Leftist Lair

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of this publication.

Hi, I’m a new member to The Paw Print.  My name is Parker Kraatz, and I would identify myself as a socialist and a leftist. I come from a German immigrant family and grew up around strong and loud German women.  I joined The Paw Print to get my voice out, and express what I know many of my peers are feeling. I think that it's tiring to see so much wrong happening every day and feeling like we have nothing we can do. Through the press, we can take a stance and open people’s eyes to issues they may not have thought through, or validate people's inner thoughts they are too scared to share.

Luigi Mangione; Terrorist, TikTok Trend, or Political Revolutionary

Deny, defend, depose. These were the writings found on bullet casings in Midtown, New York City, on Dec 11, 2024, near the dead body of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson. Since the news broke into the public, there have been wild speculations and even wilder opinions. Luigi Mangione is the man in question and on trial for the murder of Brian Thompson. I'm sure most people already know the ins and outs of the crime, presumed motives, and even his Twitter account. When the media plastered Luigi Mangione´s Batman-esque walk down, it created imagery of a superhero vigilante or a villain, dividing public opinion. Who really is the villain to the public, Luigi Mangione, or Brian Thompson?

Brian Thompson was a 50-year-old father of two, a husband, a friend, and a son. These facts created a major point of contempt for the individuals against Mangione, and his alleged violence is thought to be senseless, and outright un-American.  Thompson supporters think it is outright wrong to kill, no matter the motive or reasoning, and that it is disgusting for people to be praising an alleged murderer and terrorist. People in support of Mangione are not seeing Thompson as a real person but as a soulless greedy corporation himself.

The media has used propaganda tactics to both humanize and demonize the alleged actions of Mangione. He was a respected friend, valedictorian, and a loving son. In Mangione's so-called manifesto, he lists his mother's neuropathy and the pain she endured. This led people to believe this was an act of revenge. Mangione isn't without his own health issues. Not only did he have spondylolisthesis, he also had cracks in the vertebrae, from an unrelated sports injury, all causing him major pain. He too has screws in his lower back, which can cause complications on their own, such as limited mobility, and bladder issues. Once the public found out about his ailments, as well as that he is young and handsome, he became sexualized as the “hot assassin", detaching him from proposed violent acts. But is this really all Mangione is cracked up to be? 

One other controversy seen with the entire spectacle of Mangione, is the performative activism, specifically on apps like TikTok. Many Mangione supporters say that this was just a trend to the average American and that they just let his political opening to change pass them. The standing Mangione allies agree with the ideology that America loves an outlaw and an underdog. They believe that his alleged actions were not taken as they should have been, as an act of political defiance. They were rather taken as a fictional story, one of great heroicness, but one that was just a fad. A short-lived story that soon died out and the apparent anger of the people was soon directed elsewhere. From punks to posers, Mangione was used as a symbol, rather than a political revolutionary and radical activist. People are starting to wonder, why is it that Luigi Mangione has become such a wild craze? 

Standing supporters agree unanimously that Luigi Mangione is a political revolutionary. A man who, against his own best interest, did a courageous act of activism for the American people. It is well known amongst Americans that our healthcare system is not sustainable, and highly flawed. It is known to elevate the powerful, and refuse care to the needy. It has one goal to only make it harder to benefit, for the sole purpose of lining the pockets of the owners and stockholders. People are tired of being played with, and no longer want to accept these back and forths, they refuse to play the game. With Mangione having his own chronic back condition, it is believed that this was a radical act of revenge, not just for him, but for the people. People are glad the powerful are now nervous and in fear. They are glad the wealthy know that they will not take anymore, and can rise up against them. If the lawmakers, the regulators, and the voters will not make the change, someone has to. 

Whatever your opinion of Luigi Mangione is, it can not be denied he has created noise. The media has fueled the fire of the spectacle placed on him, and the American people are divided. One place most stand together on is the need for change within the healthcare system in our country. Although we may not all agree on the method, we primarily disagree with the madness. Murder should never be condoned, and will never be right, but sometimes violence is one of the only ways for Governments to start paying attention to their people. If we use this moment properly, a peaceful change can come from this. The people's ears and eyes are open right now, use your voice and right to peaceful protest. No matter if you believe Luigi Mangione is a terrorist, TikTok trend, or political revolutionary, know that the greatest changes do not always come peacefully. 

The Power Of No

Recently my colleagues and I in the journalism and cinematography classes visited a seminar on sexual abuse of minors, specifically through social media. More people than you think have been through a sexual trauma one way or another. One in nine girls and one in fifty-three boys under the age of eighteen experience sexual abuse or assault. Spreading the word and knowing how to be safe is crucial to reducing these traumas in young people. Teens need to know how to be safe, how to be confident in themselves, and when to ask for help. 

Being safe on the internet is one of the first steps in being able to prevent grooming and sexual assaults of minors. Having a private account, not sharing personal information such as age and school, as well as not replying to strange message requests are all part of ensuring a safe online presence. Having a private account makes it harder for predators to find you, and know what you look like. Once they see and know you, it's easier for them to be able to find things to talk to you about to open up their grooming practices. Sharing personal information such as age also can make you an easier target. If they see you are young, they'll assume you are naive and stupid, making you easy to manipulate. Not replying to strange messages seems like a no brainer, but so many younger people do not know this yet. This is why integrating this in young people's lives is so important from an early age. 

I believe that a big problem these days between young and old people alike is a lack of confidence in themselves. People are becoming more and more like yes-men by the day. People are so terrified of laying their boundaries and saying no to something. Having confidence in what you want, and your voice, is vital to preventing not only grooming or sexual assault, but any toxic sitation. You have so much power within yourself just in your voice, and we as young people need to realize that we can use it! There is so much power in saying no, and there is nothing wrong with it. If something doesn't feel right, or you are uncomfortable with anything, you do not have to do it! Not letting people take advantage of you and using your voice is one of the easiest prevention methods you can take.

If you are in an unsafe situation, it's important to know when to ask for help. Many people think that asking for help has to be this big extravagant situation, when in reality it doesn't have to be so complicated. All you need to do is go to a trusted adult, such as a teacher or counselor, and tell them you need help. That's really it, just ask. If you have no trusted adult, or are really terrified to ask one, you still have resources. You can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800)-656-4673. The national sexual assault hotline can help you be put in contact with your local rape crisis center. If it's happening in your own home you can contact the safe place at (502)-635-5233, or you can also find a safe location such as a McDonalds or the YMCA and tell a worker you are needing help. You can easily find safe places by their recognizable logo, a yellow and black diamond with a safe place written in black. At a safe place staff calls the local licensed Safe Place agency, who then sends a responder to assist you.

Allowing young people to have the education in topics such as sexual assault prevention is vital to getting the numbers down. Our young people should not have to suffer in silence, and feel as though they have no options. As a survivor myself, it's so important to me that people know what it is, so it doesn't happen to anyone else. It's also fundamental to know how to look for the signs and be proactive. If a friend is displaying signs of being abused such as coming up with bruises out of nowhere, isolating themselves, seeming down, low self confidence, and drastic mood swings, it's important to tell an adult. It's better to be wrong and tell someone, than to be right and not. We as people have to protect each other, it's in our best interest to do so. Please, if you are in need of help contact anyone. I understand that it is scary, but it is better not just for you, but to prevent the abuser from harming anyone else. If you will not do it for yourself, do it for others. 

Ms. Lauryn Hill and Her Effects on the Black Community

Ms. Lauryn Hill is an African American singer and songwriter. Hill was born on May 26, 1975 in New Jersey. Her music contains soul, hip hop, blues, and reggae. Hill first began her artistic career at an early age. Hill describes in her songs how her mother always believed in her music, and thought she was a star. In high school, she had a band and would often perform in plays. It is clear that Hill was born to be a star, and knew it from an early age. Many people enjoy and love her music, but many don't talk about the major influences she had on the black community, and music itself. 

In 1998, Ms. Lauryn Hill released her most popular album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”. This album made history for black women and black feminism in the hip hop scene. Hill was always open about how sexist the industry was. In Essence magazine she said “This is a very sexist industry. They will never throw the genius role to a sister. They’ll just call her diva and think it’s a compliment.”. Ms. Hill opened up the hip hop genre to black women by paving her way through the top charts. Hill's success created discourse, requiring an understanding of the complexities of Black feminist perspectives and the contested spaces and relationships of black men and women, families, and sexuality.

Many black women who enjoy Lauryn's music testify that she helped them learn to not only love their blackness but embrace it. Her music doesn't only have deep social effects, but personal effects for many of her fans. Hill's music goes over topics such as love, heartache, self worth, toxic masculinity, and sexism. For a black woman to be going over these topics in the 90s was a huge win for the community. Black women hearing her talk about loving themselves, and not letting scrubby men get in the way of their journey, changed lives for the better. This album helped and still does help so many women, black or not, decentralize men. It helps them understand their own worth, and the roles they can play if they choose to.

Ms. Lauryn Hill did much more than this though, not only did she open up the Grammy’s to hip hop, but changed hip hop itself. She opened up a world of vulnerability in the hip hop scene, created spaces for religious rappers, and showed people that women can rap just as good, if not better than men. In her lyrics, she was always open about her love for God, and her devotion to him. Lauryn also talked about how hip hop and music in general became corrupt. She goes on about this in her song “Forgive Them Father”. She speaks about how everyone in the scene just wants to make it to the charts, rather than make music that moves people. This opened up many conversations about artists' motives. 

In conclusion, Lauryn Hill has done so much for the black community and music itself over the years. Not only did she bring pride to the black community, she paved the way for so many groundbreaking opportunities in the industry. People will pass down her music for generations to come, and she will never be forgotten. Ms. Lauryn Hill is a legend and will always be remembered as one of the most influential rappers of all time. She's a huge part of black history, specifically in music, and should be highlighted for the things she's done. 

Katniss Everdeen; The Barbie of Dystopia

The Hunger Games is a wildly popular dystopian novel by Suzanne Collins, with over one million copies sold, and the movies grossing billions of dollars worldwide. The series all began when Collins was flipping stations on her TV. She went from a reality show to the war in Iraq and saw them almost blend together. The series is a critique of America, specifically its disastrous violence, and the distractions that follow. There's no question that this series had major effects on the lives of those who watched. I’d argue that Katniss Everdeen is a great role model for the young people watching, especially young girls. She shows great resilience, using your voice, independence, and confirms the strength of women in dystopia. Just like the little Barbie dolls we girls grew up enjoying, Katniss shows girls we can, even against all odds.

Mattel’s slogan in the 80’s and 90’s was “We girls can do anything, right Barbie?”. This plastic doll is the role model for most young girls. From doctors to presidents, you get to choose your own adventure with your Barbie. She can be anything you please, and can represent any dreams a little girl may have for herself. The Barbie “I Can Be” campaign shows the efforts made by Mattel to make sure Barbies represented anything a girl wanted to do. Barbie teaches girls to aim for the sky with their goals. Even something so simple as a dress-up doll can have a major impact on girls' lives and their futures. When girls know from a very young age they can do anything, and have a voice for themselves, it sets a wonderful precedent for the future of these girls' lives. Building young girls up to become the strongest women they can be is an important part of shattering the patriarchy in the minds of our youth. Little girls have Barbie, so what do our adolescents have?

I knew so many girls in my middle school who loved to read. This was a form of escapism from their own hormonal changes, and the even more hormonal boys. With the ongoings of sexuality, new bodies, and being subjected to harassment, girls needed somewhere to go. Many adolescent girls go through an identity crisis, with their bodies changing, their mind has to play catch up. The Hunger Games came through for so many of us at this time and gave us our new Barbie. Our new role model. Although Katniss is a much more aggressive example of teaching feminism to girls, that's exactly why she's perfect. As our minds and bodies are changing, emotions are higher than ever, and we need someone to relate to. Katniss has the fire that we felt at this time and the fire we needed to have confirmed in us. 

Katniss Everdeen shows great strength, physically and mentally. Her immense resilience is inspiring to anybody who watches. She shows young girls that no matter what challenge they may face, they can persevere and become stronger through it. Teaching adolescents resilience is so important for their growth, no matter their gender. At a point where the patriarchy is rearing its head at young girls, Katniss comes in and tells them they do not have to take it, and instead, they can stand against it. She encourages young girls to not only stand up for injustices against themselves but everyone around them. While stubbornness is often seen as a negative trait, Katniss’s stubbornness is one of meaning. Her refusal to let down on the things she believes in shows girls that they can have the strength to do the same. Her purposeful misbehavior gives girls a great age-acceptable example of how well-behaved women seldom make history.

Katniss is a woman with a strong voice. It is shown through the way she can almost completely command the districts to join her. It is shown in the way she advocates for the rescue of her fellow tributes. Katniss is not scared to use her voice and say what must be said. Teaching girls to advocate for themselves at an early age is so vital to their futures. It is statistically proven that women are more dismissed in doctors' offices, suffer more discrimination in the workplace, and more harassment in daily life. Having the ability to not only advocate but stand up for yourself is a necessary skill for the modern woman. Giving young girls confidence in their own voice and abilities may also encourage them to join more male-dominated fields (such as tech, or blue-collar jobs), as well as joining sports teams or the gym. Women in these male-centric fields is essential for business, as they typically improve a company's performance. 

Katniss shows girls that independence is important, but loving is not weak. She shows girls how to incorporate their masculine and feminine traits into their personalities in a healthy way. Katniss shows the definition of girl power. Everything about her is surrounded by her own choices. She does not let other people determine what she does. She does not allow the capital to kill her and Peeta, or even tell her she can not go outside the walls to hunt. Even when other people guide her in her choices, she does not allow them to fully tell her what she can and can not do. For example, when Haymitch brings up the idea of sending her to combat in The Mockingjay 1, she wants to do this. President Coin forbids her, but Katniss doesn't allow Coin to control her decisions. Even in such a vulnerable situation, she still advocates for her own independence. Independence does not mean you can not love, and Katniss is a great example. Even with her incomprehensible situation, she still allows herself to become gentle with the people she loves. From Peeta to Primrose, she shows vulnerability and true love to them, no matter how unaccustomed she is to this. She shows girls that while being independent is important to their own autonomy, it is not something that is worth sacrificing relationships, friendships, and family for.

Katniss continues the strength of women found in dystopian novels. Not only because she wields a bow and is proficient in combat, but also because she herself is a strong female role. Most dystopian novels feature strong female characters, such as Offred in The Handmaid's Tale, and Tris in Divergent. Female characters outnumber their male counterparts in dystopia often. Although the reasoning behind why female characters are often put through such horrific events in fiction may be controversial, having these strong female characters is so important nonetheless. Not only as a role model for young girls to look up to, but as a representation, and establishment of respect for young boys, and for young girls. When young boys grow up around strong women in their lives and see strong women on their screens, they are less likely to diminish and belittle their female peers in the future. As we know now the resurgence of violent misogyny through content creators such as Andrew Tate to jurisdiction such as the overturning of Roe v Wade is stronger than many women I know have seen in their lives. I know for a fact that women in my life are scared, but when we have such amazing, strong, and resilient role models to look up to, it seems as though we can combat it. The media we consume, as much as people may not like it to, plays a huge role in our societies. 

Overall, Katniss is a great role model to the young girls across the country. She shows great resilience, using your voice, independence, and confirms the strength of women in dystopia in a much-needed time. Whether you agree or disagree with the amount of impact she may have, it's hard to deny that she does impact the girls who watch The Hunger Games positively. No matter if you grew up playing with Barbie or Bratz, Katniss will always be the Barbie of dystopia.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of this publication. The following below is a written editorial. 

Abortion 

Trigger warnings topics of abortion, rape, suicide, and incest.

For my first issue in The Leftist Lair, I decided to take on and debate the November issue of The Controversy Corner. My main goal is the same as my colleague’s, to facilitate open and healthy discussions on the issues facing Americans daily. Due to our very opposing views, I hope that people can take a piece from each side of the argument and form their own opinions based on our beliefs, and what facts we bring to the table.

In Anthony Judd’s column, he speaks about the qualms he has with reproductive freedoms, specifically abortions. He lays out four claims, a fetus is a human life, murder is fundamentally wrong, abortion is unjustified except for the preservation of the mother's life, and abortion is murder and therefore immoral. 

The first claim brought up by Judd is that a fetus is a human life. In this segment, he speaks about how a fetus is viable from conception, greater awareness may change perception, and brings up ethical concerns involving disabilities, and rape or incest cases. He brings up evidence involving unique DNA, and a separate genetic blueprint from parents to make the claim that a fetus is a viable life form. I propose that a fetus is not yet a life, due to its lack of cognitive abilities, and consciousness, as well as only having very basic processing for stimuli. I believe that the biological facts of DNA and genetics do not play a role with moral significance. A fetus does not have the psychological ability to have consciousness. Similar to jellyfish, a fetus has no idea they are alive. A fetus does not yet gain pain stimuli until the second trimester, leading me to have a lack of concern as to whether the unborn deserve more autonomy over its living carrier. Due to a fetus not knowing it is alive, as well as not having the ability to feel pain until 24-25 weeks, I argue it is not a viable lifeform, but has the potential to become one. When that potential is stopped, there is no moral issue. 

The second point Judd brings up is one of awareness. He claims that if women were to see their fetuses, 60% continue their pregnancies. While I do have concerns about causation vs correlation in these statistics, I still do not agree even with the idea of it being true. I do not think that mothers making this traumatic and difficult decision should have to be guilt-tripped into carrying a life they do not want. No one wants to have an abortion; it's a very difficult and trying experience to go through. I only think that regulating this type of awareness would lead to more children in foster care, being neglected, and traumatizing the mother. 

The next point my opponent brings to the table is one I actually agree with. For cases of disability or disfigurement, I don't think that abortion should be a thought if the mother originally wanted to carry the fetus to term. I think that it is an ableist rhetoric to believe that children with certain disabilities (i.e. Down Syndrome) should not be carried solely on the basis of their disability. The only time I can agree with this is if this disability will cause immense physical, mental, and fatal harm to a child once delivered. I think that in this case, it will do more harm than good to carry this life to term and traumatize the families and children. 

The final point Judd offers is one of rape and incest cases. He states that “ending these pregnancies sets a dangerous precedent—suggesting that some lives are worth less than others.” I would like to argue that it has nothing to do with the fetus's “life” and everything to do with the living, breathing mother. A rape is one of the most traumatic things a person can go through in their life, and having to take care of a reminder of that moment every day can only lead to triggering the mother, neglect, and possible suicide due to guilt and traumatic reenactments.

People like my opponent tend to carry themselves on the basis of being pro-life, but I tend to wonder whose life is important to them. I know for sure it is not the women carrying these pregnancies, but the unborn. I know for sure that it is not the children alive now in foster care, and I know that it is not the children going to school every day in fear for their lives, or the ones who pass in school shootings. I believe my opponents’ moral standpoints are skewed out of reality, and although he asked not to bring his sex into this, a man should never tell a woman what she can and can not do with her own body. A male can not typically have the capacity to understand the female experience and the immense hardships that follow. A male cannot morally or physically regulate a female without a sense of controllingness, need for power, and hypocriticalness in his statements or actions. If we want to control women's bodies on the basis of potential for life, we should control men's bodies to force vasectomies. Sperm has just as much potential to become life as an egg and actually would kill more future people. If you don't want your reproductive freedoms controlled, do not try to control another. 

Although my opponent brings up three more claims, I do not feel as if it's necessary to debate these. All four claims seem to be one of the same, abortion is wrong. I think that I completely went over the main points of his issue, and debunked his stance thoroughly. 

Thank you for reading the first issue of The Lefist Lair! There is more to come and even more issues to debate! With election day in five days as of writing this, my next issue should go over the election and more issues.

The Emotions of the Election

The election has officially concluded with Donald J Trump becoming the 47th president of the United States. This has brought plenty of questions, emotions, and issues for both parties. Democrats and Republicans alike are worried about the future, questioning if this is real, and are angry that a felon could be allowed to serve, based on gas prices. MAGA supporters are feeling tremendous glee. Emotions always run high during elections, but especially this one. Knowing the heightened emotions people have on this topic right now, I interviewed students from our own school! I talked with four people from each grade: two girls, and two boys. Due to the fact I can not put all 16 interviews, I am including one girl and one boy, with the strongest opinions on the subject. If you were or were not included, thank you for your time and words on the matter. It was appreciated.

The Seniors:

While interviewing the seniors I noticed one big thing. Most people felt that they knew quite a bit, as well as their peers. I also noticed that most of them were very passionate about the subject and thankful to be able to get their emotions out. This is what they said:

Camiyah Martin, 17, F:

What do you think of Trump winning the presidential election?

“It's genuinely sick and disturbing. I threw up when I heard the news.”

If you had to put an emotion to how you feel about Trump's victory, what would that be?

“I feel distraught, sickened, and terrified.”

How informed do you think you are on politics and the election? What about your peers?

“I'd say a 7/10 for me and my peers, I think we are all about the same.”

What effects do you foresee in his presidency?

“No equality for different classes, and minorities.”

What issues are most important to you?

“Black women and the economy; I don't want my parents to become unemployed.”

Jaiden Farley, 18, M:

What do you think of Trump winning the presidential election?

“I don't like it at all; I think we are all doomed. This country will go down the drain.”

If you had to put an emotion to how you feel about Trump’s victory, what would that be?

“Depressed.”

How informed do you think you are on politics and the election? What about your peers?

“I think I’m a 7/10, and my peers are pretty split, so a 5/10 for them.”

What effects do you foresee in this presidency?

“More idiots being created, and women's rights will be stripped.”

What issues are most important to you?

“Reproductive freedoms are what I worry about the most. I also worry about freedom of expression.”

