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Carolina Gonzalez

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Staff Writers
Alison Abruzzese

Kelsey Breining

Ryan Brooks

Alexa Cordeiro

Hillary Dever

Michelle Du Preez

Rachael Evans

Ashley Feldman

Michael Griffith

Danielle Guttenberg

William Hartigan

Renee Ingrassia

Isabel Lacy

Amy Lyus

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Top Stories

Cast Your Vote, Be Counted
A Predicted Historic Voter Turnout Will Determine America’s Future

Cast Your Vote, Be Counted
A Predicted Historic Voter Turnout Will Determine America’s Future

 

Student Government Association’s Golf Cart Parade took place to boost voting among college students. Staff Photo/Carolina Gonzalez.

By Katherine Paxson
Special to the iPulse

The craze across the nation, and even the world, is the political battle between Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain, presidential candidates for 2008. With all of the hype between these qualified individuals, Americans are being asked to cast their vote today to secure the future of this country. Melissa Williams, 20 years old, states her opinions on this year’s election and why it is so important to get involved and vote.
As a member of the Democratic Party, Williams is casting her vote for Senator Barack Obama. Williams expresses her opinion on why it is so important for the youth of America to get involved. “Everybody counts,” said Williams, sophomore. “Every vote should count.” Williams has few but effective words to describe how she believes in the voting system.
Many students are also expressing opinions supporting the republican candidates. “I love the McCain Palin ticket because as a team they stand for everything I believe in socially, economically and moraly,” said Danielle Chirichello, senior.
Everyone needs to get involved in these elections as responsible U.S. citizens. The future of the United States of America depends on it. Cast your vote!

Why to Vote for John McCain?
Vote McCaom. for a Better Future, Because We Can't "Hope" for One
 

By Scott Plumb
Copy Editor

This year’s election could be one of the most influential and important decisions Americans make in our nations history. The race for the White House has certainly been chaotic. The pressure has been building between our two candidates; Barack Obama and John McCain, now it is decision time.
“Who are you going to vote for?” This has been the question on everyone’s mind these past few weeks. Now, we actually have to make up our minds and head to the polls. Who will you choose?
As American’s we are given that unique privilege to vote. You would think that an historical election such as 2008, would be a patriotic time for Americans. Instead of coming together for an election, it has become almost like a war between Democrats and Republicans. It is doubtful this is the way our founding fathers imagined our country would be like in the year 2008. We are a young country, capable of many great things, not yet invented or discovered. We need to stop doubting ourselves and take that next step forward for change. This change will be possible by electing John McCain into office.
You may think John McCain and Barack Obama disagree on almost everything but, in reality, they actually have set similar goals. They both are planning to take this country to the next level to discover better energy sources for example. However, one of the candidates has a more realistic plan. Like many Americans, McCain believes it is ludicrous to keep spending billions of dollars for foreign oil in Middle Eastern countries. That is why McCain has a plan that U.S. can become an energy independent nation. The Lexington Project is Senator McCain’s plan that is designed to research and discover alternative fuels and produce clean alternative energy sources that will be reliable for Americans for years to come. Who says Republicans are not “going green?”
The main concern is who is best able to lead this country into the next four crucial years. Unfortunately, our country is not in the position to “hope” for a better future, we need to vote for change. That change is John McCain’s promise. McCain is an American that has seen this country in dark times and in bad who has not turned away when times get tough. These dark times are occurring now but, will not remain. The light will come back into our country with time. We now know our mistakes and can move on from them. We have the resources and knowledge to go forward and lead the world into a new era, an era filled with great change. Vote McCain, for a better future, because we can’t “hope” for one.
For more on John McCain’s policies, visit www.JohnMcCain.com.

Why to Vote for Barack Obama?
The Change Train is Coming to America, It's Time to Climb Aboard
 

By Mike Griffith
Staff Writer

Why would you not vote for Senator Obama? After 8 years of messy politics from the White House with your friend and mine, W. it’s time for change.
Anyway back to present and hopefully the future for America, Obama. His lead over McCain is increasing in the last few days and with that, the Republican Party is directing his people to go on the attack. Obama represents something new and not the same old, that have tarnished the U.S. Government’s image throughout the world and here at home.
Republicans like to use the tactic of “he is to young and he is only a junior Senator,” which is surpassed by McCain’s nearly thirty years on the Hill. I think that a man from outside the box is what citizens deserve now and not a third term of the same.
The country needs someone who has not been corrupted by many years of money and disbeliefs. It’s like trying to sell a day old newspaper to the public, it won’t happen.
Let’s spend more time on the issues and caring for the common person, which is all that counts. The fact that no one even knew who he was before the election began is beside the point.
Every few elections the taste of staleness has to be washed clean from our mouths and Obama is that fresh mint you get from your little tin and tic-tacs. Obama seems to think through his plans more than most, bring a sense of sincerely to a mainly trigger-happy mode of thinking.
Obama is the man for the middle-class, which needs major help. They are hurting and more will be done to save blue-collar workers verse the white-collar elite.
The economy is hurting and to help this, Obama’s Administration plans to not increase taxes for ninety percent of the nation.
Obama will lead this nation with brand new ideas and also bring back a basic moral need. We have a chance for real change and the time is now to vote. Obama only wants the best for one of the greatest nations on the planet.
For more on Barack Obama’s policies, www.BarackObama.com.

Talking Politics to the People
American Studies Major Puts His Passion to Practice on Campus
 

By Laura Vann
Special to the iPulse

The presidential race is stirring up political activity on college campuses around the nation. As a January TIME magazine article (The Year the Youth Vote) put it, “Frustrated by feckless Washington, energized by the unscripted, pundit-baffling freedom of a wide-open race, young people are voting in numbers rarely seen since the general election of 1972 — the first in which the voting age was lowered to 18.”
“This is the most important election in our lifetime,” said Rob Nobrega, a 19-year-old sophomore at Lynn who has enthusiastically entered the fray this election season. “It’s important for students to understand politics and to be involved. We can make a difference.”
He’s certainly trying to do his part. On campus, Nobrega hosts a weekly, one-hour political radio show, “True Blue,” on Sunday afternoons from 1-2 p.m. with fellow classmate and Democrat, Michael Griffith. Both supporters of Obama, “we discuss the major events of each week,” said Nobrega. As president of Lynn’s College Democrats, Nobrega has participated in on-campus debates (College Democrats vs. College Republicans) and has helped register over 120 Lynn students to vote in the 2008 election.
Even as record viewers have been tuning in to the seeming nonstop cable news coverage of the race, Nobrega has been doing more than watching. He attends local political events in person. And he is also going door-to-door distributing literature, holding signs on street corners and making phone calls in support of his candidate. Come Election Day, Nobrega will be a precinct watcher.
Nobrega, originally from Providence, R.I., is pursuing a major in American Studies with a minor in communication. When not pounding the political pavement or manning the microphone, Nobrega is also the manager of the men’s soccer team, which has spent much of the regular season as the nation’s number one team. It’s a good change of pace, he says.
“I have made some true friends as manager,” said Nobrega. “The guys on the team aren’t just good on the field, they are good hearted.”

Q&A with Rob Nobrega

Q: How are you involved on campus?

A: I host two radio shows with other Lynn students – a political show with Mike Griffith and a sports show with James Boris. I’m also the manager of Lynn’s men’s soccer team and president of the Democratic Club.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: Sports and politics – I like playing basketball, soccer, baseball and football, and watching mostly any sport. I like reading books, hanging out with my friends, and watching the news, especially CSPAN.

Q: When did you first get involved in politics?

A: When I was a junior in high school, I really started getting interested in politics. In 2004 I worked with the John Kerry campaign for president. In 2006 I worked with Sheldon Whitehouse for Senate, and I’m currently involved in the Barack Obama campaign.

Q: What do you do for the Obama campaign?

A: Mostly, I go door to door canvassing and I make phone calls. On Election Day I will be a precinct watcher.

Q: What do you like about Lynn?

