Tuesday, October 23, 2012 Volume 48, Issue 5

Vote NO on the marriage amendment Nov. 6

the student newspaper of MCTC the studentnewspaper of MCTC

P10 P11

Zombie pub crawl

Library to cut hours
LIBRARY on page 5

P8

Love advice

Senate elects Exec. Board

SENATE on page 3

Obama favored candidate among MCTC campus community

Debate Watch attendees declare Obama winner
Anthony C. Maki
amaki@citycollegenews.com

Emphasis AA degrees in danger of removal

Verta Taylor
vtaylor@citycollegenews.com

Already a favorite of an overwhelming majority of the campus community, Debate Watch attendees declared President Barack Obama the victor of the second presidential debate, according to a Before watching City College News poll. the debate, which Most students and faculty who candidate do you Question 1: Before watching the debate, attended intend to vote do you intend to vote for? the event went in already which candidate for? flying the Democratic Party banner. 73 percent said they supported watching the debate, Obama before the debate started. ou intend to vote for? The debate was a decisive win for Obama, 89 percent of the respondents watching the debate, said. Three percent said Romney won, Questionfor? the debate, ou intend to Barack Obama! watchingwhile the remaining eight percent vote 1: Before which candidate do you intend to vote for? Question 2: Aer watching the debate, who Mitt Romney! do you believe won the didnt know or called it a draw. debate? Other! I definitely think Obama won, Dont Know/Undecided! just because he was a lot more Barack Obama! 73%! aggressive than the last one, theatre Mitt Romney! Other! After watching the student Jacob Okerlund said. He pointed out tons and tons of Dont Know/Undecided! debate, who do you 73%! flaws in what Romney was saying. ching thebelieve won the debate,2: Aer watching the debate, who Question who Like he even went to the fact-checker debate? do won the debate? you believe won the debate? and said, Check the facts there, I did say this, I did say they were terrorists, that this was a terrorist act ching the debate, who [referring to the embassy attack in won the debate? Obama! Barack Libya], completely debunking half of Mitt Romney! what Romney was saying, Okerlund Its a Tie/Draw! continued. Dont Know/Undecided! Barack Obama! Okerlund said he was Mitt Romney! disappointed in Obamas previous 89%! Its a Tie/Draw! debate performance. Womens studies Dont Know/Undecided! student Amanda Krzmarzick agreed. I was disappointed in his first 89%! debate, but I dont think it was about After watching aggression, said. You need to be on the debate, which key with your points; he wasnt on the candidate dowatching the debate, which you Question 3: A er candidate do you intend vote one. intend to vote for? tofirstfor? This time he wasnthe had full-fledged responses on everything. Mitt Romney, the Republican watching the debate, nominee, carried just five percent of ou intend to vote for? debate-watchers. Romney supporter Zachary Storch granted his candidate a probably Barack Obama! poor performance. He faulted the
11%! 11%! Barack Obama! Mitt Romney! Other! 5%! Dont Know/Undecided! 73%!

Debate Watch Poll Question 1

11%!

11%!

3%!

5%!

3%!

Barack Obama! Mitt Romney! Other!

5%!

Question 2

Barack Obama! Mitt Romney!

73%!

Dont Know/Undecided! Its a Tie/Draw!

Dont Know/Undecided!

89%!

3%!

5%!

3%!

Barack Obama! Mitt Romney! Its a Tie/Draw!

The multipurpose room was filled Oct. 16 as MCTC students gathered to watch the presidential debate. Photograph by Katiana Reinert

Dont Know/Undecided!

89%!

Question 3

8%!

8%!

6%!

Barack Obama! Mitt Romney! Other!

Dont Know/Undecided!

78%!

Mitt Romney! Other!

debates moderator, CNNs Candy Crowley. It was like debating two people, Storch said. Like his Democratic counterparts in the audience, his support for Romney has not wavered as a result of the debate. 11 percent of poll participants said that they didnt know who they would vote for or that they were undecided. Another 11 percent had other candidates in mindfrom the real Green Party candidate Jill Stein to sarcastic responses like Xenu and Big Bird, who received attention in the first debate. Although Obama won the debate, it did little to move numbers at MCTC. Obama moved up five

percentage points, and the other candidates decreased slightly or remained the same. The polls sample consisted of 37 Debate Watch attendees, including students and faculty. Approximately 50 people were present during the debate. The polls margin of error was 6.9 percent.

More Election 2012 Coverage

VP DEBATE on page 4 REACTION on page 5

Dont Know/Undecided! 73%!

won the debate?

First copy free and 25 thereafter www.citycollegenews.com Follow ching the debate,us on Twitter who @citycollegenews

Senate learns to lead at MSCSA conference

Katie Lentsch As the government group of the student body, MCTCs Student Senate needs to know how to use the power and responsibility placed in their hands. With the majority of this years Senate members being first-timers, the Minnesota Student Leadership Summit on Oct. 18-21 provided training and workshops to help shape these new student leaders. Of the eight who attended with advisor Collin Beachy, Director of Legislative Affairs Kirsten Casperson said, The purpose is to get information regarding Higher Edukatie.lentsch@citycollegenews.com

Barack Obama! Mitt Romney! Its a Tie/Draw! Dont Know/Undecided!

Scan with QR reader

89%!

cation. The summit is held under the Minnesota State College Student Association (MSCSA), which gears its sessions towards community and technical colleges, rather than 4-year universities. An important aspect according to Director of Technology Sam Osman is learning about certain rights not all students are aware they have. Being educated about MnSCU policies and how the school system operates helps in knowing what students have the power to do. LEADERSHIP on page 2

A proposal to eliminate Associates in Arts with Emphasis degrees will hit all MnSCU schools this November. MnSCUs policy committee has proffered the statewide removal of all AAs with Emphasis. Students have been informed there were problems communicating the actual availability of the new programs MCTC is offering this fall. Currently, MnSCU is addressing all problems concerning the AAs by suggesting termination of all current, pending, and future AAs with Emphasis. These programs have been implemented to assist two-year students into easily transferring to a four-year institution in the major of their choice. Once articulation agreements are formed between two-year and four-year colleges, MnSCU acknowledges the AAs. There are many students statewide who are currently registered in these programs. The reasoning behind this proposal is unclear. Officials in favor of discarding the programs claim they give false hope for the future of students education. They said it gives an erroneous impression or erroneous expectation to students and undermines student success, said philosophy professor Matthew Palombo. My response was, I would like to see the data that says AAs with emphases undermines student success. Palombo attended an MCTC Student Senate meeting on Oct. 17, urging students to take a stance and oppose dropping the current AAs at MCTC and schools MnSCU-wide. Two-year institutions throughout Minnesota are facing possible upheaval of their programs. Students currently in these programs have yet no assurance they will be able to finish with the degree they committed to. There is no clarity on how classes will transfer from two-year to four-year institutions if this proposal succeeds. There are arrangements in place to send out a letter of opposition to this amendment. Currently, it appears the four-year faculty union is in agreement with the invalidation of these programs. Students who are interested in providing feedback on this proposal are encouraged to contact the System Director for Academic Programs, Ron Dreyer (ron.dreyer@so.mnscu.edu) and Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Planning, Leslie Mercer (leslie.mercer@so.mnscu.edu).

