Opinion

My 200th Birthday

Carlos Maycotte  —  Mar 15, 2007

Deckhead:

Tequila Sunrise

Body:

I am getting old. Damn old. I’m old enough to be one of the oldest people on campus. Except, of course, for virtually all the grad students, professors, administrators, staff and people who hang out at CTB without having any reason to do so. These people, along with my parents and anyone born before 1984, will no doubt throw stuff at me now. They are, after all, a substantial majority.

Handicapped should be treated with compassion

Mar 15, 2007

Deckhead:

Re: “For Terri,” Opinion, March 8

Body:

To the Editor:

Although it was encouraging to see Mark Coombs’ column dedicated to Terri Schiavo, I would like to clarify a few issues that Mr. Coombs brought up.

First, I am unaware of Mr. Coombs’ source when he states that the Schindler family “encouraged [Michael] to move on with his life and begin dating other women.” However, I find this hard to believe given that the Schindlers were shocked when Michael began to cohabitate with, become engaged to, and eventually have two children with Jodi Centonze while still married to Terri.

Orgies, Adultery and Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

Bill McMorris  —  Mar 14, 2007

Deckhead:

John Manetta Once Told Me

Body:

Liberal Democrats and apologist Republicans alike are calling for the head of Marine Corp General Peter Pace. General Pace, who also happens to be the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has come under fire for his irresponsibility. His “irresponsible” behavior had nothing to do with a lack of body armor or the disgraceful treatment of wounded veterans at Walter Reed. General Pace drew the ire of the left for something much more important than the safety of our soldiers: he made “irresponsible” comments regarding the Clinton administration’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy and homosexuality in the military.

Columnist fails to distinguish between ethanol and biofuels

Mar 14, 2007

Deckhead:

Re: “Children of the Corn,” Opinion, March 12

Body:

To the Editor:

In his most recent column “Children of the Corn,” Jeff Purcell grad takes his usual emphatic stance while exposing an issue that many were unaware even existed. In this particular case, Mr. Purcell deserves only partial kudos. America’s commitment to corn-based ethanol is, as Purcell asserts, a product of the corn lobby’s political influence and should be curbed, if not altogether stopped. But Purcell’s unqualified dismissal of ethanol and biofuels in general is incorrect and ignorant of crucial distinctions within the sphere of renewable energy sources.

Spring Break Ramblings

Carl Menzel  —  Mar 14, 2007

Deckhead:

Southern Style

Body:

It’s the most wonderful week of the year. The countdown for Spring Break has begun. Less than three days until the chains are broken from academia for the glorious week of freedom, relaxation and much needed rest. With the warmer weather finally setting in, Spring Break is on the horizon.

Not all sororities judge on appearances

Mar 14, 2007

Deckhead:

Re: “Mean Girls” Opinion, March 12

Body:

To the Editor:

As a member of a sorority here at Cornell, I feel like I am constantly fighting stereotypes. Articles such as “Mean Girls” by Hannah Stearns ’07 only make it worse. This article talked about an incident at a sorority at DePauw University and then preceded to generalize about all sororities. My favorite statement of the article: “But girls go into rush knowing full well that they are joining an institution based on appearance, not character.” Questioning the character of every chapter of every sorority based on one incident at one school is more than offensive, its illogical. A key part of Cornell’s sorority rush, that Stearns conveniently fails to mention, is conversation. As a freshman (or sophomore) going through rush, you spend all day walking from house to house and talking to the different girls. Believe it or not, what drove me to join the house that I am now a part of was how different each girl was. I looked around and saw that everyone got along and was accepted; I felt comfortable. I invite anyone on this campus to ask around, you’d be surprised how many of your classmates are in sororities and are actually nice people.

History Repeats Itself

Corey Earle  —  Mar 14, 2007

Deckhead:

Walking Backwards

Body:

“It is a great potential power for students. However, I don’t think it’s used to its full potential. I guess perhaps the biggest fault is apathy on campus.”

“I would think any body which represents various factions of the University needs to have things like a lot of people interested in being members, clear lines of what the authority and responsibilities are, clear debate on the issues and specific progress reports at the end of the year, and I haven’t seen too much of that.”

No Reason to Celebrate

Laura Taylor  —  Mar 13, 2007

Body:

This past Thursday marked International Women’s Day. Women and men across the world commemorated the day in a variety of ways. In the Philippines, women protested against new anti-terrorism laws. In Bangladesh, women’s groups organized rallies. In Nablus, the West Bank city recently paralyzed by an Israeli invasion, hundreds marched on a military checkpoint and demanded a lifting of the international boycott on their government.

If You Want a Convocation Speaker, Clap Your Hands

Janine Stanisz  —  Mar 13, 2007

Body:

With the reality that the year is coming to a close, typical end of the year questions come to mind for many Cornellians. While some excite the entire campus, such as who is coming for Slope Day (which, by the way, I don’t know), others are of particular interest to the graduating senior class, such as, who is our convocation speaker? While I will not take this opportunity to make any announcements, I feel that it is about time that the senior class has the opportunity to more fully understand the process leading up to this decision and final outcome.

Skip and Alan

Josh Plotnik  —  Mar 13, 2007

Deckhead:

Alumni Viewpoint

Body:

As a graduate student at Emory University, I often reflect on my Cornell undergraduate education with admiration and laughter. It was four of the most difficult years of my life but during that time, at the risk of sounding cliché, I met some of the most influential friends and teachers in my life.

Hello