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Blake Ziegler | Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Due to the economic shutdown brought about by coronavirus, federal student loan payments have been suspended until September 30. The inclusion of this reprieve in last week’s stimulus bill signifies the significant role student loans play in the economy. In search of high-paying jobs, individuals take on enormous loans that burden their wallets for years
Blake Ziegler | Wednesday, March 18, 2020
It is quite an understatement to say these are unusual circumstances. The university’s shift to online courses due to the spread of COVID-19 is uncharted territory. Nearly all students have been sent home, courses are being revised and everyone is simply trying to gain a grasp of the situation. Internet access, time zone changes and
Blake Ziegler | Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Imagine the quarterback of Notre Dame did not wear a Notre Dame jersey on the field, called his own plays without consulting the coach and refused to support other players on and off the field. Meanwhile, he benefits from the use of Notre Dame facilities and the glory that comes with being a member of
Blake Ziegler | Wednesday, February 12, 2020
You know what really irks me? When people call the United States a democracy. Sure, our nation may have some democratic elements, but our government is not a democracy. Our government is not a majority-wins-all system where the minority is ignored. In fact, the Founders actually feared this democratic form of government. James Madison laments
Blake Ziegler | Wednesday, January 29, 2020
As we all know, Notre Dame will be hosting the first presidential debate in September. This is a fascinating opportunity for the University, as the campus partakes in what will be a contentious, significant 2020 election. No matter your political leanings or level of interest in politics, everyone should be excited. Last week, Father Jenkins
Blake Ziegler | Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Notre Dame was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, not a bunch of rabbis. So, it is understandable that a Catholic university might not cover Jewish events. I am perfectly fine with this; Catholic education is part of why I decided to come here. However, it does not mean we should be silent towards the Jewish suffering
Blake Ziegler | Wednesday, December 4, 2019
On Monday, I recited the Mourner’s Kaddish, a Jewish prayer in memory of the dead. Exactly one year ago, I recited the same prayer after I had a lost a loved one that I held dear to my heart. For personal reasons, I will not delve too far, but I should note that this woman’s
Blake Ziegler | Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Health care is a contentious issue in American politics. In the Nov. 5 elections, an NBC exit poll found that 41% of Americans polled cited health care as their primary concern, topping even economic concerns. Of the voters, 70% expressed the need for “major change” in American healthcare policy. Democrats are looking to capitalize on
Blake Ziegler | Wednesday, October 30, 2019
On Sunday, President Trump announced that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS, died during an American raid in northwestern Syria. In March, ISIS lost Baghouz, its final stronghold in Syria and Iraq, leading many to proclaim the defeat of the terrorist organization. American politicians and world leaders praised the justice brought on al-Baghdadi. Defense
Blake Ziegler | Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Last week, Respect Life Week brought abortion to the forefront of campus discussion. As seen through a series of campus events and viewpoints in The Observer, abortion is a heated topic at this university. However, regardless of one’s opinion, one must recognize that panels, opinion pieces and debates on social media are not enough to