Nation/World
Bush cabinet shuffle
At a time when our president campaigned on staying the course, and our nation needs stability more than ever to stay strong against new threats, a steady exodus of members of the Bush administration’s cabinet doesn’t bode well for the immediate future. Even at the CIA, where the president wants to enact major reforms, senior-level officials are resigning in protest.
Two key cabinet members, Secretary of State and Attorney General, have been replaced with Bush confidants Condolezza Rice and Alberto Gonzales, assuming they win Senate confirmation.
Let us hope that the new administration does not become a group of yes-men who will put loyalty to the president ahead of what’s best for the country.
Virginia
Red light blues
The red-light cameras in place throughout Virginia to crack down on red light runners are in jeopardy of being taken down. The law that allowed them to be put in place is set to expire in July of next year, and on Monday a bill in the Virginia legislature to renew the law was killed in committee.
Red light cameras are a powerful tool to catch those who would deliberately flaunt the law, but like any tool must be used prudently. Unfortunately, too many innocent bystanders are caught in the cameras’ net.
Perhaps a more fair combination of lengthened yellow lights and a delayed snapshot would help capture the most egregious violations of the law without needlessly punishing ordinary citizens who may have been guilty of simply misjudging the timing of the light.
Richmond
Lower fares at RIC
Richmond’s international airport got a boost on Tuesday when, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, “Delta Air Lines announced that it has lowered fares by up to 57 percent in nine key markets, including New York and Atlanta.” Walk-up fares – tickets purchased without a reservation – saw the biggest discounts, while “leisure fares” made with 14-day advance purchase and requiring a weekend stay, will be reduced in “selected popular markets.”
Walk-up fares mainly benefit business travelers who often have to travel on short notice. Students going home for break, on the other hand, need more access to lower fares. The only long-term solution to lowering fares at RIC will be to attract a low-fare airline to provide real competition.
Of course, there’s always Amtrak and Greyhound.
VCU
Wireless needs improvement
The wireless access on the ground floor of Shafer Dining Center is a welcome addition to the school’s wireless network, providing students with an opportunity to find time to study while grabbing a bite to eat at the campus’s new dining facilities. However, there remains a noted lack of wireless access in and around the Student Commons, as well as several classrooms, lecture halls and most dorm rooms.
The university should review its security procedures and allow students to log in without a separate download, both on wired and wireless network connections around campus. The university should also work to expand wireless access throughout the buildings where it exists, in public areas and student housing.