The Empty Plinths of Lobby 7
As one who is particularly fascinated by the synergistic relation between people and architecture (how architecture affects people and how people interpret and affect architecture), I find the plinths in Lobby Seven to be one of the most endearing and defining aspects of MIT. What many may not know is that William Welles Bosworth, the architect of MIT’s main academic buildings, also intended to erect a three-story statue of Minerva in front of Building 10. However, such an enormous idol was vetoed by Richard Maclaurin, President of MIT, during its transition from Boston to Cambridge, and it soon became a running joke between the two (Bosworth was adamant about the Minerva, but President Maclaurin would have none of it). As such, when one enters Killian Court nowadays, he or she is greeted by the overwhelming mass of the buildings themselves, topped by the imposing dome of Barker Library —much more representative symbols of the Institute than a literal and figural (not to mention gargantuan) representation of wisdom.
A Defense of Capitalism
In his November 6 column in <i>The Tech</i>, entitled “Who Does Capitalism Really Work For?,” Alexi Goranov argues that, given the current economic and social state of America, it is clear that there must be an overhaul of the system. Greedy corporations and those in the upper echelon of the economic ladder have stopped at nothing to profit at the expense of America’s working class. The system has rewarded the few while failing to provide for the majority of Americans. Therefore, it is our responsibility to initiate a new, democratic way of doing things, one that puts people before money.
Letters to the Editor
The recently filed will of Jeffry Picower, who granted 50 million dollars to MIT (2001 to 2005) to fund the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, specifies that much of his remaining assets be placed in a new charitable foundation devoted largely to funding medical research. What will be receiving attention at the MIT Treasurer’s office no doubt is that the will directs that the new foundation in its first year grant MIT an additional 25 million dollars for the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory. It is now known from court filings in the Madoff case that Jeffry Picower received over 7 billion “net” in phony profits from the Madoff Ponzi, and that this constitutes the bulk of his wealth. So I ask:
To Research or Not to Research?
“We need more research!” This was the rallying call of climate scientist and MIT alum David Keith ’91 at the Geoengineering Symposium held at MIT just over a week ago. This is, of course, the scientist’s traditional response when challenged, but when considering research in geoengineering, the risk is that we may be damned if we do and damned if we don’t.
The Obi-Wan Kenobi Act
I wrote an article in the October 20 <i>Tech</i> in which I lambasted our government’s wasteful spending. While much time was spent offering examples of wasted tax dollars, there was little discussion of where I would want my money to go. In addition, what reforms or new programs should be set up to provide more tangible benefits than studying drunk Argentineans? There is a specific area in which the federal government needs to step up, and I hereby propose the Obi-Wan Kenobi Act.
Letters to the Editor
On my way to class this past Wednesday morning, November 4, I was very humbled to see the POW/MIA vigil occurring in Lobby 10. Stopping to take a moment to watch one of the ROTC members march, I felt a great sense of pride that a school with as much hustle and bustle as MIT was able to take a day to stop and remember those who bravely fight for the freedom we enjoy here at MIT and in the United States.
Corrections
An October 30 article on MIT’s wrestling team incorrectly reported a team member’s name and class year: Glenn Geesman is a member of the Class of 2009, not 2010, and his first name is spelled “Glenn,” not “Glen.”
Letters to the Editor
This past Friday, I came up to Cambridge from New York City to visit the MIT Museum, which I had read about some years ago. It was quite interesting to see your University’s process of founding laboratories to focus on new scientific themes, answer challenging questions and develop new technologies (as described by some of the exhibits).
Who Does Capitalism Really Work For?
In an October 27 column in <i>The Tech</i>, Ryan Normandin argues that “state capitalism” is right for America. Capitalism works, but for whom? Let’s us look at some numbers. The top 1 percent richest people own approximately 25 percent of all wealth in the US as of 2004 and that number has likely gone up. The bottom 80 percent of people own less than 20 percent of the wealth (Economic Policy Institute’s “State of Working America” 2009). So whether the current system works depends on whom you ask. Does the system work for the millions of uninsured, unemployed, and homeless? How about for the millions of hard working people that barely make ends meet?
UA Update
Senate met on Monday, November 2. Steve Baker 84, Association of Independent Living Groups (AILG) Board Member, discussed the current work of the AILG as a Senate guest before the regular proceedings. The AILG is currently working to improve their communications with current undergraduates and shift the focus of living groups from their houses to their chapters or organizations, their accreditation process, and their insurance program.
Corrections
An article last Friday about recent thefts on campus incorrectly framed a statement made by MIT Police Chief John DiFava that “We believe these two actions will directly impact the number of thefts on campus.” “These two actions,” actually refers to one arrest and one instance of charges planning to be pressed for criminal activity, not two arrests, as the article suggests.
Global Warming: The Wrong Argument
When promoting clean energy, the primary argument for reform is usually global warming or climate change. Assuming global warming exists, this is a powerful argument. It’s hard to imagine a worse scenario than rising sea levels submerging vast swaths of the Earth’s landmass. It is also difficult for opponents to defeat a proposal that, if not adopted by our government, will result in massive loss of life.
Where Are the College Democrats?
"Thank you, M.I.T. (Applause.) I am — I am hugely honored to be here. It's always been a dream of mine to visit the most prestigious school in Cambridge, Massachusetts."
Corrections
Because of an editing error, an article last Friday failed to introduce one of the sources, Elizabeth J. Eddison ‘11. Eddison is co-chair of Sexual Assault Awareness Week at MIT.
Letters to the Editor
I hope those of you who plan to vote in the Cambridge City Council election on Tuesday, November 3, will consider giving me, James Williamson, your #1 Vote.
Letters to the Editor
I have read the letter you received from Ahmed Hussain about Mother Teresa in which he discussed why she did not deserve the Nobel prize expressing some strong opinions about her activity. I wonder what is Hussain’s source of information regarding the activity of Mother Teresa. I have been myself several times in houses of the “Sisters of Charity” (the order of nuns Mother Theresa founded) and what I have seen is very different from what he describes. I have found simple nuns that lovingly assist and help those who are in need and those that have been forgotten by everybody and are alone.
Get Out and Vote!
Every member of the MIT community should have an interest in next Tuesday’s municipal elections. While there is a lot of interest in the Boston mayoral race and this winter’s U.S. senatorial race to replace Ted Kennedy, it’s much harder to find information about the candidates running for office here in Cambridge. Cambridge had a particularly poor voter turnout of under 14,000 (around a quarter of registered voters) in the last municipal elections, held in 2007. If you’re registered to vote in Cambridge, it’s your job to make your voice heard and cast your ballot for School Committee and City Council. Remember: think globally, act locally.
Schrödinger’s Cat May Be Dead, but Your Love Life Is Not
“But isn’t it true that 80 percent of MIT students graduate as virgins?”
Corrections
An article last Friday about proposed cuts to MIT pension plans misstated the fundamental relationship between MIT’s defined benefit and defined contribution plans. MIT employees need not choose one or the other, they receive both.