Opinion

Thoughts from the Georgetown community.

Voices

A funny thing happened during finals

Maybe it’s a trite opening, but I’m going to use it anyway. I had an interesting week.

It started last year (OK, so it was in 2001, but I figure it’s a more exciting intro if I say last year?gives it that sort of historical flavor).

I had been dating a girl from Duke, whom I’d met while interning at the State Department over the summer.

By the January 10, 2002

Voices

A different holiday homecoming

I think I realized I had changed somewhere outside of Dallas, speeding towards Kansas City about 30,000 feet above the earth. As I sat wedged between a nicely-dressed businessman and a college student from George Washington University, I attempted to sleep but could not avoid overhearing their conversation about this student’s first semester away from home.

By the January 10, 2002

Editorials

Gonzalez: take a stand on GLBT

On Nov. 14, a group of students met with Vice President of Student Affairs Juan Gonzalez and presented him with a preliminary proposal for the creation of an on-campus resource center for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students. The report included statistics reflecting the problems sexual minorities face as well as information that pointed out that, historically, Catholic Church teachings are not imcompatible with sexual orientation.

By the December 6, 2001

Editorials

Affirmative un-action

The current legal challenge to the University of Michigan’s affirmative action policy should force Georgetown to re-evaluate its own murky and unclear policy. Consider what Jamie Briseno, senior associate dean of admissions, said about the School of Foreign Service: “To the extent that the dean’s office .

By the December 6, 2001

Editorials

AIDS demands more attention

Despite educational measures, the HIV-AIDS crisis continues to grow. Infection rates for many population groups in the United States are still on the rise. According to a comprehensive study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this summer, HIV infection rates are close to their highest levels ever, particularly for the population between the ages of 18 and 24.

By the December 6, 2001

Voices

I need a hit off the old tube

I am an unabashed TV snob. For three years now, I have been that guy who, in response to inquiries on West Wing or quips about The Weakest Link coolly shoots back a disenchanted, “I don’t really watch TV.” I only turn on the idiot box to take in the latest in world news or the occasional highbrow film.

By the December 6, 2001

Voices

I’m already dead

Don’t cry for me; I’m already dead.

Well, no, I can’t back that up. But while I might not be dead, many of my movements are.

You see, I, like you, came to Georgetown with the intention of overthrowing the administration with a cadre of well-trained, stealthy and loyal commandoes.

By the December 6, 2001

Voices

Here I go again on my own

I am 22. On Oct. 14, 2000, I turned 21 and became able to legally drink in the United States. On Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2000, I experienced my first ‘80s night at the Tombs. Wednesdays are now one of my favorite things in the whole wide world. This might have something to do with the fact that I don’t have classes on Thursday or Friday, but that is beside the point for now.

By the December 6, 2001

Voices

Unexpected lessons

Unlike many of my peers, I am not a member of the Catholic Church. Also unlike many of my peers, Georgetown’s Catholic identity had no bearing on my decision to study here?I came to Georgetown because I wanted to pursue a degree in American Studies in the nation’s capital, and Georgetown provided the opportunity for me to do so.

By the December 6, 2001

Editorials

Prison Outreach reaches out

On Dec. 31, 2000, more than 1.3 million adults were incarcerated in state and federal prisons across the United States. Fewer than 7,000 of those prisoners were under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia, and were held at either the D.C. jail or the Lorton, Va.

By the November 29, 2001

Editorials

Drinking specials: how special?

The Advisory Neighborhood Commission is in the process of protesting the alcohol policies for Rhino Bar and Pumphouse, specifically the bar’s all-you-can drink specials. Proponents say these specials promote binge drinking as well as encourage public rowdiness and unruly behavior in the community.

By the November 29, 2001

Editorials

GOCard: Go Away

Next semester, the University will begin to phase in the new GOCard, which will replace the 27 other cards students currently need to access University services and facilities. If they are brave enough, students can get their GOCard right now by venturing to a room buried deep under Leavey clock tower.

By the November 29, 2001

Voices

Revenge of the bourgeoisie

My burgeoning liberalism is having a tough time compromising itself with my general distaste for the masses. I want to reach out to people, to help people, to appreciate their woes. But this is hard, because they keep pissing me off.

People are idiots, and they smell.

By the November 29, 2001

Voices

True story

Nov. 28, 2001: Two officers with the Georgetown University Depart-ment of Public Safety issued citations today to students who were riding their bikes near the Reiss Science building. Students who did not get off their bikes and walk were stopped and lectured.

By the November 29, 2001

Voices

How should an American act now?

The battle in Afghanistan is almost over, though maybe the war on terrorism has just begun. I felt relieved with the major victories this week, hoping the United Nations could go back and give aid to those who are in desperate need of it. I’ve heard however that in some parts of Afghanistan it is already too late, that many thousands have died.

By the November 29, 2001

Voices

Don’t fuck with free speech

I walked into my high school freshman English class. I noticed no one else had arrived yet, and I turned toward the black board. My eyes widened as I noticed that someone had written, in large capital letters, “FUCK,” across the length of the board.

Embarrassed by this “naughty” word prominently displayed for all to see, I scurried over and erased the profanity.

By the November 29, 2001

Editorials

Dying with dignity

Last Tuesday, Attorney General John Ashcroft authorized the Drug Enforcement Administration to take punitive action against physicians who prescribe lethal drugs for terminally ill patients?the doctors’ licenses would be suspended. This action, which is being challenged by the state of Oregon, represents a striking lack of compassion and understanding of how physicians help their patients to die and risks making the last days of the terminally ill a time of pain rather than comfort.

By the November 15, 2001

Editorials

Bilingualism gets the boot

The Claremont Academy and Early Childhood Center in Arlington Country has recently instituted a new policy that prohibits its employees from speaking Spanish to parents without a supervisor or interpreter present.

“Everyone needs to be able to know what the employees are saying to the parents” according to the center’s director Patti Macie Monday in a Washington Post article.

By the November 15, 2001

Editorials

Get in the game: go watch it

Coming off last year’s inspiring NCAA Tournament run, the Georgetown men’s basketball team opens its 2001-02 season tomorrow night in McDonough Arena. While the opening game against Marymount, hardly a difficult opponent, might not be the most exciting game of the year, this year’s Hoya team will definitely be one worth watching.

By the November 15, 2001

Voices

Late mourning in New York

The American Airlines crash in Rockaway, Queens is terrible because it killed hundreds of innocent people. The attacks on the World Trade Center are terrible because they killed thousands of people and threatened the safety and security of all Americans. Which is worse?

The answer is that they are different; one is not the “better” tragedy.

By the November 15, 2001