The war of words between retailer JCPenney, talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and conservative family group One Million Moms has people taking sides in yet another controversy rooted in LGBT rights. Naturally, media personalities took a stance as well. However, many were surprised by conservative Fox News Anchor Bill O'Reilly's critique of One Million Moms. This leaves many wondering whether the tide is turning and public opinion is shifting for the benefit of gay and lesbian rights.

It seems that St. Norbert College is always in a state of change: adding new programs, different extracurricular activities, more diverse students and now, a brand new class.

Three months and one million signatures later, Governor Scott Walker is finally recalled along with Lieutenant Governor Kleefisch and four Republican senators. But is it really worth it? This process promises to further the hostilities in an already divided state and of course, that's not to mention the estimated $9 million or more cost according to the Government Accountability Board (GAB). And for what reason do we think this is necessary?

Recent issues surrounding women's rights have made me think it's time that we Americans stop being so catty and start focusing on the facts. In light of the Planned Parenthood/Susan G. Komen debacle and President Obama's recent decision to require all health care providers (regardless of religious affiliation) to provide health care plans that cover contraceptives and birth control I've noticed that facts have been pushed to the side and focus on what the real issue is has been neglected.

I'm always surprised when I come back to De Pere after spending some time at home. When I came back to St. Norbert after winter break had ended, it was no different. The sheer lack of diversity gets me every time, even after four years.

It's official. I have written about almost every Republican Presidential candidate that is or was in the race for the GOP primary. I don't believe that anyone of them will win the presidency; this is only partly because of their own behavior. The real reason that none of them will make it to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is that the current resident won't be moving out anytime soon.

It goes without saying that college is a stressful, frequently difficult period in a student's life, the social aspects such as friendships, relationships and campus involvement alone can be overwhelming. Forget the financial burden of trying to make ends meat by fitting part-time employment in twice a week. The majority of an undergraduate's stress is rooted in academics. After all, failing to do homework and readings can lead to poor test and exam performance. Poor exam performance can result in a less than desirable GPA, which is not only embarrassing, but also detrimental to any future in a professional field.

Originally, I set out to write an article about Cardinal Francis George's role in the commencement ceremony this spring. However, with President Kunkel's upcoming forum regarding this very matter, I continue to suspend my opinion until such a point when all details and facts are fully available.

Despite the fact that great scientific advances have been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the spread of the tragic disease is still a problem in the U.S. today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 50,000 Americans become infected with HIV each year. An alarming amount of these contractions are intravenous drug users who contract the disease as a result of contaminated needles and/or syringes.

For anyone who regularly reads my column, it comes as no surprise that I proudly identify as a liberal. A common theme in my writing has been calling out the Republican candidates and pointing out their hypocrisy, lies and why they fail at life in general.