I enjoy Christmas. For me, it always elicits thoughts about the true "reason for the season," not just the corporate-sponsored shopping orgy it has become. Christmas also reminds me of the value we place on teaching our children critical thinking. The Santa Claus story offers a cute example.
A good response to those who rush to defend President Bush's secret spying on American citizens is the president's own words. In April 2004, at an event promoting the USA Patriot Act, Bush said, "a wiretap requires a court order.
This is a column. I thought I'd clear that up, in case there was any confusion. When I introduce myself as the State News opinion editor, I get a few generic responses: "I like your articles." "Your political cartoon was completely uncalled for." "I can't believe your letter." Occasionally, I will find a disgruntled reader who informs me the Opinion Page's content is too biased. Duh. It's obvious there is confusion on how the Opinion Page works.
In both of Bob Darrow's articles, "Detroit officials embrace expansion" (SN 12/07) and "Osteopathic school looks to expand" (SN 12/06), some major issues concerning the expansion of the College of Osteopathic Medicine weren't addressed. First off, Darrow quotes the college's Dean William Strampel, who said the reason for such an expansion is to satisfy the future shortage of physicians.
I was disappointed to learn that ASMSU, the campus student government, voted to oppose the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative. It is beyond question that affirmative action is in serious need of repair.
When I made the decision last April to attend MSU College of Law, I was immediately bombarded with flyers, brochures and pamphlets advertising both on- and off-campus living arrangements. The official MSU brochures mainly featured Owen Graduate Hall, and highlighted the fact that Owen Graduate Hall is catered to the needs of law students and other graduate students.
I was looking for a little holiday spirit — something a lot of students forget about when exams come around. When we all worry about our tests, lab assessments, presentations and final papers, we forget it's almost mid-December.
Best movie: Crash Best television show: "Arrested Development" Best album: "In Your Honor" by Foo Fighters Best fashion trend: Puffy vests Best new restaurant: Big Ten Burrito Best ice cream flavor: Sesquicentennial Swirl at Dairy Store Worst movie: The Dukes of Hazzard Worst television show: "Stacked" Worst album: "PCD" by Pussycat Dolls Worst fashion trend: Ugg Boots Worst new restaurant: All restaurants in the International Center Worst ice cream flavor: All other flavors in comparison
I commend The State News for advocating a civil discussion, "Take action" (SN 12/07), on the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative scheduled to be on next fall's ballot.
Students It's been a rough year for MSU students. On April 2-3, we saw them get tear gassed by police.
I am a student who cannot go on another day without reading The State News. But I've realized that we're lacking news of arts, especially in MSU bands. Our school is known for many things including media-favorite sports, but our music program is also great and known throughout our nation. MSU's ensembles include four orchestras, seven bands, eight choral groups and eight jazz big bands or ensembles. Their concerts are always advertised but we never really hear any feedback.
The more I hear East Lansing city officials say that it is not important who is to blame for the "police riot" of April 2-3, the more I am reminded of the federal government's rhetoric regarding its massive failures in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Could it be that neither of these institutions is interested in "playing the blame game" because they know the majority of the blame lies squarely on their shoulders? I think it is important for the East Lansing government to realize that they made a mistake when they organized so many different police agencies into quasi-military style platoons to deal with one subdivision of celebrating students.
E.L. City Council Although MSU students didn't get one of their own to represent them on the East Lansing City Council, two qualified candidates who will work to make the city better did win. Kevin Beard and Vic Loomis will bring a mix of old and new views, as well as experience and fresh ideas to the City Council.
Despite not getting elected to the East Lansing City Council, political theory and constitutional democracy senior John Fournier is still our Spartan of the Year. Through his incredibly professional campaign, Fournier tried to represent the underrepresented student demographic. Although many students didn't help his goal by not voting, Fournier gave it his all to get them to show up.
First, I want to introduce myself. I am Penney Aiken, a criminal justice junior here at MSU, but, more importantly, I am the office manager for the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association, known to many as MIPA. Although I work for this organization, everything I am about to say is my opinion and I am not attempting to give an opinion for the organization.
Kudos to The State News for the editorial "Way too easy" (SN 12/2) about Raye Grill's embezzlement from the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association.
It's the most wonderful, er, stressful time of the year for college students. Finals week is always a time of revelation for us — we realize how much easier life would be if we hadn't been using our textbooks as coasters all year. But don't let the rigors of it all turn you into a Scrooge.
FarmHouse Fraternity members, when faced with having their home destroyed in the planned East Village redevelopment, did something surprising. The East Village Master Plan is aimed at transforming the area into more apartments and businesses.
I am a Penn State alumnus and middle school counselor living near Raleigh, N.C. I visited MSU for the Penn State-MSU football game.
After reading Mayor Mark Meadows' statement on the April 2-3 disturbances, one thing seems obvious: Meadows would rather play politics than do his job. He defends his lack of a conclusion into the matter by laying out all definitions of the word "blame." According to him, the disturbances were everyone's fault and no one's fault. Meadows blames the students for throwing rocks at officers.