Opinions - The Eastern Echo

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.

Opinion: Immigration crisis desperately needs more attention

By Austin Elliott · Friday, July 5, 2019

Democratic members of Congress toured an immigrant detention facility on Monday, and the report from their trip is truly horrifying. Tweet after tweet, those that went on the tour exposed the inhumane conditions under which migrants are being held. They also discussed the violent and careless atmosphere that surrounded the Customs and Border Protection officers.

Opinion: Our society's obsession with wealth needs to stop

By Ally Graham · Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Our generation’s obsession with wealth is making us more shallow, materialistic people. At the end of the day, money is just exchangeable paper, and though it is a necessity in life, it shouldn’t be what we chase after.

The American flag protruding from a podium

Opinion: Democratic food fight, a recap of the first round of debates

By Heather Weigel · Tuesday, July 2, 2019

The two DNC-sponsored Debates on Wednesday, June 26 and Thursday, June 27 showed America the divides that exist within the Democratic Party and the debate capabilities of Democratic candidates vying to take on President Trump next November.

Opinion: Restoring Depot Town’s Thompson Block building is both good and bad

By Marcus Lawniczak · Friday, June 28, 2019

Revitalizing the long abandoned and crumbling Thompson Block building in Depot Town will be great for Ypsilanti’s economy, but will also have some clear and long term negatives.

Inslee at the State of the State address in Washington 2019

Opinion: Jay Inslee's climate change plan is critical to 2020 Democratic primary

By Austin Elliott · Thursday, June 27, 2019

Democratic presidential candidate Jay Inslee recently released a 30-page plan to combat climate change, by far the most comprehensive climate plan of any presidential candidate.

HBO's Euphoria displays an accurate vision of storytelling for current generation

By Deangelo Hawkins-Clay · Tuesday, June 25, 2019

The HBO series Euphoria, starring Zendaya, is getting attention for its use of TV to show the effects of addiction and chasing after that ever-elusive euphoria.

Healthy relationships: recognizing, developing and maintaining them

By Ally Graham · Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Despite our common fear or loneliness and confrontation, it’s okay to be able to look at a negative relationship or person in your life and decide you don’t have any use for them anymore.

Opinion: Gary Peters has a lot of work to do before 2020

By Austin Elliott · Thursday, June 20, 2019

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) is up for reelection in 2020 and his first major competitor, John James, recently announced his candidacy. As a stronger-than-expected contender for U.S. Senate in 2018, Democrats are worried that the Michigan seat is now competitive.

Opinion: Elizabeth Warren's policy-centric primary strategy is pivotal

By Heather Weigel · Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Using policy as a focal point seems like something from a political science student’s dream. Warren has found a way to make it legitimate and hip.