Author: cmo015

Paige Bailey

Contributing Writer

President Obama’s State of the Union Address Signals Intense Political Debates Ahead

In his fifth State of the Union address on Feb. 12, President Barack Obama stated that there “is much progress to report.”

Obama said the “state of our union is stronger,” but urged Congress to move forward with his agenda in order to put the “nation’s interest” before individual party aims.

In the midst of a divided Congress, a recovering economy and continuing war in Afghanistan, Obama outlined a liberal policy vision for his second term. Although the Republican response may seem tepid, Obama hopes to garner bipartisan support on tax reform, immigration and gun control.

After the drawn out “fiscal cliff” negotiations, budgetary issues still loom large this year.  Obama said that a “balanced approach” to tax reform is necessary to ensure economic growth. This “balanced” plan is a compromise between spending cuts and increased revenue. Obama explained that deficit cuts, supported by Republicans, need to be matched with tax increases on the “wealthiest and most powerful.” In addition to higher taxes, Obama urged Congress to close loopholes in the tax structure that present an opportunity cost on the revenue side. Obama said that his administration is “more than half way” to the four trillion dollars in cuts favored by the Republicans. While Obama said compromise was necessary, he also made it clear that he had a mandate from the people to tax the rich.

Additionally, Obama said that he plans on signing “comprehensive immigration reform” in the next few months. Obama’s plan argues for a clearer path to “earned citizenship,” as well as stronger border security. 

“We know what needs to be done … Now let’s get this done,” Obama said.

Political Science and history double major Wade Payson-Denney ’13 believes that immigration is the most pressing issue. Immigration is the only issue put forth that “has a chance of being seriously reformed in the coming months or year,” Payson-Denney said.

In the final minutes of the speech, Obama urged Congress to pass gun control policy. The Obama administration invited families that have been victims of gun violence to sit near First Lady Michelle Obama. The atmosphere in the chamber changed as Obama said that the families of Newton and America’s children “deserve a vote” on “common sense” gun control reform.

Despite major opposition by the NRA and many members of Republican Party, Obama made it clear that working on gun control will be a central aim of his second term.

“It was especially interesting that Obama seemed to assume majority support in Congress for major gun-related legislation,” Associate Professor of Political Science Scott Meinke said.

Obama said that, “Our rights are wrapped up in the rights of others,” yet there may be debate among those who uphold the primacy of the Second Amendment.

Overall, the State of the Union speech that outlined a liberal agenda, while urging bipartisan acceptance, demonstrates that Obama’s second term could potentially be characterized by contentious political debates. It is clear that the policy outcomes will define the ideological trajectory of the nation.

The Campus Theatre Continues to Thrive

Kerong Kelly

Writer

Almost a year and a half after its re-opening, the Campus Theatre serves as a national example of successful town-University partnership. In January 2011, the University purchased the Campus Theatre. It leases the building back to the not-for-profit organization, The Campus Theatre, Ltd., for $1 a year. The theater, first built in 1941, maintains its art deco murals and unique light fixtures. The Campus Theatre is one of the last single screen art deco theaters in the country and continues to function as a source of entertainment and learning for those of the Lewisburg and University community.

“This partnership, with Bucknell as building owner and The Campus Theatre, Ltd. as administrator and operator, has allowed the doors of this beautiful and historic movie house to not only stay open, but to welcome the Bucknell, Lewisburg and surrounding communities to enjoy diverse film programming not available anywhere else in this region–featuring a healthy balance of popular, fine art and independent films that are culturally relevant and bring understanding to contemporary concerns,”  said Jessica Paquin, director of fundraising and outreach for the Campus Theatre.

In addition to serving members of the community, the Theatre provides University students with the ability to attend movies for classes as well as for recreational purposes. The Campus Theatre has also proved to be a beneficial resource for professors in different University departments.

“The theatre hasn’t changed my ability to show films so much as it has changed what films I screen,” said Amanda Keeler, visiting assistant professor of English said. “Since Bucknell pays the rights for public exhibition, the films are free and open to the public. Over the last four semesters I have paid attention to which films bring in the most people and have chosen future screenings accordingly. I don’t want to screen the same films every semester. I would rather pick 10 different films each year so that there is always something playing at the Theatre that has not screened previously. The Theatre allows us to show films in the space in which they were designed to be screened and helps us recreate the experience of seeing these films as if they had just been released theatrically.”

According to Rebecca Willoughby, lecturer of English, the benefits provided by the Campus Theatre relate to the group experience, as well as to the experience that unfolds in such a culturally and historically prevalent location.

“The Campus Theatre is a truly unique and wonderful resource for students and faculty at Bucknell,” Willoughby said. “In addition to the building being literally a piece of history not to be found many other places in the US, it provides a social and cultural center for the University and the community, as well as allowing students to view films for some courses in Film and Media Studies in an authentic movie-watching atmosphere. Especially since audience responses are such a part of studying film, it’s a great advantage to be able to screen course films in a darkened Theatre in a group, instead of each student watching films alone in their dorm room on a computer screen.”

“The Board and Staff of The Campus Theatre, Ltd. are grateful to Bucknell for their stewardship and support of this vital Market Street anchor,” Paquin said.

Minor in Arabic Studies Recently Approved

Kerong Kelly

Writer

The College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee approved the Arabic minor, which will require six courses, four of which must include the core language and two interdisciplinary courses offered by the Arabic Studies Program. Students can also chose another area of study, including classics, international relations, political science, religion, philosophy, art or history.

“I’m excited about the approval of the Arabic minor because I think it will strengthen my resumé if I have an official minor,” Polly Englot ’16 said. “It will be a way of recognizing that my dedication to the language goes beyond just taking a few language classes. I also think it will strengthen departments related to the Middle East because students will be attracted to Bucknell by the fact that they can minor in the language of the region that they’re learning about.”

“Creating this minor is in fact an acknowledgement and response to the great demand for Arabic-speaking professionals seeking potential career opportunities in such fields as diplomacy, intelligence and international affairs, business and much more,” said Martin Isleem, assistant professor of Arabic and director of the Arabic Studies program. “I hope the creation of an Arabic minor will inspire more students to learn the Arabic language and explore the cultural and linguistic beauty of the Arabic world.”

The cross-disciplinary nature of the Arabic minor will allow students to fulfill requirements on a wider range of topics. The Arabic minor will also create more study abroad opportunities in Middle Eastern countries as well as those in North Africa.

“The Arabic minor will not only increase student’s efficiency level with the language, but it will also serve to educate students on aspects of Arab culture that are both misrepresented and misunderstood,” Brandon Dellafave ’16 said.

Tech/No Series speaker: Rebecca Skloot

Daniel Park

Contributing Writer

Rebecca Skloot discussed her experiences, as well as her thoughts gained through the process of writing her best-selling novel, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” during her discussion and Q&A session on Feb. 6. Her novel describes the story of a young black woman who died of cervical cancer, but who left behind her line of immortal cells. These cells have contributed to advancements in science in regards to vaccines and treatments of viruses and cancers.

The forum was hosted by James Shields, assistant professor of comparative humanities and Asian thought, and was free and open to the public. The event was part of the University Forum series, “tech/no,” focusing on technology’s evolution and role in society.

Skloot began the discussion with her initial encounter with the Lacks family.

“I called her [Henrietta’s daughter], and as soon as the word ‘cell’ came out, she immediately told me she would not give any cells for research,” Skloot said. “It took a long time for them to open up to me.”

As Skloot explained Lacks’ story, the discussion became more focused on whether being a minority played a major role in how or why scientists took Lacks’ cells, without proper consent, for research.

Shields posed a question regarding the effects of the commercialization of science and its current presence in society.

“Scientists are very concerned that people are too focused and that the research conducted is purely with profit motive,” Skloot said. “I think money issues really come down to access to healthcare for those who can’t afford.”

Skloot furthered the topic by discussing the various surveys conducted to capture public opinion on the subject. The ethics that surround this issue, Skloot pointed out, were once lacking because no one expected this breakthrough in science. Now there are entire fields devoted to the ethics regarding science and technology.

The second half of the forum was opened to the public for any questions regarding the makings of her book. Most of the questions she answered also related to the ethics in science, particularly in stem cell research. The event concluded with a book signing.

“I really enjoyed the book,” graduate student Trang Tran said. “It was informative, thought-provoking and sentimental. The issues discussed within the book weren’t something that I actively thought about until I read it.”

“I enjoyed the thought process and background of the book. I became more curious about her personal story on how she came upon the book and I wanted to know more of her experiences,” Justin Marinelli ’15 said.

Victoria Hollo

Contributing Writer

As two female University students were walking back to campus on Feb. 2 at approximately 2:10 a.m. they were approached from behind by a balding white male in the 500 block of James Alley behind Martin House. The students attempted to avoid the man, but he proceeded to display a small semi-automatic pistol.

The two students reacted quickly to remove themselves from the situation and immediately contacted the Department of Public Safety. Public Safety then notified Buffalo Valley Regional Police Department who found the alleged man near South Sixth and St. George Streets within minutes after the phone call.

According to Sgt. Hetrick, a member of the Buffalo Valley Regional Police Department, the suspect, 27-year-old Alexander Nace of Sunbury, was taken into custody and has been charged and arrested of his crime. 

Nace “faces 12 charges, including two felony counts each of criminal attempt of kidnapping and of burglary … Remaining charges are two counts each of stalking, terrorist threats, simple assault and harassment,” according to The Daily Item.

“When we saw the gun, we screamed and ran away,” said one of the women involved in the incident, who chose to remain anonymous. “Public Safety told us this was probably the best response, because we were able to draw attention to ourselves and get away from the situation. So looking back, I probably would have done the same thing,” she said. 

Since the case is still open and needs to go to trial, further details could not be disclosed. 

“Personally, I don’t feel like my safety has been compromised,” Caroline Collins ’15 said.

“After my house was robbed twice in the past six months, and after I heard there was a man with a gun threatening people around the campus, I can definitely say my perception of Lewisburg has changed for the worse,” Archie Gwathmey ’15 said. 

This incident calls into question the safety of the University community. Andy Hirsch, director of media communications, suggests that students take advantage of the educational outreach program that includes several different training opportunities and presentations coordinated by the Department of Public Safety.

“Since the incident I have become more cautious,” Haley Kameros ’15 said.

Hetrick advises students to always walk in pairs and to remain in lighted areas when walking at night. He also stated that the local police will continue to place as many officers as they can on patrol, especially during weekend nights, merging efforts with Public Safety officers as well.

“For advice to other students, to avoid something like this never walk by yourself at night,” the same woman involved said. “Stick to the main streets. If someone suspicious is approaching you or harasses you, make sure you notice what they look like and call Public Safety right away. Because we called Public Safety immediately, they were able to work with the local police and find the guy right away. And always be aware of your surroundings.”

The chief officer of Public Safety away this week, and more specific details of the incident could not be obtained.

Sarah Antonacci

Contributing Writer

The Concert Committee is thrilled to announce the performers for the annual Spring Concert: Lupe Fiasco and Third Eye Blind. The concert will take place April 5 in Sojka Pavilion. The doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are going on sale for students on Feb. 15 at the Campus Box Office. The public will have access to tickets on Feb. 18. There are both floor and seat tickets available, each of which are $30 for students, and $35 for the public.

Lupe Fiasco is a hip hop/rap artist, while Third Eye Blind is an alternative band. Some of Lupe Fiasco’s best-known songs are “Battle Scars,” “The Show Goes On” and “Superstar.” Some of Third Eye Blind’s most popular songs are “Semi-Charmed Life,” “Jumper” and “Never Let You Go.”

“The committee was very excited to hear that we secured Lupe Fiasco and Third Eye Blind,” Concert Committee Chair Zack Beltran ’13 said. “After the disappointing cancellation of Avicii in the fall, we were looking for a concert that would appeal to a wide audience of students and provide a fun, exciting atmosphere. I think Lupe and Third Eye Blind both have lots of songs that students know, and appeal to a variety of musical tastes. Mixed genre concerts have done well in the past at Bucknell, and we’re looking forward to seeing many students on campus come out for the show. We’re also excited to have a show back in Sojka Pavilion because it really feels like a concert and has great sound quality.”

Katey Duffy

Contributing Writer

Several months after the University welcomed Kevin Clash, the voice of Sesame Street’s Elmo, to speak as part of the series “Creativity: Beyond the Box,” the famous puppeteer resigned from PBS after allegations of sexual assault were leveled against him last fall.

The University Forum invited Kevin Clash and his puppet Elmo to speak to fans and members of the Lewisburg community in the downtown Barnes and Noble bookstore. Clash also held a question and answer session in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts.

Many students and faculty attended the forum and were delighted to learn about puppeteering and how Clash’s career began.

A young Pennsylvania man, later identified as Sheldon Stephens, claimed Clash had an intimate relationship with him when he was 16 years old. The man soon recanted his statements after an undisclosed settlement with Clash, but others soon came forward with other sexual allegations against Clash.

Cecil Singleton, a 24-year-old college student, filed a lawsuit against Clash claiming that they had sexual relations when he was underage. Singleton had kept his relationship with Clash a secret for almost a decade until he heard of Stephens’ allegations.

This triggered Singleton to press charges against Clash who had worked at PBS for a total of 28 years. Clash then revealed that he was gay, but denied all of the accusations of sexual assault with minors. Sesame Street soon granted Clash a leave of absence but a letter of resignation was not far behind.

“I am resigning from Sesame Workshop with a very heavy heart; I have loved every day of my 28 years working for this exceptional organization. Personal matters have diverted attention away from the important work Sesame Street is doing and I cannot allow it to go on any longer,” Clash said in his statement last November.

A total of four men have come forward to date to accuse Clash of inappropriate behavior when they were minors, and Clash apparently paid for one minor to fly from Miami to New York where sexual interactions took place.

Clash’s famous character Elmo continues his presence on the widely viewed children’s program, now voiced by understudies, though the effect Clash’s actions have had on the character are difficult to gauge.

“Elmo is a fun-loving character that now has a huge mark on his reputation due to Clash’s actions,” one University sophomore said.

Information taken from Huffington Post.

University Forum Speaker Baratunde Thurston Uses Humor to Achieve Political Goals

Paige L. Bailey

contributing writer

Baratunde Thurston, the self-proclaimed “technology-loving comedian from the future,”  spoke of both the opportunities and limitations of a hyper-connected society on Jan. 29 in Trout Auditorium. This lecture was part of the 2012-2014 Bucknell Forum series “tech/no” that engages the community in a discussion regarding the role of technology in modern life.

After graduating from Harvard with a degree in Philosophy, Thurston pursued work as a stand-up comedian and wrote for “The Onion.” Thurston’s book, “How to Be Black,” is a New York Times Bestseller that delves into issues of race and identity in a humorous and interactive way. Additionally, Thurston launched his own startup website called Cultivated Wit, which employs humor through a technological medium.

In his lecture entitled “The Future Is Connectivity! Connectivity Will Ruin Our Future!” Thurston said his use of humor and technology is an “alternate way to engage” people. Simultaneously, technology makes people less connected to others in the moment, which presents a new set of challenges.

First, Thurston said that his personal ancestry influenced “How to Be Black.” His great-grandfather was a slave in the South but taught himself to read. This act of rebellion was punishable by death for a slave. His mother was also involved in the Civil Rights struggle and anti-war movement. Thurston stated that this “common thread” of questioning authority has brought him to use his talents to advance a message of social justice in his comedic, written and technological endeavors.

Despite his knowledge and passion for cutting-edge technology, Thurston said that society’s degree of connectivity allows people to “teleport” from their present circumstances. As an experiment, Thurston turned off all social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and texting for three weeks. While he thought this would be unbearable, he felt a sense of relief by interacting more personally with the people around him. He even enjoyed having time to be in isolation with his thoughts.

Nick Pistone ’13 reflected on the difficulty of disconnecting. After the lecture, he decided to avoid Facebook and Twitter, but 20 minutes later caught himself “absent-mindedly” browsing on his Facebook page. Pistone agrees with Thurston that technology can be an escape, but also prevents us from holding conversations at times. Kasey Hampton ’13 echoed this sentiment, stating, “University students can relate to the message to ‘give your brain a rest’ from being constantly plugged into technology.”

At the same time, Thurston sees his work as fitting into a broader revolutionary movement that he believes is taking place. This revolution is in part rooted in the globalization of accessible technology. Through his humor and commitment to technological innovation, he said that he hopes to “bring people into a conversation about politics and social justice.” He said a clear advantage of technology is that people around the world can find each other and begin to question existing authority structures. This fact is an unprecedented condition in human history that Thurston believes has the power to change the locus of power in society.