Politics

Joseph Kyrillos Jr., a Monmouth County State Senator, has hopes of moving from Trenton to Washington, D.C. next year. He announced on Wednesday, February 1 that he seeks Senator Menendez Senate seat.

Harvard Political Science professor and writer Robert Putnam spoke in Wilson Auditorium on Friday, January 27. It is hard to find a political science book in the world today which doesn’t mention Putnam. His book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, is a national bestseller, it is a critically acclaimed book about the decline of social capital in our society. He was the winner of the 2006 John Skytte award for the most valuable contribution to Political Science. He had been featured in numerous publications including the New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Daily Herald and The Nation. The London Sunday Times has called him the “Most influential academic today” for his scholarly achievement in Political Science. He has worked with Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama to push his ideas for civic renewal.

An SGA meeting took place on February 1. At the meeting, SGA President Nicole Levy asked all members of SGA to issue comments or concerns regarding the University Bookstore. She also reminded them that President Gaffney is coming in next week so all members are expected to dress business casual.

Students Argue Over Best Way to Approach Foreign Policy

The Monmouth Debate Hawks hosted the Jersey Shore Invitational Debate tournament last weekend. It brought 19 different colleges and universities to the campus, adding up to about 250 participants. Among these schools were prestigious names such as Princeton, West Point Military Academy, The Naval Academy, Cornell and a range of other established debate programs.

After tackling pensions and health care benefits, Chris Christie is setting his sights on taxes and education reform all as the New Jersey governor signals interest in a 2016 Presidential run, despite sitting out this year’s race.

The Student Government Association met on January 18, 2012. At this meeting, SGA President Nicole Levy discussed that parking tickets will now be able to be paid online, and that an official e  mail from the University will be coming shortly. She also announced “The Distinguished Teacher” nominees Rosemary Barbera, Stanley Blair, Laura Kelly, Gary Lewandowski, Kathryn Lionetti, Kenneth Mitchell, Mohammad Obaidat, Tina Paone, Michaeline Skiba and Sue Starke.

On Tuesday, January 24, 75 students from a wide variety of majors came out to attend the University’s second annual screening of the State of the Union address. Organized by Dr. Phillips-Anderson of the Communication Department, the screening had significantly larger student turnout compared to last year. During the screening, a fun filled game of State of the Union bingo was played, using frequently used words that were presented throughout President Obama’s speech.

Club Has High Expectations for the Spring Semester

 The Pre-Law Club had their first meeting for the spring semester on Monday, January 30. This club is run by Dr. Gregory Bordelon and is planning a very exciting spring. The meeting started off with a clip from the movie The Paper Chase.  This semester also brings in a new set of officers. The club is now run by President Jess Rohr, Vice President Dan Roman, Secretary Karina Bandy and Treasurer Karina Nayowski.

Last Tuesday, January 24, Governor Chris Christie stated that he would veto any bill from the legislature that would legalize same-sex marriage. Instead of allowing the New Jersey state legislature to address the issue, he stated that the controversial measure be decided by referendum. This naturally drew controversy from New Jersey democrats, as well as gay rights proponents throughout the state, who claimed Governor Christie was trying to avoid taking a concrete position on a crucial civil rights matter. The governor, along with Republican advocates, claim that a direct vote from citizens is the best way to handle the question of marriage equality democratically.

After Hillary Clinton, Who Will be the Next Female to Shoot for the Presidency?

If you were to ask any individual who the leader in global power was, most would have at least considered the United States. And why should they not?