I suspect there was a reason that last week’s article “Rethinking Recycling” was placed in the commentary section of this paper. Before I go further, I should say that the author of “Rethinking Recycling” was right in at least two things: we should recycle aluminum and other metals and we should try to reduce or reuse something before ever moving to recycling. It is not … Continue reading Rethinking requires thinking
Politicians don’t dare address it; it goes against everything we have been taught since kindergarten, and I’m sure you will be surprised to learn that recycling actually harms our sacred earth. Editor of Machine Design Magazine, Leland Teschler, asserts in a July 13, 2006 issue, “Some people buy hybrid cars to save energy. As for me, I do my part by not recycling paper, glass, … Continue reading Rethinking Recycling
College is often seen as the peak of existence, the prime years of a person’s life. Films portray the college years as the best years in which to have fun, experiment or try something completely new. The college experience is the culmination of years of preparation and is one of the primary goals of millions of Americans. Students across America look forward to it, and … Continue reading Time to grow up
In 1919, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the political revolutionary known as the “Father of Modern China,” envisioned a massive hydroelectric dam spanning the Yangtze River. After several attempts at construction throughout the twentieth century, all of which were halted for political or economic reasons, construction on the dam began in earnest in 1994 and was projected to be completed by 2009. Today, setbacks and additions have … Continue reading Three Gorges Dam: worth the costs?
Sitting in the cafeteria with my banana, granola and yogurt concoction in hand, I can’t help but gaze across the throng of students stuffing their faces in glee, contemplating their second trips through the line for dessert. My eyes fall on a couple sharing a table near the windows. The guy is busily shuffling through his newspaper, tapping his foot, taking swigs of water and … Continue reading Mysterious Moves
Last week was a sad time for Minnesota tax-payers. Our state legislators overrode Governor Pawlenty’s veto to pass an irresponsible transportation bill that increased taxes on the people of our state by an estimated $6.6 billion. That is the largest tax increase in Minnesota history, and it will cost each Minnesotan in excess of $130. This amount may be just a haircut to wealthy, narcissistic … Continue reading Minnesota’s tax hike
What can I say about guns that hasn’t been said before? When it comes down to it, not a whole lot. So in lieu of some exciting breaking logic on the role of guns in society and whether or not people ought to have them, I’m going to hope that a little bit of common sense can go a long way. The most cliché statement … Continue reading Guns: more are not better
Last week Senator Amy Klobuchar came to Gustavus to lead a discussion on global warming. Although I strongly disagree with her on this and most other issues, she appears to be an intelligent and passionate representative for Minnesota who has a strong character and values. Out of respect for her and her office, I listened to her views on how we can find long term … Continue reading Judging Amy
With the latest statistics on the number of American casualties in Iraq approaching two milestones you’d think there’d be a bit more of a fuss in the media about it, yet it’s been surprisingly quiet so far. 3,972 American soldiers have died and 29,133 have been wounded as of February 24, 2008. And as a Reuters article, from January 31, 2008, explains, more than one … Continue reading Why did we go into Iraq?
There has been some recent debate over the role of the First Lady or First Gentleman. Hillary Clinton, as First Lady, broke convention by taking on healthcare initiatives, reforming foster care and moving her office into the West Wing where she served as a close political adviser to her husband. In this election, she has been alternately praised for what she accomplished during her terms … Continue reading The spouse’s role
