COMMENTARY

Facebook's invasion of privacy not as bad as government's

The other day, an interview by Charles Gibson of President Bush was published online. Between the questions Gibson asked and the off-course answers Bush gave, the interview seemed to be about the connection between the war on terror and the country of Iraq. In that interview Bush said, "You know, we're a democracy." But are we? Democracy, as defined by Webster's New World College Dictionary, is "government in which people hold the ruling power either directly or through elective representatives." For the people, by the people, right? So how can someone listening to conversations, reading personal e-mails and warrantlessly eavesdropping on private matters be "for the people?" What kind of democracy gives its leader such power, and what happened to the system of checks and balances? Does the U.S.

COMMENTARY

Facebook is only issue getting students upset

Public relations folks should take notice — all you have to do to get my generation riled up is change a beloved Web site.

COMMENTARY

9/11 editorial right, country led by fear

Well said in regard to the Sept. 11 editorial "Less freedom, more fear," (SN 9/11). Some people are mesmerized by fear and do what others tell them because they can't think for themselves.

COMMENTARY

Rumsfeld speech offensive, inaccurate

On Aug. 29, Secretary of State Donald Rumsfeld addressed the American Legion at the 88th Annual American Legion National Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. Throughout the speech, Rumsfeld compared the time leading up to the war on terror to the time between World War I and World War II, saying, "It was a time when a certain amount of cynicism and moral confusion set in among Western democracies.

COMMENTARY

Opinion Page on 9/11 shouldn't be political

I found it disappointing that The State News chose to run such an intentionally negative, politically charged editorial on the anniversary of the Sept.

COMMENTARY

Couric overrated first time at CBS anchor desk

I wish Katie Couric well, but Sarah Harbison lays it on a bit thick in her review of Couric's first outing, "Couric wows as first female news anchor," SN 9/7.

COMMENTARY

Those lost in Iraq are real people

These people have names. These people have mothers and fathers. Some of these people have children — children who now lack a parent.

COMMENTARY

Letter writer took Notman column out of context

In response to Sarah Rotole's letter, "Column on morning-after pill 'disturbing,'" (SN 9/7), the original column's statement was grossly taken out of context.

COMMENTARY

Students treated poorly by MSU, East Lansing

We all heard the chant "first down, bitch!" last weekend. And in previous years, we've heard complaints that the student body is embarrassing and needs to have more class.

COMMENTARY

Bush recycles same tired arguments

Five years have come and gone since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks shook the nation. On Monday night, President Bush addressed the country and — surprise, surprise — continued to recommend we stay the course. Bush's speech writers earned their check and at least used different wording — "we're adapting to stay ahead of the enemy, and we are carrying out a clear plan to ensure that a democratic Iraq succeeds." But the message is still as muddled as ever. In 17 minutes of patting himself and his cronies on the back for their progress in helping a country now "stepping forward to claim their freedom," Bush spends one measly paragraph — barely six sentences — focused on the tremendous loss felt by all Americans on the day the twin towers crumbled, the Pentagon was hit, a plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field.

COMMENTARY

Get involved with more than Facebook

Tuition is up. Tailgating is a dying pastime. Our country is at war. Our government is spying on its citizens.

COMMENTARY

Financial aid needed for older students, not just freshmen

For some people it's location. For others it's friends and family. Others yet choose based on athletics, programs or academics.

COMMENTARY

Facebook features show same info as before

Since Facebook recently implemented its "news feed," I have heard uproar from many of my friends that it is "too invasive" and is "crossing the line." I have even been invited to join three different groups opposing the "news feed," "I miss the old, noncrappy Facebook," "Students against Facebook News Feed (Official Petition to Facebook)" and another with a more vulgar name which I will not mention. As I logged in for the first time, a window popped up explaining the new feature.

COMMENTARY

Bush's speech was poor, but had good intentions

I was thoroughly intrigued by Isaac DeVille's column "Prepare to be attacked if you try to corner a dangerous 'animal,'" (SN 9/5), but I also thoroughly disagree with it. I feel the "axis of evil" speech had a good intention, but was executed poorly. It informed the nation that we may, down the road, be involved militarily with the countries of Iraq, Iran and North Korea.

COMMENTARY

Stop using Facebook if you don't like changes

In regard to the article, "Facebook features flounder," (SN 9/7), I do not know why people have gotten in such a fluster about the new changes. I feel that there is one answer to their dissatisfaction, and probably the most powerful — leave.

COMMENTARY

Less freedom, more fear

Sept. 11, 2001, changed everything. Five years later, don't stay the course. Vote for change Nov.

COMMENTARY

Use common sense, caution at night

Two MSU students were attacked and critically injured on Aug. 26 and Sept. 4, with both students suffering serious injuries.

COMMENTARY

Student candidate backs valid issues

Social relations sophomore Lauren Spencer is throwing her hat in the ring — hoping to fill one of the two available positions on the MSU Board of Trustees. Along with John Fournier, who is applying for Mark Meadows' spot on the East Lansing City Council, Spencer shows how students can get involved in politics firsthand. Although Spencer has a lot stacked up against her — representing the Green Party and running against two Republican incumbents and the recognizable George Perles, MSU football's former head coach — her ambition is admirable. It would be beneficial for the students of MSU to have one of their own on the board representing a student's perspective on pertinent campus issues. And Spencer backs some laudable issues, like curbing rising tuition rates, adding gender identity and expression to MSU's anti-discrimination policy and ensuring the university continues to provide same-sex partner benefits. If nothing else, we can hope that Spencer's eagerness to participate in local politics will rub off on other students and the voting booths will be flooded with knowledgeable voters in November.

COMMENTARY

Family gives thanks to MSU after dad's death

Last year over several hours, I went through a wonderful, surreal, turbulent and horrifying journey.

COMMENTARY

Register to vote on campus Saturday

Voting is a nonpartisan issue. It doesn't matter if you call yourself a Democrat, Republican, Libertarian or Communist, your vote is still important and necessary to further our democracy. So it is fortunate for MSU students that the Secretary of State will provide a mobile voter registration office on campus Saturday.