Opinions - The Eastern Echo

Afirmative Action under microscope at U of Texas

By Silvana Taylor · Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012

The University of Texas put an interesting spin on the tired debate concerning affirmative action when Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito challenged a particular statement within a brief from the university.

Strong personalities can fight gridlock

By Chris Hoitash · Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012

America is divided. Partisanship has fractured the nation, immobilizing our government and rendering any meaningful discussion fruitless and a wasted effort.

Capitalism is broken: Poor becoming serfs

By James Tatum · Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012

There is a problem in this country that neither the incumbent president nor the new contender for the presidency seems prepared to address: American capitalism doesn’t work.

Foreign policy important factor in election

By Patrick Seick · Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012

The presidential race has been interesting to say the least, particularly in the last few weeks. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney had an excellent debate performance in Denver, President Barack Obama benefited from the unemployment rate dropping to a notably low 7.8 percent and Sesame Street’s Big Bird may possibly sue for defamation.

Debate energizes Romney campaign

By David Konarske · Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012

The president was the favorite against Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney leading into the first debate last week, but he came out looking like the challenger.

High heels too painful

By Jodi F. Bullock · Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012

Look down at the shoes of women around Eastern Michigan University’s campus on a typical day of school and you’ll see that, for the most part, women in this area make sensible choices: sneakers, flats and the unfortunately ubiquitous Uggs.

Time to invest in public infrastructure

By Sammy DeMarco · Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012

When is the right time to invest in national infrastructure? Is it before a bridge collapses? Perhaps when the economy is down and an infusion of jobs is needed?

Candidates need open, honest discussion

By Chris Hoitash · Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012

The first presidential debate of 2012, let’s do this. In what came as a surprise to probably everyone, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney came across as the clear winner.

EMI says reselling purchased tracks is wrong

By Robert Uldricks · Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012

When you buy a toaster, don’t you have the right to resell it? Apparently troubled record label EMI Music thinks differently. Earlier this year, EMI sued startup company ReDigi.com for what it claims is copyright infringement.

Obama chuckles at weed

By James Tatum · Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012

Often before more youthful crowds when the question of marijuana legalization arises, President Barack Obama displays an annoying habit: He chuckles.

Music was once complex, now generic, uncreative

By Michael Dietlin · Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012

It’s occurred to me recently that the music we listen to is subtly changing. This change is understandable as music (like many things) evolves over time. But, in recent years, can we say we’ve had a part in this evolution?

Homecoming is a fun way to show spirit

By Patrick Seick · Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012

If you haven’t noticed the chalk on the sidewalks around Eastern Michigan University’s campus, random strangers asking for your vote on your emich.edu account or Eagle Nation’s energized (perhaps even more energized than usual) personnel, I should inform you that it’s that special time of year: Homecoming.

Citizenship question simple, protects ballot

By David Konarske · Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012

This fall, the American Civil Liberties Union is challenging an important question being asked before a person receives a ballot to vote, “Are you a US citizen?” The question represents the fact that voting is a constitutional right reserved for U.S. citizens only. Why is it a bad thing?

Bike riding is safe

By Jodi F. Bullock · Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012

In Michigan, there are no laws requiring anyone to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. But while the law has nothing to say on the matter, the perceived danger of riding a bike without a helmet effectively discourages regular and casual bike riding, making cyclists less safe.

Radical social stances hinder Romney campaign

By Casey Wooley · Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012

Though much of the current chatter around political circles is centered on the economy and President Barack Obama’s performance on fixing it, presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s campaign has struggled to stay on message to hammer home the president’s performance in his first term.

Saginaw police earn public mistrust

By Ashley G. Terrell · Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012

Violent demises in my hometown sadly have come to a point where they are now common – one tale more horrific than the last.

Detroit needs to clean

By Chris Hoitash · Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012

Belle Isle has seen better days, and by that I mean it’s kind of full of garbage. Some people, including Michigan’s government, are trying to fix that.

Approval of Proposal 6 would damage Michigan

By Robert Uldricks · Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012

This year in Michigan I’ve noticed a disturbing new trend that I call “bridge bashing,” and it has manifested itself as Proposal 6 on the November ballot.

Combat drones kill 176 children in Pakistan

By James Tatum · Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012

I know the Obama administration doesn’t like to kill children, but it has, and it does.

Tigers’ chance to make playoffs slim to none

By David Konarske · Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012

For the first time since 2006, I anticipate the end of this year’s professional baseball season. Why? Because the Detroit Tigers have severely underperformed based on expectations and payroll. There were great expectations for the Tigers’ 2012 season and nobody expected the season to come down to this.