The Chapel Hill Town Council has finally made a decision on the town's bus advertising policy, ruling to allow political ads and marking the conflict as a victory for freedom of expression and the public marketplace of ideas.
Expression of all opinions is allowed, but ads cannot be false, misleading, deceptive or disrespectful. This is noble, but chances are, it won't last.
These new restrictions definitively rule out the American Freedom Defense Initiative's strongly worded pro-Israel ad, but AFDI director Pamela Geller has already demonstrated that she won't give up easily.
"In any war between the civilized man and the savage, support the civilized man. Support Israel; defeat Jihad," reads the AFDI's ad. The ad comes across as dehumanizing and incredibly demeaning toward the entire nation of Palestine -- not to mention the Islamic faith as a whole -- and Geller has made it clear she will sue the town if she isn't allowed to run the ad in response to an ad she claims is anti-Semitic.
Based on common interpretation of the First Amendment and precedents set in other states, Geller will likely get her way. Chapel Hill's local government and media seem oblivious to this same battle taking place outside North Carolina, but the AFDI ad has already been prominently featured on public transportation in Washington D.C., San Francisco, and New York City.
Geller had to take legal action to run it in New York and Washington D.C., but the courts did not stop her. If she does the same here, as she said she will, then Chapel Hill's rule against "disrespectful" ads will likely be brushed aside as a well-meaning but thoroughly unconstitutional attempt at maintaining civil discourse.
So where do we go from there? Must divisive and "disrespectful" perspectives simply be tolerated? Should the bus advertising policy be modified yet again, removing political speech from buses and sheltering citizens from opinions they might not agree with?
The community should take this opportunity to participate in the public forum that's been created. More organizations should take a stand and let Geller and the local community know what they believe in.
One portion of the community that especially needs to make itself heard is the Jewish population. When the first ad was put on buses by the local Church of Reconciliation, it was treated as if it was uniformly offensive to all people of Jewish faith or descent, but no one has seen fit to mention that the ad was produced with input from a wide interfaith community, including local organization Jews for a Just Peace NC.
"Join with us," said the ad that started the controversy. "Build peace with justice and equality; end U.S. military aid to Israel." The ad shows Israeli Jeff Halper and Palestinian Salim Shawamreh, each holding their children. The ad could be construed as offering a potentially callous decision to a complicated and admittedly problematic conflict, but to see it as anti-Semitic is simply irrational, especially considering the real story behind the ad.
Halper, an Israeli Jew and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, is the founder of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, which works to preserve and rebuild Palestinian houses in the occupied territories after they've been destroyed by Israeli forces. Halper and his organization have rebuilt Salim Shawamreh's house five times already, and they plan to continue doing so until it stays standing for Shawamreh and his family.
Just like Halper and Jews for a Just Peace NC, we should all seize this opportunity to join with the Church of Reconciliation and send an overwhelming message of peace, drowning out Geller and the AFDI's hateful, one-sided rhetoric.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/117416616/Campus-BluePrint-Winter-2012-Online
Monday, December 31, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Renewable energy in North Carolina: Waiting on the winds of change (Campus BluePrint December 2012)
It should no longer be a surprise to hear that North Carolina has the highest potential for wind energy in the southeast or that the largest wind resource on the East Coast sits just past the shores of the Outer Banks; this certainly isn't news to the energy industry.
The state's substantial wind resources have been common knowledge for years, but the question remains: where are all the wind turbines? Small turbines have popped up at various schools, businesses and homes, but there is not even a trace of any kind of large-scale wind energy development anywhere in the state.
Not for lack of effort, however, as several larger projects have been planned, but they have taken far longer than expected for any to get off the ground. One 49-turbine wind farm, the Pantego Wind Energy project, has run into problems first with environmentalists, who were concerned about risks for migratory birds in the area, and secondly with the Air Force, who contend that the wind turbines could interfere with radar and jets flying on practice runs through the area.
Another major problem is that neither the Pantego Wind Energy project nor the Desert Wind Energy project, which is to include 150 turbines and cover 31 square miles in Pasquotank and Perquimans counties, has yet to successfully negotiate a price with any of the major utilities in North Carolina who could feasibly buy the electricity generated.
Beyond the coast and offshore resources, the mountains of North Carolina are also windy enough to be excellent sources of energy. Large-scale wind development there, however, has been thoroughly limited by the Mountain Ridge Protection Act of 1983, which prohibited visible "tall buildings or structures" 40 feet or taller on mountain ridges in North Carolina.
The act provides an exception for thinner structures like windmills, but it is widely believed that wind turbines are not covered by the exception, and that possibility has been enough to deter any large-scale wind manufacturer from investing in the area.
Besides the lack of interest or investment on the part of the more prominent power companies, the central issues stalling the wind industry have been political.
The federal subsidies that make wind energy substantially more tenable, such as the Production Tax Credit, are also set to expire at the end of 2012, and the wind industry as a whole has contracted in anticipation. The American Wind Energy Association predicted 37,000 Americans employed in the renewable energy industry would lose their jobs by early 2013 if the tax credit is not renewed, and energy producer NRG went so far as to put its entire wind development sector on hold in early 2012 until the industry regains strength and stability.
The North Carolina Offshore Wind Coalition currently estimates that no actual offshore wind energy production is likely prior to 2017 or 2018. Even if economic and bureaucratic barriers continue to slow down development, the fact remains that wind energy has the potential to be a tremendous source of carbon-neutral revenue, and jobs. Wind is a logical and feasible component of the state's energy future; the only question is how long it will take to reap the benefits it offers.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/116582765/Campus-BluePrint-Fall-2012-Issue-3
The state's substantial wind resources have been common knowledge for years, but the question remains: where are all the wind turbines? Small turbines have popped up at various schools, businesses and homes, but there is not even a trace of any kind of large-scale wind energy development anywhere in the state.
Not for lack of effort, however, as several larger projects have been planned, but they have taken far longer than expected for any to get off the ground. One 49-turbine wind farm, the Pantego Wind Energy project, has run into problems first with environmentalists, who were concerned about risks for migratory birds in the area, and secondly with the Air Force, who contend that the wind turbines could interfere with radar and jets flying on practice runs through the area.
Another major problem is that neither the Pantego Wind Energy project nor the Desert Wind Energy project, which is to include 150 turbines and cover 31 square miles in Pasquotank and Perquimans counties, has yet to successfully negotiate a price with any of the major utilities in North Carolina who could feasibly buy the electricity generated.
Beyond the coast and offshore resources, the mountains of North Carolina are also windy enough to be excellent sources of energy. Large-scale wind development there, however, has been thoroughly limited by the Mountain Ridge Protection Act of 1983, which prohibited visible "tall buildings or structures" 40 feet or taller on mountain ridges in North Carolina.
The act provides an exception for thinner structures like windmills, but it is widely believed that wind turbines are not covered by the exception, and that possibility has been enough to deter any large-scale wind manufacturer from investing in the area.
Besides the lack of interest or investment on the part of the more prominent power companies, the central issues stalling the wind industry have been political.
The federal subsidies that make wind energy substantially more tenable, such as the Production Tax Credit, are also set to expire at the end of 2012, and the wind industry as a whole has contracted in anticipation. The American Wind Energy Association predicted 37,000 Americans employed in the renewable energy industry would lose their jobs by early 2013 if the tax credit is not renewed, and energy producer NRG went so far as to put its entire wind development sector on hold in early 2012 until the industry regains strength and stability.
The North Carolina Offshore Wind Coalition currently estimates that no actual offshore wind energy production is likely prior to 2017 or 2018. Even if economic and bureaucratic barriers continue to slow down development, the fact remains that wind energy has the potential to be a tremendous source of carbon-neutral revenue, and jobs. Wind is a logical and feasible component of the state's energy future; the only question is how long it will take to reap the benefits it offers.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/116582765/Campus-BluePrint-Fall-2012-Issue-3
Mike Tyson Thinks He's on Law and Order, Maybe (Bounce Magazine Vol. 13 Issue 2 December 2012)
Mike Tyson, grizzled boxer and veteran of a thousand and one punches in the head, made an appearance at a benefit for Breast Cancer research Friday, professing throughout the 4-hour course of the event his belief in the cause and the redemptive power of justice.
Tyson, who exists in a perpetual state of concussion, arrived at the convention center dressed for a title match and spent most of the event wandering between the stage and the little table in the corner with the shrimp cocktail, questioning those he ran into about their right to an attorney.
The man known throughout the world for biting a man's ear off 15 years ago was seen earlier in the evening mumbling to himself about DNA evidence, or bears maybe. The diaper-changing tables in both of the convention center's bathrooms were found out in the parking lot later that night, bent into a crude approximation of a hexagon and sheltering a dead cat.
Evidence suggests that Tyson, finding himself without chalk, had chosen to outline the expired feline's corpse with baby powder, leaving a trail of it around the perimeter of the lot.
A desperate tweet from his handler earlier in the day said that Tyson had gone missing, and was likely to be late for his weekly dentist appointment. He believed the former undisputed heavyweight champion may have wandered off in search of a chili dog, and he asked that whoever might find him would kindly point him toward home and avoid causing undue stress to his jaw and/or brain pan.
He also recommended steering away from any discussion relating to breakfast or criminal prosecution.
Tyson, for his part, was firm in his support of the fundraiser, which he seemed to believe was some kind of "center for AIDS tiger rehabilation [sic]," or possibly a Bar Mitzvah.
"They got any pig in a blanket left?" Tyson asked, not so much dodging questions about his concern for breast cancer as stumbling blindly by them completely unfazed, mumbling something about hepatitis and leading the witness.
For the most part Tyson was ignored, but there came a tense moment when he stopped on stage and demanded the speaker spit up what she knew about eggs and a homicide. However, he might also have been talking about Iron Man.
The contention passed after Tyson seemed to lose his already tragically undermanned train of thought. He grew quiet and then wandered down the hall to pee in the water fountain.
As the slightly perturbed guests filed out of the building at the end of the night, Tyson was observed power-walking toward the dumpster at the back of the building, muttering something about Ice T and CSI.
"Fingerprints and semen stains," Tyson lisped quizzically as he loped away.
Tyson, who exists in a perpetual state of concussion, arrived at the convention center dressed for a title match and spent most of the event wandering between the stage and the little table in the corner with the shrimp cocktail, questioning those he ran into about their right to an attorney.
The man known throughout the world for biting a man's ear off 15 years ago was seen earlier in the evening mumbling to himself about DNA evidence, or bears maybe. The diaper-changing tables in both of the convention center's bathrooms were found out in the parking lot later that night, bent into a crude approximation of a hexagon and sheltering a dead cat.
Evidence suggests that Tyson, finding himself without chalk, had chosen to outline the expired feline's corpse with baby powder, leaving a trail of it around the perimeter of the lot.
A desperate tweet from his handler earlier in the day said that Tyson had gone missing, and was likely to be late for his weekly dentist appointment. He believed the former undisputed heavyweight champion may have wandered off in search of a chili dog, and he asked that whoever might find him would kindly point him toward home and avoid causing undue stress to his jaw and/or brain pan.
He also recommended steering away from any discussion relating to breakfast or criminal prosecution.
Tyson, for his part, was firm in his support of the fundraiser, which he seemed to believe was some kind of "center for AIDS tiger rehabilation [sic]," or possibly a Bar Mitzvah.
"They got any pig in a blanket left?" Tyson asked, not so much dodging questions about his concern for breast cancer as stumbling blindly by them completely unfazed, mumbling something about hepatitis and leading the witness.
For the most part Tyson was ignored, but there came a tense moment when he stopped on stage and demanded the speaker spit up what she knew about eggs and a homicide. However, he might also have been talking about Iron Man.
The contention passed after Tyson seemed to lose his already tragically undermanned train of thought. He grew quiet and then wandered down the hall to pee in the water fountain.
As the slightly perturbed guests filed out of the building at the end of the night, Tyson was observed power-walking toward the dumpster at the back of the building, muttering something about Ice T and CSI.
"Fingerprints and semen stains," Tyson lisped quizzically as he loped away.
The Curious Case of the Mormon in the Daytime (Bounce Magazine Vol. 13 Issue 2 December 2012)
More than a month after the election, America collectively looked back over the events of the political race and election and said, "Wait, who's that white guy with the shit-eating grin and the dyed hair who looks like he wants to sell my family?"
Apparently suffering from some kind of self-imposed cultural amnesia, America was unable to identify the courteous automaton who had inexplicably found his way onto the political stage.
"It's like watching one of those really surreal movies where everything is twisted but people act like it's totally normal," America said, rubbing its eyes in disbelief. "How did he get up there? Why don't I remember him?" America asked.
"Does he even have pupils? I can't tell. I think he wants to cry though," said America, watching old debate footage like it was one of those home movies from before you remember where you suddenly have a creepy Uncle Ted for a few scenes.
"Is this a joke? It doesn't even look like he wants to be there," America said. "Where the hell was I when this happened?"
Visibly distressed, America got up to call a couple of allies and corroborate the unreal events of the last year. The nation went silent as the United Kingdom gave its account of the election.
Like the obliviously hungover man told of the incredible series of events from the night before, America's face faded first from bemused disbelief to shock, and then finally through shame and remorse to a quiet acceptance.
Apparently suffering from some kind of self-imposed cultural amnesia, America was unable to identify the courteous automaton who had inexplicably found his way onto the political stage.
"It's like watching one of those really surreal movies where everything is twisted but people act like it's totally normal," America said, rubbing its eyes in disbelief. "How did he get up there? Why don't I remember him?" America asked.
"Does he even have pupils? I can't tell. I think he wants to cry though," said America, watching old debate footage like it was one of those home movies from before you remember where you suddenly have a creepy Uncle Ted for a few scenes.
"Is this a joke? It doesn't even look like he wants to be there," America said. "Where the hell was I when this happened?"
Visibly distressed, America got up to call a couple of allies and corroborate the unreal events of the last year. The nation went silent as the United Kingdom gave its account of the election.
Like the obliviously hungover man told of the incredible series of events from the night before, America's face faded first from bemused disbelief to shock, and then finally through shame and remorse to a quiet acceptance.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Stand-Alone Headline Tickers (Bounce Magazine Vol.13 Issue 1 & 2 - Fall 2012)
Vol. 13 Issue 1
Pope Benedict XVI excommunicates neighbor's bull terrier
AP News: Ukuleles no longer quirky or unique
Study shows smoking weed and talking to your cat good for your heart
PBR: Now made with real Americans
Vol. 13 Issue 2
War on Christmas escalates: four new elf civilian casualties reported
Junior's life-changing study abroad experience reduced to series of alcohol blackouts
Lady Gaga takes stand against child labor, wears Nigerian infant to Grammys
Radical gay Muslim atheists already regretting vote for Obama
Pope Benedict XVI excommunicates neighbor's bull terrier
AP News: Ukuleles no longer quirky or unique
Study shows smoking weed and talking to your cat good for your heart
PBR: Now made with real Americans
Vol. 13 Issue 2
War on Christmas escalates: four new elf civilian casualties reported
Junior's life-changing study abroad experience reduced to series of alcohol blackouts
Lady Gaga takes stand against child labor, wears Nigerian infant to Grammys
Radical gay Muslim atheists already regretting vote for Obama
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