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WEDNESDAY | 10.24.2012 MaceandCROWN.COM | Vol. 55, Issue 8

INSIDETHEMACE

a&e

“Temporary Insanity” at the Chrysler Museum of Art By: Allison Terres Staff Writer Mace & Crown

Running, stomping and shouting are usually not allowed in the Chrysler Museum of Art, but it is exactly what artist Pinaree Sanpitak wants you to do in her visiting artist series. Sanpitak’s “Temporary Insanity” installation entices visitors of every age to interact with her multimedia exhibit, which responds to sound and motion. continued on B1

sports

Igniting a Bonfire By: Ben Decowski Sports Editor Mace & Crown

In the 2010 and 2011 football seasons at Old Dominion University, everyone who followed the team knew who defensive tackle Ronnie Cameron was. He was the face of the Monarchs defense and his play showed it, finishing second in total tackles both years with 72 and 73 respectively. After graduating with an MBA in Information Technology following the 2011 season, Cameron has taken his talents to the National Football League and joined the Cleveland Browns practice squad. continued on C2

opinions

Press Select: Xcom By: Steven Knauer Staff Writer Mace & Crown

Brought to us by the well-known strategy game developers Firaxis, “Xcom: Enemy Unknown” did exactly what it set out to do when it launched on Oct. 9. As a return of a cult-classic series made in the early ‘90s by MicroProse, “Xcom: EU” had an avid fan-base following and analyzing its every move. continued on D1

Congressional Debate at ODU By: Derek Page News Editor Mace & Crown Virginia congressional candidates of the second and third districts took part in a debate at Old Dominion University, Oct. 18, in the Mills Godwin building. Participating democrats were Paul Hirschbiel and Congressman Robert “Bobby” Scott of the second and third districts, respectively. The participating republican candidate was Dean Longo of the third district. Congressman Scott Rigell, republican for the second district, was absent from the debate. Representative Ron Villanueva of the twenty-first district attended on his behalf. Moderating the debate was Dr. Jesse Richman, associate professor in the department of political science and geography. The candidates were given two minute response times on topics such as student loans and tuition rates, the economic future of the local community and the state of Virginia, women’s rights and issues, and LGBTQ rights. The majority of the debate focused on the state and local economy, job creation, energy independence and balancing the deficit. The candidates were allowed to make opening statements. Hirschbiel began and said he decided to run for congress because “congress is broken.” He spent 15 months travelling around Hampton Roads on a “listening tour” and said that people in all parties are “tired of the partisanship.” Hirschbiel said congress is in gridlock and is the “least productive congress in over 70 years.” “We need a congress that focuses on jobs and the economy, not radical agendas. As a lifelong businessman, that’s what I’ve done,” he said. Hirschbiel strongly believes education is the key to a driving a strong economy. He claimed, since 1980 there has been a 260 percent increase in tuition and fees for public colleges and universities. “We need to do a better job of keeping college affordable and accessible to everyone who wishes to attend,” Hirschbiel said. He said more focus needs to be placed on creating jobs by growing small businesses, balancing the budget, and getting veterans back to work. “These are big challenges, but I’m more confident than ever, that if we can put aside our partisan dif-

ferences, get to work tackling these challenges, we can ensure that our country remains the greatest nation on earth,” Hirschbiel said. Representative Villanueva, an ODU alumnus, delivered his opening statements on behalf of Congressman Scott Rigell, albeit speaking more to Rigell’s character than his interests. “From day one, Scott has worked on behalf of this district tirelessly,” Villanueva said. He said the delegation has provided “great government coordination as a team” and that “everything Paul [Hirschbiel] is talking about, from day one, Scott’s [Rigell] has been doing.” Showing his pride for his friend and fellow politician, Villanueva said Rigell “is a great leader. He’s shown great bipartisanship on both sides of the aisle. He’s worked without local delegation, our state delegation, and both our senators with regards to protecting the interests of the second district.” Longo began his statement by acknowledging the students, asserting that they are the future. “In this room is unlimited opportunity. You may go on to be world class doctors, famous lawyers, or renowned scientists, or entrepreneurs who start highly successful businesses,” Longo said, “or, if you’re in the bottom of your class, you may actually go into poli-

tics and run for congressman,” he joked. He said regardless of the paths student’s take in life, they are “the seed of this country’s future,” and that the strength of the country is defined by them. Longo made note of the founding fathers and their principles revolving around limited government, focused on power of the people rather than the elite. “Everything we do in government must protect those tenets so we can continue to be great, but lately things have eroded, and big government, focused on Washington, with mandates and programs, and huge debt, threatens all of that. Our country is suffering from all of that,” Longo said. Congressman Scott followed Longo with his statement, wasting no time getting to his opinion on what the important issues are. His recognized the impact of the proposed sequestration, cuts to defense, education and issues involving employment, criminal justice and other civil rights, as well as the unbalanced budget. He quickly chastised republican criticisms and complaints revolving around the state of the union. “It’s not enough just to complain or say how bad things are. You have to come up with tangible, workable solutions,” Scott said.

He referenced the Republican Party’s ill sentiments toward the president’s “watering down” of work requirements for welfare recipients. “When you look at it, not only did he not do that, the republicans did on three occasions during the Bush administration. Once, with the written endorsement of the governor from Massachusetts, Mitt Romney,” Scott said. He is also defending his record regarding Longo’s accusation that the number of bills he has introduced, and have thus been signed into law, suggests he is unqualified to continue in congress. Scott said this was done without recognizing that he has had more bills signed into law than the republican vice presidential nominee, Paul Ryan. “We have tough choices to make. Complaints and vague generalities won’t make it. I look forward to discussion of specific solutions to these problems,” Scott said. The debate lasted a little over an hour with an estimated 100150 people in attendance. It was cosponsored by the ODU Young Democrats, College Republicans, ODU Women’s Center, Pre-Law Association, Philosophy Club, SGA, and NAACP. Congressional elections will be held concurrently with the presidential elections on Nov. 6.