OPINION
THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2005
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
EDITORIAL BOARD
www.kansan.com
New term, same old issues; students must be informed
Today marks the inauguration of George W. Bush's second term as the 43rd president of the United States. In the wake of last month's tsunami, much of the attention on Bush's inaugural ball has focused on the money donated for the festivities in lieu of aid for tsunami victims. While this is an understandably important issue, The University Daily Kansan is tired of this being the only focus during this tumultuous time.
The next four years will be filled with historic events, both on domestic and international levels. As Americans, it is imperative to keep up on politics. Simply because the election is over, the importance it carried is not. Whether you were elated or disgusted, the election outcome is irrelevant. Bush promised to be a unifier in his second term, and it remains to be seen that holds true. Either way, the country can look forward to addressing many issues during Bush's second term.
The White House has announced that "Celebrating Freedom, Honoring Service" has been selected for today's theme. Presidential Inaugural Committee Chairman Jeanne Johnson Phillips said, "We are a nation at war, and it is fitting that the inaugural events reflect not only the great sacrifices made by our troops everyday to protect our freedom, but also the cherished ideals that make our nation so unique." This theme ties into one of the foremost issues in America's immediate future — our actions and presence in Iraq and the Middle East.
Iraq will be either a great victory for this country or a catastrophe on the level of Vietnam. Whether or not Americans agree with Bush's decision to go into Iraq is moot, and we need to stop debating this dead issue. John Kerry understood this and said so during the campaign. Americans need to look at how to accomplish our goals and get out of Iraq. The solutions to this problem range from pulling out immediately to sustaining a continued presence in the country for years to come.
An issue closely related to America's presence in Iraq is oil and energy. The funding of alternative fuels, drilling for oil in wildlife preserves and foreign dependence on oil are all important issues that will be addressed.
Focus on international issues has been strong lately, but America will be faced with possible changes domestically, as well, in the next four years.
Bush pledged to pass a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage during the first few months of his second term. Several states passed similar amendments to their individual constitutions last November. Despite the landslide victories in all of these states, this is an issue of heated discussion.
Federal taxes are another hot-button issue for Americans. This administration will impose new taxes and tax cuts that are questionable in the minds of some Americans while pleasing others.
So what does this all mean? Why should any of us care?
Education funding hits close to home for all of us. The actions of Bush and others in Washington, along with legislators in Topeka, will have a direct effect on the lives of each and every member of the University's community.
These are questions many of us are no doubt asking ourselves.
As members of an academic community, it is our duty to inform ourselves. Our lives and our children's will be affected. In a democracy, it is our duty to keep up with politics, and express our approval or lack thereof.
The Kansan does not mean to preach. Many of us are as guilty as the rest of the community when it comes to allowing the importance of politics to slip in non-election years. Keep yourself educated this time. Read and watch several media outlets. Avoid sources that are notorious for presenting biased views. Most importantly, form your own opinions and make them known.
The Kansan will be doing its best to keep you informed this semester. Read, learn and be a part of the process.
Ryan Good writing for the editorial board.
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This is the Bullet, I'm partying at the University of Georgia, and KU gets down harder than any school I've ever seen.
I think that KU is hiding the program-
ming book I need for class from me
because I'm a girl.
shameless hypocrisy. In a press conference on Dec. 20, 2004, the president addressed the problem of Iraqi soldiers cutting and running.
There's a really easy way to tell if someone's a bad driver. All you have to do is look at their license plate, and if it says "JO" in the top left corner,
shameless hypocrisy. In a press conference on Dec. 20, 2004, the president addressed the problem of Iraqi soldiers cutting and running.
Oh my god, I almost slipped on some ice and I'm coming back from the Hawk. I love being back in Lawrence!
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PAIGE'S PERSPECTIVE
I just started hour eighteen of my drive from El Paso to Lawrence and I'm calling the Free For All because this sure beats talking to myself to stay awake.
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Paige Higgins/KANSAN
Speak truth on inauguration
At 11 a.m. today, George W. Bush will place his hand on a Bible and swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States for another four years as our 43rd president. A parade of 14 floats and 45 marching bands will follow at 1:30 p.m. Tonight's Commander-in-Chief Ball begins at 7:30.
CORPORATOCRACY
As the Bushies celebrate, cashing in millions more than the President initially offered to victims of last month's tsunami disaster, other Americans will come together for a different purpose.
During the parade along Pennsylvania Avenue, protesters aim to blend into the crowd and turn their backs on the president. The A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition has planned a massive march at the Capitol, hoping for a turnout comparable to the one four years ago when tens of thousands of Americans stopped the procession of Bush's limousine.
So what's with all the hoopla? Bush did win the popular vote. Shouldn't we just kick back and let him celebrate his victory this time?
The answer is a resounding. "No!"
The president responded on Feb. 18: "You know, the size of protests is like deciding, well, I'm going to decide policy based upon a focus group."
On the weekend of Feb. 15, 2003, 1,600 people in Lawrence joined 15 million protesters from around the globe in demonstrating against the invasion of Iraq. It was the largest antiwar demonstration in human history.
STEPHEN SHUPE
sshupe@kansan.com
So, first of all, we should protest out of spite.
And we should protest Bush's
"There have been some cases when the heat got on, they left the battlefield," he said. "That's unacceptable."
This, from a man who supported the Vietnam War but actively avoided fighting in it.
We should protest the tyranny of multinational corporations and the American President who represents them, not us. As finance chair of the Presidential Inauguration Committee, Nancy Kinder has been in charge of raising $45 million for the week's festivities, according to a Dec. 12, 2004, online article in the Houston Chronicle. Her husband, Richard Kinder, is the former president of Enron, the Houston-based oil company that was Bush's top corporate contributor.
Enron is known stateside for gouging Californians with outrageous energy bills. In India, the company is known for a "sweetheart deal" that may represent the most far-reaching case of corporate fraud in the country's history.
In an essay written by the preeminent New Delhi activist Arundhati Roy,
"The Reincarnation of Rumpelstiltskin," she recounts how Enron bribed members of the Maharashtra state government. A contract was signed, with a payout to Enron almost double what Indian law allows in power projects. After months of paying unaffordable bills, the government ruled that it would be cheaper to pay mandatory fixed charges in the contract than to actually buy any of the company's power. In January 2001, Enron announced that it would auction off government properties listed as collateral in the contract if Maharashtra failed to pay all of the bills.
Today, the equivalent of 60 percent of India's rural development budget is mortgaged to Enron. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch accused the Maharashtra government and the company — the President's sugar daddy — of complicity in human rights abuses in India.
We should protest the privatization of Social Security, the whoring out of national health to HMOs, the depletion of our planet's natural resources and the erosion of civil liberties.
But most of all, we should protest because there is no one else left not the mainstream media,not the weak and centrist opposition party,not the regulatory commissions filled with corporate lobbyists—to hold the powerful accountable.
Shupe is an Augusta graduate student in journalism. His radio show, "Visual Happenings," airs at 9 on Thursday nights on 90.7-KJHK.
Bush's term potentially promising
There is no reason to absolutely fear the next four years of your life.
As a now fully legitimate president of the most powerful nation in the world, George W. Bush will have another opportunity to strengthen America at home and its reputation abroad. That is an opportunity which he deserves.
This country has a tradition of accepting the will of the people, which is the basis of a democracy. After an intense and fiery election, the president's return is the will of the people.
HERE'S TO YOU
RAY WITTLINGER
opinion@kansan.com
When President Bush is sworn in for his second term today, he will do so with a full hand of Republicans behind him. Despite his unprecedented power, there must be a message of optimism that spreads to members of both parties and in every blue or red state there is.
A Democrat myself, I understand the disappointment of complete Republican control of Congress and the White House. Somewhere along the way, the Democratic Party many believed could turn this country around has gone from hope to gloom.
In many ways, this new term can still find room for the values of those on the left. Former President Bill Clinton said he was the only person in America who liked both John Kerry and Bush; he just knew they saw the world differently. While you think of what arguments are to come, remember what successes could be on the way.
The battle for abortion rights and appointing justices is inevitable in this country. Bush's justices should not be selected for their desire to overturn abortion rights, but should rather be someone selected on their ability to uphold the law regardless of political pressure or their own political feelings.
Also there is the prospect of troops returning home and Iraq governing itself again. Americans want to see the troops return soon, but not before the success of a secure Iraqi election.
America has a tradition of achieving success by reaching across the aisle. This custom dates back to the framers of the Constitution. Presidents and legislators since have understood the divide in ideas for making America better and were willing to close it. Bush
Not every great idea was swept out the door with Kerry's loss nor was each solidified with the president's victory. The opportunity that lies in front of Bush now is the prospect of compromise.
shouldn't be thought of any differently.
shouldn't be thought of any differently. Bush may be the most politically divisive figure in modern American history. But since his first term, Bush has grown as a president. He's learned to become a diplomat instead of a cowboy. He recently apologized for remarks like "dead or alive" and "bring 'em on." Bush now realizes the Oval Office is a far cry from old Western films.
Historically, presidents have faced enormous challenges in second terms. Removing the campaign for re-election often suppresses the idea of accountability for the chief executive. It is simply not in America's best interests to see this president fail in his final term. Regardless of political affiliation or personal resentment, understand that Bush will represent the United States to an apprehensive international community. For that, he needs the support of both parties.
Think of this as the 44th presidency of the United States. While technically it is not of course, there still lies the promise of new leadership. Unknowns are plentiful as we move into these next four years with the second inauguration of President Bush. Fight and question what you disagree with. That is the greatest thing about our democracy. But at the same time attempt to be optimistic now as a nation, not just a party.
Wittlinger is an Olathe freshman in political science.
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