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Drinking culture should not define our university

The start of a new school year. The celebration of a Badger football game. The birthday of a lab partner’s roommate’s pet fish. The ability to dress like a workout “bro” or a yoga “hoe.” What do all these things have in common? They are all reasons, or some would say excuses, that students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison include alcohol in their college experiences. While some would say that kicking back and relaxing with a beer at the end of a hard week of classes—or getting black- out drunk because the previous week was so grueling you just want to forget everything—is just part of the Wisconsin experience, is it really necessary to fill every moment of your four years of college with alcohol?

Homelessness is not an individual issue

When I first came to campus in the fall of 2014, homelessness was something that I identified as a problem right away, and it is has only gotten worse recently. Being homeless can lead to serious health conditions. The National Health Care for the Homeless Council’s  June 2011 fact sheet shows that individuals experiencing homelessness have high rates of acute and chronic illness and are more likely to be exposed to communicable diseases, violence and malnutrition. It also states that homeless people are often displaced due to the workplace injuries that disable them from future employment opportunities, and become deprived of qualifying government health services because of their unemployed status.

US should encourage economic openness

A common political sentiment this election cycle is that immigration and international trade harm Americans and the U.S. economy. We have heard a narrative from both Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump which asserts that the U.S. has disastrous trade agreements which eliminate manufacturing jobs and harm working Americans. The notion that Americans shouldn’t have to compete with immigrants in the domestic labor market or citizens of other countries in the global labor market is also more popular than ever. I reject these ideas, as there is no moral or economic case for restricting immigration or instituting protectionist, anti-trade economic policies. Open borders and open markets are economically and morally superior.

Open dialogue is key to politics, learning

The year 2016 has, so far, proven to be an extremely difficult one. Through the first eight months we have witnessed horrifying terrorist attacks both domestically and abroad, a civil war that has left millions in a state of crisis, an attempted military coup, an Olympic games in a politically torn nation and great political and racial tensions here in the United States. 

Protest votes cause more harm than good

As an ardent and vocal environmentalist, I have always been drawn to the ideas and candidates espoused by the Green Party. In 2014, I cast some of my very first votes for Green Party candidates, in the hopes of seeing environmental stewardship come to the forefront of local politics.

Colin Kaepernick’s gesture ignites race conversation

Having grown up in San Francisco, I have been a 49er fan my entire life. This was a hopeless fandom for decades, until the star who is Colin Kaepernick burst onto the field and into the hearts of 49er fans everywhere. However, during his short career, Kaepernick has traveled a road of highs and lows. In 2013, he was pulled off the bench only to lead his team to a Super Bowl that same season. A national sensation for his dynamic playing style and skill, Kaepernick continued to start for San Francisco until last season, where his talent began to fizzle and he lost his starting position midseason.

My Wisconsin Idea: an accessible and affordable future

As a student at UW-Madison, a world-class research institution, I have the ability to receive a quality degree with hard work and support. However, that support is threatened by polarized views and a misunderstanding that investing in public education is a partisan issue, rather than a value. I understand the value of my education because I know that in order to create jobs, improve the Wisconsin economy and maintain a quality education, my state must invest in education.

Letter to the editor: White spaces for racial justice have value

We, the white students who were present at the community processing space on Monday, July 11, would like to respond to recent media coverage representing the opinions only of students who were not in attendance. We hope that this can help clarify how white spaces for racial justice can play a valuable role in community healing and interrupting racism.

Engage actively with the UW-Madison community

The summer before freshman year is an exciting time. You’ve made it to UW-Madison. The idea of finally starting your college experience can be relieving yet stressful. We remember feeling so uncertain about the future when we moved in just two years ago. But uncertainty can be a positive opportunity for growth and openness in a new place.

Reflecting on Pulse from within Madison's LGBT community

Pulse. A name fitting for a club that wasn’t just known as one of the “hottest gay bars” in Miami, but also for a place that was at the heart of the LGBT community in Orlando, Florida. On Sunday, June 12, the rhythm of Pulse was broken. From what authorities have confirmed, Omar Mateen walked into Pulse nightclub at 2 a.m. and opened fire into the crowd killing 50 people and wounding at least 53. This tragedy has been labeled as one of the most tragic mass shootings in the history of the U.S. In the wake of this, we as the American people must understand something: We can’t use this instance of violence to perpetuate hate.

Becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable

In recent months, the debate over which bathroom facilities transgender people in the United States should use in public spaces has become one that has divided Americans. States such as North Carolina have already made up their minds on the matter, and have passed legislation preventing transgender students from using restrooms and locker rooms that do not match their biological sex. Even here in Wisconsin, bills similar to that in North Carolina have been proposed, and the discussion over them is widely thought to be opened again when session begins again this fall.

Society is too accepting of mass violence

Last week, I was sitting on the grass with my co-workers, training to be camp counselors for the summer. During our lunch break, we all naturally checked our phones and were bombarded with news that there was an active shooter on the UCLA campus. Being a San Francisco native, this news hit very close to home, as dozens of my close friends and family have connections to UCLA. However, despite the horrific news, we all were somber for a moment and then moved on to the next topic.

Editorial Board’s spring retrospective

Sexual assault climate 

Coming out on your own time

I am gay. Three of the hardest words any person can think, feel or even say. Three words that start a journey, adventure and never-ending marathon. Three words that I have said before. 

Ending, starting a chapter at the Cardinal

Outgoing editor-in-chief Jim Dayton

Americans should reconsider using torture

On the current campaign trail, many candidates have been extremely outspoken over a number of controversial topics. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Donald Trump are no exception to this, as both of them are outspoken about topics such as abortion or immigration. Additionally, Cruz and Trump are extremely vocal about the topic of torture and their desire to reimplement it as a way of gathering information.

SERF changes will affect health

Freshmen and sophomores, you’d better appreciate the SERF while you still can: After next year, you won’t see it again before you graduate.

Editorial Cartoon

Collaboration, communication key in redefining #TheRealUW

UW-Madison students, alumni and campus community members are sharing their stories of discrimination and bias with the hashtag #TheRealUW, illuminating how for some students, feeling safe, accepted and respected on this campus is not a given.

Rethinking your route to the 'American Dream'

All my life, my parents told me that I was smart. They told me that I was going to go to a top-ranked university and become rich when I was older. I realize that I am not alone in this experience; as high school seniors, many of us felt tremendously pressured to get into the highest-ranked university we possibly could. We had been brought up to believe that our futures were in the hands of our SAT or ACT scores, personal statements and grade percent average—our dreams were in the balance of what college we graduated from. American society places a high value on white-collar jobs, which mostly require a high level of education. This “American Dream” of a high-paying job and white picket fence is something that everyone wants to achieve but is unrealistic for many. However, there are alternatives for a fulfilling future.