As a consumer, I have always been frustrated with the deceptive practices of businesses that add on fees after the fact. The recent California law requiring restaurants to bake all of their add-on fees into menu prices is a welcome change in my opinion. The idea that the price you see is the price you pay seems like common sense to me. I have always felt blindsided by additional charges for things like service fees, healthcare surcharges, or gratuity that are not clearly stated upfront.
The fact that this law applies to a wide range of businesses beyond just restaurants is even more reason to celebrate.… Continue reading
Iowa Republicans have recently announced that outlawing gay marriage will be a key campaign priority for 2024. It’s disheartening to see politicians invest so much energy and emotion into hurting others, especially when there are so many other pressing issues facing our country. While they claim to prioritize personal freedoms, their focus on oppressing minority groups speaks volumes about their true intentions.
The thought of targeting LGBTQ individuals in such a blatant and discriminatory manner is not only alarming but also a step backward for progress and equality. This move not only infringes upon the rights of American citizens but sets a dangerous precedent for further discrimination against marginalized groups.… Continue reading
I remember a time in my life when I was short on cash, struggling to make ends meet, and faced with tough choices. I had student loans piling up, and it seemed like an impossible task to keep up with payments while trying to put food on the table. It was a difficult period, but I never resorted to illegal activities to make a quick buck. I was always taught to uphold honesty and integrity, values that seem foreign to some individuals in positions of power.
The story shared about being denied a security clearance over student loan debts struck a chord with me.… Continue reading
The recent news that Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar seems to indicate a potential glimmer of hope in the ongoing conflict with Israel. However, the details of the proposal and the lack of confirmation from Israel raise questions about the true impact of this acceptance.
It is unclear what the proposal entails, as reports suggest that it has been modified over the weekend. This lack of transparency, coupled with the absence of Israel’s position on the matter, creates uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of this ceasefire.
The timing of Hamas’ acceptance, just as Israel was preparing for a major operation in Rafah, raises suspicions about the true motives behind the announcement.… Continue reading
It’s fascinating to witness the spectacular downfall of Marjorie Taylor Greene, the self-proclaimed MAGA queen who rose to prominence with her conspiracy theory-laden brand of politics. It’s no surprise that her reign as a GOP power player was short-lived, as her penchant for incendiary remarks and divisive rhetoric eventually led to her being ostracized even by her own party colleagues. The recent “Moscow Marjorie” moniker bestowed upon her is a stark reminder of the extent to which she has alienated those around her, even within the GOP ranks.
Greene’s inflated ego and delusional behavior ultimately proved to be her downfall. Her failed attempt to exert her influence by calling for a vote that garnered minimal support highlighted the stark reality of her actual power within the party.… Continue reading
Marjorie Taylor Greene finally faced the consequence of defeat, as her attempt to oust Speaker Mike Johnson was swiftly shut down by House Republicans. It was a long-overdue public shaming for a politician who thrives on attention at the expense of decency in American politics. The rejection of her power grab by a united GOP caucus, with the support of Democrats, signaled a turning point in acknowledging her toxicity.
Only a mere 11 Republicans stood by Greene, while a resounding majority voted to table her motion to vacate, putting an end to her latest attention-seeking stunt. However, defeat alone is not enough for someone of her caliber.… Continue reading
From the video footage released by the Florida sheriff, the tragic and senseless killing of an airman in his own apartment is a terrifying reminder of the dangers faced by citizens when law enforcement officers fail to uphold their duty to protect and serve. The facts presented in the video paint a disturbing picture of a trigger-happy deputy who shot an unarmed man almost immediately after the door was opened, despite the victim’s non-threatening posture and compliance with the officer’s orders to step back.
The family’s claim that the deputy went to the wrong unit further underscores the grave consequences of law enforcement negligence and reckless behavior.… Continue reading
Emmanuel Macron’s recent announcement to offer fertility checks to France’s young people in an attempt to combat falling birth rates has sparked a wave of mixed reactions. As a citizen observing these developments, it’s challenging to ignore the disconnect between the proposed solution and the underlying issues at play. The declining birth rates in France, as in many other developed nations, are not solely attributed to fertility problems. Instead, they reflect a more profound societal concern that requires a holistic approach.
The idea of providing fertility checks as a solution to address the falling birth rates seems shortsighted. It fails to address the root causes that deter young people from starting families.… Continue reading
Burnett asks Biden how he is going to turn the economy around. He said he already has. This question, while seemingly straightforward, holds a lot of weight and complexity. Reflecting on the current economic situation, it’s undeniable that Biden inherited a mess – a clusterf$&@ of challenges, from the aftermath of the pandemic to the repercussions of previous administration policies. The bar was set low, to say the least. And yet, looking at the progress made, it’s clear that Biden has done remarkably well with what he was given to work with.
Digging deeper, it’s important to acknowledge the steps taken by the Biden administration in steering the economy in the right direction.… Continue reading
As I read through the comments and stories surrounding the case of a man purposely trying to spread HIV through sex with men and teenage boys, I am filled with a mixture of anger, disgust, and disbelief. The idea that someone could knowingly and intentionally harm others in such a cruel and callous manner is beyond comprehension. The fact that there are individuals out there who derive pleasure from causing pain and suffering to innocent people is a stark reminder of the darkness that exists in this world.
The details of this case, where the perpetrator falsified test results and removed condoms during sexual encounters, are chilling and deeply disturbing.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood