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T nffcock use Since 1908 Susan Goodwin, Viewpoints Editor rial Board pe Eyde, Steven C. Burritt, iutts, Kim Truett r : * "?a Serving Lee Gontz, Editor in (Thief Edtto Keith Boudreaux, Lu Jimmy Del Crowded h New arena would b provide more space The proposal to build a new ai bia and USC has many heads spir million price tag is one of the more er, if such a plan can be instigatec mics, it certainly would be a boost USC athletics would certainly arena. The new cite would be slal Hopes of holding NCAA regional ba be within reach, whereas the Coli seats to hold such games. The plan olina Coliseum for possible use t provements in local sports activit clined member of the Carolina and have noticed, sports are a money-i The plan does not focus entire athletics department would be th< maiy fund-raisers, city and state coi as well. Such cooperation in fundin the plan will encompass all membe iseum could use its main hall as a i al role it plays in holding ice shoM tainment. A new arena seating ab< on concert life, drawing those musi for places with larger indoor facilit In all the bustle of ideas being school life and community, one grc soccer team has been ranked natic tion it deserves. Surely while all of 1 should get its fair share, perhaps i In considering these plans, if s u been set in stone, nor will it for aw ings and renovations are on paper i thaf s OK In carving out a fiiture 1 have to start, somewhere Thurmond, constants o WILSON The other day I was wading through spring's master schedule, trying to find a suitable set of classoa T uroa l/v\lnnrr /tlooaoa nf ? * rwwl VWt A. TTWO IWIUllg iUi U1O0OCO Ut a gVAAi time and also fulfilling my GINT requirements. (Every GINT major knows how hard that is.) Well anyway, my roommate comes in, sees what I am doing and simply says, "You know, I am going to graduate this spring, and the only thing I have really learned is something that I knew before I started college: it all depends on how much money you have or who you know." This got me thinking about how many things are constant in the world. Some people say the more things change, the more they stay the same. Whoever said that must have had South Carolina in mind because things here are about as constant as they come. My foreign policy professor stated the other day that voting citizens have the power to change the way :l> guvenimeui is uecause me turnover rate in Congress is high. When discussing the Senate, South Carolina is the great bastion of consistency. Both of South Carolina's senators, Strom Thurmond (R) and Fritz Hollings (D), have been in office since before I was born. This does not represent the rapid turnover rate in ? Congress by any means. Sen. Thurmond's recent hospitalization scared the hell out of the powers that be in this state. The state was faced with the fact that Strom will not be in office forever, and sameone needs to be ready to replace him. The only person who probably wasn t scared was Sen. Hollings who chafes at the feet he is the junior senator though he has been in office almost 30 years. I am not one to make political predictions, but if s a known fact that Gov. Campbell salivates at the thought of having Strom's Senate seat. Another constant in this state is that the public education system will always be near the bottom in the na"IBafffcock IS Student Media Russell House-USC* G Lee Clontz Allison Williams Editor in Qnef Feature* Editor Susan Goodwin Jimmy DeButts Viewpoints Editor Sports Editor Steven C. Burritt Kim Truett Copy Desk Chief Photo Editor Keith Boudreaux Ethan Myerson News Editor Graphics Editor Lupe Eyde Erin Galloway Features Editor Asst. News The Gamecock i* the student newspaper of the University of South Carolina and is published Monday, Wednesday and Priday during the fall and spring semesi lets, with the exception of university holidays and exam periods. Opinions expressed in The Gamecock are those of the editors or author and not those of the University of South Carolina. ' The Board of Student Publications and Communications is fte publisher of The Gamecock. Tlx Department of Student Media is its parent organization ouse enefit Columbia, USC, for concerts, games ena in a joint venture between Columming. The estimated $35 million to $45 i sobering aspects of the project. Howevl without siphoning money from acadeto USC and the local community, benefit from the construction of a new ted for men's and women's basketball, isketball tournament games there would iseum currently does not have enough a also calls for a revamping of the Car>y minor league hockey. All these imies will affect even the least sports-inColumbia community. As most schools aaker, and the more money, the better. ly on the sports world. While the USC 5 primary beneficiary and also the priltributions to the project would be made, g highlights a basic understanding that rs of the community. A rejuvenated colcivic center in addition to the traditionvs and other traveling forms of enter3ut 20,000 would put a whole new spin cal talents who usually shun Columbia ies. thrown around to improve sports life, tup shouldn't be forgotten. Though our rnally, it still fails to receive the attenhe favors are being doled out, this sport in the form of better practice facilities, nportant to remember that nothing has hile. Right now, all the proposed buildEuid in the minds of their planners. But for USC and the surrounding area, we stereotypes if life in S.C. tion. I am a product of the state's education system, but I came from a district better off than most. There are many schools in the poorer counties screaming for aid. Until the government makes a strong attempt to allocate large sums of money (from a lottery perhaps?) to improve the education system the state will stay at the bottom. One of the more noticeable con stants in this state is the fact that stereotypes still control the thoughts of most people, while others will live up to them. The Gamecock ran a picture Monday of the flag rally at the State House. It appeared to me, as it probably did to most people, that probably every third person in the picture was named Bubba, Billy or Hank. I just proved my own theory. I was controlled by a stereotype, while others were living up to it. On that same note, everyone must understand that South Carolina has constantly been one of the most conservative states in the union. Because of this, any national news is going to be skewedln the public opinion of this state. It seems every time President Clinton sneezes wrong, someone in this state is going to complain about the job he is doing. This state has the keen ability to make things out to be worse than they are. I can only urge everyone to be completely aware of whaf s going on in the world before buying into the negativity in this state A constant closer to home is the reality that any person could walk through campus, pass hundreds of people and not say a word to anyone of them for the simple reason that they didn't see anyone they know. Is saying "Hello" or "Hi" to someone you don"t know such a crime? In Monday's Gamecock, there was a question of campus unity, and most people asked said there wasn't a problem with campus unity. If there is not a problem with campus unity, why is acknowledging the people around you such a hard thing to do. "Hi" is not a hard word to say, in fact, a simple exhale will produce the sound you want. Try it some time. What cnnlri it noasihlv hurt? Ryan Wilson is a political science junior. 777 777A Chris C&rroll .. it- Director of Stude&t Media srtising: 777-4249 Laura D : 777-6482 Geatire Director Dlumbia, SC 29208 Jim Green Ait Director Robert Wertz Gregory Perez Asst. News Production Asst. Wendy Hudson Elizabeth Thomas Copy Desk Adv. Graduate Asst Tanja Kropf Renee Gibson Asst. Copy Desk Marketing Director Ryan Wilson Christopher Wood Asst Sports Asst. Advertising Manager Jason Jeffers Erik Collins Cartoonist Faculty Advisor Letters Policy The Gamecock will try to print all letters received. Letters should be 200-250 words and must include full name, professional title or year and major if a student. Letters must be personally delivered by the author to The Gamecock newsroom in Russell House room 321. The Gamecock reserves the right to edit all letters for style, possible libel or space limitations. Vames will not be withheld under any circumstances. he Gamecock viEvgpSr f* peMocfw* I ~ IN HOT ^>~--J\/iD ^ \ I \ \es& \ \ No ii.S. ^ \ i DAMNED ( v ^ media?.. \ ^ I .\ / QUOTEUNQUOYE "We're all pre-med, w Just about everyone around campus regurgitates the sort of political trash MTV airs. Since when has MTV been capable of the reliable moral evaluation of anything? MTV is an entertainment industry that ultimately appeals to the hedonistic impulses of its audience. The truth is popular music has never been so trite or so devoid of talent. On the top 40 stations, most of the good love songs played are from the '80s, while new music is dominated by sexual themes. We are livEating at Grand fl My next door neighbor in Wade Hampton, Joy Wilson, and I were having a relaxing ? if repetitive ? dinner at the Grand Marketplace, when Joy's eyes suddenly went huge, and she put her hands on her throat, waved them around and gasped for breath. "Joy, get hold of yourself," I said calmly, taking control of the situation. "Just point him out, and I'll get you his name and number." "No, Ashley!" she wheezed. "I'm choking!" "Oh, hey! So thafs the international choking sign!" I cried in amazement. "Hang on, Mary's gonna want to see this," I said, standing up to look for Mary. Just then, Joy took a drink of Ramblin' Root Beer and set the glass down with a slam. "Ashley! Don't you know what to do when some Generation neet To those who can no longer tell the difference between irrational hate and righteous indignation, this column will make no sense whatsoever. But to those who are willing to listen, I ask for a moment of your consideration. I have long been puzzled over why the children of Martin Luther King Jr.'s generation do not seem to have learned anything. Why are the children of our day so cynical, so without hope? Why are we like this wnen our parents were such morally courageous people who rejected the evil of racism so unanimously? Instead of six- and seven-year-old kids enjoying their youth, they are murdering their playmates. I have counted at least seven instances of this in 1994 alone. We'll not even go into all the drug-related murders and crimes of which only some make the paper. Child abuse was never known to be as widespread as we know it to be now. Last week, a woman confessed to killing her own two children by driving them into a lake. This notion that unwanted children are disposable pervades our entire culture. This is evidenced by popular support for the abortion industry. People don't seem to be any better now than they were 50 years ago?they seem worse. Were the great strides made by our fathers and forefathers for nothing? A friend of mine told me that 90 percent of individuals today cannot think for themselves. If s true. one is choking?" she gasped. "Well," I explained "I guess the only emergency I really know how to deal with is the one where you throw the person a life preserver... you know, being on fire." Joy quietly resumed her meal, probably just contemplating her good fortune to have had such a levelheaded friend as me around to take charge when she needed help. "So how were your classes today, Joy?" Tasked. "Actually, something interesting happened for a Does Col ?1 "Yes, because the Carolina Colisei Mr old. We need to have concerts anc make USC look better in the SEC ^ "The Coliseum's good. It suits ever> ITS Wednesday, November C, 1994 ^STORED S/P? [. TV L/p* | 1 w IAL1TES. ' ft ( we're all in the Honors College and we thir but we can't do it all alone." Honors College biology major Eva Imperial is new focus on ANDREW MATTHEWS ing in cultural dark ages. Hardly anyone seems to mind this state of affairs. Most don't care. The fact that 50 percent of all marriages fail and that singles sleep around constantly indicates that hnio 1mm oa a nnHnrol unlnn r\r\ 1 rfAH mflftnn T?rV??