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5 Discusses Malcolm X
by Matt Wilk Before a crowd of approximately 150 people in Rackham Assembly Hall, the Center for Afro-American and African Studies (CAAS) last Friday held a roundtable discuS8ion on the film Malcolm X. The panel featured seven speakers who gathered to discuss both Malcolm X the film and Malcolm X the man, and for anyone with enough patience to sift through the radical rhetoric that characterized the discussion, the panel brought to light an interesting conflict between those who believe that the film should be celebrated, and those who think otherWise. Craig Watkins, a U-M graduate in sociology who served as moderator, guided the panel by outlining discussion themes which included the organization of a "narrative" on the film, an analYSis of production aspects of the film, a debate over the commodification of Malcolm X, and a re-thinkingof who X really was. Although not all of the speakers limited their remarks to these topics, they did present two schools of thought about th e movie. While some felt that Malcolm X, in order to be considered historical, should be criticized in the same manner that other movies are criticized, others felt it should be praised unquestionably as a triumph of black ,culture. The first speaker, Robert Chrisman, a lecturer in both the English Department and CAAS at the U-M, began his diatribe by proclaiming the movie a "remarkable achievement." He also noted
revolutionary. Though he asserted that both Malcolm and Guevara "died in the full splendor of revolution," he failed to detail how and when their respective "revolutions" took place. Such ambiguity detracted路 from what could have been a fascinating analogy . Laurita Kaigler, the second speaker, possessed perhaps the greatest potential to add substantial insight to the discussion of the film, since she had served as an intern for Forty Acres and a Mule Productions (Spike Lee's film company) during the filming of Malcolm X. She began by commending Lee's ability to motivate and manage the thousands of people who worked on the film, and later offered her insight into the trouble that
On reflection, one might question whether the film's $40 million budget could have been put toward more beneficial ends. Such a sum certainly could fund vast amounts of vocational training and numerous scholarships for minorities with limited access to educational resources.
Lee encountered in obtaining sufficient funding to produce the film. During the filming of Malcolm X, she explained, Lee found it difficult to secure the $40 million necessary to cover his production costs. After exhausting his allowance from Warner Brothers, he approached and received fund s from a bond company, but that alone was not sufficient to cover the remainder of his costs. As a result, Lee was forced to dip into his ow npo cket. When it ~-----,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,," becameevi-
Duchess Harris felt that Lee may have whitewashed the negativity of Malcolm's misogyny through a less-than-verist cinematic portrayal.
that the film seemed to possess a Christian sub-text, although in terms of religious content, it dealt with Malcolm's conversion to Islam. Chrisman then began a tangential explanation of the assertion that Malcolm was a "brother in revolution~' to Che Guevara, a Latin American communist
whether the film' s $40 million budget reasoned argument. In between these could have been put toward more benblurbs of radicalism, however, Kelley eficial end s. Such a sum certainly could brought to light an important concern fund vast amounts of vocational training about the movie - that Lee did not exand numerous scholarships for minoripose the whole Malcolm for public view. ties with limited access to educational Asserting that the movie should be resources. Investing money in such propraised, not nitpicked, Jaarni Mohammed grams rather than a movie might have opposed Harris and Kelley. After startbeen a more cretain, not to mention more ing his speech with praises of Allah, palpable means of achieving Lee's apMohammed commended Lee for makparently ultimate ends. ing the movie. In the next 15 minutes, James Chaffers, a U-M professor in Mohammed raised both his voice and CAAS and Architecture, spoke next. Althe intensity of his criticism of those who though he appeared to have some diffiattack either the movie or its mclker. culty articulating his thoughts, Chaffers_. ..-- '-- The roundtable discussion as a whole made it clear through his effuse praise of was poorly managed. Speakers had to Lee that he had been inspired by the film. stand and voice their comments loudly He ended his speech with the assertion for lack of microphones, and at one po,int that "being a radical means to be at the the discussion had to be stopped so people heart or essence of things," a sentiment who arrived late' could find places to stand. . The discussion itself was not as free . and open as Watkins had hoped, either. Although the serrunar was intended to develop into an active discussion with the audience, the' few qu estions asked were factual in nature and did not spark any debate. Despite these deficiencies, however, the panel did manage to provided an interesting analysis 'of the Malcolm X phenomenon. he did not bother to explain. Duchess Harris, a graduate student Matt Wilk is a junior in political science who is devoting her di ssertation to a and a staff writer for the Review. comparison between Malcolm X and Alex Haley's Autobiography of Malcolm X, began her criticism of the film by noting its deletion and/ or alteration of some of the female characters in the book. She felt that Lee may have white-washed the negativity of Malcolm's misogyny through a less-than-verist cinematic portrayal. Neither Harris nor her fellow panelists, however, addressed the criticism that some of Malcolm's comments and ideas - both those presented in the movie and those which Lee chose to omit may be construed as racist or anti-Semitic. The discussion took on a decidedly propagandistic tone when U-M CAAS Professor Robin Kelley spoke. Kelley mixed legitimate questions about the movie with questionable allegations that I capitalism, wage labor, and democracy I . are undesirable, none of which he apparently found necessary to support with I t ..
dent that even personal funding would not suffice, he solicited funding from wealthy members of the entertainment community, including Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan and Bill Cosby, and was finally able to obtain the required financial backing. On reflection, one might question
New Music Guide Gov't Gridlock Bauhaus Reunion? 7 I Crusty's Comer 8
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THE MICHIGAN REVIEW
2
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Serpent's Tootli -,' "One thing I've learned as a university president is my political views tend to take a sort of chameleon-tone," U-M President James J. Duderstadt recently remarked. What a coincidence! Bill Clinton is discovering the same thing! Anyone interested in establishing an organization called CHAP AC (Constitutional Harassment Awareness, Prevention, and Advisory Center)? We could militantly decry the blatant disregard for our constitutional rights demonstrated by Vice President for Student Services Maureen Hartford and six of the regents. But then again, this is the U-M. They would probably pander to us by creating a new office, like the Dean of Students Harassed by Irreverence for Truth. Here's a ponderous question: Once students are prosecuted under the Statement of Student Rights and ResponSibilities, and after they crush the U-M in court, can we call them "survivors" of Constitutional Harassment? If we had CHAPAC, we probably could. And we could also have a "Take Back the Bill of Rights" march across campus, too. And Regents Deane Baker and Veronica Latta Smith could be keynote speakers for the kickoff of Constitutional Harassment Week ...
owner of Slutco. You decide. Madonna added that Bush is a "bigoted, narrowminded fascist." The U-M obviously taught her well. Media harlot Magic Johnson is trying to sell his $6 million Beverly Hills home in order to buy anew one. According to his real estate broker, Barbara Robinson, "He just needs a little more space, bedroomwise." Silly us. We thought he already learned his lesson. Who says Democrats love government red tape? We've just been told that Slick Willie has already reduced the Internal Revenue Service's Form 1040 for income taxes to two steps. First, write in how much money you made last year. Then all you have to do is send it all in. Question: What do military-loathing liberals do when the military is used for a beneficent purpose like helping to feed the starving people of Somalia? Options: A) They pull a Clinton; B) They
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MICIDGAN REVIEW play dumb; C) They claim there never would be starving P 'ople in Somalia if it weren't for Rea&an; D) They neglect to answer the question altogether; or E) All of the above. Top ten "sound" liberal arguments: 10 Everything is relative, unless it bothers me, in which case it should be banned. 9 That's so callous! This is about people, not money. 8 That isn't fair. Don't blame the victim. 7 You're examining the problem from an overly-academic perspective. 6 You're not qualified to comment. . You're a part of the power structure. S Can't you reactionaries think of anything else to talk about? 4 You have no right to be upset over (program.in question) since society has an obligation to help (group in question). 3 You conservatives just don't get it. 2 Cmon. It just seems right! 1 You are racist, sexist, homophobic,... ' 路'-'路
wc:;:~
The Campus Affairs Journal
of the University of Michigan
We are the Establishment Editor-in-Chief
Adam DeVore
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Movie star Michael "My .ability to act is almost as good as my ability to reason" Douglas was quoted in USA Today as saying, i') personally take offense at the Republican approach of 'family values."' Now that's sage wisd<,mif ever there was such.a thing. We just can't get enough of such morally inspiring lilms as Basic Instinct and Fatal Attracticm.
Editors Emeriti
Speaking of Hollywood Hypocrisy, Madonna, perhaps America's poorest excuse for an entertainer, was also quoted in USA Today with her usual eloquence: "George Bush doesn't give a s- about family values." Let's compare the two, shall we? George Bush: father of four, married, and a man who even some liberals claim is "a nice guy." Madonna: no children, divorced, author of Sex, and
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Brian Jendryka John 1. Miller
The Michigan Review is an independent, student-run journal at the University of Michigan. We neither solicit nor accept any donations from the University of Michigan. Contributions to the MicJlIgan Review are tax-deductible under Section SOl(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Review is not affiliated with any political party. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of .the editorial board. Signed articles represent the opinions of the author and not necessarily those of the Review. We welcome letters and articles and encourage comments about the journal and issues discussed in il
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After exactly 300 days, Forrest Green 01 has responded to Forrest Watch. In tbe January 6,1993, issue of the Michigan Review, he wiD explain that he thinks tbe Review is a white supremacist publication.
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December 9,1992
THE MICHIGAN REVIEW
3
Roving 'Photographer If You Were God, What's the First Thing that You Would Do? by Eric Lepard
Nahru, Diag bongo player: Create a panel of chief pundits to help me decide what to do first.
David Shayne, citizen at large: Abdicate.
Jessica Guzinski, Ann Arbor resident: Start over.
Augie Walker, LSA junior: I'd find the perfect pair of pants.
Capitalism ··Rules
Mary Begg and Heidi Willis, LSA juniors: We'd make the national slogan: "Delta Delta Delta, can 1 help ya' help '/a' help ya'?" ,
At the Michigan Review, we are looking for a few good business minds. The Review is in the process of expanding its business department, and we need some ardent adherents of capitalism to help make the expansion complete. Experience is preferred, but not necessary. Promotional possibilities are certain, and the opportunities for practical business experience are endless. Call today, and fmd out what you can do for the
Peter Hannah, LSA senior: Pass out of my Spanish requirement.
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December 9, 1992
THE MICHIGAN REVIEW
4
From Suite One: Editorial
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U-M Code Invites Litigation Some members of the University of Michigan community will remember Novemstrongest criticisms were ignored. Now one frequently hears predictions as to how the code will be (ab)used. Perhaps the most unsettling prognostication is that, as Professor ber 19 as the day that six of eight U-M regents invit"d students to take the University of Philosophy Carl Cohen wrote in a letter to Provost Gilbert Whitaker (which was to court for violating students' constitutional rightS. It was on that day that U-M copied to Duderstadt, members of the Board of Regents and others and which President James Duderstadt's long-standing goal of having the regents adopt a code of non-academic conduct for students was finally realized. appeared in the University Record), 1I[I]f we seek to hold those who are charged with 'discriminatory harassment' punishable for such 'verbal conduct,' we will again be The Statement of Student Rights and ResponSibilities is not, however, Duderstadt's first attempt at instituting a code. In 1988, Duderstadt implemented the Policy on forced to defend ourselves in the federal courts, and we will lose again in those courts, Discrimination and DiSCriminatory Harassment by Students in the University Envicasting ourselves in the role of suppressors .... Our good intentions do not justify ronment.In 1989, the policy was ruled unconstitutional after a student brought the policy that we have been told, and that we ought to know, is not permitted in this University to court, arguing that his First Amendment rights were threatened by the country. Do not doubt that we will be sued; and do not doubt that - even if we win that suit, and manage to escape another shameful scolding - our reputation as a policy. The U-M subsequently adopted the Interim Policy on Discriminatory Conduct. After nearly three years without any administrative re-examination of this stronghold of open debate and free discourse will have suffered irreparable damage." Similarly, Professor Tom Croxton of the School of Social Work wrote a letter to the policy, it, too, was determined to be unconstitutional following the Supreme Court's recent ruling in R.A. V. v. St. Paul. Daily expressing his concern over the code and stated that it still has problems in virtue The new code takes effect on January 1, 1993, for a trial period of one year. It of which it lIinvites litigation." In their letters, both Cohen and Croxton cited as subjects students' conduct to University sanctions, regardless of whether that conduct probable sources of litigation the same inadequacies of the code which students have occurs on or off campus and despite the fact that the behaviors in question can be dealt consistently criticized. with under extant laws. The code also effectively bypasses Regental Bylaw 2.01, which Fortunately for students, the American Civil Liberties Union's (ACLU) has also grants Duderstadt unlimited authority to secure lithe maintenance of health, dilispoken on the matter. In a statement which Ann Arbor attorney Jean King presented gence, and order among the students./I to the regents, she warned that "The Washtenaw [County branch of the] ACLU will Controversy has surrounded the code since August, when Vice President for be interested in talking to any student who is required to go through this process or Student Affairs Maureen Hartford (personally deSignated by Duderstadt to oversee who is disciplined after this process is applied to him or her. We will take seriously any the drafting of a code) mailed an early draft of the Statement to the permanent request for representation from such a student who wishes to sue to negate the results addresses of all students at a cost to the University of over $20,000. Throughout her of any hearing under this Code, to seek reimbursement for damages done to an prCH:ode campaign, Hartford has made dubious claims about the code's necessity for academic career, and to seek reimbursement of expenses incurred." compliance with federal regulations; in reality, only a minimal policy is required by Hartford has said that she believes that the code will be used properly. If Hartford law. Federal regulations plainly mandate a policy which deals with drug and alcohol is correct, then, considering the U-M's track record with non-academic codes of use, but it is unclear that universities' poliCies even need to address - much less conduct, and given that there are students who are not only willing, but in fact eager provide sanctions for - any other conduct; the legislation is ambiguous. to challenge the code in court, it will probably only be a matter of time before the Since being assigned the difficult task of guiding the code's development while University is once again called to court, once again exposed as caring more about presenting herself as a student-friendly administrator, Hartford has consistently appearance than substance, and once again publicly embarrassed - and all at great shown at least superfiCial interest in student input on the Statement - at times even cost to students and Michigan taxpayers. asserting that she was simply reThe regents, however, do have sponding to students' desire for at least one more chance to avoid such a code. Students responded to the costly endeavor of hiring a bigNt.X/l C.J'6G.::' UN \\)""-(25 11'-. DES?C[E T\-\E R\C\ the proposed code rather critically, name Detroit law firm to defend COfV'ÂŤ\ll rT\{ Vs. Th E l1-1.fnNDN-E 6f\.loUR.. and frequently offered suggestions the University against charges that UI-t\1"SD 2,T(.\\w. AM' Wrnv;;;;")~s. f\r;<!C. for improving it. Students attended a student's rights have been vioREJI\Bv".&:R) T HG S EPKE58\tl) \}.:::,G. t=)ND and spoke at public comment seslated. At the regents' last meeting, lAN l{ ER5 H: P-Mf2 sions; they completed and returned Regent Deane Baker (R-Ann Ar\(CU RE-1\u--~ 6u1~. 16BE WlE:~. questionnaires which accompanied bor) proposed 15 changes to the the A\lg~st mailing; the Michigan code including alterations which Student Assembly (MSA) voted on would clarify the Statement's lanthe Statement; both MSA parties, as guage, protect students' First well as independent candidates, Amendment rights, prOvide greater ) ./ adopted positions on it; MSA held a due process guarantees to those referendum in which students voted accused under the code's provion it; individual students and stusions, and eliminate punishment dent groups met with Hartford and for off-campus conduct. other members of the administraThe Statement is as arbitrary in tion to discuss it; MSA representaits specification of punishable actives and other students came fortions as it will be dangerous in its ward to work with the administraapplication. Ideally, therefore, the tion to improve it; the Michigan Reregents should reverse their Noview and the Michigan Daily editorivember vote to implement the code alized on it; and students addressed at this month's meeting. Alternatheir concerns to the regents during tively, they would do well to rethe public comments session of their consider Baker's suggestions, as November meeting. Through it all, well as those already proposed by students overwhelmingly came out students, if they hope to avoid ex<~\j:0\CI~L ~?-5) against the code in principle and in pensive litigation. If the regents do practice. u... otherwise, then it is not only stuOVÂŁR @ 6 I LUC1\.') (,0~Nd.....\{ ~'S8::'Isn~:r> 1'\\Q4:~~(9.>J As the semester progressed, dents' right, but also their respon"r2-. however, many of the students' sibility, to accept the ACLU's offer.
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5
THE MICHIGAN REVIEW
Book Review If
New Music Guide: Truly Comprehensive AII-Music GuideThe Best CDs, Albums & Tapes Michael Erlewlne and Scott Bultman, editors Miller Freeman, Inc. Softcover, 1,178 pages $19.95 by TS Taylor This past summer, LSA sophomores and cousins lotis and Tom Erlewine buried themselves in the extensive project of compiling an electronic database and book of musical recording reviews. The project was conceived by th e book's editors, Michael Erlewine, Iotis' father and a former U-M student, and Scott Bultman, a 1988 graduate of the U-M. The resu lt oftheir efforts is the AllMusic Guide - The 8esi CDs, Albums & Tapes and an even more extensive CORaM electronic database which will be available in about six months. lotis says th at she "lived the book th is summer," and that during prod uction, th ey receiv ed "full consideration from the pi zza d elivery peo ple." Tom, a OJ at WCBN-FM and the as.',istant editor of the Gllidc, worked around the clock more times than he cares to count and said that he "started \~' ith just a few artists to review, and then the project grew ." The Gllide is a se lf-described "o ngoing database project, the largest collection of s ubstantive album reviews ever assembled." In creating th e book, Michael Erlewine wanted to bridge the gap between bookstores, where customers can peruse the pages of books which interest them, and record stores, where would-be buyers can only base their judgments on an album's cover. "I made this book because I needed it," Erlewine said. first in line to use it. I'd wasted too much money on lousy CDs."
