The haunting words of Amit Soussana, a released hostage, echo in my mind as I grapple with the profound implications of his testimony at the UN Security Council. To hear a survivor openly recount being sexually assaulted by the very terrorists who guarded him is a harrowing reminder of the depth of human depravity. The trauma experienced by hostages at the hands of their captors cannot be overstated, and yet, we find ourselves in an age where such testimonies face skepticism and outright denial from pockets of society.
Listening to Amit’s story stirs a cocktail of anger and sadness in me.… Continue reading
The heart-wrenching scenario unfolding in Gaza has taken another excruciating turn, one that casts a grim shadow on the already dire humanitarian situation. Hearing that Hamas is allegedly shooting Gazan civilians trying to evacuate Jabaliya is profoundly troubling and evokes a whirlwind of emotions. It’s one thing to read reports of violence in a distant land; it’s another to grasp the depth of horror that such actions inflict on innocent lives. The idea that a group, ostensibly fighting for the people, would turn their weapons on those same people is an unbearable contradiction that shakes my belief in the narrative surrounding this conflict.… Continue reading
The recent statement by a conservative influencer advocating for the reinstatement of slavery if the majority in a state desires it has sparked outrage and disgust across social media platforms. The blatant disregard for human rights and the lack of empathy displayed in such a statement is not only shocking but deeply troubling. The nonchalant attitude of “What do I give a shit” in response to the horrors of slavery is a clear reflection of the selfish and morally bankrupt mentality that seems to permeate segments of society.
The notion that taking away someone else’s rights is justifiable as long as it doesn’t directly impact oneself is a dangerous mindset that can lead to grave injustices.… Continue reading
Reading about the horrifying ordeal of the Yazidi woman who was freed by the IDF from Gaza, where she revealed that ISIS had fed her cooked meat from Yazidi babies, is beyond comprehension. The level of evil and barbarity exhibited by these terrorists is truly unimaginable. This is not just a story; it is a stark reminder of the depths of depravity that some individuals can sink to.
The thought of innocent infants being slaughtered and then fed to their own mothers is abhorrent and sickening. It is a stark reminder of the inhumanity that exists in this world. The fact that these terrorists believed that their actions were justified in the name of their twisted ideology is a chilling realization of the extent to which radical Islamic fundamentalism has corrupted their minds.… Continue reading
As I read about Cuba’s grid collapsing once again, my heart aches for the people living in such difficult conditions. With a looming hurricane adding fuel to the fire, the situation seems dire. The energy and mines minister’s promises of a fully functional grid by Monday or Tuesday are likely just empty words, further exacerbating the suffering of the Cuban people. This regime seems to be hanging on by a thread, with leaders possibly fleeing to safe houses in Miami and Mexico, abandoning their citizens in their time of need.
The idea of a hurricane hitting an island already struggling with an indefinite power outage is truly a recipe for disaster.… Continue reading
Ken Paxton’s continued presence in office despite his questionable criminal record leaves me baffled. It is evident that he wields his power in a corrupt manner, as demonstrated by the recent lawsuit filed against a Dallas doctor for allegedly violating a gender-affirming care ban. The Gender-Affirming Care (GAC) ban itself is a misnomer, often causing unnecessary obstacles for individuals seeking essential medical treatment. As someone living in New York with hypogonadism, I received prompt diagnosis and treatment, unlike individuals in Texas who face months of hurdles to access necessary care.
The laws governing gender-affirming care in Texas are not only discriminatory but also far-reaching, impacting a wide range of individuals beyond the intended target demographic.… Continue reading
As I read about the horrifying incident of Russians capturing and then murdering 9 Ukrainian drone operators, I am struck by the sheer brutality and inhumanity of war. The hatred and animosity between the two sides seem to be at an all-time high, with no regard for the rules of engagement or basic human decency.
It is alarming to note that the Russian military and the Kremlin do not seem to value the lives of their own soldiers, using them as mere pawns for propaganda purposes. The fact that they would rather execute their own soldiers than let them be captured alive speaks volumes about their disregard for human life.… Continue reading
As a member of the LGBTQ community, the recent passing of an anti-surrogacy law in Italy that effectively bars gay couples from becoming parents strikes a chord with me personally. Surrogacy, as a practice, has always been a controversial subject, with the potential for exploitation and abuse looming large. And while I understand the need for regulation and monitoring to prevent such situations, a complete ban on surrogacy seems like an extreme reaction.
Surrogacy, whether voluntary or compensated, has been a lifeline for many couples struggling with infertility, regardless of their sexual orientation. Banning surrogacy outright denies these individuals the opportunity to fulfill their dream of parenthood.… Continue reading
North Korea has reportedly sent 10,000 soldiers to assist Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. This news is not only shocking but also deeply concerning on many levels. These soldiers, likely coerced and manipulated by their leaders, are essentially being used as pawns in a dangerous geopolitical game. It’s heartbreaking to think of these individuals, so far from their homes and families, sent to fight a war that isn’t even their own.
The idea of 10,000 soldiers being sent to certain death for the sake of one man’s ego is truly horrifying. It paints a bleak picture of the world we live in, where human lives are disposable in the pursuit of power and dominance.… Continue reading
Living in Gaza, amidst the chaos and destruction, the reality of our situation is harsh. We are caught in the crossfire, being used as pawns by those who claim to represent us. Hamas, the self-proclaimed savior, is nothing but a brutal dictator, for whom our lives hold no value. The recent reports of civilians being beaten while trying to evacuate are heartbreaking and infuriating. It showcases the extent of manipulation and cruelty that we are subjected to under their rule.
Hamas, with their political agenda, exploits our suffering and deaths for their own gain. They thrive on the chaos and desperation in Gaza, manipulating us into submission.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood