Opinions - The Eastern Echo

26 Days Later: The Shutdown Needs To End

By Rylee Barnsdale · Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019

As of Jan. 16, the government shutdown has lasted twenty-six days. It is now the longest shutdown in U.S. history. How concerned should the average citizen be, and what are the effects of such a long shutdown?

New Coach, New Results?

By Hayden Vassar · Friday, Jan. 18, 2019

James Patton was named the new offensive line coach for the Eastern Michigan football team by head coach Chris Creighton on Jan. 16, and that should have fans, myself included, very excited. Patton was the offensive quality control assistant for the University of Pittsburgh the past two seasons.

Warren 2020

By Austin Elliott · Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

On Dec. 31, 2018, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts announced the formation of an exploratory committee. She was the first major Democratic candidate to officially put her name in the running for the likely crowded 2020 field. As a strong progressive and consumer advocate, will she make a good candidate to face Trump in a general election?

What’s New In The NBA

By Luke Gremban · Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019

With the holiday season come and gone and the football season in the past, it’s time to focus on the wonderful sport of basketball.

Social Media's Impact on Body Image

By Ally Graham · Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019

Whether it’s photos at the beach, a night out with friends, or selfies with your cat, we all tend to share the best parts of our life on social media. But for some people, social media has turned into something much more serious.

Should Free Speech Be Regulated On Campus?

By Austin Elliott · Monday, Jan. 14, 2019

On December 9th, a reporter for the Echo spotted a message on the freedom walls condemning anti-semitism had been tampered with. A week later, an alt-right message was painted on the same wall. To what degree should free speech be protected on campus?

How To Meet Your New Year's Resolutions

By LaDaisha Greenfield · Monday, Jan. 14, 2019

The arrival of a new year comes with the opportunity to have a fresh start in life. From losing weight and hitting the gym, to putting time aside to study, whatever resolution you want to fulfill for 2019, these four tips can help you meet your goals.

A Call to Humanity

By Sarah Weiss · Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018

When you encounter antisemitism—or racism, Islamophobia, sexism, homophobia, or any of the myriad other forms of prejudice, discrimination, hatred, or xenophobia which run rampant in our society—don’t turn away.

Jewish Lives Taken by a White Supremacist

How Should We Address Prejudice On Campus

By Austin Elliott · Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018

On Dec. 9, a journalist for the Eastern Echo reported that a message condemning anti-semitism on the freedom walls had been tampered with. Remaining silent when this kind of speech emerges sends a message of consent. The students of EMU stand with the Jewish community as we fight to create a more unified campus.

Is Kamala Harris The Next Progressive Champion?

By Austin Elliott · Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018

As a biracial woman, Kamala Harris made history as the first Indian-American to serve in the Senate, and just the second African-American woman to do so. As one of the more popular potential candidates for the 2020 race, will she also become the first woman president?

Holiday Self Care

By Rylee Barnsdale · Monday, Dec. 10, 2018

The holidays are coming up, and most of us are getting ready to head home for winter break. Balancing the pros and cons of leaving for break can be daunting, but I break down some things to be thankful for and ways to cope with stressful families.

Democrats Aren’t Looking For Pragmatic

By Austin Elliott · Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018

Klobuchar is a centrist democrat, mirroring many of the policy positions of Hillary Clinton in 2016. One of her campaign values involves fixing and expanding the Affordable Care Act and expanding existing programs like social security and medicaid. She’s also made it a priority to reduce prescription drug prices by boosting competition and allowing imported medicine from Canada.

Five Myths About Finals Week

By Rylee Barnsdale · Friday, Nov. 30, 2018

The amounts of pressure students feel the need to place on themselves when finals week rears its ugly head every year is, in all honesty, too extreme. The following are some myths surrounding finals preparation and why you shouldn’t be worried.

It’s Time to Talk About Job Automation

By Austin Elliott · Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018

It is estimated that as many as half of American workers have the potential to find their jobs replaced by technology in the next couple of decades. With a shifting technological landscape, will job growth keep pace with job loss?

A Feminist Response To The Shelving Of The Vagina Monologues

By Leah Minadeo · Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018

Recently, the Women’s Resource Center announced it would end productions of The Vagina Monologues. The reason? It’s insufficiently diverse and inclusive. First, let me be clear that I agree with that assessment, and I claim no attachment to the continuation of the monologues. But even as a queer feminist, soon to be graduating from Eastern’s Women’s and Gender Studies program, I write this: it’s a terrible mistake to end the monologues on a basis that boils down to The Vagina Monologues do it wrong.

Bernie 2020

By Austin Elliott · Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018

What propelled Sanders from being a relatively unknown Senator from Vermont to a household name was his populist campaign that promised Americans an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy. His message resonated with those who are tired of the status quo.

Should We Look Forward To The Future NFL?

By Luke Gremban · Monday, Nov. 26, 2018

Last Monday was one of the most exciting football games I have ever witnessed. The Kansas City Chiefs took on the Los Angeles Rams in a battle that best compared to Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali exchanging punches through 15 rounds. By the end of the game both teams totaled 105 points, 1001 yards and 7 turnovers. I loved it.

Beto 2020

By Austin Elliott · Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018

The 2018 election has officially wrapped up and whispers of potential candidates to face President Trump in 2020 have begun to spread. Beto O’Rourke is one of those people.

Low-angle photo of U.S. flag placed on gray pole.

Reflecting On The Midterm Elections

By Stewart B. Epstein · Monday, Nov. 19, 2018

I am at a loss to know what to do with certain thoughts and feelings following the mid-term elections.

The Blue Wave Was a Success

By Austin Elliott · Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018

The Democrats have, so far, flipped 32 House seats. It’s estimated the total will climb to 38 seats once all votes have been counted. Democrats have also flipped seven governorships, including in Kansas, which is typically a ruby-red state. I’d call that a wave.