Opinions - The Eastern Echo

Enjoy your favorite music live; take disappointing shows in stride

By Jesse Peck · Monday, May 30, 2011

Music is one of those things that connects all humans. Every culture on the planet has its own distinctive style of music, whether it is tribal drumming or avant garde operetta.

Choosing to smoke endangers others

By Jumanah Saadeh · Monday, May 30, 2011

College is a time we all look forward to. It’s a time of weaning ourselves off our families and gaining our independence.

Restoring Detroit benefits all

By Chris Hoitash · Monday, May 23, 2011

To some, Detroit has become a barren hellscape of ruin and despair. Ruined by decades of incompetence, neglect and emigration, a once half-decent city has fallen into a quarter-decent city.

Giving back to community creates rewarding experience

By Sammy DeMarco · Monday, May 23, 2011

How do you give back to your community?

Natural disaster not just natural

By Clement Daly · Monday, May 23, 2011

The worst flooding in three-quarters of a century is threatening the lives and property of hundreds of thousands of Americans along the Mississippi River. Dozens of small towns and millions of acres of farmland have already been flooded as the crest of the Mississippi moves south toward the river’s confluence with the Gulf of Mexico at New Orleans.

Politicians need kindergarten

By Jumanah Saadeh · Monday, May 16, 2011

Politics have always been a major part of the news, but lately we’ve been hearing about it a lot more; news about mass uprisings against oppressive regimes and corrupt leaders has been pouring out the Middle East.

Referees need to rely on help

By Jesse Peck · Monday, May 16, 2011

There are a lot of frustrating things that go on in everyday life. Bad drivers, bad pay, and whatever else might bother you.

High school's in the past, leave it

By Neil Weinberg · Monday, May 16, 2011

Check your high school yearbook. Which of your classmates was voted “Most Likely to Succeed?” How are they doing now? Last week, the Wall Street Journal took a look at survey data from MemoryLane.com and Christy Lleras’ 2008 study in Social Science Research.

US government-approved assassinations a warning sign

By Clement Daly · Monday, May 9, 2011

One week ago, President Obama announced that U.S. Special Forces had raided the fortified compound of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, killing the 9/11 mastermind along with four other people, including one woman. Bin Laden had been living within walking distance of a major Pakistani military headquarters and only a short drive from the country’s capitol of Islamabad.

Speak out against budget cuts now

By Sammy DeMarco · Monday, May 9, 2011

As many of you know, discussion of raising your tuition is taking place right now. Not if, but how much. On Friday, May 6, the EMU Board of Regents convened a committee gathering with university administrators and deans.

America shouldn't cheer over death; rise above it

By Neil Weinberg · Monday, May 9, 2011

Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad he’s dead. If you ask me, he got off easy. He should have had to sit in solitary confinement for the rest of his life with nothing but time to reflect on the horrible things he has done.

Republican front runners established for 2012 bid

By Neil Weinberg · Monday, May 2, 2011

Last year at this time, I told you not to waste your summer trying to pin down the next Republican standard bearer.

Smoking ban is going to stick

By Jesse Peck · Monday, May 2, 2011

A year has come and passed since the Michigan Smoking Ban passed. It made it illegal to smoke cigarettes in places like bars and restaurants.

Letter to the Editor: Restaurant Guide offends with backhanded compliment

By Greg Brown · Sunday, April 17, 2011

I decided to contact The Echo because of a rather offensive comment in the graduation edition.

Big money backing Obama not seen by working-class

By Clement Daly · Sunday, April 10, 2011

President Obama announced officially last week he will run for re-election in 2012. Having become the first black president, Obama now sets his sights on a new distinction: the first candidate to raise more than a billion dollars. Last week’s filing was intended to give him a jump start on fundraising to meet this goal.

Staff, faculty should share sacrifices

By Sammy DeMarco · Sunday, April 10, 2011

There has been lots of talk about universities needing to make sacrifices lately. Governor Snyder suggested there be “shared sacrifice” in the pain coming from the budget cuts. At Eastern Michigan University, President Susan Martin has echoed this sentiment. What would shared sacrifice mean at EMU?

Competition falling short for President

By Chris Hoitash · Sunday, April 10, 2011

President Barrack Obama has begun his re-election campaign. An article from the Associated Press stated that “between now and the election, the incumbent Democrat will work to convince a fickle America that he has delivered change, made the right moves and earned the chance to continue the job. He will have to defend policies that have proven divisive, chief among them his sweeping health care overhaul and his efforts to boost the slow-to-rebound economy.”

Hash Bash creates mixed emotions

By Jesse Peck · Wednesday, April 6, 2011

For so many people, grouping up and celebrating is seemingly, necessary. There are days like New Years, St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo where people simply gather to party. Once a year, right here in Washtenaw County is such a celebration.

Don't judge Islam by its stereotypes

By Jumanah Saadeh · Wednesday, April 6, 2011

One of the most irritating things to see is blatantly wrong information being spewed like it is fact by the media or people. What’s worse, yet, is many people will accept the outlet at its word and won’t bother to research the topic before forming an opinion. This, unfortunately, happens frequently, especially in regards to Islam.

Job outlook appears grim

By James Tatum · Wednesday, April 6, 2011

One of my favorite songs is “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?” by Jimmy Ruffin. I started thinking about the song after reading about how the effects of long-term unemployment are crippling my generation. Albeit the song is talking about love rather than joblessness, I think the lyrics can serve as the somber anthem for this generation, nonetheless.