Opinion

The big story

LAST WEEKEND, Katie Thisdell received the Virginia Press Association's First Amendment Award. Thisdell, until recently, was the editor of James Madison University's student newspaper, The Breeze. According to the Virginia Press Association's website, the award, which dates to 2007, "is given to journalists, newspapers or citizens who, in an extraordinary way, seek to advance, defend or preserve the First Amendment." Thisdell's effort to defend and preserve the First Amendment was her resistance to a prosecutor's raid on her paper's newsroom.

At what cost?

I am writing to voice my continued concern over the University's decision to embark on yet another construction project in a time of financial stress ("Cabell renovation obtains funding," April 7). The $64.5 million we have received from the state to renovate Cabell Hall is a generous amount, but let us not forget where that money is coming from: Virginia taxpayers.

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Better late than never

The University announced Wednesday that the state government will provide $64.5 million toward planned renovations of Cabell Hall.

A doctrine of humility

THERE is an oft-repeated anecdote in which famous figures are solicited by The Times of London to write essays on the query, "What is wrong with the world today?" Their responses cover the predictable "hot button" issues of the time.

The atrocity exhibition

IN 1994, Immaculee Ilibagiza was a young, college-educated woman. Her life would soon change forever.

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Paying it forward

At a time when governmental bodies at all levels in the United States are making drastic budget cuts in the wake of a severe economic crisis, the City of Charlottesville has proved to be an exception by proposing a budget for fiscal year 2011-12 that features a modest increase in spending.

The empire strikes flack

THE PRESIDENT does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation." That was the answer of candidate Barack Obama in 2007 to a question posed by a reporter about whether the executive could initiate a bombing campaign against Iran without Congressional authorization.

Student counsel

Student Council's executive board and representative body, both of which were sworn in Monday night, were the latest groups of student leaders to take office following spring elections.

What feminism means

Where have the good men gone? Far away from self-hating misogynist Ginny Robinson and her troublingly uninformed "Sexinomics" article (April 5). Robinson's treatment of female power or, more accurately, her equation of sex with power over men is utterly ludicrous.

Equality for all

THE DISCOVERY of the DNA double helix structure in 1953 was one of the most important scientific discoveries of all time.

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On their honor

When the Honor Committee's new members assumed office yesterday, they took on the responsibility of administering judicial proceedings pertaining to acts of lying, cheating or stealing that violate the ideal of a "Community of Trust." Although this description makes the Committee's power and jurisdiction seem fairly straightforward, the process of meting out justice and interpreting the meaning of honor is quite nuanced. Thus, the Committee must seek to re-engage students who have fallen out of touch with the complexities of honor.

A risky

"JERSEY Shore" is what is right with the United States. About 7.6 million viewers tuned in for the season three finale of MTV's big hit, double the number that watched an NCAA Tournament basketball game during the same time slot. Though people may think of "Jersey Shore" as their guilty pleasure, there should be no guilt involved.

Sexinomics

WHETHER we want to admit it or not, marriage and relationships still are very important issues for society.

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On trial

The latest group of students to be elected to the University Judiciary Committee officially took office Friday.

Re: Rotunda

It is possible that Gov. Bob McDonnell had an epiphany, or perhaps he merely received one too many angry letters from Rotunda visitors who fell victim to water leaking from its roof.

A thoughtless reaction

Your March 31 issue discusses the University's response to the accidental death of Thomas Gilliam ("Administrators boost security"). In response to this tragedy, the University has begun a Grounds-wide lockdown of all buildings and steam tunnels so that various security enhancements can be made. Gilliam's death is a tragic loss for the entire community, and my heart goes out to his friends and family.