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Saturday, June 13, 2026
The Observer

Opinion


The Observer

Pineapples

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Everyone experiences life-changing moments. For some, it was ripping open that Notre Dame acceptance letter. For others, it was picking a major or locking eyes with that special someone in class. For me, it was discovering "Psych," a TV show on USA Network.


The Observer

Hello, our name is Asiatic Gaze

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These are stories that we of Asiatic Gaze have experienced at a university that is "committed to diversity ... because it is a moral and intellectual necessity."



The Observer

Congratulations, Holy Cross transfers

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As the first couple of weeks of the new school year begin, I would like to take the time to recognize a special group of individuals. Each semester, a group of transfer students from colleges and universities all across the world enter the realms of Notre Dame in pursuit of their continuing college education. A small group of these transfer students come from Holy Cross. No, I'm not talking about the one in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The Observer

Perry's "injustice"

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In a speech announcing his candidacy for President, Rick Perry bemoaned "the injustice that nearly half of all Americans don't even pay any income tax." Forgetting that everyone, regardless of income level, still pays state and local income, payroll and sales taxes, Perry characterized half of Americans as Exhibit A in his case against the welfare state. Should a family of four surviving on $26,400 or less annually get away without paying federal income taxes? Perry thinks we are witnesses to an injustice here.


The Observer

A new sheriff in town

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It started like any other night at the bar. The cowboys were settling in after a long day, drinks in hand, their sweethearts nestled beside them, the piano player playing a rickety tune in the back corner. All was peaceful until a gunshot broke the silence.


The Observer

Make or break for Republican party

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While the Republican Party is too powerful to fold, it is becoming increasingly susceptible to a dramatic short-term setback. Unfortunately, many early GOP frontrunners are willing to take stances that isolate moderate voters.



The Observer

President Perry

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I know all of you care who I am going to endorse for the upcoming republican presidential nomination, therefore let me get it out in the open so that I have hard evidence to cite when I am proven correct. Not only am I picking Gov. Rick Perry to be the party nominee, but I am also predicting him as our 45th president.


The Observer

A sad story

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I went to mass on Tuesday and, as you know, there was a free picnic afterwards. As I waited in line for food, a girl with a huge Canon camera came up to me. She told me she was with the newspaper and asked if she could take my picture for The Observer's section called "Question of the Day."


The Observer

Locked out

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You know that old motivational speech where the coach tells you not to let your opponent come into your house and steal your momma's television? Well, what happens when you can't get into the house because you lost the keys?


The Observer

And so it begins

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Beginnings, by definition, are moments of incompleteness. They are the commencement of something that is not yet. So, thankfully, beginnings are filled with freshness, a sense that anything can happen. And yet, for precisely that same reason, but not always so thankfully, beginnings are also filled with uncertainty, disorientation, even some fear or anxiety.


The Observer

Athletic Department needs to use honest marketing

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Like just about everyone at Notre Dame, I'm a huge sports fan. Unlike quite a few people here, though, neither of my parents own or run any companies that are household names, so I'm not exactly rolling in dough.


The Observer

Murder and medical ethics

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I spent last fall as a teaching assistant in Medical Ethics. I was responsible for leading two discussion sections every Friday. My students taught me a great deal — though not what I expected.


The Observer

Changes ahead

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This issue marks the second issue in The Observer's 45th year. Yes, The Observer is older than many of your parents. You would think by now we would be a polished, well-oiled operation.


The Observer

The real Saint Mary's

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On behalf of the faculty and staff at Saint Mary's College, I extend a warm welcome to the Class of 2015 and our transfer students. As the 11th president of Saint Mary's, and a proud alumna, I know how powerful this experience will be for you. You will spend the next four years in a rigorous academic environment supported by an excellent faculty, close friends and a deeply caring staff.




The Observer

Dance parties and other tips

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When my sister headed off to college a year after I did, I wasn't sure what to give her, but I knew that as a rising sophomore I had an infinite amount of wisdom to share.