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Show 5 OPINION Public apology needed Bill woTHEuCHinaLESciiIrlve funds away from U after crude comment www.dailyutahchronicle.cor ► pparently, Utah legislators weren't satisfied after applying a series of drastic budget cuts to higher education. As if the U didn't have enough funding issues to worry about, the Legislature is now discussing a bill that could drive some private donations toward extinction. Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman is sponsoring House Bill 114, which passed unanimously through a Senate committee Monday. The bill would require Utah institutions of higher education to report all foreign grants, fellowships, scholarships or donations of more than $50,000 to the state Board of Regents. This would amplify a federal law installed after 9/11 that requires all public institutions, including universities, to disclose donations exceeding $250,000 to the federal government. Considering the federal law is based on preventing the infiltration of foreign influences—including terrorists—Wimmer's bill seems to be based on unfounded fears. More likely than deterring sinister foreign groups from leveraging U curriculum with donations, H.B. "4 would threaten the anonymity of private donors outside the United States. Foreign donors accustomed to anonymously donating amounts under $250,000 would be revealed to the state govern- A Tuesday, February 23, 2010 ment. If the bill's concept alone seems needless, undercutting the federal standard by $200,000 is overkill. Aside from discouraging future and regular donors, the bill would require the U to disclose information on past foreign donations exceeding $50,000—including those from anonymous donors—breaking the U's promise of anonymity after the fact. Private donors give anonymously for a reason. By making it more difficult—or impossible—for foreign private donors to donate privately, the state puts those donations in jeopardy. Ironically, the U has made efforts recently to reach out to the international community and make strides toward global recognition. H.B. 114 would cause the university's and state's respective messages to step on each others' toes. On one hand, we hope the global community will attend, respect and recognize the U. On the other hand, their donations will be scrutinized to prevent terrorist brainwashing. Wimmer's bill is an attempt for the state government to stick its nose somewhere that can only cause harm. Considering the damage it could have on donations, especially during a time of extreme financial stress, the Senate should vote down H.B. 114. letters@chronicle.utah.edu Unsigned editorials reflect the majority opinion of The Daily Utah Chronicle Editorial Board. Signed editorials, editorial columns and letters to the editor are strictly the opinions of the author. The forum created on the Opinion Page is one based on vigorous debate, while at the same time demanding tolerance and respect. Material defamatory to an individual or group because of race, ethnic background, religion, creed, gender, appearance or sexual orientation will be edited or will not be published. All letters to the editor will now be published online at www.dailyutahchronicle.com . Letters that the editor deems best represent those received will be printed in the newspaper. T here is no denying that tensions are running high between Utah politicians and members and supporters of the state's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. As the nation witnessed in the battle and aftermath of Proposition 8 in California, rational people can begin to act irrationally if tension becomes too high. Unfortunately, the result of this is media attention is drawn to bomb threats and vandalism rather than to the actual debate at hand. I lived in West Hollywood during the Prop. 8 fury, and though I can say that there isn't the same type of vitriol and violence occurring in Utah yet, we're well on our way. The comments made by Salt Lake County GOP Vice Chairman Rick Votaw are a perfect example of how dialogue and attention can shift in the gay-rights debate, and both sides need to catch themselves now and refocus before things get ugly. Votaw's comments were made in the proximity of a silent rally for gay rights, which was being held inside the state Capitol building. The activists wrapped pieces of cloth over their mouths to symbolize their belief that Utah politicians are trying to silence them. However, Votaw had an interpretation of the symbolic gesture that was entirely different than that of the protesters. "They feel like they're being gagged. I think it's because they want to keep the c**** out of their mouths," Votaw said. Of course, in Utah's political spectrum, the description of this comment would likely range from rapier wit by some to a bonafide hate speech by others. Unfortunately, the real danger from a comment such as this lies first in the distraction it creates and U should diversify activities T he Presenter's Office of the Associated Students of the University of Utah produces student DOUGLAS entertainment events for the general university commuJENNINGS nity. With more than 29,000 students enrolled at the U, I assume it is no easy task to Sophomore, Anthropology select adequate entertainment or entertainment the majority of the utmost degree can safely be people would enjoy. Redfest, the referred to as "snow bros." Grand Kerfuffle, Rock the U and The last time I checked, the Free Film Series fall under Slightly Stoopid, a snow bro this jurisdiction of students. band, wasn't a mainstream It's no secret that the U is a music act that a lot of other commuter campus. Although individuals—or people who some students might stow are above the age of 20—could themselves away in the dorms enjoy. What would these guys at Fort Douglas, the majority do if ASUU decided to spend of us don't live on campus and everyone's money to bring Ani aren't involved in extracurricular DiFranco to the U? activities. But we are still supASUU also controls the Free Film Series. The Spring Semester porting and funding ASUU and its entertainment subcommittees selection of films included "The Hurt Locker," "The Hangover" with our student fees. What was the last band to play and "Fight Club." Although I at Redfest at the beginning of can appreciate the artistic sigFall Semester? Slightly Stoopid. nificance of these films in their I understand that we live in Salt own light, who else is selecting Lake City, and as such, a large movies? Why are there not more portion of folks are involved in diverse options? Let's be comwinter recreational activities. I pletely frank about this: Why are think the young, straight male there no films that narrate from a demographic in their early 205 female point of view? who enjoy these activities to "I just directed 'The Vagina Monologues' as sponsored by the Presenter's Office," said Victoria Nones, who sits on the board of the Presenter's Office. "Both nights were sold out, and we raised $2,000 for Planned Parenthood. As far as I know, this is the first time in the past few years that the Presenter's Office has produced entertainment specifically for women. We have the money and resources to be inclusive all year round. We could do it if we tried harder." In conjunction with Nones' statement, the point is not about demanding that ASUU be completely politically correct and neutral in selecting its entertainment. With the number of folks on campus, that would be impossible. They could try to be a little more open-minded and democratic in the selection process. What about a different genre of film for every night of the Free Film Series? Or a musical act for Redfest that a wider variety of students would enjoy? A portion of our student fees keep ASUU alive and well. We should all be able to enjoy adequate entertainment on campus if we are financing it. letters@ chronicle.utah.edu LETTER TO THE EDITOR MLK article was not pertinent Editor: Reed Nelson's column ("Gun history shouldn't overshadow MLK Day," Feb. 22) about the problems of having a Martin Luther King Jr./John Browning Day is LATE. It's an argument that's already been made, and has been resolved—like a week ago. This column offered no new arguments or analysis. Talk about the intentional or unintentional racism that prompted it to land on MLK day, or try to understand why someone would even want to honor a gun maker from the early 19oos, but I get nothing useful from another column that says, "This is really dumb." Also, for the graphic on the front page, how hard is it to find a picture of a gun John Browning actually designed? A 1911? A Browning Hi Power? An M2 .50 caliber machine gun on a Humvee in Iraq? It's been in use by the U.S. military since World War II. The Auto-5 semiautomatic shotgun? An over-under designed double barreled shotgun? Browning designed so many guns, and you managed to pick one that was not designed by Browning. Good job. Dave Sohm, Senior, Mass Communication JOSEPH SIMMONS Junior, Mass Communication second in the hurt it causes members of the LGBT community. One of the organizers of the LGBT rally was Eric Ethington, who is a founder of the gay-rights group Pride in Your Community and an active voice in the LGBT community. Ethington said the message of the rally was in response to the efforts of Utah Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, to stop cities and counties outside of Salt Lake City from adopting anti-discrimination laws. Ethington said that Waddoups' actions were worrisome to the community, which has little legal shelter from discrimination. "With such little protection here in Utah and then to be told that we don't want you to be speaking up, we don't want to see any rallies— the protest was a commentary on that, with us saying 'OK fine. We won't say anything. We will sit here with gags in our mouth, like you apparently want us to have, and shut up,'" Ethington said. One can only assume the protesters at the Capitol that day did not want their message interpreted to mean that yet another Republican politician hates the LGBT community. However, unless Votaw publicly explains himself and his words that day, it is likely that they will remain in the memory of Utahns more than anything else from that rally. Ethington said that he was particularly discouraged when he heard the crude comment of the day came . from Votaw, whom Ethington said is one of the state's few Republicans who has consistently supported anti-discrimination movements. Although others have responded to the comment by labeling Votaw a bigot, Ethington's take is quite different. "The comment was really kind of an off-the-cuff—he thought it was a private comment, and he was just trying to be humorous," Ethington said. "But I kind of went after him for the comment because it highlights a very good point: You may be an ally of the movement, but you still don't understand." Ethington said he believes Votaw didn't actually mean any offense by the statement, but the incident was a good example of how someone's words can still be incredibly offensive and hurtful when made in jest. "My comment to (Votaw) was: Look, you can't say stuff like that. It hurts people. It's an incredibly insensitive statement," Ethington said. Votaw can put this whole incident behind him and put the issue back in perspective with a public explanation and/or apology. Ethington said that because of the respect that he has for Votaw, he knows such an act would go a long way. "I think the community deserves an apology," Ethington said. "The LGBT community here in Utah hears so many offensive statements from our elected officials so often. He apologized to me about it, but I haven't heard of anything that he has done publicly, although I really wish that he would. I think it would really go a long way to help." Despite the distraction the comments caused, Votaw can set an example and get the attention back where it belongs. letters@ chronicle.utah.edu R 1A "Rock the U raises $43K" (Andreas Rivera, Feb. 22, 2010) News I Jane posted 2.22.10 @ 11:40 A.M. Rock the U was a great event this year. I had so much fun! I will say that I think it's strange that is article quotes Clint Hugie seeing has how he didn't spend more than 10 minutes there and was complaining about the event. You would think the reporter would check that, as always not the best reporting by the chronicle. Anonymous posted 2.22.10 @ 11:47 A.M. Both the ASUU election parties worked extremely hard in fundraising for the event, it makes sense he was quoted. Great job to both parties. "Gun history shouldn't overshadow MLK Day" (Reed Nelson, Feb. 22, 2010) Opinion Mesaman posted 2.22.10 @ 10:43 A.M. Nelson, pull your panties back on, open your bloodshot eyes, and prepare to enter the 21st century. All that at the same time. Can you handle multi-tasking? Then try thinking about the impact John Browning has had on this world., probably more than MLK, but for totally different reasons and with totally different outcomes. If it dazzles your juvenile brain to see why Utah legislators would like to commemorate the inventions of Browning, try reading a short version of his contributions. I am second guessing legislators when I presume they chose the MLK day for practical reasons; an already recognized holiday, and not an attempt to discredit or debase the contributions of King. As for the Utah statute on whale hunting, could you cite the statute please? I know you can't fish for tuna in the Virgin River, but there are no statutes covering it, only common sense. You do have some, don't you? • Rob .4 posted 2.22.10 @ 2:46 P.M. Mesaman, your reading comprehension skills are quite poor... at best. Here are two brief quotes from the article, now focus. "I am not saying John Moses Browning was not an influential person" "I sincerely hope that our Senate chooses to change the date, as it is obvious that the support is there for the holiday in general" It sounds to me like you two more or less agree with each other on the main point, which is to simply pick a different date. To celebrate a gun company on the same day that celebrates a great man who was killed by someone with a gun, seems distressingly ironic. At least they have the decency to not propose celebrating Remington Day, since a Remington rifle was allegedly used to kill MLK. |
