Students: Get engaged in campus life

Editorial

As the second week of school begins, everyone has by now heard at least one disgruntled freshman complaining about how boring the University of North Florida is, or how they wish they had chosen a party school like Florida State University.

Although some of these "Debbie Downers" are in serious need of an attitude adjustment administered to the backs of their heads, a good majority of first-year students just need to open their eyes and start discovering the UNF in front of them, instead of pining for a campus somewhere else.

Upon settling at UNF, most students are disappointed by the lack of college-town vibe found in cities like Gainesville and Tallahassee. While this is a valid point, it is also important to remember these college towns, as they are called, exist to serve their local universities, whereas UNF is just another part of a very city.

However, just because Jacksonville isn't a college town does not mean there are fewer things for college students to occupy their time with.

Aside from the myriad of experiences the city offers, students can immerse themselves in numerous on-campus activities.

On campus clubs are a great way to cure one's boredom. Additionally, the university also sponsors dozens of programs to keep students occupied and happy. Those interested in the outdoors can find solace in the expansive nature preserve, or take one of the many camping, canoeing, and hiking trips offered through the Eco-Adventure program.

Dozens of speakers, performers, and other guests are brought to campus throughout the year, and tickets for students are either free or cheap enough for even those surviving on tuna fish and ramen noodles to afford.

But if a club isn't your style, and guest speakers and free movies don't keep you occupied, there are always avenues of greater commitment and reward. Every year students run for office in Student Government, landing them with both the satisfaction of helping their fellow students.

As is the case with nearly every college campus, UNF also has its share of student involvement in Greek Life. Between yearly recruitment, homecoming, and formals, Greek Life often gives students an easy way to stay busy while making friends.

The Center for Student Media is another great choice for those looking to build up real world experience while still in college. Osprey TV, Osprey Radio and the Spinnaker are all run and operated by UNF students and are always looking for assistance.

So the next time you hear someone whining about how boring your UNF is, or how much better another campus is, rip this page from your Spinnaker, hand it to them, and tell them to get involved. Or simply roll up your paper and strike them sharply over the nose as you might a yapping dog - the desired results are sure to occur either way.

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Cronyism erodes people's faith in fair, open government

Editorial

On Aug. 28, Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton apologized to the City Council for giving exclusive government contracts to two companies that were owned by friends of Peyton. It seems Peyton won't lose too much political capital over the incident, and he has already implemented ethics reform measures for the city. Nevertheless, the incident remains a poignant reminder for the need for open government and public administration.

Although there are undoubtedly more serious concerns facing the public sector, cronyism remains one of the most widespread and prevalent abuses of power by people in office. In a way, is hard to fault administrators for wanting to award contracts to their friends and acquaintances. It's only natural to want to help your friends out by giving them work or to trust your friends' businesses over those run by complete strangers. But even if cronyism is a natural tendency, it is imperative elected officials and public administrators separate themselves from their biases. It isn't their money to spend as they see fit. It's the money of the people, which they are entrusted to use and distribute fairly.

This principle might be easy enough to understand, but it is hard to follow in practice. That's why there is a need for both internal and civilian oversight. Most people would probably agree it's too much to ask that officials police themselves in this matter, especially since in some cases a company owned by an official's friend might be truly best suited for the job. That's why there are procedures and bidding processes that must be adhered to when choosing contractors; that's why there are open governance laws (like the Sunshine Law in Florida) that require the decision-making processes be open to the public. This way we are able to hold officials accountable for how they spend public funds, and by following the proper procedures, officials can defend their decisions if the fairness of the end choice is ever brought into question.

One of the reasons people fail to see the improtance of cronyism is that they don't see the issue in terms of everyone who is affected. Viewed from the person who is receiving the contract, it is obvious that they are getting the job based on their relationship with the official and not on their merit. But viewed from the point of view of the person who didn't recieve the contract, it seems that they are being discrimintated against simply because they weren't fortunate enough to know the official as well as the winning candidate.

The need for openness and fairness in public affairs extends beyond local and federal governments; it applies to any institution that uses publicly gathered funds that are supposed to be used for the public good. This includes non profit organizations, charities, and even the student governments of colleges and universities. Cronyism may seem like a small matter, but in reality, it represents a breach of the public's trust. The people in control of the distribution of funds are being trusted to make the best decisions for the people they serve. Making decisions based on who you like or who you know does a great disservice to the people, and to faith in the fairness of public administrations.

Peyton has made a good choice to acknowledge his mistakes and take positive actions toward preventing such mistakes in the future. It is unreasonable to expect public leaders to never be tempted to use their positions of power to help those close to them. But if leaders want integrity and motives to be beyond question, they must show that they can separate their personal lives and friendships from the publications with which they are entrusted.

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It's too late to quit; the Iraq gamble must be finished

Staff Opinion

By Donald Postway
ASSISTANT DISCOURSE EDITOR

When the war in Iraq began more than four years ago, President Bush made three important bets. He gambled that the invasion would prove his claim that Saddam Hussein had an active program to produce weapons of mass destruction. He gambled that the progress in Iraq would be enough to keep him in office during the 2004 elections. And finally, he gambled that America could truly succeed in Iraq and do more good than harm in the region.

When viewed this way, the president is so far one for three. Although no evidence was ever found to support the administration's WMD assertions, Bush was able to convince voters to let him stay in office by pledging to continue the fight in Iraq. But it's the final gamble that is still too close to call. The prolonged conflict in Iraq has become increasingly unpopular among Americans, and there has been a lot of talk about troop reduction.

There are many who are starting to question why we are still in Iraq, and whether there is anything to gain by our continued presence in the country.

There is still a lot at stake in Iraq, and although there has been a lot of progress - albeit uneven progress - there is still much to do. America has not yet succeeded in Iraq, but we have not failed, either. True failure in Iraq would be catastrophic for America.

Right now, American forces form the supports that keep the new Iraq together. Without our ground troops, terrorists could turn Iraq into a new haven, just like Afghanistan used to be. Or in a similar way, enemies of America like Iran or Syria could take advantage of a weak Iraq to further their own interests.

The Iranian president recently stated that in the near future (tacitly referring to whenever American forces leave), there will be a power vacuum in Iraq, and that Iran is ready to step up to "help" its neighbor. With so much at stake, you can see why the administration is pushing to continue the troop surge and to be given more time before we start to draw back troops.

After years of avoiding any such comparison, the president compared the situation in Iraq to the Vietnam War and warned that a premature withdrawal would have the same affect now as it did then - namely, defeat.

Thus the biggest gamble of President Bush's career is still unresolved, and despite what many defeatists might claim, there is still a chance for some level of success in Iraq. It's probably unrealistic and naive to believe that when the lion's share of American troops leave, Iraq will be a model and peaceful democracy. However, if we stay long enough, we can establish a government that is capable of working together to form a truly representative democracy, even though there will still be some sectarian differences to overcome.

If we stay long enough, it is still possible to train an effective and unified Iraqi security force that can maintain law and order, diminish the arms supplies of or completely dismantle individual militias, and most importantly, fight against foreign elements that would try to use Iraq as a new staging ground for international terrorism.

In a way, Bush's final gamble is like roulette. There are many places for the situation to end up, and America has placed its bets on the table, and we can win a lot or a little based on where the ball lands. It's too late to turn back; the ball has been rolling for more than four years. But if President Bush can convince Americans of the importance of success in Iraq, his Iraqi gamble may be the best payoff of his career.

Contact Donald Postway at discourse@unfspinnaker.com -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE

Laptop shopping reveals confusing world of formats and licenses

Staff Opinion

By Kaelina Incinelli
SPORTS EDITOR

I recently searched for a new laptop computer and was surprised by what I found. It was no easy task to find decent computers for less than $500. I was excited by the many options I had and began to research.

All the computers were equipped with wireless Internet, dual-core processors, a CD-DVD burner, and Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition.

This all sounded like a good value until I asked about Microsoft Word. At every electronics store I went to, the employees told me they no longer made computers that come equipped with Word.

I wondered how this was possible since every computer I had ever bought came with Word. Upon further inquiry, an employee said since Microsoft has the rights to Word, people were not buying Macintosh computers because none of them came with it. In order to level the playing field, the government decided Word must be bought separately from the computer.

This makes things fairer for a huge corporation like Macintosh, but for the consumer, it is a bit misleading. Prices for new computers might seem reasonable, until you begin adding all the Word applications necessary for a student computer. The most basic Word package can be found on sale for around $120. Add that to a $500 computer and you'll start to extend the college student's price range.

Then you have to decide if a warranty is a wise purchase. I asked another employee about the warranty package and he said a warranty is a "must-buy" because the laptop batteries only last about one year. First of all, I was shocked these companies knowingly make electronics that are ticking time bombs. If I pay more than $600 for my computer equipped with what I need, it had better last more than one year.

On top of the price of the laptop and the price of the Word package, I have to spend $100-$200 to ensure my computer lasts over a year. Suddenly these wonderfully priced laptops look more like bait to lure me into using my life savings on a computer that will soon be outdated.

Unfortunately, a computer is a necessity for college students, so we have to concede to the computer companies, and buy our programs and warranties. With any luck, one day we'll be at the top of the corporate ladder collecting the money we now pay out.

Contact Kaelina Incinelli at sports@unfspinnaker.com -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE

Letters to the Editor

Remember respect for other religions

Dear editor,

The recent action by the University of North Florida president's cabinet to change the name of Campus Ministry to the Interfaith Center is a clear indication of the institution's respect for diversity and appreciation for inclusion. This action is commendable.

The name Campus Ministry, as Matt Coleman stated in the article "Campus ministry gets new name" in the July 18 issue of the Spinnaker, "implied an emphasis on Christians." Sometimes Christians intentionally or unintentionally take other religions for granted.

I remember receiving an invitation to a friend's home for dinner. This was someone from UNF who is from the Muslim faith.

My wife, daughter, and I arrived at the dinner engagement 5 minutes before the host's suggested time.

The setting was quite lovely; the home was elegant and decorated in antique furnishings.

Other guests were already there - some were Christians and I think one or two people were Jewish.

After each guest had arrived, we sat down next to a beautifully decorated table, and dinner was served. Just before the dinner, our host suggested, "Since we are from different faiths, let every one bow their heads and silently say their blessing in their respective faith."

After the silent blessing, one of the guests said, "Now that this was done I would like to pray." The host politely permitted him to pray, and he made a long Christian prayer.

This was disrespectful. This action spoiled the mood of the evening, and it was embarrassing, especially to those who were of the Christian faith.

No one knows how many religions there are in our world, but because in our country Christians are the majority, we must always make an extra effort to be cognizant and respectful of other religions.

Thank you, UNF,

Kamele "Oupa" Seane
Director, Intercultural Center for PEACE

Contact Kamele "Oupa" Seane at discourse@unfspinnaker.com -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE