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14 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2004 BOARD EDITORIALS TROUBLESOME TOMES Textbooks cost students from across the UNC system lots of money so student leaders and officials should find ways to reduce expenses. The UNC-system Association of Student Governments is watching out for students’ wallets. Specifically, the group has come up with a number of reasonable recommendations to reduce the amount of money that UNC-system stu dents have to pay for textbooks. The association is looking to submit a textbook pricing study in late December to both the system schools’ boards of trustees and to the system’s Board of Governors. Officials should consider these proposals, which seem rational enough. They should be looking to lessen the financial burden for students who already have to contend with tuition, fee, room and board expenses. The association suggested that systemwide pur chasing and bargaining would cut some of the costs. Of course, an across-the-board approach would mean that most or all of the UNC-system schools would have to share certain entry-level courses. But that’s not a very tall order. Officials shouldn’t find it too hard to link the subject matter of introduc IMPROPER APPROVAL The Palestinian Solidarity Movement’s failure to approve language condemning violence in the Middle East undermines its credibility. By voting down a motion to rephrase its guiding principals that do not condemn violence, the Palestinian Solidarity Movement affirmed at least a tacit approval of terrorism. The PSM should have seized the opportunity to modernize its views, to support fundamental human rights and to gain respect in the local and interna tional communities by condemning terrorist acts. Rann Bar-On, PSM spokesman and a graduate stu dent at Duke University, told The Daily Tar Heel on Sunday that the resolution failed by only a few votes. But that’s simply no excuse. The group effectively affirmed the killing of innocent civilian populations, and the lack of leadership in bringing a vote for peace speaks poorly for the organization as a whole. Surely there is a fine line between actively promot ing violence and neglecting to condemn it. But when dealing with a topic as horrific as terrorism, that line is blurred to the point that the overall integrity and objectives of the group come into question. An organization that takes any stance, whether active or passive, that is remotely contrary to fun damental human rights should consider whatever MISSION IMPOSSIBLE By refusing to carry out a dangerous convoy mission in Iraq, a group of reservists has spotlighted a disturbing lack of protection for troops. An instance of possible insubordination among Army reservists in Iraq points more to a sore need for more troop protection than to a breakdown in discipline. Instead of looking to see how these soldiers should be punished, officials should pay close attention to what caused them to disobey orders. The incident in which members of the 343rd Quartermaster Company refused ttxdeliver fuel from Tallil to Taji in slow vehicles without an armed escort makes the inadequacy of troop protection in Iraq all the more glaring. The soldiers’ decision wasn’t a cowardly move, and they can’t be accused of ignoring their basic duty. They wouldn’t have joined the armed forces in the first place if they didn’t feel an obligation to their country. While it’s true that danger and potential death are at the core of many wartime tasks, it’s also true that the armed forces historically benefit from the latest technology and the most up-to-date equipment to see them through. Apparently, this isn’t such a reality for many of those men and women in uniform who are encountering a high level of hostility in Iraq. EDITOR'S NOTE: The above editorials are the opinions of solely The Daily Tar Heel Editorial Board, and were reached after open debate. The board consists of six board members, the editorial page associate editor, the editorial page editor and the DTH editor. The 2004-05 DTH editor decided not to vote on the board and not to write board editorials. MJIDEIIS’ FORUM Inflationary fee increase referendum hasn't been set TO THE EDITOR: On Wednesday, The Daily Tar Heel published an editorial that encouraged students to vote against a referendum allowing the student activity fee to increase by inflation without the annual approval of the student body by referendum. However, while student gov ernment appreciates the Editorial Board’s opinion on the issue, the article is extremely pre-emptive and incorrect, as no such referendum will appear on the Oct. 26 ballot. The Student Code requires that any changes to the student activity fee be approved by students through a referendum. Asa result, the Chancellor’s Committee on Student Fees agreed Oct. 12 to remove the proposed inflationary increase of $1 in student activity fees from this year’s proposed fee package. In the informal discussion that followed this decision, the sugges tion was made that student govern ment attempt to put a referendum on the Oct. 26 ballot. But this idea was ultimately dismissed because time constraints would not allow student government to inform the student body on the issue ade quately. In addition, committee members discussed potential ideas for the future referendum. Upon consultation with a mem ber of the Editorial Board, I was informed that the editorial was based upon hearsay and a Oct. 13 tory classes at different universities. Also, they should make renting books more of a widespread practice. Students at Appalachian State, East Carolina and Western Carolina universities all of which use book rental systems have to pay only a fraction of what students at other UNC-system schools shell out for textbooks. Students across the system shouldn’t be forced to pay big bucks for permanent ownership of books they might not even look at once they complete their final exams. They should have the option of keeping textbooks only for as long as they need them. Additionally, the system should work harder to enforce a policy calling for professors who author required books to return their royalties to students. A semester’s worth of textbooks can leave a wallet a few hundred dollars lighter. It shouldn’t have to be that way, as other costs of a UNC-system education are formidable enough. The association has taken a step toward increased affordability by making its sound proposals. With any luck, officials will be able to put at least some of these plans into action. political leverage it might have. Duke gave the PSM that leverage by allowing the group to use its facilities. The Daily Tar Heel Editorial Board recognized Duke officials earlier this semester for their courage in upholding academic freedom by allowing the conference ideas shouldn’t be stifled as long as the correct procedure is followed. But the PSM failed to use the opportunity to take a necessary step to affirm the value of human rights for all people. Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to life, lib erty and security of person.” And the PSM claims that it “does not support or endorse terrorism.” But organization leaders plainly declined to sign a statement from Jewish students on campus asking them to condemn terrorist acts officially before their convention started. The PSM should advance the cause of Palestinians, but it should have worked to counter the environment of violent hostility, as well. By failing to do so, it shares responsibility for the deaths of innocents. The military powers that be really should be examining the root of the problem. These troops are declaring that something needs to be done. No matter what happens to maintain or change the nature of the nation’s involvement in Iraq, one thing is clear: Officials here in the United States shouldn’t be paying mere lip service when they say they support the troops. Once the initial waves of reaction to the sol diers’ refusal to carry out the mission subside, the focus must shift to the lack of armor and dearth of top-notch equipment that they are experiencing. These are soldiers who realized that their level of protection was woeful and that they might have been staring death in the face by taking on this fairly rou tine mission. Judging by their mere presence in the hostile environment of Iraq, it’s obvious that these troops have a desire to serve. But it’s also clear that they don’t have a death wish. It looks like the U.S. troops are going to be in Iraq for the foreseeable future. With that in mind, it’s time for lawmakers and suppliers of the armed forces to improve upon their halfway approach to Iraq and to give soldiers the full support that they need. article covering the Chancellor’s Committee on Student Fees that stated, “... students will vote this year to allow officials to approve inflationary fee increases for stu dent government without the sup port of a referendum.” No attempt was made to contact any individ ual within student government to confirm the details or even the existence of the imagined referen dum. Because of the failure of the Editorial Board to check its sources and to follow up on an issue before publication, the DTH has present ed a gross misrepresentation of an issue to the student body. To clarify additionally, a refer endum on this issue will happen at some point this year, most likely in February. When it does, student government will continue to take its job seriously by researching the options and presenting them to the student body in an accurate manner. At that point, I hope the Editorial Board will once again express its opinion on the actual proposed referendum. Daneen Furr Chairwoman Finance Committee Student Congress Campus group leaders have to handle many obstacles TO THE EDITOR: I want to thank you for running Georgia Cherry’s article on student leaders. Many think student lead Opinion ership is always a fun, easy ride, not realizing that we have to deal with many things. Although we enjoy working for the student body, we must deal with the normal obsta cles of student life on top of full time leadership positions. We feel frustrated when things don’t go according to plan. We feel tom when we have to make tough decisions. We feel ashamed when we make mistakes, knowing it could appear in The Daily Tar Heel. We feel disconnected when we don’t have time to spend with friends. We feel afraid when our grades plum met in the face of graduate school. We feel unappreciated and discour aged when we only hear about our failures and shortcomings. We love what we do. We care about our organizations and constit uents with all our hearts. We appre ciate the loyalty, dedication and friendship of those who work with us. We are thankful for the oppor tunity to serve our fellow Tar Heels and to defend student governance. But sometimes, we get tired. I have decided to take a 10-day leave of absence from the Campus Y. For those days, I will catch up on some much-neglected studies, reconnect with friends and fam ily, try to return to a normal sleep cycle and pray for the strength to continue our great work. I encourage other student lead ers to take the time to rest. We need strong leaders, and I don’t want to see another person leave office. I love the Campus Y and our University, ON THE DAY’S NEWS “I had only one superstition. I made sure to touch all the hoses when I hit a home run.” BABE RUTH, former Yankee slugger EDITORIAL CARTOON By fitz Holladay, wfhollad@email.unc.edu COMMENTARY Schools must give youngsters added time to run and play My Uncle Bubba shot off two of his toes while he was out hunting. The resulting three-toed appendage on a 6-foot, 7-inch man was, to a loving eye, reminiscent of Big Bird with occasional athlete’s foot. Speaking of shooting oneself in the foot, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School District is on its way toward doing just that with regard to physical education. The system recently drafted a much-needed policy to expand physical activity in the schools. Ideally, there would be an addition of about 19 new P.E. teachers and an increase in P.E. time for ele mentary school students to come closer to the state school board’s recommendation of 150 minutes of physical activity per week But because of the projected costs of the plan, the lofty goal of adding teachers is “sort of a long shot,” the district’s health director told The Chapel Hill News. Since when does a price tag have to be an obstacle to physi cal activity? Kids are famous for their inexhaustible energy and proficiency at all things playful. And class time is notorious for its ability to transform small children into little volcanoes, threatening to erupt at any moment with their molten effervescence. Yet the obesity epidemic has not spared children from its insa tiable jaws. Too many children are going home to play video games and to watch TV while feasting on potato chips and chocolate bars. Meanwhile, in order for schools to achieve the coveted “exemplary” distinction put forth by the federal No Child Left Behind program, students are required to spend more time passively seated behind a desk in basic training for end-of grade tests. Recess and physical education often are viewed as dis- and I’m going to do whatever I can to make them better. Derwin Dubose Co-president Campus Y CAA officials' work helped to make Late Night possible TO THE EDITOR: I am writing with regard to the recent article reporting William Keith’s resignation, wherein ref erence was made to the Carolina Athletic Association’s involvement in “Late Night With Roy Williams.” The article gave the impression that CAA was limited to the distribution of the glowing necklaces at the event. However, while many members of cabinet were only involved in a support role, the exciting kick off to the men’s basketball sea son would not have been possible without the efforts of the CAA Sports Marketing Committee, led by Director of Marketing Bonnie Clarke and Sports Marketing Chairwoman Michele Carpenter. It was only through months of preparation and hours of hard work by this committee that the celebration was able to be such a success. Preparation for the night began early last summer, as the two chairwomen and their 16-member committee coordinated their efforts with Kris McGrath in the basket ball office, and the committee’s tireless efforts were not complete until the Smith Center lights were MEG AUSTIN STREETWISE pensable extras. In reality, they are every bit as valuable as the tests for which schools are forced to spend so much time preparing. The fact of the matter is that kids are steadily getting fatter, and therefore unhealthier, as a result of poor diet and sedentary lifestyles —but through our poli cies and examples, we are teach ing them that physical activity is not worth their time. The ineonsistcftsy sits heavier than Rodin’s Thinker. Every day, kids are empirically learn ing that healthy, active living is more expensive than the alterna tive. Candy is cheaper than fruit. Movie rentals are cheaper than Rollerblades or bicycles. Even schools with nutritious cafeteria meal plans subsidize the cost of these wholesome lunches by offering inexpensive, artery clogging side items such as french fries and cookies. As we place emphasis on finances over fitness, we are making excuses for shirk ing healthy habits —and we are teaching children to do the same. The district’s health director told The Chapel Hill News that it will be more reasonable for local schools to aim for a standard of three 30-minute RE. sessions per week in elementary schools which would leave the district fall ing below the state school board’s guideline by an hour every week. But selling kids short on physical activity is the cheapest deal of all, especially considering that there turned out early Saturday morning following the fun. Without Bonnie, Michele and the Sports Marketing Committee, Late Night would not have been possible. I wanted to ensure that they received the credit, praise and thanks they deserved. I’m extremely proud of all they’ve accomplished so far this year and thankfiil for the opportunity I have to work with them. Lindsay Strunk President Carolina Athletic Association UORMSUTION The Wednesday editorial, “Oversight needed,” stated that a inflationary fee increase refer endum will go before the student body next week. Such a referen dum hasn’t been scheduled. The Daily Tar Heel regrets the error. TO SUBMIT A LETTER: The Daily Tar Heel welcomes reader comments. Letters to the editor should be no longer than 300 words and must be typed, double-spaced, dated and signed by no more than two people. Students should include their year, major and phone num ber. Faculty and staff should include their title, department and phone number. The DTH reserves the right to edit letters for space, clarity and vulgarity. Publication is not guaranteed. Bring letters to the DTH office at Suite 2409, Carolina Union, mail them to P.O. Box 3257, Chapel Hill, NC 27515 or e-mail them to editdesk@unc. edu. QJtyp Hatty (Tar Ifrri is a realistic, budget-friendly solu tion: Employ recess as a non-nego tiable period in the daily schedule. Kids will gladly use it to swing, skip, climb, play basketball or tag or just to run around for as long as they have the freedom to do so. Both students and schools will reap the benefits of the regular exercise, as routine physical activ ity has proven to enhance aca demic performance and to help students focus. Too often, though, recess time is cut to catch up academically, or it is taken away altogether because of misbehavior. This is simply counterproductive. As I remember, the days I lost recess in elementary school— which were frequent, as I was prone to “unladylike” classroom demeanor and fond of creating “inappropri ate” sculptures with our cafeteria fare I had a much harder time paying attention and following instructions the rest of the day. The district deserves credit for recognizing the need for more physical activity, and it appears that officials are making an honest effort to implement RE. improvements. But by not mak ing physical activity a priority that transcends expense issues, local schools are already pulling the trigger on their own toes. But there is hope for those who fire upon their feet. Uncle Bubba went on to receive a bas ketball scholarship at Wake Forest University under the legendary “Bones” McKinney, in addition to finishing several marathons. And if the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School District rectifies its physical activity priorities now, it can safely avoid die embarrassing exposure of a three-toed foot. Contact Meg Austin at margarea@email.unc.edu. Established 1893 111 years of editorialfreedom ah? Imly aar Hppl www.dthonUite.CQnt MICHELLE JARBOE EDITOR, 962-4086 OFFICE HOURS 11:30 A M. -12:30 PM MON., WED. CHRIS COLETTA MANAGING EDITOR, 962-0250 NIKKI WERKING DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR, 962-0250 ELLIOTT DUBE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR, 962-0750 EMILY STEEL UNIVERSITY EDITOR, 962-0372 RYAN C. TUCK CITY EDITOR, 962-4209 EMMA BURGIN STATE & NATIONAL EDITOR, 962-4103 JACOB KARABELL SPORTS EDITOR, 962-4710 KELLY OCHS FEATURES EDITOR, 962-4214 PHILIP MCFEE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR, 962-4214 KATIE SCHWING COPY EDITOR, 962-4103 LAURA MORTON PHOTO EDITOR, 962-0750 RANDI DEMAGISTRIS NICOLE NEUMAN DESIGN EDITORS 962-0750 MARY JANE KATZ GRAPHICS EDITOR, 962-0750 BRANDON PARKER SPORTSATURDAY EDITOR, 962-4710 FEILDING CAGE ONLINE EDITOR, 962-0750 MATT HANSON PROJECTS TEAM LEADER, 962-0246
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