General Commentary

Reflections on the <del>Sandy Hook Elementary School Massacre</del> Las Vegas Mass Shooting

Reflections on the Sandy Hook Elementary School Massacre Las Vegas Mass Shooting

October 13, 2017 General Commentary, Gun Violence

Reflections on the Sandy Hook Elementary School Massacre Las Vegas Mass Shooting, Which State Statute NRS 202.4415 Defines as an "Act of Terrorism" (I wrote this on December 15th, 2012, the day after the murders of 20 students and 6 educators at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Since then, nearly 2000 Americans have died in mass shootings,

Why this veteran is taking a knee

Why this veteran is taking a knee

October 12, 2017 Civil Rights, General Commentary

Recently, I tweeted this: I was a Military Police K-9 handler. I reject police brutality & support peaceful protest.#TakeTheKnee #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/ILB3YRkGi0 - Jon@ScratchPolitics (@ScratchPolitics) September 25, 2017 I have more to say about it than a tweet will allow. Here goes. I served in the Army from the ages of 18 to 22, but, despite being on active duty during

President Dude-bro

President Dude-bro

October 12, 2017 General Commentary

I did some bartending in my youth, mostly in college bars and such. It was one of the better paying gigs I could get, and I learned a lot about dealing with people at their worst. I have many stories; some I only tell when I'm a bit less than sober. Lately, though, I've been thinking a lot about one

Confederate Flag

Confederate Flag

October 11, 2017 General Commentary

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they're endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. A new nation, conceived in liberty, dedicated to the proposition that all men were created equal. Those men rebelled against that dedication. We must not, we cannot

Morris Davis: Here’s why I resigned as the chief prosecutor at Guantanamo

Morris Davis: Here’s why I resigned as the chief prosecutor at Guantanamo

October 11, 2017 General Commentary

Ten years ago today, I informed Gordon England, then the Deputy Secretary of Defense, that I could no longer serve as chief prosecutor for the military commissions at Guantanamo Bay. I requested immediate reassignment to another post and, within an hour, my request was approved. Soon after, I received an order not to speak to anyone about why I quit.

HOW TO ENTER TRUMP’S UNITED STATES

HOW TO ENTER TRUMP’S UNITED STATES

October 10, 2017 General Commentary, Immigration

On October 18, the new travel ban - aka "Muslim Ban 3.0" - will be fully effective (unless recently-filed court challenges are successful.) Trump's third try to ban Muslims works like this: 1. The affected countries are Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. Each country has their own restrictions - but no new immigrant visas (green

Commodity Fetish: The American Gun

Commodity Fetish: The American Gun

October 10, 2017 General Commentary, Gun Violence

After another senseless massacre, this time in Las Vegas, a large and dare I say inconvenient truth has emerged for all to bear witness to. That truth is that the American fetish for guns as a commodity goes hand-in-hand with the dehumanizing effects of an intensely capitalist society. In 2017 there can be no denying this. And that is why

MY COMMENT ON THE HARVEY WEINSTEIN SCANDAL

MY COMMENT ON THE HARVEY WEINSTEIN SCANDAL

October 9, 2017 #MeToo, General Commentary

I've been asked a number of times to comment on the Harvey Weinstein scandal. While I am sickened and angered over the disturbing accusations of Weinstein's sexual predation and abuse of power, I'm happy - ecstatic even - that it has opened up a dialogue around the continued sexual harassment, objectification and degradation of women. To the women who have

Why Donald Trump’s Presidency Requires Vigilance

Why Donald Trump’s Presidency Requires Vigilance

October 9, 2017 Civil Rights, General Commentary

President Donald J. Trump stands interpreted by many individuals as the culprit responsible for the upsurge in recent racist and bigoted views and marches against minorities. His failure to properly demonize white supremacists, pardoning Joe Arpaio, and banning trans people certainly adds ammo to the machine gun. Whether through Trump's rowdy tweets or statements or controversial policies, the reality stands

Permissible Words For Donald Trump

Permissible Words For Donald Trump

October 9, 2017 General Commentary

Jemele Hill has recently made headlines for calling Donald Trump a white supremacist. On both sides of the political spectrum there are many names used to slander the opposition. I want to take a look at legitimate names to attribute to Donald, based on documented fact and analytical observation, not just emotional opinions. Let's start with something simple. A "liar"

New Jim Crow

New Jim Crow

October 8, 2017 Civil Rights, General Commentary

Inspired by The Abolition of White Democracy, have we as a society carried negative attitudes regarding race to present day? Considering mass incarceration and inequality with opportunity for minorities in the United States, it has been suggested that racial stereotypes and a sense of privilege with 'whiteness' have been carried forward. Oppression, inequality, and injustice linger as equality and civil

Donald Adrift

Donald Adrift

October 6, 2017 General Commentary

Contributing Editor: Jamie Domnick Twitter: @JNick9456 Instagram:JNick9456 Currently a student at the University of Wisconsin--Green Bay; double majoring in Democracy & Justice Studies, and History. At the beginning of my college career, I intended to major in Art and then perhaps teach the subject. However, as I continued to take various classes, I soon discovered my passion for equality and

Monster in the White House

Monster in the White House

October 6, 2017 General Commentary

Donald Trump does not like to be dressed down, especially by a woman. Therefore, it must be a particularly painful weekend for Trump following the raw and emotional verbal stripping he received from San Juan Mayor Carmen Y. Cruz. With her city in ruin, and the rest of the island rapidly descending into third-world country status, Cruz lit Rocket Mouth's

The Party of Falsity

The Party of Falsity

October 5, 2017 General Commentary

Democrats are not the party of equality, in my opinion. Their ideologies contradict the platforms that they run on and claim to value, I find myself feeling. I'll provide a few examples, and explain further. The democrat party is typically found connected with today's feminists, who I feel are vastly anti men's rights. By definition feminism is for equality of

Remembering What The Anthem Stands For

Remembering What The Anthem Stands For

October 4, 2017 General Commentary, Immigration

We all have memories that stick with us. Some are happy, some are sad, and some are our proudest moments. This past week's focus on kneeling NFL players and the national anthem has brought back some of these memories for me. In watching the games and the news coverage, I was reminded of my first anthem. I learned my first

Veterans Are Not The Entertainer President’s Props

Veterans Are Not The Entertainer President’s Props

October 4, 2017 General Commentary

June 8, 2004 still remains deeply imbedded in my mind. Not because I had turned 30 two days beforehand or that I would become a non-commissioned officer after surviving my first promotion board. On that early Iraqi morning outside of our base on the outskirts of Baqubah, a massive car bomb exploded at the front entrance. Even a half mile

Moving the Goalposts

Moving the Goalposts

October 3, 2017 Civil Rights, General Commentary

While watching all the protests during the NFL games this weekend, I felt an emotion that I'm sure is shared by many; I felt frustrated. I watched the players kneel, watched the owners and commentators support them or choose not to, and as I did, I felt an almost overwhelming urge to bang my head into my desk until sweet

Hacking the Voters

Hacking the Voters

October 3, 2017 Elections, General Commentary

Why a British company has Americans voter data and how British law can help us get it back How did Cambridge Analytica get our data? Who did they get it from? How did they process it? Who were the recipients of our data? Can we opt-out? Can they justify lawful compliance under UK Data Protection law? Donate to the CrowdJustice

In Defense of Stone Mountain

In Defense of Stone Mountain

October 2, 2017 Civil Rights, General Commentary

On August 15th, in a press conference at Trump Tower, president Trump successfully retconned the media into focusing on confederate statues, instead of the Nazis marching in the streets. As the country's attention turns to the signs of the confederacy in their cities, those of us in the peach state may be turning to stone mountain. As a native Georgian,

Trump’s Sunday Game Plan; Divide.

Trump’s Sunday Game Plan; Divide.

October 1, 2017 General Commentary

It's a tough time to remain in a relationship with someone who truly supports the President. The heat is on; our core principles now govern whether or not we will become estranged from our friends and family. It's hard, every time I hang out with my Trump-Fan friend, not to preempt the visit with the concerns of the world in

The Importance of Unpredictability

The Importance of Unpredictability

September 29, 2017 General Commentary

Donald Trump reiterated that it was important to be "unpredictable" with nuclear weapons. In his unpredictability, and his willingness to go to war, he would be one to cause a war with the alternative motive of creating jobs for citizens. Contributing Editor: Jamie Domnick Twitter: @JNick9456 Instagram:JNick9456 Currently a student at the University of Wisconsin--Green Bay; double majoring in Democracy

A CHALLENGE TO THE LIBERALS FROM A CONSERVATIVE

A CHALLENGE TO THE LIBERALS FROM A CONSERVATIVE

September 29, 2017 General Commentary

I think there's a very good reason we don't get along as conservatives and liberals. EGO. We have a primal urge to want to win above all else. We ALWAYS know we're right, and ALWAYS think you're wrong. So much so, that we don't mind creating straw-men, leveling accusations of the most horrible behavioral evils, and using that to justify

The Muslim Agenda

The Muslim Agenda

September 28, 2017 General Commentary

Islam is the third most widely practiced religion in the United States after Christianity and Judaism. If you were to scroll through Twitter or watch FOX "news" on a 24-hour loop, it might appear as though Islam is a religion of hatred and violence. The idea of violence being the main proponent of Islam skyrocketed in America after the 9/11

The American Dream? Blindness to the Cause

The American Dream? Blindness to the Cause

September 28, 2017 Civil Rights, General Commentary

Growing up an Army brat, I was around all different types of people; I never saw color. All I heard was how great New York City was and how we want to live out "The American Dream." I didn't know if they were referring to Dusty Rhodes or talking about me being a big action movie star. I always wanted

Here’s How You Can Help People Affected By Hurricane Maria

Here’s How You Can Help People Affected By Hurricane Maria

September 26, 2017 Environment, General Commentary

Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and other Caribbean islands were devastated by Hurricane Maria. Relief agencies are seeking donations, as well as food, water, and medical supplies. At least 13 people have died. Most people don't have water or power. There's no cell service. Roads have been totally washed away or blocked by debris. This is life right now

I’m a Good Mother Because I Had An Abortion

I’m a Good Mother Because I Had An Abortion

September 26, 2017 General Commentary

Within days of my 24th birthday, I had an abortion. It was an easy decision and one that I've never regretted-not once. Exercising my right to choose allowed me to achieve my goals and lead an adventurous life. It also empowered me to become the good mother I am today. I was young when I found myself staring down a

If You Are Pro-Abortion, You’ve Probably Used These 5 Arguments – Here’s Why You’re Wrong

If You Are Pro-Abortion, You’ve Probably Used These 5 Arguments – Here’s Why You’re Wrong

September 26, 2017 General Commentary

Yesterday - Mother's Day - infamous head of the abortion mill known as Planned Parenthood, Cecile Richards tweeted this: Nothing says "I love you, Mom!" like standing up for the right of mothers everywhere to get the care they need. https://t.co/uFRM9UeosH I responded with this: @CecileRichards Nothing says "I love you, Mom!" Like the deafening silence of a dead baby

The Trump Monument

The Trump Monument

September 22, 2017 General Commentary

Contributing Editor: Jamie Domnick Twitter: @JNick9456 Instagram:JNick9456 Currently a student at the University of Wisconsin--Green Bay; double majoring in Democracy & Justice Studies, and History. At the beginning of my college career, I intended to major in Art and then perhaps teach the subject. However, as I continued to take various classes, I soon discovered my passion for equality and

Democrats Messaging Misses Masses

Democrats Messaging Misses Masses

September 22, 2017 Elections, General Commentary

The problem with the Democratic party is poor messaging. In 2016 people that voted for Trump, really had more in common with the Democratic Platform, but nobody explained that to them. A good way to share the Democratic message is through listening tours scheduled in high republican/Trump counties. Gerrymandering has painted too many districts deep red, but the individuals living

The Benefits of #FakeNews

The Benefits of #FakeNews

September 21, 2017 General Commentary

I got into an argument the other day. This happens quite often; it's part of my day job, actually. But in this particular argument, I was losing to a better mind with a better case. It happens. There's always someone smarter, and sometimes, no matter how much we want to win, we have to understand that we can't be right

America Doesn’t Need Redefining It Needs Reuniting

America Doesn’t Need Redefining It Needs Reuniting

September 20, 2017 General Commentary

Early this morning, I awoke uneasy by the political warfare that has begun to wreak havoc on the United States, and dove straight into another disaster-- a natural disaster. I flipped open my laptop, set my phone down beside me, and logged onto the crisis cleanup hotline, hoping to be able to help as much as possible from my home

Political Cartoon

Political Cartoon

September 20, 2017 General Commentary

Contributing Editor: Jamie Domnick Twitter: @JNick9456 Instagram: JNick9456 Currently a student at the University of Wisconsin--Green Bay; double majoring in Democracy & Justice Studies, and History. At the beginning of my college career, I intended to major in Art and then perhaps teach the subject. However, as I continued to take various classes, I soon discovered my passion for equality and

How To Be An Ally

How To Be An Ally

September 19, 2017 Civil Rights, General Commentary

From the Margins to the Center Our modern world is organized through a complex matrix of oppressive mechanisms, which we know commonly as Race, Class, Gender, Sexuality, Ability, etc. To better understand a dynamic of oppression, you have to be able to track the power: Who has more, who has less, and how is it being wielded/fought for/protected/dismantled and so

A Nation’s Shame

A Nation’s Shame

September 18, 2017 General Commentary

Saturday, a Wisconsin jury determined that a 15-year-old girl was mentally ill when she participated in the 2014 stabbing of a classmate. Authorities charged Anissa Weier with second-degree homicide when she was just twelve after she and a friend lured another girl to a secluded area and stabbed her at the behest of a fictional internet character. Anissa Weier in

Make America America Again: A Canadian Responds to Donald Trump

Make America America Again: A Canadian Responds to Donald Trump

September 15, 2017 General Commentary, international

Canada is in a unique position when it comes to evaluating what has happened in America since the election of Donald Trump, so I thought I would share my 2 cents. We are, of course, a separate country, with separate traditions, laws, languages (English and French), along with a different system of government altogether. We are, however, just across the

How You Can Help the Victims of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey

How You Can Help the Victims of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey

September 14, 2017 Environment, General Commentary

Hurricane Irma, one of the biggest storms to ever come out of the Atlantic, churned toward Florida over the weekend, leaving a trail of death and destruction across the Caribbean and prompting officials to direct 6.5 million Florida residents to leave their homes in one of the largest emergency evacuations in American history. As many Floridians are now returning to

The United States of Tinseltown

The United States of Tinseltown

September 14, 2017 General Commentary

I'm going to start this off by saying I'm an admitted Hollywood Liberal. I live in LA, I work in television, I voted Democratic in the last few elections, and I someday hope to own a plug-in vehicle. So often on TV and in social media, I hear people (often on the conservative side) say that "Hollywood" is not part

Caveat Emptor!

Caveat Emptor!

September 14, 2017 General Commentary

Between alienating hurricane survivors and insulting the solemnity of a 9/11 moment of silence, it has become clear this week that Donald Trump lacks a certain empathy necessary to his position. Combined with his white supremacy support, his Muslim ban, and his DACA position, it is increasingly difficult to overlook the moral deficiencies in Trump's White House. The larger problem

TrumpRussia: Where Are We Now?

TrumpRussia: Where Are We Now?

September 14, 2017 Elections, General Commentary, Russia

"TrumpRussia" encompasses alleged ties between Russia and Donald Trump and his surrogates, along with Russia's interference in our 2016 election. By now, most Americans are familiar with TrumpRussia, whether or not they think that it's "Fake News." Spoiler alert: it's NOT Fake News. The TrumpRussia scandal is incredibly complex and allegedly involves real estate deals, global finance, money laundering, organized

GLITTER IN THE AIR

GLITTER IN THE AIR

September 13, 2017 General Commentary

I, like most people over the age of 30, have not watched the MTV video music awards in years. This past Sunday was no different. I did, however, tune in to see Pink win her Lifetime achievement award. Pink, in my opinion, is one of the most important artists to emerge from the early 2000s. Her music is infectious, but