Opinions - The Eastern Echo

All tests are not beneficial

By Jumanah Saadeh · Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Despite the lack of enthusiasm students have for tests, a recent article in the New York Times titled, “To really learn, quit studying and take a test,” says they actually help students remember material in class.

What's the point of driving drunk?

By Neil Weinberg · Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

In an effort to combat drunk driving over the holidays, police officers in Michigan stepped up the number of patrols and traffic stops. Between Dec. 16-Jan. 2, officers around the state arrested 356 suspected drunk drivers and hundreds of others suspected of lesser crimes.

Legislation on drugs needs retooling

By Kody Klein · Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011

I will admit as readily as anyone America has a raging drug problem. However, I dissent from popular anti-drug dogma.

Avoid abominable drivers this winter

By Jesse Peck · Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011

It’s winter, everyone, and what do we all have to expect? Majestic, white wonderlands, graceful falling flakes and a festive cheery atmosphere. Unfortunately, with those things come poor road conditions and the inevitable subzero temperatures associated with the winter months. My advice? Bundle up and avoid driving at all costs. Now don’t get me wrong, I like the season and people in general, but what is it about winter that brings the most inept and bad decision-making drivers in the world out of the woodwork? Is it just me, because if it is I’ll shut up, or am I of a common mind when I think a light powdering of snow on the road doesn’t necessitate driving under the speed limit by 15 miles per hour? Those people, to me, are among the most annoying people in existence, but I digress.

Sudanese voters set example for U.S.

By Erica Mooney · Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011

Not more than two weeks ago, the international news community was positively buzzing with coverage of a vote for independence in Sudan. The nation has been plagued with devastating poverty, two civil wars and continuing violence since its independence from Egypt and Britain in 1956. Conflict is centered between the Arab-cultured North and the traditional African religion and social structure of the South.

Corporate interests cripple U.S. voters

By James Tatum · Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

I recently started reading a book titled, “What’s the Matter with Kansas” by Thomas Frank. Frank, a native of Kansas, investigated and questioned how his home state full of rural farmers and a once bedrock of liberalism could become the deeply red state it is today.

Healthcare reform distracts Democrats

By Chris Hoitash · Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

Democrats are preparing to counter-attack the Republicans’ vote to repeal the healthcare reform. Specifically the Democrats want to “plan hometown attacks on many of the 62 House Republicans representing districts President Barack Obama carried on 2008, according to a Politico article.

Facebook is not good use of time

By Jumanah Saadeh · Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

Have you ever thought about the amount of time you spend on Facebook? Or if you don’t have a profile, the amount of time other people spend on Facebook?

Obama steps up as leader in Tucson speech

By Neil Weinberg · Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

It was a strange site last Wednesday evening in Tucson when the president spoke at the memorial service for the victims of Jan. 8th’s tragedy. His eulogy was often interrupted for applause and cheering in a scene more fitting the State of the Union than a gathering to honor the fallen.

Church, state separation needs to stay in America

By James Tatum · Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011

During a recent senatorial debate in Delaware, Republican candidate Christine O’Donnell made the mistake of saying the “separation of church and state” does not appear in the Constitution.

GOP agenda might disappoint voters

By Chris Hoitash · Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011

The GOP is preparing its agenda, according to an Associated Press article. Its main plan is “to cut spending, roll back President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul and prevent unelected bureaucrats from expanding the government’s role in society through regulations that tell people what they must or can’t do.”

Eating by yourself could be unhealthy

By Jumanah Saadeh · Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011

In our society, we are programmed to eat while watching a screen. Getting together with friends to watch a movie? Order a pizza. Going to the theaters? Wait in line for a bucket of popcorn. Watching television after a long day of classes? Pull the chips out of the pantry.

'Huck Finn' revision bad idea

By Neil Weinberg · Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011

In 11th grade, my American Literature class read “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” At the time, I was a little more concerned about the Tigers’ march to the World Series than one of the classic American novels, but I do have one pretty strong memory from the two or three weeks the class spent discussing the book.

Making resolutions is a pointless pastime

By Jesse Peck · Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011

Ah, the beginning of a new year and a new decade. With this new page in the history books comes a lot of resolutions. People promise themselves they will lose weight, read more and get a better job, and that’s fantastic. The New Year’s resolution is in place for people to attempt to better themselves, and for that I salute them.

Heed call to awareness: Wake up, look and listen

By Erica Mooney · Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011

America, get out from under your comfort. Do not allow the automatic nature of the modern bubble of our nation to cripple your awareness. Everywhere around you, countless beings are struggling for life.

U.S. interests secured, Haiti's pain endures

By Clement Daly · Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011

It has been one year since the 7.0-magnitude earthquake devastated Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010, claiming an estimated 250,000 lives, some 2 percent of the population.

Shooting not politically motivated

By Neil Weinberg · Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011

How many times have you heard someone rail against partisanship in the last couple years? How many times have you told people you are sick of both parties? If those numbers are high, and I suspect they are, then it’s time to put your money where your mouth is. It’s time for everyone to mean it, if only for a moment.

Obama still isn't living up to promises of campaign

By James Tatum · Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011

Soaring through the 2008 presidential election with a message of “Hope and Change,” Barack Obama came into the presidency with the confidence of many that he could truly lead. Many became enamored by his message. Even those wary of the promises of politicians had faith in the newly elected commander-in-chief. But now, three years later, I find myself having to amend the message of the president: give up “hope,” but not hope.

Specter's final speech hits home ... sadly

By Chris Hoitash · Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011

Arlen Specter, former Senator of Pennsylvania, lost his primary election and left the Senate for good. Before he wandered off quietly into that good night, he made a speech on the floor. In said speech, Specter outlined everything he felt was wrong with the Senate and politics today.

Michigan crackdown on teen drivers merited

By Jumanah Saadeh · Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011

In America, driving is something pretty much every teenager looks forward to. The excitement of being sixteen, of having a car and being able to go anywhere you want. On the flip side though, more practiced drivers are wary of these inexperienced, and oftentimes, reckless drivers. As anyone who has been in the vicinity of a high school undoubtedly knows, kids can be pretty crazy when they drive.