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Show ffOlfttUGVI 4 September 21 , 2005 (MsfiitafiioDT) ay Focuses attention on meaning of document stitution and their Independence Day, Memorial I)a. and Presidents Day: are all familiar holidays, but how about Constitution V-4- v. X V U V' 3 ', " l ub ' 4 l P'U f . I f" is&' 5 v f Vr t . jr i ASWC presidents Chris Wharton witnessed the aftermath of soap in the Tanner Plaza fountain ' ' " i, : after Casino night in Wednesday, Sept.'7: ; ' : ' ' it t. : i I!.'.- 1 : mF r . ."' - Q . s ion ftlfo FaomSaooi Contrary to popular belief, soap was added only once, not twice. And finally, there lies a strict divide among West-minstcollege students, staff, er Shrouded in mystery, seeped in deceit, a palpable air of trickery, or rather a dense wall of bubbles materialized in the crisp morning air outside of the Shaw Center on Thursday, Sept. 8. The remnants of one or many students cunning are h still,- over a- week later, miraculously multiplying in the Tanner Plaza Fountain. Perhaps it was the wildly exciting Casino Night with its flouting of underage gambling restrictions that drove the pranksters to devise the plan. No one knows for sure. Rumors, white lies, and speculations abound and have confounded those simply looking for answers, for the smallest portions of truth. Investigation and interview can, however, confirm that the following has been meticulously separated from fiction and represents purely fact: The first sighting of the sudsing fountain occurred before sunrise on the morning following Casino Night. - What may begin as a harmless attempt to insert a small amount of fun and spontaneity into a schedule overwhelmed by classes, books, and homework can produce hours of extra work for maintenance staff. and administrators. Was the gag an amusing effort to break the monotony of academic life, or an immature, irresponsible attempt to garner attention and renown? , - Richard Brockmeyer, director of maintenance, said, If it happens too often, or a lot of soap is used, it potentially could ruin the pipes. A recent survey suggests .that the majority of the up-- . perclassmenj 18 of the 20. polled, considered the stunt lame and probably would agree with the sentiments of Cullen Green, director of Residence Life. .The standard procedure. for remedying an overflowing fountain usually involves adding a chemical defoamer to neutralize the bubbles. If, however, the conspirators were overzealous in pouring soap, the fountain would have to be shut down, drained and washed. This cleaning process can often occupy five working hours. To the coordinators) of the stunt, an upperclassman of- , I think its sad that students resort to vandalism such as this recent fiasco. Although we tend to see it at least once a year, it never ceases to amaze me how tacky it looks. Green said. fers some advice: Freshmen disagree. The popular response when queried about the soaping: Hilarious. Genius. Awesome. It was so popular in fact, that 16 of the 20 polled issued a similar response. .. .a pointless prank! Wheres the originality?! Until the day when ingenuity and creativity are seamlessly incorporated into the execution of a harmless display of humor and amusement, everyone should become accustomed to the ubiquitous bubbles in the Tanner Fountain. Why the frustrated and angry consensus among staff and administrators? College Students Needed! The Development Office of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City is recruiting students to assist in the final phase of the 2005 Diocesan Development Drive. The Diocesan Development Drive provides funds for the Diocesan Ministries throughout the state of Utah. Students callers are needed to contact parishioners. Part-tim-e temporary 3:00 from 8:00 pm to available positions Tuesday, Wednesday, andor Thursday, September December 2005. Call Shannon ext 328 or email your resume to at 328-864 1 shannonleedioslc.org. HP fSs.Ktit I ! I Contact Steve: (801) 509-356- 0 Immediate Job, Auditions. Actors, Extras, Models. Ages. No. exp. Member BBB Utah (801)6800660. $72-$70- 0 day! All their schools. In related legislation ert C. Byrd, a Democrat from West Virginia; passed by Congress, all schools, elementary through university, that receive federal funding will be required to observe the holiday in the classroom or through schoolwide ceremonies. This mandate, however, has received some backlash from teachers who think it is ironic that there is a federal law requiring schools to teach the Constitution. Others find it a bit useless Last Friday marked the 217th to devote just one day to such anniversary of the Constitutions proposed legislasigning. I doubt tion last fall that would establish an important event, which should be taught in depth in the regular courses anyway. Just because Westminster that many cans celebrated or stitution Day. It even took heed to was passed last that occasion, and December by that is a mistake. IIduse 17 as Con- - bothi the of Representatives and the -- Sen, Robert C. ByrdJ Senate. As Congress unofficial expert on the Constitution, mentions the great im- portance of this document to our country, and the lack of appreciation it receives. Last Friday marked the 217th anniversary of the Constitutions signing, Byrd said in his address to the Senate in September 2004. I doubt that many Americans celebrated or even took heed to that occasion, and that is a mistake. Byrd also cited some interesting polls that show that American citizens dont know much about the Constitution. According to the Portrait of America poll he referred to, nearly a quarter of all Americans cannot name a single right guaranteed by the First Amendment. One third do not know the number of branches in the federal government. I believe that the survey findings are the result of ignorance, said Byrd. Too many citizens do not know what the Constitution does. Constitution Day, to Commercial West Real Estate Company inent, said Byrd. Students of all ages would also participate by talking about t he Constitution in their claw", or bv having ceremonies in Day? Saturday America formally celebrated the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. On Sept. 17, 1778, delegates of the Constitutional Convention signed the document that set up the government of our infant nation. The U.S. Constitution contains the foundation of our laws in its seven articles and 27 amendments. To honor this day in history, Sen. Rob- Photo by Chris Wharton go em- Byrd, would be a day where citizens observe appropriate ceremonies, including a reading of the Constitution.-Mhope; is that the observances of Constitution Day would encourage all citizens to learn more about the Con- - j is a private school doles not mean it doesnt receive federal funding and doesnt have to observe the d holiday. Westminster Col-Byr- jege student President Chris Wharton explains that we still receive funding in things like scholarships and pro- grams like America Reads, if we dont do anything, then they could take that funding away and it would be a significant loss for some of our programs, said Wharton. Wharton did say, however, that the school was originally planning to present Constitution Day topics when Bobby Schindler, Terry Shaivos brother, comes to speak tp the school. It would have focused on topics like the right to privacy and the right to die. Unfortunately the timing of the holiday and Schindlers visit do not coincide.There is the potential that Westminster will celebrate Constitution Day in future years, said Wharton, but it is up to the administration of the time. -- Everyone should know the Constitution, said Wharton, not memorized, but you should be familiar with its purpose. Those interested in testing their knowledge on the Constitution and other government facts can take an online quiz such as the U.S. naturalization test at http:uscis.eoveraphics |