The Storyteller

Journalists have one of the most rewarding careers out there: they are able to tell stories. I believe people genuinely like having their stories told, and we are their storytellers. Journalists have the ability to reach readers from all walks of life and change the course of thought and/or history, whether it be a social or political change.

I don’t think the field will ever go away, despite a world of increasing technological advances. In serious journalism, telling stories well matters --- and always will. Journalists’ work can be tedious and tiring, and it can often go underestimated. That just adds to my respect for the field. 

I have learned how important it is to be a good listener and look at the world around you in a more critical way. A journalist can become that voice for the masses, but only if he/she digs deeper beyond the typical, surface-based story.

A few weeks ago, Gwen Ifill told her Wittenberg audience, “Most of us got into journalism to save the world – but, we became to realize the world needed to save us.” 

How the Economy is Affecting the Millennial Generation

Policy issue areas for the college-aged (Millennial) generation:

1. The National Budget
2. Growing National Debt
3. Entitlement Programs
4. Great Recession

General Background Information:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Millennials face unemployment rates above 25% and are still searching for the return on educational investments
• Fully 55% of those ages 18 to 24 say young adults are having the toughest time in today’s economy
  • Great Recession had a more severe impact on the earnings of young adults than that any other age group
  • The Congressional Budget Office estimates that entitlement spending (Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid) will go from 10.4% to 16.5% of the economy in the next 25 years – a growing proportion that is growing rapidly with the aging baby boomers and advances in life expectancies for the over-65 age set

The Economy

“Strong majorities of all adults say it’s harder for today’s young people than it was for their parents to find a job (82%); save for the future (75%); pay for college (71%); or buy a home (69%). In some cases, middle-aged and older adults are even more likely than their younger counterparts to say today’s young people have it harder.”
– PEW Research, “Young, Underemployed and Optimistic (2012)

Source: HERE

The fact of the matter is, in economic terms, young people have it harder than their parents did.

There is an intense anxiety among Millennials about the economy; from ability to meet current bills/finance obligations, affording a place to live, ability to pay for college (including paying of student loans), and finding a job – or career.

Problems young Americans face in association with the economy:

• Go back to school because of the tough economy/job market (increase in student debt)
• Fewer young adults on the job market today because of increased high school and college enrollment
• Shifting societal norms about when “adulthood” begins (getting married and having children later due to concerns about financial stability)
• Taking a job one doesn’t want just to pay the bills
• Taking an unpaid job to gain work experience
• Affects coming-of-age decisions
• Move back in with parents after living independently to save
• Concern over if enough money will be made to support life one wants to live
• Drop in weekly earnings
• Decline in youthful optimism

Goals Based Upon Policy Areas:

1. Cut government spending and either keep taxes at the current rates or cut them (depending on the situation) to have private sector expand more than the public sector
2. Reform entitlement programs – they comprise 60% of spending and are on track to increase
3. Social Security is the most important thing that bipartisan Senators could address for it directly affects the deficit
4. Enforce a simpler tax code with fewer loopholes that taxes a broader range of income at lower rates that could encourage investment and hasten economic growth – this appeals to both the left and right

All in all, the Great Recession has affected wages, retirement savings (Social Security), homes values, debt, etc – but public attitudes about future earning potential have remained remarkably stable, possibly indicating that optimism is related more to the stage of life than to the dynamics of the national economy. 

 

That State Up North

Thanksgiving is always an interesting time at the Greiwe(Bayer) household. Normal families usually look forward to spending time with each other, but my family becomes divided every Thanksgiving break.

It's because my mom's side of the family has huge issues: they're all Michigan fans.

Even if you're not from Ohio, you know the importance of "The Game," the greatest rivalry in college football...and maybe greatest rivalry, period.

My dad, brother and I are all big OSU fans while my mom is from Detroilet (aka Detroit). Six of her relatives have gone or are going to U of M right now. There's a lot of trash talk in our family, I'll say that, and some comments are not appropriate to write in this blog post.

My dad and aunt have started the tradition of making bets on the game. For 7 out of the past 8 years, it's  been pretty entertaining. Let me recap some of these:
-When I was little, my dad had to wear a Michigan speedo. Apparently it was an ugly site for all.
-The loser had to wear the other team's apparel, and that year OSU lost...so my dad wore it, like a good sport. Just inside out.
-My aunt had to die her hair red.
-My uncle had to wear a Buckeye football helmet and matching jockstrap...with Buckeyes on the jockstrap, of course.
-My aunt had to eat her Thanksgiving meal without silverware.

Now, these have all been pretty funny... but usually now my dad and aunt/uncle just bet with a case of  beer (which gets consumed pretty fast in my family).

Since the game fell on a Saturday this break, we didn't get to brag about winning. Needless to say, I'm exciting for Christmas break when we get to see them wearing our jerseys and to receive our beer.

Since we've been little, my dad has trained my brother Clay and I to cough whenever we cross the border into Michigan.

There's another long-standing tradition in the Greiwe household that at about approximately 8 a.m. on the day of "The Game" my dad blares the OSU fight song to wake us all up....and then he lets the whole freaking CD of the OSU marching band play. No matter how early it is, it still gets me excited to spend the day watching the game with him and I look forward to this unique tradition of Jamie's.

When I was little, he used to make me get out of bed and march script Ohio around the living room...but I'm older now, and he knows better.

And to close this, I will tell how my cousin (who attended that joke of a school Up North) replied to my  text to her after the game on Saturday:

Me: "O-H!"
Her: "F U"

Multi-Party Systems: Better?

This blog is in reaction to Erin Harte’s blog titled RAWR.

Some people are frustrated by others not realizing there are other options for candidates out there, but I would argue that people who do realize that (like me, a political science major) also realize that our system makes it so that a third-party candidate has a next-to-no chance of getting elected.  

Some people (note: most of my friends) said they didn't like either Romney or Obama - and that includes myself; I voted for Gary Johnson. I usually don't go around announcing who I voted for, but I will say this: I knew by voting for Gary Johnson, my vote would essentially be a wash. I didn’t feel right voting for either candidate because I didn’t agree with their policies, and I didn’t want to say I helped vote in someone that was the shiner of two turds.

Our system favors a two-party system in a "first past the post" election schema. Meaning, the first candidate to reach 270 electoral votes wins – thus, it’s a "winner take all" system.

This is different from a multi-party system a lot of European countries have. Essentially each voter has "more of a say" because they vote for a direct percentage of representatives in their version of congress. Meaning if 85% of voters voted for party Z, party Z would have 85% of seats in congress. The remaining 15% would be divvied up among the other parties based on the exact percentage of votes cast in their favor. 

An advantage of a multi-party system is that there is a more diverse representation so people can find parties that are more aligned with their political ideologies, rather than the predominant two we have in the U.S.

This also pretty much assures rule won’t come from a single party, in which the regime could turn more authoritarian and it’s harder for legislation to pass through – and depending on your perspective, that can be an advantage or disadvantage.

However, this system does come with some disadvantages. It can be more complex for voters – they have to really think about their alignment, but again, that could be seen as an advantage. Having too many parties can greatly divide congress, creating so many agendas that nothing would ever get done – potentially even worse than the gridlock in Congress now.

In the U.S., I think the two party system really divides people on not what they agree on, but what they disagree on. You’ll often hear about what people don’t like about the other party. It’s easy to garner support for a certain party by making oppositional claims about the other party – which is exactly what I think happened in this past presidential election.

Which system is better? You tell me.

Departmental Cuts: Something Has to Give

Rumors run rampant, especially at Wittenberg. A big rumor going around campus right now is that the board already made the decision of which programs to cut, and the open forums are just a formality.

Wittenberg isn't the only school in financial trouble, and Wittenberg students certaintly aren't the only ones effected by increasing tuition costs. Evidence of the election shows that these are not just concerns in the Witt bubble. This is a real life problem and we need a real-time solution.

Cutting some academic programs is not a thing the board would like to boast about. Is it better to ride this probelm out, or do something about it in order to ensure this school has financial stability in the near future? I would argue the latter.While this may make me seem like a bad guy, this issue is not a matter of if the programs will but cut, but rather what programs will be cut.

It's easy to get caught up in a cloud of emotion and maybe even irrationality, especially if it's a program a student is in and feels passionately about. However, the board ensured us the cuts would be grandfathered in. Alumni probably want to see their programs continue and flourish, but they also want to see their school flourish as well. And, in order for this to happen, cuts have to be made -- whether we like it or not.

I think it's great Wittenberg is allowing open forums and students are mobilizing to gather support for the programs in consideration, and I do not think this it's a lost cause to make your voice heard. I urge students to keep it professional and respectful when they attend these forums and/or if they write letters -- as we have seen on social media, arguments written in a fit of rage will just turn people off. Don't bash other programs and don't point fingers -- just be persuasive and tell your story about why a particular is important to you and why you think it shouldn't be cut.

This is a tough decision and we need to look at it from both sides. It is easy and popular to default to a "save the arts" mentality. I can't stress the importance of my liberal arts education enough. But the fact remains that something has to give. Should it be the departments that are efficient and serve a great number of students? No.

Forward. Really, Let's Move Forward.

Just when you thought you had your fill of people posting their political views on social media outlets, last night brought about a new wave of bitching. Yes, bitching.

The blatant disrespect, coming from both sides, is astonishing to me. We have our fair share of problems in this country, sure, but is there really any other place you'd rather live and raise your family?

Some people are threatening to "move to Canada or Australia" -- do they realize there is universal healthcare in both of those countries? I feel that a lot of the people posting are misinformed; they don't research the facts and complain for the sake of complaining. 

Social media can be good -- look at what it did for the Arab Spring. Arguably, it helped unshackle the bonds of some non-democratic regimes. Yet it's bad when people use the outlets to vent their frustrations because they can type it out and thus not say it to anyone's face, avoiding verbal repercussions. 

I myself am boycotting social media for the next couple days. I wish people would rise above and realize that we can't even agree on what the problems are in this country.Those that complain about bipartisan politics are adding fuel to the fire when they, in a fit of emotions,  type out blanket statements about the other side.

If we can't overcome our own petty differences, how can we expect Washington to? We are not setting a good example for them if we don't handle the election results with maturity.

Ohio: You'll Stop Caring About Us Tomorrow

Ohioans, brace yourselves: today is the last day of election propaganda. As perhaps the pivotal swing state in this 2012 election (and in most presidential elections), all eyes are on us.

Tomorrow the country will decide who will be our next president, and by the country I mean the United States of Flohiowa.

If you're like me, I know you're probably sick of all the political ads, robo-calls, campaign signs, and social media posts. In Ohio, I would argue we're targeted moreso than any other state in the nation --which can be, quite frankly, draining.

Instead of seeing this as a bad thing (aside from the negative ads and mud-slinging commercials) I think we should view ourselves as almost lucky. 

President Obama came to Springfield, OH last week to campaign -- a place no one generally thinks twice about. Governor Mitt Romney visited Defiance, OH, my hometown of 17,000 on his campaign trail -- a place no one thinks once about.

People in Ohio are getting to witness history-in-the-making first hand and we should feel privileged to have had so many opportunities to see the presidential candidates.

One Ohioan took her family to see Mitt Romney and she said this:

"Living here in Ohio has afforded my kids the opportunity to see our whole political process in action. I hope that no matter whom they decide to vote for when they get older, they understand the process and the importance of becoming involved in the issues that affect our country."

Plus, with the nation's eyes on us, it's like being the prettiest girl at the dance.

Drinking and getting Drunk v. Drinking TO get Drunk

Partying at Witt: what hasn't been said about it that you probably don't already know -- even if you've never actually been to a party? I'm going to switch focus for that reason and concentrate on one, big aspect of Witt's party scene: McMurray's.

Many of you have heard the shouts: "Midnight means bar time!"
Like a mass exodus, people leave the house parties or their pre-gaming (which can turn into the game depending on how much one drinks) and go to this overcrowded bar, which is more like a club than an actual bar.

McMurray's is not typically my kind of party scene: I'm not a huge dancer unless it's for comical purposes, and it's very overcrowded -- and sticky (I'm not going to elaborate here). There is some pretty awful Top 40 music played and if you're there sober, let me tell you: it's not fun. 

Don't get me wrong, I love beer. I love friends. But I like pubs a helluva lot better. Yes, pubs -- originating from the term "public house," where people go to sit with friends, shoot the breeze, and talk about things that matter -- all while enjoying a pint of beer and listening to some good folky music.

I just described a typical pub in Ireland. Two summers ago I studied abroad there and what struck me was how friendly everyone was; sure the alcohol helped with the extraverted-ness, but the atmosphere of the pub was so... relaxed yet extremely fun.

I wish Wittenberg had more of a pub scene; one where friends can go, listen to some good music (not just the newest Katy Perry song), sit at a table with friends and de-stress from the week. Not just a place that's actually stressful to go to and where you pretty much have to be drunk to even tolerate walking through the door.

Now, not all McMurray's-type of bars are bad. Actually they are quite fun to go to while bar hopping -- but that's just it, there's one place to choose from instead of a "bar district" commonplace in most downtowns. (I'm not going to include Station in this, because you can get into McMurray's underage with a cover).

What I'm trying to say is this: I like the company of others and drinking with friends -- which can lead to perhaps getting drunk along the way. But, I think it's important to savor the drink and the times you spend with friends.

Thus, I enjoy drinking but not exclusively to get drunk.

Here is a picture of my study abroad group's first drinks in Dublin, Ireland, summer of 2011:

Wittenberg: Too Concerned with PR?

Students at Wittenberg found out about Dr. Hollant "Max" Adrian was put in jail for sexual assault charges with over a million dollar bail -- but they found out through the Springfield News Sun, not from their own Wittenberg Administration.

Article here.

It disappoints me, and a majority of my peers, that we had to find out this way as opposed to being informed directly. I know that the alleged incidents didn't happen on our campus, but he was(is?) a Wittenberg professor! To give us a vague email about an "unfolding situation" doesn't help us too much -- why do they word the emails the same for notice about the crow guns going off and when a Wittenberg professor is accused with rape?

However, I am pleased that the faculty has taken matters into their own hands to talk to us about how we, as students, are reacting to this news. Last Friday, my poli sci professor Jody LaPorte said we were going to cancel what was on the syllabus that day and instead sit in a circle to talk about our "emotional well-being." As a class, we agreed that Wittenberg Administration didn't handle the situation well -- we understand that it's an investigation and he is innocent until proven guilty, but that doesn't mean we can turn our cheeks and pretend this isn't a big deal. I've heard of many professors who have done something like this -- either through reassuring class emails or discussions in class.

In addition, at my tour guide monthly staff meeting on Thursday, Dean Kelly went on to say to not talk to the media because "it's not our investigation, the victims weren't Wittenberg students, it didn't happen on our campus, and except for a traffic ticket, he had a clean criminal record when he was hired -- plus we do a thorough background check."

While this all may be true, I hope Dean Kelly --and the Administration-- doesn't use these facts as a cop out when keeping their students informed and safe -- which is their prime responsibility.

Defiance, OH: Is Candy More Important Than a Presidential Candidate?

Backgroud: Defiance, OH was just featured in the Washington Post under the section Campaign 2012. The auto bailout affected this small town, centered around a GM plant, which is still experiencing the economic downturn. It also affected the political atmosphere there, which is located in a predominantly red area in a (perhaps the) key swing state.

Here is the link: GM is alive in Defiance, OH. But Obama's hopes here may not be.

And here is an accompanying picture slideshow and video of Defiance, OH:
Portrait of a small town in a swing state.

Here is a piece also published in the Washington Post about Gov. Romney's visit to Defiance: Mayor: Mitt Romney to visit Defiance, Ohio.

There is an uproar in my hometown of Defiance, Ohio, because Mitt Romney is making a campaign trail stop there, this Thursday (10/25/12). One might assume it's because Defiance is a predominantly blue area -- but it's not, it's actually a historically red portion of the state.

The reason for the uproar is actually a little embarrassing to me: it's because trick-or-treat has to be moved due to Romney's visit. Defiance has always had trick-or-treat earlier -- not actually on Halloween. I understand some parents have to take time off of work and reschedule their nightly plans to take their kids out. But in the grand scheme of things is moving it to Tuesday really a big deal?