-?4- U VJ MV iv?v uw> u vuiblUW TW1UV 11V XVligCl XUCCUXO TTliat II once did, if it ever did. The point is, we know how things should be, yet either lack the will or cannot do anything about it. On Oct. 26, there were some older men in suits passing out New Testaments to students all around campus. I couldn't help but notice students acting rudely to them, while others, barely more politely, refusing. Just in case your literature or history teachers failed to mention it, I'll explain a fraction of that book's significance to you. First, the Bible contains some of the most moving and powerful pieces of writing ever to be produced. The themes and events described therein belong alongside the best of those that the "great books" have to offer. They have changed the lives of millions and have been highly influential for many centuries. If you don't have a copy of the most translated book ever, if s your fault and your loss. Second, the moral truths we have today can be traced back to biblical morality. Lef s just say that our understanding of right and wrong, equality, true love and the rest of it wouldn't exist if it weren't for the Bible. This world would be a lot worse off because injustice would be prevalent. Our moral understanding didn't come from nowhere; we didn't just make it up, Marketplace an a ASHLEY BALL change," she said, still clearing her throat. "This guy came to my history class and gave out brochures about a study-abroad program. It somided really neat." "Well, a guy came into my history class today and told us to read two chapters and take notes." "Ashley!" Joy sighed. "That was your professor!" "Anyway," I said, getting back to Joy's history class, which seemed a lot more interesting than mine. "Tell me more about the brochure. I've always wanted to study abroad in someplace really exciting... like New York City!" "Here, Ashley, look this over. Fm going to get another brownie," Joy said, handing me the study-abroad brochure. Wow! I thought, looking at all the places where the program was being offered: England, England... England! "But, Joy!" I whined after she wove her way back across the dance floor to our table (every time I eat at the Grand Marketplace, I have the urge to clear all iiimbia need a new am is small, and it's I HBHHSHB "No, be I what not. It would letre ca Eric Jones Sociology freshman jp ' * j thing we need now." IKflflHMl] thinl Lance Diamond nity for I >AM a>A^5 r 1 ...ONUf WS 1 . - 5AD , ?TERS ft NEWS! ik that we can do it all, life, spirituality JL ?/ it came from the past. Without the Bible there would still be slavery, women wouldn't vote and the strong would rule the weak. That many do not recognize this is due to their lack of knowledge of what the Bible says and of the world culture of 2000-plus years ago.. Finally, the Bible is the text of a rather significant religious group called Christians. Today, they as a whole are much criticized because of what some Christians have done. While it is wrong to discount the good intentions and achievements of socialists because of what has happened in Russia and China (communism is a form of socialism; they are at the very least related), it is also wrong to hate all Christians because of Jimmy Swaggert and the Inquisition. Christians make up a sizable part of the population of the United States and are heavily represented in non-European countries. Any well-informed person should be aware of and understand the Christian presence and place in the modern world. I am suggesting to you that despite modern disaf fection with Christianity, the Bible has much to offer. I am also suggesting that if you are tired of the empty and vain attractiveness that this world offers (i.e. money, sex and power) and are dissatisfied with commercialized causes and animal rights rather than the rights of unborn children, I suggest you pick up a Bible and read it. I also ask that you take time from your busy and pointless life to consider the possibility that if God exists and created us, that he might possibly have some kind of interest in us; and more, that he would want to communicate with us. I am convinced your quality of life would benefit from some genuine, soul-searching prayer. Andrew Matthews is a history senior. dventure in itself XL. X ?1-1 i _/?Xl_ _ I 1 11 ? i ? me tauiea uui 01 me Dig middle section, nooK up my portable disco ball and start line-dancing). "What about the language barrier?" "There's no language barrier between the United States and England," Joy explained as she unwrapped her soft and chewy Dunkin' Donuts brownie in front of me. "Except for a few words like 'elevator'." "They call that a biscuit," I laughed knowingly. "That's a cookie," she corrected me. "No, thafs a brownie," I reminded her. "Anyway, Ashley, you really should think aju.it studying abroad. Are you taking a foreign language?" "Yeah," I shrugged "But I cant think of any countries that actually speak pre-cal. Can you?" Suddenly, Joy's eyes went huge again, and she began grasping at her throat with one hand and with the other she beeran motioning Hesneratelv haplr and forth from me to the door. "Joy," I soothed in my calm, rational mode as she flailed away. "Joy, listen to me so I can help you. Is that the international sign for 'get me another brownie' or for throw me a life preserver'?" Ashley Ball is a journalism freshman. Her column appears every Wednesday. arena? cause I think sports are too emphasized on colmpuses and society in general. I think more and resources should be put into academics." Shelley Echerd Graduate student in student personnel services t that's a good idea. It would give on opportumore people to participate." Toria Davis Political science freshman w-'a