I have to wonder if Defense Secretary Leon Panetta read Echo opinions columnist Chris Hoitash’s recent column about women serving on the frontlines, because according to the Associated Press, the Pentagon is expected to announce tomorrow that female soldiers will be allowed to fight in combat. The women who risk their lives for the United States will finally have the chance to rise to the same ranks their male counterparts currently enjoy.

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Courage can be described as displaying strength in the face of grief or taking the right action despite disapproval. This is not a blog about courage. It is a note on cowardice and how it potentially led to nine high school students’ suicides.

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According to former Republican House Speaker and current presidential candidate Newt Gingrich President Obama is the food stamp king. During a Republican presidential debate Monday, the same day the country celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday, Gingrich said “More people have been put on food stamps by Barack Obama than by any president in American history,” in response to a moderator questioning his statements that Obama is the “the food stamp president.”

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We have heard a lot from Republicans about liberty and upholding citizens’ rights. Voting is a right many of us hold dear. So, why are Republicans throughout the states passing laws making it more difficult for college students to vote?

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Recently we learned Physical Plant Chief of Operations John Donegan purchased an antique phone booth for $2,000. I’ve seen some argue that haters and complainers should get over it, that students don’t have a role in what or how the University’s money is spent.

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Does anyone else hear the Republicans’ silence on Governor Snyder’s plan to drastically raise taxes? Earlier this week, the Governor proposed a plan to raise vehicle registration fees by $120 a year. That’s $120 in addition to whatever drivers paid last year when renewing registration.

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Soon the Michigan Legislature will begin debating making changes to the state’s auto insurance laws. At issue is the amount of Personal Injury Protection or PIP coverage the state requires motorists to purchase. Currently that number is infinite. Michigan is the only state in the country that forces drivers to purchase unlimited medical coverage through auto insurance. This causes our premiums to cost more.

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Mired in a year long slump, Brandon Inge watched the Tigers trade for Royals third baseman Wilson Betemit on Wednesday to serve as his replacement down the stretch.

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I commend state Rep. Hugh Crawford, chairman of the House Regulatory Reform Committee for not preceding with a bill that would ban owning a pit bull terrier in Michigan.

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We understand the “You Are Here” cartoon may have offended some readers. We apologize for the lack of sensitivity some felt we showed for publishing the piece.

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