Sunday, December 22, 2024

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Commentary

COMMENTARY

No excuses for not contributing

Throughout the years, opinion editors at The State News have pleaded with readers to write opinion pieces and letters to the editor. As for the letters to the editor, one is quick to see the current space is taken up by pieces written by journalists from around the country; very little comes from the readers of The State News.

COMMENTARY

Michigan roads would benefit from tax increase

A study commissioned by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce recommended increasing the state gas tax and vehicle registration fees to create jobs and net money for state infrastructure. The study was conducted by the East Lansing-based research organization Anderson Economic Group.

COMMENTARY

East Lansing parking ramp colors should remain unchanged

Most MSU students who have passed through East Lansing are aware of the Lot 10 Colorful Garage, on Division Street between East Grand River Avenue and Albert Street. It’s the ugly parking ramp … the colorful, ugly parking ramp. An East Lansing firm is circulating an exploratory petition to secure support for a plan to paint the ramp green and white. Robert Russell, the lead organizer of the movement, said the success of the project would be a way to bring the city and MSU closer together.

COMMENTARY

Military service is about people

I’ve never really known how I feel about the Armed Forces. I know I am fascinated by it. I love the history, strategy, social and political changes that have happened in the wake of wars.

COMMENTARY

Neighborhood Concept is the right step for MSU

good news for anyone who did not want to trek out to the MSU Clinical Center on the southern border of campus for a routine check-up. The Olin Health Center will stay put for the near future while MSU explores the possibility of offering health, as well as academic services, in each of the university’s residential neighborhoods.

COMMENTARY

Actions help us teach good ethics

Summer is a time to relax and let the mind open up to something other than 15 credits or a mass of responsibilities. Perhaps it also is the right moment to think about what a university should be fostering in its students, faculty and staff.

COMMENTARY

Assessing e-books prepares MSU for future

Now, the university is performing an informational study that gauges how prepared students are for a potential switch to e-books and other digital courseware. It makes sense from an environmental standpoint to utilize advances in digital technology to reduce paper waste. Moneywise, it wouldn’t hurt to find an alternative to the fleecing students receive when they purchase course textbooks.

COMMENTARY

New specialization a step toward MSU's future

In an atmosphere rife with tension over which programs are valuable and viable to the university in the future, MSU’s seemingly innocuous decision to add a sustainability specialization is the right choice for several reasons.

COMMENTARY

Media is affecting our body image

What’s a person to do when he or she is praised and simultaneously condemned for having a certain body type? Cassie Smith, a 20-year-old waitress at Hooters of America, Inc. in the Metro Detroit area, experienced that firsthand.

COMMENTARY

Ban on smoking protects rights

The smoking ban is in full effect, y’all. As of May 1, Michigan residents no longer can smoke in public areas. The areas of importance include restaurants and bars, as well as patios where food is served. I’m not elated or pissed off about the ban, but I will say I enjoy having clothes that don’t smell of old cigarette smoke. The scent of stale alcohol and shame will do nicely, thank you.

COMMENTARY

City officials' approach to budget commendable

As the budget season gets underway, we would like to commend the city of East Lansing on the 2010-11 fiscal year budget. Although there is news of market rebounds and an economic turnaround, city officials took a conservative approach to deciding how to allocate funds. In this case their estimates take into account a multimillion dollar deficit and reduced revenue from the state and property taxes.

COMMENTARY

Solutions to environmental problems will take time

The opinions in The State News as of late have focused on environmental inaction. Much of the discussion has been commentary about the use of coal at the T.B. Simon Power Plant. Earth Day turned 40 this year, and I agree with other writers that our national government seems to perpetually drag it’s feet when it comes to enacting comprehensive environmental change.

COMMENTARY

Creating a home away from home

This summer marks the first time I will spend the months of May, June, July and August outside the warmth of Grand Rapids — the city I have called home for more than 20 years. Last summer I did manage to make it back to East Lansing to pal it up with some buddies, but for the majority of the time I bummed around the house and made sure my mother was adequately displeased with my doings.

COMMENTARY

Investment in commuter rail will benefit Michigan

For the better part of the last century, Michigan has been synonymous with cars. It is home to the Big Three — Ford, General Motors and Chrysler — and the “Motor City” of Detroit. At least, it was. The state is at a crossroads after the implosion of the auto industry and the loss of a sizeable chunk of manufacturing jobs. We are facing an identity crisis. Case in point: There are already tax incentives meant to make the state a “Hollywood-lite.”

COMMENTARY

Summer is a time for you to opine

Summer is here and it seems we can look forward to three and a half months of mild weather before unreasonably hot and humid temperatures arrive just in time for football two-a-days.