Unrest in the Middle East

Andrew Oliver    Staff Writer For almost two decades, our media has been a non-stop chorus of chaotic voices, reminding us of the turbulent situation in the region of the Middle East. This commentary and reporting all comes through a dangerously narrow, ethnocentric lens that distorts the views of Americans, and indeed, all western nations on the issue. But what is to be done? Clearly, … Continue reading Unrest in the Middle East

The Storied Repeal of HB2

Andrew Oliver    Staff Writer Thankfully, Governor Roy Cooper and the state’s legislature have repealed House Bill 2, the infamous “Bathroom Bill,” which stated that transgender individuals had to use the bathroom which coincided with the gender on their birth certificate. North Carolina had been under the influence and effects of this disastrous bill for a long time before the very recent repeal, and those … Continue reading The Storied Repeal of HB2

Donald Trump and the Legacy of the Celebrity Politician

Andrew Oliver    Staff Writer When talking about Donald Trump and his family, one issue is always raised: what qualifies a family of politically inexperienced celebrities to hold such high executive office in the United States, a country that has long prided itself as being a bold and unashamed meritocracy? Since the 1800s, and the presidency of Chester Arthur, this country has prided itself on … Continue reading Donald Trump and the Legacy of the Celebrity Politician

The Republican Town Hall Reality

Andrew Oliver Staff Writer “As of late, it has become apparent that some individuals who are not really interested in meaningful dialogue attend town halls just to create disruptions and media spectacles.” “This is particularly unfortunate because it leads to a scenario in which only the loudest voices in the room can be heard and very little meaningful discussion can actually occur.” “While I am … Continue reading The Republican Town Hall Reality

The Case for a Living Wage

Andrew Oliver Staff Writer The argument for a living wage has been at the forefront of policy discussions and debates in recent years, and with plenty of controversy. In addition to strong opposition from many large businesses and corporations, those who support an increase in the federal minimum wage often do not agree on what a living wage should be, and how it should be … Continue reading The Case for a Living Wage

The Horrors of Trump’s Wall

Andrew Oliver Staff Writer Trump’s wall will not work. As James Hedges (the presidential candidate for the Prohibition Party in 2016) said, “Hadrian’s Wall did not protect England. The Maginot Line did not protect France. Trump’s Wall will not protect America, either, but building it will capture people’s attention while important parts of America slip away or are destroyed. The best day of our lives … Continue reading The Horrors of Trump’s Wall

RBG in Review

Andrew Oliver   Staff Writer The current popularity of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is something that, for many, seems baffling. In a world where the most popular voices are almost always the loudest, it appears strange that the quiet, slow-speaking judge for the nation’s highest judicial court would become such a pop culture phenomenon. All the more strange is her propensity for liberal … Continue reading RBG in Review

Islamophobia in 2017

Andrew Oliver Staff Writer No matter who or where you ask, Islamophobia will be a serious issue. Whether it’s those who actually fear Muslim people in America and abroad, or those who believe it’s an irrational phenomenon that needs to be stopped, Islamophobia has become an important issue to Americans everywhere. The current wave of Islamophobia in the United States is a direct result of … Continue reading Islamophobia in 2017

Trump and the Media

Andrew Oliver   Staff Writer   In the world of American politics, one is aware of the importance that our independent media plays in the political process. Leaders usually try to befriend the media, to use it to their advantage as a tool by which to accomplish their goals. Newly-elected president Donald Trump does the opposite. During his campaign he assailed publications such as the … Continue reading Trump and the Media

Social Media and Politics

Andrew Oliver   Staff Writer  In politics, particularly in presidential elections, it is important to recognize the way new or emerging technologies are utilized, if at all. Much fuss was made about Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s use of the radio, as well as Eisenhower and Kennedy’s use of television to augment their successful campaigns, leading to successful victories and presidencies, aided by modern technology. When Barack … Continue reading Social Media and Politics