Opinion

As high school students enter their junior year, dread of late nights filled with SAT practice exams is a primary concern. With a recent announcement by colleges across America, however, relief from this source of stress may be on the horizon.

Have you ever seen a gay person rallying against straight marriage? Didn’t think so. What is it, then, that makes straight people think they have the right to control the lives of others merely because of their sexual orientation? It is morally repugnant that America claims to be a society where all people are created equal, then actually has the audacity to even consider banning homosexual marriage.

Homecoming is the one bright week during the beginning of the school year when students and staff alike look forward to lunchtime performances and a decorated campus. This year, however, what should have been a fun-filled week consumed with decorating and Quad Day performances was filled with exams and projects to round out the first grading period, which ended Oct. 3.

As students and teachers enter the seventh week of the school year, many are beginning to feel the accumulated stress of almost two grading periods without a break. The schedule this year does not give a day off for 10 weeks between Labor Day and Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11. This has left both students and staff in need of a break.

During an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Oct. 19, retired Gen. Colin Powell formally announced his support for Sen. Barack Obama in his race for the presidency. In endorsing Obama, Powell became the highest profile Republican to add support to the Democratic ticket.

As high school students enter their junior year, dread of late nights filled with SAT practice exams is a primary concern. With a recent announcement by colleges across America, however, relief from this source of stress may be on the horizon.

A student’s life is already brimming with confusion and chaos from homework, sports and extracurricular activities. And yet another element has been added to their troubles: the weather. Even though it is already fall, the weather remains as though it is still summer, causing many students to complain.

Last year, the city of San Jose arrested 4,661 people for public drunkenness, by far the highest number in California. While these statistics may seem insignificant at first, they highlight a disturbing trend when put in context.

Politics and the classroom have always been controversial, and this year is no exception: The First Amendment Center Online said that in New York City, the United Federation of Teachers headed by Randi Weingarten accused the city of oppressing teachers’ political views by banning Obama and McCain buttons in school. At University of Oklahoma, a letter of protest was sent after staff and students were directed not to use university e-mail to support or oppose a candidate. There was also an uprising at the University of Illinois after an Obama rally was held, and the school sent an official statement that banned staff from participating in political activities on campus. All of these incidents challenge the students’ and staff’s First Amendment rights.

At this time in the presidential election, it is not uncommon for the newspapers and airwaves to be filled with commentators complaining about the state of our country. Coupled with the turmoil on Wall Street, there is an endless stream of criticism, leading many potential voters to voice their opinions. Unless, however, these potential voters turn into actual and informed voters, their complaints hold no value, as their voices will not be represented by the Electoral College.