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THE DAILY COLLEGIAN Monday, September 9,1996 Opinion Telephone: (209) 278-5732 Capitol Hill closes with accomplished mission By Joel Eanes Special to The Daily, Collegian For the last two years, Washing¬ ton has centered on two poles and two agendas: The revolution that has swept across Capitol Hill, and the stalwart defense of the discred¬ ited status quo that has come from the White House. What has been accomplished on Capitol Hill is nothing short of a revolution. Within days of conven¬ ing in 1995, the 104th Congress passed that Congressional Account¬ ability Act, applying to Congress laws that had been imposed on oth¬ ers for years. These included the Civil Rights, Americans With Dis¬ abilities, Family and Medical Leave, Fair Labor Standards, and Occupational Safety and Health Acts, among others. And why not? If these are good laws, why shouldn't Congress follow them? Or if they're bad laws, why is Con¬ gress imposing them on others? Besides accepting the legal bur¬ dens that it has long imposed on others. Congress has also accepted the financial responsibilities of its actions, by passing the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. Now that Congress will have to put up the money for its programs, maybe it will think twice before creating unnecessary new ones, or renewing obsolete ones. Congress has also-acted to trim the bloated federal bureaucracy. It gas eliminated the regulatory dino¬ saur — the Interstate Commerce Commission, — the localized pork barrel the Alaska Power Adminis¬ tration, — and even such relics as the Board of Tea Experts. Congress has not exempted itself from these changes, but has instead trimmed its own committee staff by a third. For the first time, downsizing is the reality in the public sector that has long been in the private sector. Congress has acted to clean up its own house with a series of rule changes. To name just a few, it has consolidated standing committees while eliminating subcommittees by the dozens; adopted strict open — meeting requirements for com¬ mittee and subcommittee meetings; imposed term limits on committee chairmen and the Speaker of the House; trimmed extravagant perks; conducted a comprehensive audit of .Congressional books; imposed tough new ethics rules on its mem¬ bers; and made the Congressional Record, for the first time, a verba¬ tim account of the debate, with re¬ visions and extensions being clearly marked and separated from the main text. Congress has also acted to re¬ duce Washington's burden on the private sector. The 1996 farm bill is gradually eliminating farm sub¬ sidies, marketing orders, and other intrusions on the marketplace. The Private Securities Litigation Re¬ form Act is discouraging frivolous suits, reducing the burden of unnec¬ essary litigation on business, and leaving more room in the courts for justified suits. The Telecommuni¬ cations Act has overhauled the nation's communications laws to remove federal impediments to\new technology. Congress has worked to provide for the nation's security, both ex¬ ternal and internal. The nation's defenses are being strengthened and refitted, so as to face the threat of third world dictators such as Saddam Hussein, and regional con¬ flicts such as Bosnia. At home, Congress has passed a tough anti¬ terrorism law to combat threats such as those seen at the World Trade Center and the Oklahoma City federal building. Congress has also passed a national version of "Megan's Law," warning commu¬ nities about predators who lurk among them. Perhaps most importantly. Con¬ gress has completely overhauled the nation's welfare system. The present system is an unmitigated disaster, but the new one, as it is gradually implemented by the states, will encourage work and re¬ sponsibility, and discourage depen¬ dence. Of course, much remains to be done. The bloated bureaucracy of Washington was not created over¬ night, and will not be dismantled overnight. For example, the Con¬ stitution continues to lack a bal¬ anced budget amendment. While much work remains, progress is being made. The 104th Congress is a stark contrast to Bill Clinton. Clinton talked about balancing the budget; Congress passed a seven-year bal¬ anced budget, and handed the Presi¬ dent a line item veto with which to accomplish it. Clinton talked about a tax cut; Congress passed one. Clinton talked tough on crime and his preparedness was to put homo¬ sexuals on the front lines; Con¬ gress' idea was to have a military ready to defend our nation any¬ where in the world. Clinton talked about ending "welfare as we know it"; Congress ended welfare as we know it Clinton talked about a huge socialization of health care; Con¬ gress passed a simple, common sense portability package. Clinton talked about reducing frivolous suits; Congress passed the reforms. Clinton talked about ethics in gov¬ ernment; Congress passed tough new ethics laws, and did not hesi¬ tate to include its own members. Clinton talked about "downsizing" and "reinventing" government; Congress passed the reforms. Clinton talks and talks and talks some more. The 104th Congress produces results. Voting rights shouldn't be taken lightly By Ingermar Dahlberg Special to The Daily Collegian You have the right NOT to vote. Yes friends, you read that right. You do not have to vote. There, I said it Call me what you will — blasphemous, traitor, anti- patriotic, irresponsible, a menace to the free-thinking world. I don't care. The right not to vote is just as guaranteed as your right to cast a vote. You won't hear this much any^, where. The popular culture right now is so busy reminding us that we have some kind of obligation to vote, that they have generally ne¬ glected to remind us of the all the various other obligations that should come with casting that vote. MTV primes its intellectual im¬ age with "Rock the Vote" shows and public service announcements. Famous rockers and rap stars urge us to cast a ballot. "Dude... like, it's time to be heard... uh... say some¬ thing, man... uh, rock the vote." Network and cable stations run all sorts of public service announce¬ ments with real cool celebrities who tell us, "If you don't vote, you can't complain." It's all so much nonsense. You don't have to vote. No one can hold you responsible for the actions of someone you did not vote for, nei¬ ther can they deny you the right to «omplain about that person if you didn't vote for his opponent. Here's a little analogy* Say you die. You didn't lead the most per¬ fect of all lives, and well, you're going to that fiery place way be¬ neath our feet. But, before you are sent on your little voyage, the guy upstairs is considerate enough to ask you whether you want to spend the rest of eternity being tortured by Satan, or this other nasty arch- demon, Asmodeus. It isn't much of a choice. You're going to suffer ei¬ ther way, and by making a choice, you are validating the one torturer over the other. Some will say it is a stretch to apply this analogy to the upcoming elections, let alone, any elections, but I don't think so. Picking the lesser of two evils is still picking evil. By choosing to vote for some¬ one who does not truly represent your beliefs, no matterhow much less of an evil they may be, you are wasting the much cherished right to vote much more than if you were not to vote. If there is a candidate you be¬ lieve in, vote for her. It does not matter what party she came from — Green, Democratic, Republican. Hemp, Communist, Beer-Drinkers of America If you can honestly say you are informed as to the issues of a ballot measure, and find yourself agreeing or disagreeing with it. strongly, vote on it. If someone comes forward to run for mayor of your town, and you think this per¬ son will represent you and do good for the communities she will pre¬ side over, please put a check by her name and cast that ballot. But, if you do not believe in someone or something, do not give your backing to them. If you think Clinton is a bum, and that Dole is too, but maybe Dole isn't so much of a bum, don't be tempted to vote for Dole. Abstain my friend. Ab¬ stain. fc Let's band together and de-rock the vote. If you want to send a mes¬ sage to someone or some organiza¬ tion, don't try to do it by voting for someone or something that is just as bad, maybe in other ways. The best way to send messages is usu¬ ally by more direct directions. Pro¬ tests and letters axe better retorts than voting for the opposition. If you must cast ^protest vote, or an "I can't not vojfe" vote, do it for one of the smaller parties. Help them gain a percentage point or two on the opposition. In a country where we have\sp much in the way of choice, it's a bit odd that we only have two major political parties, and realistically, only two choices for the President of our country. It would seem that the importance of this office would merit a much larger selection of candidates. As for me, I have yet to find a candidate I can trust, or believe in. The media spin doctors have made me very dizzy. Unless an underdog emerges that I can support without fear of losing self-respect, I think I'll sit this one out. Yep, come election day, I'll turn off my television, sit out on the porch and sip slowly from a nice, dark beer — maybe read the sports section. The next day. or maybe the day after, I'll start complaining. I'll make lists, I'll draw diagrams. I'll argue with friends, and I'll whine about every little thing that I want to whine about. It is my right. I do not have to vote for someone I do not believe in, and I do not have to become some kind of stoic moron and silence my complaints because there just didn't happen to be a can¬ didate that I did believe in. Eric Clapton, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Barbara Streisand and Charlton Heston should not influ¬ ence or sway the way you vote. They are entertainers. They are no more reliable sources of informa¬ tion than I am. Read up on the is¬ sues and politicians without their help, and make your own decision. If you decide not to vote, do so with the clearest of consciences. Un-Rock the Vote. Daily Collegian California State University, Fresno —— Sports Editor Tom Sepulveda Web Production Jason Maggini - Production Manager Monica Stanford Editor in Chief Jevon C. Swanson Managing Editor Robert Bilvado News Editor Jim Ward Ad Manager Paul McCauley Business Manager Kari LvScott Photo Editor Paul Martinez ~1 Copy Editor Elena Langdon Staff Writers: Matt Kreamer, Ruthie Lbngley, Matt Hart, Heather Hartman, Rosanne Tolosa, Hadi Yazdanpanah Sports Writers: Brooke Holve, Luis Hernandez, Erik Pfeifle, Casey Angle, Matt) Lievre, Woody Miner, Matt Croce Circulation: Tom Sepulveda The Daily Collegian is published five times a week for and by the students of California State University. Fresno. Opinions expressed in the Collegian are not necessarily those of the entire Daily Collegian staff. The editors reserve the nght to edit letters for length and clarity. To be considered for publication, letters must be typed and should not exceed 250 words. Telephone Directory: Editor: (209)278-5732 News: (209)278-2486 Sports . (209)278-5733 Advertising (209)278-5731 FAX: (209)278-2679 WWW: http://www.csufresno.edu/Collegian
Object Description
Title | 1996_09 The Daily Collegian September 1996 |
Alternative Title | Daily Collegian (California State University, Fresno) |
Publisher | Associated Students of Fresno State, Fresno, Calif. |
Publication Date | 1996 |
Description | Daily (except weedends) during the school year. Microfilm. Palo Alto, Calif.: BMI Library Microfilms, 1986- microfilm reels; 35 mm. Vol.1, no.1 (Feb 8, 1922)- |
Subject | California State University, Fresno -- Periodicals. |
Contributors | Associated Students of Fresno State. |
Coverage | Vol.1 no.1 (Feb 8, 1922)- to present |
Format | Microfilm reels, 35 mm. |
Technical Information | Scanned at 600 dpi; TIFF; Microfilm ScanPro 2000 "E-image data" |
Language | eng |
Description
Title | September 9, 1996, Page 2 |
Alternative Title | Daily Collegian (California State University, Fresno) |
Publisher | Associated Students of Fresno State, Fresno, Calif. |
Publication Date | 1996 |
Description | Daily (except weedends) during the school year. Microfilm. Palo Alto, Calif.: BMI Library Microfilms, 1986- microfilm reels; 35 mm. Vol.1, no.1 (Feb 8, 1922)- |
Subject | California State University, Fresno -- Periodicals. |
Contributors | Associated Students of Fresno State. |
Coverage | Vol.1 no.1 (Feb 8, 1922)- to present |
Format | Microfilm reels, 35 mm. |
Technical Information | Scanned at 600 dpi; TIFF; Microfilm ScanPro 2000 "E-image data" |
Language | eng |
Full-Text-Search | THE DAILY COLLEGIAN Monday, September 9,1996 Opinion Telephone: (209) 278-5732 Capitol Hill closes with accomplished mission By Joel Eanes Special to The Daily, Collegian For the last two years, Washing¬ ton has centered on two poles and two agendas: The revolution that has swept across Capitol Hill, and the stalwart defense of the discred¬ ited status quo that has come from the White House. What has been accomplished on Capitol Hill is nothing short of a revolution. Within days of conven¬ ing in 1995, the 104th Congress passed that Congressional Account¬ ability Act, applying to Congress laws that had been imposed on oth¬ ers for years. These included the Civil Rights, Americans With Dis¬ abilities, Family and Medical Leave, Fair Labor Standards, and Occupational Safety and Health Acts, among others. And why not? If these are good laws, why shouldn't Congress follow them? Or if they're bad laws, why is Con¬ gress imposing them on others? Besides accepting the legal bur¬ dens that it has long imposed on others. Congress has also accepted the financial responsibilities of its actions, by passing the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. Now that Congress will have to put up the money for its programs, maybe it will think twice before creating unnecessary new ones, or renewing obsolete ones. Congress has also-acted to trim the bloated federal bureaucracy. It gas eliminated the regulatory dino¬ saur — the Interstate Commerce Commission, — the localized pork barrel the Alaska Power Adminis¬ tration, — and even such relics as the Board of Tea Experts. Congress has not exempted itself from these changes, but has instead trimmed its own committee staff by a third. For the first time, downsizing is the reality in the public sector that has long been in the private sector. Congress has acted to clean up its own house with a series of rule changes. To name just a few, it has consolidated standing committees while eliminating subcommittees by the dozens; adopted strict open — meeting requirements for com¬ mittee and subcommittee meetings; imposed term limits on committee chairmen and the Speaker of the House; trimmed extravagant perks; conducted a comprehensive audit of .Congressional books; imposed tough new ethics rules on its mem¬ bers; and made the Congressional Record, for the first time, a verba¬ tim account of the debate, with re¬ visions and extensions being clearly marked and separated from the main text. Congress has also acted to re¬ duce Washington's burden on the private sector. The 1996 farm bill is gradually eliminating farm sub¬ sidies, marketing orders, and other intrusions on the marketplace. The Private Securities Litigation Re¬ form Act is discouraging frivolous suits, reducing the burden of unnec¬ essary litigation on business, and leaving more room in the courts for justified suits. The Telecommuni¬ cations Act has overhauled the nation's communications laws to remove federal impediments to\new technology. Congress has worked to provide for the nation's security, both ex¬ ternal and internal. The nation's defenses are being strengthened and refitted, so as to face the threat of third world dictators such as Saddam Hussein, and regional con¬ flicts such as Bosnia. At home, Congress has passed a tough anti¬ terrorism law to combat threats such as those seen at the World Trade Center and the Oklahoma City federal building. Congress has also passed a national version of "Megan's Law," warning commu¬ nities about predators who lurk among them. Perhaps most importantly. Con¬ gress has completely overhauled the nation's welfare system. The present system is an unmitigated disaster, but the new one, as it is gradually implemented by the states, will encourage work and re¬ sponsibility, and discourage depen¬ dence. Of course, much remains to be done. The bloated bureaucracy of Washington was not created over¬ night, and will not be dismantled overnight. For example, the Con¬ stitution continues to lack a bal¬ anced budget amendment. While much work remains, progress is being made. The 104th Congress is a stark contrast to Bill Clinton. Clinton talked about balancing the budget; Congress passed a seven-year bal¬ anced budget, and handed the Presi¬ dent a line item veto with which to accomplish it. Clinton talked about a tax cut; Congress passed one. Clinton talked tough on crime and his preparedness was to put homo¬ sexuals on the front lines; Con¬ gress' idea was to have a military ready to defend our nation any¬ where in the world. Clinton talked about ending "welfare as we know it"; Congress ended welfare as we know it Clinton talked about a huge socialization of health care; Con¬ gress passed a simple, common sense portability package. Clinton talked about reducing frivolous suits; Congress passed the reforms. Clinton talked about ethics in gov¬ ernment; Congress passed tough new ethics laws, and did not hesi¬ tate to include its own members. Clinton talked about "downsizing" and "reinventing" government; Congress passed the reforms. Clinton talks and talks and talks some more. The 104th Congress produces results. Voting rights shouldn't be taken lightly By Ingermar Dahlberg Special to The Daily Collegian You have the right NOT to vote. Yes friends, you read that right. You do not have to vote. There, I said it Call me what you will — blasphemous, traitor, anti- patriotic, irresponsible, a menace to the free-thinking world. I don't care. The right not to vote is just as guaranteed as your right to cast a vote. You won't hear this much any^, where. The popular culture right now is so busy reminding us that we have some kind of obligation to vote, that they have generally ne¬ glected to remind us of the all the various other obligations that should come with casting that vote. MTV primes its intellectual im¬ age with "Rock the Vote" shows and public service announcements. Famous rockers and rap stars urge us to cast a ballot. "Dude... like, it's time to be heard... uh... say some¬ thing, man... uh, rock the vote." Network and cable stations run all sorts of public service announce¬ ments with real cool celebrities who tell us, "If you don't vote, you can't complain." It's all so much nonsense. You don't have to vote. No one can hold you responsible for the actions of someone you did not vote for, nei¬ ther can they deny you the right to «omplain about that person if you didn't vote for his opponent. Here's a little analogy* Say you die. You didn't lead the most per¬ fect of all lives, and well, you're going to that fiery place way be¬ neath our feet. But, before you are sent on your little voyage, the guy upstairs is considerate enough to ask you whether you want to spend the rest of eternity being tortured by Satan, or this other nasty arch- demon, Asmodeus. It isn't much of a choice. You're going to suffer ei¬ ther way, and by making a choice, you are validating the one torturer over the other. Some will say it is a stretch to apply this analogy to the upcoming elections, let alone, any elections, but I don't think so. Picking the lesser of two evils is still picking evil. By choosing to vote for some¬ one who does not truly represent your beliefs, no matterhow much less of an evil they may be, you are wasting the much cherished right to vote much more than if you were not to vote. If there is a candidate you be¬ lieve in, vote for her. It does not matter what party she came from — Green, Democratic, Republican. Hemp, Communist, Beer-Drinkers of America If you can honestly say you are informed as to the issues of a ballot measure, and find yourself agreeing or disagreeing with it. strongly, vote on it. If someone comes forward to run for mayor of your town, and you think this per¬ son will represent you and do good for the communities she will pre¬ side over, please put a check by her name and cast that ballot. But, if you do not believe in someone or something, do not give your backing to them. If you think Clinton is a bum, and that Dole is too, but maybe Dole isn't so much of a bum, don't be tempted to vote for Dole. Abstain my friend. Ab¬ stain. fc Let's band together and de-rock the vote. If you want to send a mes¬ sage to someone or some organiza¬ tion, don't try to do it by voting for someone or something that is just as bad, maybe in other ways. The best way to send messages is usu¬ ally by more direct directions. Pro¬ tests and letters axe better retorts than voting for the opposition. If you must cast ^protest vote, or an "I can't not vojfe" vote, do it for one of the smaller parties. Help them gain a percentage point or two on the opposition. In a country where we have\sp much in the way of choice, it's a bit odd that we only have two major political parties, and realistically, only two choices for the President of our country. It would seem that the importance of this office would merit a much larger selection of candidates. As for me, I have yet to find a candidate I can trust, or believe in. The media spin doctors have made me very dizzy. Unless an underdog emerges that I can support without fear of losing self-respect, I think I'll sit this one out. Yep, come election day, I'll turn off my television, sit out on the porch and sip slowly from a nice, dark beer — maybe read the sports section. The next day. or maybe the day after, I'll start complaining. I'll make lists, I'll draw diagrams. I'll argue with friends, and I'll whine about every little thing that I want to whine about. It is my right. I do not have to vote for someone I do not believe in, and I do not have to become some kind of stoic moron and silence my complaints because there just didn't happen to be a can¬ didate that I did believe in. Eric Clapton, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Barbara Streisand and Charlton Heston should not influ¬ ence or sway the way you vote. They are entertainers. They are no more reliable sources of informa¬ tion than I am. Read up on the is¬ sues and politicians without their help, and make your own decision. If you decide not to vote, do so with the clearest of consciences. Un-Rock the Vote. Daily Collegian California State University, Fresno —— Sports Editor Tom Sepulveda Web Production Jason Maggini - Production Manager Monica Stanford Editor in Chief Jevon C. Swanson Managing Editor Robert Bilvado News Editor Jim Ward Ad Manager Paul McCauley Business Manager Kari LvScott Photo Editor Paul Martinez ~1 Copy Editor Elena Langdon Staff Writers: Matt Kreamer, Ruthie Lbngley, Matt Hart, Heather Hartman, Rosanne Tolosa, Hadi Yazdanpanah Sports Writers: Brooke Holve, Luis Hernandez, Erik Pfeifle, Casey Angle, Matt) Lievre, Woody Miner, Matt Croce Circulation: Tom Sepulveda The Daily Collegian is published five times a week for and by the students of California State University. Fresno. Opinions expressed in the Collegian are not necessarily those of the entire Daily Collegian staff. The editors reserve the nght to edit letters for length and clarity. To be considered for publication, letters must be typed and should not exceed 250 words. Telephone Directory: Editor: (209)278-5732 News: (209)278-2486 Sports . (209)278-5733 Advertising (209)278-5731 FAX: (209)278-2679 WWW: http://www.csufresno.edu/Collegian |