Opinion -

Soda tax not the solution to the obesity epidemic

By Letter to the Editor | November 30

TO THE EDITOR: I found columnist Sarah Dugan’s argument regarding soda taxes (Soda Tax: A Solution to a big problem, Nov. 18) to be one-sided. As a registered dietitian, I wish the treatment for obesity was as simple as taxing fatty foods and drinks. However, it is just not that easy. And contrary to Dugan’s assertion, there are a number of studies which support this.

Why I'm not a 'first-year' student

By Saffa Khan | November 29

Freshman or first-year? Our class will probably never reach a consensus on the issue of our collective status. The reason for this polarizing debate is the same reason for all arguments nowadays: discrimination in the form of sexism. To some, the fact that “freshman” is used without any corresponding feminine term is an appalling representation of the ongoing subjugation of women, even in the 21st century. To them, “first-year” is preferable because it is sexless, and therefore a moderate alternative. The cause for change is understandable but irrational.

Should drug tests be used to curb Adderall abuse?

By Letter to the Editor | November 29

TO THE EDITOR: I was visiting with friends who attend other universities over Thanksgiving break, and the prevalence of Adderall use came up in the discussion. Adderall is a mixture of amphetamines that is prescribed for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. It works much like methamphetamine and cocaine in that it increases alertness, concentration, and overall cognitive performance and decreases fatigue in the user.

Planned logging efforts a travesty to Orange County

By Letter to the Editor | November 29

Orange County citizens need to know that OWASA is planning extensive, long-term logging in the Cane Creek Watershed surrounding Cane Creek Reservoir. This is the major source of water for Chapel Hill, Carrboro and the University. We need to prevent this travesty which will lead to degradation of our water supply and loss of old-growth forest and the habitat they provide.

Support more research for a rare genetic disorder

By Letter to the Editor | November 29

TO THE EDITOR: Hi, my name is Carly Huff. I am 24 years old and I have a rare genetic disorder. I went to UNC-Chapel Hill and graduated in 2008. I am trying to raise awareness about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (the genetic disorder I found out I had in September 2010), and also make some money to pay for my ever-growing medical bills. I have a blog where I have posted many of my photos.

Don't donate to anti-gay Salvation Army this season

By Letter to the Editor | November 29

TO THE EDITOR: Briefly, in response to Carrie Dobbins (“Do not forget the true meaning of Christmas,” Nov. 28): I admire your strong anti-capitalist rhetoric, but I would admonish you to not recommend anyone give change to “the man ringing the bell outside of Wal-Mart.”

Embrace choice: Students can't be blamed for flocking to best book price

By Editorial Board | November 29

As the end of the semester approaches, students are dealing with extreme stress once again. Along with this pressure comes a different — and often frustrating — problem to deal with: textbooks. And as long as online and other retailers continue to get creative in attracting students, Student Stores will lose out on the student market.

A 'book-smart' move: Library should move to University Mall permanently

By Editorial Board | November 29

A library relocating to a retail space in a mall is an unconventional measure. But the Chapel Hill Public Library’s option to permanently move to University Mall would provide convenience to Chapel Hill’s citizens, and cut down on expansion costs that taxpayers would have to offset. The move to University Mall was first going to be temporary while the original building went under construction. But University Mall offered the library a permanent location Nov. 19, and the Chapel Hill Town Council is considering the alternative.

Override and amend: Pushing to properly amend the Student Code would have been better than an outright veto

By Editorial Board | November 29

We endorsed Speaker Deanna Santoro’s Student Congress redistricting bill earlier this month. In spite of Student Body President Hogan Medlin’s official veto, this bill still deserves to pass. Student Congress should vote tonight to override Medlin.

Quote File for November 29, 2010

By Quote File | November 28

Quote file _In spite of the holiday, we still got some great submissions that we wanted to run.

We can't go 'home' again

By Hinson Neville | November 28

Thomas Wolfe said it best: “You can’t go home again.” We all tried over Thanksgiving break. We made our strongest efforts to integrate ourselves back into our hometowns, our old friend groups and our families. Between bites of turkey, we attempted to remember how we used to do it — to remember where we fit into it all. Audience by audience, we noticed that things simply weren’t as we left them.

Join the opinion desk: This is your opportunity to shape campus dialogue

By Cameron Parker | November 28

It has already been quite a year — but we are only halfway through it. And anyone who follows the opinion page was front and center as the issues unfolded. From the football team to the Academic Plan, the editorial board has weighed in on the big issues and continuously covered them as they unfolded.

Missing the mark: Cutting officers won't reform ASG travel budget woes

By Editorial Board | November 28

The more than $200,000 budget for the Association of Student Governments is apparently not enough, given the rate at which the organization is spending. The problem stems from overruns in the travel budget.

Walking away from reason: Severe ?nes for jaywalking are the ?wrong way to pursue pedestrian safety

By Editorial Board | November 28

As the Department of Public Safety ostensibly seeks to make pedestrians safer, officials have started enforcing jaywalking as a significant offense punishable by a fine of up to $166.00 after court costs.

Do not forget the true meaning of Christmas

By Letter to the Editor | November 28

TO THE EDITOR: I just adore Christmas.

Individualism should hold strong in Four Loko debate

By Letter to the Editor | November 28

TO THE EDITOR: What’s being lost in the debate over Four Loko is that this ban should come as a surprise to no one.

Four Loko is a dangerous drink, right to be banned

By Letter to the Editor | November 22

TO THE EDITOR: The letter “Personal decisions should guide Four Loko debate” (Nov. 17) advocates the freedom of personal choice, yet ignores important research.

Can you pass the humble pie?

By Sam Perkins | November 22

The media has overly sensationalized the rough economy in which we live. For many families, this economy has indeed created dire times. But our quality of life is not as bad as many would have you believe nor as bad as many seem to believe. So this year, when you emerge from your college bubble, let me suggest giving thanks for a sadly disappearing generation that embodied being humble, independent and basically American.

Soda tax is regressive, intrusive, unnecessary

By Letter to the Editor | November 22

In the past two decades, the U.S. has experienced a “dramatic increase in obesity.” Interestingly enough, however, carbonated soft drink consumption has stayed relatively stable over the same time period (beginning at less than 50 gallons per-capita in 1990, peaking at about 55 in 1997, and back down to under 50 in 2008).

Enough: Criticism of UNC football team over the top

By Letter to the Editor | November 22

After months of open-minded patience, I have canceled my subscription to the News & Observer. Sunday’s editorial castigating Chancellor Thorp has so many inaccuracies and inappropriate accusations that I can no longer tolerate the anti-Carolina bias that has fueled the News & Obsessor’s coverage of our football program.