This past Tuesday, Rutgers president Richard McCormick announced that he has canceled Rutgersfest for the foreseeable future. The annual concert, which has brought bands and performers such as Pitbull and Brand New, came under fire this year for 4 shootings and 11 arrests that occurred off of College Avenue campus in the late-night partying that ensued after the concert. New Brunswick police blamed the concert for attracting unsavory characters from all around and concentrating them in New Brunswick, essentially making College Avenue campus a boiling pot with no release; in essence, it was bound to explode. I find all of these excuses to be absurd.
First, I would like to quote President McCormick’s e-mail that he sent to the student body:
Many streets were congested with people and there were multiple reports of
disruptive conduct. Near the College Avenue campus there were many rowdy
student house parties, incidents of public intoxication, littering, and
vandalism, and several altercations among students and other
individuals. Most disturbing to report, four non-Rutgers people were
shot in three incidents during the course of the evening. The fact that
none of these shootings resulted in life-threatening injuries does not
diminish their violence, and I am gravely concerned about the danger to
our students and our neighbors.
That sounds like any typical Friday night (or even Thursday) at Rutgers, except without the shootings (or at least as many of them). If anyone has ever been to Rutgers on a Friday night, one could find “many rowdy student house parties, incidents of public intoxication, littering, and vandalism, and several altercations among students and other individuals.” Not only that, but people get mugged weekly while drunkenly stumbling around College Avenue. There are only 2 reasons why McCormick is actually canceling Rutgersfest: 1. It has been a terrible year for PR at Rutgers, and 2. Large pressure from the NBPD, who yearly have to deal with large, impossible crowds and large amounts of drunken disorderlies.
While I do understand the need for McCormick to feel that he has to take some sort of drastic action to counter all the negativity that has struck this school over the past 2 semesters, canceling the largest student celebration is not it. Those who were shot, did the shooting, and those who were arrested were all non-Rutgers students.
Shown: People NOT from Rutgers.
Don’t penalize all students for something that is clearly not the fault of the student body. Maybe reforming the concert for students only and having non-students pay a fee to enter would deter some, but obviously the main attraction is partying. As long as there are parties in Rutgers, people from all over are still going to come to this college and act stupidly. Unless McCormick somehow bans alcohol and turns Rutgers dryer than Dick Cheney’s internal organs, then I somehow doubt that people are going to stop coming here to have a good time.
As a reaction to the president’s decision, students have begun several Facebook events, including “Ragefest 2012″ and “Slutgersfest 2012,” among others. It’s obvious that there is not way to stop students from having their fun, so President McCormick, don’t be so strong-handed. We understand that it’s been a tough year for Rutgers; trust me, we’ve all lived through it. It’s enough to drive anyone to an extreme. Just trust me when I say that taking away our biggest privilege is not the way to rectify all problems.
Showing posts with label rutgers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rutgers. Show all posts
Friday, April 22, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
What's a Snooki?
If you don't go to Rutgers, read the news, or hear anything about anything, then you probably haven't heard of the whole controversy surrounding Rutgers paying Snooki $32,000 to perform (whatever her kind of performance is) in front of the student body. If you don't know who Snooki is, then I applaud you and by all means, you don't have to read any further. Seriously, stop reading. It gets depressing after this paragraph.
That's a Snooki. What exactly comprises a Snooki is unknown, but after some scientific investigation, it is believed to have emerged out of a combination of Grumpy of the seven dwarfs, shame, and a particularly virulent strain of gonorrhea. She attained fame after being a whiney, strung-up harpie on a show called Jersey Shore, which may quite possibly be the absolute nadir for idiocy on television. She is about as tall as a garden gnome, and may just be related to some since she seems to be able to grow a beard at a moment's notice. Also, if she becomes infatuated with you, I would suggest arming yourself to the teeth with machetes and attack dogs. If all else fails, have a flame thrower because cutting of her head won't stop her.
Anyway, Rutgers paid her $32,000 to do a "comedy show," though the extent of her comedy would be her throwing up and having sex with the fattest person in the room after a night of excessive drinking. She likely also yelped like a chihuahua and then curled up into a ball to sleep. The largest point of contention is not just hiring her, but that she was paid more than the commencement speaker and Nobel laureate, Toni Morrison. Many are saying that it is a clear sign of the priorities at Rutgers, seeing as Snooki told students to "study hard, and party harder." Seriously.
I'm quite sure that Snooki got a 10 on the SATs even though 400 points are given for writing your name. Snooki once ate a worm because she thought that it was made of "gummies." She was 20. Snooki once confused George Washington for her grandfather because they are both old and dead. Snooki played "the troll" in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Snooki drinks out of a toilet when she's thirsty. Snooki's make-up qualifies her as a barbie doll, except she was denied to be one because she's too ugly and continually saps the souls and money of innocent men. I think you get the picture.
Either way, it's an affront to good sense and education. If you're going to get a comedian, at least get one that's funny and of good repute.
That's all for now,
Das Flüg
That's a Snooki. What exactly comprises a Snooki is unknown, but after some scientific investigation, it is believed to have emerged out of a combination of Grumpy of the seven dwarfs, shame, and a particularly virulent strain of gonorrhea. She attained fame after being a whiney, strung-up harpie on a show called Jersey Shore, which may quite possibly be the absolute nadir for idiocy on television. She is about as tall as a garden gnome, and may just be related to some since she seems to be able to grow a beard at a moment's notice. Also, if she becomes infatuated with you, I would suggest arming yourself to the teeth with machetes and attack dogs. If all else fails, have a flame thrower because cutting of her head won't stop her.
Anyway, Rutgers paid her $32,000 to do a "comedy show," though the extent of her comedy would be her throwing up and having sex with the fattest person in the room after a night of excessive drinking. She likely also yelped like a chihuahua and then curled up into a ball to sleep. The largest point of contention is not just hiring her, but that she was paid more than the commencement speaker and Nobel laureate, Toni Morrison. Many are saying that it is a clear sign of the priorities at Rutgers, seeing as Snooki told students to "study hard, and party harder." Seriously.
I'm quite sure that Snooki got a 10 on the SATs even though 400 points are given for writing your name. Snooki once ate a worm because she thought that it was made of "gummies." She was 20. Snooki once confused George Washington for her grandfather because they are both old and dead. Snooki played "the troll" in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Snooki drinks out of a toilet when she's thirsty. Snooki's make-up qualifies her as a barbie doll, except she was denied to be one because she's too ugly and continually saps the souls and money of innocent men. I think you get the picture.
Either way, it's an affront to good sense and education. If you're going to get a comedian, at least get one that's funny and of good repute.
That's all for now,
Das Flüg
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
College Wars: Return of the Me
Well, my second semester of my junior year has started. As usual, I feel unsettled. That may be me just adjusting back to college life, or it could be me adjusting back to college food; either way, it's not comfortable.
I plan on doing several things this semester:
1. Actually reading my assignments.
2. Sleeping more.
3. Being social.
4. Giving a damn.
5. Not doing any of the above.
Either way, I win.
That's all for now,
DF
P.S. Visit here because I told you so. Say I sent you; you get 20% off.
I plan on doing several things this semester:
1. Actually reading my assignments.
2. Sleeping more.
3. Being social.
4. Giving a damn.
5. Not doing any of the above.
Either way, I win.
That's all for now,
DF
P.S. Visit here because I told you so. Say I sent you; you get 20% off.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
A Question of Culpability
Recently, the parents of deceased Rutgers student Tyler Clementi announced that they have preserved the right to sue Rutgers over their negligence to act on his behalf in the events leading to his tragic suicide. Mr. Clementi jumped off of the George Washington Bridge in late September after his roommate Dharun Ravi and classmate Molly Wei broadcast his sexual encounter with another man over the internet. While many would believe that the family is simply trying to take advantage of the sympathetic feelings towards the parents, it would be wise to mull over the finer details of the case and see whether or not the university was truly at fault.
Firstly, Mr. Clementi did speak to an Resident Assistant about his roommate’s voyeurism. He also requested a room change. Unfortunately, two days later (I believe), he committed suicide.
Secondly, Mr. Clementi spoke to two “higher ups” (as he put it) about his roommate’s indecency. Who they are is not known (or at least not well known), though their actions could have drastic implications.
If Rutgers official staff did not act within the window between Mr. Clementi’s first report and his suicide, then the parents have the right to claim gross negligence on the part of the university for, 1: Not upholding their privacy guidelines, and 2: Not acting in an expedited fashion to rectify the problem.
The first incident should have been the stopping point, as there was enough evidence against Mr. Ravi to act on Mr. Clementi’s allegations of invasion of privacy. Mr. Ravi posted on his Twitter feed “Roommate asked for the room till midnight. I went into Molly’s room and turned on my webcam. I saw him making out with a dude. Yay.” Two days later, Mr. Ravi posted again: “Anyone with iChat, I dare you to video chat me between the hours of 9:30 and 12. Yes it’s happening again.” Quotes from www.dailymail.co.uk
The ultimate verdict, however, rests with the Resident Assistant and the “higher ups” in question, because if they failed to act in any way, Rutgers will be held accountable for their lack of action. If the evidence surrounding them shows that no tangible action was taken, either in the form of a formal action (through Rutgers bureaucracy) or direct (the RA speaking directly to Mr. Ravi and admonishing him), then the family has every right to sue Rutgers. And, if that is the case, I support the Clementi family wholeheartedly.
That's all for now,
Das Flüg
Firstly, Mr. Clementi did speak to an Resident Assistant about his roommate’s voyeurism. He also requested a room change. Unfortunately, two days later (I believe), he committed suicide.
Secondly, Mr. Clementi spoke to two “higher ups” (as he put it) about his roommate’s indecency. Who they are is not known (or at least not well known), though their actions could have drastic implications.
If Rutgers official staff did not act within the window between Mr. Clementi’s first report and his suicide, then the parents have the right to claim gross negligence on the part of the university for, 1: Not upholding their privacy guidelines, and 2: Not acting in an expedited fashion to rectify the problem.
The first incident should have been the stopping point, as there was enough evidence against Mr. Ravi to act on Mr. Clementi’s allegations of invasion of privacy. Mr. Ravi posted on his Twitter feed “Roommate asked for the room till midnight. I went into Molly’s room and turned on my webcam. I saw him making out with a dude. Yay.” Two days later, Mr. Ravi posted again: “Anyone with iChat, I dare you to video chat me between the hours of 9:30 and 12. Yes it’s happening again.” Quotes from www.dailymail.co.uk
The ultimate verdict, however, rests with the Resident Assistant and the “higher ups” in question, because if they failed to act in any way, Rutgers will be held accountable for their lack of action. If the evidence surrounding them shows that no tangible action was taken, either in the form of a formal action (through Rutgers bureaucracy) or direct (the RA speaking directly to Mr. Ravi and admonishing him), then the family has every right to sue Rutgers. And, if that is the case, I support the Clementi family wholeheartedly.
That's all for now,
Das Flüg
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Ad Infinitum
As I have been relatively busy so far after moving into college, I haven't had time to update my blog. My psych teacher recently asked us an online question about belief and religion, and I thought it interesting enough to post on here. Included are my answers.
What role in the life of the individual is played by a belief in God?
Being an Atheist, I can safely assume that I am in no way objective in my beliefs, but I will try to be as much so as is possible. Being an Atheist also means that I made a concerted effort believing in some kind of deity, but I eventually rationalized to myself that there was, in fact (at least to me), no existence of any tenable God of any kind. The concept of any god, in its origins, serves as an explanation for the natural world around us-i.e., the seasons change because Demeter only sees her daughter Persephone for 1/3 of the year (Greek mythology). In modernity, a belief in God is typically accompanied with a belief in some kind of afterlife and the perpetuation of life after death. It is a very comforting thought to believe that a deceased relative is continually living in a "better place" rather than simply dying.
In trying to understand someone, how much importance should we give to studying that person's attitude toward and faith (or lack thereof) in a god?
When attempting to understand someone, we must not only gauge their belief in a god, but the belief in the mythology surrounding the god. For example, the "great flood" as described in the bible would have been scientifically impossible on Earth because of the massive amount of heat that would have been released after the enormous rainfall, not to mention the gathering of two animals of every species from around the planet crossing great distances and oceans to simply reach one boat. It is not impossible, but certainly extremely implausible.
To be concise about my point, one has to be religious within reason. One simply should not dismiss what others would consider scientific fact simply because it contrasts with one's religious beliefs (Galileo and the church).
If we think of the idea of God as referring to any principle or power, however defined, in which one believes absolutely and with certainty, is there anyone who does not believe in a god?
If it is defined as such, then seemingly everyone believes in some sort of God. If that is the case, the Tea Party can be considered a "God" (though I shudder at the thought), Rutgers can be a "God", and greed can be a "God." There is a difference, however, between absolute belief in something and actual worshipping.
Do all people have such a faith somehow expressed, somehow anchoring their existences? Or is human life possible in the actual absence of such absolute commitments? If our task is to understand a person, can we do so without including a central consideration of what that person's areas of faith and certainty are?
All people have faith in something- I for one have faith in the Mets, though they continually let me down every single year. I do not, however, anchor myself into their every undulating phase. I do feel a bit depressed with each loss (though I've gotten used to it), but it is not enough to drive me to the edge of insanity (though they have tried). I should hope that most people do not entrust their lives into a concept without actually considering themselves before said concept. To be clearer, I hope that no one so inextricably links their lives into some religious meaning so deeply that they end up not being able to reason without relating to their deity.
Understanding a person without knowing their preferences in faith and religiosity is like eating in Tillet Dining Hall- you see that it's food (or used to be), but you're just not sure what it is. There is a certain "level", if you will, of people that is beyond faith and is simply the person's own beliefs, but it takes extraordinary circumstances to reach that level.
There's my opinion, though I personally already disagree with myself.
That's all for now,
Das Flüg
What role in the life of the individual is played by a belief in God?
Being an Atheist, I can safely assume that I am in no way objective in my beliefs, but I will try to be as much so as is possible. Being an Atheist also means that I made a concerted effort believing in some kind of deity, but I eventually rationalized to myself that there was, in fact (at least to me), no existence of any tenable God of any kind. The concept of any god, in its origins, serves as an explanation for the natural world around us-i.e., the seasons change because Demeter only sees her daughter Persephone for 1/3 of the year (Greek mythology). In modernity, a belief in God is typically accompanied with a belief in some kind of afterlife and the perpetuation of life after death. It is a very comforting thought to believe that a deceased relative is continually living in a "better place" rather than simply dying.
In trying to understand someone, how much importance should we give to studying that person's attitude toward and faith (or lack thereof) in a god?
When attempting to understand someone, we must not only gauge their belief in a god, but the belief in the mythology surrounding the god. For example, the "great flood" as described in the bible would have been scientifically impossible on Earth because of the massive amount of heat that would have been released after the enormous rainfall, not to mention the gathering of two animals of every species from around the planet crossing great distances and oceans to simply reach one boat. It is not impossible, but certainly extremely implausible.
To be concise about my point, one has to be religious within reason. One simply should not dismiss what others would consider scientific fact simply because it contrasts with one's religious beliefs (Galileo and the church).
If we think of the idea of God as referring to any principle or power, however defined, in which one believes absolutely and with certainty, is there anyone who does not believe in a god?
If it is defined as such, then seemingly everyone believes in some sort of God. If that is the case, the Tea Party can be considered a "God" (though I shudder at the thought), Rutgers can be a "God", and greed can be a "God." There is a difference, however, between absolute belief in something and actual worshipping.
Do all people have such a faith somehow expressed, somehow anchoring their existences? Or is human life possible in the actual absence of such absolute commitments? If our task is to understand a person, can we do so without including a central consideration of what that person's areas of faith and certainty are?
All people have faith in something- I for one have faith in the Mets, though they continually let me down every single year. I do not, however, anchor myself into their every undulating phase. I do feel a bit depressed with each loss (though I've gotten used to it), but it is not enough to drive me to the edge of insanity (though they have tried). I should hope that most people do not entrust their lives into a concept without actually considering themselves before said concept. To be clearer, I hope that no one so inextricably links their lives into some religious meaning so deeply that they end up not being able to reason without relating to their deity.
Understanding a person without knowing their preferences in faith and religiosity is like eating in Tillet Dining Hall- you see that it's food (or used to be), but you're just not sure what it is. There is a certain "level", if you will, of people that is beyond faith and is simply the person's own beliefs, but it takes extraordinary circumstances to reach that level.
There's my opinion, though I personally already disagree with myself.
That's all for now,
Das Flüg
Friday, December 4, 2009
Riders on the Storm
^ The Doors. Great band. Listen to them.
Well, this post is more for just my own little recollection than anything else. I don't have any insightful aphorisms, acerbic witticisms, or erudite editorials; if I do have something of the aforementioned list, I do apologize. I didn't mean it.
Classes are almost over, which is seemingly either a blessing or a curse. I feel like I have done nothing productive all semester, seeing as I learned a lot of things that I already knew; this semester only put them into concrete terms. Last year, with my American Foreign Policy class and International Relations class I learned so much that I was, in a manner of speaking, astounded. In those two classes alone I learned more prudent information than I had ever learned before. I learned how to analyze international events; I learned how to write papers that I couldn't even imagine writing in high school. This semester, well, it felt...incomplete. At least it's almost over.
Aside from that, I'm looking forward to winter break so that my friend and I can finally start making some short videos for our youtube account, Unwanted Guests Productions. It would be nice to finally get some good stuff up there.
Along with winter break, I'm going to finish my application to Brown. It is probably the most paramount decision that I will receive in the prospective future. I hate Rutgers; I have only felt like I am actually at college in my IR and AmForPol classes. Aside from those two, I feel more like I'm being beaten continuously with a club every single day that I am here. Who knows, maybe by September I'll be happier and more content than a 4-year old.
Listen to The Doors. They're good.
Das Flüg
Well, this post is more for just my own little recollection than anything else. I don't have any insightful aphorisms, acerbic witticisms, or erudite editorials; if I do have something of the aforementioned list, I do apologize. I didn't mean it.
Classes are almost over, which is seemingly either a blessing or a curse. I feel like I have done nothing productive all semester, seeing as I learned a lot of things that I already knew; this semester only put them into concrete terms. Last year, with my American Foreign Policy class and International Relations class I learned so much that I was, in a manner of speaking, astounded. In those two classes alone I learned more prudent information than I had ever learned before. I learned how to analyze international events; I learned how to write papers that I couldn't even imagine writing in high school. This semester, well, it felt...incomplete. At least it's almost over.
Aside from that, I'm looking forward to winter break so that my friend and I can finally start making some short videos for our youtube account, Unwanted Guests Productions. It would be nice to finally get some good stuff up there.
Along with winter break, I'm going to finish my application to Brown. It is probably the most paramount decision that I will receive in the prospective future. I hate Rutgers; I have only felt like I am actually at college in my IR and AmForPol classes. Aside from those two, I feel more like I'm being beaten continuously with a club every single day that I am here. Who knows, maybe by September I'll be happier and more content than a 4-year old.
Listen to The Doors. They're good.
Das Flüg
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Westboro Baptist Church visits Rutgers; decide to "fuck it."
Standing out in the rain, the members of the Westboro Baptist Church decided to "fuck it" and leave 45 minutes before they had scheduled to do so. Students packed the sidewalks, sporting signs such as "Balls in my ass"(http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs057.snc3/14447_165171826111_728276111_2660757_433267_n.jpg) and one which simply stated "AHHHHHHH!"
The members of the WBC arrived early, 15 minutes early to be exact, which is odd for them because they believe that God hates punctuality. Just as soon as they had arrived and upon seeing the hordes of half-drunk, half-serious students and decently good-looking girls, they exclaimed "Fuck it!" and left.
"I ain't gonna be standin' round lookin' at these hot chicks! Shit! I have an inbred wife at home and she has 3 titties!" said one John Dickus of the WBC. The members of the WBC were then packed into their van, which looked mysteriously like the Mystery Machine, and drove away.
"They were here?" asked Rutgers sophomore Davis Field. "I just came here because I wanted to get with Angie over there, the cute brunette." Davis just might get his wish.
The WBC posted on their website the reason for protesting at Rutgers: "Rutgers Hillel - You have two mascots? God H8s Fags already 93 College Ave Why does New Jersey have to be so friggin' weird about everything? These guys have two mascots at this college. Is that in case one of them is offensive to someone? I'm just sayin'! WBC needs to have a few words with these young people because all of the people who ever had any influence over them - LIED! What did you do that for? Why did you lie to those kids. Oh well, they're all grown up now, so they must find out for themselves that God is NOT a liar, like you told them He is."
If anyone understands backwoods moron, please translate.
----
In actuality, I arrived after the members of the church left. I didn't even get to whip out my sign. They actually did leave early, as Rutgers students outflanked and outgunned the WBC members about 20-1. I was hoping to write about a heated protest, shouts, civil unrest, etc., but noooo. Even newschannel 4 left early. God damn.
Das Flüg
The members of the WBC arrived early, 15 minutes early to be exact, which is odd for them because they believe that God hates punctuality. Just as soon as they had arrived and upon seeing the hordes of half-drunk, half-serious students and decently good-looking girls, they exclaimed "Fuck it!" and left.
"I ain't gonna be standin' round lookin' at these hot chicks! Shit! I have an inbred wife at home and she has 3 titties!" said one John Dickus of the WBC. The members of the WBC were then packed into their van, which looked mysteriously like the Mystery Machine, and drove away.
"They were here?" asked Rutgers sophomore Davis Field. "I just came here because I wanted to get with Angie over there, the cute brunette." Davis just might get his wish.
The WBC posted on their website the reason for protesting at Rutgers: "Rutgers Hillel - You have two mascots? God H8s Fags already 93 College Ave Why does New Jersey have to be so friggin' weird about everything? These guys have two mascots at this college. Is that in case one of them is offensive to someone? I'm just sayin'! WBC needs to have a few words with these young people because all of the people who ever had any influence over them - LIED! What did you do that for? Why did you lie to those kids. Oh well, they're all grown up now, so they must find out for themselves that God is NOT a liar, like you told them He is."
If anyone understands backwoods moron, please translate.
----
In actuality, I arrived after the members of the church left. I didn't even get to whip out my sign. They actually did leave early, as Rutgers students outflanked and outgunned the WBC members about 20-1. I was hoping to write about a heated protest, shouts, civil unrest, etc., but noooo. Even newschannel 4 left early. God damn.
Das Flüg
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
President Clinton visits Rutgers
If one happened to saunter down to the Rutgers Student Center on College Avenue, there would be the unmistakable sight of atrociously long lines, backed-up traffic, and political eagerness. This, if you were unaware, greeted the likes of former President Bill Clinton, speaking on behalf of Jon Corzine for his gubernatorial re-election campaign. Droves of people attended the event, with more tickets likely given out than there were seats available.
Former President Clinton headlines the event as Governer Jon Corzine seeks a victory over his Republican rival, Chris Christie. Corzine needs all the support that he can garner, as recent poll numbers indicate that Corzine only has a 1-point lead over Christie, at 41% to 40%. Christie led the poll numbers earlier in the campaign with as much as a 6 point lead in July. He has seen his lead vanish as the Corzine campaign has begun to run more acerbic commercials and advertisements against Christie, mainly attacking his “Bush-era policies.”
Both political parties were in attendance at the event, as a group of Rutgers Republicans protested outside the Gymnasium. One man, dressed as a giant, rubber, yellow chicken held a sign stating “Cluck-U Corzine” in objection to Corzine’s current tax policy.
However, with help from former President Bill Clinton, Corzine is hoping to keep his poll numbers up, especially among those aged 18-25. Clinton boasts one of the highest approval ratings of any president in the last several decades, and continues to be popular today.
Recently, the former president traveled to North Korea in a move not sanctioned by the Obama Administration, meeting with North Korean Premier Kim-Jong Il to negotiate the release of two American journalists that were being held. The trip was a successful one, though it has been both lauded and belittled by both sides of the political isle.
A rather surprising welcoming speaker, Rutgers President Richard McCormick, was greeted to a flurry of boos and cheers upon taking the stage. McCormick has come under fire for his allocation of state funds given to Rutgers, as well as the many problems facing Rutgers, such as lack of housing for undergraduates and a budget deficit. At mention of the new Rutgers football stadium, the crowd erupted into a sea of anger and booing, as many detest the fact that so much money (more than $100 million) was spent on non-academia.
There was much berating of Corzine’s opponent Chris Christie, as Middlesex Country Freeholder Christopher Rafano stated “Christie is bad for Middlesex County, bad for New Jersey, and bad for education.” Freeholder James Polos, continuing the theme of his compatriot, extolled the benefits of Corzine: “There is only one candidate that can help New Jersey, and that is Jon Corzine.” He berated the Republican party, stating that they “did not care about health care, public education, the environment, and cut programs across the board” while he worked under a Republican administration.
A former Rutgers student that works closely with the campaign continued to speak on behalf of the Democratic party of New Jersey until cries of “R! U!” and the Obama campaign slogan “Yes We Can!” reverberated throughout the gymnasium.
After a perpetual line of current local Democratic candidates and an extraordinarily numb butt from sitting for so long, Corzine entered with emphatic applause, but Clinton was the aim for the crowd’s glee. The decibel level struck deafening each time that Clinton was mentioned. Applause and cries of “We love you Bill!” poured from every corner of the gymnasium. Corzine continually extolled Clinton’s present initiatives, such as global warming, as well as his past achievements, such as the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs during his presidency. He also announced the ostensible results from the Bush Administration, such as the war and the failing global climate. It was obvious that the crowd was waiting for Clinton; Corzine stated rather correctly “I won’t talk very long because I know that you didn’t come to hear me.”
I nearly lost my hearing when Clinton spoke his first word; the screams of joy were deafening. He had to pause several times to allow the crowd to settle down; at the announcement that his wife was nearby, the cheers were only slightly less emphatic.
The former President spoke to the students about making a difference in the world by taking action and “being winners.” He then did what was expected of him, speaking on behalf of Corzine by reading a list of his accomplishments, mainly in the area pertaining to education. This was an obvious move, as the student vote is a decent plurality of the overall vote in New Jersey.
Continuing on the theme of the night, Clinton then belittled Christie’s policies much to the approval of the crowd. He then highlighted some of his accomplishments in relation to Corzine, thus giving Corzine the image that he will be as “cool” as Clinton was regarded during his presidency.
Clinton also touched upon the current policies of the Obama administration, commending Obama’s current efforts regarding education, the environment, and his overseas efforts as well. At the end of the night, it was not Corzine, but Clinton who had won. He was showered in appreciation and eager hysterics. One message that he gave was clear and heard by all: “It is your future that is on the line.”
Perhaps some people in the gymnasium heard him.
Former President Clinton headlines the event as Governer Jon Corzine seeks a victory over his Republican rival, Chris Christie. Corzine needs all the support that he can garner, as recent poll numbers indicate that Corzine only has a 1-point lead over Christie, at 41% to 40%. Christie led the poll numbers earlier in the campaign with as much as a 6 point lead in July. He has seen his lead vanish as the Corzine campaign has begun to run more acerbic commercials and advertisements against Christie, mainly attacking his “Bush-era policies.”
Both political parties were in attendance at the event, as a group of Rutgers Republicans protested outside the Gymnasium. One man, dressed as a giant, rubber, yellow chicken held a sign stating “Cluck-U Corzine” in objection to Corzine’s current tax policy.
However, with help from former President Bill Clinton, Corzine is hoping to keep his poll numbers up, especially among those aged 18-25. Clinton boasts one of the highest approval ratings of any president in the last several decades, and continues to be popular today.
Recently, the former president traveled to North Korea in a move not sanctioned by the Obama Administration, meeting with North Korean Premier Kim-Jong Il to negotiate the release of two American journalists that were being held. The trip was a successful one, though it has been both lauded and belittled by both sides of the political isle.
A rather surprising welcoming speaker, Rutgers President Richard McCormick, was greeted to a flurry of boos and cheers upon taking the stage. McCormick has come under fire for his allocation of state funds given to Rutgers, as well as the many problems facing Rutgers, such as lack of housing for undergraduates and a budget deficit. At mention of the new Rutgers football stadium, the crowd erupted into a sea of anger and booing, as many detest the fact that so much money (more than $100 million) was spent on non-academia.
There was much berating of Corzine’s opponent Chris Christie, as Middlesex Country Freeholder Christopher Rafano stated “Christie is bad for Middlesex County, bad for New Jersey, and bad for education.” Freeholder James Polos, continuing the theme of his compatriot, extolled the benefits of Corzine: “There is only one candidate that can help New Jersey, and that is Jon Corzine.” He berated the Republican party, stating that they “did not care about health care, public education, the environment, and cut programs across the board” while he worked under a Republican administration.
A former Rutgers student that works closely with the campaign continued to speak on behalf of the Democratic party of New Jersey until cries of “R! U!” and the Obama campaign slogan “Yes We Can!” reverberated throughout the gymnasium.
After a perpetual line of current local Democratic candidates and an extraordinarily numb butt from sitting for so long, Corzine entered with emphatic applause, but Clinton was the aim for the crowd’s glee. The decibel level struck deafening each time that Clinton was mentioned. Applause and cries of “We love you Bill!” poured from every corner of the gymnasium. Corzine continually extolled Clinton’s present initiatives, such as global warming, as well as his past achievements, such as the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs during his presidency. He also announced the ostensible results from the Bush Administration, such as the war and the failing global climate. It was obvious that the crowd was waiting for Clinton; Corzine stated rather correctly “I won’t talk very long because I know that you didn’t come to hear me.”
I nearly lost my hearing when Clinton spoke his first word; the screams of joy were deafening. He had to pause several times to allow the crowd to settle down; at the announcement that his wife was nearby, the cheers were only slightly less emphatic.
The former President spoke to the students about making a difference in the world by taking action and “being winners.” He then did what was expected of him, speaking on behalf of Corzine by reading a list of his accomplishments, mainly in the area pertaining to education. This was an obvious move, as the student vote is a decent plurality of the overall vote in New Jersey.
Continuing on the theme of the night, Clinton then belittled Christie’s policies much to the approval of the crowd. He then highlighted some of his accomplishments in relation to Corzine, thus giving Corzine the image that he will be as “cool” as Clinton was regarded during his presidency.
Clinton also touched upon the current policies of the Obama administration, commending Obama’s current efforts regarding education, the environment, and his overseas efforts as well. At the end of the night, it was not Corzine, but Clinton who had won. He was showered in appreciation and eager hysterics. One message that he gave was clear and heard by all: “It is your future that is on the line.”
Perhaps some people in the gymnasium heard him.
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