Rockler: Graduating senior columnist offers final words following editorial career
For the past three years I’ve had the honor of writing for the liberal point of view in The Daily Orange. As a columnist, I… Read more »
Writer archives: Harmen Rockler
Rockler: Media outlets must focus on content accuracy, not speed of news release
Live reporting and social media are capable of reporting news quickly and distributing it widely. At the same time, the ability for inaccurate information to… Read more »
Rockler: Unclear policies allow IRS to search technological forms of communication
Yesterday was Tax Day, and many spent it submitting last-minute tax returns. For those who haven’t, the Internal Revenue Service could be checking your emails.… Read more »
Rockler: Standardized testing should be modified to better measure genuine learning
As a country, we are relying too heavily on standardized test scores. The proof is in the recent indictment of several Atlanta teachers. Thirty-five teachers… Read more »
Rockler: North Dakota's anti-abortion legislation represents incompetent policy-making
Last week, North Dakota legislators enacted the nation’s strongest abortion restrictions. The new law forbids abortions after six weeks, when a fetal heartbeat can be… Read more »
Rockler: Obama’s suggestion for future US involvement with Iran problematic
This past week, President Barack Obama visited Israel for the first time in his presidency. During the trip, he made comments confirming the United States’… Read more »
Rockler: Photos of Sandy Hook shooting should be released to expose visual evidence of gun violence
In the months after the Sandy Hook tragedy, little has been done on a national level to stop future shootings. Now, some are wondering if… Read more »
Rockler: Hagel’s rightful urge for restrained influence abroad frustrates conservatives
When Chuck Hagel was sworn in as defense secretary last week, he argued that the United States could not dictate to the world what to… Read more »
Rockler: DOMA unconstitutional, Supreme Court must end persistent discrimination
The U.S. Supreme Court will better define marriage in the next month when it begins hearing arguments concerning the Defense of Marriage Act. The act… Read more »
Rockler: Fundamental American Dream stays consistent; hard work is rewarded
Conservatives are likely to view Obama’s State of the Union speech as a redefinition of the American Dream. They argue Obama is getting support because… Read more »
Rockler: Republicans will face difficulties winning future elections if they continue to follow Huckabee's views
Mike Huckabee believes the 2012 election continues to be overanalyzed, but Republican candidate Mitt Romney’s loss might be more important than Huckabee thinks. Huckabee addressed… Read more »
Rockler: Bipartisanship necessary for future immigration reform
In the coming months, Congress will struggle to come to a consensus on a comprehensive immigration reform. While President Barack Obama has encouraged swift action,… Read more »
Rockler: Line between church, state still blurred, distinction must be enforced
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case from an Illinois man who wanted to sue the state for funding a religious cross. The… Read more »
Rockler: Domestic police departments' drone usage should be limited
Many Americans are aware the United States employs drones in the Middle East, but now, there’s a chance drones could be used by police domestically… Read more »
Rockler: Congress must come to consensus on gun control, restrictive legislation
Stopping mass shootings is in the president and Congress’ agenda as the year begins. Today, a group lead by Vice President Joseph Biden will present… Read more »
Rockler: Officials must research environmental, health issues before implementing hydrofracking
On Friday, Syracuse University hosted a debate about whether or not hydrofracking causes more harm than good. New York state needs to make the difficult… Read more »
Rockler: Democrats, Republicans must continue to compromise to deal with fiscal cliff
Some Republicans in Congress have finally decided to abandon the idea of not raising taxes for any circumstances. Last week, the latest Republican member of… Read more »
Rockler: Blaming unions for company shutdown gives top Hostess officials advantage
Hostess Brands, Inc. – maker of such confections like the Twinkie – announced Friday it was going to go bankrupt. Cleverly and deceptively, the company… Read more »
Rockler: 2016 election polls, talk come way too soon after 2012 presidential race
Last week, President Barack Obama was re-elected and people were already talking about the 2016 election. Rather than looking at hypotheticals for future, as-of-yet meaningless… Read more »
Regardless of election winner, next 4 years will be difficult for president
Americans will cast their ballot to be represented on Tuesday. As usual, our political process has been more about the style than the substance of… Read more »
Obama fails to capitalize on Romney’s record as Massachusetts governor
CORRECTION: In a previous version of this article, the sector in which Mitt Romney has spent his life was misstated. Romney has spent his "whole life… Read more »
Affirmative action ensures education for those with diverse backgrounds
The Supreme Court recently heard arguments on a case that could fundamentally change the way affirmative action works. Affirmative action not only helps create a… Read more »
Moderators must not be afraid to critically question presidential candidates
One of the most refreshing qualities of the vice presidential debate on Thursday was the crosschecking of facts that the candidates performed on each other.… Read more »
Presidential debates should include more than just 2 candidates
While the first debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney helped inform voters of the two leaders’ opinions about domestic policy, the debate failed to… Read more »
