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Tension headache

By The Observer · Monday, Dec. 3, 2012

Ah, yes, what would a good thing that happens to Notre Dame be without its trusty confederate - controversy?

The Observer

Finals week isn't so bad

By The Observer · Monday, Dec. 3, 2012

While I'm definitely not looking forward to the tests and projects that next week will bring, there are a few reasons why I look forward to finals week each year. Though many of my friends resent that I have more papers than hard-core exams and more projects than cramming, I am still going to take this opportunity to put into writing the parts of finals week that can be just a little bit enjoyable (even if you do have have plenty of tests to study for).

The Observer

Smicket tension

By The Observer · Monday, Dec. 3, 2012

We were not aware that the student tickets for the two schools competing in the national championship would be allotted to three schools.

The Observer

Lottery logic

By The Observer · Monday, Dec. 3, 2012

To the surprise of some, on Sunday it was announced the BCS student ticket lottery would be open to Saint Mary's students. Without a doubt, this will rekindle the long-standing debate regarding the relationship between Notre Dame and Saint Mary's. Saint Mary's is, and always will be, a part of the Notre Dame family. As the topic heats up, I would urge everyone to stay on the topic of ticket sales and keep their arguments away from the value of the relationship between the two schools. This isn't about the relationship, or even Saint Mary's in particular. To me, this is about the connection between the Irish and their student body. For two years, I covered sports teams at both schools. Saint Mary's teams are not the same as Notre Dame teams. Notre Dame teams are not the same as Saint Mary's teams. Athletes and coaches do not consider them to be the same. Rather, they attribute their successes to their separate schools. Both academic institutions have separate athletic teams to represent each individual school, with which comes a unique connection to each corresponding student body. There is a sacred connection between collegiate athletes and the students they directly represent. To many students at this University, attending the National Championship isn't just an opportunity to watch some of the best athletes in the country compete for an NCAA title. For many, this is an opportunity to watch their friends, classmates and peers strive for excellence. They are all current students at the University of Notre Dame. No other fan or supporter, even alumni, can claim that exact connection with the Fighting Irish. When those elite athletes take the field, they represent the Notre Dame student body as well. Thus, it is only fair the students being represented by the team have a special advantage in watching that very team represent them. The student lottery gives a select group of applicants an advantage over all other fans to attend the game and support the team. Methods like this are a time-honored tradition, giving the students of the University represented a higher chance of attending the game. Due to the unique connection Notre Dame students have with the team, this is an advantage that needs to be protected. Conversely, Notre Dame students cannot claim to feel that same connection to any other athletic team, including teams from Saint Mary's. All  fans of Notre Dame deserve a chance to go to the game, especially the Saint Mary's students who have followed the team so closely this year. Yet, for all the aforementioned reasons, in some form or another, it's the students of Notre Dame who deserve precedence over other applicants in the application process.

The Observer

SMC at the BCS

By The Observer · Monday, Dec. 3, 2012

I found it incredibly disheartening to read the article, "Championship ticket tension" and the comments that have arisen from it. I'm a proud student at Saint Mary's College, and I've been so blessed to attend the school that I do. However, I've also considered myself blessed to have Notre Dame right across the street. These two institutions have such a strong history, and it's sad that instead of this historic season bringing the communities together, it's tearing them apart.

The Observer

Christmas break panic

By The Observer · Monday, Dec. 3, 2012

It is December of my senior year, and I am in a panic. I have finals coming up, I only have one semester left with all of my friends before being thrust into the real world, and I don't have a job.

The Observer

Just say 'Hello'

By The Observer · Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012

Like many Saint Mary's and Notre Dame students, I am currently keeping myself from falling into a school-induced coma by consuming obnoxious amounts of caffeine and listening to Pandora as I sprint to the finish line of the semester. I am not the only senior, or student, for that matter, who is feeling the strain before finals week even commences.   Because we are all so busy, I think we sometimes forget to notice those around us. Before Thanksgiving break, my mom came to pick me up. As we took the stairs down from my fifth-floor single we passed a couple of other students. Not taking any notice of them, I continued on my way - but my mom, behind me, said hello to them. "Sarah, don't you guys ever say hello to each other?" she said, shocked at the indifference I and the other students showed to one another. This made me think: Do I say hello to other people as I encounter them or do I ignore my fellow human beings? This past week, I have tried to look beyond the stress in my own life and say hello to everyone I encounter in the hall or in the stairwell alone. There are three responses to this: Some people smile and say "Hello" or "Hey" back, some just smile and others will flat-out ignore me. Since some people responded, I concluded that students in general are not so stressed that they can't take notice of their surroundings. It's more likely that they just feel awkward and don't want to confront the situation. I'm challenging others and myself to say hello to each other despite the uncomfortable feeling, even during a stressful time like the week before finals. Students at Saint Mary's and Notre Dame are serious about their studies. It's easy to ignore the girl passing in the hall alone or the other boy in the elevator, but interacting with a new student allows us to build the community that is Saint Mary's and Notre Dame. Some people think I am a bit strange for trying to say hello to everyone. If you're still not convinced, here are three reasons to say hello: 1. You learn how to approach people you have never met - a useful skill for the real world beyond college. 2. You might meet someone who could change your life. 3. You may make someone's bad day a little better. So instead of pulling out your phone and pretending to text next time you pass someone in the hall, look up, smile and say hello. Who knows who you might encounter? Contact Sarah Swiderski at sswide01@saintmarys.edu The views expressed in the Inside Column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

The Observer

The beauty of music

By The Observer · Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012

You can never have too much music. The soul revels in it, and its deepness can sweeten any bitter moment. On Saturday afternoon, I rushed to DeBartolo Performing Arts Center because I was late for a sacred organ music recital. I eventually made it to the Reyes Organ and Choral Hall. The usher opened the door like a magician, and all at once the organ emerged - colossal and stunning, from the burnt-orange wood to the gleam of its lead-tin pipes. The whole mass of it resembled the ruins of classical Greece. The pipes, like columns, were remarkable - steady, thick and silver, bearing the weight of the timber. Ornamental sculpture of mollusks, waves, water lilies, roses, rabbits, owls, cardinals, grasses and tulips hugged the colonnades, inspired by the idea that everything that has life and breath praises God. Only the organ's shadow surpassed it in size. And, like the temples, the organ housed the sacred - music that manifested sweet mysteries, where the melody of faith flourished and the soul loved its beliefs. During some songs, the tune trickled into my ears like the whistle of a nightingale. During others, it splashed against my heart like a tempest tide, bellows striking the core, not ending until my ribs slowly ceased to tremble. And with that, everybody applauded and left. This is the life of the organ. I write about it now to share with you, as you hold onto this paper while eating lunch or dinner, or perhaps sitting at your desk. After running helter-skelter from class to class, with finals looming in our thoughts, seize a moment of freedom to indulge in a choir, a concert, a recital or perhaps the morning birds on their branches. It's a refreshment from headphones and buttons, and a liberation from dullness and anxiety. To the Theology Department, the Master of Sacred Music program and the artists who performed on Saturday: Thank you. Steven Fisher freshman Fisher Hall Dec. 2

The Observer

Cliff notes

By The Observer · Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012

The fiscal cliff is a combination of automatic tax increases and spending cuts, all scheduled to start Jan. 1, 2013. One component is the expiring "Bush tax cuts," or $4 trillion in temporary tax measures passed in 2001 and 2003. Another component is the "sequester," the consequence of the famous "super committee" failure to reach a major deal. The sequester, $2 trillion in automatic cuts to defense (something Republicans dislike) and to social programs (something Democrats dislike), was supposed to give members of the committee an incentive to reach an agreement. The super committee could not reach an agreement, however, forcing the sequester to begin Jan. 1. There are other smaller, but still significant provisions, such as the expiration of the payroll tax cut, physician Medicare reimbursement cuts and the expiration of unemployment insurance extensions, all starting on Jan. 1.   Amidst this policy uncertainty, the nation's debt ceiling, which currently stands at $16.3 trillion, will be "hit" by the end of the year. Raising the debt ceiling is not a question of spending more money, but allowing the Treasury to borrow money to meet its current obligations. Not raising the debt ceiling would lead to a default, the most irresponsible fiscal measure that any country can pursue. Even before it started, the fiscal cliff has weakened the American economy through tremendous uncertainty. This uncertainty has delayed decision-making on investment and hiring for small businesses and corporations. The actual implementation of the fiscal cliff, though, would be devastating. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the fiscal cliff would cause the American economy to contract at a rate of 5 percent (leading to a new recession) and increase  unemployment from 7.9 percent to 9.1 percent. If America went off the cliff, the stock market would plunge, interest rates would begin to rise and faith in the American economy would be shattered. Deficit reduction is necessary for our country's fiscal future, but the methods of the fiscal cliff are misguided because massive deficit reduction policies should not be implemented immediately. The budget deficit would be smaller, yes, but America would face a situation similar to the eurozone: A recession with weak projected growth and high-budget deficits. The optimal course for America is to stimulate the economy now through short-term government spending, but couple it with long-term balanced deficit reduction that begins in small doses and increases as the economy strengthens. There are countless scenarios for the fiscal cliff's outcome. Amongst all the options, a policy consensus is beginning to emerge: Avoid the cliff by passing a deficit reduction package of approximately $4 trillion with 25 percent coming from increased tax revenues by broadening the tax base and eliminating loopholes, and the other 75 percent coming from cuts to entitlements, social spending and defense. This is the framework of the "Simpson- Bowles" plan that has received support not only from the policy and business communities, but also from liberal, moderate and conservative members of Congress. Will we go over the fiscal cliff and see unemployment rise, the economy weaken and economic confidence fade? Given everything that has happened over the past few years, it is largely reasonable to think America will squander the opportunity created by the fiscal cliff. As the countless political pundits offer their takes on the outcome, I look to a perspective offered by Alexis de Tocqueville, whose famous tour of America in the early 19th century, chronicled in "Democracy in America," is still an inspiration for Americans today. Tocqueville said that in the United States, "events move from the impossible to the inevitable without stopping at the probable." Adam Newman is a senior political science major. He can be reached at anewman3@nd.edu The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

The Observer

Black magic

By The Observer · Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012

Black Friday is a prime example of the power of American consumerism. Stores gradually start to go from the red to the black, hence the name Black Friday. And because of the importance of this spending season to the stores, they want to ensure that they have a huge consumer base, regardless of the implications. For example, in the past couple of years, stores have expanded their hours into Thanksgiving Day. In 2010 and 2011, Toys 'R' Us and Walmart opened Thursday at 10 p.m. This year, many major stores followed their lead, and others opened even earlier. Thanks to our consumption-focused society, this day, previously reserved exclusively for thanks and family time, has now been given the name "Gray Thursday." Stores do not respect Thanksgiving enough to wait until midnight to open. The main reason is they cannot afford to, since they are competing against one another for buyers. Being among the first stores to open is critical because it can lead to drawing more customers. However, opening early affects both employees and shoppers. Many employees have to sacrifice their relaxing Thanksgiving dinners and time with family. Some shoppers feel pressure to do the same. Pretty soon, we'll be seeing Thanksgiving dinners set up on the sidewalks outside of Walmart because buying gifts trumps having a quality holiday dinner with family. That is the message that the stores are sending to our society. This message - that consumerism equals happiness and materials are more important than relationships - is willingly accepted throughout the holiday season. If a person does not have the best purse, shoes, computer or phone, then they don't have as much worth. The message that our society sends is that what someone buys is a direct result of how much money they make, and how much money they make shows how important they are. This sometimes results in a competition to buy the best gifts for loved ones during the Christmas season. But a better gift to give would be our time, and the unspent money could be given to those who are actually in need. This idea is from the Advent Conspiracy (AC) movement. AC's YouTube videos help us reflect on Christmas and what it is really supposed to be. They explain that Americans spend about $450 billion dollars on Christmas every year, when all it takes to make clean water available to everyone in the world is $10 billion. If we donated just 2.2 percent of what we spend on Christmas to Living Water International, an organization that AC has continually supported, more than a billion people without clean water and sanitation would be given those necessities. But as Americans, we are often more concerned about other "crises," like having the latest iPhone. God forbid we ever let something happen to us where we feel like a "black sheep," a term that has been applied to BlackBerry users. We buy the latest gizmos and gadgets instead of focusing on real crises in our world, like the necessities of food, health, shelter and clean water. One of the points from the AC videos was that "right now you stand in line to buy things others don't need, while others must stand in line because they can't afford the things they need." This quote is never truer than on Black Friday.   In Mackelmore's song "Wings," he articulates that society has made consumption run in our veins: "My movement told me be a consumer and I consumed it." But in the end, the consumption just consumes us. We end up focusing on insignificant material things, when really we could be giving the gift of our time instead of shopping for the "perfect" material gift. The memories will last longer than any gift. So, instead of leaving Thanksgiving dinner early to buy that flat screen, spend the holiday with your family and donate the money you saved to a family in need. If this doesn't sound appealing to you, you can check out Target's 2013 Black Friday - it's already up on their website, of course. Bridget Galassini can be reached at bgalassi@nd.edu The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

The Observer

Just say 'Hello'

By The Observer · Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012

Like many Saint Mary's and Notre Dame students, I am currently keeping myself from falling into a school-induced coma by consuming obnoxious amounts of caffeine and listening to Pandora as I sprint to the finish line of the semester. I am not the only senior, or student, for that matter, who is feeling the strain before finals week even commences.   Because we are all so busy, I think we sometimes forget to notice those around us. Before Thanksgiving break, my mom came to pick me up. As we took the stairs down from my fifth-floor single we passed a couple of other students. Not taking any notice of them, I continued on my way - but my mom, behind me, said hello to them. "Sarah, don't you guys ever say hello to each other?" she said, shocked at the indifference I and the other students showed to one another. This made me think: Do I say hello to other people as I encounter them or do I ignore my fellow human beings? This past week, I have tried to look beyond the stress in my own life and say hello to everyone I encounter in the hall or in the stairwell alone. There are three responses to this: Some people smile and say "Hello" or "Hey" back, some just smile and others will flat-out ignore me. Since some people responded, I concluded that students in general are not so stressed that they can't take notice of their surroundings. It's more likely that they just feel awkward and don't want to confront the situation. I'm challenging others and myself to say hello to each other despite the uncomfortable feeling, even during a stressful time like the week before finals. Students at Saint Mary's and Notre Dame are serious about their studies. It's easy to ignore the girl passing in the hall alone or the other boy in the elevator, but interacting with a new student allows us to build the community that is Saint Mary's and Notre Dame. Some people think I am a bit strange for trying to say hello to everyone. If you're still not convinced, here are three reasons to say hello: 1. You learn how to approach people you have never met - a useful skill for the real world beyond college. 2. You might meet someone who could change your life. 3. You may make someone's bad day a little better. So instead of pulling out your phone and pretending to text next time you pass someone in the hall, look up, smile and say hello. Who knows who you might encounter? Contact Sarah Swiderski at sswide01@saintmarys.edu The views expressed in the Inside Column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.  

The Observer

Trump's universe

By The Observer · Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012

One of the most welcome changes following the presidential election (besides the freedom from political ads on TV) was Donald Trump slithering out of national relevance. I'm not quite sure how he got there in the first place, but it involved initiating the absurd "birther movement," demanding President Obama's college transcripts, openly proclaiming the death of American democracy following the election results and urging the American people to rebel. Recently, Trump's children visited him and reportedly urged him to tone down his political commentary, as it was damaging his reputation as a real-estate mogul and entrepreneur. While this was a noble effort, especially considering the Trump kids stand to inherit whatever the Donald leaves behind, it was a futile one. Trump is legitimately insane and his election-time antics made that abundantly clear. I just don't think there's such a thing as regaining your reputation after that. Historically, a popular view of madness has been people who are mad argue right, but from wrong principles. That is, they logically form their thoughts from a set of principles and values, but the principles are insane and the resulting thought is insane. For example, Don Quixote adheres to a strict set of knightly ideals that govern his behavior, but he ends up doing things like fighting a herd of sheep. I feel like this definition of insanity does a pretty good job of summing up Donald Trump. Trump made a "big announcement" at the end of October, in which he offered to give $5 million to charity if President Obama would hand over his college transcripts and passport application for Trump's review. According to Trump, Obama's past is more enigmatic than the ethereal, silver wisps of hair that adorn the top of Trump's head. Also like Trump's hair, the President's origin is completely unclear, but is certainly not of this country, if even this universe. One of the natural laws of Trump's world is that something is true unless it can be irrefutably proven false. What's more, Trump must see that proof for himself, on his own desk. In Trump's universe, the POTUS has nothing more important to do than to hand over obscure documents to anyone who demands them. The president is subject to Trump's wishes and must comply with those wishes in a timely fashion. Trump has full authority to give the president an ultimatum in order to gain documents, and possessing these all-important pieces of information will certainly unravel a massive conspiracy. Further, if the result of some process does not align with Trump's personal beliefs, the process is inherently corrupt and should be overthrown. When looked at through this set of principles, Trump's deal with the president seems pretty logical. But there's still that hair. Or rather, that swirling mass of hair-like substance with no ostensible beginning or end. I just can't begin to imagine a universe in which that hair makes sense.

The Observer

Twas the night before Miami

By The Observer · Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012

'Twas the night before Miami, when all through Notre Dame Not a creature was stirring, everyone ready for the game. The cleats were flung by the doorway with care, In hopes that the National Championship soon would be there. The players were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of leprechauns danced in their heads. Brian Kelly in his pajamas holding a nice strong night cap, Had just settled his brain for a long pre-game nap. When out on the deck there arose such a clatter, Bob Diaco sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window Longo flew like a Raven, Tore open the shutters hoping it wasn't Nick Saban. The moon on the breast of the ocean below Gave the luster of mid-day waking up the echo. When, what to Kelly's wondering eyes should appear, But a single sun ray, and a whole bunch of beer. With a big old body, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be Theo Riddick. So up to the stadium the players, they flew, With a bus full of boys, and MantiTe'o too. More rapid than eagles his players they came, And coach whistled, and shouted, and called them by name! "Now Motta! Now, Brindza! Now, Martin and Louis Nix! On, Toma! On, Stockton! On, on Braxton and Hendrix! To the back of the endzone! Through the uprights with the ball! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!" As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the sideline Everett Golson came with a bound. He was dressed all in all green, from his head to his feet, And his jersey was soaked with sweat from the Miami heat. For the whole team he had put on his back, And he looked like a student-athlete, just opening his backpack. Jones' eyes - how they twinkled! His dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, just looking for his next carry! Shembo's little mouth guard was drawn up like a bow, As he tried his best to avoid getting turf toe. Kapron had a broad face and a big round belly, That shook when he laughed, just ask Brian Kelly! Golic was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And Jake laughed when he saw him, in spite of himself! A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon told the crowd they had nothing to dread. Eifert spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And scored lots of touchdowns, which was a huge perk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the field Goody goes! He sprang to the endzone, and his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew storming the field like a missile. But I heard Manti exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Champsionship to all, and to all a good-night!" Contact Jane McGraw at jmcgraw1@nd.edu The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

The Observer

Twin times

By The Observer · Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012

People always ask me, "How does it feel to be a twin?" The response I would like to give? "How does it feel to be a person?" The response I actually give? "It's pretty cool." Having an identical twin prompts tons of questions ranging from the logical to the outright foolish. My sister and I receive questions regarding simple things like logistics: "Do you share a room?" to the metaphysical: "What is your twin thinking right now?" These questions have also come up: Who's older? Do you guys fist fight? Who wins? If I punch her, will you feel it? Who's fatter? Will your kids be twins? Have you guys dated twins? Can I take you and your sister to the dance with me? Do you have the same dad? Same mom? How do your parents tell you apart? How do you guys tell each other apart? A woman once broke out into tears as we approached her because she had a twin phobia. Some family members can't tell us apart. On our 13th birthday, my parents confessed to us that we were switched at birth. "Don't worry," they said, "Just switch names from now on." Moments later, I found out they were kidding. It was the strangest three minutes of my life. Sometimes I swear I see people's eyes searching for the scar from our de-conjoining surgery. If you must know, it is on my left, and her right, hip. I'm kidding. But we have done the "conjoined-twin" thing. Being twins and wearing the same color shirt is really conducive to pretending like you're conjoined twins. That was a fun day. While walking around campus, I get random smiles and waves from strangers. I used to think people at Notre Dame were just really friendly, but no, they just know my sister and think I am her. The same thing happens on the opposite end: people who confront me asking why I didn't say hello. My answer? "That wasn't me, that was my twin sister!" It's really convincing. Being a twin is oddly entertaining. When we're in public I always wonder why people are staring at me. Then I remember they're not staring at me, but us. Getting stared at is definitely more uncomfortable than ego boosting and is also extremely noticeable. So is unsolicited picture-taking. We used to switch classes back in high school. It was fun for the first ten minutes, then the fun faded as we realized that we still had to take notes and listen for each other. For a very awkward period in our lives we wore matching clothes. We don't match anymore because, well, that would be extremely weird. Although admittedly, we did go through a phase where we tried to resurrect the matching thing, only to discover that we don't own any identical clothing. I think the dynamic of each twin relationship varies. I've encountered identical twins that want nothing to do with each other and barely make eye contact. I've also encountered twins who cannot be weaned off each other. It is interesting how two people who've lived pretty much the same life can turn out so different. My sister and I have similar personalities and interests. Our majors are different and we are involved in different activities, but for some reason, our paths are always intertwined. Last year we stopped speaking to each other over a petty disagreement. During that silent week, I ran into her in every nook and cranny of campus. Before that incident, we saw each other daily and seldom randomly came across each other. Eventually, it became too awkward so we started speaking again, but I couldn't help but wonder why that happened. Are we really meant to be together? My hope is we'll always be in relatively close proximity to each other; otherwise I couldn't really borrow her clothes. The longest we've ever been apart is eight weeks. We both did a Summer Service Learning Project and they ran congruently. I went to New Jersey and she stayed in South Bend. We didn't go a day without talking to each other and I'm sure I developed a mild case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from texting nonstop. I was nervous about being separated for so long. Before the SSLP, our longest separation was only four days. However, I managed. We gained more independence and realized that we aren't just "the twins," but two autonomous individuals. The distance really helped us grow closer and our disputes fell to a new low: a near 75 percent decrease, excluding all texting arguments. Being a twin has many more pros than cons. I have an automatic life-long friend, another wardrobe and an endless supply of inside jokes. I wouldn't change it for the world.   Leila Green is a sophomore English major and Portuguese minor. She is also the coordinator of YES, a youth group for at-risk kids in South Bend. If you would like to get involved, she can be reached at lgreen2@nd.edu The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.  

The Observer

Our class, our team, our final chance

By The Observer · Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012

As Notre Dame seniors, we have been through many bumps in the road. We have experienced the final remnants of the Charlie Weis era and the false promise of hope it provided, the heartbreak of a 6-6 season coupled with back-to-back 8-5 performances, and the tragedy of losing one of our own, Declan Sullivan. But we seniors limped into our final season with trust in our team, despite a look down our daunting schedule and the opinion of so-called "experts." As this season progressed our trust has been rewarded but our joy has been mixed once again with heartbreak over the losses experienced by our senior leader, MantiTe'o, and all the trials the senior players have experienced. Counted out from the start, deemed irrelevant, our team has achieved the impossible - a national championship game in Miami. A cause of this performance is found within the senior class, our unity, our strength and the bonds forged between the senior class and our football team. Together we have pushed through our adversity and together we have emerged on the other side, scarred but unbeaten in our final season. It is to the stands that Kapron turns to after a sack. It is to the stands that Manti salutes. It is not a one-way street, for in the team we find our strength. To the field we bring our hopes and dreams. On a crisp Saturday morning, we wake up early for the promise of the game. In our final season, it is the field and the players on it, wearing the brilliant, flashing, gold helmets that reflect the tradition of our University we look to for a unifying force. We have been everywhere around the world, from Ireland to Oklahoma, from Boston to Los Angeles, for our team, for our University. Nowhere else on earth can this type of bond be forged, but in the fires of tradition here at Notre Dame. Nowhere else can this spirit and the unity move a student body to such great heights. And so, now we find ourselves at a crossroads. As students purchase flights and hotels in Miami, we remain hopeful of a ticket, the elusive golden ticket that will allow us to enter the most entrancing of  venues, the National Championship game. As seniors, we have poured our heart and soul out together, players and students, for one final season, one final game. It is to that final game that we seek our one last retribution for the prior tribulations of our careers at Notre Dame. The administration has pledged 2,500 tickets, beyond our wildest expectations. And yet, a source of doubt remains. For there are 2,500 tickets for more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. And recently, we have learned that St. Mary's and Holy Cross students will be allowed to enter the lottery as well, raising that number to more than 14,000 students. Only 2,500 tickets for 14,000 students is entirely unfeasible for granting we seniors a fair chance to cheer our team on to one final victory. We ask from the administration the chance that every Notre Dame senior be allowed to purchase one ticket. No one has earned the right to travel to support the team more than us. What we ask is that every senior have the option of buying one ticket solely under their name, to be picked up on site. For every senior that passes on a ticket, that ticket would be entered into the lottery for the rest of the student body to be purchased. What has allowed our strength and unity to never flag or fail this season is the connection that exists between our players and the Notre Dame student body, especially the bond between our senior class. We eat alongside the players, we live in the same dorms, we take the same classes and we have the same friends. We have pledged our hearts to the team. We have been there through thick and thin, through death and tragedy, through triumph and elation. We have earned the right to represent our University in Miami. We have emerged through all of this as one. We are the senior class. We are family. We are the Fighting Irish. We are ND. Contact Matthew Suarez and Andrew McDonough at msuarez7@nd.edu and amcdono1@nd.edu The views expressed in this column are those of the author sand not necessarily those of The Observer.

The Observer

For Irish haters

By The Observer · Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012

I realize that the editorial page of The Observer is not the best way to reach you and your brethren, but this is the one publication willing to give me a soapbox.

The Observer

Miami, finals, the apocalypse

By The Observer · Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012

Sitting, pacing, kneeling before my TV while viewing the ND versus USC game, I detected a marked difference in my stomach from any other game this season. Gone was the comforting illusion that, even if we lost, we'd have time to make up the drop in the rankings in the next weeks. Gone was the therapeutic excuse: "Well, even if we lose, we've far surpassed everyone's expectations." As the Irish took the field, unlike any other game this year, there was nothing I could really feel other than: "It's within our grasp. And there's nothing to do but win." There's something about finality, ultimacy, that brings what's essential into the sharpest focus.

The Observer

Cheering with purpose

By The Observer · Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012

As a lifelong Notre Dame fan, I strongly identified with a lot of the tendencies John Sandburg described in his column "Why I Cheer." I've probably invested a bit too much in this team over the years, and it's very true that how the team does in Miami this coming January will have an incredible impact on my happiness that seems out of place when you consider the fact that I'm not actually playing in the game. I have to disagree, however, that our cheering "won't make a bit of difference," and that the biggest reason to root for Notre Dame is because doing so allows us to give up control in some aspect of our overly regimented lives. Why cheer for Notre Dame if you're just doing so to give up control? Why not cheer for Alabama, USC or any other team out there? I cheer for Notre Dame because of the tremendous amount of pride I have in my school. I value our mission of merging world-class liberal education and research with a commitment to social justice; when our team takes the field to represent Our Lady's University, they stand as representatives of our University and that mission. I love my school, and it's that pride that makes me want to see the Irish excel not just in football, but in any activity we participate in.  I'll always support representatives of ND. We as fans can also have a tremendous impact through our support. Pretty simply, more cheering creates a louder and more imposing stadium and can force opposing teams into miscues. But more importantly, showing our support for our fellow students demonstrates the unity and familial atmosphere that makes Notre Dame special. We stand with each other, supporting our fellow students as they strive to pursue their goals. In doing so, we create a culture that values togetherness and pride.  Any time I see someone wearing the monogram ND and representing us, I'll gladly stand up and cheer with pride as they show the rest of the world what we're all about. Tom McGuire junior Siegfried Hall Nov. 29  

The Observer

What is a Catholic University?

By The Observer · Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012

Flannery O'Connor once wrote: "The Catholic novelist doesn't have to be a saint; he doesn't even have to be a Catholic; he does, unfortunately, have to be a novelist." In her essay, "Catholic Novelists and Their Readers," she notes that "poorly written novels - no matter how pious and edifying the behaviour of their characters - are not good in themselves and are therefore not really edifying."

The Observer

A poor argument indeed

By The Observer · Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012

In the article "A poor argument," Adam Newman argues that poverty is not an excuse for the state of the American school system today. According to Mr. Newman, poverty "has been used by the education establishment to lower the expectations of what schools and teachers can achieve." As minors in the Education, Schooling and Society program, we believe that poverty is an integral part of the web of influences that affect education. It cannot be ignored. Mr. Newman begins his argument by distinguishing between "traditionalists" and "reformers" in the educational debate. We find this categorization problematic and unproductive, in that is implies that "traditionalists" are not advocates of meaningful reforms in the educational system for all students. In fact, both "sides" are trying to reform schooling, just in different ways and informed by different research. Mr. Newman says: "Reformers believe that the best way to improve student outcomes is to provide students with effective teachers and schools, regardless of their background." The policymakers he calls "traditionalists," however, also want all students to have access to quality teachers and schools. They do not believe that background is determinative, but rather that it is important consideration in understanding why achievement gaps persist. The Coleman Report, which is widely considered the most influential education study of the 20th century, concluded that family resources matter more than school quality for academic achievement. Good teachers matter. Still, we believe that poverty has huge consequences for student achievement; conclusions that teacher quality and accountability are all that are needed to "fix" the system lack insight into the forces that shape student achievement.

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