Gang Threat: Give Us The Facts!

We all chose Fairfield University for different reasons, but the high level of safety on campus is something none of us can ignore. As the front page story notes, reports of gang threats are unconfirmed and students have been left scratching their heads on what to do. Students from the area scoff at the reports since they are used to their safe suburban settings and parents from farther away are frantically calling their sons and daughters asking them if they’ve heard the news. Staying in. Going Out. Going Home. Students are debating what to do, and the administration is not really giving us any clear answers.

Due to the fact the reports are unfounded, students are being left to decide how eminent the threat is. It feels like the terror alert was just raised from yellow to orange, and does any one really know how to react when that happens? Is it possible that the reports are more founded and the administration is trying to keep pandemonium to a minimum, especially with the FUSA concert this weekend? Is this entire gang threat being over- hyped? We as students want answers.

Some say ignorance is bliss, but we believe that only applies to meatpacking plants and short order cooks dropping your cheeseburger on a dirty floor, not student safety.  If the gang threat is worse than claimed by the university and public safety, students and residents of Fairfield County have the right to know. God forbid if something happens this weekend, university officials will have more on their plate than they can handle.  Fairfield administrators, public safety and Fairfield Police, we at The Mirror are not asking, but demanding more information is given if it exists because it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Calling All Students: Vote!

As many young people think of reasons not to vote and choose to stay home, we have the best reasons why you should spare an hour (at most) of your time to find a polling place or fill out an absentee ballot.

1. Prove them wrong: From Fairfield professors to political commentators, we the youth are constantly told that we are passive and don’t care about being active as citizens of a democracy.  Spend some time researching each candidate and see how his or her stances on issues can potentially affect you.  Whether you choose to vote or not, knowing what’s at stake in the mid-term elections may open your eyes.

2. We are the future: The war in Iraq, the environment, marijuana, education and jobs affect the youth, and are key issues for the Nov. 2, 2010 elections.

3. The right to complain: It’s difficult to go a day without hearing someone complaining about having no job after college, the drinking age, the legality of marijuana, or unfair tuition increases. We’re not going to make any assumptions, but if you don’t vote, don’t complain about issues that you can help change by being an active citizen.

4. Freedom: We live in a democracy where we as citizens are given an opportunity everyday to change the direction of our country. Don’t see any real change? Look at any landmark Supreme Court case and you will realize that the majority began with one person.

5. Collective responsibility: Like a team without a coach or a plane without wings, a democracy cannot work without its people. If you believe the state of our country is declining, don’t blame the government; blame yourself because you did nothing to stop it.

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