Anti-war protesters confused about war

Don't the anti-war protesters see that most of the Iraqi people are welcoming our military? So much good is coming out of this campaign: the ousting of a brutal dictator, the liberation of millions who have survived his tyranny, the democratization of an Arab nation and the revival of the Iraqi oil industry (which means cheaper gas for everybody). We're not going to occupy Iraq for 20 years, and we're not permanently seizing their oil wells.The people who protest along Grand River Avenue now would be the same people protesting government inaction in 10 years after Saddam's cronies plant anthrax in New York City, or after the dictator once again uses weapons of mass destruction on his own people.Anybody who doesn't see the logic behind the war has no comprehension of international affairs.The nature of modern warfare has changed so that a threat need not necessarily show up at our doorstep; our military is so advanced that we can meet the challenges of the future before they arrive.

Numbers up

While our counterparts in Ann Arbor are witnessing tempers rise on account of the affirmative action lawsuit concerning their admissions policy, MSU is witnessing historic highs in minority enrollment. The Office of Affirmative Action, Compliance and Monitoring released its 2001-02 statistics Tuesday, and found that while Native American enrollment decreased 14 percent, Hispanics increased by 8 percent, Asian Pacific Islanders by 6 percent and blacks by 4 percent.

Rock doesn't live up to reputation in 'Head of State'

Remember when Chris Rock was edgy? Rock is infamous for being outspoken and fearless, ready to lampoon and criticize effectively without compromising his comedic integrity. "CB4" took on gangsta rap with dead-on vignettes and characters like Stab Master Arson.

Closed meetings questioned

The ASMSU Academic Assembly's decision to close its meeting to the public Tuesday night has left some people wondering about the legality of the move, and whether it is considered a public body.The assembly, part of MSU's undergraduate student government, closed the meeting and asked about 10 people to leave so the representatives could discuss candidates for its executive board.Matt Weingarden, chairperson of ASMSU's Student Assembly, said the organization has a right to close the meeting because they aren't bound by the Michigan Open Meetings Act."We have done this for so long and it's never caused a major problem," Weingarden said.

Shut out

Although MSU's undergraduate student government doesn't truly govern anything, it is a tax-collecting student body charged with representing its constituents in the university's governance process and therefore, has an obligation to remain accountable to its members. On Tuesday, ASMSU's Academic Assembly was not accountable.

Police: At least 6 more arrests expected

A possible six more arrests related to city and campus disturbances March 28-30 could come as early as Friday, MSU police Inspector William Wardwell said.The Department of Police and Public Safety has received about 70 tips on its tipline since the disturbances and added six additional pictures to its Web site, www.dpps.msu.edu/tipline.

SMITH: Local acts 'unified' for event

With all the "un-unified" things I wrote about local music in last week's column (at least that's what the hate mail said), I thought I should get on the ball to write something with a happier message and more positive tone. Positive ... hmm. Well, there is this thing on Friday.

Gregory takes Dayton head-coaching job

After much speculation, MSU basketball associate head coach Brian Gregory accepted the head-coaching position at Dayton on Wednesday afternoon."I'm honored and excited to be named the head basketball coach at the University of Dayton," Gregory said at a press conference.

Student groups plan to protest during board meeting

Some students think MSU leaders have some explaining to do.Mixing it with a live DJ, an open mic, poetry readings and food, members from several student activist groups plan to convene at noon Friday outside of the Administration Building to show support for numerous issues ranging from gender identity to divestment.Meanwhile, in the fourth floor boardroom of the building, MSU's Board of Trustees will meet for the final time this semester.

Mich. Iraqis cheer regime's downfall

Dearborn - Decades of fear and frustration were set aside Wednesday as scores of Michigan's Iraqis took to the streets in celebration of the apparent end to Saddam Hussein's regime.

Wave of activism important for those seeking improvement

There is a wave of movements engulfing this campus as I write this column and as you are now reading it.

Anti-Semitism from right was always expected, but now out of left field

According to a comedian I once watched, my religious background qualifies me as a "Cashew," meaning someone who is half Catholic and half Jewish.

Pounding heart

To many Native Americans, drums represent the heartbeat of their culture. This weekend, they become the pulse of Breslin Center as thousands gather for the North American Indian Student Organization's 20th annual Pow-wow of Love.

Iraqis should seek democratic rule

Why is the rest of the world complaining about our president's plan to liberate the Iraqi people?

Businesses given deadline for taxes

Five East Lansing businesses owe the city nearly $10,000 in taxes and officials are ready to collect.

Party of Helicopters takes sound to Temple

Members of The Party of Helicopters don't care what anyone thinks about them. In fact, they don't think many people will be able to think after their blend of rock 'n' roll blows their minds. With maximum attention to music, a "life-changing" live show and just plain doing what it wants, The Party of Helicopters combines heavy guitars with melodic vocals to make a sound described as alternative rockers My Bloody Valentine meets Van Halen heavy metal. "Nowadays, bands just care about what their press is, public appearances and who they are going to appeal to within a scene," Party of Helicopters guitarist Jamie Stillman said.

Police briefs 04/09/03

Good press

The U.S. News & World Report released Friday that four of MSU's colleges are among the top 25 schools in the nation - a refreshing reminder this campus is a place for quality higher education. In light of the university community's recent press for a weekend riot, playing the stage for a Girls Gone Wild stunt and being announced as a destination for a Playboy college photo shoot, it's comforting to know the university is gaining recognition for things other than earning points on the Princeton Review's top 20 party school list, where it places on a regular basis. In all, 17 MSU graduate programs were included in the U.S.

Surprise me more

As far-fetched as it might be for Pennsylvania lawmakers to ask citizens for more money during tax season, at least the cash-strapped state Legislature is willing to "think outside the box." Pennsylvania state Rep.

Of course Saddam wouldn't fight fair

After reading the editorial "Unfair fight" (SN 4/2), I am in a state of disbelief.