The Current Online

by Rick Wirt

Nietzsche said, God is dead and we have killed him. We haven’t gone quite so far in our sadism as to kill the economy as well, but it appears to be losing a lot of blood, nonetheless.

Amidst the turmoil and frustration that follows the waning of a massive economy, one may look for outlets to direct that anger. We’ve heard for years that the social security program is broken, and under the Bush administration effort was made to privatize the system. It would be easy to criticize the complacency and failure of our parent generations to protect Social Security, but it turns out that the rumors carry no water at all. [...]

by Rick Wirt

Following the Attacks of 9/11, former President Bush promised to hunt down and punish those responsible. Ever since, America has been immersed in horrific war. We removed a violent dictator and purged the land of terrorists, but the wars not over and the military is swelling. Education incentives offered by all branches of the armed forces mean more soldiers in the classroom, soldiers who are either preparing for, or returning from active duty. This unpredictable and stressful lifestyle creates obstacles for soldiers trying to succeed in school. For this reason, MCC-Longview and other campuses across the country have established the Student Veterans of America, a student run organization designed to help active soldiers and veterans manage their hectic lifestyles. [...]

Ladd Smith played Lakeside Cafe Sept. 10 (Rick Wirt/The Current).

by Rick Wirt

Rising musician Ladd Smith delighted Longview Students with a spirit-trembling performance at Lakeside Cafe on Sept. 10.

High-grade musicians seldom entertain students at a cafeteria. Delightful though this may be for the listener, it is awkward for the performer, playing to a semi-attentive audience. [...]

Charles Ward and Loren Collins get 'em while they're hot (Rick Wirt/The Current).

Students Kallie Alexander and Cinthia Gonzalez of Campus Life and Leadership manned the swarmed pancake stand Aug. 25 as the mysterious Chris Cakes flipped pancakes over heads and onto plates with stunning accuracy.

“They’re pretty good, better than Denny’s,” Longview student Jonathan Smith said.

Campus Life and Leadership sponsored this semester’s Welcome Week, which included free pancakes and school supplies for radibly hungry students.  ~ Rick Wirt

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