Progressive At Cal
Friday, May 31, 2002
SFSU Conservative Blog
Talk about campus nonsense coming from this conservative blog over at SFSU:
SFSU Honors Japanese Americans Interned in Camps, American Civilians Held in Japanese Camps Go Unremembered...
In WWII, Japan had internment camps for Americans.
However, there will be no honoring the Americans
taken from their homes and forced into Japanese camps.
James O'Neil // 11:00 AM
My Response
Japanese Americans are Americans. Our own government lied to the Supreme Court, took property away from thousands of families, and put it's own citizens in concentration camps without there being a SINGLE case of spying. Why shouldn't we honor these Americans? Why shouldn't we remember a terrible mistake our country made so as to prevent it from happening again.
James, you state "there will be no honoring" American soldiers taken as prisoner during the war? What the hell were you doing on Monday?
|
Thursday, May 30, 2002
Blog Notes
Kudos for Potato Chucker for stepping up the quality these past two days.
After the success of "Operation Mole," Angry Clam is back.
Godless is racking up major hits now adays.
Some excellent posts put up recently by Cullitonholic.
CalStuff remarks on the Daily Cal. However, he forgot to mention that I broke the Regent story 13 days before the Daily Cal did.
Check out Campus Nonsense to see how bad the Right is. More to come later...
And Han, I was looking for Life Insurance...thanks for the lead!
|
How People Are Finding ProgCal
Inspired by Privateer, I thought I’d share some of the ways people have found ProgCal using search engines.
“Kevin Sabet”
“Cal Patriot”
“fascism and communism compared during”
“communism compared to fascism”
“fascist eagle”
“MECha eagle”
“Nazi eagle”
Interesting list and I didn’t get any hits for “nude/Playboy Rachael Klein pictures/photos” like some other blogs . I’m glad people looking for information are able to find it here at ProgCal.
|
California Patriot's New Spokesman
Res Ipsa Loquitur's recently posted this piece of vulgarity. I think it speaks volumes of his depravity.
Miranda Massie is their attorney. She is the prototypical slick-butch-lawyeress. I'd love to get into her pants (if her coochie is not all shriveled up by now from all of hateful rhetoric coming from her petite, feminine piehole).
UPDATE
Res, of course there are progressives in Berkeley. I was simply pointing out the extreme ignorance of your friend "Juan" who stated that the progressives were fighting the "reuse of coffee sleeves." I said this was not done by the progressives on the council, but by the moderates. What can't you understand about that? Juan: look into the history of ABC and BCA if you want to understand Berkeley local politics.
Res, also see my posts on Fascism as compared to Communism to see why you are dead wrong. Fascism is a by-product of the right. Please, for God's sake, take a political science course before you stick foot in your mouth again.
Finally, fascists glorify the "petty bourgeoisie" in the same way that Communists glorify the proletariat.
|
Wednesday, May 29, 2002
A New Blog & The California Patriot Responds Again
Thanks to Res Ipsa Loquitur for telling us about “Juan’s” reply to my recent post.
Before I respond to “Juan,” I’d like to comment on Res Ipsa Loquitur. Calling yourself “petty bourgeois” is to directly link yourself to the fascist movement. The petty bourgeoisie is the fundamental class of fascism in the same way the proletariat is the fundamental class of Marxism. Thanks for coming out in the open. Also, I did not publish “Juan’s” true email address, just the automatic anonymous hushmail address he was using to forward email. Furthermore, you have once again mad the mistake of confusing Hilter with left socialist. Please read my posts below to see why this is wrong. (Plus, it’s already been determined from your name that you associate with Hitler, a man who also glorified the petty bourgeois.)
My Response to Juan
Juan begins by stating he doesn’t read ProgCal. Well, then it’s interesting that you decided to randomly write to me concerning something I had just posted.
If the pictures were not important to your claim, they you 1) should not have included them in the article and 2) not responded to me defending the incredibly PATHETIC comparison.
Once again, you are as ignorant about the essence of the main MEChA group on campus as you are about Berkeley politics. Apparently, you have not done your research well. If I talk to you about the difference of the BCA and ABC in Berkeley Politics, would you understand? I doubt it. The moderates in Berkeley are a product of the neo-Conservative moment of the 1980s. They are comprised of conservative Democrats and Republicans, not progressives. Stop trying to change the subject, it’s obvious how badly you stumbled with that “coffee sleeve” comment.
|
Tuesday, May 28, 2002
The Media is Quick to Judge
I'm going to disagree with Andrew (and almost everyone else). I don't think Gary Condit is necessarily a bad person. As of right now, there is no evidence against him. So he had an affair with an intern? Is that reason enough to assume he's guilty. Let's wait for a charge, trial, and verdict first. Often times the top suspect, as reported by the media, is often not the perpetrator of the crime. (Examples: the Oklahoma City bombing, the Atlanta Olympics bombing, etc).
Update
Andrew has informed me that I misunderstood him (he doesn't think Condit is guilty, per se). However, my remarks remain for all those who have pronounced guilt without giving Condit his rights of due process.
|
Politically Correct
Godless Capitalist has given me the nickname of "PC." I'm sure he finds this perfectly humorous and correct. Afterall, liberals are usually associated with being politically correct. However, Godless has missed the meaning of the term "pc." It simply means doing what is correct for politics -- what is politically correct is what will help one become elected or reelected to office because it accords with popular/accepted values.
Hence PC is not a progressive term. For instance, almost all progressives opposed the USA Patriot Act. However, this was not politically correct. I assume it would have been difficult for many Senators to get reelected had they opposed this (let's see how Russ does...).
Update
GC has replied to my post. You aren't one for the true meaning/essence/root of words, are you Godless? I'm disappointed.
Also, you state BAMN is "PC incarnate"? Are you mad? BAMN pisses off just about everyone on this campus, whether it is the Berkeley Stop the War Coaltion or the California Patriot. The are certainly not politically smart nor politically correct in their actions.
|
Monday, May 27, 2002
The SAT is a Bad Test
For those who haven't read FairTest's site, I highly recommend it. Some of the best reasons why the SAT is bad...
Note
Praglib, I actually didn't bring up this subject. It's part of a long running debate with GC. See his site, we've been discussing this for a month or so. Also, the studies you refer to are all produced by ETS, the company that makes the SAT.
|
Saturday, May 25, 2002
InstaWrong
Dear Prof. Reynolds,
How can you possibly claim this is censorship? The
students are not in position of power, nor were they
preventing Rehnquist from speaking.
I am proud of these high school students who had the
courage to stand up for what they believe against
their administration.
Hugo Grotius
Webmaster: progcal.blogspot.com
|
Blog Links Restructured
Due to some blogs going on hiatus for summer, shutting down completely, or leaving the Berkeley scene for good, I've decided to restructure my links. These links will change quite a bit over the next two weeks, I'm guessing.
I will continue to post throughout. Look here for many more open letters and interesting scoops all summer long.
|
Friday, May 24, 2002
AIM Screenname
Dear SA External VP Josh Fryday,
It has recently come to my attention that one of your AIM screennames is "FaggotF**." Can you please explain why you choose to use a derogatory term as a screenname?
Thank you,
Hugo Grotius
Webmaster: progcal.blogspot.com
|
The California Patriot Responds
Juan Carlos Leal Solis has responded to my open letter by email (amazing how SA people and Patriot writers actually read ProgCal). Calling me a “knucklehead,” a “moron,” and one who enjoys “chewing the covers off” books, Juan goes off on quite a long rant. He reminds me of a poster on bestofberkeley.com.
Anyway Juan, I’ll address the three points you made. First, yes I do understand fascism. Read my posts below. Second, you completely glossed over the essence of my open letter. Let me break it down for you: You stated MEChA is fascist. You used a comparison between a Nazi eagle and the MEChA eagle to prove this. But, this proof is faulty because the American eagle (as seen on older quarters) looks as similar. Third, you continue to fail to grasp that the character of MEChA. MEChA split with the more radical Atzlan types ages ago. Read CalAnon’s earlier posts on this issue.
Oh Juan, you ended your email with this line “Go protest the reuse of coffee sleeves, or something.” Your grasp of Berkeley politics is as poor as your grasp of Berkeley campus groups. Mayor Dean was the opponent of the “reuse of coffee sleeves.” She is the leader of the moderate faction of Berkeley and the leading opponent of the progressives. (Sorry!!)
