Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
Ms. Sonies’ Nov. 6 opinion essay is exceptional for its take on the Obama election. Over the past few months, she has presented thoughtful ideas consistently and supported them with clarity and intelligence. Any reader – Democrat, Republican or independent – involved in and connected to the present situation in this country (the economy, energy, health care, education, etc.
America gets lucky
We dodged a bullet, guys. Really. Wasn’t it a relief to wake up Nov. 5 with knowledge that the United States has a vice president who knows the difference between a country and continent?
For the past few months, I have been quite hard on the Republican Party, especially everyone’s favorite governor, Sarah Palin.
Law to strengthen penalties for illegal file downloads
An anti-piracy bill signed into law this past month has members of the VCU community questioning the legality of music downloading and the need to regulate Internet piracy.
The PRO-IP Act, which was signed into law by President Bush Oct. 13, increases penalties for movie and music piracy at the federal level and strengthens criminal laws against piracy and counterfeiting.
Students respond to Obama’s environmental, energy plans
Although he will not take office until Jan. 20, President-elect Barack Obama is already positioning himself to make significant changes in environmental policy. Many of his proposed changes are direct reversals of the Bush administration’s policies.
Here are four aspects of Obama’s energy plan and what some students think about them:
One reversal is in regard to the Bush administration’s decision in December to deny California the authority to set regulations on carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles.
Green Unity cleans up ‘Hell Block’
Green Unity, an organization focusing on making VCU and the Richmond community more environmentally conscious, held its second clean up of the area known as “Hell Block” Sunday.
The 1100 block of West Grace Street got its reputation because it is host to many college students and is known as a central party spot in Richmond.
Cary Street balcony collapses during party
A crowded second story balcony collapsed around midnight during a party Friday on the 1300 block of West Cary Street. About 20 people were taken to the hospital with broken bones and other injuries.
Lexi Fletcher, a criminal justice major, used to live in the apartment where the accident happened.
Craigslist to crack down on prostitution ads
Under the watchful eye of law enforcement in 40 states, Craigslist pledged Thursday to crack down on ads for prostitution on its Web sites.
As part of Craigslist’s agreement with attorneys general around the country, anyone who posts an “erotic services” ad will be required to provide a working phone number and pay a fee with a valid credit card.
Gay marriage supporters march in SoCal
As many as 10,000 people took to the streets in San Diego and similar numbers marched in Los Angeles Saturday to protest passage of a California anti-gay marriage ballot initiative, authorities said.
Demonstrators began marching through central San Diego at noon, according to police Sgt.
Monks brawl at Christian holy site in Jerusalem
Israeli police rushed into one of Christianity’s holiest churches Sunday and arrested two clergyman after an argument between monks erupted into a brawl next to the possible site of Jesus’ tomb.
The clash between Armenian and Greek Orthodox monks broke out in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which they revere as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
Va. man sentenced to life for fire death
A man convicted of killing his former girlfriend by setting her on fire in Richmond has been sentenced to life in prison.
Richmond Circuit Judge Walter W. Stout III sentenced 41-year-old Stacey Carter for the crime Thursday. Carter had entered a plea that, while not admitting guilt, acknowledged prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him.