Patriot Act should not violate Bill of Rights

About three months ago, a 20-year-old man named Sherman Austin was sent to prison for 12 months, which was to be followed by three years of strict probation. What crime did he commit that justified the immutable tarnish put on his name and life? He wrote a few essays on socialism and communism and voiced his opinions on an anarchist Web site (RaiseTheFist.com). This may sound clichŽ, but doesn't this border on thought-crime? Unbeknownst to him, a Web site which he linked to contained information regarding assumedly minor explosives - the anarchist cookbook kids love it, but I haven't yet met one who's violent. The information? Nothing that you can't find at the UA library. Austin, 18 at the time, petitioned the government for a redress of grievances and was rewarded with two years of harassment and red tape, a year in prison and three of probation. The judge who sentenced him wanted to "make an example" for any other "revolutionaries." [Read article]

Readers are top priority for Daily Wildcat

Recently, I was asked why I wanted to become editor in chief of the Wildcat. It didn't take me long to respond. I want to make the Wildcat better.

No small task. And no easy one, either.

But more than 100 student reporters, editors, columnists, photographers, designers and others have come together with that mission in mind. We want to improve the Wildcat, and improve it we shall. Improve it for you, our readers. [Read article]

It's a new year, and the Wildcat's opinions pages have made a fresh start with some fresh faces. Here's a look at what's to come from the people who will chronically irritate and elate you this semester.

Tim Belshe is a systems engineering junior from Phoenix. A true mountain man, Tim spends his free time camping, shooting and off-roading. He's got a sci-fi alter ego, though: Tim is a genuine Trekkie. He describes his conservative column as an "angry rant" - familiar territory for our sharpshooting opinions staff. Look for his column, "A Load of Belshe," each Thursday in the Wildcat. [Read article]