In the course of your week, there are those inevitable moments where the only fathomable response is simply three letters: WTF?! Whether it be local to international politics, news from around campus to around the world, or the infinite dredges of pop culture, 'What The Friday'? is here to rehash and review some of the moments that deserve second consideration.
Good politicians not just a fable
Former Wisconsin Senator William Proxmire passed away recently. A dedicated politician, his political agendas included saving taxpayers' money and getting the United States to commit to a treaty against genocide. For the latter he gave daily speeches while the Senate was in session, so that the treaty was finally approved in 1986 after 20 years. Also, his Golden Fleece awards became renowned for highlighting pork-barreling and questionable government spending, such as the $6000 price tag in 1981 for the Army to develop a 17-page document detailing how to buy a bottle of Worcestershire sauce. (SPOILER ALERT: In the Army's defense, there is marvelous twist around page 14 where the first 13 pages turn out to only be a dream.) William Proxmire even apologized for his criticisms on certain cases when, in hindsight, his judgments were proven unwarranted.
Prez taps that phone
If you disagree with the government but feel apathetic about civic duty, the president has great news for you. Over holiday vacation, Bush admitted to authorizing the National Security Agency to employ domestic wiretaps on hundreds, and possibly thousands, of people suspected to have terrorist associates. Critics call the policy an abomination of civil liberties that could warrant impeachment; supporters recognize the policy as a steadfast commitment to defeating domestic terrorists. Fortunately for opponents, what they lose in civil rights they could gain in having a political voice'the government might eavesdrop on their complaints. So, ACLU allies: recline, flip open your phone, bemoan political policies and hope the government taps into some good advice.
