By: Jacob Riederer - The Daily Cardinal

OPINION

Susan Rice has the right qualifications for secretary of state

By By: Jacob Riederer | Dec. 6, 2012

Current U.N. Ambassador, and possible secretary of state nominee Susan Rice, has come under fire recently from Senate Republicans who vow to block her nomination if she were to receive Presidents Barack Obama’s nomination as secretary of state. This is largely because of Rice’s role in relaying incorrect information of the Benghazi attacks. But while the Obama administration’s faulty handling of information in the Benghazi attacks does deserve some scrutiny, it is not fair for Republicans to deny Rice’s nomination solely because of this reason. In doing so, Republicans would be denying a qualified and experienced diplomat who is clearly the best candidate for secretary of state.

OPINION

Technology-obsessed media failing the American public

By By: Jacob Riederer | Nov. 16, 2012

We live in an age where we are constantly being bombarded with political media. In this past presidential election, for example, many news organizations used social media like Facebook and Twitter to connect with readers. In addition, many networks created election teams to cover political news across the country, while many cable news networks increasingly promoted their shows featuring pundits and talk show hosts giving their own take on a candidate or an issue. Thus, with a seemingly endless supply of constantly available political information, one would think we would be more informed on the issues and understand the important problems facing our politicians every day. But are we really? Sure, media is important, but more political media outlets in no way guarantees better quality.

OPINION

Big business has more influence in elections than voters

By By: Jacob Riederer | Nov. 8, 2012

Some have called this 2012 election historic, reasoning that it has ushered in the most female senators in U.S. history and had the highest turnout of Latino voters in any election thus far. While this is certainly significant, this past election was particularly historic in the fact that presidential campaign spending reached its highest level in American history, with collective spending between President Barack Obama and former Gov. Mitt Romney nearly reaching two billion dollars. This increase in spending wasn’t limited to the presidential race, however. Congressional races around the country also experienced large increases in campaign spending, with some outside groups spending more than the candidates themselves.

OPINION

Republican stance on abortion ineffective and misguided

By By: Jacob Riederer | Nov. 2, 2012

Recent gaffes from Republicans like U.S. Senate Candidate Richard Mourdock, who said that rape is “something that God intended to happen,” have brought the issue of abortion back into the media with less than two weeks before the presidential election. Former Gov. Mitt Romney, who originally said he would be “delighted” to sign a bill banning all abortions, has softened his stance in an attempt to pander to the women voters he so desperately needs to win the election. However, Romney still favors defunding organizations like Planned Parenthood and vows to repeal Roe v. Wade (1973) if given the opportunity.

OPINION

Republicans’ economic policies don’t reflect the values of their faith

By By: Jacob Riederer | Oct. 17, 2012

In the Vice Presidential debate last Thursday, Congressman Paul Ryan discussed the role of Catholicism in his life, saying, “My faith informs me about how to take care of the vulnerable, of how to make sure that people have a chance in life.” Indeed, many Republicans attribute Christianity as a defining part of their political beliefs and policies as evidenced by their party platform which referenced God more than 10 times.

CAMPUS NEWS

Gender studies should be required

By By: Jacob Riederer | Oct. 4, 2012

We live in a world where people of different genders, sexual orientations and gender identities interact on a daily basis. Thus, gender and its components are a large and important part of our daily lives. Currently at UW-Madison, however, courses in gender studies are not required for all majors and many students graduate without taking a single gender studies class. This is surprising for an institution that prides itself on offering a well-rounded and diverse educational experience for all. As a result, I believe if UW wants to provide a truly balanced and adequate educational experience, then it must institute a gender studies requirement for all students.

OPINION

Romney should listen to Latino voters

By By: Jacob Riederer | Sep. 27, 2012

Latinos are the fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States, accounting for half of the nation's total growth in the past decade. Thus, this ever-growing voting block will undoubtedly have a significant impact in the upcoming presidential election, especially in key swing states like Florida, Colorado and Nevada. Historically, Latinos have voted Democratically ,with 67 percent of all Hispanics voting for Barack Obama in 2008. However, this could change if Republicans adopt smart, modern, pro-immigration policies.