COMMENTARY

MSU still deserves to be listed among top party schools

Through my three-plus years on and around MSU’s glorious campus, I’ve had many memorable experiences. From days wasted throwing a Frisbee to hours of studying in buildings all over campus to Durrell Summers’ dunk, every occurrence has been an unofficial proclamation of my pride in this university. To most of my friends outside of MSU, the real attractiveness lies in the stories created late at night.

COMMENTARY

Dogs more than just stereotype

I’ve had a lot of dogs during my short time on this planet — four to be exact. My family has owned mutts, purebreds, Frisbee dogs, lazy dogs, dogs adopted from kennels and puppies fresh from the litter.

COMMENTARY

Increasing sin tax could ease budget troubles

In hard economic times such as these, it becomes more common for citizens to retreat to the comforts of life: popping a cold one after a stressful day at work; a cigarette or two to take the edge off, perhaps. And that’s completely understandable — there’s no sin in that.

COMMENTARY

Nonsense harming political process

A new line has been crossed in the seemingly never-ending controversy surrounding President Barack Obama’s birthplace. For the past few months, “birthers” — those doubting Obama’s citizenship based on his place of birth — have been calling on the president to release his full birth certificate, claiming that he was not a natural born U.S. citizen and thus cannot hold the office of president.

COMMENTARY

High speed rail would benefit Michigan

The distance between Detroit and Chicago might seem a little shorter if a plan to bring a high speed rail line to the Midwest comes to fruition. Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Missouri, Indiana and Minnesota have all united in hopes of securing $8 billion of federal stimulus money to build a 110 mph rail line though the states.

COMMENTARY

Animal exhibition teaches children wrong lesson

The article Pets featured at E.L. event for children (SN 7/27) romanticizes the exhibition of exotic animals and supports the dubious claims of educational enrichment through animal exploitation.

COMMENTARY

Arrogance has no place in politics

I thought long and hard about penning these words, but felt after some real heart wrenching soul searching that the time was ripe to offer a comment about a problem that has been festering in our poor country for years and years and years.

COMMENTARY

Clunkers program success proves need for extension

In the months since the $787 billion recovery plan has started making its way into local economies, some of the bill’s short-term results are becoming noticeable. But few have seen as much immediate success as the government’s “cash for clunkers” program, which has been so popular among motorists it has already exhausted its voucher money provided by the stimulus package.

COMMENTARY

City official responds to City Center II editorial

The State News editorial regarding City Center II, “E.L. should try to dump City Center II developer”:http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2009/07/el_should_try_to_dump_city_center_ii_developer (SN 7/23), represents a classic case of irresponsible journalism and a complete lack of regard for accuracy in reporting. It calls for a discussion on how responsible media must continuously work toward high journalistic standards if they are to maintain relevance in today’s world.

COMMENTARY

Net neutrality becomes reality

Mark your calendars. On July 26, the debate about net neutrality left the academic world and became reality. It was the day that AT&T began to block a portion of the Web site 4chan.org from its DSL customers, not for legal reasons, but simply because of its own whims.

COMMENTARY

Mich. Republican budget plan threatens students

It seems like every year for the past few years, the Michigan government’s most important goal has been to shave some spending off its shrinking budget. We’ve supported almost every attempt the state has made to reduce its size, since the prospect of raising taxes isn’t a great one.

COMMENTARY

Prescription drug ad legislation misguided

Those annoying commercials warning about four-hour erections could be a thing of the past if a new bill introduced by Rep. James Moran, D-Va., sees its way through Congress. Moran’s beef with the commercials stems from what he considers a problem of decency. Though, his proposal would probably be better off if he tried to take on prescription drug advertising as a whole, instead.

COMMENTARY

Homeless veteran complex worthy endeavor

Although it may not seem like it, and despite the state’s seemingly endless list of problems, there are good things happening. A Detroit housing development has a chance to be one of those good things.

COMMENTARY

Hindsight not worth wasted time

Have you listened to people, including yourself, who have pondered long and hard on what they should have done, could have done, or would have done if they had only done this or that, known this or that, or understood … Well, you get it.

COMMENTARY

Humans can’t hold off nature forever

Billions, or likely even trillions, of dollars are spent every year to fight diseases, advance medical technologies and teach new crops of graduate students how to treat the injured masses.

COMMENTARY

Hiking minimum wage would cripple state

As the state’s economy continues to wind itself down, finding a decent job that pays a wage high enough to live on is starting to be thought of as a luxury. Even if someone was to be hired, many companies are only looking for part-time employees, and it would be extremely difficult to live on that income.

COMMENTARY

Truth of space race lost in lies

Glorious citizens of America, this week is your time to unite and commemorate one of the greatest chapters in our nation’s superior history. This week, just days after we celebrated the birth of our nation 233 years ago, we are allowed to pat ourselves on the back for another one of our country’s accomplishments.

COMMENTARY

E.L. should try to dump City Center II developer

Almost a decade of planning, organization and effort by East Lansing officials was beginning to come together. It finally appeared as though City Center II might actually end up being built after all. But now, before a single bulldozer has been started or a single orange barrel has appeared at the site, the project is suffering another setback.

COMMENTARY

State health care proposal needs more details

With the state on the verge of an election as well as a $1.7 billion deficit, a lot of people are trying to offer their solutions to many of Michigan’s problems. Unfortunately, not every idea is productive.

COMMENTARY

Museum could enhance Mich. image

To help with both the city and state’s image problems, Lansing, the state of Michigan and MSU might all be joining forces to update the Michigan Library and Historical Center in downtown Lansing.