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

Once again we have been confronted with a crazed student opening fire on classmates and professors on a college campus. As most of you know, six students were killed and fifteen others were wounded at Northern Illinois University last week. It goes without saying that Gustavus’ thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of all involved. The other result of such senseless … Continue reading Guns aren’t the problem