Why God

won’t come to
University
Jeffrey Burwell, SJ
Staff

I
f you’re like a lot of
university students, I
bet you can’t remem-
ber the last time you thought about reli-
gion or God or spirituality. For the vast
majority, ponderings about class sched-
ules or weekend gatherings replace any
religious inclination within about five
minutes of stepping on campus. The re-
mainder of the semester (and often the
year) will often pass in the same way. By
late October, many of the tangible effects
of your early Catholic education have
seemingly all but vanished.
Although plenty of folks on cam-
pus want to speak about religion, they’re
often not the sorts of folks you resonate
with as a student: they smile during
midterms, they want to fellowship during
finals, and they always turn the conver-
6 reasons why CFS will always fail sation toward theology when you just
want to talk sports. Religion on campus
Pierce Cairns cannot demand more and more and expect results. can have the same hard sell feelings
Granted, this requires you to even be at the bargaining you’d find at a car dealership.
Contributor table. When Gary Doer hears CFS is at the doorstep, he By contrast, the university itself

W
elcome back every- wonders what the Child and Family Services wants. is steeped in both empirical philosophy

3
one to another year They confuse ideology and reality. The poster and the scientific method. Both frame-
of university life, claim: “Education is a right!” One zealous Facebook works are often employed in a totalitarian
and inevitably another visual group (those powerful parliamentary institutions) manner that reject all talk of God and
assault of colourful Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) claims “It is in the Charter!” Actually, it is not. I recom- scoff at anyone who wants to explore re-
posters demanding lower tuition. Most students will not mend you all read the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It ligious values. For the most part, we are
take note, few others will nod their heads in blank agree- is fairly short, and makes you feel warm and fuzzy about told that real academics don’t need con-
ment, and still fewer will throw their arms up in disgust, Canadian values. Thankfully, having taxpayers provide cepts like love, forgiveness, compassion,
but take solace in the fact that it is irrelevant. Criticizing free/cheap post-secondary education for every future Star- and hope. If it can’t be measured or taken
the CFS has become somewhat of a hobby for me, so I will bucks barista is not a “right.” It may be easy to convince apart, it’s of no real value.
attempt to remain objective in highlighting briefly why the students with such rhetorical statements, but students do Yet in the midst of conflicting
CFS will fail in its campaign to lower tuition fees. not determine tuition fees. value systems, you have heard—often

1 4
They are good at failing. Over the last 6 years, I . They are a one-trick pony. Remember how the unwittingly—the (not so) gentle call of
have been approached annually by CFS representa- federal Green party did in the last election? In case God. Sometime during their university
tives promoting their drive to freeze/lower tuition. In you missed it, they won zero seats. CFS needs to experience, nearly every student begins
those 6 years, tuition has risen (through one backdoor downplay the chronic failure of lowering tuition and focus to ask the questions that no professor can
means or another), student interest has waned, and the an- on other issues, lest they suffer the same fate of irrelevance. answer.

5
nual Crusade on the Legislature (Day of Action) has bot- . They epitomize pork-barrel politics. From hiring They are the types of ideas that
tomed out and been cancelled (although I see it is back on previous Student Union-level puppets (Jacks, Aziz, emerge at the least-expected moment and
this year, in balmy November rather than crisp February). almost the entire current UMSU Executive), to run- that turn your world upside down.
CFS has employed the same tactics despite worse results, ning extensive campaigns where there is a fear of a school These feelings—these calls from God—
and they show no signs of changing. dropping out of CFS, “patronage” and “CFS” have become will leave you with a profound sense of

2
They have unrealistic goals. Now that the tuition almost synonymous. longing and a deep, almost painful, sense
freeze is scheduled to end, CFS has raised the bar of emptiness.
from “maintain the freeze” to “drop fees.” Negotiat- See EPIC FAIL on Pg. 8 See CALLS FROM GOD on Pg. 5
ing 101: when the other party offers you less and less, you
 The Paulinian, along with the St. Paul’s Students Association, held a successful debate on Tuesday, September 23rd in the MPR room. All candidates
of major political parties in Winnipeg South Centre attended with Rachel Heinrichs (NDP), John Loewen (Liberal), David Cosby (Green), Rod Bru-
inooge (Conservative). You can watch the entire debate again online at thepaulinian.com.

Letter from the Rector Letter from the Editor

demonstrate. Kevin McPike tive.
Dr. Dennis Bracken One of the things I remember I hope that you will enjoy this
Rector about my undergraduate days was the Editor issue of The Paulinian so much that

