Opinion

---

Squabbling Democrats nominate gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota

As Scott Walker, Mark Neumann, and Tom Barretteare vying to become the next governor of Wisconsin, an intense political drama is unfolding across the river in Minnesota to replace their governor, Tim Pawlenty. While many Badgers may not necessarily have an interest in the political climate in Minnesota, the events of last weekend's Democratic Farmer-Labor Party convention speak to a larger problem nationally within the Democratic Party. Since the election of Barack Obama, the Democratic Party has struggled to maintain unity as centrist Democrats quarrel with the far left as to who will maintain control of the party. Last weekend's Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor Party convention confirmed this point.

Williams, Johnson for ASM leadership

The Associated Students of Madison may not be the most exciting topic on campus. Bucky Badger's shapely body is probably more inspiring. But nonetheless, ASM is an integral part of our daily lives as students. The student government is charged with allocating $38 million in student segregated fees and giving students a voice in administration decisions through shared governance, and it is important that the right students are put in charge of that money.

Editorial Cartoon: April 28, 2010

Booze restrictions bad for business

Last week, the Alcohol License Review Committee approved a repeal of a three-year-old provision that has effectively been preventing new businesses from getting a liquor license in Madison's downtown area. Under the 365-day provision of the Alcohol Licensing Density Ordinance, any incoming establishment in Madison's central business district may not apply to the ALRC unless it is located at an address that has held a tavern license within the last 365 days.

Time to dwell on ""her-story

As Lathrop Hall, one of the most historically important structures on campus turns one-hundred years old, it seems a suitable time to reflect on the history, comical ironies and astounding change which has surrounded the record of women on campus.

Americans should be wary of radical rhetoric

Socialist, Nazi, Muslim, terrorist, extremist, baby killer, tyrant, dictator, un-American... and that's just the beginning of a long list of hate-filled words used in political and public conversation when talking about the ""opponent."" There is a reason kids are taught not to use ""bad words."" It is because language does matter and word choice is important. In an era where the F-word has virtually lost all meaning to such an extent that it has become a member of our conversational lexicon, we need to take a step back and realize that the words we use are powerful, charged with meaning, and as such we need to think carefully about how we use them.

Editorial Cartoon: April 27, 2010

Rep. Wood's actions demand discipline

For those of you keeping score in the battle for the state of Wisconsin's reputation, alcoholism increased its commanding lead over responsibility last week.

Keep yourself out of an occupational pickle, take pride in your work

Finally, I have found a way to incorporate one of my most passionate, enduring opinions into a legitimate opinion article.

Be thorough with sexual assault stats

Earlier this month, the watchdog group Security on Campus lobbied for Congress to amend sexual assault acts so universities would have to disclose the total number of sexual assault hearings that occur on campus. The legislation would narrow the Clery Act, which requires universities to report information on crime that occurs on and around campus.

Tea party opposition lacks ideas, creativity

Last Thursday millions of Americans showed up to Tea Party rallies across the nation to demonstrate their grievances against and frustration with the federal government. The locally organized Tea Parties were a tremendous success. The Wall Street Journal reported many locations saw a dramatic increase in turnout. Tea Parties, which began little over one year ago, are now a national movement to be reckoned with as many political pundits analyze their potential impact in the upcoming midterm elections. Even former governor Tommy Thompson used the event to announce he was not going to be running for Senate.

Seek to discourage sexual violence on campus through bystander intervention

Bystander intervention is a strong peer to peer tool that students can use to intervene when they see an unsafe situation. There are many ways you can step in to divert potential harm to one or both parties, and it is especially useful in preventing occurrences of sexual assault and dating violence on the UW-Madison campus. Stepping in can be a difficult thing to do, but there are several ways that you can make a strong stance against unsafe situations. Taking a stand against questionable behavior is one way that you can support others in making healthy decisions.

Instead of criticizing environmental opponents, seek to understand, educate

Environmentalists frequently lament the lack of environmental conscience in those whose lives they deem ""unsustainable""—""How can they be so selfish?"" we ask. This is the battle being fought today. A division of ""us"" vs. ""them"" occurs, and the ""others"" are frequently chastised as reckless and irresponsible. ""This is their fault!"" it often goes. I will argue, however, that a socially just and effective environmentalism—something the movement's founders envisioned—is incommensurable with this division.

Earth Day must change, become more inclusive to reach wider audience

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The daylong teach-in was founded by Wisconsin's former governor and senator, Gaylord Nelson, after whom our Institute for Environmental Studies was named.

Religions do not need National Day of Prayer

Last Thursday, a federal judge in Madison ruled it is unconstitutional for the federal government to endorse a National Day of Prayer. U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb brightened the day of First Amendment fans across the country with her ruling that characterized the current National Day of Prayer as a government endorsement of prayer. In her ruling, Crabb wrote, ""The same law that prohibits the government from declaring a National Day of Prayer also prohibits it from declaring a National Day of Blasphemy.""

ASM representatives only exist on paper

Sometimes, campus politics are like a giant game of ‘Where's Waldo.' And not those first few easy pages.

Arizona immigration legislation lacks reform

Last Tuesday the Arizona House of Representatives approved anti-illegal-immigrant legislation that, pending approval of the state Senate and the signature of Governor Jan Brewer, will set the bar for immigration reform and the treatment of illegal immigrants nationwide. The legislation has been lambasted by a New York Times editorial for being ""mean-spirited,"" an editorial which went on to argue the legislation ""would do little to stop illegal immigration"" but would rather, ""lead to more racial profiling, hobble local law enforcement, and open government agencies to frivolous, politically driven lawsuits.""

Editorial Cartoon: April 19, 2010

Women and men must work together to fight sexual assault

A movement to end all forms of sexual violence through education and activism... sounds empowering, right? And it is! But at the same time, it's a terrifying prospect, a concept that is intimidating to most men. Consequently, many men choose to remain uninvolved and distance themselves from the process of ending sexual violence. Why is that? Several factors play a role in creating an atmosphere of fear and resistance.

Keep access to 911 calls open to the news media

Last week, the state assembly passed a bill banning the release of 911 call recordings. If it goes on to gain the Senate's approval, Wisconsin could become the fifth state exempting audio of 911 tapes from the public records, following Missouri, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and Rhode Island. Even though the new measure is backed by families of the victims, who are the most relevant party in cases of emergency, public rights to access these records should not be abridged.