Opinions

Give rich some gratitude, not grief

By Neil Weinberg · Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011

Despite the two-year deal reached at the end of last year, we probably haven’t heard the last of the tax cut debate. Before we know it, it’ll be campaign season again and our leaders will be out on the trail, telling us why we need to make the cuts permanent or why we need to raise the rates on the top one or two percent of the population.

High school sports are about fun, too

By Jesse Peck · Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011

In the case of high school sports, most parents encourage their children to play to develop their interests. They want their kids to find what they like to do and to learn social skills and discipline so they can perform with a team in a parent-independent way.

Working class rising in Africa, Middle East

By Clement Daly · Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011

The past weeks have seen the re-emergence of the working class as a powerful political social force in Northern Africa and the Middle East.

Easy green changes save money, time

By Erica Mooney · Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011

Our world runs at a hectic, and sometimes overwhelming, pace. We demand fast access to goods and services to satisfy our whims. All of these choices come with external costs.

Let Egyptians take care of their own

By Neil Weinberg · Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011

They rioted in Tunisia and now they’re rioting Egypt. They’re burning buildings, taking to the streets and calling for a new regime. It’s the match being held to the fuse.

'Free-Marketeers' have it wrong

By James Tatum · Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Athos, Porthos and Aramis, the crusaders from the novel “The Three Musketeers” by Alexandre Dumas reminded me of another trio of crusaders in America: Alan Greenspan, Ron Paul and Glenn Beck.

‘Trenta’ is too much

By Chris Hoitash · Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Starbucks is adding a new drink size, according to Reuters. The article states “Starbucks Corp will roll out its biggest drink size yet – the 31-ounce ‘Trenta’ – in all of its U.S. coffee shops by May 3, the company said on Sunday. The new size will be available only for iced coffee, iced tea and iced tea lemonade drinks in the United States. The Trenta is 7 ounces larger than Starbucks’ ‘Venti’ cup for iced drinks, which currently is its largest size on offer.”

All tests are not beneficial

By Jumanah Saadeh · Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

Despite the lack of enthusiasm students have for tests, a recent article in the New York Times titled, “To really learn, quit studying and take a test,” says they actually help students remember material in class.

What's the point of driving drunk?

By Neil Weinberg · Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

In an effort to combat drunk driving over the holidays, police officers in Michigan stepped up the number of patrols and traffic stops. Between Dec. 16-Jan. 2, officers around the state arrested 356 suspected drunk drivers and hundreds of others suspected of lesser crimes.

Legislation on drugs needs retooling

By Kody Klein · Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011

I will admit as readily as anyone America has a raging drug problem. However, I dissent from popular anti-drug dogma.

Avoid abominable drivers this winter

By Jesse Peck · Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011

It’s winter, everyone, and what do we all have to expect? Majestic, white wonderlands, graceful falling flakes and a festive cheery atmosphere. Unfortunately, with those things come poor road conditions and the inevitable subzero temperatures associated with the winter months. My advice? Bundle up and avoid driving at all costs. Now don’t get me wrong, I like the season and people in general, but what is it about winter that brings the most inept and bad decision-making drivers in the world out of the woodwork? Is it just me, because if it is I’ll shut up, or am I of a common mind when I think a light powdering of snow on the road doesn’t necessitate driving under the speed limit by 15 miles per hour? Those people, to me, are among the most annoying people in existence, but I digress.

Sudanese voters set example for U.S.

By Erica Mooney · Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011

Not more than two weeks ago, the international news community was positively buzzing with coverage of a vote for independence in Sudan. The nation has been plagued with devastating poverty, two civil wars and continuing violence since its independence from Egypt and Britain in 1956. Conflict is centered between the Arab-cultured North and the traditional African religion and social structure of the South.

Corporate interests cripple U.S. voters

By James Tatum · Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

I recently started reading a book titled, “What’s the Matter with Kansas” by Thomas Frank. Frank, a native of Kansas, investigated and questioned how his home state full of rural farmers and a once bedrock of liberalism could become the deeply red state it is today.

Healthcare reform distracts Democrats

By Chris Hoitash · Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

Democrats are preparing to counter-attack the Republicans’ vote to repeal the healthcare reform. Specifically the Democrats want to “plan hometown attacks on many of the 62 House Republicans representing districts President Barack Obama carried on 2008, according to a Politico article.

Facebook is not good use of time

By Jumanah Saadeh · Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

Have you ever thought about the amount of time you spend on Facebook? Or if you don’t have a profile, the amount of time other people spend on Facebook?

Obama steps up as leader in Tucson speech

By Neil Weinberg · Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

It was a strange site last Wednesday evening in Tucson when the president spoke at the memorial service for the victims of Jan. 8th’s tragedy. His eulogy was often interrupted for applause and cheering in a scene more fitting the State of the Union than a gathering to honor the fallen.

Church, state separation needs to stay in America

By James Tatum · Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011

During a recent senatorial debate in Delaware, Republican candidate Christine O’Donnell made the mistake of saying the “separation of church and state” does not appear in the Constitution.

GOP agenda might disappoint voters

By Chris Hoitash · Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011

The GOP is preparing its agenda, according to an Associated Press article. Its main plan is “to cut spending, roll back President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul and prevent unelected bureaucrats from expanding the government’s role in society through regulations that tell people what they must or can’t do.”

Eating by yourself could be unhealthy

By Jumanah Saadeh · Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011

In our society, we are programmed to eat while watching a screen. Getting together with friends to watch a movie? Order a pizza. Going to the theaters? Wait in line for a bucket of popcorn. Watching television after a long day of classes? Pull the chips out of the pantry.

'Huck Finn' revision bad idea

By Neil Weinberg · Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011

In 11th grade, my American Literature class read “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” At the time, I was a little more concerned about the Tigers’ march to the World Series than one of the classic American novels, but I do have one pretty strong memory from the two or three weeks the class spent discussing the book.

Latest Podcast

Introducing The Eastern Echo’s newest event and news based podcast, Scoop on the Scene. These weekly episodes will be hosted by the organization’s Digital Editor, Julez DeShetler. She intends to bring awareness to the events happening on an around campus to Echo listeners.

DeShetler’s goal with the podcast is to encourage students and community members to get involved in an educated, safe and fun manner. She will list various events to choose from in addition to sharing the key details of said events.

These podcasts can be expected to come out near the weekends and be no longer than 10-15 minutes.

For the week of Sept. 14 to Sept. 20, DeShetler includes events such as sports, a pub crawl, yoga, a movie in the park, Study Abroad Fair and training sessions.

Be sure to tune in weekly to stay up to date on all the Eastern Michigan and Ypsilanti amusement!

Listen to this week’s episode here:

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