William Greider to speak in Weyerhaeuser Memorial Chapel

Political and economic commentator, reporter and author William Greider discussed his new book The Soul of Capitalism: Opening Paths to A Moral Economy Wednesday night at Weyerhaeuser Memorial Chapel. Described by The Harvard Business Review as “the preeminent American writer on the impact of economic and politics on society,” Greider is perhaps best known for his book Secrets of the Temple: How the Federal Reserve Runs the Country. Greider’s discussion focused on the problems that exist within American capitalism in its current state. However, he went on to explain how the current climate presents crucial opportunities for Americans to confront the problems that exist within the United States economic system and to set reform in motion. An approach Greider suggested, and expounded upon during the question and answer session following the discussion, focused on small business capital, which he said must be efficiently and intelligently managed in order to facilitate the necessary change.

(Hershel Nachlis)
 

MCSG holds Legislative Body elections today

Elections for the Legislative Body (LB) are being held today in the basement of the Campus Center during the day and at FallFest in the evening. The LB, part of the Macalester College Student Government (MCSG) was created to represent students through the medium of their academic major departments and their dorms. Within the LB there are three divisions: Academic Affairs, Student Services and External Relations. Last year’s LB was instrumental in the development and creation of the Game Room which will open in early October in the basement of the Campus Center. The LB was also involved in increasing the role of student representation in the allocations and tenure review processes. First-years and sophomores are electing LB representatives through their residential hall and juniors and seniors through their major department. The 2003-04 LB will also have the first transfer student representative.
 

Attacker of St. Thomas student charged

The attacker of a 19-year-old student from the University of St. Thomas was charged on Wednesday. Chad Everette Backes, 20, is being held in custody for second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. The student was walking along Cleveland Avenue on the night of Sept. 11 when a young man on a bike approached her near Grand Avenue.

He initially inquired about cigarettes and then moved the topic to parties and sex on the St. Thomas campus. He followed her for about 10 blocks and then blocked her path, pointed a knife at her stomach and tried to force her into an alley. Her cries for help attracted the attention of a passing driver and the suspect fled on his bike.

Backes was arrested on Saturday when he crashed a party on Pelham Boulevard that was hosted by a St. Thomas student. The student alerted campus security because he recognized the assault suspect from posters put up around campus. He was later identified by the victim in a photo lineup and has since admitted to the conversation, but denies the knife allegations.

(Krista Goff)