Opinions - The Eastern Echo

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.

Verlander, Scherzer provide dynamic duo

By Nick Shlain · Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011

Ever since Detroit Tigers’ general manager Dave Dombrowski has been in baseball he’s targeted power arms in the rotation. This is why he brought in David Chad as his scouting director, why the Tigers drafted Justin Verlander, Joel Zumaya and Andrew Miller and why they traded for Max Scherzer.

Griffin, McGee will shine at all-star gala

By Eitan Mendelson · Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011

**The 60th annual NBA All-Star Weekend is set to take place in Los Angles this weekend and should be filled with celebrities, rookies, dunks and skills. The weekend kicks off Friday night with the T-Mobile rookie challenge, a game played between this year’s top rookies and top second-year players. Representing the rookies is Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin, who is also in the dunk contest and a reserve to the West All-Star Game.

Letter to the Editor: Ramsey should go

Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011

I was informed of the commentary published in the Echo on Feb. 10 arguing that men’s basketball coach Charles Ramsey should be retained and am compelled to offer another perspective. I’m writing this just after our team has beaten the University of Buffalo. Therefore, my comments are based on the most current and positive information available. Yes, we beat Buffalo, But keep in mind, “one swallow does not make a spring, nor does one fine day.”

Warning to U.S. imperialists: Egypt is only the beginning

By Clement Daly · Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011

Workers and young people throughout the world welcome the ouster of Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak with jubilation. They salute the Egyptian people for their courageous struggle in the face of intimidation, torture and repression. Theirs is the honor of having fired the opening shot in a new era of social upheaval.

Same-sex marriage is constitutional right

By Erica Mooney · Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011

In the United States there is a strongly divisive argument over whether gay couples have the right to marry or not. It was ordained in the founding documents of this nation that all are equal, and all people have the same freedoms.

Valentine's day not fair for homosexual couples

By James Tatum · Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011

Frederick Douglass delivered the speech in 1852 titled “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” The speech posed the question of what cause for celebration was there for slaves when they were not granted the freedoms given to most Americans.

It's sad but predictable Borders could close

By Neil Weinberg · Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011

This week, the Ann Arbor-based bookstore Borders is expected to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. One estimate suggests 50 percent of Borders’ stores will close in the next five years, with 90 percent hanging an “out of business” sign by the end of the decade.

Iran could be lesson for Egypt's protesters

By Samir Webster · Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011

Feb. 11 marks the 32nd anniversary of the Islamic Republic government in Iran. After a year of strikes and protests paralyzed the country, The Shah left Iran, and days later the Islamic Republic of Iran came to be out of the many parties revolting against The Shah.

U.S. backs Tea Party ideas, not its leaders

By Chris Hoitash · Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011

The insanity of the current American political landscape is slowly eating away at my sanity and my liver. Whichever fails first, whoever finds my body; tell the remaining beer in my fridge that I love it.