As a young child who probably asked too many questions, I used to probe my mother about the metaphysical: "Which religion is the 'right' one?" "Do people from all religions go to heaven?" I always received the same reply: "Religion is made by man. It is your spirit that counts."

Many years later I learned what my mother meant. The value of religion does not lie in individual religious dogmas. Instead, the value of religion derives from the virtue that it seeks to build and from the spiritual development that it attempts to foster. [Read article]

A few years ago, a friend of mine enrolled at Pima Community College. I asked him what it was like, and I'll never forget his response: "It's like high school, with ashtrays." Whether that particular analogy is a good one or not, some state leaders are attempting to give Arizona's community colleges more substance.

Last week, a bill died in the Arizona Senate that would have allowed community colleges to offer upper-level classes and bachelor's degrees. The full House of Representatives approved the bill, but it failed to make it out of the Senate Appropriations Committee. However, Rep. Laura Knaperek, who sponsored the bill in the House, has said that she hasn't given up yet. Hopefully she never will. Allowing community colleges to offer four-year degrees is a good move for Arizona. [Read article]

Sorority girls just showing off money

This letter is in response to the current topic of big sunglasses. Has anyone noticed that the large majority of girls wearing these sunglasses are sorority girls? It's just another opportunity for them to try and make sure everyone knows, "I have money! I'm in a sorority! I drive a 2005 BMW!" Brigid Blazek states that maybe "she knows they are the latest fashion." According to who? Paris Hilton? The one who inherited daddy's money and fame, thus making her the idol of sorority girls everywhere? Why shouldn't the opinions of guys and other girls here at the UA matter? Most people I talk to agree that the huge glasses make girls look cheesy and dumb. I am also shocked to hear that protecting your eyes is a top concern. I'm sure that's your first concern when you walk up to the Gucci counter. I think these sunglasses are not a sign of girls expressing themselves, but simply a sign they will follow whatever trends they are told, like the sheep they are. [Read article]