COMMENTARY

Stereotypes used in SN article on AIDS

This is in response to the article “Speaker discusses Third World AIDS crisis” (SN 3/19). In the light of cultural understanding, I was surprised to open The State News and read this statement: “Gulick said one major reason Africa has the highest number of estimated cases is because the culture promotes unsafe sex.” I would not expect such a generalization from a highly educated medical practitioner.

COMMENTARY

Stars and Stripes meant to be flown high, not worn across rear end

My grandmother is genuinely patriotic. She was patriotic even before it was trendy to be patriotic. As a veteran of the Navy and World War II, she has every right to proudly show her patriotism with an American flag billowing outside her New Jersey home.

COMMENTARY

Detroits problems not from outsiders

It’s about time someone spoke up for Detroit. All MSU students can benefit from reading Tameria Warren’s recent column in defense of her hometown (“Don’t criticize Detroit if you’re not working to solve its problems,” SN 3/18). I have always been fond of the city and the events it offers.

COMMENTARY

Student demand cause for increase

In light of recent articles, editorials and letters published in The State News, I feel compelled to discuss why students should vote in favor of the ASMSU student tax increase this week.

COMMENTARY

Childrens health can better with bill

Can a judge constitutionally order a controversial drug to be given to a child over the opposition of their parents?

COMMENTARY

Baby steps

ASMSU deserves kudos for taking a step in the right direction toward fixing its financial mishaps, but there’s still much more work to be done in light of budget problems of recent years. The undergraduate student government approved a 22-page set of financial bylaws last week, updating the three-page document adopted in 1992.

COMMENTARY

Need for contract affects U majority

In response to Matt Mitroka’s letter (“Negotiation tactics won’t help students,” SN 3/14), I would remind readers that the Graduate Employees Union won an election to represent MSU graduate employees by a margin of 3 to 1. The fact that hundreds of graduate employees have participated in recent union activities does not suggest that the union is acting on behalf of a minority.

COMMENTARY

Vigilance

As a nation, we have learned the hard way that our borders are not free from the wrath of terrorists willing to push their political agendas by taking the lives of themselves and thousands of innocent people. The Sept.

COMMENTARY

Students can benefit from tax increase

In his letter, Eric Smith portrays ASMSU representatives as cigar-smoking bureaucrats who just waste students’ tax money (“Don’t support tax increase for ASMSU,” SN 3/13). Let’s get real.

COMMENTARY

Both sides should compromise to create contract

The teaching assistant in my Integrative Studies in Arts and Humanities course was not ashamed. “We expected we would have three TAs for this course,” she told a cross-section of about 100 students.

COMMENTARY

More spirit needed at tournament games

I congratulate the men’s basketball team for a memorable season. Even a disappointing loss to North Carolina State should not overshadow all this team has accomplished.

COMMENTARY

Good example

MSU needs to follow the University of Michigan’s lead with its graduate contract settlement. Without holding an all-out strike, U-M administrators and the Graduate Employees Organization were able to come to an agreement.

COMMENTARY

Go vote

Voter turnout across this campus is getting more pathetic each time students are asked to go to the polls.

COMMENTARY

Funding board has been responsible

I am compelled to respond to Margaret Durfy’s letter concerning the actions of the Funding Board (“ASMSU spends ‘U’ dollars unwisely,” SN 3/15). The letter contains unsubstantiated and completely false allegations.

COMMENTARY

Taxed out

MSU’s undergraduate student government has a lot of questions to answer if it hopes to restore credibility to the organization and any of its referendum items to be voted on during this week’s universitywide elections. It seems ASMSU leaders will make an effort to do that at 7 p.m.

COMMENTARY

Inflated grades

Grades should reflect the amount of work students accomplish in their classes, as well as the level of intellectual ability students have.

COMMENTARY

U has made strides on LBGT concerns

Thanks to The State News for the editorial “Work not done” (SN 3/15). The editorial correctly notes more must be accomplished to achieve true acceptance of MSU’s students, faculty and staff members who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

COMMENTARY

Postponement was necessary action

The State News should be more nitpicky with what it prints in its editorials (“Election errors,” SN 3/14). In the editorial, The State News attacked the All University Election Commission for the elections impasse.

COMMENTARY

Election commission shouldnt take blame

Contrary to the manner in which I was portrayed in The State News article “Student elections postponed” (SN 3/14), I appreciate the work and time the All University Election Commission has dedicated to elections.

COMMENTARY

Sexual assault not just womens issue

I was pleased Gov. John Engler named March GHB Awareness Month (“Engler sets March for GHB awareness,” SN 3/15). I thought the article did a good job of raising awareness about the dangers of gamma hydroxybutyrate. Unfortunately, like so many articles about rape, this one seemed to focus exclusively on women and victims.