MONDAY 1.26.15
TOMORROW’S WEATHER
PARTLY CLOUDY | HI 34º, LO 22º
est. 1892 | independent since 1971 | www.kykernel.com
‘A life well lived, a job well done’
PHOTO BY MICHAEL REAVES | STAFF
A memorial service for Wendell Ford, who died Thursday, was held at the Kentucky State Capitol on Sunday in Frankfort, Ky. Ford served Kentucky as lieutenant governor, governor and U.S. Senator.
Former U.S. Senator who worked to improve UK remembered
N
otable politicians and journalists from around the state were in attendance at the state Capitol in Frankfort on Sunday to pay their respect to former Kentucky governor and U.S. Senator Wendell Ford. “He was Kentucky’s last great statesman,” said former Gov. Paul Patton in regard to Ford, noting that Ford was influential in Patton’s decision to get started in politics. Ford was diagnosed with lung cancer in July, and died Thursday in his Owensboro home at the age of 90. A private funeral service will be held in Owensboro on Tuesday at the Elmwood Cemetery, according to a report by WLKY.
Wendell Ford
By Cheyene Miller news@kykernel.com
A memorial service for Ford took place at 3 p.m. in the Capitol building. The service featured an opening prayer from Gov. Steve Beshear, a eulogy from Thomas Preston, owner of the public relations firm Preston Global and former representative for Ford, a closing prayer from Kentucky Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen and a singing of “My Old Kentucky Home” by Colmon Elridge III, executive assistant to the governor. “Here truly was and is one of God’s finest designs,” said Preston during the eulogy. Preston also noted that Ford had an “absolutely outstanding” relationship with the media, and that he was a senator who was “trusted on both sides of the aisle.” See MEMORIAL on page 2
Event brings high school Christian Student Fellowship ROTC students to campus celebrates season with dance Drill meet held at UK for first time in four years By Jerry Seale news@kykernel.com
Uniformity and precision were the focuses of an event that brought more than 300 high school students in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program to campus for the first time in four years. The students showcased their skills in marching, rifle routines and other events during the return of the Pershing Rifles Drill Meet Saturday. “From the planning process to today, everything has gone very well. It’s proof that the time spent over the last four years has really paid off,” said Capt. Brian C. Smith, assistant professor of military science at UK. Some schools initially scheduled to compete at the meet were unable to, but Smith said there were still eight schools represented by a total of 317 high school students involved in JROTC. “It’s an excellent, large scale event, and that number doesn’t even factor in all those in UK ROTC, parents and others who volunteered to help. We had a lot of volun-
teers who helped to make this a success, especially from the Wildcat Battalion,” he said. UK ROTC cadet Austin Rains was among the UK students who helped put on the event, which took place in the Student Center Grand Ballroom, Alumni Gym and Buell Armory.
“
It gives me honor and pride to know that he chose to be a part of something like this. It gives me great joy to know that he wants to do something for his country.” TREAD ELLIS
Parent of participant “With over three hundred students coming from within the state, this is huge for UK, and it’s a good chance for UK to recruit for ROTC,”
said Rains, a business management junior. “There’s no better way, and no better place to do it.” The JROTC students participated in multiple competitions throughout the day, including platoon and squad exhibition, color guard, and squad and individual exhibition. The vast majority of the judging for these events was based heavily on the quality and consistency among the members of the squads and platoons. “What we’re looking for is uniformity. We want to make sure everyone does the same thing at the same time. It’s all right out of the field manual,” said Lt. Ryan Matousek, a history sophomore. Synchronizing the groups of students in the events can be difficult. “The hardest part is getting everyone to do what they’re supposed to at the same time,” said Matthew Leyva, a Seneca High School freshman in the JROTC program. “The slightest ripple is really noticeable.” See ROTC on page 2
By Penny Schmitz news@kykernel.com
The Christian Student Fellowship hosted a dance party Friday night despite snowy conditions on campus. “We were going to cancel but then people started showing up, and they kept coming in,” said CSF staff member Amy Thornberry. “In years past we have had to buy a snow machine so this actually saved us money and added to the party.” More than 500 students were met at the front door with bass-thrusting music that could be heard pulsing from outside. They were instructed to sign in, and were then given a blue armband and were invited to check out the scene. The upstairs offered a dance floor, free blue glow sticks, a cutout photo op with Elsa from ‘Frozen,’ free hot chocolate and cookies and clear plastic inflatable balls, called “Zorb Balls,” that party-goers could step into and knock around their peers. In order to step into the “Zorb Balls,” each participant had to sign a waiver for safety. Downstairs showcased a Super Smash Bros. tourna-
PHOTO BY JOHN PAUL WILLIAMS | STAFF
Students dance at the Christian Student Fellowship in Lexington, Ky. on Friday.
ment, karaoke, and a cheese and cracker table. “They (CSF) provide a really fun environment and are really welcoming and open to everyone,” said merchandise and textile freshman Kathlen Meyer. Animal science junior Marym Silva, an international student from Brazil, regularly attends events. “CSF is really good for international students, it’s a great way to get to know people,” Silva said. “We thought it would be a good theme for winter, it’s cool … literally,” said CSF staff member Storey Morris. “We want to provide a fun and healthy party to show
students that following Jesus isn’t boring,” Morris said. During the party there was no formal church service and a mix of top 40 and techno songs were played on the dance floor. “We are known for our parties, we give students what they want,” Thornberry said. Kinesiology sophomore Matthew Hornback thinks that the organization does well in showing the love of Christ. “Even if people don’t come often, they know CSF is related to Christ, but what really connects students to CSF is the people here,” Hornback said.
2 | Kentucky Kernel | 1.26.15
SPORTS
UK Track and Field breaks school records By Leslie Hobbs
KYLE ARENSDORF Kernel Columnist
sports@kykernel.com
The Rod McCravy Memorial, arguably the top regularseason track meet in the nation, wrapped up on Saturday as UK walked away with school-records, national level placements and several personal bests. Sophomore long-jumper Sha’Keela Saunders set a new UK and national record with her 6.53-meter long-jump. She remains undefeated on the season. Saunders also finished third in the triple-jump competition on Saturday with a 13.10m distance. It was the second-longest triple-jump finish in school history. Fellow sophomore hurdler Corey Williams had a successful meet as well, as his 7.22m long-jump was a career best. Head coach Edrick Floreal said he was pleased with the way the team competed this weekend and that it has fewer improvements to make. “If that long list of improvements can get smaller and smaller, that’s a good thing,” Floreal said. Other UK standout performances at the event were senior Leah Nugent finishing in fifth place in the 60m hur-
Harrison struggles on road
PHOTO BY HUNER MITCHELL | STAFF
Senior Keffri Neal (7) competes in the men’s 800 Meter Run on Saturday in Lexington, Ky.
dles, freshman Aundrea Busse placing third in the 5k with a new personal record and sophomore Nick Anderson setting his own personal best in the 60m hurdles with 7.88 seconds. Floreal said the biggest improvement the team needs to make going forward is for everyone to give it their all. “We don’t look for people to run a specific time or finish in a specific place. I just want them to compete and fight to the best of their ability,” Floreal said. The coach alluded to senior shot putter Bradley Szypka, who finished in fourth place after throwing a season-
best 19.68m, despite suffering a groin injury earlier in the event. “Brad getting hurt and still finishing the meet and throwing almost a personal record; that’s what I want,” Floreal said. Floreal added that when athletes give their best effort, everything else changes. “I’m almost like on a Cal bandwagon,” Floreal said, referencing UK men’s basketball head coach John Calipari’s coaching mindset. “I just want energy.” The Cats will be on the road for their next five meets, starting with the Virginia Tech Elite Meet on Feb. 6-7.
UK basketball used a combination of defense and free throws to tie UK’s best record (19-0) under head coach John Calipari on Saturday in their 58-43 win over a physical South Carolina team. With 12 games remaining on their regular season schedule, the Cats will head into the post season with plenty of momentum, more than likely unscathed. When a team is rolling like this, the only thing you can do is nitpick a few of their issues that have the potential to derail them along the way. And one rather large question mark has been the
road play of UK’s starting point guard Andrew Harrison. Harrison stepped up in a big way during UK’s tournament run last season and entered this season with the same energy. But then the road games started, and his struggles became a glaring hindrance to the first platoon. Harrison’s most egregious no-show came in the Cats first road test against Louisville, scoring only three points and committing six turnovers. It also marked the third time all season freshman guard Tyler Ulis played more minutes than Harrison. Ulis capitalized on his extra time by scoring a season-high 14 points with zero turnovers, and has continued to capitalize on his opportunities when Harrison stumbles in road games.
UK Swim and Dive teams fall to Louisville on Senior Day By Lamar Smith sports@kykernel.com
A packed house turned out to celebrate Senior Day on Saturday in the Lancaster Aquatic Center as the UK swimming and diving team faced Louisville in what turned out to be losing effort for the Cats. Despite winning nine individual events on the day, six for the women and three for the men, UK fell to the Cardinals 366-234. “I thought the seniors were great and they’ve been great for us,” said UK head coach Lars Jorgensen. “I’m really pleased with their overall progress.” However, it was two sophomores and a freshman that led the way for the UK men’s team that collectively lost to No. 10 Louisville 211-89. Sophomore Drew Aviotti took first place in the 1000meter freestyle after being behind for most of the swim. He
used a late surge to pull ahead and close out the swim with a season-best time of 9:12.33. In addition, sophomore butterfly swimmer Kyle Higgins and freshman diver Levi Lindsey both won their events. Higgins won the 200m butterfly with a time of 1:47.92, while Lindsey notched a 349.58 in six attempts on the 3m diving board. Lindsey also came in second place at the 1m diving board with a 295.05 score. “Well, Levi is getting there. He’s still a really young freshman,” Jorgensen said. “But he’s really good and I think he has a really good chance of having an impact at the NCAA 2A meet this year.” The UK women, on the other hand, took No. 13 Louisville down to the last event but failed to pull out a win as the Cardinals prevailed 155-145. Senior Christina Bechtel, the 2014 Butterfly All-American and member of the 2014-
15 USA Swimming National Team, finished in second place in the 200m butterfly with a time of 1:58.00. She added another second place finish in the 100m butterfly. Senior Christa Cabot, sophomore Rebecca Hamperian and senior Lindsay Keahey took first, third, and fourth place, respectively, in the 3m diving board event. “I thought our girl divers were really good today,” Jorgensen said. “Christa Cabot is a senior All-American and she was really good. Our divers helped us today.” Jorgensen said the team needs that help as the season winds down. “It’s all about the team and one person can surely help you. But one person doesn’t win the meet entirely,” Jorgensen said. “You need a lot of people. We’re still not deep enough. That’s kind of an area that we struggle with, but we’re getting there. It takes time to develop depth.”
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
MEMORIAL Continued from page 1
Dr. John Stephenson, who served as superintendent of public education in Kentucky, said that Ford “did a great deal for education all across the state of Kentucky.” Stephenson said that Ford was instrumental in the development of the dormitories and institutional buildings at UK, and helped get funding to further develop Rupp Arena and Commonwealth Stadium. Lexington Mayor Jim Gray was also in attendance, and said that Ford essentially “knew everybody in every
ROTC Continued from page 1
Leyva said the discipline and benefits that come with this kind of training provide
county in Kentucky,” and was one of the last great practitioners of “retail politics,” which describes politicians who focus on local events and meeting individuals face-to-face. Gray also said that Ford always acted with the best interests of Kentuckians in mind. “He always advocated and always supported Kentucky,” Gray said. “It’s always a loss when you lose someone who defines an era as he did.” Ford was the first person in Kentucky history to successively serve as lieutenant governor, governor and senator. He served as a Democratic Whip from 1991 to 1999. Mike Ruehling, who
served as Ford’s speechwriter as governor, and his press secretary as senator, said that Ford prided himself in the Senate on being the first senator in the building to make coffee. One of Ford’s most famous political acts was managing the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, also known as the “Motor Voter Act.” The legislation expanded voter registration opportunities by allowing citizens to register to vote when registering a motor vehicle, as well as by mail and various government offices. “Today is an affirmation of a life well lived and a job well done,” Ruehling said.
“the best sort of way for a person to learn about leadership.” The parents of many of the JROTC watched the events. “It gives me honor and pride to know that he chose
to be part of something like this,” said Tread Ellis, an Iraq veteran and stepfather to one of the JROTC students. “It gives me a great sense of joy knowing that he wants to do something for his country,”
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Ulis has averaged over three points more per road game than Harrison in four contests (34 to Harrison’s 21), has only two turnovers to Harrison’s 11, and has one less assist. Those differences may seem minute, but Ulis averages more than three minutes less than Harrison, yet still outperforms him. Up until this point the discrepancy between the two point guards is moot – Ulis has been a worthy substitute for Harrison and the Cats continue to roll over opponents. But when the SEC and NCAA tournaments begin, the stakes rise and the pressure ramps up. And trusting a freshman to step up on the road under that kind of pressure, no matter how impressive he’s been in the regular season, is always risky business.
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1.26.15 | Independent since 1971 | 3
For Rent 1-9 Bedroom
2-15 BR homes. Excellent service, variety of nice homes, locations all around campus, starting at $345/person. Leasing@KampusProperties.com. Call/Text (859) 333-1388. Condo, great security and great location. 1 BR/$645. 2 BR/$795. All utilities included, and a pool! Close to UK, St. Joe and Central Baptist. Call Brad at (859)983-0434. Downtown: 1 & 2 BR apartments starting at $550/month. Completely renovated and walking distance to all of what downtown has to offer. Call: (678) 982-3565, 636 W. Main St. Great properties for rent, walk to campus. W/D included. (859) 619-3232. www.myuk4rent.com.
Student Housing August 2015-16 1-6 bedrooms Great quality Good prices Better landlord Dennis (d.sills@live.com) www.sillsbrothers.com 859-983-0726 Walk to Campus Houses 1- 6 Bedroom. Wayne Michael is now pre-leasing 1-6BR houses for the Fall 2015 semester. www.waynemichaelproperties.com. (859) 513-1206.
WALK TO CAMPUS! 3-6 BR houses. Porches, parking, W/D, DW. Very nice! Waller, State, University area. Choose early for best selection. Lease begins 8/1/2015. (859)539-5502.
1 Bedroom
145 Virginia Ave. 1 BR/1 BA. Walk to campus. Available August. W/D, walk-in closets, parking. $850/month. Water, cable/internet included. (859)285-1361 or www.mpmlex.com.
2 Bedroom
1117 Turkey Foot Rd #4: 2 BR/1 BA, stove, refrigerator, DW, disposal, W/D, patio enclosed w/privacy fence. Off-street parking. Ext maint included. $775/month. Classic Real Estate, (859) 313-5231. 2 & 3 BR/2 BA deluxe apartments, 250 Lexington Ave. 8-minute walk to campus. Low utility bills. Available now, leasing for August 2015. Electric kitchen, coin laundry, assigned parking. Near High Street YMCA. No pets. $1,200/month. (859) 277-4680 or (859) 619-2468. 2 BR/1 Ba on 1903 Fontaine Rd. Backs up to Shriners Hospital. Roomy, quiet and clean. Duplex, both sides available. $950 + utilities. (859)396-5911. 2 BR/1BA, 211 Waller. Incudes all utilities, Wi-Fi, and W/D. $990/mo. August. Call or text (859) 619-5454. 353 Oldham Ave #1: 2 BR/1 BA, stove, refrigerator, walk to campus. Lawn care included. Off-street parking. $695/month. Classic Real Estate, (859) 313-5231. NOW LEASING FOR AUGUST. 2 BR/2 BA, W/D in unit. Horseman’s Lane. $675/month. Call (859) 948-3300.
3 Bedroom
4 Bedroom
3 BR/1 BA, 221A University Ave. $1,200/mo. August. Call or text (859) 619-5454.
4 BR/2 BA renovated, 288 Clay Avenue. $1,600/mo. August. Call or text (859) 619-5454. 4 BR/2 BA, 323 Lafayette Avenue. $1,400/mo. August. Call or text (859) 619-5454.
CLASSIFIEDS 4 BR/2 BA, 219B (back) University Ave. $1,600/mo. August. Call or text (859) 619-5454. 4 BR/2.5 BA New Luxury townhouse on Broadway next to JDI Tavern. Designer kitchens, large bedrooms, all appliances, all electric, off-street parking. Walking distance to UK, security systems and garages. $575/student. (859) 489-0908. 4BR/3 BA duplex half available August. Near campus on Crescent Ave and Transcript. W/D, all appliances. Recently updated, new flooring. Parking. $1,500/month. Call Sarah (859) 559-2474.
5 Bedroom
5 BR houses. Large nice homes with private yards/decks, close to campus off Virginia/Broadway area. Ample parking. Excellent service. $340-$400/person. Leasing@KampusProperties.com. Call/Text (859)333-1388. Newer 2-5BR homes. Only a few left. Near UK. Pet friendly. From $349/person. www.lexingtonhomeconsultants.com Contact James McKee at (859) 221-7082 or jwmckeebroker@msn.com.
Attention
BAHAMAS SPRING BREAK: $189 - 5 days. All prices include: Round-trip luxury party cruise. Accommodations on the island at your choice of 13 resorts. Appalachia Travel, 1-800-867-5018. www.BahamaSun.com.
For Rent
myUKapt.com
Newer 2-5BR homes. Only a few left. Near UK. Pet friendly. From $349/person. www.lexingtonhomeconsultants.com Contact James McKee at (859) 221-7082 or jwmckeebroker@msn.com.
For Sale
Pita Social is now hiring enthusiastic cashiers and cooks! We are offering a wide range of opportunity. Please email allison.briggs@shakespeareandco.us. PPM is now hiring Lifeguards, Pool Managers and Swim instructors. PPM is hiring for country clubs, water parks and Home owner associations in Lexington, Richmond, Winchester, Danville, Frankfort, Shelbyville, and Louisville areas. Pay ranges from $8.50-$15/hour. Email Brad at Brad40965@aol.com for application. Property management company seeks part-time leasing and office admin assistant. 20-30 hours per week. $10-12/hour. Please forward contact information and resume to mprentals@netbusiness.com. PT Operator needed immediately for Glenn Auto Mall. Computer experience needed. 3:30-8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Tuesday, Thursday alternating weeks. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and 2-8 p.m. Saturday alternating weeks. Please apply in person Monday Friday at Glenn Infinity of Lexington, 3390 Richmond Rd. Ask for Mischelle or send resume to mlowe@wgautogroup.com. PT receptionist needed for property management company. Must have excellent computer and communication skills. Apply at 860 South Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504. PT sales clerk. Flexible hours. Must be able to work during the summer. Chevy Chase Hardware. Call (859) 269-9611. Researchers at the University of Kentucky are looking for individuals 21–34 years of age who have received a DUI in the last 5 years to participate in a study looking at behavioral and mental performance. Participants are compensated for their time and participation is completely confidential. For more information, call (859) 257-5794. Researchers at the University of Kentucky are conducting studies concerning the effects of alcohol and are looking for male & female social drinkers 21-35 years of age. Volunteers paid to participate. Call (859) 257-5794. The Cellar Bar and Grille is hiring servers, hostesses and cooks. Please apply in person. 3256 Lansdowne Dr. WAREHOUSE & BOX TRUCK DRIVERFurniture rental company seeks multiple positions for inside warehouse job & box truck delivery personnel. Strong work ethic is mandatory. Send resume : dejuan@upscale-furniture.com or stop by : 2555 Palumbo Drive to fill out job application
Lost & Found
Vintage typewriters for sale. Typewriter repair available. Contact us at kytyper.com or (859) 264-7384.
Help Wanted Real Estate For Sale Found: Targus backpack found in the designated driver van. Call to identify, (859) 312-0175.
Commonwealth Eye Surgery is accepting applications for part-time Runner/Accounting Clerk. Ideal candidate will be a business or accounting major but will train the right person. Requires 10-15 hours/week but days and times are flexible. Email resume to Jenny Lackey at jlackey@commonwealtheyes.com. Great opportunity, make good money! Come work with us at Ramsey’s Diners. Now hiring part-time and full-time servers, all locations. Apply in person 3-5 p.m. Mon- Fri. 4101 Tates Creek Centre. 3090 Helmsdale Place (Andover.) 4391 Harrodsburg Rd. 151 W. Zandale (off Nicholasville Road.) LLM is seeking candidates interested in working part-time for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Weekend & Afternoon hours are available. Starting at $10/hour. Full-time salaried management positions also available. Apply online: www.lordslegacyministries.org or call (859) 245-2233. MARKETING ASSISTANT FOR FURNITURE COMPANY Fast growing company prefers career-oriented college graduate to fill position of marketing & contract administration. Great work environment. Send resume : dan@upscale-furniture.com
Great Location! 1 BR/1 BA Condo- Walking distance to UK and downtown. Fully equipped Kitchen/Laundry. Monitored underground parking. Elevator entrance. $115,000. Call (859)552-7377.
Roommates Wanted
Roommate needed. Female student looking for same. Non partier. Available anytime. Landlord Dennis, 859-983-0726. Sillsbrothers.com
SUDOKU
Call 859.257.2871 to place an ad | Ads can be found at kykernel.com DEADLINE - 3 p.m. the day before publication The Kentucky Kernel is not responsible for information given to fraudulent parties. We encourage you not to participate in anything for which you have to pay an up-front fee or give out credit card or other personal information, and to report the company to us immediately.
HOROSCOPE To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 9 — Focus on making money today and tomorrow. Cash flow improves nicely. Enjoy this lucrative phase. Take advantage and keep accounting current. Record where the money's coming from and where it's going. You can beautify without breaking the bank. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — No more procrastination. Tackle a personal challenge. You're stronger for the next two days, with the Moon in your sign. Things go easier, and you're especially suave and debonair. Someone's paying attention. Prepare to launch a passion project. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — You're especially sensitive and intuitive today and tomorrow. Get quiet and listen to the unspoken clues. Contemplate your next move. Something's coming due. Worry wastes time. Review priorities, and plan the steps to take. Slow down and rest. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — A friend comes up with a new money-making scheme. Shipping or mechanical delays could disrupt the plan. Support their game and they'll be there for you. Encourage and propose solutions. Provide food at an opportune moment. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Crazy dreams seem possible. Take on more responsibility over the next few days. Forge ahead with a career upgrade. Assume leadership. Talk over the possibilities with your partner and friends. They can see your blind spots. Listen. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Craft your itinerary over the next two days. Make plans and reservations. Research the best prices and locations. Expand your territory and your mind. New opportunities for adventure present themselves. Explore new flavors and exotic ways of thinking.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Attend to shared finances over the next two days. Manage accounts and file documents. Prepare to negotiate carefully. Keep insurance, fees, bills and policies current. You can get the terms you want. Ask for specifics. Wheel and deal. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Negotiate for the long run. Let a strong leader take charge. Listen graciously. Your partner really shows up over the next two days. Your admiration grows. Share you appreciation. Give in to romance and caring. Love fills you up. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — It's getting busy. Add elegance to the proceedings by dressing professionally. The pace quickens. Put your back into your efforts. Follow the rules. Provide value. Over the next two days, work to get your ideas into action. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Play the game you've been practicing. Apply your creativity to artistic pursuits. Make decisions about color and design. Spend time with family, and relax with hobbies, sports and amusements. Focus on doing what you love with dear ones. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Stay close to home for a couple of days. Get into interior decoration and style. Plan a project, and put together a budget before you shop. Household matters need attention. A little color goes a long way. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — You're extra brilliant for the next two days. Dig deeper into a favorite subject. You feel like you're emerging from a cocoon. Talk about a transformation you're experiencing. Share it with someone who could benefit. Teach what you're learning.
