COMMENTARY

Open discussion

The university community is right to begin discussing whether it is ethical for MSU to have some of its money invested in Israeli companies. On campuses throughout the nation - including the University of Michigan, where students recently lashed out because administrators refused to divest in Israel - students are beginning to question why universities have investments in an area riddled with conflict. The movement is similar to one that helped lead to the end of Apartheid in South Africa.

COMMENTARY

Freedom to end life shouldnt be choice

Like most MSU students, I value the many liberties America gives me. I am happy to have choices that I would not have in other countries.

COMMENTARY

Community should talk it out, learn to accept LBGT members

My friend Sheldon and I were confident that Monday would be one of the last nice days before the gray, wet onslaught of another Michigan fall, so we decided to have another lazy afternoon of outdoor conversation.

COMMENTARY

Quieter times

A significant drop in noise complaints might be music to the ears of many East Lansing residents and leaders, but they should not be singing their own praises just yet.

COMMENTARY

Club intimidated by anti-flier action

On any given day, people are bombarded by the multitude of signs, fliers and chalkings advertising many of MSU’s diverse campus organizations, and clubs.

COMMENTARY

Campaigners right to join pro-life rally

I would like to thank state representatives Paul DeWeese, R-Williamston, and Andrew “Rocky” Raczkowski, R-Farmington Hills, state House hopefuls Larry Ward and Don Vickers, and Congressman Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, for coming to the Pro-Life Youth Rally on campus Saturday and supporting students as they rallied for life.

COMMENTARY

Administration not strapped for cash

Generally, I try to restrain myself from responding to insipid, uninformed letters to the editor based on opinion rather than fact.

COMMENTARY

U should choose to vote pro-life

There are times in our lives when we only get one choice - one path to choose and then go down. Deciding to have sex is one of those times.

COMMENTARY

Dems need to be voice of November

Democrats must absolutely not become complicit in an illegal and immoral war on Iraq. There is no compromise that the Senate can make with Bush without violating human rights and the Constitution. Only the Senate can declare war, according to the Constitution, and only in self-defense, according to the principal tenets of international law. War on Iraq cannot be a just war - we are the aggressors, and our unbridled thirst for oil is no excuse for the vicious murder of Iraqis and our own troops that will undoubtedly result from an attack. Now, more than any time in recent history, the Senate in general and Democrats in particular must stand strong against a renegade president who seeks to expand his own power at the expense of our democracy and the lives of people across the globe. And we as citizens need to check the outrageous extremism of the White House. Elizabeth Jordan social relations senior

COMMENTARY

Basic rights

As a country governed by the Constitution and its Bill of Rights, we value the freedom for people to choose their own religion.

COMMENTARY

Locals should turn terror worries closer to home, campus in danger

I woke up a few nights ago in a cold sweat. My teeth were chattering. I was in the midst of a full-blow panic attack.

COMMENTARY

Better books

T the Residence Halls Association’s movie-rental offices reopened their doors Monday, and it is about time.

COMMENTARY

Country cannot let up against terrorism

I love our society and its way of handling tragic events. Just a little more than a year ago, our nation fell under attack from a terrorist organization.

COMMENTARY

U should take advantage of day for free depression tests

Sometimes, one day can make all the difference in someone’s life. Fortunately, I learned this before it was too late. And it’s not too late to discover ways to help yourself or a loved one. Thursday is National Depression Screening Day. Held each year during Mental Illness Awareness Week, the day is designed to promote awareness of depressive disorders such manic-depression and anxiety.

COMMENTARY

Tough speech

The United States cannot fight a successful war in the Middle East without the full support of Americans and the United Nations and sound evidence that Iraq is a threat. These are the concerns President Bush needs to address in his speech tonight from Cincinnati.

COMMENTARY

Right rally

National Coming Out Days are being celebrated at MSU and throughout the country this week. The special time serves as a prominent reminder that we have a lot of work to do if we want to overcome hate. Thankfully, the tide of change has begun to turn to the right direction. The Alliance of Lesbian-Bi-Gay-Transgendered and Straight Ally Students is planning events today through Friday. The LGBT and ally community began its week long celebration Sunday with and anti-hate crimes vigil at the rock on Farm Lane and an overnight vigil at the state Capitol in memory of Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student who was beaten to death four years ago because he was gay. The 18-hour Capitol vigil symbolizes the time Shepard was left wounded and dying on a field post. Today, alliance supporters will “Stand Out” at busy traffic areas sporting T-shirts with derogatory labels to promote hate awareness. Weeks like these are needed and useful to promoting awareness that can further erode the walls of hate that have stood for so long. Somehow, even after years of marches, rallies and growing support for these groups, there still is a segment of our society that believes it is fine to hate and discriminate against other people. Through demonstrations and education, it can be shown that hatred, as well as discrimination, is unacceptable.

COMMENTARY

LBGT issues about people, not sexuality

I often have struggled with the fact there are lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender people out there.

COMMENTARY

U not keeping deal with graduate union

The Graduate Employees Union and MSU administration already have discussed the issue of level-three teaching assistant pay while bargaining the union’s first contract. The contract’s objective was to set down, in legal form, the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Level-three pay is set for employees with a master’s degree or equivalent and at least four semesters of experience as a graduate assistant (or equivalent experience at the faculty level) in the employing unit or in a department considered relevant by the chairperson of the employing unit.

COMMENTARY

Its so easy

I you’re not registered to vote in the Nov. 5 general election, get off your couch, quit making excuses and do it.

COMMENTARY

Loftier fines will keep noise down

If East Lansing officials were serious about noise probable, they should stiffen fines and stop pussyfooting around.