COMMENTARY

Costs for conflicts make U.S. vulnerable

Despite what his critics said, President George W. Bush always defended his military policy by saying it would be used to keep the fight away from “our own shores.” After hearing about the recent report from the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves, an independent group, on the capabilities of the military to respond to another homeland attack, however, it might be time to better prepare ourselves.

COMMENTARY

Democracy more than partisan

I would like to tell you a true story. It’s about a failed democracy where the winner takes all and politics are reduced to fights between two opposite parties. Its people come to think the two parties represent something universal — transcending time and space, somehow existing in every democracy at every time.

COMMENTARY

Students will have to pay up or get out of E.L.

Let’s be honest. East Lansing’s various redevelopment projects around the downtown area act as a modern version of villagers wielding torches and pitchforks. In the end, it’s the MSU students who are being driven out.

COMMENTARY

Do some more research; vegan lifestyle can be political tool

Initially I was elated to see veganism given large coverage in The State News. While I assumed the journalists would present accurate and well-researched facts, Liz Kersjes proved me wrong with her opinion column, Vegetarian contemplates changing diet (SN 1/29).

COMMENTARY

Change to vegan diet tough but beneficial to health

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to The State News for publishing Vegan tales (SN 01/29). I have been a vegan now for about a year and a half following a surgery to remove my gallbladder.

COMMENTARY

Cost of diabetes affects everyone

Ryan Dinkgrave

January 31, 2008

If you have followed my columns in this newspaper during the past year, chances are you’ve caught one of several written in support of embryonic stem cell research. This passion of mine is the result of another cause I have supported for 15 years — diabetes research.

COMMENTARY

City: Construction planned and executed efficiently

I would like to respond to the recent editorial City construction plans disregard students (SN 1/30).

COMMENTARY

Law college must come clean for new dean

This is one hell of a secret. For more than a year, not a truthful word has been said about the actual circumstances surrounding former MSU College of Law Dean Terence L. Blackburn’s quiet exit from his post.

COMMENTARY

Schools need to be upgraded; building more is irresponsible

I feel Gov. Jennifer Granholm and our state Legislature are misinformed if they think more buildings and college services will solve our state’s array of educational problems.

COMMENTARY

Granholm's education proposal encouraging

Don’t tease. When it comes to promising Michigan education reforms, actions speak louder than words. And after Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s State of the State address Tuesday, we hope she can deliver.

COMMENTARY

Dining out easy for vegans, not difficult or 'arbitrary'

Firstly, I’d like to thank The State News for its spread on veganism in Tuesday’s paper. What once inspired images of long-haired hippies on communes, veganism is now more inclusive and mainstream than ever.

COMMENTARY

Vegan diets healthy, 'organics' not always animal friendly

Liz Kersjes had quite a few inaccuracies in her column Vegetarian contemplates changing diet (SN 1/29). First off, it is easy to eat out and be a vegan. A lot of restaurants have vegan options on their menus.

COMMENTARY

Innovative ideas work for Mich.

There’s been a lot of talk recently about “change” in government. It seems that every presidential candidate — whether a Democrat or Republican — has incorporated the word into his or her campaign in some way.

COMMENTARY

Campaigns use superficial spin to gain votes

Picking a candidate is kind of like buying a used car. If the prices were the same, what would you buy: The attractive-looking sports car with transmission trouble or the beat-up clunker that runs great?

COMMENTARY

TAs need your support for new contract negotiations

As has been reported in these pages, MSU and the Graduate Employees Union are currently engaged in contract negotiations that will determine the contract for the more than 1,300 teaching assistants — myself included.

COMMENTARY

UGG boots ugly, but winter gear should be functional

State News columnist Thea Neal dedicated quite a bit of energy into thinking about (and possibly obsessing over) where UGG boots fit into the world, especially the world of fashion, in No excuses for sporting ugly UGG boots (SN 1/29).

COMMENTARY

City's construction plans disregard students

Construction. It’s a driver’s worst nightmare. For residents near Virginia Avenue and Abbot Road, it’s a nightmare that won’t end for quite sometime.

COMMENTARY

Improved counseling center a vital resource

If you’ve ever needed help or someone to talk to and didn’t know where to turn, don’t worry. You’re not alone. The MSU Counseling Center is in the process of improving its programs to better accommodate the needs of students.

COMMENTARY

Students impacted by E.L. construction can speak out

Regarding the story Virginia Ave. construction hassle for area students (SN 1/28), it appears that at least a few students living in the construction area have some concerns about the project.

COMMENTARY

All races should be recognized

February is Black History Month. It is important to honor the contributions that blacks have made to this country. It also is important that we take time to reflect on how far this nation has come since the time of slavery and the Civil Rights Movement. I think it’s wonderful that we have a month dedicated to black history, but it bothers me that there is a need for it.