thebattalion
news for you inside Songs and prayers Donna Stuart, wife of the director of Breakaway Ministires, releases her second solo album.
● thursday,
The Aggie Equestrian team is ranked No. 1 in the country and just finished off its fall season with a 6-0 record.
sports | 5
Stopping the stigma Students with STIs regularly feel ostracized due to their disease. Instead of treating other people like social lepers, students should support those suffering from an infection and treat STIs like any other illness.
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all began with one parson Three cadets revived historic cavalry unit
lifestyles | 3
Top finish for equestrians
december 2, 2010
Joanna Raines The Battalion From the moment Parsons Mounted Cavalry enters Kyle Field their presence commands the attention of everyone present. You can hear the sounds of the horses’ hooves as they take each powerful step, and the rattling of each turn of the wagon wheel. “I feel like I’m on top of the world,” said Zach Hollon, senior geology major and first platoon leader. “There’s nothing better than riding a horse, especially into Kyle Field.” After World War I, the Cavalry was taken out of the Texas A&M Corps units. But in 1972, three members of the Class of 1978 sought to revive the tradition. Darrell Williams, Michael Collins and Pete Starks approached their commander, Tom Parsons, to resurrect the tradition. His support earned him the honor of being the Parsons Mounted Cavalry’s namesake. Collins became the commanding officer, and the unit only accepted upperclassmen that could pay their way and supply their own horse. As the
program developed, the community aided in the program’s growth. John Fritz donated his skills as a horseman as well as supplies for the horses. A store donated feed, and a rancher, Billy Bryant, supplied funds for the barn. Texas A&M University also aided the Cavalry in its development. The University donated the land that is still used today known as “Fiddler’s Green.” “The whole unit is history,” Hollon said. “We are a representation of pre-World War I cavalry and artillery. Our whole purpose is meant to be a historical representation of Texas A&M College.” Parsons Mounted Cavalry sets A&M apart from other universities around the nation. “We’re the only college that has an actual field artillery piece,” said commanding officer William Echols, a senior agriculture economics major, when referencing the “Spirit of ‘02” which is heard with every Aggie touchdown. Along with representing the military history that accompanies Parsons Mounted Cavalry, the
Photos by Tyler Hosea — THE BATTALION
See Parson on page 4
voices | 9
texas Jeffs to face sex charges Polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs was quietly extradited from Utah to Texas, where he was arraigned Wednesday to face trial on bigamy and sexual assault charges. Jeffs, who was indicted more than two years ago, was not asked to enter a plea. Texas authorities have charged the head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with bigamy, aggravated sexual assault and assault. Prosecutors plan to try the charges separately, with the first trial set for Jan. 24.
nation &world House plans tax cuts vote The White House held the door open Wednesday for a year-end compromise that would extend all of the Bush-era tax cuts temporarily as House Democrats scheduled a politically charged vote to let them expire for the wealthy. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the president’s main goal is to prevent a middle class tax increase.
UK police arrest 153 students British police made 153 arrests during student demonstrations in London on Tuesday against proposed university tuition hikes, officials said. Police reported the arrests following a day of clashes between demonstrators and riot officers ending in a violent standoff in the capital’s Trafalgar Square. Students are furious over the coalition government’s decision to allow schools to triple the cap imposed on tuition fees, allowing the best universities to charge £9,000 per year up from £3,000 in a bid to reduce the burden on Britain’s debt-laden public sector. Associated Press
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Aggieland remodels reach Olsen Field Sean Lester The Battalion Thanks in large part to two former Texas A&M students, Olsen Field will be getting a long-awaited makeover. Former students and Blue Bell Creameries executives Ed and Howard Kruse of Brenham along with Blue Bell Creameries have pledged a $7 million gift to the 12th Man Foundation’s Championship Vision capital campaign for the renovation and expansion of Olsen Field. To recognize the gift, the A&M athletic department leadership has requested that the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents name the new construction, that will give Olsen Field a complete face lift, as “Blue Bell Park,” and that the official name of the baseball facility be changed to C.E. “Pat”
Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park. “When we thought of a perfect partner to complete this fantastic facility, the name of one family came to mind. The support of the Kruse’s and Blue Bell for Aggie baseball go together like Peaches and Homemade Vanilla.” said Miles Marks, president of the 12th Man Foundation. To handle the competitive nature of the baseball program the 12th Man Foundation formed the Olsen Field committee in 2009. The committee had gathering around the state to inform potential donors of the two-part renovation. The $16 million first phase construction of a twostory student-athlete center housing a new locker room, player’s lounge, coaches’ offices, training and weight facilities as well as club seating, widening of the concourse
and new concession stands and restrooms. A secondary $8 million phase includes a dramatic new exterior façade of the facility, removal of metal bleachers and construction of grassy seating areas on both the first base and third base sides. Additionally, construction of suites along the top of the stadium and numerous fan and family amenities throughout the ballpark will be added. “Howard and I are proud of our association with Texas A&M and what it has meant to us over the years. We are honored to be able to give back in some way,” Ed Kruse said. The renovation of Olsen Field has already created excitement among students on campus. Tyler Johnson, a See Olsen on page 4
File Photo
New Greeks on the block Connie Thompson The Battalion Texas A&M Greeks say they are Aggies first and Greeks second. And even with the addition of two new fraternities on campus, this tradition continues to prevail. Through the work of dedicated Aggies, A&M’s Interfraternity Council has expanded by two chapters: Delta Kappa Epsilon and Pi Kappa Alpha. These fraternities bring not only additional leadership to IFC, but diversity as well. As the newest fraternity on campus, PIKE said it was proud to join and actively participate in the Aggie community. PIKE has become one of the largest fraternities on campus. “As a fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha aims for success in both its academic and philanthropic endeavors, while fostering a brotherhood shared by leaders on campus,” said PIKE president Phil Gallegos. “With a membership of nearly 100 campus and community active men, I believe our impact in the area will be felt not only at A&M but also throughout the BryanCollege Station community.” The fraternity encourages its members to be involved on campus. Many of the members participate in multiple organizations such as the Corps of Cadets, CARPOOL and Sophomores Advancing in Leadership Originally founded in 1868, PIKE has grown to be one of the largest international fraternities, with more than 240,000 members. PIKE had a strong presence on campus in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and is now re-chartering
thanks to the support of former students who were collegiate members during this time. In addition to Pike, the Tau Chi chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon was chartered on March 24. “After consideration of several national fraternities, the founders decided upon DKE for a variety of reasons including the university being home to the George Bush Presidential Library,” said Greg Dundas, IFC vice president of public relations. “This was the first colonization effort in history to have two former U. S. Presidents, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, personally support the endeavor.” The Tau Chi chapter works to improve the character of its members through the strengthening of its brotherhood. The chapter also strives for excellence by growing as scholars, citizens and gentlemen. To benefit the BryanCollege Station area, DKE is adopting a community service project to build ramps for those in need. DKE also raised more than $6,000 to go toward medical expenses after fellow DKE and Southern Chapter Consultant Chase Treadway had a spinal cord injury. The chapter raffled a flat screen television with the proceeds donated to Treadway’s treatments. “We are very excited to welcome both the brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha and Delta Kappa Epsilon into the Interfraternity Council,” said IFC President Ben Peterson. “We know they will contribute greatly to Greek Life and our community, and have already proven to be an asset to the IFC.”
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Live music
Students from the Texas A&M Health Science Center will have a concert to benefit the Health for All clinic 7 p.m. Friday at Friends Congregational Church in College Station. Tickets are $5 at the door.
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Texas A&M University Choral Activities will have a winter concert, The Holiday Spirit of Aggieland, at 3 p.m. Sunday in Rudder Auditorium. Tickets are $5 at the MSC Box Office.
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thebattalion 12.2.2010
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Thousands of inmates claim tax refunds
Obama: No more offshore drilling in US
A government investigator says nearly 50,000 prison inmates claimed more than $130 million in tax refunds this year without providing any wage information to the IRS. A report by the Treasury Department’s inspector general for tax administration stops short of saying the refunds were fraudulently claimed. It does, however, say the Internal Revenue Service should investigate further. The report, scheduled for release on Thursday, is the latest in a series of audits looking at prison inmates claiming tax credits and other government payments.
Pointing to the BP blowout and risks of a new environmental disaster, the Obama administration reversed itself Wednesday and promised not to pursue offshore drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico or anywhere else along the nation’s East Coast. The decision was hailed in Florida, which depends on tourists drawn by the state’s beaches, but criticized by the oil industry, which said the administration was stifling energy production and hurting jobseekers. Associated Press
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THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. News offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3313; Fax: 979-845-2647; E-mail: metro@thebatt.com; website: http://www. thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Advertising offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979-845-2678. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year.
12/1/10 9:36 PM
things you should know
5 before you go Mocha Club Chi Improv beneďŹ t Omega comedy concert Songfest group show
1
One Love will have a free concert with Phil Murtaugh, Charlie Gore and Miranda Dodson from 7 to 10 p.m. today at the Village Cafe in Downtown Bryan. The concert beneďŹ ts Mocha Club, an organization that funds relief and development projects in Africa.
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3
Various student groups will perform beginning at 7 p.m. Friday in Rudder Theatre as part of Chi Omega’s annual philanthropy event. Pre-sale tickets are $12 at the MSC Box OfďŹ ce and online at
Texas A&M students from ENDS 105 have partnered The Freudian Slip with the Brazos Valley Improv Comedy group will present the program Museum of Natural History to create an original “Soap Opera Time Machine!â€? from 7 to 8:30 marionette puppet show about the Space Shuttle, p.m. Friday in Rudder the Ice Age and more. All Forum. Tickets are puppets are made from available at the MSC recycled materials. The Box OfďŹ ce for $5. show is free to the public and will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the museum.
E
very Tuesday night, thousands of A&M students pour into Reed Arena to attend the largest on-campus Bible study in the nation. Breakaway Ministries, which began in 1989, averages about 6,000 attendees every week. With a unique blend of dry wit, frank introspection and a disarming conversational style, director Ben Stuart, class of 1998, guides the audience through relevant topics in biblical text.
At the other end of the spectrum, Ben’s wife, Donna Stuart, is as equally involved with the Bryan-College Station community as her spouse, though in a radically different fashion. Director and visionary of Masterpiece Conferences and its mission arm, Part of the Solution, Donna has also released her fifth album, “Trust the Sunrise.� A graduate of Sam Houston State University, Donna taught herself how to play the guitar during her freshman year of college. Within the semester she was leading worship at the local Baptist Student Ministry. Her first album, “Restoration� was released in 2002 after she graduated college. Donna arrived in College Station in 2005, when her husband took over as director for Breakaway Ministries. She quickly found a way to reach out to the young women of Texas A&M by establishing Masterpiece Conference. Masterpiece Conference, which is scheduled for March 2011, uses a variety of guest speakers, breakout sessions and intimate worship services to help young women discover their talents and learn to
4
Puppet show
5
Wind Symphony
The Wind Symphony will be previewing the concert it will perform at the MidWest Band and Orchestra Clinic at 6 p.m. Monday in the Rudder Theatre. Admission to the show is free.
b! thebattalion 12.02.2010 page3
music
Here comes the “Sunriseâ€? ficking. After a visit to the red light district use them. in India where young girls are forced into “It’s all about creating an environsexual slave labor, Donna felt compelled ment for these girls to discover their to bring to light this often-neglected issue. purpose,â€? Donna said. “And then She and the Masterpiece Conference team there is ‘Part of the Solution,’ which have organized several fundraisers for is how those who attend the conferPart of the Solution, including a benefit ence can help reach out to commuconcert and the 5K Fun Run set for nity and world.â€? Joe Terrell Dec. 11. Part of the Solution is the mission sophomore “We have to do something,â€? Donna arm of Masterpiece Conference which telecommunications said. “Hopefully we can get some chooses a wealth of organizations to major people to wake up to the atrocities bebenefit annually. Some of the 2011 ing committed over there.â€? organizations include Living Water, However, the rest of the album Compassion International and the retains a bright optimism that powers such tracks Hope Pregnancy Center of Brazos Valley. as “Glory Dayâ€? and “I Cannot.â€? Donna avoids With the small amount of free time she can the clichĂŠs often associated with Christian music find, Donna continues to compose worship muin “Radiate,â€? the most worship oriented track, sic. Her most recent album, “Trust the Sunriseâ€? which is also going to be included in the soonwas released this fall. to-be released Breakaway Live record. The “This is a very lighthearted album,â€? Donna said. album culminates to “Run Away,â€? a brutally “Stylistically, it has an Americana feel, pulling from honest lyrical masterpiece that begins wrapped folksy roots with a little bit of rock and roll. The around stirring piano line that bleeds effortsounds are very joyful. I want people to know that lessly into the final track “All Creatures Of Our we as Christians can also have fun. “ God And King,â€? a big screen production of the “Trust the Sunriseâ€? combines folksy instrupopular hymn featuring layered vocals intricately mentation with Donna’s endearing yet powerful arranged within an epic soundscape. vocals. With its cleanly-wrought arrangements Sonically, “Trust the Sunrise’sâ€? slick producand propulsive drive, any of the album’s ten tion quality feels more akin to a Britt Nicole or tracks would feel right at home playing from a Amy Grant album than an independently released Contemporary Christian Music radio station’s record, a feat due in no small part to producer afternoon playlist. Jason Hoard, who is also the guitarist for the “However,â€? Donna continued, “It does Grammy-award-winning Christian band, Third cover some dark themes.â€? The second track of the album, named after her Day. Overall, “Trust the Sunriseâ€? is the musical mission organization, Part Of The Solution is a desperate cry out to help rescue girls from sex traf- equivalent to a refreshing burst of clean air, sung
Courtesy Photo
Donna Stewart, wife of Breakaway Ministries director Ben, puts her spin on Christian music with “Trust the Sunrise.� and composed by a woman who is not only talented, but humble as well. “I don’t write music for me. It’s always for a higher purpose,� Donna said. “I’m just a small piece in a large puzzle.�
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news
page 4 thursday 12.2.2010
thebattalion
A Sumatran Tiger looks out Wednesday in the Dublin Zoo as heavy snowfalls and freezing conditions continue in the Republic of Ireland and across Europe.
Cold snap in Europe kills 8, disrupts flights Heavy snow and subzero temperatures swept across Europe, killing at least eight homeless people in Poland, closing major airports in Britain and Switzerland and causing hundreds of highway accidents. Gatwick, London’s second largest airport, and Geneva, a major hub for low-cost carrier Easyjet, were forced to shut down Wednesday as staff struggled to clear runways of snow. In Ireland, flights from Dublin airport were temporarily suspended early Wednesday while thick snow and ice was cleared from a main runway. Grocery chain Tesco said the cold snap had seen a rise in sales of whiskey and hot chocolate. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Parson Continued from page 1
spirit of Aggies from the past has truly resonated within the men of Parsons. “Its important to understand your past so you have a future,” said member Chris Robertson, a junior agricultural economics major. The cadets of Parsons Mounted Cavalry have taken on the innovative spirit of Williams, Collins and Starks. “Initiative has been something we’ve tried to stick with,” Echols said. The unit began as a group of cadets attempting to continue the traditions of the past, and Parsons continues that mindset today. “As a leader with Parsons Mounted Cavalry I’ve had the opportunity to develop many of the skills that don’t come naturally,” Echols said. Parsons provides the cadets with the task of having to learn tasks themselves while controlling another being.
Olsen Continued from page 1
sophomore psychology major, thinks the renovation can benefit the fans just as much as the team. “I think the best part of the renovations will be the [first and third base grass] seating. Not only will it make the field look much better, but it will also make much more room for spectators,” Johnson said. Other students were hesitant to praise the stadium renovations at first, as the project will add more construction to the A&M campus. Derek Bien, a junior University studies major, was hesi-
“You learn how to directly control an animal that is larger, stronger and has a mind of its own and you have to be able to control your own body while controlling your horse in adverse conditions,” Robertson said. Members of Parsons Mounted Cavalry are faced with the challenges that accompany mastering horsemanship while excelling in the Corps program. “It’s our responsibility to send an outward, positive image and this is a responsibility we do not take lightly,” Echols said. “A good friend of mine told me once there are two ways to get to know a man: to bleed with him and sweat with him.” Echols said members get the opportunity to work with men who know how to work and create bonds only working men can. “The Corps is the keepers of the spirit, and the Cav is the spirit of the Corps,” said Rogelio Cardona, junior bioenvironmental sciences major and chaplain. tant when hearing of the proposed project. “To be honest my initial thoughts were ‘Great, more construction.’ However, I did feel that improvements to the field needed to happen. I’ve actually been within the different parts of the facility due to my campus job and I can defend the case for improvements,” Bien said. “Even with my dread of more construction crews, I was excited at the plans of the renovation and how the new stadium would turn out.” A reception honoring the Kruse family and the formal unveiling of new renderings of Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park is planned for early 2011. The construction of this project will bring to an end the 12th Man Foundation’s Championship Vision capital campaign.
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sports
Black, Sawatzky earn Big 12 honors Junior outside hitter Kelsey Black was named to the All-Big 12 First Team and freshman setter Allie Sawatzky was placed on the Big 12 AllFreshman team.
thebattalion 12.2.2010 page5
Closing out a perfect fall
Courtesy photo
The Aggie equestrian team finished 6-0 in the fall season including wins over No. 3 Auburn and No. 4 Oklahoma St. They will begin their spring season Jan. 28 against South Carolina.
No. 1 equestrian team finishes fall season 6-0, prepares to defend national championship in spring season Austin Meek The Battalion The Texas A&M equestrian team boasts the highest national ranking of any A&M squad. Ranked No. 1 in the country, the squad closed out its fall season by defeating Baylor and Kansas State to finish the first part of its schedule 6-0 and will be among the favorites at the Varsity Equestrian National Championships when they take place in Waco in mid-April. The Aggies opened their season on Sept. 25 with a 14-5 win over the University of Tennessee-Martin. Both hunter seat and western teams scored seven points in the rout of the Skyhawks. Junior Katie Lisabeth won in horsemanship, earning her fifth career MVP award, and junior Abigail Grabein took top honors in the reining event. Head Coach Tana McKay was very pleased with her team’s effort.
“We went on the road, rode a completely new set of horses and faced an opponent we’ve never seen before and had a solid all-around day,” McKay said. In their home opener at the Brazos County Expo Complex on Oct. 10, the Aggies downed SMU 8-4 to register their second victory of the season. In the hunter-seat only competition, sophomore Emily Williams earned MVP honors in fences, scoring 89 points in what was only the third varsity ride of her career. The entire Aggie hunter seat team performed admirably against the Mustangs. A&M’s 12 riders averaged a score just shy of 82 points, and the Aggies outscored SMU by a tally of 978-862. A matchup against No. 4 Oklahoma State Oct. 30 put the Aggies’ perfect record in jeopardy. Facing its toughest competition of the season, the women of A&M responded admirably, claiming victory in fences, horsemanship and reining en
route to a 14-11 win over the Cowgirls. Junior Lia Chafee kicked things off with a personal best 87-point ride in fences, earning MVP and beating OSU’s Allison Rose by a five-point margin. The horsemanship squad got wins from senior Randy Standley, whose 74 points led all riders, as well as from juniors Kelsey Adams and Bianca Lamb and sophomore Cassie Mantor. Junior Maggie Earl earned her second career MVP on the flat, and A&M proved victorious once again in reining thanks to winning efforts from freshman Cheyenne Cracraft and sophomore Becca Murray. When No. 3 Auburn came to town, everyone knew it would be tough. The Aggies rose to the occasion, turning in their most impressive performance to date with an 11-8 win over the Tigers. The Tigers, who had never lost to the Aggies before the Nov. 5 bout, were the highest ranked opponent to ever visit the Expo Complex. The
western riders for A&M set the tone when they defeated Auburn in seven of the eight competitions. Horsemanship heroes, senior Randy Standley, juniors Katie Lisabeth and Kelsey Adams and sophomore Carey Nowacek, all defeated their rivals, bringing the score to 7-3. After the Tigers cut the lead to 8-7 on the flat, sophomore Becca Murray, junior Abigail Grabein, and Standley clinched the win in reining and giving the Aggies a victory over their highest ranked opposition of the season. “We always have our eyes on the national championship,” said sophomore Cassie Mantor, who was defeated in horsemanship for the first time all season. “The western team has won the past two years. We’re hoping to keep it going.” A&M resumes action in the spring on Jan. 28 against South Carolina.
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news
page 7 thursday 12.2.2010 ASSOCIATED PRESS
thebattalion
The Creator God Leaves Heaven for You!
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange speaks during a press conference Oct. 23 in London.
The Christmas Story: The Creator-God of the universe, Jesus Christ, left His home in heaven to become a human being. He lived a perfect life, performed miracles, was betrayed, and wrongfully condemned to death. After being crucified, Jesus' body was placed in a tomb. Three days later, he rose from the dead. After His resurrection, he remained on earth speaking to people for 40 days and then ascended to heaven. Jesus sacrificed himself to make a way for all people to have eternal life in heaven. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." -John 8:12. God is reaching out to men and women through His son, Jesus Christ. To find out more about God's relevance in your life, we encourage you to read this article by Josh McDowell: Does Christianity Work? at www.leaderu.com/everystudent/josh/josh.html.
US denounces WikiLeaks
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WASHINGTON -- WikiLeaks was on the defensive on several fronts Wednesday, scrambling to remain on the Internet and post more U.S. diplomatic documents while its fugitive founder Julian Assange was targeted by a European arrest warrant on Swedish rape charges. Amazon.com Inc. prevented WikiLeaks from using the U.S. company’s computers to distribute embarrassing State Department communications and other documents, WikiLeaks said Wednesday. The WikiLeaks site was unavailable for several hours before it moved back to servers owned by its previous Swedish host, Bahnhof, which are housed in a protective Cold-War era bunker. At the same time, Swedish officials intensified legal pressure on Assange by asking European police to arrest him on rape allegations that have shadowed him for weeks. Swedish Director of Public Prosecution Marianne Ny said that the European arrest warrant had been issued for Assange in connection with the allegations filed against him in that country. Amazon’s move to kick WikiLeaks off its servers came after congressional staff called the company Tuesday to inquire about its relationship with WikiLeaks, Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Connecticut independent, said Wednesday. “The company’s decision to cut off Wikileaks now is the right decision and should set the standard for other companies Wikileaks is using to distribute its illegally seized material,� Lieberman said in a statement. He added that he would have further questions for Amazon about its dealings with WikiLeaks. The White House said Wednesday it was taking new steps to protect government secrets after WikiLeaks release of thousands of sensitive U.S. diplomatic cables. Officials said national security adviser Tom Donilon has appointed a senior aide to identify and develop reforms needed in light of the document dump. The White House also spurned a call from Assange for Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to step down
if she had any role in directing U.S. diplomats’ spying on other foreign leaders. “Mr. Assange’s suggestion is ridiculous and absurd, and why anyone would find his opinion here relevant is baffling,� said spokesman Tommy Vietor, adding Clinton was doing an “extraordinary� job. The White House says U.S. diplomats do not engage in spying. Clinton was in Astana, Kazakhstan, enduring repeated comments about the WikiLeaks disclosures as she met with foreign officials at a conference of international leaders. Among those she met with was Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who had been described in newly released U.S. diplomatic cables as “feckless� and a party animal. “We have no better friend, we have no one who supports the American policies as consistently as Prime Minister Berlusconi has, starting in the Clinton administration, through the Bush administration, and now the Obama administration,� she said during a summit of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. A senior State Department official said that in her meeting with Berlusconi, the Ital-
ian leader raised the WikiLeaks matter, saying it was a political problem for him. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to describe a private conversation, said Clinton expressed regret for the leak, calling it an illegal act. The WikiLeaks matter was discussed in virtually all of Clinton’s private one-on-one meetings with European leaders and foreign ministers during the summit meeting Wednesday. “I have certainly raised the issue of the leaks in order to assure our colleagues that it will not in any way interfere with American diplomacy or our commitment to continuing important work that is ongoing,� Clinton said. Assange’s call for Clinton’s resignation came in an online interview Tuesday from an undisclosed location. Assange said Clinton should step down “if it can be shown that she was responsible for ordering U.S. diplomatic figures to engage in espionage in the United Nations� in violation of international agreements. Assange remained a fugitive Wednesday, shadowed by the Europe-wide arrest warrant. Associated Press
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voices thebattalion 12.02.2010
page9
Taking off the scarlet letters
Miki Fan — THE BATTALION
T
here is a stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections that brings on cruelty and intolerance in those who otherwise demonstrate none of these traits. Perpetuated by the media, this unspoken idea that an illness is an accurate reflection of a person is based on the same attitudes and biases that creates bigotry and sexism. Let’s start with some numbers. Acto a certain class of people – people we cording to the Centers for Disease are “better” than, because an STI could Control and Prevention, there are never happen to us. Truthfully, that 15 million new cases of sexually judgmental attitude is more disgusting transmitted infections reported anthan any of the ideas our culture has nually in the U.S.. About 6 million about STI’s. of these cases are HPV, the most But it goes beyond any crude jokes common STI in America. Perhaps or half-serious ostracisms. These can Matt Poarch hurt people very close to the ones the most notoriously stigmatized in senior wildlife and making the comments and an imour society, genital herpes is present fisheries major parted, imagined shame prevents the in one out of six Americans today. If you’re sitting in one of those sick from putting a stop to it. massive Harrington lecture halls, An often-overlooked fact is that in chances are that someone on your row is dealmany cases, no symptoms of the most common ing with an STI. sexually transmitted infections visibly manifest That fact might make you just uneasy themselves. While this fact does contribute to enough to shift a little bit in your seat. You their spread, it also means that for the millions probably cannot tell who it is, but that might who live their daily lives with an STI, the be troubling. With the stigmas that our culture most painful effect can be the mocking from has placed on sexually transmitted infections, unknowing friends. there is a common notion that they are limited “Even though many STIs are curable, and
even those that aren’t are treatable, many students are afraid to get tested,” said Rhonda Rahn, health education coordinator at A.P. Beutel Student Health Center. “Because many of these diseases are asymptomatic, meaning there’s no symptoms, students don’t know they have it.” I would be willing to bet that everyone in the classroom you are in has at least one skeleton in the closet. Chances are, you would not dream of throwing that door open, much less tease the person about what is inside. Somehow, there seems to be an exception made in the case of these stigmatized health issues. What makes matters worse is the addition of these caustic comments on top of the alreadyexisting psychological effects. “Broken,” “damaged” and “dirty” are all words used by a friend to describe their own body as a result of a heavily stigmatized condition. When a person already has these false ideas about who they are, it makes the jokes and judgments passed even more cruel. These negative attitudes and judgments can prevent students from taking advantage of free, anonymous HIV testing services on campus, offered at A.P. Beutel Health Center on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month. Many who suspect they have contracted an infec-
®
tion would rather not know than face even the internalized stigma of having an STI. As many who know me can attest to, I have never been much on political correctness, but this is an issue that goes beyond A.P. Beutel Health sensitivity. It Center offers free, comes from a deep-rooted anonymous HIV judgmental tests on the first attitude that and third Tuesday in other of every month. instances would not To schedule an be excused. appointment call Instead of Health Education at progressing 979-458-8322. toward the tolerant society we claim to be seeking, many still allow a sickness to define the character of a person. We intentionally do not let color, sex, occupation or political alignment influence our image of an individual, so why should a health condition be any different?
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