™ HERALD
October 2, 2013
Government Shuts Down, Insurance Exchanges Open
Monique Kreisman, news editor
The federal government shut down Tuesday
morning because Congress failed to pass a spending
bill. Many federal workers were sent home, and some
are working without compensation. Only active duty
military personnel will be paid while Congress works
to refund the government.
The shutdown was caused by gridlock over
a bill with attached provisions related to the Pa
tient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly
known as ObamaCare. Republicans tried to add an
amendment to the bill that delays implementation
of the individual mandate, or the requirement for
individuals to purchase health insurance. Under the
Affordable Care Act, which will go into effect Jan.
1, a fine will be levied on individuals without insur
ance. Republicans argue that the mandate is unfair;
Democrats claim that Republicans are too stubborn
and are responsible for the gridlock that caused the
shutdown.
In a press conference. President Obama said,
“This Republican shut dovm did not have to happen,
but I want every American to understand why it did
happen. Republicans in the House of Representatives
refused to fund the government unless we defunded
or dismantled the Affordable Care Act.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the first day of the shut
down, the insurance exchanges set up by ObamaCare
opened. The exchanges are online marketplaces
where individuals may purchase private health in
surance. They are intended to foster competition
and provide affordable insurance to people who were
previously uninsured. In some areas, the insurance
exchanges are projected to save consumers money;
in other states, the cost is expected to rise. Fox News
reported on Tuesday that the cost of insurance pur
chased through the exchange in California-will be 14
percent higher, but the insurance exchange in New
York is predicted to reduce prices by 29 percent.
While constituents’ responses to the insur
ance exchanges are unknown, CBS News reports
via news.yahoo.com
that 72 percent of people are in favor of ending the
government shutdown caused by the debate on the
Affordable-Care Act. The spending bill is now being
passed back and forth between the House and the
Senate, and a compromise has yet to be found.
Male Helper Policy Decoded
Katy Koop, staff writer
Although Meredith College is not a co-edu-
cational institution, it cannot be escaped that all stu
dents in fact live “co-ed” lives. Whether it is fathers,
brothers, lovers, or just really good guy friends - men
are a fact of life. V^ether explaining Meredith Col
lege policies to other students or venting about it to
their significant others, it is not uncommon to hear
the words “Boy Hours” and “Male Helper policy”
tossed around campus.
“Whether explaining Mere
dith College polieies to other
students or venting about it
to their significant others,
it is not uncommon to hear
the words “Boy Hours” and
“Male Helper policy” tossed
around campus.”
Lately there has been some usual confusion
about Open House Hours and the Male Helper poli
cy. Rose Turchi, Class of 2014, remarked that as an
RA she has “had to reinforce the male helper policy
a few times this year. We have had girls have male
helpers to “carry their books” or “bring up bottled
water.” In those cases, a male helper is completely
unnecessary.” Heidi LeCount, Residence Life Direc
tor, said on the matter, “students seemed to not be
aware that Open House hours didn’t start until the
second week of the semester.” The Residence Life
section of the student handbook states, “Residence
Directors may grant special permission for men to
carry heavy items to or from .a student’s room. Men
should not linger on the halls after they have com
pleted the task.”
While the policy is the same as it has been
for years, it can be appreciated that even the friendli
est of Zac Efron and Justin Timberlake posters can
be confusing to students. Whether students are vio
lating policy by accident or with intent, it is impor
tant to remember to consult boy hour times whether
by planner, contract, or those charming posters in
all the residence halls. If a male helper is actually
needed, residents should contact the RD on Duty to
get permission. Turchi remarks that this policy “[is
“Residence Life feels that
knowledge of the Male
Helper or the Open House
policies may make Meredith
College feel that much safer
and help students flex those
“going strong” muscles.”
not] here to annoy girls or to make their lives diffi
cult. We have these rules so everyone can be com
fortable in their living space and free to do as they
please. When a male is in the residence halls during
times when girls are not expecting them, it needs to
be for a special purpose and the RD on Duty must
be notified and aware of the situation.” LeCount con
cludes, “a tip for students would be to not call and
ask if a male friend can bring up a bag of groceries
or a case of water. These are things the students can
do themselves.” Residence Life feels that knowledge
of the Male Helper or the Open House policies may
make Meredith College feel that much safer and help
students flex those “going strong” muscles.
STAFF
Editors: Jessica Feltner, Editor in Chief. Julia Dent, Managing Editor. Cody Jeffrey, Assistant Editor. Lucia Rynka-Estevez, Layout Editor.
Monique Kreisman, News Editor. Maitlyn Healy, A&E and Sports Editor. Rachel Pratl, Editorial Editor
Staff Writers: Hannah Nielsen, Katy Koop, Livi Burke, Hannah Thornton, Marlena Brown, Mollie Schrull, Isabel Benson, Kristin Hight
The Meredith Herald is produced by students throughout the academic year and is printed by Hinton Press. The paper is funded by the College and through inde
pendent advertising. The opinions expressed in the editorial columns do not necessarily reflect those of the college administration, faculty, or student body.
The policy of this paper requires that submissions be made by 5:00 p.m. the Thursday before publication and that contributors sign all submissions and provide
necessary contact information. The editors and staff welcome submissions meeting the above guidelines.