MCT
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4 | Kentucky Kernel | 1.26.15
OPINIONS
Fact checking Obama’s State of the Union Address MATT YOUNG Kernel Columnist
“Over the past five years, our businesses have created more than 11 million new jobs.” True, but President Barack Obama is again trying to create an image of a vibrant economy that doesn’t exist. Improving, yes, but it is not a cause for celebration as the State of the Union made it
out to be. 11 million new jobs since 2010 is correct, but does not measure the jobs lost, mostly in the public sector. Since Obama became president, the total gain in jobs is about 6.4 million — still a good number, but to get to 11 million the data has to be cherry picked. “Our manufacturers have added almost 800,000 new jobs.” Mostly false. The image President Obama is trying to create here is that manufacturing is booming, an industry Americans should be proud of once again.
In reality manufacturing is far from the strongest it has ever been; it isn’t even back to pre-recession levels. Yes, about 775,000 manufacturing jobs have been added, but they are certainly not “new.” Millions of manufacturing jobs were lost during the recession and even after adding 775,000 there are still about 1.8 million less manufacturing jobs in the U.S. now compared to January 2007, just before the financial crisis boiled over. “Our deficits cut by twothirds.” True. Thanks to a
combination of sequester cuts and tax increases our deficits have fallen from over $1.4 trillion to $514 billion. In GDP terms it fell from about 10 percent to about three, and is expected to be 2.6 in 2015. However, as more baby boomers retire and draw benefits, the long term projections are a steady growth in deficit. “That’s why this Congress still needs to pass a law that makes sure a woman is paid the same as a man for doing the same work.” False. Federal wage laws already
prohibit wage discrimination on the basis of sex. President Obama has even admitted that women typically work in lower paying jobs than men do. Women largely do receive equal pay for equal work. Much of the reason the average pay for women is lower is not due to discrimination, but to their lifestyle choices/obligations. After lifestyles such as hours worked and motherhood are factored in, the gender pay gap is almost nonexistent. Moreover, women now control 60 percent of wealth in
the U.S., and almost all income growth in our generation has gone to women. “Today, our younger students have earned the highest math and reading scores on record. Our high school graduation rate has hit an all-time high. And more Americans finish college than ever before.” True. While the U.S. still lags behind some other major developed countries in these categories, there is no doubt we are improving. Matt Young is a political science and journalism senior.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
UK instructors need diversity
UK invites students to “See Diversity,” a play on words, aligned with the popular “See Blue” rhetoric. And as I look around the classroom, I begin to see a vibrant student population of all races, creeds, religions, cultures and sexualities. I see a university that is attempting to mold an environment that provides ample opportunity for students to learn and mature through each other. We should be appreciative of this diversified student body – and the interactions that organically occur as a result – as it mimics life after graduation. But when I look toward the front of the classroom, where the pillar of education stands and teaches, I struggle to see diversity. In fact, within my four years as a UK student, only five of my educators have been non-white. Now, recognize that three of those five instructors were
Hispanic teaching Spanish courses, and it becomes evident that the instructors at this university – those who guide our increasingly pricey education – fail to emulate diversity. If quality of education still resides as the main priority, how do we neglect the obvious advantages of diversity? A diverse faculty would benefit minority students by generating greater engagement in the classroom, provide necessary role models, and often times a sense of belonging. Minority students find security knowing the leader of their classroom understands their culture. More importantly, advantages of a diverse faculty are not limited to only minority students. Research shows that a diverse faculty benefits students of all backgrounds. A report by the National Education Association in 2014 declares, “a teaching force that represents the nation’s racial, ethnic, and linguistic cultures and effectively incor-
porates this background and knowledge to enhance students’ academic achievement is advantageous to the academic performance of students of all backgrounds.” A diverse faculty spontaneously promotes diverse teaching methods and approaches toward educational content, likely improving the overall educational welfare for all students. I love being a Wildcat and I am continually astonished by our improvements as an institution. However, the university could make greater efforts in fostering a faculty that more so mirrors its student population. It’s our responsibility, as students, to call for progressive change within our university. In honor of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Shane Fowler is a communications senior.
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