| The asylum alternatives: proposals for reform
Measures to deal with human rights abuses and persecution in countries of origin are vital. We must recognise that it is not Britain or Europe, but poor countries, which receive the vast majority of the world's displaced people, and that they need concrete assistance." Neil Gerrard, Labour MP for Walthamstow, Chair, All Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees 'Pragmatically, asylum policy cannot be too far ahead of the public's attitudes. However, the current balance between control and integration, emphasizing the former at the expense of the latter, is counter-productive. In reality, very many applicants will in any case stay, and this should be accepted. Energy and resources spent on locating and expelling unsuccessful applicants, for example, or on selective incarceration, could be better used improving applicants' social and economic integration: eg.
You have to read these
When we asked book clubs in the Charlotte area to send us their reading lists for the year ahead, more than 90 clubs responded. We heard from the Manly Man Book Club in south Charlotte, Women With Options in Lenoir and the Bookies in Wadesboro. The Happy Bookers sent in its list -- so did the Bossy Bookclub Babes, the Day Time Page Turners and the Chick-Lits. We found a range of themes: One group will read contemporary fiction this year (its pick for this month is "Never Let Me Go," by Kazuo Ishiguro); another will focus on Southern voices ("Where Trouble Sleeps," by Clyde Edgerton, is its November book). And we heard from a range of ages. The Kids Club is open to second- and third-graders; the Third Tuesday Readers consists of retired, or near-retired, members.
Jon Alter on Monday: Hillary Not Sexy, Obama Had It Sewed Up
No, but I don't think there are a lot of political observers who would give them very good odds right now. They need to reformat their campaign, relaunch it, which we'll see them do later on this week. They've got 18 days before South Carolina, which is plenty of time. There's also the possibility that the pundits are wrong and they'll do much better than expected tomorrow. Let's say that Obama only wins by a few points. The way the expectation game works, that could be seen as almost a victory for Hillary. Or if she were to carry Democrats even if she loses among the independents, they could then carry that forward as an argument. But they've been grasping for a lot of straws the last couple of days and throwing things again the wall, knowing they probably won't stick. Now they're going to, I think in all likelihood, have a series of meetings this week and try to figure out what to do before South Carolina.
Today's Letters: Higher ed aims at the bottom line
I have held research appointments at several major universities in the country and in Europe. I also took a sabbatical at the University of South Florida for a year and taught courses at Hillsborough Community College. So I have a unique comparative perspective on the problems of education and research. Melanie Hubbard has it right on the button, and her article is long overdue. I bet USF and HCC have adjuncts teaching 70 percent of the credit load. Not only are they vastly underpaid and exploited, but they also get pressured and stressed from the students, who demand grades and advancement, and from the administration, which treats them like temporary workers without benefits, offices or respect. It's all about the bottom line. Students aren't paying for an education; they're paying for a degree.
Religion Briefs
This church service will be contemporary in style with music and worship more in keeping with today's culture and tastes.Mid-week Bible study is held 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Kathy Twitchell's home. "Discovering Your Church" is the topic.For more information, call Pastor Burns at 265-7293 or contact by e-mail at pastorwilly@qwestoffice.com. The church is located at NW 59th and Biggs. Turn west on 58th across from Newport Cinema.'Kickball' discussed at AtonementInterim Pastor Don Parsons will be preaching at both the 8:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. services this Sunday at Atonement Lutheran Church. The education hour for all ages begins at 9:30 a.m. and the adult forum this week is "Kickball." This Sunday is also infant powdered formula Sunday. Everyone is encouraged to stop by the church between now and Sunday and drop off any brand of powdered infant formula.Also on Sunday at 1 p.m., Guy Di Torrice, also known as "The Fossil Guy," will be making a presentation in the Fellowship Hall about coastal paleontology history followed by a guided beach walk at 3 p.m.
|
