Kirsten Gillibrand’s views on guns and immigration aside, the new U.S. senator could prove a boon for New York college students among the prospect of budget cuts. As a House member, Gillibrand voted in favor of last July’s College Cost Reduction Act, which benefited college-goers across the board, from the rules textbook companies would have to follow to the amount of money students could receive from grants. (See Page 1) Perhaps Gillibrand, then, could prove to be the visionary that Binghamton University President Lois DeFleur seeks in order to prevent a tuition increase of $310 per semester, with 80 to…

In theory, it’s great to have someone around to advise you. That’s why presidents get to appoint cabinets. That’s why high schools have guidance counselors. That’s why I have a circle of close friends. Then why does Binghamton University, or perhaps just Harpur College, think it is OK to leave the majority of its students to themselves for four years? While other schools take it upon themselves to assign actual advisers, Binghamton is a whole-hearted believer in independence. Not only am I expected to translate my DARS, that labyrinthine audit system, from day one, I’m also the de facto liaison…

A little over a year ago, overexcited by the prospect of a daily recurring slot in the “True Life,” “Real World,” “Go to Work Every Day” lineup, I made the decision to hustle my frosty, Binghamton-chilled butt out of college and graduate early. “I will have so much money!” I thought. I will get to stop doing busywork! My mind reeled with the possibilities. I could afford to take real vacations. I could live back in the city, which is at least 10 to 20 degrees warmer than good old Vestal. I would be able to escape the land of…

I will confess that my mind was not on politics or anything this week. I was just told a few days ago that The All-American Rejects have a new album out, and as anyone I’ve talked to in the last 24 hours will tell you, I’m pretty excited about that. Yes, I am severely behind the times, but I’ve come to terms with my chronic lateness. But not even Tyson Ritter’s emo squealings were enough to completely distract me from the outside world and the problems already faced by Barack Obama’s administration. And, oh Lordy, there are plenty. Let’s start…

The largest economic stimulus package ever introduced by a government will — in all likelihood — be signed into law this week. Unfortunately, President Obama tried too hard to stay true to his campaign promise of bipartisanship, and in so doing gave worthless stimulus concessions to the Republican caucus. Of the stimulus bill that was passed by the House last week, at least one third — $275 billion — was appropriated for tax cuts. While tax cuts may make the most sense to Republicans ideologically (supply side rules!) and politically (“starve the beast,” in the words of Paul Krugman), it,…