Letters to the editor

Wild Club

In recent years, the popularization of mobile technology and social networking has led to a growing dependency among America's youth on these forms of media. Some, such as Dr. Tamyra Pierce of Fresno State University, even argue that this dependency has evolved into an addiction. Pierce's 2008 study of college students found that many spent more time using mobile technology than they had intended, about half experienced euphoria after extended technology use, and roughly a quarter reported conflicts with relationships or jobs as a result of technology use -- all tell-tale signs of addiction. Santa Clara is no stranger to these trends.

As they check Facebook and update Twitter accounts throughout the day and chat on cell phones while walking between classes, many Santa Clara students turn to mobile technology to pass idle time. But Santa Clara students need a way to disconnect.

While the Wellness Center offers a web page and counseling services devoted to helping students overcome technology addiction, perhaps a simpler í-- and more exciting -- method is appropriate. The recently founded Into the Wild student club is devoted to providing students with outdoor hiking, camping and backpacking opportunities that are free of mobile technology connectivity. Cell Phones and laptops are traded for compasses and binoculars as club members explore the natural beauty present in and around the Bay Area.

Into the Wild plans to begin weekly meetings this quarter with day hikes and camping trips soon to follow. For more information, interested students should contact Sachit Egan or look for fliers on campus beginning early in the quarter.

Sachit Egan

Economics, Finance,

Psychology '12

Alcohol

According to statistics from Students Against Destructive Decisions, "three out of every four students have consumed alcohol -- and more than just a few sips -- by the end of high school." The issue of underage binge drinking is more prevalent than ever, as kids are drinking earlier than before. More deaths continue to occur each year as a result of excessive drinking before the age of 21. We see the destructive result of underage drinking in the death of 19 year old Kansas University student Jason Wren. On the night of his death, Jason consumed an extreme amount of alcohol, with his B.A.C. level reaching .362%.

The solution to the problem of underage drinking is to educate early and create strong communication between children and their parents.

A way to enforce this method is to increase the number of commercials on television that portray much more realistic and educational images of the effects of alcohol consumption.

Understanding the dangers of drinking before peer pressure begins is important. Awareness and knowledge about the repercussions of binge drinking could help a child make better decisions about drinking in the future. Watching television is something that children do on a daily basis and it is clearly the best way to reach their eyes and ears. It is also necessary for parents to be open to discussion about alcohol consumption with their children.

I urge that Santa Clara highlight how important these solutions are and that either through their future careers or parenting, students try to help lessen the magnitude of the social problem of alcoholism.

Erin Hookstratten

Communication '12

Obama health plan

In 2000, The World Health Organization ranked the United States health care system as the highest in cost, 37th in overall performance and 72nd in overall level of health. It is no surprise that our health care system is malfunctioning and needs reform. As part of the solution to this worrying crisis, I would like to encourage Santa Clara students not only to stand up and become well-informed about health care reform, but also to support our president in this crucial time in history.

The following are just a few changes the Obama plan would implement that can benefit young Americans:

1. End discrimination against those with pre-existing conditions.

2. Limit premium discrimination based on gender and age.

3. Prevent insurance companies from dropping coverage when people need it most.

4. Create a new insurance marketplace that allows people without insurance and small businesses to buy insurance.

5. Provide new tax credits to help people buy insurance.

6. Offer a public health insurance option to provide the uninsured with a real choice.

These points are only some that can be found at WhiteHouse.gov. I invite everyone to visit this web site and read detailed explanations of the Obama plan. It is time for the American youth to develop a perspective on health care reform, stand for social justice, and support our president to ensure a better health for ourselves and our future children.

After all, we are the next generation and sooner or later, we will face this important socio-economic issue.

Anonymous

Political Science