The Capital Times, February 21, 2005 Steve Mayer spouts off By Steven Mayer Staff Reporter slm379@psu.edu "People often ask me where I stand politically. It's not that I disagree with Bush's economic policy or his foreign policy, it's that I believe . . . he was a child of Satan here to destroy the planet Earth. Little to the left," said comedian Bill Hicks at the Oxford Playhouse in England on Nov. 11, 1992. On Feb. 26, 1994, less than two years later, Hicks would pass away as a result of pancreatic cancer at the age of 32. Hicks was obviously not referring to the Christian Rights' current marionette in office, George W. Bush, but rather his father, George H.W. Bush, at a time when he had recently lost his re-election against Billy Clinton, much to Hicks' delight. Perhaps the saying "the more things change, the more they stay the same" is true. Unfortunately, the world has not changed for the better since Hicks died, and it arguably has become much worse -- everyday some mutant makes an ominous, apocalyptic prophecy about who America should bomb into oblivion next in the name of freedom, Jesus, liberty, democracy and whatever mindless slogan or intangible concept satiates the public. Hicks attempted to set the record straight and was unrelenting in his attacks against the "mediocre hacks who thrive and proliferate" in our society. Whether they were religious, political or "artistic" figures, Hicks spared none in his caustic rampage through the American comedy scene - - his greatest opponent, though, seemed to be American culture itself. Hicks had an observant eye for the hypocrisy and irony that constantly permeate our culture, and he carried an indispensable message that urged his audience to never trust the government or the corporations that own it. Hicks also excoriated America's view of "art" and "talent," as well as the manufactured emotions of popular entertainment that always keeps the most important thing in mind -- money. "There is no context for the bullshit we see on TV. There is no center. This country has swallowed the fucking lie hook, line, and sinker, and wallows in it like some fat swine -- proud of its ignorance," wrote Hicks in a newly published book, Love All the People, which contains some of his routines, letters, and poems. During one of his routines, Hicks explained his response, when asked in Australia during one of his visits, if he was proud to be an American. "I don't know. I didn't have a lot to do with it, you know. My parents fucked there, that's about all. You know, I was in the spirit realm at that time." On October 7, 2001, I happened to see part of a football game that was interrupted by an announcement that informed the crowd the United States military had begun air strikes against Afghanistan. I was somewhat "surprised" to hear the crowd erupt into cheers, exultation and riotous chants of "U.S.A, U.S.A." It was like watching colorized footage of a Nuremberg rally. While watching this Ober-nationalist absurdity, I could not help but think that this is the same country where sanctimonious charlatans rally the rubes in an effort to eradicate "moral decay in culture," but laud state-sponsored warfare. It was at this point in my life that Hicks' words really seemed to resonate. I then accepted nihilism and began hoarding provisions for my survival in the wilderness of Montana. The greatest thing about Hicks Comedian Bill 1 - I,icks, infamous cigarette in hand, was loved and hated, by many for his acts, which often included controversial subjects like politics, religion, and the American way of life. Opinion was that he was honest; he never ingratiated himself for his audience -- if truth really does hurt, Hicks was a sadist in the truest sense of the word, and he was quite possibly one of the greatest advocates for free speech in recent years. For this reason, I urge everyone to contact Senator Rick Santorum and request that a national holiday be designated in Hicks' honor. Let him know that Hicks never had sexual contact with animals. Photo courtesy of www.nndb.com Letter from SGA pres. By Rodney Horton SGA President thyork2@yahoo.corn Hello Penn State Harrisburg! Student Government Association is committed to voicing the concerns of the student body to department heads and other members of the administration. Every twelve months a new "regime" comes into office to ensure that students' rights and voices are protected. I had the privilege of working under Paul Lutheran and Lee Catchall - both of these individuals were previous presidents. I learned a lot about the job that I would soon encounter before they left for bigger and better things. Most of what they said has come true and some things that they stated has never come to fruition. I want to encourage everyone to take part in Student Government for the 2005 - 2006 school year. There are plenty of benefits as a member of SGA, such as networking with several leaders throughout the university. My favorite aspect of the job is delivering funding and other services to our clubs. The clubs are the backbone of our mission to override apathy - and they are doing a great job. I am at pleased to hear what the clubs are doing, and enjoy interacting with the presidents of the clubs - whether it is at the CUB, or just talking in the Student Activities Office. Another aspect I like about my job is that I preside over the most liberal senate in the history of Harrisburg's SGA. This SGA has given over $41,000 to clubs; we have not hoarded the money. In my entrance to this position, I wanted to provide funding for all the clubs that have a goal to become active and indirectly join SGA in overriding apathy. Apathy is a problem nationwide; however it begins and ends with us. I enjoy working with great people like Dean Hanes, Dr. Mahar, Nancy Leister, Janet Widoff, and Nicole Duffy. These individuals have a common goal; to hear your concerns. One might ask, how could they hear your concerns if someone did not represent you? Out of 3,800 students, someone must be willing to hold up the blow horn so that student voices are heard. As I enter my 12th month in office, I am preparing to leave to a new SGA an organized and reformed association that can better address the concerns of the student body. When I was elected, the organization was in shambles - not because of the previous leader, but because of the "ancient" methods of operation. We are reforming those methods to ensure a better SGA five to ten years from now. As our campus has assailed to a four-year university - the incoming freshmen (whether they knew it or not) became part of another chapter of PSH's history. SGA is making great strides to accommodate these historic changes; however we need individuals that will continue the work that was started on March 31, 2004. Will you join in this endeavor? Will you commit to making a change? If so, pick up a packet in E-131. Take a stand - make a change and better the life of your fellow students. WARNING: This is a Sharon Furfaro original cartoon. All I'm going to say is...FREE MARTHA! The great thing about America is that some one can go from being the queen of craft, to jailbait, to having her own reality TV show. That's right, Stewart will be back, and better - or badder - than ever. Visit http://savem artha.com.
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