Sapper On The State Of The Union

I received e-mail today from a reporter with the campus fishwrap. Little did the reporter know it, but I am loathe to be interviewed by campus newspaper reporters—in person or by telephone—because the result in print never resembles what I said. So, because this reporter had taken the time to frame questions and put them in writing, I took the bait. In a way, I must resemble Wile E. Coyote. No matter how many times I have experienced disaster with the 4^th estate at the College, I keep running my big mouth. If this be (fair & balanced) pontification, so be it.

To: Professor Sapper: 01.27.04
From: Jana Beddow, Reporter—The (Amarillo College) Ranger

I ask you for seven to nine minutes of your time. My informality through email is due out of respect of your busy schedule, instructional time, and an opportunity to weigh out the response. I’ve been intrigued by comments made from students in classes you’ve taught; and also from faculty. You have the reputation of being zestful, persuasive and somewhat opinioned, all of this brings me to you, I need your mind!

I have been assigned to write a story regarding President Bush’s State of the Union address. I ask you to comment on any of the questions that follow. You are a slight figure in the political areas of Amarillo College and how perfect your response will be to work into the story!

If you choose to accept this mission, word length should be approximately 150-250. Please respond with what YOU want readers to think about regarding the speech. This is your forum.

Direct statement from Bush: “ Afghanistan has a new constitution as of this month, guaranteeing free elections and full participation by women. Businesses are opening and health care centers being established, and the boys and girls of Afghanistan are back in school. With the help of the new Afghan army, our coalition is leading aggressive raids against the surviving members of the Taliban in Alquada. The men and women of Afghanistan are building a nation that is free and proud and fighting terror, and American is proud to be their friend.”

With Americans rebuilding Afghanistan, what will be our gain by the investment, in two years? Our loss?

The situation in Afghanistan is not nearly as positive as the president portrayed it. The current government has marked a return to power of the regional warlords. Sporadic violence still occurs in Kabul – the capital – and the Taliban is in control of the area bordering Pakistan. We have not captured Osama bin Laden. I doubt that we will capture bin Laden as his trail grows colder and colder.

"I propose larger Pell grants for students who prepare for college with demanding courses in high school. I propose increasing our support for America’s fine community colleges. I do so so they can train workers for industries that are creating the most new jobs. By all these actions, we’ll help more and more Americans to join in the prosperity of our country…”

How does this affect the AC student? Pell Grants are not loans and this makes them the best form of financial aid for most students not eligible for merit awards for outstanding academic achievement.

Or

Should they care? Yes, they should care. Pell Grants affect them!

Please…one other question.

This belongs to you. Use any part of the speech to describe your reaction, comments or issues.

One area of question among students was the refugee proposal. Not many seem to understand what the President is suggesting.

There are many, many people who have entered the United States illegally. The Bush proposal would legitimize these people – if they came forward and identified themselves – as guest workers. The Bush proposal is controversial with those of his party who want to halt illegal immigration. The Bush proposal requires that a guest worker applicant must have an employer’s sponsorship. The critics of the Bush proposal argue that most employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants do not pay the minimum wage and do not pay federal payroll taxes (Social Security contributions). If those employers are breaking the law now, why on earth would they obey the law when the Bush proposal would go into effect? Illegal immigrants do the dirty, nasty work that U. S. workers will not do: roofing houses, bussing restaurant tables, washing dishes in restaurants, and the like. Wal-Mart stores were raided by federal agents because the cleaning crews were mostly illegal immigrants and they were not earning the minimum wage! That is why there is criticism of the Bush proposal.