I D
’d like to begin by opportunity to hear interesting people ear Friends, you will feel compelled to contribute
thanking Editor speak about interesting things. On to the next edition – I know I won’t
Kevin McPike for November 19th at 1:30pm a woman “For nothing stand in your way. Perhaps many of
the opportunity to named Flora MacDonald is speaking will be impossible you would like to know more about
write something for the Paulinian. It in UMSU, sponsored by the College’s with God” Luke 1:37 perhaps best de- The Paulinian before you even think
is probably the first time I’ve written Arthur V. Mauro Centre for Peace & scribes the formation of this issue of about contributing.
something for a student paper since Justice. Ms. MacDonald was a cabi- The Paulinian. What at first seemed The Paulinian was first re-
my days as the editor one of the stu- net minister in Joe Clark’s government impossible has finally become possi- leased on December 15, 1951 under
dent papers where I did my undergrad- back in the early ’80’s, and the first ble. I am honoured to serve as this the direction of its first editor (now
uate degree. That was longer ago than woman in Canada to be Foreign Af- year’s co-editor alongside a good Doctor) Paul Adams. Since the first
I care to remember, so I’m glad to fairs Minister. She will be speaking friend, Stefan Paszlack. Of course, issue The Paulinian has evolved into
have this opportunity. on “the other Afghanistan,” a country there have been many contributors, all a weekly newspaper printed on
Student papers are a good where she, despite being a person of of whom have made this paper a great newsprint, to collated photocopied
chance for people to air their views, advanced years, visits for 3 months success. pages, and for the past few years it has
discuss issues, provide information each year. She has established a foun- In this role as editor I see it as been non-existent. Today, the once
and entertainment (infotainment?) and dation for development work in that my place to say something that resem- bustling Paulinian Office, that saw a
give budding journalists a chance to country, and will be speaking on why bles metaphorical inspiration. So in brief stint as a broom closet, has been
see if they’ve got what it takes. The this is as important work for Canadi- my attempts to sound witty and converted back to its old state.
last issue of the Paulinian that I re- ans as the military operations that charming I offer you the story about Let’s hope brooms stay out of
member was probably about 4 years seem to dominate the news. the famous explorer Hernando Cortes. the office, at least for this year. And
ago, so it’s good to have it back and The College works hard to In 1519 he arrived on the shores of Ve- so in the words of St. Polycarp “Help
your Student Council deserves our provide these opportunities for stu- racruz, Mexico in an attempt to con- one another with the generosity of the
thanks for bringing it back. dents to broaden their horizons a little, quer the land in the name of Spain. Lord, and despise no one. When you
I hope your experiences of the and we hope you take advantage of Confronted with the brute force of the have the opportunity to do good, do
College this year have been good some of them while you are here. enemy, Cortes called upon some of his not let it go by.”
ones, whether you are a first year stu- More importantly, if you have ideas men to return to the shores with orders
dent struggling through U1, or an old for things we here at the College to ‘burn the boats’. With nothing left All the best,
hand at essays, exams, tests, hanging should be doing, please don’t hesitate to retreat to, the soldiers had no option
out in the cafeteria etc. in your second to let us know. Drop in to room 210; but to press on in battle. In our daily
or subsequent year. There is a sense I’d like to hear your suggestions. battlefields, whatever they may be, it
of community here at the College this is important to persevere and carry on Kevin McPike, Editor-in-Chief
year, as the crowds in the cafeteria as though retreat just isn’t an alterna-

St. Paul’s College Events

Archdiocesan Youth Gathering Sol Kanee Lecture on Peace and Justice: The Ho- Barn Mass
Friday, November 14 nourable Flora MacDonald, P.C. C.C., O.Ont., Sunday, November 30
7:00 pm, Christ the King Chapel O.N.S. Depart from St. Paul’s 4:00 pm
Never experienced Praise & Worship before? No Wednesday, November 19 Who invited the cows and chickens to mass? Cele-
problem! Come out for a lively prayer service fol- Manitoba Room, 2nd floor University Centre, 1:00 brate the First Sunday of Advent and discover the
lowed by social gathering. pm meaning of Christ’s birth the way it happened at the
Strike Out Hunger Overflow first Christmas.
Saturday, November 15 Friday, November 21 Exam Cram
Join other St. Paul’s students to make a difference in 7:00 pm, Christ the King Chapel December 5th – December 18th (Exam Period)
the community. The even will begin with an after- Never experienced Praise & Worship before? No The St. Paul’s Students Assocation will sporadically
noon of volunteering at Winnipeg Harvest followed problem! Come out for a lively prayer service fol- distribute coffee and donuts to college members in
by bowling at Dakota Bowling Lanes. If you would lowed by social gathering. the cafeteria.
like to attend please contact Adam in room 224 to Feast of Christ the King
sign up. Or email: [email protected] Sunday, November 23 If you would like to advertise your event, please
11:30 am, Christ the King Chapel email the event along with the date to editor@thep-
This is the feast day of the chapel at St. Paul’s. A aulinian.com
special Sunday mass and blessing for students.
 Clubhouse Sandwich: Better than a party at a club
or a house
Brian Hodge the sandwich dazzling to the eyes. I
ogled for minutes at its juicy red tomato
Staff slices, moist auburn turkey, fresh let-

I
n the long and tuce, cool golden cheese and shimmer-
mouth-watering his- ing bronzed bacon. I was completely
tory of the culinary transfixed by it.
arts, a handful of edible Eventually, my belly couldn’t
masterpieces have been created. These take anymore of these lip smacking
food equivalents to the Monet’s and Da sights and it growled loudly; openly
Vinci’s of the art world, are timeless voicing its anger that I hadn’t begun the
tasty testaments to man’s ingenuity. Clubhouse’s journey towards it. Break-
Dishes like Macaroni and Cheese, the ing my stare, I sensibly heeded the mes-
Banana Split and the Fat Boy ham- sage and proceeded to pick up a half of
burger spring to mind as prime exam- the sandwich for the initial mouthful.
ples of such masterworks. Another Before I continue further, I be-
dish included in this exclusive culinary lieve a word on the proper handling of
canon, is the great Clubhouse sand- this sandwich is in order. Many inex-
wich. The Bell Tower Café offers up perienced diners will attempt to grasp
such a sandwich on its daily menu and the titanic Clubhouse using the stan-
with such great potential, I decided to dard one hand method, as though it
see if their offering would measure up. were a humble PB and J sandwich or
The wonderful folks at The Belltower.
Upon receiving my Bell Tower other similarly small sized food. Un-
Clubhouse the first thing I did, although less you have hands the can palm a wa-
my stomach disagreed, was examine termelon, this will end in calamity. houses I have consumed, this one had be left with an empty plate. I could fur-
the sandwich’s contents. My inspec- Believe me I have experienced the folly perfectly proportioned ingredients. All ther entice you with the sensual expe-
tion revealed thankfully, that the Bell of using a solitary hand to hold a Club- the players I described above worked rience I had eating the rest of the
Tower cooks made the wise choice of house. One minute I held the sandwich as a team, no one component domi- sandwich, but that would increase this
conforming to the traditional specifica- confidently, smoothly guiding it to my nated nor were any marginalized, this article to a length that would likely
tions of a Clubhouse sandwich. Three mouth. The next I was red faced, trying is exactly how a Clubhouse should be. make the editor unhappy with me. To
pieces of lightly toasted bread held to- to play it off like I meant to spill the en- On top of the success of this chemistry, keep in his good books, I will summa-
gether bacon cheese, lettuce, turkey, tire contents onto my lap. There is no was the deliciousness of the ingredients rize the rest of my meal succinctly by
tomato and mayonnaise. No question- way around it, two hands firmly themselves. They tasted as good as saying that the utility of the first mouth-
able creative additions were to be clenching each side of the sandwich is they looked; there wasn’t a stale, bland ful pervaded until the very last and left
found, save for a permissible dill pickle the only way to keep the Clubhouse in- or molted culprit among them. These me a very happy (and very full) cus-
on the side. Pulling back for a full view tact and one’s pants clean. delicious foods, combined in such an tomer.
of the dish I realized something else, So as I held the sandwich ideal way, produced a symphony of fla- In conclusion, I highly recom-
the sandwich looked great. Perhaps it tightly in both my hands, I took the first vor that washed over my tongue with mend the Bell Tower Clubhouse for
was the fluorescent lights in the cafete- bite. Almost immediately after begin- wave after wave, until the last of it had your consumption. Unless you have a
ria or maybe someone slipped some- ning to chew, I realized the boys behind vanished down my throat. phobia of great culinary accomplish-
thing into my chocolate milk, whatever the counter at the Bell Tower had hit a Since I’m not Scooby-Doo (or ments or have trouble holding a sand-
it was, it made the colour and texture of home run. Unlike most other Club- Shaggy for that matter), it took me sev- wich with two hands, you won’t be
eral more bites after this initial one, to disappointed with this delectable dish.

