Friendly Advice

Seniors...I hope that you are preparing for finals, because if not, I feel bad for you! It's coming down to the end of the semester and graduation is right around the corner. I believe seniors' last day of class is April 19-20 depending if you have any classes either of those days and after that...you already know: COMMENCEMENT.

Health Care

The President has unveiled a proposal for health insurance that puts American families and small business owners in control of their own health care. I second the motion! Many politicians are upset with Obama's Health Care Reform Plan. It's time to chill out Republicans..."Let this bill work." Let our constituents finally get health care. His proposal begins to give middle class families and small business owners the health care security they've been losing over the past 16 years. Health reform will make health care more affordable, make health insurers more accountable, expand health coverage to all Americans, and make the health system sustainable, stabilizing family budgets, the Federal budget, and the economy.

Expulsion

Not too long ago, several of our Smithies had an altercation on the yard, which resulted in the expulsion of some of our fellow classmates. Several dozen Johnson C. Smith University students rallied outside the West Charlotte campus to protest what they described as unfair treatment by school administrators. The protesters said they were angry over the expulsion or suspension of 15 students following an on-campus brawl in the wee hours of Jan. 18. The protestors said some of the students were suspended with no proof of guilt and without due process. "Education, not expulsion," some shouted to traffic passing along Beatties Ford Road. Others said JCSU President Ronald Carter was more concerned with protecting the school's image than with finding a just solution.

Final Words

Overall, as students, you should chill out some and focus on school and for senior graduation. Tuition is already an arm and a leg, so refrain from doing anything that may jeopardize the risk of your graduation, or simply staying behind an extra semester.

Since Obama has been in office he has carried a lot of weight on his shoulders. Trying to get America back on our feet, passing a bill that several politicians disagree with, and running our country while being a black man in America is a huge job, but I believe in his vision towards fixing society and will respect anything he decides that's beneficial to American citizens.

Since his arrival at the university more than a year ago, Dr. Carter has worked to improve JCSU's image and visibility. He raised academic standards last year to weed out students less likely to graduate. He also has worked to forge alliances with community and business groups. Some of you may disagree with his vision and method, but he is our president so you have no choice to respect him.