Opinion Archives - The Viewer

[DEBATES] Should we de-extinct species?

De-extinction is the process of using advanced biotechnology to revive an extinct species. Several organisms could potentially be brought back, such as the woolly mammoth, thylacine and dodo. On March 4, bioscience company Colossal announced that they had edited seven genes in mice embryos to create mice with hair similar to the mammoth, taking one step closer to resurrecting the species. Proponents believe these efforts could help restore ecological balance by reintroducing species into their original habitats. However, de-extinction raises ethical and practical concerns, with concerns surrounding the immense costs and the uncertainty about whether these animals can truly thrive in modern ecosystems.

Grayson Then and Jadyn Heath-Hlavacek • April 5, 2025

[OPINION] Passion meets awareness in railfanning

Thomas Baker-Trinity, Guest Writer • April 4, 2025

Everyone has their “special interest,” the one subject they passionately obsess over. However, there is an unfortunate tendency for people to venerate that topic of interest to a toxic degree. I have...

[OPINION] Higher education fails us

Soaring tuition and crushing debt leave students behind

Matthew Betti, Good Questions Editor • April 4, 2025

Once a beacon of higher opportunity, the college dream has become a source of stress, debt and disillusionment for many students. With tuition costs skyrocketing, incredibly competitive acceptance rates...

[DEBATES] The GMO dilemma

Sean Oh and Joey McVean • March 21, 2025

[OPINION] America’s second Gilded Age?

Sarah Pederson, Guest Writer • February 28, 2025

“The future is ours, and our [America’s] golden age has just begun.” Listening to these words — the closing line of President Trump’s second inaugural address — brought me to a different...

[OPINION] Move free hours back to the library

Assigning students to the forum for free hours creates more issues than benefits

Vincent Meyer, Spread Editor and Online Managing Editor • February 28, 2025

With many Mounds View students having free hours, there has always been a question of where to put them during the school day. In years past, the library has been the primary location for students during...

[DEBATES] Reevaluating Primary Care Pay

Jadyn Heath-Hlavacek, Ryan Wirrer, and Sidharth Sharma • February 21, 2025

[OPINION] Dressing revealing is not “sexually liberating”

Isabella Kunc, Print Managing Copy Editor and Cover Editor • February 20, 2025

2024 brought with it many trends — some good, some bad and one, which while aesthetically pleasing, I was happy to see go due to the issues it brings. The “office siren” trend is marked by pleated...

[OPINION] Women and Earth pay the price

Climate change's disproportionate impact on women is both concerning and unjust

Gabi Skiba, Staff Reporter • February 6, 2025

Scientists from the National Centers for Environmental Information, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, have officially recognized 2024 as the hottest year on Earth in human history....

[DEBATES] Is tipping outdated?

Joey McVean and Kieran Lindahl • January 14, 2025

[OPINION] How social media has ruined feminism

Via Yang, Sports Editor and Illustrator • January 6, 2025

Growing up, I have always been on the internet — some might say “chronically online.” With unlimited access to the unfiltered internet, I grew up seeing the world’s hate for women and women having...

[OPINION] The truth about the “War on Christmas”

How the 'War on Christmas' narrative distracts from real issues

Sinim Dhuguma, Online Editor-in-Chief • January 6, 2025

As cliché as it may sound, the winter season undeniably brings an uplifting sense of joy, cheer and whimsy. Many people take this time to come together with friends and family, some celebrating holidays...