Views Articles
Opinion: Now what?
By Megan Mount
What are scared liberals to do now that President Bush won re-election? Of course, they can talk about renewing their passorts, but perhaps the most sensible thing to do is to work together with the other side for the good of the country. This may be the only way for the Democrats to regain the trust of the majority of Americans. It's beat 'em or join 'em time.
Opinion: Voting should be about issues, not faith
By Carey Purcell
President Bush won re-election largely because of his moral values, which many Americans cited as their top concern. However, moral values should not be the main reason guiding people's ballots, especially since many of the president's values have yielded results that go against moral teachings.
Opinion: The world does not wait on the U.S.--Kyoto enacted
By Lee Doerr
This week 190 countries gathered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to enact the Kyoto Protocol, the world's first agreement on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Absent from the celebration was the United States.
Opinion: Scott Peterson's death sentence--an eye for an eye, a murder for a murder?
By Megan Mount
Scott Peterson, found guilty of killing his wife and unborn child, will be put to death according to the jury's verdict. Many rejoice, a few feel sorrow, and the government feels justified in murdering a murderer.
Opinion: Prosecuting reporters who protect sources is not good public policy
By Renee Nadeau
Several journalists are under attack in courts for not revealing their confidential sources. If they lose, the real victim will be the American public.
Opinion: New bill hurts low-income students
By Doreen O'Donnell
The federal Pell grant program received a recent blow from Congress. A new spending bill could result in thousands of low-income students receiving less money for college, or no money at all.
Opinion: Canada deserves President Bush's respect
By Renee Nadeau
President Bush's visit to Ottawa, Ontario, was long over due. Not only was Mr. Bush late in addressing issues of great importance to our northern neighbors, he was late in showing the country due respect.
Review: Law turns on the charm in Alfie
By Liz Raftery
Jude Law scores a hit in the remake of Alfie.
Opinion: Comedy shows aren't meant to inform
By Hanni Wagner
Despite an abundance of knowledge available through the Internet and the mass media, Americans remain one of the most uninformed peoples in the developed world. A recent survey found that 21 percent of people under 30 regularly get their news from comedy shows!
Opinion: A letter from Mr. Rumsfeld to Spec. Wilson
By Erica Harbatkin
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld might have written the following letter to the soldier who questioned him last week before the world's cameras on the lack of protective armor for American military vehicles in Iraq.
Opinion: BCS is dumb, but it's here to stay
By Erica Harbatkin
The BCS isn't working. But as long as corporate sponsors rule college football, it's here to stay.
Opinion: Religion in politics should be used to encourage tolerance, not promote war
By Natalie O'Neill
The fusion between religion and politics that "moral values" voters demonstrated Nov. 2, could be propelling America into dangerous territory.
Opinion: Can an imperial America survive for long?
By Courtney Gross
The similarities between the histories of the United States and the Roman Empire are startling and worth studying. If the behavior of the current superpower does not change, America may have the same fate as that of another superpower of 1,500 year ago....
Opinion: Kerry should have addressed women more
By Erica Harbatkin
While George W. Bush's record on women's issues during his presidency is horrendous, John Kerry's advantage with women voters was just 52-48. The Democratic candidate historically receives significantly more votes from women than the Republican. Maybe Kerry took women for granted....
Opinion: MBTA not living up to its promises
By Elizabeth Raftery
Last January, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority raised subway fares in Boston by 25 cents and promised better service and added security. So far, the promises have not been delivered.
Opinion: The battle of the DVDs: Moore vs. the Word of God
Two DVDs that define America's growing divide
By Lee Doerr
On October 5th Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" was released on DVD, the same day as "George W. Bush: Faith in the White House" was released to retailers and churches across the country. The first is based on selected facts, while the other is based on what the producer says is the Word of God. Which one will carry the day?
Opinion: Bush attack on Kerry intelligence votes unfounded
By Erica Harbatkin
As John Kerry inches closer to President Bush in the polls, the president is sharpening his attacks, accusing the senator of having voted to weaken the army and the intelligence service. In reality, similar votes were cast by Vice President Chenney and newly-appointed CIA Director Goss.
Opinion: Updated crowd control measures need to be wiser
By Karen Mann
The death of Emerson student Victoria Snelgrove is causing the city to rethink its measures against wild public celebrations. Regardless of what new measures are taken, they need to ensure that they do not result in another unnecessary death.
Opinion: No more doves, only hawks
By Lee Doerr
Now that Colin Powell has left the State Department and been replaced by close friends and allies of the White House, will there be any room for dissenting views on international diplomacy?
Review: U2's latest both catchy and clever
By Natalie O'Neill
While "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" is certainly not U2's best album, it is smarter and more contagious than most of the records that are hitting the top of the charts this month.
Opinion: Journalists' rights should be preserved
By Hanni Wagner
Rhode Island television reporter Jim Taricani was sentenced last week for his refusal to reveal a confidential source. Taricani's conviction and sentencing represents an alarming trend in journalism.
Review: "Closer" is almost there
By Natalie O'Neill
By adapting Patrick Marber's play, a London-set drama that comments on how couples push each other away, Nichols puts his own provocative spin on an already racy subject. The film does an excellent job getting the audience to think, but comes across thematically vauge.
Opinion: An AIDS day declaration
By Courtney Gross
Today, Wednesday, December 1, is World AIDS Day and people around the globe must recognize the catastrophic pandemic which is spreading steadily. Our government should do more to help.
Opinion: America, the home of the brave and the overextended
By Megan Mount
The National Guard did not meet its recruitment expectations this year, an issue that was addressed in the third and final presidential debate. Whether the next president is Sen. Kerry or President Bush, someone will have to deal with an overextended military and a decreasing rate of new recruits.
Opinion: Toward a Cold Civil War
Bush's potential failure to keep the country divided means severe consequences
By Maressa Brown
In his re-election victory speech, President Bush emphasized his desire to earn the trust of Kerry supporters. Despite the many challenges ahead, the president must be held to his promise to be a "uniter, not a divider." Half of the country, while comprising a group opposed to his leadership, must work to keep Bush honest.
Opinion: Flu vaccine shortage unacceptable
By Doreen O'Donnell
The recently disclosed lack of adequate flu vaccine rations for all eligible Americans is not only embarrassing but unaccapetable. Government agencies and drug manufacturers should get together and develop a plan to better protect public health.
Opinion: FDA should regulate prescription ads more closely
By Natalie O'Neill
Drug companies can't claim prescription drug ads are increasing public heath awareness if the public is misinformed. The FDA should set stricter standards on where and how drug companies can advertise directly to consumers.
Opinion: Americans should engage in environmentally conscious consumption
By Natalie O'Neill
In September the United Nations Population Fund reported that a rapidly growing consumer class is the main cause of environmental problems. With the United States leading the world in consumption, the burden falls on us to make necessary changes to help preserve the environment.
Opinion: Bush costly focus on terror ignores domestic problems
By Carey Purcell
The main focus of President Bush's campaign for reelection has been the threat of terrorism and his plan to lead us through it. However, this focus has taken attention away from domestic problems that must be addressed if America is to be truly secure....
Opinion: Snelgrove photograph unnecessary sensationalism
By Carey Purcell
The publication of graphic photographs of Victoria Snelgrove after she was injured by the police shocked and saddened the Boston community. The photographs should not have been published because they sensationalized a tragic event.
Opinion: Sinclair Broadcasting backs down
The media should learn a lesson
By Courtney Gross
The Sinclair Broadcasting company did not air in its entirety the controversial documentary, ''Stolen Honor: Wounds That Never Heal," after it received pressure from its shareholders and advertisers. The incident points to the importance of objective journalism, especially in an election year.
Opinion: Election puts abortion on the line
By Courtney Gross
The upcoming election will not only decide the president, but a woman's right to choose. Each candidate's preference for Supreme Court justice appointments differ dramatically and the winner could determine if Roe v. Wade will be reconsidered.
Opinion: Why Nader needs to go
By Maressa Brown
Ralph Nader's bid for president this year is a protest against the corporatization of American government. Unfortunately, in this year's election, Nader supporters should not be casting their vote in protest. They need to understand that re-electing George W. Bush could undermine Nader's agenda even more.
Opinion: College should consider cooking up a new meal plan
By Renee Nadeau
One of the most important lessons college students learn is not taught in class; it is the art of taking responsibility for oneself. Even students living on campus are required to pass this important test, yet these students are required to have prepaid meal plans that limit their choices of where, when and what to eat.
Review: The Polar Express leads the way to Christmas
By Carey Purcell
Warner Brother's new movie, which is based on the 1985 children's book classic by Chris Van Allsburg, captures the spirit of Christmas and delivers its magic to the masses.
Opinion: Iraq's history loss is a loss for the whole world community
By Cristina Kumka
The loss of priceless archaeological sites and artifacts in Iraq is one of the biggest casualties of war.
Review: Sexy drama invites audiences "Closer"
Thoughtful film takes a magnifying glass to four lovers' lust-ridden lives
By Maressa Brown
Jude Law, Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts and Clive Owen star in one of the year's spiciest plays to hit the big screen.
Review: Off to Never, Neverland
By Liz Raftery
Johnny Depp has a credible presence as Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie in the new film, Finding Neverland.
Review: U2 scores a hit with Atomic Bomb
By Elizabeth Raftery
Irish band U2 reaffirms its position as the greatest rock and roll band in the world with its latest release, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.
Review: Look "Closer" to find the beauty in Mike Nichol's new film
By Doreen O'Donnell
A refreshing change from typical Hollywood fare, Mike Nichols' new film forces us to ask tough questions about relationships, love and sex.
Opinion: America's new drug war
By Courtney Gross
The use of prescription drugs by Americans is at an all time high, but in many cases Americans are not receiving accurate and timely information. The FDA must revamp its reviewing process before harmful drugs on the market cause more fatalities.
Opinion: Reality shows gone wild....
By Cristina Kumka
The undeniable popularity of reality TV says alot about the current American lifestyle and culture. For whichever reason, American society is being exploited and portrayed as a dramatized, rehearsed, and utterly shallow mess of depleting values.
Opinion: Ukraine election somehow managed to be more corrupt than ours---but the people are rising up
By Megan Mount
Ukraine's attempt at a national election to determine the next prime minister has turned into a catastrophe for the nation. Citizens are protesting and other nations, including America, Russia and European nations, are voicing their opinions. A new election is scheduled to take place on December 26.
Opinion: Everyone's a Grinch...
Embracing diversity is the solution for holiday school strife
By Maressa Brown
Public schools seem to be having the same struggle between church and state as the country. However, when it comes to a time for celebration, the answer isn't to exclude and divide. Uniting to embrace many traditions is the way to go.
Opinion: Rioting fans partially responsible for student's death
By Elizabeth Raftery
Although the Boston Police Department correctly has accepted full responsibility for the death of Victoria Snelgrove following last week's Red Sox victory, part of the blame also falls on rioting fans.
Opinion: Rights vs. Security--the case of the Guantanamo detainees
By Karen Mann
Since the "War on Terror" began, more than 700 people have been held at Guantanamo Bay as detainees because they are considered threats to American security. Their treatment appears to be inconsistent with America's commitment to democracy and fairness.
Opinion: City needs to take a serious look into police actions
By Megan Mount
As city officials are trying to asssess the implications of the death of Emerson student Victoria Snelgrove, who was shot by a "non-lethal" police weapon Thursday, much of the emphasis has been on the rowdy behavior of some of the celebrants. Not enough attention has been paid to the way the police acted....
Opinion: Replacing chocolate with the Bible
The FDA's decisions on women's health cannot rely on religious or moral values
By Maressa Brown
FDA's Reproductive Health Drugs Advisory Committee recently has been influenced more by religion and morality than science. If this continues, the Bush re-election will end up having serious and negative repercussions on the health of American women.
Opinion: Oil independence -- an issue of national security
By Lee Doerr
Global warming and depleting oil reserves are no longer the talk of the radical left. The energy and scientific industries are now acknowledging the dangerous truth: Our dependence on foreign oil is a threat to our national security. Why hasn't the federal government treated it as such?
Opinion: Fallujah sounds familiar
By Courtney Gross
The brutality that has occurred in Fallujah reveals the challenges guerrilla warfare entails. You may not know who is a civilian or who is an enemy. This is not the first time American troops have been challenged this way.
Review: New drama group catches some hot Emerson talent
By Carey Purcell
The Red Hand Collective, a new play writing group at Emerson, gave its first performance on Monday night, showing a great deal of playwriting as well as performance talent.
Opinion: Secret prisoners: Could you be next?
by Megan Mount
Government secrecy is dangerous to the people's right to know. Mohamed Kamel Bellahouel was detained with no reasonable explanation as a result of Sept. 11, and the government has refused to make any documentation of his imprisonment or his trials available to the public.
Opinion: Renew your passports
You can find a nation that will grant you political asylum
By Courtney Gross
In the aftermath of election 2004, some liberals may be contemplating a move to nations that might better represent their political values. Whether it is Switzerland, Canada, France or a plethora of other countries, there are options for angry Americans.
Opinion: University of Maine headed for trouble
By Renee Nadeau
As the university system's funding slips away, so does the value of education.
Opinion: More false promises on the draft?
By Lee Doerr
Presidential candidates George Bush and John Kerry have promised that, despite American troop shortages because of deployment around the world, there will be no draft. The facts on the ground make it clear that neither man can safely make this promise.
Opinion: Alienated Americans no more
The voices of America's youth should be heard this election year
By Cristina Kumka
The low voter participation trend among America's youth has come to an end. Barriers to student and youth voting have been overcome by smarter, trendier, more organized campaigns geared toward rocking the vote this election year.
Opinion: Are makeup classes really necessary?
By Karen Mann
Students love it when a professor cancels class. Should professors have to hold a makeup class to compensate for lost time? In a busy college student's life, there are problems with adding another class session....
Opinion: Freedom of speech means nothing without the opportunity
A Clean Elections system may be the answer
By Megan Mount
In this election year, the unregulated advertisements of groups not related to the campaigns has hurt the process. A Clean Elections Act has worked well in Arizona, and the rest of the country should adopt this system as well.
Opinion: The Bush administration's science policy record signifies pre-rationalist thought
By Christina Alvarado
In this administration, U.S. science-based policy has been nothing more than a political gambit manipulated for reasons based on "economical [and] political caution" or "religious conservatism," president of the California Institute of Technology, David Baltimore said in the September 24 issue of the journal Science. It is true.
Opinion: New Bush ad twists facts
The new Bush ad uses out-of-context quotes and snippets to attack John Kerry for flip-flopping
By Erica Harbatkin
The Bush campaign started airing its new commercial Monday attacking Sen. Kerry for flip-flopping on the war on terror. The ad twists and distorts Mr. Kerry's words by cutting out relevant pieces of the quote.
Opinion: Emersonians' education is on the line
As Emerson's faculty and administrators continue to duke it out, students cannot afford to stand by as the quality of education at the school gets caught in the crossfire.
Opinion: Military service should be optional
The Universal National Service Act would require all men and women between 18-26 to serve in the military for the war on terrorism, starting in spring 2005. As if waging a war for peace wasn't ironic enough, now the administration is backing what is essentially slavery for liberty. Involuntary servitude for one's country is just the opposite of the "freedom" Mr. Bush speaks so adamantly of.
Opinion: Colorado judge's ruling discourages future victims from coming forward
Kobe Bryant's accuser faces more death threats when her identity is revealed
By Erica Harbatkin
A federal judge ruled that the identity of the Colorado woman who accused Kobe Bryant of rape must be revealed to the public for the start of the civil trial. Releasing the accuser's name to the mainstream media will not only allow more death threats, but also discourage future victims from coming forward.
Opinion: Media need to re-evaluate their role in election
ByElizabeth Raferty
The recent controversies involving CBS's Dan Rather and Fox News' Carl Cameron show that the media are not doing a good job of maintaining unbiased coverage of the upcoming presidential election.
Opinion: Is money "justice" for victims of clergy abuse?
By Cristina Kumka
There is no denying the justice victims of clergy sexual abuse deserve. Unfortunately, justice is being defined as financial compensation by the hundreds of victims tortured by priests, once revered as liaisons to God.
