Opinion 110 United States First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009 Nichols: The Gap's unbearable holiday-themed commercial WWW.KANSAN.COM COMING TUESDAY FREE FOR ALL To contribute to Free for All, visit Kansan.com or call (785) 864-0500. --to lead the football program considering the events of the past few weeks. I just gave myself four paper cuts simultaneously while trying to catch a book that was falling off my lap. --to lead the football program considering the events of the past few weeks. You know you have a real problem when you procrastinate reading the "How to Overcome Procrastination" pamphlet. My roommate just rubbed his retainer on his girlfriend. And that's not a metaphor. --to lead the football program considering the events of the past few weeks. PAGE 7A The hubris of your cleverness is shadowed by the fact that a mentally-challenged monkey could have deduced the same thing. I just shotgunned a Capri Sun. I feel like a real man. If you throw your whole paper into the recycling bin by the printers in Watson, I read them. --to lead the football program considering the events of the past few weeks. I'm off to unintentionally cock block my roommate. I'm still confused over what happened Friday night, and it's Sunday morning. Hey Grinch in GSP:Thanks for ripping down the hall Christmas decorations! I would love to be able to download music — stupid ResNet. I don't even like Nebraska and I felt bad that they lost. --to lead the football program considering the events of the past few weeks. Hunter Lawrence is so getting laid for making that kick. Man, the guys at Goodcents are jerks. --to lead the football program considering the events of the past few weeks. I'm ashamed that I like the song "Poker Face." I hate people who ask for a bite every time they see you eating something. Anyone else hate that? All I want for Christmas is his virginity. --to lead the football program considering the events of the past few weeks. I hate bad haircuts. At least I can wear a beanie now. --to lead the football program considering the events of the past few weeks. Does anybody else look up the people on Facebook when you find out who committed a crime in The Kansan? --to lead the football program considering the events of the past few weeks. I drink Duty Dew when I play "Call of Duty." Today is a good eyebrow day. --to lead the football program considering the events of the past few weeks. Search for new football coach begins EDITORIAL BOARD After the incidents involving Mark Mangino and the final decision resulting in his resignation, the Athletics Department should focus on finding Mangino's replacement. Current University of Buffalo football coach Turner Gill reportedly interviewed for the position on Sunday, according to CBS Sports. "Mark Mangino helped make the head coach position at KU a very desirable position." Jim Marchiony, associate athletics director, said. "There's a great buzz surrounding Kansas football." Even though Mangino helped create this buzz, it would be difficult for him to continue Weston White/KANSAN FILE PHOTO should think about what the new coach can offer the University. So far it has been tight-lipped about what exact qualifications they are looking for. In choosing a new coach, the department "We're not going to get specific on that." Marchiony said. "We'll evaluate each candidate on his own merits." The most desirable candidate for the position should have solid experience as a head coach at a University and a record proving his personal strength as a recruiter. He needs to be a good representative of not just the football program but of the school as well. "We need a guy like the coach from the University of Connecticut," said Meg Thorpe, Prairie Village senior. "He should be respectful, knowledgeable about the sport, and have a winning record from a previous job." KANSAN'S OPINION As we have learned through the experience with Mangino, respect from the team is a necessity. A coach who leads the program effectively without mistreating players, assistants and employees, is a must. One of the most important things to keep in mind when hiring the new coach is how he will interact with the team. the new coach will, in a way, be restarting the program. The team is in a much better place than it was a few years ago, but Mangino's replacement will have to deal with new challenges. Several star players are graduating, and Dezmion Briscoe is entering the NFL draft. A strong foundation must be established in the beginning and the new coach will have to get fan base, alumnae, and boosters behind him early. He will also need strong assistant coaches, which requires leadership skills that engage and inspire excellence With Mangino's resignation, the football program, as well as football fans, can start to look ahead. The football program is strong and we need a new coach that is equally as strong. "We know that excellent head coaches have considered interest in this job. We have some of the nation's finest facilities, great fans, and we've demonstrated a strong commitment to the success of our program." Marchiony said. "We are certain that great things lie ahead for our Kansas football program." No matter how the team does on the field, when we have problems such as those of the past few months, we lose as a University. The Mangino era is in the past, and all that's left to do now is forge ahead. — Kate Larrabee for The Kansan Editorial Board EDITORIAL CARTOON Fall 2001 2003 "I SUPPORT THE PRESIDENT." 