Current Events
Current Events
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Do You Sit or Stand During the Pledge? Why Both are Very American
Do You Sit or Stand During the Pledge? Why Both are Very American
Host Ethan Vishnick remembers when everyone in his elementary school classroom used to proudly stand for the pledge of allegience. In middle school, he noticed that some students were no longer so enthusiastic. And now, in high school, he's one of the only one who stands for the pledge.
Why the drop-off? Are his peers being disrespectful or are they expressing their 1st Amendment rights? Ethan explores takes on these important questions in the podcast below.
The articles below are referenced in this podcast:
Image taken from nytimes.com
What Will Happen to Free Speech After Charlie Kirk's Assassination?
What Will Happen to Free Speech After Charlie Kirk's Assassination?
On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking to students and faculty at Utah Valley University. Kirk, a well known and successful advocate for modern Republican ideals, was killed by 24 year old political radical, Tyler Robinson. Robinson was arrested a few days after the shooting and is now facing prosecution. Kirk leaves behind his wife and two young children.
His death has brought controversy to the political and media worlds. Two distinct sides have emerged. One shows sympathy for Kirk’s death and another openly criticizes him way early. Backlash has come from both political parties, leading to prominent voices being silenced and others losing their jobs.
So, what is acceptable to say and what isn't after a tragedy? And what is going to happen to free speech after Charlie Kirk’s assassination?
Join host Ethan Vishnick as he sits down with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to discuss this horrific event and its cultural impact.
The articles below are referenced in this podcast:
History
History
Image taken from CNN.com
Why It's Important to Remember the Berlin Wall
Why It's Important to Remember the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall, and its destruction, aren't exactly topics at the dinner table anymore. It created two distinct countries, illustrating the detriments of Communism and the benefits of a capitalist democracy.
In the podcast below, host Ethan Vishnick reflects on the Berlin Wall and why we all need to talk about it.
The articles below are referenced in this podcast:
Image taken from archives.gov
Was Andrew Jackson a President or a Dictator?
Was Andrew Jackson a President or a Dictator?
For the past 10 years, President Donald J. Trump has continuously been referred to as a “king” or “dictator.” “No Kings” protests and rallies have emerged across the entire country and even other parts of the world. President Andrew Jackson is sometimes looked down upon in the same way. Trump and Jackson share many traits in both good and bad ways, and Trump has said many times that he admires Jackson’s stern and fierce style. When Trump took office last January, he immediately restored a portrait of Jackson in the oval office.
When Jackson was President, many of his executive orders and acts were very controversial and sometimes made him seem dictaritorial. Some of Trump's orders and acts are seen in the same way, and he is constantly criticized for it.
According to a c-span survey completed by a group of historians in 2021, Jackson was ranked the 22nd best president of all time and Trump was ranked 41st. Jackson falls in the middle, while Trump falls towards the end.
It’s very hard to call a President, especially a modern day President, a dictator. The President is restrained by Congress, the Supreme Court, and even the American people, making it almost imposible to do as he pleases. Abuse of executive power is common, but having total power is imposible.
With that said, was Jackson a true President or a want to be dictator? To learn more, listen as host Ethan Vishnick discusses the past and present. Learn about President Andrew Jackson and find out who he really was. Decide for yourself whether or not Trump and Jackson are alike and to what extent they are.
The articles below are referenced in this podcast:
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