Opinions

Cowboy capitalists: Winning by breaking the rules

By John G. Fike · Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014

The only way cowboy capitalists win is by breaking the rules. On an even playing field, abiding by the rules and regulations laid down by government, they can’t survive. Cowboy capitalists are the corporate globalization wizards, pushing “free-market” fundamentalism, privatization of the public sphere, de-regulation, and freedom from taxation.

A Thanksgiving in retail

By Andrew Kocis · Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014

Thanksgiving is the holiday for family. Unlike every other holiday we celebrate, Thanksgiving is the only one we dedicate to coming together with our families, both extended and immediate, in order to enjoy each other’s company, eat an excessive amount of food and bond over how thankful we all are to be together.

EMU graduate Joseph Sobran's thoughts on agnosticism

By C.A. Joseph Peters · Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014

Ypsilanti-born journalist Joseph Sobran, who received his B.A. in English from Eastern Michigan University, went on to become a specialist in Shakespearean studies.

Examining agnosticism

By C.A. Joseph Peters · Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014

If one was unsure whether fall or winter was the more beautiful season or whether Chopin or Mozart was the more masterful composer, the disagreement which would ensue would be purely academic.

Women need more sensible winter boot options

By Jennifer Kirby · Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014

The season of unique scarf, hat, and glove fashions is upon us. Winter-wear is now sold across the Midwest in all colors, patterns and styles.

What do we have to be thankful for?

By Jane Elizabeth · Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014

Growing up, my parents were very instrumental in making sure that Thanksgiving was a day on which we made time to pause and think about the past year and all the things we were thankful for.

Overweight women face too much discrimination in the workplace

By Lamaria Reed · Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014

We are often told that in order to be something in life, we ought to work hard. Through hard work and dedication we will rise to the top. For some that is true.

Smell the roses

By John G. Fike · Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014

When I first joined the workforce in the late sixties, a popular expression was “don’t work so hard -- take time to smell the roses.” The implication was that we’re in this life to enjoy ourselves and the world around us, not just to work and “get ahead.” Balance was a watchword. Those among us with “Type A” personalities--the strivers and over-achievers--were admonished to slow down, take the time to relieve our stress by valuing enjoyment of nature or time to reflect and evaluate who we were and what we were doing. Sadly, those days are over.

Lame duck, lame voters

By David Konarske · Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014

Recently, the Michigan State Senate’s bill to raise fuel taxes to improve the roads passed by a 23 to 14 vote, in the lame duck session. For those who do not know, a lame duck session is the time between the election and the beginning of the new state senate term.

Democrats and Republicans

By Jennifer Kirby · Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014

As I am sure you know, Election Day has just passed. I have to admit I am very glad. Politics are almost impossible to get away from, as are conversations about them.

Democrats lack a defining message

By Andrew Kocis · Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014

Elections were last week and many predictions over their outcome came true. The Democrats lost seven contested Senate races against Republican challengers and incumbents, which cost the Democrats control of the Senate.

What did the midterm elections mean for Michigan this year?

By Jane Elizabeth · Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014

Setting aside all of the Democrat and Republican shuffling around, Michigan’s 2014 election this year centered on wolves.

Retribution for the masses, not the criminals

By John G. Fike · Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014

Americans like to punish people. Despite research in fields like sociology and psychology advising that its effects are mostly harmful, retribution, for real or imagined sins, is a tradition we embrace fondly. Since colonial times, we’ve meted out punishment for whatever powerful people thought was “bad” behavior.

Obama's surveillance state

By Alison Basely · Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014

Silencing political opponents, spying on enemies of the U.S., quarantining the diseased or suspected, and executing traitors without trial is nothing new for the United States government. Americans were subject to the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 under President John Adams which increased the residency requirement for American citizenship from five to fourteen years, authorized the president to imprison or deport aliens considered "dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States" and restricted speech critical of the government.

Old GM and New GM

By James Tatum · Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014

This past week, General Motors Co. was in court over a lawsuit filed by owners of vehicles that have been found to have an ignition switch defect. A defect that has been linked to 29 deaths. And the company’s opening argument to defend itself was essentially, “Oh, no, that wasn’t us that produced those defective vehicles. That was Old G.M. We’re New G.M.”

Aquaman deserves more respect

By Andrew Kocis · Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014

When you mention Aquaman most people will probably snicker and laugh. People will probably tell okes about him only being able to talk to fish. Someone will say he has all the powers of Spongebob Squarepants, and everyone will laugh about how worthless Aquaman is compared to Superman and Batman. This is mostly because of his comical appearance on the 1973 cartoon “Super Friends” and the Cartoon Network shorts we probably grew up watching. But Aquaman is anything but a joke.