2005 2007 "I LIKE THE MAN, BUT I DISAGREE WITH SOME POLICIES." Nassim Khalil 2008 "I DISAGREE WITH THE PRESIDENT." Spring 200g "GRRR" "I LOVE THE PRESIDENT! WHAT'S NEXT, I WONDER? CHECK THE GALUP POLL. HISTORY NICHOLAS SAMBALUK Grandparents reflect on Pearl Harbor sixty-eight years ago to the day, U.S. naval officers awoke to the sound of Japanese airplanes and explosions in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Despite a common belief that the Pearl Harbor attack was actually Josh Hartnett and Ben Affleck conducting a romantic assault on Kate Beckinsale, the real events of Dec. 7 became one of the worst attacks on U.S. soil, leading to America's involvement in World War II. "Remember Pearl Harbor!" became a common rouse of national patriotism and uniformity throughout the climactic years of World War II. Additionally, many Japanese-American residents became the subject of anti-Asian sentiment in the days following the attack, leading the American government to set up mandatory internment camps that were overpopulated, discriminating and humiliating for the thousands of Japanese who spent the remainder of the war as prisoners. All American history books mention Pearl Harbor, but information gained from talking to grandparents or friends who were alive in the earlier part of Even if these people don't have military service or direct involvement with the historical event, they still have memories of earlier times. I spent Thanksgiving talking to my grandparents about their experiences when they were younger. I learned more about my grandparents by the way they told their stories than by the actual stories themselves. the 20th century is a unique — and oftentimes more interesting — experience My grandfather recalled first hearing of the Pearl Harbor attacks a week after they had happened via radio in the Midwest countryside. experience. "It was a simpler time," he told me. These stories, only a small portion of the day's conversation, can't be found in any history books. Chances are that these older relatives, many of whom are in their 70s and 80s, have stories they would enjoy telling. Regardless of a grandparent's background, the reality is their stories will not be around forever — a 20-year-old at the time of Pearl Harbor is now close to 90 If it's not possible to speak to a grandparent, there's always the possibility of talking to a veteran or a family friend. And for those who have grandparents who served, there's a possibility that they may not want to talk about their military experience. But that doesn't mean questions about childhood or later adulthood are off-limits. Today's anniversary of Pearl Harbor is just another day — by tomorrow it will be an afterthought. But the image of American battleships sinking in the Pacific Ocean should serve as a reminder to have a conversation with those who were alive to experience it. Who knows, maybe they've just been waiting for someone to listen. Boultinghouse is a Girard sophomore in journalism and history. CHARITY The gift of giving The end is near. Just a few more days of classes and finals, then we're free for three glorious weeks of winter break. Most of us will probably head home to spend the holidays with family. Or maybe some plan to stay in Lawrence and celebrate the holidays with friends. The Lawrence Humane Society is looking for volunteers to help with the Home for the Holidays adoption event. Volunteers will home deliver adopted animals through Dec. 13. Volunteers will also bring animal gift baskets to homes with deliveries and help groom pets before delivering them. Whatever the circumstances, this time of year is full of family, friends, and joy as the semester comes to a close. But the holiday season is also filled with a different purpose and different opportunities to help your community. Whether you plan to stay in Lawrence or venture elsewhere, volunteering opportunities are abundant during the holiday season Della Lamb Community Services in Kansas City is seeking volunteers to help plan and implement holiday parties for both kids and adults from Dec. 22 to 24. Della Lamb seeks to provide child-care for working mothers and also provides early education to low income families. The Salvation Army also provides several volunteer opportunities in many cities during the holiday season including, the giving tree, adopt-a family and the toy 'n' joy distribution. For opportunities in your city visit www. salvationarmywm.org/volunteer/ holidaywork. Several other organizations also need donations for food banks, toy donations for children and volunteers to help wrap and distribute food and presents to needy families. For additional opportunities in Lawrence During the holiday season, it is easy to get wrapped up in our own Christmas wish lists and holiday sales at department stores. With Christmas carols blaring from every radio station and every store loaded with decorations, focusing on consumerism seems natural. visit the Roger Hill Volunteer Center's Web site, www.rhvz.org. For additional opportunities in Kansas City and surrounding areas check out the United Way Holiday Giving and Volunteer Guide at www.unitedwaykwe.org. Though students should spend time with loved ones and enjoy the holiday season, perhaps the focus could be shifted this year to those in need. Encourage your friends, siblings and parents to volunteer with you, or get a group of people together to shop for a less fortunate family. Given the current economy, more Americans are relying on organizations, meaning those organizations need more help. Not only are more children likely to go without gifts this year, but more families are likely to go without food. So go ahead and cut out coupons for the new kitchen appliances your mom wants this holiday season. But also try to pick up a gift for a child in need or stop by a food bank with a couple cans of green beans. If we all donate just a few hours of our time or a few dollars from our wallets, the true meaning of the holiday season can be born again. Brown is a Wichita senior in political science and journalism. A Tiger in the Phog LETTER TO THE EDITOR Three years, 10 games, and one of the most eye-opening, incredible experiences ever on a crisp April night in 2008 are just a part of my story. My name is Michael, and I'm a born and raised Missouri fan. People think I'm crazy and even suicidal. For three years I've been a Tiger in the Phog, and three times a year I've worn the black and gold. Sure there were jokes, odd looks and maybe more than a couple classes where it didn't help my grades, but every time I wore my pride I never felt threatened. At this point you may be wondering what the heck a Tiger would be doing at the University of Kansas. You aren't alone. The short answer is that coming here was a whole heck of a lot cheaper. You may have seen me around campus. I'm easy to spot on rivalry week because I'm the only one wearing black and gold. (You may have seen me the night of the national championship. I was hanging from a light pole at Ninth and Massachusetts streets for most of the night.) faculty, staff and students were courteous to me. They would wish me good luck for the game, and tell me I had guts. After each game, people would congratulate a hard-fought victory for whichever side won. (Even though in basketball the Tigers were mostly slaughtered. Thanks, Quinn). On the rare occasion of a Tiger victory, though Kansas fans were noticeably upset, they still had enough pride and sportsmanship to congratulate the hard-earned victory. That sportsmanship carried over to football, where the outcome was never guaranteed and the stakes were higher. This has been the best three years of my life. The Jayhawk community has been incredible, and I wouldn't trade the last three years of experience for anything in the world. Thank you, Jayhawks. It's all of you that make this University an excellent place to go to school. Know that although I bleed black and gold, if you look close enough, you may find a little blue running through my veins. Michael Herbert is a senior from Leawood. HOW TO SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR LETTER GUIDELINES Send letters to opinionkanan.com Write LETTER TO THE EDITOR in the e-mail subject line. Length 300 words The submission should include the author's name, grade and hometown. Find our full letter to the editor policy online at kansan.com/letters. Brenna Hawley, editor 864-4810 or bhawley@kansan.com Jessica Sain-Baird, managing editor 864-4810 or jsain-baird@kansan.com Jennifer Torline, managing editor 864-4810 or jtorline@kansan.com Haley Jones, kamsan.com managing editor R644.402.0 eu:honjuli.kamsan.com Michael Holtz, opinion editor 664.4024 or.mholtz@kansan.com CONTACT US Caitlin Thornbrugh, editorial editor 864-4924 or thornbrugh@kansan.com Maria Korte, sales manager 864-4477 or mkorte@kansan.com Lauren Bloodgood, business manager 654.4358 or lbloodgood@kansan.com Malcolm Gibson, general manager and news adviser 864-7667 or mgibson@kansan.com 854-7098 or mgjbison@kansan.com Jon Schitt, sales and marketing adviser Jon Schitt, sales and marketing adviser 864-7666 jschittl@usm.edu Jon Schlitt, sales and marketing adviser 864-7666 or jschlitt@kansan.com EDITORIAL BOARD Member of the Kansan Editorial Board are Brenna Hale, Jason Sainton-Bard, Jennifer Tortline, Hailey Kesey, Cattin Thornberg and Mortha Holtz.