The Daily Gamecock at University of South Carolina

War on Drugs fails to make a real difference

By Kevin Carr | April 20, 2011

U.S. government wastes money on ineffective drug policies The “War on Drugs,” initiated by Richard Nixon in the 1970s and supported by Ronald Reagan and George H. Bush in the 1980s, has failed to achieve any of the lofty and idealized goals it strived toward. As time passes, it becomes more apparent to the public that the drug war has failed. Many politicians, however, still support policies that have failed to reach the goals they had set for themselves. Our nation’s government has cost American taxpayers, criminalized people who recreationally use drugs, filled up prisons for senseless “crimes” and increased violence and the number of gangs with its prohibition-style

Politicians say what we want to hear

By Kevin Carr | April 13, 2011

Republican shift likely in 2012 Mitt Romney announced Monday that he would be launching a presidential campaign, adding his name to the already crowded group of GOP hopefuls. He is one of the many Republicans and other politicians whose positions on a number of issues can, and likely will, change to accommodate different audiences. In 1994, while running for the United States Senate,

Corporations should pay fair share of taxes

By Kevin Carr | March 30, 2011

Existing laws reward large businesses at taxpayers’ expense As it stands, the current tax rate for corporations is 35 percent. This calls into question whether the current rate should be dropped to be on par with lower rates in other countries or be maintained to garner revenue in an attempt to balance the budget. The greatest threat posed by maintaining the current tax rate is that it may cause businesses to relocate to tax havens and take away jobs during a time of financial instability. However, the fact that this would allow corporations to go without sharing in the difficulties many across the nation are currently experiencing. A responsible middle ground is essential.

Republican budget cuts hurt workers

By Kevin Carr | Feb. 23, 2011

Given the climate in the newly elected Congress, many Republicans are attempting to balance the budget and reduce the deficit. They are planning to do so by cutting many social services and entitlement programs. By doing this, they are treading on what was once considered untouchable political ground. This is best portrayed in Wisconsin, where newly elected Gov. Scott Walker has proposed a bill that would severely limit the collective bargaining power teachers have in negotiating their salaries, pension and health care benefits.

Video games teach lessons for real life

By Kevin Carr | Feb. 16, 2011

Can playing video games daily be beneficial? According to Jane McGonigal, author of the recently published book “Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World,” playing video games for an hour a day makes a person more successful. Video games can teach kids important lessons, influence them positively and challenge them in multiple ways.

NFL owners, players must find solution

By Kevin Carr | Feb. 9, 2011

Most of us watched the Super Bowl Sunday as the Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 in a hard-fought game. However, due to failures by NFL owners and the NFL Players Association, this might be the last game played in 2011.

International intervention rarely works

By Kevin Carr | Feb. 2, 2011

History tells us that, oftentimes, when the U.S. gets involved in the affairs of other nations, all countries involved face some negative effects. America hasn’t had to worry about conflict directly affecting the public domestically since the days of the Civil War. However, perceived and indirect threats have been followed by knee jerk reactions to foreign incidents. In addition, America has supported foreign authoritarian regimes in order to maintain power, money and influence internationally. In doing so, America ignores the democratic principles it was built upon.

Republicans unable to live up to expectations

By Kevin Carr | Jan. 21, 2011

In November’s mid-term election, the Republican Party ran on a platform based on establishing plans to “create jobs,” “stop out-of-control spending,” “reduce the size of government” and “repeal and replace the government ‘takeover’ of health care” and was able to gain a majority in the House. However, with this newly gained power, Republicans must fulfill promises made to their constituents. The GOP can start off the new decade by actually holding steadfast to their values and principles by fulfilling the campaign promises that helped them get elected.

Kevin Carr