It’s finally here, the list all of our readers have been waiting for: The editorial board’s final rundown of cheers and jeers for this school year.
Cheers to the Bush Administration — surprise, surprise — for finally acknowledging humans are at least partly to blame for global warming. According to a report issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, manmade pollutants emitted from oil refining, automobiles and power plants do indeed contribute to global warming. Even though this seems like standard knowledge, the White House has refuted this information in the past, claiming there wasn’t enough scientific information to prove industrial emissions contributed to global warming from accumulation of greenhouse gases. While the EPA report only contains “voluntary measures” for companies to control pollutants, the administration deserves a nod for at least admitting that humans are part of the problem. As the old adage says, admittance is the first step to recovery.
Cheers to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for getting us excited about the space program again. The launch of the space shuttle Endeavor after many delays because of engine and weather problems, coupled with the recent discovery of huge oceans of underground ice on Mars, bodes well for space exploration. The discovery has also fueled the hope for human visits to Mars, though this type of endeavor is decades away. We’re excited about NASA’s progress and future plans.
Jeers to The National Enquirer for its tasteless decision to publish photographs of the Columbine shootings, including images of the bodies of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold after they had killed 13 people and themselves at Columbine High School in 1999. Though tabloids like The Enquirer have been known for their lurid photographs and sensationalistic reporting style, we think The Enquirer has gone too far. In this case, “enquiring minds” would rather not be subjected to gruesome, pointless photographs. Though it is not known who furnished the tabloid with the photos, executive editor David Perel claims they “help illustrate a very significant news story.” But to the editorial board, it’s clear that all the publication of the photos helps illustrate is The Enquirer’s callousness, lack of taste and its anything-for-a-buck mentality.
And finally, jeers to the irresponsible students playing with fireworks inside the residence halls. Though the damage to the room was minimal, college students should be mature enough to know that playing with fire is dangerous. Perhaps the disciplinary action they could now face will remind them of that in the future.