Important Dates

Our next meeting will be on January 21, 2010 in Mrs. Gautier's room (209) until 3:15. If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Gautier or Justin Kiefer.

        Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending STAND’s “Open-Mic Night,” a talent show of sorts that raised money for the cause of genocide prevention. There were many familiar faces on the stage, along with some others you may not have been expecting to see (or hear).

        The Scarlet Scoop’s very own Rebecca Carney (a founding member of the club) was the master of ceremonies for the night. She kicked off the show by explaining to us the situation in Sudan and showed us a video of the chaos that is currently taking place in northeastern Africa. After this, the acts began to take to the stage and entertain us for the evening. Familiar singers Jessica Severns and Jenna Tshudy awed us with their wonderful voices, while the hands of piano virtuosos James Jakucyk and John Simonetti glided across the piano to accompany them. Katie Moore, with Beau Briggs on the guitar, made her singing debut here at Belvidere to grand applause. Some (unexpected) acts included Colin McInerney on the ukulele with his own interpretation of “Build Me Up Buttercup” and Dylan McKinney on the piano playing an original piece.

        The crowd, which was larger than expected, cheered enthusiastically for their friends as they performed. STAND managed to raise over three-hundred dollars for its cause, and Rebecca announced that they would be hosting another talent show in the spring. One could easily see how successful the event was for this new organization; everyone walked out of the library that night extremely happy.  

        Suffice to say, I was a little disappointed when Rebecca announced that not a single person in the room picked up an information sheet about the conflicts in Sudan, the Congo, and Burma. After the show, I immediately went over to the refreshment stand and found them buried underneath a pile of crumbs. Though I was already somewhat aware of the situations in these countries, the fact that not a single person in the room (besides myself) picked up a packet is greatly disturbing. Even more agonizing was the fact that during the video at the beginning of the show, many people were sending text messages. Here, in front of one’s very eyes, are horrid images of the inhumanity being committed in these nations, and people don’t even pay attention.

        Students aren’t the only ones, however. Diplomats at the United Nations have pounded their angry fists on the podium and denounced the events in Darfur but have done nothing. Even if they did decide to do something, what would it be? A resolution condemning the genocide in Sudan and abroad? That doesn’t do anything but blow hot air throughout the room. By itself, the UN cannot directly intervene in the situation, but member nations can if they are willing. Here again we are at a standstill, as the international community shows little interest in the matter. Only individuals who are willing have the power to currently make a difference, and this is where STAND comes into play.

        Even if you have no idea where Sudan is on a map, I encourage you to come to one of these benefit performances. While watching your friends have a good time on stage, remember that somewhere and somehow, you may have just saved the life of a person in need.

-Justin Kiefer

Editor, The Scarlet Scoop