Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Finkelstein Time

Conservative blogger Mark Finkelstein has his own Public Access show called Right Angle in Ithaca, which basically seems like a paradox. Conservatism in Ithaca? But yesterday Finkelstein brought up an interesting topic. In one of the latest editions of the Ithaca Times, Right Angle was named one of the best public television shows in Ithaca. Though this may bring some laughs from others, I was quite pleased. To me, it shows that even if viewers identify themselves as being "liberal," they are not just receiving their news from media outlets that they politically agree with. Whether or not Ithacans are listening to Finkelstein because they agree with him or want a good laugh, they are still giving his views some consideration.

On a similar note, that is why I admire Jeremy Scahill. Unlike other writers, he is able to get away from the "conservative" or "liberal" stereotypes and write about what he actually sees.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

College, expensive? Who knew?

I often find myself checking out the education section of the New York Times. And it's no surprise that top stories for the past few months have been really Debbie Downers. "Costs for college increases," "Students find it harder to acquire loans," "Employment remains low for college grads."

Today the newspaper published another article about the rising costs of colleges. College Costs Keep Rising, Report Says

Prices at private colleges, like IC rose 4.4 percent. A source in the article raises the question that given the financial hardships of so many people, shouldn't colleges be more understanding?

But there are financial difficulties for colleges as well.

What the article fails to do — and it would, of course, be the most beneficial for both parties — is explain how colleges and students can work together to afford an education. More scholarships, grants or work-study jobs? Any advice like that would be better. So instead of articles reporting on the gloom all college students are facing, an article giving some suggestions would be more beneficial.