COMMENTARY
Some candidates not represented
You might not know it by watching the news on TV or reading a newspaper, but there are far more than two candidates running for president this fall.
COMMENTARY
Middle East needs healing, support
Iran tried to launch a few missiles August 16, stated that war was “not likely,” and said again that if it was attacked, Tel Aviv would be its first target.
COMMENTARY
Examine party platforms when choosing candidate
The media spotlight once again turns toward the Democratic Party as its members flock to Denver for its national convention. In addition to officially establishing the candidacy of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, the convention — which occurs every four years — also will give a chance for the party to publicize to the nation exactly what it believes and the goals it will be striving to achieve in coming years.
COMMENTARY
Mo-ped parking rates should be lowered to promote use
With the growing popularity of mo-ped scooters on campus, you would think the higher-ups in the MSU administration would be smart enough to work with students, faculty and administrative staff to make having a mo-ped on campus easier.
COMMENTARY
Forbes list shows Flint, Detroit in need of help
The U.S. economy is in bad shape, and although the whole country is struggling, some cities are suffering more than others.
COMMENTARY
Olympics based on peace, not politics
Why select a country with as many human rights violations as China to host an event meant to promote world peace? It merely follows the spirit of hypocrisy of the games’ founder.
COMMENTARY
Candidates need more feasible energy policies
A recent series of polls conducted by New York’s Quinnipiac University found that voters in six of seven key battleground states feel that energy policy is more important than the war in Iraq when they’re deciding who should be the next president. Michigan is one of those six states.
COMMENTARY
Not all parents deserve honor from children
The Fifth Commandment (or sometimes Fourth, depending on who’s counting) says to honor your father and mother. If I could qualify this commandment, I would make it applicable only to parents who are at least above average because, despite what the Bible says, reproducing your genes should not automatically entitle someone to any sort of honor.
COMMENTARY
Cutting Welcome Week cuts out fun
In just a few short weeks, this semi-empty campus will be riddled with students eager to begin the new school year. Welcome Week is right around the corner, which means it’s time to move into the dorms, make new friends and prepare for the long semester we have ahead of us. What’s different this year is that it will be the last time we enjoy our beloved five-day Welcome Week.
COMMENTARY
Important issues on state's ballot
Today is primary day in Michigan. Across the state, voters are making important decisions about which candidates they wish to see compete on their party’s ticket in November, as well as on a number of local proposals. Pollsters and statisticians will be closely watching today’s contests for indicators of what to expect in the November elections.
COMMENTARY
Obama's celebrity may bring new voters to polls
What do Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Sen. Barack Obama have in common? Their celebrity status, of course. Sen. John McCain recently released a Web ad that compares Obama to the two pop divas and dubs him as the biggest celebrity in the world.
COMMENTARY
Drug use not claim to literary fame
The drug memoir has become a popular fixture in modern literature. Examples of what I am talking about include James Frey’s “A Million Little Pieces,” Jerry Stahl’s “Permanent Midnight” and “More, Now, Again: A Memoir of Addiction” by Elizabeth Wurtzel.
COMMENTARY
Bill may be effective in keeping college costs down
A bill to protect students from soaring tuition rates and overpriced textbooks passed through Congress Thursday. With a House vote of 380-49 and an 83-8 approval from the Senate, the bill now awaits a signature from President Bush.
COMMENTARY
Trustees' Mackinac retreat could yield results
A five-star hotel on Mackinac Island doesn’t seem like it would be the best place to conduct university business, but that’s where the MSU Board of Trustees traveled for their annual retreat. The two-day retreat gives the board some extra time to review the past year and see where the university can improve in the future.
COMMENTARY
Republican party full of scandals
Those who know me know I despise the American political system. That’s why I love Republicans.
COMMENTARY
Mackinac retreat looks excessive in tough times
I read with embarrassment the MSU Board of Trustees’ attempts to reason a two-day business retreat to Mackinac Island’s prestigious Grand Hotel in Trustees go to Mackinac to discuss future of university (SN 7/30).
COMMENTARY
BMI score doesn't define your health
I’m “overweight,” according to the body mass index. At 5 feet 2 inches, 140 pounds, I fall just above the cutoff of healthy at 25.6 body mass index, or BMI — 18.5-24.9 is normal, and 25 is overweight.
COMMENTARY
Protest by gun activists sends wrong message
You’re sitting at Espresso Royale, enjoying a cappuccino and studying for a big exam. In walk 40 men with guns holstered to their sides. Do you fear for your safety and consider running out the door or ducking for cover? Or do you thank your lucky stars someone is exercising their Second Amendment right to bear arms?
COMMENTARY
China's reaction to pollution not soon enough
While many countries around the world have been focusing on “going green” and steering away from global warming, China seems to have just caught on to the growing trend.
COMMENTARY
Kilpatrick's actions hurt Detroit's image
I was always a die-hard supporter of Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. When people questioned his ability to run Detroit because of his young age, I knew that someday he would prove them wrong.