A lot went down in 2003, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to our own university president heading off to Baghdad to rebuild the country's economy. Once again, we at The State News breakdown who should be on Santa's naughty or nice lists. . .and who falls in between.
Winners of 2003
The Courageous Cowboy Award
Big thumbs up to the man who helped turn around the wayward MSU football program. Head coach John L. Smith removed names from the uniforms, boosted team spirit, restored the team's reputation and helped the seniors finish as winners. Smith dealt the team and fans a healthy dose of Spartan spirit with his "we're in it to win it" attitude. Smart coaching paid off - the team finished with its best season in four years and will be heading to a bowl game.
The Big Daddy of Baghdad Award
MSU's president set an example for all Spartans by taking an unpaid leave of absence to help reconstruct Iraq's economy overseas. President M. Peter McPherson put his life in danger to lend a hand in cleaning up Iraq's messy economic system and establishing a new currency. Whether people agreed with the war or not shouldn't prohibit them from applauding McPherson's efforts abroad, because they reflected the global concern of the entire university.
The Governator Award
Californian's mistrust of career politicians led them to elect a man with no political experience to replace their bungling governor. Arnold Schwarzenegger replaced former Gov. Gray Davis in the recall election that was almost more entertaining than political.
The DD Booster Award
Michigan finally jumped on board by lowering the state's legal blood-alcohol content from .10 to .08. The reduction is a victory for everyone - the state won't be fined by the U.S. Department of Transportation for having a BAC limit over .08, and Michigan's roads are now that much safer.
Got Enough Points To Be On The List Award
The Supreme Court wins big in its ruling that the University of Michigan Law School should toss its point-based admissions system, but should still keep affirmative action on a case-by-case basis. Point systems are unfair and reviewing students by more than what they bubble in is a better method for creating diversity on campus.
Best Understudy Award
Provost Lou Anna Simon stepped up by taking the helm of the university during McPherson's leave of absence this summer. This year also marked Simon's 10th anniversary as the university's provost, which proves her staying power and dedication as a Spartan.
The Believer Award
The three Michigan nuns went down in history when they broke into a nuclear missile silo and poured their own blood in the shape of a cross on a 300-kiloton, high-alert nuclear missile. Granted, breaking and entering is a crime, but they had the courage to stand up for their beliefs and were responsible enough to pay for the ridiculous results - each received at least two and a half years in federal prison.
The in-betweenies of 2003
It Could Have Been Worse Award
Equating a cheering section with a debilitating disease can only happen at MSU.
The name Gang Green almost made it, but being mocked by many, including yours truly, it was changed to the mediocre Corner Blitz.
It's still not as catchy as Izzone, though.
Most Valuable "Playa" Award
While the all-star, L.A. Lakers' guard Kobe Bryant has not been convicted of rape, he does get the thumbs down for cheating on his wife and trying to buy her love back with a $4 million ring.
Constructive Damage Award
In Benton Harbor this summer, hundreds of people caused thousands of dollars in damage after a racially charged fatal police chase.
The rioters did bring their issues to the forefront, making statewide headlines, but destructive behavior is never appropriate for a civilized society.
The Phone-A-Friend Award
The two MSU students, Justin Gouveia and Danela Alfaro-Lopez, sparked a national manhunt when they disappeared in the summer and neglected to inform their parents about their cross-country road trip.
Luckily, the two were found safe, but they could have at least phoned home.
Got A Light? Award
The widespread power outage in August that affected the northeastern part of America showed the good, the bad and the ugly of 2003.
A positive effect of the blackout is increased efficiency in the nation's power grid - exposing weaknesses can only make the system stronger.
On the downside, millions of people were without electricity for days. And FirstEnergy Corp. of Ohio arose on the ugly side, with several back-up systems within their jurisdiction failing, allowing the blackout to spread further.
Losers of 2003
Three-Headed Monster Award
President Bush, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and Attorney General John Ashcroft are this year's No. 1 losers for the fraud sold to the American public about Iraq and the civil right-slaughtering USA Patriot Act.
Faulty intelligence was sold to the people by the administration; Saddam Hussein is still nowhere to be found - just like the mysterious weapons of mass destruction and the terrorists that supposedly got them from Iraq.
Under the USA Patriot Act, the government can now lock up citizens and foreigners suspected of terrorist actions without allowing them their judicial rights.
Gotta Fight To Party Award
The East Lansing City Council, including Mayor Mark Meadows, bites the big one by instituting the strict party-noise ordinance, setting indicators for an illegal party and doubling fines for hosting them.
This is another example of the council's attempts to alienate students. But on the same ticket, MSU students get a thumbs-down for not standing up to the council and insisting that it be more reasonable.
All Right, So Don't Rock the Vote Award
MSU students overall get another spot on the loser list for the meager voter turnout in November.
In student-dominated East Lansing, less than 10 percent of registered voters cast ballots, even though three of the five East Lansing council seats were up for re-election.
The Take-Some-Cuts-Of-Your-Own Award
The Michigan Legislature continues to cut university funding, placing the schools on a slippery slope of reduced quality education and forcing students like us to shoulder the weight of increased tuition. Ever hear of a part-time Legislature … maybe you should try it.
We Did Start The Fire Award
Boo to the 2,000 people involved in the March 28-30 disturbances who caused $40,000 in damage. Unfortunately, this happened a few years ago, but no one seemed to remember the consequences of that. Now there are new state laws, local ordinances and university policies that crack down on rule-breakers. Next time, don't take it to the streets.
The Foul Ball Award
Major League Baseball was not well represented in 2003, with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs each losing in the league championships, which dashed hopes for one of the most historical and well-fought World Series ever. Cubs fan Steve Bartman crossed the line (and the fence) when he took a fly ball out of Moises Alou's glove, giving the Marlins a chance to rally for eight runs in two innings and force Game 7 in the National League Championship Series. The Marlins then went on to win the World Series.
Free Your Mind, The Rest Will Follow Award
Two separate legislative actions this year showed the sad state of homosexual acceptance in Michigan. The proposed Marriage Protection Amendment to the Michigan Constitution alienates residents of this state from the government that is supposed to represent them.
Another bill proposed cutting funding for universities with sexuality-based curriculums. Don't allow the church to influence what's in the state books.
A Horse Of A Different Dollar Award
A former Capital Area United Way finance chief admitted to embezzling $1.88 million from the charity in February.
Jacquelyn Allen-MacGregor told the judge that she spent most of the money on her quarter-horse business. Our question is, why have 60 horses when you could buy a beach house in the Caymans and stow the money in foreign banks?
Or help needy people, which was her job.
