September 3rd issue of Southern Digest

NEWS

oil platform catches fire

SPORTS

VIEWPOINTS

Jags open 2010 season Sunday. pg. 6

Washington discusses conspiracies. pg. 7

one man’s conspiracy ...

the wait is over

No one killed; no oil leak. pg. 3

estABLished in 1928

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010

VOL. 56, ISSUE 4

Moves concern Trivedi

SU alum prepares for Challenge

Delpit hiring draws Faculty Senate president’s ire

by eVaN taylor diGeST STAFF wriTer

photo by aprIl bUFFINgtoN/dIgest FIle photo

by treVor James

Faculty Senate president Sudhir Trivedi questioned the hiring of F.G. clark professor of education Lisa delpit over the summer. delpit maintains she came to Su despite some telling her not to come.

diGeST STAFF wriTer

Some recent moves at Southern University raised concerns of students, faculty and staff.

But for Faculty Senate President, computer science professor Sudhir Trivedi, the moves have him concerned in the direction the university is heading.

“This man, (Chancellor Kofi Lomotey) and (Board of

Supervisors Chairman) Tony Clayton, three months ago they came up with an idea to increase the standards and it scared a lot of students from applying,” said Trivedi pointing at an article in a local newspaper. “You see this new telephone system, you cannot call anyone anywhere.

What kind of people would change the telephone system in the height of registration and

the enrollment?”

He accredits this reason and many more to the loss of student interest and government funding to the university.

“When we lose the students we lose the share of the money that we get from the state.” He continued, “What they have done defies all logic, it’s just not intelligent.”

Another area of concern

for Trivedi is the hiring of professor Lisa Delpit as the College of Education’s first F.G. Clark Professor of Education.

According to SU System documents, SUBR officials requested approving Delpit’s hiring in July, proposing a salary of $120 thousand.

See concern page 3

Students surprised about SU’s ranking by eVaN taylor diGeST STAFF wriTer

As the Southern University website is filled with the “SU is ranked among the best”, U.S. News and World Report ranks Southern University at No. 34 in a two-way tie with Grambling State University.

According to the U.S. News and World Report website, “The indicators we use to capture academic quality fall into a number of categories: assessment by Administrators at peer institutions, retention of students, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving.”

Southern received a score of 32 out of 100 with the highest weighted information missing from their profile, placing our university in the bottom of the first half of ranks.

Most data comes from colleges to ensure accuracy through surveying each college.

The percentages of full-time, part-time, female, and male undergraduate students seeking degrees, enrollment, and graduates were not available with retention counting for 25 percent of the rank.

“We obtain missing data from the American Association of University Professors, National Collegiate Athletic Association, Council for Aid in Education, and the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics,” said U.S. News and World Report’s website.

The data for Southern University’s Fall 2009 term is not available, and the Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research hasn’t published a SU Fact Book since Fall of 2008-Spring 2009.

These powerful ranks are available online and used when students choose a college or university to attend.

Bethany Lightfoot, a junior nursing major from Franklin, La., stated, “I feel that’s it’s sad that we are ranked that low.

It’s a tragedy that we have been deceived about our ranking and we were never in the top.”

Lightfoot continued, “We should work harder as students to be among the top five.

It should be a collective effort of Southern University to reach a better rank.”

Southern University for the past three

years has been publicizing that it is ranked among the top HBCUs while, our scores are still less than the top 50 percentile.

“I think that if the administration would tell us the truth we could work harder to reach a higher rank. Southern isn’t what it used to be and we needed to be further up on the list. If we know where we are ranked then, we can create a collective effort to raise our institution up,” said Kate McConnell, sophomore political science major from Boston.

With the decline of 5 ranks and a tie for 34th we have been declining in the indicators of a productive higher learning institution.

“It’s a little disappointing that we fell five places because of academic reasons. The only thing we can do now is try improving the way we approach our university and get better,” shared Maria Harmon a graduating senior political science major from Lake Charles.

Southern University will have to collectively recruit, retain and graduate to bring our rank back up in the 2012 U.S. News and World Report rankings.

The Southern University and Delaware State football teams are not the only ones making final preparations for the 2010 MEAC/SWAC Challenge Sunday in Orlando, Fla. SU alum Nikki Godfrey, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge’s executive director, ESPN and a host of workers and volunteers are in Orlando making preparations for the teams and the fans following them during Labor Day weekend.

MEAC/SWAC Challenge is a “unique celebration of black college football,” Godfrey said.

The game is scheduled to kick off at noon EDT (11 a.m. local) at the Florida Citrus Bowl, but there is more to this weekend than the first meeting between the Jaguars and Hornets since 1986.

“We look to an increase in game attendance and extend the roots in Orlando. Between the first year in Orlando and last year, our attendance has doubled,” said Godfrey.

The weekend includes; Disney Step Classic, Fan Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, Annual Legends Reception, The Great “Heart and Soul” Tailgate, MEAC/SWAC Challenge, and Battle of the Bands.

According to Godfrey, “It will be a wonderful weekend in Orlando.”

SU alums such as Pro Football Hall of Famer Mel Blount and Celeste Clark, Kellog Company’s senior vice president of global See challenge page 3

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CAMPUS BRIEFS...............2  A & E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 VIEWPOINTS......................7 NEWS.............................3  SPORTS......................6 U N I V E R S I T Y ,

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THE SOUTHERN DIGEST 4 - DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK SATURDAY, SEPT. 4

mostly sUNNy HI - 89° / LO - 67° 10% CHANCE OF RAIN

Campus Briefs TODAY Fall 2010 Fees deadlINe

Today is the final day to pay all fees for the Fall 2010 semester. No fees will be accepted after 4 p.m.

Students with schedules, but do not pay by 4 p.m., will have their classes dropped and will not be able to add them back.

No new students will be admitted or allowed to pay after today. mINorItIes IN agrICUltUre, NatUral resoUrCes aNd related sCIeNCes

Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences is currently accepting membership applications for Fall 2010 and Spring 2011.

Science major? Agriculture major? Family and consumer science major?

We want you. Apply now at Fisher Hall, Room 102.

Ask about our annual national conference.

For more information, contact Allison Johnson at 225.771.3660.

UNIoN stUdeNt goVerNINg board

As a student enrolled in Southern University, you are eligible to join the Smith-Brown Memorial Union Student Governing Board.

As a board member, you will be able to vote, hold office and exercise your ability to and host events at the union.

There are no chapter dues or operation expenses.

We invite you to come by and meet our staff, and give valuable information on the boards duties. If you have further questions

SUNDAY, SEPT. 5

mostly sUNNy

HI - 89°/ LO - 69° 10% CHANCE OF RAIN

about the governing board, please feel free to contact either Vanessa Toussant or Andrew Jackson at 225.771.2608 or stop by Room 210 or 213 in the union. sU meN’s golF team

The Southern University men’s golf team will be holding tryouts. For more information, contact coach Huston Williams at 225.771.4024 or go to Room 133 in the A.W. Mumford Field House. spades toUrNameNt

The Smith-Brown Memorial Union Recreation Area will hold a spades tournament Sept.

15 in Lacumba’s Playpen.

Registration is under way until Sept.10 and the fee is $4 per team.

SEPTEMBER 7 FIt For a QUeeN

The Association of Women Students and Miss Southern Kenya Warren presents the first event of the Calling All Sisters Together series Monday, Sept. 7 at 7:45 in Moore Hall. This will be a fun and exciting workout session open to all females on campus.

Please dress in workout attire, bring a towel and bottled water. For more information, contact AWS President Ja’el Gordon at 225.937.8792 for more information.

SEPTEMBER 8 relatIoNshIp ForUm

Iota Phi Theta and the Association of Women Students host “Women

MONDAY, SEPT. 6

Page 2

TUESDAY, SEPT. 7

partly CloUdy

Isolated t-storms

HI - 89° / LO - 73° 20% CHANCE OF RAIN

HI - 89° / LO - 73° 30% CHANCE OF RAIN

Lie, Men Lie, Numbers Don’t Lie” relationship forum Tuesday, Sept. 8 in Room 313 of T.T. Allain at 7 p.m.

The panel, along with the student body, will discuss male and female opinions on single life vs. relationships, among other topics. For more information, contact AWS President Ja’el Gordon at 225.937.8792 for more information. state oF the sga

SGA President Demetrius Sumner will hold “The State of the SGA” Wednesday, Sept.

8 at 6 p.m. in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom.

For more information, call 225.771.2585 or 225.771.2515.

SEPTEMBER 27 hoNda CampUs all-star ChalleNge

Applications are now available for students to participate in the Honda Campus AllStar Challenge’s campus tournament.

The tournament will be held Wednesday, Sept.

29 at the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.

The deadline for applications is Monday, Sept. 27. For more information, call 225.771.4845.

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NEWS

Friday, September 3, 2010 - Page 3

www.southerndigest.com

concern from page 1

photo by gerald herbert/ap photo

Boats are seen spraying water on an oil and gas platform that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Louisiana., Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010. All 13 crew members were rescued.

Oil platform catches fire in Gulf by the associated press

NEW ORLEANS — An oil platform that burned off the Louisiana coast Thursday was the second such disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in less than five months. This time, the Coast Guard said there was no leak, and no one was killed.

The Coast Guard initially reported that an oil sheen a mile long and 100 feet wide had begun to spread from the site, about 200 miles west of the source of BP’s massive spill. But

hours later, Coast Guard Cmdr.

Cheri Ben-Iesau said crews were unable to find any spill.

The company that owns the platform, Houston-based Mariner Energy, did not know what caused the fire. Workers who were pulled from the water told rescuers that there was a blast on board, but Mariner Energy’s Patrick Cassidy said he considered what happened aboard the platform a fire, not an explosion.

“The platform is still intact and it was just a small portion

of the platform that appears to be burned,” he said.

Mariner officials said there were seven active production wells on the platform, and they were shut down shortly before the fire broke out.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said the company told him the fire began in 100 barrels of light oil condensate.

The Coast Guard said Mariner Energy reported the oil sheen. In a public statement, the company said an initial flyover did not show any oil.

Trivedi felt that it was an insult to the university committee and the faculty to give such an offer.

Hiring someone new during the current university situation.

“I am the president of the Faculty Senate and I oppose this offer because this is the biggest insult you can offer to the university committee and the faculty,” said Trivedi.

He felt as though the biggest issue with this decision was that Southern cannot hire new faculty members because “we don’t have money” and are already having to canceling classes.

“Here we are giving $120 thousand to someone for nine months not twelve months (a complete fiscal year),”he said.

However, Delpit said that most faculty are nine-month faculty and denies Southern paying her a $120 thousand salary.

Trivedi was also concerned with the lack of faculty input in their decision to hire Delpit.

“There was no input from the faculty so I only have the chancellor’s and Clayton’s word that she is good,” said Trivedi.

Unlike most incoming faculty, she did not have to go before a panel and be reviewed to see if she would actually be a good fit for the university.

“What really mattered is if she meets our needs, I was told by someone that she’s teaching one class the average professor teaches four classes per semester,” Trivedi exclaimed.

When asked does she believe if she was an asset to the university, he replied “No, absolutely not! She is a liability that has been placed upon us by Chancellor Lomotey, President

Mason, and Tony Clayton and this board.”

Trivedi attributes the snub to the relationship between Delpit’s brother, Joe Delpit, and Clayton, claiming that Clayton thinks that Joe Delpit is like his “big uncle” asking him about different methods related to SU. However, Lisa Delpit said that he tried to convince her not to come to Southern, feeling that it might be more difficult, but she chose to come her on her own.

Trivedi also questioned Delpit’s record at Florida International University.

“Even though she has tenure, she was running a center at Florida International University and that center was closed and she was given leave on half pay and no pay for the remaining of that year,” he said.

Delpit said the the center, the Center for Urban Education and Innovation, was closed because FIU’s president used the center’s funds for another purpose, but she remained an endowed professor in urban education.

Delpit said she believes that Southern’s faculty is woefully underpaid and that the physical plant, at least W.W. Stewart Hall — where the College of Education is located — is falling apart.

“I would be thrilled to work with anyone, especially the faculty senate, to protest the situation to the governor and the legislators,” she said.

“It is much like that period of legalized apartheid in America when African Americans had to pay equal taxes to support white public schools, but what was provided for black schools was completely subpar.”

Challenge from page 1 policy and external relations, will be honored at the Legends Reception Saturday. Other honorees with SWAC ties include Grambling’s Doug Williams and Jackson State’s Robert Brazile.

“It is fitting that the MEAC/ SWAC Challenge acknowledges the legacy of those who paved the way for the future leaders who will graduate from historically black colleges and universities,” Godfrey said in a press release.

Leading up to the game will also be The Great “Heart and Soul” Tailgate featuring a collard green cook-off sponsored by Sweet Moses Greens.

There will be a strong ESPN presence and volunteers and staff working towards a great and unique MEAC/ SWAC Challenge experience.

get online @

Immediately following the game will be a post-game press conference and battle of the bands. Southern fans can expect the usual fifth quarter battle of The SU Human Jukebox and the DSU Approaching Storm.

The MEAC/SWAC Challenge requires a year around planning process to be successful.

Godfrey stated, “As soon as the whistle blows this year we will begin planning concepts for next year’s challenge.”

Godfrey cleared the rumors about a possible Legacy Bowl between the SWAC champions and MEAC champions.

“Nothing is confirmed at this time, once it is finalized ESPN will step negotiations with the SWAC and MEAC Conferences,” said Godfrey.

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arts & entertainment Page 4 - Friday, September 3, 2010

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“Takers” making clean getaway at theatres By sam ross digest contributing writer

This past weekend was all about thrillers at the US box office as moviegoers helped Sony Picture’s bank heist thriller “Takers” debut at number one.

According to Entertainment Weekly, “Takers” grossed a whopping $20.51 million, slightly beating out psychological thriller “The Last Exorcism” which came in second-place with $20.36 million.

Critics anticipated “The Last Exorcism” to rule the US box office last weekend.

However, movie goers were clearly in a mood to see some armed menaces over screaming demons.

Interestingly, “Takers” was shown in

less theaters and smaller theaters than its top competitor, “The Last Exorcism” and still managed to come out on top.

“Takers,” directed by John Luessenhop, is about a notorious group of smooth criminals with a GQesque mob comprised of actors Idris Elba, Paul Walker, T.I., Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen and Michael Ealy.

The crew wittily perplexes police with their ability to pull off bank robberies perfectly by leaving no evidence behind and being able to remain low-key after a string of heists. But, like any story, there must be conflicting forces.

Unsurprisingly, the crew finds themselves interrupted by a top detective, played by Matt Dillon, when they attempt

to pull off one of their biggest robbery with more money on the line than ever before.

The movie is more predictable than not.

Despite the film’s success, critics still accuse “Takers” of mediocrity.

The film is also being discredited for a lack of originality for having so many similarities to Michael Mann’s 1995 criminal flick “Heat.”

According to a Los Angeles Times review, “[the film’s] downtown Los Angeles setting and world of slick bad guys and hard-core cops [causes] this hackneyed heist movie comes off like ‘Heat’ lite.”

T.I. told MTV News the following, “Contrary to popular belief. In my heart, I felt [“Takers”] would be [number one].

It’s kinda like the Obama election. Not at all as important, but you felt like it was supposed to happen...I’m not in any way trying to compare the magnitude of importance [of the presidential election] to this [box-office] situation…Thanks to everyone that supported. Critics were very quick to sign up and criticize the film.

I appreciate the people for showing up and judging for themselves and tweeting and putting out the word of mouth that this really was a good film.”

Fallen R&B singer, Chris Brown, whose career may finally be seeing the light of day again, took to Twitter to say, “Thanks to all the fans that made Takers #1! Every ticket counted! I love ya’ll! #1 single in the country and the #1 movie in the country.

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Friday, September 3, 2010 - Page 5

sports Page 6 - Friday, September 3, 2010

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SU ready for Del. St., ESPN

Lady Jags return to action today

By morris dillard

By morris dillard digest SPORTS writer

digest SPORTS writer

Can you feel it?

The minutes and hours are ticking down until the 2010 MEAC/SWAC Challenge kicks off Southern’s season Sunday. The Jaguars head down to Orlando, Fla., with a new head coach and new attitude, but seeking a result similar to the SU’s last appearance in the game.

SU defeated one of its archrivals, Florida A&M, 33-27 in the 2007 edition of the game in Birmingham, Ala. Three years later, Jags take on an unfamiliar foe in Delaware State on the Florida Citrus Bowl’s newly installed artificial grass surface.

The Hornets have not played SU in nearly a quarter century, notching backto-back wins in their only two meetings in 1985 and 1986. The 1985 Hornets featured a wide receiver by the name of John Taylor, who went on to become a key member of the San Francisco 49ers’ dynasty of the mid-1980s and 1990s.

New era, new coach, new program

For the first time since 1993, someone other than Pete Richardson leads the Jaguars onto the field. New head coach Stump Mitchell enters his collegiate football venture with a new coaching staff hungry for competition.

Mitchell preps for the opportunity to get back on the sideline in front of thousands for the sights and sounds of hard hitting football.

“Now to be able to go down to Orlando leaving here on Friday, playing Delaware State on Sunday is what we’ve been training for,” said Mitchell. “The guys and the (Jaguar) Nation are excited about this opportunity.”

Barely noticed, the SU offensive line returns all but one starter from last year’s team that gave up the least amount of sacks (13). SU lead the SWAC in total offense (365.9 yds/gm) second in passing offense (239.8 yds/gm) and was fourth in rushing offense (126.1 yds/gm).

At this point, SU is challenged with

PHOTO BY april buffington/digest

Southern linebacker Andre’ Coleman runs through drills during practice Monday. Coleman and the SU defense seek to shut down Delaware State in Sunday’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge.

inexperience at the quarterback position for the first time since Southern’s all-time leading passer Bryant Lee became the fulltime starter in 2007.

Sophomore Jeremiah McGinty steps in as SU’s starting quarterback with high expectations.

“I’m satisfied,” Mitchell said. “ He can do the things that we need him to do.”

McGinty completed three of five passes for 34 yards in 2009. He also rushed eight times for 37 yards and one touchdown.

Not every problem that lands on Mitchell’s desk is a problem of concern. As former running back coach for the Washington Redskins, Mitchell idols the position with experience.

Gary Hollimon, converted from signalcaller to ball carrier last season, finished the 2009 season with 346 yards on 51 carries and a team high six rushing touchdowns.

Hollimon also caught 14 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns.

“Gary has shown his ability to make things happen, even when there’s not a whole lot there.”

The leading receiver returning Curry Allen enters his final season in the spotlight long awaited.

“Allen’s been working hard in the offseason,” said Mitchell. “Its no question he’s

had a great fall camp we look for him to carry that through the season.”

Allen finished last season with 26 receptions for 336 yards and three touchdowns.

The novelty of the SU defense has been the defensive backs. In 2009, they led the SWAC in interceptions (23) and turnover margin (+18). Consensus All-American Jason House led the SWAC and Division I FCS with 10 interceptions with 230 yards in returns and one touchdown.

The nationally televised contest excites House and other teammates as an opportunity for recognition for the program.

“Once we get on the field, there’s no more coach in your ear,” said House. “We’ve worked hard, the coaches have pushed us to the extreme, and now I think we’re going to be ready for Sunday.”

From a standpoint of leadership, House feels the roles he and junior strong safety Demtric Rogers play in the secondary, interns the growth of the young cornerbacks for years to come.

“We have to take control of the defense of secondary because we do have young coners,” House. “If me and him are able to stay composed and do what we need to do then they’ll follow our lead and play well.”

SU volleyball season starts on the road By erin fulbright

digest contributing writer

The Southern University volleyball team gets very familiar with Interstate 85 this weekend as it begins the 2010 season on the road.

SU opens the season today in Montgomery, Ala., at Alabama State at 5 p.m. before turning up I-85 for a 2 p.m. match Clark-Atlanta.

Heading into the matches, head coach Nathaniel Denu would like to see a win from his

girls and also a defensive mind set on the court.

“I work on an effective defensive production,” the longtime coach said.

Denu hopes to walk away from the road trip with a chance to see how the girls recover and how they will do in a tournament with lots of backto-back games. He also wants to walk away with an evaluation of how the team performs together in a match.

The road trip will be the first time that the young team will

have a chance to evaluate its talent against a live opponent.

Denu said team signed seven players this April after losing several critical players from last year.

The practices have been good and there have been some individual improvements, Denu said. But after the road trip will be the time to determine if the team has improved.

As for the goals Denu has for this season’s team, he wants them to continue to do what they always do and win the SWAC

championship. He also wants to continue having his players become Southern graduates at the end of it all.

“They are young and can handle it,” said Denu.

Denu is working towards his 500 career victory. He is only four wins away from that milestone.

The Lady Jags will return home to Seymour Gymnasium Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. for their first home opener against Nicholls State.

In the parking lot at the site of the Southern University women’s soccer field, head coach John Knighten was first at the field for practice.

Several players approached to assist Knighten set up the nets for the goal post. Others began to stretch and warmed up to begin practice.

Some players sat out of Thursday’s practice with injuries but are expected to be ready for Friday’s game against Central Arkansas (1-2-0).

Knighten began practice with pass drills so players are to support one another in defense of opponents pressuring the ball for their advance.

“We’re working on pass controlling and support,” said Knighten. “Moving at pace with the ball.”

Hours away from Friday’s contest, change resonates as the prevailing theme. Knighten says Central Arkansas is an aggressive team that likes to move the ball around and can cause problems if not prepared.

“We’re looking for the quick counter attack,” said Knighten.

“Working with the defenders in the middle making sure that they get in the right position to cut off the penetration pass.”

After SU (0-2-0) dropped two games over the weekend, Knighten delivered a strong but simple message.

“Continue to work on fitness,” he said.

While working to improve his player’s development, one talent he mentioned was Britney Lewis.

Lewis is a target player that they look for to control the ball once advanced to the goal.

“She can hold the ball and lay it off with a forward runner along side.”

As for assistant coach Courtnie Prather, the team is progressing everyday.

“We didn’t get the outcome that we were looking for,” said Prather. “But as far the coaches and what we’re looking for, we’re coming together as a team, fight as a team for 90 minutes, and get better everyday.”

Prather stressed the team wasn’t defending collectively but were composed although at times the team wasn’t synchronizing together.

“We done a really good job with keeping our composure, and staying intact as a team,” Prather said. “ Basically dictating on the defensive players at us.

VIEWPOINTS

Friday, September 3, 2010 - Page 7

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20 Questions I’M JUST ASKING STATEMENT

I’M JUST ASKING is for entertainment purposes only. These remarks do not represent the opinions of the DIGEST staff, Southern University or the Office of Student Media Services.

1. Did you guys enjoy our diversions page?

2. Who was sitting in class doing Sudoku?

3. Who waited patiently for the next issue just for the answers?

4. Who was counting on refund checks to fund their Orlando trip?

5. Who really thought they were getting refund checks before homecoming?

6. Who did the SGA president choose to go to Orlando?

7. Did his entire cabinet get to go or just 10 people?

8. When did SUPD start ticketing before the expiration date?

9. Who got multiple violations on one ticket?

10. Are they going green?

11. Are they ticketing more to save up money for golf carts?

12. Do the traffic police really think they are police?

13. Aren’t they meter maids?

14. Are they really meter maids?

15. Why is SUBR playing around with the DIGEST checks?

16. Where the money at?

17. Did our checks get “budget-cutted?”

18. How is SUBR going to cut around $15.4 million from the budget, but everyone got brand new phones?

19. Did the DIGEST checks get used to purchase the new phones?

20. Will the DIGEST staff ever see their checks?

Let your voice be heard!

Send a...

Letter to the editor

What’s conspiracy got to do with it? SPEAK OUT

President George W. Bush is involved with the New World Order.

Bush is also a 13th cousin to President Barack Obama.

President Obama is involved with the Illuminati and Jay-Z worships the devil.

These statements are commonly labeled as conspiracy theories among society. What makes a conspiracy theory a conspiracy?

The term “conspiracy” is defined as an agreement among conspirators: a plot. The term “theory” is defined as abstract thought. An abstract thought designed in the form of a plot, in my view, is defined as an intelligent view on a certain issue.

There are always two or more sides to a story.

The average person would analyze information which may seem outrageous and outlandish to the common mind.

If we look at history, there was a time when a majority of people on American soil were Puritans. A movement suddenly emerged, which was termed the Transcendentalist movement. This movement included prominent American figures such as Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau,

BILLY WASHINGTON Benjamin Franklin and other literary figures. They wanted to stray away from the belief of everything surrounding God. They basically developed other perceptions of life and its existence. They valued nature and believed in the principals of working hard in order to become wealthy instead of wholly depending on faith.

Puritans viewed Transcendentalists as conspiracy theorists, but today they are considered to be the greatest intellectuals that lived during the 1800s.

The so called “conspiracy theories” can only be labeled and defined as a “conspiracy theory” by the person analyzing the theory. There are many compelling theories surrounding President Obama, America, the New World Order, Halliburton, the Council of Foreign Relations, the Bilderburg Group, Aliens, AIDS and other groups and acronyms.

I believe some theories but not all; however, overall it is MY final decision that determines if a theory is true or not. I believe AIDS is manmade due to “The River,” written

by Edward Hooper. The information I read was convincing. I believe the RDIF chip is in the process of being mandated into human flesh due to a DVD documentary entitled “Zeitgeist.” The information I observed and compared was convincing.

I believe America is now the North American Union.

Again, the information I observed was convincing.

We must all have an open mind to different theories and ideas. No matter how absurd and belligerent the idea may sound or look. The whole purpose of the mind is to use it to interpret information in your own perspective.

I will simply end this editorial with some food for thought.

Theology is defined as the study of God, religious doctrines and matters of divinity. The adjective “theoretical” means based on theory or speculative.

Both words have the prefix “theo-,” which is based on the Greek “theos,” which means to shine, sky, heaven.

Therefore, “theories” are simply God-given ideas.

I’d be in jail ...

Nicole Richie spent 82 minutes in jail for a DUI, having drugs in her possession and driving the wrong way down a MAJOR highway in Los Angeles and Lindsay Lohan once spent 84 minutes in jail for a DUI and having cocaine in possession.

Michael Vick spent 19 months in federal prison for dog fighting.

Does anyone else see a problem? I mean Nicole drove down the wrong way on a highway and have marijuana AND vicodin in her system and possession.

Lindsay had cocaine in her car. Vick killed a few dogs.

Come on now, so you mean to tell me judges value a dog’s life more than a human. I also think it has something to do with race and gender. Nicole and Lindsay are both white Hollywood socialites while Vick is an NFL player, who makes a legal living who is black. People are more afraid of black men,

BREANNA PAUL especially if they have braids or dreadlocks more than they are of skinny white women. Yeah, I said it.

These judges, and even society, is racist. You mean to tell me someone who is famous because their adopted father was a Commodore gets released early but someone who makes an honest living and has a talent gets his career, home, family and friends taken away from him?

Even though I love Nicole Richie, I think driving down a MAJOR interstate the wrong way is more harmful to society than dog fighting.

The socialites receive the normal sentence in

court but when they turn themselves in, they serve less than two percent of their sentence. They get released early due to “overcrowding.” I wonder if I got arrested for a DUI, had marijuana, cocaine and vicodin in my possession would I be released early due to “overcrowding.”

Hmm … I highly doubt that.

It’s the regular people who have families, bills to pay and an education to get who are “crowding” the jail.

Am I the only person who sees something wrong?

America’s priorities are really messed up! Granted, dog fighting is wrong and somewhat inhumane, and I know that a sin is a sin but how can you compare a dog to a human life? I’d rather someone dog fighting than someone who is under the influence of multiple drugs driving on the wrong side of the interstate. I mean, it’s just my preference.

You can buy another dog, but can’t buy another life!

What are your plans for your refund check?

BY dwayne grant Digest Photographer

johnny hillary moreno valley, calif. freshman nursing

hillary

“If I had one, I’d pay for the rest of my books.”

joshua duncan baton rouge sophomore civil engineering

“I’m gonna save it!” duncan

destiny jackson shreveport senior psychology

“Save, save, save for a rainy day!” jackson

ashley gaston baton rouge junior psychology

“I’m gonna save, save!” gaston SUBMISSIONS POLICY

The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its editorial and opinion pages. The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed.

Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school.

When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be e-mail to digest@ subr.com.

Editorial policy

Staff editorials represent the opinions of the author and the majority opinion of the Southern DIGEST Student Editorial Board, which is comprised of the student staff of editors and columnists. The Southern DIGEST provides an open forum to educate, inform and enlighten the students, faculty and staff at Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.

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