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Former Obama adviser and renowned physicist Sylvester James Gates Jr. speaks about science, race in America during webinar

Isabella Volmert | Friday, October 2, 2020

The Multicultural Student Programs and Services hosted a conversation last night with renowned physicist and former adviser to President Barack Obama, Sylvester James “Jim” Gates Jr. The program highlighted the role of scientists of color in the field as well as the role of science in America. The event was a collaboration between Notre Dame

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Quit crying over populism

Letter to the Editor | Monday, December 5, 2016

Since the election of Donald Trump, I’m hearing frequent laments over the rise of populism in the political sphere in this country. In “National Review,” Andrew McCarthy likens populism to Bacchanalia, and defines it as “doing what you know is wrong, heedless of harmful consequences — some unintended, others easily foreseeable — because the masses will

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The Conservative path to immigration reform

Liam Stewart | Monday, September 26, 2016

Across the political spectrum, public figures frequently refer to the U.S. as a “nation of immigrants.” To some extent, this is almost certainly true: American history is inseparably linked to the experiences and achievements of American immigrants. Even today, the U.S. remains the world’s most popular destination for immigration, attracting about 20 percent of the

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Mr. President, you are not a king

Jordan Ryan | Monday, April 11, 2016

Last week, President Barack Obama announced he had granted commutations to 61 inmates serving sentences for a variety of crimes, including firearms crimes, drug trafficking and conspiracy or intent to distribute substantial amounts of cocaine. One-third of those whose sentences were commuted had been sentenced to life in prison. These most recent actions bring Obama’s

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A monumentally important nomination

Jordan Ryan | Monday, March 21, 2016

On March 16, 2016, President Obama nominated Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court of the United States. While this issue is being politicized in the press, Republicans are rightfully rejecting any nominee at this time. Judge Garland does have a history of arguably centrist positions. For example, in 2003, Judge Garland joined in an opinion

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A dangerous mistake

Jordan Ryan | Monday, February 29, 2016

The detention center established at Guantanamo Bay has been a hot button issue since its creation in 2002. President Obama has been vocal in his objection to the continued operation of the facility and has remained steadfast in his commitment to close it. In fact, closing Guantanamo Bay was one of the President’s core campaign

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The President is not a celebrity

Jordan Ryan | Monday, November 9, 2015

Last week, the women of ABC’s “The View” had some not-so-nice things to say about Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina. Michelle Collins, referring to Fiorina’s visage at the most recent Republican debate, said “She looked demented! Her mouth did not downturn one time.” Joy Behar, professional as always, added that, “I wish [Fiorina’s face] was

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You break it, you own it

Jordan Ryan | Monday, October 5, 2015

For weeks, the Syrian civil war has dominated headlines. The conflict has taken more than 320,000 lives and left more than 6.5 million internally displaced. More than 4 million people have sought refuge elsewhere. With so many refugees, more affluent nations have stepped up to the plate to assist. Germany just announced it would accept nearly

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That was then and this is now

Tim Scanlan | Wednesday, April 8, 2015

A large Republican presidential field is shaping up with candidates from all corners of the political right vying for the chance to face off against the established Democratic candidate. Ah, 2012! At first glance, there are many similarities between the presidential race four years ago and the one shaping up now. Republicans will field a

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Is Obama giving away the store?

Dan Sehlhorst | Tuesday, January 27, 2015

When it comes to foreign policy, President Obama is charting some new roads since his party took a thrashing in November of last year. In the past few months, there has been a surge in alarmism and hand-wringing among conservatives regarding recent foreign policy moves he has made. If this panic were appropriate, it would

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