Barack Obama

Science & Politics

October 29, 2008 - 1:03am
By Molly OToole and Munier Salem

Next Tuesday, America will elect the next president of the United States and new members of the 111th Congress. Perhaps more than ever scientific issues are at the forefront of the political battleground. The interaction of science and politics exists at all levels from the elementary classroom, to the university laboratory, to the halls of congress, to the oval office.

Cornell and its faculty have long made significant contributions to not only science but scientific policy as well. They have also seen their research affected by policy, and thus have a lot to say about this relationship — its past and present circumstances, and what the future may bring.

Editorial

An Uncommon Choice

October 28, 2008 - 11:00pm

Nearly six years into a failing war and in the midst of the greatest economic crisis this country has faced in nearly a century, America needs an uncommon leader. After four years in the national spotlight, Sen. Barack Obama has proven himself to be that leader. It is for that reason that we endorse Obama’s candidacy for president of the United States.

BFFAE? Barry Writes Johnny a Letter

October 28, 2008 - 11:00pm
By Shaun Werbelow

Dear Sen. McCain,

As we approach what many will call the final stretch of an historic campaign, I would like to formally commend you for your valiant effort. You may be aware, as it is widely accepted, that I posses a significant lead in all polls, to be the next President of the United States. Now let us not get ahead of ourselves; the race is far from over. However, I believe that the American people are ready for change and that I will soon be elected President of the United States of America.

The Global Election

October 27, 2008 - 10:31pm
By Rob Coniglio
Worldwide expectations and interest in the upcoming election is at an unusual high. And if you look at the Gallup poll recently conducted among 70 countries, only four had a plurality of respondents supporting McCain. Coniglio delves into some of his reasoning as to why this is so.

To Bomb or Not to Bomb

October 23, 2008 - 9:25pm
By Donial Dastgir
The bully on the playground may crush the other kids for awhile, but he'll only breed more resentment and,in the end, still be alone. In the same way, continuing threats to bomb Iran without considering the consequences is a dangerous step. In this blog, Donial Dagistar, an Iranian himself with family in Iran, talks about the importance of diplomacy in foreign relations, particularly with relation to Iran.

The Tax Cut Fallacy

October 22, 2008 - 9:34am
By Lee Blum
Obama's tax plan may sound good, but did you know it allows total tax liability to be reduced to below zero? Say that a couple pays $1,000 in income taxes per year. Assuming that there is a $2,000 refundable tax credit and that this couple qualifies for the tax credit, the couple would receive a check from the government in the amount of $1,000, according to Obama’s plan. The Tax Foundation also estimates that approximately 44 percent of all tax filers will have zero income tax liability under this proposal. Blum further discusses this very pertinent issue in his blog, focusing in on the true effects of the Obama tax plan.

After Endorsement, Obama Says Powell Will Have Role in Administration

October 20, 2008 - 7:37am
By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Colin Powell will have a role as a top presidential adviser in an Obama administration, the Democratic White House hopeful said Monday.

"He will have a role as one of my advisers," Barack Obama said on NBC's "Today" in an interview aired Monday, a day after Powell, a four-star general and President Bush's former secretary of state, endorsed him.

"Whether he wants to take a formal role, whether that's a good fit for him, is something we'd have to discuss," Obama said.

What’s This ‘Absentee Ballot’ For, Again?

October 19, 2008 - 11:00pm
By Yevgeniy Feldman

Before I begin this, I would first like to respond to all my detractors from two weeks ago. Yes, the Ron Paul folks sent me countless emails and left countless more comments on cornellsun.com. Although I was tempted to just print the same column again, to drive home a point, I instead decided to do some research and “oil my gears with the truth.” The conclusion? They have an agenda and I don’t. And who was that guy who wrote to me that, “as a senior citizen and an observer of economic trends over the last 45 years … [more libertarian agenda]”? Was that you, Dr. Paul? I looked it up and 45 years is actually about how long Ron Paul has been claiming to understand the economy. Ron Paulites, you made this personal.

Where's Higher Education?

October 17, 2008 - 7:35am
By Donial Dastgir and Elizabeth Manapsal
“The U.S. spends more per capita than any other country on education. Yet, by every international measurement, in math and science competence, from kindergarten through the 12th grade, we trail most of the countries of the world. The implications of this are clearly obvious. Some even say it poses a threat to our national security. Do you feel that way and what do you intend to do about it?" Schieffer asked Obama and McCain. But with both candidates, little reform was suggested. How can students in debt start families, afford entry-level jobs, purchase homes, and ultimately contribute to America's development?

Guest Column

The Middle Class Should Be Furious

October 16, 2008 - 11:00pm

Laura Martin | Guest Room

Some people like John McCain. I have gotten your attention with a disruptive exclamation … rather like shouting “sex!” in a quiet room. Let’s be honest, the 2004 election wasn’t nearly this interesting. The prospect of another four years of Bush seemed ominous and slightly annoying, but there was nothing to be feared but more-of-the-same. Besides, the only real opposition to the inept incumbent was an unpalatable beneficiary of the ketchup dynasty.