Opinions - The Eastern Echo

Student Debt

By Sammy DeMarco · Monday, June 25, 2012

Fall 2012 will see another wave of students entering another college semester. For some it will be their first. Incoming freshmen should ask themselves two questions: How will students and their parents pay for it? And is the four-year college track really the right one for them?

Michigan GOP keeping out of people's pockets but invading women's skirts

By Sammy DeMarco · Monday, June 18, 2012

“Elbow.” Imagine being suspended from class for calling out a part of the human anatomy during an open discussion about the body. That is essentially what happened to Democratic State Rep. Lisa Brown last week as she spoke against the Michigan House Republicans’ effort to make Michigan the most restrictive state on abortion.

Stuck in the middle: US middle class left stagnant

By Chris Hoitash · Monday, June 18, 2012

The middle class has taken it on the chin during past economic crises. Most of America has, to be fair, but the middle class in particular seems to be the hardest hurt in the long term.

Public needs common sense if held responsible for bettering society

By Chris Hoitash · Monday, June 11, 2012

New York City is a big place. So it’s not surprising that it has its fair share of political kooks with nutty ideas they think are the answer to America’s problems.

Knowing what the different classifications of nonprofits represent

By Sammy DeMarco · Monday, June 11, 2012

Last week the New York Times ran two editorials calling attention to a new flood of secret money in politics and calling for the Internal Revenue Service to act.

Media handing out special treatment

By Aaron Huff · Monday, June 4, 2012

Last week I was reflecting on all the newsworthy stories of the spring, when I came upon a stirring conclusion about Detroit. Being strained by both financial and criminal problems, it seems to be falling further into peril with each sunset.

Get the hint: Don't be a clinger, it isn't flattering

By Silvana Taylor · Monday, June 4, 2012

One of the many privileges that some people often enjoy when in a relationship is dictating how a significant other spends his or her time and complaining if it is not within expectations. When people who are not in an exclusive relationship try to do this however, they become a clinger.

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.