The Daily Iowan - 12/14/11

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011

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EDITOR’S PICKS: • Locals hope new legislation will help in hiring U.S. veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. Page 3 • Column: Factual errors unacceptable from journalism Professor Stephen Bloom. Page 4 • Wrestlers have plenty to work on in three-week gap between competitions. Page 12

Thompson released from jail An Iowa City man formerly charged with first-degree murder has been released from the Johnson County Jail.

Curtis William Charles Thompson, 19, was originally charged with the first-degree murder of Broadway apartment landlord John Versypt in October 2009.

Thompson pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact earlier this month after a judge denied his attorney’s motion to dismiss the case.

He also signed documents stating he knew Justin Marshall — another suspect in the case — committed the slaying of Broadway landlord John Versypt on Oct. 8, 2009.

Thompson’s initial trial, which took place in September, was declared a mistrial after the prosecution showed the jury portions of a video interview that were supposed to have been redacted.

Marshall and Courtney White face first-degree murder charges in connection with Versypt’s slaying. They will have separate trials in 2012.

Thompson’s sentencing is set for June 11, 2012, at 11 a.m.

— by Eric Moore

DAILY IOWAN TV To watch Daily Iowan TV go online at dailyiowan.com.

THOSE WHO STAY IN RURAL IOWA ARE OFTEN THE ELDERLY WAITING TO DIE, THOSE TOO TIMID (OR LACKING IN EDUCATED) TO PEER AROUND THE BEND FOR BETTER OPPORTUNITIES, AN ASSORTMENT OF WASTE-TOIDS AND METH ADDICTS WITH PALE SKIN AND ROTTED TEETH, OR THOSE WHO QUIXOTICALLY BELIEVE, LIKE LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE, THAT “THE SUN’LL COME OUT TOMORROW.” - PROFESSOR STEPHEN BLOOM, THE ATLANTIC, DEC. 9, 2011 GRAPHIC BY ALICIA KRAMME

Bloom piece sets off furor This isn’t the first time UI Professor Stephen Bloom has been criticised for his writing.

By ERIC MOORE eric-moore-1@uiowa.edu

Though locals say a University of Iowa professor had every right to compose a controversial article about Iowans, some say it doesn’t tell the whole story.

UI journalism Professor Stephen Bloom’s controversial article “Observations from 20 Years of Iowa Life” appeared in the Atlantic earlier this month and stirred responses this week from Iowans offended by what they believe are inaccurate and overly generalized portrayals of the state and its people.

In the article, Bloom comments on the culture and history of Iowa after living in the

state for the past 20 years. He also discusses the state’s role in politics with its first-in-thenation caucuses.

“Personally, I wonder why he’s doing this,” Johnson County Supervisor Pat Harney said.

“Is he doing this for reactive purposes … or does he truly believe that Iowa is the way he wrote about it? If it is true, then why is he still living here?”

Tuesday evening, the Des Moines Register reported Bloom now fears for his family’s safety because of “frightening” emails and phone calls he has received in response to the piece. Numerous attempts to reach Bloom, currently a visiting faculty member at the

for peace, some say

Cambus sees its highest ridership in February. jordyn-reiland@uiowa.edu

Classifieds 11 Crossword 8 Opinions 4

Sports 12

WEATHER HIGH

LOW

50

39

Cloudy, windy, 100% chance of rain/Tstorms.

SEE BLOOM, 9

Cambus braces for winter Caucus

By JORDYN REILAND

INDEX

University of Michigan, were unsuccessful Tuesday evening.

But Supervisor Janelle Rettig said the controversial piece can actually be positive, despite the current negative public response.

Discussion isn’t necessarily a negative reaction to the article, she said, and critically examining perceptions can be beneficial.

“I’m a firm believer in the Constitution, and he has the right to say almost anything he wants, and he’s used his freedom of speech to write,” said Rettig, though she added she doesn’t agree with Bloom’s analysis.

Cambus officials are preparing to tackle slick roads and increased ridership as wintery conditions roll into Iowa City.

Despite the increased ridership, Cambus Manager Brian McClatchey said officials aren’t providing additional formal training for drivers.

“There is no way to simulate it,” he said. “You have to drive in it to really understand and make your adjustments.”

McClatchey said informational materials are distributed to drivers — through emails and pamphlets — on tips for driving during winter conditions.

But other regent university

By DORA GROTE dora-grote@uiowa.edu

People board a Cambus near the Main Library on Tuesday. Cambus officials are bracing for the increase in ridership that comes with the winter weather. (The Daily Iowan/Adam Wesley) bus systems do provide winter driving training, and officials there said the additional measures are a necessity.

Sheri Kyras, the director of Transit for CyRide at Iowa

State University, said every new driver has to participate in slide training.

“We make sure to train them SEE CAMBUS, 9

President Obama is a shoo-in for the Democratic presidential nomination, but some locals say dissent is still needed.

A group of local peace activists met yesterday to encourage Democratic caucus-goers to stay uncommitted next January instead of lending support to Obama.

“I hope people see the point to go uncommitted,” said Jeff Cox, former Johnson County Democrats head. “It allows people to go to caucuses and take a stand for peace and hope that Obama pays some attention to it.”

Iowans who favor ending the war in SEE PEACEFUL CAUCUS, 9

2 - The Daily Iowan - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, December 14, 2011

News

Teacher & Yankee farmhand

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The Daily Iowan Volume 143 BREAKING NEWS

By MELISSA DAWKINS melissa-dawkins@uiowa.edu

Tyson Blaser has focus.

After the baseball-playing University of Iowa student earns his teaching certificate this winter, his professors and coaches said they’re confident that determination will take him far.

Blaser played catcher for five years on the Hawkeye baseball team, and he is currently back near his hometown of Taylor Ridge, Ill. student-teaching at Moline High School.

“Tyson had a tremendous passion for the game of baseball and a passion for people,” said Jack Dahm, the Iowa head baseball coach. “People just respond to him.”

But after hanging up his cleats after last year, Blaser was not down for the count just yet. He spent his summer training in Florida with the New York Yankees and playing in the minors.

“I got done with college ball in May,” Blaser said. “I thought my baseball career was over. The Yankees called and asked if I wanted to play, and I said, ‘Yes I would.’ ” However, the years leading up to his professional début were plagued with injuries, one of which took him out for an entire season.

“Tyson was supposed to be a starting catcher as a sophomore,” Dahm said.

“He hung on to the program during his rehab. It was tough on him … He was a big recruit for us. We had high expectations for him, and he had high expectations of himself.”

Through everything, Tyson did not waver in the classroom, said Nancy Langguth, a UI clinical

Phone: (319) 335-6063 E-mail: daily-iowan@uiowa.edu Fax: 335-6297

Tyson Blaser Blaser will continue training with the New York Yankees after graduation.

• Age: 24 • Hometown: Taylor Ridge, Ill. • Number of years Academic All Big Ten: 4 • Majors: History and Education

CORRECTIONS Call: 335-6030 Policy: The Daily Iowan strives for accuracy and fairness in the reporting of news. If a report is wrong or misleading, a request for a correction or a clarification may be made.

PUBLISHING INFO The Daily Iowan (USPS 143.360) is published by Student Publications Inc., E131 Adler Journalism Building, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2004, daily except Saturdays, Sundays, legal and university holidays, and university vacations. Periodicals postage paid at the Iowa City Post Office under the Act of Congress of March 2, 1879.

Source: HawkeyeSports.com

associate professor of education.

“I had been impressed with Tyson,” she said. “I would get news from the Athletics Department that he would be absent … He was able to just stay on top of it.”

Ultimately, Blaser said, he learned much from his experiences.

“What I’ve learned the most is to be flexible,” he said. “Schedules are always changing … Also, just learn that you’re part of a huge family at Iowa. Everybody loves being an Iowa Hawkeye.”

On the field, in the classroom, and beyond, many emphasize Blaser’s positive attitude.

“He’s very humble and understated, but so conscientious,” Langguth said.

“And I really appreciate that.”

Blaser said he believes success is the result of work ethic.

“I just attribute it to working hard,” he said.

“That’s all it comes down to. I didn’t take anything for granted and worked hard every day. I went through a lot of injuries.

Knowing my baseball career could end tomorrow, I gave everything I had to everything I did.”

Blaser wrapped his

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tyson Blaser heads back from the mound as a member of the Iowa baseball team. Blaser was a catcher for the Hawkeyes for five years; he is now a minor leaguer with the New York Yankees. (Photos Contributed)

Hawkeye career with a .289 batting average, 2 home runs, 73 RBIs, four Academic All-Big Ten honors, five sessions as a Unity Council member, a B.S. in history, and a teaching certificate, among other distinctions.

Blaser said he will marry

his high-school sweetheart on New Year’s before heading to train with the Yankees.

Dahm said he looks forward to Blaser’s future successes.

“He’s just a super, super kid,” Dahm said. “I’m a great fan of Tyson Blaser.”

arrived to find the victim, who pays rent at the address, with blood “all over” her face, shirt, and jeans. She had a deep laceration above her right eye and below her left eye, according to police. The injury was consistent with one strike to the face, police said.

The complaint also said the victim stated Diane Halter, 54, allegedly struck her with the phone. Officers located blood on the dining room floor of the residence and a phone on the kitchen counter that had blood on it, according to the complaint.

Police said the victim paid rent to Halter and that the two shared the same address.

Halter is charged with assault causing bodily injury, a serious misdemeanor.

—by Matt Starns

A North Liberty woman was charged Monday after she allegedly struck another woman with a phone.

According to a complaint by North Liberty police, officers were called to 70 Holiday Lodge Road around 6:52 p.m. for a medical response request involving a person who had been hit with a phone and was bleeding.

The complaint said the officer

RICHMOND, Va. — The man who fatally ambushed a Virginia Tech police officer had legally purchased the handgun used in the shooting, Virginia State Police said Tuesday.

Ross T. Ashley, 22, in January purchased the .40-caliber semiautomatic weapon used to kill 39-year-old Officer Deriek W. Crouse on Dec. 8. It was bought at a licensed Virginia gun dealer, but state police investigators did not release the dealer’s name.

Crouse was gunned down on

Tech’s Blacksburg campus during a routine traffic stop in a parking lot of Cassell Coliseum.

Ashley was found a short time later in a nearby parking lot, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Ballistics tests have linked the same gun to both killings.

Investigators said they have found no link between Ashley and Crouse. Ashley was a parttime student at nearby Radford University.

“Despite investigators’ nonstop pursuit of this case, there still remains no prior connection or contact between” the men, the statement said.

The shooting sent tremors through the Virginia Tech campus, which was the scene of the deadliest U.S. mass shooting on April 16, 2007. A gunman killed 32 and then himself.

State police investigators said they have interviewed family, friends, and acquaintances to reconstruct Ashley’s movements before his deadly encounter with Crouse.

Ashley stole at gunpoint a 2011 luxury SUV from a Radford real-estate office the day before the officer’s slaying, and his first known appearance in Blacksburg was recorded hours later by surveillance video inside a retail shop in the college town.

A state police timeline does not include any other sightings of Ashley until the lunch-hour shooting of Crouse the following day.

— Associated Press

Court, was charged Monday with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Shalonya Diekman , 30, Fort Dodge, was charged Oct. 14 with identity theft, second-degree theft, and check forgery and Oct. 16 with check forgery, identity

theft, and criminal trespass.

Misae l Mecinas , 29, 2018 Waterfront Drive Apt. 72, was charged Monday with domestic assault with injury.

Taccara Moore , 28, 859 Longfellow Court, was charged Dec. 11 with OWI.

Travis Schaapveld , 23, 2127 Kountry Lane Apt. 9, was charged Monday with driving with a suspended or canceled license.

Gean Uriate, 28, Coralville, was charged Monday with driving with a suspended or canceled license.

METRO/NATION Man faces numerous charges An Iowa City man faces numerous charges after he allegedly fled on foot during a traffic stop, before punching a police officer.

The complaint said officers attempted to stop Patrick Horras, 22, for erratic driving, citing weaving and speeding. Horras allegedly crashed his vehicle, then fled on foot from police.

According to the complaint, Horras allegedly fled through backyards in an attempt to evade officers. Upon contact with Horras, the complaint said, officers said he exhibited red, bloodshot, watery eyes and poor balance, as well as a strong odor of alcoholic beverage.

Horras allegedly was “verbally and physically combative” according to the complaint, which also said he punched the officer who made initial contact with him in the face.

The complaint said during a search of Horras’ vehicle, officers located one empty can of beer and two full cans in a box in the back seat of the car, as well as a pill bottle in the center console that contained marijuana.

Horras was charged with OWI, public intoxication, assault on a police officer causing injury, and possession of a controlled substance.

— by Matt Starns

Fire destroys Coralville residence A resedence in Coralville was destroyed Tuesday, according to

a release.

The Coralville Fire Department said firefighters arrived at a structure fire at 3701 Second St. Unit 346 — inhabited by Evelyn Torres and owned by Ramon Nunez — at approximately 5:31 a.m., after a passerby reported the fire at the unoccupied home.

Upon their arrival, firefighters encountered smoke and fire in a bedroom. The release said three engines and 14 fire fighters responded to the blaze, and the fire was under control within 15 minutes of their arrival and completely extinguished within 45 minutes.

The release said the home is considered a total loss due to smoke and heat damage. There were no injuries, according to the release, but one pet was lost in the fire. No estimate of the monetary loss to the homeowners has been established.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, the release said.

— by Matt Starns

Woman charged with assault

Details trickle out in Va. Tech shooting

BLOTTER Nurah Arafat, 29, 2107 Davis St., was charged Monday with driving while barred.

Edward Brown, 35, 24 N. Gilbert St. Apt. 4, was charged Monday with driving with a suspended or canceled license.

Caleb Busch, 18, 2616 Catskill

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The Daily Iowan - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - 3

Storkless in IC Vet unemployment high The Obama administration has signed a bill encouraging employers to hire veterans by offering them tax exemptions.

By RISHABH R. JAIN rishabh-jain@uiowa.edu

The Stork from the Avoid the Stork campaign for safe sex stopped visiting the UI campus last spring, and the university has no plans to replace it. (The Daily Iowan/File Photo)

About half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned.

By JENNY EARL jennifer-earl@uiowa.edu

There wasn’t a stork in sight on campus this year.

The University of Iowa College of Public Health’s Avoid the Stork campaign grant — given to the University by the Iowa Initiative Research Program — came to an end last spring, and officials have no plans for a safe-sex marketing campaign to take its place.

“We don’t have any plans,” said Trisha Schiltz, the health educator for Student Health/Health Iowa. “We’re always out there for outreach, but we don’t have anything as large scale because we don’t have that kind of funding.”

The Avoid the Stork campaign, part of the Iowa Initiative Research Program, was designed to educate women ages 18 to 30 about contraception and about improving behavior regarding sexual health.

The UI’s Avoid the Stork campaign launched in 2009.

The UI National College Health Assessment Summary shows 17.7 percent of sexually active UI students reported using the “morning after pill” and 1 percent reported experiencing an unintentional pregnancy or getting some-

one pregnant in the last 12 months.

Some say campaigns such as Avoid the Stork are a key in decreasing the amount of unplanned pregnancies.

“Because a woman saw a poster or a billboard, is that going to prevent a pregnancy? Absolutely not,” said Barbara Huberman, the director of education for Advocates for Youth, an organization founded in 1980 as the Center for Population Options. “But would that make her or her partner stop and think about their relationship and think about using better methods? That is possible.”

Huberman said twothirds of teen pregnancies occur to 18- or 19-yearolds.

“That means if you have 100 teen pregnancies in your city, about 66 of them are going to occur to 18- or 19-year-olds, and in general, those women aren’t in high school anymore,” she said. “Given that kind of data, we need campaigns that focus on a college-age population.”

Even though the campaign won’t be renewed, Student Health behavior health consultant Stephanie Beecher said it was a good step toward improving sexual-health

awareness at the UI. “One thing the Stork did a great job of is creating that environment where it’s normal to talk about these things — so if anything, that’s been great,” she said.

While the Stork went around campus distributing condoms, Student Health officials will now focus on efforts to educate students and test for STDs. Student Health’s first successful initiative took place on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, when a group of Student Health officials used remote testing to test 28 students for HIV. Beecher said 38 percent of UI students have been tested for STDs within the past year, and Student Health hopes to raise that number.

Deb Madison-Levi, director of operations and communications for Iowa Initiative, said the results regarding the success of the 2009-10 Avoid the Stork campaign will not be available until April.

“We’re winding down into the last year of our work, collecting information and data from these research programs, and then we’ll be able to report more [on the success] of these programs,” she said.

Local businesses and programs are going out of their way to employ veterans, as reports indicate vets have a higher unemployment rate.

While most of the nation is seeing high unemployment rates, U.S. military veterans who left the service after 2001 are finding it more difficult to find work.

And more are expected to come home following a statement from President Obama in October that all combat troops in Iraq will be sent home by the end of 2011.

Recent statistics released by the Department of Labor states that the unemployment rate for military veterans who quit the service after 2001 stand 3 percentage points above the national average — 9 percent — at 12.1 percent.

