Opinion The University Daily Kansan
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2010
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FREE FOR ALL
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
To contribute to Free For All, visit Kansan.com or call (785) 864-0500.
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
Screw Club 'schutz, I'm hitting up Club 'tson.
Yeah, I really wouldn't consider Watson Library a club.
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
I don't like to think of the walk of shame as a bad thing. I take pride in it and think of it more as "Hey, look at me, I just shacked at a fat."
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
Sorry to my neighbors for watching Pocahontas extremely loud last night.
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
We kept Texas A&M under 50 points.I'd say it was a win.
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
I just realized I'm in love with you. Unfortunately, I think it's about 9 months too late.
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
I broke up with my boyfriend this weekend. My iTunes has never been more organized.
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
Slappin' Da Bass!
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
Grandma sent a giant package of boxed cheese dip, easy mac, ramen, pudding, and hawaiian punch. She knows what's up!
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
A woman needs a man like a fork needs a microwave.
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
The KU campus has an unusually high concentration of very attractive people.
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
My favorite part of fail: finding pretty leaves to write love
The comforting sounds of rain and fire alarms in the distance...
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
Bustin' out the tie clip tonight, that's how you know I'm feeling leit.
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
Ouchies
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
I don't always drink beer, but when I do, I prefer something cheap and brewed in America.
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
Ladybug pandemonium is normal at KU. They are everywhere, forever.
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
Why is morning darkness creepier than night darkness?
--its decision to hold a hearing regarding complaints of unethical behavior made against former Athletics Director Lew Perkins.
What if the Hokey Pokey is what it's all about?
EDITORIAL BOARD
Commission will hold Perkins accountable
On Oct. 19 the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission announced
This decision demonstrates the state's strong commitment to ethics and holding people accountable for their actions.
This is a positive step. It shows that possible unethical behavior will be investigated and helps ensure that the highest
Perkins violated state employee policy by receiving physical therapy sessions from the University of Kansas Department of Sports Medicine, also in 2005.
Perkins' potential fines:
On Oct. 19, The Kansan reported that Perkins could face
$5,000 for the first allegation that he accepted athletic equipment from Medical Outfitters.
$10,000 for the second allegation that he received physical therapy from The University of Kansas Department of Sports Medicine
ethical standards are upheld at the University. Students should feel reassured by this decision to take action.
The committee will address two complaints made against Perkins.
The first allegation Perkins is facing for accepting athletic equipment from Medical Outfitters in 2005 in exchange for preferential seating at sporting events. The second claim is that
up to $15,000 in fines. If the commission finds him guilty, he should be held accountable.
administration, interpretation and enforcement of the Campaign Finance Act as well as other laws that deal with financial disclosure, the regulation of lobbying and conflicts of interest. It is an appropriate committee to oversee this hearing.
The commission is a separate entity from the University. It a governmental body that is responsible for the
Some may argue that these allegations should have been handled by the University, but Jack Martin, deputy director
of communications for the University, told The Kansan on Oct. 19 that the commission was the best choice because they handle ethical issues at the state level.
Students should be supportive of the decision to have this commission handle the situation.
commission handle the situation. Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming hearings, students should make the University aware that they will not tolerate unethical behavior. This should be especially emphasized with the Athletics Department as it continues its ongoing search for the new athletics director. Perkins' replacement should start his or her career at the University with his or her personal ethical behavior, as well as the department's, as a top priority and with the knowledge that he or she will be held accountable for their actions.
accountable for their actions. The hearing is at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 and it will be held in Topeka in the commission's office. Students should be aware of the outcome of the hearings and should support the commission's decision.
— Kate Larrabee for the Kansan Editorial Board
CARTOON
MARIAM SADIBAN.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Expert voices could help clarify debate
In regards to Mr. Dopf's and Mr.Raborg's lively discussion about politics and the economy, I would like to request that the UDK ask someone in both the Economics Department and Political Science Department to define Keynesian economics and Capitalism, and collectivism and socialism, respectively. I would like to hear what someone who has made it his/her life's chief priority to study these things has to say, in contrast to a philosophy lecturer's and cellular biologist's take on these matters.
MARIAM SAIFAN
— Karel Hill is a junior in computer science from Lawrence
We appreciate that this is a good idea and are working to make this happen soon
Jonathan Shorman opinion editor
GUEST COLUMN
Sanity rally has issues, downside
Besides his television show, Stewart's political instrument is the Oct. 30 "Rally to Restore Sanity." In a time when political extremists are directing political conversation. Stewart's event hopes to allow political moderates to voice their opinions. It is doubtful, though, that the rally will make a significant impact.
Jon Stewart wants to change the way Americans discuss politics. Unlike those on the far right and far left of the political spectrum, Stewart hopes to foster intelligent discourse among the middle rather than using tactics like fear-mongering.
The Rally to Restore Sanity is obviously a parody of conservative Glenn Beck's Aug.' Rally to Restore Honor'. Although its intent may be serious, the rally has already taken a step back away from its goal. How can a comedian be taken seriously, especially when his colleague Stephen Colbert is holding an even less serious "Rally to Keep Fear Alive" on the same day? Many critics have already dismissed the purpose of Stewart's rally as illegitimate based solely on the comedic context.
Another factor going against Stewart's rally is the targeted audience. Whereas Beck was supported by passionate older Tea Partiers and conservatives, Stewart is relying on moderate college students and young adults. Sadly, the last election was an exception to the long-standing rule that our demographic does not get involved with politics. Young voters in 2008 were most likely liberals motivated by a radical and charismatic voice of change — not moderates who wanted to discuss issues using their "indoor voice," as Stewart surmises. Discouraging excessive and loud behaviors will only alienate many of Stewart's serious followers.
Because the audience is so young, the date is also an issue. An Oct. 30 date — the day before Halloween — will limit the rally's audience to mostly Washington, D.C.-area residents who will not have to travel. Honestly, which moderate college student would be willing to travel to Washington and miss out on Halloween for the sake
of a rally? I doubt the same crowd that watches the Daily Show for laughs and kicks.
Unless Stewart's rally outnumbers that of Beck's, which saw 80,000 participants, people from both parties will deem Stewart's event not a political stance against extremism, but rather a cool social gathering. Currently, attendance is expected to be low, especially since Colbert is going to take some attendees away from Stewart with his own rally.
However paradoxical as it may seem, it would not hurt if the rally for sanity included some passion and shouting. Yet, millions of people whispering are just as loud as a few hundred yelling. In the unlikely scenario of Stewart's rally gaining momentum, time would be better spent listening to a hysterical Colbert than trying to unsuccessfully change a nation's mindset with an ineffective Stewart.
-- Hung Vu for the Cavalier Daily at the University of Virginia.
MENTAL HEALTH
Sister's death showcases need to end silent suffering
Seven months ago, I found out my 11-year-old sister committed suicide. I am still plagued by the horrendous reality of those words. A large majority of my family has suffered from depression and mental illness — myself included but few would have suspected my sister of being so utterly homeless at such a young age
The Conscientious Consumer
Silent suffering needs to end. More needs to be done to help those inflicted with a form of mental illness, as it is already difficult for them to seek help. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, among those diagnosed with major depression, 50 percent don't receive treatment. And what about those who are never diagnosed? I'm sure the statistics would skyrocket if it were possible to know the exact number of people who are left undiagnosed and untreated for mental illnesses.
hopes as such if young age.
When I left for college last year, the last thing I was worried about was my little sister's mental state. With so many things in my world changing, I was fighting to manage my own anxiety and depression by attempting to achieve balance — an elusive ideal. Not for a second did I think my sister's life was in jeopardy.
The current solutions leave those battling with a mental illness feeling chastised; they are labeled and medicated, made to feel like there are no alternatives
Among the myriad of ways available to treat mental illness, few attempt to do anything more than treat the symptoms. Discovering the cause of mental illness is imperative to full recovery. Medication, at times, is the only option left for those with severe mental illness for which the cause is unknown. However, doctors and psychiatrists need
The truth is there are alternative treatments that are safe, effective, and affordable. The challenge being many of these alternative treatments involve changing the way one lives.
BY SARAH BREGMAN
sgross@kansan.com
to search for the cause of mental illness on a case-by-case basis, rather than turning a person into a science experiment for the latest anti-depressants.
Dr. Mark Hyman of The Huffington Post lists seven factors that should be examined when searching for the cause of one's depression: Food allergies, hypothyroidism, vitamin D, omega-3 fats, B12, mercury and exercise.
Five of these factors could easily be discovered by examining one's diet and exercise routine, and the other two could be found by simple lab tests. Dr. Hyman recommends exercising for 30 minutes five times a week to raise BDNF levels (which he describes as the brain's natural antidepressant), getting tested for mercury toxicity and hypothyroidism, and reevaluating dietary choices and taking vitamins when necessary.
I have been working to fight off my own inner demons by reevaluating and changing my lifestyle. Mental illness needs to be taken seriously. Rather than disguising, ignoring, or not recognizing the symptoms, the mental health community needs to invest their time and energy on the discovery and prevention of mental illness.
I refuse to let my sister's death be in vain. I lost my 11-year-old sister; the present mental health system obviously is not all that spectacular if an 11-year-old's sadness was left undiscovered, and her hope was not restored.
Bregman is a sophomore from Lindsborg in journalism and international studies.
Responses to the news of the week on Kansan.com
Chatterbox
"I'm actually going to go the libertarian route (it does happen sometimes) and urge the privatization of marriage. All the benefits the government gives to the married (over the unmarried or those they don't consider married) is nothing short of social engineering. Marriage is a private matter, and what's more, an arbitrary line is going to be drawn somewhere - "Gays can marry, but not to more than one guy or the cousin, though they can under 18, but only on Tuesdays." On personal issues like these, sometimes it really is best to default to privatization and punt the issue."
“‘x"007” in response to “Those against equality share in deaths” on Oct. 22.
"To imagine that any partial or full orientation change is even possible still does not denote the fact that the vast, vast supermajority of the time the changes do NOT happen. That the norm in ex-gay therapy is absolute failure. Furthermore, I'm not going to read the 'news' article you have and the ONE study you managed to drudge up why? Because the actual science organizations, the APA, etc., do not espouse those viewpoints. And why is that? Because their study's and accumulated science is far more quantifiable, more provable, and downright outweighs that of the corner of 'religiously motivated biblical science' that is notorious for lying and having been proven as much."
—"JeremyA" in response to "Those against equality share in deaths" on Oct. 22.
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THE EDITORIAL BOARD Members of the Kansan Editorial Board are Axi Gassman, Nick Girk, Etn Brown, David Cawhon, Jonathan Shmaur and Shauna