Conservatism as Narcissism
In Greek mythology, a hunter, famed for his beauty, was so captivated by his reflection in a pool of water that he literally drowned in his own self-image. The hunter’s name was Narcissus, and from it derives narcissism, the excessive love for one’s self. The story of Narcissus reveals the deadly temptation of excessive self-love, […]
Peremptory Challenges: A Barrier to Justice
In 1981, James Kirkland Batson, an African-American man from Kentucky, was charged with second-degree burglary and receipt of stolen goods. During voir dire (jury selection), the prosecution struck down all four potential black jurors using peremptory strikes, which allow lawyers to disqualify potential jurors without providing objection or justification. Though the defense and prosecution both […]
The Need for Universal Access in Healthcare
This September, I was traveling on a bus through the rural farmland of Chiapas, the southernmost state of Mexico. While driving down a dirt road, our bus had to stop. With my face pressed up against the glass, I could see about 30 people gathered in a circle in the middle of the road, huddled […]
Attempts to Quell a Blue Wave: Voter Suppression in the 2018 Midterms
Voter suppression has been an issue since various minority groups were granted the right to vote, and the 2018 midterm elections were no exception. However, the stakes were arguably higher than ever this year. This election followed a recent report released by the United Nations that warned that humans have just 10 years until irreversible […]
Sexual Violence in America: Political Controversy or Public Health Crisis?
In the midst of the #MeToo movement, sexual harassment and sexual violence in the United States have come to the forefront of social discourse. Over the past year and a half, hundreds of allegations of sexual misconduct have been brought forward against powerful celebrities, politicians, and CEOs.[1] It seemed as though the American public was, […]
Clouded Judgement: The Kavanaugh Confirmation Saga
The Kavanaugh hearings took the top spot on my ever-growing list of most disappointing moments in recent politics. The initial hearings put on bright display some of the most unnerving trends in modern partisanship, from the fight over the release of documents to Cory Booker’s (D-NJ) open revolt against Republicans.[1] The vitriol between the parties […]
The Road to a Fairer Society
Without policy recommendations, complaints about economic inequality are as empty as complaints about the weather. We can criticize market outcomes and their adverse impacts, as I did with my second and first articles respectively. However, without an agenda for our elected officials, this criticism will remain in the realm of discussion, instead of actually improving […]
On Kavanaugh: A Conversation with Katia Santiago-Taylor of BARCC
Katia Santiago-Taylor wore a tailored suit and high heels but her demeanor was warm and inviting, much like the couch-filled conference room in which we sat. Santiago-Taylor is the Advocacy and Legislative Affairs Manager at the Cambridge-based Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC). Originally from Puerto Rico, she has previously worked at the Massachusetts Office […]
Is the Market Moral?
Feel-good Hollywood movies are a hallmark of American culture. From childhood Disney films like Aladdin and Cinderella, to classics like Rocky and Forrest Gump, American media saturates our screens with moral heroes who overcome challenges and earn deserved rewards, leaving the wicked villains with their just deserts. This fondness for satisfying endings isn’t new. During […]
Understanding Recent Legislative Responses to the Opioid Crisis
The summer of 2018 saw a flurry of legislative efforts to curb the opioid epidemic that reached a record high of 72,000 victims in 2017.[1] On August 16th, 2018, President Trump asked Attorney General Jeff Sessions to bring a “major lawsuit” to opioid-producing drug companies.[2] On August 22nd, Sessions announced a “warning” to opioid distributors, […]