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SOUND OFF ONLINE POLL What USC sports star will make the Create message boards at biggest impact at the professional level? www.dailygamecock.com or KALIMBA EDWARDS 56% send letters to the editor to SHELDON BROWN 19% gamecockviewpoints@hotmail.com OTHERS 25% IN OUR OPINION Losingfaith The recent summit of U.S. cardinals at the Vatican produced little in the way of concrete results. While agreeing thaj any priest “who has become notorious and is guilty of the serial, predatory, sexual abuse of minors” should be immediately dismissed, they refused to take things a step further and promise to immediately dismiss any priest found to have molested children. Such a policy would go a long way toward healing the damage that has been done to the Roman Catholic Church by the errant priests and church leaders who allowed their actions to continue. Even The Catholic Church must be ready to take the next step to cleanse itself of its recent sins. ii tne cnurcn aoesn t aeciae on such a policy, some steps need to be taken to make sure that molestors aren’t sent from parish to parish every time new allegations arise. Leaders who think they’re protecting the sanctity ot the Church by doing this are only causing a cancer to eat away at a key foundation: parishioners’ trust. Catholics aren’t only losing faith in the hierarchy to handle the issue. The scandal is also affecting other priests’ ability to do their jobs. Many churches, fearing abuse allegations, are keeping priests from privately advising their young parishioners. In June, there will be a conference of U.S. bishops in Dallas. The president of the association has already said the sexual abuse scandals will be the meeting’s major issue. But the Church must be ready to take the next step to cleanse itself of its sins. Gamecock Quotables “The Gamecock has no constitutional rights.” J.D. SHIPMAN COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS SENATOR “We are simply getting better at writing tickets.” DEREK HUGGINS USC DIRECTOR OF VEHICLE MANAGEMENT AND PARKING SERVICES. ON WHY THE PERCENTAGE OF FINES WAIVED BY HIS DEPARTMENT HAS DECREASED BY MORE THAN HALFlN THREE YEARS “It’s a recognition of my thinking. It’s like an expression of myself, my creative thinking.” 1AMES CARTER BEEZER'S DELIVERY MAN, ON HIS BRIGHT RED HAIR AND PURPLE MOPED “We didn t play well enough to win.” RAY TANNER use BASEBALL HEAD COACH, EXPLAINING USC’S LOSS TO LSU “We’ll be trying to hook the students up because we know it’s rough being a student.... It should help our business a lot.” WALTER REEN MANAGER OF LEO'S, ON THE NEW FIVE POINTS MEAL PLAN SET TO DEBUT THIS SUMMER “The goal is... graduation.” A SIGN IN THE LOCKER ROOM OF FRANK MCGUIRE ARENA GAMECOCK CORRECTIONS In Wednesday’s paper, “Winners and Sinners” should have said Clemson played Louisiana Tech in Boise, Idaho. Also, the correct name of a restaurant in the article about the Five Points meal plan should have been Leo’s. The Gamecock regrets the errors. If you see an error in today’s paper, we want to know. E-mail us at gamecockviewpoints@hotmail.com. ABOUT THE GAMECOCK Mary Hartney Editor in Chief Ginny Thornton News Editor Kevin Fellner Asst. News Editor Mackenzie Clements Viewpoints Editor Carrie Phillips The Mix Editor Justin Bajan Asst. The Mix Editor Chris Foy Sports Editor J. Keith Allen Asst. Sports Editor Brandon Larrabee Special Projects Adam Beam Contributing Editor Martha Wright Design Editor Page Designers Crystal Dukes. Sarah McLaulin, Katie Smith, David Stagg Kyle Almond Copy Desk Chief Copy Editors Crystal Boyles. Andrew Festa, Jason Harmon, Jill Martin. Paul Rhine Mark Hartney Online Editor Corey Davis Photo Assignments Photo Editors Robert Gruen, Candi Hauglum Kelly Petruska Pnmnmmitx/ Affairs CONTACT INFORMATION Offices on third floor of the Russell House. Editor in Chief: gamecockeditor@hotmail.com University Desk: gamecockudesk@hotmail.com Viewpoints: gamecockviewpoints@hotmail.com The Mix: gamecockmixeditor@hotmail.com Sports: gamecocksports@hotmail.com Online: www.dailygamecock.com Newsroom: 777-7726 EDITORIAL BOARD Kyle Almond, Mackenzie Clements, Chris Foy. Jason Harmon, Mary Hartney, Brandon Larrabee. Carrie Phillips. Ginny Thornton, Martha Wright STUDENT MEDIA Erik Collins Faculty Adviser Ellen Parsons Director of Student Media Susan King Creative Director Carolyn Griffin Business Manager Sarah Scarborough Advertising Manager Sherry F. Holmes Classified Manager Creative Services Derek Goode, Todd Hooks, Earl Jones, Jennie Moore, Melanie Roberts, Beju Shah Advertising Staff Betsy Baugh, Amanda Ingram, Denise Levereaux, Jackie Rice. Gloria Simpson, Stacey Todd The Gamecock is the student newspaper of the University of South Carolina and is published Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring semesters and nine times during the summer 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 the publisher of The Gamecock. The Department of Student Media is the newspaper's parent organization. The Gamecock is supported in part by student activities fees. One free copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for one dollar each from the Department of Student Media. TO PLACE AN AD The Gamecock 1400 Greene Street Columbia, S.C. 29208 Advertising: 777-3888 Classified: 777-1184 Fax: 777-6482 yow <V\o4A ’ \ *e>t witU**yW*i« 1 C5p*tl^U'» V*»'tVv VVgjL ••■ C-V\ l f^v5 i*tf**f. i * - „ CARTOON BY NATE CORBIN/THE GAMECOCK IN YOUR OPINION Northerners aren’t taught to be bitchy After noticing Ginny Thornton’s column in Monday’s paper, I thought, “Yay, finally someone thinks well of the North.” I was sorely mistaken. It’s people who think like Thornton who give “Yankees” a bad image. By saying, “In the North, girls are taught to be bitchy,” it creates a stereotype that’s a cruel misjudgment. Northern women were brought up to be independent, not bitchy. There’s a world of difference between the two. Bitchy is a term used to describe someone with an attitude problem who treats others with disrespect. Northerners aren’t the only people with the ability to be “bitchy.” Independence, self reliance and respect are taught by strong parents, not school programs. Independence raises girls like myself to live with good priorities and strong goals, even if it means to put what I need to do first. Independence is having respect for yourself, not being a mat for people to step on. Independence is also knowing where your loyalties lie, and it doesn’t take a genius to know that that’s with the family. So, the next time you want to call out a “Yankee,” have enough decency to leave out the “bitchy.” STEFANIE BOPP FIRST-YEAR BIOLOGY STUDENT ‘Bitchy’ description isn’t appropriate I’d like to share my disgust with the ignorance of the column “Looking North for My Inspiration.” I find it amazing that Ginny Thornton, a public relations student, would write an article that insults a small but prominent percentage of the student population. I find it even more amazing that The Gamecock would print it. The idea behind the column is truly valid advice, things that every college student wished they knew long ago. My problem is that the column calls Northern girls bitches. Thornton might think she was complimenting Northern girls for our ability to be straightforward, but she didn’t. Rather, she did a disservice to Northerners and UUUUXC1 X1C1 o. There’s no reason why the word “bitchy” should have been used. There are other adjectives that-are appropriate for the point that was trying to be made including “honest,” “straightforward” and “self confident,” among others. It’s flattering to be complimented by saying Northern girls have the confidence and maturity to take care of ourselves; I think that’s what the author was going for. I don’t think Southern girls should be overlooked, though, because I have met many women down here who have the ability to voice their opinions and stand up for themselves. That doesn’t make them any more bitchy than a Northern girl. There &re small towns in the North, Midwest and every other part of the country; it’s not a uniquely Southern characteristic. I, too, grew up in a small town. I have gone to college in the North and the South. And I can tell you that, no matter what region of the country you grow up in, the issues addressed are a coming of-age process. There was no need to assign a word with such negative connotation to what could have been a complimentary article. JENN COLBURN SECOND-YEAR ATHLETIC TRAINING STUDENT Reporting is biased toward liberal left I’m writing in response to Martha Wright’s column on Monday. It’s pleasing to see a liberal journalist engaged in the discussion about unbiased reporting, but even within her own writing, we see that it isn’t quite that simple. As CBS journalist Bernard Goldberg (a self-proclaimed liberal) said in his book “Bias,” there is a bias in the media. It exists more so in one direction—to the left! However, there’s no need to over-engage myself in the discussion of this issue. Anyone, especially those of us who are college-educated, can read from various sources and come to this conclusion: There is a liberal bias in American media. More importantly, I want to thank Wright for her “unbiased” input on this situation. I was actually almost fooled until her last line about Fox News, but I should have known better than to expect any level urgency about this issue from yet another liberal journalist. I fully respect Wright’s opinion, but there is no need to try and disguise it. Wright doesn’t like Fox News, and I don’t like PMSNBC and CNN. Why pretend? ADAM SHAW THIRD-YEAH POLITICAL SCIENCE STUDENT Patel has become too power hungry As many of you may have read in Wednesday’s paper, Student Government President Ankit Patel removed Sen. Zachery Scott from the special commission on elections reform that he was appointed to just weeks ago. According to Patel, he dropped Scott because he “lied” about his vote on Patel’s brainchild — the infamous, and recently failed, Public Endorsement Prohibition Act. First, let me share with those who aren’t aware why Patel really went after Scott. In Wednesday’s Senate, Patel gave one of the most insulting, condescending and degrading executive reports that I’ve ever heard. While he was going over the Executive Codes with the Senate like a pompous professor lecturing his students, Scott moved to end the executive report. Shocking as this was to everyone, nearly the entire Senate seconded the motion, putting Patel in an awkward position. It was obvious that Patel’s vengeful side came out when Scott was removed from his chair. Still, Patel sticks to the story that Scott lied to him about his intended vote on the PEPA. Who cares if Scott did? I know Scott never gives his word on any bill before it’s discussed in Student Senate. This is a pain to all of us who seek his vote, but, in reality, he’s serving his constituents better than any other senator. He believes in thorough discussion and debate on any matter as a means of making the best decision. Regardless, Scott went with what he felt was best for the students, even if it wasn’t what Patel wanted. This conflicts with Patel’s mental image of himself as the deity over the holy trinity of Student Government. Not only is Patel already the head executive officer, but he also has puppets such as Sens. Carson Bacon, Sarah Bayko and Ginny Wright, who are more than happy to nrnnnots ltic looiclafinn anH niicVi his agenda. Now, he wants to appoint half of a commission that will frame a new judicial branch. Patel has tried to stick his hand in every SG cookie jar, and, finally, Scott gave him a slap on the wrist. We should all be slapping Patel’s wrist when he reaches for more power. He serves at your will, and it’s time that became more of a reality than a theory. Applaud those like Scott who truly represent your interests. Remember the names of senators who push a power hungry president’s agenda so that you can vote them out the next time they use your backs as a stepping stone for more power. Most importantly, get angry, get concerned and get involved. Don’t let attempts at silencing your involvement stop you from forcing SG to serve you. Remind your representatives that they represent you and no one else. Protect your voice on this campus by making it heard. ADAM HARK FIRST-YEAR HISTORY STUDENT AND COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS SENATOR Patel is promoting a personal agenda Student Government President Ankit Patel’s removal of Sen. Zachery Scott from his committee chair is unjustified, and Patel should be reprimanded for allowing his personal problems with someone lead to an abuse of power. Despite the reasons Patel presented for the removal, Patel obviously didn’t want Scott as the committee chair because he thinks for himself and isn’t one of Patel’s “yes men” like Sen. Ginny Wright. Scott never promised Patel his vote; he told Patel only that he “most likely got my vote.” While Patel might think Scott lied, it’s clear that Scott didn’t promise Patel his vote. We live in a democracy where we can vote how we choose on any topic, despite what others desire. If Scott had promised Patel his vote, he could still vote against the bill because it’s his right. Patel can’t force someone to vote the way he wants; if he could, that would be a violation of our rights as American citizens and of our free will. Personally, I’m glad to see that there’s a senator who can think for himself and make decisions that are best for the students who elected him. I also ♦ LETTERS, SEEPAGES SG SPEAKS Working for all students’ concerns KATIE DREILING GAMECOCKVIEWPOINTS@HOTMAIL.COM Student Senate won’t be used as a personal or political playground. When people asked me why I wanted to be Student Government vice president, I told them that it was because I wanted to continue to help the students at this university. I enjoy visiting organizations and speaking with different people about the issues that are concerning them. I didn’t realize, however, how much of an impact I could have until after the election. I firmly believe that this year will be a turning point for SG. President Ankit Patel, Treasurer Becky Floyd and I each have the opportunity to make a lasting impression on USC students. Because I’m vice president, I’m in a key position, serving in the executive and legislative branch of SG. As president of the Student Senate, I’ve had the opportunity to work firsthand with senators and the student body. Standing in front of the Senate and conducting heated debates on many different issues is quite a change for me. I’m learning a lot, along with the new senators, and I welcome the I know there has been a lot of action in Senate this semester, and I look forward to even more debate. I know we will continue to have similar legislation brought to the Senate floor, and I’m confident that the senators will be able to represent student opinion on such things. I want the students to know, as well as senators, that the Senate will not be used as a political or personal playground. I won’t allow it. Other senators won’t allow it, either. I have asked that nothing be brought to the Senate floor for debate or voting until it has been properly researched. I want the senators to feel comfortable talking to the administration and to other organizations about how they feel about certain legislation. Senators are elected to represent their constituents from their colleges, and they will do their best to do so this year. I also want to increase SG’s participation with different events. I enjoy meeting other leaders of USC, and I hope we can all work together this year. As elected SG officers, we’re all here to help. As for the future of SG, I hope we can focus more on student issues. If students can see that we are helping to make their college experience more enjoyable, then they will be confident that we are representing them to the best of our ability. I hope that every student will take advantage of both their college experience and everything that SG has to offer. If any student ever feels like SG isn’t representing them properly, or feels like we aren’t doing our job, then please ' become involved and change it. I’m devoting my year to the students of this university, and I hope to make a positive impact on their college experience. Dreiling is a third-year political science student and SG vice president.