Experts say making the transition from the military to school or work can be especially difficult.

“Coming from a tightly knit organization with everything planned out to being totally on one’s own is an adjustment for anyone,” said John Mikelson, the UI Veterans Center coordinator. “To have all the life experiences a veteran acquires without peers to relate that to is difficult.

Even just being an older nontraditional student in class with 18- to 19-yearolds creates a gap in conversations.”

Brenda Dodge, operations director at Iowa City branch of Iowa Workers Development, said the center’s Veterans Affairs regularly hosts workshops and seminars in which veterans are trained to show-

Veterans’ unemployment The veterans’ unemployment rate of 12 percent is higher than the national rate.

Local employers with “veteran friendly” hiring practices • University of Iowa • UI Hospitals and Clinics • Rockwell Collins • Iowa Book Source: John Mikelson, UI Veterans Center coordinator

case their acquired skills in a good light.

“Having employers understand what value a veteran brings to the workforce is very important for a veteran being hired,” Dodge said, pointing out the additional skills that veterans possess from the nature of their previous job.

But even with employment assistance, Mikelson said, obtaining a B.A. has become indispensable in terms of landing a job.

“The B.A. has become the new high-school diploma in terms of entry-level job credentials.”

Statistics released by the Labor Department in June showed that only 31 percent of vets had a postsecondary degree in Iowa. The percentage of veterans

with a high-school degree was slightly higher at 46 percent.

Gordon Gates, senior recruiting consultant at HireVeterans.com — one of the biggest online job portals for U.S. veterans — said high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder can contribute to why veterans who come back have trouble “coping.”

Gates said veterans are not getting as much help from the Department of Veterans Affairs, “although the help is more than it has ever been.”

“HireVeterans.com does not follow a business model, because it is not a business. We basically reach out to veterans and provide them access to civilian jobs, and there is no charge,” he said. “It was an innocent experiment for an important reason that has now helped many veterans.”

A recent bill aims to encourage veteran employment by offering tax cuts ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 to employers that hire veterans who have been employed for more than six months. It creates a special education and retraining program with the aim to better veterans’ chance for employment.

4 - The Daily Iowan - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Opinions

ADAM B SULLIVAN Editor • EMILY BUSSE Managing Editor • SAM LANE Managing Editor • CHRIS STEINKE Opinions Editor HAYLEY BRUCE Metro Editor • SAMUEL CLEARY, SARAH DAMSKY , BENJAMIN EVANS MATT HEINZE, JOE SCHUELLER Editorial writers EDITORIALS reflect the majority opinion of the DI Editorial Board and not the opinion of the Publisher, Student Publications Inc., or the University of Iowa.

GUEST OPINIONS, COMMENTARIES, and COLUMNS reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Editorial Board.

Column

Real observations from 20 years of Iowa life ADAM B SULLIVAN adam-sullivan@uiowa.com

Stephen Bloom and I have both lived in Iowa for about 20 years. We live in the same town, our offices are in the same building, and I went to high school with his son.

But the Iowa I know couldn’t be more different than the Iowa that Bloom, a University of Iowa journalism professor who spent much of his career in California, writes about in an article recently published in the Atlantic.

A born-and-bred Iowan who plans to someday retire here, I can tell you the following excerpts from Bloom’s column — which represent just a few of the many ridiculous claims — are outright false.

“Men over 50 don’t leave home without a penknife in their pocket.”

Neither of my grandpas — both lifelong rural Iowans — carried a penknife.

“Meat loaf and pork chops are king.”

I’m a vegetarian, and I’m not starving.

“Jell-O molds (cottage cheese with canned pears or pineapple) are what to bring to wedding receptions and funerals.”

I’ve never been to an

Iowa wedding reception that wasn’t professionally catered.

“You can’t drive too far without seeing a sign for JESUS or ABORTION IS LEGALIZED MURDER.” I’ve probably rode a million miles on Iowa highways and have only seen a handful of signs like those.

To be clear, it’s not as though I’m a Johnson County city slicker who’s out of touch with rural Iowans. My parents graduated with a class of 54 — still Preston High School’s biggest class ever, I’m told — and I spend at least a dozen weekends every year on the Jackson County farm where Sullivans have grown vegetables and raise beef for more than 100 years.

But even if you can get past the cultural insensitivity in the tidbits above — it’s his right as an author to take a few creative liberties, I suppose — what’s more troubling is that someone who’s paid by the state to teach journalism messes up the facts in order to make his point.

“Not much travels along the muddy and polluted Mississippi these days except rusty-bucket barges of grain and an occasional kayaker circumnavigating garbage, beer cans, and assorted debris,” Bloom writes.

But, as my friend and progressive blogger Paul

Deaton points out, much more actually travels down the state’s easterly water border. Coal, oil distillates, coiled steel, other metals, fertilizer, and a slew of other goods travel by barge down the Mississippi.

After laying out what’s otherwise an accurate account of Iowa’s geography, Bloom moves to politics. Of course, no discussion of Iowa’s politics can even start without mention of gay marriage, a heated issue that has grabbed newspaper headlines here consistently for three years now.

“Marriage between two same-sex people is legal in Iowa for now, but may not be for long. So far, Democrats have blocked a statewide referendum on the issue (Dems hold sway in the Iowa Senate 26-24), but if Republicans take control of the Senate, gay marriage could — and likely would — be repealed,” Bloom writes.

The author oversimplifies the issue, likely to the point of inaccuracy. In fact, Iowans are warming quite nicely to the idea of samesex marriage. Even if Republicans somehow do get a referendum to ban gay marriage on a statewide ballot — a tall order on its own — it’s not clear Iowans would squelch marriage equality. My friend and D.C.-area jour-

nalist Jim Malewitz points to polling data that shows Iowans are basically split evenly on whether gay marriage ought to be legal.

With a lengthy career in journalism, Bloom must at least have some apt criticism of the state’s newspapers, though, right?

Not quite.

“When my family and I first moved to Iowa, our first Easter morning I read the second-largest newspaper in the state (the Cedar Rapids Gazette) with this headline splashed across Page One: HE HAS RISEN. … The editors obviously thought that everyone knew who He was, and cared,” Bloom writes.

But my friend and Gazette staffer Patrick Hogan dug through the paper’s archives from around the time Bloom moved to the state and didn’t find such a headline.

And Hogan correctly goes on to ask whether, even if the headline is real, a newspaper package from the year today’s college juniors were born has much meaningful reflection on today’s Iowa?

I don’t think so.

Bloom wrote a compelling story about the Heartland. Unfortunately, the place he describes doesn’t exist in the real world.

And if it does, it certainly isn’t Iowa.

Guest opinion

Re-elect Obama in 2012 Considering all the coverage the media has given to Iowa caucus candidates lately, I have realized it is more important now than ever to stress the importance of re-electing President Obama to a second term.

Obama took office in the midst of an economic crisis that was not created overnight and won’t be fixed overnight. He has offered solutions to the immediate problems and saved our automotive and banking industries, which were on the brink of collapse. In doing so, he laid the foundation for a fairer economy that restores middle-class security, in which everyone plays by the same rules, and hard work and responsibility pay off.

Health care On March 23, 2010, Obama signed arguably the most monumental piece of legislation into law: the Affordable Care Act. This health-care overhaul not only allows greater control and security over one’s health insurance, it lowers costs, increases quality of coverage, and provides many new options for millions of Americans.

The reform prohibits denying an individual

insurance because of a preexisting condition, allows young adults to remain on their parents’ plans until they reach the age of 26, and closes the Medicare doughnut hole. Seniors now also have access to free preventive-care screening for diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

Most importantly, insurance companies can no longer drop coverage once an individual gets sick.

Commander-in-chief Obama fulfilled a promise from the 2008 campaign this past October when he announced that all U.S. troops will be pulled out of Iraq before the end of 2011. He also made the citizens of the world safer by overseeing the slaying of Osama bin Laden.

Economic security for young Americans The American Jobs Act that was proposed to Congress is designed to put Americans back to work and put more money into the pockets of working Americans without adding to the nation’s debt.

The act will cut taxes for 45.5 million young Americans. It will update and repair schools — both employing Americans and

investing in our future.

Obama increased the amount of Pell Grants to assist students obtain a higher education to secure a place in the ever-increasing competitive global workforce. He signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law, which gives women a legal basis to argue equal pay for equal work. He has capped student-loan repayments at 10 percent of income after college and introduced loan forgiveness for teachers, nurses, and members of the armed forces after 10 years.

Why I’m writing I am writing this article from the viewpoint of an Iowan who has always believed that hard work and fairness will pay off.

Obama and other Democrats throughout the nation are committed to protecting the security of the middle class — a socioeconomic group of which I am proud to be a member.

