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Opinion | 1000

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COMMENTARY

Focus on racially charged Katrina coverage misses human element

Did you notice something very interesting and pathetic on television as the major networks filmed in New Orleans during the Hurricane Katrina aftermath? Black looters were shown on every television station running through Wal-Mart and any store that wasn't underwater, stealing whatever wasn't nailed down.

COMMENTARY

Racism toward Indians problem in East Lansing

I am an international student from India. I am from the state of Punjab where men usually wear turbans and have beards (Sikh religion). A few minutes ago, I was walking on Grand River Avenue with a couple of my friends, both of whom are mentors in West Circle, and both are also from the Indian subcontinent. As we were walking, this drunk student bumped into me, and I told him to take it easy.

COMMENTARY

Howard Dean's views on Katrina out of line

Democratic Chairman Howard Dean is going way too far with many of his outlandish comments pertaining to the evacuation of New Orleans. Dean's comments about how skin color played a role in the evacuation is not helping the Democratic Party.

COMMENTARY

Garden guilt

Ever heard the phrase "look but don't touch?" Is it necessary for your mom to follow you around and tell you "don't touch that?" What is the point of stealing a plant, pulling up a tree or throwing a bench into the river?

COMMENTARY

Binge drinking killed privilege to tailgate

Every single time I've opened up The State News this week, I've read opinion articles complaining about the new tailgating policies and how upset students are about them. Frankly, I'm a little disappointed in this reaction but am certainly not surprised.

COMMENTARY

Money matters

After cuts to higher education have plagued Michigan for years, the state Legislature made a bold move in support of public universities - unfortunately, it seems MSU got the short end of the stick. Although some schools - Saginaw Valley State University, Grand Valley State University and Oakland University - will receive funding increases of more than 7 percent from a $14 million share left in the House and Senate budgets, MSU will only receive a 0.4 percent increase. Students can't complain too much.

COMMENTARY

Reading news, talking doesn't solve tragedy

This letter is in response to Paul Wilk's statement "Resident angered by tragedy response" (SN 9/9). Wilk stated that he was in the Union computer lab "frantically" searching for news about New Orleans flooding, and apparently he seems to feel that no one else cared.

COMMENTARY

Grad supports bands' stance against chant

Last season, I took notice of the "1-2-3 First Down" cheer, and I was saddened as it got louder and louder each game. I remember the countless criticisms that were expressed by many, and the pleas on The State News Opinion Page to stop this chant.

COMMENTARY

Police chief: Is wild partying worth it?

About two weeks ago, I wrote a column about some of the life and death scenarios that I observed while out on patrol during the weekend of Welcome Week, ("East Lansing police Chief shares startling Welcome Week stories," SN 9/1). One of those incidents involved an unprovoked assault when a person was hit in the head with a bottle in the 200 block of Bailey Street.

COMMENTARY

Inquired views

Hearings to consider Judge John Roberts for the position of chief justice of the United States are underway and both Democrats and Republicans are arguing about the selection. The nominee's background and experience will be evaluated by an 18-member Senate Judiciary Committee before a decision is reached, but what interviewers should be focusing on is his views on certain issues. As a renowned conservative, Roberts is largely backed by Republicans who are hoping he will be an asset within the court and lead it away from overruling congressional decisions.

COMMENTARY

Group's column shows ignorance

Direct Action's column, ("Direct Action members criticize State News for misrepresentation," SN 9/9) in response to being portrayed as terrorists by The State News successfully made them sound less like terrorists and more like the local flagship of "progressive" ignorance, which, believe it or not, is not a better public relations strategy.