A: I like Lynn because it is a small school. You can be a big fish in a small pond if you put your mind to it and get involved on campus.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I want to go to graduate school – hopefully here. Then I want to get a job either in politics, on the radio or on TV.

Politically Active Athletes
Lynn University’s Fighting Knights Voice the Importance of Voting

By Megan Mangone
Staff Writer

The race is on! Lynn University Fighting Knights give their opinions on the upcoming election. There are some who will vote for Barack Obama, while others are supporting John McCain. Everyone has different concerns for the nation and economy. Lynn athletes are going out to vote and speak their mind.
The debates that have taken place over the past few months have shifted the way some athletes view the candidates. However, there is still uncertainty in some peoples’ minds as to how effective the debates were. Christie Schade, senior, feels that the changing ideas and opinions by Obama and McCain are making this election very confusing.
“Why is it that when they are Senators they have one opinion, but now that they are running for Commander in Chief of this country the opinion changes?” said Schade. “Is this because they have changed as a person, or are they conforming to these ideas based on popular belief?”
There is a general consensus among Lynn athletes that they want to see oil prices decrease. Even though prices have dropped drastically within the past month, people are still worried they could sky rocket again at any moment.
The War in Iraq is also an important topic on peoples’ minds. There are some athletes that would like to keep some sort of presence in Iraq and bring many of the troops home. Other athletes would like to see all the troops come home immediately.
Whatever the answer is, no one knows just yet. Go out today to voice an opinion.

Who's Voted Best Dressed?
Presidential Candidates Clothing Choicecs Are Becoming the Talk of the Town

By Hillary Dever
Staff Writer

The November Presidential elections are here, and the competition for the country’s next president is head to head. The candidates involved are not only trying to express their beliefs, views and goals to the public, but are trying to do so in style.
Barack Obama has been featured on the front cover of men’s magazines such as, GQ and Vibe, and was on Esquire’s best dressed list for September. There is no doubt that his stylist has Barack’s best interest in mind. Obama can be seen at many speeches, meetings and public outings sporting a suit with no tie. He has also been spotted wearing black suits with pale blue ties, or wearing ties that compliment his wife’s outfit for that specific occasion. Michelle Obama is often compared to Jackie Kennedy due to her original, sophisticated, smart, chic and simple style. She has won over much of America’s vote on style because of her modern attitude toward what is appropriate during the presidential campaign and what is not.
Barack Obama’s opponent, John McCain, has a completely different approach in terms of style. McCain has been seen making a slight change in his appearance. The public used to see him in “power suits,” however, now he is switching to a more casual look. McCain is often photographed wearing sweaters over dress shirts while completing the ensemble with a suit jacket and the occasional tie. He is also occasionally seen wearing a baseball cap due to a previous skin cancer diagnosis. Cindy McCain takes a different approach to fashion from democrat Michelle Obama. She uses high fashion stylists such as Oscar de La Renta and Chanel to dress in what could one day be “White House worthy outfits.” All of the candidates, their wives and running mates are competing for a very important position that will change the country. They have new ideas, changes and beliefs to bring to the table. They may as well be dressed to impress while doing it.

Necessity of Knowing the ABC's
How Will the Upcoming Election Affect the Realm of Higher Education?

By Renee Ingrassia
Staff Writer

Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain both list education as one of the key issues in this election. However, how will their stance on higher education affect college students?
“Higher education is important because it prepares you for things that you will deal with in the future,” said Beatriz Lewis, senior. “ It pushes you to better things, and it’s just gratifying to have that feeling of knowledge that some people don’t have.”
For the most part, Obama’s views on higher education are more clear and prominent. McCain’s views on education are more focused on elementary and secondary school. Obama’s plan includes interesting statistics about higher education. In the past 5 years the cost of college has grown by almost 40 percent. Nearly 60 percent of graduates finish college with debt approaching $19,000. It is estimated that between the years of 2001 and 2010 nearly two million students, academically qualified, will not go to college due to the rising cost.
If elected, Senator McCain wants to strengthen community colleges as an affordable option. He also believes that the amount of aid from a Pell Grant should be increased. As a result, it will pay for more tuition. As of right now, Pell Grants range from $400-$4,731 per student. McCain does not believe that veterans should receive a “free ride” for college within 3 years of their service. He would like to keep all colleges and universities modernized in order to prepare students for the workforce. According to JohnMcCain.com,
“John McCain has proposed an expansion of the lender-of-last resort capability of the federal student loan system and will demand the highest standard of integrity for participating private lenders.”
“Higher education should always be a priority in any election and the government should make college affordable for every student,” said Devin Porter, senior.
On the democratic side, Barack Obama believes that the opportunity to extend education should be within the reach of every American. Obama plans on creating a refundable tax credit that will be worth $4,000 that can be used for tuition and fees every year. In doing so, two-thirds of the tuition for an average public college or university will be covered. He also agrees with McCain that the Pell Grant needs to be expanded. However, according to BarackObama.com, he has “worked in a bipartisan way on the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee to achieve an increase in the Pell Grant to $5,400 over the next few years.” In addition, Senator Obama plans to eliminate the most expensive loan program, which provides no greater benefits, but instead will place that money toward aid for students. In doing so, billions of taxpayer dollars will be saved.
Although both Senators are very different and have contrastin views, there is one thing that the two candidates have agreed upon. Obama and McCain both feel the financial aid and application process needs to be simplified. Senator Obama believes that instead of having a financial aid form, financial aid should be determined by tax data.
“I think education in general is an important issue, so I wouldn’t want to single out higher education,” said Carmeta Blake, professor. “In fact, my philosophy is that foundational education, such as early childhood, elementary, middle and high school deserves a lot of emphasis so that we have solid candidates for college.”

Hollywood's Role in Politics
The Hollywood Elite Play a Imperative Part in Modern Campaigns

By Jennifer Rodrigues
Staff Writer

Many have heard time and time again that this year’s Presidential Election is a momentous one. It seems like everywhere one goes, people are talking about Barack Obama and John McCain, and Hollywood is no exception. Whether they are taking a stance to support their candidate or urging people to get out to the poles, celebrities are making their voice heard when it comes to Election 2008.
One of the first places celebrities took a stand this election was at the Democratic and Republican Conventions earlier this year. At the Democratic Convention in Denver, Sheryl Crow, Will.I. Am of the Black Eyed Peas, Fergie and John Legend all showed up to show their support for Barack Obama. In Minneapolis, Jon Voight, Elizabeth Hasselbeck, Ben Stein and Sara Evans were among the celebrities who showed up to cheer on John McCain at the Republican National Convention.
The conventions were not the only place celebrities supported their candidates. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel traveled to Las Vegas on the campaign trail to speak at a rally supporting Obama. Another major celebrity making news with her support of Barack Obama is Scarlet Johansson. She has never been quiet when it comes to her support of Obama, claiming in January, “I’m engaged to Barack Obama- my heart belongs to Barack.” Her public support began when she stared in a campaign music video that endorsed the democratic candidate. Obama also has the support of Hollywood royalty in the form of George Clooney, and the queen herself, Oprah Winfrey.
Although people of Hollywood tend to sway toward the democratic side, some celebrities have come out stating their support for republican nominee, John McCain. Rocky star, Sylvester Stallone, has shown his support for the war-veteran, as well as California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Whether it helped or hurt his campaign is not determined, but MTV’s The Hills stars, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, have also voiced support for team McCain.
While some Hollywood stars have been open enough to show support for a particular candidate, many others have reached out to young people, encouraging them to vote for someone. Will.I. Am. created a video campaign on YouTube, which featured many different celebrities, entitled “Yes We Can.” Sean “P.Diddy” Combs has also been urging young people to get to the polls, just as he did in the 2004 election with his popular “Vote or Die” campaign.
Even more celebrities support the organizations “Rock the Vote” and “Declare Yourself,” which appeal to the younger generation of voters and help people become registered to vote online. Zac Efron and the cast of ABC Family’s Greek are just a few of the people who have made videos for the “Declare Yourself” organization.
One of the largest supporters of getting young people to vote has been Jessica Alba. From interviews on the red carpet to appearances on talk shows, the actress is constantly talking about the importance of getting one’s voice out and voting. She created a series of advertisements in support of “Declare Yourself” that were placed in various magazines. The first ad depicts the star wrapped in duck tape with the phrase “only you can silence yourself” while the second has the star covering her mouth in a hannibal-like mussel. She took the second ad a bit further, creating an infomercial video on YouTube, aimed at selling the mussels to those people not registered. The ad also featured Heroes’ star Hayden Panettiere as a model of the silencing device.
It is easy to see the importance of this year’s election, and Hollywood took notice. Whether they were supporting a certain candidate or acting as advocates for voting in general, celebrities decided to use their star power to do some good in the world this past year. In return, young people took notice. Voting inspired YouTube clips have been some of the most watched clips on the popular video site since January.
Did it make a difference? All have to wait and see when the numbers come out tonight. In the mean time, get out and vote!

