Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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Commentary

COMMENTARY

Insurance subject to board review

MSU rightfully is committed to the health and safety of our students, but a recent administrative action requiring mandatory health insurance for all undergraduate students was enacted without the authority of the MSU Board of Trustees.

COMMENTARY

Presidents and moral absolution

The character flaws of leaders and the cultural tendencies that affect them have a profound influence on public policy. They have childhood experiences that define their personalities. Some are stubborn, some are insecure. The prejudices observed in their families, friends, or geographical regions inform their decision making processes.

COMMENTARY

Critiquing America keeps it great

Recently, a column was posted in The State News criticizing the treatment of America in Hollywood (“America not what media makes it,” SN 2/29). The author suggested that the American media should present family values, strong morals and the ideals America was founded on.

COMMENTARY

Failed bond proposal chance to get it right

Tuesday night’s election brought out members of the East Lansing community to vote on the controversial $53 million public school bond proposal, resulting in a slight victory for those against the proposal — 52.64 percent to 47.36 percent.

COMMENTARY

America not what media makes it

Recently, I was thinking about what has become of modern patriotism. Hollywood, the window the world uses to look into the lives of Americans, has fallen victim to xenocentrism — the desire to be like another culture­ — and the pressures of foreign producers.

COMMENTARY

Rushed bill harms graduate students

A speedy bill passed by the state Senate last week could take away the rights of graduate student employees across the state. The bill might not have as big of an effect on MSU as other universities, but it could create problems for the university in the future.

COMMENTARY

Israel miscast as Gaza instigator

In “Don’t ignore Israel’s wrongdoings,” (SN 2/23) Mr. Goldsmith takes the time to provide sources by inherently biased organizations, and then to provide his minuscule view of a complicated situation.

COMMENTARY

Romney displays true leadership

Today, Michiganians will go to the polls and vote for their party’s Presidential nominee. Republicans have four very different candidates to choose from, but Michigan would do well to support the true conservative — former Massachusetts Gov.

COMMENTARY

School bond fiscally irresponsible

Back when I first started paying property taxes in my adopted hometown in 1974 or so, a neighborhood old-timer told me one time, “A school board will spend as much as you let them.” He cautioned me to look at the details, not to be bound by my natural pro-education instincts as the father of a two-year-old.

COMMENTARY

Drug use on campus shouldn’t be ignored

Many students believe college is a time to explore new possibilities and try new things before entering the real world of adulthood. Some might discover a passion that leads to an unexpected major or make new friends who will open their eyes to a different culture.

COMMENTARY

Red Cedar closure still leaves issues

Elementary schooling helps to build the character and lay the foundation of future education for a student. For some East Lansing children, however, the school in which they’ve begun their educational journey soon will be forced to shut its doors because of a financially and morally ambiguous decision.

COMMENTARY

Renewable energy vital to Michigan

I am very encouraged to learn that the proposal to strengthen Michigan’s renewable energy standard to 25 percent by 2025 has the support of Democrats, Republicans and independents.