Fall 2004 is coming to a close and it's been a momentous semester. Here's a review on the biggest stories to hit the UA.

A return to Bushland

A college campus is political by default. Due to the scholarly atmosphere of institutions of higher learning, universities become a veritable hotbed for political discussion

However, this year proved even more poignant and urgent as the 2004 elections approached; the whole nation's responsibility to pick the most important position in the land loomed in everyone's mind. Despite strong efforts to register more young voters, the number of registered voters in the 18-30 age range remained the same as the 2000 election.

Young people represented a large portion - approximately a quarter of the electorate. Yet the turnout for this demographic more than disappointed when a little over 10 percent of those who could vote did. The lack of civic involvement proved to be one of the most embarrassing points for our generation and furthermore reinforces the stereotype of youth apathy that older generations rightfully accuse us of.

Campus speakers brave boos and pies

Documentary filmmaker/ pop culture icon Michael Moore spoke at McKale Center despite strong opposition to his presence; some on campus accused ASUA of a liberal and leftist bias, even though ASUA invited a number of other Republican speakers, namely David Hardy and Rep. Jim Kolbe. In response, the College Republicans arranged for New York Times best-selling author Ann Coulter to speak at Centennial Hall. In the midst of her speech, Ms. Coulter encountered danger in the form of flying pastries directed at her person. Ms. Coulter was neither harmed nor creamed in the incident. However, the childish antics of the men who allied themselves with the group Al Pieda proved to be the very type of behavior that we should all avoid if we are to unite our divisive nation, or at the very least establish a dialogue between opposing political positions.

Highlights in fall sports

A 3-8 record isn't exactly a record one would feel overwhelmingly proud about. However, if you're the UA football team and you end the season with a win against your most hated rival, that's reason enough to celebrate. Coach Mike Stoops has just begun his rejuvenation process with this program after the Mackovic saga, and UA fans will be expecting much more from next year's Cats.

Not to be outdone by their male counterparts, the UA women's soccer team pulled off its first conference title in the team's history. The soccer team fought in what is arguably the nation's hardest conference and came up on top. Considering the fact that head coach Dan Tobias took over the squad just before the start of last season with a team that has never done better than seventh place in the Pacific 10 Conference, the soccer team shows further promise and brilliance.

UA-created life-saving device receives FDA approval

Researchers at the UA marked a milestone in medical technology October 18 with the creation of the first artificial organ to be approved by the FDA. The device, called the CardioWest Total Artificial Heart, was constructed at UMC and is the nearest approximation to a heart that has ever been created. Used by patients in lieu of an organic heart, CardioWest is the best alternative, and a lifesaver for patients in desperate need of a heart.

Confession of rage murder by UA professor

On November 16 professor Robert Bechtel of the psychology department confessed to his class that he killed a fellow student while attending Swarthmore College in 1955. Despite the sincerity of Bechtel's confession and the contrition he has expressed, Bechtel does not have the right to work with the state's young people. The UA cannot allow for such tolerance to be used in its employment practices. It must stand that killers shouldn't be teachers at the UA.

Residence Life-sponsored Wall does more harm than good

As part of the UAdiscusses Diversity program, the Residence Hall Association created "The Wall Project," a 30-foot long cinder block construction. On these blocks were written a variety of racial epithets, sexist language, and other assorted offensive language that students have heard in passing. Though the intention of the wall - increasing awareness about the offensive language that we use - was noble, the offensive and abrasive nature of the wall silenced its message. The inflammatory presentation of the wall left little time for reflection and additionally gave passers-by unfamiliar with the wall's purpose a negative impression of the UA and its students.

Commencement, lost and found

President Likins, in response to the rowdy UA tradition of throwing tortillas at graduation, threaten to revoke the university-wide commencement ceremony for this upcoming December. Protests rained from all sides - from parents, students, and alumni who found the possible absence of this ceremony an affront to students' accomplishments. The threat was lifted, the ceremony restored; however, provisions maintain that December's graduates must exercise a level of decorum appropriate to this rite of passage, as it should be. As graduates preparing for the entrance into the real world, commencement represents our first step into adulthood.

Staff editorials are the opinion of the Wildcat opinions board and written by one of its members. Its members include Susan Bonicillo, Nate Buchik, Evan Caravelli, Brett Fera, Caitlin Hall and Andrea Kelly.