Opinion

Our forgetful administration: affecting change as a customer of the university business

The administration, by virtue of its position and its concern for this institution as a whole, will always prioritize its interests over those of the student body. I describe the administration's behavior not to demonize administrators, and I honestly believe those in power act in what they consider the best interest of the university in its entirety. This perspective, however, often seems to prioritize concerns of publicity and finance and minimize student concerns. If the administration is to maintain its benign neglect of student concerns, we must be more proactive in changing their minds. Lacking any formal power to do so, we must affect change by adopting strategies that will put student concerns in the vested interest of the administration. Our past tactics have amounted to glorified pleading, and we must now learn how to bargain.

The world is flat

Rick Perry doesn't believe in man-made global warming, and he thinks the federal government should play no part in protecting the environment against it. So how does he reconcile his own beliefs with the overwhelming consensus in the scientific community that global warming is real?

The Green Line Extension: Get it done already

The recent announcement that the Green Line Extension Project has been postponed yet again is a major setback in the effort to begin construction and a disappointment for Tufts and the surrounding communities of Medford and Somerville. The project, which was originally slated to be completed by the end of 2014, suffered yet another delay last month, and it is now projected to be finished sometime between 2018 and 2020.

A defense of the state of Georgia

I am just going to come out and say what many are afraid to: There are people in this world who deserve to die. Now, this is an extremely uncomfortable thought for the vast majority of people, and I hope it always remains that way. However, when a man kills for no reason other than to simply kill, when a man shoots a police officer who was rushing to protect the defenseless, that man deserves to die. The adamant outrage at the execution of Troy Davis is somewhat shocking to me. From what I have heard and read, those in opposition to the execution oppose it for two reasons. First, many are against the death penalty completely, and if they are not, then they do not believe there was enough evidence to sentence Davis to death. But as I review the known facts of this case, there can be no doubt in my mind that Davis is one of those men so evil that he deserves nothing less than death.

Classical music: Where is the love?

I've only been at Tufts for a few weeks and I have already met some of the most interesting people I've ever known. In my discussions with these people, the topic of music inevitably comes up: a topic near and dear to my heart. I've had discussions about musical topics as wide−ranging as dubstep mixing techniques, to the live performances of Irish folk−rock artists. I'm even taking an anthropology class that deals with Latino music. It is obvious to me that Tufts is a place where most people love music. However, I have encountered a shocking lack of individuals who share my passion for classical music.

A reflection on the Career Fair

From the Editor-in-Chief | Regarding Friday's Daily

Those picking up Friday's issue of the Daily in the dining halls may have noticed opinion pieces printed on standard printer paper and inserted into the Daily. The Daily had no prior knowledge of these pieces before they were brought to our attention.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Africana department vs. multicultural program

On Sept. 14, 2011, Dean of Arts and Sciences Joanne Berger−Sweeney sent an announcement to the Tufts student community regarding multiple new initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion. Among these initiatives was the proposal for the creation of a new academic program. From her announcement, it seemed that this proposal stemmed from the task force on Africana Studies that convened throughout last spring.

Dead silent: We need to speak up

Do you know the feeling of anticipation? The anxiety before taking a big test, standing up and giving a big presentation, or walking into an interview? The stomach−lurching feeling just before that moment, the sense of being at the height of a roller coaster, wondering why you got on the ride? Can you imagine having a terrifying appointment at 7:00 p.m. tonight, and checking your watch to find that it's 6:25 p.m.? Maybe you pace nervously. Maybe you rehearse what you are going to say, what you need to do. What if you knew that, in just a couple of minutes, you had to take a deep breath, ignore the quickening pounding in your chest and tell yourself, "I got this." Then you had to walk into a room, sit down, take a needle in the arm and die. Forever.

Prashanth Parameswaran | The Asianist

I returned home to Malaysia in early July to find a mix of fear and excitement hanging in the air. A widespread protest for electoral reform was scheduled to take place on July 9, energizing those agitating for political change and worrying others expecting government repression. A week later, thousands of peaceful demonstrators in the so−calledBersih 2.0 rally were doused with water cannons and fired with tear gas by the Malaysian police, and over 1,000 were arrested. Another brave attempt by Malaysian citizens to assert their freedom had been forcibly forestalled by their fearful government.

A needless safety hazard

The intersection of Powder House Boulevard and Packard Avenue, marked only by flashing red traffic lights, has long been the cause of anxiety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians alike.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

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The Sept. 20 Sports Schedule element incorrectly listed this week's games. An updated version of the schedule can be seen in today's issue.

Let's keep our student events

Tufts, like every other college campus it seems, has an alcohol problem. And it's embarrassing. And it's starting to limit our student activities. And that's a shame.

Amanda Johnson | Senior Moments

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was in Dewick during my freshman orientation week, and I was feeling pretty seasoned. The head−start that I had on some of my classmates from Wilderness pre−Orientation had bestowed me with what felt like a lifetime's worth of knowledge, and I was anxious to share my new−found wisdom with a classmate I saw contemplating the coffee choices. "Sometimes they put out French vanilla," I suggested eagerly. "It's really good." The girl rolled her eyes. "I'm a senior," she scoffed before briskly walking away. I was taken aback — this girl was nothing like the students I'd met throughout the week, thirsty for friendship and willing to feign interest about my hometown, dorm and anticipated major.

Calls for Ablow resignation too extreme

The outcry from within the Tufts community over the recent remarks of Tufts School of Medicine Assistant Clinical Professor Keith Ablow has been, to say the least, palpable.

Where is our Jumbo pride?

I am constantly asked what is the best part of my job as president of Tufts University. The answer is simple: the students. They are smart, positive and engaged, not only in their studies and research, but in all aspects of Tufts life — from drama, music and art, to athletics and keeping fit, to community service both locally and abroad.

Alexandria Chu | Hit Li(s)t

I love reading. But, there is one glaring caveat: I do not love reading textbooks. Recently, I opened my first one in two years and found that it took me forever to finish 10 pages. But even so, I still love reading: the act of finding meaning everywhere and anywhere.