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Show StatesmanCampus News Monday, Nov. 23, 2009 Page 3 College Republicans, Democrats debate Briefs Campus & Community bers which enhance the film's conclusion that changes to the system are crucial. By JOSHUA HARMS staff writer Following their viewing of the Michael Moore health care documentary "Sicko," USU's College Democrats and College Republicans met in an unprecedented bipartisan gathering to discuss issues surrounding the health care debate currently taking place in Congress. "I'm really glad we could all get together and discuss diverse opinions without breaking out into fistfights," said the College Democrats President Teresa Allpress Thursday at the meeting. Allpress said the College Democrats originally planned to watch "Sicko" as an individual club, but, at the suggestion of member Jon Adams, decided that watching the film with the College Republicans would make for a more stimulating experience. Adams, senior political science major, worked as the event coordinator as he is a member of both political groups. "I'm organizing this activity because it's important to exchange ideas," he said. "Both sides are better off when their beliefs are challenged." On both ends of the political spectrum, group leaders praised opportunities in which people with differing viewpoints could interact, discuss and either reaffirm or rethink their positions. Yet, even though both groups are in agreement that bipartisan discussion is necessary and important, little of it has been seen between the groups in recent memory. "We really haven't had any until now," College Republicans Chairman Carl Aldrich said, explaining that in addition to time constraints and conflicting schedules, Democrats and Republicans - from Logan to the D.C. - don't interact with each other because of the prevalent opinion that it's simply not done. "In all of our politics, there's very little coming together for what's best for the country as opposed to what's best for the party," Aldrich said. Allpress said the heightened sense THIS MIGHT HURT A The explosive new film from the Academy Award winning director of Bowling for Columbine and Fahrenheit 9/11 N1INHALIMIIIE "SIM" ' 1 ' , 11111:1RIESRN IHEWEINIREIN COMPAIhns A IS WO REMS FORICIIM NICKVWAH NifIEHYAVONFELIJENNIFE LATHAM RA F1_11( GEOFFREY RICHMAN CHRISTRIT EAR *MOORE GET WELL SOON. HEM N GLYNN BIEN STEIN IliNIIIIMNIEINZIN HI NIEMAN O'HAR, ItilICHREL NION SICKCITHEMOVIE.COM of partisan fanaticism caused by last year's presidential campaign made for a particularly tense relationship between College Democrats and College Republicans, but this year's lack of major campaigns has produced a more relaxed atmosphere. Taking advantage of a more lowkey political season, the two groups met to address the intensifying health care debate. I have a feeling we're highly outnumbered," Aldrich said as he began the meeting between the College Democrats and his outnumbered College Republicans. "One of our big goals for tonight is a better understanding of differing opinions." "Sicko," the documentary by film maker Michael Moore, detailed flaws in the American health care system and furthers the debate as to what action should be taken to remedy them. The film's staggering statistics showed that, among other things, between 40 and 50 million Americans have no health insurance, 9 million of which are children and 18,000 Americans die every year because they are uninsured - num- PoliceBlotter Saturday, Nov. 14 Tuesday, Nov. 17 • USU Police responded to the Living Learning • The Cache County Sheriff's Office called and advised USU Police that their deputies had stopped a vehicle and the occupants admitted to committing two vehicle burglaries on the USU campus. Police are investigating. Community for an individual stuck in the south terrace elevator. Upon arrival, the police were able to open the elevator and let the individual out. The elevator was cycled through all levels and no other problems were found. • USU Police assisted Logan City Police with a group of minors drinking alcohol at the Oakridge apartment complex. • USU Police responded to a report of an individual selling tickets and harassing people near the USU football stadium during the Aggie game. The individual in question was not located and police had no further problems reported. • Police made contact with an individual who brought an alcoholic beverage to the football game. The individual was issued a warning and educated on the policies of alcohol on school premises. The individual was over the age of 21. • USU Police responded to the Taggart Student Center for a citizen dispute. Upon arrival, officers were unable to locate either of the individuals. The event coordinators had both individuals separated and then they left the area before officers arrived. • Police responded to the anthropology department in the Old Main building on a suspicious incident. The department received a letter that was suspicious in nature. Police are investigating. • USU Police responded to the west stadium parking lot for a report of an individual screaming obscenities while on a cell phone. Police contacted the individual who immediately calmed down. Police advised the individual that he needed to quiet down or he would be arrested for disorderly conduct. The individual left the area without further problems. Wednesday, Nov. 18 • Police responded to the Sunburst Lounge in the Taggart Student Center on a suspicious incident. Complainant informed the police that a female individual came to the Registrar's Office and said she needed security right away. Police searched the area but could not locate the female that needed security. There was no further action taken. Sunday, Nov. 15 • USU Police responded to the Spectrum for a medical assist. An elderly person was having a mini stroke. The person was transported to the hospital by personal vehicle. • USU Police responded to an emergency phone alarm near the Ray B. West building. An individual activated the alarm, identified himself to the dispatcher and said it was a mistake. The individual either gave false information or is not affiliated with USU. Police could not locate anyone in the area upon arrival. • USU Police assisted Logan City Police with traffic control at a vehicle accident at 1000 North and Main Street involving a semitruck. The driver of the car was treated and released at the scene by medical personnel. Both vehicles were towed off site. LIONSGATE • USU Police responded to a medical incident in the Taggart Student Center. Police learned that an individual had fallen down a flight of stairs inside the building. Emergency medical services personnel were contacted and transported the individual to the emergency room. Thursday, Nov. 19 • USU Police responded to the Parking Office for a report of a person in possession of a stolen permit. The parking office resolved the issue. • USU Police received a report of a hit-and-run traffic accident in the parking lot north of the Engineering Lab building. This investigation is continuing. • USU Police responded to the parking lot on the east side of Bullen Hall on a complaint that someone had drawn an obscene image on a resident's vehicle windshield. Police are investigating. "Sicko" is arguably Moore's least controversial film as its message of necessary change is openly agreed upon by members of both political parties. It's just the type of changes that are being hotly contested between members of Congress. "Nobody's denying that there's problems. Nobody's arguing that the system's fine," Aldrich said After the film, the College Republicans, College Democrats and other visiting guests discussed issues concerning the health care debate: governmental regulation versus deregulation, drug companies' oftenoverlooked effect on the system, arguments against and in favor of a free-market system and the health care public option and objections to it. Conservative attendees voiced approval of an independent, freemarket system as opposed to the liberal position in favor of more governmental regulation. Most seemed to voice agreement that health care should be both more accessible and affordable - it was just the means of achieving these changes that were viewed differently by the contrasting sides. "We might be agreeing with each other more than we think," said Aaron Orlovitz, sophomore philosophy major, self-described as the "only Communist in Cache Valley." Preceding the event, Aldrich professed his intentions for the bipartisan meeting: "I hope that we'll get a better understanding of both sides of the issue. There are very good reasons on both sides." Allpress said she was pleased as she concluded the meeting, happy that the two groups were able to come together for a positive discussion something she hopes to see paralleled by Congress as it continues to work toward a final decision on issues that will shape America's future. - joshua.harms@aggiemaiLusu.edu Contact USU Police at 797-1939 for non-emergencies. Anonymous reporting line: 797-5000 EMERGENCY NUMBER: 911 • USU police officers were contacted by complainant who said he received a letter and a check in the mail that he thinks is a scam. Police arrived at the complainant's residence in the Aggie Village and confirmed the scam as the mystery shoppers scam. Police then gathered the letter and check for evidence. This case will be turned over to Investigation for follow up. Friday, Nov. 20 • USU Police responded to the west stadium parking lot on a report of a disorderly person who also might be driving while intoxicated. Police stopped the suspect who was driving a motor home and administered field sobriety tests. The driver was not at an unsafe level of intoxication, so he was released after being warned about his disorderly behavior. • An unknown male came into the police department with a wallet and said he found it in Brigham City near a pay phone. This individual looked in the wallet and noticed a USU student identification card. The individual said he drove it to the USU Police Department so officers could return it to the owner. Officers were able to locate a phone number for the wallet's owner and left a voice message advising her that USU Police had the wallet and for her to come and pick it up. • USU Police responded to a complaint of tailgating and drinking alcohol going on in the east stadium parking lot. Police contacted the involved individuals but did not find any alcohol. • USU Police received a complaint that a man punched a woman in the arm while they were both attending the USU vs. Boise State football game. The victim decided not to press charges so the suspect was released with a warning. • While investigated a possible simple assault case at the Utah State football game, police arrested the suspect for minor in possession of alcohol by consumption. The individual was transported to the Cache County Jail for booking. • USU Police responded to the Veterinary Science Building for a water leak in the south entrance. The plumbers were called to fix the problem. 11Compiled by Rachel A. Christensen Defensive driving class now in Logan The Utah Safety Council is now offering a four-hour defensive driving course for individuals in the Logan area. The courses will take place on Saturday, Dec. 5 and 19 at the Sheriff's Complex, second floor, from 8 a.m. to noon. The four-hour course consists of classroom instruction and focuses on accident prevention, driving confidence, awareness of hazards and improving driving skills. Drivers may complete the course for a 50-point reduction from their Utah driving record, once every three years. Individuals 55 years of age and older may qualify for insurance discounts after completing the course. Registration is $40 per person or $10 for those age 55 and over that are only seeking a reduction in their insurance rate. For additional information or to register, please contact the Utah Safety Council at 800-933-5943 or visit www.utahsafetycouncil.org. Tale of `Issun Boshi' to be performed at USU The use of large-scale puppets plays an important part in the next stage production to open at USU when the Caine School of the Arts presents Utah State theatre's production of "Issun Boshi," the Japanese tale of Tom Thumb. The production runs Dec. 15, in the Morgan Theatre of the Chase Fine Arts Center. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. for all dates, and an additional matinee performance is Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2 P.m. Tickets are available at the Caine School of the Arts Box Office in the Chase Fine Arts Center, FA 138-B, 797-8022 or at http://boxoffice.usu.edu and are $13 for adults, $7 for K-12 students and free to USU students with a valid ID. "Issun Boshi" ("Little One Inch") is the Japanese tale of Tom Thumb; a story of an elderly couple who wish for a child no matter the size. Issun arrives the size of a thumb and never grows any larger. Utah State theatre's production involves large-scale puppets, designed by associate professor Dennis Hassan. Hassan spent part of his sabbatical year studying traditional Eastern European marionette design and construction. Following his return, Hassan organized a theatre crafts course specializing in puppetry. Students of that class and other theatre arts specialists have invested hundreds of hours in the construction of the puppets for "Issun Boshi." Big Band concert coming up soon Caine School of the Arts presents USU's Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra playing in the Big Band Concert Wednesday, Dec. 2, in the Performance Hall. Tickets are available at the Caine School of the Arts Box Office in the Chase Fine Arts Center, FA 138-B, 797-8022 or at http://boxoffice.usu.edu and are $8 for adults and free to USU students with a valid ID. Tickets are also available at the door. The concert is dedicated to jazz standards and features three guest artists - USU's own Corey Christiansen on guitar and violinist Mark Emile, and from the East Coast, special guest Jack Wilkins on tenor saxophone. The evening's entertainment is coordinated Jon Gudmundson, director of jazz studies in the department of music and director of the USU Jazz Orchestra. The Caine School of the Arts at USU presents more than 200 events each academic year. For information on upcoming events presented by Caine School of the Arts, visit its Web site, http://caineschool.usu.edu . 11 Compiled from staff and media reports |