Opinions - The Eastern Echo

Abolish state income tax

By James Tatum · Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011

“China is Michigan’s third-biggest export market after Canada and Mexico…” reported the Detroit News, commenting on Gov.

The easy solution is rarely the right one. Some people don’t like to admit they’re wrong. If someone drove his or her wagon into a swamp, rather than face the arduous task of cajoling the critters to back it out, or to get out themselves and pull, they might just abandon the wagon.

Buffet's article starts class war

By Patrick Seick · Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011

On Aug. 14, 2011, billionaire Warren Buffett published a controversial opinions editorial in a New York Times articulating why he believes Congress is “billionaire friendly” and hypocritical when it calls for “shared sacrifice.” A firestorm of arguments ensued after the logical article, but now Buffett finds himself back in the news for being an instigator in the class war. President Obama is now backing the Buffett Rule: a new proposal that those with incomes in excess of 1 million dollars should pay at least the same federal tax rate as middle-income tax payers.

Writing off the identity vote

By Neil Weinberg · Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011

If you haven’t heard, identity politics are in. In the last two weeks or so, Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain announced he could win one third of the black vote.

Online courses not all great

By Silvana Taylor · Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011

At first glance, online college courses might seem like a great idea due to convenience, efficiency and communication that extends beyond the classroom.

'Fairtax' a far cry from fair

By James Tatum · Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011

As a rule of thumb, economists usually insist that a tax system is equitable, feasible, easy to collect and fair.

Nirvana's birthday's time to remember the grunge

By Jesse Peck · Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011

Listening to progressive metal got me thinking it’s too bad people didn’t have this 15 or 20 years ago.

Wealth distribution remains unbalanced

By Patrick Seick · Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011

In 2008, Barack Hussein Obama, a black man – half-black for those who wish to make the distinction – was voted president of the United States.

Diversifying to help state

By Chris Hoitash · Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011

Though the automotive industry has taken a heavy hit in Michigan, some still believe it can be revitalized. An AnnArbor.com article states that “the tubular parts manufacturer that acquired Ypsilanti’s former Ford plant is still seeking contracts with major automakers before ramping up production at the renovated site.

Fixing the economy in 601 words

By Neil Weinberg · Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011

Spend $447 billion, cut $1.5 trillion. Not enough, too much. Those four phrases are all over the news lately as the president and his Republican counterparts try to get the economy going while cutting the deficit at the same time.

Self-regulation is not the solution

By James Tatum · Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011

In late January of this year I wrote an article entitled “Free-Marketeers Have it Wrong,” which received some lively comments.

Politicians ignore the poor

By Clement Daly · Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011

More Americans are now living in more poverty than at any time on record, according to a report released last week by the U.S.

Students need things to eat, too

By Silvana Taylor · Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011

Beginning this semester, the state revised rules making it harder for college students to receive food assistance, removing 30,000 from the roles.

New reforms to make matters worse?

By Chris Hoitash · Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011

If you went to a public school in the last decade you probably took a standardized test. And not just the ones to get into college, but ones designed to test the school’s performance.

Schools track students

By Patrick Seick · Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011

In the early 20th century, a dangerous movement postulated that certain groups of people are superior to others swept across the United States.

Sports fans are one big family

By Neil Weinberg · Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011

Bruce Catton called baseball “the greatest conversation piece ever invented.” It’s pretty hard to argue he’s wrong.

Politics, aggressively religious?

By Patrick Seick · Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011

Listen to any political speech and the token “God Bless America” will invariably be tacked on to the end.

'We need to teach values'

By Neil Weinberg · Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011

It’s been a big year for the future of education. In one arena, public unions are battling with reform-minded governors about teacher pay and classroom standards.

Something smells fishy by UofM

By Chris Hoitash · Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011

Ann Arbor is working toward construction of a new commuter rail line. Set to be placed near the University of Michigan hospital on Fuller road, the appropriately named Fuller Road Station has become a bit controversial.

Truth of Greek Life

By Patrick Seick · Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011

In 2001, Reese Witherspoon charmed and smiled her way into our hearts by playing Elle Woods in the comedy film “Legally Blonde.” Woods, a beautiful, ditzy fashion merchandizing major, is also a sorority girl.