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Celebrities-with-their-causes

Celebrities with their causes

Their effect on us today and their future potential

Madonna adopts a Malawian orphan, and suddenly we all know about the AIDS orphan crisis in Africa. 

Teachers should not be blamed for education crisis in the United States

Amid talks of a "broken" public education system, at least 13 states have reported that they expect to make large cuts in K-12 education funding.

Obama and Calderon squander special opportunity to resolve crises

Last Thursday, President Felipe Calderon of Mexico flew to Washington for what could have been a pivotal meeting regarding immigration and the drug war.

Chinese leaders need to operate in the world of today: restrictions in information no longer apply

Although those dreaming of glory days continue to criticize the assimilation of technology into our day-to-day lives, improved communication has actually benefitted the planet as a whole.

THE WELLESLEY NEWS: STAFF EDITORIAL

College is a time for us to work toward our futures. We commit to getting a higher education because we believe that our degree will help us to achieve better opportunities.

BallerBS

Baller or BS

Apparently, the torturing of animals is no longer the only way to tell if your child will grow up to be a psychopath.

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U.S. budget should focus on Americans

Although the U.S. economy seems to be improving, it will still be years before the aftermath of the 2008 recession ceases to be apparent in economic transactions.

Letter of the Editor: Stand up, fight back

I want to share with the Wellesley Community a speech I gave today at the Wellesley Rally to Support Wisconsin Workers.  Here it is, more or less verbatim.

Extension of U.S. business interests in Latin America does not produce stability

As Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega was making plans to run for re-election, the country's opposition groups to the Sandinista party leader—a longtime foe of the United States—were organizing in order to eradicate the government of its "gangsters." 

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Harvard/Princeton Early Action

Harvard and Princeton recently announced that they will return to their policy of early action after being on a single-admissions cycle since 2007. 

Protests on campus show interest outside of our Wellesley bubble

With the many recent events in the news, both in the United States and across the globe, Wellesley students have spoken up, taken a stand and organized protests on campus to express their anger and frustration with current situations and stand with those who share their same point of view.

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USDA releases dietary guidelines for Americans

Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the release of the 7th edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans at the end of January.

Baller or BS

First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiative to decrease childhood obesity has been met with resistance from the right since the beginning, but recently, hating on the First Lady is a Tea Party pastime.

Black History Month: To what extent is black history actually taught and known?

History majors will tell you that historiography is the study of the writing of history, and that probably the most important law in the discipline of historiography is that, as the African-American author of Roots Alex Haley put it, "history is written by the winners."

Wellesley Republicans find a voice at CPAC

While political friction is a trademark of Washington politics, the past few years have been particularly hostile between Republicans and Democrats.

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Abortion providers denied “right to life” in South Dakota with passage of new law

South Dakota Bill 1171, which would effectively legalize the murder of doctors who perform abortions, is ludicrous. Violence should never be condoned by anyone, especially not by a government.

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Freedom of the internet: Can we start a revolution through Facebook and Twitter?

Unrestricted use of the web is not necessary for a truly democratic nation as long as everybody, including the government, is unable to access information.

Sexual assult victims within the military require support

Supporting the federal lawsuit against the Department of Justice for failing to prevent rape and assault within the United States military is important to many.

Studying abroad provides unique opportunity for students

Romantic images of fulfilling and memorable months studying abroad have been in many students' heads since the minute we stepped onto campus.

Students suffer in 2012 budget proposal

President Obama's State of the Union address's main theme was that the United States would out-innovate, out-build and out-compete the world by reducing the national deficit and developing human capital. 

BallerorBS

Baller or BS

A favorite of this column has once again proved to be a most valuable figure in the world—of sarcasm.

Arab youth demonstrate courage

There is no power greater than the energy of the youth.

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LatinoDeportation

They have a dream that one day they can become Americans

Illegal immigration has, at length, been a big problem in the United States, predominantly since the latter half of the 20th century.

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StateCorporateTax

Obama’s budget proposal plan makes necessary compromises

President Obama's official 2012 budget proposal was released Feb. 14, but his proposals have already begun to spark controversy. 

Protect Life Act impedes women’s health

Representative Joseph Pitts (R-PA) recently proposed H.R. 358, also known as the "Protect Life Act."

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Alumnae achievements should inspire future grads

Wellesley prides itself on educating women who will make a difference in the world, and our alums have done just that.

ballerorbs

Baller or BS

Dear readers, apparently you exist.

College Freshman Unprepared for Stress

As high school juniors and seniors begin their college search, they face a range of emotions about the exciting unknown that lies ahead.

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Concern for Haiti wanes, despair remains

Remember the earthquake that shook Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010?

Oration and action: where two presidents differ

Feb. 6 marks the centennial of Ronald Reagan's birth, a president best remembered for his Cold War rhetoric, acting background, and smooth communication style.

Division in the family:

Barbara Bush pushes for equality

All parents play an enormous role in the political education of their children. For most of us, the issues we care about, and our point of view on them, were born at home.

Gates Foundation blurs the line between public and private global health actors’ accountability

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the newest and largest philanthropic actors, donating approximately $3 billion per year to international health causes, announced its $50 million donation toward polio vaccinations in Pakistan and Afghanistan this past week.

Letter to the Editor 2/9/11

I was happy to read in the March 17, 2010 edition of the Wellesley News that despite the downturn in the economy, there have been increases in unrestricted annual giving.  The article also mentions that a portion of these unrestricted funds support general operating and maintenance costs.

Hazardous weather policy proves too harsh for Wellesley community

As large amounts of snow, sleet and freezing rain fell this past week the weather temporarily paralyzed Boston's transportation system, closed many schools and colleges and caused buildings to collapse under mounting snow across the state.  Yet amidst the blizzards and storms, Wellesley College remained open.

Protests in Egypt need American aid and attention

On Jan. 25 protests began with tens of thousands marching in Cairo and other major cities in Egypt.

Emanuel back on the ballot for Chicago mayor

The Illinois Supreme Court's decision to allow Rahm Emanuel to participate in the Chicago mayoral election scheduled to take place on Feb. 22 represents the best interest of the city of Chicago.

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Mental health awareness could prevent future tragedies

The tragic shooting that took place in Tucson earlier this month has generated much debate over gun control laws throughout the past few weeks. However

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Instead of looking toward the future, Obama should focus on the present

In his State of the Union address, President Obama spoke to the country in an enthusiastic speech which, as always, displayed his characteristic idealistic nature.

Gun issue existed before Tucson, take a look at drug cartels

"Ninety percent of all weapons we are seizing in Mexico are coming from the United States," said Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Arturo Sarukhan in April 2009.

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“Tiger Mother” prepares her cubs for the future– but what kind of future do we want for the world?

Something deeply impressed in most Americans regarding Chinese people is their unrelentingly strong work ethic.

Smoking warnings gruesome, necessary

Beginning next summer, smokers will likely face more than just whimsical images of camels or butterflies on their cigarette packs.

Americans tune out old terror alert system

Homeland Security is looking into the possibility of altering the current threat system both because of criticisms that the system is too basic and because of fears that American people are no longer taking the threat seriously enough.

WikiLeaks coverage part of the job

Media handles fiasco as it should

When WikiLeaks released countless government documents on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan earlier in 2010, the media naturally jumped on the topic.

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Minority Report: Pelosi too controversial to continue legacy?

So much time has been spent knocking the right wing for being the party of "no." No, we can't have health care reform. No, we can't abolish the Bush tax cuts. No, we can't put up with the Obama administration!

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silentpledge

Silent recitation of pledge more patriotic than rote recital

At North Collins Elementary School in New York, controversy over the Pledge of Allegiance has caused school board member Rosemarie Troidl to resign.

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Maturity required on both sides of the aisle in wake of elections

One of the most "interesting" things about politics, the politics of inaction, could be the core of our government in the upcoming years.

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Pronoun changes signify progress

After a fractious discussion, the Wellesley College Senate voted to change its constitution to better represent the current student body by replacing all feminine pronouns with gender-neutral language.

Balancing act: practicing religious tolerance for better medical practice

"I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug."

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Black Tuesday: Democrats face grim two years

Progressive activists had a completely different mood after last Tuesday's elections than they did two years ago.

US Term Limits v. Constitutional Conservatism: Really, Rand Paul?

For the most part, I've come to terms with last Tuesday's results: to the detriment of our government's already-questionable rates of productivity, the Democrats no longer control both chambers of Congress.

Tea Party politics: factions are counterproductive to change

Republicans and Democrats alike criticize it for its political stances, and it has generated enough media attention to become a household name.

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Midterm election results are prelude to inauspicious two years for Democrats

While liberals were certainly hoping for better outcomes from the midterm elections, the turnover does not indicate the type of monumental nationwide conservative backlash that Republicans are hoping it signifies.

Implementation of AIDS treatment needs more global attention

In 2005 South Africa instituted a National AIDS policy, finally ending the silence and denial that has lead to the death of countless people. The policies sound great on paper: universal access to ARVs, mandatory counseling for patients with a positive result prior to treatment, mandatory testing for all expectant mothers. But in reality, the effects are varied.

ObamasPatriotism

Are the Obamas apathetic?

When an individual is chosen to lead, he or she is meant to embody the nation's distinctive features and have the capacity to fight for the best interests of the collective. In the United States, sometimes the people overextend that duty into an expectation that American leaders will blindly support past and present U.S. actions.

Remember, remember, the 31st of October

Last year, I remember cursing the fact that Halloween fell on a Saturday: the holiday's status as a college "New Year's Eve" of sorts, coupled with already-inadequate Senate bus service, made for one of the most stressfully chaotic nights out of my first semester (not to mention the fact that the Daylight Savings Time change that night added to the mess of confusion).

The Political Net: non-partisan action versus neutrality on Wellesley’s campus

In today's world, "cooperation" and "tolerance" are highly valued notions in theory, yet the execution of such accepted concepts is much more difficult to conceive or produce.

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Low math ranking signals education crisis

Students in the United States rank far below those in other economic powers such as China and Korea in math and science scores.

Failure of multiculturalism: German Chancellor admits defeat

On Oct. 17, German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that multiculturalism had failed and that all immigrants should "respect [Germany's] constitution and tolerate [Germany's] Western and Christian roots."

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Age presents hazards on the road

In the next 20 years, the number of drivers older than 70 is expected to triple. Even today, older drivers make up a significant percentage of the people on the roads.

Mirror, mirror on my iPhone: who’s the fairest one of all?

Beauty is more than just a prescribed layout of facial features.

The women of “The Social Network”

"The Social Network" is by nobody's definition a chick flick.

’Tis the season to be bitterly partisan—but why?

CHARLOTTE’S WEB | Politicians must be wary of embittering partisanship battles and misrepresenting m

"I'm a Republican. And it's so embarrassing when I have to defend myself after another one of ‘us' disregards science by saying climate change isn't happening or says something homophobic.  FMlabeled-as-a-wack-job-L."

Fraternity actions must have consequences

"No means yes, yes means anal!" was just one of the misogynistic chants voiced by the pledges of Yale's Delta Kappa Epsilon earlier this month.

Legacy admissions foster intellectual growth

Accepting legacy students offers legitimate advantages to colleges

"Oh, I'm not worried about getting in… Daddy will just donate a new wing to the art museum."

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Dear Tea Party: America is not for sale!

CHARLOTTE’S WEB | Excessive campaign spending for 2010 midterm elections is counterproductive, even

I've always been told that experience is the best—albeit most difficult—teacher.

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EducationSystem

U.S. education system lacks quality guarantee

Charter schools offer a better option for elementary education, but should not have to

Without deep knowledge about the education system in the United States, it can be easy to idealize it. However, upon greater reflection, these views are shattered by a reality that has absolutely no place in this country.

Democrats fight for nation’s causes

The United States is  looking at a turnover in the House, Senate and governorships that may very well echo the 1994 midterms, when the Republicans won control of both houses of Congress, gaining control of the House of Representatives for the first time in 40 years.

U.S. must enforce immigration law

Laws exist for a reason; they are not arbitrary and they are not optional.

Zuckerberg’s $100 million gift to Newark schools vindictively overanalyzed by media

Regardless of donation's timing, Facebook founder should be lauded for philanthropy

Mark Zuckerberg's $100 million gift to the Newark public schools is generous, no matter what his perceived agenda is.

Legacy admissions policies outdated, counterproductive

Legacy should not take precedence over talent

A student's legacy status should not be considered in the application process.

Sexism requires response

POLITICS | Women must actively combat sexist remarks

Political confrontations turn personal when gender is targeted, as we've seen happen to the foremost female politicians of our time. 

Can we trust the food we eat?

CAMPUS LIFE | Wellesley Fresh too slow to respond to concerns

AVI Fresh for Wellesley College, the company contracted to provide food on campus, recently came under scrutiny because of an e-mail circulating among students that claims vegetarian and halal foods served in the dining halls fail to adhere to dietary standards for those two food categories.

Obama Bruni-Sarkozy Graphic

Freedom of speech should extend to highest levels

Even elected officials should have the freedom to say what they want.

Rash of suicides by gay teens surprises country, part 2

Regrettable incidents highlight underlying mental health issues

Recent suicides indicate ignorance about mental illness.

Rash of suicides by gay teens surprises country, part 1

Clementi tragedy should open eyes of a society blinded by indifference

A former classmate of the defendants in the Tyler Clementi case takes a stand on the right to privacy.

No room for progressive complacency in governor’s race

Liberal activists shouldn't wait to get involved in the Massachusetts senate race.

Millenium goals need innovation for success, part 2

Western countries continue thinking inside the box with few results

The global community falls short in achieving Millennium Goals.

Millenium goals need innovation for success, part 1

Governments must protect against unsafe abortion, not abortion itself

Governments world-wide should not impose on a woman's right to choose.

Reactions to mosque field trip small minded, outdated

Controversy about Wellesley middle school field trip to a mosque is ridiculous.

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Sarkozy’s elitist actions hurt France

Sarkozy's enforcement of the expulsion of Roma is xenophobic and disappointing to supporters of France.

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