The Crier
Thursday, April 17,2008
Issue 26
Spring 2008
1957-2007
A Conversation with Congressman Randy Kuhl
By Michael Coates
Over the recent break, I had a conversation with our local 29th district Congressman, John Randy Kuhl Jr. Representative Kuhl is a longtime veteran of politics in New York, having first served on the New York State assembly from 1981to 1986, and then in the State Senate from 1987 to 2004, before being elected as the 29th district’s representative to the 109th and 110th Congress.
I asked Mr. Kuhl why students at CCC should vote for him; citing his shared experiences with college students, Mr. .Kuhl said,“I was a college student at one time, too...I lived just over the hill from where you are, I’ve lived there all my life, and I’m a product of the Southern Tier." He added “I know it sounds trite, but I’m a product of the district" and said he feels his experiences here, both growing up, working as a lawyer in the district, and representing us first in the State legislature and now in the House, have given him a working insight into the needs and concerns of the people of the 29th.
Talking about the issues facing the college age citizens of the district, Kuhl said: “I think I represent what [college students] represent and what they need, and that is that they need to have opportunity, and I believe that that’s the number one issue that we have to deal with ... people say what are the most important issues,’ and, to me, it’s jobs and jobs and more jobs.”
Mr. Kuhl said he wanted to ensure that the District’s young people have the ability to find good employment, to buy homes, and to raise families and live comfortable lives within the district.
“When I was elected, one of the things that when you go through your orientation program you’re continually reminded by Republicans and Democrats, it’s a bipartisan kind of orientation program, that in fact you have to make a decision about what you want to do while you’re in Congress and they, a number of people..during the course of my orientation said‘you kinda have to look in a way at your campaign and see what the issues were and then kind of make a determination there’ but more importantly you have to make a decision based on what you feel the future holds for you in Congress.”
Story continues on pages 2 & 3
Inside:
Introducing The Crier Classifieds!
Check out our classified listings and find out how you can post one of your own.
Page 3
Flashback
Take a trip down memory lane with a reprint from a past issue of The Crier!
Page 5
Safety Synopsis
Check out what the Department of Public Safety is up to
Page 11
Thursday, April 17,2008
Page 2
A Conversation with Congressman Randy Kuhl
Continued from front page...
When asked about his time thus far in Congress, Mr. Kuhl described to me the various committees of which he is a member, and the significance of each one in relation to both his candidacy and to the concerns of the district. “The reason that I ran for Congress was to take the experience that I’d developed over the years being a product of my district... I would take that experience to Washington to make sure that in fact as we go foreword as a nation that we are able to solve the problems that we have in a way that’s beneficial to the people that I was elected to represent.”
Mr. Kuhl said that he realized early on that, at 62, there was no way he would ever achieve seniority within the House. “What I decided was that my future in Congress should be dedicated solely to the people in the district, and not to say the more philosophical grandiose international and nation programs that you could get yourself involved in. Now, the two at times might coincide with each other from the standpoint that what’s good for the people of the district might be good for the nation or the world as a whole, but generally speaking the needs of the district were based on what I perceived as fundamental issues, like jobs.”
In order to create jobs, he said, you need an infrastructure, which is why he chose to sit on the highway/transportation committee, in order to ensure that the district received money to keep up our roads and such. “ The second committee I serve on is what’s
called education and labor- kind of a unique combination, but for me, there are more colleges in my district per capita than in any congressional district across the country.”
And the colleges are not only an educational resource; the Congressman referred to the many colleges within our district as an “economic engine" of the district, both in vocational train-ing programs, and in the amount of employment generated by the colleges themselves. “Also, obviously labor is a significant issue that needs to be developed with in the district; because that’s one of the resources you have to have if you’re going to be able to actually increase productivity.”
