Crucial referendum: Ypsilanti votes on discrimination ordinance
Today, voters in Ypsilanti will go to the polls to decide whether a controversial ordinance banning discrimination should be reinstated or repealed. The ordinance became the subject of much debate because it extends protection to those discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation. In a country still struggling against intolerance, this ordinance is critical to insuring that all residents have the same rights and opportunities. Voters in Ypsilanti should vote in favor of reinstating the ordinance.
Three strikes: Engler forgets his support of term limits
Last week, Gov. John Engler began his 10-day, 39-city tour entitled "Michigan First in the 21st Century Bus Tour." With this tour, Engler officially begins his campaign to become Michigan's governor for a third term. Engler's decision to seek the governor's position contradicts a promise he made eight years ago to serve only two terms. For a political figure to maintain his or her integrity, it is important that he or she follow through on campaign commitments. Engler's latest change of mind illustrates the lack of integrity that prevents him from being a commendable governor.
A search for meaning: MEAP test loses support of students
The Michigan Education Assessment Program test is a familiar hurdle for high school juniors to clear on their way to graduation. Recently, many juniors have opted out of the test, in the belief that this particular assessment holds no real meaning for students, and can only hurt their academic reputations. Clearly, the state should take measures to evaluate questions regarding the test's usefulness and determine if the test can be revised so that it benefits student interests.
The best way to deal with the Klan is to leave them alone
On June 22, 1996, the Ku Klux Klan descended on Ann Arbor. By the end of the day, eight people were hospitalized, eight more arrested, and the city found itself with a huge bill for the inadequate protection it afforded the group and its protesters. On Saturday, the loony tunes will once again congregate at the intersection of Fifth and Huron. Yes, the Ku Klux Klan will be there, but so will numerous people hell-bent on preventing the Klan from saying anything. City Hall will temporarily become a minefield of hatred and anger - from both sides.
With my cap, gown, and free mug, I've graduated
I walked down the pavement to the front door of the bookstore. This is it, I thought. I'm going to buy my cap and gown - those mighty vestiges of change; those symbols of transition and adulthood; those markers of the final, ultimate step from youth to adulthood. The cap and gown. I savored the feeling. For the first time all year, I was actually excited about graduation. I had picked up the graduation tickets for my family. The reservations for the restaurant were already set. But nothing came close to buying the cap and gown.
05-05-98
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