Children used for religion

Fundamentalists exploit young and impressionable minds, show highest level of disrespect

By Jennifer Lind

Are you saved? If you're part of the 65 percent of Americans who aren't fundamentalist Christian, then the answer is a resounding "no" - at least according to fundamentalist Christians. But they're poised to reshape the nation's religious landscape, and children are becoming their most powerful force.

Uncertainty isn't negative

Columnist reflects on reactions to lack of future planning

By Adam Liedl

No, I don't know what I want to "be" when I "grow up." I've heard it all before. And I know what you are going to be: a teacher, doctor, pharmacist, business man, and so on. Don't care. Get back to me in 20 years. For now I'll stick to my guns: saying "I don't know."

Spectator editorial: Photo monopoly

WIAA should not prevent local media from selling photos

On the rare chance that a high school athlete gets to experience the thrill of playing in a state championship game, parents will typically want a picture or two of their son or daughter in the heat of competition.

McCormick's Musings: Pujols bats 1.000 on citizenship exam

Dominican-born baseball player's test should put apathetic America to shame

By Jacob McCormick

I'd like to give my congratulations to St. Louis Cardinals' first baseman Albert Pujols. In the celebratory wake of the baseball team's recent World Series victory, Pujols took the official United States citizenship test this past week. As it turns out, the Dominican-born slugger scored a perfect 100 on the exam and answered additional unwritten questions after studying and preparing for a year.

Obama plays risky hand

Illinois senator has potential, but Dems may sacrifice future for instant gratification

By Timothy Langton

Although it doesn't occur to everyone, various types of card games have a lot in common with the game of politics. Firstly, politicians must learn to control their emotions like poker players, so as not to give their opponents anything they can use to defeat them - for example, Howard Dean's over-excited rebel yell in 2004 that doomed his campaign.