Columns - The Eastern Echo

Christmas sentiments overwhelm

By Krista Gjestland · Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009

For the entire month of December, and as of lately November too, shopping malls, grocery stores and homes are hit with a whirlwind of Christmas trees, multi-colored lights and gleeful snowmen.

With finals looming, gripes are many

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009

As finals are drawing near, I find my brainpower horribly focused to the upcoming exams and the multitude of essays I have to complete with only two weeks to do so.

Modern Whig Party moderates' new ally

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009

A few articles ago I suggested independent voters vote Libertarian in the elections of 2010. While you might still wish to do so, I feel obligated, as a member of the slightly less biased than mainstream media, to inform the masses of yet another option.

In American politics, faith is the new fact

By Tom Brandt · Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009

I’ve had a revelation about the true nature of our political debate in this country, and it’s simply this: Believing you are correct is more important than being correct. Consider how recent attacks on Barack Obama from the political right have boiled the blood of American liberals.

Christmas starts too early

Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009

Feeling depressed, I decided to listen to some Christmas music to cheer myself up. WNIC started their 100 percent Christmas music, so I used that.

Federal government demands user logs

By David Gomez · Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009

Well, the federal government is at it again. Bush era policies of spying and sneaking around are alive and well within the Obama administration.

Ship helps revive America's spirit

By Neil Weinberg · Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009

F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, “There are no second acts in American lives.” But from the ashes of Manhattan and the wreckage of New Orleans, the USS New York sets sail.

GOP recovering; Democrats need more unification

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009

Bob McDonnell won Virginia. Or as the Associated Press put it “Conservative Republican Bob McDonnell’s victory in the Virginia governor’s race over Democrat R. Creigh Deeds was a triumph for a GOP looking to rebuild after being booted from power in national elections in 2006 and 2008. It also was a setback for the White House in a swing state that was a crucial part of Obama’s electoral landslide just a year ago.” No matter how you say it, it seems the future of the coming elections is all ready being decided.

Supplement regulations need strengthening

Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009

Next month will mark the 20th anniversary of a mass poisoning in this country that almost everyone has forgotten. But for all Americans who use dietary supplements today, the lessons to be learned from this tragic event are certainly worth remembering. In late 1989, thousands of people across the country purchased pills containing an over-the-counter dietary supplement called Tryptophan – a vital amino acid found in foods like turkey and bananas. What they didn’t know was their pills were contaminated with one of the most lethal human poisons ever created.

Protect yourself from attacks by ninja squirrels

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009

Two articles ago I mentioned ninja squirrels without any explanation at all. So, either everyone on campus is aware of them or is too busy with life to e-mail me about something so incredibly mundane.

EMU sports teams deserve better

By Donald Stuckey II · Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009

Earlier this week, I went to get my haircut and grab a bite to eat when I got into another discussion about why we shouldn’t have a football team here at Eastern Michigan University.

McCain supports telecom industry on Net regulation

By David Gomez · Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009

Thanks to the support of millions of Americans, the FCC has moved forward with a pledge to preserve net neutrality.

Student loans ripe for takeover

Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009

What would you think about a law that saved billions of tax dollars while providing American college students with more affordable, dependable student loans?

Helen Keller was an author and social activist who overcame her profound disabilities to become a leading opponent of war, and a strong advocate for human rights around the world.

Helen Keller fought for more than just disabled

By Kathi Wolfe · Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009

My eyes teared up on Oct. 7, when I, along with other blind and visually impaired people, felt the statue of Helen Keller that was unveiled that day in the Rotunda of the U.S.

War in Afghanistan too expensive to pursue

By David Gomez · Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009

This Oct. 7th marked the eighth year our country has spent fighting the war in Afghanistan. This is one of the longest wars we have ever been involved in.

Lazy litterbugs do not respect campus

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009

People seem to have a problem with holding on to trash until they can throw it out where it belongs.

'Don't Ask' policy needs more details before being cut

By David Gomez · Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009

At the annual Human Rights Campaign President Obama pledged to the LGBT community that he would end the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in the military.

Social technology ruining chances of real relationships

By Hannah Schwab · Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009

I have a bone to pick with technology. I am the first person to admit that I have become addicted to many of the 21st century tech advancements: iTunes, texting and Facebook.

Great Lakes in need of security

By Tom Brandt · Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009

When we think of Michigan, many of us conjure up an image of a broken down, rust-belt economy, or a dysfunctional Detroit government or perhaps even the wonderfully evocative label “Militiagan.” But when I think of our state, I picture beautiful blue bodies of fresh water extending out to every horizon.

Glenn Beck represents anxious America

By Neil Weinberg · Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009

“Mad Man.” Written in big white letters on the cover of the Sept. 28 edition of TIME Magazine. “The Agitator” is written in those same white letters inside.