Study Finds Catholic Colleges Have Little Positive

Impact on Faith, Values
A
groundbreaking survey of students at U.S. Catholic colleges and engaged in sex outside of marriage. 56% said their experience had
Catholic college students pub- universities, all between the ages of 18 84% said they had friends who no effect on their respect for the Pope
lished by The Cardinal New- and 29. QEV President Steven Wagner, engaged in premarital sex. and bishops.
man Society’s (CNS) Center for the a former researcher for the U.S. Infor- 60% agreed strongly or some- In April 2008 Pope Benedict
Study of Catholic Higher Education mation Agency, has conducted studies what that abortion should be legal. XVI, recognizing the reality on many
finds that most students on Catholic for several federal agencies and the Na- 60% agreed strongly or some- Catholic campuses, told Catholic col-
campuses reject key Catholic moral tional Center on Additional and Sub- what that premarital sex is not a sin. lege presidents gathered at The Catholic
values and tenets of the faith, and sig- stance Abuse (CASA). 78% disagreed strongly or University of America that the Catholic
nificant numbers engage in pre-marital “Most respondents say that the somewhat that using a condom to pre- faith must permeate all aspects of
sexuality activity and the viewing of experience of attending a Catholic in- vent pregnancy was a serious sin. Catholic campus life.
pornography. stitution made no 57% agreed “Is the faith tangible in our uni-
The study was released in the difference in their “Key findings clearly demon- strongly or some- versities and schools?” the Holy Father
wake of Tuesday’s presidential election, support for the strate that large numbers of stu- what that same-sex asked the college presidents. “Only in
just as many commentators are looking Catholic Church or dents at Catholic colleges and “marriage” should this way do we really bear witness to
for reasons why the Catholic vote broke its teaching or their universities are in clear conflict be legal. the meaning of who we are and what
the way it did in such large numbers for participation in with the Catholic Church.” 57% said the we uphold. From this perspective one
a pro-abortion candidate. Catholic Sacra- experience of at- can recognize that the contemporary
It is the only known nationally ments,” Wagner writes in his report. tending a Catholic college or university ‘crisis of truth’ is rooted in a ‘crisis of
representative survey of students at Key findings clearly demon- had no effect on their participation in faith’.”
Catholic colleges and universities. strate that large numbers of students at Mass and the sacrament of reconcilia-
For the current study, CNS commis- Catholic colleges and universities are in tion.
sioned QEV Analytics, which con- clear conflict with the Catholic Church: 54% of respondents said that This article is courtesy of the free, in-
ducted an analysis of the Catholic vote Nearly 1 in 5 knew another stu- their experience of attending a Catholic dependent newsfeed:
for Crisis magazine prior to the 2000 dent who had or paid for an abortion. college or university had no effect on CatholicPRWire.com
presidential election, to conduct the 46% of current and recent stu- their support for the teachings of the
random survey of current and recent dents—and 50% of females—said they Catholic Church.
 How to be a Good

Fr. Joe Mroz, SJ opportunity to reflect on themselves. when He looks at me?” (if the retreat cally. Be loving! Especially those you
Thank goodness we are not such zom- is progressive of course it will be “What don’t particularly like. That’s really
Contributor bies! does God see when God looks at me?” harder, for me at least, than loving ‘the

I
n twelve easy steps? Marilyn Manson summed it up so you can read it that way if you pre- poor’. Be committed to doing justice!
Three? One? as consumption and fear, the two tools fer). But that still has us looking at our- There, the poor snuck back in. This also
This is the question, of the Combine to control us. I have to selves. Try this one instead: “What can be taken to mean ‘be outraged at
isn’t it? So it wouldn’t admit I just wanted to get that in here does God dream about when He looks the same things God is outraged about!
surprise us that it is either as easy as somewhere. My entire knowledge of at me?” Any new parent looks at their Be outraged at structural injustice! Be
saying “I choose this” or as hard as liv- MM comes from Bowling for child and sees her or him beautiful, in- outraged at the desecration of the
ing a life. Columbine (whence the following) and telligent, strong, charming – just like world, which God created (and then
The young man asked Jesus Family Guy. “FLOODS !! GUNS IN the parent themselves (see I am open to pronounced GOOD, and then said “I’ll
“what should I do to have eternal life?” SCHOOLS !!! RAPE !! MUR- novelties, such as ‘themselves’). What share it with you ‘cause I love you
Jesus said “you know already! Follow DER!!....cut to commercial...buy the does God dream about when He looks guys”). Be open to growth! Be pre-
the Commandments! Colgate, buy the Oxy...if at you? pared to be led by God in ways you did-
The ones” (he said, you have bad breath, no- When God dreams about you n’t expect, or choose, or don’t even
just in case the young one will talk to you, if He dreams about a human being fully particularly like! As Pope John Paul II
man said ‘which you have acne, the girls alive. He dreams about a human being used to say at World Youth Days, in be-
commandments?’) won’t want you....” Or who freely chooses to love. He dreams tween the rock and roll and the Latin,
“God gave you.” the greatest fear of a about a human being who in his or her don’t be afraid! Put out in the deep!
The young man was Paulinian perhaps: who flesh shares in the Divine Nature. He Look trust God and be prepared for
already doing this. wants to grow up to be dreams about a human being who lives wonderful things! “Be”-ing is not as
So my first Steven Carell – either as in this world as His Son or Daughter in easy as it seems, in part because it looks
‘answer’ is ‘you know how to be a good The Office Manager or The Forty-Year- a Paradise of Eden. so much like just plain “being”.
Catholic. Follow the Commandments. Old Virgin? Personally I think he is hi- Or again. How to be a good There are several different au-
Do what Jesus said. Live like Paul (and larious. Catholic? Ask yourself this and decide diences for a commentary about how to
everybody since him) describes. Don’t Well, this is not about him or an answer: do I believe in God as God, be a good Catholic. Are you trying al-
sleep around. Don’t do drugs or get Marilyn Manson either, but really, if or not? That same Rabbi was asked ready, more or less in the right direc-
drunk. Don’t tell hurtful stories about you want to be a good Catholic, you “what is your understanding of the na- tion? Keep going! Courage! Find a
people. Don’t kill babies. Don’t dump will probably not be such a good citi- ture of God” by those kids (Catholic spiritual director. Find good Catholic
toxic waste in the River. Don’t ignore zen, or at least not such a good sport. I kids in a Catholic school, that’s why friends. Etc etc. Are you trying to jus-
the poor. Don’t live the life of an ani- heard a Rabbi explain kosher food laws they asked such an excellent question) tify a bad Catholic life? Sorry. It would
mal, or a plant, or a rock. Live the life to a class of kids once by saying that and without a blink he said, “God is be a different essay to explain to you
of the Holy Spirit in the Body of Christ every single bit of food he puts in his eternal, God is incorporeal, God is why Catholicism (the authentic variety
(His Church), receiving the Sacraments mouth he has thought about. If he unique, God is the Creator of all things, practiced for 2000 years) is the best an-
and growing in wisdom.’ Is that easy chooses to eat a cheeseburger he will God is the Master of the universe.” swer for short-term and long-term hap-
or hard? think “am I eating a calf that was killed Whatever happened to the good old piness. Are you drifting along, more or
This answer opens up the can and covered with cheese made from its “God is love, God is forgiving, God is less a good person, reasonably happy
of worms that had been waiting for us own mourning mother?” A good nice”? God is those things too. But but increasingly doubtful?I never did
since paragraph one, which is this. Catholic will question everything, and God is also an all-con- believe that story
Many people want to be good without say “what is in accord with my authen- suming Fire of Passion about the frog in the
all that Catholic stuff. Many people are tic human nature, which God created in and Love for His Crea- pan of water that
perhaps good without all that Catholic His image and likeness? What will tures, whom He created gets slowly boiled to
stuff. We live in a society that sleeps help me achieve the end for which I so that they could stand death: I think we all
around, that gets stoned, that loves to was created, and what will hinder me before His Awesomeness have a voice inside
make fun of people (aka just about any from that? (i.e. make me miserable for and not be consumed by that cries “Attention
tv show that doesn’t have David Suzuki ever)” fear but look Him in the must be paid!”
in it), that kills babies, that eats roast A good Catholic life is a re- face and cry “Abba!” The late Fr
beef while Sudanese refugees eat grubs, flected and reflective one. So, God is Not hold back any bit of John English SJ, a
that never puts off to tomorrow what the mirror. God made us. Why? For your life! Not even – well you know great master of the spiritual life, said
can become someone else’s problem in eternal happiness AS HUMAN BE- what. That is why the old basics – live one definition of mysticism was ‘a long
20 years. Surely they can’t all be bad? INGS. He created the model, He wrote a good Christian life, go to Confession, loving look at what is really real’. God
Surely they can’t all be going to hell? the manual, He provided the warranty. go to Communion, love the poor, make is looking at you lovingly. He sees
Well, this is not about them. Stick a knife in a toaster to ‘fix it’ your- the world a better place – are still where something worth loving, and dreams
This is about you. Let’s agree on this self, and the company won’t pay. ‘Fix’ we start. Jesus said “if you love me you dreams. A good Catholic life is a mys-
for the purposes of the next ten minutes God’s Commandments and He says will keep my commandments. And I tical life, a life in God’s vision of the
or so: we’ll worry about us. “okie dokie then, you’re on your own.” and the Father will come and dwell world, and of you.
“The unreflected life is not worth liv- That reminds me of C.S. Lewis’s great with you. And you will be where I am.”
ing” said Socrates. “Just do it” says an- line about how the worst thing we can So determine whether you really be-
other famous Greek, the goddess of hear as God’s parting words to us will lieve in God, and then see how you do. Fr. Joe Mroz is no stranger to Win-

T
Victory (and financial excess for sweat- be “okie dokie then, THY will be done, ry it this way. BE! Be religious! nipeg; he served as the President of St.
ing a lot). Which is it for you? We can not MINE.” But on the positive side, The Romans praised piety, Paul's High School from 2001 to 2006.
imagine people who are drugged and what glory! What strength! To live a which was living a life that hon- Joe is presently teaching at Loyola
kept unconsciously unaware of them- good Catholic life we will reflect our oured your parents and the gods. This High School in Montreal, which is a Je-
selves – the Matrix – but the suppressed lives against God’s will for us. is not an obscure or quaint notion. Be suit-run school.
society in Brave New World succeeds So what is God’s will for you? competent at humanity! That means
exactly because the people in it are such We sometimes do an exercise on retreat live a good real human life – intellectu-
as don’t ever have or choose to have an where we imagine “What does God see ally, aesthetically, humbly, globally, lo-
 To Stand on One’s Answer here,” he gestured at the ground and stomped twice again,
Calls from God
Continued from Front Page
These are God’s own version of
Jason Brown “should be all the proof you need. If you still doubt that this the metaphysical munchies.
path exists, then you must doubt whether anything really The questions you find yourself
Staff
exists.” asking can only be answered when you

O
nce, two relatively ordinary men met Pilate still felt himself on firm ground. “Indeed, ex- tap into the knowledge beyond the text-
on a footpath in England on a Sun- cept that something exists right now to do the doubting.” books, the silence beyond the noise, and
day afternoon. One was heading Thomas smiled. “Something doubtful does indeed the reality beyond the superficiality. This
home from market, the other, heading in the opposite direc- exist where you are standing,” he said, and leaned forward, article wasn’t written to promote religion.
tion, from church. As they were about to pass each other, “but you cannot be sure that that person, the world or the It was written to encourage you to listen
one man, whose named happened, through no fault of his path we’re standing on will not disappear anytime, can to the funky feelings that gurgle up from
own, to be Pilate lifted his derby cap in a very gentlemanly you?” the depths of your soul. This is your per-
good-afternoon-sir gesture. The other man, whose name “Certainly not, nor can you.” Pilate snorted. sonal call from God. While you can mask
was Thomas, being equally magnanimous replied “God “I can be sure of that and I am,” he replied firmly; the feelings today with tunes from your
bless,” with a smile and a tip of his own derby. and with the intention of a final and satisfying conclusion iPod, you can’t do it forever.
Pilate found himself in great conflict. He appreci- to this debate, Thomas pointed a finger at Pilate’s face and Responding to the call isn’t as
ated the sentiment expressed, of course, but he felt it more said, “As for you, if that were the case then I would happily hard as you think and doesn’t have to be
proper that he be wished well in a way that didn’t require leave you to your paralytic existence, wondering whether as radical as you’ve been told. Take a few
belief in a particular metaphysical entity. He sincerely had or not this path or the world or you will exist in the next in- minutes out of your day to think about
no desire to offend, however, and did not intend to suggest stant, because I think it intensely boring and profoundly what’s important in your life. Spend an
to the man that he be greeted strictly on his own terms. meaningless.” His speech began to hasten as he gained mo- hour or two every week volunteering.
This conflict occurred and was resolved even as the mentum. “Since you are obviously not in that state and I Consider looking at the ways that your
two men replaced their caps, and Pilate said, stopping, have seen you ambling confidently along this path just own religious background might actually
“Hold, sir, a moment. I do not quarrel; I only ask that you now,” he waved an arm in the direction Pilate had come have some very real answers. Decking
offer me good afternoon in a more pluralistic manner. What from, “it seems you do take the existence of the path and yourself out in religious paraphernalia, or
if, my friend, I do not believe in God, openly embracing extreme right or left
but think that this life and the mean- wing politics are not your only options at
ing we give it are all we have? I am university. You can be a person of faith
not so obtuse to be deaf to your good and compassion in ways that are sophis-
wishes, yet sending me blessings ticated, balanced, and mature.
from a God in whom, for all you Each one of us has had a deep
know, I strongly disbelieve seems longing for something more. You can pre-
rather exclusive. Do you only intend tend it’s not important and you can buy
your blessing for those who share a into a worldview that silences God’s
belief in your God?” voice. Yet this call is a real part of who
Now, Thomas was slightly you are. It invites you to live radically,
ruffled. However, in addition to a be- with both integrity and meaning. Reflect
lief in God he had a formidable belief on it. Trust it. Respond to it. Recognizing
in quick repartee. “God blesses all, re- that God is both on campus and an inti-
gardless of their knowledge or igno- mate part of your life could be the most
rance. Good day, sir.” He moved to important lesson you will ever learn.
continue on his way, but Pilate
stopped him again. Jeffrey will be ordained a priest on Sat-
“My honourable friend, can’t urday, 23 May 2009 at 10 am in St. Ig-
you understand that many others be- natius Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
lieve differently, and that their beliefs
deserve as much respect as your
own?”
Thomas was becoming
slightly annoyed. “I respect those
Paulinian of
people in their ignorance, and may
God bless them and lead them to the
light,” he replied shortly. “Good afternoon.” the world as well for granted, based on the proof of your
the year
Pilate was becoming somewhat flustered and an- feet. From there, I leave God to you to work out; he is
noyed as well, which is what led him to forget that it would proven just as well as I have proven the footpath.” Taking a
be common courtesy to let his stubborn friend go on his way breath, Thomas pronounced, “Now if you’ll excuse me I
in peace. Instead, he said, “Sir, are you so dogmatic and will be going home, along this path which, I assure you, will
closed-minded to not allow for even the possibility that you continue to exist for the foreseeable future.”
are wrong?” Intensely pleased with his closing statement,
At this point Thomas became nearly hostile, and though also feeling slightly like a windbag, he did indeed
said, “I know very well when something is really proved, move past the still-doubtful Pilate with all intention of walk-
and once it is I have no longer a doubt in my mind.” ing confidently home. Unfortunately, certain events of
Pilate, rising equally to the occasion, replied weather and matters of geography had conspired to wash
quickly, “Nothing can be scientifically proven, it can only out an area underground, and as Thomas placed his foot stri-

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be disproved.” dently on the path the soil underneath him gave way and he
ho could be more deserving of
“Excuse me, nothing?” Thomas retorted, slightly fell dirtily into an earthen sinkhole ten feet deep.
such an acclaimed title as
off balance but riposting quickly. “Let me prove to you that Pilate leaned over the rim of the pit and called
Paulinian of the Year than
this path exists,” and twice he stomped hard on the rough down, “I’m going to get help, but first I’d just like to point
Pope Benedict XVI? Since his election
cement of the footpath. “Are you yet assailed with doubts out that I did not take advantage of this occasion for any
as Pope, Benedict has worked to
about the reality of the path?” smug remarks!”
strengthen traditional Catholic values.
“Anything can be doubted, our senses and our rea-
Benedict's insight into the Second Vati-
son included.” Pilate replied confidently, crossing his arms
can Council with his ability to make it
and feeling sure that any of the other man’s protests could Jason Brown is a second year history student at the Uni-
relevant to Catholics today have been
be easily answered thus. versity of Manitoba.
ground breaking. Not to mention, the
By this time Thomas no longer had any intention
Pope's constant and unwavering ability to
of moving on his way until his point had been made; fur-
stand for truth regardless of the cost has
thermore, he knew he was laying a track for this confused
brought a sense of renewal to the Church;
gentleman that led straight there. “Anything can be doubted,
it has found its feet again.
indeed, but not everything ought to be. My foot thumping
 Lessons to be Learned From a Man and his Ditch
William Gould arrangement akin to two cripples running a three- ing the ground for the possibility of unprecedented
legged race, unsustainable, dangerous, and imprudent. debt, and mismanaging Manitobans finances. The
Contributor Exactly the opposite of the foresight that the Roblin government claims it has put aside roughly 800 mil-

I
n 1997, Manitoba was struck by an government contained. lion dollars into a rainy day fund, but when the gov-
epic flood, which invariably tested the This government speaks of debt repayment ernment must spend over 800 million dollars a year
resolve of all citizens and qualified the while passing legislation that allows them to run un- to simply service its debt, then, how is this foresight?
foresight of an earlier man. However, precedented debt with immunity, while Manitobans If the financial crisis spreads that rainy day fund will
does the Flood of the Century teach Manitobans other suffer in a crisis that was rooted in debt mismanage- be as effective as the ditches of Charleswood in re-
lessons that go beyond natural disasters that are rele- ment. While workers in Manitoba are questioning the straining the mighty Red.
vant to our province in the here and now, the answer solvency of their pensions and the status of their em-
is a deafening yes. “Could Premier Doer assure Manitobans
Premier Duff Roblin’s vision of the floodway without a Janus like disposition that Mani-
to prevent the Red’s waters from ravaging the city as toba is truly ready for real dividend paying
it had during the 1950 and 1861 flood was a product economic growth?”
of history. The realization of reoccurring cycles and
past calamity quantified its future inevitable reoccur- While this government has been collecting
rence. Thus, it was not a matter of if the waters would equalization payments, Manitoba’s once poor cousin
roar but rather when would they? Saskatchewan has been strongly repaying its debt to
prepare for the future. While the Manitoban govern-
“Once again, the waters of the flood are ment squandered hundreds of thousands on Spirited
heading towards the Keystone Province and Energy, the Saskatchewan government exclaims
Manitobans must be prepared.” loudly that it is Ready for Growth. Could Premier
Doer assure Manitobans without a Janus like dispo-
The lesson of the Duff’s Ditch goes beyond sition that Manitoba is truly ready for real dividend
the Red River banks and speaks to Manitoba’s future paying economic growth? The government con-
prosperity and well-being. Roblin realized that it was versely says it may lead the country in growth.
not merely assets that the diversion was to protect but Growth fueled by government dollars from equaliza-
the lives tied to them. Manitoba is not an island and tion payments and anticipated borrowings. The gov-
there are factors beyond the control of ordinary citi- ernment is claiming that Manitoba is the MVP on the
zens that can impact, damage, and influence our lives team because Manitoba is the coach’s choice for most
permanently. The case of Duff’s Ditch is a sure indi- improved player. This type of growth tells essentially
cation that leaders with proper foresight, prudence, nothing about Manitoba’s real shape in this time of
and wisdom can mitigate the effects of these cyclical economic uncertainty. It is simply more smoke and
disasters. mirrors.
Today Manitobans are faced with a different Premier Duff Roblin, who held office from 1958 In 1997, Manitobans benefited from the pru-
cyclical disaster: a global financial crisis. This is an- until 1967. dential wisdom of Duff Roblin’s Progressive Conser-
other case that clearly demonstrates that Manitoba is ployment, the government has voted to divert Mani- vative government. Today one wonders whether or
not an island and is affected by the world around it. tobans’ taxes that could be used to create not the government has learnt from past financial
Once again, the waters of the flood are heading to- opportunities for jobs and prosperity directly into the events. However, if one is to judge by the govern-
wards the Keystone Province and Manitobans must pockets of their governing party. While farmers are ments actions in shutting one of Manitoba’s most im-
be prepared. Yet what has the current government of struggling for their family farms and way of life, this portant industries down, moving taxpayer revenue
Manitoba done, a government that has been in power government has shut down a farm industry based on into their party’s coffers, and laying the groundwork
for over a decade to mitigate the oncoming financial no science except the divisive strategy of pitting rural to spend without hesitation, one severely questions
flood waters? Manitobans against urban Manitobans to maintain their foresight and prudence. What this government
This government has chosen dependence their seats. This is a government of euphemisms, has forgot is that it is not a matter of if, but of when.
rather than independence. Creating a relationship of smoke, and mirrors in a time where frankness, clarity,
unsustainable dependence on our neighbouring and wisdom are needed.
provinces asking them to bear our load in the financial This government has created an environment William is a third-year political science student at the
crisis while they are deprived themselves. It is an of fear for business by shutting an industry down, lay- University of Winnipeg.

