RLAD process not a failure
The process of implementing Residential Life Area Directors (RLADs or ADs) has been criticized by certain undergraduates, recently culminating in an editorial in The Tech on August 31, 2012. While we are glad to see The Tech encouraging a warm welcome for our ADs, we believe that many claims about the AD process are grossly exaggerated or even inaccurate. While not perfect, the process has been neither unacceptable nor “disturbing.” In fact, it has had considerable student involvement, and we urge students to continue to actively participate in shaping the AD into a successful new support role at MIT.
Obama opens a lead with seven weeks to go
As little as two weeks ago, polling put the ball game between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney as a tie. From Sept. 3 to Sept. 6, the RealClearPolitics average of polls put the race at an exact statistical dead heat.
The smartphone has made us dumb
Going to a restaurant with friends is supposed to be an enjoyable experience. But if it happens to be with smartphone-fanatic friends, then such a trip is not suitable for the weak-hearted. I had to learn this the hard way.
Jerusalem: Israel’s eternal capital
“Jerusalem is and will remain the capital of Israel. The parties have agreed that Jerusalem is a matter for final status negotiations. It should remain an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths.” This statement, taken from the 2008 Democratic Party platform, was removed from the Democrats’ 2012 platform last week, only to be reinstated by President Barack Obama after an onslaught of opposition. Fortunately, Obama made the right decision in reaffirming Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Detroit: Obama’s economic blueprint for America
During his speech before the Democratic National Convention last week, Barack Obama offered a gem to rival his pledge from his 2008 campaign “moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and the planet began to heal.” In his words: “We reinvented a dying auto industry that’s back on top of the world.”
Debunking the middle class
Game theory suggests that in the final sum of things, democratic politics is mostly about wooing the median voter, i.e. the individual or demographic whose inclusion will bring your coalition to 50.1 percent of the vote. Thus it comes as no surprise that in America, where the median voter is a middle-class voter, election-year rhetoric tends to focus on fetishizing those of moderate income.
A love letter to MIT
I received my bachelor’s from Wellesley College (‘06), master’s from Boston University (‘08), master’s from Harvard University (‘08), and will be receiving my doctorate from Harvard; but it’s you, MIT, that has made the biggest impact on my life — academically, socially, and personally. And for that, I love you. You have succeeded in making a positive impact not just on your immediate family members, but you have touched the lives of people who are only a mere part of your extended network.
A fairer PE policy
In prepared remarks to the MIT community last year, President Reif declared that one of his most cherished values includes “a commitment to meritocracy.” Indeed meritocracy is one of the values which make MIT great. Recognizing, rewarding, and encouraging the talents of its students and general population help MIT attract the brightest people in the world and keep these people happy and productive during their time here.
RLAD process a failure
The installation of Residential Life Area Directors (RLADs) in most dormitories over the summer has been one of the strangest and most disturbing policy decisions in recent memory. Students should know two things: (1) virtually nothing about the formulation and implementation of this policy has been acceptable, and (2) the RLADs themselves did not make this policy. They deserve to be treated with compassion and respect, and should be welcomed to MIT warmly.
Have an opinion? PTAC wants to hear it!
The Presidential Transition Advisory Cabinet (PTAC), made up of students from around the Institute, has been charged with providing advice and student perspective to MIT’s 17th President, L. Rafael Reif, as he develops a vision for the Institute’s future. To do this, we need to hear from you.
The Ryan bump
On August 11, Mitt Romney announced Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin as his running mate. The choice of Ryan seems to have outperformed expectations.
CORRECTIONS
Due to a production error, the August 24 edition of The Tech published the same Sudoku twice, but published two different answers. The Sudoku that was supposed to be run can be found on page 6.
Rape exception for abortion laws?
Recently, while discussing his views on abortion, Todd Akin, a Republican representative from Missouri and challenger for incumbent Claire McCaskill’s senate seat, commented that pregnancy from rape is very rare, because “the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.”
CORRECTIONS
Because of a production error, the “Production staff for this issue” section of the masthead on Aug. 1, 2012 gave the wrong name for the issue’s copy editor. He is Jacob L. Austin-Breneman ’13, not Jesse L. Austin-Breneman; the latter is a current graduate student and not a member of the class of 2013.
Save $2,180.66
Appalled by cost of last year’s new MIT meal plan, I decided to learn to cook for myself. In two semesters, I saved about $2,180.66.* Now I want to encourage MIT students to consider if the meal plan is right for them.
Student input heard in one RLAD debate
The implementation of the new Residential Life Area Directors (RLAD) system has been fraught with all of the problems students have become accustomed to in recent years, particularly regarding student input.
Science, a wondrous and reductive practice
The periodic voyage of celestial bodies, the cosmic rhythm that was only just observable to the humble Earth-dweller, in many ancient civilizations, represented fate, hope and a way of life itself. The Mayans held the Venus cycle in high regard, its movement representing a challenge to the mighty Sun, auspicious timing for territorial war.
The New Political Adscape
One of the many benefits of UROPing in the Political Science Department this summer is that I get to keep a close eye on what’s happening on the campaign trail for the two contenders of the 2012 Presidential Election, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.