Sen. Greg Brophy today proposed cutting $150,000 from legislative salaries - a 5 percent cut.

But there could be a hitch. Since the two-year general assembly has already started, it's technically unconstitutional to cut their own pay at this point. The provisions are meant to keep lawmakers from boosting their own paychecks mid-term.

But Brophy didn't flinch at the news.

"So sue me to make me take my money back," he said in a caucus meeting.

Elementary school kids continue hopscotching their way to 30 mandatory minutes of physical activity each day.

Senators today gave first approval to a bill requiring recess, more gym class, field trips or classroom activity breaks. It comes before the Senate tomorrow for a final vote.

Bill sponsor Sen. Chris Romer said he's concerned about childhood obesity and studies that show some running-around time helps kids focus in class. 

Opponents argue that local school districts should decide for themselves how much physical activity time their students receive. 

Flip flops are not just a silly wardrobe decision the students of Georgetown
University are making here in November, as the bitter autumn wind bites their
bare little toes. Two days before the 2008 Presidential election, students are
flip flopping over who they are going to vote for, and why.

A few weeks ago, while waiting to start the Highlander (Regis' student paper) meeting, I decided to show the SNL spoof of Sarah Palin's interview with Katie Couric. For the most part, the fifteen in the room were able to let out a good laugh, even the McCain-Palin supporters. Yet, I noticed a few students looking a bit uncomfortable. These students were fidgety, flustered, even a bit snide in their responses during the meeting. In part, I was a little surprised--and not for seeming "biased," I expected that; but because ironically enough, these students hadn't seen the original interview. (I found out a few days later, sadly enough, that the same students happen to think McCain will save the world. Seriously.)

Now in all fairness, I'd expect a similar response from Obama-Biden supporters had I shown the SNL spoof on the first presidential debate. But, of course, all of the staff watched the real thing. And though I'm sure there are some Obama fans on my staff who think he'll save the world too, they, having watched the real debate, are a different argument all together.

See, what worries me about some of my fellow youth voters is their "selective ignorance." Although I admit to reading more news and perspectives that favor my candidate, I know it would be irresponsible of me not to also consider other and all points of view, including those that highly regard the other candidate. So, I keep my options open. Otherwise, there's no conversation to be had, or at least, an intellectually grounded one, at that.

Amidst looming microbiology tests, psychology papers, and being editor of my school's paper...life as a college student with all this political drama is making me, well, kinda overwhelmed, and very confused.

Luckily, another recent Regis University graduate was able to provide some clarity on the economic crisis. Aaron Mejia studied Business Administration, and was also a staff writer for The Highlander, Regis' student publication. His main focus: helping us regular folks understand what's up with the economy, in regular folk lingo.

He's now in New York City, right in the crux of it all. This post is specifically geared to us people who know something is wrong, but may not know all the reasons why. Albeit his column was intended for students at Regis, Aaron's breakdown is definitely helpful for all of us.

Check out his analysis here.

*Note that his piece was written before Congress voted on the bailout plan.

So, I will admit, my headline is a little deceiving. Obama did not hit another three-pointer. But, since the goal of "Campus Campaign" is to focus on the youth vote, I find it appropriate to introduce you to recent Regis University graduate, David Vranicar.

Given Sen. Obama did fly into Colorado today, David was willing to share his thoughts on the election, and his post on Obama's awesome three-pointer in Kuwait back in July. As David writes, "It doesn't prove he can lead. It doesn't make him a good decision-maker. Heck, it doesn't mean much of anything. But nonetheless, it's pretty cool: Barack Obama can ball."

So, I received this in an email the other day. Quite interesting. Let me know what you think.

-------------------------------

Ok, so let me get this clear...

·If you grow up in Hawaii, are raised by your grandparents, you're  "exotic, different."
·Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, you're a quintessential American story.
·If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.
·Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.
·Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.
·Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well  grounded.
·If you spend 3 years as a community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor,  spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of  13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have  any real leadership experience.
·If your total resume is: local weather girl,  4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000  people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking  executive.
·If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 daughters, all within protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.
·If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your first wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a  Christian.
·If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education,  including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.
·If , while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while  your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant , you're very responsible.
·If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America's.
·If you're husband is nicknamed "First Dude",  with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.

OK, much clearer now.

-------------------------------

Albeit, I know this compares Obama and Palin, not Obama and McCain. The interesting thing about this though, is that Palin has become the "rockstar" of the Republican party. So much for ridiculing Obama about his "celebrity" status. And really, if anyone has seen Palin's recent interview with Katie Couric...hmm. Yes, Biden has had his gaffes too. But on issues dealing with Russia - exactly, what was the point in Palin saying she can see Russia from her house? - and not being able to give an example of McCain's past record to regulate, instead of deregulate Wall Street?

Seriously, much clearer now.

