The New Year

Tonight, the Jewish Community celebrates Rosh Hashanah, the New Year. Additionally, tonight we also begin the 10 days of awe, in anticipation of Yom Kippur, the day when this upcoming year's book of life is sealed. We use the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as a time for reflection on the past year. What mistakes have we made? Maybe we havee argued to frequently with our siblings, or we lied or worse. Nevertheless, now is the time for reflection on these sins, now is the time to ask for forgiveness. Also, we look forward to this upcoming year with anticipation for the opportunity it provides us to start anew. The year ahead will be quite important for me and I can only hope that its fruits are as sweet as the year past.

The upcoming year also presents a number of challenges for a number of communities that I belong to. At the University of Michigan, we must face a new year of state appropriations cuts in funding. We must do all in power to continue to ensure that the University is accessible to all because I am a firm believer that the University represents one of the best instruments of social mobility we have.

As a nation, we must figure a way to win the war in Iraq with as little human suffering as possible. We also must continue to rebuild the gulf coast and find a solution to our energy crisis, all big challenges.

As a world community, we must once and for all end the genocide in Darfur. It is my hope that by this time next year, one can look towards Darfur and see a community beginning the process of healing.

The new year presents both challenges and opportunities. May it be one of peace, health, success and happiness. L'shana Tova!

D.C. Gun Ban

The District of Columbia has petitioned the United States Supreme Court to hear their case regarding their ban on all hand guns within the district. Recently, the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that the District's ban was in violation of the Second Amendment. The district claims that the 2nd amendment applies to rifles and other large weapons, but handguns which can be easily concealed should be able to be regulated. I am inclined to side with the District, which can claim ownership to consistently one of the highest murder rates per capita in the entire nation. Why shouldn't civic leaders be able to take measures to protect the public from weapons that easily and quickly fall into the hands of violent criminals. The 2nd amendment has long served as a road block to common sense legislation to protect people. Don't get me wrong, I understand that the 2nd amendment establishes the right to bear arms; however, I don't believe that the framers intended it to serve as a barrier to action that is in the best interests of the populace. Common sense gun control is vital. Hopefully the supreme court will grant certiorari and hear this important case.

Whats with the Tigers?

After another disappointing loss to the Oakland A's, one must begin to wonder just what exactly is going on with the Tigers. This loss was especially painful, considering we were up for most of the game and only needed Todd Jones to come up with a save. If the Tigers are serious about making the playoffs, they better start to get their act together.... because the Indians, Yankees, and Mariners are not all going to continue to lose. Detroit wants to see another playoff run, so lets see it happen.