Friday, April 4, 2025

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Commentary

COMMENTARY

Invisible fence wastes cash, border resources

A 28-mile stretch of the U.S. border seems to have become our government’s latest “shiny object” — distracting both lawmakers and citizens from the underlying immigration issue. The stretch of land in the Southwest has been the testing ground for a virtual fence intended to improve border security while reducing personnel.

COMMENTARY

SN lawsuit vital for all students

Almost exactly two years ago, a crime that has become shrouded in controversy was committed on campus. You’ve probably heard this before: Three men — one armed with a handgun and a water bottle containing gasoline — entered a South Hubbard Hall dorm room Feb. 23, 2006, and threatened three occupants. One man poured gasoline on a victim and threatened to light it.

COMMENTARY

Animal abusers tied with circus should be punished

Concerning past letters published in The State News about the circus coming to Breslin Center: I couldn’t agree more. I used to attend the circus as a child, but stopped going many years ago. I couldn’t stand seeing those poor animals caged, not to mention the horrible abuse they suffer.

COMMENTARY

Many ways to go 'green' in E.L.

My two sisters and I each received two empty shopping bags for Christmas this year. They are bright, they come in a small pouch that fits in either my purse or my coat pocket, and they expand to the size of a large plastic grocery bag. But the real gift wasn’t the empty nylon bags, it was the challenge to become more environmentally conscious.

COMMENTARY

Federal funds needed to fight war on drugs

Before the “war on terrorism,” there was the “war on drugs.” While the former continues to receive more and more funding, the latter is sinking further down the priority list. Funding for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant — a federal program that supplements state and local governments’ law enforcement efforts and prevention and treatment programs — was reduced from $520 million to $170 million this January.

COMMENTARY

E.L's local businesses not alone in struggle

Even for people who haven’t lived in the area long, there seems to be an obvious exodus of local businesses. And spaces recently vacated by Ria Malaysian Restaurant, 321 E. Grand River Ave., and Burger Down, 529 E. Grand River Ave., remain vacant.

COMMENTARY

Corporations' ill will evident

In his small but powerful role in “Boiler Room,” Ben Affleck uttered the best line in cinema to describe corporations: They exist for one reason, “to become filthy rich, that’s all. We’re not saving the f—-ing manatees.” Profit is the bottom line.

COMMENTARY

Great Lakes need to be preserved

Many MSU students have probably been to at least one of the Great Lakes, if only once. In fact, a large number of Midwesterners have come to lakes Michigan, Huron, Superior, Erie or Ontario to swim, boat, fish or vacation.

COMMENTARY

African nations in peril need U.S. leadership

It shouldn’t take another full-scale genocide to pay attention. And the current administration shouldn’t take all the time in the world to do the right thing — especially when it comes to Kenya and Darfur. Africa has had its fair share of bloodshed and violence, especially along the eastern portion of the continent where Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia and Sudan are located.

COMMENTARY

Founding Fathers' courage led country to success

I am writing in response to Alex Freitag’s column entitled “U.S. founders not experts now” (SN 2/18). This article seemed to devalue the role of the Founding Fathers in forming and maintaining this great nation, and I would like to set the record straight.

COMMENTARY

MSU's tuition should include other amenities

I really hate working out, but some days I wish I could trot to one of the IM buildings and spend some time with the elliptical machine. But I can’t. I am one of those cheap college students who hasn’t bought a fitness center membership.

COMMENTARY

Posting online has consequences

Can’t say that I’ve ever stopped to think about proverbs. Knowledge is power. Curiosity killed the cat. Don’t talk to strangers. Things like that. But after “Think Before You Post,” I do now.

COMMENTARY

Drew Neitzel an overrated player, not a team leader

I love the Spartans and I always will. I am stating this because I am about to say something that will likely be met with open hostility: If the 2007-08 MSU men’s basketball team is going to have any success this season, someone other than preseason “all-universe” guard Drew Neitzel will have to step up.