I was always taught that actions speak louder than words. The actions of Obama have always been made with the nation’s best interest in mind, as opposed to catering to the desires of the few wealthiest Americans and corporations.

I would like to note that I am a proud member of the Democratic Party and have been an active volunteer with Obama in the past. I say this not because I despise the GOP presidential candidates and conservatives, but because I believe in an America where hard work and responsibility do pay off. I believe in an America where women receive equal wages for the same work as men, an America where gays and lesbians can choose to protect our nation by serving in the military without protecting their true identities. I believe in an America that is dedicated to educating children and young adults to secure America’s position atop a global community. I believe in an America where an individual cannot be denied health-coverage because of a pre-existing condition or be dropped by an insurance company once they become sick.

I believe in President Obama and all he has to offer both to me personally and to our nation.

I believe in four more years.

Will Reasoner is a student at the University of Iowa.

WHAT’S YOUR IMPRESSION OF RURAL IOWANS?

Read today’s column, and email us at: daily.iowan.letters@gmail.com.

Guest opinion

Caucus for substance, caucus for Gingrich As Time’s Person of the Century, Albert Einstein, once said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Our nation is being suffocated with debt and its citizens crushed by the repetition of failed policies. America must end the insanity coming out of Washington and begin the road to recovery by defeating President Obama on Nov. 6, 2012.

The most important election of our lifetime is now less than a year away. As Iowans, we have the great responsibility in choosing the next president of the United States. We have the unique and privileged opportunity to speak with presidential candidates personally. I have been fortunate enough to meet with the entire slate of 2012 Republican candidates on more than one occasion. This election cycle in particular, Republicans should all be proud of the tremendous depth our candidates display as they compete for our party’s nomination.

The Iowa caucuses, to all Iowa College Republicans dismay, have been moved up to Jan. 3, 2012. With a majority of Iowans undecided for whom they will vote, the nomination remains up for grabs.

We have seen the consequences of electing politicians who lack experience and leadership. To return America back to prosperity, we need a leader with experience implementing bold solutions. We need a leader who has shown that they know how to get America working again.

That leader is Newt Gingrich.

Unlike the current administration, Newt is not blind to the difficulties facing our nation in this perilous time.

The 21st Century Contract with America shows a deep understanding of the scale and scope of the problems facing America.

Under Gingrich’s leadership as speaker, Congress passed the first balanced budget in a generation. In four years, Gingrich oversaw the creation of a stable economic environment that created 11 million jobs, while reforming welfare programs, restoring funding to strengthen our defense capabilities, expanding NIH research programs, and repaying over $400 billion in federal debt.

Putting Americans back to work needs to be the administration’s highest priority. While our current administration disagrees, a

Gingrich administration will ensure that America’s focus on jobcreation never waivers.

Instead of baseless rhetoric and empty promises, Newt has practical and innovative ideas to solve some of our toughest problems. Nothing will help our deficit or protect our future more soundly than transitioning Americans from a government-dependent economy to an independently productive economy.

Today at 2:45, Gingrich will introduce his highly anticipated platform on developing brain science at the University of Iowa. His plan is the boldest plan of any presidential candidate, focusing on common diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, autism, and others has the potential to save our government trillions of dollars in Medicare funding in the future. This innovative proposal will provide a great export to the rest of the world and will create the type of jobs that Americans need more than ever.

Every GOP insider knows that Gingrich alone demands a seat at the table in the next administration. They knows that his debate and oratory skills are unmatched. Every GOP insider knows he is the candidate with the greatest record of success at the federal level. Similarly, not one GOP insider will count Newt out until every last vote is counted on election night.

Do your country a favor — don’ t be fooled by a 20-second soundbite. We m u s t b e t h e o n es to change the conversation and demand substance. I beg you to use your responsibility as an Iowan voter wisely and diligently do your research. Look over all the candidates’ websites and watch the debates. Make up your own mind on whom you want to support, but in making this decision, consider who has the experience, record, and ideas to lead our nation back from the brink.

America needs a brilliant leader through these trying times.

Time may have said it best about its 1995 Man of the Year, “Leaders make things possible. Exceptional leaders make them inevitable. Newt Gingrich belongs in the category of the exceptional.” I will proudly caucus for Newt Gingrich on Jan. 3, and I ask that you join me in ensuring that America’s best days still lie ahead.

Natalie Ginty is a senior biochemistry major at the University of Iowa and chairwoman of the Iowa Federation of College Republicans.

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News

SCALING ECONOMICS

The Daily Iowan - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - 5

Von Maur move worries some Von Maur was offered a free building in Coralville to relocate there.

By ASMAA ELKEURTI asmaa-elkeurti@uiowa.edu

Iowa students Joe Berman (left) and Alex Pim study for their microeconomics final in the Pappajohn Business Building on Tuesday. (The Daily Iowan/Toan Nguyen)

Law school leads in reporting

By KRISTEN EAST kristen-east@uiowa.edu

The University of Iowa College of Law is ahead of most national law schools when it comes to reporting and publishing jobs and salaries of recent graduates online, one UI official said.

The American Bar Association’s questionnaire requires law schools nationwide to annually report jobs and salaries of their graduates. Recent changes, approved earlier this month by a legal education committee, will require law schools to report directly to the bar association, send placement data within a year after a class graduates, and include more specifics about jobs and salaries.

Karen Klouda, the UI law school’s director of Career Services, said the school has always reported directly to the American Bar Association in a detailed and timely matter.

“We’ve always collected accurate data and submitted it to the ABA as required, and we will con-

tinue to do so,” she said.

Law schools previously sent data to the bar association through an outside organization, the National Association for Legal Career Professionals.

The changes to the national questionnaire come after an onslaught of lawsuits from jobless lawschool graduates and public criticism from United States senators and federal panels that review accrediting agencies.

U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, expressed concern about the bar association’s accreditation policies earlier this year.

“The ABA has a lot of work to do to show the public that it takes its role of accreditation seriously and that it will revises its standards to present accurate, complete information to potential students,” Grassley wrote in an email to The Daily Iowan on Tuesday. “I hope this revised questionnaire will be a step in the right direction and that there’s a lot more to come.”

Though the association will not report salaries by individual institutions — to

prevent students from making school-by-school comparisons — the UI posts that information online.

The UI law school reports admissions numbers, barpassage data, and employment and salary data for the last three years on its website. Information is made available within a year of each class’s graduation. Data for the class of 2011 will be available next March.

Second-year UI law student Michael Appel thinks asking law schools for more specifics is always a good idea.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” he said. “I don’t think it will help what all schools are doing. The American Bar Association still needs to follow up and ask, ‘Are the law schools being honest?’ with the results they publish.”

For University of Iowa freshman Liz Behlke, Sycamore Mall was one of the best parts of growing up in southeastern Iowa City.

“I feel like it brings people over to the East Side,” she said.

But the possible relocation of Von Maur, which is now an occupant of the mall, has left a few business owners in the facility uncertain about the mall’s future. With the business gone, some say they will have to amp up initiatives to bring customers in.

Von Maur officials initially sent out a press release early this fall about the store’s relocation.

The store’s decision to locate to Coralville’s Iowa River Landing was propelled by economic incentives offered by the city.

“Von Maur was the anchor for Sycamore Mall,” UI Professor Emeritus of urban planning Peter Fisher said. “It still is. Nobody’s expected to stay there if it moves.”

Arik Akers, the owner of Lucky Resale consignment store, said Von Maur moving out of Sycamore Mall has solidified his decision to relocate after his lease expires in 2014.

“We’ll have to do a lot more outside advertising to make up for the loss of foot

Von Maur Von Maur possibly closing its Iowa City location has businesses in the Sycamore Mall on edge: • Von Maur’s lease with Sycamore Mall ends in 2014 • Von Maur will open a store in the Iowa River Landing • Von Maur will recieve TIF to support the relocation.

• point sources: Peter Fisher, UI professor emeritus of urban planning, and Sycamore Mall manager Kevin Digmann

traffic and people coming to the mall,” Akers said.

The owner is not the only one in Sycamore Mall to scout out new locations. Akers said other stores have also talked about leaving.

Doug Krutzfeldt, the owner of Wilson’s Sports Center, said his decision to relocate his store to Eastside Plaza was solidified by Von Maur’s possible relocation.

“I think a number of us here view this as a not real positive circumstance,” Krutsfeldt said.

“Von Maur’s drawn a lot of customers in here over the years, and it has a very loyal following. It will certainly change the environment.”

Akers said he is concerned about the future of Sycamore Mall.

“It definitely seems like things are going downhill for Sycamore,” he said, and he believes several businesses have left. “There’s supposed to be two more [businesses] exiting in January. The lack of Von Maur is going to make for a lot of empty storefronts.”

