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Kiran Subramanian

Kiran Subramanian is a junior in the School of Arts and Sciences majoring in economics and political science. His column, "Whadda I Know," runs on alternate Fridays.

THE JOUST: Can national popular vote interstate compact fix electoral college?

In The Joust, witness two opinions columnists have a battle of ideas: one defends the affirmative, and the other writes the opposition. Be sure to read to see who will win The Joust!Oct 1

ON THE FRONT LINES: We need proportional representation

It is no surprise that people in the U.S. are increasingly disillusioned with Congress. Its image as a hub of dysfunction, polarization and bureaucracy is deeply ingrained in the public's mind. The data further reinforces this perception.Aug 25

ON THE FRONT LINES: Do not bring Olympics to your city

This Sunday, the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics concluded. The world witnessed humanity's peak physical capabilities. Many records were broken, and memorable moments occurred, but it was nice that the world could put aside some of its differences to watch this kind of event.Aug 11

ON THE FRONT LINES: Do Supreme Court justices need term limits?

On Monday, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. is set to unveil his package for Supreme Court reform. This includes constitutional amendments addressing the recent presidential immunity ruling from "Trump v. United States" and a stronger code of ethics for justices on the bench. One of the more controversial measures that Biden may propose is to impose term limits for justices on the bench.Jul 28

ON THE FRONT LINES: Problem with progressives

2024 has undoubtedly been a year for elections worldwide. From the U.S. to Taiwan, democracy is on the ballot. The biggest takeaway from the recent elections has been a resurgence of liberals. If 2016 was the global conservative wave, 2024 could be considered the global liberal wave.Jul 14

ON THE FRONT LINES: Biden has to stay in presidential race

On Thursday, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and former President Donald J. Trump met in Atlanta for the first Presidential debate. This would be the first time since 2020 that voters could see the two leading candidates present their visions for the country's future.Jun 30

ON THE FRONT LINES: Death of tween culture

These days, kids want to be older. This is not a new sentiment. When we were younger, many of us wanted to be older. It represented freedom from parents and responsibilities. Jun 17

ON THE FRONT LINES: Mises Caucus poisons election well

As the 2024 election progresses, many Americans are unhappy with the two major candidates, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and former President Donald J. Trump. Both candidates hold net unfavorable ratings, and voters feel they must choose between a rock and a hard place.Jun 3

SUBRAMANIAN: In defense of Citizens United

This year's election is undoubtedly looming over everyone. With the primaries effectively finished now that President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and former President Donald J. Trump have secured their respective party nominations, it is safe to say that this will be an incredibly bumpy process where many see little satisfaction in this political rematch.Apr 3

SUBRAMANIAN: Florida, Texas laws violate free speech

Unsurprisingly, I am a student concerned with freedom of speech. It is a topic that I have extensively covered during my time as an opinions columnist. On the surface, freedom of speech is a clear-cut issue. Simply let people speak without fear of repression from the government. But does this rule apply to private entities? What if those private entities serve as public squares?Mar 6

SUBRAMANIAN: Rutgers should reinstate SAT/ACT requirements in admissions process

It is not unusual to say that COVID-19 has substantially impacted the education system. From Zoom learning to mandatory masking, the verdict is out regarding these policies' impact on social and academic development.Feb 28

SUBRAMANIAN: We must repeal Jones Act

There is currently a law on the books that makes it harder for roads to be safe, artificially increases the price of common goods — like gas and food — and has crippled the state of shipping in the U.S. The impact of this law cannot be overstated, but it is shocking that many Americans are unaware of its existence.Nov 30

SUBRAMANIAN: New Jersey must pass right-to-repair legislation

The 2023 general elections concluded last week, with much of the coverage focused on abortion access being a key issue. But one smaller victory happened that has gotten less coverage.Nov 16 2023

SUBRAMANIAN: Free speech must be protected when discussing Israel-Hamas War

On October 7, Hamas launched an attack on Israel. This has re-energized the conflict in the area, with Israel bombing major areas in the Gaza Strip.Nov 2 2023

SUBRAMANIAN: Cenk Uygur's run for presidency is deeply flawed

On October 12, Turkish-American political commentator and founder of "The Young Turks," Cenk Uygur, announced his run for the presidency of the U.S. This announcement has seemingly come out of nowhere and is predicated on some clear falsehoods about the American populace.Oct 19 2023

SUBRAMANIAN: Ninety percent tax rate is not at all practical

Many young people are appalled at the vast amount of wealth inequality present in the country. According to a poll from the Cato Institute, 52 percent of those 18 to 29 years old think that most rich people take advantage of others to get to where they are. This is coupled with far more favorable views of socialism among younger people, especially Generation Z.Oct 5 2023

SUBRAMANIAN: Rutgers students should take advantage of free writing centers

It is safe to say that Rutgers is a big university. The University currently operates the second-largest bus system in the state of New Jersey, as well as the largest campus bus system in the nation. With the University's size, it is easy to feel very small in it.Sep 21 2023

SUBRAMANIAN: Dangers of 'Vote Blue No Matter Who'

It is election season. With 2024 being another year for the Presidential election and all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 33 Senate seats being up for grabs, this election can potentially change the country's direction. Furthermore, the youth vote is now more important than ever. Sep 7 2023

SUBRAMANIAN: Why switching to gold will not solve our economic problems

Inflation: Most people in the U.S. are familiar with the term. To them, it means that there is an overall increase in the prices of goods. The inflation issue became prominent in 2022 when the inflation rate was 8 percent. Apr 21 2023

SUBRAMANIAN: Do not drink Panera Bread's charged lemonade

As a commuting student who lives 30 minutes away from campus, caffeine often becomes necessary to get me through the day.Apr 7 2023

SUBRAMANIAN: Rutgers needs to pass 'Chicago Statement'

In the fall of 2022, I wrote an article for The Daily Targum about the decline of free speech on college campuses. While this is a problem affecting universities overall, there is plenty of evidence that free speech needs to be upheld, specifically at Rutgers.Mar 3 2023

SUBRAMANIAN: Dhar Mann controversy shows need to address US employee exploitation

Today, it seems like worker uprisings are coming all over the place. For example, employees from over 200 Starbucks stores have unionized to fight for better working conditions and protection from unfair firings.Feb 17 2023

SUBRAMANIAN: US should consider adopting 4-day workweek

The standard five-day workweek has become synonymous with work culture in the U.S. From Monday to Friday, people spend a third of their days working. This phenomenon has left the office and sped into larger American culture — from the "I Hate Monday" mugs to many songs written about the tradition.Jan 31 2023

SUBRAMANIAN: Decline in free speech on college campuses is alarming

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances," according to the First Amendment. This idea has been a cornerstone of American society, and people should be able to freely express their ideas.Nov 22 2022

SUBRAMANIAN: Do not hate on Expository Writing

Expository Writing: the bane of many first-year Rutgers students' lives. This makes many Rutgers students despise the class, the horror stories of past students already internalized. Initially, it is very easy to buy into this mentality, but as I started taking more writing classes and tutoring other students in Expository Writing, I realized that this class served a more significant function than most give it credit for.Nov 8 2022

SUBRAMANIAN: Focus on banning plastic straws misses bigger, more urgent environmental issues

Generation Z cares deeply about the environment. In fact, climate change was the most cited concern this generation has for the future, according to a poll conducted by Amnesty International. Generation Z is also more likely to buy from sustainable brands. As a result, local governments have taken action to address this issue.Oct 25 2022

SUBRAMANIAN: Voting age must be lowered to 16

It is that time of year. Campaign ads play on TV, stickers supporting candidates are put on computers and RU Voting interns outrank spotted lanternflies as the most persistent annoyance on campus. During this time, many politicians come out to Rutgers in hopes of turning out the youth vote.Oct 11 2022

SUBRAMANIAN: Career fairs are pointless — there are better ways to secure careers, internships

On September 15 and September 16, Rutgers University—New Brunswick hosted its Fall Career and Internship Mega Fair. This two-day event brought hundreds of companies to Jersey Mike’s Arena on Livingston campus and gave students the opportunity to chat to recruiters and see what companies were hiring. This would be the logical first step in getting a job or an internship, allowing students to become well-functioning adults in society, right?Sep 27 2022

SUBRAMANIAN: Biden's debt relief program is dangerous

On August 24, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. announced his plan to cancel student loan debts from more than 45 million Americans. In a fact sheet released from the White House, it states that “Biden believes that a post-high school education should be a ticket to a middle-class life, but for too many, the cost of borrowing for college is a lifelong burden that deprives them of that opportunity.” Sep 13 2022