As an MSU graduate with a minor in English and history, I have come to critically respect much of the content in The State News during the years I have attended MSU and since my graduation. However, I do not support its inclusion of outside advertising without standards.
According to a protester in "Wal-Mart faces public protest" (SN 11/17), Wal-Mart is a "monster" that needs to "be kept in check." And based on a recent editorial, "Fight the smile" (SN 11/18), The State News agrees. The inconsistencies and ignorance of people promoting "economic justice," a euphemism for socialism, is glaring. On one hand, consumer "advocates" crucify the oil industry for "price gouging." On the other, these same groups criticize Wal-Mart for prices that are too low.
Give me some relevancy or, at the very least, a Zoloft. When I read the newspaper, I do not expect to be elated by every column inch.
I'm going to make this short and sweet, regarding Mike Ramsey's Veterans Day cartoon (SN 11/11). Those soldiers who served in the "good war" were defending our own and other countries, as well as putting a stop to genocide. Today's soldiers are attacking a foreign country and occupying it.
Nobody likes a hangover. Your head is pounding. You might vomit at the first hint of food. Dragging yourself out of bed won't be a manageable task for at least two hours, and it's already noon. If you've ever made the unfortunate mistake of doing one too many tequila shots, there is a good chance you have experienced some of these symptoms. Now there is a new product claiming to prevent this condition.
It's that time of year again. Every shopping trip is accompanied with a walk past a stand asking for donations to charity.
Students can't help but be skeptical of the East Lansing independent commission on what would accurately be called the "police riot" of April 2-3.
I read with the usual bemusement Jennifer Toland's piece, "New product promises to eliminate hangovers" (SN 11/29). Toland is well on her way to dovetailing smoothly to a career in the mainstream media. When it comes to hangover relief, we understand your skepticism: just another snake oil remedy lining up to fleece the public. The demand is certainly there.
In response to his recent column, "Sorry devoted fans - no religion this week; looking at intricate beer" (SN 11/21), Bice need not apologize for deviating from his trite rants on the subject of religion.
"Support our Troops." A noble phrase, and an admirable ideal to be sure. However, lately its meaning seems to have changed from supporting those who fight to defend our country, to silencing criticism of President George W.
When MSU was founded in 1855, it was heralded as a "land-grant institution," making it affordable for middle-class families to get an education. Now, 150 years later, the university needs to seriously rethink its title. It's becoming increasingly more difficult for middle-class students to pay the rising tuition rates.
I must say I was irate when I picked up my copy of The State News and saw that the film review for "Rent" ("'Rent' a disappointment" SN 11/28), was horrible and inaccurate, to say the least. I saw the big screen rendition of this phenomenal Broadway performance during Thanksgiving with my family.
As a year-round bicycle commuter, I found "Road Rules" (SN 11/28) infuriating. MSU is a bike-hostile campus. Bike lanes start from nowhere and end without warning (West Shaw). Pedestrians walk in clearly marked bike lanes (again, West Shaw). Intersections have been designed by people with their heads up their exhaust pipes.
Dan Minnis' letter, "Writer doesn't know dairy fundamentals" (SN 11/23), is a blatant lie.
It's flu season. This means running noses, sore throats, fevers, upset stomachs and many other symptoms. It can also mean missed classes. Unfortunately for students, missing class because of the flu can contribute to an already pounding headache. Without a uniform attendance policy, how to deal with a missed class is left up to each professor's discretion.
Although I have only reviewed a couple weeks of his recent cartoons, and I don't necessarily see eye to eye with his positions, I think The State News should rejoice in the skill and talent of Mike Ramsey. Wit, insight and the ability to clarify an opinion shine through most of his work.
As a proud member of the U.S. Armed Forces, and a young veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I was discouraged and saddened to see the nature of the political cartoon prepared for The State News to run on Veterans Day.
Last week, college students across the country trekked home to spend a few short days with their families. It's a comforting time, getting a break from the hectic life on campus and retreating back to a familiar hometown.
It's been said that liberals have two sets of standards; one they apply to themselves and one they apply to everyone else. This has been blatantly apparent the past few days in the criticisms that have been aimed at the protesters over Mike Ramsey's editorial cartoon on the Opinion Page. Why is it that when protesters go out in support of a liberal cause they are seen as bold First Amendment warriors exercising their rights to free speech, but when conservatives wish to have their voice heard, they are accused of being flag wavers, forcing their opinions on others, spreading propaganda, and threatening free speech?
In a classic Republican move, Dave Coogan ("Not everyone who supports Iraq war should, or can enlist" SN 11/22), squirms at the thought of being called out for the double standard of calling for war yet spending his time in college thousands of miles away from the front line. And no, I can't serve because Republicans won't repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." I think Coogan forgot to mention that gem. It seems to me that Republicans are quick to use the bully pulpit — calling people un-American and questioning their patriotism — to get what they want, but when faced with a spoonful of their own medicine, they whine about personal attacks and unprofessionalism. In doubt? Here's some of my favorite personal attacks by Republicans printed the same day as Coogan's letter: Bryan Dahl ("SN on downward spiral with talk of free speech" SN 11/22), a far right-wing columnist, insults The State News editorial board by calling them "absolutely clueless" and calls Mike Ramsey classless and unprofessional. Griffin Drew ("SN needs to evaluate maturity of its staff" SN 11/22), thinks a dialogue about the use of torture and extreme force condoned by Republican officials is "immature." For Mark St.