opinion

Human solidarity lacking

By The Observer · Monday, May 2, 2011

Before any other words are written, let us remember the sons and daughters of America who have sacrificed their lives for our security. Let us pray that we will not be faced with more of our troops' lives being taken away in the future.

... the human soul on fire'

By The Observer · Sunday, May 1, 2011

It is truly a privilege when the people who inspire you are not historical figures in textbooks with whom you will never be able to speak. It is a privilege when the people whom you admire are not distant celebrities with whom you will never be able to sit down for a cup of coffee. It is a genuine privilege when the people who do and will make a sincere difference in their communities and in the world are friends who have both listened to your thoughts and taught you so much regarding the issues about which they care so deeply. I am honored, in my final column of the year, to be able to share my thanks for the inspiration that I have received from three incredible seniors.

A wedding worth the wake-up call

By The Observer · Sunday, May 1, 2011

It's 5:15 on Friday morning and I technically don't have to be awake for another four hours. Instead, my alarm is telling me that it's time to get out of bed.

A misguided 'path to prosperity'

By The Observer · Sunday, May 1, 2011

Recently, Congressman Paul Ryan, the 41-year-old Chairman of the House Budget Committee, revealed the Republican version of the 2012 budget for the federal government titled "The Path to Prosperity." "The Path to Prosperity" cuts over $4 trillion from the national debt during the next decade by reforming government programs and simplifying the U.S tax code. While Mr. Ryan should be commended for his work, his budget contains misguided policies that are more geared towards creating a political firestorm than much needed compromise.

M.E.Ch.A. a force for unity

By The Observer · Sunday, May 1, 2011

First, I would like to thank Amanda Gray for providing M.E.Ch.A and Latina/os at Notre Dame with a positive portrayal of the work that we do ("Latinos maintain culture on campus," April 20). I would also like to thank Jessica Lujan for her views in "A Different Way to be Latino" (April 27) — she is right, there are many different ways of expressing our identity. However, I would like to address several incorrect assumptions that she made about our club, "M.E.Ch.A." Her Viewpoint article essentially denied the existence of a nationwide attack on the Latino population via discriminatory legislation and the anti-immigrant hysteria in our country. Allert Brown Gort argues that today Latinos are often associated with being immigrants, who are equated with being "illegal" and who are then demonized by a society that benefits from their disadvantaged status. I am glad that Miss Lujan was fortunate enough to never experience this type of discrimination, but the truth is that Latina/os are targeted and scapegoated everyday.

True Life: I love Will and Kate

By The Observer · Sunday, May 1, 2011

I truly hope, for all of those reading this, that you are not yet sick of the Royal Wedding. Additional warning: This column may or may not contain elements of cheese. Proceed with caution.