I can understand the outrage many would have after reading Isaac DeVille's article, "Tyranny of faith" (SN 7/31), simply because he compares Christianity with Nazism and Jesus to Hitler. However, as twisted as the logic was behind his thoughts, it is not entirely inaccurate.
Drew Robert Winter's advice to avoid high-fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, because it is harmful, metabolizes differently than other sugars and contributes to obesity in "Weight problems" (SN 8/1), is misleading. Recent scientific studies have shown the human body appears to metabolize HFCS and sugar in much the same way. Kathleen J.
The Michael Vick dogfighting case, and all of the attention on dogfighting and its attendant practices, show one thing very clearly: As a society, we have no idea what we think about animals.
I believe it is important for me to respond to "Embezzlers deserve harsher penalty" (SN 7/26), and add some clarifying and significant points. First, the internal control process worked in catching employees who embezzled from the university. Second, Internal Audit is not in charge of the penalty phase - we do an investigation of the facts and provide our report to MSU's Department of Police and Public Safety who, in turn, gives it to the prosecutor who pursues appropriate charges and penalties. Third, when there is a lack of required oversight, an opportunity is provided for embezzlement to take place. Finally, the university processes more than $30 million annually in purchasing card transactions.
Isaac DeVille's inflammatory opinion, "Tyranny of faith" (SN 7/31), disheartens me but does not surprise me.
Steve Japinga's letter, "Special treatment for coaches waste of money" (SN 7/31), was way off base. Our tuition is not increasing because of courtesy cars or country club memberships for coaches and athletic administrators.
My grandparents own a farm four hours north of East Lansing, outside of Boyne City. Growing up, every holiday break from school or a birthday meant another trip to the farm.
Rupert Murdoch's recent acquisition of Dow Jones & Co. marks a scary time for the nation and for the distribution of information as a whole. The Wall Street Journal, published by Dow Jones & Co., which is owned by the Bancroft family, is one of three remaining national, well-known, family-owned U.S.
I am writing in response to the letter "DeVos should serve time for Quixtar scam at MSU" (SN 7/16). This is like asking expert advice about running a restaurant from someone who has never been in the restaurant business, let alone been in any business.
The United States is the fattest nation in the world. Diabetes affects more than 20 million Americans, 90-95 percent of whom have Type 2 diabetes, which is preventable through healthy diet and exercise. The most economical alternatives for a meal are usually fast food franchises which are, by anyone's standards, incredibly unhealthy.
My hopes for future generations of MSU students were lifted when I read "SAF to play smaller role without Corner Blitz" (SN 7/30). I always laughed at the name Student Alumni Foundation because anyone involved with the organization knows it is run by its dictator and adviser, Bev VandenBerg. It's been this organization that has systematically taken the spirit out of MSU's spirit sections.
I am writing in response to "Cost of school should be same for all" (SN 7/30). Charging engineering students more for tuition has been standard practice at this university for quite some time.
An MSU group recently received a $175,000 grant to publicize its findings regarding alcohol consumption by college students. The idea behind the group's research is that students enter college with misconceptions about their peers' drinking habits.
On Friday, The Detroit News reported that not only does MSU pay for courtesy cars for athletic coaches and athletic administrators, but "Michigan State hands out another perk reserved for the highest echelons of private business - a country club membership." According to the report, the memberships cost the school around $35,000 a year.
For a very long time now, Christianity has been marketed as a religion of love. Not only is it a religion of love, we're told, but also it is a religion of redemption and forgiveness.
A tragically mistaken war in Iraq is not going to be fashioned into any kind of victory worth winning.
In a state as dependent on automobiles as Michigan, the price of gas will always be an issue of large public concern. Two Michigan representatives are attempting to change the way the state taxes citizens at the pumps.
Many students will soon pay more for choosing a certain major at public universities across the country. High professorial salaries in certain fields, expensive specialized equipment and waning state funding for public universities are driving some state schools to charge higher tuition to students in fields like business, engineering and journalism. Such majors focus on learning a task, and students paying more for a certain major may focus on taking classes only within that major to get their money's worth.
This is to respond to John Hayden's letter "Non-Christian teachings cause of world tragedies" (SN 7/26). In it, he states his belief that the Bible is the guiding path to glory.