Cornell Insider

a blog by the writers of the Cornell Review

Archive for February 7th, 2009

Stimulus Aid Won’t Be on the Way

Posted by jhfabian on February 7, 2009

The now (in)famous compromise that might lead to the stimulus package’s approval eliminated billions of dollars in aid money for higher education.

Inside Higher Ed reported that funds for modernization and physical improvements on college campuses are all but gone. Tens of billions of dollars orignially designated to increase Pell Grants for students and biomedical research still remain part of the compromise bill several Senators drafted late Friday.

IHE provides a comprehensive chart at the end of the piece detailing all of the proposed changes.

As you know, we here at Cornell Insider are no fans of the stimulus bill because it is unfocused and designed to fund the anxious Dems’ favorite pet projects.

But this news probably does not bode well for two major facilities issues Cornell currently faces;  the construction of Milstein Hall and Barton Hall’s dire need for renovation.

Posted in Campus Insiders, National News | Leave a Comment »

The Meaning of Conservatism.

Posted by Dennis Shiraev on February 7, 2009

Andrew Sullivan discusses the meaning of conservatism in this article. In short, he believes that the conservative temperament has been and should continue to be defined by super-pragmatism as well as a long term preference for expanding individual liberties and limiting the role of government. (Link found on MR). 

I agree entirely with his definition of conservatism in the ideal, philosophical sense, but it is a very general designation. When I think of “liberals,” “conservatives,” “libertarians,” etc., I think of people who have specific sets of political convictions and whose approaches to public/governmental policy are shaped by those convictions. By Sullivan’s definition, pretty much anyone could be called a “conservative” in American politics. Think about it, how many members of Congress would disagree with this statement: “The government should act pragmatically and do what is right for the people, depending on what is necessitated by the current situation, while always trying to preserve personal liberties and limit its obtrusive rule in people’s lives.”? Very few, I would imagine. 

Sullivan’s interpretation of conservatism is not inaccurate- I just don’t find it entirely useful. To win elections, conservatives must reunite around a set of values and policies. Figuring out what principles the two major ideological camps of the Republican party (socially conservative and more socially liberal/libertarian) agree on will be the biggest challenge for the next four years.

Posted in National News | 2 Comments »

 
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