Sleeping with the President
The Student Government Association Hosts an All Night Election Party

By Mike Griffith
Staff Writer

Election night is finally here and Lynn’s Student Government is hosting a party in the Knight’s Court to celebrate the new president-elect. Starting at 7 p.m. and going well into the early morning hours, will be trivia games, political discussions, food and refreshments to carry the spirit of proud voters.
Knight’s Court is equipped with six large televisions, all of which will be tuned into all the major networks such as CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, PBS for the most up-to-date poll results. In addition local news station, NBC Channel 5, will be interviewing students on their vote and opinions. Many first time voters will be voting in one of the most talked about, history-making presidential elections in U.S. history. While Obama and McCain wait out the decision from American voters for the White House, a campus event of huge portions will be in full swing.
“Students will want to see how it all unfolds and happens, to see who the next president is,” said Student Government Vice President Lynette Hidalgo, senior. I graduate in May and how am I going to get a job with the way things are.”
Hidalgo is still undecided at the moment, but after watching the debates, feels that Obama is the better pick because of the way he answered the tough questions and wants change.

Man on the Street:
Would You Rather McCain or Obama Win the Election?

Rachel Lynn Bloche,
Sophomore

“I would vote for Barack Obama. If he won the election I would be so happy because I think he has a lot of brilliant plans coming up.”

Bilal Siddiqi,
Senior

“Obama, I believe he has a good head on his shoulders and his economic policy is more beneficial than McCain’s. If he won, I’d be happy because it will actually look like America’s growing.”

Bryan Brodniak,
Sophomore

“McCain, because I think his economy plan is better than Obama’s since I think Obama is going to tax us more. If McCain won, I’d feel like our country would do better in the economy.”

Jamie Steinberg,
Sophomore

“Obama, because I like his views better. I’m for the economy and want it to get better. Since we’re in a real crisis right now, I think we need help to keep everything from getting worse than it already is. If he won, I’d be happy.”

Dayna Carrano,
Freshman

“McCain, because I’m a Republican, and Obama believes we should stop the war. I think we should finish what we started. If he won, I’d be happy.”

By Mike Griffith
Staff Writer

Election night is finally here and Lynn’s Student Government is hosting a party in the Knight’s Court to celebrate the new president-elect. Starting at 7 p.m. and going well into the early morning hours, will be trivia games, political discussions, food and refreshments to carry the spirit of proud voters.
Knight’s Court is equipped with six large televisions, all of which will be tuned into all the major networks such as CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, PBS for the most up-to-date poll results. In addition local news station, NBC Channel 5, will be interviewing students on their vote and opinions. Many first time voters will be voting in one of the most talked about, history-making presidential elections in U.S. history. While Obama and McCain wait out the decision from American voters for the White House, a campus event of huge portions will be in full swing.
“Students will want to see how it all unfolds and happens, to see who the next president is,” said Student Government Vice President Lynette Hidalgo, senior. I graduate in May and how am I going to get a job with the way things are.”
Hidalgo is still undecided at the moment, but after watching the debates, feels that Obama is the better pick because of the way he answered the tough questions and wants change.