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Commentary

COMMENTARY

Investigative journalism on trial in Snowden case

RJ Wolcott
July 17, 2013

The condemnation of Edward Snowden by the United States government was predictable. After all, he leaked a wealth of information regarding the NSA’s efforts to spy on U.S. citizens, something which the government was less-than forthcoming about. But the fact many American’s believe Snowden should be extradited and charged with espionage or treated as though he is an enemy of the state is discouraging for journalists and watchdog organizations, chiefly because of the precedent this case might establish.

COMMENTARY

Zimmerman verdict exposes racial tensions

Editorial Board
July 14, 2013

For almost 17 months, the trial of George Zimmerman for the killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin captivated the United States and brought many discussions of racial and gun violence in the public eye. And it all came to a head Saturday night when a Florida jury found Zimmerman not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter.

COMMENTARY

Open your mind to other people's ideals

Matt Fagan
July 10, 2013

Being a political intern in Washington, D.C. this summer, I have gained valuable skills that go beyond the political realm. Besides becoming more knowledgeable in how our government works by observing it firsthand, I have gained skills that enable me to interact and peacefully coexist with many of those on the other side of the aisle. Having a roommate that comes from a different world and generally being surrounded by people who have different beliefs than me has strengthened my abilities to speak about political matters in a civil way.

COMMENTARY

Loan increase puts congress in hot seat

Editorial Board
July 7, 2013

In the midst of a congressional gridlock last week, student loan interest rates doubled from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. Congress failed to meet its July 1 deadline to stop the increase, and if it fails to reach any agreement, this would mean each student will have to pay an extra $800 more on a student loan, according to Philly.com

COMMENTARY

Past week proves politics not boring

Rachel Jackson
June 30, 2013

Last week was a whirlwind for political news. On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key section of the Voting Rights Act. Later that same day, a female Texas senator made headlines with a nearly 12-hour filibuster against abortion restrictions. And just a few hours after that, the Supreme Court returned to the spotlight with some opinions that were certainly at least small victories for gay marriage advocates. And all of that happened before noon on Wednesday.

COMMENTARY

China major player in Korea situation

Derek Kim
June 16, 2013

If you paid attention to international affairs this past spring, tension on the Korean Peninsula was an unavoidable matter. Once again, the Kim regime unleashed its bellicose rhetoric, threatening peace in the Far East while also intimidating the United States. To top it all off, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea sentenced U.S. citizen Kenneth Bae to a 15-year prison sentence for unspecified “hostile acts” against the reclusive Stalinist state.