Opinion

Staff editorial: Total devastation

The perfect storm that came ashore Monday morning devastated America's Gulf Coast. People in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida are picking up whatever pieces are left of the life they once lived. Especially hard-hit was New Orleans, with eighty percent of it underwater.

Staff editorial: AU library needs help

We realize that AU's library may not be the best in the nation, but as rankings just released named it the 12th worst in the country, we're forced to wonder where all the money is going and what could be done to improve it in the eyes of students. While one could argue that AU students have resources like the Library of Congress at their fingertips, we must point out that these resources are often inconvenient to use on a regular-basis and hard to get to.

All thumbs

Thumbs up Ladner's "optimism"... After it was announced that AU President Ladner would be suspended pending the Board of Trustee's investigation of his alleged misuse of AU funds, we're glad to hear he thinks everything will be a-OK. AU goes up one notch on US News & World Report's College Rankings .

The Race Card: Liberals' favorite card in the deck

One of the most effective tools in the liberal arsenal is the race card. It is short, exploits struggle and comes easily from a philosophy based around entitlement and exclusionary practices. While it's no secret that it's used, it still hurts when they call the "religious right" racist.

AU study abroad program sets example after London terror attacks

With this summer's terrorist bombings of London, we are reminded that while it's unfortunate the world community has to come to terms with the fact terrorism is a clear and present danger in every corner of the globe, to deny that reality would be dangerous.

Smoking Ban leaves smokers and workers out in the cold

As the members of the D.C. City Council debate over the highly controversial restaurant and bar smoking ban, I find myself wondering where I left my pack of Marlboro Lights. New York City is one thing and California is another, but the idea of the capital of the free world infringing on our civil liberties is .

Smokers, butt out of our meals

The nation's capital could join several other cities in banning smoking in indoor restaurants and bars by the end of this year. While initially being opposed to a ban, the city's leaders have seen the light and are now putting the public's health ahead of the status quo.

More than fundraising?

There has been a lot of scrutiny of AU President Benjamin Ladner's use of his expense account in the wake of an anonymous tip to the Board of Trustees. The informant alleged that Ladner fraudulently wrote off expenses as university related. This is a serious charge and should be investigated fully, but it should also be remembered that Ladner is innocent until proven guilty.

Comics

Staff editorial: AU continues upward climb

In the past, when we told people we go to AU, they'd say, "Oh. Where's that?" But with the school's steady improvements, people are starting to respond instead with, "Oh, I hear that's a good school." Some students complain that President Benjamin Ladner, who received the second highest salary of any D.

Is activism the answer?

On my way to Subway the other day, the rants and raves of a multitude of protesters emanated from Farragut Square Park, but one in particular caught my ear. I looked up to see a sandal-clad, pony tail-haired, ripped cargo shorts-sporting hippie kid appearing from an alleyway.

All thumbs: Advice for freshmen

Thumbs Up Get off the red line ... D.C. is a fun city with tons to do, so make sure you do it. We live in one of the nicest parts of the District, but while the allure of Tenleytown is tempting the real joy of D.C. lies elsewhere. Make sure to get involved in the city's celebrations, including the internationally-reknowned spring Cherry Blossom festival.

Letter to the editor

Dear Editor: Seth Johnson's line of reasoning that a liberal should not have an opinion on who becomes the next pope is specious at best. The U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted the First Amendment to require a "wall of separation" between church and state; thus it not only prohibits government from adopting an official denomination or religion, but requires government to avoid excessive involvement in religion.

A salute to the best of England's crown jewel

It turns out that London, the tea-drinking capital of the Western world, really shares more in common with a cup of coffee. Coffee is an acquired taste, often a bitter one, but it's full of enough heart-starting bliss to make anyone an addict after one cup.

Opinion: No good reason to oppose estate tax

The problem with writing about something like the estate tax is that sane people have no way to respond. Let's say somebody walks up to you and says "I want to repeal the estate tax." Most people, being relatively sane, will respond with "What the hell? Why?" Then, when they realize that the repealer is serious, they'll start ranting.

No more political bickering

To say that the past nine months have been anything short of incredible in the political world would not give the time period justice. Highlighted by one of the most anticipated elections of all time, in the se nine months we have witnessed history over and over again.

All thumbs

Thumbs Up Pi Kappa Phi gets chartered ... Congratulations to the Pi Kaps, who persevered through a difficult situation and poured their hearts into getting the charter. McDowell Luau ... McDowell Hall is putting on a party Monday for residents to celebrate the end of the semester.