A reply to Lydia Graslie

Lydia, in her comment, essentially states that the fact that the World Health Organization says smoking’s bad is a reason to ban it in private businesses:

People can still smoke, they just have to smoke outside of bars now. Given that second hand smoke is such dangerous stuff (once again, death, disease, and disability), I think its more than fair.

That frankly, doesn’t matter.

Lydia might think she knows what’s best for business owners, but she doesn’t. In fact, she has absolutely no legs to stand on in this regard. You see, if we were talking about public places- like government buildings- Lydia would have a good argument. Anyone has the right to enter a public building. Therefore, it should be as safe and welcoming as possible.

But we’re not dealing with public places. We’re dealing with private places. Private businesses are like private homes- and owners of private businesses should be able to do what they wish on their private property, just like in homes.

——————–

Next, Lydia attacks my statement about racial issues having been resolved:

And Mr. Hittle, as far as “having dealt with” racism and segregation: there was a hate crime committed in our glorious state last week: http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/03/19/news/top/doc49c2bccc5f6f2850863364.txt This is sad witness to the fact that racism is still very much alive in South Dakota. You are very much incorrect to surmise that this issue has been dealt with.

Unfortunately, Lydia is wrong here, too. We’ve had laws on the books for quite awhile dealing with segregation and discrimination with regard to entering businesses. By “dealt with,” I meant that it was an issue that is not comparable to the smoking ban; and is largely remedied due to laws that are in place. Just because something that is against the law still occurs does not mean that the issue itself has not been “dealt with.” Being “dealt with” does not imply success; it merely implies that SOMETHING has been done to fix it.

Rude in the MUC

How are you enjoying the new Muenster University Center? By the looks of things, you are enjoying it quite nicely. In fact, it warms the cockles of my heart to see the student body take to the building and make it theirs.

But, this does not mean that you are permitted to wildly ransack the joint, tossing the new chairs and couches hither and tither. It’s terrific that there is now a comfortable and amenable atmosphere for students to meet, converse and interact. But, put things back when you are done. The building is for all of us. Many of you are tree hugging hippies who preach daily that we should leave the earth in the same shape that we found it… this philosophy should extend to the MUC — put the comfy chairs back.

Also, the MUC being a public space, you should be considerate of those around you. Maybe that conversation about your contraction of herpes should be left to your dorm room, car, tree limb or other private space. I’m just saying.

Jack Walter’s Twitter page Feb 19th.

 

11:30 PM

Roomm4t3 thr3w m3 out of t3h dorms. Said I had to “get a life” and that I “shouldn’t waste valentines day playing wii sports in my underwear.” Bar3ly got out with my bl4ckb3rry. I’ve posted a poll on my Facebook and Myspace pages to see if you agree with him.

11:32

Going to go to the local Frats d4nce. At least they have fr33 b33r. L33t

11:40

Stupid GPS lied about where the Frat was, but I found it. Turns out it was right in front of our dorm whoops lol :S.

11:50

Oh my god this party sux!!! It’s too dark, the music is terrible, the b33r is cheap though it is b33r, and… holy crap, girls kissing! XD

11:59

Dropped my bl4ckb3rry, :S but it’s fine. I paid the extra $200 for the indestructible L33t version . What was I talking about? Let me recheck the posts.

12:01

Yeah, the party sux. I’m going to stuff a few b33rs in my pocket and head to mc… cute girl alert!!!! :3 She’s just dancing by herself towards the corner. Should I go over th3r3? 3v3ry time I talk to girls that act m3g4 3vil, but she’s sooo cute XD. Post on my page and I’ll follow the advice of the fifth poster.

12:13

Chickwilliams2321 says “Ball up man, and get yo ass over there.” alrighty then here I go.

12:15 okay NOW here I go.

12:20 we danced :D:D:D:D! Not very w3ll, and only for a few minutes b4 she told me to stop, but we danced! She has a bl4ckb3rry too and friended me on facebook. I’m going to send her a superpoke.

12:23 okay, I’m totally not sure what to use here. Is the kiss too forward? What about a bitchslap? For irony? Hug? Is that too wishy-washy? I’ve put a poll on my myspace account with a list of options. I’ll go dance with her some more, and in about 15 minutes I’ll check the poll and do whichever one wins.

12:45 I sp3nt the l4st 20 mins texting her, she is 4we5ome:D. I just checked the facebook poll and you guys voted on a bitchslap superpoke.

12:46 just sent it.

12:47 she’s checking her facebook… now she’s typing something.

12:48 got an e-mail. facebook says she sent me a superpoke.

12:49. Wow, I didn’t know they made a superpoke for that .

12:50 okay how hot is she? Seriously, how hot is she? I t00k a pic and am uploading it on my profile. Tell me how hot you think she is in my “how hawt is she?” poll.

12:53 5he’s coming up to m3, and she looks frisky

12:55 she saw the “how hawt is she?” poll and kcked m3 in t3h nutz. …lsinmg consioudsness. cant tipe. p4in…

 

Foolin’ with Facebook

Today I’m eating poo, tomorrow I’m swimming in it.

Welcome to just two of my most recent Facebook statuses, courtesy of my own stupidity — and juvenile Volante coworkers. Working in an office such as The Volante has it’s privileges, but when one is distracted in his job and accidentally leaves his Facebook open, the benefits disappear quickly.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a man and therefore I love to take advantage of my fellow man’s stupidity. But when it happens to you, it looses some of its appeal.

Here’s the rub, however. The first time you leave the Facebook open and your profile pic becomes that of a portrait of Eric Estrada wrapped in a gay pride flag, you chuckle at the creativity and speed to search Google for such goodness. But the second time around one would think that all the fun was had and the good natured journalist gentlemen that we are would simply logout of Facebook for ya.

But noooo. Another poop status. Thanks.

Moral of the story kids: stop using Facebook. Period. Get off. It rots your brain and turns you into a creepy stalker. Return to real life. Wait, real life sucks. Keep the Facebook, just remember to log out. Remember though, your mom could be one of your friends. Explaining the drinking photos is one thing, what you may or may not be doing with that donkey, is entirely another.

Point-Counterpoint Comments

Due to a few highly inappropriate comments, we’ve moved the comment space to  the blog so we can have a dialogue instead of name-calling.

To be a bit clearer about my counterpoint: I participated in the Strollers Show for 4 years as a guitarist in the Phi Delta Theta band. I did it to support my fraternity rather than party. I should note that bands are not closely affiliated with casts and largely do their own thing. I partook in responsible alcohol consumption. And for the record, I’m not aiming my counterpoint at casts, I’m aiming it at the Strollers organization itself.

Now, let’s get to the real issue. Post your comments below.

Cheers,
Matt Hittle

Ahead … a great awakening for USD

The new student union will be open soon. Woot! Technically, however, it’s not a student union, but a “university center.” So, we dropped the clams to build that post-modernist heap of granite and glass, shouldn’t our name be there along side the Muensters’? Sarcasm aside, the new MUC will, I repeat, will revitalize this university.

Right now, USD is dead, and the MUC is just what this campus needs.

Go ahead, Laugh. Sounds like I’ve taken a massive gulp of the U dot Kool-Aid, right? Rest assured that is far from the case; however, I am right.

We have been waiting years for this building. Some of us, anyway.

The old Coyote Student Center was razed the summer of 2006, the summer I moved to Vermillion. Actually, I was quite glad to see that building planned for replacement. Yet, having spent some time at another university with a centrally located Memorial Union, I was concerned about the campus experience. My concerns were proven. This has lacked soul–a soul that only a bustling student center can provide.

Freshmen and sophomores stay on the north end of campus. Juniors and seniors only come to campus for class, then go back to their apartments and houses. Those that do spend the day on campus for different events or happenings are only those actually participating. Currently, a student has to greatly go out of their way to partake in campus events.

With the MUC, we will be able to congregate in open spaces with our friends and fellow classmates. We will actually know where the SGA offices are and maybe who our SGA officers are. Student organizations will have a place to show off their groups and host events. Additionally, there will be a place on campus to eat.

This is just a short list, but the main point here is that the human circulation on this campus will once again return. Instead of just showing up for classes-when we show up for classes-we will stay and hang out. Maybe some of us will even stick around for the weekend, possibly taking our cloths out of the suitcase.

With students on campus, more students will be cognizant of the concerns of the student body. We might even pay more attention to what the university administration may be up to-nefarious or otherwise. Along that same line, maybe the administration officials will come out of the Slagle office and get to know the very students they are meant to serve.

The last three years have been a painful slumber. Some of you don’t mind the sleep. You’re only here for a few years and the quicker you can leave Vermillion, the better. Yet, college is supposed to be more than classes. A small percentage of the student body has rebuffed the repose. We have chugged back an extra Red Bull and tried to make our USD experience noteworthy, both for ourselves and our fellow Yotes. Now, it’s time to throw back the covers and bring the life back to this storied institution. A new age at USD is dawning. Take advantage of the MUC. It may not say student on the facade, but that building is yours. This university is yours. Reclaim it as such!

election 2008 losers

Losers

Northern Republicans:

While republican Susan Collins held her senate seat in Maine, New Hampshire republican senator john Sununu lost his senate seat. Chris shays lost in Connecticut, and with that, there aren’t any more house republicans in New England. An area that was once a haven to moderate republicans has become toxic to all but the most popular and moderate republicans. Look for democrats to target Judd Greg in 2010, and a possible cabinet position or party change for Olympia Snowe (R-ME). Republicans in New York lost three house seats, and are now left with the same number in the state. They also lost the New York senate, depriving them of any power within Albany. Republicans failed to win any house seats in Pennsylvania, losing one in the process, along with losses in New Jersey, Maryland, and the loss of electoral votes in Indiana. Of the four house seats the republicans gained, three came from the south. Being a regional party (especially one primarily in the south) is never an advantageous place to be.

Bill Clinton:

Bill’s legacy will take a beating over the next four to eight years. Aside from Hillary losing the primary, despite all of his efforts, there’s the inevitable comparisons between Obama’s win and Clinton’s wins. While Clinton won more electoral votes than Obama, Obama has the mandate that Clinton never did. Obama won a majority of the vote, turned three states blue that Clinton never did, and unlike Clinton, Obama had gains in the house and senate when elected. If Obama governs better than Clinton, then people may start to forget the good times during the Clinton years and focus more on the scandals and impeachment. One good piece note for Clinton is he no longer holds the record for worst performance in the south for a winning democrat. Obama only won three southern states to Clinton’s four.

Missouri

As this is being written, McCain holds a 6,000 vote lead in Missouri. Should this hold, it would mean that Missouri’s record of always voting for the winner of the presidential election since 1956 would be over. This may not bold well for Missouri democrats, but considering they took the governor’s seat, they probably don’t have to worry about that.

Wave prognosticators

Almost every media outlet predicted a wave election with +30 democratic gains in the house and 7-9 senate seats gained. While the senate is still up in the air, it is unlikely that democrats could get more than seven seats. It appears the democrats will be victorious in a net total of 17-20 seats. It was a good night for dems, but not a wave. The media was way off on this.

Gay rights activists.

Gay marriage bans passed all over the country and one such ban is likely to pass in California. Arizona, which in 2006 voted against such a ban, reversed course, voting to ban gay marriage. While democrats won big in the election, they’d be wise to avoid issue of gay marriage, or at least tread cautiously, lest they incur the publics wrath.

Clean government fans

Convicted felon Ted Stevens appears likely to win re-election in Alaska, along with Alaska house rep Don Young who’s being investigated by the FBI. William Jefferson, the democratic Congressman who was caught with thousands of dollars in his fridge is likely to return to congress. Seriously? A CONVICTED FELON??!!??!! What the hell Alaska, what the hell?

Turnout.

While results are still coming in, it doesn’t look like turnout was that much higher than it was in 2004. It might increase by one million votes or so, but at the moment, the number votes in 08 look the same as in 04.

Dubya

There are so many reasons why he lost, but here’s a big one. Bush lost the distinction of having the votes for president, and unless McCain gets a lot of votes, he will keep the distinction of having being elected, but still have more people voting against him than any other person elected president.

election 2008 winners

The media are going be stating and restating over the few months who won tonight, but they’re going to make the most obvious choices. What about the not so obvious winners and losers. There are those who won big silently, or lost big and are in hiding. It’s time to bring these winners and losers into the light to get the full picture of what election night means for the next four to eight years. 

