As a recent graduate myself, I can’t help but be disappointed by the recent news surrounding USC’s commencement ceremony. The decision to cancel all commencement speakers after the valedictorian’s speech was canceled is one of the most perplexing acts of damage control I have ever witnessed. It seems like a knee-jerk reaction that only serves to exacerbate the controversy.
The fact that USC took such drastic measures without citing any actual threats or security concerns is concerning. It raises questions about their commitment to free speech and academic freedom. The original valedictorian speech was reportedly canceled because the university didn’t want her to address certain issues, which is troubling in a place of higher learning that should foster open dialogue and diverse perspectives.… 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
As I reflect on the recent news about USC banning the pro-Palestinian valedictorian from speaking at the May commencement due to safety concerns, I can’t help but feel conflicted. On one hand, I understand the university’s need to prioritize safety for all attendees, especially in today’s volatile climate where tensions run high on issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, on the other hand, I can’t help but think about the implications of silencing a voice, even if it holds controversial or extreme views.
The valedictorian in question was chosen based on her academic achievements, which is an impressive feat in itself.… Continue reading
As I reflect on the recent events surrounding Florida’s book ban, I can’t help but shake my head at the sheer irony and hypocrisy that has unfolded. The bill, initially designed to target and censor books deemed inappropriate by a select few, has now backfired spectacularly as the Bible has been caught in the crosshairs. The very book that many hold as sacred and untouchable has found itself on the chopping block, revealing the flawed and misguided intentions behind such legislation.
It’s both amusing and frustrating to witness Governor DeSantis squirm as the unintended consequences of his actions come to light.… Continue reading
I can’t wrap my head around why anyone would want to listen to Kyle Rittenhouse speak at a university. What could this murderer possibly have to offer in terms of value or insight? It baffles me that colleges and universities are giving a platform to someone who took the lives of two individuals. It’s a disturbing example of the direction our country is heading in when we glorify individuals like Rittenhouse.
The fact that Rittenhouse was able to speak at Western Kentucky University is shocking to me. How can someone with such a lack of education and moral compass be allowed to address an audience of students seeking knowledge and growth?… Continue reading
Elon Musk’s X bans transgender Harvard lawyer for naming a neo-Nazi. This is not surprising coming from a man who often presents himself as a free speech absolutist, yet seems to pick and choose which voices deserve to be heard. The incident surrounding Caraballo being banned raises questions about the consistency and objectivity of X’s policy enforcement, especially when it comes to sensitive political content.
It is clear that Musk’s affiliations and personal biases play a significant role in the decisions made by his platform. The fact that he would choose to ban a transgender Harvard lawyer for simply naming a neo-Nazi, while claiming to support free speech, is hypocritical at best.… Continue reading
I can’t believe what I read about the man who was detained in Moscow for simply writing ‘Putin is a murderer’ on his ballot. It’s astounding to think that in today’s world, a person can face repercussions for expressing their opinion, especially when it comes to a supposedly democratic process like an election. The fact that the police noticed what he wrote and took action against him is not only concerning but also goes against the very principles of free speech.
The idea that someone could be arrested for writing a political statement on their ballot raises questions about the integrity of the entire election process.… Continue reading
As I delved into the news of YouTube blocking access to the Fifth Estate story on the killing of a B.C. Sikh activist at India’s demand, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease at the implications of such censorship. The Streisand effect, as they say, is bound to come into play here – attempting to suppress a story only serves to pique curiosity and drive more people to seek it out. It’s a classic case of trying to hide something in plain sight.
India’s shifting attitude towards Canada is also quite perplexing. On odd days, Canada seems insignificant on the world stage, but on even days, the mentality shifts to a delusional belief that what they don’t see or show doesn’t exist.… Continue reading
Yulia Navalnaya, the brave wife of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, recently had her social media account suspended. As the news of this suspension spread, many individuals speculated on the potential reasons behind this, with some pointing fingers at influential figures like Elon Musk. It is disheartening to see the power dynamics at play when it comes to silencing voices that speak out against oppressive regimes.
The link between Musk, Russian influence, and censorship is a concerning one. With the suspension of Yulia Navalnaya’s social media account, questions arise about the role of powerful individuals like Musk in suppressing dissenting voices.… Continue reading
Elon Musk demands users stop ‘deadnaming’ Twitter after Stephen King trolls the billionaire
Elon Musk, the enigmatic billionaire behind Tesla and SpaceX, is once again making waves on social media. This time, he is demanding that users stop referring to Twitter as ‘Twitter’ and instead use the name ‘X’. Musk’s decree comes after acclaimed author Stephen King trolled the billionaire by referring to the social media platform as its original name.
The irony of Musk’s demand is not lost on many observers. Here we have a man who has built his reputation on pushing boundaries and disrupting industries, now seemingly unable to handle a simple jest from a fellow public figure.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood