hillsdale forum

Spring 2008

the
Volume V, Issue IV

FIRED UP:
by Christina Miller
Director of Security Mike Wertz does
What if students carried books and guns Up the Hill?
firearms around campus, Wertz replied it
photos by Huneke-Bergquist

Wilhelm also believes that students at all

not support students carrying weapons on would never happen. “We’re a private insti- campuses should have to take a test with se-
In the wake of recent school shootings, campus. “You’re asking a Marine how tution, but we are also a school zone. It’s just curity in order to be armed at school. “There’s
notably Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois he feels about guns? I love the Second not feasible. We don’t want the OK Corral.” always the risk of accidents happening.”
University, increasing attention has been Amendment. Guns don’t kill, people do.” However, Hillsdale does have accommoda- Hillsdale’s political environment is wel-
paid to gun violence on campuses. Some Despite his pro-Second Amendment lean- tions for students with firearms and hunting coming to concealed carry, but other cam-
have called for an increase in gun restric- ings, Wertz has strong reservations about licenses. If a student is licensed to carry a fire- puses need some more convincing. Aaron
tions while others have denounced these allowing students to carry weapons on cam- arm, he can check it with the Security Office, Cole, president of the Eastern Michigan Uni-
restrictions as failing and say use it in approved areas and then re-check it. versity chapter of Students for Concealed
students should be allowed to
carry guns on campus to protect
themselves in an emergency.
“ You’re asking a Marine
how he feels about
Some students feel differently. Senior Lynn
Wilhelm supports students’ rights to carry
firearms around campus, “The recent events
Carry on Campus says that students initially
don’t like the idea of other students carrying.
“The majority of students when you ask
Since the NIU shootings, con- that we’ve seen at Northern Illinois Univer- them, there’s a shock to it and they say, ‘Heck
servative college students have guns? I love the Second sity show there’s a need for students to have no! I don’t want guns on campus.’ But then
taken the latter idea on a cru- Amendment. Guns don’t the ability to defend themselves if such an you talk to them and they think about it…the

sade. ConcealedCampus.com
offers training sessions for stu- kill, people do
dents who wish to obtain con-
cealed carry licenses or learn
to safely use a firearm. From
the site you can find links to write your rep-
resentatives and learn facts about carrying
weapons. ConcealedCampus.com has also
launched a string of empty holster protests
nationwide where students wear empty
holsters to protest gun-free schools. The
organization has nearly 20,000 members.
”
-Mike Wertz
pus. He fears that people with concealed car-
ry licenses may not truly be able to use their
weapon. “Those who are armed should know
how and when to use their weapons. They
should be highly trained and know when to
use deadly force.” When asked if he thought
Hillsdale would ever allow students to carry
occasion arises…It’s a right that should be
protected at Hillsdale as well as other cam-
puses. Events we’ve seen in recent years,
whatever caused them, students haven’t had
a way to defend themselves. If the students
who killed at those colleges knew that fel-
low students might have guns on them as
well, maybe it would make them think twice
before bringing guns to class and using them
on fellow students. It probably wouldn’t
hurt to have the professors have some
kind of knowledge about guns as well.”
majority of them might feel more secure.”
However much students may want to
carry firearms around campuses, the rules
are unlikely to change anytime soon. Wor-
ries about gun violence are strongly en-
trenched, and laws in many states place
strict regulations on gun ownership.
However the students who feel that they
should be able to protect themselves make
a powerful argument, and one that will
surely only grow louder with time. HF
2 the crawler Spring 2008

Man of STEELE everything you ever needed to know... and some things you didn’t
An Australian father-daughter couple
who just had a child together claim
At a San Francisco fund-raiser on April
6, Barack Obama said bitterness over
by sCOTT rOZELL miles, Steele says, is when he is on top of
a mountain, anywhere he looks he knows that, “society has the problem, not us!” job loss leads small-town Americans to
The license plate of Dr. Charles Steele, he can reach on foot. “An ultra-marathon Yes, because sleeping with your “cling to guns or religion or antipathy
Assistant Professor of Economics, reads runner never says you can’t do that, there parents is totally legitimate. toward people who aren’t like them
‘Marathons R 4 Weenies.’ A veteran of 25 is an attitude about them,” an attitude *
or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-
ultra-marathons (an ultra marathon is any Dr. Steele has taken in all areas of life, Massive child custody hearings are trade sentiment as a way to explain
race over 26.2 miles), Steele has earned especially teaching. When students come to their frustrations.” Hillary Clinton and
looming after the State of Texas re-
the right to tout his him and say they John McCain both promptly pounced
can’t understand
moves 416 children from a polygamist
license plate. He on him for being out of touch with the
normally runs 50 a concept, he sect in San Angaelo, TX.
* common man—to which Obama re-
mile races, but has brushes that
sponded that “I didn’t say it as well as I
run a 100 mile race aside and works Former President Jimmy Carter met
with them until could have,” but “I said something that
as well as 50K and with Palestinian terrorist group Hamas,
100Ks. How can they can grasp everybody knows is true.”
insisting that “it’s very important that *
anyone run such the material. at least someone meet with the Hamas
long distances? Dr. Of course, not In another example of infinite celebrity
leaders to express their views.” Pre-
Steele says it is all even the man wisdom: Alicia Keys claims that the
named Steele can
sumably, he plans to do so because it
about pacing oneself. government was behind feud between
He normally runs finish every race. worked out so well the last time Carter
Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G.,
for 50 minutes and negotiated with Middle-Eastern
fueling it to keep black men from posi-
then walks for 5-10 militants.
*
tions of power.
minutes. Such a pace,
Steele emphasizes, On March 28, the Evening Standard of *
is necessary so that London reported that Great Britain’s
marriage rate is the lowest it’s ever Obama’s favorite pastor, Reverend Jer-
your body does not
get worn down by been in the 150 years since marriages emiah Wright, blasts the forefathers,
the hours of running. were first recorded—a paltry 1% of claiming they advocated white suprem-
Most people adults. acy, during a Norfolk, Virginia sermon.
are fatigued by * He received a standing ovation for the
dreaming of running Compiled by remarks.
a marathon, so why Calvin Freiburger, Scott Rozell, and *
would anybody Emilia Huneke-Bergquist
want to run twice, *

X MARKS THE SPOT

thrice, or sometimes
four times that
distance? For Steele, Photos Courtesy of Charles Steele
running helped
him get through
Above: Sporting a Hawaiian shirt, Dr. Steele treks up
the Hyalite Draw in Montana during a 50 mile race.
Millions of Dollars Awaits Those Who
his PhD program. Below: Before meeting a grizzly, Steele ventured 24 Successfully Conquer the Final Frontier
“The quality that miles through the Spanish Peaks in the Summer of 2007.
all ultra-marathon doing so, it broke through the dividing line
runners possess is by Dave Wasmer between space and Earth (100 km) for just
perseverance;” Dr. Steele says this while Of the 25 or so he has entered, he has failed April 21st, 2004 - the cool, still morning over tens seconds. The crowd on the ground
leaning back in his chair obviously thinking to finish two. One of the races was during a dawning over the Mojave desert started out was treated to a small white streak in the
about the trying times he faced while hot summer day. His parents were in town like any other day; however, a couple hours sky, and a double sonic boom created by the
running races and writing his dissertation. and he was worried about dehydration and after the sun’s feeble morning illumination ship’s top speed of almost three times the
“No matter what happens, we continue placing himself in a situation of danger. first struck the tarmac of the Mojave Airport, speed of sound.
and progress forward,” he declares about Sitting at the halfway point, contemplating the day would prove to be a milestone in That double sonic boom signaled more than
himself and his running companions. On what he should do, a fellow runner declared human achievement, and mark the opening just the ship’s velocity: it marked a transition
one of his favorite runs in Montana, runners that he had beer in his truck and anyone of a new era: commercial space-flight. in the history of space exploration. Melvill
trot along the peaks of the rugged Gallatin who did not want to finish was more than The craft revealed from the hanger that became the first private individual to enter
Range where the only stopping points are welcome to come drink with him. Steele morning, SpaceShipOne looked like anything space. Within a year of that historic flight,
25 miles apart. “You have to learn to pace quickly followed a group of runners to the but a spaceship. Giving the impression of a the SpaceShipOne project went on to win the
yourself and hold back, it’s a great learning truck, and later met up with his parents. bomb with wings, the gleaming white hulled Ansari X-Prize, an award of $10 million to
experience… There is something [special] Even with these trying times, the professor vessel was attached to its carrier ship, dubbed the first group to successfully complete two
about sticking to something and having a has no intentions of giving up racing White Knight, and an hour of flying later, the space-flights within two weeks using the
great deal of endurance, you prevail.” He anytime soon. Showing a picture of an 80 combined planes reached 47,000 feet. After same craft.
relates it to his Ph.D. program where “the year old man finishing a 50 mile race, he a brief moment of peaceful gliding detached Space flight is quickly leaving the realm
people who stayed in the Ph.D. program are explains, “he did not come in last,” and from White Knight, pilot Mike Melvill ignited of government budgets or science fiction
like ultra-marathon runners, no matter what with a challenge to himself in his voice, the main engine aboard SpaceShipOne. novels, and rapidly capturing the imagination
happens they won’t quit and keep taking you can expect that Steele, himself, won’t With the rocket engine roaring to life, of private investors. After SpaceShipOne
steps forward.” be coming in last any time soon either. HF SpaceShipOne tore through atmosphere. The
Another perk of being able to run 100 craft peaked in altitude at 100,124 meters. In CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
 h
forum news 3
X FROM PAGE 2 to drive innovation and cost efficiency. And marvel of human achievement. Space travel
theHillsdale grabbed the X-Prize, Richard Branson, the while private sector interest in space-flight kindles the fires of curiosity and wonder
forum unconventional entrepreneur behind the takes off, NASA has not kept its head in the inherent in the human spirit, and now, private
Virgin Group, announced plans to launch sand. It has also begun offering prizes as well entrepreneurs of this decade like Richard
his latest venture, dubbed Virgin Galactic. for various technological accomplishments Branson and the SpaceShipOne team are
Emilia Huneke-Bergquist
The plans for the first spaceline in history related to space exploration. providing the spark. HF
Julie Robison
include purchasing
Editors in Chief several multi- Current X Prizes:
passenger versions
1.) Google Lunar
Heather Shell of SpaceShipOne,
and charging $30 Million to the first team who
Dave Wasmer
future space can send launch a lunar rover that
Copy Editors
tourists $200,000 travels 500 meters, transmitting
for a trip into video/photos back to Earth
Mary Kate Cavazos sub-orbital space
2.) Progressive Automotive
Subscription Manager to experience
five minutes of $10 Million for the design of “vi-
weightlessness. able, clean and super-efficient cars
Nate Anderson
While that people want to buy”
mATT cOLE S p a c e S h i p O n e The “White Knight” prepares to fly into history. Photo (c) Matt Massee 3.) Genomics
cALVIN fReIBURGER may have taken
$100 Million for a faster, better
Brian Johnston the X-Prize, space
enthusiasts need not worry: there are more. Progress may seem slow, but the end goal way to sequence genomes, per-
Martin Kraegel III
Google recently announced another X-Prize, laid out by private investors like Branson and sonalized medicine is the goal
nATHAN lICHTMAN
this time for $20 million. The challenge? the government led programs are laudable
Kate Martin find more information at
Put a robotic rover on the moon. The goal is and noble. The Apollo missions united our
Christina Miller ambitious, but the idea behind X-Prizes are nation - even the world to a degree - in the www.xprize.org
jAMES nESBITT
Scott Rozell
G. Stolyarov II Twin Cities Welcome Herd of Elephants
Staff Writers GOP Convention promises nearly $150 million in revenues for Minneapolis-St. Paul
than any other on record. Thus, had the where Republicans nominated incumbent
by Emilia Huneke-Bergquist Republicans not secured a Presidential Benjamin Harrison, Minneapolis-St.
Come September, nearly 50,000 people nominee prior to the convention this Paul is now, over one-hundred years
will flood Minneapolis-Saint Paul for the

h
year, the selected candidate would later, an important stomping ground for
2008 Republican National Convention. have had less time to campaign than the Republican party. With the help of
A four-day extravaganza, the convention

forum
The Hillsdale Forum is an
independent political student
publication distributed four times
throughout the academic year.
Questions?
Comments?
Submissions?
Contact The Hillsdale Forum:
hillsdaleforum@gmail.com
commences on Monday September 1st
(Labor Day), and while a schedule of
events is likely unavailable until this
summer, attendees are guaranteed a
glimpse into the United States’ political
foundations.
The Convention is working hard to
promote conservatism and election
education at all levels, offering not only
summer internships to students interested
in politics, economics, and public
relations, but also, providing an essay
contest to high school students. Such
promotion is an important aspect of the
upcoming election, especially in terms
of bringing youth out to the polls once
Election Day arrives. Furthermore, while
the application window for internships
has already closed, if students are able to
accommodate a three-day vacation into
their schedules during the second week of
the 2008-2009 academic year, organizers
are still eagerly recruiting volunteers via
the RNC website, available at www.
gopconvention.com.
Of importance is the fact that, this, the
39th Convention in the history of the
Republican Party, falls later in the year
anyone in history, a mere 61 days. Yet, Govenor Tim Pawlenty, and Senator Norm
with Denver’s Democratic National Coleman leading the way, the modern,
Convention wrapping up only a week fun, and family-oriented atmosphere of
ahead of the RNC, neither appears to have the twin cities promises to be an ideal
a distinct campaigning edge on the other; place to kick off the conservative race to
something very important to both sides of the White House. HF
the political aisle.
Having hosted the 1892 Convention,
Hillsdale College Republicans
Upcoming Events
Throughout Semester
Petitioning for Jack Hoogendyk for Senate and
Tim Walberg for Congress
April 22
Fundraiser for Chief Justice Taylor
April 30
BBQ and 2008/2009 officer elections (any due paying member is
welcome to run for office, dues must be paid this day if you’d like
to vote, they will be $3)
This Week
New College Republicans shirts arrive, on sale for $12
4 spotlight on food Spring 2008

EATING THEIR WORDS Hillsdale College to offer a cost effective

Why SAGA’s standard answer is
no longer good enough.
offered from 7 a.m.- 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.- 1:30 options. Yet it still manages to offer a flexible
by James Nesbitt food service. This line of argument has p.m., and 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. In between these full and affordable service. Centre College
What drives a good food program? Along been used in other circumstances by various service meals, lighter offerings are available shows that small colleges can indeed offer
with the completion of the Grewcock Student administrators of the college as a defense for for students who wish to eat at other times. competitive, convenient, and high quality
Union, Hillsdale has been finishing the the policy. In addition, a detailed food service website is food service while still managing costs.
construction of its argument that facilities How does this limitation affect other colleges offered, which includes weekly, easy-to-read Perhaps Hillsdale College can benefit from
are the crucial factor in a good food program; of Hillsdale’s size? Take the food program menus showing all the offerings, allowing the motivating force of incentives taught so
now that we have a at Centre College students to plan their meal schedules in vocally in its classes. Economics professors
high quality facility, of Kentucky as an advance to incorporate entrees they enjoy. constantly advocate the ability of consumers
we will have high example. Centre’s Centre has two additional options for students to take their business to other options because
quality food service. characteristics are in search of food. The Warehouse Grill it forces companies to remain competitive
The college does similar to those of serves pizza, sandwiches, pretzels, nachos, and encourages them to keep prices low;
speak a truth—in Hillsdale College; and salads, while the Hall of Fame Café while history professors detail the numerous
part, high quality it is located in the offers freshly baked products, sandwiches, examples of the past that competition
food does depend city of Danville, salads, wraps, parfaits, espressos, mochas, makes quality higher and prices lower, not
on the capital used whose population lattes, and fruit smoothies. These options the reverse. Though such principals find a
to produce it. Most of 15,000 is slightly may seem similar to the offerings of A.J.’s prominent place in out classrooms, many
students agree that larger than the city Café, but they are much more practical for have yet to find incorporation into the dining
the new facility and of Hillsdale’s. The students, because students can choose meal hall. HF
equipment available College educates plans that include purchases from these
has indeed helped about 1100 students dining commons alternatives. Five meal
improve quality of and employs around plans are offered, ranging from every meal
food available at 100 professors, per week in the
Saga. “I think the making the school dining commons
food is better at the slightly smaller than to just one
new student union, Hillsdale. Despite hundred meals a
now that they’ve Centre College’s semester. “Flex
learned how to use small size, it has been Dollars” are
the new equipment,” able to overcome included in the
says sophomore this challenge and plans, which
Michelle Ashdown. offer a flexible food allow students
Students too ill to attend meals can request
However, a much program comparable to buy a meal
a “take-home” option, allowing them to use
more important driver to food programs anywhere on
their meals even if they can’t make it to the
in the quality of food at much larger campus. Unlike
is the fear of failure, dining hall. colleges. Charger Change,
a fear that requires An independent which must be
choice on the part of the consumer. Hillsdale company called Sodexho, a company purchased in
College has no such fear factor in their food offering similar services to Saga, Inc., runs addition to one’s
program because, ironically, the school that Centre College’s food service, and though Hillsdale meal
advocates the benefits of free markets allows Sodexho is one of the largest food service plan, flex dollars Centere College’s foremost dining hall, Cowan Commons, is open from
its students little choice when it comes providers in North America, it has been are included 7am to 8pm.
time to dine. Many students would prefer able to offer Centre College a flexible and with the plan,
to purchase fewer meals ranging Hungry for More?
from Saga than is currently
allowed, such as Junior Matt
Kownacki, who thinks, “one
“students
Centre College has fewer
than does Hillsdale
from $70 flex dollars with a full meal
plan, to $725 Flex Dollars with the 100
meal per semester plan. This allows
Centere’s Available Meal Plans
Unlimited Meals
meal a day would be optimal for much more effective competition $70 Flex/Year
for [his] schedule.” When College and allows its between the grill, café, and dining *
asked why the college does customer base to be split commons for the business of students.
If quality is deficient at one location,
16 Meals Weekly
not allow students the choice
to purchase the number of between three different students may go elsewhere without $300 Flex/Year
meals most reasonable to forfeiting the money they have paid for *
their individual needs, an
dining options. Yet it still their meal plan. Hillsdale’s Student 13 Meals Weekly
administrator of Hillsdale manages to offer a flexible Federation recently proposed to adopt $380 Flex/Year

”
College cited the small size a more limited and restricted version of
of the college as the factor and affordable service. this plan, although the administration
*
requiring the ten meal-per- has yet to accept the proposal and has 10 Meals Weekly
week minimum. Should voiced concerns over the cost they $600 Flex/Year
this requirement not exist, she claimed, customized service. Centre College operates fear such competition might impose. *
there would be insufficient volume to allow its dining commons continuously for their Centre College has fewer students than 100 Meals per Semester
1100 students throughout the entire week Hillsdale College and allows its customer
base to be split between three different dining
$725 Flex/Year
Photos courtsey of Centre College from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Full service meals are
 h
forum commentary 5
FOES IN
Jenna Chelsea
HIGH PLACES -versus-
State Department embraces this group with
by Calvin Freiburger open arms,” Malkin writes, “yet Karl Rove
The Left is quick to draw parallels warned Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) that he
between the War on Terror and the Red will never be allowed to ‘darken the White
Scare of the 1950s. They allege that today’s House door’ because of honest, intra-party
conservatives exaggerate the jihadist threat disagreements over border security. What
and will malign the patriotism of any is wrong with this picture?”
poor liberal who dares question them in On November 18, 2007, the New York
the same way Sen. Joe McCarthy largely Post reported on Lebanese immigrant
manufactured hysteria over Communists in Nada Nadim Prouty. In 1990, Prouty used
the government for partisan gain. a fake marriage to gain US citizenship,
Revisited most recently by M. Stanton which enabled her to get jobs with the
Evans’ book, Blacklisted By History, the FBI and CIA. Once employed, she snuck
truth about the Red Scare is quite different, into government databases to look up
but if there is a parallel to be drawn between information on her sister and brother-in-law, Who’s the least virtuous first daughter?
the two conflicts, it would be this: in much both linked to Hezbollah. In addition, at the
the same way as many McCarthy suspects time the article went to press, Prouty was in
turned out to be genuine security risks, today her third marriage to Gordon Prouty, a State by T.A. Frank re-tune the Jenna product, it has worked
there are a number of people working in the Department official who has held sensitive Guest Columnist on me. IN fact, the closer I look, the more
posts in Cairo, Egypt and Islamabad, For a long time, it seemed as if Jenna I like Jenna. And, I regret to say, the less I
federal government who are sympathetic
Pakistan. Bush’s public image was pretty much like Chelsea.
to highly dubious Islamic individuals and
Writing for the Washington Times on summed up by her work on the club circuit. These days, Jenna has an easygoing
organizations.
December 28, 2007, Bill Gertz reported Back in 2005, the New York Post made manner not just with the bartenders at
On June 22nd and 24th, 2004, journalist
the story of Stephen Coughlin and Hasham mention of a party that included “Jenna Smith Point but with nearly everyone,
Mary Jacoby reported that Faisal Gill, then
Islam. The former is a Pentagon specialist on all fours doing ‘the butt dance’…as including the mentally impaired. With
policy director for the Homeland Security
on Islamic law, the latter an aide to Deputy guys were ogling her thong.” If the First Larry King, for example, she patiently
Department’s intelligence division,
Defense Secretary Gordon England. It seems Twin’s choice of recreational activities fielded queries from her host such as
“forgot” to tell his employers that he once
Coughlin met the disapproval of Islam and wasn’t entirely bad—for instance, the “Why does Ana have one ‘n’?” and “Why
served as spokesman for the American
other pro-Muslim figures in the government Post’s source gave Jenna credit for “doing isn’t the world not doing more?” (Related
Muslim Council (AMC). The AMC’s
by identifying “several groups that are [the butt dance] very well”— then neither mystery: Why isn’t King not on the air
leader, Abdurahman Alamoudi, admitted
being courted by Mr. Islam’s community was it entirely good. By contrast, Chelsea anymore? Isn’t viewers getting not unsick
participating in a plot to assassinate Saudi
outreach program as front organizations for Clinton learned the hard way about what of him?) Jenna was equally forbearing with
Crown Prince Abdullah on behalf of
the pro-extremist Muslim Brotherhood,” can come of impromptu displays of thong Diane Sawyer, who seized on a mention of
Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi. He is currently
granting tacit legitimacy to jihadist groups and, so far, has covered her rear. It’s no sex in Jenna’s book and (placing the tips
serving a 23-year prison sentence on related
in the process. In response, Mr. Islam urged surprise that her Poise Count—the number of her hands at her temples to illustrate
charges. Despite this (as well as not having
“Coughlin to take a softer line on Islam.” On of LexisNexis articles resulting from the bewilderment) managed to come up with,
an intelligence background), the Department
January 4, Gertz reported that the Pentagon word “poise” paired with her name— “We think, wait. Doesn’t she come from an
chose to keep Gill even after discovering
fired not Islam, but Coughlin. clocks in at 770, while Jenna trails at 144. administration that believes in abstinence?
his conflict of interest in March 2004.
Granted, in none of these cases have actual Chelsea was the accomplished Stanford Is this tricky?” No, Jenna explained,
On January 14th, 2005, columnist Michelle
covert jihadists been found in government graduate living a quiet life in New York, gently putting Sawyer’s worries to rest.
Malkin called attention to an IslamOnline.
posts, but they do show a pattern of missing while Jenna was the not-so-accomplished “I don’t come from an administration. I’m
net story highlighting a meeting several State
obvious red flags and excessive deference University of Texas graduate living a loud his daughter, you know?”
Department officials, including Ambassador
to the CAIR brand of Muslim sensibilities. life in—well, wherever she happened to I should confess my Jenna-love isn’t
William Burns and Assistant Secretaries
Therefore, is it really a stretch to imagine go drinking. entirely faithful. When, for instance, she
Patricia de Stacy Harrison and Richard
extremist-minded individuals finding The butt dance, however, turned calls her fiancé “a really good guy,” her
Boucher, held with the notorious Council on
their way in? As one can see, there are out to be the end of an era for Jenna. wording and intonation so resemble those
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The
already those in the government who value Shortly after the Post story, she began of her father (or Will Ferrell) that it’s
meeting was geared toward “cooperative
politically-correct etiquette over basic teaching at a public elementary school in hard for me to forgive her. But my real
efforts to challenge both Islamophobia and
security considerations. Washington, D.C. She got engaged to a complaints start with Chelsea Clinton.
anti-Americanism.” CAIR has a colorful
It’s no coincidence that America hasn’t young conservative named Henry Hager, Blame The New York Times for planting
history in Islamophobia agitation, shilling
seen another attack since 9/11; the Bush a former aide to Karl Rove. And she took the first unfriendly thoughts in my head.
for jihadist groups. Two ex-employees
Administration deserves credit for the a job as an intern for UNICEF and wrote a In an article published this July, the paper
currently face terrorism charges, along with
proactive counterterrorism steps it has book called Ana’s Story, a nicely rendered unkindly reminded readers that Chelsea, in
one unindicted co-conspirator. “CAIR’s
taken. But in this kind of war, there is no nonfiction account of the life of a 17- the months after September 11, has written
hyped claims of anti-Muslim bigotry include
margin for error—especially in staffing year-old Central American mother living in Talk magazine that “‘serving’ in
publicizing fake hate crimes. Its methods of
with HIV. If it’s all a calculated effort to
‘combating’ Islamophobia revolve around the very government charged with our Continued on page 8
bullying critics and suing them. The Bush protection. HF
Fashionably Late
Spring 2008

The Art of Modesty

by Heather Shell
so prized in American culture today. Such
(Even if it is to your 8 a.m. Western Heritage class) reckless emoting is seen as an expression of

the top
No, no, “fashion at Hillsdale” is not entirely an oxymoron, Modesty appears to be one of the virtues that has personality and vitality, when in actuality it

5
just something that this campus could oftentimes use a bit of a been completely renounced in our society today. is simply an immature, volatile, and irritating
crash course in. It is completely understandable that between Not only is it blaringly absent among the ranks of display of instability and neediness. Immodesty
modern values, its presence is, in fact, derided, leads to lack of self-possession, not only in the
the 8,973,452,349,857 pages of reading due tomorrow and the
and those who practice it, looked down upon. sense that the individual is no longer acting
Blackboard quizzes that some professor has insisted upon making The most obvious manifestation of modesty is with self-control, but also in the sense that by

Hillsdale College
as difficult as possible that you don’t always have time to head up in dress; it is the first thing that people think externalizing everything, there is no internal
the hill looking your very best. However, it is no secret that being about at the mere mention of modesty. Clothing aspect to the individual, no personal depth.

TRENDS
a well-dressed student has its perks. So, in the interested of getting 3-inch Heels on 2 inches of Ice Classic White Pearls is certainly an important part of modesty. The Emotional immodesty is positively epidemic
the job, getting the respect, or even getting the attention of that cute Face it: you’ve got to hand it to the girls Isn’t it amazing how good shiny clothing that people choose impresses others in our culture and the art of knowing when and
guy/girl walking across the quad—always remember: who make it up the hill without twisting balls of oyster spit can look with with something of their character and projects what to share seems to be completely lost on
their ankles in their super-cute heels. that little black dress? Adding a their personality to the world. It is also a key this generation.
Ladies: Gentlemen: Serious snaps for not allowing a small touch of class, and a bit of sass, indication of what they desire from those who Personal modesty is also manifested in actions.
-A black/white combination is -Every guy needs a suit, and thing like unsalted slopes to keep you they perfect any outfit. look at them. Immodesty in dress only serves to The actions of a truly modest individual are not
timeless and classy, always black or blue are likely your best from taking your favorite pair of shoes reveal shallowness and insecurity of character, motivated by a need for, or even an expectation,
-Leggings are great, just not for options out for a walk. for nothing is to be gained but a cheap and of recognition. A modest person does not need
all seven days of the week -Never wear socks with sandals. flimsy form of recognition. True satisfaction, to receive credit for his undertakings, but is
-Save the see-through, short, -Match your belt and shoe colors. true pleasure, is not likely to be found from such content with the personal satisfaction that comes
and sequined for the weekends -Your vulgar t-shirt isn’t funny. a selfish and objectifying form of admiration. from any deed that is good and right. Modern
-Sometimes a hat and pony-tail -A tailored look, not too tight or Bartering personal dignity for acknowledgment society is convinced that all good actions must
are as good as its going to get too loose, is always flattering is certainly not a sign of a healthy individual, and be rewarded, and otherwise noble actins are
However, in our quest for scholarly opinions on such a matter, we yet this mode of behavior, that was once a mark prostituted for the paltry trophy, Praise. Our

“
found that Dr. Patricia Bart of the English Department said it best:
Fashion, in itself, is always a mistake, making the term “fash-
ion mistake” redundant. Take note, those registering for
Principles of Style in the fall. Style, not fashion, is what we
must aim for, whether in our writing or in our clothing.
But in matters of style, sartorial blunders can be regional. In the
South, it is a mistake to buy anything for summer that costs more
than $25, since it will become unfit for wear before the mayflies
perish, whereas it is not possible to overspend for the winter in
Hillsdale. The designers at NASA, for example, have some nice
We understand that where you come from, people
suits in winter white, priced up in the millions, that would be
The Look of Endless Summer Tweed Suiting
Nothing says “country gentry”
The Fedora
It’s a mobster! It’s a secret agent! It’s a
of commonness and low position, has become
socially acceptable, even socially expected.
However, the issue of modesty does not pertain
to females alone, nor is it confined to the realm
of clothing. Immodesty in clothing is merely
the symptom of the disease that is personal
immodesty. True modesty is a state of mind. A
modest individual is modest in dress, in word,
in deed. Modesty truly relates to decorum,
not drawing attention to oneself, not seeking
attention by making yourself conspicuous,
but earning the attention by true merit and
garnering respect, instead of a reputation. A
“look at me” culture believes that good deeds are
no longer enough in themselves. They must be
validated by the recognition of others, all actions
laid bare to the world, just as the body and the
emotions are laid bare, so that an individual may
be noticed and admired. Modesty allows your
character to speak for itself, instead of relying
on suggestive clothing, gushing emotions, or
showy undertakings to validate who you are.
The fulfillment that the world offers is feeble
and fleeting. As the modest individual knows,
true fulfillment can only come from the person
who is confident enough to know his own worth,

”
wear flip-flops and shorts every day. However, where
a reasonable investment here, whereas these same suits would
you come from, it does not snow for seven months out
seem both needless and eccentric south of the Mason-Dixon.
of the year. Notice those large, puffy things people
have on? They’re called coats. Extra fabric attached
to shorts magically turns them into pants and we
promise your feet will be able to breathe in close-toed
shoes.
quite like tweed. We love how
both professors and students
rock the tweed jacket-- extra
points for elbow patches.
Mu Alpha! What’s better than a piece of
prime example of rampant immodesty in our and not from the person who relies on others to
classy head wear to make the ladies fall
modern culture is that of emotional immodesty. tell him his worth. HF
at your feet?
Just flip on any sitcom and you’ll have the
consummate example of the emotional vomit
MKC, HS, EHB
8 opinion Spring 2008

Parting Thoughts
Letter from the Editor
This year, The Hillsdale Forum celebrated its
fifth birthday, and while normal five-year-olds
are tackling numbers, letters, and proper hand-
One Senior’s Reflections on His Time at Hillsdale
washing techniques, we happen to be one of by
Brian Johnson every day at school, not to mention One of my biggest changes from my time
those kids. You know the ones—the kids who that I still not found a school I wished here has been my increasing skepticism of
conquered the theory of relativity while the Four years ago, I had never even heard of to transfer to for the rest of my college politics and of human nature in general.
rest of us were working on putting the proper Hillsdale College. I was an aspiring sports career. However, the tide soon changed It is not that elections are not important,
shapes in the holes. reporter at Kellogg Community College when my dad found a copy of Imprimis in but we should not place the entire hope
It has been one of our foremost goals this in Battle Creek, still with no idea where I a church trashcan that summer. I started of America on whether a certain person is
year to capture a better snapshot of the campus
would complete my college degree. While investigating Hillsdale, and quickly found elected President or to other government
political scene and all of the original and
innovative events students continue attending in high school, I was unable to find a college that I liked everything I learned about it. positions. I really do not care much about
in the name of conservatism. Since September, I felt was a good fit for me, so I accepted a In October, I made an all-day visit to this November’s election, because it will
we have tackled a wide range of issues on a full ride at KCC while I figured things out. Hillsdale. It seemed like a great place, not change the fact that America has been
spectrum spanning Hillsdale to Israel, and had By the end of the 2003-04 school year, but I was not sure that I was “smart” going downhill for many years now. We
the opportunity to do so because of several I was really discouraged. My experience enough to do well there. I went ahead have become too attached to the belief that
wonderful additions to our staff. It is only due working for the college newspaper turned and applied, and around Christmas I government can solve all our problems
to their determination, vigor, and creativity me away from journalism. Meanwhile, I learned I was accepted. Still uncertain, I and that something is okay because 51% of
that we’ve been able to enhance the paper so had developed an interest in politics and looked around at several other schools Americans say so. This is very dangerous.
exponentially over the course of the last year.
was frustrated with the political correctness but just could not get excited about any of In all, things have worked out well for
But, enough of the Academy Awards-esque
thank you speech. The bottom line is that all and liberal dogma thrown at me virtually them. Before I knew it, it was August of me. I have only been here three years, but
of this is about you. While we enjoy reporting, 2005 and I was on my way to Hillsdale. I have five years of college behind me and
writing, and being generally witty—unless I knew immediately that I wanted to be it is definitely time to move on. I have met
readers enjoy The Hillsdale Forum as much as our parents do (who am I kidding, they have to like a political science major. I was expecting a lot of great people, many of whom I hope
it!), then we are not doing our job. to hear much of the same conservative to remain friends with for many years after
The amazing wonders of modern technology entail having access to an e-mail account, so, give us dogma that I had believed my whole I leave. While I am very worn out and
a shout at hillsdaleforum@gmail.com. See something you like, dislike, hate, or thoroughly enjoy? life. I found that this was not entirely anxious to leave, my time here has been
Please, take a minute and let us know. We welcome outside submissions, and hopefully, by the time true. It is no secret that Hillsdale is very beneficial. Hillsdale is imperfect, just
August rolls around, we will have a fully functioning website where you can access more stories,
possibly one of the most conservative like everywhere else. But what separates
leave live feedback, and read stories from our sister papers around the country.
Interested in politics, writing or journalism? Join us! We are always looking for fresh writers and schools in America, something neither it from most other places, in my opinion,
editors—and promise an experience far from MTV’s The Paper. (I just saw an advertisement for the the school nor its students tries to hide. is that it does not teach you what to think,
show, and, man, raise your hand if you miss high-school drama!) Regardless, I have not gotten the kind of but rather how to think. A lot of students
That is all I’ve got, but on a final note: thank you again for your support throughout the school year. conservatism you hear from talking heads at Hillsdale make jokes about the school,
We genuinely look forward to bringing you all kinds of election tidbits and coverage in the new like Sean Hannity or Ann Coulter. Rather, and there certainly is plenty of material.
school year, but for now, cheers to a strong finish and a wonderful summer! it is a conservatism that teaches students to Nevertheless, I do hope that people realize
think, to use prudence, and to examine and what a unique opportunity it is to go here.
Emilia Huneke-Bergquist critique all points of view, even one’s own. Best wishes to everyone. HF
Editor in Chief

First Daughters from
page 5
the broadest sense now seems like
the only right thing to do….Is bank-
ing what’s important right now?” To
which the Times not so gently pointed
out that Chelsea’s post-9/11 resume
has consisted of stints as a McKin-
sey consultant and as an investment
analyst at Avenue Capital, a hedge run
by the nuns of Calcutta. Oh, sorry—
make that Clinton donor Mac Lasry.
The Times piece was a fairly bitchy
slap, and, before I level any further
charges myself, let me defend Chel-
sea for a moment. All of us were
feeling generous and altruistic in the
wake of 9/11 before we came to our
senses, aided by time and a ruthless
White House. One of my best friends
worked for McKinsey (I still like him
fine), and my wife once worked for a
hedge fund (I still like her fine). I, too,
would hope one day to be well-paid,
even if this effort is going disastrously.
But still, it all seems a bit—much.
Quoth the Times: “Friends say financial
independence is important to Ms. Clin-
ton; she may improve on her low-six-
figure McKinsey salary by hundreds of
thousands of dollars.” That’s quite the
declaration of financial independence.
And Chelsea didn’t exactly spend her Ox-
ford days tending to the world’s unfortu-
nates, either: Among the events she attend-
ed were a Versace couture show in Paris
(sitting next to Madonna and Gwyneth Pal-
trow), a ball thrown by Sir Elton John, and
a film premiere with Paul McCartney. Nor
did she join her British celebrity friends
in visiting landmine amputees, unless the
amputees happened to be holed up ay Os-
car de la Renta’s Dominican villa. In New
York, Chelsea has befriended celebrities
like Tara Reid (who, to be fair, may actu-
ally qualify as a public service cause) and
become a regular at establishments like
Schiller’s and Bungalow 8. In short, while
Jenna has used her celebrity—at least in
part—to help impoverished children, Chel-
sea has used her celebrity to get herself
good tables at Nobu. And to get guest re-
porter gigs at swishy Interview magazine.
Here’s her grilling of actor Jake Gyllenhaal:
---
CLINTON: I wish you were shooting on
Martha’s Vineyard.
GYLLENHAAL: I remember going to
your father’s 51st birthday on Martha’s
Vineyard, where we met. Both our fami-
lies are friends with the Danson-Steenbur-
gens, and I was invited.
CLINTON: We sat together at dinner.
GYLLENHAAL: And we just imme-
diately started talking. I’m going to the
Vineyard next week with my mom.
CLINTON: Your mother’s such a hero-
ine.
GYLLENHAAL: She is. As is yours.
---
Darling, it’s been so frightfully dull at
the Danson-Steenburgens without you.
Now, I’m sure many readers will com-
plain that neither Jenna nor Chelsea de-
serves such scrutiny. But, like it our not,
they’re both from families that have be-
come dynasties. Bush and Clinton aren’t
just names anymore; they’re brands. When
Jenna gets sloshed and does the butt dance
while others go to war, it hurts the Bush
brand. When she interns with UNI-
CEF, it helps the brand. When Chelsea
holds hands with her parents while the
family is immersed in scandal, it helps
the Clinton brand. When Chelsea talks
about service and then serves herself the
megabucks, it hurts the brand. And we
care about brand, because our political
hopes often rest on its success or failure.
Don’t get me wrong: When it’s Jenna
versus Chelsea for the presidency in a
few years, I’ll still be pulling the lever
for the smart liberal. But I’d dearly love
it if, in the meantime, Chelsea would
show a little more brand awareness. It
might mean missing the occasional par-
ty on Martha’s Vineyard, and it might
even mean doing some Jenna-like ser-
vice. But it’d be worth it. Mother would
be so grateful, and I’m sure the Dan-
son-Steenburgens would understand.
T.A. Frank is an editor at The Washington
Monthly. © 2007 by The New Republic,
article reprinted with permission.
 h
forum arts & entertainment 11
THE JOKE’S ON THEM
In sudden twist, it turns out that the free world does not revolve around Grey’s Anatomy
MOVIE REVIEW

hijacking a product until they get what they about all the money that was lost from that
by Kate Martin want. As the rest of the country was unwilling cancellation. From the advertisements
Let’s take a moment to recap all the sad to say “Oh look, there’s no new doctor/lawyer/ that would have aired during the show,
things that occurred because of the Writers piemaker soap on tonight. I’ll just catch up to the designer dresses that were never
Guild of America (WGA) strike. For one on my Aristotle”, the writers won, though worn, a great deal of people missed out
thing, the world was delayed in gaining the studios held out for more than 100 days. on a large amount of money. So next
insight into Sarah Silverman and Matt The studio executives were not just time one of our liberal friends blames the by Nathan Lichtman
Damon’s love life, as the faux-confessional fighting the WGA, either. SAG (Screen- President and Republicans for the fact Released on December 26, 2007 by
video’s airing was pushed back due to the Actor’s Guild) contracts are up in June that the economy is failing, let’s be sure to DreamWorks SKG, this movie, Kite Runner,
strike. For 3 and half months, millions of and they promised to join the writers if an mention the millions of dollars lost due to was the pure illustration, perhaps even the
Americans lost water cooler fodder, and acceptable solution was not offered. Actors’ the whims of 11,00 people. That number embodiment of, the bestselling novel by
after-dinner entertainment. may sound big, until Afghani author Khaled Hosseini. The story
Perhaps most effected, you remember that there takes place in Afghanistan and begins during
however, are the studios are over 303,000,000 that country’s most recent time of tranquility.
that lost out on millions of Americans living in The protagonist, Amir, and his best-friend
dollars and audience members our current economic Hassan live lives seemingly carefree. Hassan,
because of the strike. While condition. To think, as we learn, is bullied by the older kids in their
the Fox network actually our Founders voiced neighborhood because he is of a lower class.
profited during the strike, due concerned about giving Hassan’s father works for Amir’s father, who
to their plethora of reality such controlling power to is quite wealthy and well-connected.
shows, the other four networks a small number of elected One day, after Amir and Hassan win a major
suffered significant drops in officials. Yet we’re happy kite running contest (a game in which boys
their audience, with the CW to give it to some writers, fly kites in specific maneuvers so as to cut
hurting the most, losing over because without them we the strings of everyone else’s kites, so that
22 percent of its audience. have nothing to divert they are the last ones in the air), Hassan gets
photo courtsey of HollywoodToday.net our minds from more
This is especially damaging severely sexually abused – raped – while
to such a young network, These people may or may not hate everything that the United States lofty pursuits. When Amir watches. Amir does nothing to help
only in its second year. stands for. television resumes, and his friend, something he never forgets and
But really, what do we care? you’re doing a cringe/ always regrets. Due to the political turmoil
Why as Hillsdale students, laugh-out-loud combo that hits the nation, propagated by the Russian
would we even pretend to be interested support of the writers was so strong, that because of something Michael Scott just Communists, Amir and his father are forced
in Chad Michael Murray’s chief vehicle the Golden Globes was cancelled due to said, remember how much it cost for that to flee their homeland. They make their way
for displaying his angst-face? The answer their unwillingness to cross the picket-line. moment of amusement. Unions take away to The United States, where they receive
is a Hillsdale buzz phrase, free markets. While it is tempting to laugh the cancellation from our freedom as entrepreneurs and genuine freedom, though Amir’s father loses
Unions aren’t exactly the corner-stone for off (too bad, I really could have used another forces us to pay more for a product. How all his wealth and winds up working in a gas
free-market, as they allow their members chance to see a visibly pregnant Angelina Jolie would The Donald feel about that? HF station. Amir graduates from college, decides
to do what the WGA just did, essentially deny pregnancy rumors), one should think to become an author, and even gets his book
published, when he receives a telephone
the hillsdale forum presents... NEW MUSIC FEED call. This call is from an old family friend,
(WAY MORE SATISFYING THAN SAGA) currently living in Pakistan, asking him to

Real Hillsdalians return home. There he learns that he must go

back to Afghanistan, now controlled by the
Taliban, to help Hassan’s son. This movie
shows the true brutal nature of the Taliban,
as well as the problems of communism. The

of Genius making of this movie also had off-screen

repercussions. The two boy-actors who

H
Jim Noir Gnarls Barkley played Hassan and Amir were transported,
ere’s to you, Mr. Talk-Too-Much-In-Class. While the teacher is trying to Jim Noir The Odd Couple by the filmmakers, out of Afghanistan to
teach his lesson, you feel the need to raise your hand in order to enlighten (available now) (available now) the United Arab Emirates in order to protect
them from the possible outcry of the Afghani
the class on extra information not covered in the 500 pages of required reading.
community.
Yes, that is interesting. Yes, that is fascinating. Yes, you are wasting This film is highly recommended to any
class time with your irrelevant, loosely-connected questions. Sure, Prof. So- conservatives and also anyone looking to
and-so is duly impressed by your wide knowledge of information on reaffirm their patriotism for America. It is
very specific topics not previously brought up in the lecture, but now the class hard to have seen this movie and not think
about how lucky we are to have the liberty
is starting to wonder and has become generally unsure of who is really
Toby Keith Mariah Carey which we do and not have to live under an
teaching the class. So sit back, relax, and put your hand down. Here’s your
35 Greatest Hits E=MC2 evil tyranny. HF
first lesson, so start taking notes: no one’s interested. –JR Kite Runner copyright 2007
(May 6, 2008) (Available Now) Dreamworks Pictures
10 arts & entertainment SPRING 2008

Building Your Summer Book List? ONE HILLSDALE GRADUATE RECOMMENDS

ADDING THIS CHARLES COLSON NOVEL
that point – Christ has not yet returned – and society is following in Germany’s footsteps.
by Stephani Francl until he does such pursuits are futile. Instead, At one point, he recalls a Princeton student’s
chapter is heavy with both footnotes and
endnotes, and Colson also provides a list
Have you ever wondered where the we live each day in the Kingdom of Man, a protest after President Carter reinstated “For Further Reading.”
proper relationship between religion and corrupt and self-serving kingdom that on its draft registration in 1977, saying, “Nothing This book offers an argument for the proper
government lies? At Hillsdale we spend own is a danger to all living in it. is worth dying for.” If the slogan is true, relationship between the Kingdom of God
semesters--some of us all four years-- After defining the kingdoms, Colson says Colson, the protestors fail to address and the Kingdom of Man. The argument is
studying the American government and addresses not the literal arrival of the “the reverse of that slogan: if nothing is historically based and factually backed.. A
the foundations upon which it is built. physical Kingdom of God on earth, but rather worth dying for, is anything worth living surprisingly easy read, Colson’s work will
Although the the Kingdom of God for?” Nietzsche’s influence, widespread appeal to both the casual reader and to the
Founders could at work operating in among American university students, may seeker of an answer to the question of God
not possibly the Kingdom of Man have a more dire affect than any could have and Government. HF
have anticipated until Christ’s return. imagined.
Stephani Francl is a 2007 graduate of
the specific He argues that the Finally, Colson looks to the presence of
Hillsdale College who now works as the
circumstances we Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of God, a presence which
Senior Research Assistant to Dr. Arnn.
face today, does complete, requiring he finds to be alive and well in America
Contact her at sfrancl@hillsdale.edu.
this mean that absolute submission today. Though some may be distressed at
the structure they of an individual to it. the state of America today, he cautions that OTHER BOOKS ENJOYED
set up cannot still Yet the submission this is no reason to remove one’s influence
BY COLSON READERS:
work? required by Christ to altogether. Colson cites C.S. Lewis’ idea
Where is the the Kingdom of God is “that in love of country, as in love of family,
balance? unlike the submission we don’t love our spouses only when they Dinesh D’Souza
Chuck Colson required by an earthly are good.” Likewise American Christians What’s So Great About
takes up this very monarch. Christ must continue to be patriots, acknowledging
flaws but faithful in love and service.
Christianity?
question in God encouraged his subjects
and Government, to submit to earthly This scholarly book by Colson combines ---
an updated authority, pay taxes, his profound knowledge of Christian ideals David Kinnaman
release of a book and follow laws that with a well-versed political understanding
Colson wrote did not directly conflict garnered from his years in the problematic UnChristian: What a New
twenty years ago with His commands. In Nixon administration. Colson’s experience Generation Really Thinks
titled Kingdoms this way it is a Kingdom in government and his rather unlikely
conversion to Christianity give the book
about Christianity…and Why it
in Conflict. which operates within a
In defining the Available now from Zonderfan Publishing, kingdom and is thus far credence. Colson inserts historical fact Matters
Kingdom of $14.99 more dangerous. amidst modern day arguments. One reader ---
God from the Colson takes a sobering said of the book, “Every time I think, ‘I’d
Judeo-Christian look at societies like to hear that backed up’ he provides Lee Stroble
perspective, Colson quickly points out what throughout history that have attempted to exactly that in the very next paragraph.” The Case for a Real Jesus
some Christians fail to grasp: that the time rid themselves of the Kingdom of God. Colson’s wide range of sources make him
a pleasure to read. He cites works ranging
---
of the Kingdom of God is not yet here. The Colson chronicles the struggle of Dietrich
book of Revelation promises Christ’s return Bonhoeffer Hitler in the years leading up to from Cicero to Nietzsche, C.S. Lewis to Laura Ingraham
and the establishment of His Kingdom on World War II. This history lesson leads into Augustine. He quotes from Supreme Court Power to the People
earth. However, humanity has yet to reach Colson confronting ways in which American decisions and references the Bible. Each

Apathy from page 9
to vote. It is a privilege to have a say in the
way one’s government is run. While voting
may be viewed by most as a natural right,
many do not exercise this ‘right’ unless it
directly corresponds to themselves, opposed
to thinking about the overall good of the
country as a whole. Voting isn’t simply
about voting for the ‘perfect’ candidate, but
for the best candidate, and about adverting
the bad options. Voting is not something to
be taken for granted.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino
was recently quoted in Newsweek discussing
this very topic. She said, in response to
whether the Bush Administration cares
about input from the public, that “The
American people have input every four
years, and that’s the way the system is set
up.” If we as Americans do not vote and
take an active role in our government, we
then deserve to be made captive in our own
environment under laws and men we do not
agree with or like. Furthermore, if we do not
vote, we forfeit the right to America’s favorite
pastimes—lobbying and protesting—because
voting is the first step towards making a
change and a difference in our country. If we
can not even take time out of our day to vote,
we have no right or say in our government.
If one would like to see more immediate
effects of Hillsdale’s apathetic stance, one
can just look to the Princeton Review.
According to their 2008 review of colleges,
Hillsdale College is no longer on the list of
‘Most Politically Active Students,’ and the
college takes a back seat to Thomas Aquinas
College for ‘Most Conservative Students’ and
‘Students Most Nostalgic for Ronald Reagan.’
That fall from grace should embarrass the
college and its students tremendously, and it
is time to recognize, diagnose and cure this
ill.
The claim that Hillsdale is a bubble has
obviously been disproved from the fact that
the students no longer live inside it; inside the
bubble, Hillsdale students would argue for
the merits of civic duty, family-church-state
relations, and limited government. Outside
the bubble, students expect to be spoon-
fed ideas and become angry when their
wants are not being met in a timely fashion.
They take the passive-aggressive approach
of complaining, something Benjamin the
donkey from George Orwell’s Animal Farm
knew well. In the book, he represented the
non-voter, wanting change but never taking
action until it was too late.
John McCain may not be the ‘ideal’
candidate, but we need to stop lamenting the
past and look positively into the future. As
much as we would like McCain to be like
Reagan (forever the ideal conservative), he’s
not and Ronald Reagan is dead. He’s not
coming back, and even if he did, he served
his country for two terms and is therefore
ineligible to run again. We, as conservatives,
need to move on and look to the future of the
party and the country. That is the only way
we can secure the continuance and betterment
of our country. Liberal celebrities may have
made the political advocacy organization
‘Rock the Vote’ popular, but the company
has the ‘right’ message: it is time to take
action. The Founding Fathers did not set
up the voting system for their own personal
amusement; they set up a government by
the people, for the people, so that all have a
chance to have their say. Hillsdale, with its
commitment to freedom and liberty, needs to
set the standard and be a role model in today’s
society. Refusing to vote not only weakens
one’s position, but renders the entire system
ineffective. HF
 h the back page
SEND YOUR OWN SUBMISSIONS TO HILLSDALEFORUM@GMAIL.COM
forum
say what? Oh no they didn’t-- OH YES they did! and we heard them say it too...
Faculty beware, “OverheArd at Hillsdale” is back.
“Beagles are the Devil’s spawn. Why anyone “If we’re going to have We’re a nation of the future! Who gives
would want a Beagle is beyond me. They are the a scandal, we might as a figgy pudding?” --Prof. Siegel
worst dogs in the world, one step above a Jack “Don’t tie your shoelace to well have a fun name
“There are evil citizens in the
Russell Terrier…you know, my mother had one your zipper, and don’t produce like Teapot Dome!”
world, maybe some in this
once. Once, when I visited, it stole my wallet. fragment sentences. These are --Dr. Folsom
room. If there are any modern-
Driver’s license, credit cards, everything…credit both unforgivable.”
day Cicero’s out there, you have
card fees were through the roof...” --Dr. Whalen
to fight them. So think about
--Dr. Sundahl
“You start learning when you start teaching. So start teaching.” that next time you’re thinking
--Dr. Eden about what to do after college.”
“I am eaten, however, is passive. And unpleasant.” --Dr. Hutchinson
--Dr. Hutchinson “What does a philosopher pray to?”
--Prof. Charles Butterworth
“80,000 dollars on call girls? The guy (guest lecturer) AND THE WINNER IS:
must have the sex drive of an insect…”
--Dr. Pongracic “Deficits usually are unplanned and a
“Why would you not memorize it? Why would you do that
to yourself? At that point, it’s just a form of self-abuse found
big surprise to the government…like
only in Hollywood stars.” a teenage pregnancy”
--Dr. Weaire --Dr. Pongracic
Male student: So what’s the context for this? Did Greece take their art? Capture their hearts?
Weaire: No, no! For God’s sake, this isn’t a Hallmark card!

Remembering Buckley The Hillsdale Forum

November 24, 1925 – February 27, 2008 P.O. Box 122
The American Mercury due to the magazine’s Hillsdale, Michigan
by Julie RObison
49242
anti-Semitic inclinations and denounced the
The name William F. Buckley, John Birch Society. In the late 1970s, he
Jr. hardly needs an introduction. resigned from the American Federation of
Buckley, throughout his life, always strove to Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), a
do his best, and lived his life devoted not only union he did not wish to join in the first place
to the cause of strengthening and validating but was forced to join, which resulted in a
the GOP, but to his family, friends, and faith. lawsuit and ultimately resignation of mem-
The father of modern conservatism, his work bership, and left his post on the Board of
in the public sphere showed a true strength of Directors of Amnesty International USA be-
character and convictions, always willing to cause of their position on capital punishment.
do his civic duty for the sake of his country. Even after he semi-retired from public life,
Buckley gave many talks and debates he continued to write, even to death’s door;
around the country, never being afraid of he was found in his study at home, writing
taking the unpopular stance if he deemed perhaps his final column for National Review
it right. Thousands of his articles and es- or part of his latest book, The Reagan I Knew.
says have been published, as well as Perhaps, in the end, Buckley will only be re-
over 50 well-received books, starting membered for starting a magazine. In 1958,
with his infamous God and Man at Yale. Buckley said that “National Review has en-
When he was 15, his father, William F. Buck- tered the mainstream of American thought,
ley, Sr., wrote a letter to his son, saying “Your and it is now an institutional fact of Ameri-
Mother and I like very much your attitude of can life…It is the voice of American conser-
having strong convictions and of not being too vatism, and more and more, is recognized as
bashful to express them. What I meant was such.” However, it is not National Review
that you would have to learn to be more mod- or any of his works but rather Buckley him-
erate in the expression of your views and try self that defined the subsequent generations,
to express them in a way that would give little blazing a path for others to follow. He will
offense as possible to your friends.” Later in be duly missed and always admired. HF
life, Buckley took steps against both the Left
and the Right if he did not agree with their requiescat in pace, William F. Buckley, Jr.
positions on issues. He left his editorship at Contact us at HillsdaleForum@gmail.com