OPINION & EDITORIAL
Hypes and Gripes
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Also by Badger Herald Editorial Board:
- Madison's annual hip-hop conference falters (April 14, 2003)
- Dear Dave: Post this near your desk (April 17, 2003)
- Politicking destroyed opt-out's proponents (April 14, 2003)
- Don't Cut Historical Society Funds (April 29, 2003)
- Redirecting control (April 23, 2003)
Related Stories:
- Hypes and Gripes (December 13, 2001)
- Luther's rules (January 29, 2002)
- Staff takes pride in semester (December 14, 2006)
- Dealing with downtown drinking (January 23, 2002)
- Make ASM not suck (February 12, 2002)
by Badger Herald Editorial Board
Wednesday, May 8, 2002
This semester the issues have changed ? drinking instead of seg fees, votes on State St. instead of responses to Sept. 11 ? but the debate has not died, only changed. Here?s a small sample of things that have gone well and not so well.
Union
Hype: All semester we have been calling for increased entertainment options for students, and few fit the bill better than the Union, where students can enjoy alcohol, but also listen to music or play pool. The University has taken the right step in providing some of these opportunities by expanding the Union?s hours to 2 a.m.
Gripe: As part of his campaign to ban drink specials, Chancellor Wiley has axed the 46 oz. beer cup at the Union. But like most politically motivated decision, this is entirely wrong-headed. Like drink specials, the 46 oz. cup is not the problem ? house parties are, and that is where students will go when deals like these disappear.
State Street
Hype: After three years of numerous city committees and a ridiculous delay by City Council, the State Street Design Project is finally a reality. The project has the potential to rejuvenate both the physical and economic characteristics of State Street, and the primary benefactors will be students.
Gripe: Unfortunately, the State Street Design Project fails to address many of the street’s core problems, including long-term economic planning, unwanted bus traffic, and problems related to panhandlers and Peace Park. These issues must be addressed before State Street can reach its full potential.
Sports
Hype: For the first time since 1947, the Wisconsin men?s basketball team was best in the Big Ten. Guided by the steady hand of senior Travon Davis and fueled by the scoring of Kirk Penney and Devin Harris, the Badgers won the Big Ten title and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Gripe: After a disappointing 2001 campaign, Badger football fans were eagerly anticipating a high-octane offense led by Lee Evans this fall. Unfortunately, Evans hurt his knee in the spring game. Sadly, the injury took place at the same time as the NFL draft where Evans would have been top selection.
ASM
Hype: ASM has always been aimless and out-of-touch, but this year?s council managed to reach a new low. On issues that affect ordinary students, ASM?s voice was either conspicuously absent (i.e. parking, downtown drink specials, State Street) or completely misguided (i.e. tuition, SpeakUp!). Impotent and disorganized, the only real legacy this year?s ASM will leave to UW is doubled seg fees.
Gripe: The only positive thing about this year?s ASM is it will not be around to wreck havoc next year (or do nothing). The spring elections, which garnered the highest voter turnout in organizational history, give ASM a chance to start over. We encourage next year?s council to set a new precedent by actually paying attention to the everyday issues that impact of students.
Administrator
Hype: Chancellor John Wiley sided with penny-pinched students and denied the irresponsible seg-fee hike rubber-stamped by student government. While the actual cuts are small, Wiley?s unprecedented action speaks to the excess of this year?s ASM and could set the stage for more fee caps next fall.
Gripe: Wiley seems to believe the problem with student drinking is a lack of regulation. Thus, even though he admitted cracking down on bars will drive students to house parties, he is still pursuing a misguided drink-special ban. As for priorities, addressing the causes of high-risk drinking is a distant second.
State Senate
Hype: In a welcome display of commitment to higher education, the State Senate restored the excessive cuts proposed by shortsighted Assembly Republicans. While the final numbers will probably be relatively similar to Gov. McCallum?s initial proposal, the Senate?s action is a welcome relief.
Gripe: In an ugly display of partisan politics, the Senate has stalled the confirmation hearings of four UW Regents, some for nearly two years. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Chvala is obviously hoping that the Democratic candidate will win the governorship and replace the four Republican appointees with Democrats.
Campus Music
Hype: After years of waiting, WSUM, UW-Madison?s student radio, is on the air. Through the combined efforts of students, staff members and County Board student representatives, the radio station has moved from the internet to broadcasting on the airwaves.
Gripe: This years Hip Hop As a Movement Conference was a disappointment, especially after last year. The promising grassroots student-run event had all the makings of a truly diverse display, but an influx of controversial politics and poor organization were too much to overcome.
We look forward to the debate.
