Translating political attitude into action
November 20, 2008
By Bennett Fuson
<bfuson@hilite.org>
It’s been a whole 16 days since the end of the election, and regardless of political affiliation, people are starting to return to normal. At every turn I’ve noticed students divert from intellectual discussions on foreign policy and environmentalism to banter of clothes and videogames and nothing of any particular value.
This is a major buzz kill for those of us who saw, at least momentarily, a small glimmer of hope for the chance to demonstrate that as the collective apathetic youth of this country, we could, in fact, rise up and care about something substantial. For one shining moment, youth across America rose up and made their voices heard, regardless of who they supported. But now the dust of the election has settled, and I get a sense that even the most ardent supporters of President-elect Obama have adopted a slight sense of apathy towards the government.
Even though the election’s over, there is still so much more we as a people can do. Working towards a better nation should not only happen every four years. Even at a local level, there’s still so much we can do to help create a better community for all of us.
I don’t understand how such intense political involvement can essentially evaporate in the course of 48 hours. When Obama picked Rahm Emmanuel as his chief-of-staff, no one seemed to care. But had it been a month earlier (or, possibly, even days earlier), the announcement would have been all over the news. If this reaction is any sign of the next four years, what’s the point of voting for change anyways?
The founders of the American government strove to create “a government for the people.” But I wonder, what’s the point of creating a government for the people if the people treat it with indifference? It’s no wonder that private interests have such a powerful sway in Washington: the American people just sit back and watch as the economy crashes and burns and the environment fades away under the smog of a disastrous fuel supply that can’t be replaced because of its impact on the wallets of billionaires. Is it any wonder we’re a country headed backwards?
We as a people should embrace both the benefits and responsibilities of upkeep for this country. True, having a majority of Democrats in both the House of Representatives and Senate as well as a Democratic president will inspire some reform in the federal government - but we as a people must pursue reform as well. A prime example of this would be the resent protest over the passing of Proposition 8 in California, spurring a city wide protest in San Francisco. Regardless of one’s stance on gay marriage (the topic of Prop 8), the willingness to fight for a belief has to be admired. If San Francisco can march for gay rights, can’t concerned citizens march for economic reform and environmental litigation?
Now that we officially have a new president, it’s time to begin the fight for a better country. The days of exclusive political activism during campaigns are over. No more sitting around: the fight for a better country has begun.
Consumers locate bargains in midst of economic downturn
November 20, 2008
By Afra Hussain
<ahussain@hilite.org>
Sophomore Samantha Osleger said she enjoys giving gifts to friends during the holiday season. Osleger said this year instead of giving to all of her friends, they drew names out of a hat because it would cost less to give to just one person.
“We like giving each other gifts but it costs a lot,” Osleger said. She said she will make her holiday gifts this year.
Cost concerns such as Osleger’s, are exactly what worry some local stores. But with the current economic downturn, many stores are feeling the pinch in different ways. To combat the problem and keep customers coming in, some local stores are working harder to lure customers with lower prices. Both Old Navy and Kohl’s representatives said they are implementing changes to help cope with the struggling economy.
“We’re really trying to bring customers in with lower prices,” Michelle Myers, store manager of Clay Terrace’s Old Navy said.
Osleger said, “If the prices are lower, I’ll be more willing to buy more (for the holidays).”
Myers said Old Navy’s strategy to encourage holiday shopping is to offer more bargains.
“I think that shoppers will still shop the same, maybe with a little less money,” Myers said. She also said that the store is marking coats off 50 percent, something they have never done before.
At the Kohl’s stores, similar strategies are being implemented like advertising for holiday deals earlier than the store ever has, Nicole Norris, store manager of Carmel West’s Kohl’s, said. Norris added that the stores will also train associates to better assist customers so that the customers will be inclined to come back to the stores again and shop.
“We also have a system where customers can sign up for e-mail alerts and we’re using that a lot this year,” she said.
Still according to Norris and Myers, much remains to be seen regarding customer shopping habits this holiday season, especially the shopping habits of teenagers.
“We value all our customers, especially our younger customers who shop in the juniors and young men’s department,” Norris said. “Hopefully they will come in and shop so we can meet our goal.”
—
RETAIL BY THE NUMBERS
15.5 million: Number of people working in the American retail industry in 2007.
15.3 million: Number of people working in the American retail industry in May 2008.
0.7 percent: Key economists’ median forecast of retail sales decline in September
1.2 percent: Actual percentage of decline in retail sales in September
BUSINESS WEEK / SOURCE
Percussion concert on Dec. 10
November 20, 2008
Performance will allow practice for Bands of America percussion competition in March
By Lauren Burdick
<lburdick@hilite.org>
On Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the band room, percussionists from all five bands, including the two freshmen bands and the three upper-class bands will perform for the students at this school. For some, this experience holds an especially important meaning, as it is in preparation for the Bands of America (BOA) competition this upcoming March. Read more
Decades of Music
November 20, 2008
Sounds and styles of rock and roll music developed over time and across the globe, but heart transcends generations
By Renny Logan
<rlogan@hilite.org>
1940s SWING MUSIC: “It Don’t Mean a Thing”
In August of 1935, Benny Goodman gave a performance at the Palomar Ballroom that pulled swing music out of the woodwork and into the mainstream. The public, hungry for an outlet during the Great Depression, devoured the fledgling genre. More and more, the forefathers of the genre gained recognition. Names like Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington dominated the scene. The genre remained popular until the late 1940s, surviving through the age of the vocalists. Read more
Superintendent outlines district goals
November 20, 2008
By Brittani Wheeler
<bwheeler@hilite.org>
According to Superintendent Barbara Underwood, the administrators and board brainstormed four goals for the district at the last workshop. Read more
Debate team to compete at Kokomo Nov. 22
November 20, 2008
By Reid Conner
<rconner@hilite.org>
The debate team will compete at a meet in Kokomo this Saturday, Nov. 22. Buses leave from this school at 7:20 in the morning. Read more
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