Opinion

DNB solutions to grow the economy

By The Observer · Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011

During the summer, I drafted an op-ed about an economic agenda that President Obama could propose to help the American economy. The agenda was not simply Republican tax cuts or Democratic spending ideas, but more nuanced solutions that reflect the two major challenges President Obama faces in passing any legislation: (1) an unsustainable national debt that has made additional deficit spending politically toxic and (2) an ultra-conservative Republican Party unwilling to compromise.

To my brother

By The Observer · Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011

Sept. 19: 262nd day of the year (263rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar; Armed Forces Day in Chile; a Christian Feast day for six saints; the day Charlie Chaplin was refused reentry into the US in 1952 until he had been investigated; International Talk Like a Pirate Day; and the day the new season of How I Met Your Mother premieres.

Rally all of Notre Dame

By The Observer · Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011

The "greatest of all university fight songs," the Notre Dame Victory March, is a powerful expression of school spirit, but it does not currently reflect the totality of the Notre Dame student body and athletic teams.

Looking past the statistics

By The Observer · Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011

As a recent graduate of the college of Arts & Letters, I am encouraged to see discussions about the challenges A & L majors face as they near graduation. However, I do take issue with some the statements in the "Don't be Discouraged" letter ("Arts and Letters students: don't be discouraged," Sept. 15).

Dead in the water

By The Observer · Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011

I may be a peace studies major, but my history with goldfish is nothing short of a bloody massacre tainting my otherwise virtuous college career.

Not exactly the perfect crime

By The Observer · Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011

Dear anonymous bike thief,

Improving the world

By The Observer · Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011

Nearly everyone associated with Notre Dame — students, faculty, alumni and administrators — incessantly talks about the "Notre Dame community." The phrase is uttered so often it begins to lose some of its meaning, but this weekend will serve as a useful reminder of what it actually stands for.

What not to do to make a lasting relationship

By The Observer · Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011

As many of you know, when it comes to gender relations on campus, the phenomenon called "the hook-up" reigns supreme. A hook-up has a wide definition, from kissing to sex, and everything in between. Back in the day when I was an undergrad, the hook-up meant that my friend, who worked at a fast food restaurant, threw an extra hamburger or French fries in my bag free of charge. Although different, there is still the underlying concept of something freely given and received with no cost or commitment. Of course, in both situations, there is a cost. We just choose to ignore that cost in order to maintain the fantasy of self-importance. I was told by a reliable source that most hook-ups on campus begin at parties where alcohol is present. The music is tight, lots of people dressed to party (especially during Halloween), alcohol is freely flowing and there is plenteous grinding (which some mistake for dancing). There is no official invitation to hook up. It just sort of happens. You know, the chemistry is right and "s/he was so into me!" Sometimes the couple will move to a private setting, and at other times they will continue the hook-up in full view of those attending the party. On many occasions the determining factor becomes how much alcohol has been consumed.