COMMENTARY
True strength lives in mind
I still can vividly remember watching cartoons on Saturday mornings as a child — bowl of cereal in hand, trembling with excitement.
COMMENTARY
Substance abuse catalyst for violence
When trying to solve a problem, reason and understanding always should be used by both sides before it turns into a physical altercation.
COMMENTARY
Does media report or create news?
One of the interesting things one hears when dealing with the media is the doggedness by which reporters claim they only are reporting the news. These past few weeks have been plagued with stories reported in print, on television and on the Internet that have been very sad considering the individual who, because of health issues, became the brunt of “news” and endless jokes.
COMMENTARY
Flexible housing needs closer look
Last March, I celebrated the passing of MSU’s flexible housing program with a heavy heart. Although I believe that a gender-neutral housing program absolutely is necessary at our campus for the protection of its students, I could not deny my apprehension.
COMMENTARY
Removal of parking lots major hassle
There are many things students enjoy about MSU’s campus, but most agree parking is not one of them. For commuters and visitors, parking can be a horrendous ordeal. Lots fill up quickly and cost too much money, leaving many students frustrated with MSU’s lack of spots available on campus.
COMMENTARY
No shortcuts on road to success
Editor’s Note: Views expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor reflect the views of the author, not the views of The State News. _Jameson Joyce is a guest columnist at The State News and a James Madison sophomore.
COMMENTARY
‘Gap year’ becoming more popular in U.S.
It almost is assumed now in American culture that after a student graduates from high school, the next step immediately is to attend a university for a two-year or four-year program and obtain a degree. But instead of heading directly to school, these days, many students are choosing to take a year off.
COMMENTARY
‘Take Steps’ walk inspires, unites
I’m walking on the sidewalk along the Red Cedar River, trying to decide whether or not to pull on my winter hat. It’s Saturday, two days after “the last day of good weather,” which people had been observing morosely to me all week.
COMMENTARY
Registered voters now must cast ballot
Voting is an integral part of the democratic process. A democratic republic cannot function properly without the participation of its people, and those who are able should exercise their right to vote this November and in every election held in their districts.
COMMENTARY
Don’t let others sway your vote
The upcoming presidential election has become a narrower race since Mitt Romney’s performance in the Oct. 3 debate. President Obama has acknowledged the importance of a strong showing in the second debate, having taken a few days out of the spotlight recently in order to properly prepare for the next duel with Romney on Tuesday in Hempstead, N.Y.
COMMENTARY
Vote for 3rd party not wasted
Not much bothers me more than when people tell me: “A vote for anyone other than Romney is a vote for Obama” or that I am “wasting my vote voting third party.”
COMMENTARY
Getting tested yields peace of mind
Sex is a common part of college for many students. And although some choose to abstain until marriage or until they are involved in a committed relationship, casual, consensual sex should not be frowned upon.
COMMENTARY
Learning how to be Great Britain
I was privileged enough to spend most of last week at the Global Women’s Initiative conference in Atlanta. I was one of five finalists for the event’s scholarship essay contest.
COMMENTARY
Debate keeps Romney alive in election
Republican hopeful Mitt Romney’s campaign was considered to be killed before election day came. A few weeks ago, polls were showing Romney losing to President Barack Obama in key swing states. Plus, Romney’s gaffes, such as the now-infamous “47 percent” comments, substantially hurt his likeability among potential voters.
COMMENTARY
50/50 rule fruitless, despite good intent
A city requirement that limits alcohol sales at East Lansing restaurants is under review and could be suspended by the East Lansing City Council within the next week.
COMMENTARY
Mental illness no laughing matter
I received a disturbing text message earlier this week. It read: “Hey, dude, will u sell my friend an Adderall?”
COMMENTARY
Firework ordinance must gain attention
The sale and use of aerial fireworks recently has been legalized in the state of Michigan, leaving some cities celebrating, and others worried about the safety of their residents. But in East Lansing, a recent city ordinance now is defining when and where residents can use fireworks, if at all.
COMMENTARY
Passivism not worthy of reward
On a recent early Saturday afternoon, my friends and I were leaving our apartment complex to fulfill our appetites with some traditional Hispanic cuisine when suddenly, a man on a bicycle halted in front of us.
COMMENTARY
Low-income students deserve preference
Affirmative action has been a contentious topic for decades, with people on both sides of the argument calling for a level playing field for college and work applicants.
COMMENTARY
Growing up in rival territory
The city of Ann Arbor is simply hated by most Spartans because of the passionate rivalry between MSU and the University of Michigan. However, Ann Arbor also is known as home for this Spartan, which has created a unique transition into college for me.