The University News

Adolescence lost

Editorial Board • September 7, 2007

A story that has been in the news lately is the University of Pennsylvania's acceptance of a 15-year-old into their Ivy League halls. Brittney Exline, one of this year's freshman-class members at the northeastern university is, certainly, entitled to enrollment at a university well in advance of her peers, but such early academic prowess begs the question: What happened to adolescence? The point is not that Exline, and other students her age, should be discouraged from attending universities earlier than their peers, but rather that such young students will be entering into a social strata for which nothing but life experience can prepare them.

Warning: Textbooks may contain biased information

John Witt • September 7, 2007

Many Saint Louis University students are significantly lighter in the wallet this week after completing their textbook-buying rituals for the semester. Most students have seen hundreds of dollars disappear through this activity. These textbooks are supposed to help give students immense knowledge, great understanding, and unique insight.

Thanks to Bush, Democrats are bound to sweep elections in 2008

PETER HAMEL • September 7, 2007

I will start by thanking the author of last week's article-"Despite opposition, Republicans plod onward"-for proving my point that the United States is ready for a Democratic President by admitting that Republicans are bloated with corruption. According to Rasmussen Reports, Americans are also fed up with Bush and Republicans enough to support Democrats on the following issues that hurt them in 2006-and will hurt them again in 2008: the economy, social security, health care, education and even immigration, taxes and abortion.

Dean confusion

Mary A. Bruemmer • September 7, 2007

To keep the record straight, our new dean of students is not the first person to hold that title at SLU. (The University News, Aug. 31) The title dates back to 1955, when?Matthias B. Martin, S.J., who had been assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was named to the position.

American: On the road, across a vast land

Roberta Singer • August 31, 2007

To think about America is to think about its vastness. Anyone who has never ventured outside the realm of cities cannot understand it. To understand it is to cross it. To understand it is to let yourself be drawn away from a haphazard metropolis and through the intricate web of highways whose miles stretch on mercilessly across the continent.

Vick stain

Editorial Board • August 31, 2007

With great power, comes great responsibility. Such a philosophical statement (via Spider-Man's insightful Uncle Ben) may seem out of place, but if that is so, it is only because today's society has had an exodus of responsibility. Among Lindsay, Paris and Nicole, it seems that the lack of responsibility among the famous is reaching a pinnacle unmatched in celebrity history.

Advice for living and loving the college life

James Ahearn • August 31, 2007

Thinking about my return to SLU for my sophomore year was really exciting, I couldn't wait to meet up with old friends, meet new people and get back to a life without parents looking over my shoulder. Most importantly, I looked forward to being a sophomore and knowing things like where my classrooms, the best place for a quick lunch and the best views from the library are.

Fat nation

Editorial Board • August 31, 2007

It is true that having a place in the top quarter of a ranking is a point of pride for many people. However, for the state of Missouri, our ranking is something to be ashamed of and worried about. Missouri is the 12th fattest state in the country. Many people insult or point fingers at those who-they believe-are responsible for the obesity epidemic in the United States, but if you wish to see the guilty, simply look in the mirror.

Irish continuing fight against empirical delusions

Patrick McShane • August 31, 2007

This past week, the latest saga in the ongoing struggle in Northern Ireland has enraged the Catholic community. Namely, an Ulster Defense Force member (the UDF being a pro-British, Protestant terrorist organization) was given a discount bail so he could go on a vacation to the Caribbean.

Despite opposition, Republicans plod onward

Brett Kostrzewki • August 31, 2007

In 2004, the Republican Party sealed what had appeared to be a new and enduring party era, narrowly won in 2000. With a Republican Congress dating from 1994, and only one Democratic president (and a very moderate one at that) since 1980, it was truly a Republican age.

Image of a president

defaultuser • August 24, 2007

As a 1943 graduate of SLU it certainly was interesting to read Matthew Halverson's interview with Avis Meyer about his confrontations with Reverend Lawrence Biondi, S.J. about student affairs. Particularly, I was interested because of other recent articles of the Reverend's attitudes and the shameful firing of the basketball coach, ignoring the athletic director input.

Election fever reaching epidemic proportions

Patrick McShane • August 24, 2007

It has become almost impossible lately to watch a news program or read a newspaper without seeing a large "Election '08" news section. It's been there for months and has led me to wonder-isn't it a bit early for this? Last time I checked, the election for president will be held on Nov.