Opinion

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Thumbs up The "Carnivore Initiative" ... The College Republicans were out and about on the Quad Wednesday, celebrating their views and partaking in free food. This is proof that there is more to political action than radical activism. Silent Day ... This event, put on by AU Queers and Allies, gave students an opportunity to demonstrate for gay rights.

Staff editorial: Would you like a finger with that?

Fast-food eaters nationwide were frightened and disgusted by the news that a Wendy's customer recently found a severed human finger in her chili. Despite the potential public-relations nightmare, Wendy's has done a good job handling the situation, first declaring that all of its employees are in possession of all 10 of their fingers and then offering $50,000 to anyone who could provide information leading to finger's owner.

Opinion: SC prez reflects on his term

Hello friends. When you read this Monday's Eagle, you will notice two major changes in your student government. First, you'll notice that I won't be here anymore, with Kyle Taylor becoming your new president. Second, you'll notice that it will no longer be the "Student Confederation," but the "Student Government.

Opinion: Pope's death reveals hypocrisy

Looking out my apartment window, I see the "Now Leasing" and American flags at half staff. They've been that way since Pope John Paul II's death on April 2. Anyone with his ear to the ground or his eyes on the news has noticed that the death of the pope has been the biggest news story in recent memory, even rivaling the death of our 40th American president, Ronald Reagan, last summer.

Staff Editorial: Shine a spotlight on sexual safety

The university will once again observe "Take Back the Night" on Wednesday. The event hopes to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault in our nation today. A march will leave from the Glover Gate and end with a candlelight vigil for victims of violence.

Opinion: GA decision out of touch with the feelings of student constituency

Sadly, the AU General Assembly's poor, misinformed decision concerning the debate over what should replace Auntie Anne's represents not only the will of a significant portion of AU's student body, but also how much it knows or cares about the issue at hand.

Letters to the Editor: Starbucks or Pura Vida?

Dear Editor: When I heard that the General Assembly had opted to allow a Starbucks franchise to occupy the Auntie Anne's space in the Mary Graydon Center, I was highly disappointed.ÿI have always thought of American University students as having a highly developed social conscience, especially when it came to matters of international consequence such as fair trade.

Opinion: Starbucks is not the 'global' choice

During my years at American University, I have heard a lot about the school's goal to become the "premier global university." I respect this aspiration, and I certainly think that AU has made great strides to accomplish its goal. That is why, in recent months, I have been utterly disappointed in the University's willingness to consider Starbucks as a coffee option for our campus.

Opinion: Pura Vida as fair as advertised

So this is what happens in the Student Confederation after the student body makes its position known in Eagle online quizzes and RHA surveys. When faced with the fact that the majority of students would prefer a Pura Vida to a Starbucks, Andrew Mullen, a member of the GA said, "Well, we don't ask the student body about every decision we make, and we're the ones who get to make the decision.

Staff Editorial: Muy bien, LASO!

More than 150 students attended the seventh annual Latino Youth Conference at American University this weekend. Thirty AU students donated their time to the gathering, which encouraged the youth to work hard toward a college education. The students attended workshops and heard from various speakers about preparing for their futures.

Social insecurity in U.S.

After a mild winter in Washington, spring has returned to our nation's capital. As flowers bloom and birds whisper a sweet song in the morning air, new life begins. In the political world new life can be witnessed by the rejuvenated bickering between political figures and activists too weak to ever turn their battles into physical confrontation.

Comics

Opinion: Being socially conscious does not make AU a 'hippie' insitution

On Wednesday night, the SC's General Assembly misrepresented not only me, but a significant majority of the students on our campus by backing Starbucks over Pura Vida. Its vote ignored the highly visible efforts of several student groups, including the Community Action and Social Justice Coalition, the Fair Trade Student Association and the Movement for Global Justice.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor: While I generally agree with Jordan Beane's assessment of the latest incarnation of "Fever Pitch," it would have been nice if he had investigated where the idea for the film came from. The recent Red Sox movie began across the pond with a different red-clad team: Arsenal, a passionately supported first-tier soccer team in England.

Opinion: 'Fair trade' not as simple as it sounds

Somehow the Residence Hall Association managed to voted 12-1 against bringing Starbucks to campus without accurately taking all coffee industry issues into consideration. We are skeptical about why the RHA is assuming that Pura Vida is any more responsible than Starbucks.

Staff Editorial: Keep yourself safe

The theft of three laptops and iPods from McDowell Hall on Tuesday was the third such incident on campus in the last few weeks. Similar incidents of burglary have been reported in Hughes and Anderson halls. While it is a shame that this had to happen to any student, every student should know that he is responsible for his own belongings.

Opinion: Pura Vida campaign more than 'surface activism'

I am writing because an editorial that appeared March 21 contained grave mischaracterizations. First, The Eagle characterized the Harvard living-wage campaign as a victory won "without having to take any drastic measures." This is simply not the case. The Harvard campaign was one of the most drastic measures taken by students this decade.