opinion

Ware scare

By The Observer · Monday, Oct. 3, 2011

At the beginning of last summer, as I went to pick up the subletting forms from the recently-graduated student whose apartment I'd be renting, I had a stark realization. It came via ominous warning.

Something worth fighting for

By The Observer · Monday, Oct. 3, 2011

Yesterday I spent $5.95 on a Pizza Pollo at Recker's. It tasted like happiness, as always. It also cost the same as about 12 human lives.

Over this past summer, the Catholic University of America announced that it was abandoning coed student housing and reverting to a model of single-sex residences beginning with the class of 2015. In an editorial piece published in The Wall Street Journal, university President John Garvey argued that the change would help reduce the prevalence of binge drinking among undergraduates, and would also prevent further development of a "hook-up culture" on campus.

Europe's double conundrum

By The Observer · Monday, Oct. 3, 2011

There seems to be a lot of good news coming out of Europe in the past couple of days. First, Greece recently passed a new string of austerity measures, most notably a new property tax, aimed at closing its budget deficit. This will likely satisfy the troika, composed of the International Monetary Fund, European Central Bank and European Union, which administers the bailouts given to Greece. As a result, Greece will likely receive the next part of its bailout package, about $8 billion, which will keep the Greek government solvent until December.

Grinding my gears

By The Observer · Monday, Oct. 3, 2011

Reading Dr. Moss' article "Hip-hop night education" (Sept. 30) made me think (which, if you ask my friends, is something I do not do nearly as much as I should).

Who needs to readjust?

By The Observer · Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011

Last week, Gary Caruso argued that "religious institutions need to adjust in a way that casts off ancient and outdated traditions whose time to end is upon us." Caruso was questioning University President Fr. John Jenkins' recent petition to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) that the definition of "religious employer" in the pending health care regulations be expanded so that the University will not be required to issue contraceptive services in future health insurance packages.

Al-Awlaki killing had to be done

By The Observer · Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011

Last Friday, Sept. 30, U.S.-born terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki was killed in an American counterterrorism operation in Yemen. Al-Awlaki, who maintained U.S. citizenship, was a key player in al-Qaeda's effort against the United States and, according to U.S. officials, was instrumental in the planning of multiple attempted terrorist attacks on American soil.

Challenging a taboo

By The Observer · Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011

When I read Dr. G. David Moss's article "Hip-hop night education" (Sept. 30), I felt myself agreeing with a lot of what he said.

Catholic identity

By The Observer · Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011

I applaud Fr. Jenkins's recent petition to the Department of Health and Human Services for a more inclusive conscience clause. It shows a commitment to Catholic moral teaching and adds an influential voice to those of all religious groups seeking a conscience clause to protect their beliefs.

Child within

By The Observer · Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011

While cleaning out my closet this summer, I discovered artifacts of a former self — the child. This pack rat left me with a week's worth of cleaning, discarding and donating. Who did she think she was, collecting hundreds of Walgreens birthday cards and 2nd grade grammar worksheets?