Opinions - The Eastern Echo

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.

Opinion: Fragile masculinity is out - real men cry

By Ally Graham · Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Telling young boys to “man up” and “don’t be a girl” seems to have created more negative effects than expected. But does repressing natural emotions really prove you are “manly”?

Dark Phoenix: Film Review

By Deangelo Hawkins-Clay · Thursday, June 13, 2019

Dark Phoenix is an all-powerful mutant character who also goes by the name Jean Grey. Some call the saga one of the best comic book series ever made. Having already attempted the storyline in the not-so-great “The Last Stand” with critical disapproval, imagine the hype when fans of the storyline discovered it would get a second chance, but this time with a younger set of characters.

MA: Movie Review

By Deangelo Hawkins-Clay · Thursday, June 13, 2019

“Ma,” starring Octavia Spencer, is about a mysterious villain who opens her home to numerous teens after purchasing them alcohol at the local liquor store. But the situation soon turns into their worst nightmare.

Opinion: John James is anything but a conservative outsider

By Marcus Lawniczak · Thursday, June 13, 2019

Failed 2018 Senate candidate John James announced that he will be running for the Senate again in 2020. The Republican is a self-proclaimed “conservative outsider,” but his 2018 campaign, policy positions and strong support from President Trump suggest the opposite.

Opinion: Straight pride is not happening

By Ally Graham · Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Heterosexual and cis-gendered people seem to be missing the point of pride month and instead insisting on a celebration of their own. In instances such as raising awareness of the struggles within a community, there are cases of being too inclusive.

Opinion: Buttigieg's plan for democratic reform is necessary

By Austin Elliott · Tuesday, June 11, 2019

In a time when voters seem apathetic to our system of government, Pete Buttigieg has a plan to restore power to the people and restore faith in our democracy.

Opinion: Candidates should support felon enfranchisement in 2020

By Heather Weigel · Friday, June 7, 2019

A nationwide assurance that former felons are re-enfranchised is a necessary and practical step to improving our criminal justice system.

Movie Review: Booksmart's representation is groundbreaking

By Deangelo Hawkins-Clay · Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Booksmart is a cult classic in the making.

Aladdin: Movie Review

By Deangelo Hawkins-Clay · Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Disney's second live action film of 2019 had huge promise and popularity but did it meet its incredibly high expectations?

Opinion: Michigan auto insurance reform a great first step

By Austin Elliott · Wednesday, June 5, 2019

The changes to Michigan’s auto insurance should bring about tangible benefits to Michiganders. While there are some shortcomings of the law, it’s a good result considering the deadlock the legislature has faced for years while trying to pass reforms.

Book review: Rebel, Women Who Dare, inspires and educates

By Bianca Ramsey · Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Beverly Jenkins talks about her new book for the Le Veq series and its message.

Opinion: Hookup culture both dominates and diminishes self-worth

By Ally Graham · Monday, June 3, 2019

The gaining popularity of hookup culture is altering our generation in more ways than one. Is this careless, fun outlook taking millennials down a road of empowerment or a slippery slope to a depressive state?

Opinion: Warren's student debt forgiveness proposal is good for America

By Austin Elliott · Friday, May 31, 2019

Sen. Elizabeth Warren unveiled last month her plan for student loan debt forgiveness and universal college. With obvious benefits for lower and middle-class families, the plan also shows promise for some of America’s most struggling families.