COMMENTARY

Affirmative action insight comes after looking at options, seeing for oneself

Before coming to the United States to study at MSU almost three years ago, I had never even heard of affirmative action, let alone possessed an opinion on the matter. That sort of scenario doesn’t last long with people who are as opinionated as I am. Affirmative action was present, and still is, everywhere - in the media, lecture halls and casual conversation in the cafeteria.

COMMENTARY

Ads claims wrong, credit due for work

I’m writing in response to a very inaccurate ad which recently ran on local television stations.

COMMENTARY

Unhealthy motive

Tax increases are certainly not unheard of to help balance the budget during tough economic times. But lawmakers always should take an honest approach to the process. As state lawmakers look for ways to resolve budget problems, it appears they are faced with either $150 million in cuts or a 30-cent tax increase on cigarettes.

COMMENTARY

Work paid for when paperwork all done

In response to Ebony Williams’ letter, “Work performed should receive pay” (SN 6/17), I am the supervisor to whom she refers, and would like to mention some imperative information that she left out of her letter.

COMMENTARY

Work performed should receive pay

When I got hired to work in the parking booth for the summer, I was ecstatic. I thought to myself, “What a gravy job.” It’s not too often you find a job where you can study, enjoy the sun and do pretty much nothing for a tiny bit of cash.

COMMENTARY

America in need of collective ideals

In a recent State News column, Josh Siegel wrote “conservatism is no more a flawed ideology than progressive multiculturalism.

COMMENTARY

Lousy examples

It’s starting to become a bit of a cliché. Last week, another student government organization met to vote on an important issue, but couldn’t gather enough members to actually hold the meeting. The Council of Graduate Students had planned to approve its budget Wednesday, but the assembly was one member short of quorum - the minimum number of representatives required to be present to vote on issues.

COMMENTARY

Late legislation

This weekend’s Michigan Pride festival and rally in downtown Lansing served as a reminder of state lawmakers’ apparent lack of concern about discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

COMMENTARY

Modern relationships outdated, people may be better off on their own

Years ago, while attending middle school, I noticed a trend - a trend that has continued, for the most part, up until now, about a decade later. All my friends, the ones with whom I played video games, sports or just plain committed small-time juvenile crimes with, were changing.

COMMENTARY

Betting budget

A bill passed by the state Senate that would leave only $33 million remaining in Michigan’s “rainy day” fund is, at best, a quick solution that will keep the budget stabilized while the economy climbs to higher levels. At worst, it could be a disastrous decision that will mean tremendous hardships ahead. The legislation passed 37-0 in the Senate and has been sent to the House.

COMMENTARY

Hollywood treatment of terrorism demeaning

Dear Hollywood, (Expletive deleted) you. Sincerely, Rishi Kundi P.S. Admittedly, some small elaboration is necessary.

COMMENTARY

Suicide reminds of need to connect, communicate with those who mean the most

Life is fragile. Tragedy strikes every second of every day and nothing can stop it from happening. I’ve lost people I love when I shouldn’t have.

COMMENTARY

Recruitment plans

MSU officials believe lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender students are attracted to the university because of its open community and a welcoming atmosphere that allows for diversity in all varieties.

COMMENTARY

Sex education bill a benefit for schools

I am hopeful that the sex education bill mentioned in an article earlier this week, “Bill could increase sex education,” (SN 6/10) will pass, but I fear that people are a bit too optimistic about many parents’ open-mindedness. Recently, a proposal to add sex education to Charlotte High School’s curriculum was approved, but just barely.

COMMENTARY

Necessary quiet times interrupted by constant noises of modern society

Can you hear the silence? Can you feel the silence? Before the year 2002 came crashing in, I would have said that those kinds of questions are ethereal and should be relegated to the discussion of poetic nuances.

COMMENTARY

Democratic party benefits U more

In response to Jason C. Miller’s column, “Republican education policy has brought about good things for ‘U’” (SN 6/3) concerning the good of the Republican Party, I have to disagree.

COMMENTARY

Random rules

The tallies in Monday’s East Lansing school district election are in - and voters picked three people to take two open seats on the school board.

COMMENTARY

Expensive addition

Two proposed bills that would charge gas pipeline companies a yearly fee for each mile of pipe in the state go about dealing with safety issues the wrong way. It’s clear lawmakers want to use the fees to ensure pipeline companies put safety first.

COMMENTARY

Missing fountain a downer on campus

I’m writing to express my dismay with the university. The fountain in front of the Main Library is not working this summer.

COMMENTARY

Board matters

It’s easy for college students to forget the importance of K-12 education - and their roles as citizens in helping to make sure public education survives and thrives. But those students - and the entire MSU community - should be interested in the affairs of local school districts.