Articles by Spencer Swanson
12/09/18 6:34pm
Spencer Swanson | What modern politicians can learn from the late President Bush
It sometimes seems as though the more reserved Bush is overshadowed by the larger-than-life personalities of the men who preceded and followed him: Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. 11/08/18 3:01pm
Spencer Swanson | Far-right despot or economic savior? Welcome to Bolsonaro’s Brazil
Considering the chaos of corruption Brazil has endured over the last few decades, he might, just might, be exactly what the country needs. 10/20/18 5:01pm
Spencer Swanson | Khashoggi's murder is a test of Trump’s leadership. He’s failing.
The free press is too valuable to dismiss this incident as the work of “rogue killers.” 10/07/18 6:38pm
Spencer Swanson | Step aside Joe — Biden is not the best choice for President
I like Joe as much as the next guy, but he’s simply not what this country needs rights now — he is a man who hasn’t realized his moment has passed. 09/16/18 8:49pm
Spencer Swanson | Banning hard liquor at frat parties is 2018 Prohibition
Students who've grown up abroad and have been around alcohol since their teenage years are responsible drinkers, especially compared to students who had their first beer during New Student Orientation. 08/27/18 7:57pm
Spencer Swanson | Don't boo. Vote.
Depending on your state of permanent residence — and your politics — you may get a kick out of helping “flip” a seat this fall. 04/01/18 10:54pm
Spencer Swanson | Trump’s golden reunion is not worth celebrating
The controversies surrounding Donald Trump as a shady businessman, uncouth politician, groping womanizer, and increasingly failed president should be motivation enough for the University to take a bold stand. 02/14/18 9:19pm
Spencer Swanson | Gone with the Wynn: Why Penn must tread lightly with the legacies of controversial alumni
We must guard diligently against rewriting the past just to please the popular opinion of the day and to make people comfortable in contemporary society. 01/28/18 8:00am
Spencer Swanson | Last year was a bad one for Mother Nature
In the United States alone the natural disasters associated with climate change, including hurricanes and wildfires, cost a record $306 billion in damages – making 2017 the costliest year ever. 01/11/18 12:18pm
Spencer Swanson | Washington needs Penn students
It is a challenge to think about jumping into the swamp that so many are shouting about draining. But, members of the Penn community are precisely the sorts of individuals that America needs now. 12/11/17 8:05pm
Group Think | What is the biggest issue facing Penn?
The fall semester is just about to end and a lot has happened that has left lasting impressions and changes on this campus. 12/05/17 5:23pm
Spencer Swanson | Why Penn graduate students are missing out in Trump’s 'great' tax cuts
If passed, these changes would undermine higher education and would have a negative multi-generational impact on the United States. 11/21/17 9:42pm
Spencer Swanson | Penn's inclusion in the Paradise Papers is shameful
After the recent revelations of the Paradise Papers, it is obvious that Penn hasn’t been entirely practicing what it preaches. 11/19/17 6:50pm
Group Think | How can the University Council get better attendance?
Do we need a major overhaul of the UC or does the UC just have a brand problem? 11/06/17 8:03pm
Spencer Swanson | The facts about fake news
Perhaps we don’t need a Penn course to teach us how to spot fake news, but we do need to take individual responsibility in learning this valuable skill. 11/05/17 10:48pm
Group Think | What's the best way to petition the administration?
In general, how can student activist groups lobby Penn's administration effectively in order to promote change? 10/23/17 7:10pm
Spencer Swanson | In defense of Early Decision
Although the trend of admitting over 50 percent of each freshman class in Early Decision has its drawbacks, it is ultimately the best system for ensuring the most committed Penn class. 10/22/17 11:16pm
Group Think | Is Penn taking too many students through Early Decision?
Is Penn filling up too much of its classes through early decision? Should there be any changes to Penn's admissions policies with regards to early decision? 10/09/17 7:47pm
Spencer Swanson | Reasons for random rooming
Might not the challenges of interacting and learning to live with totally random strangers as we start our university careers have been a valuable learning experience? 09/26/17 6:16pm