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Change we can believe in?
It's social suicide to admit that I never accepted
Barrack Obama's campaign for change as anything
more than an illusion. Our president is a master of
congeniality and as such he's inspired the masses to
vote for reforms both little understood and widely underestimated. Granted, any politician
whose cadence triggers unprecedented populations to flood the polls on Election Day is
noteworthy, but what about everyone else? Surely, much of the country already claimed
stake in the debates and aligned themselves accordingly, never needing more than patriotic
responsibility to inspire their vote. Yet, over a year later, popular culture prevailed and a
charismatic, albeit left-wing ideologue now commands the direction of our country.
I'm aware that my voice is representative of a minority in academia. Others still cast
conservatives aside as stubborn and uncompromising (or as Nancy Pelosi once said,
Nazis). Still, my distaste for Obama's "new world" goes far deeper than a moral war
across party aisles. The president's enthusiasm is admirable, his integrity doesn't require
closer inspection and as far as I'm concerned, he is not an evil socialist out to reign in a
new communist era. I don't agree with the radical approach many conservative critics
employ to discredit Obama and his attempts to enrich the lives of all Americans. Yet, their
arguments, although pushed obnoxiously on every media outlet in existence, are hard to
ignore.
By CHRISTEN CROLEY
STAFF WRITER
CMCS4O3@PSU.EDU
Case in point: Obamacare. Recently, Congress passed a new bill that transforms
the country's healthcare system as we know it into a pricey, expansive and invasive
government program. There's no denying that the uninsured Americans, particularly
children, deserve affordable coverage. No one will argue that insurance companies are
shady and unreliable. People with preexisting conditions shouldn't be refused of benefits.
The new bill promises to eliminate all of these issues and then some. Unfortunately, it's
those other conditions that have the opposition reeling.
As I understand it, by 2014, citizens will be taxed to cover the uninsured and those caught
without coverage will be smacked with a fine upwards of $7OO. I can't speak for everyone;
however, I am not only uncomfortable with assuming financial responsibility for health
care-freeloaders, but rather unable to spare an extra dollar, even at my own expense. The
"great recession" is still taking its toll on the coMitty; unemployment is a reality in my
life, not just a statistic, and the thought of losing more to taxes and government assistance
programs (and all the ensuing corruption) is unfathomable.
I struggle to make ends meet while maintaining a full time academic schedule, preparing
for a job that may not exist in a shrinking, outsourced industry. So many college students
are plagued with the same anxiety as the improbability of landing a job after graduation
reaches an all time high. How are we expected to inherit a nation when we can barely
survive in the system it's enforcing?
Under Obama's administration, the "American Dream" is a matter of interpretation.
Capitalist societies don't provide privileges to the people, only rights, and as such
encourage determination and work ethic to acquire a desired lifestyle. Health insurance
is not a right; it's a high priority expense afforded by those who find it necessary. Our
freedom is unique among industrialized nations and too often is it forgotten-including the
liberty to choose how we spend our money.
Healthcare is still nowhere near fixed-even with last week's history-making legislation
becoming law. The new system's flaws are numerous and predictable; Obama's hasty
approach and underhanded deals may come back to haunt the American people for
decades. As the first evidence of his highly anticipated "change," Obama has pleased a
few and alienated many, shaking the confidence of his army of supporters. As droves of
Americans abandon the White House in favor of surprisingly conservative alternatives,
such as the Tea Party Movement, much of the nation is lost among the deepening divide.
Change we can believe in? No we can't.
ril 1 201
THE CAPITAL TIMES
Broad Street Market Holds
BY VINCENT DANGOLOVICH
ASSISTANT Enrroß
VINDSOO6@Psu.F.Du
Owned and run by Oanh and Lany Lowers with a little help from their friends, the stand
is a tribute to home cooking and romance. Lany was on hand to recommend dishes and
give a brief history of the place.
Oanh once operated at a Vietnamese restaurant in Harrisburg that Larry patronized
following Sept. 11 2001. He was in full uniform as an Army officer of Homeland Security
when Oahn leaned her head out and giggled.
"We took it slow. We didn't rush into anything," recalled Mr. Lowers.
As Oanh could not speak English at the time, the two exchanged notes that were translated
by a waiter. A chaperoned courtship followed.
"So she didn't many me for my money or good looks," Lowers joked pointing out his
61 years of age.
Today, Larry works as bus driver awaiting retirement while occasionally helping his
wife as a waiter and occasional language consultant. The old restaurant was sold allowing
Oanh to concentrate her efforts on a smaller venue. This allowed extra attention to detail
that is evident in the food.
On the review visit the self-tiught chef recommended pad thai and happily switched out
the meat for tofu. Made with vegetables, noodles, and a flavor packed ginger sauce, the
dish far exceeded any expectations for a humble food stand. However this quickly paled
in comparison to the Vietnamese spring rolls.
These are not your fried cigar-shaped rolls such as you might find in a Chinese buffet.
Instead these slightly chilled, thick rolls are filled with tofu or shrimp, cabbage, carrots,
rice noodles, and parsley. Served with dark, homemade peanut sauce, the result is a
delicious, fresh tasting dish that could be a meal unto itself.
So popular are these spring rolls that an entire display cooler is regularly sold out for
everyday the stand is open.
If you need something to warm you on a rainy day, look no further than Lyly's soups.
While wanton and coconut are endorsed by Mr. Lowers, ordering a giant bowl of pho
noodles is never a bad idea. Made with shrimp, chicken, or beef the order comes in with
bean sprouts and parsley which allows the individual to perfect the dish to taste.
It is also important to note that as a smaller venue, Oanh and company are happy to
accommodate the customer. Meat dishes are often easily prepared as vegetable ones.
Those wanting a little more or less spice usually need only ask.
Those who wish to visit need only go to the Broad Street Market and enter the third street
building. Hours of operation include Wednesday thru Saturday, 10 am-3:30 pm. Prices
range from $3-8.
Asian Treat
One of the better aspects of being a "foodie" is in
discovering great food in humble places. Such a
find was made in Harrisburg's famous Broad Street
Market in the form of Lyly Asian Food.