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Posts published in “Opinions”

The rightful place of Confederate statues

Statues of Confederate generals and politicians, like Robert E. Lee, evoke strong feelings in many people, black and white. These statues have become symbols. Some view them as glorifying a fight for white supremacy, while others believe they were erected in the memory of war dead and are not monuments related to race. Regardless of viewpoint, they have become a magnet for civil unrest and debate.

When is the right time to discuss gun control, if not now?

We have all heard the Republican party’s talking point too many times: It is too soon after the tragedy to discuss gun control issues. The people need this time to grieve.

We hear this same refrain after every mass shooting, and it is wearing thin. This delay tactic should not grind down our resolve: the time to discuss gun control is now!

What’s with the public concerts on-campus?

I adore concerts and am always actively searching for opportunities to attend them. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a Jittery’s Live performance, and you need to slide around on the bright orange of the CC furniture as you listen, or an obscure Australian band in a pitch black room over on Pearl Street, playing for (at most) 50 people. Concerts in Northampton are a rewarding experience.

Peaceful protest has long been part of sports, Mr. President

In the wake of natural disasters, international crises and human rights injustices around the world, the President of the United States turned his attention and anger to standing up for the national anthem, an irrelevant and inappropriate matter to be discussing at such a tumultuous time.

Minimum wage increases: A good idea?

For the last three years, Massachusetts has seen a $1 per year increase in the minimum wage. Today it stands at $11 per hour, and lawmakers are considering bills to increase the minimum wage again. 

To spur this decision on, professional economists in Massachusetts recently signed a letter supporting wage increases by $1 for the next four years, bringing the minimum wage to $15 by 2021. 

Trump v. North Korea

At a recent United Nations meeting, President Donald Trump severely criticized North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Trump referred to Kim with the mocking nickname “Rocket Man” and threatened to “totally destroy North Korea” if necessary.

The Diverse Smithies series kicks off

Last year President McCartney introduced the Innovation Challenge for Advancing Inclusion, Diversity and Equity. It was a new funding opportunity to support ventures which strengthen the Smith community. The Diverse Smithies Series was the proposed project of the Office of Alumnae Relations and started last week. 

The need for a nuanced perspective in the global classroom

How important is it to your success as a student in a Smith classroom, to be American?

Of the million things I thought about before I came to Smith, this was something I took for granted. I assumed that a college education is global, no matter where you go, and that’s exactly what I wanted. I believe a global education is valuable, and it encourages a greater understanding of world problems. And that has been my experience, to some extent. 

However, I was forced to think harder about this as I started to peruse the course catalog more intently and took more classes.