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Show IP n 1 T0 11 PI Editor in Chief: Devon Crus M 'WlL JL IL J LL JL Phone: 626-7121 'J -tetters T'o T'fie 'Editor gtgVIEWPOINT Rep. Douglas C. Aagard (R-Kaysvillc) recently introduced HB 213, the Covenant Marriage Option. He claims covenant marriages are different from the traditional ones most people participate in. The main difference is the ineiease in the number of hoops fur couples to jump through to get married or divorced. Passing tliis bill is an attempt to convey the importance of being married for life. Three states, including Louisiana, Arizona and Arkansas, offer the newer "more committed" version of marriage. Those who chose the Covenant Marriage Option would be held to strict requirements. They would need to provide proof they have received premarital counseling and also sign a declaration stating they have "disclosed everything which could adversely affect the decision to enter the marriage" and understand that "marriage is for life." Couples would agree to only get divorced under specific circumstances such as physical or sexual abuse, adultery or when a spouse is convicted of a felony. The hope is that couples will take their vows more seriously and be less likely to get divorced. Some of the criteria supporting this bill are questionable. Where is the proof that pre-marital counseling prevents a hopeless marriage? When couples sign a document stating they understand the meaning of "commitment for life," does that mean this supposed understanding will prevent divorce? The idea that making marriage and divorce more difficult prevents people from doing so is absurd. Legislating options people already have is a waste of time and money. Does the legislature have nothing better to do than regulate the criteria for a good marriage and the meaning of "lifelong commitment"? There is little doubt that divorce can be devastating to parents, children, the economy and society. But it is sometimes necessary. Although what tliis bill is trying to accomplish is commendable, there is no place for it in the legislature. This bill will not rid the state of the problems that are a result of divorce. There are plenty of problems that come from the type of family this bill is trying to promote. The Covenant Marriage Option will not prevent people from getting married nor deter them from divorce. People make these choices without the help of a legislature that can't balance its own budget, let alone tell couples how they should balance theirs. The Signpost Editorial Board What you've been waiting for jacob Grover columnist Judging by the number of blue faces I've seen as I saunter around campus, it's become obvious that people are holding their breath to see my response to the flurry of attention my very first column received. You want to know what I think about it? I don't. I try not to think too much it tends to make me drool. Therefore, thinking has now been banned from my column. If you question anything that is contained in it, then you're thinking too hard. Read it, snicker like a boy stealing a peek up a girl's dress and then cast it from your mind. This is humor, ladies and "humpers," pure and simple. I do have to thank the girl who wrote the letter to the editor and denoted men in clubs as "humpers." You will now see that word so much it will make you hate that rabbit in Bambi. So my official response to all the brouhaha is indifferent ignorance. In the words of my nickname-drunk friends, "The Babbling Bigot strikes again!" On to sunnier pastures and giddy chipmunks. 1 look at the sentence and shudder if anybody understands what that means, let me know. The true puqxise of this column was to bring to the world's attention that I have a fan! Two even ! It seems people actually read tliis gathering of mindless cliches and potty humor and like it! That man you've seen prancing along campus like a Bee Girl in a meadow would be me. I hapvn to think tights look ravishing on me so vour opinions on the matter don't ---" amount to duck. That's right duck. Needless to say, I am excited. I decree that these two are to be treasured. Lina Mogentyte shall be bathed in scented oils and waited upon by Chip 'N Dales dancers. She will be given honorary rank of "Pip" and will be bestowed the Babbling Medal of Appreciation for Finding Some Kind of Humor in My Lunacy. Anybody who knows Lina should pat her on the back, the rump if you know her well, and congratulate her on her fine taste. Jol ie Skidmore ! Oh yes , I know who you are. Actually, your friend told me of your fondness of my articles and even that you've idolized one into infamy! So technically, I don't know who you are. You get the great honor of being inducted into the Hall of Fame! Actually, it's more of a shelf, but don't let that bring you down! Actually, it's a page in my notebook, but don't let that get you down! You will be named Queen of the Humpers and free to boss them around. You also get a new car, though you'll have to tell me if you want Hot Wheels or Matchbox. Do they even make those anymore? Anyway, Jolie shall be sprinkled with fairy dust, set onto a column and admired from afar. If you see Jolie walking down the path at school , let her pass with all the honor that a fan of mine deserves. Actually, treat her like a fine, upstanding-student and give her respect. This week's column has been brought to you by the bounds of my sanity which are very small . You may get a column occasionally that is nothing but random craziness and wit. If you don't like it, use this page for better purposes, like cage lining or kite making. Ultimately, here's the thought for the week: "1 have a newspaper column and you don't. So you will listen to ever)' damn word I have to say!" Visual Arts Is this art? Is this something that should be displayed at a university that prides itself on being diverse and anti-hatel No! What about all of those diversity classes students are required to take for their general education?This digital art is being displayed in the new art building's hallway (second floor in the Utah Power funded section). The depiction of the female in Muslim Hijab with the leash around her neck is Former student says art is I am very offended by this "art." As an artist in California and more importantly, an American citizen, 1 am outraged. I am from Utah and a former student of Weber State University. I do not understand how this can be considered in good taste. Especially during this time and with all the political problems we already have. Letters to editor, writer are authentic With regard to the letters attacking Mr. Wright's letters, I have to say, I was amused. Mr. Wright, I assure you, is alive, real and full of witty, ironic humor that has apparently been lost on students like Sam Hood. Although Jason's liberal views may not be popular, they are valid, and seeing as so many of our students are in favor of quoting our constitutional rights, Mr. Wright is just utilizing his right of free speech. His approach to making a point Student refutes comments against Trench' When I read John Tribe's first letter to the editor The Signpost, Monday, Feb. 24, 2003, it made me feel sorry for him that he had to resort to assuming fact and name calling in an attempt to make his point. I had a good chuckle, and was going to leave it at that. Now I see that he has written an Right to bear Perhaps Mr. Wright should check into what is required to obtain a concealed carry permit. Not only does a person have to pay for class but must also demonstrate proficiency. The first three rules of carrying a concealed weapon arc "Don't shoot, don't shoot and don't shoot." Those carrying concealed weapons are drilled not to draw or fire the weapon unless there is an imminent threat of death or severe bodily injury and there is no other possible way to advert the situation. Background checks, which are conducted prior to issuing a concealed carry permit, are quite extensive. That is not to imply a person can't all of a sudden "snap," but I feel safe in saying that if a per display inappropriate degrading and bad enough, but adding in the bomb and the word written across the male's chest ("Allah," which is Arabic for God) takes this over the top insinuating that all male Muslims are terrorists who beat down the women in their lives. This is not so! So, unless this is Weber State University's view as a whole it should be taken down. Certainly I understand the First Amendment and the right to freedom of speech, but come on! I am very proud to say that my daughter is married to a man of the Muslim religion. And he has shown her and me the utmost respect. I have witnessed the love and respect that he and his brothers show to their mother and their wives. His principles are very high and would put many "good religious" people to shame. may not be the most efficient, but for those of us who understand that his exaggerations are based on humor, his letters are interesting and far more fun to read than those of "gun-toting lunatics." (See there, I used humor, I used a part of Wright's article that was under attack.) Mr. Wright was not literally wishing death on Mr. Van Tassel, but using irony to point out the sexist and idiotic nature of Mr. Van Tassel's article. He also does not truly believe other letter to the editor The Signpost, Friday, Feb. 28, 2003, telling me I should change the name of my favorite snack food (French fries), because it incorporates the name of a beautiful country that just happens to disagree with Mr. Tribe's own political views. arms on campus has merits son cares enough to go through the time, training and money to obtain the permit, they will cherish the ideal it represents. I would like to address some specifics to which Mr. Wright referred: "Their newly gained freedom" I think not. On Sept. 25, 1789, the First Congress of the United States of America declared in the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, "The right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." He asks, "What kind of training enables them to disarm a 'wacko'?" It's like Carnegie Hall, Baby Practice, practice, practice. No numerous, random shots fired at innocent You wouldn't see this type of hatred displayed so blatantly if it were directed at any other religion, especially the LDS religion in Utah. So why is it being displayed when it is certainly an attack on the Islamic religion? Do we really need to cause more hurt and hatred in this difficult time? Isn't there enough of this in the world already? Laurel Al-Tigar WSU student in bad taste I also see this as an attack on the Islamic religion and the Midcastern people. This is not a statement we should be making at any time. I wonder what the ACLU would have to say about this? Rose Wayman former WSU student that he is going to be hunted down by those carrying concealed weapons, he was just making a point. So for those of you attacking his letters, lighten up. Maybe you could save the money you are planning to spend on your concealed weapons permit and buy a sense of humor instead. (Again, I resort to being funny. How awful.) - K.C. Bolin WSU student To Mr. Tribe, I must reply: thank you for reminding me how glad I am to be a free thinking, peace loving, French people loving, French fry eating liberal. JT Marchant-Smith WSU student people, one bullet intended to stop an imminent attack. "Has the right decision been made with SB 108?" I can't say for sure. I can say that for me, and the other concealed carry permit holders I know, we respect life. We cherish the United States of America and the ideals on which it was founded. We would defend and protect one's First Amendment right of freedom of speech (no matter how idiotic they sound). Don't worry Mr. Wright-"We've got your back." Nickie Wagner WSU academic advisement office specialist |