The American College Promise
Education is of utmost importance for the future of the United States, but it is also one of the most expensive routes for U.S. citizens to pursue.
Violence should not stop free speech
Charlie Hebdo is, on a more polite day, a controversial magazine. On its worst day, the caricatures tend to be downright racist and offensive.
The Atlantic Coast Pipeline undermines property rights
Gas at the Exxon on Broad Street came down to $1.99 in the past week. Unfortunately, that joy will be short-lived. There is a much higher price we pay for our personal rights and to the environment in the pursuit of cheap fuel.
Collecting DNA for misdemeanors is unconstitutional
What little privacy our society has left is on the verge of disappearing. Expanding our DNA database to include misdemeanor convictions is overly invasive of our rights as citizens. Some lawmakers suggest Virginia expand their database to include samples from class-1 misdemeanor convictions. This breaches our Fourth Amendment rights to privacy.
Crowdfunding is digital panhandling
To post a video on an online forum stating that the GoFundMe you started is for the purposes of asking others for money to save you from going further into college loan debt is to preach to a choir, especially when the forum is full of other college students who are drowning in debt.
Towing companies always on the prowl
To walk to your parking spot only to see asphalt where your tires had been hours before is nothing short of horrifying. Your first thought is grand theft auto. Your second? How will you find a ride, money and hold your composure when you arrive at the tow lot.
Tenured does not mean top-notch
ducation is of highest importance. Educators should be chosen with special care. Tenure was designed to prevent favoritism and reward the competent teachers within school systems. The system is not working the way it was intended; it’s paving the way to lower standards of education.
Abusing the Second Amendment
Gun-rights activists claim open carry laws can help resolve public safety issues, but their intent is obscured by their overdramatic demonstration tactics. I support the Second Amendment. I do not support the overzealous tactics. We must take charge of our own safety. We cannot rely on authoritative figures for our protection at all times.
Atlantic Coast Pipeline is detrimental to the environment
I will not support the risk that the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline brings. The pipeline is far more detrimental than supporters think. It will carry natural gas to Virginia and a better environment and economy should come along with it. However, the natural gas pipeline will also bring new hazards to be wary of in our state.
Gay marriage: It’s about time
With the indirect approval of gay marriage in the state of Virginia my only question is: Why is federal approval taking so long? Washington, D.C., our nation’s capital, legalized same-sex marriage in 2010. Even if we set aside the fact that denying the LGBT community their rights is comparable to the discrimination during the Civil Rights movement of the ’50s, the gay community has been a prominent, part of our society for years now. Allowing same-sex marriage nationwide would ultimately be a positive decision for the U.S.