 

Winners:

Historians:

Between the historic nature of the primaries, and the election, not to mention the thrills of the campaign, this will talked about by historians for years. First African American president, first potential female nominee, republican vice presidential nominee, first potential Italian nominee, there were a lot of firsts. Looking beyond labels, the election was the most exciting in years. While 2007 will likely be glossed over, everything from Iowa on will be meticulously examined and debated in political science classes, and will provide easy work for plenty of political advisors, analysts and professors.

Howard Dean and the 50 state strategy:

Dean argued in 2004 that democrats needed to expand beyond Ohio Pennsylvania and Florida. Dean lost, then Kerry lost in 2004, but Obama learned from their mistakes. Obama adopted the 50 state strategy, and reconfigured the electoral map. Obama won States that haven’t gone democratic since 1964, like Indiana and Virginia. Republicans also lost North Carolina for the first time since 1976. Margins in strong republican states diminished greatly, nearly costing McCain Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, and possibly Missouri (the results are still out). Democrats gained house and senate seats in Virginia, possibly Maryland, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Alabama, Arizona, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida Nevada, New York and others. Democrats won democratic and republican districts, in democratic and republican states. Republicans retook three very republican districts and one seat from a scandal plagued incumbent. The fifty state strategy worked.

Rasmussen Reports

This polling firm correctly pegged the final result at 52-46 for Obama. Unlike zogby, Gallup, and all the others that gave Obama a larger lead, Rasmussen was dead on.

Southwestern democrats.

Democrats made major gains in the southwest, McCain’s region of the country. New Mexico democrats gained two house seats, and now have an all democrat congressional congregation. Democrats in Nevada, Colorado, and Arizona all gained a house seat, along with a senate seat in Colorado and New Mexico. Starting with making Nevada an early primary state, and choosing Denver as the convention location, to election night, Democrats are laying down roots in the south west.

Oprah

Her endorsement helped Obama in Iowa, gave him some much needed extra star power in the beginning, and the sudden camera shot to her in the crowd during the speech was hilarious. Oprah in 2016?

Saturday night live.

Rather than explain it, just go here 

 

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/episodes/

Election night almanac

Here’s a link to a great election night alamanac written Xiao Xi Zhang and myself (Taylor Poro).  it’s provided on the college democrats web blog, feel free to comment.  The whole thing should be up soon (it’s big).  It should provide a lot of useful information for tonight, and don’t forget to check out my liveblog starting at 5:30 on the volante website.

 

http://blogs.usd.edu/usddems/entry/the_election_guide

Matt Hittle and The Volante

It appears there is some concern that Matt Hittle is a columnist and blogger for The Volante, while at the same time he is the president of College Republicans.

The Volante’s policy is not to restrict any student from writing columns at The Volante. The obvious and only conflict in this respect is the prohibition of “reporters” engaging in opinion. Our “reporters” or “news editors” are not involved in the opinion/editorial process; hence, keeping a separation between opinion and news.

Matt Hittle is not a reporter. Certainly though, all opinion columnists have a journalistic responsibility in terms of what they opine on, but mostly they are relying on personal opinion of a particular issue. It is this sometimes gray area which ruffles many feathers. However, Matt is a student just like anyone else and began writing as a columnist for The Volante one year ago. Since then he has actively participated in other student organizations, namely, College Republicans, where he is now their president.

Simply because he is the president of another student organization, in this case a political organization, he should not be barred from publishing as a columnist with The Volante. This same ability would be extended equally to the president of the College Democrats as well, or any other student organization, political or otherwise.

What The Volante failed to do was provide a disclaimer stating that Matt is both a columnist for The Volante AND president of College Republicans. You will notice on all of his blog posts and comments (and future print columns) there is this disclaimer.

If you are interesting in becoming a “regular” columnist for The Volante, contact our editor, Lauren Hollister at Lauren.Hollister@usd.edu. With our expansion online, if you would like to write as a columnist for The Volante, we have plenty of space on the Internet. Again, talk to Lauren if you are interested in becoming a regular Online Opinion writer. Also, guest columns are accepted from time to time.

David Whitesock
Online Director
The Volante