Remember, Remember the Fifth of November

Marc Ouellette striction in terms of students, the funding won't be sig- Finally, the universities in British Columbia
nificant enough, and the universities will downsize, improved in the user surveys in almost every appro-
Staff only hurting international and Aboriginal students’ priate ranking. Raising the tuition helps universities

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hroughout the day on Wednesday, November chances of going to university. improve their faculties and provide more services for
5, 2008, students gathered around the Univer- The protesters cite British Columbia in their the students.
sity of Manitoba with picket signs, bullhorns, literature as the example of when removing the freeze, The Faculty of Science at the University of
and other protest gear in attempt to raise awareness tuition will skyrocket, however they fail to state some Manitoba exemplifies the desperate need of funding
and show their disapproval of the Provincial Govern- key points. the University needs. For example, the labs only have
ment calling off the freeze on tuition that has been in The first is that part of the raise is because of finite materials and supplies to last during the lab and
effect for approximately eight years. At first glance, basic inflation. They have to face the facts. Inflation students have to be precise in every measure, so they
it seems to be a good cause since students are getting is inevitable. After all, it is defined as a rise in the gen- do not use up all of the supplies. If funding increases,
together from various faculties to promote awareness eral level of prices in an economy over a period of it does not put more money in the professors’ pockets,
of the problem they feel should be dealt with and ad- time. Prices aren’t always going to stay the same, al- as some may think, but improves the overall well-
dressed. though some may believe, in their fairy-tale worlds, being of students, as more services and supplies are
Unfortunately, these students are failing to that they do. provided.
see the bigger picture. The first problem is that these The second is that they cannot compare Man-
“activists” have little to no understanding of econom- itoba to British Columbia. They also fail to mention
ics. They are trying to artificially cap students’ fund- that in that period of the rise in British Columbia, the Marc Ouellette is a second year sciences student at
ing to universities. They are not in favour of cost of living also increased substantially. Manitoba the University of Manitoba.
increasing the funding that universities desperately is among the provinces as having the lowest cost of
need, and are shifting the obligation from the students living, and therefore cannot be compared directly to
to the government. This will only lead to larger con- British Columbia.
 Ethno-Cultural Republicans Receive
Stinging Indictment
Paul Burbank enough to secure a victory. African-American) Senate candidate in Tennessee,
We need not work too hard in recalling ex- Harold Ford Jr. It was no coincidence that the McCain
Staff amples of the ethno-cultural fight that the only the Re- campaign attempted to link Obama to that of two

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ovember 4th proved to be a day publicans fought. Consider the Republican National young, white, sexually uninhibited socialites in Paris
of considerable hope for all Committee’s decision to run adds- only days before Hilton and Britney Spears; it attempted to evoke
Americans: Democrats and Re- the election- chastising Barack Obama for attending among its viewers bitter, long lasting sentiments that
publicans alike. Americans of all Reverend Wright’s church. The incessant and poorly black men are threatening to ‘deflower’ white women.
colours, races, and creeds voted in an It was the election of Barack Obama that
election that crossed divisive lines, challenged norms proved that divisive politics and the type of racial de-
in American political culture, and coloured typically terminism exhibited in these advertisements were no
red states blue. Not just Democrats, but millions of match for a country that stands as one. No longer can
Americans who were inspired by Barack Obama’s the Republican party survive as a party of white
message of unity, conciliation, and change. southern evangelicals because Obama’s triumph
It may seem odd then to suggest that support- showed millions of Americans who voted for the first
ers of the Republican Party should welcome the time the magic voting can create, and the results it can
events of November 4th, 2008 with open arms. What yield.
the election offers the Republican Party and its sup- John McCain’s bitter defeat has left him de-
porters is at least four years to undergo rigorous self jected and despondent, and it certainly is not his fault.
introspection while they wait, shut out of the execu- His campaign was the product of almost a century and
tive and remain the minority party in both of the leg- a half of festering racial tensions in the American
islative assemblies as well as the judiciary. South. Considering the south switched to voting Re-
The Republican Party has undergone signifi- publican nearly overnight as a result of their disgust
cant cultural, social, and political change since the in the de-institutionalizing of segregation in the 1964
J. Sidney McCain III and B. Hussein
days of Abraham Lincoln, a transformation that has civil rights act, is it a surprise that the Republican
Obama exchange terse greetings on Capitol
been irreconcilable with moderate conservatives and Party- and by affiliation- John McCain must pander
Hill before becoming political adversaries.
libertarians in all areas of the United States. to the radical, anti-Catholic, Protestant south?
A cultural war is being waged and the divi- received accusations that Obama was ‘paling around The Republican Party is at proverbial fork in
sive politics utilized by the McCain campaign and its with terrorists’ (in reference to Bill Ayers, a man the road, where the starting point of each distinct path
predecessors should act as the catalyst for a revolution whom Barack had served on a school board commit- begins now. The lessons of history can be heeded, and
within the Republican Party itself. The Republican tee with decades ago) are emblematic of this cultural the Republican party can use this period of repudia-
Party is at a critical juncture in its evolution as a rep- war; no doubt that Barack Obama’s middle name tion as a means for positive change, appealing to more
resentative of America’s interests. ‘Hussein’ was a consideration in this assault. Take as than just white, Protestant, southerners. The first path
If the McCain campaign was at all successful, well, for instance, the McCain campaign’s appeal to the Republican Party leads to the shelving of this
it was by proving that the American public has gone Cuban Americans in south Florida in robo-calls days ethno-cultural determinism. Alternatively, as famous
over and above the racial and identity politics that before the election. In these calls, which were only Libertarian blogger Andrew Sullivan believes, the Re-
they relied upon so heavily in this election. The Re- sent in Spanish, a pre-recording told Cuban American publican Party’s rejection by the rust belt Catholics
publican Party is devoted to the American south, ex- listeners that ‘Fidel Castro endorsed Barack Obama.’ could mean that “the GOP will become more funda-
tending its appeal to white Protestants, and little else. While this would typically infuriate the heavily anti- mentalist, more southern, and whiter after this elec-
We need not look any further than McCain’s last-ditch communist and anti-castro Cuban Americans, they tion. They now have the power in a shrunken
efforts to steal Pennsylvania in the closing days of voted in unusually high numbers for Barack Obama; Republican Party.”
election rather than attempting to secure the vote in they would not be subject to these ethno-cultural di- The latter of the two options is simply unsus-
the traditionally Republican ones such as Virginia, In- visions. tainable, and it will only be a matter of time before
diana, and Missouri. The McCain staffers knew that The pinnacle of this ethno-cultural war was the Republican Party must undergo a rigorous and
if they had any chance of winning the battle for votes, the advertisement in which the Republican National painful transformation.
it would be by spreading implicit, racially charged Committee likened Barack Obama with celebrities.
messages with the sole intention of fueling ethno-cul- The underlying premise of the ad, however, was to Paul Burbank is a 2nd-year economics student at the
tural anger. These messages, coupled with latent racist agitate latent racial hostilities similar in effect to that University of Manitoba.
hostilities in what they called ‘the Heartland of Amer- of the infamous “Call Me” ad that was believed to be
ica’- white, Protestant, rural America- could be the sole cause for the defeat of promising young (and