Following last night's debate, there is no doubt in my mind who won it: Sen. Obama. Why?

McCain was condescending, arrogant, and disrespectful. And although he held his ground with foreign policy, so too did Obama, who remained direct, yet maintained his cool. I also appreciated Obama's willingess to "reach" across the aisle, so to speak, in agreeing with Sen. McCain at several points. Obama "walked" the "talk" of McCain's "maverick" self-image of working between both parties,whereas McCain could barely keep his impulse in check to give a one-two punch back at Obama.

McCain did not even address Obama directly, not once during the debate, while Obama tried to start the debate low key, referring to McCain as "John"...until McCain made a low blow, stating that "Sen. Obama has the most liberal voting record in the US Senate. It is hard to reach across the aisle from that far to the left." According to Politfact, McCain's statement is false.

I will be fair though, and point out that McCain's point on Pakistan and Afghanistan was well-made. And that not all of Obama's statements were true either.

And, yes, I am aware that my above judgement is based more on character
than the actual issues. Yet, I feel the separation of character from
each candidate's knowledge is naive. It is through either candidate's
character that we see how Obama or McCain will handle the issues of
foreign policy, energy efficiency, and our economy.

You decide: For me, Round 1 goes to Obama.

Clip 1: Obama on McCain's support of Iraq

Clip 2: McCain on Afghanistan and Pakistan 

So, given that I attend a Catholic institution (albeit, the Jesuits being more liberal than most denominations), I find it appropriate to share a perspective of one of Regis' religious studies professors.

I have Catholic friends who are both Democrats and Republicans--mostly because of issues centered on education, poverty, and abortion. For my democrat friends, they feel more compelled by Catholic social teaching, while my republican friends value the protection of life.

I find the question of "Can a Catholic be a democrat?" extremely important for students here at Regis, 60% of whom identify as Catholic. 

Check out Professor Kane's commentary here.

When asked about my views on the minority vote, particularly the Asian-American vote, I hesitate a little. Within just my Filipino community alone exists staunch and stubborn leanings for either candidate, and sadly, for illogical reasons.

I've heard everything from "But, his name (referring to Obama) isn't even American" to "He doesn't look American." (Really, what is an "American" supposed to look like?)

In reference to McCain, I've heard: "Typical white grandpa" to "He doesn't represent the growing diversity in America!" (First off, how would my Filipino friends know what a "typical white grandpa" is? Fact is, isn't every grandpa unique? And second, isn't diversity about inclusion and acceptance...of every color, religion, or gender?)

Anyway, my point is simple--The minority vote is complicated, and it sure as heck makes me confused and doubtful that my fellow youth actually care about what's important. Luckily, I am proud to share the viewpoint of a friend who does care about the issues. His interview is one of many to come.

ASHTON DO, 21, COLORADO

First, give an overview of yourself and what you do:
I'm a Communication student at Regis University in my senior year. I am also a contributing writer and photographer for a local Asian American publication.

So, being of a minority ethnicity, what issues in this election are most important to you? Do you think these issues are similar to what fellow minorities are concerned about?

This election season I'm primarily concerned about major issues such as health care, the economy, and energy policy.

As an Asian American, however, I am also interested in civil rights issues relating to discrimination that affect minorities of all races, religions, genders, and sexual orientations.

I'm also chiefly concerned about the Asian American vote. We account for only 5% of the entire U.S. population, but over half of us hold a bachelors degree or higher. Asian Americans fit the profile of those who are politically informed, interested, and active in politics. If more of us participated in the process, we could be a real deciding factor in the polls.

Attending the APIA Vote Gala, what issues were brought up? Explain the purpose of the event, when it happened, etc.

In Denver, the gala took place on the first night of the DNC. It was a chance for Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) elected officials to speak directly to the community about the importance of civic participation. It was about empowering APIA's to get involved in the political process. There was a huge turnout and the Marriott Center ballroom was packed. I was excited to see so many older and younger Asian American faces turn out for the cause.

Being that you attend school here in Denver, how was it to experience the Democratic National Convention? What did you do during that week? (Could you provide a link to your photos?)

It was absolutely nuts downtown. For once, I felt like Denver had a distinct vibrant city attitude and character that absorbed me. You disappeared into the sea of people that week whether you wanted to or not. I'll never forget watching Obama's acceptance speech projected onto the side of a building with hundreds of other people around me. Everything just stopped for that.

I took a lot of photos, I talked to a lot of people. I got a real good sense of what people thought of the upcoming election, the hype surrounding the candidates. There was a lot going on that week and it's all a blur now.(Check out Ashton's photos here. 

Any words of encouragement for the fellow youth, particularly the minority youth?
Do yourself, your country, and your community a favor by getting registered to vote. If you're not eligible to vote, then follow the issues anyway. Your voice matters. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.