Kevin Digmann, the manager of Sycamore Mall, said he does not feel the possible relocation of Von Maur would have a substantial negative effect on the mall.

“Other users that would have more of a broad base, a mix of clientele that would benefit a lot more stores have showed interest in coming to Sycamore,” he said. “If Von Maur does leave, they’re fairly confident they’ll have somebody in place.”

However, Krutsfeldt said worried discussion has taken place among business owners.

“Well, people are keeping their comments close to the vest,” he said. “I think if they had their choice, other merchants would wish things were not changing and that Von Maur would stay.”

One business owner, however, remains positive about the mall’s potential future without Von Maur.

“Everything changes, but I’m really not worried.

I don’t see it crippling anybody,” said Renee Vogt, the owner of Renee’s Ceramics. “I think we’re secure.”

6 - The Daily Iowan - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Social issues burst onstage

News

dailyiowan.com for more news

Economic growth up

By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER Associated Press

By PHILIP ELLIOTT Associated Press

DES MOINES — Mitt Romney is forced to defend his opposition to same-sex marriage. Newt Gingrich endorses a pledge to be faithful to his wife. Rick Perry runs an ad noting he’s against gays serving openly in the military, and abortion may take center stage today.

Three weeks before Iowa’s leadoff caucuses, cultural issues that have been virtually dormant in this Republican presidential campaign are bursting to the forefront as social conservatives — who make up the core of GOP primary voters and haven’t rallied behind any one contender — search for a candidate who shares their views.

“Everyone knows what Iowans want to hear, and they will be willing to say those things,” said the Rev. Brad Cranston of Burlington, who is backing Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann. “But I think it’s important that we examine their records.”

Almost daily now, GOP front-runners Gingrich and Romney are answering for records and backgrounds that are flawed in the eyes of these voters.

And Republicans rivals looking to revive their struggling campaigns — such as Perry — are turning ever more to topics that resonate strongly with this powerful segment of their party’s primary electorate in hopes of becoming their preferred candidate.

“There’s something wrong in this country when gays can serve openly in the military but our kids can’t openly celebrate Christmas or pray in school,” Perry, the Texas governor, says in a TV ad blanketing Iowa ahead of the state’s Jan. 3 caucuses.

In a column published Tuesday, Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, the Episcopal Church’s first openly gay bishop, assailed Perry for

using gay and lesbian soldiers as “as political cannon fodder for his campaign” in “an attempt to conservative garner Christian votes.”

Abortion opposition will be the issue of the day today, when Gingrich, Bachmann, Perry, and Rick Santorum attend a screening of Mike Huckabee’s anti-abortion documentary.

Cultural issues such as those — typically a driving force in a GOP primary — largely have taken a back seat to the economy this year, among even the most vocal social conservatives. Many have spent the better part of the year that while they want a candidate who firmly shares their beliefs, it’s most important that they find someone who can fix the economy — and defeat President Obama.

A recent New York Times/ CBS News poll found that among evangelicals in Iowa, 55 percent said a candidate’s positions on economic issues were most important to them. Only 25 percent said social issues were their top priority. It was even more lopsided among all likely caucusgoers — 71 percent said the economy was issue No. 1, and 14 percent cited social concerns.

Today, the two Republicans at the top of polls in Iowa and elsewhere have baggage that makes cultural conservatives skeptical.

Romney, a Mormon, has a record of equivocating or reversing himself on a series of social issues, including gay and abortion rights, and his faith concerns some evangelical voters. Gingrich has been married three times and has acknowledged infidelity. Both have sought over the years to make amends with these voters, but their pasts raise questions about whether they are sincere when they now say they’ll uphold issues social conservatives hold dear.

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WASHINGTON — Economic growth is picking up in the final three months of the year, fueled by higher consumer spending, rising business stockpiles, and modest increases in hiring.

The start of the holiday shopping season in November helped produce the sixth-straight monthly increase in retail sales. Giftbuying Americans spent more on clothing and electronics, and sales of autos and furniture also rose.

Job openings declined slightly in October. But they were still at the secondhighest level in three years.

Businesses also built up their inventories in October, after holding them steady in September. That means extra factory production was likely needed to increase companies’ stockpiles.

Overall, most analysts expect the economy to grow at an annual rate of at least 3 percent in the OctoberDecember quarter, up from 2 percent in the July-September period.

Still, the improvement might not last. Unemployment remains high, and

Rhonda Cochran (left) and Tiffany Strickland load bags of Black Friday deals into a car at Bel Air Mall in Mobile, Ala., on Nov. 25. Retailers are reporting strong sales gains in November, boosted by a discountfueled spending binge for the start of the holiday shopping season. (Associated Press/Mobile PressRegister, Mike Kittrell) incomes are stagnant.

That’s likely to restrain growth early next year. So could any worsening of Europe’s financial crisis.

Because pay raises have been slight, consumers have dipped into savings to finance much of the additional spending. That trend may not be sustainable.

“Looking ahead to early next year, we expect consumer spending to slow markedly amid sluggish income growth, shrinking household wealth, low savings, and tight credit conditions,” Michelle Meyer, an economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said in a note to clients.

Retail sales rose 0.2 percent in November, the government said Tuesday. That was lower than October’s gain, which was revised up to show a 0.6 percent increase.

And it was the smallest increase in five months.

Even so, more spending on retail goods shows the economy is continuing to grow steadily, if slowly.

The Daily Iowan - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - 7

8 - The Daily Iowan - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, December 14, 2011

the ledge This column reflects the opinion of the author and not the DI Editorial Board, the Publisher, Student Publications Inc., or the University of Iowa.

Daily Break The Daily Iowan www.dailyiowan.com

“

Platitude: an idea (a) that is admitted to be true by everyone and (b) that is not true.

— H.L. Mencken

”

HUNGRY? Check out The Daily Iowan Dining Guide only at dailyiowan.com

today’s events

SUBMIT AN EVENT Want to see your super special event appear here? Simply submit the details at:

dailyiowan.com/pages/calendarsubmit.html

General and unsolicited advice: • A gym membership is not a magical, talismanic card that makes you healthier simply because you carry it around in your wallet.

Trust me on this one.

• Easiest possible way to increase your classiness coefficient: Start calling tartar sauce “rémoulade.” You’re not having fish fingers and tartar sauce, you’re having “breaded haddock with rémoulade.” And Franzia.

• Every presentation, no matter the setting, can be enhanced via strategic use of a fog machine.

• Never ever, ever, ever, even when you want to, even when you think you cannot possibly continue, ever, ever, ever give up on your dreams. Unless they’re stupid.

• “Because I thought it would be funny” is rarely an admissible defense in a court of law.

• Sometimes, you just need to be an adult, be honest with yourself, and admit that, sure, you could really go for some Cheetos right about now.

• Never self-diagnose yourself with WebMD. You will have cancer. You will always have cancer.

• If you ever walk into a Famous Footwear, Payless Shoe Source, or similar cobbler-type shop, and the salesperson asks you if there’s anything s/he can help you find, simply reply: “Do you have any shoes?” It’s worth getting kicked out over.

— Andrew R. Juhl thanks Brian Tanner and Jayne Sanderson for help with today’s Ledge.

CHECK OUT dailyiowan.com FOR MORE PUZZLES

• International Coin Collectors Association Event, all day event, Clarion, 2525 N. Dodge • Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m., Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn • Women in Medicine & Science Session, noon, 283 Eckstein Medical Research Building • Family Medicine Noon Conference, 12:15 p.m., 01125 UIHC Pomerantz Family Pavilion • Staff Council Meeting, 2:30 p.m., 2520D University Capitol Centre • Liver Transplant Evaluation Conference, 3 p.m., SE 422 UIHC General Hospital • Zumba with Aimee, 5:30 p.m., Old Brick, 26 E. Market

