As I sit here reflecting on the latest controversy stirred up by none other than former President Trump, who is demanding an apology from President Biden for recognizing March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility, I can’t help but feel a sense of disbelief and frustration. The audacity of Trump and his allies to condemn Biden for acknowledging the rights and existence of a marginalized community is truly appalling. It speaks volumes about the priorities and values of those who seek to divide and discriminate rather than uplift and support all individuals.
It is mind-boggling to see the uproar caused by a simple gesture of inclusivity and acceptance towards transgender Americans.… Continue reading
Tax the Rich is Actually a Popular Bipartisan Stance, Poll Shows
The notion of taxing the rich seems to be a hot topic these days, with a surprising amount of support coming from both sides of the political spectrum. It turns out that progressive policies like higher minimum wage, free college, and taxing billionaires are wildly popular among the general populace, regardless of their political affiliation. Recent polls have shown that a majority of Americans support these progressive measures, with swing-state voters also demonstrating strong backing for taxing the wealthy.
One can’t help but look back at a time when the country thrived under a president who had the courage to tax the rich.… Continue reading
Carrying our own waste back with us may seem like a small inconvenience compared to the grandeur of conquering Mount Everest, but it speaks volumes about the impact of human activity on the environment. As someone who appreciates the great outdoors and the beauty of nature, the idea of leaving behind a trail of waste on one of the world’s most iconic peaks is simply unacceptable. The notion of climbers having to take their poop with them may sound comical or absurd to some, but it underscores a serious issue that requires immediate attention.
The sheer amount of waste left behind on Everest is staggering – from flags and oxygen bottles to human bodies that never made it back down.… Continue reading
As I sit here reading about the Texas woman who was charged with murder after self-managing an abortion, my heart goes out to her. Lizelle Gonzalez, a woman who should have been given support and care during a difficult time in her life, instead found herself embroiled in a legal battle that could have destroyed her future. The fact that she was accused of murder for making a deeply personal and difficult decision is abhorrent. I hope she wins her lawsuit against the prosecutors who initiated this unjust case.
It is disturbing to think about the violation of privacy that Lizelle experienced when the hospital reported her abortion to the district attorney’s office.… Continue reading
The video that surfaced showing California police fatally shooting a teenager who was reported kidnapped is nothing short of gut-wrenching and disturbing. The footage depicts a tragic series of events that culminated in the senseless death of an innocent girl, Savannah Graziano, whose life should have been protected at all costs. The delay in releasing this damning evidence is a painful reminder of how broken the system truly is, leaving families and communities devastated by the lack of accountability and justice.
It is utterly appalling to witness the deputies’ actions as they opened fire on Savannah while she was complying with their instructions and moving towards them.… Continue reading
As a Russian living in Europe, I can’t help but shake my head at the news of a US ballerina with dual citizenship being detained in Russia. The comments circulating about her situation highlight a stark reality – Russia is not a safe place for Americans, especially now. The warnings from the State Department are there for a reason, yet some individuals still choose to ignore them and find themselves in troubling situations.
The idea of reading law books in hopes of finding a way out of a Russian jail is unfortunately futile. The judicial system in Russia is intertwined with the dictatorship, making it nearly impossible to navigate the legal landscape in a fair and just manner.… Continue reading
Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets, blocking highways and calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas, as well as demanding new elections in the country. The wave of protests has highlighted a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the current political leadership, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. It is evident that many Israelis are disillusioned with the status quo and are clamoring for change.
The discontent with Netanyahu’s leadership is not a new phenomenon; it has been brewing for quite some time. The recent events on October 7th served as a tipping point for many, causing even previously supportive individuals to question the effectiveness and competence of the current government.… Continue reading
Putin’s recent decree on spring military conscription has once again brought to light the ongoing issue of the Russian government’s manipulation of young men for their own gain. The conscripts, often young and inexperienced, are being sent to the frontlines in Ukraine, serving as mere pawns in Putin’s dangerous game of power and control. It is disheartening to see that the lives of these individuals are being treated as expendable in the pursuit of political agendas.
The fact that conscripts are not legally allowed to be deployed outside of Russia may provide a false sense of security, considering that errors have been made in the past, resulting in some of them being sent to the frontlines in Ukraine.… Continue reading
When I first heard about the Biden administration greenlighting the $18 billion sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel, I was taken aback by the sheer scale of the deal. Up to 50 individual jets, engines, gun systems, radars, and navigation systems – it’s a comprehensive package that also includes updates and support for Israel’s existing F-15 fleet. But it begs the question, why the F-15s when Israel already has the F-35? Maybe it’s about saving operating costs or maintaining a counterbalance to Iran – a necessary evil in the eyes of some.
The geopolitical implications of this deal are concerning.… Continue reading
As a Texan, the recent news of the appeals court blocking the state from investigating families seeking gender-affirming care for trans youth comes as a relief. The rule, expanding the definition of “child abuse” in relation to gender-affirming care and mandating child abuse investigations, was a gross overreach of governmental power. In a society where one should be accused of committing an **actual** crime before being investigated, this rule was a blatant violation of personal freedoms.
Gender-affirming care is all about providing support and affirmation to individuals seeking to align their gender identity with their true selves. Professionals engaging in conversations and treatments to assist individuals in their gender journey should not be penalized or subjected to investigations by the government.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker