May 01, 2008
Staff Editorial | VSA must commit to student engagement in coming year
The Green Glance | Media bear responsibility for guiding sustainability efforts
Nathan Zucker
In recent years, network news shows and newspapers have been replete with frightening accounts of global warming and dwindling energy reserves. The mainstream media, not famous for investigative reporting, have taken an active stance in disseminating information about some of the grave environmental problems threatening society.
Letters to the Editor | Attack on Aramark uncalled for, say student representatives
Letters to the Editor | Aramark is best, greenest available option for college dining
Letters to the Editor | Then as now, Vassar College fails to integrate student voices
April 24, 2008
Staff Editorial | ACDC renovation risks delays, inconveniences students
With the College’s announcement last week that Campus Dining would remain in Aramark’s hands came the surprising news that there are also plans to renovate the All Campus Dining Center (ACDC) to accommodate the new pay-per-meal plan.
The Green Glance | Food crisis stems from poor environmental policy
Nathan Zucker
Extreme poverty and devastating hunger hardly come as a surprise to the Haitian people, who have long been one of the world’s most resource-deficient nations. Conditions have become particularly intolerable this year, and Haitians are now consuming a daily average of 460 calories less than the healthy minimum set by the United Nations. Poor policy decisions are to blame for the sudden increase in food prices.
The Voting Booth | Colbert Report more than a gimmick in 2008 elections
Allison Good
He targets anyone and everyone, but his one-raised-eyebrow facial expression never fails to entertain. I’m of course talking about our favorite conservative pundit Stephen T. Colbert (silent “t” on the Colbert). Whether you like it or not, he has a profound effect on the election. He has done everything from attempting to run in the South Carolina primary to hosting presidental candidates on his late-night “news” show, The Colbert Report.
Letters to the Editor | VSA, Miscellany News fail to criticize Aramark
Letters to the Editor | Shuttle service effective, but in need of expansion
Letters to the Editor | Cover image poorly represented Class Issues Alliance
April 17, 2008
Staff Editorial | Retreat plasma screen should be used creatively
The Green Glance | Europe champions alternative energy, emissions reductions
Nathan Zucker
Despite growing national advocacy for "going green", the United States is still the nation of SUVs, coal plants and fast food. Fortunately, there is an alternative to the reckless environmental policy that characterizes the U.S. government. It is, without a doubt, the European Union.
The Voting Booth | As Obama errs, Clinton misses big opportunity
Allison Good
While Bill Clinton clings to Bosnia in an effort to save Hillary’s campaign and scramble for the co-presidency, Obama has created some “Obamadrama” of his own.
Absolut World ad offends, fails to offer solution
Steve Keller
April 10, 2008
Staff Editorial | Bookstore process should be transparent, student-centered
Since the December announcement of the bookstore’s move, two unofficial advisory groups—the Bookstore of the Future Committee and an advisory group looking at space issues on campus—have been formed, despite the fact that the Bookstore Advisory Committee (BAC) still exists.
The Voting Booth | Clinton’s perseverance stems from feminist determination
Allison Good
Hillary Clinton is struggling in the polls and has had to deal with numerous crises in her campaign. However, she is staying in the race for the long haul, showing her spirit and courage against long odds.
The Green Glance | Corporatism threatens sustainability at Vassar
Nathan Zucker
Major corporations are working hard to prevent community commitments to sustainability, since such a revolutionary change would hurt the transnational businesses that exploit the environment for economic gain.
Disregard for opinions reveals student apathy
Ben Reichman
The apathy of the Vassar College campus astounds me. Perhaps we have chosen to forget that this school was itself founded on a politically transgressive act—Vassar was the first all-women’s school of the Seven Sisters to be officially chartered as a college in 1861.
Letters to the Editor | Poughkeepsie shuttle expands service to students
Letters to the Editor | Wright's sermons encourage reflection, not division
April 03, 2008
Staff Editorial | Vassar students must maintain Iraq War activism
Is it that Vassar students have distanced themselves from Iraq because it is, as JFK called the Cold War, “a long twilight struggle,” one that requires more thought, attention, activism and patience than most people have?
The Green Glance | McKibben sets a vibrant course for Earth’s renewal
Nathan Zucker
Bill McKibben, a leading environmentalist and scholar-in-residence at Middlebury College, points out that the road to renewal exists in our own backyard: the Northeast.
The Voting Booth | McCain: From party maverick to hypocritical flip-flopper
Allison Good
Believe it or not, those more familiar with John McCain’s history are now calling him a turncoat.
Clinton must bow out of race to preserve Democrats’ chances
Steve Keller
Every day that Clinton continues to stay in the race further polarizes the Democrats and hurts Obama, the stronger candidate who has shown a clear aptitude for modern political campaigning, which Clinton lacks.
Letters to the Editor | Reader responses to The Voting Booth | Wright reveals hypocritical Middle East policy
Letters to the Editor | Reader responses to The Voting Booth | Obama’s unifying speech on racism should be focus
Letters to the Editor | Obama’s unifying speech on racism should be focus
March 27, 2008
The Voting Booth | Obama must distance himself from divisive pastor
Allison Good
Barack Obama is attempting damage control after Reverend Jeremiah Wright’s public expression of radical and controversial views of the race issue in America.
The Green Glance |Mayor Michael Bloomberg: A pragmatic environmental hero
Nathan Zucker
The Big Apple has become one of the greenest cities in the world, and it’s largely because of the hard work and political initiative of Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Staff Editorial | College must prioritize student safety in emergencies
February 28, 2008
Staff Editorial | Gannett issue raises concerns about newspaper ownership
The Green Glance | Coal industry under scrutiny by major banks, government
Nathan Zucker
Dependence on coal is no longer a source of pride for modern society; rather, it is one of the biggest problems we must confront. Coal contributes to global warming more than any other fossil fuel, and it is also responsible for serious air pollution in urban areas.
The Voting Booth | Should delegates decide the primary?
Allison Good
Delegate this, superdelegate that; isn’t it enough to have to deal with the Electoral College? Apparently not, because the process of choosing presidential candidates is very complicated, and those involved often refuse to play by the rules.
Letters to the Editor | Vassar-run food service preferable, but not possible
February 21, 2008
Staff Editorial | Education key to curtailing dangerous drinking culture
What’s the maximum amount of alcohol that a person of your build can handle before alcohol poisoning (a potentially life-threatening condition) occurs? It appears that many Vassar students do not know the answer, according to a group of deans who recently presented statistics that indicate an increase in high-risk drinking at the College.
Abortion incident reveals fragility of women’s rights
Claudia Martinuzzi
While Naples has dealing with a crisis of mounting garbage, an even more disturbing incident has occured: the confiscation of an aborted fetus by local authorities. This incident, along with others in both Italy and the United States, shows that women’s rights are still a crucial issue.
The Green Glance | Healthy options sorely lacking in dining system
Nathan Zucker
As I entered the All Campus Dining Center (ACDC) on Valentine’s Day, I noticed that something important was missing: healthy food. Walking from station to station, it was obvious that Aramark’s menu emphasized fried foods and dairy products, and not vegetables or whole grains.
The Voting Booth | Candidates' spouses bring new dynamic to race
Allison Good
The men’s and women’s fencing teams had their debut in the New England Fencing Championships on Feb. 17 at Dartmouth College, marking the team’s official induction into the New England Intercollegiate Fencing Conference
Letters to the Editor | Declining intramural program requires serious boost
February 14, 2008
Staff Editorial | Youth vote drives record turnout in 2008 primaries
While most Americans are focused on the dramatic give-and-take between the various political candidates, there is an encouraging broader trend occurring in the background: In all of the states that have voted thus far, voter turnout has reached record highs.
The Green Glance | Outdoor exploration promotes recreation and awareness
Nathan Zucker
Students interested in the outdoors may be eager to escape the College in order to find true wilderness. Fortunately, the Hudson River Valley and its environs provide many opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, rock climbing and swimming.
The Voting Booth | Super Tuesday highlights super changes in election
Allison Good
So, besides John McCain’s almost inevitable nomination and a wrestling match between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, what does Super Tuesday mean? It translates into an unusually breakneck and unpredictable election, one whose results may leave historians and political analysts befuddled for years to come.
Letters to the Editor | Forum on racial tension reveals misinformation, not apathy
Letters to the Editor | Sophomore gift aids coporations, not students
Letters to the Editor | Class gift supports sustainability
Letters to the Editor | Mind the Gap a great experience
February 07, 2008
Staff Editorial | Old bookstore could serve as student art, social space
Though administrators’ minds may go to potential for the College Bookstore space to house more offices, the needs of art students should be considered. Students should have an on-campus art gallery in which to showcase their art pieces and installations.
Understanding historical context of noose is paramount
Rebecca Edwards
Hate is often embodied in symbols. Recently, one hate symbol, the noose, has surfaced in dozens of incidents nationwide. he nooses are a threat, deployed against people of color who seek an equal place as citizens, in education and in the workplace. In this way, a noose draws directly on the history of lynching.
The Green Glance | Election frontrunners finally address environmental issues
Nathan Zucker
The 2008 presidential election promises change; all of the frontrunners have been discussing significant reforms that will benefit the planet’s health. Although some of these environmentalist efforts appear sincere, it is naïve to assume that the candidates are as green as they claim.
Ron Paul's unique ideals isolate him from two-party system
Allison Good
By the time this is published, Super Tuesday will have come and gone, so what I have written may be completely irrelevant. Still, notable interest in Ron Paul-- part-libertarian and definitely not your average Republican, has grown considerably both across campus and the country
Letters to the Editor | Funding is largest obstacle to fair campaign
Letters to the Editor | Diversity 'dialogue' reveals campus apathy
February 01, 2008
Staff Editorial | Shuttle a step toward community integration
The tenuous nature of town-gown relations has been affirmed and debated for long enough: students need a regular shuttle that originates on campus and runs in a loop around Poughkeepsie.
Empower students with gender-neutral housing
Morgan Warners
Though the residential environment at Vassar attempts to be gender-neutral in some ways, we are still not doing enough.
The Green Glance | Focus the Nation sparks new progressivism
Nathan Zucker
Scientists have confidently concluded that 2007 was the second warmest year ever recorded, lending even more evidence to the theory that humans are destabilizing the Earth’s climate.
Fringe candidates marginalized in primary races
Allison Good
While Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama duke it out, more important things are happening in the world of the 2008 election. Yes, I said it.
Letters to the Editor | Coke misrepresented facts in letter
Letters to the Editor | Writer’s view presumptive, skewed
December 07, 2007
Staff Editorial | Students deserve voice in Trustee decisions
The fact that students have little awareness of who Vassar’s trustees are, how they are chosen and what function they serve in the College’s governance is disconcerting.
The Green Glance | Alternative gifts encourage greener holiday
Nathan Zucker
The unbridled consumerism practiced during the holiday season may lead to happy families, gift-laden Christmas trees and joyous celebrations. However, all of our shopping takes a huge toll on the environment, as the clothing and Christmas trees we purchase are far from sustainable.
Views on the News | Political correctness threatens Christmas
Steve Keller
Deck the halls. Hang up the decorations. It is that time of the year again: The time when most Americans get together to celebrate Christmas. Oh, I’m sorry—did I offend somebody? Well, get over it. I am sick and tired of political correctness.
Plant in Clinton campaign shows dishonesty
Allison Good
Despite her pretensions of honesty and morality, Hillary Clinton’s recently exposed campaign tactics prove that she is anything but a clean, ethical politician.
Letters to the Editor
November 29, 2007
Staff Editorial | Fire safety a serious concern in senior housing
The minimal fire safety preparedness for senior housing residents presents a significant concern for students’ well-being.
The Green Glance | Only infrastructure overhaul will bring reform
Nathan Zucker
The evidence suggests that relying on small changes in corporate business practices will not solve our environmental woes, and that only a comprehensive reorganization of our lives can bring about meaningful reform.
Views on the News | Increase in U.S.-Russian tensions troubling
Steve Keller
If you read the news coming out of Washington and Moscow recently, you might think that we’ve gone back to the days of the Cold War.
DNA analysis raises personal privacy concerns
Amory Meltzer
If discrimination based on gender or physical disability is already banned, why shouldn’t genetic profiling be illegal as well? The evolving nature of genetics dictates that a new regulatory structure be put into place.
Letters to the Editor | Coca-Cola supports workers' rights
November 16, 2007
Staff Editorial | Physical barriers to education missing from access debate
The Green Glance | Independent dining promises better food at Vassar
Nathan Zucker
Instead of simply rehiring Aramark or a similar contractor, Vassar’s administration should consider in-house management, a system in which the College itself takes responsibility for the operation of the dining facilites. An independent system, which was used successfully by the College until 1989, would bring better food to campus and reduce the influence of major corporations on the lives of students.
Live from New York, It's Obama
Allison Good
Barack Obama's guest appearance on the Nov. 3 episode of Saturday Night Live was one of the first of this election, dramatically changing the dynamic of the presidential campaign.
Cruel holiday doesn't deserve thanks
Royce Drake
In a week, students will be traveling home for Thanksgiving. Simultaneously, many people from around the country will go to Plymouth, Mass. to protest a holiday that celebrates the genocide commited by religious fanatics.
November 09, 2007
Staff Editorial | Awareness of racial issues must outlast forum
University mascot an emblem of institutional racism
Kyle Nelson
It is essential for the administration to place this public display of hatred at Vassar in a national context in order to understand what these symbols mean in American society.
The Green Glance | Nuclear phobias should not block cleaner future
Nathan Zucker
Given the rapid pace of global warming and the languid progress of alternative energy, the construction of new nuclear facilities may offer the only hope of stabilizing the planet’s swiftly deteriorating climate.
Debate exposes weaknesses of Clinton campaign
Steve Keller
On Tuesday, Hillary Clinton’s aura of invincibility cracked, as the other candidates, namely John Edwards and Barack Obama, decided to put Clinton to task in the debate.
Letters to the Editor
November 02, 2007
Staff Editorial | Recent speakers prompt questions of campus dialogue
The Green Glance | Desert festival a model of sustainable community
Nathan Zucker
Every year, 45,000 people from all over the globe travel to the Black Rock Desert in Nevada for the psychedelic arts festival known as Burning Man. In the spirit of community action, the festival started to emphasize environmental sustainability in 2007, showcasing unique and unusual solutions to the ecological issues created by this temporary city.
Letters to the Editor | Noose incident bursts Vassar bubble
October 26, 2007
Staff Editorial | Carelessness causing bike program to backpedal
The Green Glance | Global warming must be battled through practice and policy
Nathan Zucker
Given its reputation for progressive thinking and social activism, it is time that Vassar becomes a leader in fighting what is without a doubt the most serious ecological crisis of the modern era.
Letters to the Editor | Injustice of Jena can't be ignored
October 05, 2007
Staff Editorial | Security on campus should be a cooperative effort
While it is ultimately the responsibility of students to watch out for themselves and their neighbors, the College should aid students in their personal security needs.
The Green Glance | Meat consumption eats away at planet's resources
Nathan Zucker
Although ethical arguments against the slaughter of other species are a primary motivation for those who adopt vegetarianism, there are equally compelling reasons which justify a societal shift from animal to plant-based foods.
UN must intervene in Myanmar
Steve Keller
On the other side of the world is an oppressed nation of nearly 50 million people living under the iron fist of a military junta. Myanmar, formally known as Burma, is in the midst of crisis after twenty years of totalitarian rule. The inaction of the West and other free nations in dealing with these atrocities is inexcusaable.
September 28, 2007
Staff Editorial | Council must take time to reconsider organization criteria
Does size matter? The Vassar Student Association (VSA) Council and the Activities Committee have been debating the answer to that loaded question.
Many students hungry for changes to College meal plan
Nathan Zucker
Although Vassar is one of the most progressive colleges in the nation, both academically and politically, its outdated meal system does not reflect the forward-thinking nature of the school. Campus Dining refuses to take into account the trend in our society toward consumer choice, local foods, and healthy eating.
Letters to the Editor | No clear justice in 'Jena 6' case
Letters to the Editor | Ramadan holiday needs second look
September 21, 2007
Staff Editorial | Organization collaboration should be encouraged, not mandated
Students are encouraged to stay up-to-date with the Council’s resolutions and bylaws, but recent murky by-law proposals and a hazy process regarding partnerships between VSA organizations are difficult to comprehend, and more so to carry out.
Incomplete Iraq report will not spur policy change
Jonathan Miller
It has been an ongoing theme of the Iraq war to put false hope in artificial dates and deadlines, as Congress repeatedly promises and fails to set benchmarks to pull out the troops.
Electoral college impairs democracy
Steve Keller
In a democracy, it would only make sense that the candidate who receives the most votes would win the election. But we don’t do things that way.
Letters to the Editor | Diversity session opens eyes to reality
September 15, 2007
Intentions of new paper quota lost in hasty start
Printing a paper or reading for class has rarely been easy at Vassar. Three years ago, Library printers were often jammed or backlogged with abandoned print jobs. As a remedy the College instituted a VPrint system. This year, however, printing at Vassar backslid into its inefficient ways. The College has instituted a new printing system with a 1,300-sheet paper quota per year, after which students must pay by the sheet.
Plastic bottles dilute natural benefits of water
Alyssa Roush
Over the past few years Americans have adopted a new favorite beverage, which according to The Wall Street Journal is more popular than beer or coffee: bottled water. This “chic” drink, however, is extremely harmful to the environment. Sure, it seems to make sense to grab a bottle as you exit the door or go to the gym, but does convenience trump morality?
Vietnam remark misrepresents history, occupation in Iraq
Queen Pham
War opponents were enraged. Americans were shocked. The world was speechless… The Vietnamese just sighed.
Letters to the Editor | Lessons of diversity talk cannot be dismissed
September 08, 2007
Staff Editorial | Return to need-blind rightly prioritizes accessibility
Orientation diversity session falls short of intended goals
Jonathan Miller
Hypocrisy is no stranger at a college information session.
Letters to the Editor | College on path to reduced fire calls
May 03, 2007
Staff Editorial |Reslife should take measures to eliminate confusion for students
During the bustle of the housing and room draw season, students received more e-mails from the Office of Residential Life than in previous years. Students were informed via e-mail of everything ranging from house draw numbers to the number of students drawing into wellness corridors to fire code violations in senior apartments.
Eye On America | Summer Olympics reveal tensions in China-U.S. foreign relations
Ross Weingarten
Next year, the world’s best athletes will gather in Beijing, China for the Summer Olympics. The games are a celebration not only of athletic prowess, but also of the host city, as past hosts have reinvented themselves in preparation for the games.
Object Lessons | Supreme Court abortion decision troubling for women’s health
Carolyn Bradley
It is a testament to the smug complacency of the Vassar left that I have spent the better portion of the last two weeks attempting to convince my friends that Gonzales v. Carhart constitutes a significant threat to women. The decision, put forward on April 18 with a 5-to-4 vote, upholds the legality of a nationwide ban on so-called “partial-birth” abortions.
Letters to the Editor | Potential reduced teaching load problematic
Letters to the Editor | Issues of class need to be confronted on campus
Article on campus fair trade initiative mistitled
April 26, 2007
Eye On America | Gonzales case indicates administration’s disregard for legal process
Ross Weingarten
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ congressional testimony concerning the firing of eight U.S. attorneys last year has not received the full media attention that it deserves as of late. Gonzales’s refusal to admit wrongdoing is just the latest in a long line of political blunders by this administration, and one that proves just how arrogant and, at times, idiotic, the White House can be.
Off Topic, On Point | Walls indicative of Vassar’s attitude towards community
Evan Casper-Futterman
When hundreds of Vassar staff, faculty and students turned out one year ago for the Poughkeepsie May Day march down Main Street, there was a definite feeling of progress in Vassar-Poughkeepsie relations.
Rumors about Vassar becoming a dry campus prove to be fiction
Alan Neuhauser
So let’s get this straight: Dean of the College Judy Jackson does not want to make Vassar a dry campus.
Staff Editorial | Virginia Tech tragedy reminds us of support
Student-athlete misquoted about jocks at Vassar
Letters to the Editor | Blame for racial tension at Vassar misplaced
April 19, 2007
Staff Editorial | Maintaining dorm character should be a priority in renovations
This weekend, Vassar College is celebrating an historic milestone: Jewett is turning 100. The Milo Jewett House will commemorate its centennial with events throughout the day on Saturday, April 21.
Eye on America |Imus incident highlights common misuse of offensive language
Ross Weingarten
As the old saying goes, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” However, a recent event reminded us that spoken words, like written ones, have a similar power. When acclaimed radio show host Don Imus called the Rutgers women’s basketball team “nappy-headed hos” last week, he launched a nationwide debate about race, gender and power in the media.
Views On Vassar | Racial tensions still prevalent on campus
Tendai Musakwa
My blackness is inescapable. It penetrates each and every facet of my Vassar life, soliciting not-too-subtle extensions of “solidarity” that are expressed through comments ranging from the obtuse, “I once dated a black guy, you know,” to the more forthright and narrow-minded, “Aren’t you glad you are here?”
April 12, 2007
Staff Editorial | Drug testing policy fails to prioritize student welfare concerns
Student-athletes and Vassar Student Association (VSA) Council members debated the merits of the new drug testing and education policy proposed by the Athletics Department at the Sunday, April 8 meeting, and several points of concern were raised.
Eye on America | Pelosi’s diplomatic gambles embody a new era in U.S. politics
Ross Weingarten
In the short time that Representative Nancy Pelosi has been speaker of the House, she has received mixed reviews. Her work to pass legislation on issues such as healthcare, immigration and raising the minimum wage have received bipartisan praise. Recently, however, Pelosi has earned a reputation as a bit of a rogue politician. Her tour of the Middle East caused controversy in the region, and ruffled more than a few feathers back in Washington, D.C.
Views On Vassar | Stereotyping of male athletes as jocks unwarranted
Tendai Musakwa
Sports and masculinity are virtually synonymous in American culture. In his book, Jock: Sports & Male Identity, Donald Sabo contends that athleticism has influenced the male psyche in profound ways, helping to create the male-dominated, success-oriented and status-seeking society that is the United States today.
Object Lessons | Feminist movement gaining strides in American contraception battles
Carolyn Bradley
It is a truth universally acknowledged that feminists dwell in a victim-complaint-style ideology, and that therefore they can never celebrate their victories. Well, not quite. But perhaps there is some truth to the idea that feminists tend to be wary of looking on the bright side of things. (It’s true of most smart people.) Which is why I am so surprised to find myself smiling this week at how successful feminism has proven lately, at least in its much merited attack on abstinence-only education.
Letters to the Editor | More careful consideration of drug policy would allay concerns
Although I have only had a chance to briefly read over the Vassar Student Association (VSA) open letter, I get the feeling that the VSA’s concerns stem from an apparent discrepancy between what the Athletics Department representatives say and what the policy says.
Letters to the Editor |Proposed drug testing policy an unnecesary invasion of privacy
The Vassar Student Association (VSA) Council approved a letter Sunday night that outlined specific complaints with the Athletics Department’s proposed drug testing policy. Rather than rejecting the drug testing itself, the letter tacitly conceded to drug testing as an appropriate and acceptable tool to protect the health and safety of students. We voted against the VSA Council letter because we strongly believe that a drug testing program will not serve the best interests of the College.
Letters to the Editor | Casper-Futterman’s article misguided
In Evan Casper-Futterman’s column (“Gay marriage debate provides impetus to critique a troubled American institution,” 4.05.07 issue of The Miscellany News), the columnist asserts that the traditional institution of marriage, with its long and complicated history, should be done away with completely.
Letters to the Editor | Lack of clarity in Marriage Op-Ed inflammatory
Last week I read a column by Evan Casper-Futterman about “gay marriage” (“Gay marriage debate provides impetus to critique a troubled American institution,” 04.05.07 issue of The Miscellany News) that really bothered me. I still cannot decide whether to be offended or amused. I have read, and re-read, this article several more times than it deserved. You see, I still don’t know if I have divined the point the author intended to make.
April 05, 2007
Staff Editorial | Quantitative Requirement lacks cohesion, clarity
This spring, pre-registration information lists over 21 courses that can satisfy Vassar College’s Quantitative Analysis requirement. These include classes in nine subject areas, ranging from astronomy to psychology, mathematics to geology.
Eye on America | More lenient immigration policy would benefit U.S.
Ross Weingarten
When I was growing up, I had a babysitter named “B.” Actually, come to think of it, I never knew her real name, or exactly how old she was. I remember asking B her age when I was very young, and she told me that she was 100. Many years later, I asked her the same question, and got the same answer.
Views on Vassar | More transparency in College’s finances desirable
Tendai Musakwa
To some, it may come as no surprise that the College has decided to raise the comprehensive fee (including tuition and room and board and other fees) for attendance at Vassar by almost $2,700. After all, this happens every year and is not a new phenomenon at Vassar. However, it is unclear why exactly these increases have taken place. The escalating cost of a Vassar education has not been explained as clearly as it could be to students and their parents.
Letters to the Editor | Moderate Muslims protest against terrorism but voices are not heard
In Ross Weingarten’s column (3.30.07 issue of The Miscellany News), “Moderate Muslims’ voices can help to curb extremist terrorism,” he claims that “the responsibility falls to moderate Muslims both in the Middle East and around the world to condemn violence and propose alternatives.”
Off Topic, On Point | Gay marriage debate provides impetus to critique a troubled American institution
Evan Casper-Futterman
As many national political issues are wont to do, it seems that the debate on gay marriage in the United States has become rather monolithic—as if to suggest that it is the universal and uncontested desire of all gays and lesbians to share equally in the institution of marriage.
March 30, 2007
Staff Editorial |ResLife should not outsource investigations to students
At a small residential college like Vassar, students are expected to be respectful of their residence houses
Eye on America | Moderate Muslims’ voices can help to curb extremist terrorism
Ross Weingarten
Recently, at a checkpoint outside of Baghdad, a car with two men in the front and young children in the back seat approached a group of American and Iraqi soldiers.
Views on Vassar | Policy forbidding employee access to dorms misguided
Tendai Musakwa
The fact that employees (non-teaching staff and faculty) of the College require guest passes to enter dormitories is worrying and unacceptable.
Object Lessons | Lay off Right, we of the Left can intimidate each other just fine
Carolyn Bradley
What’s the matter with the Vassar left? By now, it has become almost a rite of passage for pundits of The Miscellany News to pen a hand-wringing article about the mistreatment of conservative students on campus by liberals.
Letters to the Editor | Killer Coke campaign leaves many students flat
Letters to the Editor | Students can’t decry their Coke and drink it too
March 01, 2007
Staff Editorial | College designation of gender-neutral bathrooms laudable
If you do not identify with your biological sex, which bathroom do you choose? Men’s room? Women’s room?
Eye On America | Prince Harry’s deployment highlights hypocrisy of politicians
Ross Weingarten
Imagine receiving the order that within weeks, you will be sent to Iraq to join the war. Imagine knowing that you and your friends will soon be involved in an an incredibly unpopular war, and that in a short time you will be surrounded by heavily-armed enemies who want to make your life as hard as possible.
Views On Vassar | Students should be given full control over transcript access
Tendai Musakwa
How would you like it if every single administrator on campus could access your academic records? Or if the Office of Residential Life and the Learning and Teaching Center were to contact you to discuss ways to change your lifestyle in order to raise your gpa?
Opposition to Iraq war shows selfishness of American citizens
Christopher Binetti
In a recent Democratic Party primary debate, Congressman Dennis Kucinich stated that the common claim that President Bush deceived the American public was not true. When the debate on the Iraq invasion began to intensify in the fall of 2002, the President did not postulate a good enough reason to go to war.
Off Topic, On Point | Obama may not bring the change we desire
Evan Casper-Futterman
Two Facebook groups have probably appeared on your news feed recently: “One Million Strong for Barack Obama” and “America for Barack Obama.” So, is Barack your friend on Facebook?
February 22, 2007
Staff Editorial | Vassar should prioritize full repairs to the Mug
Last week, Matthew’s Mug was closed due to sewage leaking from a blocked sanitation line. Since the space plays an important role as a social center for a large number of students, we believe that exhaustive repairs must be done in order to ensure that it will be open and operating.
Eye On America | Angelou School an example for reforming offenders
Ross Weingarten
The students at Maya Angelou Charter School in Washington, D.C. are just like any other high school students in the country. They go to class, play sports, work part-time jobs to make extra spending money, and socialize with their friends. Many of them hope to graduate and go off to college.
Views On Vassar | More rugby coaches needed to improve perfomance
Tendai Musakwa
“Beast of the East” is the name of one of the tournaments that both of Vassar’s rugby teams have won in their long and successful histories. The teams can certainly be described as “beasts” of east coast collegiate rugby: According to cstv.com, the women’s team ranked 11th in the nation as of Feb. 20.
Object Lessons | The media’s framing of “choice” obscures larger goals of feminism
Carolyn Bradley
Will someone please explain to the right wing that when women speak out against sexism, they are not claiming victim status but rejecting it? How feminism, once maligned as the political movement of power-hungry, man-bashing castrators, came to be derided as an ideology of female helplessness and victimhood is a question not easily answered.
Jobs’ letter prompted by sales concerns
Walker Boyd
“A storm is brewing”, is what the technologically inclined would say. No doubt they would be referring to the controversy surrounding Digital Rights Management (DRM) and digital music downloads.
Letters to the Editor | Details of Israel-Palestine conflict inaccurate
Ross Weingarten’s description of the current negotiations between Palestinian groups Hamas and Fatah (02.15.07 edition of The Miscellany News) is quite accurate. However, his history is in some places ill-informed, and the sweeping judgments he makes based on this history need be addressed.
February 15, 2007
Staff Editorial |Successful All College Day Mural requires respectful dialogue
For the past six years, the All College Day Mural has provided an open forum for the Vassar community to post opinions on any issue. The theme of All College Day 2007 is “Building Community at Vassar: What’s Next?” and the mural should serve as a space to discuss ways in which to strengthen our community.
Eye On America | Radical changes needed to achieve peace between Israel and Palestine
Ross Weingarten
Last week, leaders from the two sects of Palestinian leadership met in the holy city of Mecca to try to broker a peace agreement between the two groups.
Views On Vassar | Haiti Project a role model for international charity
Tendai Musakwa
Are we the self-involved, ignorant students that some people assert we are, or are we more in touch with the communities around us than people give us credit for?
Off Topic, On Point | Mr. Vassar prompts examination of group decisions
Evan Casper-Futterman
A friend of mine recently sent out an e-mail in which she expressed her desire to be nominated for Mr. Vassar. Ultimately, it seems she didn’t get enough votes, and her candidacy ended before it really began.
Society’s perceptions of the male body: A heavy weight to carry
Susannah Plocher
The other evening, hoping to beat the rush, I bundled my lazy self up and headed over to the gym. It was after 8 p.m. at this point, so I figured that not many people would be there. Though I was right in guessing that few people would be there, I was amazed at the gender divide of those who were: Of the 20 or so people there, only three were women, myself included.
Letters to the Editor | VSA adds Vice President for Student Life
The Vassar Student Association (VSA) Council is currently considering an amendment to the VSA Constitution that would add a sixth member to the VSA Executive Board: a Vice President for Student Life.
February 08, 2007
Staff Editorial |Changes to federal financial aid a step in the right direction
When Democrats swept the midterm elections last November and gained majorities in both the House and Senate, The Miscellany News asked, “What’s next?”
Eye On America | Soldiers’ strain caused by intensity of Iraq situation
Ross Weingarten
In the past months, there have been reported incidents of American soldiers performing brutal, horrible acts of violence against Iraqi men, women and children. Reports of theft, abuse, rape and murder have come back from the warfront and horrified the American public.
Views On Vassar | Mr. Vassar pageant reinforces male stereotypes
Tendai Musakwa
“Get your jungle juices flowing” is one of the advertising hooks that the Daisy Chain is using for Vassar College’s annual male beauty pageant, Mr. Vassar.
Demonstrations losing relevance in 21st century
James Boyd
Those Vassar students who listen to the “blogospehere” (during breaks from their busy schedules of skipping classes, sipping caramel-macchiato-espressos and looking as blasé as possible in eight-degree weather) heard about the Jan. 26 mass anti-war protest in Washington, D.C.
Staff Editorial | Creation of College Republicans would benefit political diversity on campus
When Vassar College is categorically ranked by the Princeton Review each year, it is almost always a contender for the list “Stu