When I think about the recent news of Columbia canceling its main graduation ceremony amid protests related to Gaza, it strikes a chord deep within me. As someone who didn’t get to experience a traditional high school graduation due to the pandemic, I can empathize with the students who are now missing out on their college graduation because of these protests. Graduation is a milestone in one’s life, a moment of celebration and achievement that deserves to be recognized and honored.
It’s disheartening to see how a few individuals can disrupt such an important event for an entire graduating class. While I understand the importance of raising awareness about global issues, there is a time and place for activism.… Continue reading
I found myself scrolling through the news today, only to be met with the headline that police had removed pro-Palestine protesters from a university in Paris. As I delved into the comments section, I was bombarded with a barrage of contrasting opinions and sentiments. Some questioned the validity of the protestors’ cause, while others highlighted the importance of free speech and peaceful protest. It led me to ponder on the complexities of the situation and the underlying issues that seem to permeate every aspect of the conflict.
The Charlie Hebdo attack is still fresh in our memories. The brutal violence that shook Paris to its core serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of terrorism.… Continue reading
As I sit and reflect on the recent incident involving an ‘Ole Miss’ student making monkey noises towards a Black woman during pro-Palestine protests, I am filled with a combination of disgust and disappointment. It is disheartening to see such overt displays of racism and ignorance still persisting in our society. The fact that this behavior occurred on a campus known for previous racist incidents is even more troubling.
It is alarming to see how deep-rooted and pervasive racist attitudes are, not only among the students involved but also among those in positions of power who condone or even support such behavior.… Continue reading
As reports emerge of a police officer firing his gun while clearing protesters from a Columbia building, it begs the question: how can someone entrusted with a 12lb trigger pull accidentally discharge their weapon? The Department’s nonchalant response of “Oops” only adds to the concerning nature of this incident. How does a situation like this occur, especially with no students present in the immediate vicinity, only other officers?
The thought of how this situation could have escalated into a dangerous and potentially tragic event is alarming. Negligence on the officer’s part should not be dismissed as a simple mistake. The lack of proper weapon handling in such a high-pressure environment raises valid concerns about the training and protocols in place within law enforcement agencies.… Continue reading
“Oh my god”: Stormy Daniels lawyer texted “what have we done?” after seeing Trump win election. When I read this headline, my initial reaction was a mix of shock, disappointment, and a tinge of dark humor. The idea that a crucial moment in American history could have been altered by a porn star and her ambulance-chasing lawyer is both absurd and emblematic of the chaotic nature of politics in the modern age.
The notion of striking a deal with the devil, as some have described it, is not as far-fetched as it may seem. In the cutthroat world of politics, alliances are often made with unsavory characters in pursuit of a greater goal.… Continue reading
I can’t fathom the reasoning behind the recent events where protesters at Columbia University have taken over a building after defying a deadline. The entire situation seems to be spiraling out of control, with students engaging in acts of defiance and vandalism that not only disrupt the normal functioning of the university but also reflect poorly on their own academic journey.
The decision to occupy Hamilton Hall, a building that holds historical significance due to past protests in 1968, seems misguided when considering the nature of the current issue. The demands for divestment from Israel and standing in solidarity with Gaza appear to lack a coherent strategy and feasibility.… Continue reading
The recent news of a secret document revealing the horrendous fate of a 16-year-old teen protester in Iran has left me shaken to my core. The thought of someone so young and full of potential being not just killed, but also sexually assaulted, is beyond horrifying. It’s a stark reminder of the brutal realities faced by those who dare to speak out against oppressive regimes.
The fact that the Iranian security forces attempted to cover up her murder as suicide is a disturbing indication of the lengths they are willing to go to silence dissent. The powerlessness against such a regime is indeed depressing, as highlighted by the comments of individuals who have been forced to flee their homeland due to the atrocities committed by the Iranian government.… Continue reading
Iran’s recent decision to hand a death sentence to talented rap artist Toomaj Salehi for his protest songs is a dark and disheartening reflection of the oppressive regime that currently governs the country. Salehi, known for his outspoken criticism of Iran’s Islamic leadership, was arrested during the nationwide protests sparked by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in custody. A 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman, Amini faced repercussions from the morality police for allegedly not adhering to strict Islamic dress codes. Salehi’s music and online posts boldly challenged the existing power structure, advocating for change and amplifying the voices of the marginalized in Iranian society.… Continue reading
As I sit here, processing the recent events unfolding at Columbia University, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of unease and concern. The tensions on campus seem to be escalating rapidly, and the atmosphere is becoming increasingly charged with hostility and animosity. The protests that have erupted have taken a troubling turn, with some individuals spewing hateful rhetoric and inciting violence. It’s disheartening to witness such blatant displays of bigotry and intolerance, especially in an academic setting that is supposed to foster learning, growth, and open dialogue.
One particular incident that has captured my attention is the recommendation made by a Rabbi associated with Columbia University urging Jewish students to ‘return home’ amidst the ongoing protests.… Continue reading
It’s intriguing how much attention and controversy can be stirred up when a public figure’s family member is involved in a contentious situation. Rep. Ilhan Omar’s daughter, Isra Hirsi, found herself at the center of a storm when she was among the students suspended by Barnard College for refusing to leave a pro-Gaza encampment. The situation brought up a myriad of opinions and perspectives, showcasing the complexity and divisiveness of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The initial lack of context and information in the article left many scratching their heads, wondering about the specifics of the situation. It was later revealed that the students were suspended not for their support of Palestine, but for setting up a long-term encampment that violated the school and city’s rules.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker