Oracle Online

Ignorance in Facebook, salary cap

Same-sex kissing on Facebook is completely acceptable. Two nineteen-year-olds (of any gender mix) humping each other for the attention of onlookers is not.

As an institution Hamline protects its community and we must be cognizant of the image we convey. I know, I know, “damn the man, they’re censoring.” But let’s leave our rebellious bubble for a moment: Dan O’Brien is working to safeguard the athletic program against self-destructive behavior. If by chance some folks gain a little self respect in the process--well, that’s a valuable lesson learned. Let us find a way to add it into the Hamline Plan. “SR?”

On another note, I’ll shift my criticism to David Lueth’s column. The United States is in a unique spot as we work to stay on top in a continually competitive global marketplace. We don’t have the largest work force, and certainly cannot compete with labor wages abroadčat least not legally. As I’m sure Lueth would agree, that’s a good thing. The future vitality of our nation is based on innovation, and with that, the ability to develop our rich human capital. Sorry my socialist friends, but that means competition. So I ask Luethčwhat will happen to the quality of our doctors and medical research with a $100,000 cap on income? Also, what will be the effect on technological and intellectual development with essentially all financial incentive gone? This is not to mention I doubt Carl Pohlad would trust the government to handle his remaining $2,799,000 as well as he has.

And the stadium--oh, the stadium. We’re going to have three, Lueth, so pace yourself. Often I think some of my fellow “liberals” get so caught up in hating the other that their own suffocating ignorance goes undetected. Believe it or not the stadiums, as do tax cuts, have purpose. Amongst other things they are an investment in our economy and social fabric, though this is certainly debatablečit’s always going to be debateable. Complaining doesn’t count.
That’s my $.02. Can I deduct it from the $100k?

--Tim McDonald
CLA ’07

Accommodations lack respect of disabilities

Honors Day, a time for us as the Hamline community to gather and affirm the accomplishments of the past year and the progress we are making as an institution. It comes as no surprise to those of you who know me to read that I was extremely disappointed with the “accommodations” made for those members of our community and honored guests who are unable to use the front stairs. While I truly did appreciate the comments made by CLA Dean Garvin Davenport, putting people with disabilities in the basement rather than finding an alternative location illustrates concerns that many of us have about where the Hamline community stands on including disabilities in the diversity dialogue.

The timing of this particular incident comes only weeks after much discussion began surrounding the application and non-hiring of a person with cerebral palsy that was seemingly qualified to work at Hamline. I know that many people are talking about that particular situation and the result has been a combination of student activism and initiative from members of Student Affairs and even the president’s office to make sure that we stay true to our values of respect and inclusion that are so critical to who we are as an institution.

As I leave Hamline after two fantastic years, I hope that people continue to think about not only the issue that surfaced last Thursday around disabilities but also the human relations piece that is so often not talked about. I have never attended or worked at a place like Hamline that has a student body so charged with passion and genuine convictions to fight injustice. I hope that as a community Hamline continues to include disabilities in the diversity conversation and support the efforts of groups like Access Now and the Disability Services Office. While there are amazing people behind this effort it is up to everyone to make sure that we never again send a message to part of our community that they belong in the basement.

--Chris Rasinen
Manor/Sorin Hall Director

Student athletes speak out against stereotypes

After reading Tony Endo’s article on Facebook censorship in the Athletic Department, we feel that it was poorly researched and completely inaccurate. Endo believes that it is “ridiculous and willfully ignorant” to expect college student-athletes to present themselves in “a light that is nothing but professional and stodgy.” However, we as student-athletes do hold ourselves to such standards, primarily because we represent the university in a very public way. Not being a member of the athletic department, Endo would understand neither our level of committment nor the standards to which we are held.

He failed to mention that many top-level collegiate athletic programs, including Florida State University and many other D-I, II, and III schools, do not allow their athletes to even have Facebook accounts and/or profiles. The “college culture” characterized by “drunken beasts” of which Endo writes is incredibly stereotypical and does not represent the majority of the college population, especially student-athletes. Though some athletes may promote this culture, the majority of us are busy dedicating ourselves to studying and building a winning athletic tradition, a recent trend which the Oracle has clearly and continually failed to acknowledge.

Endo’s claim that Athletic Director Dan O’Brien actively opposes homosexuality by not allowing pictures involving same-sex kissing is ludicrous, unfounded, and completely out of line. As Endo would not know, our athletic department is full of open-minded, accepting individuals. Perhaps Endo should consider the scrutiny we athletes find ourselves under every day on the Hamline campus before he attacks us for wanting to positively present ourselves and our school community.

--Derek Rundquist
CLA ’07
Andrew Bennett
CLA’08
HU Student Athletes

Thanks from a departing president

As the year winds down and excitement increases to a maximum, time for reflection and appreciation must be made. Coming to the end of my Hamline career and having had the pleasure of working with many of you here at Hamline, my pride and love for the university has only magnified. I have treasured the last four years, and I trust those qualities that make Hamline great will go on for many years to come.

It is easy to be disgruntled to those who continually push you, especially in academia and within an institution. But looking back, those people who challenge student’s minds, capabilities and skills, are those who deserve the most gratitude. When challenged by a professor, an adviser or a mentor, it is easy to not enjoy that challenger’s company. But after that challenge is conquered and the work is done, the bond and respect that is developed between that professor, adviser or mentor is strong and proud. That is Hamline. We are a community that must continue to push and support one another with the knowledge that after the challenge is complete and mission is accomplished, we will be bettered.

Therefore, I must thank all those who have pushed me and all other Hamline students, even those who have pushed me to the edge. Thank you to those who have advised me; you have wisdom much beyond my years. Thank you to those who scheduled early meeting, for I really did get more done those mornings. Thank you for those who set deadlines, even during finals. Thank you for those who stood up and disagreed with me, even if the look on my face did not show appreciation. Thank you for those who have outdone me in the classroom, in the office and just in life; you gave me something to work for. Thank you to those who listened to my rants and ramblings, for you are true friends and kept me sane. And lastly, thank you for all of those who were wiser, more outspoken, more tireless, more organized and those who showed me the way things should be done. It is you who have set examples for the Hamline community and have molded it to be great.

The people of Hamline have given me so much, and I hope one day I will be able to return the gift. Good luck to those who are leaving, I truly wish you well. But especially good luck to those who will return here, there are many big shoes to fill, but I have faith that feet do not stop growing.

Shanelle Evens
CLA ’06
HUSC President