BAMN-a-palooza
For a handful of UC Berkeley students, and dozens of K through 12 minors who should have been at school, March 3 was the day to declare their love for Affirmative Action. Defend Affirmative Action Party By Any Means Necessary held a rally and march to uphold the virtues mentioned in their organization’s title. Cal student and BAMN member Randy Robinson attempted to excite sedentary middle school and high school kids in the BAMN rally, saying, “This is your movement. How are you going to build a movement if you are sitting down?” Evan Hughes, 9th grade teacher at Oakland Tech High School, said, “I wanted to bring students to this rally so that they can discuss their views about inequality in class.” As for the pre-collegiate protestors, inequality never crossed their minds. One student participated because, “We got to take a field trip.” Another cited, “We wanted to get out of school…there is this teacher we don’t like,” while a peer bragged, “We’re about to get on the news, man.” The ignorance also prompted some protestors to spit at Berkeley College Republican members tabling on Sproul Plaza.
Kids These Days
February 11 was National Condom Day at UC Berkeley. Volunteers were handing out free condoms, lubrication, sex advice, and detailed instructions on how to make your own “dental dam.” Volunteers were dressed as sexual items, including a 12-year-old girl named Autumn, whose condom costume drew attention and questions. She said she skipped school to participate in the event and was permitted to do so by her father, who was also a volunteer at the event. Autumn was one of many who passed out free condoms and safe sex information on Sproul Plaza.
Belt Sales to Soar
Does the sight of someone’s thong or bare rear end disgust you? According to ABC News, The State of Virginia’s House of Delegates passed a bill authorizing a $50 fine for anyone who lewdly displays his or her underwear. Democrat Lionell Spruill, a delegate who opposed the bill, asserted that the bill was an unconstitutional attack on young blacks.
Money Talks
During the California Republican Party Convention in Sacramento, a member of the Berkeley College Republicans discovered an unusual message on a $10 bill he got back as change. The bill had written on it, “911 Bush Knew.” Ironic, considering the location and event at which the bill was obtained. Some suspect that Michael Moore has been engaging in a new campaign to link the president with the unfounded conspiracy via American currency.
No Exit
The James Irving Foundation has reported a study from Harvard University and the Urban Institute which found that only 69 percent of the state’s students are graduating high school on time. Among minorities, only 55 percent of African American students and 57 percent of Latino students graduate with regular diplomas. The study also criticizes the California education system for its “soft” approach to holding schools accountable on graduation rates. This is exactly why we need the Governator’s help.
Another Case Against Socialized Medicine
UC Berkeley health policy researchers conducted a study linking mental health of California citizens with general well-being. San Diego and Sacramento counties scored highest, reporting few mental health problems. Among the lowest scoring counties were Alameda and San Francisco. Researchers note that despite the large number of mental health providers in San Francisco, the county still reported more problems with mental health. In contrast, Sacramento, which has the lowest ratio of mental health spending, reported fewer problems. Message to bleeding-heart San Francisco liberals: Stop helping. It’s killing us!
What Women Want
Most Berkeley residents are aware of the city’s standard commissions such as Planning and Parks and Recreation. Did you know about the ever-essential Commission on the Status of Women? Its mission: “Seek improvement of all conditions affecting women and advocate women’s issues.” Among its more important duties, based on the agenda and minutes of a September 2004 meeting, is the issue of whether the meetings should be moved from North Berkeley to South or West Berkeley. With that landmark decision, the status of women had been officially protected.
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