Thursday, May 25, 2006

Today's Response
Middle Tennessee State University

Jeffersonian politics?

House Speaker Dennis Hastert, a Republican, and Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi agree—the Justice Department should return the papers it seized from the Capitol Hill office of U.S. Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA). Jefferson asserts that the search in connection with an investigation of alleged fraud and bribery is an “unprecedented” breach of separation of powers. Do they have a point? Dr. John Vile, chair of the Department of Political Science, says “There would be great cause for concern if the executive branch embarked on a warrantless search, particularly if it were based on something Congressman Jefferson said. … It appears, however, that the government established probable cause to get a warrant …The case against Richard Nixon established that no one was above the law, and, if this applies to someone who is chief executive, then it surely applies as well to a member of Congress.”

Contact Vile at 615-898-2596.
jvile@mtsu.edu

Tell your loved ones now

Judy Campbell, associate professor of nursing, says it’s not necessary to have a lawyer or a notary to initiate an advance directive indicating your wishes in the event you become incapacitated. “If you have designated a power of attorney for health care or health care proxy, then you should share all of your wished-for end-of-life care with that person,” Campbell says. “Then the proxy will carry out your wishes when you are unable to speak for yourself. … This is a health care system that still promotes life and it takes an ‘approved system’ to honor one’s wishes. The advance directive process is in place. We must do a better job of making sure that everyone is informed and reminded regularly to share your wishes in the acceptable way.”

Contact Campbell at 615-898-5729.
jcampbel@mtsu.edu

Head for the mountains!

Some 16 MTSU alumni and several faculty members have contributed to the newly published “Encyclopedia of Appalachia.” The title has more than 2,000 entries which provides ready reference to information about the people, culture and history of Appalachia. MTSU’s Center for Historic Preservation was contacted by scholars at East Tennessee State University’s Center for Appalachian Studies and Services about collaborating on the project. CHP Director Dr. Carroll Van West says he agreed to participate because of his interest in southern architecture and because the Applachian region suffers from stereotyping.

Contact the Center for Historic Preservation at 615-898-2947.

TR EXTRA

SAVE THOSE TICKETS!—Due to illness, “Fresh Air” radio show host Terry Gross was notable to fulfill her previously scheduled commitments at MTSU. Her appearance has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 19. Marc J. Barr, electronic media communication, says new tickets will not be printed. Therefore, people with the original April 17 tickets are encouraged to keep them for the September event. For more information, contact Barr at 615-898-5118 or at mjbarr@mtsu.edu.

GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE GOVERNMENT--The American Legion Auxiliary’s 60th session of Volunteer Girls State will be held May 28-June 3 at MTSU. Gov. Phil Bredesen will address the gathering at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 31, at Tucker Theatre. More than 500 rising seniors from across the state will engage in a week of activities, including debating the issues that challenge Tennessee’s state legislature. The girls will form their own city, county and state governments, as well. Two Girls State delegates will be picked to represent VGS at Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. in July. Program leaders will select one delegate to compete for a $10,000 college scholarship provided by the Samsung Corporation. For more information, including pictures and updates on this year’s VGS event, please visit the Web site at http://www.volunteergirlsstate.org or call Heather Hargis at 615-300-3238.

THE ART OF GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL--High school students can spend a fun and productive summer at the annual Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts June 11-July 15 at MTSU. Youngsters will enjoy intensive study in art, dance, theater and music during the five-week residence program. Students now will receive six hours of college credit instead of three, as was the case in prior years. “We had a fantastic school in 2005, with more than 200 talented students who had a wonderful, life-changing experience at MTSU,” Dale McGilliard, professor of speech and theatre, observes. “Everything from registration into classes, to buses to dorms, to the smallest detail was excellent, thanks to all the school’s teachers who worked so hard to make things happen for these young artists of Tennessee.” Contact McGilliard at 615-898-2274 or dmcgilli@mtsu.edu.