COMMENTARY

Opposing views necessary in animal rights debates

Debating animal rights certainly never is an easy conversation, especially when one side simply dismisses everything as “arbitrary.”

COMMENTARY

Addictions to pain meds concerning

The patient sat in her chair, tears streaming down her face. She had tried everything. “Nothing can make the pain in my back go away,” she said, yelling, “except those pills!” She was sure she was not addicted.

COMMENTARY

More time needed to reduce racial inequalities

The United States prides itself on diversity, of being a land of many peoples — yet racial inequality is still rampant. And even after this nation elected its first minority president in Barack Obama on Nov. 4, 2008, we still have large differences in the treatment of minorities and whites.

COMMENTARY

Campus forums necessary to engage in agriculture issues

The opportunity for a civil, equally balanced campuswide forum which MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dean Jeffery Armstrong mentioned in the column Civil discourse must be based in science (SN 4/10) is an educational experience I would welcome.

COMMENTARY

Same-sex marriage discussions come down to legal definitions

I constantly hear arguments from both sides of the same-sex marriage debate that have strayed far from the fundamental issues surrounding all the controversy.

COMMENTARY

Bicyclists need to stay on the road

White 2009 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno. That’s the bike I ride — and if you’re a motorist on the road and plan on running me over, I hope you have a good lawyer, because I might sue you. Intentionally.

COMMENTARY

Archbishop Tutu has right to speak at graduation

Although MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon has closed the door on discussions about recalling Archbishop Desmond Tutu for this spring’s commencement address, many people have expressed concern about the South African activist.

COMMENTARY

Becoming educated on bike laws key to road harmony

Thanks to comments at statenews.com regarding my previous letter, For safety purposes, bike riders should stay off roads” (SN 4/10), I have learned a lot of information.

COMMENTARY

PETA works in various ways to protect animals, stop suffering

Kim Dyer’s letter, PETA does not actually care about treatment of animals (SN 4/9), contained false information about our work to stop animal suffering.

COMMENTARY

Bicyclists need to abide by same road rules as drivers

While driving on campus Friday I noticed there were a lot of bicyclists on the streets. Then I remembered the protest to take back the streets in response to the column Bicyclists need to stay on sidewalk (SN 4/9) that I had seen advertised by sidewalk chalking.

COMMENTARY

Animal rights extend past dogs and cats

Debating animal rights is never an easy conversation, especially when the detractor happens to be chowing down on a turkey or ham sandwich during the debate. When your lunch is your opposition, it’s hard to feel sympathy. But the central question we need to ask ourselves is, “Is an animal a person?”

COMMENTARY

Renting E.L. homes could help housing market

It’s a difficult market to do anything with a home aside from foreclosing it, but a proposed ordinance placed before the East Lansing City Council could make life easier on homeowners looking to sell.

COMMENTARY

Bicyclists have same rights on road as vehicles in Mich.

Zack Colman’s advice to bicyclists in the column Bicyclists Need to Stay on Sidewalk (SN 4/9) is wrongheaded to the point that, if followed, it will greatly increase the chances of dangerous accidents. According to Michigan law, bicyclists have the same right as motorized vehicles to roads in the state, along with the same obligations to follow traffic rules.

COMMENTARY

For safety purposes, bike riders should stay off roads

When reading Zack Colman’s column, Bicyclists need to stay on sidewalk (SN 4/9), all I could think was “Finally, someone said it!”

COMMENTARY

Mayor congratulates students on celebrating with class

Today, I am so very proud to call myself a Spartan and to count myself among your number. I am particularly pleased because this past Saturday and Monday we demonstrated that Spartans can and do celebrate success responsibly. Spartans fans clearly were intent on observing the outstanding achievements of our basketball team as opposed to gathering for the purpose of creating a disturbance.

COMMENTARY

Civil discourse must be based in science

I write to clarify a number of incorrect statements made by Bruce Friedrich, vice president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, in the column Animal activists encourage discussion (SN 4/8).

COMMENTARY

Obama would not compromise Notre Dame beliefs

The University of Notre Dame is known for its pride as a prestigious Catholic university. Its public digression against abortion and stem cell research, along with other issues that tie in with core Catholic values, has seemed to make its political opinions known throughout the nation.

COMMENTARY

PETA does not actually care about treatment of animals

I was disappointed to see the column Animal activists encourage discussion (SN 4/8) by a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, spokesperson in The State News. Even their own logo minimizes the “e,” perhaps as an inside joke that there is nothing ethical about them. PETA’s only interest is in making a profit, and they have found that suckering well-meaning people who like animals is a good way to do it.

COMMENTARY

Students should take time to discuss animal rights at forum

Today, Bruce Friedrich from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is going to be speaking in Wells Hall. I have followed what I would describe as fallout from columnist Drew Winter in the form of the occasional letter, and the constant debate on The State News Web site.

COMMENTARY

Bicyclists need to stay on sidewalk

Black 2001 Saturn SC2. That’s the car I drive — and if you’re a bicyclist on the road but not in a bike path and you see my car, I hope you’re wearing a helmet, because I might run you over. Maybe not intentionally.