Giants vs. Patriots turns into media circus; brings democrats and republicans together

Ah, the power of pigskin.

This weekend, the New England Patriots will look to become the first team in NFL history to make it through the regular season a perfect 16-0. Only the New York Giants stand in their way. After the Patriots’ “Spygate” came to light, there are very few outside of Boston pulling for the Pats. Regardless, everyone wants to see the game.

Except it’s on that freaking NFL Network.

In an attempt to get on basic cable, the NFL Network has been reserving exclusive live games each week as the regular season winds down. This year, they already grabbed Green Bay vs. Dallas, #1 and #2 in the NFC, thus keeping 60-70% of Americans from seeing it (statistics vary on the number on people who receive NFL Network). NFL Network is only offered on satellite and very few cable providers as premium content. Time Warner does not offer the channel at all.

Who wants a 24-7-365 football channel? Not mainstream cable users. Who would watch for anything more than these few live games at season’s end? Not mainstream cable users. NFL Network is trying a power play that may get an otherwise niche network into basic tier packages NBA TV could only dream of.

But this time, they had a game too many people wanted to see, and a chance to make a whole lot of money. Therefore, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the game would be seen on the NFL Network… and CBS… and NBC.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick said, “It’ll be like the State of the Union, on every channel.”

The political references don’t stop there. On Capitol Hill, senators took time out from working on pressing things to focus on football. Bipartisan efforts are tough to come by – be it the War in Iraq, healthcare, illegal immigration, etc. – it’s tough to get democrats and republicans on the same page.

But this was urgent.

Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) wrote a joint letter to Commissioner Goodell, expressing their concern over the NFL Network’s market positioning move and its detriment to the American football fan.

War, health, our country’s future – we’ll largely agree to disagree. Football? Don’t mess with our football. Maybe a frequent reader of this blog is correct, it has become America’s Sport. Then again, baseball had the Mitchell Report… ah, another argument for another day.

Back to the media aspect of the game. It will be the first NFL game to be simulcast on two broadcast networks since Super Bowl I in 1967, which aired on both CBS and NBC. Why are two networks jumping to broadcast the game? In 2007, football equals ratings. Largely propelled by the Patriots’ quest for perfection, NFL games occupy seven of the ten highest-rated programs on network television this fall. Even ESPN’s Monday Night Football scored a winner when the Pats were playing – the game against the Ravens was the most watched program in cable history. To be fair, that cable record is reset frequently, due to the ever-expanding number of satellite and cable viewers. The previous record was High School Musical 2 on Disney in August. Take that for what it’s worth, but you get the big picture – NBC, CBS, and especially the NFL stand to make a lot of money off this game.

In the end, I don’t mind when congressmen take a little time out to do something for their constituents. At one point this year, I had two senators, a representative, and a secretary of state all looking for my Passport and trying to get me on a boat. I like it when they fight for my football, too. Just take that bipartisan approach to other issues, as well.

As for the NFL holding games ransom… it may bite them. The networks who pay billions to the league for the right to air games cannot be happy with losing potentially historic matchups. Fans are not happy they miss out. If this is the only strategy to keep the NFL Network afloat, then maybe it does need to fit into its niche on satellite and premium cable, rather than cost the league fans and dollars.

Oh, and there is a game, right? Patriots win easily. I don’t care; I’ll be in Memphis.

Fox News… Straight From The Elephant’s Mouth (and a brief Global Warming chat)

It’s Christmas, so I’ve been around the family more. That means contact with a lot more of those folks who watch only Fox News because they are Christians and God told them to… or something like that. Anyway, the good folks at Media Matters came across a chuckler about the ol’ “Fair and Balanced” Fox News website. Apparently, rather than writing news stories, they just link directly to blogs of Republican senators:

http://mediamatters.org/items/200712220003?f=h_latest

And as we all continue to debate back and forth on whether or not Global Warming exists, to put it in the exact words of a relative, whether “it’s phony” or not, I still marvel at how politics have destroyed this issue. As I have said on this blog before, whether Al Gore’s cataclysmic scenario is true or not, pollution contributed by humans harms our environment and wasted energy costs money. At the very least, wildlife don’t appreciate gook-filled streams and landfills don’t smell nice. And I’m sure we’d all love to save a little money in the long run. It would seem that whether or not we fully agree with what Gore and many scientists are saying, we would still strive to better our environment to some extent.

Instead, I have noticed an alarming trend continue to worsen. The politicizing of the issue has created a situation where liberals are expected to be completely “green” and are criticized when they fly in jets to reach far away cities. Meanwhile, conservatives are expected to completely deny human pollution has any effect on the Earth and continue to waste energy while gagging ducks with plastic 6-pack rings. Just ask Rush Limbaugh, who at times encourages listeners to use as much energy as possible to stick it to Gore and the other global warming lunatics.

While the far end commentators continue to bicker, let’s try to find some common sense. Seriously, before An Inconvenient Truth, and the subsequent explosion of right-wing talk radio hosts, would we have ever thought helping the environment was a bad idea? It’s still not. Helping the environment is not helping Al Gore. Helping the environment does not make you a democrat. Helping the environment makes you a conscious, caring human being – for your present surroundings and for the future. It used to, anyway.

Let’s strive to save energy, if for nothing else to save money. Let’s strive to be “green,” if only for the ducks’ sake.

In Response to the Expose on the SGA

By: Megan Potts, et al.
Senior Class President

Editor’s Note: The following was in response to an article appearing in the December 3 issue of the Mississippi Collegian. Written by an author hiding behind a pen name, the piece was allowed to run. You can view the original article in the post below. The Acropolis will continue to offer itself as a forum for anyone wishing to comment on this story. My personal opinion, at the moment, will be withheld. Now, Senator Potts’ article:

The following article is written in response to an article that appeared in the December issue of the Collegian.  This article is being written as a collaboration from many students of the campus of Mississippi College, all of whom agree to the utter ridiculousness of the above mentioned article.  Fearing no ridicule, I am signing my name in the byline as the typist of many students’ beliefs.

To begin, the campus of MC is told that the Collegian promotes responsible journalism; however, the irresponsibility that occurred with the printing of such an erroneous and spiteful article can not go unnoticed.  Alee Franklin, a previous employee of the Collegian, explained to me the process in which an article must go through in order to make it to print.  The fact that this particular article containing slanderous and pointed misrepresentation of facts made it through this supposedly stringent process is beyond irresponsible.  Several people had to agree with the printing of this article including the opinions editor, editor, and the faculty advisor.  Responsible journalism is clearly not the primary emphasis of the Collegian with this issue due to the similar appearance to that of a local tabloid.  Sensational journalism is a cheap and disappointing tactic used by the Collegian to promote reading of the less than mediocre college newspaper. 

Now, to address the article at hand: Since the article conveniently appeared in the last issue of the Collegian this semester, a rebuttal was unfortunately unable to make the same route to print.  The article must first be corrected on several factual misrepresentations along with correction of slanderous ideas presented.  Aaron Graham, as the leader of this year’s elected Executive Council, has in no way “talked big and done nothing.”  As an active member of SGA and Campus Life, I have not only witnessed Aaron’s ability to act first hand, but also commend him on his ability to act wisely and purposefully.  The “disappointment” expressed in a talented and worthy leader is simply an opinion of a bitter individual.  As a student that works with the President, I commend him on the work he has done this year and ask our campus who could lead us with more dignity?  Aaron’s “neutrality” on all issues is also a false assumption mentioned in the article. Two specific instances that come to mind as evidence that negate this assumption include a veto that occurred merely two weeks ago and Aaron’s stance against the administration that graduates should be allowed to wear honor cords during the ceremony.  These two examples are merely representations of all the instances in which Aaron Graham stands with steadfast conviction.  In response to the premise that Aaron appoints individuals that he “likes and [are] by far not the most qualified,” this idea is not only highly erroneous, but also ignorant.  Renee Vess and Susan Boyd, both appointed to coordinate Homecoming and I Love America Day, respectively, are not only qualified, but went above and beyond previous attempts at these annual events that culminated in very successful and well attended events.  Although there were several other gross misrepresentations of the character of Aaron, I will refrain from mentioning every account due to the knowledge that this article swayed no one’s view of the character of this wonderful leader. 

In reference to the portion of the article attacking Chase Porter: Facts did seem to make a small cameo in the article printed in the Collegian.  It is a fact that Chase has had the difficult task of leading a primarily new Senate; however, unsurprisingly , the article contains the addition of an opinion disguised as fact.  Aaron did not “manipulate Senate to promote his own agenda.”  I do thank the author for choosing Chase’s decision to not hold an open forum as his or her only slightly factual criticism of the Senate President.  Since this open forum is of no importance or interest to the student body (as proven in the attendance of past open forums), and since the administration, not Chase, were the ones who would not allow the forum (again, due to the failure of past forums), this criticism is not only meaningless, but also misguided. Chase has dedicated more time to this student body this year than the author of this article could ever imagine or match.

Reliable. Dependable. Self-Sacrificing. These are terms I would use to describe Amy Bergeron, the acting Secretary of the Executive Council.  She in no way deserves the slanderous statements made about her ability to do her job.  At this time, I would like to correct the ignorant statements made about this quality individual; however, meanness is often unable to be corrected because it is hidden behind catty behavior rather than based on evidence or fact.  Again, pointing out the ignorance of this anonymous author, Amy Bergeron hardly produces signs and takes minutes as her only contribution to this hardworking team, although she does an impeccable job of those duties.  Amy is a servant-hearted team player who encourages, helps, and supports the Executive Council.  She not only is a great secretary, but she is also an outstanding human being, and anyone who actually knows her would say the same.  As a witness of several instances of Amy’s dedication to this campus, I cannot begin to make the student body and the author aware of exactly how unwarranted such an attack of Amy’s work and commitment to excellence truly is. In reference to the phrase “I’m being sarcastic—It’s your job,” not only should the author rely less on sarcasm to emphasize his or her factual misrepresentations, but should be aware of the time and dedication the person attacked spends on doing exactly that… her job.

Moving on to one of the more factually incorrect sections of the article, I would like to address the statements about the Campus Activities Board Chairperson, Jenny Baker.  The author stating that “Welcome Week was unfortunately her peak” proves the lack of involvement and presence of the author during campus activities, thereby making his or her opinions lose all credibility.  The above statement is in no way an attack of Jenny’s work on Welcome Week, but overwhelming evidence of the success of her events since August.  As a person who is at events consistently and involved behind the scenes, I can attest to the fact that Jenny Baker is one of the hardest working and dedicated individuals I know.  She continually works on events for this campus often receiving little or no recognition and proves her ability with each event.  These blatantly personal attacks are not only filled with malice, but are just incorrect.  In reference to the “lack of creativity,” I would like to point to the events that Jenny has planned this year that, yes, are not new, but have never been done to the level of excellence that Jenny Baker strives to obtain.  Also, who believes that a new event replacing successful and well-received events is creativity? It appears to me that once again the author confuses ignorance with constructive criticism.  Jenny Baker deserves respect and gratitude, and I will not stand by and let false statements cloud her success at her job.  One example to disprove the ideas of the author is the success of the “Night at the Plex.” The event planned by Jenny was not only successfully planned, but also very well-attended and received.  The events that she has planned can develop a list that is giant in size; however, as with Aaron, I know that the misrepresentation of fact did not taint anyone’s view of the work of Ms. Baker.

Although the article did not make malicious personal attacks against Kristen Mullins, Whitney Smith and Chauncey Garret, by attacking the group in which they serve on the author identifies these individuals with the same “Shady Government Association.”  These individuals serve this campus with dignity, intelligence, and with an unbiased approach.  I feel no need to correct the information in the article because I do agree with exactly one sentence, and that is “they are successful in their jobs.”  The character of these three individuals is not only unquestionable, but an attribute that I respect in each of these three people.

The opinion that the author kindly shared about the SGA Treasurer Brandon Magers is absurd.  I am willing to assume that the author of this article has never been in charge of an account that represents the money of an entire collegiate student body that amounts to a sum exceeding $20,000.  “Balancing the SGA checkbook” grossly undermines the work that Brandon does for this campus.  Brandon’s ability to manage the money needs of each SGA member, and balance that need with that of the campus is to be commended.  Hardworking is merely one adjective to sum up the amount of work that Brandon puts into a job that he does with excellence.

The last attack landed on the ninth member of the Executive Council, Harley McAlexander.  How the author found malicious things to say about such a quality and self-sacrificing individual is beyond me.  Harley in no way deserves the factual mistakes about the way in which he does his job.  Harley works diligently to be a support to the Council in everyway, whether it is to support them with planning of their events or by setting up each event on this campus.  The premise that Harley was appointed as an attempt to get an under-involved student to be SGA President next term is ludicrous and a bold statement.  By accepting his appointment, Harley willingly accepted many responsibilities that he could have easily turned away.  Harley McAlexander is one of the highest quality of individuals on this campus that serves Mississippi College in every facet.  Academics and leadership are just two of the innumerable qualities of Harley, and the author is unwarranted to assume that he is less than qualified to be appointed to this position.  Harley’s work is often never seen, but events on this campus would be impossible to have without his dedication. 

Lastly, the individual who wrote this article constantly refers to the SGA as the “Shady” Government Association, a term with which the author obviously has to be very familiar, considering the underhanded, spiteful nature of the article which he or she penned.  In my opinion, the epitome of shadiness is encompassed in an article written by an anonymous bitter individual who has used a connection to the Collegian staff to print a slanderous work full of vindictive lies, manipulation, and uninformed misrepresentation.

To the author of the article:  I honestly do feel sorry for you.  A life lived in such bitterness and anger must eat away at your every thought, apparently consuming your time and emotions so much as to drive you to publicly denounce the character of the nine individuals who contribute to this campus more than you’ll ever know.  Know that a spiteful, vindictive heart is one which will never be cured by tearing others down.  Your problem is not one with the leadership of this campus, but rather one with the sensitivity and character of your own heart.  The moment you learn this will be the moment that you will begin to live a full and happy existence instead of one spent dwelling on treating others with hate.

To the Executive Council:  You have handled this with dignity and respect.  An already underappreciated group of overworked, underpaid individuals, you strive excellence in all that you do, and it is noticed.  Thank you for your time and hard work and your commitment to the service of the students of Mississippi College, some of whom will apparently never give you the credit you deserve.  As a graduating senior, just getting my work done, participating on campus, and somehow maintaining my sanity is all I can do to get by every day.  Somehow, you, the Executive Council, manage to balance all the tasks that I deal with, while simultaneously balancing a commitment to excellence in academics and leadership, all with a heart of service which shines even through unmerited criticism.  Thank you.

Finally, it is unacceptable and reprehensible to attack my Student Government Association, my friends, and my school.

An Expose on the SGA Executive Council

By: Penny Press

(as appeared in the Dec. 3 issue of the Mississippi Collegian)

The following is an expose on MC’s SGA. Before I get going, however, it needs to be understood that I did not put my byline because I am scared to put my name behind what I have written, it is more because of the ridiculous amount of power our SGA has been given and not used for the good of the students and I know that if I put my name behind it I risked being ridiculed as only members of the SGA can do.

When I came to Mississippi College my freshman year I was told that the SGA stood for Shady Government Association – and quite frankly, this year I believe it. Let me begin by starting with the head of our SGA, Aaron Graham.

I will admit that Aaron is an extremely qualified person to hold the office of SGA President but like most politicians, he chooses to do nothing with it. He is probably the best politician I have ever seen in my life – he talks big and does nothing. Aaron, I am disappointed in you. Mississippi College, I am disappointed in you for not speaking up sooner. Aaron Graham is a nice guy. Who doesn’t like a people pleaser? Please realize that it is NOT okay to be neutral on every situation – pick a side! And also with your appointments-how about appointing people that have worked hard for this school and are qualified and experienced and not just people who you like. There are many appointments of yours that were poorly chosen and it is obvious that you chose them just because you liked that person, not because they were by far the most qualified.

Chase Porter is the SGA Vice President. He is responsible for presiding over the Senate. Chase, Chase, Chase… I honestly just feel sorry for you. It’s tough to work and accomplish anything with less than 10 returning Senators out of 46. I wonder why that is? Maybe it’s because last year’s Vice President (Aaron Graham) tried to manipulate Senate into his own personal agenda – creating unconstitutional committees and giving bias speeches in Senate drove many experienced Senators away. I was told that many pieces of legislation were passed last year but I have yet to see any improvement… working with and following after such an amazing leader would try my patience too. Get with the program Chase. Your situation is unfortunate but you need to lead and get Senate together. You preached on improvement but you too have fallen short in fulfilling your promises. Also, these issues might not be coming out in The Collegian if you had organized an Open Forum like you were supposed. And what happened to Student of the Week? The one of the few things that SGA did to award other students was taken away-sad.

Publicity on this campus is phenomenal! Amy Bergeron you are doing an amazing job! O wait, never mind. Do we have publicity? Campus e-mails are not sufficient. Why did we have such low participation in honorary elections? In fact, one honorary election wasn’t publicized at all (at least I didn’t receive an obligatory e-mail). But then again, why would you properly publicize things? That’s not why you were elected and it’s not listed under your duties (I’m being sarcastic – it’s your job). I’m sure being the Senate Clerk is tiring enough and with such a successful Senate you’re job is surely cut out for you. Poor Jenny Baker, no wonder she has such a low turnout at CAB events.

Let me shine some “light” on our lovely Campus Activities Chairperson, Jenny Baker. Let me begin by thanking you Ms. Baker for holding the same events that we’ve had every year without improvement. You should have the same successful events as in years past, but you should also have more events. I will commend you on doing a decent job on Welcome Week this year, but unfortunately that was your peak. For goodness sakes, try something new. You have a budget increase; use it instead of getting raises from my tuition. I struggle to think of events this year that were original and a success. Let me attempt to list them and if I miss one I am not sorry for failing to mention it. You should take it as a sign that it was most likely poorly publicized. (1) Welcome Week (2) Coffee House (3) After Follies Party (4) Family Day Talent Show (5) Homecoming Pep-Rally and Hoop-n-Holla (6) Lighting of the Quad – by the way, thank you BSU. I challenge everyone to think and take note as to if any of these are new. Need help? Give up? The correct answer is the Coffee House. Now I know what you’re thinking – We’ve had Coffee Houses before. Yes, we have, the BSU puts them on all the time. Thank you for such a creative, new exciting event Ms. Baker.

What can I say about our Chief Justice (Kristen Mullins), MAB (Chauncey Garrett), and WAB (Whitney Smith)? Everything they do is meant to be under wraps with the exception of Family Day which was a success. Since this is a weak paragraph anyway and they are all successful in their job I’ll go ahead and talk about Brandon Magers who is the SGA Treasurer. Congratulations on keeping an account record and balancing the SGA checkbook and having the class treasurers help you do your job since it is so hard.

Lastly, I’d like to mention one final member of the Executive Council – Harley McAlexander. He is peon to the SGA President (otherwise known as Chief of Staff). Chief of Staff is an appointed position and has no listed duties. In the past, the job consisted of being in charge of the SGA sound system which is yet another appointment, so since the properties chairmen does one of your only “official” jobs, what do you do- other than smile for pictures and take up a desk in the newly renovated SGA office? I would not be surprised if Mr. McAlexander ran for SGA President for the 2008-2009 school year. That was strategic planning on Aaron Graham’s part. Why not have someone with slim to none SGA experience on the Executive Council… Brilliant! Thank you Mr. President!

Thank you SGA for improving upon the past and learning from other’s mistakes (yes, I’m being sarcastic again). The great thing about writing this article is that although I have stepped on toes and most likely offended many members of the SGA they can’t say anything about it. They can only do something about it. This year’s Executive Council, too, spoke poorly about other Executive Council’s in the past. Whether they like it or not they are included in the list of a failed Student Government Association. You are only as strong as your weakest link and it is evident that there are many weak links. Students of Mississippi College welcome back the Shady Government Association.