As I sit here reading about the horrific news of Russian troops raping and torturing children in Ukraine, my heart breaks into a million pieces. How can human beings commit such heinous acts against the most innocent and vulnerable members of society? The first-hand accounts of refugees who have witnessed these atrocities paint a picture of unimaginable horror and suffering. The stories of young girls being forced to disguise themselves as boys to avoid being raped, or a mother being raped in front of her dead child, are beyond comprehension.
The thought of these Russian soldiers inflicting such unspeakable violence on innocent civilians, including children as young as 4 years old, is truly sickening.… Continue reading
As I reflect on the recent news about the New York archdiocese calling a funeral for a trans activist at the cathedral ‘scandalous,’ I can’t help but consider the layers of hypocrisy and contradiction that seem to pervade this situation. The Catholic church, known for its history of institutionalized pedophilia and cover-ups, has taken issue with the funeral attendees venerated the deceased as “Saint Cecilia, the mother of all whores.” Cecilia, a prominent activist for sex workers, was honored in a way that seemed respectful and appropriate, given her work and advocacy.
The church’s objections to the actions of some mourners, including cheering when Gentili was hailed as “Santa Cecilia, la madre de todas las putas,” highlights a clash between the church’s traditional values and the need for inclusivity and acceptance.… Continue reading
The recent news about the SPD officer who hit and killed Jaahnavi Kandula in a crosswalk will not be facing any charges has left me speechless. Hearing about Officer Kevin Dave carelessly driving 74 miles an hour in a 25 mph zone, not continuously running his siren, and still getting off scot-free is not only enraging but also disheartening. When we look at the Washington State statute that grants certain privileges to authorized emergency vehicles, it’s evident that there are conditions in place to ensure the safety of innocent civilians. The fact that a life was lost due to reckless driving, yet no charges were filed, is a clear example of the unjust system we live in.… Continue reading
As I sit here, scrolling through the heartbreaking news of the Oklahoma student who tragically died after a fight in a high school bathroom, I am overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. The principal chief of the Cherokee Nation identified the teen as Nex Benedict, a child who deserved to live a full life. It’s heartwarming to see someone in authority speak out about Nex’s life and the value it held. Nex may not have been a citizen of the nation, but they mattered, and their identity was worth celebrating.
But the more I read about the circumstances surrounding Nex’s death, the more disturbed I become.… Continue reading
I can’t help but feel a mixture of emotions when discussing the recent news regarding the Biden administration’s decision to forgive $1.2 billion in student debt for over 150,000 borrowers. On one hand, relief for those enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan who have been in repayment for a decade or longer and originally took out $12,000 or less is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. The idea that those who have diligently made payments for so many years deserve some form of respite from the burden of student loans is a sentiment that many can rally behind.… Continue reading
9.5 weeks into Milei’s presidency, Argentina is seeing its first monthly budget surplus in 12 years. This news has sparked polarizing opinions and heated debates, with some hailing it as a significant achievement and others viewing it as a short-term gain with potentially damaging long-term repercussions. The path to this budget surplus was not an easy one, as it involved stringent cuts in public expenditure, leading to a significant reduction in government spending and a massive increase in tax revenues.
The idea of achieving a budget surplus by simply cutting expenses is not a new concept. It’s akin to someone selling every possession they own, including their home, only to realize they now have a surplus of cash in hand.… Continue reading
I can’t shake off the feeling of deep sadness and anger after reading about the tragic death of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary teen in Oklahoma. The circumstances surrounding their passing are shrouded in mystery and deception, particularly with the recent statement from Oklahoma police claiming that Nex’s death was not a result of injuries sustained in a high school fight. As I sit here grappling with my emotions, one thing is abundantly clear — the truth must be uncovered, justice must prevail, and accountability must be upheld.
The timeline of events leading up to Nex’s untimely death is disturbing and raises countless questions.… Continue reading
As a dog lover, hearing about Commander, one of President Bidens’ dogs, biting Secret Service personnel in at least 24 incidents is quite concerning. Dogs, especially certain breeds like German Shepherds, can react anxiously and protectively in unfamiliar situations, leading to potential aggression. Knowing this, it begs the question of why Commander was not removed from the White House sooner to avoid these repeated incidents.
German Shepherds are loyal and protective animals, but they require specific training and daily exercise to maintain a balanced temperament. Placing a high-profile pet like Commander in an environment where there are constantly personnel moving around could have been a disaster waiting to happen.… Continue reading
As an individual who values education and intellectual freedom, the recent news about the West Virginia House passing a bill that allows for the prosecution of librarians is deeply troubling. The justification for this bill seems to be centered around the idea of protecting children from accessing obscene or pornographic material in public spaces. However, it is crucial to note that the real issue here is not about safeguarding children but rather about exerting control and stifling access to information.
The proposed criteria for determining what constitutes obscene material are vague and subjective, leaving room for interpretation that could potentially lead to censorship of legitimate literary, artistic, or scientific works.… Continue reading
As a parent, the thought of a 2-year-old child getting access to a firearm and shooting themselves is beyond devastating. The recent incident in Michigan, where a 2-year-old girl shot herself just a day after the state implemented a new safe storage gun law, is both heartbreaking and infuriating. To make matters worse, the individual responsible for this tragedy is a felon with prior firearms-related felony convictions, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law and basic firearm safety.
The man charged in this case not only had illegal possession of a firearm but also failed to store it securely, leading to a situation where a young child suffered a life-threatening injury.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker