Today, the issue of illegal immigration has become a hot debate topic passionately analyzed by many people, especially our political leaders. Organizations both for and against it have commanded the attention of policy makers from both sides of the aisle.

In this debate it is particularly amusing to see liberals arguing in favor of illegal immigration. In doing so, they are often arguing against themselves.

Today many people complain about U.S. jobs being shipped overseas to places like China. Many believe signing the North American Free Trade Agreement was a mistake because it assisted in sending manufacturing jobs here over to Mexico. They correctly realize that in a market economy, businesses will tend to choose the lower priced labor if they are given the choice.

However, illegal immigrants come into our country and take jobs that pay less than the minimum wage. Many claim the country’s economy needs these low-paid workers, but this is a false assumption. Illegal immigration advocates will point out that the U.S. depends on illegal immigrants to do certain jobs, such as picking lettuce. But do they honestly think that if there were no illegal immigrants in the country there would not be any lettuce in stores? Of course not. Lettuce would be more expensive because of the increased labor costs of legal labor, but it wouldn’t disappear. It boils down to a supply and demand issue.

For a group of people who profess to be outraged that jobs are moved overseas because of lower wages, they shouldn’t be supporting the illegal allowance of people into our borders when it takes away jobs from Americans in their own country and immigrants who entered legally.

Another closely related issue supported by illegal immigration advocates is an increase of the minimum wage. Many on the left adore the idea of government-mandated wage rates to support their subjective view of a “just living standard.” By contending that our country needs cheap migrant workers, they are in essence arguing some jobs are not worth the minimum wage.

These advocates consistently argue illegal immigrants bring untold benefits to the American economy. But how can they, in good conscious, argue it is good and acceptable to allow illegal immigrants into the country to work at the same wages that they have declared a disgrace? They simultaneously have condemned international trade in which citizens of third world countries toil in poverty for wages they consider cruel and immoral.

It is especially ironic for liberals to fight for government-funded entitlements for illegal aliens, when they have essentially admitted that illegal immigrants provide much needed cheap labor for the American economy. Not only is it incongruous for the government to be giving money to people who have no legal right to be in the country, but doing so decreases the benefits of the cheap labor these workers are supposed to bring.

The irrationality of these positions makes it clear that principled arguments do not stand behind them. It is important to note that the Hispanic vote will become increasingly important in the coming years. Rather than acting on principle, liberals are acting on a desire to court and win their votes.

Conservatives are unable to escape from this problem as well. Given the fact an uncontrolled border is dangerous to this country, it is essential for the problem to be effectively addressed. In many cases, people who exploit illegal immigrants know far too well that they can not turn to government officials. It makes sense to develop a guest worker program that would keep track of and monitor employment opportunities. However, neither party will take any action because both are simply too afraid of losing Hispanic votes.

Popularity: 12% [?]

The NFL had one of its more active off-seasons this year. Whether it was an exciting draft, the new commissioner or significant free agent movement like T.O. going to the Cowboys, a lot changed. Perhaps nothing changed more than the television lineup for this fall. “Monday Night Football,” the Mecca of television for true sports fans, moved from ABC to ESPN. NBC bought the rights to the primetime Sunday night late game, and the NFL Network got its hands on eight games.

These changes, of course, met mixed results. “MNF’s” move to ESPN has to be the most welcome development. The new “Monday Night” crew will be Mike Tirico, Joe Theismann and Tony Kornheiser. Although I am not a fan of Theismann – or even the concept of a three person booth – the addition of Kornheiser alone makes this a welcome change. Kornheiser co-hosts what might be considered the second half of the best hour of television out there. For those of you who spend less time watching ESPN than I do, he co-hosts “Pardon the Interruption” with Michael Wilbon following “Around the Horn.” If you are not sure what these programs are and who Kornheiser is after reading this, I beg you, in the name of all that is good in the world of sports, to watch “Pardon the Interruption.” It airs on ESPN at 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Even though I think Kornheiser is the best thing to happen to the NFL since fantasy football, he is not without his critics. Some claim he will be a repeat of the Dennis Miller fiasco on “Monday Night Football.” As you may recall, Miller was a member of the “MNF” booth for two seasons, and it was a disaster. Some in the sports world equate Kornheiser to Miller because they are both known for being funny and entertaining, which is accurate. Even a cursory glance at their resumes, however, would dispel any notion along the lines that Miller and Kornheiser have anything in common. Miller was a stand-up comedian brought into the booth to provide a “regular Joe” view. Before his time with “MNF” Miller had no experience in the sports world. Kornheiser, on the other hand, has spent twenty-two years at the Washington Post writing about sports. Kornheiser has hosted a radio program since 1992 until he started on “Monday Night Football” this past year, and he hosts “PTI.” All of this means that Tony Kornheiser makes a living based on his knowledge and discussion of sports, and if he were not good at his job, ESPN would have cut him loose by now. Basically these guys have about as much in common with each other as I do with Dwayne Wade; after all we both attended Marquette.

If people really want to complain about an announcing crew, how about the NBC booth? John Madden and Al Michaels are moving from their old gig on ABC back one night to the Sunday night late game. However, Michaels can barely be considered a member of the booth at times as Madden insists on talking over him. To make matters worse Madden’s particular brand of color commentary might be the worst of anyone I have ever personally heard. Anyone who finds his commentary helpful or insightful must have not seen a football game before. His excessive circling and incoherent thoughts have made Frank Caliendo a celebrity among committed NFL fans. More than once this season I will wish NBC offered the option of going into gameplay settings during their broadcasts and turning off Maddenisms, like Madden NFL football used to do back in the day. I have to wonder if the reason that feature was eliminated was due its near-permanent use by many gamers.

Another thing people ought to focus on is Charter Communications. This year the NFL Network will carry eight regular season games, including some premiere games like a third Thanksgiving Day game between the Chiefs and Broncos. As of now, the NFL Network has pulled out of any agreement with Charter Communications because Charter Communications insist on including the NFL Network in their Digital Sports Tier, which at the time would have cost fans an additional charge. Charter’s Digital Sports Tier has since been included in their standard package, leaving many fans confused about Charter’s actions. This could get ugly for Charter in a hurry. Many NFL fans will want to watch every game they can, and will be disappointed when they miss games that are critical to playoff races and fantasy football teams!

So instead of making asinine comparisons between Kornheiser and Miller, NFL fans should focus on being angry about the stuff that will actually hinder their ability to enjoy the most exciting time of the year.

Popularity: 10% [?]

One of the hardest parts of writing a beer column is the dilemma that arises as you reach the end of the final sample. Do you start writing the column, or do you continue sampling the undoubtedly savory brews you have already opened with a group of good friends to help? Such is the hardship and inner struggle that faces this humble beer columnist. This issue’s Belgian beer selections were especially hard to put down due to their strong flavors and equally strong alcohol content that ranged from 7% to 8.5 %, well above the 4.5% of the average lager. Luckily, I have pried myself from the grasp of this grain-brewed goodness to bring the high and low points of a few choice Belgian brews.

The four beers chosen this month, – Duvel, Grimbergen, Dubbel, and Delerium Nocturnum – are featured because they are available at most decent liquor stores around campus and have yet to be discovered by the average beer drinker. They are somewhat more expensive than the average six-pack, ranging between $7 and $9 a case, but they are definitely worth the requisite raid on your change jar. One can easily justify the extra handful of quarters to experience the deep, rich tastes of Belgium that are as varied as the beer industry itself.

Before getting into this month’s brews that can easily be enjoyed at home, I would like to pass on a few suggestions for the Belgian draught experience. First, the most well-known Belgian wheat ale, Blue Moon, can be enjoyed at most of the local campus bars. Be sure to ask for the standard orange slice with your pint to maximize the citrus undertones of this white ale. Another great place to sample up to 200 Belgian brews, as suggested by my roommate Nick Brescia, is the Hopleaf Bar at 5148 N. Clark Street in Chicago. Check it out over Easter break if you’re in town!

Leave it to the monks of Belgium to form and define a national beer industry that is second to none when it comes to taste and easily rivals legendary brewing greats such as Germany and the Czech Republic.

The first beer sampled was Duvel (8.5% alcohol), a self-described “beguiling” Belgian golden ale with an immediately crisp, dry and refreshing taste. This ale leaves almost nothing behind in terms of aftertaste. Duvel was definitely my personal favorite.

Grimbergen (6.7% alcohol) was the next ale sampled. It definitely embodied its “Blonde Ale” label with an almost overpowering sweet taste that was long-lasting almost to the point of being flat.

Made in the Belgian tradition, the next beer, Allagash Dubbel, is actually brewed in Portland, Oregon. Unfortunately, I, along with the rest of those who had a chance to taste it, found Dubbel to be an overly powerful concoction resembling a nutty stout, much like a cross between Guinness and Newcastle. The brew was especially distasteful to fellow Warrior Daniel Suhr. Even Newcastle fan Tim Castelli found it to be too strong after the first few drinks. It was definitely the least pleasant of this month’s selection.

The final beer reviewed, Delerium Nocturnum (9% alcohol), is a unique, almost exotic beer with strong but not overpowering nut and hop overtones. Experiencing this strong dark ale begins with sending a cork flying across the room as it pops off the top of its pottery bottle. Its big brother, Delerium Tremens, which we were unable to review, is a full 13% alcohol, requiring a special caveat in beer laws to exclude it from classification as a malt liquor.

Whether your taste favors a dry, crisp beer that leaves you refreshed and ready for more, or a savory, strong ale that complements a hearty beef stew, the monks of Belgium have some of the best beers in the world.

After Beyond Busch Light’s recent whirlwind tour of global beers, our next issue will bring you home to the burgeoning barrels of brisk beers brewed right here in our native Wisconsin.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Jonah Goldberg sat at the end of the first row of Varsity Theater ten minutes before he was scheduled to speak last Thursday, keeping to himself while reviewing his presentation.

Several excited students shuffled down the aisle, discussing their anticipation. At 7:00 p.m, Goldberg, the editor-at-large of National Review Online, stepped up to the podium, looked over dozens of eager eyes, and began a 90-minute oration filled with witty remarks and sharp insights.

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Popularity: 17% [?]

Resident Assistants are a familiar fixture of dorm life for Marquette students, and they are over-worked. Whether it is helping on move-in day, dealing with roommate issues or planning wing meetings, RAs have their hands full. According the job description posted on Marquette’s Web site, RA responsibilities fall into seven broad categories: being a role model, becoming a role model for other residents, enforcing rules to foster positive student conduct, participating in hall government and programs, performing administrative tasks, helping in communication with hall directors, and personally growing.

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Popularity: 9% [?]

Residence Assistants at Marquette may be some of the most under appreciated people on campus, but they are far from the most overworked. For a job with the most rigorous and in-depth selection process, the job does not seem to be such a daunting task as it is played up to be. Ninety percent of the time the job of an RA is little if at all different from the life of a regular student.

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Popularity: 9% [?]

Dear Marquette Administrator:

I am incredibly upset for the latest purging of the RA crop. My RA never deserved to be fired. He never did anything wrong. His listening skills were in fact much better than any other person on campus. Our floor RA was the most considerate, caring person that you could have ever met. And he understood that is the most important part or being an RA. He was truly a god amongst men, not just someone looking for resume padding or simply free room and board.

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Popularity: 9% [?]

As the fundraising campaign that gave life to the Al Maguire Center, Raynor Library and Dental school building celebrates its recent completion, the university is gearing up for another major campaign that will carry Marquette into the next decade of success?

Students aren’t the only ones who study on this campus.

The university is conducting a number of studies as part of a master planning project for the upcoming fundraising campaign.

The campaign will last seven years, according to Julie Tolan, vice president of University Advancement and kick off this summer.

The last seven-year fundraising campaign concluded in summer 2005 and brought in more than $357 million, which paid for student scholarships, campus beautification, Raynor Library, the Al McGuire Center and the Dental School. No target number for this campaign has been released yet, but the Office of University Advancement hopes to bring in two to three times that amount, Tolan said.

???We want to be able to do all we can to achieve the great things we want,??? Tolan said.

HOW THE MONEY WILL BE SPENT

Building the endowment fund will be the primary focus of this campaign, which will kick off unofficially in June with a search for large donors.

University President Fr. Robert Wild, S.J. identified building the endowment as a top priority in the upcoming school year in his state of the university address, earlier this semester.

The campaign will also seek to provide for more scholarships for students and subsidize campus development programs.

STUDY UP

To determine how money raised in this campaign should be spent, the university has solicited the assistance of Sasaki Associates, the firm that led the consulting efforts of the 1997 campaign.

A number of studies are being conducted across campus to determine the short and long-term needs of the university and where money will need to be spent, according to Vice President of Student Affairs Fr. Andy Thon, S.J.

Research has been conducted through focus groups containing students, online surveys and discussion at last semester???s Student Leadership Summit.

Several committees have also been formed, to thoroughly evaluate different aspects of campus. Thon said committees are currently formed around the following: student organization activity, Varsity Theatre, housing and residence life, use of the Alumni Memorial Union and indoors and outdoors recreation space.

Although not all the studies are completed, the results that are coming in are confirming some general ideas held about the campus and also bringing light to new ones.
???We are aware that rec[reational] space ahs been a concern for a while,??? Thon said. Although he could not comment on the specifics of the recreational space study, he acknowledged this space is limited and tends to be overcrowded. He also said there is growing interest in a new recreational center.

Other possible building developments include a new law school, health sciences building and additional engineering building.

HIGHER CAMPUS ACTIVITY

The study conducted about student activities also revealed the campus is possibly more active at the start of this campaign than it was just four years ago.

The number of registered organizations increased by 48 percent from 2002 to 2005, the study revealed, and there are now 223 registered student organizations. Since 2002, approximately ten new organizations have been formed each school year.

While the influx of student organizations is exciting for the climate of the campus, the study also revealed that meeting and storage space is on higher demand.

Many student organizations use the office space provided on the first floor of the AMU for storage, rather than small group meetings. The number of bookings for student organization club meetings and events has also increased by ten percent between fall 2005 and 2006 semesters.

These studies reveal a change in the way students use the campus, and will also prompt the Marquette community to either better utilize the exisiting space or create new space.

Popularity: 9% [?]

The following letters were submitted since the publication of our last issue.
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Popularity: 16% [?]