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Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

All content by Ben Friedman

A major cultural change is required

Ben Friedman April 7, 2011

As I read over Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan’s proposed government spending plan, “The Path to Prosperity,” it seemed, at least at first glance, to be feasible and well-reasoned. His plan includes...

Political flexibility very desirable

Ben Friedman March 30, 2011

Earlier this week, I committed an unpardonable political offense. This offense reminded me of the fact that I would virtually be eaten alive as a politician. The unpardonable offense: I changed my mind....

Why do we disregard the words of others?

Ben Friedman March 25, 2011

It is said that actions speak louder than words, and I mostly agree. People may spout off all the ear-tickling rhetoric they please, but their true intentions will be revealed, more often than not, through...

Changes: Turn and face the strain

Ben Friedman March 11, 2011

The election results were no surprise. Though I endorsed Coresa Nancy Hogan, Grant Cochran seemingly has the qualifications and the intentions to bring about positive change on campus. Though the desire...

Underdog label self-fulfilling in SGA elections

Ben Friedman March 3, 2011

Regardless of the number of cultural differences that have been illuminated throughout the past few weeks, we all, as students, are members of a changing campus. Though topics like the make-up of the greek...

Students should share faith responsibly

Ben Friedman February 17, 2011

In our current postmodern and secular age, sharing one’s religious beliefs is often labeled, at the blink of an eye, as intolerance. The “Coexist” bumper sticker is prevalent, and so much as making...

America still the greatest

Ben Friedman February 11, 2011

In this current age of moral relativity, we are chastised and dismissed for having the attitude that American values are the best on the planet.  Those who still believe that America is the greatest country...

‘Street smart’ actually means lazy

Ben Friedman February 3, 2011

I’ve often heard students describe themselves as “street smart” rather than “book smart.”  I take “street smarts” to describe some exceptional type of savvy or sales skills that can only...

UA should require physical education

Ben Friedman January 28, 2011

As I watched the Student Recreation Center fill up last week, almost to the point of complete saturation, with students motivated to pursue their New Year’s resolutions, two observations became apparent....

Why shouldn’t we run up the score?

Ben Friedman January 21, 2011

When Alabama took Greg McElroy out of the game with considerable time left to play in the Capitol One Bowl against Michigan State, I was enraged. Granted, the outcome was apparent even before halftime,...

College students shouldn’t aim for “street smarts”

Ben Friedman January 14, 2011

Street Smarts? Really? I keep hearing students describe themselves as “street smart” rather than “book smart.”  I take this to mean they possess some exceptional type of savvy or sales skills...

All majors can be useful

Ben Friedman December 1, 2010

In a climate where specialization and job preparation are becoming increasingly accepted as the default purposes of a college education, many undergrads fall prey to the cliché question, “What are you...

Confederate flag symbol of culture, not hate

Ben Friedman November 22, 2010

The Confederate flag (the “southern cross” for clarification, or the battle flag flown by certain soldiers in the Confederate army, though never the official flag of the C.S.A.) has been a controversial...

Firefighters really at fault?

Ben Friedman November 15, 2010

South Fulton, Tennessee was thrust into the national spotlight just over a month ago when local firefighters refused to extinguish a house fire in Obion County. Gene Cranick, the house owner, had simply...

Scientific support for creationism strong

Ben Friedman November 8, 2010

Two weeks ago, I argued the legal and educational reasons why creationism should be taught alongside evolution. Despite any amount of legal justification, if the scientific evidence for creationism and...

Evolution alternative should be taught

Ben Friedman October 24, 2010

In a country that is becoming more secular, the thought of teaching Judeo-Christian creationism in public schools often seems ridiculous and outdated. As a former atheist, I once believed the assertion...

UA not “just after money”

Ben Friedman October 17, 2010

If there is one sentence I’ve heard more than any other during my first two years on campus, it would be this one: “The University just wants your money.” I’ve heard it from different people almost...

Tenure is unjustified

Ben Friedman October 10, 2010

I was often the student who handed out the obligatory “World’s Best Teacher” mugs at Christmas and my K-12 years left me with many fond memories of my teachers as well as many current role models....

Transportation security should focus on real threats

Ben Friedman October 3, 2010

A few months ago, I was passing through an airport security line and saw a man who was likely of Arab descent being stopped for a “random” bag check. The check, of course, wasn’t random, and the...

Obama needs to connect

Ben Friedman September 26, 2010

I voted for John McCain in 2008. I do and always will support conservative economic and social policies. Ronald Reagan speeches give me goose bumps and I gave Bush the benefit of the doubt. Regardless...

Our own civil war

Ben Friedman September 14, 2010

At our first football game, I witnessed two little snippets of events that portrayed our University’s current culture war perfectly. First, I saw a student athlete mockingly ask a fraternity member...

It's time to retire Title IX

It’s time to retire Title IX

Ben Friedman August 31, 2010

Men and women deserve equal athletic opportunities. Female athletes work every bit as hard as male athletes. As a spectator, though, football will always have my heart; I enjoyed the women’s soccer...

Give a little bit

Ben Friedman August 17, 2010

In Short: Christian conservatives should prove their sincerity by embracing compassionate economic policies. Christianity has always been a cornerstone in conservative social policy-making.  From the...