The Hillsdale Forum - August 2008

the.Hillsdale.Forum

VOlume IX, Issue I August 2008

sOUND bITES

University of Maryland political science professor Thomas Schaller and Harper’s Magazine Senior Editor Luke Mitchell as quoted in a July 2008 article entitled “High Noon for the Republican Party: Why the GOP Must Die”

SCHALLER: To do better than 50.1 percent, the Democrats are going to have to mobilize some previously under-or-under mobilized groups. And there are a of different possibilities in that regard. MITCHELL: Which groups would you suggest? SCHALLER: Latinos are obviously part of it. They increasingly tend to vote for Democrats, and they also are increasing as a proportion of the electorate—a double whammy. Unmarried adults likely will soon outnumber married adults, and they don’t seem to like Republicans that much. … One out of thirteen new marriages is an interracial marriage, for instance, and that proportion will continue to grow.

Brothers From Another Mother CHRISTINA MILLER STAFF WRITER

He’s handsome. He talks pretty. He dreams big dreams. He may not be entirely qualified to be president. He has something of a cult following. His eyes are “dreamy.” No, we’re not talking about Barack Obama. Well, not just Obama. John F. Kennedy was the original, and here, we take a closer look at what the two men have in common: Consider that JFK was America’s last senator elected president. Obama, too, is a senator. However, Kennedy had served two terms in the Senate where Obama served less than one. Kennedy also served in Congress. But it doesn’t stop there. Kennedy frequently spoke to enraptured crowds about bringing “a

new spirit to government.” Sound familiar? If it makes you think of Obama’s claim to be a “new kind of politician,” you might be onto something. Both candidates also seem to be energized by speaking to inordinately large crowds. At the Democrat convention, Obama will not speak at the Pepsi Center, where all the other speeches were held. Instead he will declare his canidacy at at Ivesco Field, a football stadium that holds many more people. Kennedy pulled a similar stunt when he moved his DNC speech to LA’s Memorial Stadium. Obama and Kennedy also have a winsome way with the press. However, it’s safe to say that Kennedy was better on his feet than Obama is. Kennedy could come up with an answer easily, even if

the answer was not particularly informative. Obama is great from a script, but stutters in Bushian fashion when faced with an open forum. These two candidates have also seen their heritage come under scrutiny. Kennedy faced an uphill battle with anti-Catholic sentiment. Obama has seen his African heritage, Muslim education, and even his American citizenship challenged and questioned. But Kennedy challenged these troubles effectively where Obama has floundered. Kennedy and Obama are also known for their visual appeal. Kennedy, at 43, is America’s youngest president. Obama would be the second youngest at 47. They are both seen as a departure from usual presidents. These two are Harvard-educated.

Harvard University now has the John F Kennedy School of Government and Obama was editor of the Harvard Law Review. If Obama is elected, he will come into a foreign policy situation similar to Kennedy’s. Once again the world is polarized between two extreme ideologies and America’s next president will have to deal with it. And lest we forget, the granddaddy of all the similarities: the Berlin speech. Kennedy and Obama have both stood at the Berlin Wall and given speeches to the German people. However, Kennedy gave a speech that lifted up America’s capitalist system and called out the flaws of communism. Obama stood in front of 200,000 people who can’t vote for him and proceeded to trash his country. HF

in.this.ISSUE the Ultimate Guide to Hillsdale College

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Summer Movie Reviews

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Break Out Your Leather Pants (and Save Money Doing It!)

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“Real Hillsdalians of Genius”

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news

Summer Experiences Shape Students respected in D.C.” and that “the dent of Catholic Society, and experience has given me an even signed up thinking she would be EDITOR-IN-CHIEF deeper appreciation for the lib- improving her Spanish skills as For most, getting away from eral arts education that Hillsdale well as her spirituality, but little did she know the impact the trip home seems to be imperative, provides.” Cara Burke ‘10 took summer would have on her life. She went which is why most feel it necesthis sary to go to school in a pseudo- courses Narnia environment (it’s always summer, but winter but never Christmas in not to fulfill Hillsdale, MI). This may be why class requiremost jump for joy at the chance ments for the to return home for the summer college at a lomonths, where they can re-co- cal university operate from the harsh academ- in her area, ic months in their bed or by the as many HC do. pool side. Others, unable to en- students she joy such luxury due to a hatred Rather, of boredom or sufficient lack of partook in the funds, get jobs to fill the hours Oxford Study and their bank accounts. Oth- Abroad Proers, however, enjoy the road less gram, which photo by Katie O’Donnell heard taken: unpaid activities that ac- she Two weeks in Honduras not only allowed Julia Spiotta tually leave them with less pe- about through to brush up on her Spanish, but helped her to make Calvert. cuniary funds than before, but Dr. some amazing memories as well. open up worlds of opportunity She decided to spend 8 weeks and experience for them. Trevor Shunk ‘10 is one of those in the UK because “at Hillsdale in with a self-sufficient mindset, such people. As a Health Policy I learned about studying for its the kind that starts each sentence Studies intern at the Heritage own sake, and decided to apply with “I” instead of relying solely Foundation this past summer, it to the summer as well as the on Christ’s strength. Spiotta and school term.” She the other college students on the Shunk has had an excellent trip stayed at Casa Guadaloupe been able experience, and with the Franciscan Friars of to get an enjoyed having the Renewal a few days prior to inside look close relation- the mission, but for the actual of the “nuts ships with her mission, they lived with famiand bolts tutors. “Personal lies deep in the mountains. Her of modern r e l a t i o n s h i p s group stayed in Majadas, Agua politics.” helps you learn Blanca, where she interacted He met more, and to re- with people “who endure so many influspect your teach- much suffering on a day-to-day ential pubers,” said Burke. basis, who have so little to offer lic figures, She hope to be and yet willingly give more than had excluable to study in they can afford, whose lives are sive tours Oxford again, an unending cycle of uncertainin the White and considers the ty, hardship, and pain, yet they House, Penexperience “defi- have the strongest faith I have tagon, Capnitely worth do- ever seen.” The experience was itol building.” Her chief extremely rewarding for Spiing, and photo courtsey of Burke Mt. Vernon, Cara Burke enjoying the beautiful advice for those otta personally, but she believes considering the one does not have to go on a and was in- sights of Oxford. program is to mission trip to experience it. volved in “work hard and “Christ is knocking on the door lectures, a of your heart anywhere and evconservative book club, and a don’t be shy.” After working for most of the erywhere,” said Spiotta, “wait“rigorous op-ed writing class taught by one of the top editors summer at home, Spiotta decid- ing for you to let him in.” Katie in the country.” For Shunk, the ed to take two weeks off to go on O’Donnell ‘09, Jaimie Conley internship was life-changing, a mission trip to Honduras with ‘11, and Anne Morath ‘12 joined and has made him eager to re- the Missioners of Christ. She Spiotta in Honduras.HF turn to campus. He reported that heard about the trip through Ka“our professors are very highly- tie O’Donnell ‘09, former presi-

JULIE rOBISON

August 2008 The world has done an excellent job of raising awareness about Darfur and the genocide and other human injustices happening there. However, when the UN’s International Crime Court (ICC) approached Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir regarding the crimes against humanity occurring under him, he and his government not only were outraged at the allegations, but emphatically denied them. Perhaps over 300,000 bodies isn’t enough to convince him, but it certainly has impacted their fellow citizens of the world. al-Bashir has also recently rejected the deployment of UN troops to the Darfur region. Though he attends a Methodist church in Texas and Episcopal services when in Washington D.C., President Bush is reportedly considering converting to Catholicism when he leaves office in January. Universal Music has just awarded a group of Cistercian Monks a recording contract after a YouTube video of the group singing a Gregorian chant “blew record producers away.” Famed Olympian Mark Spitz claims that in his prime, he would have “tied” modern swimming sensation Michael Phelps. Despite promises to pull out of Georgia, Russian troops show little proof that they intend to, indeed, leave the country. LeRoi Moore, long-time saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band, died August 19th after complications from an ATV accident in June. American Airlines became the first airline to offer in-flight internet and e-mail services on its longer flights; service is available for $12.95.

The French equivalent of the FCC banned channels from marketing programs to those three years of age or younger in order to shield them from the “developmental risks” attributed to young children watching television. A recent study finds that the Amish population has more than doubled over the course of the last 16 years, and expansion of over 130% in some states. Rudy Giuliani will be the keynote speaker for the Republican National Convention in Minnapolis/Saint Paul. Other guests include First Lady Laura Bush, Joe Lieberman, and Mitt Romney. They finally made her go to rehab, and she said no no no... Amy Winehouse is back in rehab. Again. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed August 19th to develop windturbines to fit atop many of NYCs famous skyscrapers and bridges, a plan that would supply the city with up to 10% of its energy needs. The new Blackberry Bold is set to hit shelves in the United States in early September. John McCain has announced that he will reveal his running mate at an Ohio rally on August 29th, his seventy-second birthday. Using his granddaughter’s pink Barbie fishing rod, David Hayes caught a record 21 pound catfish on August 5. The United States and Iraq have reportedly drawn up a detailed security agreement that has American troops returning stateside as early as June 30, 2009—it still requires acceptance by Iraqi leaders, however.

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August 2008

STATEHOUSE

This monthly series will highlight the activity taking place at your state capitol. State government is frequently overlooked for the bigger pie in Washington, but actions here often times have greater influence on the lives of Michigan residents. Therefore, we turn our eye from the east and direct it to the north, bringing you the silly, the pointless, and the critical directly from Lansing. To begin our series, here are some eye-opening numbers of your state government:

EYE ON THE

the Hillsdale Forum staff Emilia Huneke-Bergquist

Julie Robison EditOrs in Chief

Dave Wasmer AssOciate EditOr Heather Shell COpy EditOr Nate Anderson Matt Cole Calvin Freiburger Martin Kraegel III Nathan Lichtman Christina Miller James Nesbitt Scott Rozell Staff Writers Kate Martin DC COrrespOndent Dr. Larry Arnn Rachel Elliott Lizzy Shell CONTRIBUTERs Guided by the principals of liberty, freedom, and justice,

The.Hillsdale.Forum

is a monthly studentrun publication of Hillsdale College striving to inform and educate its readers about today’s everchanging Conservative political climate.

CONTACT US: HILLSDALEFORUM @GMAIL.COM

nEWS

State Spending

Hillsdale senior Craig Kreinbihl only recently returned from the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China where he spent over a week as a guest of Coca-Cola Corporation. Here he stands in front of the famed Tiananmen Square.

THE IRAQ WAR: CONGRESS’ PLAN FOR EARLY RETIREMENT?

MATT COLE STAFF WRITER

With fewer American troops dying each month and insurgent deaths speculated to be 19,000-25,000, the deployment of an additional 20,000 troops to Iraq has proven to be quite successful. Naturally Republicans are quite pleased with the way things are going, but surprisingly, so are Democrats. While time tables and troop withdrawals are still being demanded, such demands have been reduced to almost realistic levels. Most notably, Sen. Barack Obama, who maintains he has never altered his firm anti-war stance, has called for extended time tables for troop withdrawal in light of recent events, and attempted to downplay his initial disapproval of the troop surge. Many have argued recent Democratic behavior is simply party politics, and despite being raised to prominence with the aid of the far Left, Obama and his fellow Democrats plan to ride the wave of moderate America to the

White House. So stances have been changed because Obama wants to maintain his moderate voting base and Democrats are just happy America is winning…right? Or perhaps it is the millions of dollars that Democrats are now making. Originally Democrats made such a big issue about how long America has been in Iraq because every year part of the $500 billion spent on the war has found its way into Republican pockets. Republican members of Congress have been making money since the start of the war due to their heavy investment in companies such as Halliburton which has had almost exclusive rights in building the new oil refineries, pipelines, and chemical plants of Iraq. Such companies were granted substantial military contracts from Republican Congressmen. As operations in Iraq move from combat to security, the reason for recent Democrat enthusiasm has become more apparent. Despite denouncing the war, over the

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Total Budget for FY 2008: $28,361,609,500 Increase from Prior FY Budget: $361,609,500

Governor

8 — Number of line item vetoes by Governor, 2007 24 — Number of members in Governor’s cabinet Terms 4 — Number of Years/Term 2 — Terms/Governor Allowed by Law 2010 — Next Gubernatorial Election Compensation & Benefits $177,000 — Governor’s Annual Compensation 3rd — State Rank for Highest-Paid Governors in 2007 (Behind CA & NY) $60,000 — Governor’s Annual Expense Allowance (Housing and automobile/ airline transportation provided by the State)

Staffing 84.2 — Number of Full-Time Equated Positions 78 — Number of Office Staff Budget $5,317,300 — Appropriations to the Governor’s Office

Legislature

4 — # of States with full-time, professional Legislatures (CA, NY, PA, and MI) 38 — Members of the Senate 21—Republicans 17—Democrats 19 — Number of Standing Committees

James nesbitt staff writer

Legislature (CONTINUED)

$61,359 — Office Budget per Senator 132 — # of Days Spent in Session During 2007 (Senate) 110 — Members of the House 58—Democrats 52—Republicans 24 — # of Standing Committees 134 — # of days spent in session during 2007 (House) Terms 31 — # of Membership Changes in Most Recent Election 2 — Number of Years/Term 3 — Total Number of Terms/ Representative Allowed 8 — # of Membership Changes in Most Recent Election 4 — Number of Years/Term 2 — # of Terms/Senator Allowed by Law Compensation & Benefits $79,650—Legislator’s Annual Compensation $12,000 — Legislator’s Yearly Expense Allowance 2nd — State Rank for Highest Paid State Legislators Staffing 5—Staff per Majority Senator 3—Staff per Minority Senator 2—Staff Members/Representative Legislation 2,706 — Number of (House) Bills introduced in last session 1,521 — Number of (Senate) Bills introduced in last legislative session 221 — Number of Public Acts passed in 2007 Budget $114,504,000 — Appropriation to the Legislature for FY 2008 $50,759,900 — House Appropriations $34,895,200 — Senate Appropriations $24,315,000 — Other Legislative Appropriations

the

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rOundTable

August 2008

It should be noted that this is not a roundtable. Far from a record of the intellectually KATE MARTIN, 2010 stimulating conversation found on every sidewalk, in every classroom, and at every party— My summer seemed to revolve The highlight of my summer in good ol’ Fond du Lac, Wisconsin this is, instead, an abridged version of The Hillsdale Forum’s summer. Just think of it as a around music. As a nanny by day, I spent hours trying to determine written version of those “getting to know you” games you loved so much in high school. would have to be my summer job

CALVIN FRIEBURGER, 2011

as a Comfort Inn housekeeper, which was turned on its head when housekeeping management at was temporarily outsourced to a villainous, incompetent janitorial service called Jani-King, which drove the hotel straight into the ground, and failed to pay us until Comfort Inn kicked ’em out and took legal action. With the intruders vanquished, it only took days to get the business back on its feet, letting us clean toilets and collect garbage in peace and happiness (wait a minute…). My non-janitorial hours were spent reuniting with high school pals, indulging in a probably-unhealthy amount of video gaming, obsessively observing the ever-shifting political landscape (and writing about it to my local paper and in the blogosphere), and partaking in local pro-life activism, primarily a week-long stint operating a ProLife Wisconsin booth at our local county fair. HF

MATT COLE, 2011

NATHAN LICHTMAN, 2011

CHRISTINA MILLER, 2009

JULIE ROBISON, 2010

This summer I ran Washington, D.C. under the auspices of interning for the National Journalism Center. During the summer, I wrote articles for WorldNetDaily, rode the Metro at odd hours of the night, fended off drunk reporters, and learned the ins and outs of D.C. traffic. That is to say, once you get in good luck getting out. I turned around at the Pentagon a lot. I saw Al Gore talk about environmentalism and then hop into his Secret Service motorcade to pick up his private jet ride home. I heard Canadians beg us not to change our healthcare system because they will have nowhere to run if we do. I discovered that the real world is vastly overrated. You have to pay bills and fend for yourself. Avoid becoming a grown-up for as long as possible. Now I am back at Hillsdale for my senior year. This means I have only two more semesters to complete this phase of my hostile takeover of the world. HF

I drive a truck. I drive a fairly big truck. Too be more specific for all those truckologists out there, I drive a Ford F-150. One evening this summer, I was out to dinner with my parents and some family friends and had to leave before the rest of them. Walking out of this chic Greek restaurant in Los Angeles, I was approached by a woman in a Prius. This lady was your average Obamaniac environmentalist who apparently had a bone to pick with me. She started screaming that I was contributing to the demise of the earth through the high emissions of my truck and that I was killing my offspring by overheating the planet. After patiently listening to her rant, I finally replied that I had to take off and that I was already running late for a book burning followed by a KKK meeting. I had a wonderful summer. HF Welcome to Cincinnati, Ohio, where my family has resided since 1837 (that’s right, we’re more established than Hillsdale College), a place I can’t throw a stick without hitting a cousin, or at least someone connected to my family. Nonetheless, it was wonderful being together, at least for the summer. My large nuclear family kept it interesting, whether we were having competitive croquet matches or vacationing up East; my extended families had regular get-togethers, and a good number of my close high school friends were still in town, which made my nights disappear. My days were spent doing research and editorial work at my father’s law firm and working for a daily paper an hour away from my house. Why go so far, one may ask? It’s all about experience, baby. Experience writing, experiencing people I’m not related to, experiencing a different socioeconomic lifestyle, experiencing my first fair…okay, so maybe “county fair” wasn’t on my top ten list, but it was an experience I’m glad I survived. One could make the argument that, between working on my tan inside the two offices I rotated between (I think I counted another freckle or two), running with my dog Heidi, the amount of reading I consumed, and notebooks I filled with writing, I had a very productive summer. HF

I spotted her from across the room. I straightened my bow tie as my sleek dress shoes floated me across the dance floor towards her. I looked deep into her eyes and sweet-talked her with my best pick up line, “Hey baby, I go to Hillsdale.” She stared NATE ANDERSON, 2010 back at me with fiery passion in her Having already written my first article as a glorification of the motorcycle eyes and said, “Beep beep beep.” (a grossly hazardous, beastly machine, that ensures an untimely death for 8:00 a.m., back to reality and time all young thrill seekers, as I sagely informed my impetuous roommate for my seven mile run and then off last semester), I want to remember this summer as the one that I realized to work. Another day of six year church is not important. Between this revelation, which struck me like olds chipping balls in front of my a peal of light, and the little thunder god (i.e. motorcycle) which soon mower, mosquitoes attacking me as followed, I had an interesting summer. However, while the two events I plant flowers and paint buildings, may be linked by a quiet anti-institutionalism they are not related by any and my boss eating steak in the idolatry. The most practically stirring book I read this summer was Pagan shade, yelling at me to worker Christianity by Frank Viola and George Barnes. The book does a remarkfaster as I sweat and burn in the able job of demonstrating how the Church today, or for that matter the summer sun. Such was my summer last 1700 years, is little more that a composite of pagan accretions picked as a mini-golf maintenance worker. up over the centuries. Even the noBut this was not my whole tion of an official pastorate they summer. By day I was just a grunt doing manual labor, but as my shift lambaste as unsubstantiated by came to an end each day my Hillsdalian nature took over. My evenings the Bible and truly detrimental to were spent indulging in great pieces of literature such as Charles the body of Christ. I realized after Dickens’ “Great Expectations,” Robert Paxton’s “The Anatomy of pondering Pagan Christianity that Fascism,” Giovanni Baccaccio’s “The Decameron” and Patrick Suskind’s after all this tearing down the great “Perfume.” Work had my body, but it would never have my mind. challenge is to build back up. But, When not focusing on physical and mental workouts I enjoyed life’s I find nothing unbiblical in the idea simple pleasures: swimming in Lake Michigan, visiting old friends, and that we must be emptied, especially watching over 200 movies. Most of all, I spent my time this summer of the mindless traditions that suplooking forward to coming back for another amazing year at Hillsdale. HF port us, if we are to be filled up. HF

Martin Kraegel III, 2009

which Jonas Brother is the cutest (I’m a Kevin fan), hairbrushlipsynching to Miley Cyrus’s 7 Things, and wondering whether Demi Lovato will actually be able to make something of herself. At night, I got to leave the Disney Channel circuit for my evening job as Event Staff at a local concert center. The rock bands and country stars provided excellent background music as I confiscated binocular flasks and danced with drunks. Some shows were great (Kenny Chesney was probably my favorite), some were different (The Cincinnati Symphony played the music of Led Zepplin), and some seemed pretty unnecessary (Weird Al), but each night gave me opportunities for dance parties and great stories to share. Even seeing my 35th presidential gravesite, (leaving only three to go-Nixon, Ford, and Reagan), had a musical quality, as the road trip to Tennessee created the opportunity for family sing-alongs and iPod time when the family bonding got to be too much. As a sufferer of constant stuck-song-syndrome, I am always looking for an occasion to burst into song or tap out the beat, and thankfully, this summer provided those opportunities in spades. HF

As an intern for Northwestern Mutual this summer, he got to fufill his dreams of being a full-fledged young urban professional. He spent a lot of time engaged with the market, though as a political science major his real passion is watching elections. Sadly, the 2008 presidential contest has been a real snooze fest thus far. So Mr. Kraegel has been watching C-SPAN’s Book-TV for entertainment instead. He also worked on two books of his own in his spare time, while finding the time to put in forty hours a week at the office. College is going to be easy! HF

EMILIA HUNEKE-BERGQUIST, 2010

So, I haven’t played tennis in two years, in a competitive sense, that is. Back in the day, I held my own—playing on both a traveling team and for my high school. This is the preface to the really good story that follows. Having just arrived home from the gym, I was on the phone with my best friend—who abandoned me this summer to earn mad cash as a waitress eight hours south of our hometown—and Taco Bell was the topic of conversation. No, not the ninety-cent taco-stand of drunken choice, this is the Taco Bell Western Slope Open. Colorado’s largest tennis tournament welcomes hundreds of players of all ages and skill levels to the mesas of Grand Junction in late July, and she and I decided that 3.0 doubles wasn’t a signed death sentence. Two months and an eight-hour drive over the Rockies later, we played our first match and lost to a pair of old ladies. Depressing? Yes. Devastating? Not entirely. Our pride bruised, we came back to win third place in what should be made in to an epic, Rocky-style, comeback movie. Meh, it won’t happen, but if it did, it would go straight to DVD. HF But wait, there’s more! Scott Rozell and James Nesbitt are on page 12!

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sPOTLIGHT

August 2008

A MOST REMARKABLE

DECLARATION Dr. Larry Arnn

hILLSDALE cOLLEGE PRESIDENT

Friday morning, July 4, our nation marks for the 232nd time the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which we have always regarded as the event that makes us what we are. Also we have regarded it as the event that marks us a special nation, a nation holding out a light to guide the rest of the world. Always, that is, until lately. Today critics celebrate that the world is passing us by. Fareed Zachariah declares: “America remains the global superpower today, but it is an enfeebled one.” China and India will soon tower above us. Amy Chua writes in her book Day of Empire that we are get-

ting what we deserve. Our empire building and our “xenophobic intolerance” are the causes of our coming decline. These sentiments are as common in the academy as snow in the Midwest (apologies, global warming). Increasingly our politics revolve around the fashions of other nations or of that vast entity, commanding and yet impotent—“the world,” or better, “the rest of the world.” Seldom now do our politicians hearken to the great documents of our republic, the Declaration and the Constitution, to guide their actions or restrain their ambitions. We are reaching, perhaps, the place where America does not matter. Many think this a happy place. Before we call it happy, we might just revisit this old and neglected friend to see what he has to say. The universal claims of the Dec-

WAR FROM PAGE 3 last five years Democrats have invested heavily in companies such as IBM, which provides much of the computer hardware for military surveillance, and Johnson & Johnson, which provides soaps, shampoos, deodorant, and many other grooming products for the troops. These companies received only minor military contracts in the early stages of the war, but such investments have now become much more lucrative. Democrats are beginning to support the war because they too are now getting paid. While making decisions that affect the lives of all Americans, several Congressmen are voting based on personal financial gain as opposed to the well being of our beloved nation. Just recently American lawmakers withheld a $35 billion contract typically given to Boeing

laration are more remarkable when solve the political bands that have tions, arrests candidates, exproprione remembers that it is an act of connected them to another, and to ates the property of it opponents, treason carrying the risk of death assume among the powers of the it sneers that it acts for the mothto all who supported it. Especially earth, the separate and equal sta- erland. If in these countries the at the end, where the resolve of tion to which the Laws of Nature people are allowed to work and the signers becomes particular and and of Nature’s God entitle them, to save for their families, it is begrim, one can see that the docu- a decent respect to the opinions of cause the interest of the state justiment contemplates sacrifice fies it. If that interest changes, as the price of liberty: then their rights are forfeit. SELDOM NOW DO OUR Notice the class politics of the And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm re- POLITICIANS HEARKEN TO THE current presidential race: does liance on the protection of this idea not have a foothold Divine Providence, we mutu- GREAT DOCUMENTS OF OUR here, too? ally pledge to each other our REPUBLIC, THE DECLARATION We might remember then, Lives, our Fortunes and our this Fourth of July, that our AND THE CONSTITUTION, TO nation may not be perfect, but sacred Honor. A lovely sentence, it contains GUIDE THEIR ACTIONS OR it can make a claim available one of the four mentions of to no other: in the name of the RESTRAIN THEIR AMBITIONS. God to be found in the Decrights of all, it was built from laration. As it forms a link to the first to belong to its people God, so it forms at the same and not to their rulers. time a band of brothers, Adams mankind requires that they should It is not given to any nation to be pledging his life to Jefferson, and declare the causes which impel guaranteed preeminence of power; Jefferson to Franklin and Hancock them to the separation. certainly we did not have it at our and all the others. It is the mood Is this not remarkable to read in an beginning, and we may not have it of the battlefield. It age dominated by relativism and in future. Never mind: if we cling is the prayer of the multiculturalism? We may think to the principles that brought us to soldier before the today that morality changes with life, we will use whatever power charge is sounded. the individual, right and wrong we have for good. If others naAeronautics, and awarded it to How curious then is different in one nation than in an- tions do that, we can live with the European Aeronautic Defense the contrast between other, but our fathers did not think them in peace and celebrate their and Space Company. Many this solemn and that. They thought rather than our strength as much as they. If they speculate it is because of the large resolute conclusion rights are written “as with a sun- do not, then we should remember congressional investment in the to the Declaration beam, in the whole volume of hu- the resolution of our fathers before foreign company. and its majestic and man nature by the hand of Divin- a certain despotic King. Such decisions are all too universal beginning. ity itself” (Alexander Hamilton). The Declaration, you see, remains common place in Congress as You have read the Look about the world today and “the last, best hope of mankind on Representatives place making words: you will see that many powerful earth.” money above the safety and well When in the course nations proclaim precisely the opbeing of those they represent. of human events posite of the Declaration of IndeCurrently 151 members comprised [meaning any time, pendence. The doctrine of China, of both parties in Congress have not just 1776, and official and lately reiterated, is that Reprinted with permission from Dr. large personal investments in Larry Arnn, this piece originally not just today] it be- the suppression of religion and appeared at Townhall.com on companies dealing with Iraq, comes necessary for free speech by the privileged and July 4th, 2008. amounting to $78.7-195.5 billion one people [mean- the powerful is the only proper = in profit. How long the war will ing any people, not form of “democracy”. When the Dr. Arnn is available for contact at last may be determined largely [email protected]. just our own] to dis- Russian government cooks elecon how much money members of Congress can potentially make. While we mourn for those whom America has lost in the war along with the time troops have had to spend away from home, at least we can rest easy knowing our representatives are making a killing. HF

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Open Forum

August 2008

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ARBORETUM Home of “Shakespeare in the Arb,” the famed Garden Party, and, where true Hillsdalians propose marriage DR. ARNN The namesake of several Hillsdale College Facebook groups, he also runs the big show (and by show, we mean school). He enjoys telling jokes, piña coladas, and getting caught in the rain AIRPORT SHUTTLE A fifty-dollar scenic tour of US Highway 12

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BROAD STREET MARKET Though labeled as a “grocery and party supply store,” it is not where you usually go to pick of a loaf of bread and quart of milk

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CHARGER Officially, a car manufactured by Dodge; also, the bona fide Hillsdale mascot. (See Eagle) CCA Occurring four times annually, two of these lecture series are required for graduation. Sneaking out is frowned upon, and may result in a grade reduction, so choose wisely

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DEMOCRATS People typically found on the corner of Broad Street and Carleton Road protesting the Iraq War while sporting the ever-fashionable Birkenstock and sock combination. If found Up the Hill, seek shelter and notify campus security immediately.

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August 2008

Parentless, unpacked, and ready to conquer the Dale with your campus map in-hand, the odds of you finding the library and health center are excellent, but what about the things that they’ve neglected to describe in your official informational packet? Not just a brush-up on your remedial alphabet skills, this guide ensures that you won’t be the one with the distant and confused look the next time someone tells you they’re headed “Up the Hill.”

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(continued)

DETROIT 90 miles East of Hillsdale andhometown of winners like Tim Allen and Kid Rock, it really is as scary as it looked in 8 Mile

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EAGLES While an exact count is unavailable, the numerous winged symbols of freedom adorning campus are a constant reminder that someone picked out the wrong mascot.

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Facebook The utterly addictive social networking website certain to document every move you make over the course of your first few weeks at school Ex: “John just finished the first paragraph and is not going to bed until he has finished his ten pager that is due tomorrow.” Finish Line With its NASCAR wallpaper and cheap eats, this greasy spoon is Hillsdale’s number one hangover cure.

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GREWCOCK

The freshly built student center featuring a snack bar, cozy seats by the fireplaces, pool tables, campus mailboxes and the biggest TV you have ever seen

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the HONOR CODE A promise to Hillsdale that they, indeed, picked the right applicant to accept HILLSDALE COUNTY FAIR Self proclaimed the “Most Popular Fair on Earth,” the fair’s attractions include a demolition derby, mule pulling contest, and deep-fried Snickers bars

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IMPRIMIS Quite possibly the reason you’re here…

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JITTERS Found in Lane, this is the coffee cart that keeps (some) students from snoozing through those dreaded 8 a.m. classes J.CREW The unofficial uniform of Hillsdale College: gentlemen, prepare your eyes for seersucker dresses and cardigans, and, ladies, yes, that guy does have lobsters embroidered on his

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KENDALL HALL A building accessible three ways: the tunnel, the circular sidewalk, or across the damn grass (Note: No coffee cart here, so come prepared)

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LIBERTARIANS The other conservatives at Hillsdale, typically found in the Economics department and/ or discussing philosophy over Lucky Strikes in the old snack bar

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the MAG MILE Slang for Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, it is a particularly potent drink found only at Chicago Water Grill in Jonesville, MI

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NIGHTLIFE Hillsdale’s after-dark activities, including, but not limited to: Lord of the Rings marathons, Scrabble matches, and dancing atop the speakers at a frat house

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OFF CAMPUS PRIVILEGES Rights famously reserved for males and senior females with 90+ credit hours ON-LINE SHOPPING An art worth perfecting, that is, unless you prefer the couture offered by the local likes of WalMart, Fashion Bug, or Peebles

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PASSPORT Needed for travel to experience the civility of the Mounties, the laid-back air of the locals, or to get drunk at a dance club on your 19th birthday

q

s t

(Continued)

SUNSHINE Rays of sunlight (See Tan)

TAXPAYER DOLLAR REFUSAL The collegiate equivalent of flipping the bird to big Government

the QUAD The newly grassy areas available between Central Hall, Grewcock, and the Dow Center; a likely hangout of the Vicious Cycle Juggling Club, quad soccer, Frisbee players, and, now, Margaret Thatcher!

TAN A skin tone achieved only through artificial means in the state of Michigan

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ROCK BAND Played between meals, classes, studying and sleeping, this addition to the college has let student with no musical talent whatsoever experience rock-stardom RUSHING For gentlemen, formal is during the school year, in both the fall and spring. For ladies, formal is in January. Also a great way to meet a variety of people.

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SAGA Where hungry students eat, get seconds, and then complain. Be sure to say hi to Steve and “Thank You” to your servers.

“TOWNIES” An affectionately derogatory term for the colorful permanent residents of Hillsdale

UP THE HILL A location, specifically, campus Ex: “She went Up the Hill about an hour ago to get some studying done.”

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VISITING HOURS The times, in which, as a member of the opposite sex, you are allowed to spend time with your friends/paramour/study buddies in their dorms. Clearly outlined on every available surface in said dormitories, housemothers enforce these rules with the iron fists they acquired upon acceptance of the job, with the assistance of their mininions, also known as RAs.

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(Sir) WINSTON CHURCHILL The only one smoking anywhere near the new snack bar WAL-MART Your one (and only!) stop shop for everything you’re going to need over the course of the next several months; however, think twice before you support the company that requires employees to reguarly update the “WalMart Watch.”

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eXPULSION The punishment for violations of the honor code and other general shenanigans determined worthy by the respective dean’s office

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YOU TUBE An online video website where some college students choose to display their funny dorm room moments and activities around campus, as well as their poor behavior (see honor code & eXpulsion)

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ZERO The number of classes you should miss per semester, drinks you should take if you’re underage, times you should light a cigarette, and likely number of people who will heed these wise words.

Advice to a College Student (Circa 1530)

1. Fear God. Be humble before God. Have a firm faith. Pray that your faith may be active in charity. Pray for your country-parents-friends. Always end prayers with the Lord’s Prayer. Use the Te Deum as an act of praise. Read three chapters from the Bible every day. 2. Be reticent-more willing to listen than to speak. 3. Try to learn Hebrew and Greek as well as Latin; and some history, and some philosophy, and some science. 4. Keep the body clean and the clothes tidy but do not wear clothes that will cause comment. 5. Don’t eat too much. Don’t drink too much. 6. Keep your conversation cheerful, and moderate, and free from malice. --The above appeared in the writings of Heinrich Bullinger from the 16th century, as quoted in The Early Reformation on the Continent by Owen Chadwick (Oxford University Press, 2001). reprinted with permission from ISI

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Hillsdale and the Hogs hf STAFF WRITER

Today’s best answer to the shortage of black gold is a surge of shining chrome. As politicians debated which regulations to pass, what fuel standards to mandate, and (proving that pure sophistry will never cease to dazzle some) speculated whether higher gas taxes may alleviate the problem at the pump- the people began to settle on their own solution. Anecdotal evidence, as well as a recent report from the Motorcycle Industry Council verifies that twowheeler manufacturers are reaping the benefits of Washington’s negligence. While motorcycle production has accelerated around the country, Hillsdale seems to maintain a general aversion toward these alluring vehicles. Director of Campus Security, Mike Wertz, could not recall more than five registered motorcycles last year,

of thought conducted by their professors, and bikers who have cautiously followed the endless road atop their hogs. However, motorcyclists have traditionally borne a stereotype that has proven as persistent as it is false. Ever since classic biker films such as, “The Wild One” and “Easy Rider,” motorcyclists have been consistently stigmatized as causeless rebels and countercultural free spirits. We can hope that the astigmatism caused by Hollywood’s lens and will soon heal, as the powerful force of practically pushes the Norm’s and Ned’s into laying aside their reading glasses and grabbing their driving goggles. One will hardly hear a Hillsdale professor or student attack Al Gore and his regiment of global warmingmongers without first referencing the conservationist efforts forwarded by conservatives like Richard Weaver, or giving notice to the biblical command to be good stewards of the earth. Motorcycles allow the conscientious good

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NATE ANDERSON

and at least two of those were owned by faculty members. This number has been relatively constant, and as of yet, there has been no jump in motorcycle registrations for next semester. The relative nonexistence of motorcycles on Hillsdale’s campus is a bit baffling. Not only be the ideal means of transportation for college students generally, but Hillsdale students particularly, the themes engendered at the sight of a motorcycle couple quite well with the lessons espoused in Hillsdale’s classes. Hillsdale commonly stands for limited conservationism as opposed to radical environmentalism, defends the notion of manly men who require no protecting, encourages a socially communitarian ethic and boasts of a fiscally libertarian streak. These seemingly disparate themes are parts of a comprehensive culture, one that is, in part, shared by Hillsdale students who have doggedly tracked the trains

the

August 2008

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citizen to obey their political forebears and religious dictums without sacrificing traditional cultural allegiances. A caller nearly castigated by Rush Limbaugh for purchasing an environmentally friendly car evidences the cultural baggage that automatically accompanies this well intentioned choice. He did not attack the man’s motives, but he did relate that the conservative caller, had,

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OPINION

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in the eyes of liberals, joined with them in the ranks of enviro-cooks. The “hybrid” logo prominently displayed on so many new vehicles smacks of the same self-righteous advertisement that a bright daisy

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

PELOSI PULLS THE PLUG

Republicans learn to discuss in the dark as Democrats turn out the lights on offshore-oil discussions

CALVIN FRIEBURGER STAFF WRITER

Imagine you’re the Speaker of the House of Representatives. You promised “the most honest, most open, and most ethical Congress in history,” but instead you’ve driven the body’s approval rating to an unprecedented low of 9% . What do you do for an encore? If you’re Nancy Pelosi, you block movement on energy exploration as the American people struggle with $4-per-gallon gas. At 11:23 AM on August 1, the California Democrat adjourned the House for summer recess without permitting a vote on legislation that would have expanded offshore drilling. Turning off the lights and kicking out C-SPAN, Pelosi and the Democrats exited, leaving almost fifty House Republicans to discuss the matter and bemoan Democrat inaction, meeting thunderous

applause from Capitol Hill tourists (not to mention environmentally consumption, yet only 25% of that in the galleries. In a relatively bold reckless) exporters like the Middle is produced domestically. Aside from the traditional move, GOP lawmakers not only East, Venezuela and Nigeria ought to be a more immediate priority. caterwauling over environmental pledged to do the same every day After all, the United States devastation, which modern of the next week but also began consumes nearly 20 million barrels technology and US environmental circulating discharge petitions that would force votes on a range of of oil daily, an amount equal to regulations more than alleviate nearly a quarter of worldwide (indeed, in Alaska, porcupine energy-related legislation. caribou actually like to Why can’t offshore drilling mate near the nice, warm, be put to a vote? Pelosi told pipelines), liberals scoff at ABC’s George Stephanopoulos rd expanded drilling, contending in an August 3 interview, “We that efforts would produce have a planet to save.” The futile amounts of oil, that, San Francisco Democrat also they continue, would take dismissed offshore drilling as a nearly ten years to develop. A Republican “decoy;” claiming 1998 US Geological Survey that, in fact, “what you saw in report estimated that the Artic Congress this week was the National Wildlife Refuge could war dance of the hand maidens hold up to 16 billion barrels of the oil companies.” of oil, while the Department Though laudable, the goal Al Gore sits opposite Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Energy believes about 120 of alternative, renewable, as they discuss the finer things in life, such billion overall barrels remain energy is, indeed, something as private jets and impeaching President undiscovered and recoverable to work towards in the longBush. It should be noted that the lamps in the rest of the country. term,however, independence pictured are, in-fact, turned off. Indeed, America has been from corrupt and volatile

debating drilling in general, and ANWR in particular, since Bill Clinton’s presidency, which was— you guessed it—ten years ago, proving again that, a lengthy wait for results is no argument against drilling; if anything, it’s a reminder of the urgency of action. Hailing from one of the most liberal cities in America, Pelosi feels free to put radical environmentalism ahead of the average American and the democratic process with impunity. With even 51% of Californians now in favor of offshore drilling, it appears that the Speaker may have overplayed her hand, especially if Capitol Hill Republicans persist in their defiance. Already presiding over the most disliked Congress in history, Pelosi remains well on her way to alienating the entire nation. So much for “the People’s House.” HF

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OPINiON

August 2008

JEWISH COMMUNITY TAKES A “RIGHT” TURN NATHAN LICHTMAN STAFF WRITER

As The Republican Jewish Coalition of California signs up its ten-thousandth member and is awarded the Chairman’s Republican Leadership Award by the California Republican Party, it affords us a wonderful opportunity to think back on the way that Jews have slowly but surely moved towards the right politically. Dr. Neil Kramer, a lecturer of history at the American Jewish University, explained that “from 1789 to 1989, progressive governments tended to support Jewish emancipation, equal rights,

MOTORCYCLE FROM PG 8 did 25 years ago. Conversely, a motorcycle proclaims neither a retreat before impending an environmental eschaton nor a leap into the Age of Aquarius. While a European bubble car might claim similar gas mileage, a motorcycle has an undeniable thumotic element. To be without thumos is to be without a chest. If you lack one, a motorcycle will either quite literally tear what little you have clean out of you, or aid in cultivating the portion you have protected, despite today’s often emasculating culture. It is a concrete conduit of that famous Greco-Roman virtue and deserves proper awe. Though I have only been a member of this peculiar brotherhood for a scant two months, his truth has hit me with particular force. Bikers do not merely have modern self-esteem; they have respect for themselves and other bikers. Without fail, every motorcyclist I pass gives me the signature low, left hand wave,

and full civic participation.” Dr. Kramer continued by observing that, “Jews figured out who their friends were,” and therefore tended to be left-wing with regard to their politics. In 1992, only 11% of Jewish voters voted Republican. In 2004, The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles published an article about how Jews were suddenly becoming a two-party minority. In 2005, The Los Angeles Daily News published an article titled “Republican Revolution among Jews.” Michael Medved and Dennis Prager, syndicated conservative radio talk-show hosts, have brought Jewish conservatism into the mainstream.

Larry Greenfield, the California Director of The Republican Jewish Coalition, explained that, “the Jewish conversation is broadening, bringing a wider diversity of Jewish political thought. Subsets of the Jewish community, including Persian Jews, Israeli-Americans, Russian Jews, Orthodox Jews, ProIsrael/National Security voters, Social Conservatives, Libertarians, and younger Jewish voters all have concerns with the leftward tilt of the Democratic Party with regard to both domestic and foreign issues.” Greenfield outlined three major issues that are leading Jewish voters to become more conservative. The first is that Jews are largely

or, if clutch is engaged, a simple nod will do. Riding down some of the most racially divisive streets of Grand Rapids where Louis Farrakhan’s racist rag, “The Final Call,” is commonly distributed, I have even exchanged waves with my black brothers. Milling the same oil apparently means more than bleeding the same blood. The communitarian spirit is genuine and manifests itself in motorcyclists who unreservedly approach one another to strike up a bike chat, as well as dozens of sprawling motorcycle clubs (many of which have little in common with more notorious Hell’s Angels and others), like the CMA (Christian Motorcycling Association) and various localized groups. This remarkable attitude perplexingly goes hand in hand with a nearly libertarian ethos. Not only does biking bring on the fullest realization of what is meant by “freedom of the road,” but, collectively, bikers help make many of Washington’s proposed strictures needless. The classic biker film, “Easy Rider,” famously portrayed the motorcycle

as the modern successor of the horse. Motorcycle terms such as saddlebags, the cross-country trips many bikers take, the care riders commonly give to their bikes, as well as the boots and cowhide that protect them, all serve to entrench this conception. The motorcycle is a natural carrier and teacher of many lessons that we left to the horse and buggy days, and of many lessons that Hillsdale believes need to be reintroduced and perpetuated in today’s culture. For this reason, no Hillsdale student should plug their ears at the rev of a v-twin or simply scoff at those who forsake the safety provided by iron cages. Imitating our conservative icons we should give proper obeisance to the columns that uphold the man made structure we work and play in, better known as our culture. Among these columns few stand erect, the rest having tottered in one direction or another as the overall frame began to crumble; but, among these few, surely stands the biking culture. HF

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pro-Israel; the left in America has recently become the anti-Israel, anti-war party. They have gone so far as to push boycotts on Israeli goods. In fact, Walter Russell Mead, a Senior Fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, says that, “Since 1967, liberal support for Israel has gradually waned, and conservative support has grown.” Greenfield’s second issue that aligns Jews with conservatives is that Jews are proentrepreneur, pro-free market, protrade, and economically savvy; liberals increasingly have produced beliefs, bills, and legislation that stifle the economy. Thirdly, Jews are both religious and patriotic,

and therefore see that their views closely align with their cousins of the Religious Right and the patriotism of the Right in general. Jews are expected to vote for John McCain in unprecedented numbers. Some Jews, especially the elder ones of Florida, are disillusioned with The Democratic Party because they were supporters of Hillary Clinton. Some Jews are concerned with Obama’s apparent lack of support for Israel. Some Jews see McCain as the maverick politician they have been waiting for. Whatever the reason, the Jewish people are becoming more conservative politically. They are becoming a two-party minority. HF

A Freshman Perspective: Why one incoming freshman thinks you have nothing to worry about

LIZZy SHELL guest writer

It feels like I have been getting advice about college at least once a day for the last two years. “Make sure you get really good grades – colleges only look at your GPA.” “Grades don’t really matter – colleges only look at your SAT scores.” “Don’t get senioritis – you’ll regret giving up on high school for the rest of your life.” “Just have fun your senior year – those are the memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life!” And my favorite “Choose ‘X’ college because….” Everyone has his own opinion on every issue in my life. I respect each of them for their perspective and their experiences. I know they advise me because they care about me. They don’t want to see me suffer the negative consequences of their bad choices and they do want me to delight in the effects of their positive choices. It’s often hard for me to listen to their advice without some sense of defensiveness – a sort of “who-are-you-to-tell-me-whatto-do” pride, a spirit conscious of an independence not yet granted to me. Now, finally, the big day has come. Stepping into college, I am about to take on a much heftier portion of that adult independence that comes so heavily laden with responsibility. Those more

advanced than I in their collegiate adventure may have some advice of their own for me, having already taken on that challenge head on and conquered thus far. However, I believe (correct me if I’m wrong) that I will be hearing advice for the rest of my life – on what to do with my life after undergrad, on whether to marry, when to marry, who to marry, etc. So, that being said, I have some advice for you. Take all the advice that you hear with an exceptionally large grain of salt - maybe even more like a half-teaspoon. We’re grown-ups now. We get to make our own choices. It’s our turn to make those mistakes they keep warning us they made. From now on, every one of my successes is entirely my own. My mom’s nagging – I mean, encouragement - didn’t assist me, my dad’s disciplinary measures and guidelines didn’t help me, my teacher didn’t initiate any aid, and I excelled all by my big self. And although some choices may lead to desperate failure or heartbreak, I am actually looking forward to claiming those completely as my own, too. With so many millions of alternate paths, so much I could potentially be, my choices now affect the rest of my life in a new, fear-striking, awe-filling, wonderfully exciting way. I, personally, am looking forward to each one. HF

Arts&Entertainment

Kayne Remembers Fireworks Over Lake Michigan JULIE rOBISON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kayne West’s newest album, Graduation, may offend those who are not able to see past certain vocabulary usages or subject matter; others may not like it if their ears are not accustomed to following the jagged sound of hiphop. Nonetheless, West’s latest album is a phenomenal musical achievement; he spins tales from his life, and pulls his listener into its solid beat and has them relating to meaning within his chords. West tackles controversial topics as well as the usual focus on women, money, drugs, and the fast lifestyle, but isn’t afraid to put a different spin on it amidst the melodies. In “I Wonder,” West discusses the women who come to see him perform, and he poses the question of “How many ladies in the house? / How many ladies in the house without a spouse?/… all the independent shit/ trade it all for a husband and some kids/ you wonder what it all really means?/ you wonder if you’ll ever find your dreams.” ‘Big Brother’ discusses his tumultuous relationship with his mentor and fellow rapper JayZ; West shows a wise side to his lyrics, when he recounts how he “should talked to you like you like

a man/ should told you first/ but I told somebody else/ and that’s what made shit worse.” West understands the worthlessness of holding grudges, and went on to say, “Here’s some advice from your kid brother/ if you admire someone/ you should go ahead and tell them/ people never get the flowers/ while they can still smell them.” In ‘Everything I Am,’ West discusses modern AfricanAmerican culture, saying that “people don’t usually rap this/ but I have the facts to back it” and for saying so, he can “say good-bye to the NAACP award/…they’d rather give me the ‘Nigga Please’ award” and seems to be suggesting that he wants them to rise above the excuses, because “people talkin’ shit/ but when the shit hit the fan/ everything I’m not/ made me everything I am.” This song is perhaps is a light in the dark tunnel of rapper culture, which includes living high and fast, where killing another and spending time in jail merely gives one ‘street cred.,’ opposed to West’s opinion that “killing’s some whack shit,” and is critical of how the Black community may be perpetuating their own disastrous cycle. West’s album displays how versatile rap music can be; while he still features fellow rappers to accompany him in his songs,

including Mos Def and Dwele, he also has singers, techno, and instrumentals in the background of his songs, which juxtapose against West’s own voice. Summer favorite ‘Stronger’ features “Harder, Better, Stronger, Faster” by Daft Punk, and ‘Homecoming,’ a standout song about going back to his home town of Chicago, features Coldplay’s Chris Martin singing and playing the piano. West is from inner-city Chicago, and even with his good-will message within songs, he is still no soft-core rapper, and will not be found rapping at bat mitzvahs or birthday parties any time soon. West still gets prime time in the lime light, but perhaps it is for this very reason that he seems to understand that rap and his songs is the way he can reach a whole generation, trying to give them hope to “reach for the stars so then you can land on the clouds” and teach them about life. He has a great sense of pride for Chicago and where he came from, and believes he represents “ChiTown.” It is for this very reason that West takes his rap so seriously, taking such care in his work and writing autobiographically in order to better reach the masses, which only leaves his audience wanting more of West’s slammin’ hiphopology. HF

the hillsdale forum presents...

Real Hillsdalians of Genius Here’s to you, newest freshman of Hillsdale College (otherwise known as “fresh meat”).

You arrive to campus over-packed, over-fed, and brimming with anticipation. You’ve just realized that your roommate situation isn’t going to be a nightmare, that you will miss your momma’s home cookin’, and that this may be the scariest-most exciting with a capital ‘P’ee in your pants kind of day: D-Day, that is, Declaration of freedom Day as you jump start the next phase of your life.

You have no idea of what lies before you, but you’re excited, and you’re eager, and you’re

ready—much like a puppy at a dog park. The next four years are to be some of the best of your life (or so you’ve been told), and the people you meet will change your life forever. So pull up a seat between your parents at commencement and soak up the wise words of Dr. Arnn. Welcome to Hillsdale College—where your best hasn’t been good enough since 1844, and your future has never been brighter. -JR & EHB

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August 2008 SUMMER MOVIE REVIEWS

The second Narnia movie installment is just as exciting as the first, if not more. The fast-moving pace of the film keeps all intrigued, and the excellent actors enliven the minds of the audience. Fervid Lewis fans be warned: the screenplay strays from his original tale, but with stepson Douglas Gresham’s blessing, the plot is fluid and does justice to Lewis’ Narnia, as well as wet the appetites of those who have and have not read the books. –JR

An animated film set in the future, WALL*E it tells the story of a robot left behind by humans on a decaying planet Earth. Though slightly political in nature, it still tells a story of self-discovery and friendship using the charming wit that made PIXAR famous. A fun see for the whole family, its worth renting. –EHB

There is not much one can expect from a self-proclaimed “StonerAction” flick except a couple of laughs in the slap-stick sense. Despite the decent acting, there was a sense of misplaced time, and a wondering of what else one could have been doing during that time slot. On an interesting note, although the film started off seemingly pro-legalizing marijuana (as well as historically inaccurate), it left the audience with neither a pro-pot nor anti-doobie feeling, but merely leaves it as an established fact, and leads one to wonder if the high is worth the overall cost. –JR

With dozens of designers signing on to be a part of the Sex and the City movie, it is no shocker that, at some points, the movie felt like a very long commercial for Louis Vuitton. Far from worthy of the hype, it is a chick-flick worthy of “Girls Night In” but, whatever you do, don’t make the boyfriend sit through this one. –EHB

Jack Black easily carries this humorous film with his voice, but the plot is one both adults and children can embrace, adding deeper meanings of life, forgiveness, and new beginnings to a seemingly juvenile movie. The supporting cast is also excellent, and will keep you laughing. The film is friendly for the whole family; even so, I saw it with six other 20-somethings, and all went away satisfied. –JR

It’s the day every man dreams of: his best friend/the woman he’s in the love with asks him to be her maid of honor. Misadventures galore, male-female dynamics, and plenty of tender moments fill this movie to the brink; added bonus of Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky references, which Hillary most likely did not appreciate in the midst of her presidential campaign. Moral of the Story: stick with the sweetheart you’ve always had, and don’t wait for her to get swept up by another man in a kilt. –JR

Christian Bale’s raspy voice as Batman may make you giggle in the beginning, but he will have you watching intently and earnestly, cheering him on every step of his epic battle against Heath Ledger’s magnificent portrayal as the Joker. The other supporting roles are just as strong, and you feel a tug in your chest when Batman wins and loses at love, showing how money is only half the equation. The other half is ethics, and one’s character, which the Bat repeatedly proves he has both as he saves a thankless Gotham repeatedly, only to be doomed to a life on the run. It is a long movie, but with such a strong cast and superb special effects, it keeps you wanting more. –JR

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ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

August 2008 With a variety of artists, an assortment of venues, and four writers to explore them all, this summer’s music scene was hot no matter where you were. From coast to coast and back again, the HF Staff put their musical tastes aside to explore the likes of Jimmy Buffet, Gavin DeGraw, Radiohead, and OneRepublic without any disappointment in sight.

No Apologies Needed:

OneRepublic Returns to Colorado Emilia Huneke-Bergquist EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Wedged between a demolition derby and a variety of carnival rides just one screw away from collapse, the stage stood small in the middle of the rodeo arena at the Mesa County Fair. The black mesh backdrop transparent enough to see an RV sitting idly backstage, hundreds of fans sat uncomfortably perched upon metal bleachers, heads careening for a glimpse of the band. Usually reserved for up and comers, the fair scene is an unlikely place to find OneRepublic, a band with two international number-one hits. Before the big show, however, The World Romantic took the

stage right on time, quickly wooing the audience with their soft and soulful sound, reminiscent of bands like Kings of Leon and the Killers. Handpicked by the headliners, they played songs from their newly released album One Hundred Million Lights before opening the stage to OneRepublic. Wasting no time between sets, OneRepublic took to the stage quickly, playing several songs before pounding out their numberone hit “Apologize.” Showcasing their raw musical talent using an array of instruments, the music is classifiably rock with undeniable undertones of both jazz and folk. An excellent live performance, OneRepublic is certainly worth seeing. HF

Buffet Knows Best: KATE MARTIN DC CORRESPONDENT Parrothead: An extreme Jimmy Buffet fan. One who often dresses up in hula skirts and shark hats before coming to a concert. Each year, the Jimmy Buffet concert is the biggest show in Cincinnati. Selling out in under 5 minutes, tickets are the must have items of the year. Through my super-sweet job at the local concert-center, I experienced my fifth Buffet show. As always, Buffet failed to disappoint. From the stage elaborately decorated like a beach, to the giant remote-control shark that roams above fans heads, the place certainly looked the part. Then bring out Buffet himself who has great stage presence, doing everything from his classics to his cover of ‘BrownEyed Girl’ which almost makes me say “Van Morrison who?” His easy back and forth with the audience and his band, ‘The Coral Reefers’ adds to relaxed, yet energetic, atmosphere of the show. Nevertheless, it is the Parrotheads, just as it is every year, which truly take the show

Nothing “Creep”y About Radiohead Live Rachel ElliOTT GUEST WRITER Fact #1: I don’t cut it as a hard-core Radiohead fan. Dead Air Space is not my home page, nor do I check At Ease everyday. I don’t even own a Radiohead poster or know all the words to a single Radiohead song. Fact #2: Despite this shortcoming, Radiohead’s concert at Cuyahoga Falls rocked my world. Yes, it was my first time seeing them live, so it might have hit me harder than it hit more seasoned Radiohead fans. But judging from the keen reaction of the thousands filling to capacity the spacious and beautiful Blossom Music Center, I don’t think I was the only one to feel part of a surreal, almost religious, musical experience. Opening with

“15 Step” from their latest album In Rainbows, the über talented quintet from across the pond swept us away with their energetic enthusiasm and pure performance perfection. Topping the exquisite pleasure of hearing performed live such masterpieces as “How to Disappear Completely” and “Paranoid Android” was seeing a spectacular light show, courtesy of energy-efficient LED lighting. Another highlight for me was watching Thom Yorke get into the music with his crazy dancing, infecting me and other fans with a similar madness. Nor could you ignore Ed O’Brien, perpetually standing in a cool, rocker stance and unbuttoning more and more of his smart black shirt as the show went on. The band rocked for

over two hours, returning for two encores and wrapping up with Kid A’s “Everything in Its Right Place”. Towards the end, Thom bent down and reached out to the crowd as if he’d decided to go crowd surfing. But it was just more of his crazy dancing, and him waving farewell and thank you. I think we all left feeling we’d bonded with him and the other genius musicians, sometimes accused of being cold and distant. This show proved the opposite, and left me wishing I was one of those hard core fans who had bought tickets to more than one Radiohead concert. To make up for it, I’ll have to feed on all the beautiful memories from this one. HF

After over 40 years in the music business, this “Cheeseburger in Paradise” isn’t rotten yet!

to the next level. Ninety percent of concertgoers arrive in some sort of tropical attire, from a few strings of lei, to men in little more than hula skirts. They come on a mission to have a good time, and are quick to dance with anyone they feel is not having enough fun. No matter how much time these Parrotheads seem to spend in ‘Margaretville,’ they never seem to have any problems doing the ‘Fins’ dance (popular here for

the opening line “She came down from Cincinnati…”). Whether you are laugh at them for trying to sneak in jello shots under their coconut bras, or joining them in screaming the unwritten words to ‘Margaretville,’ it is impossible not to have fun when you are with a Parrothead. In turn, that leads to an extremely enjoyable concert, making it one of the best that I saw all season. HF

Oh Chariot... I’m Singing Out Loud Julie ROBISON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Let’s just say that Gavin DeGraw is not my cup of tea; I have no protests towards the man or his music, it is just not what I would normally listen to on a day-to-day basis. So when my friends suggested we go see him at Bogart’s, a local music venue, I said, why not? I openly admitted my cynical attitude towards the quality of the show, but was intrigued by the long line of people who wrapped around the block to see him. Gavin walked on stage already sweating in a gray shirt (not a good combination) and had an easy-going manner. You could tell he wasn’t going to leave the stage until everyone had a good time and his shirt was a darker color gray. Gavin’s voice grates when you first hear it; it is raw and gravely, and makes you want to cook him soup for his vocal chords. He sang a combination of wellknown and lesser-known songs, played the guitar and piano, and had a charisma all could embrace, drawing the audience (ages ranging from high school kids to middle-age couples) into a body-rocking beat, bringing even the most reluctant of audience members into a foot-tapping, hand-clapping frenzy, to the point of singing along to songs they did and did not know. The pinnacle of the concert had him standing on

top of the piano, singing loudly along with the swaying audience. His encore was notable, as well as enjoyable: he came out, sang a few songs, talked about his down-andout days in NYC, and ended with the corresponding song “Sometimes You Need a Few Drinks to Fall in Love.” His timing was impeccable, and added laughs to the concerts whenever people would shout at him. When someone yelled out, “Take off your pants!” he replied earnestly, “You first baby, you first.” Now, I am not a Gavin DeGraw convert. I did not leave the concert, get into my car, and blast him as I drove away (as other fans did), nor did I go out and buy his cd. Nonetheless, there is a deeper appreciation for the man, as well as his musical abilities. If there’s one thing to be said about him, it is that he relates to the people, is one of the people, and sings for the people. When he introduced the members of the band, you knew he appreciated them. DeGraw gives the impression that he does this concert not for himself, but for you, the audience member, and all he wants is for you to be happy, and to have a good time. When a lady shouted out, “I love you!” to him, he didn’t ignore it and keep on playing. He said, “I love you too. I don’t know who you are, what you look like, or what you believe in; but I think everything’s going to work out just fine.” HF

12

the.Last.Laugh

JAMES NESBITT, 2009

STAFF BIOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

After visiting Rocky Mountain National Park this summer, artist Gretchen Birzer (daughter of Dr. and Professor Birzer) was kind enough to provide us with a picture of her time there. From the looks of it, there was some rain, some sun, and a beautiful rainbow!

August 2008 This summer, agents observed James Q. Nesbitt (subject 354) subverting government authority XXXXXXXXXXXX in Columbus, Ohio. During the day, subject 354 was observed in many different government buildings around Capitol square, completing subversive duties on behalf of the Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions. Subject 354 was frequently observed in close proximity of Auditor Mary Taylor’s office, although agents have not ruled out the possibility that he was simply traveling to his office on the floors above. Subject 354 obtained capital budget bill requests of numerous state legislators, which agents believe could be very damaging to key political figures if released to the public. In addition, agents suspect subject 354 is the brain behind the username XXXXXX of ohiosunshine.org, a website established by the Buckeye Institute’s new Center for Transparent and Accountable Government, which threatens to expose details which could jeopardize the status-quo operations of certain government agencies. Certain

agents also have developed the theory that subject 354 may have played a role in establishing this center. He was observed at a press conference announcing the launch of the new center and may have obtained other sensitive data now publicly available on the site. Although agents invested significant resources XXXXXXX to uncover subject 354’s personal life, it was discovered that he had none. HF For your safety and security, minor redactions have been made to this account by the Department of Homeland Security.

SCOTT ROZELL, 2009 I interned at a real estate brokerage specializing in land and high end homes for the summer. I took two vacations, one to Jackson Hole, WY and the other to Sonoma County, CA. The sights and sounds of the my travels was spectaluar. One particular highlight was playing golf, with and thanks to Chasen Drackett, under the shadows of the Grand Tetons without another soul on the course. I am excited to get back to Hillsdale for one more semester. HF

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