The Los Angeles Loyolan, Volume 91, Issue 14 - October 25, 2012

ESTABLISHED 1921 uo UJ Ш о < о Lo YO LAN October 25, 2012 Volume 91, Issue 14 www.laloyolan.com YOUR HOME. YOUR VOICE. YOUR NEWS. LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY Panel debates legality of death penalty “An innocent person is more likely to die being struck by lightning than executed by the state,” she said. “This type of punishment is reserved for the worst of the worst.” The next expert to present his case was Ronald Smith, the current vice mayor of Lancaster, Calif. He approached the issue philosophically, beginning his pitch with asking the audience what they think are the “reasons for law." He continued in using historical examples to explain that “laws are created to prevent chaos.” “Imagine if we didn’t have justice for criminal victims,” Smith said. “If we [didn’t] have this tool, citizens may take punishment See Death Penalty | Page 2 In light of California’s Proposition 34, LMU hosts dialogue on capital punishment. By Allison Croley Asst. News Editor Murder, torture and rape are some of the major reasons behind capital punishment and the debate about California’s Proposition 34 - which proposes the abolishment of the death penalty- In an attempt to engage LMU students in this debate, Loyola Law School’s Center for Restorative Justice sponsored an event called “Round Table on the Death Penalty” in the U-Hall Ahmanson Auditorium during Con vo on Hiesday, Oct. 23. Foui' experts in law, criminal justice and restorative justice formed a panel at the front of the auditorium and had seven to eight minutes to pitch their opinion about Prop. 34. The first expert to present her case was Michelle Hennessy, an experienced Los Angeles prosecutor. She spoke to the absurdity of “death-penalty-worthy crimes” and claimed that “the reason we have the death penalty is for deaths of rape, murder and torture.” Tb ease popular concern for innocent convicts, she explained that criminals deserving of capital punishment take an unusually long time to sentence, and that capital punishment cases are few and far between. Worth of college education under fire NEWS ANALYSIS Rising college debt and “tight” job market prompts questions about die value of a college education. By Casey Kidwell Asst.News Editor “These graduates were told that a diploma was all they needed to succeed, but it won’t even get them out of the spare bedroom at Mom and Dad’s.” Megan McArdle, author of the Sept. 17 Newsweek cover story “Is College a Lousy Investment?” wrote the above statement in regards to the position of many recent graduates who she believes are struggling to find jobs as they begin to pay back the debt they accrued in college. In her article she asked readers: “Is all this education in college investment really worth it?” McArdle says she fears it is not. While she acquired a college education, one which her parents spent more money on than their own house, McArdle still writes that “education is a lot more expensive than when I was in school and jobs seem to be getting scarcer, not more plentiful.” While McArdle noted that the average price of all goods and services has risen by 50 percent but college education prices have doubled, a USA Today article titled “College costs going up at slower rate,” published Oct. 24 stated that “at private universities, the average net price this year - $13,380 - is lower than the net price in 2008-09.” The article said that this is due to the fact that the rapid growth of federal aid grant in recent years has appeared to be leveling off and “tuition continues to outpace inflation and growth in family income.” Economist Sandy Baum, who authored See College | Page 3 Event addresses reality of daily life for the homeless Activity demonstrates that items most view as trash can be essential for the homeless. By Jenna Abdou News Intern What would you do if all you had was a plastic bag, an egg carton and an empty cereal box to keep you warm on a cold, rainy night? Do you think you could survive? While some might consider these items to be useless and worthless, for individuals who are homeless, these may be among their only resources. This week , the MAGIS Service Organization, Isang Bansa (IB) and First To Go Community have planned events, and are even sleeping outside, to promote Homeless Awareness Week on campus. One of the event’s leaders, Sarah Yamamoto, a senior mechanical engineering major, explained that the groups’ goal is “to get people who overlook Homeless Awareness Week to at least stop and think about those who are homeless or are on the verge of becoming homeless.” Tuesday’s “Trash Into Treasure” event focused on demonstrating just that idea Twenty-five students gathered in St. Robert’s Hall and were broken up into groups for an introductory survival activity. The students were given plastic bags, egg cartons, boxes, water bottles and paper, and were asked to figure out efficient ways to stay warm on a cold night. As they struggled to do this, using plastic bags as hats and makeshift umbrellas, they reflected on the harsh realities of homelessness. See Homeless | Page 2 Steven Douglas | Loyolan Musical talent on display at memorial concert LMU students performed at"BTLS4SAM," an annual concert in memory of Sam Wasson, an LMU student who died in a car accident in 2007. Wasson, a theatre arts major, was an avid Beatles fan, and the concert reflects his passion and featured numerous covers of Beatles songs. For photos and more coverage, visit the Loyolan's Facebook page. CROSS-PLATFORM With the presidential election in its last leg, two of our columnists assess the candidates’ platforms. 201 2 Elections, Page 6 2&Ч Index Classifieds . 3 Opinion . 4 2012 Elections . 6 A&E . 7 Sports . 1 2 The next issue of the Lo>T»lan will lx- printed on Oct. 20, 2012 THURS FRI О о 81 ‘ - 60‘ 81 ’ - 59" SAT SUN О О 83"- 61” 80” -60" BEST PICTURE FRAME The Loyolan breaks down the Best Picture nominees for the School of Film and Television's Film Outside the Frame awards. A&E, Page 7