http://blog.mlive.com/readreact/A blog to create conversation between the Kalamazoo Gazette and its readers.enMovable Type Enterprise 4.29-advance http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/noA blog to create conversation between the Kalamazoo Gazette and its readers.readreacthttp://feedburner.google.comhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/c-EpAL3uGsE/best_opinions_from_getting_rep.htmlJoyce Pines81508834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteMon, 03 Oct 2011 12:59:15 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.7066684.20111003155915 ]]>Republicans, same-sex marriage and changing marijuana law enforcement were the subjects that have been attracting comments and recommendations recently. http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/10/best_opinions_from_getting_rep.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/OcS5ejdHuFU/is_breastfeeding_in_court_abou.htmlJoyce Pines81508834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteFri, 18 Nov 2011 07:16:50 PSTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.7303239.20111118101650 ]]>Hey, did you hear the one about the breastfeeding mom who went before the judge? Is this an example of Generation Me doing what it does best - recognizing the needs of an individual as trumping everything else - while Baby Boomers shake their heads?http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/11/is_breastfeeding_in_court_abou.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/XFuchRcZCg4/best_opinions_from_what_bible.htmlJoyce Pines81508834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteMon, 10 Oct 2011 14:44:40 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.7102907.20111010174440 ]]>The state of compassion today, who should be paying the most in taxes and what does shared sacrifice really mean in the Michigan Legislature were all issues addressed by readers in their comments and postings this week.http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/10/best_opinions_from_what_bible.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/HTAx1SUcoyY/the_poor_arent_these_people_th.htmlJoyce Pines81508834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteFri, 23 Sep 2011 04:29:44 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.7010502.20110923072944 ]]>Every fall, I carve out a couple of hours to watch "Remember the Titans." A letter we printed recently reminded me of several scenes from the movie in which what people said communicated their efforts to justify continuing the lines of separation between black and white. In particular, the use of "you people" and "they" worked to emphasize differences and create walls.http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/09/the_poor_arent_these_people_th.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/5dIIHa7SzgU/finding_what_counts_in_the_mos.htmlJoyce Pines81508834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteMon, 05 Sep 2011 08:22:34 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.6909233.20110905112234 ]]>When we headed up north on a recent Sunday afternoon for a week's vacation in what my family believes is the most beautiful and relaxing place we have ever been, little did we know it was about to be declared the most beautiful place in America.http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/09/finding_what_counts_in_the_mos.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/RyA2W4Kl7pU/reader_submissions_sought_in_r.html834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteFri, 26 Aug 2011 07:17:51 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.6862186.20110826101751 ]]>Sept. 11, 2011, will mark the 10th anniversary of the devastating terrorist attack against the United States.http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/reader_submissions_sought_in_r.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/6uYqHFL7Vzo/democrats_stop_participating_i.htmlJoyce Pines81508834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteTue, 23 Aug 2011 11:58:36 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.6849319.20110823145836 ]]>I have a suggestion for Michigan Democrats and those who favor causes near and dear to the hearts of Democrats, like jobs: end the theatrics of recall efforts and busting up town hall meetings and put some money behind a viable candidate who will work toward solutions to the real economic crisis we are living through.http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/democrats_stop_participating_i.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/8_tZIXHBb3g/reader_invitation_how_will_the.htmlJoyce Pines834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteTue, 02 Aug 2011 13:53:09 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.6745939.20110802165309 ]]>Enjoy talking politics? Tired of trading comments online? The Kalamazoo Gazette invites readers and writers to join us for a video discussion of the debt ceiling deal and how it will affect you at noon Thursday at our office, 401 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo.http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/reader_invitation_how_will_the.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/FBZO97F356A/who_creates_dependence_-_the_i.htmlJoyce Pines81508834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteThu, 14 Jul 2011 19:19:31 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.6659666.20110714221931 ]]>A frequent comment contributor to our website writes: "I feel that choices made make or break a man. It is not about sitting on a throne, but avoiding sitting on a THORN where one must rely on others to support them. I want everyone to take FULL advantage of their human DNA, which is all very similar, and to become all they can be. Government creates dependence."http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/07/who_creates_dependence_-_the_i.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/CXv8Ag2j0jo/joyce_pines_column_first_impre.htmlRepublicans81508834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteThu, 23 Jun 2011 17:34:02 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/politics/index.ssf//3203.6548782.20110623203402 ]]>Sixty minutes is not enough time to take the measure of a person. However, when it comes to political candidates, most voters never get a chance to see more than commercial sound bites or perhaps watch a debate or attend a rally.http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/06/joyce_pines_column_first_impre.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/yN0wA_nuqdQ/2012_campaign_is_underway_and.htmlJoyce Pines81508834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteWed, 15 Jun 2011 09:52:07 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.6498399.20110615125207 ]]>A Kalamazoo reader emailed the question that must be on millions of minds: "Why must we be subjected to presidential campaigning 16 months early?"http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/06/2012_campaign_is_underway_and.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/0wS0rfxewSM/column_poisoned_legacy_describ.htmlJoyce Pines81508834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteThu, 02 Jun 2011 09:03:41 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.6419865.20110602120341 ]]>There have been nine books written about 2010 Gulf oil spill, according to the Los Angeles Times. A former Kalamazoo Gazette reporter, Mike Magner, adds a 10th with publication of "Poisoned Legacy: The Human Cost of BP's Rise to Power."http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/06/column_poisoned_legacy_describ.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/Ai2krZNvbk4/opinion_leaders_michigan_gov_r.htmlRead & React834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteWed, 01 Jun 2011 11:07:28 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.6414098.20110601140728 ]]>Debating the impact of Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder's budget was on the minds of southwestern Michigan residents last month as they sent letters and viewpoints which were liked and discussed by a number of readers.http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/06/opinion_leaders_michigan_gov_r.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/6K_Olvcec5I/tuition_on_the_rise.htmlViewpoints834712ViewpointWed, 13 Apr 2011 12:13:57 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.6101586 ]]>Newly elected Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has quickly become the enemy of many college students who strain over their financial ability to further their education. Rick Snyder's proposed education cuts would cause universities to serve more students with less money. As universities search for alternative funds, students wonder if they can meet the expense of an increase in tuition.http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/04/tuition_on_the_rise.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/dmuxLCGNsUw/the_federal_budget_commenters.htmlOn the Issues75739681508Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteThu, 07 Apr 2011 21:46:07 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/politics/index.ssf//3203.6069584.20110408004607 ]]>A letter suggesting that income taxes be increased for the wealthy to help bridge the growing income gap in the nation has clearly drawn the lines in the nation's budget debate. http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/04/the_federal_budget_commenters.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/giu7mmIiDFI/column_did_rachel_maddow_get_c.htmlJoyce Pines81508834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteSat, 26 Mar 2011 18:06:12 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.5925490 ]]>Michigan Speaker of the House Jase Bolger has written a letter expressing his concern about "deliberate attempts to mislead people about the content of the bills" concerning the emergency manager provisions that Rachel Maddow discussed in an 11-minute segment of her MSNBC show and I highlighted in a column.http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/03/column_did_rachel_maddow_get_c.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/t8TjA9UYBag/from_the_comments_rush_limbaug.htmlJoyce Pines757396Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteThu, 24 Feb 2011 08:52:31 PSTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.5804591 ]]>Readers have registered strong reactions to a letter from Jim Bonine, "Why listen to Rush Limbaugh? Because he tells the truth."http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/02/from_the_comments_rush_limbaug.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/BoZUmJgl_BQ/post_42.htmlRepublicans757396Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteTue, 01 Feb 2011 04:47:19 PSTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/politics/index.ssf//3203.5655246 ]]>As we mark the centennial of President Ronald Reagan's birth, readers have plenty to say, both in praise of the 40th president and in criticism.http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/02/post_42.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/NDMPkYEIYr4/is_jon_stewart_a_journalist_an.htmlJoyce Pines834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteTue, 04 Jan 2011 23:42:50 PSTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.5502221 ]]>Although he's a comedian and his show is on Comedy Central, Jon Stewart's name is increasingly discussed in journalism circles with comparisons being made to legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow. http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/01/is_jon_stewart_a_journalist_an.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/9-TGZwXtvkA/letter_is_job_creation_america.htmlLetters834712letter writersTue, 04 Jan 2011 11:57:10 PSTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4620.5497272.20110104145710 ]]>Jobs, jobs, jobs is today's mantra, on the assumption that increased employment is desperately needed for our nation to recover from its current depression. http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/01/letter_is_job_creation_america.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readreact/~3/PLPfAihW6f8/whether_you_call_it_obamacare.htmlCommentaryHealth News834712Joyce Pines | Kalamazoo GazetteMon, 03 Jan 2011 11:53:57 PSTtag:www.mlive.com,2011:/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf//4132.5489249 ]]>As 2011 begins, more provisions of the health care law passed in 2010 begin to take effect. In a story, The Washington Post notes the major changes, most of which should benefit senior citizens. http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/01/whether_you_call_it_obamacare.htmlnonadult