COMMENTARY

Affirmative action initiative poses problems for politicians

In response to the Supreme Court's opinion that upheld affirmative action but not the University of Michigan's point system - preferring instead a wink and a nod that pretends we live in a color-blind society rather than making admissions race free - civil rights activist Ward Connerly has started a ballot initiative to end racial preference in college admissions in Michigan.

COMMENTARY

What if God told 1 of us what to do?

For months, I have been wondering about the hidden motivations for the preemptive attack on Iraq. Our addiction to Saudi oil and the opportunity to pull our troops from the "holy land" played a large and unspoken role.

COMMENTARY

'Ex-gay' class ridiculous idea for people

What if I said I didn't want tax dollars to pay for a religious studies class at MSU on non-Christian religions, because that would support sinners who chose not to be Christian? It sure sounds ridiculous to me.

COMMENTARY

Retreat doesn't show fiscal responsibility

It was with one eyebrow raised that I read your page one article "Board discusses how to deal with funding problem" (SN 8/11). I was struck by the irony of the trustees mulling over MSU's financial bind while on "retreat" at an exclusive resort in Bay Harbor. Before my drive through northern Michigan this weekend, I wouldn't have given it a second thought, but my first-hand glimpses of the area's yacht club, equestrian club, and golf courses made me wonder just how much this meeting cost the university.

COMMENTARY

Avoiding laziness key to 'U' success

College.Truly an unforgettable, and if you learn how to limit what can turn into many drunken evenings, an unregrettable four, five or six years of your life.People often arrive at college thinking they can party when they want to and go to classes when they want to - that is, if they want to.

COMMENTARY

Enjoy Campus

Welcome to MSU. You've made it to one of the nation's first land-grant university and a fine institution of learning.

COMMENTARY

President has chance to do some good

In this, my final column of the summer, I'd like to write an open letter to the leader of our country.Dear Mr. President,Well, your first term is nearing its end.

COMMENTARY

President has chance to do some good

In this, my final column of the summer, I'd like to write an open letter to the leader of our country. Dear Mr. President, Well, your first term is nearing its end.

COMMENTARY

Don't hide trial

The FBI believes it is possible for a person to be a "threat to national security" but not be a terrorist.

COMMENTARY

Masterminding

When authorities and psychologists get the opportunity to examine the thoughts of a criminal mastermind, they normally jump at the chance. That's why the FBI should allow the release of the papers of Ted Kaczynski, better known as the Unabomber. Kaczynski recently asked the FBI to release personal papers, a bomb and other materials seized in his arrest.

COMMENTARY

A lifetime of wars will lead to collapse like Roman Empire

In my lifetime I have been in contact with a number of wars. I was born right after World War II, so perhaps I am a product of that homecoming and a return to quieter times.

COMMENTARY

Snob resides in all of us, we should learn to embrace it, accept it fully

They're everywhere. College campuses reek of them. You'll find them turning their noses up to TRL, B-Movies, anything but B-movies, or even second-rate hair spray.

COMMENTARY

Tolerance is simply sugar-coated word for fake society

Recently I was invited to be part of a panel that was to speak about tolerance to a large group of youth attending a conference.

COMMENTARY

High standards

There's good news if you're a university official or coach with a conscience. There could be a job offer coming your way in the near future. This summer there has been a rash of poor conduct from coaches and presidents around the nation.

COMMENTARY

Total recall

Celebrities are auditioning for a new role in the Golden State - governor of California. Since the Gray Davis recall in California, celebrities ranging from Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt to the Terminator himself Arnold Schwarzenegger have been stepping forward and announcing plans for candidacy. Having a celebrity in a political position might not be a bad idea and should be taken seriously.

COMMENTARY

Wharton Center's Web site ridiculous

Has anyone seen Wharton Center's Web site (www.whartoncenter.com) lately?

COMMENTARY

Universal health care needed today

Craig Gunn's column "Health insurance, though far off, deserves students' thoughts" (SN 8/4), brings up the very important and pertinent issue of health care and I commend him for approaching the topic with students, who have a tendency to ignore the necessity and importance of health insurance.

COMMENTARY

Bike officials don't show responsibility

Parking enforcement student supervisor Ron Kalich wrote in his letter "Bike impoundment service necessary" (SN 7/30) that campus police removes "unwanted bicycles and improves the appearance of the university." The problem, he stated, is that students don't take the responsibility to register bikes, keep them in working condition, and lock them to bike racks.

COMMENTARY

Increase needed

When MSU President M. Peter McPherson's term began in 1994, one of his six major goals for the university was to increase diversity.

COMMENTARY

Time at 'U' should focus on thinking along with basic learning

Recently, I was having a conversation with another college student about the regular stuff: Partying, weekend plans, road trips, etc. After a few minutes, our little talk took a turn to more "boring" topics.