Wednesday, March 4, 1998
Same-sex couples' 'rights' hurt others
I don't understand this argument for the right of same-sex marriage. I came up with a little logical scenario to explain what I mean. Read the following sentence a few times to yourself and decide whether you agree with it or not before you read any further: If a certain "right" is detrimental (takes away) the rights of other people, then that "right" is not really a "right."
So, the "right" for recognition of same-sex marriage
must not take away the rights of another group of people, correct?
Otherwise, it is not a right. So the question is, "Does recognizing
same-sex marriage take away the rights of another group of people?"
Well, yes it does. Let's say a certain religion believes that
marriage is only between one man and one woman. If same-sex marriage
is forced to be recognized, then the rights of those religious
people becomes destroyed because now they are forced against their
religious beliefs. Therefore, same-sex marriage is not a right
because it takes away the religious freedom of all religious groups
that cherish the value that marriage is only between one man and
one woman.
Now, is the "right" of those religious people detrimental
to the "rights" of others? Otherwise, it is not their
"right," correct? Well, we have concluded that there
is no right to same-sex marriage.
Therefore, no one's rights are being violated there. How about
if the religious group is doing something illegal by "discriminating?"
Well, Penn State believes religious groups have the right to be
exclusive, so no fault there. OOPS! Looks like there is a problem
with the premise that same-sex marriage is a right! When the argument
is worked the other way, watch out for the word "only."
This gives a different argument.
But haven't certain religious organizations and texts been telling
us that for centuries? I find it hard to believe that a university
dedicated to diversity contains an organization that attempts
to devalue a religious ceremony by launching political attacks
against it. Isn't that discriminatory?
Steve Markle
vice president, Students Reinforcing Adherence In General Heterosexual
Tradition
Marriage a privilege not a citizen's right
I am used to the politically correct drivel that The Daily Collegian passes off as editorial opinion. Every so often, however, one stands out, beckoning me to respond. Friday's editorial, "Right to wed" was one such piece.
The fundamental flaw in this article is the assumption that Americans
have a "right" to marry. The Constitution spells out
no such right. Marriage is a privilege granted by state governments
to whoever they choose. Therefore, a state that bans any particular
group from marrying is not violating anyone's rights.
About half way through the editorial, the writer states, "Marriage
is more than an emotional commitment, however." Now we see
the real reason behind the same-sex marriage debate: the legal
and economic benefits granted to married couples. Is everyone
entitled to these benefits? I'm sure my little brother would love
to freeload off of the government. Should I be allowed to marry
him on these grounds? When I need to take my pet dog to the veterinarian,
why can't I marry him so he qualifies for spousal medical insurance?
These examples may seem ridiculous, but they show that a line
must be drawn somewhere. It is up to the states to draw this line
wherever they see fit.
I have no problem with groups lobbying their government to allow
same-sex marriages. Just stop disguising it as a moral issue or
a debate over rights. Why not tell it how it is, and give your
next editorial a more accurate title, like "Gay Marriages:
the Fight for Entitlements."
Ryan Drake
senior-computer engineering
Students don't voice concerns to USG
Matt Clifford's words in his Monday letter to the editor are a common reaction to the word "USG" on campus, and one I even had before I jumped off the bandwagon and walked over to the HUB to see what was up.
I got involved with Undergraduate Student Government to increase
students' voices on campus. What I found is that Penn State wants,
and is getting, the student voice all over campus! I still find
it unreal how many faculty and administrators seek students' help
on ALL decisions. Basically, it breaks down like this. Student
interest and USG visibility go hand-in-hand. At a place like Cornell
University, students are always up in arms about something and
therefore the student government as a whole has a voice because
it's backed up by 10,000 crazy students pounding on their university
president's front door.
At Penn State, there's one of two problems. One, students don't
care or don't want to be involved. Fine, OK, then AT LEAST care
about who you elect to represent you (that doesn't even happen
here!). Which is why I believe the issue is the second problem.
There's nothing Penn State is doing wrong! Nothing is a little
strong, but barely anything wrong. It's the only logical conclusion.
I mean look at Clifford's letter. He didn't mention one thing
he was upset about (except that hearing about USG bugs him). Why?
Because he isn't really upset about anything. USG is doing its
job -- he doesn't have anything to complain about.
If there's a problem we're not handling, LET US KNOW. Reevaluate
what you think we're doing wrong, and call us on that. We're big
boys and girls, we can take it. The only thing we can't stand
is people telling us we aren't doing our jobs, when all but two
of us are NOT PAID A DIME, and the vast majority of us want to
help students.
We're always listening.
Mike Platz
USG Academic Assembly
engineering student University Faculty Senator
Elections packets available at HUB
Have you ever been upset at the way Undergraduate Student Government has dealt with a problem? Has it refused to recognize as a problem an issue of extreme concern to you and your friends? Now is your chance to make a difference on campus.
With elections around the corner, the 1998 USG/Association of
Residence Hall Students/University Park Allocation Committee Elections
Commission is currently distributing packets to secure a place
on the ballot. Positions are available for UPAC, USG Senate and
the coveted USG president and vice president. Stop by 203A HUB
and ask for your packet today! Time is running out to make a difference
in campus politics! Packets are due back after spring break, so
act now!
Scott H. Husbands
Campaigns and Candidacy Commissioner
USG needs students to express concerns
Prior to this semester, I shared many of Matthew Clifford's criticisms
in his letter to the editor on Monday about USG. But instead of
whining about it, I did the unthinkable. I got involved. I advise
Clifford, and anyone else disenchanted with USG, to do the same.
This semester, I joined the USG Academic Assembly support staff.
Since joining, I have worked on multiple projects, including fall
break and researching concerns with language barriers to learning.
I devote a substantial portion of my time to the assembly, and
I take great pleasure in the work I do and its potential benefits
for students. I am insulted, as are many of my hardworking peers,
when someone stereotypes USG members as lazy oafs lacking vision
and direction.
Pointing a finger at USG and accusing it of inaction accomplishes
nothing. It merely creates frustration among USG members regarding
their often unresponsive constituents, Penn State students. USG
needs students to present their ideas and concerns so it can serve
them. If students don't participate actively, USG has to scramble
for something to do. Only with student input can USG serve as
a genuinely representative body.
Because USG requires student participation to realize its potential,
much of its efforts are directed toward reaching students and
encouraging their involvement. Clifford mocked USG for this practice,
but until students take the initiative to contact their representatives
and express their views and ideas, such publicity efforts are
necessary. Students, like Clifford, can make USG's job easier
by getting involved and telling everyone else to follow suit.
USG is here for students, but it's the students' responsibility
to use USG.
Liz Kinland
Academic Assembly Public Relations Co-Chair
Student silence hurts USG's effectiveness
This is in response to a letter to the editor on Monday by Matthew Clifford. His letter most likely was prompted after yet another negative headline about Undergraduate Student Government on the front page of The Daily Collegian, "USG struggles for awareness." Clifford stated that, "I'm tired of hearing how it (USG) needs more recognition. I'm tired of hearing how it needs more support. What it needs is to actually do something."
I agree with half of Clifford's statement. I am tired of hearing
about the USG awareness campaign. The problem is, Clifford, USG
doesn't have control over what gets written in the Collegian.
As for USG actually doing something, it is. It is doing many things.
It is doing so many things that I could bore you for hours talking
about the different issues and projects being worked on for the
sole purpose of "serving the student body." The key
word here is bore.
The Collegian isn't going to put a boring article on its front
page. The Collegian buries articles that aren't hot or controversial
topics or worse yet doesn't cover them at all. This is why USG
has people working on better communicating with students, not
to "get the recognition it so strongly desires." Also,
let me point out that communication is a two-way street. These
students working on better communication also are trying to find
better ways to "listen to the student voice."
Students and Collegian writers must learn to recognize that there
are many branches of USG. The USG Senate and the USG Academic
Assembly are very different groups with very different people
sitting on them. I feel that the assembly members are working
for nothing other than a better Penn State for undergraduates.
I will be running for Academic Assembly president in the weeks
following spring break. I have no personal agenda other then seeing
the assembly continue in its success at representing students
by "affecting the decisions of faculty and administration."
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU, THE STUDENTS OF PENN STATE. There are
student leaders on almost EVERY major committee that the University
administration and faculty has that affects students. You can
help me help you by sending an E-mail to me at dmk184@psu.edu.
I especially want to know your feelings about foreign professors
and teaching assistants who make class material difficult to understand
because of their inability to speak English clearly.
David Kayal
USG Academic Assembly
Division of Undergraduate Studies student University Faculty Senator
Root beer bash gives tips on student rights
All right, let's clear up this whole root beer thing. Anti-Undergraduate Student Government letters to the editor recently have been focusing on efforts to bring root beer kegs to campus. And yes, the time has come. Fight For Your Right Day begins at 11 a.m. today in front of Willard Building. But we'll bet you probably have no idea what the kegs are about.
Alcohol awareness is a big issue on this campus. With the tragic
deaths and arrests made these past two years, USG has decided
to respond. However, members of USG were put in a rather tricky
spot. USG does not condone alcohol consumption. Regardless of
what you may have read in the paper about root beer or T-shirts,
we in no way want students to drink their livers away. On the
other hand, we also do not condemn drinking. Do you really want
USG telling you not to drink? We didn't think so, and we focused
our efforts along a different path.
The purpose of Fight For Your Right Day is to distribute cards
containing information on what to do if stopped by a police officer
downtown. They are not substitutes for a lawyer but simply small
reminders of what your rights are. The purpose of the kegs, the
free cups and the keychains is to promote these cards.
So check us out today in front of Willard Building from 11 a.m.
until the kegs are kicked. The atmosphere will be fun and all
are welcome to competitive keg stands. But don't forget the real
reason we're out there, for alcohol awareness. Why all the flash,
you ask? Well, let's face it, you've gotta fight for your right
to party.
Brian Heller-USG town senator
James Hornick-USG Centre Halls senator
