2023 was a devastating year in terms of the number of Americans who died by suicide. More than 50,000 individuals lost their lives, marking the highest number on record. This statistic hits close to home for me, as I personally experienced the loss of loved ones to suicide. The harsh reality is that the quality of life in our society is on a downward spiral, and as a result, suicide rates continue to increase. We are living in a time where most people are struggling to make ends meet, one medical emergency away from financial ruin. The combination of financial instability, a hyper individualistic culture, and a lack of community support creates a perfect storm for individuals to feel like they can’t go on.… Continue reading
The State of New York is on the brink of seizing a full list of properties owned by Donald Trump, under the diligent oversight of Letitia James. Contrary to claims of a political hit job, Judge Engoron’s ruling sheds light on the fraudulent misrepresentations woven into the financial fabric of Trump’s dealings. Witnesses testified that the banks relied on Trump’s inflated asset values, enabling him to secure loans with favorable terms he did not rightfully deserve. The penalty imposed accounts for the substantial ill-gotten gains accrued from this deception, debunking the fallacy that “no harm was done.”
The properties listed for seizure include iconic locations like Trump Tower, Mar-a-Lago, and multiple golf clubs spanning across the United States and Scotland.… Continue reading
I can’t shake the feeling of utter horror and disgust after seeing the video of the brutal attack on a teenage girl near a high school in St. Louis. The level of violence, the lack of humanity displayed by the attacker, slamming the victim’s head repeatedly on the concrete while she lay defenseless, is beyond comprehension. It wasn’t a fight, it was a savage act of attempted murder. The chilling sounds of the video still haunt me, and I can’t imagine the pain and suffering that poor girl and her family are going through.
The family’s plea for no retaliation towards anyone involved in the incident is a testament to their strength and decency in the face of such a senseless act of violence.… Continue reading
I am utterly disgusted by the recent news of an officer who made a man lick urine off a jail floor, pleading guilty to his heinous actions. The fact that this officer, who is supposed to uphold justice and protect those he is responsible for, would stoop to such a degrading and dehumanizing act is beyond comprehension.
It is appalling to me that forcing someone to suck pee off a dirty floor, after denying them access to a restroom, is only considered a misdemeanor. The power dynamics at play in this situation are disturbing, with the officer abusing his position of authority to inflict cruel and unusual punishment on another human being.… Continue reading
Alina Habba’s recent admission that Donald Trump could potentially be bought is a revelation that should raise red flags for anyone concerned about the integrity of our democracy. The fact that a potential presidential candidate, especially one with such a controversial and checkered past, could be susceptible to external influence due to massive debt is alarming to say the least.
I am reminded of my own experience going through the enlistment process for the Air Force, where I faced intense scrutiny and had to make significant financial sacrifices just to qualify for a lower-level position. The fact that Trump, who holds the highest office in the country, could potentially be compromised due to his financial situation is mind-boggling.… Continue reading
I was shocked when I heard about the Palestinians demolishing a Jewish archaeological site in the West Bank. The destruction of historical and cultural sites is always disheartening. These places hold significance not just for a specific group but for the whole world’s heritage. It’s a shame that extremist groups are often the ones responsible for such devastation, similar to what we’ve seen with ISIS and the Taliban in the past.
It saddens me to think about the loss of archaeological sites that carry so much history and knowledge. Learning about the past is not only fascinating but crucial for understanding our roots and shaping our future.… Continue reading
The recent developments in the trial against Donald Trump have left me in complete disbelief. The actions of Judge Aileen Cannon are tantamount to undermining the very foundation of our democracy. The fact that she is willing to expose highly sensitive national security secrets to the jury or force them to find Trump not guilty is beyond comprehension. This blatant disregard for the law and judicial norms is a clear indication of her biased and prejudiced stance.
It is alarming to think that a judge, whose duty is to uphold the law and seek justice, is instead working towards a predetermined outcome that favors Trump.… Continue reading
Russians still enjoying American burgers and sandwiches as companies refuse to leave.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and the West has put several American fast-food chains under scrutiny. Subway, Carl’s Jr., Burger King, Papa John’s, Costa Coffee, and TGI Friday’s are still operating in Russia, despite growing tensions. The parent companies of these franchises claim that they have limited control over the brands’ activities in the country, as they are operated independently by master franchisees. This raises questions about the ethical responsibility of these companies in supporting the Russian market.
The continued presence of American fast-food chains in Russia has sparked debates about the role of corporations in global politics.… Continue reading
The news that Ukraine’s long-range drone attacks have managed to cut Russia’s daily oil refining capacity by up to 900,000 barrels is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. This tactic has proven to be a triple win for Ukraine, with the attacks not only reducing oil products but also creating scarcity that affects both military and civilian operations. By targeting Russian distillation plants, Ukraine is effectively disrupting Russia’s ability to fuel military operations and live training exercises, forcing them to reallocate air defense systems to protect critical oil facilities. This not only weakens the Russian military but also highlights the vulnerability of Russia’s economy, which has long been dependent on oil exports.… Continue reading
As a Romanian, the news of Russia warning Romania over building the “largest NATO military base” in Europe is not surprising. Russia has a long history of throwing threats and intimidation tactics towards its neighbors, and Romania is no exception. Despite the constant warnings from Russia, Romania remains resolute in its decision to strengthen its military defenses with the construction of this base.
The irony of Russia’s warnings is not lost on many, as Russia itself has been the instigator of aggression and conflict in the region. From occupation to invasion, Russia has a track record of disregarding the sovereignty of its neighbors.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker