Opinions - The Eastern Echo

Educators carry key to our future

By Chris Hoitash · Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is reversing a century of employment reform to reduce the state’s debt. As a result, Wisconsin has turned into a ‘Nam protest’. Actually bigger, according to crowd estimates mentioned in The Christian Science Monitor. New is news. Gov. Walker hasn’t hired Pinkerton goons to strong arm the unions yet, but probably just because he doesn’t want to escalate matters. For those not in the know, a Pinkerton is the protagonist of “Bioshock: Infinite.”

Teachers take hit, Wall Street doesn't

By Sammy DeMarco · Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Teachers in America are under assault. They are receiving a barrage of attacks from politicians, conservative commentators and worst, their own neighbors. The reason we are told these attacks are warranted is because today’s teachers are overpaid, incompetent bureaucrats living high on the hog from taxpayer money. The real reason is conservatives are taking advantage of high anxiety and anger caused by a prolonged economic downturn in order to strangle the remaining life left in the labor movement.

Libya needs more than U.S. aid

By Neil Weinberg · Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Last month, during the first days of the Egyptian revolution, I suggested we were watching the liberalization of the Middle East. A professor of mine likened it to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Column: Is EMU planning on dumping coach Ramsey?

By Ryan Larimore · Wednesday, March 9, 2011

With the end of the season comes the question everyone has been asking since mid-season: Will EMU keep Ramsey?

Look for Eagles to get past first round in NCAA

By Theodora Robinson-Jones · Sunday, March 6, 2011

With a first-round win for the Eastern Michigan University women’s basketball team in the Mid American Conference tournament, the question is what will happen next?

More attention to world events is needed here at home

By Kody Klein · Sunday, March 6, 2011

I am deeply concerned how many blank stares I’ve received in response to any attempt to engage in dialogue about the conflict in the Middle East and North Africa. For countless reasons, the events that are unfolding there are enormously significant to the people of those regions, to us and to the world at large.

Adaptations a necessity

By Chris Hoitash · Sunday, March 6, 2011

Snow. In the depths of a Michigan winter, the word has become a four-letter word reviled by many. A word that makes images of stuck cars, slipping feet and frostbite clearly form in the mind.

Tea Party causing problems for GOP

By James Tatum · Sunday, March 6, 2011

America’s two political parties have faced off with factions within their houses before, The Republican Party emerged from the Whig Party in the 1800s, and the Democrats had to fight with the Dixiecrats in the 1940s. However, this time around, it seems the Republican Party is facing a division much more cancerous than anything seen before.

Libyans must free themselves

By Clement Daly · Sunday, March 6, 2011

As popular protests in Libya against the 41-year-regime of dictator Muammar Gaddafi transform into an open insurrection for his forcible overthrow, the world’s imperialist powers have converged on the country like a pack of wolves readying for an attack.

U.S. citizens can reduce foreign dependence

By Erica Mooney · Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

How will your life change when gas hits $5 a gallon? Research of potential gas prices predicts this could occur as early as two years from now, but the range extends to 2020 – a clear indication of the volatile and speculative nature of the market.

Technology overpowers 'good old days' of books

By Jumanah Saadeh · Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

Pretty much all college kids remember ‘the good old days’ from when we were kids. We all remember what it was like to go bike riding around the neighborhoods, buy overpriced Popsicles from ice cream trucks, play soccer at the local park and many other things besides. One of those would undoubtedly be spending afternoons in a bookstore or renting a movie from a rental store.

Letter to the Editor: STI tests top priority of UHS

By University Health Services · Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

In response to the “EMU needs affordable STI testing” piece in the Echo’s op-ed section (Mon. 02/07/11), we here at University Health Services would like to clarify some of the concerns expressed.

Stop whining on budget cuts

By Neil Weinberg · Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

It’s budget season, and while that usually induces more yawns than anything else, this year we’ve seen some significant reactions across the country. The federal budget has been a hot topic for months, but the state budgets have come under the microscope in recent days.

Wisconsin legislation would have devasting effects throughout U.S.

By Clement Daly · Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011

Just three weeks ago, this author greeted the eruption of the working class in Northern Africa and the Middle East with the opinion similar demonstrations could be held in “almost any corner of the globe given the universality of the social grievances involved.”

Obama's courage can't touch FDR

By James Tatum · Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011

President Obama is no Franklin Delano Roosevelt. I thought it was appropriate to make this distinction on President’s Day. It was on the cover of Time magazine where I first saw the absurd comparison of the 44th president to the 32nd.

Grammys show popular music's degrading value

By Jesse Peck · Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011

With the passing of the Grammy Awards comes the opinions of how they went. There are going to be people shocked that Justin Bieber didn’t win any awards who are girlishly shrieking their complaints.

Is Board of Regents even necessary?

By Jesse Peck · Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011

Today, I would like to talk to you about something you probably don’t know about: The Board of Regents.

U.S. needs more results

By Chris Hoitash · Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011

President Barack Obama wants to work with the Chamber of Commerce in the wake of the conflict over financial regulations and health care, according to an article from the Associated Press.

Egypt's revolt confuses

By Kody Klein · Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011

Egypt is turning my world upside down.

Welcome immigrants with open arms

By Neil Weinberg · Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011

Immigration is one of those problems with a million easy answers that nobody likes and only a couple everybody can live with. Over the last five years, we’ve seen the debate flare up and cool off, but it has never burned quite as hot as it did when Arizona passed a controversial law last year.