The recent news of Michigan judge Kathleen Ryan losing her docket after being recorded insulting gay people and Black people is a stark reminder of the systemic issues deeply ingrained in our society. The vulgar recordings of her using offensive language against those she deems inferior is not an isolated incident, as it seems to be a part of a disturbing pattern of behavior. Ryan’s previous domestic violence charge further showcases her inappropriate and aggressive conduct, which should not be tolerated in any professional setting, let alone the judiciary.
It is alarming to see someone in a position of power, who is supposed to uphold justice and equality, expressing such discriminatory views.… Continue reading
As I read about the story of an ex-teacher receiving a five-year prison sentence for threatening a Florida judge in an LGBTQ case, I can’t help but feel a mix of shock and understanding. On one hand, threatening a judge – no matter the circumstances – is never acceptable. The rule of law must be upheld, and any form of intimidation towards those in positions of power undermines the very fabric of our society. However, delving deeper into the context of the case raises important questions about the fairness and consistency of our judicial system.
The fact that the teacher, Thorn, made threatening phone calls to the judge, expressing anger and frustration over a ruling related to LGBTQ issues, is undeniably troubling.… Continue reading
As a Black Trump supporter, I have faced my fair share of criticism and backlash for my political beliefs. But nothing could have prepared me for the blatant racism and disrespect I experienced while canvassing for a right-wing organization. Being called a ‘slave’ by individuals within the very group I was trying to support was not only shocking but deeply hurtful.
It is disheartening to realize that despite my loyalty and efforts to align myself with a specific political ideology, I am still viewed as inferior and unworthy of respect by some within that same group. The incident made me question my decision to support individuals who clearly do not see me as an equal, let alone a valued member of their movement.… Continue reading
As someone who has had personal experience with the Mormon Church, I am deeply troubled by their new restrictions on transgender members. It is disheartening to see a church that claims to preach kindness and compassion imposing such discriminatory rules on a marginalized community. The fact that these restrictions bar transgender individuals from roles like teaching and baptism is not only hurtful but also goes against the very principles of inclusivity and acceptance that a religious institution should embody.
The history of the Mormon Church is riddled with controversies and problematic beliefs, from Joseph Smith’s questionable background to their exclusion of African Americans until 1978.… Continue reading
As I read the news about the recent ruling concerning UCLA and the blocking of Jewish students from campus, my initial reaction was a combination of disbelief and frustration. The fact that it took a judge to remind us that all students, regardless of their religion, have the right to access the public facilities they pay for is both concerning and disheartening. It should be common sense that no one should be prevented from attending class based on their religion or any other characteristic.
The statement from UCLA claiming to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus environment feels hollow in the face of the recent events.… Continue reading
I can’t believe the ordeal that Carleen Acevedo, a 72-year-old Home Depot employee in San Ramon, California, had to go through. That fact that she was fired for failing to stop $5,000 in fraudulent transactions is truly disheartening. I can’t help but feel immense sympathy for her situation. The stress and financial strain she must have endured after losing her job at that age is unimaginable.
What strikes me the most about this situation is the disparity in treatment between Acevedo and the teenage new hire who was earning more than her. It’s appalling that after seven years of dedicated service, she was earning less than a new employee.… Continue reading
As a woman who has made the conscious decision to not have children, I found myself feeling a range of emotions after the recent comments made by JD Vance, and subsequently defended by his wife, Usha Vance. The sentiment that people who choose not to have children should have less rights is not only insulting but also deeply troubling. It’s disheartening to see individuals in positions of power advocating for such regressive and discriminatory views.
The idea that someone’s worth or rights as a citizen should be tied to their decision to have children is not just absurd; it’s dangerous. As a society, we should be moving towards greater inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their choices regarding parenthood.… Continue reading
The recent news about the Florida school board suspending an employee who allowed her transgender daughter to play girls volleyball has sparked a heated debate. It’s disheartening to see how, once again, the marginalized are being punished for simply wanting to live authentically. The fact that the mother is facing consequences for supporting her daughter’s participation in a high school sport is a clear indication of the systemic transphobia and discrimination that still exists in our society.
The school board’s decision to suspend the employee and restrict her job responsibilities is not only discriminatory but also sends a dangerous message. The fact that the board is more concerned about enforcing outdated laws and punishing a mother and her daughter, rather than supporting and protecting them, is truly distressing.… Continue reading
As an Arab-Christian traveling with relatives in Greece, the last thing Fahad Qubati expected was to be attacked based on a mistaken assumption about his nationality. The incident where three individuals targeted him, assuming he was a Jewish Israeli, is not only alarming but also deeply concerning. Qubati’s ordeal sheds light on the unfortunate reality of prejudice and discrimination that still exists in our society.
It is distressing to think that in today’s world, someone could be subjected to physical violence simply because of their perceived nationality or religious beliefs. The fact that Qubati had to defend himself and prove his identity as an Arab-Christian by showing the cross on his body is both shocking and disheartening.… Continue reading
As a Jew living in the 13 EU countries included in the recent poll on experiencing antisemitism, the findings didn’t come as a surprise. The staggering statistics, where 96% of Jewish respondents reported encountering antisemitism, resonate deeply with my own experiences and those of others within the community. What struck me the most from the poll results was the consistency across countries, all averaging above 90% in the prevalence of antisemitism. This universal issue highlights the systemic nature of hate and discrimination faced by Jews in Europe.
The survey results shed light on the different forms of antisemitism encountered by respondents.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood