Debunking Originalism: How Objectivity Promotes Judicial Bias
Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearings revived the debate between originalism and living constitutionalism. The former espouses that judges ought to interpret the literal text of the Constitution according to what the words meant when they were promulgated. The latter suggests that the Framers intentionally used loose language to allow for future interpretation, and that […]
In Response to “On Guns and Liberty”
Last January, Max Willner-Giwerc, a student whom I feel lucky to count as a friend, published “On Guns and Liberty.” Willner-Giwerc’s broad argument against legal firearm ownership was well-founded, well-reasoned, and cited reputable sources. He argues that guns create a public sense of fear and deny victims of gun violence the freedom to live, while […]
The Case for Community-Owned Baseball
Photo by Rick Burtzel The national pastime needs national control. Major League Baseball operates as a monopoly, enables stubborn and avaricious owners, and allows teams to take advantage of their host cities. While the NBA and NHL implemented a centralized “bubble” as a COVID-19 safety measure in 2020, MLB allowed teams to play within their […]
In Response to “American Theocracy and the War on Christmas”
When those of us interested in politics look to history for support, we must be wary of reductionism. Though it may be advantageous for headlines to make eye-catching claims, history is much more nuanced. In “American Theocracy and the War on Christmas,” Alex Jarecki reduces the complex relationship of religion and politics in America to […]
The Republican Party Is a Fascist Cult
All Republicans bear the blame for this assault on democracy.
Universal Basic Income Is Not Sound Policy (Yet)
In the US, Universal Basic Income (UBI) has become ever salient as the public grows more fearful of mass job displacement. The policy is a type of social security that guarantees a fixed amount of income to citizens. Andrew Yang drew attention to the idea during this year’s Democratic presidential primary through the “Freedom Dividend,” […]
Why Democrats Underperformed on Election Night
Progressive politics are sabotaging the Democratic Party.
American Theocracy and the War on Christmas
It rolls around each year. String lights, trees, and wreaths pop up everywhere you look. An army of bell-ringing Salvation Army Santas descends on every street corner. Coffee chains serve peppermint drinks in red and green to-go cups. An overworked department store employee greets you with “Happy holidays!” As you browse the aisles, Mariah Carey’s […]
A Positive from 2020: The Overdue Modernization of American Theatre
What comes to mind when you think of going to the theatre? It might be dazzling lights, a show-stopping dance break, or the plush velvet seats of a Broadway house. Maybe it’s a more intimate setting, with a smaller space and cast. Regardless, you probably do not imagine yourself sitting alone on your couch, watching […]
What Overturning Roe Would Mean for Our Futures
Photo by Charles Edward Miller The Supreme Court’s 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade was a turning point in US history—a celebratory moment where freedom triumphed and the fundamental human rights of bodily autonomy and personal choice were extended to Americans with uteruses. The landmark decision has been one of great controversy, with efforts to […]