapiro as the chief of the Securities and Exchange Commission. But groups like the Congressional Black Caucus cried foul, saying the lack of African-American nominees amounted to a snub for his most ardent supporters. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Mississippi, said in a weekly address for the CBC that Obama
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(CNN) — If President Barack Obama still needed a reminder that diversity within his second term Cabinet was a contentious issue, he got one Saturday night. “Mr. President, your hair is so white it can be a member of your Cabinet,” jabbed Conan O’Brien at the annual correspondents’ dinner in Washington, drawing laughs and some loud “ooos” from the crowd of political insiders. On Monday, Obama will nominate Anthony Foxx to become transportation secretary, the first African-American pick for his second term cabinet. The post comes with vast oversight responsibility over the nation’s roads, airports, railroads and seaways. If confirmed by the Senate, Foxx would bring to two the number of African-Americans currently heading Cabinet agencies under Obama, joining Attorney General Eric Holder. In his first term, two other African-Americans - U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson - served in Obama’s Cabinet. Announcing Foxx as Obama’s pick for transportation secretary, the White House noted his achievements in opening a new runway at Charlotte/ Douglas International Airport, and his championing a new streetcar system in the Queen City. He also helped lead last
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OSU Enactus and SONATI, a non-profit primarily focused on environmental education, worked together on elementary education in Roger Deshon.