This is an interesting time we live in. (They all are, aren’t they?)   It could be argued that the people – as in “we the people” – are more powerful now than ever before.   With the rise of the internet and its sprawling organic communities, we are all supremely connected, and with this connectivity comes the emergence of the prominent individual. Without an ad campaign, rank, or predisposition, a single person can broadcast to the world anything they want, creating the closest we’ve ever seen to a true meritocracy. We no longer rely on consolidated powers for our news, our entertainment, or our opinions, turning instead to each other. It’s now ordinary people who drive the flow of information – so much so that TIME magazine’s Person of the Year for 2006 was the universal “You”. We even stood up for ourselves on the national stage last November when our votes sent a devastating message to those in power: we are not to be trifled with. Maybe the corporations, governments, and overlords of our society have finally met their match. Maybe “The Man” isn’t what he used to be.   Still, in many ways that couldn’t be farther from the truth.   While this free-flow of information may be between the individuals, it’s the greater powers who gain the most from exploiting it. “The Man” is stronger than ever. Never before has an American administration brought so many comparisons to Orwell’s “Big Brother,” as the NSA wiretapping program and the Patriot Act inhale power upwards. Internet connectivity often merely provides the tools for administrative control, leaving us all vulnerable. Even at this university we’ve seen students punished for things discovered via the internet. The information age is also increasingly corporate. Megacorp Google owns YouTube. Media-mogul Rupert Murdoch owns MySpace. Do we really control the world when our methods are owned, operated, and closely observed by “The Man”?   In this issue, our writers are taking a look at different sides of power struggles. Some start with the people. Tom Cohlmia investigates people power in the internet age, and Emily Browne tackles electoral responsibility – why “we the people” is more than just words. We’re lucky to have on board guest writer David Spett as he takes a look at November’s election from the grassroots level, following a band of canvassers through Chicago’s suburbs. Other pieces focus on those at the top. Nathan Edwards takes aim at Tom’s piece in true counterpoint fashion, and Newcomer Devonie McCamey investigates the government’s misguided War on Drugs. To wrap things up, Cory Smith takes a look at who and what “The Man” really is. We round out the issue with our mainstays, Lindsey Slater and Dan Marlin, talking sex and sports respectively – Slater as a pickup artist and Dan declaring “America’s Team.” I think you’ll enjoy it.   Sincerely, Matt Cohlmia Editor-in-Chief