Editorials

Sharps and Flats: 'It's not right, but it's OK'

By Cliff McCollum / Opinions Editor | October 8

The nicest thing I can say about Whitney Houston's comeback album "I Look To You" is that it's good, but it isn't Whitney good.I'm used to a Whitney Houston that can wail out high notes as if they came naturally to her.

We Have it Good at Auburn

By Lindsey Davidson / Editor | October 8

Just last night, I went for a walk to Samford Hall with some friends later at night.As we were taking pictures of one of my friends leaping over a sign and another one of my friends, I realized how nice I have it at this point in my life.I feel lucky to be a student on this campus.How many times in my life am I going to get free cotton candy and funnel cakes while playing on giant inflatables on a random Wednesday afternoon?How many campuses have a tradition where you just walk around with the sole mission to greet people with a simple 'hey'?Pointless?Probably.But, I promise you I will remember it and will be telling some colleague at some point at a later time in my life.The surplus of traditions this school sets on us is overwhelming at first, but truly is an outlining feature keeping us united as the Auburn 'family.'I had the pleasure of having lunch with the energetic Trooper Taylor earlier this week.His life revolves around the idea and implication of family.His only demand he had when looking for a house here was that it had to have a room big enough for his defensive line to come hang out.And he has been instilling respect on and off the field with the team.Notice how the guys hand the football to the refs now instead of tossing it?I like knowing I support a football team that receives that kind of guidance.I forget a lot about the comforting features of this school.Just being able to lay on blankets all over campus to enjoy the outdoors gives us a step ahead than a lot of other college campuses.I wouldn't really want to lay around in Tuscaloosa and 'enjoy' the atmosphere.Getting on top of different buildings around campus at night to see the stars at night and do all that romantic crap.But it's still cool even if you aren't going for gazing reasons.Being able to walk around on campus late at night is something we take for granted here.It definitely has to do with because the University is the town.But it is refreshing to know that I can walk from the Student Center to my apartment after midnight without feeling like I need to look over my shoulder.The pedestrian system around campus is more helpful than you would think.The Tiger Transit also plays into this.If you have ever been to UGA's campus, you would know what I am talking about.You do have to look out for the bikers every now and then, but being able to walk to just about any class within 10 minutes is a positive aspect to Auburn.Auburn has a lot of hidden treasures.The trees beside the library are always good for a climb at any hour of the day.The beach is one of the best places to hang out in the spring time with your friends.Being able to park in that sketchy alley behind Moe's all day is always helpful on those 'running late' days.Of course, the safety walks started by SGA across campus to anywhere you want to go is a nice way to spend your day.It hits you at the most random times, but you will realize how great we have it here.

Our View: Ruling on child support creates questions, worry

By Editorial Staff | October 8

Last week, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled parents whose parental rights have been terminated are still required to pay child support, setting a legal precedent within the state.The Supreme Court overturned a state appeals court decision that stated a parent who lost rights to a child was no longer required to pay child support.The six member majority felt neglectful parents could be rewarded for their behavior if they were not required to support the children they no longer had legal rights to see.This editorial board, on the other hand, couldn't seem to come to a clear consensus on this issue.We do all believe there should be some form of accountability for deadbeat parents and that the system in charge of maintaining and enforcing support payments should be strengthened and kept free of delays.We also agree parents who voluntarily gave up all rights as a possible way to avoid paying child support were probably trying to cheat the system, so this decision will finally make them have to pay their fair share.We might not necessarily agree with all of the methodology of this decision, but we believe keeping the child's welfare and happiness as the primary concerns is the best way to handle all such cases.The concern from some members of this board was this: is this decision a backdoor way to legislate morality?While child support is generally seen to be an obligation, it had been seen as something society and the mores of that society dictate.

Guest Commentary: 'Sober, Unnaturally Crazy'

By Martin Morrow / OPINIONS STAFF | October 8

There are a few things that are excused when you're sober.You may become temperamental and get into a physical altercation, it's OK, we all have our boiling points.You may have a moment in the car dancing and singing out loud or picking your nose, if it's in there then it's gotta come out some how.There are a few moments though that, if you are in public or social situations, seem to be unacceptable.We all have our crazy moments, but typically there is some reason.We may not admit it as humans, but we are all weird in one way or another so it's difficult to decipher what odd is until something truly off the wall is viewed.

Our View: Thoughts after the Tennessee game

By Editorial Staff | October 8

Coming off the high of our fifth straight win and our No. 17 ranking in the national polls, we feel the need to heap praises on our Auburn family.While a few of us stayed here in Auburn to watch the game, we've heard a great deal of you went to Knoxville this weekend and supported our boys in Neyland Stadium.We've heard the Auburn University Marching Band represented us well and, on occasion, its volume even blocked out the Tennessee band.Since several of the editorial board members are former band geeks ourselves, we salute you.We want to commend the football players on the job they are doing thus far this season, and we hope they continue to play at increasingly better levels.We've got some hard weeks to come, and we need to be ready.We also have to mention something we've been noticing over the last few weeks, something we thoroughly enjoy: our players handing the referees the ball when plays are over.To begin with, it just looks classy, like our players have attended some sort of Cotillion or etiquette training seminar.We're certain Miss Manner herself, Emily Post, would approve.Coach Malzahn's plan for immediate ball hand-offs also cut down on delays and the possibility of a penalty for delay of game or excessive celebration.After all, we saw on Sportscenter what happened to the University of Georgia's A.J.

The Theatre of Comedy: Spotlight on ETC

By Martin Morrow/ Staff Writer | October 1

I enjoy a hearty laugh from time to time. This laughter has the ability to come from all directions but when someone else is able to pull it from my body and soul like a real life Shang Tsung of Mortal Kombat fame it makes it all the more special. I also enjoy a good cry sometimes. If this crying be from something that I find to be heart-wrenching AND on stage then we're in business. Now imagine if the comedy Mortal Kombat laughter and the heart-wrenching theatre stuff met in Birmingham, Alabama, went on a few dates, got jiggy with it one night and had a baby that powerful emotional seed would grow to be the Extemporaneous Theatre Company.

Has the Thrill Become More Important?

By Lindsey Davidson / Editor | October 1

The thrill of the job is what motivates me to continue in this line of work.I thrive off of the competition to be better.My energy is derived from "cracking" breaking news.The high-stress situations push me to an adrenaline rush with wanting to get the news out there.Unfortunately, in the journalism world those thrills come from other's misfortunes.

Is Feminism Killing Old Southern chivalry?

By Helen Northcutt / INTRIGUE EDITOR | October 1

From where I sit I think women today, particularly in the South, have it pretty darn good.We are enjoying the steady spread of women's equality in the workplace, home and school system while still being treated like damsels in distress when it comes to our lifestyle.Are we confused?

Let's All Blame Canada, eh?

By Andrew Sims / ONLINE EDITOR | October 1

OK look, I know America is No. 1, awesome and the best in the world, but recently America's copycats and people who want to be us have gotten to be a little ridiculous.I'm calling you out Canada.Normally I realize Canada is a remarkably sound thinking place, our much calmer neighbor to the north.Like an older brother, we will say, who watches over his slightly younger brother America and all his crazy adventures, and then completely ignores his step-brother Mexico further south because nobody likes to talk about the things Mexico does.Canada is like that nerdy, dweeb of a friend who stands behind you when you are about to throw that rock at the hornet's nest saying, "Now come on America, I don't think that is such a good idea.

Our View: Flavored cigarette ban baffles old consumers

By Editorial Staff | October 1

As of last week, the clove cigarette and many of its other flavored brethren like vanilla and chocolate are now contraband.

Our View: Awareness key to ending violence

By Editorial Staff | October 1

Since October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we felt the need to further comment on this important issue.Domestic violence affects more than 2 million Americans every year, and that number could easily increase if more is not done.What starts off with comments about what a partner can wear or who they can spend time with can develop into a toxic relationship filled with verbal, mental and physical abuse.Also, don't be fooled into stereotyping domestic violence as a women's issue, as there are almost a million men affected by domestic violence each year.This is an issue that doesn't get the attention it truly deserves, and there are some tell-tale signs this is a true statement.According to a study done in 1990, there were 3,800 animal shelters in the United States, but only 1,500 shelters for battered women.Yes, there may be more animals than people in this country, but when there are helpless fellow human beings in need of safety and comfort, shouldn't that be a higher priority concern?So, what can we do?

To Fail is to Truly Live

By Ben Bartley / COPY EDITOR | September 24

Failure is an ugly word. To fail is to be a loser--something unclean and decidedly uncool.Most of us do everything in our power to avoid failure, because failure is synonymous with worthless.

Our View: The Spanking Situation

By Editorial Staff | September 24

In life, there are many issues where people fall into one camp or the other; the middle, gray area is largely unpopulated.Issues like abortion, gun control and public smoking bans come to mind.Spanking children is another such issue.We know studies have shown spanking is one of the worst forms of negative reinforcement and has been shown by studies to be ineffective at curbing the behaviors it means to address.The line from spanking to child abuse is also blurry, and largely comes from self-defined statuses.

Humanity Gives Darwin, Theory of Evolution the Finger

By Kate Davis / GRAPHICS EDITOR | September 24

The human race has stopped evolving. Charles Darwin defined evolution in terms of natural selection, survival of the fittest.

Our View: We salute you, Tiger Transit thief

By Editorial Staff | September 24

(Cue the Budweiser Men of Genius Music.)We salute you, Guy Who Decided to Steal a Tiger Transit Bus.(Yes, we're automatically assuming a guy did this because most women have far too much intelligence and class to do something so monumentally stupid as to attempt to steal a Tiger Transit bus.

Our View: Haley Center's Clear and Present Dangers

By Editorial Staff | September 17

We'd like to begin by stating this editorial is not to be seen as alarmist or unnecessarily provocative.

Tigers Play 3 Quarters, Enough for W

By Patrick Dever / Assistant Sports Editor | September 17

Auburn's victory over Mississippi State answers some of the questions from the Louisiana Tech game, but also opens up new questions.The running game is amazing.Two straight weeks with two backs rushing for more than 100 yards each is incredible.

Our View: Internet Takeover Bill a Bad Bet

By Editorial Staff | September 17

Senate Bill 773, the Cybersecurity Act of 2009, is causing some concern across the country, as images of cyber-attacks begin to invade the minds of our citizenry and cause them to reach a frenzied panic.Rest assured, our government is at work to make sure the horrors illuminated by "Live Free or Die Hard" do not become a reality.

Kayne West Stirs Emotions When He Steals Winners Spotlight at the 2009 VMAs

By Martin Morrow / OPINIONS STAFF | September 17

Being black and living in Alabama the majority of my life, I've seen and heard the worst of racism throughout my years.I've been harassed by the police; I've been unable to date girls of races outside of my own; and yes, I've even been called the sinister "n-word."But it wasn't until I watched the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards that I came to realize why racism still exists in society today.The brilliantly talented singer/songwriter Taylor Swift won the award for Best Female Video besting the likes of the popularly insane Lady Gaga and the insanely popular Beyonce.The crowd applauded such a victory because Swift was truly the underdog and out of the blue came none other than the nefarious Kanye West.We all understand he is a great rapper and producer in addition to one of the biggest egos the world over. So for Kanye to jump on stage, steal the microphone from Swift, and proceed to bark about how Beyonce's video was one of the best videos of all time just seemed a little over the top, even for Kanye.For most, there is a breaking point and trust me, I have tried to allow Kanye to save face for me despite that it almost cracked when Kanye started a trend of wearing sunglasses that: 1) Don't protect against the sun. 2) You can't see out of.I still allowed Kanye a pass, but not after this stunt.So now the question is asked as to how West provided an OK for such a horrible thing as racism.Now, while I don't condone racism, I find it to be understandable once you see things like Kanye West jumping on stage to tell Taylor Swift she isn't worthy of an award.Something about the ignorance of West makes you angry.It makes you so angry the only thing you can possibly blurt out is how much you hate him and anyone like him.At this point, you can't tell who or what you should be angry toward following Beyonce allowing Swift to do her acceptance speech when Beyonce won Video of the Year.

Judge News, Not Opinions

By Natalie Wade / MANAGING EDITOR | September 17

A recent study released by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press indicates 63 percent of Americans believe news stories are inaccurate.This percentage in 1985 was 29 percent lower.The same study showed the number of people who believe articles often favor one side of an issue is up 8 percent.Obviously something has changed.The Associated Press article published by the Mobile Press-Register explored the idea of a suffering business, striving for readership and struggling to keep up with new media.In a way, that viewpoint is favorable.