Page 71 - ThePhoenix1996-97

NEWS Students get a taste of life on the campaign trail be built. on the weekends. Reyburn chose SlaffWriler WMC student and Democrat to work for this candidate because As we all know, 1996 was an Tasha Berry, a junior, worked for "he's a good man, a good person election year. The presidential race the Clinton/Gore reelection bid. and he believes in things I believe dominated the election coverage, Berry is a Maryland resident, but in." Reyburn was upset that Pitts' but there were many other smaller her hometown was too far away for challenger, Democrat James races. Offices like senator, con- her to commute. To contribution, Blaine, dumped a large amount of gressmen, governorships, and she campaigned out of the Balti- money into negative advertising. school board positions were up for more office of the Democratic Reyburn also attended cam- grabs. Many are happy to leave Party. She wanted to work for paign rallies such as the Christian political activity 10 the politicians, "something that would effect me, Coalition rally, but she didn't quite but some students felt compelled and somebody that would have an care for it. "The speaker they had by class requirements, personal effect on Maryland." While work- didn't really reflect his [Pitts] views convictions, or a combination of ing on this campaign, Berry met and beliefs," she said. Pitts is a the two to insert themselves into some interesting people. She supporter of pro-life and prayer in the political process. These stu- worked with Comptroller Jim public schools. dents became campaign volunteers Gittens of the Democratic Party of Reyburn also met state senators and sacrificed their time and their Baltimore, and called people to and other interesting political fig- labor to one or more political can- "get out the patronage vote" in ures and used this to her advantage didate. Baltimore City. in finding opportunities for intern- What can students do in a po- Berry was surprised at how ships. When asked if she regretted litical campaign? A lot, even if much depended on campaign vol- anything about the campaign someone has little or no prior ex- unteers. ''Things just don't happen Reyburn responded, "I wished I perience with campaigning. Stu- without the little people," she said. had more time to work on this cam- dents can make calls, answer Engaging in filing and organiza- paign. I got to meet a lot of people phones, and stuff envelopes with tional tasks, Berry even typed up who supported him [pitts] and a lot campaign literature. People are al- the agenda of a Democratic candi- of interesting people." Susan Glore, director of Counseltng Services, knows all about college worries and woes. students' ways needed to walk around date. On election day she met and The civic duty of voting is very neighborhoods and distribute lit- shook hands with Senator Barbara important. But there is more to do A shoulder to cry on out erature, signs, and other informa- Mikulski. there for a concerned person [ion about a particular candidate. Republican Sara-Beth Reyburn, if he wishes. These students are Volunteer work like this makes a also a junior, worked on a smaller examples of the impact little people at Smith House campaign possible. Nobody, not campaign. Reyburn is a Pennsyl- can make on the campaign system. even Ross Perot, has enough vania resident and went home to The political process depends on money to pay people to do all of work for a candidate. Republican volunteers to keep on working. By JEN VICK stress, eating disorders, alcohol these required services, but they Joe Pitts was running for Congress Without them no candidate, no FealllresEdilOr and other drugs, relationship is- must be done. Campaign volun- in the 16th district in Pennsylva- matter how rich, could afford to run Comfortable couches, stuffed sues, sexual assault, depression, teers provide the foundation upon nia. She would drive over an hour a modem political campaign. animals, soothing paintings of and homesickness. In some cases, which a successful campaign can each way to work for this campaign landscapes, and a box of tissues students with similar problems adorn the office of Susan Glore, will agree to group sessions with director of counseling services. Glore. These sessions are often For many students, Smith formed with several students who House is the dreaded two words may have eating disorders, or have that mean being sick. But this valu- been victims of sexual abuse. able center for the campus does Glore stressed that she has "no more than provide health services, judicial power." For example, if it accommodates career and coun- a student under the legal drinking seling services as well. Susan age confided in her about drink- Glore is the only counselor on cam- ing at a party, she could not get pus, but the counseling she pro- them in trouble. "This is just one vides is free to all WMC under- more comfortable place to talk on graduates. For graduate students campus," Glore said. "Even the there is a small fee. secretary wouldn't confirm if "I provide personal counseling someone came in here." on any issue," said Glore. Ex- Of the students that utilize amples of these issues are anxiety/ Continued on page 11 The Dirges plan to make another hit at WMC this year By Ross HOI.LEBON one of the top 20 unsigned bands Drawing from "Nifty Vanilla" Contribuung wrirer in the country by Musician (1,250 copies sold) as well as their As they get bigger and bigger Magazine s panel of industry pro- first two albums, "Fiber" and here in the Northeast region of the fessionals; including Stone "Splinter" (combined 6,850 copies U.S., the Philadelphia-based band, Gossard of Pearl Jam, Juliana sold) , The Dirges look forward to The Dirges, have not forgotten Hatfield, Steve Win wood, and another entertaining evening at Specials Western Maryland College. This Matthew Sweet. WMC. Jim Santos of Alternative five-piece band, who began their The Dirges have also been in- Press said of The Dirges, "[they] career with a first place finish at vited to play the Ticket Master mix R.E.M. s earnest jangle with