As I reflect on the notion of ‘protest votes’ and the impact they can have on elections, particularly in terms of Jill Stein and the 2016 presidential election, it becomes abundantly clear that such actions can inadvertently benefit the very candidate that the protest voters may vehemently oppose – in this case, Donald Trump. The idea that a vote for Jill Stein is essentially a vote for Trump may sound harsh or even unfair to some, but the harsh reality is that the numbers don’t lie. The sheer number of votes that went to Stein in key battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin exceeded Trump’s margin of victory.… Continue reading
It’s quite telling when even the visuals used in a campaign ad reflect the incompetence and ignorance of the administration behind it. The recent blunder of using a picture of Georgia the country instead of Georgia the state in a Facebook ad is not only laughable but also speaks volumes about the lack of attention to detail and carelessness of Trump’s campaign team. It’s almost as if they couldn’t be bothered to do a quick Google search to ensure they were using the correct imagery for a crucial battleground state in the upcoming election.
One can’t help but wonder about the motivations behind such a mistake.… Continue reading
The recent news about the Ohio sheriff making comments about tracking members of a specific political party based on their yard signs is deeply concerning. Voter intimidation is a serious issue, and using an official government position to suggest such tactics is unacceptable. How is it legal to engage in such behavior in the United States? This kind of abuse of power should not be tolerated. Condemnation is not enough in this case; the sheriff should be removed from office and held accountable for his actions.
It is alarming to see law enforcement officials engaging in behavior that undermines the democratic process.… Continue reading
I can’t help but shake my head in disbelief at the latest news of Trump vowing to ‘save’ vaping after a private meeting with a vaping lobbyist. It seems that his loyalty lies with whoever lines his pockets last. The blatant disregard for integrity and moral compass is astounding. It’s no surprise that votes seem to be his primary motivation, even if it means flip-flopping on issues like vaping.
The image of Trump boasting about ‘beautiful and big vapes’ while spouting unfounded claims about Democrats banning them is truly absurd. The notion that he can suddenly become the savior of the vaping industry is laughable, especially considering his track record of inconsistency and lack of genuine concern for public health.… Continue reading
Trump asked New Yorkers, “What have you got to lose?” by voting for him. The answers came rolling in thick and fast, and the implications are dire. As a New Yorker myself, the impact of Trump’s policies on my daily life and the lives of those around me have become glaringly evident. The promises of tax cuts and economic prosperity have fizzled out into a reality where many are left worse off than before. The tax “cut” that was supposed to benefit the middle class ended up raising taxes for many in New York while lining the pockets of the wealthy elite.… Continue reading
It’s no surprise that Russia is once again doubling down on its efforts to spread covert disinformation aimed at Harris and the Democratic presidential ticket. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen foreign adversaries trying to sway U.S. political opinion, and it certainly won’t be the last. The fact that our nemesis, Russia, wants Trump to win the election should be a wake-up call for all patriotic Americans to support Harris. It’s clear that Russia doesn’t want the U.S. to have a strong leader; they want someone who is malleable and easily influenced.
The propaganda coming from Russia is only going to get worse as the election nears.… Continue reading
As a voter who made the mistake of supporting Jill Stein in 2016, I can confidently say that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is right: Jill Stein’s campaign is not serious. Looking back, I realize that my decision to vote for Stein was not based on any substantive policy reasons but rather on a misguided belief that a third-party candidate was a better option than the established Democrats and Republicans. In reality, supporting Stein only served to contribute to the chaos and division in our political landscape.
It is evident that Stein’s campaign lacks the necessary groundwork and organization required to make a meaningful impact on American politics.… Continue reading
The first graders who survived the tragic events of Sandy Hook are now old enough to vote in their first presidential election. This milestone is a poignant reminder of the time that has passed since that horrific day, and it highlights the crucial role that this generation’s voice will play in shaping the future, particularly on issues like gun violence. These young individuals, who have grown up participating in active shooter drills, possess a unique understanding of the impact of Republican policies and have every reason to be angry and motivated to effect change.
I vividly recall the horror and sadness I felt when I heard about Sandy Hook.… Continue reading
As a busker who was recently attacked by a pro-Palestinian protester in Melbourne during what was touted as the biggest protest in decades, I can attest to the chaos and violence that ensued on Bourke Street. My colleague Konstantin and I were simply going about our usual business, entertaining passersby with our music when the confrontation occurred. What started as a demand for us to declare support for “the children of Gaza” quickly escalated into a physical altercation that left us shaken and our equipment severely damaged.
The incident highlights a disturbing trend where individuals feel emboldened to use violence and intimidation to push their agendas onto others.… Continue reading
The tragic incident of an American activist being shot dead in the occupied West Bank by Israeli troops is a stark reminder of the dangers that come with advocating for justice and human rights in conflict zones. The fact that this is not the first time such a horrifying event has occurred and the likelihood that it won’t be the last is a sobering reality to digest. The narrative that justifies the killing of protestors by labeling them as instigators of violence is one that must be challenged and condemned.
The case of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-American activist who lost her life while peacefully protesting against Jewish settlement expansion in Beita near Nablus, highlights the excessive use of force by Israeli forces against unarmed civilians.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood