The November election is still months away, but it is clear that debate over ballot initiatives already is heating up, most notably the debate surrounding the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, or MCRI. The MSU student body will soon find out that our student government has recently condemned the MCRI.
I attended the joint ASMSU and Residence Halls Association meeting on Dec. 8 and must say I am appalled by the conduct of some of the student representatives. A covert bill that was not seen by any members of ASMSU and RHA was brought to the floor to be voted on, which called for the organizations to jointly condemn the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative. Not only were efforts to have an open and civil debate quashed, but students from the gallery, myself included, were not permitted to speak.
I was a little disappointed to see that The State News did not do any coverage on the Jack Abramoff story.
Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the issue of violating civil liberties for national security has been widely discussed and argued about. There was the issue of the no-fly list which banned certain people from being able to board airplanes. Then there was the debate about the government looking at what library books people were checking out. Now comes the news that in 2002 President Bush authorized the National Security Agency to use wiretaps on residents to monitor phone calls and e-mails without a court order.
Jack Abramoff, a former political lobbyist, was at the root of a scandal that involved lying, cheating and stealing. On Jan.
I enjoy Christmas. For me, it always elicits thoughts about the true "reason for the season," not just the corporate-sponsored shopping orgy it has become. Christmas also reminds me of the value we place on teaching our children critical thinking. The Santa Claus story offers a cute example.
A good response to those who rush to defend President Bush's secret spying on American citizens is the president's own words. In April 2004, at an event promoting the USA Patriot Act, Bush said, "a wiretap requires a court order.
A lot happened last year, from "disturbances" to the announcement of a college moving. As the new year begins, these, and many more issues, are still important. The Michigan Civil Rights Initiative The MCRI is a ballot proposal that would amend the state constitution to prohibit Michigan's public universities and other state entities from discriminating or granting preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. The petition has enough signatures to be put on the ballot this November, but controversy over the proposal's wording caused the Board of State Canvassers to refuse certifying the petition, despite an order from the Michigan Court of Appeals.
This is a column. I thought I'd clear that up, in case there was any confusion. When I introduce myself as the State News opinion editor, I get a few generic responses: "I like your articles." "Your political cartoon was completely uncalled for." "I can't believe your letter." Occasionally, I will find a disgruntled reader who informs me the Opinion Page's content is too biased. Duh. It's obvious there is confusion on how the Opinion Page works.
In both of Bob Darrow's articles, "Detroit officials embrace expansion" (SN 12/07) and "Osteopathic school looks to expand" (SN 12/06), some major issues concerning the expansion of the College of Osteopathic Medicine weren't addressed. First off, Darrow quotes the college's Dean William Strampel, who said the reason for such an expansion is to satisfy the future shortage of physicians.
I was disappointed to learn that ASMSU, the campus student government, voted to oppose the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative. It is beyond question that affirmative action is in serious need of repair.
When I made the decision last April to attend MSU College of Law, I was immediately bombarded with flyers, brochures and pamphlets advertising both on- and off-campus living arrangements. The official MSU brochures mainly featured Owen Graduate Hall, and highlighted the fact that Owen Graduate Hall is catered to the needs of law students and other graduate students.
I was looking for a little holiday spirit — something a lot of students forget about when exams come around. When we all worry about our tests, lab assessments, presentations and final papers, we forget it's almost mid-December.
Best movie: Crash Best television show: "Arrested Development" Best album: "In Your Honor" by Foo Fighters Best fashion trend: Puffy vests Best new restaurant: Big Ten Burrito Best ice cream flavor: Sesquicentennial Swirl at Dairy Store Worst movie: The Dukes of Hazzard Worst television show: "Stacked" Worst album: "PCD" by Pussycat Dolls Worst fashion trend: Ugg Boots Worst new restaurant: All restaurants in the International Center Worst ice cream flavor: All other flavors in comparison
I commend The State News for advocating a civil discussion, "Take action" (SN 12/07), on the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative scheduled to be on next fall's ballot.
Students It's been a rough year for MSU students. On April 2-3, we saw them get tear gassed by police.
I am a student who cannot go on another day without reading The State News. But I've realized that we're lacking news of arts, especially in MSU bands. Our school is known for many things including media-favorite sports, but our music program is also great and known throughout our nation. MSU's ensembles include four orchestras, seven bands, eight choral groups and eight jazz big bands or ensembles. Their concerts are always advertised but we never really hear any feedback.
The more I hear East Lansing city officials say that it is not important who is to blame for the "police riot" of April 2-3, the more I am reminded of the federal government's rhetoric regarding its massive failures in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Could it be that neither of these institutions is interested in "playing the blame game" because they know the majority of the blame lies squarely on their shoulders? I think it is important for the East Lansing government to realize that they made a mistake when they organized so many different police agencies into quasi-military style platoons to deal with one subdivision of celebrating students.
E.L. City Council Although MSU students didn't get one of their own to represent them on the East Lansing City Council, two qualified candidates who will work to make the city better did win. Kevin Beard and Vic Loomis will bring a mix of old and new views, as well as experience and fresh ideas to the City Council.
Despite not getting elected to the East Lansing City Council, political theory and constitutional democracy senior John Fournier is still our Spartan of the Year. Through his incredibly professional campaign, Fournier tried to represent the underrepresented student demographic. Although many students didn't help his goal by not voting, Fournier gave it his all to get them to show up.