COMMENTARY

Keep an open mind despite liberal bias

Cristina Toscano

February 28, 2010

In February, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute released a study that assessed how well American college graduates understand crucial components of American civics, even things that would be asked on a citizenship test. The results from the survey surprisingly show that college actually fails to sufficiently produce civic knowledge in college graduates. Yet, for some strange reason I find it pretty hard to easily accept that. What I don’t find hard to believe is that the study also shows that college can actually influence students’ opinions to lean toward the liberal end of the spectrum.

COMMENTARY

K2's legality should apply to marijuana

Parker Wilson

February 25, 2010

Picture this: A young student in his early 20s is sitting on a couch. He picks up the large glass bong from the coffee table in front of him, presses the lighter to the carefully packed bowl full of dried herb and draws deeply with his lungs, filling his body full of smoke. Suddenly, he’s higher than Mount Everest — and it was all legal.

COMMENTARY

Higher education survey shouldn't be taken too seriously

Are colleges out purely to get students’ money? A recent study said more Americans believe schools are putting their financial interests above their educational mission.

COMMENTARY

E.L. should pay county 911 center's legacy costs

A new deal has been made to consolidate Ingham County’s two 911 call centers. The project will save the county $6 million throughout a 10-year period and will combine the two centers in East Lansing and Lansing into one. Construction is slated to begin early this spring. And, despite the county’s savings, East Lansing officials aren’t happy about their financial obligations.

COMMENTARY

Society can give power to symbols

Ashleigh Rogers

February 24, 2010

Often when people look at symbols, they find a general meaning has been given to them. Without that significance, the symbol merely is an inanimate object that almost is invisible to the eyes of society. But what is it that gives a symbol meaning? Is it the way it looks? Is it where it is founded or built? Is its meaning and significance based off of one person’s perception?

COMMENTARY

Toyota scandal helps boost American autos

Now isn’t the time for Toyota to slip up as an automaker — that was a year ago, when the Big Three were in major financial trouble. Now, with American companies making a comeback, even I, a longtime proponent of European cars, am looking toward supporting domestic cars.

COMMENTARY

Mich. networking Web site waste of time, money

The state has decided to take a new approach to helping students find their career: social networking, at the cost of $1.5 million. The Michigan Department of Treasury will launch its new Web site in September, which is meant to help students transition between high school, college and a career.

COMMENTARY

Word on the street 2/23/10

Parker Wilson

February 22, 2010

How do you feel about the new rules restricting consumers under age 21 from applying for credit cards?

COMMENTARY

Conservatives must return to roots

Eric Thieleman

February 22, 2010

In this country, we tend to see two sides represented on an issue. For example, the battle over legalizing marijuana has those for and against, but there are more than two sides.

COMMENTARY

Credit cards shouldn't be withheld on basis of age

Mismanagement of credit cards happens because of inexperience and lack of knowledge, not always because one is young. There are responsible and knowledgeable 19-year-olds who use credit cards correctly, while a middle-aged adult might rack up mountains of debt.

COMMENTARY

Exploited celebrities deserve our empathy

Charlie Kraiger

February 21, 2010

A problem within our society is the lack of sympathy given to Hollywood A-listers. The aura of fame around these people makes us think they are invincible. In fact, these stars, albeit talented, are regular people like us.

COMMENTARY

Early high school graduation program raises concerns

A new program organized by the National Center on Education and the Economy soon will implement a program in dozens of high schools in eight states in an attempt to propel students toward college faster.

COMMENTARY

Same-sex marriage opponents wrong

Ellen Mitchell

February 18, 2010

Just ask any of the students at MSU what they think about equal access for gays and lesbians to jobs, housing, government benefits and more. They’ll most likely tell you they’re in favor of them. And why not? College students seem to be more understanding and open to change than generations before them. Ask their opinion on same-sex marriage, however, and that’s where opinions radically get divided.

COMMENTARY

Apartment demolition should move forward responsibly

A new project — whether it be a new apartment or some other building — should have something with character, not just a parking lot. The stretch of land is one of the first things drivers see coming in from Trowbridge Road, so whatever is built there should have a certain amount of “curb appeal,” unlike what the university is attempting to do with the less-than-beautiful Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum.

COMMENTARY

Winter should be season of reflection

I plan to leave Michigan for a warmer, sunnier state after college. The snow just has lost its appeal. As people get older, the excitement about snow days disappears, and the inconveniences and increased driving hazards brought on by snow are enough to ruin plans. Winter does have one very strong element not many people recognize when arguing about its positives and negatives.

COMMENTARY

Students should not be suspended for fireworks prank

Last November, four MSU students allegedly threw a firework into MSU student Eric Flatley’s Grove Street yard as part of a prank.As if they didn’t have enough to worry about, two of the students have been suspended, according to reports.

COMMENTARY

Word on the street 2/17/10

Students give their opinions on Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s proposal to expand the sales tax to include consumer services.

COMMENTARY

Use college years to mature, grow up

Growing up is something most people can’t wait to do when they’re youngsters. Now, as we’re well in the midst of growing older, many of us students can’t believe life almost is in full swing.

COMMENTARY

ASMSU should have informed students of Dubai trip

Student politicians jet setting across the globe without telling anybody can make people begin to wonder where exactly their tax dollars are going.

COMMENTARY

Energy crisis should trump climate change

Proving that climate change is false does nothing but allow one political party to point fingers at the other to sway votes. This polarization of public policy doesn’t help our country move forward from use of fossil fuels, but rather holds us back. Instead, we should focus on changing our policies and practices.