News |

the student newspaper of MCTC

City College News is the student newspaper of Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Published bi-weekly, every other Tuesday in print and more frequently online, we train students in the art of journalism, inform the campus community and guard the publics interests. City College News is funded by Student Life fees paid as part of tuition and from our advertisers, but is editorially independent from the college and run completely by the students. Please support us by contributing your ideas and patronizing our advertising partners. We hold regular staff meetings on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. in H.2901. Our offices are located in H.2901. Corrections corrections@citycollegenews.com City College News aims for accuracy and objectivity in its reporting. We will always print corrections and clarifications in this space. If you believe City College News has made an error, please e-mail corrections@ citycollegenews.com or call (612) 399-NEWS. Send your submissions via e-mail or postal mail: Letters to the Editor letters@citycollegenews.com Guest columns opinions@citycollegenews.com City College News Attn: Letters to Editor or Guests columns 1501 Hennepin Ave H.2901 Minneapolis, MN 55403
Editor in Chief Cassiopaea Tambolini Managing Editor Fernando Nuez News Editor Katie Lentsch Opinions Editor Zachary Storch Online Editor Anthony C. Maki Features Editor LC Hood Senior Layout Coordinator Melissa Ireta Campos Senior Photographer Katiana Reinert Business Manager Matt Hatle Artists Beck Kilkenny Staff Writers Verta Taylor Jack Lambert Contributors Rabecca Thomas Danial Hassen Nafiso Mahad Andrew Gjertson Nathan House Claudia Vinzce-Turcean Adviser Ben Lathrop

Vice President Wolfgang Tattenbach. Photograph by Katiana Reinert

LEADERSHIP from page 1 Information regarding federal governments role in student legislation, interest rates on loans and passing bills to protect students were the focus of some of the workshops said Casperson. Senator Rebecca Workman visited sessions addressing inclusiveness and diversity on a college campus. Current issues involving college transfer, such as emphasis agreements in programs and degrees were also fetatured, said Workman. Bike Collective representative Amber Dwyer came to network and see how other schools work with their clubs for recruitment, adapting relationships, and attaining involvement strategies to bring back to MCTC.

Osman obtained ideas for technology implementation at school, such as having student surveys, individual club pages, and potentially even senate elections linked on D2L. For senate meeting efficiency voting clickers could be used. Also presented at one of the sessions, a program SketchUp Pro allows easy creation of 3D models and blueprints that could be helpful to MCTC club Design Collective or the schools architectural program, according to Osman. Attendees had the option to let loose at Karaoke, a talent show and DJ, and costume dance hosted at the end of the session days. Senate representative Ryan Olson said overall his experience was inspirational.

MCTC signs biotech pact with U of M

Anthony C. Maki amaki@citycollegenews.com MCTCs lauded biotechnology program got another boost last week, as the college signed off on an agreement with the University of Minnesota to ensure admission to its fouryear program. Groups from both institutions celebrated the partnership with an announcement ceremony in the colleges Science Center on Oct. 18, during the MEA break. MCTC President Phil Davis said in a press release, I am extremely impressed with the caliber of students enrolled in our programs, and MCTC welcomes this as a way to encourage academic success. The memorandum of understanding between MCTC and the U of M guarantees MCTCs biotechnology program graduates admission to the Us College of Biological Sciences, if their GPAs are 3.5 or higher. Additionally, the full biotechnology program at MCTC will be fully transferable to the U. The College of Biological Sciences is well-known for its reputation of a competitive admissions process. Seven MCTC students will be among the first to take advantage of the new partnership.

October 23, 2012 | News

Defunct LGBTQA group PRIDE reinstated as club
Anthony C. Maki Cassiopaea Tambolini
amaki@citycollegenews.com ctambolini@citycollegenews.com

Sole candidates for Senate executive board elected

Tattenbach said. As the session proceeded to voting for permanent executive board members, three of them were ineligible due to GPA requirements of Senate, necessitating that they appeal for an exemption and be allowed to run for the executive board. This caused members to question the motivations of an earlier proposal to strike the senate GPA requirements from the bylaws at previous meetings. Tim Blighton, club representative for WANDA, stated that he categorically opposes the removal of the GPA requirements, although he did not oppose the senators who appealed for an exemption on a case-by-case basis. Im going to be fighting that. I just want you to know, said Blighton. President Morgan OSullivan, Director of Legal Affairs Kirsten Casperson, and Director of Health and Wellness Sean ODonnell each appealed for GPA exemption, explaining the reasons for their GPAs. Each were granted exemption by a vote. Finally, senators and club representatives were invited to cast their votes by secret ballot. Each position had three options: the interim, no confidence or a write-in space. While all of the candidates were elected to their positions by sound margins, the announcement of the results was met with some confusion. Some counts were read for the wrong race, and there were some discrepancies in vote totals. City College News obtained copies of all of the ballots and tally sheets related to the executive board elections. They will be available online on www. citycollegenews.com. Paltry general fund balance upped dramatically The Senate received approval for an additional $40,000 for the general fund after sending a request to President Davis, citing insufficient funds. The fund began the year with only $5,000. The current balance now sits at about $42,000. PRIDE reinstated as MCTCs LGBTQA student club MCTCs LGBTQA student organization PRIDE (People for Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Equality) regained its status as an MCTC club on Oct. 17, after losing its bud-

After a tumultuous session, Student Senate elected all of the interim executive board members to permanent status at the Oct. 10 meeting. Each ran uncontested. Students and representatives were baffled by the discord of the meeting and seeming disregard for Senate bylaws. The senate attempted to ratify several prospective senators, including all the interim members of executive board (who were not yet official senators) as a batch, rather than voting on them individually. After fierce protests from those in attendance, the ratification of senators was handled individually. At the next Senate meeting on Oct. 17, Vice President Wolfgang Tattenbach apologized for a lack of foresight in attempting to ratify senators en masse and amend the Senates bylaws without the proper procedure prescribed by the Senates constitution and bylaws. It will be done as publicly as possible so that there are no questions,

get and charter last year due to nonattendance at Senate meetings. Tattenbach asked, What is the mission of the club? He pointed to a lack of vision in maintaining excitement and interest in a vital student club in a diverse campus community. I think thats been the problem in PRIDE dissolving repeatedly, he said. Jerry Kramer, a geography instructor and the groups advisor, and the clubs secretary made the request to be reinstated before the Senate, which unanimously passed. Kramer also brought up two events that the club is planningfor which they would like to make funding requests. However, because of the long weekend break, the Student Life Budget Committee was not scheduled to meet as it normally would. The issue will be brought up at the next meeting. MnSCU takes up proposal to eliminate emphasis AA degrees MnSCUs policy committee has received and is considering a proposal to eliminate associate degrees with an emphasis in a particular field. Philosophy instructor MatSENATE on page 7

Number of Incidents

Liquor and drug crimes at 3-year low

Anthony C. Maki amaki@citycollegenews.com

Crime at MCTC over 3 Years (2009-2011)

120! 100! 80! 60! 40! 20! 0! Forcible Sex Offenses! 2009! 2010! 2011! 3! 0! 0! Robberies! 0! 4! 5! Aggravated Assaults! 1! 0! 4! Burglaries! 6! 2! 5! Arsons! 0! 1! 0! Motor Vehicle Thefts! 4! 2! 0! Liquor Law Violation Arrests! 100! 92! 28!

2012 campus compliance and security report released

Liquor and drug-related arrests and incidents in or around the MCTC campus have dropped considerably to a three-year low, according to the campus compliance and security report released by Public Safety. From 2009 to 2011, liquor law violation arrests have decreased by 72 percentfrom 100 incidents to just 28. Similarly, drug-related incidents fell by 74 percent. The factors behind the marked decrease in incidents remained unclear. Over the three years included in the report, six hate crimes were reported, with half of them occurring in 2011. The news comes as robbery alerts have frequently taken residence in students email inboxes this semester. The report revealed that robberies have been on the rise, with zero in 2009, four in 2010 and five in 2011. The college has sent at least five robbery or theft alerts to students so far in 2012. The college is required to release an annual report pursuant to the Jeanne Cleary Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crimes Statistics Act passed by Congress in 1998. The Public Safety department released its report on Sept. 28. To report crime or request an escort in or around campus, members of the community may call Public Safety at (612) 659-6910 or visit R.3100. In an emergency, dial (612) 659-6900 or 911.

Drugrelated Violation Arrests! 19! 20! 5!

DrugWeapons Weapons related Possession Possession Violation Disciplinary Arrests! Disciplinary Referrals! Referrals! 0! 3! 0! 0! 8! 0! 0! 0! 1!

Source: MCTCs 2012 Compliance and Security Report (http://www.minneapolis.edu/Student-Services/~/media/Files/Student-Services/Public-Safety/2012_Compliance_and_Security_Report.pdf)

Higher One clarifies liability claim

Katie Lentsch katie.lentsch@citycollegenews.com

How have MCTC students accessed their refunds refunds under Higher One? under Higher One?
28%!

How have MCTC students accesse

28%!

In response to Higher One: High benefit or higher risk from the Oct. 11 issue, Higher One Communications Director Shoba Lemoine said students with a OneAccount are in fact protected by both the MasterCard Zero Liability policy against fraudulent purchases, as well as federal consumer protection regulations. 12%! If a card is lost or stolen, students are urged to contact 12%! Customer Care where it can be cancelled and a new card can be requested. The fee for a new card is $20, but if the funds are found to be fraudulent, the student will not endure the 28%! fee and the funds will be credited back to the account. According to Lemoine in an e-mail Oct.19, Higher One has a process and will investigate any fraudulent activity or unauthorized transactions that are filed in a claim by the accountholder. When asked where this information is clarified in the liability statement or somewhere else by the company in public access, there was no response. 60%! 12%!

Direct deposit into students Direct OneAccount! OneA

How have MCTC students accessed their 60%! refunds under Higher One?

Paper check mailed to Paper students address!

Direct deposit to students outside bank account! Direct

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60%!

outsid

Direct deposit into students OneAccount! Paper check mailed to students address! Direct deposit to students outside bank account!

VP debate heats up campus political frenzy

Nafiso Mahad
nmahad@citycollegenews.com

Walker Art Center

News |

walkerart.org

Walker

Political frenzy and buzzworthy debate topics ignite students on colleges campus throughout the nation as the November presidential election approaches. Get inspired. Get in free. More than 40 MCTC students Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm watched the vice presidential debate showing on the projector night. every Thursday in the Helland Center on Oct. 11. Most were there to take advantage of extra credit offered Get inspired. Get in free. by their class for attending, but Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm the interest in this years election Walker Art Center is genuine. every Thursday night. Second year student Ahmed Abdulle said the vice presidential debate was a lot more interesting than the first debate. For some, the VP candidates showed more passion in defending their stances on hot issues than in the first presidential debate. Some students had a lot to say Walker Art Center walkerart.o Get inspired. Get in free. about Joe Bidens snickers and MCTC students gathered for the vice-presidential debate Tues., Oct. 11. Photograph by Nafiso Mahad smirks, that may have put some Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm views off. refreshing to see. believed Ryan left many questions activity on campus. America level. In the beginning I have Many were impressed with every Thursday night. unanswered due to the fact that will be glued to their televisions Here in Minnesota, citizens to admit Joe Biden was really Paul Ryans demeanor and some of his responses were not watching the two sides battle it will face the question of whether expressive with his body responses. specific. out. to approve two constitutional language. Almost, in my opinion, Freshman student Immanuel They do not blame Ryan, The outcome of the candidates amendments on the ballot a little rude when Paul Ryan was Jones believed that Paul Ryan instead they point out that this efforts will soon be seen. one on marriage, the other on speaking, said Abdulle. seemed he was a little more simply reflects on the holes left in On Nov. 6, the nation will changing election law to require Other viewers had the prepared for certain parts of the the Romney campaign itself. elect a president, a multitude of photographic identification to opposite to say, believing that argument. Until the arrival of election senators and representatives at vote. Art Center walkerart.org Bidens aggressiveness was However, some opponents day, MCTC can expect political both the state and the federal

Target Free Thursday Nights Target Free Thursday Nights

Walker Art Center

walkerart.org

Target Free Thursday

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Get inspired. Get in free. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night.
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nter

Get inspired. Get in free. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night.

