The Optimist
You are here: Home / Opinion

Reactions manifest mettle of challenged campus

by

By Laura Acuff, Opinion Editor In America, freedom of speech is one of our most treasured and violated rights. While our generation lives decades after the tumultuous Civil Rights Movement, we face the challenge of proceeding. Should we shift the campaign for equality abroad and risk accusations of meddling in foreign affairs? Or do we keep our ... [Read More…]

Pledging-induced stress unwarranted

by

By Kelline Linton, Chief Copy Editor I'm not ready to be blinded by bright yellow skirts or run over by skipping girls, but the pledging season has arrived, and rushes began Tuesday. On Sunday I spent most my afternoon at teas, meeting potential pledges and explaining the merits of my club. I was surprised by the number of women I met who claimed ... [Read More…]

Residence Life fails to communicate hall costs

by

The Office of Residence Life Education and Housing recently made some commendable changes to residence hall features and function. Most halls received upgrades, including new computers and furniture for Edwards Hall, parking lot lights near the Smith and Adams Halls and new carpet, paint and vanities for McDonald Hall. Residence Life even extended ... [Read More…]

Presidential elections revive national hopes

by

By Daniel Johnson-Kim, Editor in Chief How's that feeling of hope? You know the one. Maybe you got it after hearing Sen. Barack Obama speak at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, and it remained with you until he became a presidential nominee. Perhaps the feeling hit you after Sen. John McCain sternly outlined his devotion to "finish the ... [Read More…]

Drop in federal aid no reason for worry

by

By Laura Acuff, Opinion Editor Reports of diminishing availability of loan money in conjunction with a recent increase in Stafford loan amounts seem to present conflicting information to money conscious students. While Darrell Horn, associate director of Counselors for Student Financial Services, said adquiring loans may be more difficult ... [Read More…]

Obama’s popularity influx worrisome

by

By Colter Hettich, Features Editor I'd call it a fever. It began sweeping the states months ago. Thanks to a carefully planned, well-staged tour, it seems to have swept Europe. It might be the cynic in me or maybe my gag reaction for the mainstream, but the height to which Barack Obama has risen makes me hesitate. I will be the first to admit ... [Read More…]

Mobile Initiative presents opportunity, challenge

by

ACU's motto challenges its administration, faculty and students to "change the world." With the Mobile Learning Initiative implemented this fall, the university changed the world in one fell swoop. More than 120 news outlets from six continents have covered the university's plan to distribute iPhones and iPod touches to its freshmen. ABC News TV ... [Read More…]

Biden bid borrows trouble for Obama

by

By Laura Acuff, Opinion Editor People don't vote for vice presidents. Best case scenario: a good VP selection wins a few wavering voters. Worst case scenario: a bad VP selection obliterates an entire campaign. That said, you'd think presidential candidate Barack Obama would have balked at the idea of inviting Delaware Sen. Joe Biden to join his ... [Read More…]

Opinion Page provides forum for discussion

by

On any other page of the Optimist one can find coverage of campus news, the latest updates on ACU's NCAA Division II sports teams or reported stories about interesting people, events and shows at ACU and in Abilene. But the Opinion Page is a venue for argument, agreement, discourse and discussion. Each issue of the Optimist Opinion page will carry ... [Read More…]

You are here: Home / Opinion