Building On Higher Education
In the coming weeks, many students will begin the process of graduating and entering the workforce. Others will begin graduate school, have internships or summer jobs or perhaps spend a few months in relaxation before they prepare for these things. The Great Recession has taught us to get the best and highest paying jobs possible and many have searched for the best opportunities they can find. The result is that students have asked themselves which route will be best for them. Where will they find the most job security, the best salary and the most prestige. These are important, practical…
A New Coalition for The Democratic Party
Could it be that the Republican Party’s unity against anything President Obama proposes is starting to crumble? 2010 seems like it was a long time ago — especially since the Republican resolve came from Mitch McConnell’s infamous dictum that his top priority was to make Obama a one-term president. A year ago, it would have been hard to imagine that Republicans could defy Grover Norquist and vote to raise taxes, endorse an immigration reform plan that allows for a path to citizenship and even oppose the NRA by supporting gun control. But that’s exactly what has happened as the party…
Diversifying the Word ‘Diversity’
There is no denying that demographics are rapidly changing in the United States. It is common knowledge that by 2050, America will be a majority-minority nation. Globalization has made the notion of Mayberry a relic of the mid twentieth century and this shift is irrevocable. But with the benefits of a “melting pot” society come certain issues which demand serious consideration. “Diversity” is a word often thrown around by politicians and in the media. Along with the word “community,” it is ubiquitous on college campuses and the idea of diversity is institutionalized in campus organizations and offices. Emory is certainly…
The Importance of Raising Minimum Wage in the U.S.
During February’s State of the Union address, President Obama called for raising the federal minimum wage to $9 per hour and tying it to inflation — he also made a point to mention that it was something he and Mitt Romney agreed upon during the election. Over four years since the economic collapse, the economy is still on the front burner of political issues. Enacting legislation to raise the minimum wage would be an invaluable way to help recovery as well as to strengthen the long-term foundation of the economy. Contrary to what one might expect, a recent Gallup poll…
The Beauty of College Basketball
On the surface, it seems like a humdrum activity — the annual tradition of filling out a bracket, enduring obnoxious fans and TV coverage. But nothing is more exciting or unique than 68 teams from across the country with new rosters each year competing in March Madness. In fact, it is far and away the best major sports competition in the country. March Madness, by virtue of its structure, provides more excitement than any other championship. Of course, everyone loves to see a good upset, but what many people do not consider is that much of the madness associated with…
A Defense of Unmanned Drones
There has been considerable talk about drones in the media lately, and most of it is absolutely absurd. Republicans are trying to paint President Obama as someone who is ruthlessly and unconstitutionally attacking individuals. They have sought to use the drone program, much like they did with the attack on the Benghazi consulate, to tarnish the Obama’s presidency by creating a scandal equivalent to Watergate or the Iran-Contra affair. Democrats are likewise critical because they feel a betrayal from a president who was supposed to embrace a vastly different approach to foreign policy than that of his predecessor. What many…
A Simple Conversation
At one time, the purpose of technology was to reduce one’s work and to make it more efficient. A boom in technological advancement created the Industrial Revolution and helped establish the postwar economy during the 20th century. It extended from the railroads to the refrigerator, washing machine, microwave and so forth. And the result was more time to think, contemplate, visit with friends or do whatever it took to make oneself happy. And the TV came in the late 1940s and the early ‘50s — for those who could afford it, which was the predecessor to how much of today’s…
Smarter, Not Bigger, Government
After the inauguration last month, the popular narrative surrounding President Obama’s speech was that he had laid out a particularly liberal vision for the country. Democrats were quick to jump to this conclusion as many have waited four years for this aggressive push for legislation. Republicans also embraced this perception, because in their far, far right alternate reality, the speech might have actually been distinctively liberal. But the reality is that Obama’s remarks then, as they were last Tuesday, are simply an example of common sense and practical governing. The talking point shouldn’t be the degree of how liberal his…
Be Patient, Progress Takes Time
Last week, the UK House of Commons voted overwhelmingly, 400 to 175, to legalize same-sex marriage. While the House of Lords has yet to vote, this bill is expected to become law by this summer. Conservative Party Prime Minister David Cameron backed the bill, and though there were nine more votes against the measure than for it among the 303 Conservative Party MPs who voted, this showing is remarkable for a right-wing party, compared to the Republican Party here in the U.S. It looks like gay marriage in Britain is imminent, and it will not be long until the United…
Bringing the Left and Right Together
Rarely in our time do good politics and good policies intersect—what is good for the country is often bad for one of the parties and this is how most good ideas in Washington die. With talks of new immigration reform legislation, however, Congress has an opportunity to work on a bipartisan basis for the benefit of both Republicans and Democrats, and more importantly, the people they represent. This past November, Republicans got a shellacking as 70% of Hispanic and Asian voters favored President Obama. Naturally, Republicans went into a tailspin trying to assess what exactly went wrong the answer to…