. Get in free. Get inspired. Get in free. ission is free from 5 to 9 pm Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm Gathers Chef-in-Residence: Steven Brown day night. every Thursday May 3, 59 pm night.

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May 17, 58 pm Taste complimentary samples from Tilias Brown, Young artists hang out, meet other artists, and learn one of the biggest cooking talents this town has ever new techniques in this drop-in art-making activity. produced (Minnesota Monthly). Gathers Chef-in-Residence: Steven Brown Teen Art Lounge m 5 to 9 pm Performance: Minouk Lims Fire Cliff 3 May 3, 59 pm May 17, 58 pm Sound Horizon: Colin Stetson May 31, 7 pm Taste complimentary samples from Tilias Brown, Young artists hang out, meet other artists, and learn May 10 @ 6, 7, and 8 pm Seoul-based artist Lim and Minneapolis choreographer one of the biggest cooking talents this town has ever new techniques in this drop-in art-making activity. Justin Vernon of Bon Iver calls Stetson one of our Emily Johnson collaborate in an opening-day perforproduced (Minnesota Monthly). greatest living saxophone players. Find out why as mance for the exhibition Minouk Lim: Heat of Shadows. Performance: Minouk Lims Fire Cliff 3 he explores the outer limits of saxophone range and Sound Horizon: Colin Stetson May 31, 7 pm Performance Installation: technique. May 10 @ 6, 7, and 8 pm Seoul-based artist Lim and Minneapolis choreographer BodyCartography Project Justin Dance: David Zambranos Passing Through Vernon of Bon Iver calls Stetson one of our Emily Johnson collaborate in an opening-day perforMay 31,for the exhibition Minouk Lim: Heat of Shadows. greatest living saxophone players. Find out why as mance 59 pm May 10, 6:30 and 7:30pm Help transform the energy in an empty Walker galhe explores the outer limits of saxophone range and Unbridled movement and energy flood the Walkers lery by participating in one-on-one experiments with technique. Performance Installation: Gathers Chef-in-Residence: Steven Brown Teen public spaces in this spontaneous work from Zamthis Minneapolis-based dance company. BodyCartography Project branosOct 25 international troupe. May May 17, 58 pm Thu, acclaimed Zambranos Passing Through3, 59 pm Dance: David May Free Thursday NightsTilias Brown, 31, 59 pm sponsored by Taste complimentary samples from Young artists hang out, m Target May 10, 6:30 and 7:30pm Picture This Help transform the energy has empty Walker Shop: one of the biggest cooking talents this townin an ever Walker galnew techniques in this d Creative Entrepreneurship: Unbridled movement and energy flood the produced (Minnesota Monthly). Walkers lery by participating in one-on-one experiments with May 10, 59 pm public spaces in this with Kickstarter from ZamA first 100 people spontaneous work this Minneapolis-based dance company. Performance: M The Conversation to try the new Pentax K-01 camera branos acclaimed international troupe. Sound Horizon: Colin Stetson Cofounder Yancey card and receive a free memory Strickler cocktail, compliMay 31, 7 pm Target Free Thursday Nights sponsored by ments of Cool Hunting. May 10 @ 6, 7, and 8 pm Seoul-based artist Lim a Walker Shop: Picture This Justin Vernon of Bon Iver calls Stetson one of our Emily Johnson collaborat May 10, 59 pm greatest living saxophone players. Find out why as mance for the exhibition Gathers Chef-in-Residence: Steven Brown Teen Art Lounge The first 100 people to try the new Pentax K-01 explores the outer limits of saxophone range and camera he receive a free memory card and cocktail, compliMay 3, 59 pm May 17, 58 pm technique. Performa ments of Cool Taste complimentary samples from Tilias Brown, Hunting. Young artists hang out, meet other artists, and learn BodyCart

October 23, 2012 | News

Staff shortage to cut library schedule

Position delayed from spring to fall not yet filled
Anthony C. Maki amaki@citycollegenews.com The library at MCTC was poised last week to reduce its hours beginning Oct. 22, short of a negotiation breakthrough between library staff and college administrators. According to library staff member Jennifer Sippel, the schedule change stems from a staffing shortage. The library was due to take on another staff member in the spring 2012 semester, but the hiring process was delayed until fall semester. The position has not yet been filled. The library sent a message to college faculty and staff on Oct. 15, warning of the reduction in service. Kathleen Daniels released a statement on behalf of MCTCs library faculty and staff. The library staff and faculty regret the reduction of library service hours. The reduction is due to an ongoing staffing shortage. We are working with the college administration to address the issue. If it can be rectified we will return to our normal hours of operation. We understand that a reduction in hours is a hardship to many students; we hope for a speedy resolution as eagerly as our students do. Daniels offered few details of the progress of negotiations, noting several upcoming meetings with the college administration. She also noted the possibility that a breakthrough could cause the schedule to remain unchained. Because we are still right in the middle of trying to work this out, we would like to give the situation a little more space to resolve, Daniels said. After we see the results of the next few meetings, I (and my colleagues) will be more open to discuss the situation more widely, she continued. Sippel declined to characterize the sending of the service reduction message as a negotiating tactic. The college administration was unavailable for comment. Students will be notified of the schedule changes by signs posted at library entrances. Barring a last-minute resolution of the staffing shortage, here are the librarys hours before and after: Before Oct. 22 Mon.-Thurs.: 7:45 a.m.-8:45 p.m.; Fri.: 7:45 a.m.-5:45 p.m.; Sat.: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Beginning Oct. 22 Mon.: 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tues.Wed.: 7:45 a.m.-8:45 p.m.; Thurs.: 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri.: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Emboldened days represent changed hours of operation.

MCTCs plaza glows during the night. Photograph by Katiana Reinert

Obama reignites support as comeback kid in second debate

Jack Lambert jlambert@citycollegenews.com Students watched the second presidential debate on campus as part of the Debate Watch program at MCTC. The Oct. 16 debate was in town hall format, where audience members asked the candidates questions about a wide range of issues. Question topics ranged from gas prices to green cards to job outsourcing. Unlike the first debate, the performance of the moderator was not criticized heavily. Some did think Candy Crowley, a CNN political correspondent, let the candidates talk too long, therefore not having enough questions asked. Students watching in the Helland Center auditorium mostly favored incumbent Democrat Barack Obama, with approximately three quarters of the attendees saying they were planning on voting for Obama after the de-

Most Debate Watch attendees pleased with performance

Laughter ruled the second presidential debate. Photograph by Katiana Reinert

bate. Only about five percent said the same for Republican challenger Mitt Romney. When the debate ended, students lingered in the auditorium to discuss the debate and their opinions of it. Fuad Hussein said, I thought in the first debate Obama wasnt that serious, wasnt that aggressive, but in this one he did point out that Romney kept changing viewpoints. Obama came back strong from last time and won this debate. Ian Munson had a similar assessment, saying, Obama had an improvement over last time. Points brought by Romney were refuted by Obama, like debt. The final debate of the presidential season was held Oct. 22, and was again shown in the Helland Center auditorium. The debate followed the same pod format of the first debate, and questions covered foreign policy.

News |

October 23, 2012 | News

SENATE from page 3
with an emphasis in a particular field. Philosophy instructor Matthew Palombo implored members of the Senate to write to the decision-makers in MnSCU on Oct. 17. Emphasis AAs have helped two-year college students advance more quickly after they move on to a career or to complete a four-year degree, he said. Four-year institution faculty unions within MnSCU support the proposal to eliminate emphasis AAs. It would terminate MCTCs African diaspora, creative writing and philosophy AAs, as well as communications, womens studies and others that are in the pipeline. They said that it gives an erroneous impression or expectation to students and undermines student success, Palombo said. My response was, I would like to see the data that says AAs with emphases undermine student success. Were sending a letter in opposition to this, he continued, also calling on the MCTC faculty union to join the opposition. Dean Laura Fedock said that the chief academic officers of metro twoyear colleges are jointly writing a letter of support for the emphasis AAs. Opposition to Voter ID amendment up for vote Community development student Alan Bay passed out a resolution for the Senate that would say the Senate opposes the Voter ID amendment on Minnesotas ballot this year. In submitting the proposal, Bay, who is also a social justice student at Augsburg College, follows the example of a resolution against the marriage amendment that is also on the ballot. The proposal will be considered at the next meeting, pending minor edits to language. More items from Oct. 17 Senator Eric Olson proposed amending the bylaws to make bylaw changes take effect the semester after passage in order to discourage selfserving amendments. Updated voter registration numbers were not yet available, but will be for the next meeting. Director of Legislative Affairs Kirsten Casperson passed out a MSCSA flyer about the Voter ID amendment. The club solicitation permitting program has been extended through the end of fall semester. Club representatives are asked to see Director of Communications Cory Clark or Director of Student Life Tara Martinez to apply for a permit. The number of permits per day are limited to five. The Health and Wellness Fair will be present in the skyway on Sat., Oct. 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Senator Rebecca Workman gathered names of students who would be interested in serving on a committee dedicated to ameliorating disparities in womens health. The Student Senates upcoming and previous agenda and minutes are available online at http://www.mctcsenate. org. The Senate also maintains a Facebook group.

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Hebrew Israelites set up camp on Hennepin Ave.

Nathan House
nhouse@citycollegenews.com

Dressed in red robes or completely in black attire, members of the Hebrew Israelites religious group demonstrated outside MCTC campus Oct.16. This is not the first visit of the group whose headwear is adorned with the six-pointed star of David. Claiming to be the real prophets of God and Jesus Christ, the group attempts to spread their message to col-

lege students and others. As students bustle to morning classes, one of the groups leaders spoke briefly through a microphone off Hennepin Avenue between the Technical and Helland buildings. Police arrived later and stopped the amplified speech-making. Even without a microphone, the presenters voices boomed throughout campus.

Hebrew Israelites preach in front of MCTCs technical building. Photograph by Cassiopaea Tambolini

One of the main beliefs of the Hebrew Israelites, according to the groups flier, is that God, Jesus Christ, the true Biblical Jews and all the holy prophets were black and originally from Israel. Some students stayed and listened, while others waited for the bus. A woman with a small child chose to purposely miss her bus to hear more of what was being said. You may have missed your bus maam, but you may have very well gained salvation, said one of the men. The school addressed the groups presence and many student complaints in an e-mail Oct. 19 stating, MCTC wants the community to know that it does not condone or support such views. The email also states although the school does not condone or support discriminatory comments of behavior, individuals or groups are entitled to express thoughts and opinions publicly when done in a peaceful manner, which is a right protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Consti-

tution. The members are from a local chapter of The Israelite Church located in North Minneapolis on Emerson Avenue. When asked to elaborate on the purpose of their visit to MCTC, a group leader declined to respond, and a phone number listed in the flyer was not in service. According to the flier, the groups goal is to expose the true historical lineage of blacks, hispanics, and Indians from North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean islands and the rest of the world. This message of their goal is supported by a claim on the flyer, stating that Blacks, Hispanics and Indians come from a royal lineage of honor, dignity and glory. Speakers also opposed same-sex marriage, premarital sex, abortion, and anything against the ten commandments from the bible. The Minneapolis Police Department confirmed that as long as the group speaks on the sidewalk without amplification, they can speak. Using amplification requires a specific permit. For any further questions or concerns, students can contact the director of Public Safety at (612) 659-6902. Staff writer Verta Taylor contributed to this report.

Blood, guts, and brains...

Features |

Chicanos Latinos Unidos call for justice for victims of abuse

Rabecca Thomas

Activist Italia Mndez rails against injustice, political repression

rthomas@citycollegenews.com Italia Mndez, an abuse survivor, visited MCTC to speak out about the sexual, physical and mental tortures and abuse she and 47 others endured in Atenco Mexico, on May 4, 2006. Chicanos Latinos Unidos (CLU) met Wednesday to share their stories at an event named, We Survived Torture. Fighter for social justice and activist Italia Mndez of the Campaign Against Political Repression and Sexual Torture, also a member of the Other Campaign, spoke against the injustices she and dozens of other women suffered in Atenco Mexico in May 2006. Through bringing awareness to the injustices and state repression in Mexico, she hopes to put an end to the suffering and hold the state and federal police accountable for their actions. For us, its important to denounce and to hold accountable the Mexican state for the systematic violation of human rights, said Mndez. On May 3, 2006, police officers blocked 60 flower vendors from setting up their stands in the public market in Texcoco, just outside of Mexico City. Some were jailed and beaten. The vendors called upon Other Campaign to defend the peoples land, to stand up for what was right, and to stand against the blatant disrespect and disregard for human life by officers. The following morning, between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., thousands of state and federal police officers raided the city of Atenco. They beat and arrested anyone in sight, in search of the alleged leaders. Forty-seven women were arrested, and 26 were subject to sexual torture. Those 26 women filed complaints with the National Human Rights Commission against the state police for their acts of sexual violence, including rape and other forms of sexual aggression. While they were transferred to Santiaguito state prison, the women did not receive proper medical attention. Medical teams were neglectful and refused to obtain the proper documentation on the assaults against these women. As a result of the negligence none of the assaults were documented. By the end of the day, two were murdered by the police and 207 were arrested without any formal charges. None of the officials responsible have been held accountable. We dont want to be victims either. We are not the raped women. Im not Italia who was raped in Atenco, said Mndez. This special event was a part of the campaigns 14 days in different Universities all over the nation. There in support of the cause, CLU believes that in order to make a difference, the community needs to support its people. Community organizing is key for any collective effort, anything that has to do with the well-being of communities ties back to social organizing ideals, said CLU president Emilla Gonzalez Avalos. At the end of the event, those who attended were given an opportunity to purchase bracelets and other items to help fund the cause in hopes that one day the victims will get the justice they deserve and the officers will be held accountable to the atrocities theyve committed.

