Articles by Editorial Board

Facebook Lexicon: New Oxford’s American Dictionary has chosen “unfriend” as its word of the year. The earliest recorded use of the term occurred in 1659. Thumbs Up

In an ideal world, civilian courts could serve as an appropriate trial venue. But in this world, the risks and constitutional implications are simply too great to justify this show of American idealism.

On Tuesday, Georgetown held the first of two open houses regarding its 2010-2020 Campus Plan. The meeting went smoothly, with one problem: The students it was intended to benefit were noticeably absent.

Sanitary Sanctity: An Italian inventor has developed an electronic holy water dispenser, which functions like an automatic soap dispenser, in order to prevent the spread of H1N1 virus. Thumbs Up

The Georgetown obsession with Hoya men’s basketball won’t end anytime soon. The university should recognize this support by striving to make it as easy as possible to cheer on the dear old Blue and Gray.

Georgetown has demonstrated a willingness to be flexible on a policy that affects same-sex employees. The archdiocese should also attempt to be flexible to avoid compromising social services in the district.

Religious sensitivity should have been a factor in any investigation into Hasan’s behavior, but the safety of the military personnel at Fort Hood should have held equal — if not greater — weight.

Given the endowment and the university’s positioning, Georgetown has been able to maximize its strengths quite well. This comes at a price, though.

Facebook Alibi: Prosecutors dropped robbery charges against a Brooklyn teenager after Facebook traced his status update at the time of the crime to his father’s computer. Thumbs Up

Renewal: Saad Hariri (MSB ’92), Lebanese prime minister-designate and son of Rafik B. (namesake of the MSB building), has formed his new government, ending a five-month period of political instability. Thumbs Up