UT Martin Democrats

Washington, DC - As more and more experts continue to confirm the harmful effects of global warming, the College Republican National Committee is urging its membership to mock the threat by throwing beach parties this summer.

The College Republicans actions demonstrate the misplaced priorities and short-sightedness of the future of the Republican Party. As College Democrats continue to fight for issues that young Americans care about like an affordable college education, Republicans continue to push their out of touch agenda.

“The College Republicans’ beach parties mocking global warming are just another example of the misplaced priorities and short-sightedness of the Republican Party,” said College Democrats of America President Grant Woodard.

“The College Republicans’ ignorance toward the seriousness of global warming and climate change shows a Party more focused on partying than talking seriously about the issues facing young people across America. While College Republicans party on this summer, College Democrats will be knocking on doors, working to get Democrats elected nationwide. With young leadership like this, Republicans should prepare to get burned in the upcoming elections.”

Published in The Pacer Feb. 7 from UTM College Democrats Vice President Chris Bell:

I am writing in response the article in The Pacer last week. I was shocked to learn how few people on this campus are involved in our American political system.

I know that there are some students who would like to get involved in politics but don’t know how. I would like to point out that there are many opportunities on this campus to get involved, as well as to learn about our government and the issues that face our country.

For example, the Harold Ford Jr. campaign has a Team Ford chapter at UTM, and we also have an active UTM College Democrats student organization that you can join. If you don’t join one of these groups, there are plenty of other ways to make a difference. I encourage everyone to find a way to be active in our political system.

To get involved with Team Ford contact Kristen Keys (kjk2004@yahoo.com), or to join the College Democrats contact me (chrnbell@utm.edu)

Chris Bell
Marketing
Martin

Haley Simmons
UTM College Democrats

When many Americans make an assessment of the candidates for president, they will evaluate the issues that affect them. For the African- American community and minorities as a whole, the issues that surround civil rights draws popular interest and become relevant when this group decides to vote.

There is a stark contrast between John Kerry and President Bush on the issue of civil rights. When evaluating John Kerry’s stance on civil rights, you will see that the senator from Massachusetts has strongly supported equality and opportunity in America for minorities.

John Kerry supports affirmative action, which calls for equal opportunity in jobs, education and contracting decisions for all minorities, as well as for women. When looking at wages in America, women earn only 76 cents on the dollar compared to men for working the same job. John Kerry has a plan to close the gap in wages earned between men and women.

President Bush, to his credit, has acknowledged the inequality that many minorities face in America. But, merely stating that there is inequality and taking steps to end the racial barriers that hamper equality is another thing.

President Bush in his four years in office has not visited with the NAACP, the most recognizable civic organization that promotes racial equality in America. Bush is the first president since Warren G. Harding not to meet with the NAACP, a visit that John Kerry did make.

The U.S. Commision on Civil Rights, a bipartisan commission, found that “President Bush neither exhibited leadership on pressing civil rights issues, nor taken action that matched his words.” (http://www.usccr.gov/pubs/bush/bush04.pdf)

The commission also reported that the president is to be commended for assembling a “diverse cabinet and moderately diverse judiciary,” but his nominees do not support civil rights protections. The effect, as the commission stated, could eventually weaken the civil rights laws.

The contrast between John Kerry and George W. Bush is evident enough for African Americans and minorities to cast their vote for the candidate who exemplifies their interests.

To learn more about John Kerry’s plan for civil rights, visit johnkerry.com, or attend the UTM College Democrats weekly meetings at 5 p.m. Thursdays in the UC.

John Lankford
UTM College Democrats

Tuition up 9% this year, sound familiar? Tuition and fees are up in 49 out of the 50 states. It seems that tuition increases have become as routine as back-to-school shopping. Why is it that we allow our education costs to be raised while we stand by and do nothing? Well the good news is YOU can do something about it, VOTE!

Bush’s record on higher education:

President Bush has failed to deliver on his 2000 campaign promise to raise the maximum Pell grant award to $5100. It remains at $4,050, meanwhile UTM tuition has risen by $1,066 since President Bush has taken office. Bush Proposes Cutting or Freezing Key Financial Aid Programs. Bush’s 2005 budget eliminates the $66.2 million Leveraging Education Assistance Partnerships (LEAP) program, which aids low-income families trying to afford rising college costs. Bush’s 2005 budget also cuts $101 million from the Perkins Loan Program.
Kerry’s Plan for a Stronger American Education:
Simplify the Student Aid Application Process. Today, there are more questions on an application for a $5,000 student loan than on an application for a $2 million small business loan. John Kerry will simplify the student aid application. As president, John Kerry will Offer a College Opportunity Tax Credit on up to $4000 of tuition for four years of college. This credit will be fully available to families having trouble with the costs of college and to young people who are paying their way through school. John Kerry will work with colleges to provide the benefits of the credit at the beginning of each school year, when students NEED IT! Only about one half of Americans who go to college actually graduate. John Kerry will work with high schools and colleges to boost college completion through stronger high school curriculum and empowering the colleges that improve their graduation rate.
The costs of these programs will be offset by rolling back Bush’s irresponsible tax cut program. What’s more important to you, a one-time $300 check or the pursuit of a more lucrative future with a college degree in hand? For more information, visit JohnKerry.com or attend our meeting Thursday 5 p.m., in the University Center, Room 231.

Andrea Cash
UTM College Democrats

For the past four years, the U.S. economy has sustained heavy blows. Despite optimistic claims from the Bush Administration, the state of the economy has been left in shambles. In numerous claims, the current administration would have the public believe the economy has been better than what the actual facts stipulate.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, there has been a net job loss of over 2 million, making the Bush Administration the first since the Hoover Administration to end its term with a net job loss on its record. (EPI, Feb. 2, 2003; Jobwatch.org)

The slumping economy has also reflected grimly on local counties. After three downsizes at the local Goodyear Tire plant, an estimated 900 employees have been laid off, according to Martin locals.

One would think, with the economy performing so badly, the current administration would propose an economic plan to help stimulate it. Sadly, this is not so.

In a non-partisan analysis by the Center Committee for Economic Development, findings concluded that the official budget projections omit about $200 billion in missing costs in the fifth year. (CBPP, Jan. 24, 2004)

On top of that debacle, the new tax cut proposed by the Bush Administration is not distributed evenly among socioeconomic ranks. The 10 percent of taxpayers who earn $104,000 annually will receive 60.1 percent of said tax cut, while the least-ranking 60 percent will receive a mere 8.5 percent. (CTJ Fact Sheet, Jan. 8, 2003, http://www.ctj.org)

How can the American people tolerate such blatant disregard of their economy?

The American people deserve candidates with more initiative to stimulate the economy. The Kerry-Edwards economic plan has the potential to give the economy an overdue support. In the proposed economic plan, the deferral of taxes because of job outsourcing abroad will be eliminated. This economic plan also wants to promote tax breaks for companies that operate in the United States.

The Kerry-Edwards economic plan will implement “buy American” strategy to contract federal work to American workers.

The U.S. economy cannot withstand official budgets with outrageous omissions or 2 million more net job losses.

Our nation is in grave need for new leadership from John Kerry and John Edwards to help stimulate our desperate economy.