COMMENTARY

Recalls shouldn't be used as threats

Some voters in Michigan are unhappy with the potential for tax increases they are faced with as a result of the state's struggling economy. Under current policy, voters can recall elected officials if they are unhappy with their policies, replacing them before the end of the term if enough signatures are collected. Although the move takes 25 percent of the voters from the previous election to overturn a legislator, it hasn't happened in Michigan since 1983, when two senators were recalled.

COMMENTARY

Safer than streets

Prostitution should be legalized and destigmatized in the U.S. Out of almost 15 million arrests in 2005, an estimated 84,891 were for prostitution or commercialized vice, according to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program.

COMMENTARY

As green as can be?

Last month, Gov. Jennifer Granholm stood in the middle of a field in East Lansing and spoke wonderfully of MSU's role at the forefront of biofuel research, thanks to the largest research grant ever.

COMMENTARY

With state's condition, new taxes not welcome

I am writing regarding what Jon Vereecke said within the article "Luxury tax being considered" (SN 7/17). Vereecke made the statement that "the tax would not overburden students but rather place a tax where it could benefit Michigan the most." Well, Vereecke, I disagree.

COMMENTARY

Sentencing reforms good for state

Some state offenders will spend less time behind bars if Gov. Jennifer Granholm's sentencing reforms are passed. Granholm's administration introduced a proposal to alter Michigan's sentencing laws, which would house 3,300 fewer inmates in state prisons and county jails over three years, according to the Lansing State Journal.

COMMENTARY

For top-notch education, tuition raise is necessary

Tuition is one controversial issue at MSU. There are a lot of comments about this. In my opinion, increasing tuition is a great amendment because of quality teaching, quality facilities and quality service. Quality teaching is a requirement for survival in any university.

COMMENTARY

Republican task forces show desire for reform

In response to the recent editorial "Republican task forces feign inclusion" (SN 7/16), I would like to support the House Republican initiatives in addressing key issues in our state.

COMMENTARY

Health care should be available for all

In Michigan, 1,032,727 people have no health insurance - more than 10 percent of the state population, according to U.S.

COMMENTARY

Scientific terms can't be applied to God argument

I agree with only one aspect of Michael Thom's column "Flaws with science" (SN 7/17). The debate over the existence of God is silly and does not belong within the realm of science. Atheists should not flock to science to refute the existence of God.

COMMENTARY

Keeping doc quiet

We can be a pretty lazy nation, but one thing that gets us riled up is our health, right? When a baby is sick, look out.

COMMENTARY

Scare tactics will not convert non-Christians

Whoever titled Michael Thom's opinion column "Flaws with science" (SN 7/17), needs to reread it.

COMMENTARY

Seeing both sides

College students in blue states have an easy time being liberal. Especially when they spend a prominent amount of free time in coffee shops discussing the horrors of corporate America, capitalism, materialism, etc. Writers like Noam Chomsky, Michael Moore and Bob Woodward become iconic figureheads for those who have it right, while conservatism quickly evolves into a two-dimensional ideal harbored by followers of a pope or pharaoh, preaching subservience and doublethink to a single unwavering ecclesiastic doctrine. But upon further thought, I realized that even myself - an environmentalist, semi-socialist, agnostic vegan - found things in common with popular conservative beliefs.

COMMENTARY

Minimum wage raise not instant fix

Minimum wage in Michigan rose to $7.15 an hour this month, but a recent report by the Michigan League for Human Services stated it's still not enough. A single person working full-time would need to earn $9.08 an hour to scrape by, according to the report titled "Economic Self-Sufficiency in Michigan: A Benchmark for Ensuring Family Well-Being." The amount factored in necessities such as housing, health care, transportation, taxes and personal items.

COMMENTARY

Amway critics not informed about business

I am writing in response to the letter "DeVos should serve time for Quixtar scam at MSU" (SN 7/16). The author, Chris Hansen, has no idea what he is raving about.

COMMENTARY

Christian arguments show flaws in reasoning

Michael Thom's column "Flaws with science" (SN 7/17) is representative of the line of reasoning held by all people of unshakable faith.

COMMENTARY

Flaws with science

Atheism is quickly joining mainstream American society. If a majority of the population doesn't accept atheism, it can't be for lack of exposure.

COMMENTARY

MSU shouldn't have held conference for Quixtar

MSU needs to use more discretion when hosting summer events. Last weekend, they hosted a conference for Quixtar, a company affiliated with Dick DeVos and Amway that is accused of organizing pyramid schemes.

COMMENTARY

Quixtar, Amway models of entrepreneurialism

Chris Hansen's letter "DeVos should serve time for Quixtar scam at MSU" (SN 7/16) shows another small voice making incredible accusations at a company that has no need for such accusations. What Mr. Hansen does not understand is what the compensation plan quixtar.com and its sister company Amway offer is better than any sales compensation plan offered in the nation.

COMMENTARY

Current laws work against small farmers

The U.S. Farm Bill is an important piece of legislation and a big opportunity. Congress has the opportunity this year to reform the bill and improve the livelihoods of small farmers around the world, including here in the United States. The current system does not benefit America's small farmers.

COMMENTARY

Secret donors may cause corruption

It should not come as a surprise that corporations, unions and those who are otherwise wealthy have a political agenda.