Editor’s note: Central Michigan Life is an independent publication funded through advertising, and the views expressed in this publication do not reflect the views of the university.

CMU is a taxpayer-funded university and, as such, its newspaper should print all political views, not just conservative views.

For the first time, under the new health care reform bill — fought for and passed by Democrats in Congress — insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to people with pre-existing health conditions and young people can be covered under their parents’ insurance policies up until age 26. Under this plan, contrary to the propaganda spewed out by the Republican spin machine, the overall plan will save taxpayers billions of dollars. Republicans plan to repeal this health care reform bill if they take over the majority in Congress on Nov. 2.

Republicans have always claimed to support businesses. It’s estimated that small businesses create over 60 percent of the jobs in America. A small business bill that would benefit 98 percent of America’s small businesses was passed in the senate recently. It will give tax breaks and free up money for low-interest loans for small businesses. All Republicans except two voted against this bill.

The top one-third of one percent of the wealthiest account for over 23 percent of the wealth in America. The Republicans in Congress have blocked all bills, unless the bills contain provisions that would continue to give tax breaks to the top 2 percent — who, by the way, fund their political campaign propaganda. On Sept. 23, they officially pledged to continue this agenda.

Under the previous eight years of the Bush presidency, the average American’s wages have decreased $2,200 per year, while the top 2 percent of the wealthiest earnings have soared to record highs, and Republicans have pledged more of the same if they take over the majority in Congress on Nov. 2.

Lee Parker

Weidman resident

Three times last semester alone, the editorial board at CM Life published editorials suggesting that students be more active in University matters. There is another very important, and committed way in which students can get involved in university affairs: Students can participate on Academic Senate Standing Committees.

Want to see great profs rewarded for teaching excellence? You could serve on the Excellence in Teaching Award Committee. Want a say in how the university handles diversity education? You could serve on the Multicultural and Diversity Education Council. Want to play a role in shaping the curriculum? Serve on the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee.

These are just a few examples of the many ways students can get involved by serving on committees. Student members of these committees are taken just as seriously as other members of the committees. These positions allow students to have their voices heard.

If students are interested in learning more about current vacancies on committees, they can go to http://academicsenate.cmich.edu/committees.htm and click the script “F” next to “Committee on Committees”. A pop up window will open with links to the relevant forms. For further information, students should feel free to contact the academic senate at 774–3350, or look at the academic senate’s website http://academicsenate.cmich.edu.

Joshua A. Smith

Assistant Professor of Philosophy