Opinions - The Eastern Echo

Opinion: Climate change isn’t up for debate anymore, there is no Planet B

By Ally Graham · Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019

Climate change and its effects are proving to be more and more real everyday. We need to stop turning a blind eye and begin taking this issue seriously in the short window of time we have left to fix it.

Singing dancing puppets, 40 years with muppets, can you picture that?

By Patricia Mulroy · Monday, Aug. 12, 2019

It all started 40 years ago with a frog named Kermit sitting in a swamp singing about the rainbow connection. Created by Jim Henson and based on the popularity of its small screen predecessor, The Muppet Show, The Muppet Movie features an incredible cast of Muppet Characters: Miss Piggy, Ralph the dog, Gonzo and Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.

Opinion: Politically vocal celebrities positively impact social media followers

By Ally Graham · Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019

People are divided on whether celebrities, such as Cardi B and Lady Gaga, should open up about their political views or keep quiet and remain a figure. Some view celebrities involving themselves in politics as a form of brainwashing on their loyal followers. On the other hand, citizens seem to be more interested in voting as more and more celebrities become politically vocal.

Opinion: Talking points and firing squads control the second round of Democratic debates

By Heather Weigel · Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019

The second Democratic primary debates showed divides over policy and "ambition" between progressives and moderates and chipped away at the legacy of the Democratic party’s greatest unifier.

"Once Upon a Time In Hollywood" starts slow, but delivers

By Deangelo Hawkins-Clay · Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019

Quentin Tarantino’s 9th film shines right through the screen.

Opinion: Taking time off should not be villainized

By Ally Graham · Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019

Vacations, or simply taking a few days off, can do more for our mental and physical health than we realize.

Opinion: Netflix cuts graphic scene from "13 Reasons Why" two years too late

By Heather Weigel · Monday, July 29, 2019

Netflix has finally cut a controversial scene depicting teen suicide in fan-favorite series “13 Reasons Why. after years of defying the advice of mental health professionals. It was about time.

Opinion: Steve Bullock has an important role in the Democratic primary

By Heather Weigel · Thursday, July 25, 2019

Little-known Governor Steve Bullock of Montana is centering his presidential campaign on “sunshine and transparency” as he continues his advocacy for campaign finance reform following Citizens United.

Opinion: Trump’s dangerous rhetoric seeks only to divide

By Ally Graham · Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Trump’s unfiltered hate speech against Islam and Muslims has refueled Islamophobia in the US.

Opinion: We need both advocacy and bipartisanship to fix our criminal justice system.

By Heather Weigel · Saturday, July 20, 2019

Those advocating for the abolition of prisons have important things to say - and we all should listen to create a network of alternatives to our unjust system.

Opinion: Keto is just a dangerous and ineffective fad diet

By Ally Graham · Wednesday, July 17, 2019

The keto diet, though advertised by many influencers and celebrities, could actually be doing more harm than help for our bodies.

Opinion: Vaping should be viewed the same as cigarettes

By Ally Graham · Wednesday, July 17, 2019

With cigarette popularity dropping and vaping at its peak, are we really seeking a better trade off?

Opinion: Whitmer administration should make Benton Harbor high school a shining example of school reform

By Austin Elliott · Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been taking heat lately for her administration’s handling of the troubled school district of Benton Harbor Area Schools. Whitmer’s administration planned to close the district’s only high school because of its historically low academic performance and the fact that the district is more than $18 million in debt.

Spider-Man Far From Home Film Review

By Deangelo Hawkins-Clay · Sunday, July 14, 2019

Tom Holland continues to hold the mantle as our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man in this fun, emotionally impactful sequel to Spider-Man Homecoming.

Review: Machine Gun Kelly's "Hotel Diablo"

By Curtis Dinwiddie · Sunday, July 14, 2019

Cleveland rapper Machine Gun Kelly has made a rebirthing comeback to the mainstream on July 5 to deliver his genre-blending fourth album, “Hotel Diablo”. This new LP is a new awakening of divisive content as Baker seems to be more open on his life struggles and musical altercations.

‘Good Omens’ review: Laughing through the end times

By Patricia Mulroy · Friday, July 12, 2019

As May came to a close, so did the world of Amazon Prime's newest series, “Good Omens.” Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, the series follows an unlikely pair that try to stop the end of the world, fool their respective bosses and save mankind.

Opinion: EMU should provide digital newspaper subscriptions to students

By Heather Weigel · Thursday, July 11, 2019

Our university is supposed to be equipped with tools which help its students. Access to accurate media sources for all students would be a worthy investment if EMU is serious about its commitment to supporting students’ education and cultural/political awareness.

Opinion: The most likely path forward for a Democratic senate

By Austin Elliott · Tuesday, July 9, 2019

While so much attention is on the White House, let’s not forget to be fully offensive in the Senate and House. In a year that is predicted to be very good for Democrats, let’s use that energy to coast to victory everywhere in 2020.

Opinion: Twitter takedowns versus necessary nuance

By Heather Weigel · Saturday, July 6, 2019

The spread of misinformation is rampant in the internet age. This includes information about politicians, and is evident in a Twitter thread involving Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), the presidential candidate seeing a surge in polling since she confronted Joe Biden.

Opinion: Inconsistent gun laws threaten both constitutional rights and public safety

By Heather Weigel · Saturday, July 6, 2019

The issues of criminal justice reform and gun reform are closely tied and often contradictory. Several states are trying to define how they intersect amidst an active gun lobby and powerless federal government.