The Email
Here is a copy of the email sent by "Juan":
From: auto80045@hushmail.com
To: hgrotius@yahoo.com
Subject: Eagles
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 03:33:32 -0700
If you want a better comparison, compare the Italian Fascist Party's
eagle, the one carrying a staff. It is almost identical to MEChA'a
eagle. Furthermore, how can you defend a racist organization such as MEChA?
MEChA calls for the overthrow of the US, not cooperation with it. You
progressives have a myopic view of the world: a world in which everyone
is fascist. This mypoic view permits you to accept racism on your
campus, without question. Instead you make a mockery of it when you should
be outraged.
An eagle does not a fascist symbol make, but most fascist symbols are
consequently eagles. This does not imply America is fascist. If you
were reading your books instead of chewing the covers off of them you
would realize that generic fascism has certain elements, of which MEChA
possesses and the US does not:
(1) an ideocratic, pedagogical political and economic system practicing
totalitarian rule;
(2) of whose legitimacy rests upon the credibility of the ideology;
(3) of which political ‘truths’ are conveyed to the masses through
education;
This type of facism is found in your revisionist ethnic studies and
social science departments at Berkeley, you knucklehead. El Plan
Espiritual de Aztlan sets forth the ideological goal: the liberation of Aztlan.
(4) of which epistemocracy serves to ensure consensus and support for
the redemption, renewal and primacy of the nation and its people;
This "truth" and primacy is the Aztlan nation and the mestizo people,
moron. There is no epistemocracy in the US, except at our universities.
I could go on, but it is unlikely you would understand the complexity
of fascist typology.
Go protest the reuse of coffee sleeves, or something.
Juan Carlos Leal Solis,
UC Berkeley
|
Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Cal Patriot
Dear Editors of the California Patriot,
In your last issue, you compared a NAZI emblem with MEChA’s symbol. You concluded that both consisted of a perched eagle and hence MEChA was a fascist organization. I found this argument quite convincing. Recently, however, I was looking a United States quarter (pre-1999) and noticed that on the back there was a perched eagle. This eagle resembles the NAZI one as much as the MEChA eagle. Using Patriot logic, I suppose I am forced to conclude that 1) The US is fascist and anti-Semitic and 2) The US is a part of MEChA.
Is there a flaw in our logic?
Thank you,
Hugo Grotius
Webmaster of progcal.blogspot.com
|
Tuesday, May 21, 2002
Prog Cal Correspondents Wanted
Seeing as progressives are extremely underrepresented in blogger land, I encourage all progressives who wish to post something on progcal to contact me. If you are interested, we might also be able to work something out where you post as a correspondent. Email me.
|
Monday, May 20, 2002
Campus Org Chart
Dear Han Hong,
You stated EVP is "not the 2nd most powerful position on this campus." However, I am confused by this org chart I found on the Berkeley site. Why isn't your name listed?
Thanks for you time,
Hugo Grotius
EDIT
In response to my question, Han took this line off her site.
|
Hugo Grotius Awards
Seeing as the end to this year is coming ever-so-close and many blogs will stop blogging over the summer, I have decided to announce the results of the first annual ProgCal Berkeley Blog Awards.
Best Blog: CalAnon – This was definitely the hardest decision to make because there were two very strong contenders. But, CalAnon takes the first prize because of his great posts and good politics. In addition to being liberal, Amit consistently has excellent run-downs of the campus news. But, what really set CalAnon apart are the highest quality posts to be found in blogger land. Amit is graduating, and all will miss Nolo Free.
Honorable Mention: CalStuff – It was quite hard not to award best blog to Kevin Deenihan. CalStuff had so much going for it. It is the original blog. It has had numerous breaking stories. It has national coverage. It has challenging quizzes. It’s posting quality was excellent. However, the one area where Kevin is lacking is in his politics. He’s just too conservative for this progressive student.
Worst Politics: Angry Clam – Rory Miller definitely has the worst politics of all the bloggers. Not only is he a Republican, but he likes Goldwater! Rory is uncompromising in his foreign policy, anti-affirmative action views, etc. However, he does have high quality posts, many (incredibly biased) scoops, and he’s anti-SA.
Honorable Mention: Godless Capitalist – Berkeley’s own eugenicist is known for horribly long posts filled with statistical data galore. Thinks he has scientific data to back up his claims, but we all can agree he’s just a plain old racist. High quality posts though. Would have won the Hugo had he been an undergrad.
Best Politics: Culliton Holic – Amongst a sea of conservatives, Culliton Holic stands out as a progressive voice. Though I don’t agree with many of his views, he’s by far the closest to me. And, I didn’t want to give an award to myself because that would be lame.
Most Hits: Angry Clam – No contest. Angry Clam makes all the other blogs look pathetic in this category. No one even gets an honorable mention.
Best New Blog: CalWatch – Of all the new blogs created in the last two weeks, one stands above the rest. CalWatch has excellent posts and commentary. Looks quite promising…
Honorable Mention: The Albatross Perch – Too conservative for me but has good commentary.
Funniest: The Dancing Bear – Sorry Squelch blogs (Praglib and Calstuff), but this blog is funny. I urge readers to go back to the older posts as they are especially humorous.
Worst Blog: CalASUC – No contest, CalASUC fails on so many levels. CalASUC is incredibly narrow in scope (blogging only about the ASUC) and has awful politics. How can one actually like Wally’s presidency? (Other than Wally and his appointed minions). CalASUC is also known for arguments that make no logical sense and a horrible background. CalASUC is so bad that many of the main blogs (e.g. Angry Clam and CalAnon) don’t even link the site.
Honorable Mention: The Puddle – This site is truly annoying as it continues to beat to death the puddle and frog imagery. Also, sometime the frogs are SJP and sometimes they are IAC. This blog is too narrow in scope and has conservative politics. Not to mention, making fun of someone for being bald and fat is not good blogging.
Minor Awards: The following Hugos are given out to those blogs that didn’t win awards but should be mentioned.
Best Digest: Sex, Drugs, and Treason – SD&T does a nice job of putting up links to Daily Cal and other newspaper articles. I personally don’t find much use out of this, but some might.
Strangest Politics: The Potato Chucker. Is he liberal or conservative? Who knows! Interesting blog.
Bad Politics (national and/or Cal) : Life after Cal, Beetle Beat, Bay Blog, SweetJesusFunk, The Angry Little Man
Potential: Brandon’s Berkeley Blog, PragLib, and The Smoking Bear all have the potential to be great blogs if their owners ever posted.
Selection Committee's Note
Some bloggers have mentioned how biased the Hugos are. My response? They are not unfair because its obvious where I stand on the issues. Hence, "Worst Politics" = "Best Politics" for conservatives. Readers come to ProgCal expecting a progressive viewpoint. So, it's in that context that I chose the best blog partially based on politics. And Mike, why I am asking you? Because you created a political blog and debated me.
It was also not my intention to insult anyone (other than CalASUC).
It is a Compliment
Numerous bloggers are confused about the 1st Annual Hugo Awards.
Now, please stop your nonsensical protests. Many blogs are quite happy and proud of their awards, including the winner of this years Hugo for “Worst Politics.” That’s right, the Angry Clam is proud of his Hugos because he understands the criteria. When I chose the winners of the awards, I picked them with quality as a deciding factor, regardless of ideology. Angry Clam recognizes this as do the all of the major berkeley blogs (CalStuff, CalAnon, Culliton Holic, and Godless Capitalist).
Look at Rory’s site on Thursday for his acceptance speech and, in the meantime, stop whining and realize I complimented you.
|
Friday, May 17, 2002
Prog Cal Quiz 2
Because everyone loves extra quizzes during finals' week, here's another. It has three parts. The person that correctly answers the question will get a favor from me: I will post whatever they want on this blog (within reason and only from non-anonymous people).
1) Where does the Cal Patriot's funding come from?
2) Where is BAMN headquarted?
3) (HARD) How many active members does BAMN have that are students at UC Berkeley? What are their names? (By active member, I mean one who tables weekly). What's up with everyone else?
Add-on: Okay, I realize this quiz is really hard (as some have pointed out). So, I'm going to award the prize to who ever answers the most parts.
|
CASC
The winner of the ProgCal quiz was Cal Gal Anon who sent in this email:
Will Sam, Wally Adeyemo, Patrick Campbell and Teddy Liaw were all in CASC. California Associations of Student Councils.
I will also recognize Sean T. Byrne (CalStuff associate and ProgCal's third choice for president) for being the first non-anonymous person to correctly identify CASC.
|
Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Next Student Regent
ProgCal correspondent ACB reports:
The next student regent will be Matt Murray from UC Berkeley.
Congratulations Matt
|
Daily Cal
It's no secret that the progressive community at Cal doesn't like the Daily Cal. In addition to consistently endorsing conservative statewide initiatives (like the RPI and prop 209), the Daily Cal has failed the students in other ways. Last year, the Daily Cal had the distinction of being one of the few campus newspapers to run the Horowitz ad (that declared African Americans were lucky to live in America because they had welfare, in addition to other blatantly racist comments). This year, during the height of anti-Arab/Muslim/South Asian violence in America, the Daily Cal published a political cartoon reminiscent of anti-Japanese cartoons after WWII. Etc…
Despite my own personal dislike for the Daily Cal, I hate to see it go like this.
|
ProgCal Quiz
Kevin reported on the long known fact that Will Sam was appointed Chief of Staff. Here's a quiz for progcal readers: what high school organization did the last three SA presidents (Wally, Teddy, Patrick) and Will Sam belong to? The winner will get their name posted. =)
|
Saturday, May 11, 2002
Huh?
CalASUC, please read the articles I posted one more time. Upon more careful examination, you will realize that the bell curve was never going to be implemented. Hence, I did not "backpedal."
|
Friday, May 10, 2002
Real Service. Real Action. Student Action
Some one blogged this already, but it needs more attention:
"(The senate is) moving in the wrong direction by giving student groups more money and less money to executives," said ASUC President Wally Adeyemo.
That speaks for itself....
|
Oh Please...
For some strange reason Student Annoying has posted to admit that the "bell curve" concept was not "gaining much traction." Yet Michelle Huang, SA candidate for AAVP last year, declared that eliminating the non-existant bell curve would be her first priority as AAVP.
Some history on SA and the "bell curve":
"On the policy side, Huang said she wanted to focus attention on a reported proposal to institute a university-wide bell curve for grades.
"This means 15 percent of every class would fail," Huang said. "I think we need to stop this before anything gets pushed."
She said, however, she has yet to talk to Lopez and the ASUC student representative on the Academic Senate committee that heard the proposal, about the idea.
Lopez, who has been monitoring the situation since January, said the proposal was not an active issue.
"At the end of last semester, there was a big scare because the chair of the committee on teaching, Jasper Rian, a professor, mentioned (the proposal) at one of the committee meetings," Lopez said. "Since then there hasn't been any mention of that, since he's seen how unpopular it is. I'm not sure how much of a deal it is."
Dean of Students Karen Kenney said she understood the proposal was just an idea, and that there has not been a formal proposal.
"Decisions about the classroom are the purview of the independent faculty member and it would be highly unlikely the Academic Senate would make a decision on the nature of 'this is how to conduct your class,'" she said.
When asked about her stance on the proposal to increase student representation in the Academic Senate, Huang said she was unaware of the issue. "
More on Michelle Huang from last year's Daily Cal endorsement:
"After the embarrassing resignation of Academic Affairs Vice President Jen Chang in November, it is clear that any candidate for this office should be more than qualified in this year's race. Regrettably, Huang's party slated a virtual know-nothing when it comes to the Academic Affairs office. Touting herself as an "outsider," Huang's campaign has done a sorry job of hiding the fact that she has little to no experience in the ASUC or in academic lobbying realms.
Huang was in dangerous territory when she admitted to one of our reporters that she knew nothing about the Office of Academic Affairs's efforts to increase student representation in the Academic Senate. She then dug her own hole even deeper when she proceeded to defend her answer by arguing that the office has not made enough of an effort to keep students informed-a weak defense for ignorance. She lost even more points when she answered questions pertaining to the office by repeating Ahn's words and lifting vague quotes from her banal campaign literature."
|
Thursday, May 09, 2002
California Patriot
The best thing for progressives on this campus is the California Patriot. Nothing turns Berkeley students left quicker than a quick read of the rant-filled lunacy that is the Patriot. Oh, some people do like the Patriot though.
|
Innocent Until Proven Guilty
Andrew stated "No significant news can be found on Roberto (not Robert) Hernandez, the guy who bit an officer while being dragged from Wheeler. Logically, sounds like he faces assault charges or at least resisting arrest charges, but I have no confirmation on this yet. More as I find it."
He forgets however that Roberto has not been convicted of anything yet. I happen to have a firm belief that Roberto is innocent.
|
Wednesday, May 08, 2002
Shame on you, Tony Falcone
Mr. Falcone apparently believes that the Academic Senate appointment process is a good way to pass out the spoils of office. Thank goodness his recommendations were lessened in committee.
|
Monday, May 06, 2002
Congrats!
As predicted, CalSERVE swept through Senate with 5 senators. Congratulations Taina, Patrick, Jasper, Mary, and Gustavo. ProgCal also congratulates the other 4-5 progressives who won senate seats. (Not to be too cocky, but did anyone notice how well I predicted the senate?)
By the way Calanon, SA did not sweep. Student Advocate is an executive position, and Salam quite dramatically dropped SA.
(1 more note to fellow bloggers & Daily Cal: Contrary to popular opinion, The party CalSERVE does not have a hyphen in it. It's Cal Students for Equal Rights and a Valid Education.)
|
Predictions
Pres: Up in the air between Jessie and Kris
EVP: Han
ExVP: Evan
AAVP: no clue
Senate: CalSERVE 5-6, APPLE 3-4, SA 5-6, Fongs 1, Goatmilk 1, Others -- the rest
|
Friday, May 03, 2002
Daily Cal
In today’s Daily Cal, Patriot editor Barnett quite stupidly states, "We've grown up without the struggles of race…We've grown up without race being an issue.” Well Mr. Barnett, you’ve grown up without the struggles of race, but others haven’t. You haven’t had to deal with racial profiling on a daily basis. You haven’t had to deal with having substandard schools (in violation of Brown v. Board of Education). You haven’t had to deal with a racially biased admissions test. You haven’t had to deal with negative racial stereotypes in the media. Et cetera, et cetera.
|
CalSERVE Wins Big
CalSERVE wins big in the Graduate Assembly. Current ASUC Senator Jessica Quindel was elected President while Moe was elected as External VP. ProgCal says congrats to both!
|
Thursday, May 02, 2002
Daily Cal
More on the RPI. Originally set to go on the March 2002 ballot, the RPI is stumbling, not gaining momentum. The fact that it has the support of 48% of those surveyed doesn’t speak to how well it will do in November. Rather, RPI has high approval ratings now because its opponents have not stepped up their campaign yet. Furthermore, ignorant people who haven’t heard about it are obviously going to show support for an initiative that purports to create a “colorblind” society. Of course, considering how propositions 187, 209, 229, 21, 22, etc all passed, I’m not going to be too optimistic.
The Daily Cal managed to completely misrepresent one story, in addition to some more minor errors.
Uninformed. Sorry to be so cold, but I recommend sticking to “Pathogen of the Week.”
|
Coming Out
Nolo Free has come out. ProgCal welcomes Amit Runchal, the only fellow liberal Berkeley blogger.
|
Wednesday, May 01, 2002
RPI
What do the Breast Cancer Fund, the California Public Health Association, California Teachers' Association, the Sierra Club, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the California Republican Party, and the NAACP have in common? They oppose the RPI.
The RPI’s proponents claim that it aims to set up a “colorblind” society. Don’t be fooled by such rhetoric. Here’s some of what the RPI will really do:
-Hurt health care: Sickle cell anemia, breast cancer, infant mortality, prostate cancer, diabetes, and heart disease affect all races differently. Efforts to combat these illnesses will be hindered if racial data can not be collected.
-Make it difficult to fight discrimination and hate crimes
-Make it more difficult to stop racial profiling
-Hurt education: If the state is unable to collect racial data, no one will be able to tell if minority students are being provided with an adequate level of k-12 education.
-Etc
More on this topic will be posted as the election gets closer.
|