UITV schedule Noon WorldCanvass Studio, “Roy Bennett & the Hard Road to Democracy in Zimbabwe,” Joan Kjaer and International Programs, Oct. 3 1 p.m. WorldCanvass Studio, “Caucasus as a Crossroads: Dagestan, Russia, and Regional Security,” Joan Kjaer and International Programs, Oct. 27 2 “Separation of Mosque and State,” M. Zuhdi Jasser, president and founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, Oct. 3 3:15 UI Explorers Lecture Series, “Hydroscience,” Connie Mutel, Hydroscience and Engineering, Oct. 13 4 WorldCanvass Studio, “Roy Bennett & the Hard Road to Democracy in Zimbabwe,” Joan Kjaer and International Programs, Oct. 3 5 WorldCanvass Studio, “Caucasus as a Crossroads: Dagestan, Russia, and

horoscopes

• Fabric Gift Tags, 6 p.m., Home Ec Workshop, 207 N. Linn • Readers and Writers Group, 6 p.m., Uptown Bill’s, 730 S. Dubuque • Bingo, 6:30 p.m., Eagle’s Club, 225 Highway 1 W. • Gray Knights Chess Club, 6:30 p.m., Senior Center, 28 S. Linn • Bluegrass Banjo Jam, 7 p.m., Hideaway, 310 E. Prentiss • Brioche Knitting: Two-Color, 7 p.m., Home Ec Workshop • PJ Story Time, 7 p.m., North Liberty Community Library, 520 W. Cherry • Spoken Word Open Mike, 7 p.m., Uptown Bill’s • Jam Session, 10 p.m., Yacht Club, 13 S. Linn Campus channel 4, cable channel 17 Regional Security,” Joan Kjaer and International Programs, Oct. 27 6 Symphony Band & Concert Band Concerts, Symphony Band, Richard Mark Heidel, director; Concert Band, Kevin Kastens, director, Oct. 11 8 “Separation of Mosque and State,” M. Zuhdi Jasser, president and founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, Oct. 3 9:15 Updates from University of Iowa Health Care 9:30 Daily Iowan Television News 9:45 To Be Announced 10:15 Ueye, features on student life and activities 10:30 Daily Iowan Television News 10:45 “Separation of Mosque and State,” M. Zuhdi Jasser, president and founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, Oct. 3

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011 — by Eugenia Last

ARIES March 21-April 19 You are on the right track mentally, emotionally, and financially, but you have to take better care of yourself physically. Make sure you get rest and avoid any activities that have the potential to lead to injury.

TAURUS April 20-May 20 Overly emotional actions will bring the same in return. You have to monitor what you do and say if you want to get things accomplished. Put your energy into doing something constructive. Set an example, and you will gain respect.

GEMINI May 21-June 20 Do your best to please those around you. Planning festive events that bring people together will enhance your relationships with your business and personal friends. Fix up your home to reflect your mood. Your suggestions will be inspired.

CANCER June 21-July 22 Put a push behind the things you have to finish before the year ends. It’s important to work hard and show your value to the people around you. A change will favor you and your position. Apply for better jobs or advancement.

LEO July 23-Aug. 22 Show everyone how things are done. You’ll shine if you step into the limelight. Socializing with colleagues will allow you to network with people who can influence your future. Your ideas will impress and interest someone important.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Be careful how you approach sensitive issues. Not everyone will feel the same way you do. Focus on appreciating the ones you love. Shopping will lead to some good purchases, but be careful not to spend more than you can afford.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Use your imagination to get ahead. The ideas you share now will help you advance in the future. Your abilities to initiate change and to teach and learn from being a team player will separate you from the crowd.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21 You may know what you want to accomplish, but an emotional conflict will hold you back if allowed to spin out of control. If change is needed, you must be willing to make the adjustments quickly so you can move on without worry.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Make alterations at home or to the way you live that will save money and ease stress. Taking care of paperwork will help you get set for the new year. A good idea will bring great response from family and friends.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Expect to have visitors sharing your space. Open your doors to friends and family, and you will be given all sorts of excellent suggestions for some of the issues that have been bothering you.

Favors will be granted.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Let your emotions out. Share your thoughts and your game plan for the future. Not only will you receive the help you need, you’ll also find comfort in knowing that you don’t have to do things alone.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20 Don’t argue when understanding is required. Listen attentively and offer what you can to ease someone’s stress. Love is in the stars, and planning a special evening with someone you fancy will enhance your relationship.

ON THE STREET Do you think the Avoid the Stork campaign and others like it are effective in preventing unsafe sex?

‘Not exactly, I think here it’s more taken as a joke than a serious campaign.’

Callie Dolohanty UI junior

‘No, people are more concerned with getting a picture with the stork than actually avoiding it.’

Courtney Willits UI junior

‘Yes — the free condoms.’

‘Yes, they’re very active in campaigning and connecting with students.’

Orlando Lara UI junior

Sam Shoemaker UI junior

News

dailyiowan.com for more news

CAMBUS CONTINUED FROM 1

before the drivers go out on their first route so they are acquainted with all conditions,” Kyras said.

Slide training includes drivers practicing getting out of situations if the bus were to slide on snow or patches of ice.

CyRide also has frequent meetings with staff and informational boards about the dangers of winter driving.

Mark Little, general manager for MetaTransit

BLOOM CONTINUED FROM 1

But Bloom himself is not the issue, one UI graduate student said.

“The issue is what messages were within the piece that led the Atlantic to endorse those ideas and make perceptions about Iowa,” said Robert Gutsche, a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, who previously worked with Bloom as a teaching assistant.

Gutsche said he believes the way people talk about places determines the commitment people put into places.

“These are real decisions about social change that can come from how we talk about a place, especially in the news,” he said.

However, Harney said he is unsure of Bloom’s intent for writing the article.

University Bus Systems The UI and other universities said they typically see an increase in riders during the winter months.

• Iowa State: 35,000 regularly, 38,000 winter • University of Northern Iowa: 29,349 July, 39,684 February • University of Iowa: 20,000 regularly, 25,000 winter source: University transit-system officials

at the University of Northern Iowa, said general training occurs throughout the year.

UI students react ‘Iowa is the Midwest’s bestkept secret. It’s taken me a long time to see that, and make no mistake that I’m ready to get the hell out at least for a while, but seriously, this state is 100 percent misrepresented.’

Melissa Messer Adel, Iowa ‘It’s like what Garrison Keillor does for Minnesota, except in horrendously poor, inaccurate, and judgmental form.’

Josh Messer Iowa City ‘Nothing about this is OK. Nothing.’

Megan Dial Shenandoah, Iowa ‘As somebody who works for a Fortune 500 company based in the state, I take personal offense to this article.

Iowa is much more than just agriculture/farming/farmers.’

Will Gries Marion “He’s categorizing everybody statewide on whatever his perspectives are,”

“Our fall training is geared towards winter driving and using more caution,” Little said.

Cambus has made significant equipment changes specifically for winter weather conditions, McClatchey said.

Over the last three years Cambus has replaced 23 buses and updated equipment including anti-lock brakes and traction control; however, accidents still occur.

McClatchey said normally between 10 and 12 accidents occur during the winter, and of those, five accidents are related to winter

weather.

“We have a small increase in the rate of our accidents this year,” he said. “The severity is much less.”

Cambus typically experiences a steady increase in ridership during the winter.

McClatchey said the increase in riders during the winter can be as many as 5,000 users.

The uptick in enrollment and various construction projects have also caused the increased ridership, McClatchey said, and updated bus equipment

Harney said. “I don’t think he’s giving people credit for the education level we have, there’s a lot businesses; Iowa City is very developed.”

A local T-shirt business, Raygun, 103 E. College St., has taken a comedic approach to the discussion.

Raygun owner Mike Draper came up with the idea for a satirical T-shirt based on Bloom’s article.

The image for the T-shirt was posted on Raygun’s Facebook page around 3 p.m. Tuesday and received 131 “likes” by midnight Tuesday.

“When I first read [the article], I thought, ‘Oh, that’s kind of silly,’ it just seemed so over-the-top and one-sided that it wasn’t even funny,” Draper said.

He said his goal was to make the piece funny.

“It would be a waste of time to put together a long, rational argument about it,” Draper said. “We’d rather just use the humor of pointing out the absurdity of it.”

Humor aside, Rettig said

higher education is the ideal atmosphere to prompt such discussion.

“I think if there’s any place that people should be pushing the envelope and creating dialogue, it’s on college campuses,” she said. “That doesn’t mean the university has endorsed his article or the university has agreed with him, it just means that one of their professors got printed and caused people to talk and think.”

PEACEFUL CAUCUS CONTINUED FROM 1

Afghanistan and the enactment of national health insurance attended a nonpartisan peace caucustraining Tuesday night, spearheaded by Cox and sponsored by the Iowa Health Care not Warfare caucus campaign.

The group gathered in response to Obama’s June announcement to withdraw 33,000 troops from Afghanistan by September 2012. Cox said he and others want troops out of Afghanistan now and are concerned the president will not follow through on his word.

Cox said the main goal of supporting nonpartisan delegates is to change Obama’s stance on the wars.

“His position [on the war] is unpopular, and if he changes his mind, he is more likely to be elected,” Cox said. “It is terribly embarrassing that there is no one in opposition to Obama in war.”

But some caucus-goers are skeptical that nonpartisan caucusing will work.

Democratic Caucuses The Democratic caucuses and Republican caucuses follow different procedures.

Democratics: • Meet at designated precinct • Gather in groups according to candidate • Candidates receiving less than 15 percent will be asked to join another group • Determine percent • Results of percentages and number of caucus delegates are reported • County convention held • District convention held •The state Democratic Convention selects delegates source: IowaCaucusesInfo.com

John Deeth speaks to Iowa voters about the upcoming caucuses at the Iowa City Public Library on Tuesday. The event encouraged voters to caucus in favor of peace and hope to change Obama’s mind. (The Daily Iowan/Jacklyn Couppee) “I think nonpartisan support is more spitting into the wind,” said Ed Flaherty, a member of Veterans For Peace Chapter 161, Iowa.

“But we need to get the country off the military act.

Let’s do what we can do.”

Others are even considering caucusing for the Republican Ron Paul — who has vehemently opposed the U.S. military presence in the Middle East.

“I think if you really want to do something and send a message to the Democrats or anyone else — your fellow citizens — about being against this war and this intervention, you’ll consider coming with me to the Republican caucuses,” said Jim Walters, a University of Iowa groundskeeper.

Although Paul has gained attention and endorsement from college students, Cox said he is doubtful Paul will win the caucuses in Iowa City, because most students will be gone for winter break.

Cox said votes from previous Democratic caucuses during an incumbent election year were not reported and they hope to “make use of the caucuses” this year.

But Rachel Caufield, a Drake University associate professor of politics, said the nonpartisan caucuses are rarely effective.

“It’s difficult to support ideas compared to candidates,” Caufield said. “The structures and the rules of

caucuses, is that the preference vote is for a candidate, not an idea.”

Caufield said the likeliness of getting delegates at these caucus sights is extremely small.

“It’s been a long time since undeclared or uncommitted have done very well in an Iowa caucus,” Caufield said.

The Daily Iowan - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - 9

increases accessibility.

Kyras said the busiest months in ridership for CyRide are January and February with an almost 3,000 rider difference from the fall to the winter. Officials add additional buses to existing routes if necessary.

The UI has never added buses based on seasonal ridership increases.

Even with the additional buses and poor weather, Kyras said the system sees fewer accidents compared with other bus systems.

“The city helps out,” Kyras said. “They help

determine if the streets are safe and make necessary fixes.”

Larry Myers, the operations manager of MetaTransit, said the busiest times are between January and March.

“Some of that is studentdriven, and some if it is winter-driven,” Myers said.

To tackle the winter’s unpredictability, McClatchey said, he always tells drivers that, when in doubt, drive at a comfortable speed.

“Forget the schedule; it’s safety first,” he said.

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10 - The Daily Iowan - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, December 14, 2011

WRESTLING CONTINUED FROM 12

pounds. But he said he needs to take more time to gain some muscle. “[Brands] said, ‘Let’s get bigger,’ ” Dziewa said. “I haven’t gotten much bigger — not yet — but I feel good.”

Newly appointed 197pounder Grant Gambrall recently left the 184-pound class because he gained weight when he was injured during the off-season. Gambrall has won

SWIMMING CONTINUED FROM 12

last event of each dual meet, making it crucial for a team’s success in close competitions. The idea of having the fate of a meet rest on their shoulders is

GYMNASTICS CONTINUED FROM 12

leader,” said Virkler, who is in his second year as an assistant coach. “He’s more vocal, and he’s more confident in his leadership. He’s always led by example, but now he’s adding that vocal aspect to it.”

McGrath said he enjoys

Sports

both his matches at 197 this year, a 4-3 decision against Cornell and 7-3 decision against Northern Iowa.

But he said he still isn’t satisfied with the level of his conditioning.

The three-week pause in back-to-back competitions can help wrestlers such as Gambrall and Dziewa adjust to their new weight classes with some uninterrupted conditioning.

Brands said the pause will be a break “but not a break,” because the team will maintain the intensity of its current training throughout the holidays.

Iowa’s two 184-pound options, Jeremy Fahler and

Vinnie Wagner, haven’t consistently been successful this season.

The Hawkeyes haven’t seen a victory at 184pounds since the Iowa City Duals, on Nov. 25.

Fahler wrestled in two matches at the Duals and scored two major decisions but lost a 17-8 major decision to Illinois’ Tony Delgado a week later.

Wagner also scored a major decision on Nov. 25 but lost his next two contests — a 10-9 battle with Iowa State’s Boaz Beard and a 13-2 major decision to Northern Iowa’s fifthranked Ryan Loder.

Brands said Wagner is still working toward his full

potential and estimated the senior was at about “70 percent capacity” at the end of last month after he was injured during the team’s wrestle-offs in early November.

But Wagner, a full-time medical student bombarded by a rigorous academic schedule, said he knows the winter break training will help him improve at the 184-pound spot.

“Over winter break, we’ll have a lot of time to get a lot of good training in without classes interfering,” Wagner said. “That will really benefit me at this point.”

something all four of them embrace — and sometimes even hope for, they said.

“It became this vibe that was, ‘Oh please, let it come down to that relay.’ We would look at each other and smile like, ‘Not again, here we go,’ ” Phelan said.

“We just love being put in that position. That’s what brought us so close together: putting [the team] on

our shoulders, meet after meet after meet.”

Long said he isn’t able to describe the relay team’s value, especially to the program as a whole.

“It’s not just the 400-free relay,” the eight-year head coach said. “They’re part of a lot of the other relays; they’re a part of individual performances. We still feel like they’re growing and

improving, which is excit-

using his abilities and experience to assist his younger teammates as well as improve his talent.

“I definitely feel like I have some experience for these freshmen to look at, to be that guy who sets an example for everyone,” he said. “It’s what I’ve been going for, to bang out the numbers and just do everything I need to do.”

While the Wheaton, Ill., native is an All-American in vault, his best event for most of his sophomore sea-

son was floor exercise.

McGrath set the school record on the event with a 15.500 against Nebraska, and he was ranked as high as seventh nationally.

The junior’s successes on floor exercise and vault made Reive say he believes McGrath can be an AllAmerican on both events; he would be the first Hawkeye since 2004 to accomplish the feat.

“I really think he can final on floor and vault, and he’s got a really good bar

routine and a really good ring routine,” Reive said.

McGrath said reaching the All-American level as a sophomore has given him the push to work hard in order to taste success again.

“You don’t want to make it one year and not the next,” he said. “You drive to get better and hopefully have the potential to be AllAmerican on numerous events.”

ing for them. They’re a very confident bunch, and they have a lot of fun, and they work hard. I’m proud of them and of the guy’s team.

“If you saw where we were when they committed, it’s nowhere near where we are now; that’s something they’ll always be proud of.”

POINT/COUNTERPOINT

Who will win NBA title?

Chicago Bulls People who discuss NBA title contenders for the upcoming season seem to forget about the team that led the league in victories in 2010-11.

They seem to forget that same team boasts last year’s MVP. They forget that same club’s head coach garnered the league’s Coach of the Year award.

That team? The Chicago Bulls.

While most veer toward the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, or even the veteran-laden Boston Celtics for teams in the NBA title hunt this season, basketball fans should be talking about the Bulls.

Coach Tom Thibodeau’s team made the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, when Thibodeau was a rookie head man.

Now he’s in second season; he’s better prepared and more experienced.

The Bulls fell to the Heat, four games to one, in the conference finals, so there’s a lot of playoff work to do. But a league-best 62 wins is always good for the résumé.

Oh yeah, there’s that Derrick Rose guy, too.

Rose is coming off an MVP season in which he averaged 25 points and 7.7 assists per game. The Chicago native continues to impress the world with his

talents, and he has become a mainstay on the highlight reels.

Add in Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, and Carlos Boozer, and the Bulls certainly have some formidable players.

Former Piston Richard Hamilton is likely to join the parade sometime in the next few days, after Detroit released him earlier this week. Even if Hamilton agrees to a contract but ends up on the bench, a combination of Rip, Ronnie Brewer, and Kyle Korver will work at shooting guard.

Look out for the Bulls this season as Thibodeau, Rose, and Company gain more experience. The sky is the limit for this team.

— by Matt Cozzi

Oklahoma City Thunder We saw the Oklahoma City Thunder fall last year to the eventual NBA champion Dallas Mavericks after six games in the Western Conference Finals.

The Thunder will take the next step this season and will be the team that ends up with the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

General manager Sam Presti has developed a roster that oozes with talent.

That roster has grown more and more every season, and this year it will simply be too good to stop.

The Thunder have one of

the best players in the league in 6-10 forward Kevin Durant. The 23-yearold is the two-time defending scoring champion, is unguardable, and has the ability to shine in crunch time — unlike other superstars (cough, LeBron James, cough).

