The Advocate, Issue 10 - November 30, 2018 by The Advocate

Volume 53, Issue 10 NOVEMBER 30, 2018 advocate-online.net

Rho Theta on a 'roll' PAGE 4

On-campus holiday activities galore PAGE 5

Get a kick out of cardio PAGE 6

CHANTING 'TIMBERS' IN SOCCER CITY PAGE 7

Asylum seekers put on hold PAGE 2

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OPINION EDITORIAL

A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T

ASYLUM SEEKERS AWAIT APPLICATION APPROVAL

ou may have heard about the migrant caravan approaching our southern U.S. border. During a protest on Nov. 25, several hundred migrants charged the border at the San Ysidro (California) Land Port of Entry, just outside of Tijuana, Mexico. After climbing fencing, some of the migrants reportedly threw rocks and bottles at U.S. border patrol agents. In turn, agents fired tear gas at the migrants, not uncommon for crowd control efforts in the U.S., including in Portland. A majority of the roughly 4,000 Central Americans gathered near San Ysidro are seeking asylum in the United States. Most originate from Honduras, where the caravan started in the northern city of San Pedro Sula. As word spread, the caravan grew from a few hundred people to thousands. The situation in the home countries of these individuals isn’t the greatest. From the BBC country profile of Honduras: “Honduras has a long history of military rule, corruption, poverty and crime which have rendered it one of the least developed and most unstable countries in Central America.” In response to the migrants traveling through Mexico to the border, Mexican citizens protested the migrants. The Guardian reported that hundreds of Tijuana residents turned out, waving Mexican flags, singing the national anthem, and chanting “Out! Out!” Citizens raised concerns about Mexican taxes possibly being spent on taking care of the group – a concern also shared by many Americans. Asylum is no simple matter. According to the American Immigration Council, “asylum seekers coming to the U.S. must meet

With the defensiveasylum process, asylum is applied “as a defense against removal from the U.S.,” the Council explains. But legal assistance for applicants is not assured. “ U n l i k e

the international law definition of a refugee, which defines a refugee as a person who is unable or unwilling to return to his or her home country, and cannot obtain

Graphic by Eli Rankin / the Advocate

protection in that country, due to past persecution or a well-founded fear of being persecuted in the future ‘on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.’ ” Congress incorporated this definition into U.S. immigration law in the Refugee Act of 1980, the Council notes. Ultimately, the U.S. has legal obligations to provide protection to those who qualify as refugees. “The Refugee Act established two paths to obtain refugee status – either from abroad as a resettled refugee or in the

United States as an asylum seeker,” the Council said. Poverty or economic hardship does not alone qualify as grounds for asylum, however. Asylum can be granted at a port of entry, which is what this caravan is pursuing at the border. Once an individual is on U.S. soil they may apply for asylum through either the affirmative- or the defensive-asylum process. The Council notes, “Asylum seekers who arrive at a U.S. port of entry or enter the United States without inspection generally must apply through the defensive asylum process.”

the criminal court system, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) does not provide appointed counsel for individuals in immigration court, even if they are unable to retain an attorney on their own,” the Council said. Either way, asylum seekers have to present their case proving he or she meets the definition of a refugee. Other factors bar individuals from asylum. For example, those who fail to apply within one year of entering the U.S. or who are found to pose a danger to the U.S. are barred. There’s more: “Noncitizens who... present themselves to a

U.S. official at a port of entry or near the border are subject to expedited removal, an accelerated process which authorizes (the Department of Homeland Security) to perform rapid deportations of certain individuals. To ensure that the United States does not violate international and domestic laws by returning individuals to countries where their life or liberty may be at risk, the credible fear and reasonable fear screening processes are available to asylum seekers in expedited removal processes.” The application process is taking a while due to the high influx of applications, a delay that spurred migrants to protest on Sunday. U.S. officials are processing applications at a rate of 60-to-100 per day, but as the number of migrants rises, the delays will lengthen. As impatience and tensions rise with limited resources at the border, this could lead to a more aggressive approach or illegal actions by the migrants. The high level of security at the port of entry could lead migrants to seek illegal alternatives, putting their fate in the hands of criminals, likely gang members, who participate in drug and human smuggling, or even more distasteful activities like human trafficking. Someone who enters the U.S. illegally still has a right to asylum application, meantime.

TO CONTINUE READING, SEE PAGE 6

Our weekly editorial is designed to explore compelling issues that affect the community we serve. It has no attributed author because it represents the collective voice of the Advocate editorial board.

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF MHCC Editor-in-Chief Megan Phelps Associate Editor/ Photo Editor Fletcher Wold Associate Editor/ News Editor Cassie Wilson Sports Editor Jonathan Zacarias Opinion Editor Deniqua Adams PA G E 2

Arts & Entertainment Editor Mariah Getch

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Graphic Design Team Sheila Embers Angeles Ramirez Eli Rankin Kevin Garcia De La Vega

Copy Editors Hannah Meisenhelder Positions Open

Photo Team Shyann Tooke Maysee Thao

Ad Managers Darcy Hitchcock Chloe Collins

Distribution Specialist Julia MacDonald

Social Media Managers Positions Open

Dan Ernst Howard Buck

Video Editor Andy Carothers

Web Editors Positions Open

Staff Writers Thomas Fornoff Sadie Klein Kurt Larson John Persell Jennifer Salazar Cameron Stapleton Positions Open

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OPINION

NOVEMBER 30, 2018

STAN LEE, AN ICON WHO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

Cameron Stapleton the advocate

On Nov. 12, the comic book legend Stan Lee died. Honestly, I don’t know how I feel about it. I never met the man, I didn’t know him personally, and in my eyes he is a complete stranger, but what made him famous is his legend, which made him impossible to ignore when he walked into a room. It has been quoted by famous actors that when Stan Lee was on the red carpet, the cameras were on him and away from the actors. He outshined them, and when he died I believe there was not a single person in all of America that was not heartbroken. He was an artist in the comic book industry who greatly influenced themes within the industry, transforming comics into what they are today. The Marvel “Avengers” movies were a huge hit around the world and he made a cameo appearance in every movie, appearing for mere seconds as a different character in each Marvel movie. EARLY LIFE Stan was born in 1922 and was around before the Great Depression. At the age of 18 he was part of the early years of the comics industry, where he worked at Timely Comics. During that time he created his first comic hero, “Captain America,”

after a brief stint with the U.S. Army during World War II as a member of the Signal Corps, repairing radio equipment and telephone poles. He was later transferred into the training film division, where he worked as a cartoonist for the films. After his stay in the Army he went back to work at Timely Comics, which re-branded itself into the new name, Atlas Comics. ‘HUMAN’ SUPER HEROES From there, two things happened to Stan that changed his life, from that of an artist into a modern legend. One: DC Comics had recently revised the superhero archetype and with the introduction of the comic hero known as “Flash,” additionally introduced their super team, known as the “Justice League of America.” In response to this, Martian Goodman, the publisher of Atlas Comics – which later re-branded into Marvel Comics – asked Lee to make a competing super team from scratch. Two: The second huge change was when Stan asked his wife for advice on how to make a super team a reality. Her words were something along the lines of “Experiment with the stories that you like, since you have nothing to lose.” Following that advice, Lee changed the comics industry overnight by experimenting on something new that had never been done before in the comic book genre. He made the team members “human,” gave them flaws, and evolved them into characters with complex layers. Characters had the ability to feel, and show feelings, and even get bored. At the time, DC Comics was No. 1 and had the best-selling comic book characters, but in the 1950s and ’60s their characters were never human in the first place. They were,

for lack of better words, “subhuman” or “superior”: they didn’t have human flaws, or show human-like emotions. Thanks to Stan’s experimentation for Atlas, he created “The Fantastic Four,” “The Hulk,” “Iron Man,” and “X-Men,” along with the most successful super hero comic book character to date, “Spider-man.” SHARED WITH FANS Additionally, unlike what DC Comics was doing at the time, all of these characters lived in the same, shared universe. This allowed Atlas Comics to become a new sensation

overnight. However, there was one more detail that Stan introduced that made him famous: He engaged with the fans of his work. He wrote a monthly column that addressed any question from his fans. He also involved the (drawing) artists of his comics by getting their feedback and actually having them involved with the word process, where most comics writers didn’t. These techniques allowed Lee to become a legend in this world. Without his input there would be no

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Marvel Comics as we know it, and as we see with today’s movie industry, there would be no run of highly popular movies such as “Captain America” or “Avengers,” and so much more. Just how big a difference did Stan Lee make in this world? I asked an online gamer friend of mine – living in Maryland, he’s 18 years old, and goes by Demon45 – about Lee’s death, and his immediate answer said it all: “I feel depressed, like a large hole was carved out of my chest.”

The Advocate encourages readers to share their opinion by letters to the editor and guest columns for publication. All submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name and contact information. Contact information will not be printed unless requested. Original copies will not be returned to the author. The Advocate will not print any unsigned submission. Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 600. The decision to publish is at the discretion of the editorial board. The Advocate reserves the right to edit for style, punctuation, grammar and length. Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc.edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print. Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC.

Graphic Designer

Kevin Garcia De La Vega is a second-year student currently enrolled in the Graphic Design program on campus. Having recently joined the Advocate this term, he has really enjoyed working with everyone there. Some things he enjoys are eating food, hanging out with friends, and listening to music. His favorite food is lasagna and favorite band is Cage the Elephant. He’s really excited to develop his skills and continue working towards his degree.

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NEWS

A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T

MEET THE ASG ACADEMIC AFFAIRS REP.

Tackling Open Education Resources and textbook affordability

“

Jennifer Salazar

the advocate

Collin-Kazu Lewis is the new Academic Affairs representative for the Associated Student Government here at Mt. Hood Community College – and by far, its youngest team member. He joined the ASG this fall and advocates for different academic programs, and he helps students with questions on their education. If students have any issues with their teachers, they can come to him for assistance. So far, Lewis has been focusing on spreading the word on Open Educational Resources (OER), a program where students have access to free and/or low-cost textbooks. One of his goals is to get MHCC teachers and students to use OER. He is currently conducting meetings with different departments on campus to demonstrate the success rate OER has shown in student performance. Another goal is to improve the Textbook Affordability link on

HAVE A GOAL, KNOW WHAT GETS YOU TO THE GOAL, AND JUST DO IT.”

Photo by Fletcher Wold / the Advocate

Mt. Hood’s website (mhcc.edu/ TextbookAffordability/). He is also currently preparing for a panel discussion of OER at Portland State University, with other colleges present. A formal “OER Week” starts at the beginning of March, and he is starting to

organize activities for that week, as well. Something that sets Lewis aside from other ASG members is that he is just 15 years old, making him the youngest ASG member. He joined the Metro East Web Academy (MEWA) and its Early

College program last summer and was able to start at Mt. Hood early. He is taking prerequisites for an associate’s degree in pre-medicine, and by the time he completes that he will also receive his high school diploma. Lewis estimates he will finish

both his associate’s degree and diploma around the year 2021. He plans to attend Oregon State University to finish his premedicine program and then transfer to a medical school. For now, he has one of the busiest schedules a person can have, especially for such a young student. He spends at least 11 hours daily at school, including working at the ASG, going to class, and attending meetings. Then, there’s the hours of homework he has to finish outside of school. When Lewis started working at the ASG he felt a lot of pressure being the youngest there, and even had some people doubt in his ability, he said. He says now that he simply needs to demonstrate to everyone that he can do the same tasks any other student can do, and that he deserves the role. It’s a good example of a piece of advice he would give to all students: “Have a goal, know what gets you to the goal, and just do it.”

HONORS CLUB AIMS TO BRING SINGLE-USER BATHROOMS TO CAMPUS Chloe Collins the advocate

It’s possible that you’ve noticed the ‘porcelain throne’ set up outside of the bookstore bathrooms this term. In case you haven’t had time to stop by, or grab some candy from the bowl, allow me to explain the sparkle-y toilet on campus. Rho Theta, the honors society student club at Mt. Hood, is using the toilet to raise awareness for its yearly project – a project in cooperation with MHCC leaders that fits within the college’s outreach goals for either students or the surrounding community. This year, Rho Theta wants to build two new single-user restrooms on campus that would be gender-neutral. They would not only give any member of the transgender community a safe space to use the restroom, but also a more private bathroom setting for any and all students, and others, who might use them. The gender-neutral bathrooms also would help parents accompanied by young children, or users with mobility/disability issues. PA G E 4

The “Potty Project” would cost the school an estimated $50,000. Since there’s not much extra money in the MHCC budget, Rho Theta is working to obtain grants to cover the cost. As of right now, the focus is to raise awareness and complete user surveys. “Our surveys are showing strong support for the project,” said Beth Sammons, Rho Theta’s faculty adviser. The next step will be seeking grants and other funding, which has not yet started. Beyond its annual community service project, Rho Theta is dedicated to helping the students at MHCC. The club here is a chapter of the organization called Phi Theta Kappa, the honors society for two-year college students across the nation (Phi Beta Kappa is the honors society for four-year college and university students). According to its website, the mission statement of the organization is to “recognize academic achievement of college students and to provide opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders.” Danielle Whitlock, club vice president, said the mission of the

Rho Theta chapter here at Mt. Hood is to “help students reach their dreams.” The club pursues this mission by offering aid to students who need help finding scholarships, ways to get involved in the community, and professional opportunities in their chosen field. Whitlock learned about Rho Theta in middle school after her mother returned to college for studies and became involved. As a teen, Whitlock got to watch as her mother “really grew as a person” because of her involvement with Rho Theta, she said. Sammons, the club’s faculty adviser, describes her involvement as “the most rewarding thing I‘ve done as part of the community college.” Both she and the club will soon undergo changes, as she plans to resign from her adviser role after 16 years of service. The club has not yet chosen her replacement. She will stay in the adviser role until June 2019, and hopes to train the next leader during spring to ensure a smooth transition. Sammons said her hope for the club is that it will continue offering opportunities for students to grow

Photo by Maysee Thao / the Advocate

Beth Sammons and other Rho Theta members sharing their mission outside of the restrooms located near the Bookstore.

personally and professionally. More immediately, Rho Theta invites students to join them for pizza this Friday, Nov. 30, for an induction ceremony as the club formally welcomes its newest members. The ceremony should run noon to 1 p.m. Normally Rho Theta meetings are held 3 to 5 p.m. every Monday in the Bob Scott Room, inside the MHCC Library, Whitlock said. Meetings are open to the public,

and students are welcome to attend and ask questions or meet the officers. Club dues are $75 and participants will remain members for life. To qualify, students must have completed 12 credits at MHCC and possess a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Otherwise, reach Rho Theta officers with any questions by emailing them at RhoTheta. Officers@mhcc.edu or calling 503491-7020.

NEWS | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

NOVEMBER 30, 2018

FORMER SAINTS STUDENT NOW MHCC PRESIDENT’S ASSISTANT Cassie Wilson the advocate

While new to the president’s office as executive assistant to President Lisa Skari, Felisha Brewer is no stranger to the Mt. Hood campus. Filling the role held previously by Pam Benjamin for 29 years, Brewer is a former Saints student who has quickly grown comfortable in her new position, announced in October. Brewer comes to MHCC after 10 years at David Douglas High School, where she spent nine years advising students on all things college- and career-related. Then she became an assistant to the administrative team. “I basically oversaw the calendars and the workloads of five of our (administrators),” said Brewer. Now, she’s doing similar work, but on a much higher level. “So far, I pretty much navigate Dr. Skari’s calendar. I make sure she’s doing what she’s supposed to when she’s supposed to be, and make sure she stays on track scheduling-wise, because a lot of people obviously want to see her.” Brewer also takes notes for the President’s executive cabinet and said she will also be getting plugged into the Access and Diversity council soon. “The wonderful thing is that (Skari) is willing to let me kind of stretch my wings and dabble in other things, too,” she said.

Raised in Seattle, Brewer attended Shoreline Community College on a basketball scholarship before moving to Oregon and becoming a student at MHCC for a change in environment and a desire for more independence. She took all of the accounting courses here, but then decided she was more of a people person than a numbers person. This pre-existing connection to the college makes settling into her new role a little easier.

“

I LOVE GETTING TO KNOW NEW PEOPLE, SO THAT’S A HUGE PART OF WHY I’M HERE.”

“I’ve always had a good relationship with Mt. Hood, so it wasn’t really too much of a stretch for me because I’ve always resided out here, and I went to school here, so I kind of knew what it was going to be like,” Brewer said about pursuing her new job. “But it was definitely a step-up for me, and I was really excited to do that.” Outside of work at Mt. Hood, Brewer enjoys spending time with friends and family. She’s a mother of four children, two of which are in their twenties, the other two age 11 and 7.

Web Photo

ARI HOENIG TRIO COMING TO MHCC Kurt Larson the advocate Photo by Fletcher Wold / the Advocate

Felisha Brewer is the new executive assistant to MHCC President Lisa Skari.

“It’s a lot of shuttling around to sporting events and activities and stuff, and that’s really fun for me to watch them do those things and kind of figure out their passions,” she said. When Brewer was a child, she wanted to be a singer when she grew up. “That’s still kind of a passion of mine. I do it outside of work, so I guess I kind of followed that dream,” she said. She’s involved in her church and sings on the worship team. “I love getting to know new people, so that’s a huge part of why I’m here,” said Brewer. “If you see me on campus, I totally welcome a warm smile and a ‘Hello.’ ”

On Friday, Dec. 7, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., acclaimed jazz percussionist Ari Hoenig and his band, The Ari Hoenig Trio, will perform in the Visual Arts Theatre on the Mt. Hood Community College campus. Maybe the audience should be careful of any angry, chairthrowing conductors during this jazz concert, because Ari Hoenig is practically the real-life aspiring drummer Andrew Neiman from the movie “Whiplash.” (Let’s just hope a discontented J. K. Simmons doesn’t find his way into the crowd.) Born to a pair of musicians, Hoenig began his musical career as early as age 4 and began to refine his skills with many other young talents by age 12.

Currently residing in New York, where he teaches music at New York University, and a dedicated jazz percussionist, Hoenig’s passion is the drum kit and the experimental, melodic possibilities that lay within it. An accomplished musician in his own right, Hoenig has produced several studio albums, live-show DVDs, and even a series of online tutoring videos. His music is almost exclusively jazz-oriented and is often experimental, favoring complex and wonderful percussion tracks. So, jazz fans should be prepared to enjoy the melodic, cool rhythms of his trio during a two-hour set at Mt. Hood. To find out more about Ari Hoenig, his discography, and his band, see arihoenig.com for show dates and more.

UPCOMING EVENTS Music Program Concerts

Clay Club Holiday Sale

Mouths of Others

Mt. Hood’s Performing Arts department will present multiple concerts during the first week of December. The first is the Fall String Ensemble concert from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 3 in the Student Union. Next, the Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Band will play from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5 in the College Theatre. The MHCC orchestra and choirs will have their concert from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, also in the College Theatre. All of the performances are free and open to the public.

The MHCC Clay Club will host its Annual Holiday Sale on campus this coming week. Members will sell their work from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 5- 7, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, in the Visual Arts Gallery. The sale includes a range of handmade, functional pottery, sculptures, and art made by Mt. Hood students and staff. Proceeds from the event supports individual students and activities for the club.

Author Noah Schultz will visit the campus from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5 as a part of the MHCC English department’s “Mouths of Others” speaker series. He will speak in the Visual Arts Theatre. Schultz is a youth advocate focused on reforming the U.S. criminal justice system who did more than 7 years’ time in Oregon’s juvenile corrections system himself. In 2017, he led a twomonth Inspiring Action Tour at 10 correctional facilities across the nation, where he showed his award-winning documentary, “Perception: From Prison to Purpose.”

-Mariah Getch Graphic by Angeles Ramirez / the Advocate

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NEWS | OPINION

A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T

HEALTHCARE DEADLINES APPROACHING Sadie Klein

the advocate Medicaid in Oregon is a federally backed program, also known as the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), which offers health coverage to some low-income families. And for those not enrolled, an important deadline is approaching on Saturday, Dec. 15. This is the last day to enroll or change plans for 2019 coverage with the federal Medicaid plan, found on healthcare.gov. Once an applicant is enrolled, personal coverage starts on Jan. 1, 2019. Applications for health insurance in the state of Oregon

Plan your application must be renewed once a year. However, not everyone will renew at the same time. All members must update their information to make sure they are still eligible for coverage. If you or your family changes addresses or its household size, has a change of income, obtains a job that offers health insurance, you should contact OHP and update your current status. This is very important. To update your information, call 800-699-9075 or send an email to OregonHealthPlan.Changes@ dhsoha.state.or.us. OHP will send a letter requesting a renewal, along with

Oregon Health Plan

Medicaid info

SO CARDIO BORES YOU? TRY KICKBOXING of kicks, squats, and punches, there was never a moment that was not engaging. The squats were especially tough because we did almost 200, but they were never monotonous, as we used a medicine ball to work our arms and stay engaged. I also took a moment to chat

Deniqua Adams the advocate

I tried cardio kickboxing and abs, and let me tell you... it was really fun! Debbie Kline led the course (look for the PE185 series at MHCC), and you better show up hydrated and ready to work because she is a powerhouse. Now, I’m not trying to deter anyone – the course isn’t a struggle to keep up with, but it did wear me out. The course included a few basic moves that were mixed together, and interspersed with variation, which made the class fun and easy to keep up with, even as a beginner with no expectations or foreknowledge. Keep in mind, as well, that I jumped into this course at about the 8-week mark. So the course, to a beginner, was likely more tiring than if I had joined at the beginning of the term and participated in the gradual increase in difficulty. With a healthy combination

with Kline after t h e course and ask a few questions, Graphic by Sheila Embers / the Advocate starting with what was her favorite course to teach. “Spinning and abs because of the face-toface interaction with students, and because it is such a good workout. It generates a good sweat,” she said. I took spinning and abs, and I can totally agree, it’s a great workout. Kline even subbed for my spinning and abs instructor a few times, and she was very high energy, very fun.

What is your favorite thing about this course? I asked her. “The energy and the powerful feeling of the kickboxing aspect of the class,” she answered. “I grew up in a time where women were encouraged to be feminine, gentle. You can just go through the movements, or you can put power into them and it feels powerful.” While the course is more focused on cardio, and not a training course for any sort of defense, it did feel really powerful – I felt cool while participating. I had one other question for Kline: Favorite food? “Lebanese food, if I had to choose a food, but sweets are my downfall... I love to bake, which is part of the reason I love to exercise,” she said. Anything else MHCC students should know? “The P.E. center tends to get forgotten because students are so focused on academics, but it is important for students to remember the benefits of exercise to academics, like the de-stressing effect,” she replied. Overall, I really enjoyed the course and I would recommend it to anyone who thinks cardio is boring or wants to feel like they’re in a training montage for an hour.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Graphic by Kevin De La Garcia / the Advocate

can be done online by searching ONE.Oregon.gov. Applicants must meet income and residency requirements, and may qualify based on age and/or disability status. Benefits provided by OHP include, but are not limited to: dental care, mental health care, hospital care, home care, immunizations, medical care from a physician, access to a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, and more. If you or your family is covered by the Oregon Health PA G E 6

the necessary steps to do so. If you receive a letter, you must respond as soon as possible, as your benefits are likely to end if OHP is not contacted. For help renewing your application, you can either contact an agent by looking up the following link https:// healthcare.oregon.gov/Pages/ find-help.aspx or by calling 800-699-9075. Additional information regarding OHP can be found at OHP.oregon.gov.

The maximum number of people allowed to enter the U.S. as refugees has been set by the president and Congress since 1980. President Trump and Congress have cut the amount to the lowest in recent history, from 110,000 in Fiscal Year 2017 (under the Obama administration) to 45,000 for FY 2018, with plans to reduce the amount to 30,000 for FY 2019. Smaller percentages of that total number are, in turn, divvied to countries all over the world. Some argue it would be more beneficial to have a merit-based immigration policy. We do have policy set for individuals who meet the standard of a high school diploma and two years of work experience in a working field to immigrate. There also are working visas, which many individuals use along the Mexico-U.S. border. It’s safe to say this is a complicated issue, with many aspects influencing one another. We at the Advocate believe that, as a start, the U S. government should send more agents to process asylum applications. At the very least, these cases need to be reviewed in a timely fashion. Seeking asylum at a port of entry is legal. But charging the border, destroying property, and dismantling fencing

is not the best way to “get your foot in the door.” These types of actions will make border agents go into selfdefense mode. However, agents must recognize these are people who are in great need of assistance, many of whom have traveled over 3,000 miles to seek a better life for themselves and their families. In viewing the situation on Sunday we should also be aware the actions of a few do not represent the whole. Meanwhile, some migrants are seeking work with Mexico as applications are processed. Others have given up, and headed back home. As a new Mexican federal administration comes into office on Saturday, there is word of talks between U.S. and Mexican leaders of creating a “Remain in Mexico” policy, as reported by The Washington Post last week. However, there is cause for concern that any policy reached by both administrations will be legal. This is due to the requirement that either party can ensure all asylum seekers will be safe in Mexico. We hope all parties can come to an agreement in a peaceful manner as this situation develops.

SPORTS

NOVEMBER 30, 2018

SCORELESS DRAW IN PROVIDENCE PARK SETS UP TIMBERS-SPORTING KC SHOWDOWN Jonathan Zacarias

the advocate The Portland Timber’s second c ons e c ut ive appearance in the MLS Cup playoffs has been exciting. After finishing fifth in the Western Conference standings, the Timbers had to go against FC Dallas in an away, knock-out round game to continue moving on. Being away from home was no challenge for Portland as it slipped away with a 2-1 win, as the Timbers’ own Diego Valeri netted a brace. With little rest, the Timbers then hosted the second-seeded Seattle Sounders four days later to begin a two-leg Western Conference semi-final round. Portland won 2-1 at home despite trailing after an early goal from Seattle’s Raul Ruidiaz. What followed on Nov. 8 was arguably one of the most dramatic games in MLS playoff history as Seattle and Portland ended up tied 4-4 in total goals (after a 2-1 Seattle “win” in 90 minutes, then another goal from each side in extra time). But the Timbers survived and advanced by defeating the Sounders in a 4-2 penalty kick shootout. Leg 1 of the Western Conference championship was played at Providence Park this past Sunday,

Nov. 25. The Timbers and Sporting Kansas City played to a 0-0 draw, in front of another sellout crowd. Fans were out waiting hours before kickoff, enjoying time with friends and reminiscing over that epic, glorious win against those archrival Sounders. My Advocate colleague Fletcher Wold and I had the privilege to be at the game and witness the Timbers Army chant their hearts out to their beloved team. Standing up in the press box and looking down towards the field watching all these fans finding their seats was nothing short of amazing. Despite there being a Portland Trail Blazers game that same early evening, having Providence Park sold out showed why Portland is known as Soccer City, USA. Right from the start, the Timbers were pushing forward. Sebastian Blanco had an early chance at goal denied. Then, in the 6th minute, Jorge Villafaña had a shot at goal from outside the 18-yard box that banged into the back post and went out. These two early plays had the crowd going and had them feeling Portland was bound to get that first goal. Most of the first half was possession from Sporting Kansas City, and the Timbers sat back a bit and went forward for the counterattack, something they’ve been good at this whole season. Portland was able to hold SKC to only one shot on goal, as the Timbers’ defense really had its game on, coming up clutch in crucial times in the second half to

block multiple shots. The Timbers also saw a goal disallowed due to an offside call in the 70th minute as David Guzman headed home a rebound of a shot originally by Liam Ridgewell. SKC’s Daniel Salloi had a chance inside the box in stoppage time, but Ridgewell had a crucial block to deny SKC a massive away goal (teams scored by the road team serve as a crucial tiebreaker in the MLS two-game playoff format). Neither team was able to gain an advantage heading to Leg 2, on the scoreboard.

Photos by Fletcher Wold / the Advocate

But, Villafaña said on Sunday night, “I think it’s a great result,” with that away-goal rule in mind. Personally, I do think it is a great result. Yes, scoring a goal would have been nice but the fact the Timbers were able to deny SKC a score and hold them to only one shot on goal is huge. SKC is known to be giant at home but have struggled defensively. Many times during their Western Conference semifinal matches against Real Salt

Lake, they left many open gaps that RSL did take advantage of. If the Timbers can score the first goal it will complicate SKC’s game plan, having them push up more and leaving those gaps out back. And what have the Timbers been good at this season…? Counterattacks. And it’s a game SKC has to win: any tied scenario, except another 0-0 score, sees the Timbers advancing to the grand stage of the MLS Cup Final. (Only a scoreless tie would force extra time, where away goals are not relevant anymore.) The Timbers are now in the other side of the equation, as just last year in the 2017 playoffs, they had flown to Houston for a twolegged Western Conference semifinal match against the Houston Dynamo, which also ended in a scoreless game. The second leg was played at Providence Park and while fans were optimistic, the Dynamo won in Portland, 2-1. Houston scored the first goal that day, which totally disrupted the Timbers and created more pressure, making it a mustwin game where a draw meant a series loss. On Thursday night (after Advocate press deadline), the Timbers were set to play SKC at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, with the potential advantage of the away goal. We will know as you read this if it worked out in their favor – and if they made the MLS Cup Final, set for Saturday, Dec. 8 (against either Atlanta United or the New York Red Bulls).

TIGER-PHIL “THE MATCH” SHOWED LITTLE GOLF Thomas Fornoff the advocate

“The Match.” Much anticipated for months on end; Tiger Woods versus Phil Mickelson; $9 million on the line: What could go wrong? Other than the fact that the two are seemingly out of their prime, and the conversation would be completely one-sided? To say the least, The Match, live-streamed on Nov. 23 to a paying audience, did not meet expectations. Starting off with the small talk, Tiger has never been one to hold conversations with anyone other

than his caddy while on the course. Tiger has always stuck to himself, staying laser-focused and, for the most part, playing good golf. Phil, on the other hand, is like your local restaurant waiter who loves greeting everyone and continuously cracks mediocre jokes to lighten the mood. Needless to say, the small talk in The Match was one-sided and seemed almost forced. Next, we’ll move onto the golf that was played. Phil is normally known as one of, if not the greatest, short-game players of all time, but come time for this round, he seemed

to be the exact opposite. Mishits and inaccuracy plagued his round and he just couldn’t seem to find his groove. Meanwhile, Tiger, who is normally a good putter, couldn’t seem to hole anything from beyond 5 feet. The one positive that came from their play was that both of the players were swinging the big stick well. For the past few years both players have not been at their best with the driver, and it’s been the part of their game that holds them back from competing at the top in each tournament. But when the lights were on, they seemed to find their groove with the driver.

Lastly, the betting. Everyone who golfs knows that side bets are just part of the game. A couple bucks here and there just adds a little more pressure and fun to the game. But, between these two, it seemed like Tiger wanted no part in it. Which isn’t surprising, since he sticks to himself for the most part, but it seemed like Phil had to instigate all the of the gambling. Tiger never backed down from any of these challenges, but I believe that it is just because he is so confident in his game, not necessarily that he actually wanted to bet. Along with being so forced,

betting $1 million dollars on whoever gets an eagle might sound awesome, but really it is just a slot filler for all the bets that were not made. Being fair, these two stars love competition and hate losing, so it came as no surprise when they didn’t focus on the betting side when the round got into crunch time. In the end, Phil came out $9 million richer in what was a lackluster display of talents by two legends.

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