Mr. Terry Link has an interesting view on the new Wal-Mart's opening in town in his letter ("Big business bad for area, environment," SN 7/23). It really is too bad being interesting isn't tantamount to being right. The fact is, area politicians and residents alike are right to be happy Wal-Mart has come to MSU's vicinity.
I've just finished reading the July 23 State News article, "Student abducted, sexually assaulted" (SN 7/23). Is it me, or did the second half of this article devolve into a kind of blame-game?
Whoopee, another Wal-Mart opened in the area last week. Gov. Jennifer Granholm declared last week "Wal-Mart Week" in Michigan.
Let's say a couple East Lansing children ride their bikes onto MSU's campus to get some ice cream from the Dairy Store.
Everyone at one point or another has talked about the war and ongoing occupation in Iraq, maybe even the potential military intervention in Liberia.
Russell Weller killed 10 people in Santa Monica, Calif., by crashing his car into a pedestrian market, but no charges have been brought against him.
I would like to add to the column by John Bice, where he related some passages from the Bible, "Back to Bible ideals aren't consistent with rest of Good Book" (SN 7/17). I think it's important to clarify that, from the Christian perspective, Jesus ushered in what is known as the "New Covenant," as predicted by the prophet Jeremiah (31:31). Bice noted another reference related to this topic, in which Jesus said he came to fulfill the Law of Moses (Matthew 5:17). Regarding the camel going through the "eye of a needle" (Matthew 19:24), this "eye of a needle" was commonly known in the time of Jesus as a small opening in the city wall beside the main gate which could be used for people to pass at night when the main gate was shut, even though they had to crouch down some due to its small size.
Nice twist by John Bice in his column "Back to Bible ideals aren't consistent with rest of Good Book" (SN 7/17). While it is true many conservative Christians are very hypocritical, the simplicity with which he addresses things can get out of hand. If you want to attack the Republicans, point out their selfish fiscal policy or something feasible.
I want to protest about the unduly optimistic editorial "Worth the Wait" (SN 7/21), written by someone who obviously has no knowledge whatsoever of the frustrations faced by international students because of the ever-lengthy process that they face when applying for a visa to enter the United States.
People have been waiting in line for freedom throughout the history of the United States. And now foreign students applying for visas will be waiting a little longer because of a change in the application process. The State Department will now require all foreigners to have in-person interviews with consular officials in order to attain their student visas, instead of just completing paperwork. As long as discrimination's ugly head doesn't surface within the interviews between foreigners and U.S.
Daniel Grimm states in his letter "Fraternity story unfair, not helpful", (SN 7/16) that "the water bill and other utilities" of the Theta Delta Chi house are the responsibility of "the national organization." That statement is incorrect.
I'm writing in response to Jim Howard's letter "Academics should get priority at 'U'" (SN 7/17). I don't know how many times this needs to be said: The general budget and the academic budget are entirely separate, no state funds or tuition dollars pay for our athletic teams. Ticket sales, licensing dollars, TV revenues and donors who wish to support the athletic department fund athletics. If you're concerned about a lack of academic support and services at MSU, then you need to contact your local congressman, senator and the governor and ask them why it is that they are cutting funding.
This letter is in response to the editorial "Couch Calamity" (SN 7/17). I grew up in the Lansing/East Lansing area, attended East Lansing High School and went on to pursue my undergraduate studies at MSU.
Penny-pinching should not be considered a bad thing this fall, as state lawmakers have finally decided the fate of higher education. With the economy on a downward spiral, money is tight.
I would like to comment on John Bice's column "Back to Bible ideals aren't consistent with rest of Good Book" (SN 7/17). I agree with his point that the Bible alone should not be the basis for morality.
If you ask a hundred people the question, "What makes the world go 'round?" you're bound to get a slew of different answers. Some say it's humanity, some say it's nature, some say it's gravity.
MSU officials are right not to cut staff despite facing a $34-million shortfall in research grant funding.
Sitting here in the library reading Sunday's Detroit News sports page ("U-M scrambles to upgrade facilities," 7/13), I have finally realized just how far the "modern" Big Ten universities, MSU especially, have distorted their purpose. As I sit here, trying to get work done before 11 p.m.
"The Bible alone is inerrant, totally free from error." That quote, from an online ministry called "Back to the Bible," seems to echo the faith of many. Faith in the inerrancy of the bible led to a firestorm of Christian anger over the recent Supreme Court ruling, not surprising considering the overturned anti-sodomy laws were rooted in Biblical morality. When speaking on the topic of homosexuality, during a 1998 interview on "Face the Nation," now Attorney General John Ashcroft said "I believe the Bible calls it a sin, and that's what defines sin for me." Ashcroft's thoughts are illustrative of the odd fact that the Bible is still the "moral compass" for many Americans. In fact, it's quite common to hear conservative Christians demanding a "return to the Bible." Supposedly, the ills of our society can be traced to our deviation from the sacred texts.
If you like it or not, East Lansing is a home away from home for students. Reading the article "City Council to put sofas on hot seat" (SN 7/16), truly again showered light on this issue as I read it.