COMMENTARY

Manuscripts not be taken out of context

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.

COMMENTARY

Columnist wrong to twist Bible meanings

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.

COMMENTARY

Applying for student visa hard enough

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.

COMMENTARY

Worth the wait

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.

COMMENTARY

Statements made in letter inaccurate

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.

COMMENTARY

Athletics not cause for funds decrease

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.

COMMENTARY

Petty couch issue survivable for all

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.

COMMENTARY

Fiscal fallout

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.

COMMENTARY

Reason needed to interpret Bible today

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.

COMMENTARY

Politicians, lawmakers should use power for love, not money

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.

COMMENTARY

Cuts dont slow 'U'

MSU officials are right not to cut staff despite facing a $34-million shortfall in research grant funding.

COMMENTARY

Academics should get priority at 'U'

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.

COMMENTARY

Back to Bible ideals aren't consistent with rest of Good Book

"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.

COMMENTARY

Residents should stand up to sit down

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.

COMMENTARY

Students can help affirmative action

This is in response to "Affirmative action needed, not vote" (SN 7/14). I commend Andrew Handrich for his recognition of the issues in supporting affirmative action and the reasons behind upholding its torch. Affirmative action provides the necessary step in closing the gaps of hundreds of years of oppression on the part of all people.

COMMENTARY

Couch Calamity

The income of the average college student generally doesn't allow for the purchase of a good porch swing.

COMMENTARY

Fraternity story unfair, not helpful

While the article on the Theta Delta Chi house goes to great lengths to portray it as negatively as possible, the writers conveniently fail to mention several things ("Chapter found destroyed," SN 7/10). First, State News members who entered the property to take pictures and rummage through the attic did so in violation of the law.

COMMENTARY

Michigan shouldn't put policy on ballot

Every year there are tons of things added to ballots for the "public's voice." Affirmative action is not an issue that is appropriate to put onto a ballot like that ("Calif.

COMMENTARY

Survey skewed

During the March 27-28, 1999 riot, 10,000 MSU students hit the streets after the men's basketball team lost in the NCAA Tournament, causing about $250,000 in damages.

COMMENTARY

Some unfairly judge greeks; current situation unfortunate

I am a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and the deputy managing editor for The State News. This is a combination that has been, at times, frustrating because of incidents such as the possible condemning of the Theta Delta Chi house. For the past few days I have been thinking about what I have heard from other students and my fraternity brothers about this issue.