The Red and Black

Issue date: 8/27/08 Section: Opinions

Walk this way

After DMC's lecture, we hope unique speakers will continue to grace campus

As reported on today's front page, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels graced the stage of Tate Theater Tuesday night, lecturing on the evolution of rap and hip-hop music and culture, past and present.

For a man who was a third of the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC, the title "lecture" does not give justice to his visit.

McDaniels had a huge hand in the development of hip-hop in the '80s, and we commend the University Union for bringing a unique character to campus - especially one that sparks nostalgia in the minds of most college students.

In the spirit of flashbacks, The Red & Black editorial board would love to see more influential speakers many of us grew up with.

How about the boys of New Kids on the Block, who jump-started the boy-band craze of the'90s?

Who could forget the sneaky stud from "Saved by the Bell," Zack Morris? OK, he may not have helped shape a music genre and instead inspired years of tacky sweaters, but we'd enjoy it, nonetheless.

If the '90s icons are booked, we wouldn't mind the University Union having more open forums in which relevant, newsworthy topics are brought to the stage, perhaps with local community leaders or politicians as speakers. The audience draw may not be as large without recognizable names, but at least students who want to voice their opinions, or get a better understanding of what's going on, can do so.

Here's to hoping University Union continues to meet the wide interests of a 30,000+ student body.

- Jennifer Paxton for the editorial board

Favorable facility

The National Bio and Agro-Defense lab offers more pros than cons for Athens.

The prospect of having the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in our backyard has split Athens and the University community into two camps.

Supporters of NBAF cite the increase in employment and research opportunities the facility would bring to the University and to Athens-Clarke County. Opponents of the "Bio-Terror Lab" argue research with deadly pathogens and agents makes the facility unsafe.

Although concern of a potential contamination is understandable, the idea isn't causing anyone at The Red & Black to lose any sleep.

As previously reported, both the Department of Homeland Security and Plum Island-experienced professor Daniel Mead have stated such a facility would be nearly impenetrable.

The estimated $12.5 million to $24.7 million increase in tax revenue far outweighs any fear of unwanted growth or minor environmental issues.

NBAF would maintain, if not strengthen, the University's position as a major player in the research field and be located conveniently for researchers at the CDC in Atlanta.

Until the Department of Homeland Security makes its decision public in December, both sides will continue to wage war through bumper stickers, billboards and Facebook groups.

Although the nay-sayers seem to be the more vocal side in this debate, we find Mead and Homeland Security more credible sources.

- Drew Wheatley for the editorial board

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