Empire and the Academy

from CNN

"You are the future for an open, democratic, prosperous Iraq. The hopes of your countrymen and women are with you," Powell told the 19 men and six women.

He noted that veterans of the Fulbright program in Peru, East Timor and elsewhere helped promote transitions to democratic rule in their respective countries.

Only the YDN could turn an article about Yale's African American Studies Program into a backhanded attack on Yale's unions.

Yale African American studies major Lily Kolman '04 said there is a sense of "colleagiality" among the department's faculty because they are all "serious academics."

"Overall I have not felt the lack of the presence of someone like Cornel West," Kolman said. "I'm sure it would have been different in some ways, but -- if someone's well-known, it doesn't necessarily transcend into a connection with students."

West, who rallied Yale's unions during last September's three-week strike, is perhaps best known for stumping on behalf of political candidates Bill Bradley and the Rev. Al Sharpton and creating rap and hip hop compilations

Great job, Mr. Rucker, you must feel very proud. Your article really does justice to the Af Am department. (End sarcasm here.)  ¶ 12:51 PM