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

Drew Robert Winter

July 31, 2008

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

Charles Sheer

July 31, 2008

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

Keiara Tenant

July 29, 2008

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.

COMMENTARY

Affirmative action not just about racial inequality

When many people hear the phrase affirmative action, the first word that comes to mind is inequality. The word minority has even been misinterpreted as only relating to race. But just as the word minority is inclusive of race, sex, religion and sexual preference, so are affirmative action programs.

COMMENTARY

Possible Edwards affair needs press

What do you think about the giant sex scandal that is currently rocking a major potential vice-presidential pick? You haven’t heard about it? It’s probably because the mainstream media seems to be running from the news like it’s the plague.