Volume 32, Issue 16 April 26,1996
South wordS
Maine South H.S. Park Ridge, IL
Marlin sizzles with Heat Wave by Jenny Jemc On April 19,20 and 21, Marhn Swim Club presented its 32nd annual synchronized swim show, entitiled Heat Wave. Tliis year's show included 14 well-choreographed acts, all in the works since the beginning of September. The team presented "Shape Shifting," an act that received the highest honor possible at last year's international aquatic art festival held in Highland Park. Returning members dazzled audiences with lead performances, including solo numbers from Aimee Kiefer and Jenny Jemc. Duets were also performed by Kiefer and Jemc as well as pairs Christy Rea and Anna Kerber.and Karoline Salvador and Amy Goodwin. Linda Riordan, a Maine South alumnus,retumed to swim a solo number, en(Marlin continued on page 6)
'Heat Wave" duets. Back row: Aimee Kiefer, Christy Rea, Anna Kerber. Front Row: Amj ioodwin. Karoline Salvador. Jennv Jemc. Photo courtesy of Marlin Swim Club
Congressman Hyde visits A.P. Hawi<s by Kara Wipf On April 10, IlHnois Congressman Henry Hyde visited Mr. Feichter's eighth period A.P. Government class in hopes of helping to prepare the Constitution Team for the National Constitution Competition, which takes place April 27-29 in Washington, D.C.. Congressman Hyde helped the team by answering students' questions about his job, new legislation and his own policies. Congressman Hyde, who is in his 70's, resides in both Woodbridge, IL and Virginia, and is currently serving his 11th term (22nd year) in the House of Representatives. He serves as the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, a very influential position in Congress. Hyde recognized three aspects of being a member of Congress: legislative duties such as initiating bills; constituent services, providing for the 600,000 people in his district; and politics, campaigning for an election every two years. Hyde, who "love[s] to work," says that "always campaigning" leaves him "tired, but never bored." During his visit to room A207, Hyde expressed his own opinions on many current issues in government. However, he recog-
nized that other people may have different beliefs, and said, "If you have an opinion, be able to back it up." When asked about the ideas behind the "Rehgious Equality" Amendment he sponsored in the House, Hyde replied, "It is my belief that government ought to be religiously neutral, not violently hostile to religion." He continued, "My own belief is that [Americans] need a little moral guidance." The amendment would prevent a government body from denying benefits or discriminating on the basis of rehgion. It would also allow the government to fund religious schools and activities, without preference to any one religion. Hyde also spoke of the Anti-Terrorism Bill which he sponsored. "In this country, we have hved a charmed hfe, [but] terrorism is a real thing," Hyde stated. He feels that it should be against the law for terrorist groups to raise money in this country, "because that money goes to kill people," and that "the FBI needs to have the authority to tap [each phone a criminal is using.]" Among other things, the bill would prevent members of designated terrorist groups from entering the country, increase the authorization of wire-tapping, and limit federal appeals by Death Row inmates and
other prisoners. Hyde's repsonse to a question regarding the quite-controversial affirmative action issue was that, "[Affirmative action] is a constitutional question. It should be left up to the legislature, but the ultimate decision will be left to the Supreme Court...and they are pretty unpredictable." The Congressman was also asked for his ideas on U.S. intervention in Bosnia. Hyde responded, "I'd like us to get out. I don't see an end to [the fighting]...[but] on the other end, how do you close your eyes to ethnic cleansing?" The Constitution Team members found Congressman Hyde's visit to be very helpful. Team member Chris Kiepura stated, "I thought it was great how Congressman Hyde took time out of his schedule to come visit us. I think it meant a lot to all of us." Hyde brought new perspectives on politics to the team, as well as shared information from an experienced wealth of knowledge which should prove helpful as the team flies to Washington, D.C. today for Nationals. Hyde left the class with the idea that, "Some problems can't be solved by the government. [We] can't change people's hearts."