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 […]

Asia After Trump: Competitive Coexistence in the Biden Era

The new Biden administration will have to address myriad challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to affordable health care to climate change. While his immediate focus is on domestic issues, Biden will eventually need to turn his attention to the Asia-Pacific, a region of geostrategic importance to Washington. The security environment has changed significantly since Biden […]

The Progression of Journalism: Transparency When Objectivity Fails

Photo by Joe Piette Objectivity doesn’t mean what most people think it does. Its original definition, popularized by Walter Lippmann, explained how neutrality applies to journalism the same way the scientific method does to science: a collection of evidence that leads to a deductive conclusion.  Today, objectivity is synonymous with “fairness” and “balance.” It’s unattainable […]

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 […]

I Understand Your Concerns, But Let’s Get Vaccinated

Illustration by Ishita Khanna Dear Skeptic, I’m writing to you because I understand why you—and so many others—are doubting the COVID-19 vaccine. I’m writing because I think that I can convince you to take it anyway. And most importantly, I’m writing because I think that scientists must address your worries rather than brushing them off […]

A Boston Theatre-Maker’s Case for the Arts During a Time of Crisis

Pascale Florestal is an accomplished theatre director, dramaturge, educator, and writer who has been based in Boston since 2014. Originally from Miami, Florestal graduated from Ithaca College and has worked for several theatre companies and organizations in the Boston area, including the Huntington, Company One, SpeakEasy, and even the Front Porch Arts Collective, where she […]