Unfounded Concerns: Legalizing marijuana would solve problems
Ann Arbor's marijuana-possession law is under fire. Sen. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, wants the city to repeal its lenient marijuana-possession penalty or else face state budget sanctions. Ann Arbor's marijuana-possession law is the only municipality statute in Michigan that is lower than the state standard in its penalty confines. This amendment, while marring the city's ability to make it's own laws, is unequivocally interdicting the possession of a substance that should be legalized.
Health crisis: Patient bill of rights will curb HMOs' power
If President Bill Clinton gets his wish, Americans covered by health maintenance organizations may soon gain leverage in opposing the practices of their HMOs. At a White House rally last Tuesday, Clinton urged Congress to support a forthcoming patient bill of rights that would guarantee certain basic privileges to HMO clients. Lauded by Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala as a means of improving access to health care, the proposal would clarify the entitlements due to all HMO clients.
Dangerous pursuits: Police chases raise questions of accountability
Police sirens flash as civilian cars attempt to steer towards safety. Pedestrians scramble from the street. Such sights are common when a high-speed police chase is in motion. On Tuesday, in a case determining whether police officers could be sued for liability in high speed pursuits, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of law enforcers' general unaccountability for the results of chasing those who flee. While the high court's show of support for police officers is appropriate, the wording of the decision leaves too much leeway for abuses to go unpunished.
To parent or not to parent, should that be the question?
The members of the class of 1998 at Barnard College in New York City received an interesting message during their commencement. Joyce Purnick, the metro editor of The New York Times, gave the keynote speech at the college, her alma mater. She warned the members of the all-female graduating class that they may some day have to choose between having children and excelling in their career.
A job after college may be the beginning of the end
I address the following question to all readers out there who, like myself, are making the admirable attempt to be functioning members of the so-called "real world."
06-01-98
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