Plan could be beneficial

UWEC relatively affordable compared to other schools

By Camila Pinzon Mendoza

For the last month I have heard the term "Blugold Commitment" several times ... I started to do my research as a reporter, which I thought would be easy, just asking some questions to a couple of American friends. But, I found out they didn't know anything about the Blugold Commitment.

Turn it down

Music in public places at dangerous levels

By Megan Hetrich

On a typical Friday or Saturday night, the last thing most bar-goers are thinking about is hearing damage; most of the time, though, loud music found in these bars is causing just that. The question arises, - why is this music so noisy?

Financial aid a necessity for some

By Zach Schultz

Without financial aid, college students with below-median EFC figures will rarely, if ever, become students at any university, and, by necessity, they will require lifelong aid from the state and federal government to make up for the inequitable income they receive from employers throughout their lives.

Letters should be sent to all families

By The Spectator Staff

The way a soldier dies does not at all detract from the time they spent serving their country. In some cases, soldiers may kill themselves after multiple tours of duty. It seems ridiculous to consider the value of their sacrifice lowered because of one's decision to end their own life.

LGBTQ couples see progress

UW System will extend benefits to same-sex couples

By David Gardner

Effective Jan. 1, 2010, the UW System will extend employer-sponsored benefits to same-sex or opposite sex domestic partners. A domestic partnership is defined as a civil recognition of a relationship between two individuals, extending limited legal protections to them. As a gay man, I am excited to see the LGBTQ community achieve this important milestone on its journey for equal rights. However, this step toward equality comes at a cost, known as imputed income.

Facebook gone wrong

Teens should be watched on social network sites

By Taylor Kuether

An increasing amount of violence has been associated with and distantly connected to the site, proving that a frightening number of tweens and teens just don't know when to stop.

Rob' reckonings: Obama should stay focused to end war

By Rob Hanson

President Obama's decision to send in 30,000 to 35,000 additional troops has changed that pacifism, at least for me, stirring up the pot and serving as a reminder that there are still thousands of men and women putting their lives at risk every day.