The Berkeley Beacon

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Why “soft” power packs the real punch

Instead of creating more enemies and making this problem about ideologies it is nice to see the United States taking a strong diplomatic role that has a better chance of being backed by the world.

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GOP using questionable tactics to detract Dem voters

These laws undoubtedly impede upon our rights as Americans. The right to vote is a part of freedom, of democracy — the key to America.

Em Dems convention appeal a missed opportunity

The generosity of hosting public forums—from events like last spring’s gubernatorial debate to the education town hall last week—speaks volumes to Emerson’s prominence in the community. Inviting others to share in our campus conversations is an integral part of Emerson’s dedication to open, constructive communication—and a hallmark of networking.

Editorial: Civic engagement efforts polish Emerson’s reputation

As the semester unfolds, we hope to see the college continue making impressive endeavors toward engagement.

Stressed and sullen, students need to lighten up

Ask any Emerson student how they’re doing today, and chances are you’ll be able to predict his or her answer. Some are tired, others are so stressed they haven’t eaten yet, and still others can’t help but remind you that they still have so much to do.

Student government officials deserve a little credit

Without a specific department to call home, Emerson’s SGA falls into a minority of collegiate student governing bodies that go uncompensated for their service.

Editorial: DC is the place to be in 2012

Internships abound. There are stories to be written for CNN or The Washington Post. Campaigns to be organized for Republicans and Democrats. Funds to be raised and fights fought for D.C.’s countless nonprofits.

Administration must increase sexual health services

We urge Halls to follow through with more than just talk. If administrators at the health center fail to take this up as an initiative, Halls should spearhead a grassroots campaign for proper STD testing services.

Trending resignations mar SGA’s professionalism

In the pages of last week’s Beacon, this editorial board called for a firmer demonstration of commitment and accountability among our Student Government Association representatives. It was to our dismay that a student leader who pledged “consistency” of service abandoned her post—joining the handful of her predecessors and colleagues from the class of 2013 who had similarly jumped ship.

SGA resignations reveal indifference to public service

Students who run for office make a commitment to their peers that they will serve a full term as SGA representatives.

Discovering your passion demands trial and error

“I don’t know what I want to do when I graduate.” It’s a phrase uttered by many an undergraduate across the country, though noticeably less so among the population on our corner of Boylston and Tremont.

The benefits of a funnyman meddling in serious business

Despite those mixed messages, Colbert’s straight face challenges anyone to call his candidacy a fraud. His efforts are satire incarnate, acting in the real world.

Letter to the Editor from a former Beacon editor-in-chief

As a former Beacon editor, I am compelled to voice my support for an organization that shaped me as a journalist and as a member of the Emerson community.

An Open Letter to President Pelton from an Ohio University journalism student

"As president, I'm sure you want nothing but the best success for your students. By allowing this constitutional change, you're inhibiting a population of them from reaching their journalistic potential."

An Open Letter to President Pelton from a former Washington Post photographer

"Simply put, Mr. Pelton, I am disappointed, dismayed, and wary of Emerson College's decision to become the first school in Boston to have its student government control the fees of the student newspaper."

Letter to the editor from the editor-in-chief of The Suffolk Journal

As the Editor-in-Chief of The Suffolk Journal, I understand well the challenges that come with reporting on a private university and dealing with the sometimes petulant members of the student government.

An open letter to President Pelton from an Emerson alumna

I sincerely hope you will take action in restoring a set, satisfactory budget necessary for the operations of the Beacon—one that cannot be altered by the student governments' weekly meetings.

Letter to the editor from Lauren MacLeod

I am writing as an alumna (WLP, '07) to express my extreme disappointment with the new constitution, particularly in regards to the funding structure for The Berkeley Beacon.

Letter to the Editor from former Beacon editors

It’s with heavy hearts that we learned of the end of student press freedom at our alma mater, following the approval of a new constitution that will essentially allow student leaders to silence critics in student media, and in particular, this newspaper.

Editorial: SGA amendment a blight on Emerson's core values

Last night, editors of this newspaper listened to WECB in anticipation of SGA election results that would ultimately relegate the Beacon to a subject of government control.

Toeing the line between Oscar Wilde and getting wild

College is about moderation; for as many once-in-a-lifetime memories can be made within grungy music venues and apartments at the farthest reaches of the Green Line as within the Walker and Ansin buildings.

For curious students, too many institutional road blocks

Our desires to broaden our horizons should be met with enthusiasm, not with students considering completely changing their majors because they feel trapped.

Letter to the Editor from Tau Zaman

"Now that elections have passed and the student body has spoken on the constitutional amendment, I would invite the Beacon to continue fostering the healthy yet constructive relationship with SGA that I suggested in my past letter."

Letter to the Editor from Chris Girard

"You know what the worth of journalism is, Emersonians? Certainly more than eight percent of a democracy, more than 8 percent of anything."

Letter to the Editor from Paul Almeida

"Recently is has been circulating that I misinformed voters regarding my credentials as president of my high school class. It pains me to admit this is true. I was eager and ready to take on the mantel of class of 2015 president, and to do some good for my classmates in the semester to come."

Letter to the Editor from Rosalind Fraser

The Beacon debate began when the Beacon itself endorsed a somewhat polarizing candidate in a heated, controversial election. Some SGA members who felt the Beacon was too involved in campaigns wanted a way to control it.

Letter to the Editor from Adriana Guida

We are proposing this change to the student body not to remove any funding from the Beacon and not as to threaten their journalistic obligation to cover the SGA in whatever manner they deem appropriate, but because they are the only organization that receives this automatic allocation.

Letter to the Editor from Scott Douglas Fisher

This week, you will be asked to approve or reject more than 75 changes to the Student Government Association constitution by casting a single vote. As a former three-term SGA President, I am highly disappointed by the amendments proposed by the current administration and urge you to vote no.

Vote “no” on the proposed constitutional amendments

While we disagree with eliminating our guaranteed funding because it will put us in an ethically challenging position as journalists -- inviting us to treat unfavorable coverage as biting the hand that feeds -- there are other issues in the proposed constitution that concern us.

The Beacon endorses Ben Halls for Class of 2015 President

Editorial: Ben Halls offers the strongest qualifications for the position of Class of 2015 President.

For abroad opportunities, students should look outside the Castle

There is a glaring omission in Emerson’s institutional repertoire: international study and civic engagement opportunities for students.

Proposed constitution change a conflict of interest

To maintain an independent check on the SGA, vote “no” on the new constitution.

Penn State scandal casts light on cultures of entitlement

While participants in major collegiate athletic programs are heroized for their capacity to bring glory to their institutions, it is becoming impossible to ignore the growing culture of exemption that certain administrations promote.