As a 19-year-old nude dancer taking the state of Florida to court over age restrictions at adult entertainment establishments, I find myself pondering the contradictions and complexities of our society’s view on adulthood and personal freedoms. The law that stipulates dancers must be 21+ if alcohol is served and only go topless, while 18+ dancers can go fully nude in establishments without alcohol, seems arbitrary and restrictive.
The suit filed against Florida argues that this law violates the constitutional right to free speech, preventing dancers from expressing themselves through their art and making a living. It questions the state’s failure to consider alternative measures that could achieve state interests without impinging on First Amendment rights.… Continue reading
It seems like the news of Julian Assange reaching a plea deal with the U.S. and potentially going free has stirred up a lot of mixed emotions and opinions. Many people seem to have a deep-seated dislike for Assange, citing various reasons for their disdain. Some view him as a manipulative narcissist who only acted in his own self-interest, while others believe he is a hero for exposing government secrets and shedding light on illegal activities.
Looking back at the timeline of events surrounding Assange, it’s clear that his journey has been tumultuous and fraught with controversy. From his time holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy to the recent plea deal, Assange has been a polarizing figure to say the least.… 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
It’s disheartening to see a story like this coming out of Alabama, where a judge has ordered a driver to apologize or face jail time for uttering the words, “Get your ass out of the way” to a police officer. The incident began when the driver, Mr. Burks, was pulled over for allegedly driving above the speed limit of 25 mph. It’s worth noting that the officer didn’t have concrete proof of the alleged speeding and resorted to estimating the speed using his cruise control, which is a questionable method at best.
After Mr. Burks expressed his disbelief in the officer’s methodology, the situation escalated when the officer stood in front of his vehicle and refused to move.… Continue reading
It is absolutely absurd that 13 conservative judges, each appointed by Trump, have declared a boycott on hiring clerks from Columbia Law School simply because some students expressed their political opinions. Punishing an entire group of students for the actions of a few is not only unfair but also reflects poorly on the judges themselves. It’s outrageous to see judges, who are supposed to be impartial and uphold the Constitution, engaging in such discriminatory and politically motivated behavior.
The fact that these judges are willing to discriminate against potential clerks based on their school affiliation speaks volumes about their character and suitability for their positions.… 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
The largest union of academic workers, representing over 48,000 graduate student workers across the University of California system, is gearing up to hold a strike authorization vote in response to the crackdown on student Gaza protests. The union, UAW local 4811, emphasized the importance of maintaining free speech and the right to demand change through peaceful protest. They called for negotiations with students, unions, and campus organizations rather than escalating tensions further.
The idea of a strike in response to university actions against student protesters raises interesting questions. What specific grievances are being addressed through this potential strike action? Traditionally, strikes are called for issues such as pay, working conditions, and seniority.… Continue reading
As I read about Lauren Boebert’s recent visit to George Washington University, where she attempted (and failed) to pull down a Palestinian flag from a statue, the image of the Colorado congresswoman struggling with the flag became a symbol of her misguided actions and priorities. The chants of ‘Beetlejuice’ that greeted her on campus, in reference to her distinct appearance, added a layer of mockery to the situation.
It’s baffling to see a government employee, someone who is supposed to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of all Americans, attempting to suppress speech and expression on a private college campus.… Continue reading
The recent events at UCLA, where classes were canceled after counterprotesters violently attacked a pro-Palestinian camp, have left many of us stunned and appalled. The headline changes in news articles, including the LA Times, have raised questions about the transparency and accuracy of reporting. The violence that took place, with individuals yelling hateful slogans and attacking peaceful protestors, is nothing short of disturbing. It is disheartening to see such aggression and intolerance on a university campus, a place that should be a safe and inclusive environment for all.
The use of soft language such as “counterprotesters” to describe violent acts is concerning.… Continue reading
As I sit here reflecting on the situation unfolding at Columbia University, my mind is filled with a myriad of thoughts and emotions. Large numbers of New York City police officers are making their way onto the campus, responding to protests and unrest that have escalated dramatically. Student reporters from the university station have been diligently reporting live, trying to capture every moment as it happens. It’s a chaotic scene, filled with tension and uncertainty.
The protests at Columbia University, centered around the Israel-Palestine conflict, have sparked a wave of controversy and division. It’s disheartening to see fellow students pitted against each other, with differing opinions and beliefs clashing in such a volatile manner.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood