Terrorism Cells

STAFF EDITORIAL

CHARLIE CORRIEA / GUARDSMAN

Like a cancer that metastasizes when you try to cut it out of the body, so has the worldwide network of terror cells spread under the blunt fumbling of our current administration.

A U.N. report released Sept. 20 warned, “Al-Qaida continues to evolve and adapt to the pressures and opportunities of the world around it and the threat of a significant attack remains in all areas.”

Despite the Bush administration spending hundreds of billions of dollars on a war against them, small, loosely organized groups of terrorists are thriving.

And they’ll continue to thrive. With our military gathered into one giant, clumsy fist, repeatedly punching into the quicksand of an increasingly surreal and anarchic Iraq, it is painfully obvious that they are missing their stated target.

The worst part is that as the president stretches the country’s resources to fight a dubious war for “democracy” in an oil-rich country, the American public waits for the next high-profile terrorist attack.

The situation has devolved to the point where the question isn’t whether it will happen, but rather: when and where?

This summer’s London subway bombings have served to underscore the fact that terrorism is not going away anytime soon. The unfocused campaign our military is fighting could mean that fact will weave itself into the fabric of our daily lives for decades to come.

e-mail: editorial@theguardsman.com

Reality Television Not Real At All

BY JEROLD CHINN
Editor

Reality television has made a huge impact on today’s popular culture.

Anyone, from a spoiled 16-year-old brat having a huge birthday bash to a girl from a small town in Ohio, can try to be the next top model on television.

But has reality television overstayed its welcome?

People who watch reality shows are between 18 to 49 years old.

Viewers are influenced by these shows, as they tend to involve competitors trying to win a luxurious prize.

The audience may not want to see who becomes the next millionaire — they want to see who creates the most drama on the show.

Competitors cheat and backstab each other, which simply captivates people. Americans use this behavior in real life situations, based on competitors’ behavior. Yet they often find that these tactics backfire and that deceit doesn’t work in the real world.

Viewers can lose their jobs and the trust of co-workers and friends.

Looking at the popularity of some reality shows, television and cable networks will keep churning them out and trying to seduce viewers to watch.

It is a choice whether to watch reality television or not. If it isn’t worth watching, it shouldn’t be watched.

e-mail: editorial@theguardsman.com

Burning Oil Until It's Gone

BY STEVE ADAMS
Contributing Writer

An oil drilling platform sits in Texas as Hurricane Rita arrives. COURTESY OF KRT CAMPUS

Oil is arguably the most valuable natural commodity on the planet. It is used to power anything from cars to lawn mowers and in other forms it is used in products such as makeup, shoes and CDs.

As Americans, we understand how much we depend upon these necessities. Most of us are aware that oil is not extremely abundant in the United States. Knowing this to be true, the government needs to start to invest in other forms of energy.

There are plenty of other ways to power automobiles than to burn gasoline and dollars. Electricity is the most obvious option. The public has already seen positive results in hybrids and fully electric cars.

Hydrogen cars have even been experimented with as well. In West Berlin, there are hydrogen filling stations available.

That is just the tip of the iceberg. Other sources include wind, water and solar power to energize our appliances.

Alternative forms of energy such as hydrogen are more efficient than oil. Hydrogen converted to energy has a 70 percent to 80 percent efficiency rate. Wind, water and solar energy are environmentally friendly.

Almost any form of energy other than oil is safer for the environment and more efficient.

If the government would take the percentage of money currently being spent overseas and use it to find other forms of energy, every car on the American market would cause less pollution and would, more importantly, have a cleaner way to run.

COMING IN

Faculty Poll

Do you believe City College is prepared for a terrorist attack?

Yes: 20% (3 out of 15)

No: 20% (3 out of 15)

Unsure: 60% (9 out of 15)

“I guess we are prepared as anybody else. Chances it will happen are slim to non-existent. I believe more in earthquakes occurring.”

Lee Nelson, graphic communications

"It seems rather ridiculous to believe that any of us, anywhere, are prepared for a terrorist attack."

Jessica Nelson, English

ON THE RECORD

Do you think City College is vulnerable to a terrorist attack?

Brendon Ford

“No, it’s not a centered enough area. We wouldn’t be affected unless it was a nuclear explosion. I like this school but it’s not really a monument of importance.”

James Finuliar

“I think they could do a lot of damage with the morning traffic jamon Phelan Avenue if they did decide to attack here.”

Kacie Marks

“Absolutely not. There’s no danger because there’s no purpose. City College doesn’t represent anything of importance to the country or a terrorist, unlike, say, the Golden Gate Bridge.”

Bryn Nguyen

“Uh huh, hell yeah. They attack people that don’t expect it at all.”

Mikee Lapid

“Anyplace can be prone to terrorist attacks, but there are other social problems that we should focus on. I mean, hurricanes probably killed more people this month than terrorists.”

Janice Alden

“No, I don’t. I believe that colleges and institutions like this don’t have the type of people in them that would be targeted.”