Zombie Pub Crawl had MCTC student roaming the streets last Saturday night. Photograph by Claudia Vinzce-Turcean

Katie Lentsch katie.lentsch@citycollegenews.com A mass of zombie painted faces on the heads of fake-bloodied bodies rampaged through Twin City streets for the eighth annual Zombie Pub Crawl Oct. 13. Since 2005 zombies shuttled back and forth between Minneapolis and St. Paul for music, bars, block parties and a flesh-eating good time. In a ripped and tattered tuxedo, zombie groom Justin Petersen said the best part is checking out other peoples costumes and seeing what they come up with. Zombie bride (and real life fianc) Sara Anderson, in a slashed and disheveled white dress, agrees. Zombies returned from the dead as Jesus, political figures, doctors, cheerleaders, hippies, ghostbusters and clowns also roamed the West Bank, Cedar, 7 Corners and Washington zones, as well as the Midway Stadium whether rain or shine. Earlier events commenced at the stadium, taken over as Zombie Island. The afternoon featured a stage of live music through the evening,

where rap artist DMX headlined the later show. Carnival rides, fireworks and devoured bottles of Brain Belt Cranium (a.k.a Grain Belt Premium) beer pulsed beneath the overlooking of a 50-foot tall inflatable zombie. At approximately 8 p.m., this years crawl attempted to break the Guinness Book of World Records title of Largest Gathering of Zombies at the stadium. An estimated 8,000 zombies were expected, but the recorded amount has yet to be announced. The current record is held by the New Jersey Zombie Walk in Asbury Park, NJ, with 4,093 zombies in 2010. Shuttle hitcher Carrie Babich from Virginia, MN (3 hours north of the Twin Cities) did what many out of town zombies do; Visit for the night and crash in a hotel. We just heard about the pub crawl from some friends and it sounded like a good time, said Babich. For the past few crawls, the Holiday Inn on Washington Avenue had a special package for zombie guests. Free parking and breakfast for two were provided with room reservation, along with a clean-up kit consisting of face wipes, makeup remover and paper

towels. The shuttle from the Island dropped brain-feasting zombies off near the Triple Rock Social Club bar on Cedar Avenue, which joined many other bars in the area welcoming the swarming deceased to their music stages. Surrounding bars, the Red Sea (which held a foam party) and the Arcadia Cafe, hosted block parties featuring live outdoor music and staggered dancing as the sun went down, as well as the Cabooze and Senr Todds (formally known as the Nomad World Pub). The 400 bar entertained with DJs and attempted the Largest Zombie Gathering of Go-Go Dancers. This time of year has become popular for apocalypse zombielike invasions, which now manifest themselves all over the world. Zombie walks take place in Dublin, Ireland and Brisbane, Australia. World Zombie Day is held in London, England. Even within the nation along with New Jersey, ZombiCON infests Fort Myers, Florida, and the Red, White, and Dead walk slays in Fremont, Washington. This night of the crawling dead will very likely invade the Twin Cities next year.

A Word in Edgewise
A new Spoken Word Club hits MCTC
Andrew Gjertson
Contributing writer Finding the right way to express yourself is not always easy. For anyone who chooses to express themselves through the written or spoken word and is looking for an outlet, a new club at MCTC may have the answer. This year, some students have taken it upon themselves to create a student club that is devoted to self-expression. Headed by student Hasani Harris, the Spoken Word Club is a writing circle for practicing, amateur and potential poets or spoken word artists. Students who attend meetings will have the opportunity to share any pieces that they have produced, or any works in progress. They will also have a chance to get comprehensive feedback and constructive criticism from other writers and poets. Hasani hopes that the club will help any aspiring artist develop toward their maximum potential. Another important way for a poet or artist to develop their skill is by being exposed to other veterans in the scene. When asked one thing the club is offering to students, Hasani responded emphatically, Finding a community. The club wishes to help MCTC students get connected with others who share the passion. For Hasani and the other current club members, being a part of the local spoken word community has been essential to their development as poets. The Twin Cities is full of this kind of talent as long as one knows where to look. For example, one prominent Minneapolis poet who has inspired and collaborated with members of the Spoken Word Club is Michael Lee. Michael is a U of M graduate who has competed on the national level with the Universitys College Slam team. He is now touring the nation, working as a full time spoken word performer. The club is interested in sharing this network of friends and competitors in an effort to expand and develop the spoken word community. Minneapolis has always had a strong local scene for the performing arts, and the poetry here is definitely thriving. Many local theatres and bars host spoken word nights on a regular basis. Hasani and other club members are familiar with live performances. Some of them, like Matt Carlynon, have even placed in statewide poetry competitions. For years Matt has been a participant in CUPSI (College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational), as well as Brave New Voices. Both organizations offer local, state, and national competitions for spoken word performers. Matt admitted that one of his hopes for the group was to put MCTC on the map. Both Matt and Hasani believe that there are many students here who have the interest and the potential to develop their talent at spoken word. Hasani himself has been working on poetry since he was a child. But high school was when he really began take it seriously. As a sophomore he discovered a spoken word community in his school. His interest was piqued, so he got involved. Looking back to when he first started performing, he remembered, It felt great, even though I did terrible. Now Hasani is actively involved in the poetry scene here in the Twin Cities. He performs on a regular basis, and competes at least once a month. He will often compete at Kierans Irish Pub, which has a spoken word open mic night, or at The Artist Quarter, a jazz club in St. Paul. Hasani is also familiar with spoken word clubs at several other colleges in the area, including Hamline, Augsburg, Macalester and the U of M. The club has already hosted its First Annual Open Mic and Poetry Slam Competition right here at MCTC, an event that they have creatively dubbed Slam Wars. (A slam in poetry circles is a competition using elimination rounds for the reading or performance of poetry.) The competition was held on Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. in H1002. The MC for the event was Desdamona, a prominent, local rapper and spoken word poet. The slam opened with Desdamona performing one of her original pieces. Following her was an open mic segment, where a number of students were able to perform their own original pieces. After that, the competing began. A total of six poets participated, each performance being rated by a panel of judges. The poets who made it to the final round, along with the finalists from future slams, will be able to participate in the Slam Finals at the end of the semester. The next Slam Wars is scheduled for October 24, followed by another on November 21, and the Slam Finals will be on December 5. The Spoken Word Club has kicked off on its plan to promote poetry and spoken word performance here at MCTC. Hopefully, this is only the beginning.

