New Shirts for AGR, Nobel prizes and an amazing stand for Armenia and Turkey

One of the most amazing things about the campus is the selection of rush T-shirts from Alpha Gamma Rho. I am not sure if everyone saw what happened over the summer with Alpha Gamma Rho, Sidelines and the “Fight Club” newspaper, but I would suggest that everyone take a look here.

One of my friends, who is in AGR, was wearing one of the new AGR rush t-shirts that has a picture of the “fight club” style image that was on the front page of the paper. I think that is fantastic. That shows how strong their organization is as a whole, and how they are using humor to play on the entire debacle. I have honestly never laughed so hard in my life – what an amazing use of comedic timing.

Meanwhile, at the start of this weekend, President Obama was lauded by the Nobel committee. The most interesting thing is the conservative reaction. Of course, I am not surprised that the majority of the GOP are angered at what could be viewed as a giant “eff you” to the Bush administration. However, I don’t think they listened to the logical reasoning the Nobel committee gave when presenting the award. They said they were giving Obama the Nobel prize for enhancing the peaceful climate of foreign policy. Although I fondly think of Bill Clinton, who was welcomed with open arms by our greatest enemy while saving the photo-journalists from North Korea.

It kills me that most of the conservative media are looking at this in a negative light. When it all comes down to it – an American won the Nobel Peace Prize. I’m sorry, let’s look at that again – an American. An American won the Nobel Prize – for peace. An American. In the middle of a handful of wars – an American won the Nobel Prize – for peace.

I understand that he is the President of the United States of America, and I understand that you resent that fact. But an American has actually, with the help of his talented cabinet-level officials, restructured the opinion of the world when it comes to how they view America – as a whole. I think it is important to always keep in check, just exactly how we are viewed in the eyes of the rest of the world. Many countries, with the exclusion of a select few, are no longer burning effigies of the American president and the American flag. That was a feat of foreign policy.

While I also understand that the consensus of the liberals is that the shift in foreign policy came simply by the election of a new president, that was not the case. It has not yet been completed, but the Obama administration is clearing the canvas and hand-painting a new picture of America. That one change has begun a process that has allowed Americans to travel overseas safely again – and even to North Korea to assist American journalists with a prison sentence in the most isolated country in the world.

Take a step back out of your partisan political mindset and realize the awe-inspiring reality people.

To get out of the deep conversation, I now turn to Travis and Jonathan who had yet another hysterical Red State Update. I am not sure if everyone has seen these local comedians. But they have a YouTube channel that is updated routinely with some truly funny sketches.

Last night, I had the unique privilege of speaking with a new friend from Turkey, about 45 minutes after the borders between Turkey and Armenia were reopened. He discussed how challenging it is to even walk around the streets of Murfreesboro as a Turk. He talked to me about an encounter between him and an Armenian person. He said that after the Armenian asked where he was from – he started to shake in fear. My friend said it was that feeling you get right before a bloody fight.

He talked about the dynamic difference between his parents views of Turkish Islam from the younger generation, and how the global climate is changing for the better.

It is important to note that while Turkey did not outright apologize for genocide, they hinted at the admission of guilt in the treaty. It is hard for Turkey to apologize for the Ottoman Empire, but they are taking a stand to right a serious wrong. I am so pleased with this world today, and I am proud to stand behind a state department that can assist in such a brilliant step towards tolerance and unity.

Cheers!

Public Option no more

I am really disappointed with the Senate Finance Committee and their decision to destroy any chance of meaningful health care reform in our country. I think we are at a place where the gamut for political debate is so skewed, it leaves us with no debate. While I understand the problems that may come to the health care executives and the select few Americans that benefits from others’ tragedy. The public option would be payed for by its own generation of savings. It is sad that it has come to a place where the Democrats cannot even push a bill through a filibuster proof Senate.

The Democratic Party needs to grow a pair. Seriously.

The only thing that the GOP is actually protesting…is anything that the DNC decides to move on. Yet, the DNC is actually entertaining the notions of the GOP…including SEXUAL ABSTINENCE ONLY education for schools. Are we really at this point?

The House shows great progress following recess

The U.S. House of Representatives have passed two bills this week that greatly affect Middle Tennessee, including the House Advanced Vehicle Technologies Bill and the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibilities Act.

Both of these bills have been supported by Congressman Bart Gordon because of his larger plan for Middle Tennessee. Gordon seeks to increase the standing of the education level in the sixth district, and also hopes to bring green jobs to our area with Nissan and local auto manufacturers.

Meanwhile, on the right, Sen. Bob Corker is seeking to undo ACORN in the upper chamber. This will surely be an ongoing political battle over this and the Right looks more angry about this than over health care.

Sidelines will be covering all of this political news, as well as some exciting volunteers diligently working to clean up Murfreesboro in the next issue, stay tuned for that.

I also was able to go to the Boro and see the final show of Boo Boo Bunny, rather a staple of the ‘Boro community. Although, I sincerely refuse to believe that the band broke up. Craig Murphy and his attempts to move on have always been futile. They should be back and rocking in at least a couple of years.

I also would recommend that the residents of Rutherford County visit the Stones River Battlefield Web site, they are doing some more tours of the battlefield cemetery in the upcoming month, it should be exciting and fun.

I sign off with a kudos to Gov. Bredesen, who visited Murfreesboro with the Governor’s Books for Life foundation, they have given over 300,000 books to children under 5 in our county alone. Keep up the good work!

~Cheers!

Great show of Democracy at Straw Poll

This week I had the privilege of meeting all five candidates for the Democratic Gubernatorial Primary. At the TN Grow Dinner and Straw Poll, all five candidates were given a chance to speak to the sold out crowd that attended.

Some of my favorite moments include: Sen. Roy Herron discussed the ability for a person to be a Democrat and a person of faith. He said he cannot believe the lies that the GOP spreads specifically in questioning the faith of the left wing.

I truly appreciated speaking with Ward Cammack who has strong plans to strengthen the economy and prosperity of Tennessee through green jobs and energy policy.

Kim McMillan and Mike McWherter spoke with me about the dire importance of reforming higher education, and the benefits that would come to Murfreesboro and MTSU if we began, as McWherter said pay colleges to graduate people instead of enroll them.

The five democratic gubernatorial candidates

Sen. Jim Kyle emphasized this to me as well with his plan to bring as many of the 30,000 Tennesseans who have dropped out within one year of graduation back to school. Both he and McMillan said they are focused on Tennessee’s ranking of 43 in the nation’s education standings.

The evening also gave a chance for students, like the Campus Democrats who sponsored the event, to have a first hand in their state’s political future.

I cannot say how amazing the entire evening was – but I will say that the event is of vital importance to our students, and I hope that the Raider Republicans can convince the Republican Party to have a mirrored event on campus for the further benefit of our student body.

Starlett Custer received lighter sentence

Today, I was fortunate enough to be present at the sentencing of Starlett Custer. For those of you who have not been following the case, Custer is a former student of MTSU who got into an altercation with Ashley Ramsay, another student, over a parking space.

Custer was sentence to 4 years, however Hon. Judge David Bragg allowed her to serve 45 days and then suspend her jail sentence to probation thereafter. She is also allowed to serve her period of incarceration over the weekends, allowing her to remain employed and in school. Custer is currently attending the University of Phoenix at its Nashville campus.

From what I could tell, the Custer family seemed relieved following the sentence. The entire courtroom was on the edge of their seat during the proceedings. On the other side, the prosecution said that they were pleased to have a conviction, even though Custer received alternative sentencing.

District Attorney, General William Whitesell said he wanted to see a greater amount of jail time for Custer because it would set an example for the students at MTSU. He said that they need to know that they are responsible for every choice and action that they make on campus.

Joe Brandon, Custer’s attorney, said he felt Judge Bragg was very fair to Custer, although he is still unhappy that a jury can rest easy with the certainty of guilt while there is an apparent lack of a weapon.

Ashley Ramsay, the victim of the case, looked as if her quality of life is greatly improving. She spent the duration of the day in court cuddling with a guy who I assume is her beau while playing video games on her phone. Her attitude has changed dramatically since I interviewed her at the trial.

I am not sure how the Ramsay family is taking the incident, they mentioned to the Court that the amount of out-of-pocket expenses that have already been spent exceeds the $3,500 that was deemed the amount of restitution. Mr. Ramsay said Ashley may even require further surgeries to correct her eyebrow and other areas that are non-responsive or weakened from the slashing.

While it feels great that the trial and tribulations of the event are finalized. It still does not rest easy with me to know that there will not be a single person that truly knows what happened that day. And while the court made a rather fair decision for Custer and the People, it is difficult to feel the wave of justice when the events are so unclear.

Things that make you go…what the [bleep]?

If you read my story on the Greek row fight club, you may be wondering a lot of things. Believe me, I am too.

The police report has not been approved in it’s entirety. While I am not sure exactly what to believe here, the names of all of these people involved in breaking 3 crimes of campus policy haven’t been released.

I have been informed that there are a few of our dedicated campus safety force who are members of our frat in question.

And I have to point out, in July, there have been 12 different, unrelated instances of alcohol related crimes on campus. In numerous different locations on campus, 11 of these crimes resulted in citations or arrests. The 12th event was our underage drinking on campus brotherhood who has 2 alumni in high ranking positions with a badge.

One instance was at another fraternity house, also with underage drinking on campus.

What is it that makes this instance so special? I’m not sure, but I would bet my last twenty dollars that if I were to crack a brew on campus, I would not be so lucky.

I was pulled over in the Spring while walking back to my dorm room from Dirty Jims. The officers were dead set on citing me with something, but I am over 21, I wasn’t drinking on campus, and I wasn’t breaking any other laws.

It just makes me wonder what is going on here?

This week, I had the chance to interview Angela King, who will be joining us as the new director of Greek Affairs. She is tremendously excited about joining our university, and it comes at a great time.

As I handle the crime briefs for the paper as well, I cannot help but notice all of the violence and the police arrests coming from our beloved Grecian housing.

Over the weekend an unsanctioned boxing match was broken up at the Alpha Gamma Rho house. I chose not to trouble Angela in the interview, but I intend on getting more in depth to that story next week.

Also, next issue you will get to hear about my upcoming interview with Joe Brandon, who represents Starlett Custer. We have not heard alot from her side of the story and I am looking forward to that.

Also in the news, TN State Senator, Paul Stanley, R-Germantown, was just exposed in another GOP sex scandal. He is a champion of family values, and the sanctity of traditional marriage. I wonder if he will end up joining Senator Ensign and Governor Stanford in The Family on C-Street? More to come on PoliticAle.com.

Cheers!

Inside America’s courts

This week, I have the privilage of sitting in on the trial of Starlett Custer. Custer was arrested and expelled almost a year ago for the attempted murder of Ashley Ramsay over a parking spot.

The case is being heavily fought on both sides, and the case has not even revealed a murder weapon. The verdict is set to occur this afternoon, following closing statements. The results will be found on our online edition as soon as we find out. You can also follow the link on the sidebar to mtsusidelines.com for a recap of Tuesday, including Custer’s testimony.

Also this week, I am covering the Sotomayor hearings on PoliticAle.com. By the second day, I am realizing what a mad house this will be throughout the week. I will also be reviewing some choice brews, it will be a great time and I implore you to join me. Just follow the PoliticAle link on my sidebar.

Cheers!

In regards to the Spring Fling…and I feel the need to talk about Sarah Palin

Upon hearing about the loss of Spring Fling because of a state law, I contacted the TSSAA’s executive director to find out why we were losing the bid. I just want everyone to be entirely clear of the conversation I had with Mr. Childress.

(1). In no way did he imply that the TSSAA did not show a concern for the safety of the participants or the spectators at any of their events.

(2). In no way did he imply that the TSSAA has taken any stance on gun control or the second amendment.

(3). In no way did he imply that the TSSAA has made a decision about which city’s bid to choose.

(4). In no way did he imply that the members of the TSSAA who make the decision have made personal statements on how they feel about the legislation.

I just wanted to make sure that that was clear, because what I did understand and take from the conversation is that many people were taking his words and skewing them. I certainly would not want that to happen, because the TSSAA is an important organization to this university and this community. They deserve the respect that the community should give them – they are not just a bid.

Okay. I really shouldn’t voice any more opinions about news stories that I write, but I wanted to double-check everything, as much as possible to ensure that nothing was taken out of context or misused as we always strive for at Sidelines. However, because the situation is what it is, I wanted to give it that extra bit.

Moving on to our favorite person in the G.O.P., Gov. Sarah Palin, R-Alaska. I am not entirely sure of what is happening there, but what I do know is that clearly Gov. Palin wants to be off the radar for a while. She is stepping down from her position, because a lot of turmoil was caused from the coverage of the election that was unavoidable. However, it has caused her to make a lot of enemies out of the state Dem’s in Alaska – and these were people who generally worked with her on a daily basis.

Again, while we are not sure what exactly is going on for sure, I feel the need to give her that opportunity so that the State of Alaska can heal itself. It is part of our country and if the governor of that state wishes to resign for the benefit of the state, why should we stir the action up with any slander, gossip or general negative conversation that has no factual basis. I feel thrilled that we do not live in a 24 hour news cycle here at Sidelines having to constantly be on television so that I can be silent about her after this.

I have never cared for her. I have never truly agreed with her. But, if we mistreat her now, she won’t come back for more entertainment at a later date. And frankly, she deserves the ability to live her life out of the public eye if she resigns. If she does run for president, then…then.

And I would also like to wish the best for the Nashville/Davidson County Police and whomever is handling the McNair inverstegation, the family and friends of the deceased, and the Titans across the world. We have lost a great athlete, and I hope that we can be spared from any more devastation this summer. It has been a full one.

I will try not to write a lot of op/ed letters on here in the future.

Sincerely,

Dusty

Rutherford County Election Commission releases applications

The Rutherford County Election Commission office released copies of 90 applications for the administrator of elections positions this morning to the media.

The gesture of transparency came after Tom Walker, the chairman of the RCEC, violated the Tennessee Sunshine Law by demanding that reporters leave a public meeting.

Title eight, chapter 44 states that, “The General Assembly hereby declares it to be the policy of this State that the formation of public policy and decisions is public business and shall not be conducted in secret.”

The Chairman of the Rutherford County Democratic Party, Jonathan Fagan said that he wanted to see Walker resign from his position as well as Doris Jones, the election commissioner.

“Americans value free and fair elections. Rutherford County citizens deserve adults on the Election Commission who know and obey the rule of law. Otherwise, our trust in the democratic process is undermined. We don’t need people in control of our election process who blatantly express their disregard for state law,” Fagan said to Nashvilleistalking.com.

The RCEC could be meeting as early as next week in order to discuss the applications, and they plan on allowing the media to cover it.