He’s joined by Russell Westbrook, an All-NBA second-team member last season coming off a disastrous playoffs. Westbrook is perhaps best remembered for ignoring Durant and forcing too many bad shots with games on the line last season.

This led the media to speculate that Westbrook couldn’t handle deferring to Durant. ESPN.com columnist Bill Simmons even compared the DurantWestbrook partnership to Stringer Bell and Avon Barksdale, two friends who become enemies due to the imbalance of power in “The Wire.”

But fear not; assuming Westbrook will realize Durant needs the ball in the game’s most important minutes, he can be an elite talent at point guard.

Swingman James Harden emerged in last season’s playoffs, and I expect him to have a breakout year this season.

Add in freakishly athletic forward Serge Ibaka and good bench depth, and the Thunder will take the next step.

They’ll be the NBA champions.

— by Ben Wolfson Your turn. Log on to Facebook.com/DailyIowanSports to weigh in on the debate or tell us what to argue about next.

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THE DAILY IOWAN WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011

POINT/COUNTERPOINT Who will win the NBA title this season? 10

No break for wrestlers

McGrath breaks out Matt McGrath has morphed into a more vocal leader after a breakout sophomore season for the Iowa men’s gymnastics team.

By RYAN MURPHY ryan-e-murphy@uiowa.edu

another opportunity and continue to improve.”

Dziewa, who recently moved from the 141 pounds to 149, said he’s barely cutting any weight before competitions — only around four

Being an All-American gymnast carries some extra responsibility — but Iowa junior Matt McGrath embraces it.

McGrath has accepted his role as a leader for the Hawkeye men’s gymnastics team after a breakout sophomore season that saw him named an All-American on the vault and rank in the top 10 nationally on floor exercise.

Second-year head coach JD Reive said McGrath’s best leadership quality is his work ethic.

“He’s definitely moved much more into a leadership position,” the coach McGrath said. “He’s that guy who gymnast keeps his head down and goes to work every day, and he follows the training program really well.

It’s his work ethic that brings him to that next stage, and the other guys are seeing that.”

Having a junior step up as a team leader is important as he tries to continue building the Iowa gymnastics team, Reive.

“Leadership will come from anywhere,” he said. “We’re not just looking to seniors necessarily, and he’s someone who is there. It’s awesome to have it to see it instituting itself this year. He’s taken on a captain-like role and is pushing everyone to keep up with him.”

Assistant coach Brad Virkler said McGrath has used his experiences to act as a more forceful leader while still maintaining his leadership by example in the gym.

“He’s taken more of an active role as a

SEE WRESTLING 10

SEE GYMNASTICS 10

Iowa freshman Josh Dziewa takes a shot on Northern Iowa’s Clay Welter during his 149-pound match in Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Dec. 8. Dziewa won the match, 14-6, despite having moved up to 149 from 141 only recently. (The Daily Iowan/Ricky Bahner)

The Iowa wrestling team will use the holiday break to continue conditioning and improve its lineup.

By MOLLY IRENE OLMSTEAD molly-olmstead@uiowa.edu

Three weeks separate the Iowa wrestling team’s most recent meet, against Northern Iowa on Dec. 8, and its next contest on Dec. 29.

The Hawkeyes said they’ll use the extra time to iron some things out; goals include solidifying the starting lineup

Showalter honored Morgan senior Iowa Showalter has been named to the National S o c c e r C o a c h e s Association of A m e r i c a Division I AllGreat Lakes Region Third Team, accord- Showalter ing to a defender release.

The honor comes after Showalter moved from midfield to defense for her senior season and helped the Hawkeyes secure a berth in the Big Ten Tournament with a 13-4-3 (5-43) record, a year after the team finish at the bottom of the conference.

“Morgan did a great job,” head coach Ron Rainey told The Daily Iowan. “She moved position-wise into the back this year, and I thought it helped solidify our defense and gave us the ability to possess out of the

Big Ten honors Tuchscherer The Iowa women’s swimming and diving t e a m claimed Big Ten honors Tuchscherer for the secswimmer ond-consecutive week on Tuesday, according to a release.

Sophomore Abbey Tuchscherer was honored as the Co-Swimmer of the Week for her performance against Iowa State in Ames on Dec. 9. She shared the honor with Michigan State’s Jenny Rusch.

Tuchscherer, from Oshkosh, Wis., posted a pool record in the 200 butterfly with a time of

and solving conditioning issues for a few wrestlers who jumped up a class.

“We have a little bit of a break, and we have to address some issues,” head coach Tom Brands said after the Northern Iowa meet. “We will address them.”

The Hawkeyes have wrestled three different athletes at 149 pounds in six dual meets:

back. That helped us become more competitive in those games.”

She became Iowa’s all-time assists leader against Southeast Missouri State on Aug. 21 and ended her career with 27 assists to go along with 14 goals.

Showalter totaled 9 assists during her senior campaign, tying the record she set in 2008 for the most in a single season in program history.

The Cedar Rapids native started all 81 matches of her four-year career.

She was also named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 31, after she converted a penalty kick in a 2-0 victory over Wisconsin.

“It’s a nice award that she was noticed by other coaches we played against,” Rainey said.

“When a team does well, there are some individual accolades that come forward. That’s a reflection of how we did this year.”

— by Ben Wolfson 2:01.17 and took first in the 100 butterfly with a time of 54.77.

Both times were personal bests and rank second in school history.

This is Tuchscherer’s first weekly Big Ten award and the third such honor earned by the Hawkeyes this season. Senior Veronica Rydze claimed Diver of the Week honors on Dec. 6 for her performance in the Hawkeye Invitational on Dec. 24, and freshman Becky Stoughton earned Swimmer of the Week acclaim on Nov. 8 for her record-setting outing against Minnesota on Nov. 4.

Tuchscherer and the Hawkeyes will next compete in a winter training meet in Tucson, Ariz., on Jan. 6.

— by Tork Mason

redshirt freshmen Jacob Ballweg and Josh Dziewa and junior Mark Ballweg. Iowa won three of the six matches.

“There’s about five or six guys who want to be [in the meet],” Dziewa said following his 14-6 major decision against Northern Iowa. “[Coach Brands] has given plenty of guys their opportunity … Hopefully, I can get

Relay pushes men’s swimming Ryan Phelan, Paul Gordon, Duncan Partridge, and Jordan Huff have contributed to Iowa’s No. 15 ranking.

By BEN ROSS benjamin-d-ross@uiowa.edu

People may consider swimming an individual sport, but a group of athletes on the Iowa men’s swimming roster would beg to differ.

Iowa’s 400-freestyle relay team holds the ninthfastest mark in the country, with a time of 2:54.78.

Seniors Ryan Phelan, Duncan Partridge, and Paul Gordon, and junior Jordan Huff have been a part of the relay for the past several years, and they hope to continue their success throughout the rest of this season.

The group first earned national recognition last season at the NCAA championships in Minneapolis.

They earned All-American honors after placing 15th in the 400 free relay with a time of 2:54.82, despite not initially qualifying for nationals in the event.

They had been invited to Minneapolis to compete in the 200-free relay but decided to swim in the 400 free as well.

The Iowa men’s 400-free relay team — (from left) Paul Gordon, Duncan Partridge, Jordan Huff, and Ryan Phelans — stand by the pool in the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center on Dec. 8. The four All-Americans hold the ninth-fastest time in the country, 2:54.78. (The Daily Iowan/Adam Wesley)

“We didn’t even qualify for NCAAs [in the 400 free relay],” Huff said. “We qualified for the 200-free relay, and we were all hyped up when we got to that event.

When we didn’t qualify for finals for that event, it came down to that 400 free relay …” “… And we knew we had to get it done,” chimed in Gordon, finishing his teammate’s sentence.

All four swimmers were heavily recruited out of high school and committed to the Hawkeyes in part because a sparkling new facility — the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center — was in the works for the school.

But the swimmers and

head coach Marc Long agreed that one of the main selling points for Iowa was each other.

“We had in mind, as a staff, to turn the program around and to contend for Big Ten titles and AllAmerican status,” Long said. “But we were so far from it at the time, it took some people — like them — a lot of belief to be a part of this and see that things were going to turn and get better. That’s what makes that story so unique with those guys.”

Huff echoed his coach’s comments but also cited a more specific reason to his commitment to Iowa.

“These three older guys are the reason why I came

here,” the Dubuque native said. “I really wanted to swim with them. I was really excited about the level of competition that would be in practice. It’s a great opportunity to get to swim with them.”

The crew has helped lead Iowa to a No. 15 ranking so far this season, putting the Hawkeyes in position to make a run at the Big Ten championships in late February. The meet will be held in Iowa City this year, giving the Black and Gold even more incentive to be competitive.

The 400-free relay is the

SEE SWIMMING 10