It saddens and hugely disappoints me that some people in my hometown are more concerned with a night to get candy rather than having a presidential candidate stop in Defiance. I don't care which way you lean - this is a huge part of history in the making! No matter what political perspetive one may have, this election is important.

I hope that parents see the value in taking their children to see Romney speak and learning about the importance of exercising your right to vote, whether you plan to vote for Romney, Obama, Gary Johnson, or whatever candidate you choose -- or have chosen.

When those kids become adults they can look back on the experience and be thankful. I know we all can think of  an experience we didn't appreciate at the time, but then realize the importance of it when looking back.

Defiance is a small middle-of-nowhere town with a population of 17,000 -- literally inbetween cornfields. We should be proud a presidential candidate is visiting our community -- I know I am, even if I don't necessarily agree with a lot of what Romney has to say.

Is candy more important than this election? Some people in Defiance seem to think so. People always complain how nothing happens in Defiance -- and when something big finally does, some people still complain.

Story Ideas

Students at Wittenberg recently returned from fall break -- while some R&R benefited many students, it still hasn't completely helped with the stress of mid-semester. Based off of this, I've been thinking of a few story ideas:

1. Scheduling - maybe one of my least favorite parts about Wittenberg (and possibly yours, too). I never seem to be able to fit in all the classes I need and/or want. I could possibly explore this story idea by talking to the Registrar and finding out how much trouble students actually have in getting into classes and/or taking ones they need. Also, I could talk to some students about classes they feel Wittenberg should offer but aren't - especially within certain departments, and if there are departments missing at Wittenberg students feel we really should have.

2. Habitat for Humanity - Mid-fall semester means it's about time to start applying for the alternative spring breaks offered for spring of 2013. I could talk to the habitat officers about places they are considering going to build and to students who have gone on past trips. Are there advantages/disadvantages (if there are any!) of going on one of these trips? -- especially in comparison to going on a typical college spring break ( like Daytona Beach). This may be too far in advance, but I personally think it is relevant because applications are due soon and if students don't know about it, they won't apply and therefore couldn't go!

3. Reaction piece to Dr. Cornell West - I could talk to some professors and students about their reactions to West's radical approach to preaching/thinking about injustice and how to conquer it. I went to this and it was unlike anything I've ever heard.

4. Piece on LCWS (Lutheran College Washington Semester) - I did this program, so I don't know if it'd be a conflict of interest. Especially with election season, I think it'd be interesting explore what life is like as a student/intern in Washington. A common misconception is that you have to be a poli sci major to do this alternative semester -- the answer is no! It was my favorite semester so far and I learned so much about the professional world and about myself. Like study abroad, I think interning is one of the best experiences a college kid can do in order to get out of his/her college bubble -- and we all know a Witt bubble definitely exists.

Having Natty Light, We Pass It On To Others

Drinking. Oh, where to begin with this one? I could take multiple different avenues here, but I’ll stick correlate two relevant topics in this blog: drinking and the upcoming election.

I know that as a whole, Wittenberg students are sick of hearing about the election, are sick of politics, are sick of the YouTube political ads; the list goes on. Our class found that there is an aversion to politics at Wittenberg – so how do you make politics more appealing? Why, just add alcohol!

The recent debate between the two candidates for presidency, Obama and Romney, really hit home at Witt. No, not because of politics –but because it happened to fall on a Witt Wednesday.

Many students here made the debate into a drinking game for some comic relief. Okay, so maybe it’s not the most “appropriate” or “mature” way to engage in some active political conscientiousness, but I think we should take what we can get –at least people are watching!

Even I sipped a cold Sam Adams Oktoberfest while watching the debate. All I have to say is this: Mr. Moderator, you got walked on. Actually, you got stampeded on. And overall: Romney=1 and Obama=0. Hopefully we can still keep Big Bird, though.

Here is one game that was played:

Dr. Allan, wanna grab a brewski?

The thing I have to say about Wittenberg is this: it’s rare a student has to take a bad class. Sure there are some bad classes, but mainly it’s because of the way the professor teaches it/them.

Having said that, though, I think the professors at Wittenberg really set it apart from other schools. The professors I have had really have taken the time to get to know me on an individual basis, and we’ve formed a relationship beyond the instructor-student relationship.

One comes to mind: Dr. James Allan, political science professor.

I have a profound interest in all things Irish, and as a poli sci major, that includes Irish politics. He is Scottish (and yes, he has a glorious accent – maybe one of the reasons I started to like him in the first place) but knows a lot about the British Isles and Ireland. I chose to do my Methods poli sci paper on religious affiliation and views on Nationalism in Northern Ireland. The idea came from my experience abroad in Ireland and the history of the sectarian divide there.

He sat down with me to help me find sources/evidence and generate a really interesting research question that turned into a 35 page paper –which was eventually published in this edition of Levitas, Wittenberg’s political science journal. I am humbled to have been published as an undergraduate and now, as a co-editor of the journal, I hope to submit another piece before I graduate in 2013.

Dr. Allan helped me find my passion in comparative politics and last semester, in Washington, DC, I was able to intern at the Embassy of Ireland as press and information assistant. I don’t think that would’ve been possible if he hadn’t taken the time to help me discover an area in political science that I didn’t hate (aka American politics – I’m just as sick of this election business as you are).

Methods was, ironically, my favorite and least favorite class –simultaneously. It SUCKED to work on a paper all semester long, work with computer data and recode variables to come up with statistical tables to then back it up with all sorts of literature. This class made me question my abilities/knowledge as a poli sci major and caused many sleepless nights.

But –it was worth it. In the end, it actually made me solidify my decision to major in poli sci, and I really started to believe in myself as a researcher. It pushed me like no other class I had taken at Witt before, and I came to truly appreciate the field I was studying. It was not just academics pontificating about politics; it was real-life, fascinating research. I felt like I, a lowly junior, made a significant contribution on this topic. Thus, the means definitely justified the ends.

Moreover, I came to appreciate Dr. Allan as a person. He has a very dry, self-deprecating humor which I appreciate very much. Dr. Allan is a cool, normal guy and I don’t view of him as my professor –I view him as someone I’d want to go grab a beer with, who just so happens to be my professor.

The Avett Brothers: in Harmony with Humility

First off, I need to let you know that in no way do I think I can write a blog post that does justice to this duo of brothers.

As a music connoisseur (of some sort), I believe that the Avett Brothers -two humble brothers/musicians from North Carolina- are changing the Americana/folk music scene; not just because of their power ballads, but because of their personalities as well. Perhaps even moreso because of their personalities. (Speaking of the folk scene, let me note that they were around way before Mumford & Sons -if we're talking actual music style here).

I am so put off musicians these days, who seem to always strive for glory or try to do the next “weird” thing to get himself/herself noticed (hint: Lady Gaga). 

But not Scott and Seth Avett. 

I could go into details about how their music is unlike anything I had heard before, how it makes me feel like they connect to a listener like me on a much deeper level. They are not just musicians; they are poets. 

Instead of taking up blog room, read about them/more of their background HERE.

I think the beginning of the article says it all for me:

 “Halfway down the driveway to the Avett family farm in Concord, Scott Avett slows his truck to a stop. His father, Jim, watches as the 36-year-old jumps out, grabs some bales of hay from the side of the road and tosses them into a trailer. Scott wasn't asked to help out. That's just the way he is. Since he was a kid, he's pitched in until all the work is done — just like he's doing on this hot day earlier this summer.

The difference is that today, Scott Avett is a rock star — he doesn't really have to load hay into trailers or work construction in the sun. And yet his willingness — no, his compulsion — to do so is part of the work ethic that's helped catapult him and his fellow Avett Brothers into one of the country's strongest live acts. But the Avetts are now more than just a great live band.”

            Last night I saw them in concert at an outdoor pavilion in Indianapolis. The whole concert was great, but the last act really moved me. Seth Avett announced he would like to invite his father, Jim, on stage to sing with the band. With Jim’s arms around his two successful sons, they ended the concert with The Salvation Song (link to song). 

Here are some of the lyrics:

“And I would give up everything 

And if you were to come up clean 

And see you shine so bright in a world of woe 

And they may pay us off in fame 

But that is not why we came 

And if it compromises truth then we will go 

We came for salvation 

We came for family 

We came for all that's good that's how we'll walk away 

We came to break the bad 

We came to cheer the sad 

We came to leave behind the world a better way.”

And that’s just what the Avett Brothers are doing.

The Avett Brothers are honest-to-God musicians; they make you want to be a better person but make you feel like it’s okay that you’re not there yet.

Give a few of their songs a listen and you’ll know what I mean –trust me. And why not start now?

music video: I And Love and You by The Avett Brothers.

Blogging ≠ Journalism

Blogging may be taking away from what you’re trying to do right at this moment: be a journalist (or at least write like one to pass this introductory class).

Don’t get me wrong –blogging is a great way to express yourself as a writer and it’s frankly more fun to write a blog than an academic paper or piece for a newspaper (refer to Erin Harte’s blog).

However, the trouble I have with blogging is that audiences are using them as a journalistic source. Now, I’m sure you know the difference between an objective, journalistic piece and a blog about an opinion on a topic that someone considers “newsworthy” –but does the average internet surfer?

Inaccurate facts; rumors; complete bias –these are only some of the issues that blogs can cause. Anyone can be a blogger but not everyone can be a journalist (and a good one, at that).

Journalism is a refined practice; one that takes literal practice, along with research and objectivity. A blog, more often than not, is not done as carefully. In fact, I’m not basing this blog off of anything other than my opinion whereas if I was publishing this in The Torch, I would probably base my piece off some researched facts about journalism v. blogging. Even then, it wouldn’t be based off of my opinion because it can’t be –precisely because it’s journalism.

Besides, I can go back and edit whatever I'm telling you right now and completely change this blog. However, once I publish a journalistic piece, what's done is done.

To end this, here I have included a NYT article that goes more in depth about blogging v. journalism:

Are All Bloggers Journalists?

Cartoon: 

It's okay to let your Ass hang out - just keep your Elephant in

In my (un)professional opinion, I believe most students at Wittenberg are actually right-leaning but the faculty is left-leaning. However, I think this gets lost in the overall assumption that Wittenberg, as a whole, is a liberal campus.

Just looking around, one observes the liberal propaganda around campus: Obama stickers on water bottles, Democratic bumper stickers on cars, and liberal posters on professors’ doors. I am all for the First Amendment and think it’s great that students are able to voice their political views. Moreover, I think it is even better students take the time to be aware of the issues going on outside of the Witt bubble. But is it okay for professors to show their political bias, whichever way they lean?

You all heard it in class when Mac opened up the Watergate discussion with “Nixon sucks.” (Sorry to pick on you Mac, but I have to use this). Mac teaches us to get to know the facts, disseminate hard news to the audience, and above all, be objective and don’t show bias. However a journalism professor told us Nixon sucks. I’m not saying Nixon didn’t suck, I’m just asking – is this okay in the classroom?

I’m doing my story on the political atmosphere on campus and already got two really good quotes:

“Teaching American National Government should teach about that, not about how Republicans are idiots and Democrats are awesome, “ said junior Rob Metry.

On a similar note, junior poli sci major Ann Ultsch said, “Just because it’s an entry level class doesn’t mean that you can teach/grade it with bias, not matter which way you lean to influence your students. It can deter students from entering the field.”

I think those who identify as liberal, including most professors, are more vocal about it. Maybe we just don’t hear about conservative students and they just aren’t as vocal. After all, it can be quite intimidating to bring up a conservative argument in class if you know the professor is liberal and don’t want your view to be considered “wrong” – or maybe “right” in this case (okay, bad joke).

A bystander may see a few liberal posters and hear a few very liberal arguments in class, but I think it’s mostly the professors that give Wittenberg that more liberal feel. Now, I realize most college campuses are liberal to begin with – but what about its students? I’ll leave you to think about that question. This also will be my effective cliffhanger, for I’m trying to find out that answer myself with my semester-long story.