I am writing to openly and vehemently disagree with Kyle Bristow's declaration in his letter "Cartoon repulsive, wrong message sent" (SN 2/01) that "each unique human life begins at conception.
Studying abroad can be an amazing experience for students. They get the chance to see a culture and country that can only be understood by immersion.
I usually enjoy John Bice's very "objective" opinions, particularly the ones which uphold science in the public school system over religious dogma. But a gross misunderstanding, such as in "There must be balance between government, personal responsibility" (SN 2/06) should be brought to light before further self-patting on the back continues. Yes, Libertarians believe in the free trade of organs, but anyone who put a modest effort into reading their economics textbook would know from popular example that the mandatory donation of organs decreases the equilibrium quantity sold in the marketplace. In "this is taxing my brain muscle" terms, more people will want to sell organs if they have a money incentive to do so.
The state government is meddling in local matters again. This time, it wants seeds. The Michigan State legislature created Senate Bill 777, which could change who has the final say on what types of seeds can be planted in each county.
This opinion is in regards to the heated debate of the recognition of a fetus as a living human being. Fetuses cannot support themselves — they rely on the mother for nutriment. Life does not begin until external birth via the cervix.
In response to the column by Lauren Fox, "Beautification takes work; women need to be liberated from ritual" (SN 2/03), I am completely flabbergasted by her remarks. I am married, and my wife rarely wears makeup.
I am writing to commend Kim Dyer's letter "Scripted responses don't give all sides" (SN 2/7). Her "blindingly simple" answer is one we should all appreciate.
I walk to class quite often, and on my travels I stroll past good ole Wells Hall. With friendly squirrels, bright-eyed ambitious young students trucking their way to class, it's a heart-warming place. The warmth of these positive elements seems to pale in comparison to the fire and brimstone preached daily outside.
Katie Wilcox made some very cogent, effective and logical points in her letter, "Cartoon makes light of unsafe abortion" (SN 2/01). She has been met on these pages, however, by the typical rhetoric and personal attacks commonly used by the pro-abortion advocates. The most glaring myth often regurgitated by those who support legal infanticide is the "it's the woman's body," line.
Cartoon-related controversy sounds familiar. Last fall, a Danish newspaper, Jyllands-Posten, published a series of 12 illustrations depicting the Muslim prophet Muhammad. Many of the cartoons were meant to criticize aspects of Islamic doctrine, but others associate violence with the prophet.
Every Tuesday and Thursday, I have a class in the MSU College of Law building. And every week, people will crowd on the tiny elevator to take them upstairs.
Although I will not defend the abortion cartoon (SN 1/27), I have a problem with some of the statements made by Katie Wilcox, "Cartoon makes light of unsafe abortion" (SN 2/01). She believes that because abortion is legal, it leads women to believe it is safe.
The president missed a great opportunity Jan. 31 in his State of the Union address. Americans today have great concern over the cost of health care and higher education, but the president failed to outline a strategy for helping those Americans who need help the most. Instead, the president warned us that the government would not have enough money to support programs that help the poor and elderly get health care.
It was interesting to see Kyle Bristow and Katie Wilcox, "Cartoon repulsive, wrong message sent" and "Cartoon makes light of unsafe abortion" (SN 2/1), writing from the same script of half-truths and complete fabrications — a script developed by people who want to assure that women are punished for having sex. Contrary to what Bristow might think, abortions are performed on dogs fairly regularly.
This opinion is in regard to President Bush's State of the Union address. I was appalled to hear that in the past four years, the federal government has only funded $10 billion toward researching and creating cheaper, more efficient sources of fuel and energy. That is pocket change. This is especially hard to swallow, after Bush announced that the government has provided $85 billion to aid Louisiana and other areas affected by the recent hurricane.
Why is there a sheet of cinnamon sugar glazed across my bed? That was my first response as I tore off the sheet from my Cedar Village mattress on a fall 2004 night. After running a marathon in Chicago that day, all I yearned for was a nice, soft place to sleep.
Members of the Residence Halls Association are taking a proactive step toward making sure the April 2-3 disturbances aren't repeated. Members of RHA were invited to meet with MSU police to answer questions they might have about future disturbances and how to prevent another one — especially in March and April during college basketball finals. Hopefully their discussion will include plans on making sure what happened last year — when many students were teargassed unnecessarily and police used too much force — doesn't happen this year. RHA should definitely pursue this opportunity and ask for student involvement along the way. Some changes in police procedure could come from the East Lansing City Council, which is considering suggestions received from the independent commission which reviewed the events.
There are some things people need to know by the time they graduate college. How to read is one of them. A recent study showed that more than half the graduates from four-year universities couldn't understand what they were reading at a basic level.
It is clear from Craig Duckworth's letter, "Following all Bible doctrines impossible" (SN 2/03), that he is unfamiliar with the Bible and the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are instructed by Jesus to love all people, even those who sin.
For five years, Rep. Gretchen Whitmer has gone to the state Capitol to fight for East Lansing and for MSU.