October 23, 2012 | Features 97 October 23, 2012 | Features

Asks
What would you do during a zombie apocalypse?
Keep on teaching. The zombies could go for them first, because learning would make their brains bigger. --John Ford

I would support the fighters, but I would not fight back. --Emily Natzel

Run like hell and if I go down, everyones gonna die with me! --Jason Thurman

Probably hold out in the South, barricade myself in a school because the building would automatically lock itself with the push of one button. --Jeoffrey Zieska

I would start collecting non-perishable items, guns, and get away from the city away from disease. --Travis Heidelberg

Would try to collect as much food as I possibly could, build a house underground; and travel only during the day while setting up traps so that we are not ambushed. --Will Menday

Photographs by: Rabecca Thomas

10 Opinion/Editorial |

Love conquers all: Inhumane discrimination embarasses us as human beings

On Nov. 6, Minnesota will vote on whether to constitutionally define marriage as a union of one man and one woman, thus permanently barring the marriage of same-sex partners throughout the state. We believe this amendment to be a profound affront to personal freedom, the core of American values, based on homophobia and intolerance. We urge you to join us in voting no. Weve all heard the cries that marriage is under attack, and that this represents a defense of the family. But what, exactly, are we defending with this measure? We are pretty sure we know the arguments of the amendments proponents in spite of their deafening silence on the House and Senate floors as hours of debate passed by before voting. They made almost no defense of the bill, save for a token the people should decide. Yet many of the original bills sponsors Rep. Steve Gottwalt, Sens. Warren Limmer, Dave Thompson, Sean Nienow, Dan Hall and Pam Wolfmake no mention of their signature accomplishment now that its campaign season. What are they afraid of? Shouldnt the public know if they are to decide? Marriage of same-sex couples does not threaten an opposite-sex couples family or marriage. Their life doesnt change if a samesex couple gets legally married. In the modern age, marriage is an institution of love. This is a vote as to whether or not we should legally deny the validity of the love of people whose partners are the same sex as they are. This is a vote as to whether or not we should deny such couples the right to visit their own partners in the hospital, pass off their investments to their partners in the event of death, or raise their own children without having to buy them back from the state. And on what basis? Simply on the basis that some people are uncomfortable imagining them naked. Some people have a personal religious mindset that people with similar genitals loving each other is somehow morally wrong. They are entitled to their religious beliefs, of course. This is America. They dont have to marry someone of the same sex. Their place of worship doesnt have to perform such marriages, if they prefer not to. But they arent entitled to destroy the families of same-sex couplesor degrade and invalidate themover those religious beliefs. Same-sex couples are families too, either unto themselves or with children of their own. Same-sex couples work and love and sometimes have children just like oppositesex couples do. Some same-sex couples have spent decades together, even as they fight upstream against the tide of legal complications and social bigotry they face. The Minnesota Catholic Conference claims marriage has always been a man and a woman for the purposes of raising children, but nothing could be more historically false. Polygamy, tiered marriages and the buying and selling of spouses as property are all models that existed within the framework of marriage over the last couple of millenia. Marriage has redefined itself more times than one could count. There is no such thing as a traditional marriage. But they still insist same-sex marriage is against the moral fiber of America. Which America are they talking about? According to the latest Gallup poll in May 2012, a full 50 percent of Americans support the legalization and recognition of same-sex marriages. What they mean when they say it is against the moral fiber of America is that it is against their personal religious beliefs. These are the same people claiming America is a Christian nation and should be based entirely on their personal interpretation of Christian morality. But we are not a Christian nation. Were a nation of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Pagans, agnostics, atheists, spiritualists and everything else under the sun. We are a nation of people, not of a singular religious belief. Were a nation which specifically prohibits the rule of religion as the rule of the people. And even many Christians support the right of same-sex couples to marry. But even were that not the case, they rest their argument on the fact that same-sex couples cant conceive through intercourse with each other. This is true. But if this is such a tantamount issue, why do we not hear them decrying marriages between infertile couples, or couples who are childfree by choice? Why do they not wish to ban marriage for oppositesex couples who do not include biological children (or any children) in their marriage for one reason or another? The many children already being raised by same-sex parents also have rights and needs, which the government wants to prevent their parents from providing to them. With all of these limitations of what opponents of same-sex marriage think counts as a real relationship, why not define marriage as a union between one Christian man and one Christian woman who are willing and able to bear biological children? Because that is not what marriage is today. Marriage is a way of pledging oneself in love to another for life. For this pledge, the couple are afforded certain benefits ensuring they are legally able to properly care for each other at all stages of life, and also their children should they choose to have any. This amendment is a vote as to whether or not we should devalue and degrade the contributions, emotions, and the children of same-sex couples. But in America as understand it, diversity is celebrated and differences of belief tolerated. In America as we understand it, voting for this amendment would be treasonous against the values of personal and religious freedom upon which this country was founded. We are gay, straight, Christian, atheist, male and female, and we urge you to vote no on Nov. 6. Protect the American ideal of freedom and justice for all, and the greater sense of humanity that celebrates love and happiness for families of all types.

Editorial

Musings
by Beck Kilkenny

Dear CCN: Love Advice

Your questions answered by our gurus
katie.lentsch@citycollegenews.com fnunez@citycollegenews.com

Column

Horoscopes
Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)

October 23, 2012 | Opinion/Editorial 11

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)

Katie Lentsch & Fernando Nuez

Do you believe in love at second sight?

