Opinion
What about Thanksgiving?
By
The Observer
· Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009
It's that time of year, again. Everyone comes back from Thanksgiving break, refreshed, excited (kind of) and ready to stare down finals. The best way to celebrate this, of course, is to start hanging Christmas lights, playing Christmas music and doing other assorted holiday activities. After all, the day after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the Christmas season … right?
Thankful for the Weis family
By
The Observer
· Monday, Nov. 23, 2009
My son is the biggest ND fan on this planet. My son also has autism. We were watching the game at Hannah and Friends. I knew my son was tense, and he could not even sit down to watch the ND/UConn game. My son's savant area of expertise is sports. He is quite aware of the pressure coach Weis is under. We had to abruptly leave, the game was too close, and my son's passion for the Irish and coach was more than he could bear. He started to cry in the car. He was very overwhelmed. He finished watching the game at home. He said, "Mom you know the coach's job is on the line here. If we lose, he will get fired. Who will support Hannah and Friends? All the Alumni care about is a winning football team." I told him Hannah and Friends is the Weis family's dream come to reality. They will continue their mission of compassion what ever may happen.
Not quite Christmas yet...
By
The Observer
· Monday, Nov. 23, 2009
Well, I've waited as long as I could. I'm supposed to be writing a midterm paper, but my hand has been forced, and my ear is pressed firmly against the grindstone. Does that make sense? Not really, but whatever. The tide of Christmas music and decorations has finally pushed me over the edge — my own Keough Hall has begun decorating for Christmas.
Single-issue politics
By
The Observer
· Monday, Nov. 23, 2009
The health care debate shows the limits of single-issue abortion politics. Obamacare, in its several versions, is objectionable for reasons beyond the funding of abortion and of euthanasia through rationing of care. It would transform the economy and culture. Its centralization and pervasive reach violate the principle of subsidiarity. The takeover of health care invites bureaucratic control of everything that affects your health, including what you eat, how you heat your home, etc.
Responsibility lies with Father Jenkins
By
The Observer
· Monday, Nov. 23, 2009
Let's go back five years to see how we got to where we are now.
Travesty against tradition
By
The Observer
· Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009
"Divided We Stand." This was the title of Scholastic Magazine's Sept. 17 cover story. This article has (as have some of the Viewpoint articles over the last year) characterized our alumni as outdated and out of touch with the University. They propose that as current undergrads, now is our time and our opinions should matter more than theirs. We are here now, so we know better than they, the alumni.
Giving thanks and time
By
The Observer
· Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009
Every Thanksgiving, we give thanks for all the good that has happened in our lives. At times when the economy turns down and there may seem to be less to be thankful for, we have a wonderful opportunity to search for the positives in apparently negative situations. Perhaps we can even use this opportunity to shift our habits this holiday season toward sharing a piece of our personal worth with our friends and families instead of part of our consumer worth.
Can't teach heart
By
The Observer
· Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009
With respect to our football team, although they are incredible athletes, you guys have no heart. I expect that every student on this campus — most of whom know next to nothing about football — will be reaming head coach Charlie Weis for the loss of the football team to the University of Connecticut.
Dealing with cancer on Thanksgiving Day
By
The Observer
· Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009
I had planned to write a whimsical yet demonstrative Thanksgiving column full of ironically fun topics for which others should give thanks — like last week's opposing football teams of Coaches Charlie Weis and Bill Belichick who coincidentally employed similar yet equally unsuccessful "Fourth and Dumb" tactics in losing efforts on the gridiron. I further intended to announce the awarding of what I call my laundry scholarship, an earmarked contribution I make every decade to a new freshman who holds the equivalent of my 90217 laundry number issued 40 years ago at the start of my freshman year. Again coincidentally, this year's winner also resides in my dormitory, Lyons Hall. I had even anticipated urging disgruntled Irish fans to follow my lead by ignoring our inept football coaching staff and donating anyway to the University, but in an innovative, restricted way like my laundry earmark. My writing this week was to include other impetuous muses, finally punctuated with my thanks for returning to the world of federal employment where I have actually become a Dilbert on my jobsite. But on Monday, a longtime friend and 1980s Notre Dame graduate who currently works at the University finally returned several of my voicemails and text messages — such an unusual delay that I wondered if something was wrong. Early during our conversation my friend eased into the reason for such tardiness with a harsh sentence, "I have cancer." Our next few exchanges are still a blur to me. Only once before had anyone told me directly about battling cancer — my elementary school music teacher, Margaret Stanley, who always was so happy and cheerful in or outside of school. So while my mind drifted back to Miss Stanley, I barely heard what type of cancer we discussed, but remember that my friend did say that several doctors are more confident than my friend at this point in time. We continued our conversation outlining a six-year plan for survival followed by successive five-year incremental survival plans. We concluded with my promise to light a candle at St. Matthew's Cathedral here in D.C. when next I serve as a lector, and a pledge to stop by the Grotto together when I next step on campus. My friend is a rather typical Catholic Notre Dame graduate, returning to campus to a rather prestigious position, with a child currently attending the University and a spouse from the ND-SMC community. In true Fighting Irish fashion, my friend is determined to retard the cancer's progress and do whatever it takes to prolong life — even through the use of stem cells. Such a task is not quite the memory of my friend I ever thought would burn into my soul, never to fade and become part of my being. But such a turn of events is an important lesson of life. Thus far, my friend's life — as are all of our lives — has been like a boat floating on a sea of adventure. Together we head towards the sunset on an uncharted route despite whether we row, use wind in our sails or motorboat along. Perhaps the lesson of life is not how fast one glides along the water, but on how willing one is to accept the length of the cruise. That may be my personal focus next Thursday. I cannot imagine how my friend's family will express their reasons for giving thanks next week. Might it be with an eye on the past and memories of good times? Maybe it will focus on making the most of each upcoming minute in a true "live for the moment" fashion where they can slow time and suck the essence out of each waking second. Regardless, it will be a time of introspection and hope. Spiritually, it may be easier than expected for them to face their mortality now that they are given a personal timeline. Obviously, the longer the timeline, the more we can do to tie up loose ends, say our goodbyes and complete tasks we put off into the future. It occurs to me that put in the same position, my personal priorities would certainly shift. However, my approach would probably differ. I believe that we come from an unknown realm of many levels of life onto this world while moving through forms of reincarnation without the strict polar opposites of heaven or hell. I also believe that we are on this earth for only as long as we need be here, to learn or teach our lessons before we depart back into the unknown. So given what I have gleaned thus far as my life lesson, I stand ready to assist my friend. My message this Thanksgiving is that you can count on me until God turns your sail into a shroud and throws you back into the sea.
Reaction to Fort Hood
By
The Observer
· Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009
On Nov. 5, Army Major Malik Hasan reportedly killed 13 American soldiers and wounded 31 others at Fort Hood in Texas. The Notre Dame Muslim Student Association (MSA) condemns the criminal act of Malik Hasan. MSA stands by the statement of the Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR) released Nov. 5. No religious or political ideology could ever justify or excuse such wanton and indiscriminate violence. The attack was particularly heinous in that it targeted the all-volunteer army that protects our nation. American Muslims stand with our fellow citizens in offering both prayers for the victims and sincere condolences to the families of those killed or injured. It is unfortunate to see that this tragedy is being used by some to bring loyalty of American Muslims under suspicion. Islam does not tolerate such acts of violence. We reject any attempts to associate this appalling act with Muslims or Islam. We embrace Notre Dame community in peace, unity and prayer.
Senior week
By
The Observer
· Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009
When I realized that we were not going to fulfill my admittedly optimistic prediction of a national championship this season, I became more and more preoccupied with one game: UConn. One of my best friends is a senior walk-on wide receiver who has busted his ass and sacrificed his body (knee surgery, shoulder surgery and broken hand) for this team over the last four years. It is customary that on the last home game of the season, senior walk-ons get a chance to live the dream and play football in Notre Dame Stadium. But, if the game is close or we are losing the walk-ons don't get to play. We are a much more talented team than UConn and should easily beat them. But, on the outside chance that we play a close game (or lose) to an inferior team on senior day (see Syracuse 2008), this is a plea for the walk-ons to be put in at the beginning of the game so they will get to play no matter what the outcome. Come on, Charlie, do the right thing. These guys have earned it.
Activism present but subdued
By
The Observer
· Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009
This week, the 40th anniversary of the ‘Notre Dame 10' — the now-famous group of students suspended for their demonstration against Dow-CIA recruiting on campus — brings to mind several questions about the present state of student activism at Notre Dame. Specifically: Where is it? Though conditions on college campuses today are incomparable to those of the Vietnam War era — most notably there is no draft for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — there are still issues that students are passionate about, ones they could and should work for to effect change. The apparent lack of activism today might also be explained in part by the current career-oriented college culture, which positions students on a one-track mindset: take the right classes and land a great job that reflects the value of a Notre Dame degree. Students of the 1960s student revolution were of a different breed, going to college to get an education for education's sake, not just for the increased earning power of a degree. For many, an education included social change and protest. In remembering the 1969 protests, it's important to note the atmosphere at Notre Dame was not like that of, say, Berkeley in the 1960s. The demonstration by the ‘Notre Dame 10' is perhaps the most-well known protest action to take place on this campus for social and political change — and it's a far cry from massive riots resulting on arrests and deaths on some college campuses in that era. Today, the activist spirit at Notre Dame is even weaker than it was in 1969. The lack of visible student activism is lamentable, as is the complacency and apathy of the majority of the student body. Certainly there are numbers of groups and organizations — like the Campus Labor Action Project (CLAP) and the Progressive Student Alliance (PSA) — working for change every day. There are also groups that stand up for what they believe to be right, like ND Response, which formed around last spring's Commencement controversy. Notre Dame's Catholic culture instills the value of community service, both at home and abroad, in its students. Service is a form of activism, and it effects a necessary change. But service is only one part of the picture. Campaigning for greater social change — the work of groups like PSA, Right to Life and CLAP — is another part of the picture, and it shouldn't be ignored. These students' efforts may not as visible as the actions of their predecessors. Destructive and violent protests and riots of the past are not called for on today's campus. But their actions, whether through petitions, marches, rallies, masses or debates, are vital. They are the active few on this campus working for the issues they believe in. The lack of visible student activism is not their fault. They are doing their part and attempting to raise awareness. But the student body as a whole needs to open its eyes beyond the campus, classes and the job search and appreciate the work of these groups by joining them and supporting the causes that call them to act.
Don't sweat the small stuff
By
The Observer
· Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009
In response to Mr. Petrocelli, ("The Actual Facts," Nov. 18) I would like to humbly suggest that the search for truth in morality is not only "not that simple" but completely pointless. I mean, "no one knows the truth," so why bother even looking for it? You're right, the search for truth in morality "should not be treated as a civil war," so let's work together to reduce the number of moral philosophers in this country, who are constantly dreaming up and debating such personal issues like abortion, about which we can know almost nothing. Is it a person, isn't it a person, who really knows? We shouldn't be divided about substantial moral issues to the point of conflict, for now that the slavery issue has been settled, there are decidedly no more objective moral injustices to be resolved. With only gray moral differences remaining, we should should respect all stances merely because the individual has chosen them. If some people want to kill babies and others want to save them, how can we know which side is on the side of Truth? Why can't both sides be right? If we just compromise to a position of loose platitudes, even if held for different and incompatible reasons, we will never have to actually resolve these issues, or even think about them, and that sounds like something everyone can get behind. Just as you say, there will never be a consensus in these complex moral issues, so what we need to do is stop asking questions like, "Does human life have inherent value?" or "What constitutes a good life?" and realize that because these questions are unknowable, trying to answer them is an utter waste of time and our society's intellectual resources. Instead, let us celebrate the magnificent panoply of human choice through respect, no matter who those those choices affect, and not sweat the small stuff. Thank you, Mr. Petrocelli, for giving us the actual facts.
Hold on to ideals
By
The Observer
· Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009
I am writing in response to Mark Easley's piece entitled "Terrorists are not American" (Nov. 19) which concerns the trying and detaining of suspected terrorists. He states, "Terrorists demote themselves to second class citizens ... and we should treat them accordingly." I must respectfully disagree. We have every right to be angry. We have every right to want justice. But the justice that Americans hold dear is not mere retribution, rather it is a fairness afforded each person, not because of his or her individual merits, but because of the Creator who endows each man with inalienable rights. Terrorists seek not only to destroy American lives; they seek to destroy American ideals as well. They seek to instill hatred, fear and corruption. If we let our hatred and fear blur our vision of justice, if we forsake mercy for retribution, and if we forget that it is God who instills all men with rights, then the terrorists have already won. Therefore, let us remember, in the case of those awaiting trial, that our ideals declare a man innocent until proven guilty. And for those found guilty, that punishment and detention are different from vengeance. By seeking revenge we usurp the role of God, and make ourselves devils in the process.
Terrorists are not Americans
By
The Observer
· Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009
American Civil Liberties are for Americans.
Lighten up
By
The Observer
· Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009
As a longtime fan of both humor and Mobile Party (not synonymous, but darn close) I fully support the Nov. 13 installment. Considering aforementioned observation that Mobile Party is approximately equal to humor, I am in favor of their work. From what I gather, Mobile Party makes fun of anything and everything that most Notre Dame students consider humorous (or highly offensive). Given this standard, I find it equivalently humorous that someone would choose the unfortunate ginger issue to take a stand on ("Ginger Pride," Nov. 16).
Appreciate what you are offered
By
The Observer
· Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009
Earlier this week, Scholastic published an article examining the issue of whether or not student athletes should be awarded a portion of the revenue they bring to the University through private business deals. The article was a thoughtful consideration of the issue, but was unfortunately overshadowed by one quotation from a member of our football team. I am going to repeat this quotation in its entirety, simply so everyone who's behind in reading their school publications can experience the full effect:
Don't judge a movie by its unicorn
By
The Observer
· Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009
As all of the dedicated readers of our classified section should know, "The Last Unicorn" is a great movie. A sports production editor quoted me as saying so in Monday's paper because he thought my statement was ridiculous.
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