When news broke about a port strike causing toilet paper ‘panic buying’ and leaving store shelves empty, my initial reaction was disbelief. I mean, are we really importing toilet paper? I always assumed it was mostly made domestically. Seeing videos of empty shelves and people hoarding toilet paper during this crisis reminded me of the chaos we witnessed during the early days of the pandemic.
It’s rather telling of the average American mindset that in times of crisis, the first thing on people’s minds is their own personal comfort, specifically their own behinds. But why toilet paper? Out of all the things one could panic buy, why has there been a shift from essentials like food, water, and fuel to toilet paper?… Continue reading
I must admit, seeing the news about the Union for 45,000 US dockworkers agreeing to suspend their strike until Jan. 15 to provide time to negotiate a new contract came as a relief. With the recent influx of panic buying and hoarding due to fears of a potential strike, it’s reassuring to know that a resolution is in the works. The fact that this decision removes unnecessary variables and suffering from the equation is truly a breath of fresh air. It also avoids the optics of politics and keeps the issue in the business arena, ensuring that paychecks will continue to come in for the workers who rely on them.… Continue reading
Living 1.5 miles from Maryland’s Francis Scott Key Bridge and commuting on it daily for almost two decades, the recent incident of the bridge collapsing has left me stunned. The bridge, which no longer stands, was a vital part of my daily routine and held a special place in my heart. It’s unimaginable to wake up to such a tragic event, especially given the magnitude of the impact it has had. The video footage of the bridge collapse is chilling, highlighting the sheer force and destruction caused by the incident.
With major implications for the entire region, the closure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge will undoubtedly have lasting impacts on the area.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker