Israel ‘becoming a religious fundamentalist country’? The statement by Bernie Sanders certainly raises eyebrows and sparks debate. Is Israel truly on the path to becoming a religious state? As someone who has closely followed the developments in the region, I have my own thoughts on the matter.
Judaism has always been more than just a religion—it’s a nationality, a culture. Many Jews in Israel identify as secular, not adhering to strict religious practices but still deeply connected to their Jewish heritage. The idea that Israel is ‘becoming’ a religious fundamentalist country misses the mark. The country has always had a diverse population, with nearly half of Israeli Jews identifying as secular.… Continue reading
President Javier Milei’s recent decision to fire 24,000 government workers in Argentina has sparked controversy and mixed reactions. As an individual observing from afar, it is intriguing to witness the ramifications of such a drastic measure. The idea of reducing the bloated government workforce to cut down on public expenditure is not a new concept, yet it is always unsettling to witness the human impact of such decisions.
In a country where 55% of registered workers are employed by the government, the scale of this workforce reduction is significant. The term “gnocchi,” used to refer to fictitious state workers in Argentina who only show up at the office once a month to collect their salaries, sheds light on the inefficiencies and corruption within the system.… Continue reading
As I sit back and observe the current state of the GOP, I can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that Trump’s lunacy is finally catching up to them. For years, they have embraced his degeneracy and extremism, thinking it would lead them to victory. But now, as the Florida supreme court bans abortions but allows weed to go into ballot measures, the liberal-leaning folks who don’t typically vote are being heavily incentivized to get out there in November. Trump may have won Florida by a slim margin in 2020, but the tides are shifting, and the impact on the upcoming election could be significant.… Continue reading
It’s troubling to hear about the recent passing of the ‘Al Jazeera Law’ in the Israeli Knesset, allowing for the closure of foreign news channels deemed to act against the state. While it may seem alarming at first glance, upon further reflection, there are valid reasons for such a decision. Al Jazeera, owned by the Qatar government, has a history of spreading propaganda and misinformation, particularly through its Arabic coverage. Countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and India have all taken steps to ban Al Jazeera due to its inflammatory and biased reporting.
The concerns raised about Al Jazeera’s role in fueling controversy and promoting anti-Israel sentiments cannot be ignored.… Continue reading
House Republicans pushing to rename D.C.’s Dulles airport after Donald Trump is a blatant display of misplaced priorities and unwavering loyalty to a deeply divisive and controversial figure. In the grand scheme of things, does naming an airport after a soon-to-be convicted felon and widely regarded as the worst president in our nation’s history seem like a worthwhile endeavor? Rep. Gerry Connolly’s suggestion to name a federal prison after Trump seems far more fitting given the looming legal troubles he faces.
The airport currently bears the name of John Foster Dulles, a figure who played a significant role in American history during the Cold War era.… Continue reading
I have lived through a few hurricanes in my lifetime, reaching up to Category 3, and let me tell you, it’s a terrifying experience. So, when I hear that forecasters have issued the highest Atlantic hurricane season outlook in nearly 30 years, needless to say, I am a little nervous. The predictions for this year are staggering – 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five reaching Category 3, 4, or 5 status. It’s a stark contrast to the 1991-2020 average, and it’s making me reconsider my options for this upcoming season.
Living in Atlantic Canada, I have already noticed changes in our weather patterns.… Continue reading
As an American citizen, it is both disheartening and concerning to see the impact that President Trump has had on the relationship between the United States and its allies. The idea that countries must consider moving a Ukraine arms group into NATO to shield it from Trump’s unpredictable decisions is a clear indication of the lack of trust and reliability that the current administration has instilled in the international community.
The fact that foreign leaders and the press feel compelled to speak out against Trump and his policies in the media is a stark reminder of the potential repercussions of having a leader who lacks consistency and a clear foreign policy strategy.… Continue reading
As an Oregon resident, I was hopeful when the state decided to decriminalize drug possession, with promises of providing additional resources for inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities. It seemed like a step in the right direction towards helping drug users get the assistance they need. However, the reality of the situation quickly revealed itself. The headlines now read of overdoses skyrocketing, and the promises of support for drug users falling short.
In 2020, opioids became the number one killer of Americans aged 19-45, surpassing even traffic accidents. The intent behind decriminalizing drug possession was noble, aiming to push drug users towards rehabilitation rather than jail or prison.… Continue reading
The news of the ringleader of a global monkey torture network, ominously nicknamed ‘The Torture King’, being charged has left me feeling disturbed and disgusted. This individual’s heinous acts against innocent creatures raise serious questions about the depths of human depravity and the existence of such a sinister underground network. The mere thought of someone deriving pleasure from inflicting pain and suffering on defenseless animals is abhorrent and serves as a stark reminder of the cruel and dark side of humanity.
It is not just the perpetrator who should face justice, but also those who support and fund such barbaric activities.… Continue reading
As I sit here reading about Donald Trump’s failed attempt to delay the hush-money trial until the Supreme Court rules on immunity, I can’t help but shake my head in disbelief. How can he possibly think that he is immune to facing consequences for his actions prior to becoming president? This man seems to believe that he is above the law, that the rules simply don’t apply to him.
It’s frustrating to watch him continuously try to manipulate the system, using every trick in the book to delay his conviction. His lawyers missing filing deadlines, raising immunity issues at the last minute, and failing to provide a valid reason for their delay is just the tip of the iceberg.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood