Op-Eds
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The Argument for Congressional Term Limits
Congress is presently defined by heightened partisanship, ideological polarization, and unproductive gridlock. Could term limits be the solution?
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The Search for Language Inclusivity in Schools
With millions of English language learners in schools across the United States, there is a lot of pressure placed upon them to gain competencies in acquiring English speaking abilities. This pressure can often lead to students losing their primary language or feeling as though their cultural identities are repressed or not welcomed within the classroom. Both the government and educators are tasked with finding a solution to enabling students to effectively learn English without sacrificing their identities.
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The American People Deserve Better
Despite what Republicans and right-wing media outlets say, Joe Biden is not a bleeding heart liberal, and certainly is not a radical leftist. Yet that very radicalism which those on the right demonize and falsely attribute to President Biden may be the very thing this country needs to solve its problems. Joe Biden will never be the candidate of change, Marianne Williamson could be.
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Let's Talk About the Weather
The weather this winter was unreasonably warm for us in Virginia, while the Californians across the country experienced blizzard conditions into the early Spring. Is this weather a fluke or is it the first in a new pattern of severe changes to the climate? If it’s more than a coincidence, what does that mean and what can we do about it?
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Glenn Youngkin is Running for Last Place
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has been cited as a potential Republican presidential candidate, either in 2024 or some time down the road, and some actions he has taken as governor indicate a national ambition. However, Youngkin continues to poll poorly in national primary polls, and decisions he makes with a national eye have often come at the expense of the Virginians he vowed to serve for four years.
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Donald Trump continues to threaten the future of the Republican Party
The upcoming GOP nomination will determine whether the Republican Party can free themselves from Donald Trump's lingering influence
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George Santos Fabricated Campaign Has Changed Elections for the Foreseeable Future
Recent evidence has surfaced exposing congressman George Santos of multiple campaign fabrications that could change the future of US elections.
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How Incrementalism Destroys Progress
Often times, the American people are told that only incremental, slow change can be achieved. They are told that moderate politicians have ostensibly the same goal, to help, but are just more realistic than "radicals" like Bernie Sanders. Despite consistent polling to the contrary, politicians aligned with corporations have claimed that they stand with the people in opposition to a stronger social safety net. These are lies. Through corporate induced, profit motivated obstructionism, supposedly "moderate" politicians blocked popular initiatives while those who advocated the bill shied away from confrontation to the detriment of their cause.
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Deference: Police Accountability and the Court
In constitutional questions regarding police encounters, the Supreme Court often defers these decisions to Congress. In doing so, the rights of citizens to seek justice for the wrongful behavior of law enforcement officers are left in the hands of hyperpolarized politicians who fail to hold police accountable, leaving the rights of citizens in legal limbo.
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Is There Hope for Bipartisanship in America?
When partisan divides appear stronger and more rancorous than ever, many Americans have been left without hope for the political future. Yet, in the midst of these tensions, there have been notable instances of bipartisan efforts across levels of government.
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Tracking in Our Education System
The process of student tracking, despite seeming practical, has had many unhindered consequences on student education, particularly with the education of minority students. At first glance, this system makes perfect sense by having students placed into classes seemingly catered to their experience and abilities, but studies on the effects of tracking suggest it may be perpetuating systemic racial and socioeconomic inequality.
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The (Lack of) Separation of Church and State
The first amendment clearly states that the federal government shall not interfere with US citizens’ religious freedom. But does this mean that religion and politics are completely separated in the United States today?
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Congressional Inaction is Forcing the Supreme Court into the Firing Line
Over recent decades, Congress has progressively grown less effective, forcing the Supreme Court to address these issues in ways that are inconsistent with public opinion. Recent controversial decisions have led to questions regarding the legitimacy of the Supreme Court and the need for judicial reforms.
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Winter is coming for the West, But for Russia Too
Analysts paint a bleak picture of the coming winter for Ukraine and the West, but the realities of the war and the economies involved show a brighter winter for Ukraine and its allies, and a much harder winter for Russia.
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Why You Shouldn’t Watch the World Cup
Throughout history, the sports entertainment industry has been considered a beloved spectacle that creates inerasable memories and unites communities around the globe, but it is becoming increasingly evident that these events have often been used to cover up more pain than the joy they provide. Powerful agencies use the sports industry as a guise for their cruel and monstrous crimes, and nowhere is that more evident than the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, requiring immediate action from everyone - even the fans behind the screen.
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Trump, the Brazilian Far-Right, and the 2022 Presidential Elections
The similarities between Former President Donald Trump and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro are unmistakable, but there is still hope that the end of Bolsonaro’s presidency will be far more peaceful than Trump’s.
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Puerto Rico: Powerless in More Ways Than One
With the recent destruction of Hurricane Fiona on Puerto Rico, the US now seeks to quickly provide aid to the territory. But even as they attempt to do so, they’ve continued to ignore a better, long-term solution that would supply greater benefits to the island: statehood.
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Is Trump’s Brand of Populism Changing Canada?
Pierre Poilievre’s antics are concerning, but does he really represent a trend towards populism?
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Fashion Police!: Fast Fashion and Its Inevitable Environmental Demise
In recent decades, clothing brands have generated an American culture centered around fast fashion. Consumers should remain aware of various ways to oppose these fast fashion companies and their damaging effects on the environment and economy.
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Shining Light on Dark Money in Politics
Political spending from anonymous donors—dark money—has infected American politics on both sides of the aisle through elections and the court system. One Senator in particular has been on a years-long crusade to shine light on the problem, but his most recent attempt was blocked in the Senate. Voters deserve accountability in government and it is our representatives’ responsibility to take action on dark money.
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Outside Spending Has Corrupted Our Elections
In a midterm election expected to break records for campaign spending, increased scrutiny has been placed on the contributions of Super PACs and mega-donors. Reigning in those sources of dark money is key to citizens maintaining control of our democracy.
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Gender Norms: Who Wins?
When it comes to sexism and gender norms, it’s simple to point fingers at men. What if it’s not that easy in reality?
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Do Democrats Have a Prayer in the House?
Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health and a strong summer for Biden have created the conditions for Democrats to potentially keep the House. In a race where every seat counts, the party needs to embrace effective campaigning to boost their chances.
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Breaking the Binary: A Story of Iranian Women
One woman’s death has shaken the nation, shifting the trajectory of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This event is not a call for Western civilizations to save women; instead, it is a call to action against the existing institutions of Iran and the necessity to deconstruct a harmful binary.
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The Refugee Double Standard
A bright moment in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has been the remarkable welcoming of millions of Ukrainian refugees into bordering European countries. However, this prompts the comparison to Europe’s less rosey reception of Middle Eastern refugees in the recent past.