Lack of government oversight to blame, not socialism
For the past 30 years, conservatives and democrats alike have overwhelmingly implemented free market policies. Bush expanded these policies in an unprecedented way. Walker can be rest assured socialist policies did not bring about this crisis.There are degrees of capitalism and socialism. There is no clear distinction between the two; rather, it is a gradation from one to the other, from restrictive communism to laissez-faire capitalism. It is simplistic and anachronistic to believe this spectrum can be measured from “good” to “evil.” Striking a balance between economic freedom and establishing a social net is important but difficult, yet has been an expressed goal of President Obama’s from the outset of his campaign.The bailouts have been a sad business, but the government did not nationalize these financial institutions. These businesses pleaded for government help. Economists overwhelmingly agree that, should they be allowed to fail, a worldwide   depression could occur. Intervention was necessary. To blame this on socialism is putting the cart before the horse.As America did in the face of this crisis, Iceland recently replaced their broken government with a radically new one. They nominated an economically liberal prime minister, and Europe’s first openly gay leader. Free market policies have failed us, and, as during the Great Depression, we are turning towards leaders who can break from the harmful, winner-take-all policies of the past.Abby LunettaEnglish, anthropology alumna
Top-10 ways LSU can cut $71 million
The following is a top-10 list on how the University can cut its budget by $71 million.10. House all residents in the PMAC.9. Serve MRE’s at the dining halls.8. Move Mike the Tiger to a penthouse suite at the Hilton.7. Appoint Les Miles head coach of all sports.6. Double the cost of a   game-day hotdog to $40.5. Auction Student Government President Colorado Robertson’s hats.4. Drop the premium movie channels to Mike the Tiger’s cable TV.3. Sell Van Chancellor on Antiques Road Show.2. Stop taking in squirrels at the vet school.1. Cancel classes.Mass Communication 3002Feature writing
 
 
 
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