Why the U of M needs to rethink its approach to

mandatory courses
Michael Silicz The U of M foolishly forces its students to take a The reason universities across Canada fail
variety of courses in different disciplines in the hope to offer real world courses is because they are stuck
Staff that students will gain as broad an education as pos- in a high school mentality. The U of M still forces

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he more things change, the sible, an idea that is good in theory, but useless in students to take one math and one English credit
more things stay the same. This practice. The problem is simple — the U of M does course during their U1 years, much to the chagrin of
saying is especially apt for the not prepare students for life outside of academia. most students. Most biology majors argue that they
University of Manitoba’s approach to The U of M needs to reinvent itself to help have no need for English, and there aren’t many
education. Despite the rapid technological change give its students a comparative advantage. This is Arts students eager to go to math class. But why do
the world has scene in the past ten years — with the something the faculties of Arts and Science must es- we enforce such childish, high school-like required
rise of cell phones and iPods, to the proliferation of pecially take heed of. Too many people are graduat- compulsory courses? Do these perspective courses
laptops and wireless Internet on campus — the U of ing university with little to no employment skills really help students in the long run, especially if
M has done a poor job of helping its students adapt that will benefit them in the real world, let alone the they do not wish to take them?
to the real world that awaits them upon graduation. skills necessary to make it far in the world of busi- The situation becomes even more problem-
One such thing that does not change is the ness and commerce. atic when applying to the professional schools at the
method through which our university education is It is becoming more and more imperative U of M.
taught. For far too long, the university’s approach that the U of M should be mandating courses on fi-
to education has been little more than to foster an nance, a topic very few university students know See REINVENTION on Pg. 8
extension of the way we were taught in high school. much about.
 REINVENTION EPIC FAIL
Continued from Page 7 Continued from Front Page
Take the Asper School of Business, for example, As aggravating as that is on principle, it is entertaining to see the same student politicians
which mandates a full year of required courses that most who failed at a local level fail at a national level, until they get nominated as sacrificial lamb can-
perspective business students must take to gain entry to didates for real provincial or federal political parties (Heinrichs). It is difficult to scrub off that CFS
the faculty. But do these kinds of courses really give stu- taint.

6
dents a wide, grounded, and broad base of knowledge to Finally, students are apathetic. Voter turnout in the last University of Manitoba student
allow you to go into the real world and survive? election was 9.7%. I cringe at the thought of what it was for the federal election. In my ex-
For the most part, they do not. perience, only two kinds of students vote: Student A, a future leader who is averse to the gov-
ernment clawing back 43.4% of his/her income; and Student B, who realizes his/her 9-year Bachelor
“Yet it would do U of M students a world of good of University 1 will not secure a job, and needs all the government handouts they can get (generously
to understand how much of the real world oper- provided by Student A). Everybody in between? Could not care less. And until CFS can somehow
ates outside the walls of academia.” appeal those masses that are by very nature apathetic, they will continue to fail.
So enjoy your year everyone, and try to avoid any doomed-to-failure campaigns, whatever they
How handy have your introductory economic les- may be!
sons come over the years? Can the average student ex-
plain the Wall Street crisis to others at a house party? Has Pierce Cairns is a 4th year pharmacy student and former presidential candidate in the 2008 UMSU
that required English course you were forced to take made election.
you more aware of the world? Or perhaps that mandated
math course has opened your eyes to a whole new world
of exciting mathematical courses? Chances are, they have
not.
Yet the real things students need to know — how
the financial system works, the importance of loans and
credit, how to pay taxes, and how to manage debt — these
subjects are not taught at an introductory level, nor are
they required by most faculties. Yet it would do U of M
students a world of good to understand how much of the
real world operates outside the walls of academia. Why
not make courses on these beneficial skills that very few
students know, let alone master, by the time they leave the
U of M?
For example, how many students do their own
taxes? Better yet, how many students know that they can
claim 60 per cent of their tuition back over the next twenty
years? Or how about the fact that expenses like interest on
loans and credit spent on school are also tax deductible?
Useful knowledge like this should be taught to everyone in
university, but sadly it is not. Knowledge like this sure
would help people out more than learning matrices in Ap-
plied Finite Math does.
It would be far more beneficial for the U of M to
force all students to take courses that will at least help
them out when making major life decisions. You can
know all you want about Karl Marx or chemistry, but
many grads still do not know what to look for when going
to a bank for a mortgage. The U of M should revamp its
mandatory class system, and replace the compulsory Eng-
lish and math requirements with courses that will provide
grads with practical knowledge.

Michael Silicz is the Legal Affairs Representative on the

St. Paul’s College Student Council.