Neat story about an autistic kid

CBS news story about an autistic kid who is the high school basketball team manager. Gets to play in the last game of the year and the crowd goes NUTS... and for good reason.

Update:
Previous link was not working... now it should. Also, there is a cool video here, click on the must see finale. Well at least its cool to those of us who know how to juggle.

Reply from ASUW President Lee Dunbar

As co-sponsor of the resolution and president of the ASUW, let’s be clear, I welcome dissent and opposition, that comes with the territory but there were some who crossed the line. As for blatant disrespect, (i.e. phonecalls of a threating nature, phone calls to their family or work place doing the same, or emails to the effect of hate mail), should not be allowed to just be acceptable. So in public circles, on radio namely, I spoke to the horrid nature of that and to put a stop to it. Other than admonishment, we are also keeping a record of incidents that happened but the frustrating part is that these are mostly anonymous and those few we can contact or identify do not care what we say. The incidents do not include the majority of emails and posts, just those that threatened or were essentially hate mail.

In the end there is little recourse. I am open to any ideas and any help that I can provide in my capacity to respond to these statements and that is why I said it. Some took upon themselves to speak with the businesses that these individuals worked for and used their job’s email accounts to send these messages. This allowed us to confront them in that regard to apologize and stop. I don’t think we have gotten anyone fired, just another reminder that such behavior is flat wrong. We aren’t actively as an organization pursuing this route. I think we are ready to move on with the new resolution.

In the meantime, Jill Edwards has apologized for how she worded her comments.

Lee Dunbar
President
Associated Students of the University of Washington

I sincerely appreciate President Dunbar's reply.

I would like to stress the importance of civility. At time the rhetoric can get heated on both sides but for those on the right side of the political spectrum, the left already thinks we eat kittens and we know that is not true so lets not feed the stereotype. I hope we are better than that. If you can not make an argument without threats, maybe you do not have an argument to make.

UW Student Senate Meeting Minutes for 2/14/06 finally posted

I can not imagine what took so long... The highlight of which was the reaction to the 2/7/06 meeting which featured the comments of amongst others Jill Edwards and Ashley Miller.

Here is the "money quote".

Lee Dunbar said he has been witness to blatant disregard and disrespect toward students and their right to express themselves freely.

He said he personally apologized to Ashley Miller, Jill Edwards, Karl Smith, and others who received hateful or hurtful emails or phone calls.

He said he would do everything in his power to prevent such blatant disrespect
for student's opinions.

He said Senate acts as a center for the community, and that the debate that
takes place in Senate must be preserved.

Rene Singleton said that as an advisor, she thought the debate last week was
superb both in quality and respect.

Sounds to me that Lee Dunbar, President of the ASUW, thinks its OK for student Senators to say anything they want without consequences. So I guess if a Senator dropped the N word or used derogatory language regarding gays or lesbians, President Dunbar would say its inappropriate to criticize those comments. Yea right.

Does President Dunbar understand how the first amendment works? The first amendment allows you to say what you want without fear of being prosecuted by the government for the speech, it does not protect you from criticism for what you have said or repercussions such as public ridicule or losing your job from making outrageous statements. Jill Edwards and Ashley Miller can say anything they want, anywhere they want... as can I. So if they say something I think is stupid, I have just as much right to say so and tell them as they did in making the original statement.

Lee Dunbar is a moron for saying what he said. What are you going to do about that Lee?

South Dakota to Outlaw Abortion?

PIERRE, South Dakota (AP) -- Legislation meant to prompt a national legal battle targeting Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, was approved Wednesday by the South Dakota Senate, moving the bill a step closer to final passage.

The measure, which would ban nearly all abortions in the state, now returns to the House, which passed a different version earlier. The House must decide whether to accept changes made by the Senate, which passed its version 23-12.

...
...

So what is the connection to some blog in Seattle? Well... both of my parents are originally from South Dakota. In fact Mom's family still has not figured out that you can move. Anywho... we all go back for my Grandma's birthday every 5 years and last trip back, almost 3 years ago now, for Grandma's 90th, my sister and I flew into Bismarck N.D., because there is not a direct flight from Seattle to Roscoe S.D. and who could resist that 3 hour scenic drive anyway. Let me describe the drive... it looks like you are going past the same exact farm, over and over and over and... except for the occasional homemade billboard you see, most all of which are "Pro Life / Anti Choice", take your pick. 2nd place, what I would call "anti PETA", which makes for an interesting drive when your sister is a vegetarian.

So we pull into Roscoe, population 300, on a Friday afternoon, get to my Uncle's house and most of my Uncle's 8 kids or significant other is discussing "the abortion clinic". So my sister asks if they are talking about the one abortion clinic in Aberdeen, which is the local "big city", population 25,000. You would have thought she told them we should abolish farm subsidies. WHAT?!? THERE IS NO ABORTION CLINIC IN ABERDEEN! They were talking about the one abortion clinic in South Dakota.

So here is the question I have asked the kin folk and the only response I have got is the cold shoulder... how in the world does a Democrat ever get elected in that state? And here is exhibit number one.

It's In The P-I

The PI takes some cheap shots at talk radio and bloggers.... well I guess if my business was in as poor shape as the P-I, it may make sense to take cheap shots instead of doing what they continue to do, put out a product nobody seems to want.

In the editorial, the P-I seems to think the student senate process worked well and its because of the "questions" that were raised that in the end, "smart students made a good idea even better".

In the dialogue that is supposed to be at the heart of education, asking a question is always fair. Questions lead to understanding.

In the casting of aspersions over a recent tie vote to honor a single World War II hero from the University of Washington, talk radio and the blog world managed to overlook the central role of questions. We are so surprised.
....
Much of the uproar centered on a question about whether the UW needed any more memorials to rich white men. Great question (especially when Americans of all backgrounds are fighting abroad for their country).
....
So, a debate by smart students made a good idea even better. No big surprise there, either

What the P-I seems to be missing is the uproar was primarily over two comments, Jill Edwards didn't believe a member of the Marine Corps was an example of the sort of person UW wanted to produce and Ashley Miller commented that many monuments at UW already commemorate rich white men. Not sure how these could be seen as "questions" or how these comments could be seen as constructively seeking to improve upon the resolution. Additionally there was some uproar over the lack of any rebuttal to those comments from the approximately 100 students senators present. Can you imagine if this was a resolution to honor someone from the gay or lesbian community and someone stated that is not the sort of person the UW wanted to produce... would nobody have spoken up to defend gays and lesbians? Would that person still be a senator?

The P-I can try to spin this as UW diversity loving senate good, talk radio and bloggers bad but eventually, the marketplace is going to make the final decision on the P-I and I am willing to bet that day is sooner rather than later and long after the P-I is buried and forgotten, talk radio and bloggers will still be around doing what the P-I should have been doing, letting people know what is really happening.

This reminds me of a story from my childhood. This maybe my all time favorite story featuring my Dad, which is saying a lot. My Dad is a retired police officer, 25 years with a local P.D, 6'3", 250 pounds. It is safe to say he is a tad on the conservative side. Growing up our family subscribed to the Seattle Times, which Dad considered a liberal rag but it was better than the alternative. Our paperboy was a kid named Blake. He was the best paperboy in the history of newspaper delivery and he was also the youngest son of one of my Mom's best friends. We were not going to switch from the Times to the P-I.

One day, while we were eating dinner, we get a knock on the door. My Dad answers the door and its a teenager asking if we would be interested in subscribing to the P-I. My first thought was this could get ugly. My Dad says no thank you and starts to close the door. The kid literally puts his foot in the door and continues with his hard sell. At this point I am thinking just walk away kid and nobody gets hurt. Once again my Dad says no thank you and goes to close the door and once again the kid puts his foot in front of the door and continues. At this point I am stunned the kid still has a foot. The kid starts his speech again and this time Dad cuts him off with "listen kid...". Here we go... Dad tells him in a very firm voice, "see that house across the street? I do not want my neighbor getting up in the morning, looking across the street and seeing that piece of sh*t sitting on my front porch". Without blinking, the kid looks at my Dad and tells him, "I can deliver it around back". Dad closes the door and walks away.

Absolutely true story. If anyone knows who this kid is, drop me a line, I am looking for a salesperson.

Ashley 'Rich White Men' Miller Complains about the cost of education

Debt is the true price of a college education

ASHLEY MILLER
GUEST COLUMNIST

On Feb. 7, the U.S. secretary of education's Commission on the Future of Higher Education held a public hearing in Seattle. Participants asked for responses to questions about access, quality, cost and more. As a student facing these issues right now, there's one question on the commission's agenda that I care about specifically: "What is the true price of a college education?"

For me, and for millions of other students around the country, the true price of a college education is more than just dollars: it's debt. Debt from student loans can take a lifetime to pay off and have major consequences. When I start paying more than $200 a month on my student loans, how will I save for retirement, buy a house, start a family or even afford to live as a graduate doing social work? Plus, Congress just approved higher interest rates for student loans: 6.8 percent for students and 8.5 percent for parent loans. That could mean thousands more in interest costs for borrowers such as me.

Student debt is already the highest it's ever been: Two-thirds of full-time students at four-year schools have student loans, and their average debt load grew a whopping 60 percent over the past decade. That's because even public universities now cost more than most people can afford, not to mention other necessities such as housing and textbooks. Nationally, people graduating from four-year public colleges in 2004 had an average $17,600 in student loans.

As a student who is funding my own education, student loans have been a necessity. In my first two years at the University of Washington, I struggled to maintain my grades while working 30-35 hours a week at a local restaurant in order to pay living expenses. Between class and work, I had no time to engage in the campus community or experience "college life." During my junior year, I chose to take out even more student loans and work less. I finally had the opportunity to get involved with student groups on campus and take advantage of some of what the UW has to offer outside the classroom. The lessons I learned through working and volunteering with student organizations and attending community events have been invaluable to my education. However, it has come at a cost. Even with loans and two jobs, I struggle to pay the rent for my modest apartment each month, and buy groceries and textbooks with my credit card. I will graduate in the spring with more than $15,000 in loan debt, an intimidating thought for a student with ambitions to have a career in social work.

Everyone tells you that borrowing for education is a good investment, that you'll make a million dollars more than people with just a high school diploma; that you should do whatever it takes to get that degree. And we do, because a college degree is just about the only way to get into, or stay in, the middle class. But student debt can hold you back instead of helping you get ahead like college is supposed to. Not everyone gets a high-paying job when they graduate. Even if you do, what if the company goes under, or your car breaks down, or your mom gets sick? A hefty student loan bill every month leaves too many young adults without anything to fall back on when times are tough.

Student debt is the true price we pay for college: We pay a lot longer than it takes to get a degree, not to mention a lot more than we actually borrow, thanks to a nearly incomprehensible system that keeps piling on interest and fees even when struggling borrowers do everything right. In a case from right here in Seattle, the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that the government can even take money out of retirees' Social Security checks if they still owe on their student loans.

Having to borrow more and more to get a decent education makes college more risky instead of more accessible, limits our choices of schools and careers and jeopardizes the quality of our education. If the commission is truly concerned about access, choice and quality, it should address the growing problem of student debt and consider reforms to our financial aid system. Student loans should help increase opportunity, not condemn the college-educated to financial instability.

Ashley Miller is a senior at the Jackson School of International Studies and is vice president of the Associated Students of the University of Washington.

Boo Hoo Ashley.

Here is a thought... take a look at the ASUW Legislative Agenda and see if there maybe some ways to cut out some costs. Or maybe it would be quicker if we pointed out the areas where the ASUW was not in favor of doing things that raise costs. Here are just a few examples of what the ASUW is in favor of:

We support maintaining current state law which provides in-state tuition for children of undocumented immigrants.

We support raising student employee and staff salaries, as well as the restoration of benefits to the highest level previously provided.

We support raising faculty salaries and benefits to comparable levels of peer institutions.

We support the continued and expanded recognition of domestic partnerships and measures promoting marital equality.

We support the right of collective bargaining for academic employees.

We support requiring institutions of higher education to offer comprehensive and affordable health care coverage to all students, their spouses, domestic partners, and dependents.

We support state funding for the construction and operation of student-centered on-site childcare facilities and the expansion of childcare services on campus.

We support funding of a safer environment for the UW Community.

We support any measure that would decrease pollution and increase the usage of renewable resources on campus.

We oppose the sale, donation, or distribution of personal student information to third parties without student approval.

We oppose any effort to limit the civil rights of students or to increase their liability or punishment based on their status as students.

We support measures encouraging environmentally-friendly transportation.

We support measures that would ease the transportation burden of students.

We oppose all transportation measures that negatively impact the UW Community.

If Ashley and her friends had there way, the cost of educating her would skyrocket, just do not ask her to pay for it.

Unbelievable...

A UW student Senator, Nicholas Baptiste argues against the Pappy Boyington memorial and makes himself look... foolish, in the process.

Update:
Lee Dunbar posted a comment saying:

Baptiste is not a student senator, and I found his comments incredibly stupid.

I will have to check to verify, I thought it said he was a senator on the video so I need to check. I took a quick look at the UW Senate page and did not see his name listed as a Senator but then either that page is not updated often or there are lots and lots of unfilled seats.

And the UW resolutions just keep on coming...

Honor Our Troops

WHEREAS

over two thousand American soldiers have lost their lives in the hostilities in the country of Iraq in the past 4 years; and,

Whereas, nowhere has a monument been built to honor the courageous sacrifice these brave men and women have made for the country they loved so deeply; and,

Whereas, it is the responsibility of our generation and this University to honor our heroes; and,

Whereas, some have put to question the patriotism of the students of the University of Washington, suggesting that their commitment to social justice and peaceful resolution to conflict somehow equates them to America hating veteran bashers; therefore,


BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON:

THAT

no matter what individuals personal political beliefs are, whether they believe this or any war is right or just or warranted, whether they believe that throughout history any one race or gender has dominated any other, we can all agree that the soldiers who have made for us the ultimate act of sacrifice and given their lives in service to the Citizens of the United States of America are forever the object of our undying thanks, gratitude, friendship, deference, admiration, and love; and,

That, in order to properly display our feelings a senate committee be formed with the task of creating a monument to honor our fallen brothers and sisters who we miss so dearly, so that their sacrifice and memory may never be forgotten.

UW Student Senate Supports the right of military recruiters on campus?
I guess we will see.

A Resolution in Support of the Right of Military Recruiters to be Present on Campus

WHEREAS the military provides meaningful career opportunities for many students; and,

WHEREAS the military is also the defender of our freedoms and way of life; and,

WHEREAS at the Seattle Central Community College campus military recruiters were attacked by protesters last year; and,

WHEREAS we want to make sure this kind of intolerance does not happen on our campus, therefore


BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON:

THAT we support military recruiters' right to be on our campus, and

THAT we support ROTC's continued right to be present on campus, and

THAT we further support and respect the fine men and women who serve our country.

More UW Comments on the "Pappy" Boyington issue:

From Karl

The shameless misrepresentation of the Senate debate by a certain RSO president and conservative media outlets have led to personal attacks, not only on those present at the meeting, but also on unrelated ASUW employees, some of whom have been attacked on the basis of their race. The continued propagation of such a mischaracterized account of the events is not only irresponsible, it is reprehensible. It is known that the spreading this misinformation results in such attacks, so anyone discussing this without correcting the misunderstandings is contributing to the shameful events.

Someone needs to explain to Karl that these shamless misreprestations are from the official UW Senate Minutes.

New resolutions from the UW Student Senate

Resolution R-12-26, A Resolution Calling for UW Alumni awarded the Medal of Honor:

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON:

THAT we consider these men to be a prime example of the excellence that this university represents and strives to impart upon its students, and,

THAT we desire for a memorial, consisting of stele, for these men be commenced by the University of Washington as quickly as funding can be secured, and the design, arrangement & placement of stele have been agreed upon, which will be publicly displayed, so that all who come here in future years will know that the University of Washington produced one of this country’s bravest men, and that we as a community hold this fact in the highest esteem, and

THAT for all future instances of a UW alumnus being awarded the Medal of Honor, that the addition of a stele for that person should be commenced without delay and added to the memorial.

Resolution R-12-25, An Act Supporting Those Who Work for a Free and Democratic Society.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON:

THAT Col Boylington and Gen. Galer are recognized as honorable, courageous, selfless, patriotic and exemplary alumni of the UW; and

THAT Col. Boylington’s and Gen. Galer’s service to the United States and the world helped to preserve free and democratic society, and therefore, free speech and debate on the UW Campus; and

THAT Col. Boylington’s and Gen. Galer’s service to the United States and the world has contributed to the vitality of ASUW and UW; and

THAT the ASUW praises and encourages all individuals who and to work for the preservation of a free and democratic society whether it be through public or military service.

UW Student comments on the Edwards Apology Resolution

Froom the UW Student Senate Forum, Just a sample of the comments on the Edwards Apology Resolution...

In my opinion, this resolution is just as insulting to the memory of all veterans, service men, and Americans. In this country, we do not force people to take the popular opinion. Ms. Edwards is as entitled to her opinion as anyone else in this nation and to try to force her to rescind her opinion just because some people do not like it, and do not agree with it is wrong.
...
This is precisely the sort of legislation that should be failed in committee.
...
We'll have to wait and see the fate of this one, but I doubt it's cause for alarm just yet.
...
I do not believe we, as a senate, can MANDATE that someone issue an appology, but since we express the student oppinion I suppose we could say that we believe an appology should be issued. Not the same thing, and I dont know if this is a good idea, but it is possible.

More comments:

Hello, I am the one who wrote this piece of legislation. I do not, nor ever have had any misconceptions that it would be approved.
...
That aside, as a senator, I will do everything in my power to ensure that this fails in committee. One of the purposes of our standing committees (*not* the Steering Committee) is to weed out that legislation that is not worth the Senate's time (this doesn't mean simply disagreeing with something). [Interesting historical note: the Projects Committee - now General Affairs - was unofficially created for the purpose of failing legislation.] The resolution is clearly an example of a resolution deserving of death-by-committee.
...
Ha, I wonder what sucker committee will get stuck having to deal with THIS thing. Have there been ballot votes in committee before? - this seems like any vote could be taken personally, and debate could launch a full-scale shouting match against the sponsor.

As to my thoughts on what it would entail: It's a RESOLUTION of OPINION - as in absolutely no binding authority on anyone to do anything. Sort of like a UN decision (think Team America: "...or else we will be very angry with you and we will write you a letter telling you how angry we are

We need to be prepared to accept that this resolution is going nowhere fast.

Jill Edwards Apologizes?

From the UW Student Senate meeting on 2/15/2006... a resolution has been submitted but so far no action. Anyone else predicting a "stifle free speech" argument coming from Ms. Edwards?

Edwards Apology

WHEREAS Student Senator Jill Edwards offended all members of the United States Marine Corps, past or present, dead or alive; especially those who were, are, or will be students at the University of Washington with her comment that she "didn't believe a member of the Marine Corps was an example of the sort of person UW wanted to produce." This commented brought shame and dishonor to not only the UW Student Senate, but also the University as a whole, all its members who have served in the Marine Corps and all Marines past and present.


BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON:

THAT

Student Senator Jill Edwards will submit, in writing, a signed apology letter seeking forgiveness to all students, staff, and alumni who are now or ever have served in the United States Marine Corps. In said letter it will contain a formal apology and a recognition that her very rights and freedoms are guaranteed by such members of the armed services, to include the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, past or present, living or dead. Additionally, said letter will be printed in all its form and substance in that day's edition of the UW Daily newspaper as well as being recited on the UW Radio station. To realize her mistake, she must acquaint herself with the history of the person she is so keen to dismiss, by reading Col. Boyington's book, Baa, Baa, Black Sheep. All of these requirements are mandatory, under pain of losing her seat on the Student Senate.

Thanks for getting the word out:
Orbusmax
Paradosis
KVI 570, Kirby, John and Bryan
Ace of Spades
Michelle Malkin
and all the others...

UW "Pappy" Boyington Update

There is now two sets of meeting minutes for the UW student Senate for 2/7/06. One is listed as a draft version. They have minutes listed as far back as Sept. 2002 and this is the only date with a draft version listed. Why would that be? I have not spent the time to compare the two but the comments from Jill Edwards and Ashley Miller still appear. There should be new minutes for yesterdays meeting posted soon. Should be interesting to see if they mention any fallout from the 2/7 meeting.


Paradosis has more and if you view the comments, especially from the first thread, you would be amazed at the information you can find out about some of the UW Senators. Just make sure you are civil because remember, they think we eat puppies for breakfast as it is.

FYI... I did email Ms. Edwards asking for further explanation about her comments and so far have not received a reply.

OK... I am a little slow on this one but...

Tom Daschle considers bid for president.

When will my personal nightmare end?!? Don't even ask.

More UW nonsense

I originally saw this at Ace of Spades. Ace links to Florida Cracker. The original source though is the UW Daily.

A dark, knobby-headed silhouette featured in several UW-sponsored advertisements has sparked controversy and allegations of racism.

The figure depicts the HIV virus in human form in an ad for HIV Vaccine Trials Unit Seattle, sponsored by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the UW. The images show athletes and firefighters battling the figure in various locations including a boxing ring, a soccer field and on the street.

Along with publication in The Daily, the HIV vaccine ads have been featured in the Stranger, the Seattle Weekly and Metro Bus displays.

Several people said the ads had racist undertones because they used a figure resembling a black man with an afro to represent the deadly virus.

Even to communicate an important message, equating black people with disease and danger is highly offensive, said doctoral student Ebasa Sarka.

What a retard...

One of the comments about the Fremont Lenin statue mentioned the Troll under the bridge. This is under the Aurora bridge, the bridge of choice in Seattle for suicide jumps, under the north end. Its about half a mile east of Lenin.

Dick Cheney shoots a lawyer. How is this a bad thing?

The University of Washington's student senate rejects a memorial for UW alum, Gregory "Pappy" Boyington of Baa Baa Black Sheep fame.

Here are the meeting minutes. Truly unbelievable, including phrases such as "Jill Edwards didn't believe a member of the Marine Corps was an example of the sort of person UW wanted to produce" and "Ashley Miller commented that many monuments at UW already commemorate rich white men."

More on the issue here.

UPDATE:
Here is the original resolution.

Also, make sure you scroll to the bottom of the minutes so you can make sure and read the announcements. Otherwise you may miss the events that the leaders of the UW student body want to promote such as GBLTC drag show auditions, the Honors Croquet League, playing the "Privilidge Game", buying tickets for the Vagina Monologues and of course the ACLU meeting this Saturday.

Sad new about the massive loss of life from the Egyptian boat sinking earlier today. Current reports state the number of deaths could be as high as 1400. Of course some lives would have been saved if Egypt would have allowed the Israelis to help in the rescue effort.

But that brings up another somewhat related topic...With the current "Muslim Cartoon Riots" in full force this Super Bowl weekend, the largest betting day of the year, and the recent memory of the Muslim haj pilgrim stampede that resulted in 345 deaths, does anyone know the over/under on how many Muslim deaths will result from the Danish cartoons?

In response to the Danish newspapers cartoons depicting Islam and Mohammed as terrorists

Muslims from around the world appear intent on making the Danish cartoons exact point here and here and here and here and here and here and here.

Well if nothing else, we now know the answer to the question:

Those who insult Islam.


Michelle Malkin is Mohammed Cartoon Central.

More on the Mohammed cartoons...

As always, former Seattle resident Michelle Malkin is on top of things.

I thought this kind of sums it up for me.

Also tons of Mohammed images here.

Should have mentioned that I was awarded "Best Commenter to The Golf Blog" for 2005. My first "web blog" award. Part of the reason had to be my winning entry in the September Question of the Month Contest Who had the better or more impressive year, Annika or Tiger, and why? The answer, clearly Annika. The irony of it all is I won a free dozen golf balls of my choosing and I went with the Nike Platinum, Tiger's ball, which is a really nice ball.

If you are offended by this:


Well sorry... cause I am offended by guys yelling "Allah Akbar" while doing this.