As I sit back and watch the latest development in the political arena unfold, it’s hard not to feel a sense of relief when I hear that a judge has permanently blocked part of Florida’s ‘Stop WOKE Act’. The audacity of Governor Ron DeSantis and Republican lawmakers to restrict the conversation around race-related issues in workplace training under the guise of individual freedom is truly baffling. It’s a classic case of political posturing at its finest, where the real intention seems to be to incite division and distract from pressing matters facing our society.
It’s interesting to see how the term “woke” has become a trigger word for conservatives, used to dismiss any conversations around social justice or equality.… Continue reading
This announcement of Russia’s plan to slow down YouTube download speeds by 70% comes as a concerning development. The leaked information suggests that this deliberate effort is aimed at pushing users towards a government-controlled Russian alternative website and eventually phasing out access to YouTube entirely. The strategy seems to be an attempt to boost the popularity of their own platforms, which have struggled to compete with the widespread adoption of YouTube in the country.
The decision to target YouTube specifically can be seen as a direct response to the platform’s popularity in Russia, where many individuals, including anti-government and counter-culture content creators, have found a voice and a substantial following.… Continue reading
Bill to arrest librarians filed for 2025 Alabama house session? Yes, you heard that right. Librarians, the custodians of knowledge, are now being targeted as criminals. This bill, part of Trump’s Project 2025, aims to classify educators and public librarians who provide access to certain materials as registered sex offenders. This alarming move is not only an attack on the freedom of speech but also a dangerous step towards censorship and control.
The language of the bill is vague, redefining what is considered “harmful to minors” and potentially criminalizing librarians for shelving certain materials. It redefines “sexual conduct” and sets out a procedure that could lead to criminal charges against those who provide access to such materials.… Continue reading
As a resident of Spain, I cannot help but feel frustrated and concerned with the recent introduction of the porn passport system. The idea of having to verify my age and receive “porn credits” just to access adult content online seems absurd and invasive. Not to mention, the potential implications of this system on privacy and censorship are alarming.
While I understand the intention behind the introduction of this system is to protect children from accessing inappropriate content, I cannot help but question its effectiveness. In an age where technology is evolving rapidly, kids are becoming increasingly tech-savvy. They will find ways around these age verification measures, whether it’s through VPNs or other means.… Continue reading
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 I sit here and reflect on the recent news about the adult entertainment industry suing again over a law requiring pornographic sites to verify users’ ages, I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and confusion. The idea of having to upload personal identification to access adult websites raises many concerns, especially in a world where online privacy seems to be diminishing more and more each day.
The arguments presented by some individuals about the potential risks of sharing personal information on these sites are valid. Why should anyone have to provide their ID, especially if they are trying to maintain a level of privacy or if they are in a situation where revealing such information could have negative consequences?… Continue reading
As I read about the Connecticut town having to pay $100K to settle a lawsuit because a teacher showed a Kendrick Lamar video in school, I am left shaking my head in disbelief. The idea that a simple music video could cause such an uproar is baffling to me. The fact that a student and his family felt so traumatized by the imagery in the video is quite frankly ridiculous.
I can’t help but wonder what our education system is coming to when a teacher can be reprimanded multiple times for attempting to expose students to thought-provoking content. The teacher in question was scolded for showing clips of Fahrenheit 9/11, suggesting students watch an R-rated movie for extra credit, and now, showing a Kendrick Lamar video.… Continue reading
As a voracious reader and advocate for freedom of expression, the recent legislation passed in Minnesota fills my heart with joy. The fact that it is now illegal for Minnesota libraries to ban LGBTQ+ books is a monumental step towards true inclusivity and representation. Governor Tim Walz has shown exceptional leadership by signing this bill into law, emphasizing the importance of preserving history and rejecting censorship in our libraries. This new law not only protects the diverse voices within the LGBTQ+ community but also upholds the fundamental ideals of the First Amendment.
The key point of this legislation is to prevent the removal of books based solely on their content, message, or viewpoint.… Continue reading
I can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that pronouns and tribal affiliations are now forbidden in South Dakota public university employee emails. It’s baffling to think that in this day and age, where inclusivity and diversity are championed, such restrictions could be put in place. Imagine having to craft an email without using any pronouns – it feels like it would be akin to trying to write with one hand tied behind your back.
The idea of banning something as fundamental as pronouns seems not only extreme but also counterproductive. Pronouns are an essential part of language, allowing us to communicate effectively and respectfully.… Continue reading
As an Israeli citizen, the recent incident involving the seizure of AP equipment and the takedown of a live shot of northern Gaza by Israeli officials citing a new media law has left me deeply troubled. The actions taken by the government to shut down international press coverage in a war zone are alarming and raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability. It sends a message that there may be things happening behind the scenes that the government does not want the world to see.
The fact that the equipment was returned following public outcry does little to alleviate fears and suspicions about the motives behind such censorship.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood