Letter from the Editor

Paige Pelonis, Editor in Chief
July 17, 2014
Filed under Opinions

In June, the Daily 49er published this cartoon:   The image is a well-drawn gibe at the long-debated Affirmative Consent Bill, or SB 967. When this cartoon was published, it went along with an “Our View” article, which reflected the Daily 49er staff’s majority opinion about the pending... Read more »

California’s death penalty found unconstitutional, a golden opportunity

Michael Wood, Assistant Opinions Editor
July 17, 2014
Filed under Opinions

Seemingly out of the blue, the death penalty in California has been put under the microscope, with new scrutiny being cast upon the most controversial aspect of our judicial system. A federal judge in Orange County ruled last Wednesday that the death penalty as it is practiced in California is unconstitutional... Read more »

American inaction in Syria will haunt the region for decades

Hunter Paul, Opinions Editor
July 9, 2014
Filed under Opinions

For those of us who value the “Responsibility to Protect Doctrine,” the case for using coercive measures in Syria is a slam dunk: President Bashar al-Assad has used barrel bombs, mass imprisonment, artillery, chemical weapons and other lethal methods to butcher his own civilians, resulting in the... Read more »

Israel’s violence against an American should not be dismissed.

Michael Wood, Opinions Assistant
July 9, 2014
Filed under Opinions

It seems to occur like clockwork. Every couple of years, crisis and violence engulf the Palestinian territories, with little results, little movement and very little progress toward peace. In situations such as these, one has to wonder who the instigator is, who is provoking the violence and prompting... Read more »

Should Obama Care be allowed to legally require all employers to fund healthcare plans that afford contraceptives, despite personal beliefs of the employers?

July 2, 2014
Filed under Opinions, Our View

SCOTUS says no, but we think that might be the wrong answer. If the root of this debate were not grounded in religious preference, we might feel differently; however, it’s difficult to shy away from the fact that this debate arose as a result of a Christian corporation’s beliefs. The fact of the... Read more »

Supreme Courts Hobby Lobby ruling is a step back for rule of law.

Michael Wood, Assistant Opinions Editor
July 2, 2014
Filed under Opinions

If there is one concept underpinning our legal system, it is the rule of law. It is comparable to the right to a trial by jury, the right to know any charges brought against you and the right to protect yourself from self-incrimination. Without it, our legal system is so malleable that it borders on... Read more »

Our View: FIFA fans’ safer bet is Mexico

June 25, 2014
Filed under Opinions, Our View, Showcase

When it comes to the World Cup, the Daily 49er is split almost evenly between the United States and Mexico. Living in the States should give us a natural bias toward our home team, but somehow we just aren’t under the impression that the U.S. team has much of a chance. Everyone likes an under dog,... Read more »

Starbucks’ takes a bold leap as it launches college education program

June 25, 2014
Filed under Opinions

Last Monday, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz announced that his company would pay for its workers, including those who only work 20 hours per week, to earn their bachelor’s degree online through Arizona State University’s online program. Starbucks,... Read more »