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Just a year ago, Erlewine decided to assemble professional reviewers, musicians and critics and, through their knowledge and consensus, to produce a music purchasing guide. The result is a compilation of material written and edited specifically for the book by over eighty professional reviewers, writers, critics and musicians. Erlewine and Bultman felt confident that a collection of high quality music reviews would help steer consumers in the right directions and identify landmark recordings and artists who define musical genres. "It helps people who don't know ... but want to buy something important, safely," Bultman explained . "We recommend at least one album [from each artist listed] to start." The Guide divides music into 26 major categories, among them Christmas music, jazz, classical, rock/ pop / soul, children's music, soundtracks and cast recordings, world music, blues, country and western, 20t h century avant-gard e, folk, contemporary in strumental, gospel, reggae, and vocals. "We put in as much as the publisher . would let u s print" for $19.95, said Erlewi ne, "and that was tough to do." The first draft of the guide ran over 1,800 pages, but was trimmed to nearly 1,200. "They had to squeeze to make it for thi s price," he said. While creating a guide to all music may seem an impossible task, a brief look at the index reveals the impressive scope covered by the Guide. The index's 37 pages of tripl~olumn listings cover over 7,500 recording artists and over 23,000 albums, including the background music used for cable's weather channel. ~oncise artist biographies, album notes, record reviews, and notes identifying landmark works and "first buy" recommendations all enhance the Guide's utility. Historical "maps" show
the growth and directions of various musical genres. Also included are the editors' Desert Island picks. Many such guides might be criticized for presenting dated inforr"ation, but Erlewine and Bultman have included reviews of recordings from the time of the first LP through those appearing as recently as August. In cases where there has been a CD re-release of a recording which first appeared in the old 78 or 10inch format, the orginal recording is also included . The guide is geographically wellbalanced as well with music from around th e world, including s trong representation of Ann Arbor. The U-M's home town also gels mention in the book's first d edication, to "The spirit of th e '60s and the music scene in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at that time." The book may be enough to keep many music fans busy for quite a while, but for those who crave even more, the upcoming CD-ROM version will also
have the capacity to track individual artists' development and influence. The CD-ROM database can contain 55 times the amount of information that the printed Guide can, according to Erlewine. Those interested in picking up a copy for themselves or as a Christmas gift may also be interested in the $125 worth of coupons at the end of the book, which can be used toward the purchase of albums or CDs. lotis and Tom will join Mi<:hael G. Nastos, a WEMU-FM OJ; Cub Koda, the Guide's jazz editor and leader of th 2 70s rock group Brownsville Station; Peter Meyer, the classical import buyer for Schoolkids'; and George Bedard, one of the Guide's rock editors for a book signing of the Guide at Schoolkids' Records from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
TS Taylor is a computer consultant and math tutor/teacher and a staff writer for the Review.
"THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF SUBSTANTIVE ALBUM REVIEWS EVER ASSEMBLED"
The All-Music Guide The Best CDs, Albums & Tapes -$125 worth of coupons redeemable at Schoolkids' Records and SKR Classical -SO different reviewers cover 26 major categories of music, 7,500 recording artists, & 23,000 albums -Contains artist biographies, album notes, & reviews SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12,2 TO 5 PM BOOK SIGNING WITH THE AUTHORS AT SCHOOLKIDS' RECORDS - 521 E. LIBERTY: Peter Meyer - Classical import buyer for Schoolkids' Records' Iotis and Tom Erlewine - U-M Sophomores Micheal G. Nastos - WEMU-FM I;>J Cub Koda - Formerly of Brownsville Station George Bedard - Rock editor for the All-Music Guide
Become a part of the establishment. The Michigan Review announces its first mass meeting
Availible It:
for Winter Term 1993, to be held on January 10,1993, at 7 p.m. on the third floor of the Michigan League. All are invited to attend. Mark your calendars now!