K: Sometimes cupids arrow is a little slow, and love may not hit us the first moment we see someone. You may not realize how attracted you are to a person until youve given them that second glance. Your first time meeting, or first interaction with them may have been brief or impersonal, but perhaps it was meant to be a fated moment that would then bring you to this second opportunity where the sparks really start to fly. F: Do you believe in life after love? I just Cher-rolled you. In fact, Im not sure I believe in love at first sight: its never happened to me or anybody I know. As for your question, I dont think you understand what love advice means since you dont really need advice. Your question would be best at home in a hypothetical love related inquiries column.

You realize that if you said what youre thinking about out loud people would realize just how weird you really are. Marry a ladybug or Guinea pig. Avoid the rabbit and the goat, especially with that heartburn.

The stars tell us that you need to dance with them. See what we did there? Dance with the stars. Get it?

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)

Shut up.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)

We know you know we know. You know?

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 23)

We think you should text him. You must return here with a shrubbery or else you will never pass through this exam alive!

Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19)

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 21)

Dont respond to her texts. She is easily influenced.

Were not saying that what youre doing is bad and were not saying its good. However, we are saying it is the exact opposite.

Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)

Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy. But now that song is stuck in your head.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21)

When in doubt, do it Gangnam Style.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)

She totally did. Totally.
*These horoscopes were made up; just like every other horoscope ever created.

I am a student and I think I am in love with my professor What should I do?

K: We cant control who we love, but ask yourself; is this really love, or some form of lust? Having feelings for a teacher is a risky emotion. Due to academic policies, this type of relationship is not allowed or strongly discouraged. So ask yourself again; do you still have these feelings once the course is over and done? Is the situation of having something more than admiration from afar realistic (In essence, is he married with kids or is his age twice yours)? Consider things carefully. F: For the love of the Flying Spaghetti Monster! Are you serious right now? There was a Friends episode about this: its called The One Where Ross Dates a Student. That is all the comedy I find in this question, and I swear on my love for sarcasm that I tried really hard. I will assume youre a girl (based on nothing else but my tired gender preconceptions), and that youre also old enough to attend college, which means you understand the difference between infatuation and love. If it is truly the latter one Im worried because if you two actually had any romantic interaction you have to report him/her as it is not cool. So not cool. Im not interested in going into a pseudo-psycho-babble about how thoroughly wrong this is, but trust me, its wrong. So wrong. On so many levels. Opinion

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)

You have the right to your opinion, unless your opinion makes no sense.

Submissions
City College News encourages letters and guest columns from members of the MCTC and surrounding communities. All submissions are welcome, but we cannot guarantee publication. City College News also reserves the right to publish a submission as a letter or guest column. Submissions should include the writers name, address, phone and e-mail address for verification purposes. City College News may edit letters for style, space, libel, and grammar. Letters should not stray beyond 300 words. Columns may vary in length between 400 and 800 words. Send your submissions via e-mail or postal mail: Letters to the Editor letters@citycollegenews.com Guest columns opinions@citycollegenews.com City College News Attn: Letters to Editor or Guests columns 1501 Hennepin Ave H.2901 Minneapolis, MN 55403

Voter fraud in MN? You betcha!

Zachary Storch
zstorch@citycollegenews.com

Voter fraud in Minnesota is real, and its as statistically common as other crimes
The ads, they are everywhere! If you turn on the TV, drive down the highway or walk through the streets you have seen political ads. All ads have a thing they like to do with statistics and numbers, and thats making them fit their side of the argument. Im pro-voter ID, and Im going to throw the numbers out there for you. Except Im going to throw the numbers out that both sides are using, and you can decide yourself if you agree that we have a problem with voter fraud. I didnt grab these from some biased, pro-voter ID website; these are public numbers that I found in the Washington Examiner. The 2008 senate race between Al

Franken and Norm Coleman was very close. After the recount war between them, Franken won by 312 votes. Since then, we have had 177 felons convicted of voting in the senate race. Minnesota Majority identified a potential 1,099 cases of felons voting in the senate race. Thats not to say that they all will be convicted or even put on trial, and thats not to say that they all voted for Franken. What it does say is that voter fraud is real, and voter fraud has at least the potential to decide an election. It also shows just how much our votes can really matter and how important our vote is. We have a problem with voter fraud in Minnesota. Were actually number one in the country for it. 177 doesnt seem like a lot, but it is. Not only that, but the 1099 felons identified voting versus the

177 convicted is nothing to scoff at. Of the potential 1,099 felons identified, 16 percent were convicted. Unreported, ignored or not convicted doesnt mean that the crime didnt happen. Rape statistics come to mind. According to Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, the largest anti-sexual violence organization, says that 207,754 people are sexually assaulted every year, and that only 64 percent are even reported. Of those, only five percent are convicted. My napkin math says thats about 10,380 felony convictions a year. Lets compare that number to voter fraud convictions in Minnesota and see if 177 convictions still seems like its not a problem to anyone. 311,591,917 people in the United States; 5,344,861 in Minnesota. 0.00003 percent of the United States got a felony conviction for sexual assault last year; 0.00003 percent of the Minnesota population has been convicted of committing voter fraud in the 2008 senate election. Almost like magic, the numbers come out the same; without having to make any of them fit my argument. Now, sexual assault is obviously a more serious crime than voter fraud. Anyone who thinks that sexual assault is not beyond horrible is crazy in my book. What I am saying is that convictions for felons voting in Minnesota in the

2008 senate race are just as common as sexual assault convictions from a statistical perspective. If you are going to claim that there is an insignificant amount of voter fraud in Minnesota, you are also going to have to claim that there is an insignificant amount of sexual assault in the United States of America every year. 177 felons convicted of voting may not seem like enough of a reason to make an amendment; but thats a larger piece of our population than it may seem. I want my vote to count. Its a shame we cant make an amendment to eliminate sexual assault, but we can make an amendment to completely eliminate voter fraud. The Voter ID amendment could effectively eliminate all voter fraud in Minnesota by requiring a photo ID. It would make it impossible for felons or otherwise invalid voters to vote. This is a no brainer. If you could eliminate other crimes with your vote, you would. Voter fraud is a crime. Its real, we have it in Minnesota and its just as common as sexual assault in the United States. The difference here is that you can eliminate this crime with your vote. Vote yes for stopping crime. Vote yes for Voter ID.

12 Fun Facts & Puzzles |

PrintFreeSudokuPuzzles.com
Puzzle Set #C5648 Level: Challenging

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Stay tuned for solutions these two puzzles in CCNs SudokuPuzzles.com Nov. 6 issue!
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Sudoku Puzzles
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