Opinions - The Eastern Echo

Supply side economics lives in today's politics

By Tom Brandt · Saturday, May 26, 2012

It’s finally dawning on American voters that our political views have become every bit as “faith-based” as our religious beliefs.

The issue of moving money

By Chris Hoitash · Saturday, May 26, 2012

Ann Arbor is a fun place to visit, assuming you want to brave the traffic or take a bus. Be careful, though — I think the place’s craziness is contagious.

It's time to eat healthier America, seriously

By Sammy DeMarco · Monday, May 21, 2012

Remember that New Year’s resolution to lose weight? How’s the progress coming?

Entitlement isn't going to really help you out in the real world

By Silvana Taylor · Monday, May 21, 2012

How seriously do we take our responsibilities and our lot in life? There is a striking difference in the reality of someone who can rely on parents or other family members to carry them until a certain age and the reality of someone who must fend for him- or herself.

It’s sad, but we really do need to pay taxes

By Chris Hoitash · Monday, May 14, 2012

Benjamin Franklin said there are two things certain in life: death and taxes. Unfortunately, Americans really don’t like paying taxes. We have managed to turn avoiding taxes into an Olympic level sport, to a point where the country’s very financial survival is in doubt.

Supporting equal rights... Good job Obama

By Sammy DeMarco · Monday, May 14, 2012

I observed two things while traveling the country by road last week. First, riding with the windows down while jamming Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Freebird” still rocks. Second, last week’s radio waves were dominated by right-wing hate peddling yakkies drumming up anger over President Barack Obama’s assertion that he supported gay marriage.

Relationships, jobs, where do priorities really fall?

By Silvana Taylor · Monday, May 7, 2012

Few people would disagree that our proudest and most accomplished moments in life become worth more to us when we have someone with which to share them.

It'll take more than just passion

By Patrick Seick · Monday, May 7, 2012

Recently, hundreds of students graduated from Eastern Michigan University. Decorated caps, rehearsed congratulations and high spirits characterized the time and elders hoped to imbue the graduates with a completely uninhibited optimism.

Success is found in confidence

By Jimmy King · Wednesday, April 25, 2012

After four long, challenging years at Eastern Michigan University, I find myself at a crossroads. I am very pleased with myself.

Graduates need more than a degree

By Silvana Taylor · Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The most arguably nerve wracking part of pursuing a college education is reaching the goal and graduating.

Paul could save GOP

By Chris Hoitash · Sunday, April 22, 2012

With Mitt Romney nearly guaranteed as the Republican Party candidate for the 2012 Presidential election, media efforts have turned to gleaning who will be his running mate.

Partisanship in Congress will thwart all compromising efforts

By Patrick Seick · Sunday, April 22, 2012

Warren Buffett, the outspoken business billionaire, published a well-known editorial a few months ago in The New York Times that criticized what he called a “billionaire-friendly Congress.” As a result, the “Buffett Rule” was devised, a measure motivated more by politics than economics.

Take pride in where you're from

By Neil Weinberg · Sunday, April 22, 2012

I signed onto The Echo in January 2009 and penned my first column about the need to hold President Obama accountable for his campaign promises.

Romney introvert, not robot

By James Tatum · Wednesday, April 18, 2012

In March, I wrote an op-ed titled “Robotic Romney too fake to support,” in which I might have been too harsh on Mitt Romney.

Stay informed, speak up

By Silvana Taylor · Wednesday, April 18, 2012

When immigrants wish to become naturalized United States citizens, they are expected to take an exam administered by the U.S.

Detroit's draft options limited

By Jimmy King · Wednesday, April 18, 2012

The Detroit Lions’ off-season has been one from the seventh circle of hell. With the 2012 NFL Draft a week away, the Lions have had their fair share of off-season problems.

Look forward to your job

By Chris Hoitash · Sunday, April 15, 2012

For those curious if the University of Michigan will continue to annoy Michiganders, the answer is yes.

USA is depressed

By Patrick Seick · Sunday, April 15, 2012

One of my daily rituals is to read the day’s tweets, sort of like a modern day reading of the newspaper.

To know America, know Simpsons

By Neil Weinberg · Sunday, April 15, 2012

This week marks the 25th anniversary of the first appearance of TV’s most iconic family, “The Simpsons,” on the “Tracy Ullman Show.” Take a moment to think about how old that makes you feel. Countless essays tell the story of the family living at 742 Evergreen Terrace and this is a daunting column to write because what could I say about “The Simpsons” that hasn’t already been said? While I can proudly say I’ve seen every Simpsons episode ever made (many more than once), and could likely go round for round in some kind of trivia knowledge contest against anyone short of the Comic Book Guy or the nerds Homer lived with at Springfield University, it’s hard to have something original to say about a show that’s been around longer than I’ve been alive. But there’s something about the show that has always captivated me, and I finally got a grasp on what it was a few years ago in a high school literature class. Aside from being extraordinarily clever and enjoyable, “The Simpsons” is a cultural phenomenon.

Do you really know what's in your meat?

By James Tatum · Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Earlier this month, Gov. Terry Branstad (R-Iowa), Gov. Rick Perry (R-Tex.) and Gov. Sam Brownback (R-Kans.) rode off into the Midwest to save the damsel in distress – the meatpacking industry.