The media portrayal of Julian Assange and his organization, WikiLeaks, has been less than flattering. Senators have called him a terrorist. Others have said he was guilty of treason. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich stated, “he should be treated as an enemy combatant.” There are questions about his patriotism, his “ulterior motives” and…
STAFF EDITORIAL | Labeling the risks of smoking
Last week the Food and Drug Administration announced that they will be implementing the use of disturbing labels on cigarette packages, depicting the gruesome effects of smoking. While we at The Butler Collegian feel as though this is a step in the right direction, we do not believe that it will be as effective as…
Making the case for kegs
After hearing of Butler University President Bobby Fong’s intended departure, it was not long before I feared another loss, one much more grave and closer to home. How will the departure of Fong affect the current alcohol policy? It is no secret that Fong championed forward-thinking policies concerning alcohol consumption, moving from puritanical restriction to…
New book boosts Bush legacy
After being unusually quiet for the past two years, former President George W. Bush is finally back in the spotlight. With his recently published memoir, “Decision Points,” hitting the bookshelves in November, our 43rd president is doing a series of interviews and media visits to discuss the book. In my opinion, Bush is the humblest…
Turning my back on Facebook
I spend too much of my time on Facebook. Each day when I get back to my room after class I plop down, grab my computer and in this order, check my e-mail, check Blackboard and log onto Facebook. If my computer is open, in one tab or another, I’m chatting with friends and avoiding…
The price of democracy
With the amount of money spent on the past midterm elections at an estimated $4 billion, a new record has certainly been reached. This begs the question—was it worth it? I don’t think so. The smoke has settled and the results are in for most of the races in the country. With a dominating performance…
STAFF EDITORIAL | Fong’s departure brings opportunity
Last week, we learned that Bobby Fong would be leaving Butler University to become president of Ursinus College. Although we are sad to see Fong leave, the staff of The Butler Collegian knows that change can be a good thing, if it comes in the right way. The prospect of a new president gave us…
The past, recent success and future of the Tea Party
Maybe after the success of the Tea Party in the midterm election, being a member won’t have such negative connotations. Then again, after a brutal campaign, infighting among Republicans and an uncertain future after the elections, the Tea Party Movement might be dead in the water. In 2008, things weren’t looking good for the Republican…
Midterm elections turn off young voters
Last Tuesday’s midterm elections were stuffed in the middle of my week of chaotic classes and homework but I still found time to cast my vote: my first one. But, the elections also signaled an alarming trend among my friends: blatant refusal to vote. This sudden outbreak of my friends deciding not to complete their…
STAFF EDITORIAL | Fearmongering and anti-Islamic messages in political campaigns distasteful and wrong
A strong anti-Islamic sentiment has been spreading through the political environment this season, worming its way into campaigns and being used as a smear tactic. It is present in speeches, advertisements and campaign literature. Why is it now tolerable to target the Islamic faith so intensely within political rhetoric? We at The Butler Collegian disagree…