The Mac Weekly

Opinion

A major speaks for the Russian Department

Four years ago I decided to come to Macalester because of its self-professed "special emphasis on internationalism." Now I find myself as one of the last majors of a potentially discontinued foreign language and cultural studies department.

If you listen, you will hear Russian’: In defense of Russian Studies

The following piece is an approximated transcript of Professor Paul Dosh's remarks at the faculty meetings Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

Voter ID is bad for students

The more time I spend at Macalester College the more I have come to admire the state in which it is located. Seeing people throughout Macalester work together for change also drives me to want to help Minnesota grow. One of the ways that I as a student have found to make a difference in this community is to take advantage of my voting rights. To my dismay, these rights are now in jeopardy.

Mac Cares’ identity crisis

Mac Cares is widely referred to as the Macalester environmental student organization. Ironically, as sustainability efforts have become institutionalized and taken up by other orgs across campus, in recent years Mac Cares has lost direction. The more dedicated members of the org have realized that Mac Cares can't continue to function the way it did when it started, and have even begun to wonder whether there is still a need for the org at Macalester. While we still believe there's a place for Mac Cares, we are somewhat at a loss for what it should be, and decided to try to ask Macalester at large to help us define that role.

Staff Editorial: Faculty, vote to preserve Russian Studies

We have avoided taking a position on the Russian Studies debate until now. However, after considering perspectives from the many sides of this issue, we editors have come to a consensus: now is not the time to discontinue Russian.

Rethink our environment on Monday with Rep. McCollum!

Take the opportunity to discuss environmental issues with Congresswoman Betty McCollum

Opinion: February 10, 2012

The NDAA: An Unconstitutional Act

On New Year's Eve, as We the People were preparing for our festivities, President Barack Obama was busy signing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This Act has provisions that contradict the guarantees of the United States Constitution.

The Internet is a thing that exists. Now what?

I wrote this column on the Internet. A website called writtenkitten.net will reward every 100 words you write with a picture of a kitten from public flickr streams, sometimes even kittens inside buckets or flower pots. It is possibly the most Internet thing that exists, combining the weird obsession with cats that springs from the web's position as an introvert paradise with short attention span gratification, multitasking and use of common data available to all. The pinnacle of humanity's greatest communication technology has been reached, and we all can haz.

Staff Editorial: No more word limits

Starting with the next issue, The Mac Weekly will no longer have word limits for submissions to the opinion section

Opinion: February 3, 2012

Meet the Candidates

For the Financial Affairs and Program Board chairs, elections will be held at the beginning of Spring semester, rather than the end of the semester in April. They will stand as Chair-Elect for Spring 2012 and act as an apprentice since these positions require a longer transition period. The Chair-Elects will officially serve as chairs for the 2012-2013 academic year. Our hopes for this change are to better serve the student body, in allocating funds and programming school-wide events.

Don’t call me Rich: Thoughts on confrontation and pride

I hate being called Rich. Luckily no one ever tries to call me Richie, and Dick is used sparsely enough to still be funny. Something about Rich is just really annoying, though, and unless I've known you for a while, you're cool, and you have some damn bass in your voice, I'd really prefer if you just called me Richard.

Tell Klobuchar: Support the Clean Air Act!

Most Minnesotans take it for granted that our air will be breathable and our water will be drinkable. We assume that someone is out there protecting our environment from unsafe chemicals and emissions. However, big energy companies and their lobbyists in Washington are fighting to weaken these common sense standards and place our children and our communities at risk.

The Grand Sandwich says goodbye

I am sad to announce that The Grand Sandwich has closed its doors. Although business was good, and we continued to grow, we were unable to generate the volume we needed to be successful as a business. I want to thank the Macalester community for all of its support and good will.

Staff Editorial: Conflicts of Interest

As a staff of around two dozen covering a college with a couple thousand students, we inevitably run into situations where editors or writers are deeply involved in the issues we cover. Two big ones have come up already this semester, with one story in this week's issue on the GOP caucus and an upcoming story on the movement among students to keep Sociology professor Deb Smith teaching at Mac.

Opinion: December 9, 2011

Org Funding Cuts Creating Controversies

In the December 2 edition of The Mac Weekly, a front page article entitled "Increase in org requests results in budget cuts" included a quote questioning whether funds allocated to Macalester Quiz Bowl and Macalester Democrats could instead be used for end-of-semester dinners for cultural orgs. As members of the aforementioned organizations, we were saddened and disappointed to hear our organizations targeted in such a manner.

Winter Ball: the facts

Macalester was recently voted one of the top-most intellectual colleges by the Huffington Post. The writers of this article clearly did not attend Winter Ball. If they did, they would have witnessed the sheer lack of respect shown by Macalester students. If you are reading this, and had a fun time without hurting yourself and others, you represent the majority of students who enjoyed the event. The negative impact that seems to have overshadowed the success of the event overall was based on the disappointing behavior of a select number of students. This behavior has made a joke of our school's reputation as an intellectual institution.

Employee Giving Campaign Raises $21,242

Macalester College prides itself on its commitment to its neighbors. The annual Employee Giving Campaign, which ran November 1-30, is a wonderful way for faculty and staff to demonstrate support for the greater Twin Cities community. The month-long campaign provides an opportunity for Macalester employees to participate in the coordinated annual fund drives of the Greater Twin Cities United Way, Community Shares of Minnesota, the Minnesota Environmental Fund, and the United Arts Fund. 54 faculty and staff generously provided $21,242 in donations for the 2012 campaign. Campaign co-chairs, Martin Gunderson and Cindy Haarstad, would like to thank faculty and staff for their continued support of the Employee Giving Campaign.

Staff Editorial: A semester in review

A rundown of a few news-worthy events this semester

Opinion: December 2, 2011

On panhandling at Mac

Eric Goldfischer and Maya Pisel's article the November 18 Mac Weekly regarding the November 4 Daily Piper notice about panhandlers on campus took a pretty extreme view of the issue. It argued that the notice was likening panhandlers to animals and that it served to "perpetuate a narrative that criminalizes poverty." In my mind, this is not what the notice implied at all. People certainly panhandle because they are poor, but it does not follow that warning people about panhandlers amounts to criminalizing poverty. Rather, panhandlers are targeted because they are often trying to con people.

Shalaam coalition to students: note on history

We would like to begin this letter by thanking all of you who engaged in the events planned by the Shalaam Coalition for Israel-Palestine week. Your insightful contributions, suggestions and reflections--and, of course, your participation--made this week successful. We are grateful for both your engagement and your criticism. Criticism is an essential part of processing this week, and by offering it you show that you understand our goals for this week: to open conversation and challenge the community.

An unjust eviction in East Jerusalem

The Sumarins are a Palestinian family living in the Silwan neighborhood of East Jerusalem. They have spent the past thirty years fighting to remain in their home-- a fight that recently intensified. Two weeks ago the Sumarin family was given a final notice to vacate their home...

Search for a new dean for IGC

The College is searching for a new Dean for the Institute for Global Citizenship (IGC). The IGC Dean Search Committee has identified four candidates for the position. Three of our finalists will be on campus in the next two weeks. (The fourth candidate will visit early spring term.) This is an excellent opportunity for students to get involved. There will be multiple opportunities for students to meet the candidates. This is your chance to help shape the future of the IGC!

Insurance exchanges: vital to reform

Healthcare remains a critical issue in the United States as the number of uninsured Americans rises to 50 million and the country's health care spending reaches $2.5 trillion. The healthcare system of the United States is in dire need of reform and improvement.

Defend Clean Air!

We in the MPIRG Environment Task Force have found it distressing to hear of a number of Congressional lawmakers' recent attempts to undermine the Clean Air Act and the regulatory authority of the Environmental Protection Agency. As Macalester College students, we need to be active and engaged in the defense and strengthening of this act. Failing to do so will adversely impact the health of our local communities and the natural environment at large.

Staff Editorial: Be Considerate

It's that time of year at Macalester, a time when a large segment of the student body takes a night out of the craziness of the end of the semester to get up, get down and—if we're honest—get totally sloshed. Tonight is Winter Ball, and it promises to be a great time for all who attend, with a timeless 1920s theme, casino games and the ubiquitous chocolate fountain. That being said, many of us certainly remember the chaos centered on the transportation to and from the ball last year. For those of you who are unfamiliar, here is a quick refresher. People waited for hours in the cold for buses to and from the event, and in the words of one senior acted like "a drunken, mindless horde…fools in the most debasing, demoralizing way."

Opinion: November 18, 2011

The Cost of College

Two weeks ago, President Brian Rosenberg published an article in The Huffington Post entitled, "Will Dropouts Save America? No." It was a response to an op-ed by Michael Ellsberg that appeared in The New York Times on Oct. 23. In this piece, Ellsberg argues that college has ceased to be useful for a large part of the American workforce. For specialized professionals like doctors, lawyers, and professors, college is a worthy and necessary investment. However, those searching for work in other fields might be better served by saving their money.

Students propose variety of rollover projects

The Mac Weekly asked the advocates of fixed-cost rollover ideas to explain why students should vote for their ideas in this week's vote allocating the $50,000 windfall.

What does it mean to be an adult?

I've been thinking about something a lot recently. As college students, the majority of us are over eighteen; we are legally considered adults and as such are part of a new, larger community gifted with greater privileges and, in turn, more serious duties. Now, this may just be my ever-present inner Spider-Man fanboy speaking, but as I reflect on the intellectual and moral capacity of myself and my peers, I find myself coming back to this time-tried adage: "With great power comes great responsibility."

Income inequality: a vital discussion

Occupy Wall Street, and the solidarity occupations that have sprung up across the country, have been the focus of plenty of attention from politicians, journalists and police departments in the two months since the movement began. Many in the media have argued that the protesters will not be successful until they articulate a clear set of goals or demands. This may be true, but to me, the message of the Occupy Movement has been crystal clear: corporations and the super-rich control most of our country's wealth, while everybody else is left fighting for the scraps.

Want a voice? Step up and claim it with the Occupy movement

Two Fridays ago, after the Occupy information session, I was one of 30 or so Macalester students that went to downtown Minneapolis for the Occupy MN rally and march. This is a movement that is growing at Macalester and across the nation, and one that I think everyone should be paying attention to.

Staff Editorial: On Need-Aware Admissions

As reported in this week's issue, the Resource Planning Committee (RPC) recommended a vigorous and systematic assessment of the need-aware admissions system the school has used for the past seven years. As the administration reminded us, despite our current state of need-awareness—where a student's potential financial contribution to Macalester is taken into account in a limited number of admissions decisions—the college continues to offer excellent financial aid to admitted students. Further, they contend that the switch from need blind admissions has had little measurable impact on campus experience.

Join Colleges Against Cancer in Relay for Life

"Who the Heck would be crazy enough to stay up until 6 a.m. on a Friday night?!" Though staying up to see the dawn is a great reason, it's not why I will still be awake at 6 a.m. on March 23. I will be staying up until dawn because Henry Heitman will never see one again. Henry's last dawn was on Sept. 11, 2008 when he passed away of throat cancer.

Opinion: November 11, 2011

Response to panhandling notice

On Friday, Nov. 4, the Daily Piper ran a notice advising Macalester community members that "we have had several persons on campus panhandling." Additionally, the notice referred to panhandlers as "perpetrators," and advised students to report all such activities and "persons" to the police, and to "not engage in the conversation and walk away." As members of the Macalester and Twin Cities communities who enjoy work and relationships with people experiencing homelessness and distress, many of whom would be considered "perpetrators" by the above notice, we find such language extremely disturbing and completely unacceptable.

Panhanding: Deal with it as you will

In last Friday's Daily Piper, recent incidents of panhandling on campus were addressed with the following warning:

"If you are approached by someone asking for money, assistance with a vehicle, or giving other hardship stories, do not engage in the conversation and walk away… Please do not encourage this behavior by giving the person money."

In Monday's Daily Piper, an apologetic note clarified that the above suggested responses to panhandling are only applicable when the individual is being threatening or aggressive.

Alta Gracia coming to the Highlander

There is a certain element of pride one has when sporting their college's apparel. As someone with older siblings and cousins, I have inherited many college sweatshirts, and every time a new shirt enters my wardrobe I wonder if people are going to ask me "do you go there?" My response has always been "no" and will continue to be until I buy a Macalester sweatshirt. I have not yet purchased a Mac sweatshirt, but next semester I hope to buy a sweatshirt that I will be able to wear with the utmost pride.

Remembering Veterans

Today is Veterans' Day—a day for us to honor all the brave men and women of the United States military who've given their lives and who continue to give their lives in the service of our country. Throughout our history, these selfless individuals have fought to protect our people, defending our nation and the freedoms we hold dear.

Staff Editorial: Israeli-Palestinian Week

Starting on Monday, as reported in this week's issue, a new coalition of organizations concerned with the Isreali-Palestinian conflict called Shalaam will host Macalester's first Israeli-Palestinian week. There will be documentaries, panels and cultural celebrations throughout the week, all focused on fostering a safe environment for widely divergent opinions. The Mac Weekly would like to briefly express our belief in the potential of this week, and urge all interested students to participate respectfully and honestly.

Opinion: November 4, 2011

Occupy Mac--learn more today!

September 17, 2011 will go down in history as the day hundreds of protesters began their Occupation of Zucotti Park in New York's Wall Street District. By mid-October, there were over 600 solidarity protests in the United States, and several hundred more internationally. Dedicated organizers provided initial momentum, activists who had been silent for years came out of hiding, and most importantly, brand new voices felt the problem was real enough that they needed to speak up. But what was/is their uniting force? What are the Occupiers really protesting? And, dare we ask, what are they demanding?

Staff Editorial: Go Vote

Next Tuesday, November 8th, is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November—that's right, Election Day!

Opinion: October 28, 2011

Keep it real: on honesty and mental health

"Hi, how are you?"

This is probably the most perfunctory question we come across in our daily social lives. Whether it's in a Facebook post from an old hometown friend you haven't seen in a while or at dinner with your roommate, this seems to come up a couple times a day. And the response always tends to be the same...

Respect America’s flag

In response to the prank apparently performed by pro-Palestinian activists on October 4th, it's worth noting that I learned nothing about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from their actions. Rather, I learned that some of my fellow countrymen apparently have no respect for the American flag, a symbol of a nation that has done more for them than they probably realize.

Veganism: a culture that deserves better

It seems that in this society, veganism as a minority culture is a perfectly acceptable, even encouraged, target of ridicule. My status as a woman and a feminist is never looked down on at this institution, but I constantly have to defend the part of my lifestyle that excludes animal products. I am consistently puzzled about where this bitter hatred spurs.

Staff Editorial: Russian Studies debates demonstrate thoughtful discourse; they should continue

It's easy to imagine how debate about the closing of a major could quickly cause heightened tensions and heated emotions. But so far, the conversation about the potential discontinuance of Russian Studies among the campus community has been a model of how to discuss issues thoughtfully and passionately. After several years of discussion about the importance of civil discourse at Macalester, it's inspiring to see it happen about an issue critical to the future of the college. It's been heartening to witness and report on the discussion, with multiple sides being passionate about their arguments but respectful of other perspectives.

Opinion: October 14, 2011

Don’t let the U.S. slash foreign aid

Foreign aid currently constitutes a mere one percent of the total federal budget, and that number is in danger of dwindling even lower. Recently, both Democrats and Republicans have suggested cuts to the State Department and its global aid programs as part of an attempt to balance the American budget. These cuts, proposed by the House of Representatives and opposed by the Obama administration, would have a negligible effect on our national budget but cause devastating repercussions around the world.

Be a champion, work with MCSG

As liberal arts students, we are often told to think. Now, don't get me wrong, thinking is good. However, it has gotten to the point that by the time the typical student graduates Macalester he or she is conditioned to approach issues by "establishing a space to freely discuss and let the quiet have an equal voice," instead of acting decisively.

Staff editorial: On the Board of Trustees and enthusiasm

Budget rollover fund process press release

In the coming weeks, Macalester College Student Government (MCSG) will be moving forward on plans to allocate the Budget Rollover funds. These funds consist of the accumulation of unused student activity fees from the past six years.

Opinion: October 21, 2011

The death of Russian, and other myths

Chances are that by now, you know that Macalester's Russian department is the first on the list of departments to be reviewed by the Educational Policy and Governance (EPAG) committee for possible discontinuation. Whether through The Mac Weekly's coverage of the process, the chalk on the sidewalks, or the "Save Cheburashka" t-shirts, the news is everywhere. Russian students, such as myself, are angry and ready to speak up. And with good reason; Russian is one of the most vital languages in the world today, and one of the closest-knit departments at this college.

Staff editorial: Rollover bill a great step forward, but concerns remain

We here at The Mac Weekly were pleased to hear about the passage of the "Rollover Bill" at Tuesday's MCSG meeting. One of the biggest problems with the saga of the rollover last semester—which was, in general, a positive democratic exercise for the school—was a lack of structure and organization: a good part of the open forums and discussions that took place were spent planning future forums and processes rather than working on the issue at hand.

Sophomore Disorientation

Two years ago, we wandered back onto Macalester's campus unsure about our friends, our majors, our activities, and what we should do with our Thursday afternoons and our Saturday nights. Two years ago, we were no longer first years. We were sophomores.

Celebrate UN Day with Model UN!

At all hours of the day, through sunshine and through hail, the United Nations flag waves over Macalester's campus. It is a constant reminder of the role Macalester has played in the world and the goals many of us aspire to.

Exploreships: An opportunity sophomores shouldn’t miss

By now, you have probably seen signs and advertisements around campus telling you to sign up for an Exploreship over J-term. But what exactly is an Exploreship? Who is it available to? Does it have anything to do with space travel? As the two sophomore student members of the Alumni Board, Denghui Sun '14 and I have been in the lower level of the campus center this week trying to spread the word.

Does community matter?

This Tuesday, Community Matters held an open forum discussing the base question, Does Community Matter? Community Matters is a group composed of staff and students that organizes events around campus to foster dialogue about community issues at Macalester. About thirty people were able to attend the discussion, which began with a student, a staff member, and a professor sharing their experiences with community at Macalester. Participants were then asked three questions to discuss at lunch tables. They were asked: How have you felt connected to the Macalester community? How have you felt uncomfortable sharing your voice in the community? How would you like to engage with the community differently?