Opinion: Notre Dame's dismissal of Willingham premature
By Erica Harbatkin
By firing Tyrone Willingham Tuesday, Notre Dame epitomized the trend in the hiring and firing of college football coaches: Win immediately or find another job. They should have waited out his six-year contract.
Opinion: Kerry should have geared campaign toward moral majority
By Liz Raftery
The Democratic Party dropped the ball in the 2004 election by nominating a candidate that Southern and Midwestern voters could not relate.
Opinion: ABC affiliates intimidated by the FCC
By Doreen O'Donnell
Due to increasingly strict rules and harsh punishments from the FCC, some ABC affiliates decided not to air "Saving Private Ryan" on Veterans Day. These stations should have stood up for the film as an important tribute, but they were too overcome with FCC-induced fear.
Opinion: Voting process has room for improvement
What's wrong with how we vote
By Doreen O'Donnell
Americans voted in record numbers on Tuesday night, but for all their patience, they deserve better. Long lines, confusing laws and flawed ballots should not be tolerated. There's room for improvement in America's voting system.
Opinion: Bush can thank terrorists for election results
By Natalie O'Neill
Common sense would seem to suggest that the middle class, those affected the most by the struggling economy, would be sure to vote Bush out of office. But throw an attack on American soil in to the mix, and the president doesn't have to take responsibility for job losses or a poor economy.
Opinion: These suspensions need to hold up
By Erica Harbatkin
At Saturday's game in Detroit, three Pistons players stormed the stands to have a slugfest with unruly fans at the Palace. NBA commissioner David Stern handed out harsh suspensions, and players and agents are talking about getting those suspensions reduced. But for the good of the NBA, those suspensions need to hold.
Opinion: This campaign wasn't about the issues
By Erica Harbatkin
In the end, the 2004 presidential race didn't come down to the so-called pertinent issues like terrorism, the war in Iraq or the economy. The race was decided by the propaganda behind those issues, and Bush won that race by a landslide.
Opinion: Partisan politics is no place for religion
By Renee Nadeau
Conservative politicians have tried to muddy the line seperating church and state with bills such as the Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act. Such an act would undermine the basic principles of this country.
Opinion: Clean up voting, clean up democracy
By Cristina Kumka
The voting process around the nation continues to be flawed by long lines, broken machines and inadequate assistance. A complete clean up of the voting process will ensure a true democracy next election and beyond.
Opinion: Some athletes give children the wrong message
By Karen Mann
Children are influenced by famous celebrities and athletes, and often follow in their examples. Unfortunately, the athletes currently in the spotlight are sending the wrong message to children by their negative actions.
Review: Evita does not meet expectations
By Carey Purcell
The new staging of the classic Webber/Rice musical Evita is not up to par with old standards, with poor singing and worse staging.
Opinion: Presidential debates should be about substance, not appearance
Carey Purcell
As the presidential debates have evolved, they are not necessarily informative. Instead of exposing voters to facts and aiding them in making educated decisions, the debates result in people making choices based on appearance and personality.
Opinion: Symbolic gestures will not divert Sudan crisis
By Courtney Gross
The American response to the genocide in Sudan is inadequate. The United States should encourage international support to send in peace keeping troops to end the atrocities.
Opinion:Tracking off-campus students is not the answer
By Doreen O'Donnell
The Boston City Council has proposed an ordinance that would keep track of where in the city each off-campus college student lives. The ordinance would not only be unfair and invasive to the students, but would place an unnecessary burden on the city's colleges.
Opinion: Troops need help getting back on their feet
By Karen Mann
Injured soldiers are being stripped of their combat pay too soon. As soon as they are flown out of the danger zone, they lose their extra, "combat pay." This is no way to treat the men and women who risk their lives daily for this country.
Review: The controversy continues with Eminem's Encore
By Elizabeth Raftery
Rapper Eminem's latest album, Encore, is a disappointment when compared with his previous works. Perhaps, he is not angry enough any more.
Opinion: The AMAs award America's youth a wrong message
By Cristina Kumka
The poorly produced American Music Awards should be seen as another perversion of American morals and values, sending the wrong message to today's youth.