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(04/03/15 4:10pm)
To whom it may concern,Today while on campus, I saw a high school student touring campus with his parents. This student and his parents picked up a copy of The Plainsman and were astonished by several of the front page articles — namely the 'War f@#$%!& eagle' headline and the STD check article. While I appreciate the need to attract readers by publishing headlines that ask for attention, I am also heartbroken that this front page potentially deterred this student and his family from attending our university. While The Auburn Plainsman has a duty to report news that is relevant and interesting to the student body, its editors should be cognizant of the fact that the audience is one of all ages — not just college students. In the future, I hope to see articles on the front page that I would not be ashamed to share with potential Auburn students.War Eagle!
(04/02/15 11:32pm)
Letter to the Editor,
(04/09/15 8:54pm)
Racism plays an unfortunate role in our culture today. Just in the past year, America has seen events such as the Ferguson riots, controversy over the Washington Redskins franchise name, drunken fraternity brothers singing obscenities on a bus and many more incidents.
(03/02/15 9:35pm)
Dear Kris;
(02/16/15 8:30pm)
Dear Editors of Auburn Plainsman,
Would you please print my letter in your 'Letters to the Editor'? This would be a great help to me in completing my state project. Thank you!
(02/05/15 10:00pm)
Mr. Puchner seems to have accidentally proven the exact point he set out to argue against.
To quote, "The reality is, government and judges have no power to define what marriage is" Yep! That's kind of the point there, Joe. Judge Granade's argument hinges on the issue that the state has no power to limit what marriage is. In particular, that two pieces of legislation were unconstitutional in their definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.
To be precise, the plaintiffs were not represented equally under the law because the state overstepped their bounds in defining what a marriage is. So you and Judge Granade agree there. But I don't think Mr. Puchner understands that. Further, the "basic truth" that a marriage is a quote, "monogamous, exclusive and permanent union" is not thereafter made false by exchanging "between a man and a woman" for any other pairing, be it man and another man, or what have you.
Again, Mr. Puchner seems to have a pretty good idea of what a marriage should be, but not a clue why it shouldn't be extended to gays. He goes on to say, for the second or third time in the article by this last paragraph, that "it's not a question of equality, because the unions are intrinsically unequal." He never comes close to explaining how those unions are intrinsically unequal.
I think he just really enjoys the word intrinsically, but isn't quite sure what it means. I've read his op-ed three times now and I still can't see it. But what do I know? I'm just a political science and philosophy student. We don't ever have to read anything dense and confusing.
Even if you believe a marriage is a purely religious construct, in which the government has no grounds to interfere, you must then become comfortable with the fact that some churches will be willing to perform marriages between same-sex couples. If you want to remove the government from it entirely, then under the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution, no marriages are legal, per se.
To that end, if no marriages are legal, then what are we even arguing about? Same-sex marriage must then be honored or dishonored in the same way that your different-sex marriage is just as legally bunk. If that's what you really want, let the churches decide.
With the scores of churches across the nation (and already in our state) saying they will bless same-sex unions, I think you might not like the results, Mr. Puchner. In conclusion, it seems, indeed, that Mr. Puchner absolutely wants the government to define what marriage is.
As long as it's what he thinks it is. The thought that the government has no place in defining marriage is only convenient insofar that it doesn't grant freedom to those who don't subscribe to Mr. Puchner's personal definitions (admittedly shared by numbered hordes of ignorant Alabamians). Make up your mind, Mr. Puchner.
Evan Smith is a senior in philosophy and political science at the University of Alabama in Birmingham.
(02/03/15 7:00pm)
I was disappointed, yet not surprised, that the opinions board of The Plainsman voiced their support of Judge Granade's recent attempt to redefine marriage. The view of the staff reflected the popular sentiment that the movement to legalize gay marriage is grounded in equality, but, after just a bit of thought, one can clearly see that same-sex "marriages" and marriages between one man and one woman are intrinsically, by the very essence of what they are, unequal.
The disagreement on this issue is not over whether or not all marriages should be treated equally, but rather over what sort(s) of relationship(s) constitute(s) a marriage. Only by answering this first, most basic question can we judge whether or not a policy is treating marriages equally. Even the proponents of same-sex marriage draw lines when they define marriage, with unions between more than two people as one example of an emotional union they exclude from their definition of marriage, thus making it imperative that we actually answer the question of what marriage is.
Marriage is more than just companionship, and never in the history of humanity, save the past few decades, has marriage been reduced to such a vacuous definition. Clearly, marriage must be based on something more than just love or intense emotion. After all, intense feelings for one another is not an experience limited just to couples, and if marriage was simply based on consenting adult romance then the state would no interest in recognizing "marriage" at all.
The reality is that governments or judges have no power to define what a marriage is, but have a responsibility to enact policy that reflects the basic truth of marriage as a monogamous, exclusive, and permanent union between a man and a woman, or judging if a specific policy violates or upholds marriage equality. In any case, the basic question of what marriage is must be answered. Bringing a man and woman together, permanently and exclusively, for the purpose of creating and nurturing children, is a clear governmental interest. This is marriage. Same-sex unions do not have an equal public purpose. It's not a question of equality, because the unions are intrinsically unequal. Marriage involves more than just contract law for consenting adult romance. Our state, and society in general, has a clear interest in preserving traditional marriage, and unelected and unaccountable judges should stop undermining this societally necessary institution.
Joe Puchner, University of Alabama student
(12/02/14 8:30pm)
I wanted to speak about the chanting at the Iron Bowl.
(11/22/14 5:55am)
In response to some remarks expressed in a Plainsman article entitled, "Alabama not included in same-sex marriage legalization," which ran on October 30, 2014, the College of Education Diversity Committee would like to express our resolute support of LGBTQ rights and marriage equality.
(11/14/14 2:30pm)
Greetings-
I was sitting in Alumni Center Saturday, Nov. 8, waiting to attend the football game. I found a copy of The Auburn Plainsman beside me, and the article titled above (Students address offensive costume) was the first I read.
Let me say I've always loved the conviction and enthusiasm of all things college, including my own days here in Auburn, thus my interest in a publication I hadn't read in over 35 years.
Toward the conclusion of the article, Shannon Arthur is quoted, concluding with, "... African-American students don't need to feel like the red-headed stepchild anymore."
Ms. Arthur, like all of us do on occasion, fell back to a cliche, and while I am absolutely certain she meant no harm whatsoever, she needs to understand this type of cliche, from way before her birth, was born in an era when stepchildren, as if they could control their own destinies as children, were viewed as second-class -- and this is the very global topic that is the focus of the article.
I think of another cliche phrase from that general era, That [usually referring to an event or action] would harelip the Pope! or one of its iterations, equating the unfortunate congenital cleft lip with inevitable mental dullness.
(11/04/14 10:00pm)
In the Oct. 30 edition of The Plainsman, Becky Hardy, editor-in-chief, profiled Patton Chambers, a student who is "homeless by choice."
From my understanding of the article, Chambers relies entirely on University facilities for typical activities of daily living; he sleeps in the library nightly, he eats minimal meals like oatmeal and peanuts and he carries his belongings in a heavy-duty backpack.
"I just want to experience something," Chambers said when discussing his motivation for choosing to be homeless.
Chambers' minimal lifestyle shouldn't be condemned, as many notable figures took similar paths on their searches for enlightenment.
However, I want to challenge this image of homelessness by asserting that Chambers' story is not representative of the stories of most individuals who are experiencing homelessness, including people in Auburn.
What Chambers fails to acknowledge is an overwhelming majority of situations of homelessness are not sparked by the desire to explore life, nor are they thoroughly planned.
Life crises like poverty, a sudden job loss, domestic violence, insurmountable medical bills and even a family unaccepting of a LGBTQ relative can lead people to the streets.
The National Coalition for the Homeless speculates almost a quarter of the homeless are United States veterans, unable to reintegrate into society.
Homelessness is not, as Chambers would have readers believe, "an endless vacation." In fact, those who are homeless are susceptible to high rates of violence, substance abuse and mental health issues. Furthermore, being homeless can impede access to quality medical care.
Chambers said if he got an intense illness or something happened in his family, he would quit his homeless lifestyle.
For most individuals experiencing homelessness, quitting is not an option.
On Saturday, Nov. 8, as Auburn's campus buzzed in anticipation of the game against Texas A&M, Auburn police responded to reports of the body of an older adult man lying lifeless under the bridge of the South College interstate exit.
The appearance of the body and lack of identification suggest the man may have been homeless.
When we choose to concentrate on stories like Chambers' and ignore the stories of those who did not choose to be homeless, we don't seek to understand the underlying causes of homelessness, and thus don't work toward reducing homelessness in our own communities.
To find out how you can advocate for those who are homeless, go to the Alabama Alliance to End Homelessness's website at http://www.alaeh.org/.
(10/29/14 3:00pm)
Dear Editor and Citizens of Alabama,
I'm writing to you to say hello from the smallest state in the union, Rhode Island. I am a seventh grade student at Goff Junior High School in Pawtucket, RI. For my geography class we are working on a semester long project on a particular U.S. state. I chose your state because I love the Auburn Tigers.
Could you publish this letter so that your readers could help me on my project?
I've realized that first hand information from citizens of our chosen state is more helpful than anything I could get online. If your readers could send some information, pictures, or tourist information it would help me so much with my project. Your readers can send the information right to me at school. Thanks for the help.
Sincerely,
Medeski D.
Medeski D. is a seventh grader at Goff Junior High School with Mr. Gilmore's fourth-period class. Information can be sent to him at 974 Newport Ave. Pawtucket, RI 02861
__________________________________________________________________________________
To whom it may concern:
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for reading this letter and the letters of my students. The project they are working on can be a tremendous success with your help and the help of your readers.
Let me take a minute to tell you about our school and students. Pawtucket, Rhode Island is an urban school district founded in the birth place of the mill industry with the first, water powered mill. Slater Mill is not more than a five minute walk from our school. Like any urban school district, Pawtucket has its share of challenges. Roughly about 80 percent of our students qualify for the free or reduced lunch program. However, Goff Junior High School is classified as being a typical junior high school in the state of Rhode Island. This is a rating given by the state for schools that are making progress and moving in the right direction educationally. The students here at Goff take an active interest in school and responsibility for their studies.
By publishing their letter and hopefully your readers' response, they will be able to produce a written report, poster board and oral presentation.
Hopefully when you decide to publish the students letter I am requesting an edition in the mail or be notified when it will run so I could look at your online edition. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and help in providing a worth while and rewarding project experience for my students.
Sincerely,
Brian Gilmore
Brian Gilmore is a seventh grade geography teacher at Goff Junior High School in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He may be reached at gilmoreb@psdri.net.
(10/24/14 4:52pm)
In response to Editorial: Are they leading by example?
(10/23/14 10:45pm)
In response to Editorial: Are they leading by example?
(10/27/14 1:30pm)
Main idea: Though I agree with Emma Watson, a certain understanding of feminism can lead to a breakdown of the wait 'til marriage before having sex rule, which hurts our ability to have a long-term, fulfilling, committed love relationships.
I'm not backlashing against the movement for sure; I'm in favor of it. I do believe that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities, and therefore, I am a feminist. The rates of domestic violence against women, the common-ness of eating disorders among teenage girls, and the conversations I've had with women about how self-conscious they were or are as teenagers, are all awful things, and they make me pretty sad. I applaud Emma Watson for making a move against such things. I try to make this sort of move in my daily life.
However, feminism seems to be identified with a breakdown of the wait 'til marriage rule. To cite a few examples, in Watson's speech, she said, "It is the thesis that I have the right to make decisions about my own body." I assume she is referring to abortion, but often, this is also understood to mean that women should be encouraged to have sex outside of marriage. Or in an online article written awhile ago entitled "18 Things Women Shouldn't Have to Justify," one of the things was "Whether or not they're having sex, and to what degree." One more; in "Flawless," the non-Beyonce voice says, "We teach girls that they cannot be sexual beings in the way that boys are."
To clarify, Beyonce's line is vague, but I think she means it should be OK for women to have non-marital sex, just like it is for men. If that's what she means, I'm saying that it shouldn't be cool for men either. Additionally, I do not mean that women or men should be shamed, like classified as morally bad, impure or less valuable for having sex outside of marriage. This is such a common problem among people who hold the wait 'til marriage view; though no one makes anyone wear an actual scarlet letter anymore, the "shameful and impure" stigma for men and women who have sex outside of marriage is very alive and well, deeply wounding women and men every day.
All I want to suggest is in most circumstances, it is terribly sad, not bad, not morally shameful when a man or woman has extra-marital sex and in doing so, compromises their ability to enjoy a lifelong committed love relationship. I want to emphasize that I use the word compromise here, rather than destroy. An explanation of why sex outside of marriage compromises our ability to have a fulfilling long-term love relationship would take many pages; I believe it has to do with what it means to be a person in a human body. All I want to say here is that many of the people who have the kind of happy, fulfilling life that we want believe in waiting. It is no accident or coincidence that the two go hand in hand.
To conclude: Watson's feminist thesis, "Women and men should have equal rights and opportunities" does not imply that men or women should have sex before marriage.
(10/11/14 3:44pm)
I believe it both unethical and irresponsible to cooperate with anyone directing a "stigma." I learned that lesson from the Women's Movement. Though it may not be the intent of the person suggesting it, it is the intent of the word, itself. I measure words very carefully.
(10/10/14 4:35pm)
Greek life is an integral part of Clemson University and the Clemson experience for students and the campus community.
Clemson University did not disband or suspend fraternities on its campus.
Following a number of reports of serious incidents involving fraternity activities, on Sept. 23 university officials issued a moratorium on the IFC's social and new member activities.
This week, University officials issued an interim policy to allow fraternities to have social activities beginning today (Oct. 10) provided they meet certain conditions to be in good standing.
Throughout this semester, all IFC fraternities could continue to have business meetings and participate in community-service and philanthropic fundraising activities; university-sponsored events that didn't involve alcohol, such as sporting events and campus recreation activities.
There is no higher priority than the safety and welfare of our students.
Robin Denny is the Director of Media Relations at Clemson University
(08/18/14 4:00pm)
A new year brings new beginnings.
It's the beginning of classes, beginning of football season and, for some, the beginning of whole new chapter in their lives.
My advice for lower - and upperclassmen - is to take advantage of all Auburn University has to offer and take advantage of the towns around Auburn.
We may live in a small town, but we should never say we're bored.
The Plainsman's campus section covers everything from Student Government Association senate meetings to University Program Council concerts to events other University organizations hold throughout the year.
We cover community news, such as music festivals in Opelika and Waverly and new restaurants and shops to check out.
Our intrigue section will give readers ideas that can keep them occupied on those lazy Sundays, whether it's making a delicious meal or getting involved with the Parkour Club.
If you keep up with The Plainsman every week, you're sure to never be bored.
You can also get involved with some of the organizations on campus.
Logging on the AUinvolve will show all the campus clubs and organizations.
My recommendation is to pick up to three organizations or clubs to join at one time.
The Plainsman is also hiring staff throughout the semester.
Whether you are a journalism major or not, anyone is welcome to write and share their voice here at the paper.
Our office is Room 1111 on the bottom floor of the Student Center and applications are online.
You can also email me at rsh0010@auburn.edu if you have any questions about joining The Plainsman staff or working as a volunteer.
The Plainsman prides itself on getting the news to everyone as fast as possible through our Twitter and Facebook accounts.
However, The Plainsman doesn't stop at covering features and breaking news.
Our reporters and myself will uncover injustices, spread the word about causes and try to make this University the best it can be.
If we're paying thousands of dollars to go to school here, we better make sure we're getting our moneys worth.
I can't tell you how excited I am to start the fall semester working at The Plainsman.
We have many new ideas for our readers.
I hope you will take advantage of us as a resource as much as possible.
We're dedicated to giving you news the campus and community not only want to hear, but need to hear.
The reporters at The Plainsman have a unique voice.
They can tell stories from a student perspective and find stories students and people who love Auburn are interested in.
Whether it's the kind lady who greets everyone at the bookstore or a fellow student with an interesting back story, we're always open to ideas.
As editor-in-chief of The Plainsman I pledge that I will try my absolute hardest, especially since I've already sold my soul to the paper, to bring the Auburn campus and community all the news it needs as timely as possible.
Our passion is the uncovering the truth and we're a spirit that is not afraid of doing just that.
Becky Hardy is the 2014-15 Editor-in-Chief for The Auburn Plainsman. She can be reached via email at editor@theplainsman.com.
(08/14/14 4:00pm)
War Eagle! On behalf of the entire faculty, welcome back!
I trust you had a productive summer and are returning to campus rested, energized and ready to conquer a new academic year.
Fall is always an exciting time on our campus thanks to the energy of the students.
While I hope the summer months offered you an opportunity to take a break from academic rigors, I'd like to share a few thoughts to help start your semester off on the right track:
*Keep your academic goals in mind.
Fall semester is an especially busy time that brings academic, social and professional opportunities--all of which compete for your time.
While it's important to fully experience college life, remember that your ultimate objective is to achieve your learning goals and finish your degree on time.
- Sign up for AU Alert.
This past spring was a great lesson in preparing for the unexpected.
Several days of classes were cancelled due to inclement weather and safety precautions.
We were able to effectively inform students of changes to the campus schedule through AU Alert, our official emergency notification system.
If you have not already signed up through AU Access, please do so.
- Actively engage with your faculty members.
Auburn University's faculty are leading scholars in their fields of study.
They are here to present you with new ideas and perspectives.
Look to them as mentors, guides, and professional resources.
Take the opportunity to get to know them outside of the classroom.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Even the most successful students have to ask for help sometimes.
Our faculty and staff are here to make sure you have all of the tools you need to be productive and engaged.
Remember, you wouldn't be here if we didn't believe in your capacity for success.
There are countless campus resources available, ask for help when you need it.
- And lastly, be a good campus citizen.
As a member of the Auburn Family, you are responsible for engaging with other students, many of whom may hold different beliefs than yours.
Look at your time at Auburn as one of discovery.
Be open to new conversations and experiences.
This will help you realize new ways of sharing your knowledge and talents with the world.
Auburn is fortunate to have such exceptional students.
You are the reason we are here.
Best of luck for a successful semester!
(08/13/14 4:00pm)
On behalf of your Student Government Association, I would like to welcome each of you back to Auburn for another school year.
We are excited to have you back and cannot wait to see what another year of your contribution to all areas of campus life has in store for our university.
Auburn is a special place because of its student body, so thank you in advance for the ways in which you will serve our school and those around you throughout the coming year. Our Student Government is honored to be working to create an even better Auburn for the student body.
This summer was a productive time for our team - we have worked to create a comprehensive feedback system to hear your concerns in all areas of campus life, to organize a more efficient late night transportation system, to continually improve your game day experience, and to ensure that international students at Auburn are receiving a proper orientation, among other projects, programs and initiatives.
As the next academic year begins, we are committed to continuing to use our positions to make significant progress on our priorities and goals. However, know that we are ultimately here to serve you - please let us know how we can do so!
This summer, Auburn welcomed the biggest freshman class in our university's history to campus. At Camp War Eagle, I challenged this class to give their time at Auburn their all.
Whether you are a member of this incoming class or a senior preparing to graduate, I want to challenge each of you to do the same. Jim Elliot once said, "Wherever you are, be all there...."
As the best student body in the country, let's make that our mission throughout this next year - in the classroom, in our student sections, and even while spending time with friends and family. As we all quickly learned upon arriving on campus, college is an extremely formative period, so let's strive to make the most of our time here.
Again, welcome back to Auburn. Our team counts ourselves blessed to be in a position to serve a university and student body we love. We are excited to have you back on campus and we cannot wait to experience another year at Auburn University with you.
God Bless and War Eagle!