The recent CDC report highlighting the threat to the US measles elimination status due to the 2024 outbreak is alarming. As someone without children but with a deep understanding of the importance of vaccinations, I find it distressing to see the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles. The fact that contracting measles can essentially reset a person’s immune system’s memory to nothing is a terrifying thought. It’s disheartening to witness decades of hard work by medical scientists and doctors being undone by misinformation and fearmongering.
The rise in measles cases is, unfortunately, preventable, yet the anti-vaxxers continue to refuse vaccinations due to baseless conspiracy theories like microchips or dangerous chemicals being present in vaccines.… Continue reading
As I delve into the recent news that the US justice department will now require background checks for gun shows and online firearm sales, I find myself pondering the significance of this historic action in the Biden administration’s fight against gun violence. The term ‘gunshow loophole’ has been thrown around, creating confusion among individuals who question the necessity of such regulations. Personally, I have engaged in online firearm purchases that required proper documentation and background checks, leading me to wonder why this loophole is being highlighted as a major issue.
The essence of this new rule, as outlined by attorney general Merrick Garland, is to ensure that individuals selling firearms predominantly for profit must be licensed and conduct background checks.… Continue reading
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivered a powerful speech to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, emphasizing the importance of not shouldering the responsibility of upholding the international order alone. In a time when the world is at an inflection point, it is crucial to recognize that the challenges faced by the U.S. are not theirs to bear alone. The international order built by the U.S. is facing new threats from authoritarian regimes like China, Russia, and North Korea, and it is heartening to hear that Japan is ready to step up as a “shipmate” in this endeavor.
The self-doubt among Americans about their role in the world is understandable, given the burden of maintaining the international order that has largely fallen on their shoulders.… Continue reading
As I sit here thinking about the news of OJ Simpson’s passing, I can’t help but reflect on the rollercoaster that was his life. From being a celebrated football star to a Hollywood actor, his fall from grace was one for the history books. The accusations of murder, the trial of the century, and the subsequent drama that unfolded kept the entire world captivated.
I remember the day of the Bronco chase vividly. TVs in every store were tuned in, and a crowd had gathered to witness a man who was once seen as a hero now on the run from the law.… Continue reading
It’s mind-blowing to think that a sum as vast as $7.4 billion is only able to aid a limited number of people, giving an average of $26,000 relief per person. One cannot help but wonder why this immense amount of money doesn’t seem to make a more significant dent in the overwhelming student debt crisis that plagues so many. Even just making these loans interest-free would go a long way in providing relief to countless individuals who find themselves shackled by never-ending payments. Rather than simply treating the symptoms, wouldn’t it be more effective to address the root cause of the issue itself?… Continue reading
As I read about Missouri executing Brian Dorsey for the 2006 double murder, I couldn’t help but reflect deeply on the shocking nature of his crimes and the conflicting opinions surrounding his case. The details of the murders he committed are gut-wrenching. His cousin and her husband showed him kindness and sheltered him in their home, only to have their lives brutally taken while they slept. The heinous act of not only killing them but also raping his cousin’s dead body and pouring bleach in her vagina is beyond comprehension.
The fact that 72 correctional officers supported Dorsey’s plea for mercy sparked a debate within me.… Continue reading
It’s mind-boggling to think that in a country where justice is meant to prevail and the rule of law is supposed to be upheld, a former President is facing a slew of criminal charges, and there are still individuals who support him. The fact that Donald Trump, a man who held the highest office in the land, is now facing felony charges related to hush money payments to cover up an extramarital affair is not just a mere blip on the radar. These charges are serious and should not be taken lightly.
When we break it down, these hush money charges are not just about paying off a porn star to keep quiet about an affair.… Continue reading
I cannot fathom the pain and suffering that Normand experienced during his 66 years on this earth, only to have his story end in such a horrific and avoidable manner. As someone who has worked in the healthcare industry, the neglect and disregard for his well-being is utterly unacceptable. The fact that a quadriplegic man was left unattended on a stretcher in an ER for over 95 hours, resulting in a bedsore that exposed bone and muscle, is beyond comprehension.
The healthcare system in Canada, like many others, is clearly failing those who need it most. The lack of beds, staff shortages, and inadequate training are all contributing factors to such devastating outcomes.… Continue reading
to adapt” while the other group says “No, blame those people over there for your problems and vote for us”. It’s a classic tactic of deflecting blame and stoking division for political gain.
The resentment that many rural white Americans feel is real, but it has been misdirected and manipulated by politicians and conservative media outlets for decades. Instead of addressing the root causes of their economic struggles, they have been fed a steady diet of scapegoats and false promises. The closures of hospitals, the loss of manufacturing jobs, the opioid crisis – these are all complex issues that cannot be solved by blaming immigrants or liberals.… Continue reading
As a society, we have reached a point where the ultra-wealthy seem to operate by an entirely different set of rules. The recent news of billionaire Leonard Leo rejecting a Senate subpoena over supreme court gifts is just another example of the blatant indifference to the law displayed by the ruling class. It’s almost as if being a billionaire automatically grants you immunity from accountability. The fact that a congressional subpoena is now being treated as optional if you have enough money is a troubling reflection of the state of our government and justice system.
The issue of billionaires defying government orders brings to light the stark reality that there is a double standard at play in our society.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker