Perspectives

The most dangerous of social problems are those that go unchecked for so long that they cease to inspire indignation or action among the members of a society. The commonness of an injustice seems to spur the belief that it cannot or should not be any other way.Poverty in the United States has become a problem of this sort. Now is a time when poverty is at an 11-year apex in … [Read more...] about Renewed vigor needed in U.S. poverty fight

The disparaging moniker "capitalist pigs" is alive and well frequently invoked by those angry at the "corporate fat cats" (a newer slight) who seem responsible for a laundry list of economic woes. Yet for Europeans a more pertinent insult these days is "socialist pigs." The PIGS of Europe today or PIIGS are Portugal Ireland Greece and Spain. (Italy is a veteran debtor in Europe … [Read more...] about Fiscal irresponsibility plagues EU nations

When it comes to efficient use of energy more and more start-up companies are scrambling to find the solution. The key is to find a way to produce this energy with no emissions at a low cost and with ease of access to consumers— easier said than done. However one company is emerging as a leader in this race so far.The product is called the Bloom Box. It is a box that can … [Read more...] about Efficient energy becomes reality

"Look out for the redhead sophomore Joelle Takahashi said as we boarded the train for our weekly trip from Lausanne to Moudon, a half-hour ride.  He looks adorable but he's the biggest trouble maker of them all.""Excellent I thought. This was only my second time volunteering at the Moudon refugee facility in Switzerland, and the next two hours sounded like... a challenge, … [Read more...] about Mentoring Swiss youth imparts meaning

Health care reform has passed. For all the uncertainty about reform— only time will tell if it succeeds at containing costs and improving quality— it is justified by the direness of the country's challenges in health care. Perhaps no state has as much to gain as California whose woes are a particularly astonishing depiction of all that has gone awry in American … [Read more...] about Health reform brings hope to Californians