“The third committee that I sought out was agriculture, and agriculture as you know is a dominant force in our area - it’s really the fabric of the community that I represent... we’ve got a very large district and it’s really very rural-based and agriculture is the main component... right now we’re working through the reauthorization of what's called the farm bill, which we’ve been able to include for the first time, if we can get this bill passed, it’s running now about six, seven months late ... but for the first time we’re going to be providing research funds for the specialty crop industry,” such as paying to develop more resilient strains of grapes for our many local wineries.
Of his candidacy overall, Kuhl said “what I bring to the table ... is a local interest, having lived it all my life, for the long-term future of the people, whether they be at the college level, or whether they be at the mid-age level, or whether they be seniors.”
When I pointed out that the congressmans opponent had criticized the lack of funding for the No Child Left Behind Act, he said'Tm glad to see he agrees with me... I said that when I was chairman of the Senate Education Committee eight years ago that the federal government at that time didn’t put the money behind that program that they should have, and I have criticized the President for wanting to expand that No Child Left Behind piece to actually the higher grades within school without providing the funding to provide the assistance that’s necessary at the lower level of testing, the fourth and eighth grades.”
“No Child Left Behind has, I think, a lofty goal, but there are problems with its actual implementation. One of the problems is the funding, and that’s not unlike what the federal government has done to, whether it’s local school districts or states in the past..” Citing the Idea act, Mr. Kuhl pointed out the long history of the federal government’s failure to maintain its promises with regard to federal education funding. This persistent failure to provide funding for federally mandated education programs is costing the taxpayers of the district billions of dollars - billions which we can’t afford. As Congressman Kuhl put it, promises should be fulfilled.”
I asked if the cost of the war has had a significant effect on the problems in our economy, to which the Congressman responded with simple “no.”
Thursday, April 17,2008
Page 3
Why not, you ask? Because of the fact that the war is paid for outside of the budget. As he pointed out to me, the federal government can print new money. The war isn’t paid with money we have - it’s paid for by running up the national debt. In grossly simplified terms, our current crusade throughout the Middle East is being paid for on credit - and we, as America’s youth, will be left to pay for it later on.
“If anything, I would say it would be helping the economy because what you’re doing is you have wartime expenditures like the building of tanks and Humvees and ammunition and things of that nature, and requiring the payment of healthcare services that are employing people.”
As far as the war goes, the Congressman stands with the rest of us - but cautiously. He said “I’d like to get it over just as quickly as we possibly can.” When asked how quickly that might be, however, he said “I don’t think anybody can really make that determination at this point.” And he said that he was “anxiously awaiting” General Petraeus’ report on the effects of the Surge in Iraq.
The hope, according to Mr. Kuhl, is that we can phase out our troops - at least in a “combat capacity." but that there would likely be US troops stationed overseas in an “advisory capacity” for quite some time.
On foreign policy, I asked the congressman what his thoughts were in regard to establishing diplomatic relationships with hostile nations throughout the world, as Senator Obama and his supporters have sug-
“I think we ought to negotiate,” he replied, “to be talking to everybody.
In the world today, you can’t, I don’t believe that you can live in isolation. I think that there are so many interactions between countries going on in one form or another that you should be chatting with everybody.” He cited the President’s recent efforts at diplomacy throughout the world.
Referring to Iran, he said “the leaders aren’t necessarily in these countries always representative of the people within that country. Most people,
I think, most people in the foreign service would say that most Iranians are very, very, very much attuned to what goes on in the west, meaning America, and very much want to be friends with us, but their leadership obviously has other ulterior motives. Does that mean we shouldn’t be talking with them? I don’t believe so;
I disagree with the administration's policy that they have set forth for the last several years in this area.”
I asked about the current controversy over torture, and whether or not we should use it in our war on international terrorism; Mr. Kuhl assured me that he personally does not condone the use of torture to gain information, and that Congress has been working to eliminate the issue recently.
“This House has adopted a piece of legislation that prohibited the use of torture, which I supported; I don’t support the use of torture.” he said, adding” I don’t think we ought to arm our enemy with the information as to what we re going to do or what we’re not going to do other than to say generally that we don’t support torture and to prohibit any of our
federal agencies from doing that.” It is more difficult, he said, in the face of an enemy without regard for human life, but that we need to send a message to the world that we in America hold ourselves to a higher standard of behavior.
On the economy, Congressman Kuhl deferred to the wisdom of Fed Chief Ben Bernanke, saying’T’m not an economist so I’ve got to take him as being the lead financial expert in the country.” He added that while the President’s economic stimulus package would help somewhat in the immediate future, it wouldn’t solve our economic problems - and that it was never realistically intended to. What the stimulus package is meant to do is spread some money around among the lower income levels, to defray the cost of groceries and bills. The idea is that people will get a decent check, and then go and spend it, preferably on American products.
Our district, he said, has been lucky, because we haven’t been subjected to the same flurry of real estate speculation that has produced the volatile housing market in other parts of the nation. While our mortgage foreclosure rates are up slightly in the district, they are “not nearly” as extreme as they are in the rest of the nation.
I asked Mr. Kuhl the question on everybody’s minds this election season - what, if anything, did he want to change.
Story concludes on page 10...
Thursday, April 17,2008
Page 4
Upcoming Events
Thursday, April 17th
- Midday Concert
R004,1:00 p.m.
- Mars Rover Scientist Dr. Stephen Squyres “The Journey to Mars”
Main Dining Room, Commons, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 19th
- Softball vs. Broome
Home, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 20th
- Baseball & Softball vs. Jamestown
Home, 1:00 p.m.
Monday, April 21st
- Green Task Force presents Earth Week events:
Green jobs: e2e Materials L204,12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 22nd
- Earth Day Giveaways
Find a paper recycling symbol in the Commons Lobby, turn it in to Student Life for a prize 7:30 a.m. until gone First come, first served
- Earth Day Fair
Triangle Lounge, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
- Intramurals & Recreation
Gym, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 23rd
- College Health Fair
Commons, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Free screenings such as glucose, blood pressure, on-site HIV testing and many others.
Win prizes for attending
Safety Synopsis: Department of Public Safety Campus Beat
All information provided in the Department of Public Safety Campus Beat is provided by Sergeant Michael Von Bevern and the information provided is not altered from its received form.
04/07/2008 1:20pm 911 Hang Up
Public Safety Officers received a report of a 911 hang up call that came from the Campus. Officers checked the area and discovered that it was an accidental misdial and there was no emergency. Cleared scene.
04/07/2008 4:22pm Personal Safety Alarm
Public Safety Officers responded to a Personal Safety Alarm in the Learning Center. Upon arrival Officers discovered that it was an accidental activation and there was no emergency. Cleared scene.
04/08/2008 3:05pm Agency Assist
Public Safety Officers responded to Marland Road for a report of a young girl who was lost. Officers spoke with the female and discovered that she was cutting through the woods and had become disoriented. Report turned over to NYSP.
04/10/2008 10:57am 911 Hang Up
Public Safety Officers received a report of a 911 hang up call that originated on the Main Campus, Officers checked the area and discovered that it was an accidental misdial and there was no emergency. Cleared scene.
04/14/2008 8:48am Motor Vehicle Accident
Public Safety Officers responded to a report of a 4 car MVA on Spencer Hill rd. with no injuries. Officers assisted NYSP 3E25 and 3E27 with traffic control until the vehicles could be removed. Cleared scene.
Thursday, April 17,2008
Page 5
Flashback
In honor of Corning Community Colleges 50th Anniversary, we will befeaturing one or more reprints each week from past issues of The Crier. This can be a photograph, article, letter, advertisement, factoid - anything that we can dig up in the archives! Articles are chosen each week with the assistance of Cindy Maier in the Library. These materials have not
been edited or otherwise altered from their original form.
Pub Talk...
April 30,1986
CCC is an interesting place to be, especially down in Spencer Pub. I decided that some of the unique terms and phrases I’ve heard down there should be put in writing so here’s my list of” Pub Talk.”
“Barfy” - a term used exclusively by Student Government Auditing Treasurer to express displeasure.
“Bizarre” - a term used mainly for the Normally Abnormal things in life.
“Cfiggorfigget” - a stick of tobacco smoked after consuming enough alcohol to slur your speech.
“Consume” - a term used in quarters to replace the word drink.
“Doody” - Referring to the necessity of bodily functions.
“FAFIC” - Friday Afternoon F— it Club.
“Lester” - Universal friend of college students.
“Monkey bite” - Painful pinch on the back of the thigh.
“Motorboat” - see Jim Jewett.
“Rectal Thermometer” — word said for the sole purpose of shock value.
“Scrooch Gun” - a friend to Lester (and Scruffy).
“Skank" - Any leftover or misplaced particles of food, slime, or other grotesque matter. Also, a short brown dog on campus.
“Spiffy” - anonym of barfy, also used by SGAT.
“Stu” - part of a collector set of Jim and Stu dolls.
“ Winkey” - use your imagination.
“Yea Poo” - a term used in conjunction with beaucoup.
Also, here are some famous expressions that speak for themselves:
Silly Goose Dilly-suck-a-fiddle You worry me Oh, I forgot Men are swine Silly me
You don’t like me, I can tell You’re so pathetic Two ways so very much cool OH WELL
I knew that Okee Dokee
Sounds like a personal problem to me
And lastly, some horribly great put-downs:
Two bricks and a penguin Bend over Fork you
You have more chins than a Chinese phone book.
You have the mental agility of a small green soap dish.
I know you are but what am If You have the intellectual creativity of a comatose bowl of oatmeal.
Your eyes are like cesspools.
You have to wear gloves to cover your long black hair.
Thursday, April 17 2008
Page 6
Need help ? Need a roommate? Have something to sellf
Introducing The Crier classifieds!
Email notices to crier newspaper @yahoo. com or call the office at (607) 962-9339
by Sundays at midnightfor publication on the following Thursday We charge $1 per ad placed
FOR SALE!
1999 V-6 Grand Am
Good Condition $3,000.00 (Or Best Offer)
V6, 2 door, red, automatic, cruise, CD player; P/W; P/L
115,000 miles; Looks great...Runs like new!
Must Sell! (I am purchasing a new car) Contact Phone: 962-9255 or 527-8959
HELP WANTED
The CCC IT Help Desk is currently accepting applications for student employees for the Summer and Fall 2008 Semesters.
Student Help Desk Employees are the first contact for the Information Technology department and help faculty, staff and students with computer questions.
Not a computer whiz, don’t worry! We provide training in all areas that you will be assisting customers with.
If you enjoy computers and are interested in applying, please stop by the Help Desk in the Learning Center Room 109 and fill out an application.
Thursday, April 17,2008
Page 7
The
Flving Spaghetti Monster
Invites you to be touched by His Noodly Appendage.
Visit www.venganza.org RAmen.
Thursday, April 17,2008
Page 8
Twice the Fun with Double the Cool Kids
Two lucky children had the chance to come on stage and see a boa constrictor. As a joke, one of the children bravely went up to have a staring contest with a boa constrictor and after nearly a good minute blinked and then realized the snake did not have eyelids.
After the display of animals, the people in the Main Dining Room was directed towards the Triangle Lounge where each child was given a free snack consisting of a granola bar, fruit snacks, and juice, while the second event was prepared in the Main Dining Room.
Around 11:30 a.m., the Science Circus started. Consisting of a one man show with two characters, Professor Nosinoff provides entertainment and education for the audience in areas of Math and Science.
Professor Nosinoff was quite comical and educational as he demonstrated his brightness and skills through various juggling feats. At one point Nosinoff juggled six balls at once and for a finale, he balanced on a seesaw-like stand while spinning a plate on his mouth, juggling in one hand, and spinning hoops on his arm.
Story continues on page 11...
Wildlife Encounter event.
From the beginning it seemed that this Cool Kids event was to be more than the normal Cool Kids events. Children and their parents began filling into the Commons nearly forty-five minutes early. Within a blink of an eye, more than five hundred people were crammed into the building awaiting the first event.
The first event, Wildlife Encounters, featured a plethora of furry, feathered, and scaly animals. As soon as the animals began to come onstage, a silence seemed to come over the audience as if they seemed hypnotized. Some of the animals included in the display included a binturong (Asian bearcat), a variety of boa constrictors, an iguana, and chinchillas.
IN RED
IP'YTHAll HF.RK
\y: Anthony Pop-
This past Saturday, something happened that has never occurred before at Corning Community College, or for the director of Cool Kids for that matter. In one sitting, two Cool Kids events took place in one sitting in ■the Main Dining ■ Room of the Com-R mons Building from 10AM until 12:30 PM.
What was to be a Science Circus became a double header when in March, bad weather led to the cancelation of the
Thursday, April 17,2008
Page 9
Thursday, April 17,2008
Page 10
A Conversation with Congressman Randy Kuhl
Continued from page 3...
“Well, everybody was talking about change the last time, and the control of Congress did change, and interestingly enough if you look at where we were fourteen months ago when the Democratic majority took over the House and the Senate, the price of gasoline was $2.26 a gallon: a year later, its averaging over $3.29 a gallon. Significant change: I don’t think that's what the American public was talking about when they were talking about change. If you look at what Washington has done under these majorities in the last year, well, we’ve renamed a lot of post offices, but substantively very little has been done. If you look at the overall ratings of Congress, in the history of Congress it’s in the lowest political positive rating- like 11%- that it’s ever been. And the American public, I think, is not happy with these majorities as a result of their not doing what I think the American public is asking Congress to do, and that is to solve some of the problems. We’ve seen no activity on resolving the issue of illegal immigration, we’ve seen no activity on resolving the entidement problems with Medicare, which is a program that cannot sustain itself as it currently exists, we’ve seen no movement on Social Security reform which is another program which is very vital to seniors and people that are reaching retirement age, and that program will not sustain itself; and so , yeah, I understand why the public are talking about change- and they should be talking about change. Because there has been no resolution to these issues, or to virtually any issues, under this new majority.”
But, he said, elections shouldn’t be about change for its own sake, but instead about the differences between candidates at the various levels of government across the country.
“It’s not really about change, because candidates have been talking about change for the last 200 years in this democracy - it’s a great line, but look at what change has done just in the last
ft
year.
For more information about Congressman Kuhl, you can visit his website at:
http://kuhl.house.gov.
The Congressman’s voting record is available at:
http:/ / projects. wash-ingtonpost.com/ congress/members/ k000364/
He can be contacted either through the email link on his website, or by writing to his Bath office at:
P.O. Box 153,22 Buell St. Bath NY, 14810.
Thursday, April 17,2008
Page 11
Double the Fun with Twice the Cool Kids
Continued from page 8...
After his demonstration, ingredients were given to make a formula of slime that was made out of Elmer’s glue, borax, and water.
The event was as much a success as it has been in the past. It gave a number of children and their families an opportu nity to have a good time at no charge. Though this is the last event of the semester, there is no need to worry as Cool Kids will be back in the fall with an opportunity to enjoy the events provided to the community.
Thursday, April 17,2008
Page 12
MID-DAY MEDITATION: listening in silence
WEDNESDAYS 12:15 - 12:45 pm
ROOM: R213
BEGINS JANUARY 16, 2008
CONTINUES THROUGH MAY 7TH
ALL CCC STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF WELCOME
refresh body, mind and spirit!
Sponsored by CCC Campus Ministry
	The Crier Staff	
Editor	Secretary	Reporters
Lindsay	Meagan Marsh	Michael Coates
Woodruff	Student Association	Anthony Popkin
Assistant Editor	Representative	
Amanda Morse	Vazmenko Bondulic	Photographers
Treasurer	Advisor	Philip Hoyler
Elise Eberhardt	Paul McNaney	Anthony Popkin