COMMENTARY

Study web sites helpful, do not replace class

Naturally, students are willing to try new ways to succeed in classes. The Internet allows the exchange of information and innovation. By combining the two, a new Web site, StudyBlue.com, has created another way to study class material. The site is a forum to submit class notes and slides for other student’s viewing. This is helpful for those who attend class as a resource or as a safety net to students who missed a class.

COMMENTARY

Retain current policy for retaking courses

ASMSU’s Academic Assembly code and academic policy committee is sending a message to students — if you fail, try again. Try however many times you want. We’re going to allow you to retake any class in which you receive a 2.5 grade or lower.

COMMENTARY

Buy American if looking for solution to economic woes of auto industry

As more and more articles emerge relating to the ever-slumping auto industry in Michigan, I cannot help but notice how many nice, new foreign cars drive through campus. There must come a point where we stop expecting immediate results from our government, and instead take responsibility of our own to catalyze a 180-degree turn for Michigan’s whimpering industry.

COMMENTARY

Student behavior in Izzone is justified; sports figures should be used to it

In response to Zach Juett’s letter Good sportsmanship includes student behavior in the stands (SN 2/6), I have to ask: Is it about sportsmanship or rowdiness?

COMMENTARY

Remember leader for preachings of equality

There may be no American civil rights leader whose contributions are as underappreciated or as misunderstood as Malcolm X. As we celebrate Black History Month, it is important for us to appreciate one of our own, Lansing’s Malcolm X, and understand why much ambivalence exists about his life and message.

COMMENTARY

Activities in Union need to be cleaned up in time for studying

I am glad that MSU had the opportunity to host a children’s chess tournament this past Saturday. It allowed precocious youngsters the chance to see what a university campus looks like while competing in a game of intellect and strategy.

COMMENTARY

Representative's time in House well-spent

This Wednesday, Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, will become the longest serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives in its history.

COMMENTARY

Shutdown of gossip Web site better for all

The juice has finally dripped its last drop. Sociopaths and socialites were dealt a significant blow Thursday when the infamous college gossip Web site JuicyCampus.com went offline.

COMMENTARY

Driver tax necessary if Mich. roads are to be improved

The editorial board brings up many good points in Driver tax illogical way to fix Mich. Roads (SN 2/6), such as the argument that raising taxes will only discourage potential businesses from relocating to Michigan. However, the editorial board’s solution to the problem is a widespread public works program.

COMMENTARY

Stimulus discussions need to focus on change, spending

The last few days of this stimulus plan debate have gotten ridiculous. I voted for change in November and I guess it was bailout day at the country club, because Republicans did not get the message, as they are claiming to put their foot down and say no to wasteful spending.

COMMENTARY

Driver tax illogical way to fix Mich. roads

If Michigan follows the road other states and countries are driving, motorists are going to get taxed for how much they travel. And if this is the path Michigan intends to take, then it has suddenly forgotten that while the state might not have any money, neither do its citizens.

COMMENTARY

Use logic when arguing against passage of economic stimulus

Supporters elected President Barack Obama hoping for change from political attitudes such as those shared Wednesday in two printed letters to the editor. Both letters intended to defend opposition to the current economic stimulus bill — a stance with many potentially valid arguments.

COMMENTARY

Public overreacted to Phelps' photo

Fourteen-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps had a little publicity problem this week. A British magazine published a picture of Phelps inhaling from a marijuana smoking pipe, more commonly known as a bong.

COMMENTARY

Good sportsmanship includes student behavior in the stands

Watching the MSU vs. Minnesota basketball game (Wednesday) was a great joy — I love when our team shows how dominant it can be. This is even better for me because I now live with three Michigan graduates and when we win, it makes them more scared of when we face them next week.

COMMENTARY

Pit bull ownership needs to be regulated to prevent abuse

In regards to recent talks of regulating ownership of pit bulls in select cities, as someone whose work involves rescuing pit bulls from abuse, I support laws to regulate these dogs’ ownership.

COMMENTARY

House Democrats fail to include Republican opinion

In his column Republicans made wrong decision (SN 2/3) Farhan Bhatti asserts that the House Republicans made the wrong decision by voting against the stimulus bill.

COMMENTARY

Republicans did the right thing by turning down stimulus

This letter is in response to Farhan Bhatti’s article, Republicans made wrong decision (SN 2/3). The Republican minority in the house did the right thing by voting unanimously against the stimulus. The wrong decision they made was supporting former President George W. Bush’s stimulus package.

COMMENTARY

Volunteering helps honor loss of friend

The clearest memory I have of Don Ausman is of him in a silver spandex robot costume. It was at an MSU Alternative Spring Break site leader meeting and it was close to Halloween. We were having a costume contest at the meeting, and most people didn’t dress up. But there was Don, grinning widely in all his shiny lamé glory with a big plastic fishbowl on top of his head.

COMMENTARY

All residence halls should remove landlines

MSU will begin removing landline telephones from student housing, and Brody Complex and Mayo Hall will be the first to see the change. The buildings will have landlines removed by the fall 2009 semester and MSU has a lot to gain from continuing this project.

COMMENTARY

Visiting professor appreciates resident, student hospitality

This past weekend, three friends and I (all present or former Penn State University faculty members) came to East Lansing for our annual Penn State men’s basketball away game.