The Juniors

While interviewing the juniors, I noticed how a lot of them didn't feel faithful to their fellow peers. I also noticed that the girls specifically were very passionate, and had a lot of things to say, which seemed to be a theme in the grades following. This is what they said,

Aliyah Robinson, 17, F: 

What do you think of Trump winning the presidential election?

“I think it's very disappointing. I am disappointed in America.”

If you had to put an emotion to how you feel about Trump's victory, what would that be?

“Scared, for the future specifically.”

How informed do you think you are on politics and the election? What about your peers?

“9/10 for me, for my peers probably a 5/10. I think it's very mixed.”

What effects do you foresee in his presidency?

“Decline in women's rights and bad for education.”

What issues are most important to you?

“I’m worried for the Department of Education considering I want to become a teacher, and women's rights.”

Anonymous, 16, M:

What do you think of Trump winning the presidential election?

“I personally think it's the right choice.”

If you had to put an emotion to how you feel about Trump's victory, what would that be?

“I’m happy and think the United States will be more safe”

How informed do you think you are on politics and the election? What about your peers?

“Maybe 5/10 for me, but my peers are probably a 2/10.”

What effects do you foresee in his presidency?

“The illegals will be taken back and the economy will be better, and the end of the war in Ukraine.”

What issues are most important to you?

“Taxes, and the war in Ukraine”

The Sophomores:

I learned a lot from the Sophomores at our school. These people had great opinions and had first-hand experiences. I talked to two women, one of color, and two Latino men. I feel as though these groups of people have an interesting perspective to share, considering they are the most affected. I had the most interesting conversations with the underclassmen at our school. This is what they said,

Madison Mcallister, 15, F:

What do you think of Trump winning the presidential election?

“I think it's rigged, and that it’s disgusting that a rapist and felon can become the president in this election.”

If you had to put an emotion to how you feel about Trump's victory, what would that be?

“It makes me so mad, and scared. I could be raped and forced to carry. That's terrifying.”

How informed do you think you are on politics and the election? What about your peers?

“9/10 for me, for my peers it's very half and half, some could be 1/10, others 9/10.”

What effects do you foresee in his presidency?

“The biggest effects are with abortion, and I worry about a worse economy due to his tariffs.”

What issues are most important to you?

“Abortion rights, the economy, racism, his lack of Christian values, and his blasphemy.”

Kleiver Almagune, 15, M: 

What do you think of Trump winning the presidential election?

“I'm really happy, and I expected him to win.”

If you had to put an emotion to how you feel about Trump's victory, what would that be?

“I'd say I feel excited.”

How informed do you think you are on politics and the election? What about your peers?

“8/10 for me personally, and my peers are probably about the same.”

What effects do you foresee in his presidency?

“I agree with the closing of the border and the deportation of the illegal immigrants in the country. I see a lowering in crime, violence, and that gas prices and housing prices will drop.”

What issues are most important to you?

“In between the border and the economy. I also worry about the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting people today.”

The Freshmen:

One thing I really noticed from the Freshmen is, like the Seniors, the girls at least seemed glad to talk about the election. They had a lot of passion and opinions and were very educated about the subjects they were talking about. The boys didn't have as much to say, but that seems to be a common theme throughout all the grade levels. I had a good time interviewing the Freshmen, and hearing what our future seniors had to say. This is what they said:

De’Asia Carwile, 14, F:

What do you think of Trump winning the presidential election?

“I'm disappointed, and think Americans aren't really educated on him, and who he really is.”

If you had to put an emotion to how you feel about Trump's victory, what would that be?

“I felt concern and devastation.”

How informed do you think you are on politics and the election? What about your peers?

“I believe I’m a 7/10 because I don't seek it out, a 4/10 for my peers because they get a lot of misinformation from TikTok.”

What effects do you foresee in his presidency?

Raising taxes, worsening the economy, and destroying rights from minorities” 

What issues are most important to you?

“Rights for LGBTQ+, specifically trans rights, reproductive freedoms, and the worsening of the economy.”

Jacordian Jackson, 14, M:

What do you think of Trump winning the presidential election?

“I’m relieved he won.”

If you had to put an emotion to how you feel about Trump's victory, what would that be?

“Happy.”

How informed do you think you are on politics and the election? What about your peers?

“5/10 for me, for my peers; I’m not really sure because we don't talk about it.”

What effects do you foresee in his presidency?

“Make prices lower, a better food stamps program, and taxes.”

What issues are most important to you?

“Rights for black people, and the police immunity he wants to put into place worries me.”