I was told the editors did not want to run two papers in a row with beauty queens on them (as last week’s paper contained Miss NGU) because they want to appeal more to the students. Homecoming queen is based solely off of student votes, so how could this not appeal to the students?

I was also told by a student staff member they did not even know  NGU had homecoming queens, and from another that the writers and editors probably just “forgot.” This is unfair because the paper should have contained memories we could have saved for the rest of our lives, but it was ripped from us because it was put at such a low level of importance.

The whole week was for everyone to have fun and create memories that will last a lifetime. Each one of these girls on homecoming court worked hard all week long building up to this day, and for it to hold such insignificance to The Skyliner is very disheartening.

I believe the editors should re-run an article about Homecoming 2011 and put up more meaningful pictures. I also believe the staff, the majority of whom are students, should get more involved in what is going on around campus so that they can truly know what “appeals” to the students.

Erin Gray, senior business administration

Photo from www.bachmann.house.gov

The concept that Michelle [sic] Bachmann should not attempt to pass a Constitutional Amendment barring gay marriage is ludicrous.

To pass an amendment, the states would have to ratify it. In doing so, they would approve of its constitutionality. If an amendment to the constitution banned gay marriage, the federal government would have every right to enforce the constitution and pass laws doing so.

The constitution was specifically written in such a fashion that amendments could be added as new issues arose.

If the federal government could not add amendments, the majority of the constitution would be invalid. Without amendments, the Bill of Rights would not exist. I happen to enjoy my right to free speech and the right to assemble. Without amendments, the very foundations of our faith would be shaken. The states have the sovereignty over anything not mentioned in the constitution, but an amendment could make it a federal power. Bachmann’s stance on this issue is politically sound, morally correct and biblically accurate.

The United States may be a nation of many faiths, but it is first and foremost a Christian nation. The Constitution is based on biblical values, as was the Revolution. Without Christ, the United States would not exist. The British even referred to the clergy of the Revolution as the “Black Robe Regiment,” since the pastors would often lead their congregations into battle as militias, and preached revolutionary sermons from the pulpit.

The day we eliminate the United States’ rich history of Christian-based policies is the day the United States falls. This has been seen in every civilization since the dawn of man. God eliminated both Israel and Judah for falling from Him and will not hesitate to do so to the United States.

Regarding the debt ceiling, it should not be raised. Frivolous spending leads to collapse. Fiscal responsibility applies to the government as well as the individual. If I decide to give my money away and spend it foolishly, I cannot simply decide to raise my personal debt ceiling and see my debt magically vanish. If the United States is going to survive, it must learn to manage money appropriately, which cannot be done with constant fiscal irresponsibility.

Luke Willey, freshman undecided

Bachmann: not a wise choice for GOP candidate

Michelle [sic] Bachmann is a terrible choice.  To begin with, she wants to expand the control of the government when it comes to social issues.  She would push for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.  I am not here to argue the morality of homosexuality, as the Bible is very clear on the issue; however, the federal government does not have the right to decide who can and cannot marry.  That right is given to the states, and to the church.

Unfortunately, while the country may be based on Judeo-Christian values, it is not a Christian nation.  We are a nation comprised of many different religions.  To label us as one specific kind is unfair and a lie.  And to say that she is fiscally responsible is not true either.  She said herself that she would not vote to raise the debt ceiling no matter what was offered, and that is frankly a stupid decision.  While it is true that cuts needed to be made, it is also true that the debt ceiling needed to be raised.

In short, Michelle [sic] Bachmann is a fiscally unaware theocrat.

Patrick O’Conor, freshman undecided

Steve Jobs: what’s really important in life?

As I’m sure you’re aware, Steven Paul Jobs, 56, died two weeks ago today.  He was most famously known as the co-founder and long-time CEO of Apple. In the eyes of many, Steve Jobs was more than just a man, an impressive visionary or excellent communicator: he was a god. He changed the world far more than most. He was richer, more revered, and probably had everything he wanted. Besides, he indelibly changed the world, right? Well yeah, but it doesn’t matter.

Only Steve Jobs and God know if he ultimately made a decision for Christ.  While it is not for us to judge, it can be insightful to acknowledge the reality he faced if he was not saved.  Mark 8:36 says, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” This stark reality should cause you to think differently about several things.

One, consider your anthropology. If we truly viewed people as souls destined for hell without Christ, why do we not actively seek to reveal to them the same grace that God extended to us at the cross? Second, ponder the finality of life. As Steve’s rumored final, three-to-five year plan for Apple indicates, you can make all the plans you want, but God has a funny way of interrupting them. We should seek first His will, and everything else will fall into place. Third, think about your view on abortion. Ms. Joanne Simpson gave Steve up for adoption when he was born instead of electing to take the “easy” route. Who knows how many other Steve Jobses have been killed through abortion?

One more thing: One of the saddest stories revealed when Mr. Jobs died was his reason for wanting an authorized biography.  He said, “I wanted my kids to know me. I wasn’t always there for them, and I wanted them to know why and to understand what I did.”

So Christian, how do you spend your time? Are you actively seeking God’s will?

Mark 8:35 says, “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”

Matthew Williamson, sophomore accounting

How ironic was it to discover, then, that the object of my thoughts and prayers was so soon to be at the forefront of the world’s? Everyone told me they were glad I was back and safe in the familiar once more; I heard it more as tensions escalated in Egypt beginning Jan. 24.

So what is really happening in the land of a thousand camels? How to begin with the story of Egypt? 30 years ago, the Egyptian president Anwar El Sadat was assassinated; his vice president, Hosni Mubarak succeeded him—and stayed in office for 30 years. For a long time, no one could run against him. In 2005, other candidates were permitted—in the case of dissident Ayman Nour, this resulted in sentenced labor for five years on sketchy forgery charges.

To add to Egyptian fears, the aging Mubarak seemed to be grooming his son to follow in his footsteps, and in 2006, he renewed the 1967 Emergency Law, which allows censorship, imprisonment without trial and otherwise restricts basic Egyptian freedoms. I have heard many a story about indiscriminate police violence, years of imprisonment and the despair of human rights activists on account of this law. It is said Mubarak has survived six assassination attempts.

The distaste for the president is not new; most Egyptians just know their government is not to be believed. In Mubarak discussions, I recall, there was never much to say; we would see what happened when the aging Mubarak passed, and so long as the price of bread stayed the same, Egypt might enjoy relative stability, if not stellar democracy and ideal economics.

Fast forward to December. I left Egypt in early December; by New Year’s, there was a bombing in Alexandria outside a Coptic Christian church, and 23 people died. The attack was linked to Al-Qaeda, who had issued a threat and two months earlier had bombed Our Lady of Salvation church in Baghdad.

At the time, I was impressed at how many Egyptians rallied together, despite their religion, to support one another in the aftermath. Some sectarian tempers flared, but overall I believe the event inspired an unprecedented sort of unity. Around that time, the unusual “Jasmine Revolution” in Tunisia resulted in the resignation of the President on Jan. 14 after the self-immolation of common man Mohammed Bouazizi. It was quite the talk of Egyptians; on Egyptian “Police Day,” Facebook and Twitter networked people together for a Day of Protest against hardships in the land.

The Day of Protest had way more numbers than anyone expected (particularly in Cairo’s main Tahrir Square); suddenly Egypt was having its own revolution for democracy, something hardly anyone would have guessed. By day three, protestors held their ground against water cannons, batons and tear gas from government security forces—chillingly Tiananmen (Egypt was not trending that day in China). Curfews were imposed, the internet was shut down for five days, and most cell service was disrupted. Police disappeared—sometimes reappearing in civilian clothing, acting as thugs. The military was called in, but largely welcomed, since the military is considered less corrupted (most Egyptian men are drafted). Some pro-Mubarak factions began to show up, creating more unrest. My Egyptian friends seemed to be safe, more or less; I chatted with one Egyptian around this time who said that since the police left, there were looters and troublemakers; young men were protecting the neighborhoods with sticks and kitchen knives.

The situation was escalating—but Mubarak remained firm. So did the protestors. Finally, after 18 days of protest, Mubarak resigned from the presidency on Feb. 11, 2011. Questions remain, of course, and many hope and pray for real and stable democracy. Recent events have been rife with complexity, but I find it inspiring as well. Fueled by freedom, Kasr El Dobara, one of the largest evangelical churches, held an open air service—unheard of. What is more, after the Alexandria bombing, many Muslims volunteered to guard churches for Christmas services on Jan. 6; in Cairo, reports came of Christians watching over Muslims as they prayed on Feb. 4. On these days of national chaos, Egyptian identity and human identity won out over sectarian tensions.

Ours is not a spirit of fear. As the reality of Mubarak’s retreat sinks into my brain, I cannot help but think of the words of an Egyptian friend who said that the revolution in the Egyptian political system should also make us ask whether there is a revolution in our minds, our morals and our way of life as Christians. Maybe Egypt to many is still a land of dust, but I daresay something beautiful is rising from the ashes—if not in politics, then in the hearts of those who dared to hope after 30 years of sameness.

Wendy Greve, junior English

Campus Research, the collegiate version of Westlaw, is an easy-to-use online research service that provides university students with access to a comprehensive collection of news and business information as well as law-related resources. With Westlaw’s Campus Research, you can search an extensive collection of information resources as easily as you use the Internet, thanks to specially designed time-saving tools that use natural, basic language searching and an easy, straightforward interface. With the Advanced Search feature, you can use simple Boolean search connectors such as AND and OR to further refine your searches and reduce the amount of time it takes to find exactly what you need. Additionally, Westlaw’s interface is divided into two content tabs, News & Business and Law, further simplifying research.

This new database can be accessed via the Westlaw link on the Database page of the Library’s website. As with all of the Library’s online resources, this database will be available on all of the Library’s workstations as well as anywhere else on campus through the Database page. Additionally, Westlaw is available off campus via the “off-campus” link beside the title. After clicking on this button, you will need to login, then you will have complete access.

One thing to be aware of while logging on, it is necessary for Westlaw to deposit cookies onto your workstation as you log-on. Therefore, if you are using your own laptop, you may need to set your computer to accept cookies from this site.

There will be more information to come as the Library continues to upgrade its resources. In the meantime, check out all of the other resources available to you on the Library’s webpage. 

Jonathan Bradsher
Hester Memorial Library Director

As we approach what is shaping into possibly the most controversial and significant election in U.S. history, I have become increasingly worried about a trend I see among my peers.

For many of us, this is our first presidential election as eligible voters, but for some reason the majority of college students I talk to are not taking it seriously. The standard response to “who are you planning to vote for?” is usually “I’m not really sure; I don’t know that much about the candidates, but I’m thinking about voting for….” I find it incredible that the future leaders, parents, workers and citizens of America have such little interest in the future of their country.

Apparently, the trend among Christian teens is to distance themselves from politics. Those of us who care enough to get involved are labeled “radical right-wing conspirators” or are told, “You are just trying to force your morality on the rest of America.”

As young Christian Americans, we should be out there getting the facts, analyzing the speeches and comparing major beliefs. Instead, I hear phrases like: “I do not want to know the facts; it is all just political rhetoric anyway,” or “well, I do not really like either candidate, so I think I just will not vote” or “vote Obama; the first black president!”

However, all of these are horribly irresponsible ways of thinking. If it is wrong to not vote for someone based solely on their skin color, then it is equally wrong to vote for them based solely on their skin color. What we should be asking is, “Does this man or woman running for office have the ethics and experience to lead my country well?” To know this, we must think critically.

Secondly, many young American Christians have bought into the lie that their personal beliefs should not influence their voting stance and that support for candidates with morals is just an attempt to force your ideas on the rest of America. I challenge you to fight this abuse of your God-given American freedom. You better believe the non-Christians are going to be voting based on their personal beliefs and trying to influence the laws of this country to reflect those beliefs whether they represent a majority of citizens or not. Why should your voice matter less than theirs?

So, if you have not been able to force yourself to turn off SportsCenter and watch the news, or listen to some political radio, or log out of Facebook and start reading articles online, then perhaps it’s time to start.

God has provided us the ability to vote and make a difference in America. Christians in many other countries don’t have that honor. To not get involved and not vote responsibly is just throwing that gift back in God’s face.

Part of our witness to the world and to our society is to stand up for what we believe, not just on the mission field, but also in politics back home. America depends on you.

Sincerly,

Charley Dib

When I encounter homeless people they tell me, “I am so lucky. You’ll never know what it is to walk.” When I try to give them money they say, “No you keep it. You need this so much more than I do.”

Disabilities are black and white – all the same. We are all deaf, retarded, helpless, and paralyzed. But thank you just the same for letting me know. People who have seen me in my chair and then see me walking say, “Look at you walking. Good job.”

I guess people think walking is an improvement, or I must be getting better because I am not using the chair. Maybe people think they need to congratulate me. In reality, it hurts my feelings. I don’t always need help. While I appreciate the thought, I’m usually fine. If I do need help, I ask for it. I bought a dresser last week and someone helped me put it in my car. Wouldn’t anyone?

What is worse is when people grab things off my lap, hang grocery bags on my chair or push my chair to help – all of this without speaking to me.

Often people will step over me, stand too close, or lean on my chair. I’ve even had a man forcefully put on my coat, and button it up to get a tip from my dad. You don’t just grab a woman and put clothes on her. I felt violated like anyone else would. I get stared at everywhere I go, but a lot of times people talk down to me, like you would to a small child. Once I was in the store and the clerk spoke normal to the person I front of me. Then when I got there, I stood up out of my chair to pay. She said, “Hey there sweetie. How are you? You stood up. Good job.”

Another clerk then said, “You’re making it baby. Keep praying.”

I have one life, and these things will never go away. If you learned one thing, remember this. Disabilities vary. It’s extremely ignorant to lump us all together. Don’t be afraid or uncomfortable. We won’t bite (well, most of the time).

I certainly don’t blame any particular person. This problem comes from a lack of education. If you are my friend, you know my life is completely normal. So the next time you see someone in a chair, or blind, or deaf, treat him or her like you would anyone else. We laugh, we cry, we hurt – just like the rest of humanity.

Joy Easterling
NGU affiliate

The greatest single tragedy to ever fall upon american soil occurred in the heinous terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Americans from very different backgrounds heroically, courageously, and unselfishly joined together to combat the chaos caused on that infamous day. Government officials laid down political differences to stand together; movie stars and prominent citizens contributed time and money to raise much needed financial and moral support; fire fighters, police officers, and medical personnel joined together to immediately establish stability and control in the distraught cities of New York and Washington, D.C. an air of patriotism dominated the american landscape.
Unfortunately, this picture is an extreme opposite of the picture five minutes prior to that first jet crashing into the World Trade Center. Five minutes prior to that hideous incident senators were bitterly arguing, movie stars and famous people were supporting their individual agendas, and cops were looked down upon as more of a burden to society than a help. The air smelled of self interest, division, and greed…anything but patriotism.
Why does it take the death of thousands of Americans, the destruction of national landmarks, and a threat to our national security to bring us together as a unified people? Why does the idea of patriotism fail during peace and prosperity? One of the framers of our great nation predicted this contrast at the very birth of our sweet country. it was Thomas Jefferson who wrote, “The spirit of the times may alter, will alter. Our rulers will become corrupt, our people careless. A single zealot may commence persecutor, and better men may be his victims. It can never be too often repeated that the time for fixing every essential right on a legal basis while our rulers are honest and ourselves united. From the conclusion of [their] war [for independence, a nation begins] going down hill.”
On a spiritual note God brought judgement on the great nation of Israel for its complacency wrought by peace and prosperity. His judgement was not against those outside his covenant but those inside it.
Let us heed the wisdom of our past leaders, let us learn From eh mistakes of our greatest ancestors the Israelites, and let us be stubborn in our patriotism. From this day forth let us raise that magnificent star spangled banner not only on our door posts, businesses, and government agencies, but let us raise that glorious symbol of freedom in our hearts and souls as well. Let us adamantly refuse to let peace and prosperity blind us, nor deter us, of our responsibility to one another as Americans.
Abraham Lincoln so cleverly and politically wrote, “United we stand and divided we fall.”

Bobby Garland
Junior
Interdisciplinary studies

Wave Flags High

When i read the article in the recent Skyliner on the Christian flag. I realized our school is misinformed on the purpose of the flag being flown at half-staff. President Bush made the order to show respect and tribute to the thousands of people that died, hundreds which I am sure were Christians.
It is absurd to say nothing happened to God so we should leave the flag up. God is not up on that flagpole. The flag represents us Christians. And it was bad taste to put us above every other American in this time of tragedy. What would a non-Christian think after seeing the flag? Next, flying a flag half-staff is not victory for the terrorist either.
Bush was not showing a sign of defeat by making this order. It was not the terrorist’s goal. Finally, as for the vast majority of the students favoring the flag being flown high, it’s kind of funny that public safety had to put a chain around the rope to prevent students from continuously lowering it to its proper place. I think the students spoke their opinion clearly.

Luke Atkins
Junior
Business