Pitt Otter opens up about life changes, politics

In response to recent public outcry, I decided that I would get an in-depth, personal look… In response to recent public outcry, I decided that I would get an in-depth, personal look at the situation concerning the Pitt Otter, who, in its newly adopted trans-speciesness, has been the subject of both harsh criticism and praise. I wanted to see how the Otter felt, what made it tick. In order to do so, I sat down with the Otter at a local coffee shop. The following column is a transcript of the third portion of the 12-part interview. Parts one and two dealt primarily with the Otter’s decision to go from ferocious beast to playful sea pacifist and the response by the public on this controversial move. Part three gets even more personal as the Otter delves into his feelings surrounding current public affairs and government, spanning Internet media, the 2008 presidential elections and Dick Cheney.

Cassidy Gruber: Otter, thank you for joining me again. Is your tea OK? Can I get you some milk?

Pitt Otter: No, I’m fine. Actually, I’m trying to avoid dairy. Which reminds me, did you know that Dennis Kucinich is a vegan?

CG: I did not know that. Are you a Kucinich fan?

PO: Well, I’m not going to officially endorse anyone, but I do lean in his direction. I like his ideas on the importance of peace. And I also like that he takes such a direct and personal response with the constituents.

CG: I assume you’re referring to his precedent-setting YouTube video?

PO: Yes, Kucinich was the first candidate to directly address a particular voter via YouTube, opening a contemporary and technologically advanced pathway of communication between the candidates and the general public. We all knew that the Internet would play a huge role in this election, but we’re still waiting to see to what extent that will exactly be. However, sites like YouTube are already starting to pose unique challenges and opportunities for the candidates. Video sharing allows for more innovative means of debate, advertisement and general pontification. And hopefully a more accessible medium will get more people involved in the next election. Voters can use the Internet to find out and get what they want from the candidates, and this should really excite them. Web response isn’t just for “Snakes on a Plane” nowadays.

CG: Nice pop-culture reference. Actually, you’re pretty up-to-the-minute when it comes to digital media culture, no?

PO: Well, I do have an iPhone.

CG: I’m referring specifically to your work concerning copyright royalties and the Internet Radio Equality Act.

PO: Ah. The Internet Radio Equality Act is something I can get behind. It’s a proposed measure in Congress that comes as a response to the Copyright Royalty Board’s decision to raise royalties for Internet radio.

CG: We’re talking sights like Pandora.com and WOXY.com?

PO: We’re talking all Internet radio streams. What the CRB is proposing is a raise in what these streams, the majority of which are nonprofit, have to pay for the music they broadcast. And the raise would be retroactive back to January 2006. This is a financial death sentence for a lot of these sites. Not to mention the artists who get exposure from having their music streamed. The move is totally unfair in relative terms; while I do think artists deserve to get money for their work, Internet radio is in danger of being killed by a disproportionately priced raise.

CG: So the Internet Radio Equality Act would protect these sites and help keep them on the air for our listening pleasure?

PO: Exactly. And it’s a great example of bipartisanship. Any conscientious voter who knows what’s good for the arts should get in touch with his representatives today and ask them to support it, no matter what side of the spectrum they’re on. Savenetradio.org is a good place to find out more about it.

CG: What do you think about this hubbub surrounding Dick Cheney?

PO: I assume you mean his declaration that he’s not a member of the executive branch. I think it’s a ridiculous display of unchecked power. What makes him think he can change the branch system in order to avoid exposure and scrutiny? But at the same time I kind of understand where he’s coming from. Here’s a guy who has done some really unpopular things. He’s been chastised on all fronts. Maybe he’s in the midst of an identity crisis. I don’t like Cheney, I don’t like his presumptions and his abuse of the American people and their trust in him. But I empathize. Just a little.

CG: It’s kind of how you’ve been feeling about yourself lately, no?

PO: I know that it’s difficult for people who loved the old, aggressive me to accept a newer, more streamlined and smooth me. But the truth is, although I don’t look like my old self, and although I may no longer eat meat or small children, I still have the same Pitt Panther heart.

For a transcript of the other 11 parts of this interview, e-mail cassidygruber@pitt.edu