Opinion

Staff editorial: College literacy rates

The Department of Education has released a study that shows that only 25 percent of college-educated Americans can read at a proficient level. The study probed how well we read for comprehension of things like books and newspapers as well as maps. No matter how you slice it, only a quarter of college graduates having the ability to read well is appalling.

Marriage should be for all

"Marriage is one of the 'basic civil rights of man.'" Times must have been far simpler back in 1967 when Chief Justice Warren so eloquently and simply ended centuries of racial bias and hatred by granting whites and blacks the right to marry. Unfortunately times were not simple.

Column: Roe could go to the states

Sometimes I think that I live in the most ridiculous city in the world. Think back to the confirmation hearings of federal appeals court Judge Samuel A. Alito. During one round of questioning, the ever-honorable Sen. Ted Kennedy pulled a McCarthy and baselessly accused Judge Alito of being a racist, sexist bigot.

Staff editorial: Rummy is watching

It has come to light that the Pentagon has opened files on campus protests against military recruiters. Only one protest at the University of California-Santa Cruz was deemed a "credible threat." The military said these protests were a danger to homeland security, and to some extent we see what they mean.

All thumbs

Thumbs up Students on the Board... Glad to see the Board of Trustees has followed our recommendation and decided to allow students to serve on select committees. We're making headway. AU Wrestling.. These guys fly under the radar, but they certainly pack a punch on the mat.

Staff editorial: Turn down that iPod

Well, it certainly did not take long. Those trendy little white earbuds that come with Apple's iPod, which account for about 70 percent of the mp3 player market, can apparently make you deaf. Most peoples' immediate reaction to this breaking news is a simple shrug of the shoulders or rolling of the eyes.

Letters to the editor

Dear Editor, After reading Will Haun's recent gay marriage column this reader was left extremely confused about what exactly he was advocating.ÿ On one hand it was not an ideologically conservative one, nor was it a purely religious one, and it clearly was not a progressive essay advocating full equality.

Editorial Cartoon

Letters to the editor

Dear Editor, I am writing with concerns to Will Haun's article 'Iraq: right war, right time" (Dec. 8, 2005). Per usual, in reading Mr. Haun's columns, I find myself in utter disappointment at the lack of informed analysis and the distortion of historical evidence.

All thumbs

Thumbs up... Pittsburgh Steelers... They were the sixth seed in the playoffs, and now they'll play in their sixth Super Bowl. Big Ben had a big game and the defense brought the Steel Curtain down on the Broncos. Swim Team Wins Big.. Congrats to the men's team on trouncing Georgetown on Saturday.

War on Terror missteps

Let's be clear:ÿ terrorism is a grave threat to the entire world, not just the United States.ÿEvery nation on the globe must be actively involved in combating terrorism, and, if it is to be defeated, cooperation is a must. Most citizens of the United States, regardless of political philosophy, know and understand this.

Staff editorial: MLK service projects

To celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., AU students volunteered at the Washington Center for the Aging among other places. Students joined the residents in playing civil rights bingo, helping them re-live our not too distant history. AU has many groups who live and breathe service, and it is good to know that they are getting out into the community and helping Dr.

Staff editorial: Wikipedia credibility

Wikipedia is the burgeoning online resource for when you want to find something quick. Want to know what the cast of " USA High" is up to these days or can't remember who shot J.R.? Wikipedia has articles on just about anything you could think of. While it is convenient, many worry that it is not accurate, with anyone having the ability to edit entries.

Staff editorial: Gore blasts wiretapping

Former vice president Al Gore spoke out recently about the revelations of eavesdropping conducted by the Bush administration while fighting the war on terror. The wiretaps in question were done without permission from a secret court, which usually acquiesces to the president.

Staff editorial: Laptops not for class

It's not even a week into class, and many AU students may find they are already being interrupted or distracted by their fellow classmates piddling on their laptops in class. Many students legitimately use their computers to take notes, but we can't help but remember how seemingly many more chat on AIM or check scores on ESPN, update Facebook and partake in games of Snood.

All thumbs

Thumbs up Men's B-Ball 2OT Thriller... The team gave the fans quite a game, overcoming Army and exposing their lack of a viable exit strategy, winning 65-63. Freshman Jordan Nichols did a stellar job under the hoop. Warm weather.. The temperature has been rather welcoming since students returned this week.

Gay marriage stalemate

The Gay Marriage debate is currently at a stalemate. The lines have been drawn and sides have been taken, but the American voter is torn between an institution worth preserving, and laws that could, and perhaps should change. Yet the pundits and activists will have you believe there is no such thing as a "compromise.