As I sit here reflecting on the recent news of a Texas school district agreeing to remove ‘Anne Frank’s Diary,’ ‘Maus,’ ‘The Fixer’ and 670 other books after a right-wing group’s complaint, I am filled with a range of emotions. The fact that books about the Holocaust and antisemitism are being lumped together with books containing sexual content is not only absurd but deeply concerning. The comparison itself is offensive and shows a lack of understanding or empathy towards the atrocities of the Holocaust.
The decision to remove these books reminds me of the actions taken by dictatorships and authoritarian regimes throughout history.… Continue reading
As an American, the news of a US soldier being charged in Japan for the rape of a minor fills me with disgust and shame. The repeated incidents involving US military personnel assaulting individuals, especially minors, in countries where they are stationed is not only abhorrent but also a grave violation of the trust and safety that the host country extends to them. It is troubling to see such heinous acts tarnishing the reputation of the entire US military overseas.
The fact that this latest case involves a minor who is younger than the age of consent in Japan, which is 16, adds another layer of horror to an already reprehensible situation.… Continue reading
What’s going to one day come out will be so much worse than anything we’ve ever heard him doing, I guarantee it. There’s no low bar for Trump, and he’s already done incredibly shocking things we don’t yet know about. It seems like every time we think we have seen the worst of Trump’s behavior, a new revelation comes to light that is even more incriminating. The fact that he took a secret trip to Mar-a-Lago just weeks before an FBI raid is extremely suspicious and raises a lot of questions about what he may have been trying to hide.
It is evident from the details surrounding this trip that someone gave Trump a heads up and he took the opportunity to potentially hide some incriminating documents or other evidence.… Continue reading
As I watched the pre-debate banter between Biden and Trump, I found myself both amused and disheartened. The exchange where Biden mockingly boasted about not taking any brain function enhancing drugs, followed by Trump’s nonchalant response, perfectly encapsulated the absurdity of the political climate we find ourselves in today. Love him or hate him, the fact that this was even a topic of discussion demonstrates the chaotic and polarized nature of our current political landscape.
The disparity between the two candidates was glaringly obvious during the debate. While Trump was his usual bombastic self, spewing lies and misinformation with reckless abandon, Biden struggled to find his footing.… Continue reading
The recent primary election results in South Carolina have left me feeling disheartened and frustrated. Three female GOP state senators who bravely filibustered an abortion ban lost their primaries to white men who proudly declare themselves as “pro-life”. This outcome speaks volumes about the priorities and values of the constituents in South Carolina. It seems that the voices of women advocating for reproductive rights and bodily autonomy are not being heard or valued in this deeply conservative state.
During the filibuster, these female lawmakers highlighted the complexities of pregnancy, the importance of access to contraception, and the risks of inadequate privacy laws.… Continue reading
As the upcoming debate looms closer, there are whispers of allies urging Trump to tone down his typical behavior and not be a ‘raging asshole’. But really, can we expect anything different from the man who has built his brand on being just that – a raging asshole? It’s laughable to think that he would suddenly change his ways and present himself as a calm and collected individual.
It’s no secret that Trump thrives on controversy and chaos. His entire persona and rise to fame have been fueled by his unfiltered and often outrageous statements. Asking him to not be a ‘raging asshole’ is like asking a fish not to swim or a bird not to fly.… Continue reading
Sending North Korean troops to fight in Ukraine would be a cruel and heartless move by the oppressive regime of Kim Jong Un. These soldiers, already suffering from malnourishment and inadequate equipment, would essentially be considered as expendable pawns in the larger geopolitical chess game orchestrated by Putin and his cronies. The Pentagon’s assessment of them being ‘cannon fodder’ is not only accurate, but a sobering reminder of the grim reality faced by these individuals.
For the North Korean troops themselves, being sent to fight in a foreign land would perhaps offer a glimpse of the outside world, a brief respite from the oppressive regime they have known their entire lives.… Continue reading
Russia losing 1,000 soldiers a day in its relentless ‘meat grinder’ tactics against Ukraine: report” – this headline is hauntingly stark and sobering to read. The images it conjures are reminiscent of a brutal, drawn-out conflict like those seen in history books. The absence of air superiority on either side has resulted in what can only be described as the bloodiest of battles, where World War II tactics seem to be playing out in real-time.
It’s a disheartening reality that Russia seems to be stuck in a cycle of desperation, where they are willing to sacrifice thousands of soldiers daily to prevent Ukraine from building up strength.… Continue reading
Adam Kinzinger, a Republican who has shown remarkable courage in standing up against the toxic influence of Trumpism within his own party, has taken a bold step by endorsing Joe Biden for President. This endorsement is significant not only in terms of political party lines but also in terms of moral integrity and ethical leadership. In a time when blind loyalty to party ideologies seems to trump common sense and decency, Kinzinger’s decision to put country over party is commendable.
The upcoming election may hinge on the votes of persuadable voters in swing states, including Republicans and conservatives who may be disillusioned with the direction their party has taken under Trump’s influence.… Continue reading
When I think about the upcoming debate and the fact that Trump’s allies are urging him not to be a ‘raging asshole’, it really makes me question the state of our political landscape. The mere fact that individuals close to him feel the need to remind him to show basic decency and respect during a presidential debate speaks volumes about his character and behavior.
From my perspective, it seems that Trump is so deeply entrenched in his own ego and arrogant ways that he has lost touch with reality. He thrives on being the center of attention and believes that he can do no wrong.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker