Sunday, November 10, 2024

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Commentary

COMMENTARY

Rise in enrollment bodes well for MSU

With MSU earning the eighth largest enrollment spot in the nation in the fall of 2011 and seeing an increase in out-of-state and international students in the MSU population, the school’s reputation will continue to improve on a global scale, welcoming a more diversified student body.

COMMENTARY

African solutions to African issues

Occasionally, the world turns its attention toward Africa. A viral video about Africa broke all records for viewership. In Northern Uganda though, at a showing of the viral video, Africans threw stones at the screen.

COMMENTARY

Caring for veterans worthy cause

Looking back on many of my articles, I find I have been giving off a very cynical and pessimistic vibe. I suppose I should clarify that I am not really as negative as I seem in my writing, although I have found the best way to stir up a conversation is by writing about controversial topics that often take on a less than optimistic tone.

COMMENTARY

Repeal of helmet law dangerous mistake

If you’re a motorcyclist in Michigan, you are about 37 times as likely as car occupants to die in a traffic crash per vehicle mile, according to the Michigan State Police website. It’s a terrifying number, and it’s one that’s going to get a lot scarier because of one new Michigan law.

COMMENTARY

Rolling new tastes onto campus

As I race through campus on my way to class each day, far too often I realize my stomach’s demands have gone unnoticed. So I find myself queued up at Sparty’s alongside many other students, pondering the same old choices. But imagine a world where our campus maximized its culinary potential: a world where private food trucks were allowed on campus.

COMMENTARY

Nuclear weapons have ripple effect

This week the nation funds our priorities as we pay our annual tax bill. Tax expenditures thus speak to who we are as a people. They define the sacrifices and choices we are willing to make as we look to the future for our nation and citizens young and old alike.

COMMENTARY

Lessons for summer and beyond

Since this will be the last column I will be writing this spring, I figured I should leave State News readers with a little life lesson that I’ve learned from myself going into the summer.

COMMENTARY

Nix arrest chance for re-evaluation

Some students look at college as a time to experiment, make mistakes and learn from them — it’s supposed to be a learning experience, not only in the classroom but also in life.

COMMENTARY

We need more guest columnists

The State News is looking for guest columnists for the summer and fall 2012 semesters. Guest columnists aren’t required to come into the office, so working from your hometown or an internship where you will be spending your summer is perfectly acceptable.

COMMENTARY

Students don’t need engagement centers

MSU’s campus currently houses three engagement centers and plans to build two more. Even though the centers in place now benefit many students on campus, the university could find a better use for the money. Renovations for the two new engagement centers will begin this summer in the Union and McDonel Hall.

COMMENTARY

GMO science unquestioned by most

Regarding Mitch Goldsmith’s opinion column (“URC promotes unsustainability,” SN 4/11) in which he opposes using research funding for the study and implementation of genetically engineered plants, he claims “the jury still is out on the safety and environmental sustainability of such genetically modified seeds and crops.”

COMMENTARY

URC promotes unsustainability

Last month, The State News published an article (“United they stand” SN 3/19) chronicling the partnership among MSU, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University on scientific research initiatives the schools assert will better the Michigan economy and bring skilled jobs to the state.

COMMENTARY

State Rep’s MSU bias should lead him out

After State Rep. Bob Genetski, R-Saugatuck, was arrested for drunken driving on MSU’s campus, most people would assume he would want to stay as far away as possible from the university to avoid an appearance of bias, but that isn’t the case.

COMMENTARY

Disaster victims far from helpless

If you watch the news, particularly news about foreign countries, you could easily believe that natural disasters are followed by looting, crime and individualistic behavior to survive.