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THE MICHIGAN REVIEW
6
Book Review
;;;,
December 9, 1992
'
Report Diagnoses Governmental Gridlock Grid/oak in Government: How to Break the Stagnation of America Roger E. Meiners and Roger LeRoy Miller Mackinac Center for Public PC'licy Softcover,147 pages $14.95 by Tracy Robinson This past November, American voters in approximately a dozen states, including Michigan, confused media pundits by voting to impose term limitations on state legislators and members of Congress, while overwhelmingly opting to return incumbent members of legislatures to office. The media, probably assuming that term limits would go down in defeat, scrambled to find political scientists who would declare that the action taken by the people was "undemocratic." If people want to get rid of their representatives, these experts said, they should vote to throw the bums out, and not demand that legislation do the dirty job for them. While the "experts" publicly scolded Americans for their confusing vote and loudly proclaimed that the new acts would be declared unconstitutional anyway, most AJnericansjust shook therr heads ' knowingly and wondered privately if the media would ever get the message . . Gridlock in Government justifies the recent actions undertaken by the people to wrestle control of the gQvernment away from career pOliticians and place it where it belongs - in the hands of the people. The report details many perfectly legal but ethically questionable actions taken by representatives in ocderto secure therr re-election, and it documents the ineqUities of a system 'which heavily favors ihrumbents. By relating America's recent economic stagnation with governmental. incompetence and ineffectiveness, the report makes a strong case in support of American voters' recent endorsement of term limitations as a means 'for citizens to regain control of their government. Gridlock, by Roger E. Miners and Roger LeRoy Miller, was prepared for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a Michigan-based think-tank which advocates free market economics. Meiners and Miller, both of whom have doctoral degrees in economics, point to gridlock in Congress, inspired by the vested interests which support lifetime politicians, as a primary cause of the nation's economic stagnation. They conclude that many of our nation's
economic problems are caused by the inability of self-serving politicians of both major parties to act in a way that is best for the country. The authors argue that after many years of hearing nothing but rhetoric from politiCians, the public was forced to do whatever it could to end Congressional gridlock on economic matters, such as taxes and the deficit. The most prudent solution to this country's problems was exactly the one Americans chose in the last election - to impose term limits on
Congress in order to make politicians more interested in therr constituents and less responsive to the prerogatives of special inter~st groups. In support of term limit legislation, the authors write that "we will either sort out the mess,we are in by the rough justice of democratic politics, or we will live in a slowly deteriorating nation." While the report does not contain any novel solutions to our political and economic problems, it covers issues relevant to the state of contemporary American poli~cs and economics in terms that readers who lack a substantial background in these topics will understand. The report explains the recent preSidential election by briefly analyzing the various policy suggestions made during the campaigns of George Bush, Bill Clinto1\ and Ross Perot. Gridlock also touches on the culture wars taking place between Hollywood . and mainstream AJnerica by addressing the Dan Quayle/Murphy Brown debate. Quayle is defended here with statistical evidence supporting a link between Single-motherhood and poverty. This example is only one of many effective uses of the up-to-date statistical data contained in Gridlock. As the report is intended to explain the economics of taxation and government spending poliCies to the uninformed reader, it may bore those familiar with the term limit debate or those who have a background in economics. The authors a.dvocate a supplY-Side
approach to repairing the U.s. economy sluggishness of our economic growth. which includes lower taxes to stimulate The au thors attack Keynes' investment and economic growth. Of recommended program of deficit similar importam:e, they note, is spending to stimulate the economy, and decreaSing government spending and they see through Clinton's stated cutting the bureaucracy to help lower the intention of government spending deficit and eliminate procedural red tape. increases with "new buzzwords like With statistics and comprehensible infrastructure used as justification." explanations, Meiners and Miller Meiners and Miller demonstrate that demonstrate that despite Bill Clinton's "only by investment in the private sector, contention to the contrary, it is simply a not by more spending on government myth that the "rich got richer and the consumption, can the economy have poor got poorer" during the 1980s. They sustained growth over time." also show that, despite the Democrats' The authors adequately defend the recent whining, the Reagan efficacy of term limits against their critics, administration did not decrease domestic but unfortunately their arguments for spending during the "decade of greed." term limits are not as strong as their In fact, there was a 4 percent increase in economic analysis. The economic issues are argued more strongly in part because governmental domes~c spending during Reagan's years in office (amounting to the authors do not embrace one idea as some $24 billion), and a voluminous 24 the comprehenSive solution to our percent increase during Bush's term as economic woes. president. In contrast, the authors generally For those yearning to learn more over-Simplify the effects that term limits about the arguments recently espoused will have on the political climate. For in defense of Ronald Reagan's presidency example, they write: "Term limits will and conservative economic policies;"......·~change the incentives of politicians and however, the book provides reassuring the structure of the American political evidence that the '80s were generally a system." They conclude that term limits good time to be an American. Gridlock "will force those who make laws to live under the laws they pass because they also details Congress' insatiable addiction to spending, the cycle of dependency will become ordinary citizens again" caused by welfare programs, the negative (since they cannot be re-elected effects of regulation, and most indefinitely.) These and other Similarly importantly, how these inisguided broad statements are not supported with government policies are perpetuated by compelling evidence, but rather psychovarious special interest groups from political reasoning of this effect; the which Congressmen receive immense authors could have better supported therr case by including some illustrative specifics from state legislatures or other IF lIoU EL£cr countries that have recently embarked ME. P-GA lI'--\ upon similar reforms. Perhaps Meiners l Iu.. '3U0'f6R1 and Miller encountered this difficulty ICRNt UM lT5. because the effectiveness of term limits cannot be proven with numbers. Whatever the ease, this brief report is written simply enough, and covers the debate over term funits in such a manner that, perhaps, it should be required reading for all journalists who were surprised by voters' angry reactions to Congress on November 3rd. If nothing 6.)L-u..~c..-..I else, it is revealing as a measure of the ~-------'--------~ nation's sentiment with regard to politics campaign contributions. and politicians. Meiners and Miller argue convincingly that until Congressmen end Tracy Robinson is a junior in political their obsession with being re-elected and science and a contrib1;lting editor of the stop continuously collecting money to Review. further that goat no substantial governmental reforms can occur. The authors contend that pork barrel politics wastes taxpayers' money, and speCial interest politicking contributes to the
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THE MICHIGAN REVIEW
7
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Bauhaus: Sum of Parts Greater than Whole Daniel Ash
upbeat, accessible ground. The albumopening "Here She Comes" even includes horns and soulful backing vocals. Any of these three songs might serve well as an • -
Foolish Thing Desire Beggars Banquet/Columbia David}. Urban Urbane MCARecords by The Son of Muncher Every year or two, fans of the gothpunk band Bauhaus hear the reunion rumor - that Daniel Ash, David J., Kevin Haskins, and Peter Murphy will come together for one more album, one more tour, or maybe even both. The truly faithful, however, will hope this is so much nonsense; Bauhaus diSintegrated ten years ago for a variety of pretty good reasons, not least among them the diverging musical directions in which its members have since headed. Besides, the last thing we need is an old-timer circuit for groups that reacted against the original old-timers. We also have a lot more music. The quartet's various incarnations - as Love and Rockets, Tones on Tail, Dalis Car, and soloists - have released close to 20 albums over the last decade. While the quality has varied dramatically compare Murphy's weak Holy Smoke with his sharp DeL'p, Lov e and Rockets' tepi d Seventh Dream ofTemage Heaven with the powerful retropunk of Eartiz, Sun, /Vl0011 - the result has produced material much better than what we could have expected from Bauhaus ad -nauseam , While Love and Rockets continues to take a surprisingly long break after, its commercially most successful, self-titled 1989 effort, two of its members, Ash and David J., have put out another pair of records on th ei r own, Both are worthwhile, but n ot without their .. problems. Ash's Faa/is!! Thing Desire occasionally sounds like the next Love and Rockets recording - "Bluebird," ''The Void," and the title cut all carry familiar quiet resting over a storm. Acoustic guitars and whispery vocals come to the fore in a Byrds-like dreamworld, but distant eruptions of guitar fuzz rage beneath . The songs at their best represent the clever integration of early Jesus and Mary Chain noiseworks with an ethereal post punk sensibility. Other numbers like "Get Out of Control" and "Roll On" aim for more
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David J. MTV hit and bring new fans into the fold. Ash once again proves that instrumentation, rather than lyriCS, is his strong point: the words to these and other songs are entirely unremarkable with their none-too-coy references to drug use !lnd sexuality. Foolish n ling Desire starkly contrasts with its much darker predecessor, Coming Down. Ash no longer broods over his divorce, a topic which dominated the last album, Instead, we get ten songs with a full and ri ch sound. Listen to Coming Down when you want to be alone and feel blu e; play Foolish TIling Desire at your nex t dressed-in-black party. Unlike Ash, David J. does not make too many changes on Urban Urbane; he mostly sticks to a formula that worked on 1990's Songs From Another Season. Th ese are minimalist recordings, featuring J.'s steady strumming, hushed vocals, and knack for storytelling. The modest flourishes of an organ, banjo, or digital sampling help fashion an atmosphere and round-<)Ut an otherwise bare-bones production. The album begins and ends weakly. The jazzy metroscape of "Some Big City" and cabaret swing of "A Man of Influential Taste" belong elsewhere, while the tired ''Bouquets, Wreaths, and Laurels" and the mundane "Pilgrims,
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Martyrs, and Saints" are textbook sleepers. In between, however, lies some clever songwriting. "Ten Little Beauty Queens" is an honestly chilling song which chronicles the deathly obsessions of perversity. Close your eyes and listen to how gasps of horror meld with percussion at the song's end as J. finishes his desperate countdown of disappearing beauty queens. "Smashed Princess" also shares this haunting quality, though slightly uplifted by some slippery fretwork. Peter Murphy joins in the chorus of "Candy on the Cross" - a tune which J. calls the nearest thing we'll ever have to a Bauhaus reunion. The result is a strangely
appealing blend of J. and Murphy's recent solo musical territory. "Space Cowboy". and ''Tinseltown'' (the latter featuring TBone Burnett on the 12-string guitar) are also good tracks. Chances are these records will come and go with little fanfare . Ash will not be touring. and J. is currently and unfortunately stuck in the nightclub warm-up slot for P.J. Harvey The next Love and Rockets album, which ought to garner more publicity than any other release from Bauhaus alumni, should be out in about a year. But that' s what we heard last year. And the year before that. No matter, Foolish TIling Desire and Urban Urbane should fill in nicely for the time being.
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The Son of Muncher hunts porcupines while wearing Birkenstocks.
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TI(E MICHIGAN REVIEW
8
December 9, 1992
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Crusty's Corner
Kemelions Seek to Make Hip....hop Undeniable Central Islip High School. At the time the two were feeding off the new records from Boogie Down Productions, Ultramagnetic MCs, and Public Enemy. "We dug the cutting edge stuff more than just what was popular," explains Poepan, who is now on the very same cutting edge as his mentors were in the mid-eighties. "We try to do different things without straying too far from our roots. What we are trying to get across is that we are a part of a true art form. Still, even though hip-hop has been around since the seventies, it is not accepted as a true form of music. Kemelions are trying to take the music to another level so the people cannot deny it." "Poe and Kinese can write in five different styles," explains Basement Arrangements producer Joe Scruggs. "They can take words and really bend them, and have them mean a lot of different ",things. Everybody can have their own .". , , interpretation, and people get to see all of Poepan (lejthuuI Kinese are Kemelions the colors that make up Kemelions, all of the versatility.f! It is this versatility, though, that alhave an EP available titled Basement Arways manages to scare labels away from rangements. breakthrough artists. If a group is too The EP's five tracks and many intereclectic it spells doom; labels seldom , hides are not fOf the closed-minded lisknow how to market such records, so tener: Kerhelions' music is quite far-out they shy away from a great deal of good and eclectic. The beats on "Purple Ormusic. anges" are tribal, almost industrial, while MAGI ONDA Y: Buy any pizza at regular price "The same thing that is happening to "Peek-A- Boo" thumps like an old EpMd us is happening to a lot of other artists," , number. "Peek-A-Pt. II" features quirky, and get a second for only $1.00! says Poe. "The record companies jump De LaBoul-like free style lyrics, while ESDA Y BLUESDA Y: Large for regular price of a small! on the dick at the last minute. They step "Liquid Dots of Kaos" is delivered with on the bandwagon once the shit's ala bold roughneck flavor. And there is \lVEDNESDA Y WINNER: Get a medium deep dish ready blown up. Kemelions is going to be . tons more: human beat boxes, mood or round with one topping for $3.99 (plus tax). there and we are going to be fat, but it music noise collages, and a display of ANYW AY THURSDA Y: Order any size pizza, any may be a matter of time before everycompetent microphone skills. body catches the wave because the record "We've been doing this for awhile," type. with any number of toppings for $8.99 (plus tax), company is dragging their feet." says Poepan, "and we used to get dissed FRIDA Y/SATURDA Y SPECIAL: A large oneby record companies because we were too different. They told us that the auditopping pizza is only $5.99 (plus tax). As rifle season for deer recently came to ences weren't going to understand us. S R SUNDA Y: Small I-topping pizza $2.99 (plus tax). a close and as Christmas looms before But now, after the success of De La Soul, us all, you should probably know that LA TE NIGHT SPECIAL: Any night after 10 p.m., Arrested Development, and A Tribe Crusty the Elder just poached Rudolf. Called Quest, I'm confident that people get a medium pizza with one topping and TWO servings of IIGot him square in his stupid red nose," will catch the wave and dig the project." Pepsi, Diet Pepsi or Mountain Dew for only $5.95 (plus tax). says Muncher, "and I didn't even have Poepan and his partner Kinese to spotlight him like I did Bambi." I11ral Camplls--546 PllckardIHill started doing basement parties and lunch room jams back .in 1986 at Long Island's
by Crusty Muncher the Elder
Record companies have been releasing rap albums by the truck-load as of late, and most of the music is just more of the same - played out loops and samples . and trendy rhyme styles. Unfortunately, most of the truly innovative records that hit the streets, Son of Bazerk's debut for example, end up going nowhere. Meanwhile Marky Mark's face turns up all over MTV, and his tunes pathetically become faves on hit radio. Any of you folks heard of great new hip-hop artists like Y'all So Stupid, Live Squad, and Kemelions? Probably not, for two reasons. First, MTV and most stations on the FM dial are as useless as a mesh condom. All we hear and see is formulated drivel - the same 5 tunes every day. The fresh put unsafe music receives little attention, Second, most record labels are equally spirieless, playing it safe by spending little money on acts that are ' far-out and experimental. Meanwhile, they funnel huge chunks of dough into
the weak, far-in, predictable stuff. Anyway, Y'aH So Stupid and Live
Squad have killer singles out and will drop full length albums soon; Kemelions
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