Opinion

Native in a Strange Land

Ari Rabkin  —  May 3, 2007

Deckhead:

Between the Lines

Body:

Cornell prides itself on offering a liberal arts education, even to scruffy computer systems types such as myself. By this, Cornell means that students should attain a certain broadness of perspective. Broad should not necessarily mean “progressive”; rather, it should mean that students graduate understanding the evidence for their beliefs, and with an appreciation for conflicting evidence and views. But to attain such a perspective, it is necessary to see opposing arguments. These arguments, to be seen properly, should be presented as strongly as possible, and this means, presented by people who actually believe them.

Shalom, Cornell. Howdy, Israel

Mark Coombs  —  May 3, 2007

Body:

“To me,” the American-born author Henry James once wrote, “those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”

What two words, you ask? “Summer afternoon,” of course.

An Ode to Joy / A Season of Grief

Herbert Deinert  —  May 2, 2007

Deckhead:

Guest Room

Body:

Beethoven’s Ninth in Bailey Hall the other evening, April 20, ending in an instant standing ovation by a clearly enchanted audience, was an unforgettable experience. And, like all such truly extraordinary events that are marked not only by artistic merit, but draw their power from the circumstances surrounding their creation or performance, it recalled others and enhances their significance.

Looking Forward

David J. Skorton  —  May 2, 2007

I had intended this final column of the academic year to be one mainly of gratitude to my colleagues at The Cornell Daily Sun and to readers of the newspaper for permitting me this space and for the tremendously helpful feedback I received as a result of these “From David” columns. I look forward to another year of useful interchange through this column and in many other fora in 2007-08.

Running Forwards

Corey Earle  —  May 2, 2007

Deckhead:

Walking Backwards

Body:

Even as an innocent naïve freshman, I liked Cornell University history. I had read the Morris Bishop and Carl Becker books, and they had piqued my interest in the subject. When spring semester rolled along, I felt the need to spout nuggets of Cornell knowledge nonstop. Needless to say, this quickly became annoying to my high school classmates, my mealtime companions and anyone who sat by me in lecture.

More Than Just Four Walls

May 2, 2007

Body:

On January 25, the American Red Cross of Tompkins County conducted a homelessness survey on the coldest night of winter. The survey sampled 160 people in shelters throughout the county. Directed by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, the report found that 23 percent of its cases were families with children, 48 percent were homeless less than 30 days, and 73 percent were homeless for the first time.

The reasons for homelessness in Tompkins County and throughout the country go beyond personal disabilities, mental illness or lack of work.

Iraq’s Chief Export

Bill McMorris  —  May 2, 2007

Deckhead:

John Manetta Once Told Me

Body:

There are very few terms that intimidate the Democratic party more than the phrase “global war on terror.” Democrats in the House Armed Services Committee were so were so petrified of the slogan that they “banished” it from the 2008 defense budget last month. In doing so, the Democrats have affirmed their belief that the War in Iraq has no ties to the struggle against Islamofascist terrorist organizations worldwide.

Exit Music (For a Column )

Jax  —  May 1, 2007

Deckhead:

Everything In Its Right Place

Body:

Idealistic No More

Laura Taylor  —  May 1, 2007

Deckhead:

Kind of a Big Deal

Body:

First, the obligatory (and corny) shout-outs: to everyone at The Sun — especially Carlos, Olivia, Erica, Jonny, Michael and Rebecca. To everyone in the activist community here in Ithaca — especially my ISO comrades. To anyone who’s ever taken the time to help me develop a column, edit or deal with the political fallout — especially Bekah, Kristen and David. And finally to anyone who’s taken the time to read my column over the past year — thank you and keep fighting!

Nine Down, One to Go

Doug Mitarotonda  —  May 1, 2007

Deckhead:

Trustee Viewpoint

Body:

Most Sun columnists write their final piece as they excitedly look forward to graduation, their career and a new locale. Although this is my last column, I will not walk at commencement until next spring and the only early summer excitement I have to look forward to is my five-year Cornell undergraduate reunion. Even though I will still be a student in the coming year, my main responsibilities on campus are drawing to a close. Both my two-year term as a student elected trustee and tenure as a captain of the Ultimate team are ending this semester. I am sad to be moving on from these endeavors, but my Dissertation Committee will probably be happy to know I am going to be fully dedicated to my research.

Hello