Breaking Down Political Parties

The politics of the United States are broken into two very select parties: Democrats and Republicans. Sixteen of our presidents were Democrats, and eighteen were Republicans. That means there were ten presidents, who were neither Democrats nor Republicans. One was an independent, one was a federalist, four were Whigs, and the other four were Democratic-Republicans. Then in 1824, the party split, effectively changing the fate … Continue reading Breaking Down Political Parties

Don’t Let “Breaking News” Break You

Recently, while waiting at a bus stop with friends after a concert in downtown Minneapolis, a man approached us and asked if we had heard the news. “What news?” I asked, not sure if he was referring to Trump’s fascist rise to power, the San Bernardino shooting, the Planned Parenthood attack, the killing of Jamar Clark, the protests and shootings that followed, or the Paris … Continue reading Don’t Let “Breaking News” Break You

Commerical Holidays and Commercial People

Snow falls lightly outside, candles twinkle in the window, and dinner sits upon the table. You and your family sit down for a Christmas dinner. A tree stands in the corner covered in ornaments. Beneath it rests some presents for each member at the table, ready to be opened after dinner. Love, joy, and holiday spirit is felt by all, and a wonderful meal enjoyed. … Continue reading Commerical Holidays and Commercial People

It’s Not About You (and That’s Okay)

Let’s be honest, I like it when things are about me. I like attention. Everyone does. If anyone says they “don’t like being the center of attention”, they’re lying. Seeking attention is a basic human instinct. But there are a few times when you have to give up on being the center of attention: other people’s birthday parties, funerals, and social justice movements that are … Continue reading It’s Not About You (and That’s Okay)

Being Wary of Refugees

There are currently thousands upon thousands of refugees flooding into Europe from war torn parts of the Middle East, predominantly Syria. Many European countries have been trying to welcome refugees and provide them with safety and shelter. The recent terrorist attacks in Paris have called into question the flood of refugees that have been entering Europe, and in America a number of governors have tried … Continue reading Being Wary of Refugees

The Limitations of the 2nd Amendment

We as American citizens have 27 amendments to our Constitution that shape the foundation of our very nation. Some are longer than others, some apply to today’s world, others are moot points. The amendment that I believe is argued about the most, and also happens to be the shortest, is the second amendment: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free … Continue reading The Limitations of the 2nd Amendment

The Underfunded and Overworked FDA

Earlier this year, I read an article from The New York Times that discussed a lack of funding that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) desperately needed to enforce a certain food safety law. This seems to be a common theme in the government these days; agencies and government programs being underfunded. Yet maybe we should consider giving a little more funding to an agency … Continue reading The Underfunded and Overworked FDA

Is News Even News Anymore?

In today’s world, what people account for and call ‘news’ is questionable. Often times people are only interested in what might be called “shock news”: information that is so outrageous that we can’t but help to click on the website or pick up the magazine/newspaper. At the same time, even when a newspaper or media channel does not use these shock tactics, the information provided … Continue reading Is News Even News Anymore?