Was the battle for American independence and freedom fought in vain? It was if we neglect to defend the liberties they died for. Those early American heroes certainly didn't give their lives so stray individual opinions could dictate the laws. The U should honor them by including the pledge more often in official forums and other gatherings.

If it is time to have the debate about lowering the drinking age, then we should have it. But the call for the debate is coming from the leaders who are supposed to be holding students to a high standard. Instead, they are only lowering the standard and ridding themselves of the liability for the illegal actions going on under their watch.

The U is planning to replace 65,000 feet of hot water piping on campus. The replacement of dated, corroded pipes, expected to cost $30 million and possibly take five years, was only pursued after persistent failures.

A vibrant, mixed-use development is just what the U needs in that area. Currently, the first Trax stop on campus dumps all visitors in a massive, barren parking lot-hardly an inviting introduction to the campus.

The convention will present the Democrats with the opportunity to showcase their plans for greater government accountability, social justice, education, consumer protection and environmental preservation.

The major issue at the U isn't whether or not you can carry, but the ability to carry openly versus concealed. Debates ran rampant on campus until the issue ultimately died at the Senate in March. And that's exactly where it should stay-dead.

What is involved in creating a climate-neutral university? How can students and the broader U community help achieve this goal?

All troops know that all we can do is make the best of the time we get with our families on EML, while never forgetting our fellow soldiers left behind when we do go home