Opinion

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Action Project: Diversity Plan drafts need to be available, accessible to campus

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Ad Hoc Diversity Planning Committee, charged with drafting a new diversity plan, released preliminary suggestions Feb. 18 for improving aspects of diversity and inclusivity at the university. While we are glad these plans are in motion, we believe the success of the plan depends on campus input and making sure this draft—no matter how rough it may be—is available to the campus community.

Action Project: a note from the management desk

When we say Wisconsin, do we really say it all? Or in other words, as a community, are we really doing everything we can to foster inclusivity for all groups and ideas, and additionally, what else needs to be said about this issue?

Action Project: Respect sexuality by moving past stigmas and shaming

We all have individual desires, concerns (fears even) and spectrum of sexuality goes beyond the gay/straight/bi triptych. Each of us arguably has an unique sexuality. Religion, class, gender identity, cultural and racial identities and life experiences all play unique roles in shaping sexuality and how it blossoms. There are two things that many students may struggle with while on campus within the context of sexuality: stigma and shame.

Action Project: Letters from the community

The Daily Cardinal asked for the campus' input on the current social climate at UW-Madison. These are the responses we received. If you want to contribute to the discussion, email actionproject@dailycardinal.com, and we will publish your input. 

A call to action for the campus social climate

The Daily Cardinal is pleased to announce the first of three special issues this semester dedicated to exploring topics challenging to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the surrounding community. The publications will form a series we call The Daily Cardinal Action Project, an effort to inform the campus community about pertinent issues and spark action.

Letter to the editor: Vote for Chris Hoffman for Dane County Board District 5

My name is Chris Hoffman and I’m running to be the District 5 County Board Supervisor because I want to represent your voice. County government offers opportunities for professional development and networking that are hugely underutilized by students. This is one of the primary reasons I am running: when elected, I will act as a liaison for students who want to further their involvement in local government. Increasing student involvement would be accomplished through student appointments to county committees and internships. Giving students these skill-building experiences is important for ensuring a long-lasting, strong connection between students and their county government. I understand the importance of utilizing the County committee system via my own appointment to the County Environmental Council. However, there is one pressing issue that I will address further: campus safety.

Democrats must embrace, support and defend the Affordable Care Act

Putting together a piece for your enjoyment and consumption this week, I found myself oddly strapped for ideas. My liberal, opinionated self somehow was totally transformed into a normal human being. Last week, I wrote about #SochiProblems, and the week before, it was the minimum wage—what else is there to opine to my vast readership?

Cardinal View: Mary Burke's outlook against Scott Walker seems bleak

Nearly four years ago, a deft, bold stroke of a pen enacted a law that turned newly elected Gov. Scott Walker into perhaps the most divisive man in Wisconsin history. Today, he is one of the most highly revered politicians in the country and on the short list for a 2016 Republican Party presidential nomination.

Sochi Olympics plagued by corruption, greed and financial ignorance

Have you ever wondered what $1 million could buy? Yeah, of course you have. According to the Barenaked Ladies’ hit song “If I Had $1,000,000,” you could buy an exotic pet (yep, like a llama or an emu)  furniture for your house (maybe a nice Chesterfield or an ottoman) or a fur coat (but not a real fur coat, that’s cruel).

Gun control advocates continue to lack validity

Many people love to oppose guns, as they are our society’s weapon of choice. However, this opposition is rooted in pure fallacy. More than half of the households in the United States own a gun and many people without a weapon feel as if this endangers them or provides an unnecessary threat. On the other side of the argument, one can envision someone in the south in a rocking chair chewing tobacco while holding a 12-guage simply waiting for the first sight of his land being trespassed. This is not exactly a great ideal for what people should think about when looking into gun control.  But, as it turns out, you are safer living next to the crazy man in the south than in certain parts of Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and other big cities. 

Badger Catholic campaign reinforces gender stereotypes

Some may have noticed that a group of men were passing roses out to women passing by the St. Paul University Catholic Center on Library Mall. These individuals were taking part in a small campaign being spearheaded by Badger Catholic, a spirituality and faith organization on campus according to their website, called Roses in Library Mall.

UW System ushers in new president Ray Cross

We must not forget Russia's political problems amidst the splendor of the Winter Olympics

Hurrah! The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi last week (cue Olympic Fanfare), demonstrated our strong international unity while at the same time put on our ardent nationalist spirit. Of course, with the honor of the attention of the entire world, no other nation has the ability to express its pride and history more than the host nation, which, in this case, is Russia.

Monday night's 'The Daily Show' vastly misinformed viewers on Russian atrocities

'The Daily Show' is written by some of the smartest people in television. It’s a show I normally love. Which makes Monday night’s piece on Russian history puzzling. No, wait, puzzling isn’t the right word. More like simply infuriating.

Focus must shift from Obamacare to other issues

We all know that one Republican who, particularly after a few drinks, is all of the sudden an expert on the American health care system and will argue until he or she is blue in the face about how Obamacare will ruin the country. Well, the Congressional Budget Office recently released a report on the Affordable Care Act and the facts are in. It is now essentially impossible to keep the debate going without the stubborn right wing coming across as totally misinformed buffoons. Let’s be very clear about this before we move on though: the CBO said Obamacare “would reduce the number of hours worked by the equivalent of 2.5 million full-time workers by 2025.”

Valentine's excitement grows as holiday approaches

Humanity of capital punishment ceases legitimacy

Voters are partially to blame for polarized political system

The people will always get the government they deserve. I’m aware of two ways to rebel against our government, the first being an armed rebellion (not a good idea), and the other being our ability to elect who we wish. So when I see people upset with the way their government is functioning, or in this case, not functioning, it asks the question; can we be upset with our government when we are the ones electing them? It’s awful, of course, to think we have caused polarity to get the best of us. Unfortunately, I wasn’t alive when your candidate choice didn’t define you and who to choose was an intelligent, informed decision. As our polarity increases, the candidates are becoming more and more incapable of covering the needs of their constituents. Whoever has the best rhetoric has become easier to elect than someone who approaches situations without bias and can make an informed decision instead of a predetermined one. I believe primaries have played a massive role in this loss of true democracy.

Responsible Action Bill makes student safety a first priority

The state Senate’s Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges reviewed a student-initiated bill that, if approved, would grant immunity to underage drinkers who call 911 to ask for help for their peers in emergency situations involving alcohol.

Rail-based transportation system would benefit Madison

High-speed trains heading north from Switzerland into Germany bend into the Rhine Valley and around the hills and mountains that mark the Black Forest. Approach Freiburg—Madison's sister city—passengers' views include wine vineyards and verdant hills. Inside a sleek white train modem, amenities make for incredibly comfortable rides. Then, over the loud speaker comes this announcement: "Sehr geehrte Fahrgäste, im Kürzerem erreichen wir Freiburg. Ausstieg rechts," or "Ladies and Gentlemen, we will be arriving in Freiburg shortly. Exit to the right." That's the call for departing passengers to leave the train upon arrival at Freiburg's main station.