COMMENTARY

Studying abroad an individual choice

I’m more than a little hesitant to jump on board of one of MSU’s fine study abroad programs. I like my trips to be a nice mixture of educational and relaxation activities, so I’d rather not base my trek on an education. Although my mind is teetering back and forth between going, I acknowledge the fact there are countless benefits for participants and that experiences vary from person to person.

COMMENTARY

More laughter needed in political squabbles

Matt Mikus

March 1, 2010

In reality, we’re always going to disagree. That’s just the nature of politics. Big issues take time, because they can affect our nation for a long time to come. It’s more important that we hold intelligent discussions about these issues instead of resorting to pathetic name calling and heckling. Maybe if we can laugh at ourselves, it’ll be easier to identify with one another.

COMMENTARY

MSU coal plant should own up to violations

It would be ideal if MSU made efforts to move beyond coal energy in the future, but we as a university and culture are too reliant on it at this point in time to make a drastic change. Once the plant has bounced back from the violations and made the appropriate corrections, MSU will be able to move on from the mistakes and continue meeting EPA guidelines.

COMMENTARY

Bid for O'Brien appearance waste of ASMSU tax dollars

While ASMSU has made available $225,000 to pay O’Brien for a couple of hours of entertainment, MSU is struggling with cuts that not only challenge faculty and administrators but are felt most profoundly by students who have to keep up with increasing tuition rates.

COMMENTARY

E.L. should stall pending sale of fraternity house

The East Lansing City Council and East Lansing Planning Commission should do what they can to stall the development. The city cannot stop a sale outright, but the planning commission will look at how the development would comply with city codes, a process that can take months and give the local fraternity time to find another buyer or solidify its tentative deal with the alumnus. Too much tampering would be illegal, but for once, bureaucracy and drawing things out would look good on the city of East Lansing.

COMMENTARY

Keep an open mind despite liberal bias

Cristina Toscano

February 28, 2010

In February, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute released a study that assessed how well American college graduates understand crucial components of American civics, even things that would be asked on a citizenship test. The results from the survey surprisingly show that college actually fails to sufficiently produce civic knowledge in college graduates. Yet, for some strange reason I find it pretty hard to easily accept that. What I don’t find hard to believe is that the study also shows that college can actually influence students’ opinions to lean toward the liberal end of the spectrum.

COMMENTARY

K2's legality should apply to marijuana

Parker Wilson

February 25, 2010

Picture this: A young student in his early 20s is sitting on a couch. He picks up the large glass bong from the coffee table in front of him, presses the lighter to the carefully packed bowl full of dried herb and draws deeply with his lungs, filling his body full of smoke. Suddenly, he’s higher than Mount Everest — and it was all legal.

COMMENTARY

Higher education survey shouldn't be taken too seriously

Are colleges out purely to get students’ money? A recent study said more Americans believe schools are putting their financial interests above their educational mission.

COMMENTARY

E.L. should pay county 911 center's legacy costs

A new deal has been made to consolidate Ingham County’s two 911 call centers. The project will save the county $6 million throughout a 10-year period and will combine the two centers in East Lansing and Lansing into one. Construction is slated to begin early this spring. And, despite the county’s savings, East Lansing officials aren’t happy about their financial obligations.

COMMENTARY

Society can give power to symbols

Ashleigh Rogers

February 24, 2010

Often when people look at symbols, they find a general meaning has been given to them. Without that significance, the symbol merely is an inanimate object that almost is invisible to the eyes of society. But what is it that gives a symbol meaning? Is it the way it looks? Is it where it is founded or built? Is its meaning and significance based off of one person’s perception?

COMMENTARY

Toyota scandal helps boost American autos

Now isn’t the time for Toyota to slip up as an automaker — that was a year ago, when the Big Three were in major financial trouble. Now, with American companies making a comeback, even I, a longtime proponent of European cars, am looking toward supporting domestic cars.

COMMENTARY

Mich. networking Web site waste of time, money

The state has decided to take a new approach to helping students find their career: social networking, at the cost of $1.5 million. The Michigan Department of Treasury will launch its new Web site in September, which is meant to help students transition between high school, college and a career.

COMMENTARY

Word on the street 2/23/10

Parker Wilson

February 22, 2010

How do you feel about the new rules restricting consumers under age 21 from applying for credit cards?

COMMENTARY

Conservatives must return to roots

Eric Thieleman

February 22, 2010

In this country, we tend to see two sides represented on an issue. For example, the battle over legalizing marijuana has those for and against, but there are more than two sides.

COMMENTARY

Credit cards shouldn't be withheld on basis of age

Mismanagement of credit cards happens because of inexperience and lack of knowledge, not always because one is young. There are responsible and knowledgeable 19-year-olds who use credit cards correctly, while a middle-aged adult might rack up mountains of debt.

COMMENTARY

Exploited celebrities deserve our empathy

Charlie Kraiger

February 21, 2010

A problem within our society is the lack of sympathy given to Hollywood A-listers. The aura of fame around these people makes us think they are invincible. In fact, these stars, albeit talented, are regular people like us.

COMMENTARY

Early high school graduation program raises concerns

A new program organized by the National Center on Education and the Economy soon will implement a program in dozens of high schools in eight states in an attempt to propel students toward college faster.

COMMENTARY

Same-sex marriage opponents wrong

Ellen Mitchell

February 18, 2010

Just ask any of the students at MSU what they think about equal access for gays and lesbians to jobs, housing, government benefits and more. They’ll most likely tell you they’re in favor of them. And why not? College students seem to be more understanding and open to change than generations before them. Ask their opinion on same-sex marriage, however, and that’s where opinions radically get divided.

COMMENTARY

Apartment demolition should move forward responsibly

A new project — whether it be a new apartment or some other building — should have something with character, not just a parking lot. The stretch of land is one of the first things drivers see coming in from Trowbridge Road, so whatever is built there should have a certain amount of “curb appeal,” unlike what the university is attempting to do with the less-than-beautiful Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum.

COMMENTARY

Winter should be season of reflection

I plan to leave Michigan for a warmer, sunnier state after college. The snow just has lost its appeal. As people get older, the excitement about snow days disappears, and the inconveniences and increased driving hazards brought on by snow are enough to ruin plans. Winter does have one very strong element not many people recognize when arguing about its positives and negatives.