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ONLINE POLL Should USC discontinue itr~ relationship with food supplit Sodexho? Go to www.dailygamecocK.com to vote. Results posted on Friday. AMECOCK EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR Adam Beam DESIGN DIRECTOR David Stagg NEWS EDITOR Michael LaForgia THE MIX EDITOR Meg Moore COPY DESK CHIEF Gabrielle Sinclair VIEWPOINTS EDITOR Wes Wolfe SENIOR WRITER Kevin Fellner ASST. NEWS EDITOR Jon Turner IN OUR OPINION New parking lot doesn H help issue USC students don’t have to be told about the severity of the campus parking situation. The Gamecock gets more letters about parking than about any other subject, and this being an election year, that means a lot. It’s a simple problem, really. There are about half as many parking spaces as there are students and faculty members who use them. USC Parking Services knows about the problem, and Parking Services Director Derrick Huggins hears about it more than we do. Parking officials have tried many things to reduce the parking problem, such as instituting a shuttle sys tem, opening the Colonial Center lots for students and building a new parking garage by South 1 ower. Their latest attempt, however, doesn’t make sense. Parking officials just opened a new student lot at the corner of Bull and Whaley streets with 120 spaces. Hey, it’s not much, but every little bit helps. The only problem is this lot is restricted to commuter students — or those who don’t live on campus. We understand that commuter students are a large and viable part of the university community, and they have the best excuse for having a car on campus, mainly because they don’t live here. But commuter students pay the same amount for parking as everyone else — $40 for a full year — and they don’t pay for student housing with its accompanying residential hall fees. If they pay the same to park at USC, they should have to look for a spot like everyone else. This lot should be open for everyone. But the lot is only temporary, and the university’s parking problems aren’t going to be fixed with 120 new places. Parking Services and USC students have been dealing with this problem for decades, and a revolutionary new plan is needed for any sort of resolution to USC’s parking woes. If commuter students pay the same as on-campus students to park at USC, or $40 for a full year, they should have to look for a spot like everyone else. IT’S YOUR RIGHT f Exercise your right to voice your opinion Create message boards at www.dailygamecock.com or send letters to the editor to <gamecockopinions@gwm.sc.edu GAMECOCK CORRECTIONS If you see an error in today’s paper, we want to know. E-mail us at gamecockopinions*® gwm.sc.edu. i-n ABOUT THE GAMECOCK eniTna I- l Adam Beam DESIGN DIRECTOR David Stagg COPY DESK CHIEF Gabrielle Sinclair NEWS EDITOR Michael LaForgia ASST. NEWS EDITOR Jon Turner VIEWPOINTS EDITOR Wes Wolfe THE MIX EDITOR Meg Moore SPORTS EDITOR Jonathan Hillyard ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Daniel Kerr SENIOR WRITER Kevin Fellner PHOTO EDITOR Jason Steelman SPORTS PHOTO EDITOR Katie Kirkland PAGE DESIGNERS Erin Cline, Jennifer Logan, Chas McCarthy, Jessica Ann Nielsen, Staci Jordan COPY EDITORS Jennifer Freeman, Anna Huntley, Daniel Regensheit, Jason Reynolds, Jennifer Sitkcwski, Shana Till, Steven Van Haren, Joey Wallace ONLINE EDITOR Brian Cope PUBLIC AFFAIRS Jane Fielden, Katie Miles CONTACT INFORMATION Offices ori third floor of the Russell House. The Editor’s office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. Editor: gamecockeditor@gwm.sc.edu News: gamecocknews@gwm.sc.edu Viewpoints: gamecockopinions@gwm.sc.edu The Mix: gamecockfeatures@gwm.sc.edu Sports-, gamecocksports@gwm.sc.edu Public Affairs: gamecockPR@yahoo.com Online: www.dailygamecock.com Newsroom: 777-7726; Sports: 777-7182 Editor’s Office: 777-3914 STUDENT MEDIA DIRECTOR Scott Linden berg FACULTY AOVISER Erik Collins CREATIVE DIRECTOR Susan King BUSINESS MANAGER Carolyn Griffin ADVERTISING MANAGER Sarah Scarborough CLASSIFIED MANAGER Sherry F. Holmes PRODUCTION MANAGER Garen Cansler CREATIVE SERVICES Burke Lauderdale, Chelsea Felder, Laura Gough,Joseph Dannelly, Kristen Williams ADVERTISING STAFF Robert Carli, Breanna Evans, Ryan Gorman, Caroline Love, Jesica Johnson, Katie Stephens i ne bamecock is tne editorially independent student newspaper of the University of South Carolina. It 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 MH Student Publications 1 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-activity fees. One free copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 each from the Department of Student Media. TO PLACE AN AD The Gamecock Advertising: 777-3888 1400 Greene St. Classified: 777-1184 Columbia. S.C. 29208 Fax: 777-6482 £M6CAN0 To Vow*ize /MAP5 amp 5mgaps in Fl6tTf A6Ai^5T<?ee5lTy \.^ ~ X'm $e/\LLyi^\ f'AfJoR- Of f(6HT(NC> N • o$e$\Ti gur couu? vot> 77^^ou/ (N A^otne^ J —~p Cfc>Z£K 5N(CK^5 / / ^Af^S f I // / <§}?*P^ 4 '' ^sr-L _ /yJ on SSL CARTOON COURTESY OF KRT CAMPUS Join fight to end domestic violence ■ S.C. women shouldn’t pretend that this is a normal part of life There were three of us in the conversation that day — myself, a man and another woman. We were talking about the times we’d witnessed (along with the rest of the neighborhood) the woman in the midst of confrontations with the men in her life. To both the man and me, this behavior was incomprehensible. However, the woman spoke about it nonchalandy. To her, fighting with her significant others was second nature. In fra, she was notorious for battling with the men in her life, which would, on any given occasion, include nights (or days) of fist fighting, mnning and sometimes hospitalization. Struggling to gain an ounce of understanding, the man asked the woman, “How could you live like that?” Her reply was simply, “Because I do not know any other way.” The man was blown away, but I understood what she meant. Do not get me wrong: I’ve never suffered through a physically abusive relationship. However, research shows that domestic violence can be a terribly vicious cycle. While some vow to never be like their parents, many times children in abusive families grow to be adults in abusive families. The woman in the conversation is a testament to that. It had only been a few years earlier that her mother met death at the hands of her own gun toting husband. The laws in many states cover incidents of violence occurring between married couples, as well as abuse of elders by family members, abuse between roommates, datine couoles and those in lesbian and gay relationships. Domestic abuse takes place not only in the form of physical violence, but also in the form of threats, intimidation, belittlement and forced isolation. The abuse remains hard to detect and control because many times the victim is too fearful to prosecute. In fact, many people living in violent relationships fear that leaving their abusers might prompt outbursts that could be even more violent. Some stay because they feel they lack the resources to obtain new shelter and the other basic necessities to sustain themselves and their dependents. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A recent study shows that South Carolina had the nation’s highest rate of women who were killed due to domestic violence. We must do more to get these numbers lowered. If you are in this situation, I strongly urge you to take the necessary STACY GREGG THIRD-YEAR INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES STUDENT steps in order to separate yourself from the perpetrator. No matter how much you want to believe in change, very seldom can it happen without outside influences. In the very least, talk to ’ other women who have been in similar situations. 1 also encourage individuals not in abusive situations to open their eyes and take notice of the people with whom they come into contact. Can you think of a relationship of which you thought, “There’s something not quite right about that?” Find out what that something is. All too often we turn our heads away from domestic violence because we have been conditioned to believe that what goes on between a man and a woman should stay between that man and woman. It is time we kill this mentality because it is certainly killing us. It is this mentality that serves as a breeding ground for more helpless victims. Not only is October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but it is also National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer awareness is another very serious cause. In honor of my aunt, pastor and very close friend who have all battled the disease and won, I want to take the opportunity to encourage you to please make an effort to support the many charities that contribute to the prevention of this disease. I also want to encourage all ladies to be sure to have regular examinations. It really is time that we start taking better care of ourselves and" our community.' --— IN YOUR OPINION Liberals hypocritical on wars in history Styrofoam as far as the eye can see? A comparison to the American people under Bush to the Germans under Hitler? Are you kidding me? Jeff Boyce’s blindness to the facts (“Huffman unable to understand humor,” Monday) is evident. He compares his “Lick Bush and his Dick in 2004” to humor, yet he tries to blame the fact that old Europe thinks we are stupid on President Bush. Wrong — it is because of these hypocritical liberals that flip-flop back and forth, giving the appearance that all Americans are like bipolar children. Who gives a damn what Europe thinks away? The liberation of Iraq is in the free world’s best interest. If none of Europe can see that, then they are just as blind as the liberals who think Sen. Kerry is a good leader. Also, I would like to add that Iraq is not Vietnam — we learned from our mistakes in that war. I encourage those same liberals to look a bit farther back to the American Revolution. No one thought we could win that war, and it sure would have sucked then if we had just given into the “wrong war, wrong time” rhetoric. As for North Korea, it is not going to attack the United States. North Korea wants our money, and it would be in its best interest not to do anything to piss us off. They know we have dropped nukes on its neighbor Japan before, and they know that we will do it to them. I would once again like to advise all those people crying about how awful the war is and how long it is taking to go talk to some veterans or actually read about the wars that have helped keep America free. Then, and only then, will they understand that war is sometimes not a need or desire of the bloodthirsty or of the rich but a necessity to make the world a better place. And yes, it is tough, but just like in life, the toughest things to accomplish reap the greatest rewards. JONATHAN DUNSMOOR Second-year psychology and criminal justice student Greeks shouldn’t add to stereotypes I would like to make a statement about Spurs and Struts. This is a time when all the sororities and fraternities get to showcase their dancing skills. This is a time for everyone to watch and enjoy these acts. I was a spectator, but I was not able to enjoy all the acts because a certain sorority, which will remain nameless, had decided that they wanted to act in a way that was ignorant, selfish and pompous. These actions do not help Greek societies break the stereotypes, which has been placed on them so unfairly. Well, I have news for a certain sorority. They are the true embodiment of everything wrong with Greek society. Your members were ignorant of the fact that others were trying to watch the events as they were happening, and you felt it was OK to try and squeeze your way through others to get to your “sisters.” Your selfishness went to the extent of pushing others and beginning a conversation that lasted throughout the entire Spurs and Struts. I am so glad “Mary” was going to go out with “Johnny” and your dance squad is going to crush everyone else. I don’t care about all of that. Greek societies have a lot of pride, which I am happy you have, but people like you make it a mind-changing experience. I have never harbored any ill thoughts or feelings toward Greek organizations before, and maybe it is people like me that you guys don’t care about. I am only really commenting on the ladies of a certain sorority that were standing behind the left side table of judges. Thank you for creating a lousy environment for watching Spurs and Struts. I can’t wait to see what you screw up for me in the rest of the Homecoming events. KEVIN CARROLL Fourth-year criminal justice student Submission Policy Letters to the editor should be less than 300 words, and include name, phone number, professional title or year and major, if a student. E-mail letters to gamecockopinions@gwm.sc.edu. Letters will be edited. Anonymous letters will not be published. Call the newsroom at 777 7726 for more information. Grading scale best served up with a:-) • u Using AIM smileys is a much better idea for evaluating students Why is it that our grading system is so arbitrary? I mean, who decided that an A would denote performance superior to a B? Not only does it simply fail to make any sense, but it I--1 111 rpc i n excessive amount of energy. In other words, it demands an abstract association between letters in the alphabet to a qualitative value of performance. You see — ever^ explaining it is somewhat of an arduous task. That is why I am proposing that use adopt a more rational and comprehensive system that takes into account performance, emotional response of the student and post-graduation marketability. I propose that instead of assigning letter grades, the university should assign AOL instant messenger smileys. Not only are they more sensible, but they are so much more nuanced than the traditional evaluative marks. There’s only so much you can express with ABCDF (what the deuce ever happened to the E anyway?); whereas with AIM smileys, you can assign not only range of grades, but a corresponding^ spectrum of emotions as well. They range from the ever-so-coveted ctrl+shift+8 big grinning smiley to the vindictive, merciless ctrl+7 scowl. Because The Gamecock is unable to print such smileys, I shall attempt to articulate my point with the use of the next best thing — ASCII art. :-D — The aforementioned big grinning smiley — the paragon of academic achievement. This coveted mark should be awarded to exemplary students who have demonstrated through their work ethic and intellect that they are truly deserving of a smiley face. :-) — Somewhat less inviting but still delightfully merry is the simple smile. It offers just the right balance between positive reinforcement for a good job and motivation to achieve even more. After all.^ if they’re merely smiling now, imagine the” euphoric bliss they can achieve with a bit n-w-ira* pffnrt CURTIS CHOW FOURTH-YEAR ECONOMICS STUDENT :-\ — The “I’m not so sure you don't suck” face. When the professor isn’t sure whether the student is a brilliant slacker or a striving idiot, this face does just the trick. Not too condemning for the latter, but enough to let the former know that you’re on to him. :-0 — The, “Look at me — my mouth is agape in shock that you actually managed to be accepted into an institution of higher education, let alone pass the third grade,” face. This face is particularly useful when dealing with the whiney princess and big-haired tool of the class (yes, I am shamelessly making reference to an old column). This is the guy/girl who for all practical reasons should be sent to remedial school or the salt mines. Typically, this is the stupid ^ whiney student who blames the professoi^ for a class being too difficult. To what end? I don’t know. Perhaps they think the professor can “miracle” the world into being a more simplistic and easily comprehensible place. >:-0 — Very similar to the face above, but with the added angry eyebrows; the message sent by the vindictive scowl is unequivocal. Handing out this grade is something like handing out devastation. We’ve observed your work during the course of the semester, we’ve run our data through a series of highly sophisticated and comprehensive analysis, and the results are in: “Yep, you’re an idiot.” In the end, everyone benefits from my grading system. With one glance at the transcript, you would know your destiny^ — destined to succeed or doomed 10^7 failure. The smiley tells all. THifiiirrmir'iiiiiviiiifHi"HTT1Ti'^yilinffTfr-tri|^Tr~r“TriTiriTr.nun "•im"iii«T —mBTT WINNERS AND SINNERS TYLER JEFFREY AND MARIE CONNELLY Crowned Homecoming King and Queen Tuesday ~ 't m night. Now if it only came with a car. UNSATURATED FATS New study says unsaturated fats cut risk of gallstones, heart disease and diabetes. Ice cream soon to follow. *j NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS 1 'hree Americans win Nobel Prize for physics. j BRITISH REGULATORS Cut U.S. flu vaccine supply in half. United States then withholds braces. CLEMSON Football team has an off week, but still keeps its loser rating. DEMINT, TENENBAUM U.S. Senate candidates manage to bend the truth in Sunday’s debate. South Carolina needs someone who can give it to us straight. ' : * ,f;' Sj