Editorial Content — Carolina Political Review

Carolina's Premier Undergraduate Political Affairs Journal

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Despite Video of Killing, Chauvin Murder Trial Hinges on Cause of Death

Despite Video of Killing, Chauvin Murder Trial Hinges on Cause of Death

“On March 29th, the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin commenced as the defense and prosecution stated their cases for the charges of second and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin is accused of killing George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, by kneeling on his neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds in an event that highlighted police brutality and racial injustice in the United States. The killing and subsequent violent police to protests has spurred calls for police reform and abolition. With the trial nationally televised, the country waits with bated breath anxious to see if Chauvin will be held to account for his actions.”

NationalDavid WoodliefApril 15, 2021Derek Chauvin, Police Brutality, George FLoydComment

Regulation of Tech Companies is Easier Said than Done

Regulation of Tech Companies is Easier Said than Done

“There is no doubt more should be done to hold tech companies accountable, however, the issue is how should they be held accountable? This is when things become difficult because there is no clear answer, every action has a consequence. One thing is certain, tech companies are powerful and influential and this power needs to be reigned in before the situation spirals out of control leading to more events similar to that of January 6th.”

NationalSeth MooreApril 15, 2021Tech, Big TechComment

He Who Called Crisis: What's Going On at The US-Mexico Border?

He Who Called Crisis: What's Going On at The US-Mexico Border?

“The United States has historically let in a plethora of refugees who have enriched the nation through culture, industry, and productivity. Yet, those at the southern border are dehumanized and humiliated because they immigrated here looking for the one thing the United States prides itself on: opportunity.”

NationalLejla BrkaApril 12, 2021Immigration, Southern BorderComment

Vaccine Passports Poised to Become Fixture in Post-COVID Life

Vaccine Passports Poised to Become Fixture in Post-COVID Life

“As vaccines become more widely available in the US and a return to normalcy hopefully draws near, private companies have started to work with the Biden administration to create standardized vaccine credentials. Already, industries ranging from entertainment to cruise lines have said they will require proof of vaccination from travelers, sports fans and others in order to provide customers with confidence and to provide some assurance that disruptions will not continue to plague their businesses.”

NationalAbbey KormanApril 12, 2021COVID-19, Post-COVID LifeComment

The Biden Administration’s Potential Push Against Big Tech

The Biden Administration’s Potential Push Against Big Tech

“Big tech, which keeps getting Bigger and Bigger, had a wonderful 2020 and looks to continue in 2021 as COVID-19 continues to define how people live their lives. Just last week, the CEOs of Google, Facebook and Twitter faced questioning in front of Congress about various parts of their business, with all the questioning seemingly accelerating calls for regulation of Big tech. Taking it a step further than regulation, several Democratic primary candidates included antitrust enforcement against Big Tech in their campaign platforms, although President Biden was not one of them.”

NationalManav ShahApril 12, 2021Big TechComment

Test for Unit 3: How Far Have We Come, and How Much Farther Must We Go, Towards Racial Equality?

Test for Unit 3: How Far Have We Come, and How Much Farther Must We Go, Towards Racial Equality?

“Fifty-three years further along the arc Dr. King envisioned for America, has our nation yet come to the bend that leads to justice? Or Are the gains of racial justice since 1968 largely nominal? Most important -- regardless of how far we’ve come -- is will we, Americans, harness today’s ambition for racial equality and take action to effectuate the aspirations of civil rights conceived since Reconstruction but which millions of Black American have yet to experience?”

Editor's Picks, National, EssaysOmar FarragMarch 31, 2021Editor's Pick, Race, Race Relations, United States of America, Prote, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Comment

Deb Haaland Confirmed as First Native American Secretary of the Interior

Deb Haaland Confirmed as First Native American Secretary of the Interior

“On Monday March 15, the U.S. Senate voted 51 to 40 to confirm former New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior, making her the first Native American cabinet secretary in American history. Four Republicans - Senators Graham (SC), Collins (ME), Sullivan (AK), and Murkowski (AK) - joined the Democrats in yay votes. This is not the first time Haaland has made history. In 2018 she and Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS), became the first Native American women elected to Congress. Haaland’s nomination and confirmation represented a positive step toward President Biden’s promise to create the most diverse cabinet in U.S. history. Haaland also assumes the office at a particularly challenging time when battling climate change is at the forefront of the national political conversation. She will be tasked with carrying out the Biden administration plan to reduce carbon emissions on a nationwide scale.”

NationalAdam TatumMarch 31, 2021History, Cabinet, Senate, Biden, Deb HaalandComment

Vaccines: Who deserves the credit?

Vaccines: Who deserves the credit?

“Even before Biden took office, he had praised President Trump's administration for their work in rolling out the vaccine in Operation Warp Speed, "I think that the administration deserves some credit, getting this off the ground, Operation Warp Speed,” Biden said after he received Pfizer’s vaccine. “... I'm doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared, when it's available, to take the vaccine. There's nothing to worry about.” Things have changed since December, when Biden praised Trump, however, and the former President doesn’t want to be left behind.”

NationalManav ShahMarch 23, 2021COVID-19, Vaccin, VaccinesComment

A Lost Year for Traditional Learning

A Lost Year for Traditional Learning

“While this year may represent a loss of traditional learning, it also represents a year of persistence and growth despite circumstance. Learning did not stop because of the pandemic and not every lesson taught has been negative.”

Local, NationalGrace KinleyMarch 23, 2021EducationComment

Why the $15 minimum wage amendment failed to pass in the Democrat-controlled Senate

Why the $15 minimum wage amendment failed to pass in the Democrat-controlled Senate

“Sanders and other progressive Democrats pushed on, attempting to pass an amendment which would re-include the $15 minimum wage. The harshest roadblock to their efforts came when Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, who oversees the legitimacy of Senate activities, ruled that the $15 minimum wage could not be included under the existing budget reconciliation limitations.”

NationalAurora CharlowMarch 22, 2021Minimum Wage, Senate, BidenComment

Should Standardized Tests Continue to be Waived During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Should Standardized Tests Continue to be Waived During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

“Standardized tests are not only required by state and federal law, but the results are used to evaluate school and student performances, teacher accountability, and even help dictate principal salary. In the midst of the pandemic, many concerns have been raised about schools and students still being evaluated on regular conditions despite experiencing the biggest gap and setbacks in learning in the 21st century”

NationalBreana WeaverMarch 22, 2021EducationComment

Biden Throws in Support for Bessemer Strike

Biden Throws in Support for Bessemer Strike

“Through a video posted to Twitter in the late hours on February 28th, President Biden announced his support in for the workers striking against Amazon in Bessemer, Alabama. ‘Every worker should have a free and fair choice to join a union,’ the video caption read.”

NationalKatharine KurzMarch 17, 2021Biden, Union, Labor, AmazonComment

What Neera Tanden’s Failed Confirmation Means for the Biden Administration

What Neera Tanden’s Failed Confirmation Means for the Biden Administration

“President Joe Biden faced his first major cabinet confirmation setback two weeks ago with the withdrawal of Neera Tanden as his pick to lead the Office of Management and Budget. Tanden faced a difficult confirmation process from the outset due to her past Twitter criticism of the GOP and some progressives, like Senator Bernie Sanders. Tanden later deleted many of these critical tweets before her confirmation hearing, though this did little to improve her chances of confirmation. How did Tanden — the former Clinton campaign aide and president of the Center”

NationalAdam TatumMarch 17, 2021Comment

Trump Asserts Control Over the Republican Party at CPAC

Trump Asserts Control Over the Republican Party at CPAC

“Former President Donald Trump made his first public appearance since leaving office at the Conservative Political Action Conference on February 28th, with much of his usual bluster. The major take away, as far as he is concerned: the Republican Party is still his party.”

NationalDavid WoodliefMarch 13, 2021TrumpComment

Cuomo's Fall From Grace Accelerates

Cuomo's Fall From Grace Accelerates

“In the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo received praise for his handling of the situation in New York state. However, that praise was short-lived. Owing largely to a recent string of sexual harassment allegations and new information about his mishandling of pandemic policy public opinion is quickly shifting against the Governor.”

Editor's Picks, NationalLabeeb AhmedMarch 13, 2021Andrew Cuomo, DemocratsComment

The Rift at the Heart of the Republican Party

The Rift at the Heart of the Republican Party

“In a statement released by his newly formed PAC, Save America, Former President Donald J. Trump publicly slandered Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, calling him a “ dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack.” The comments came after weeks of tension surrounding Trump’s second impeachment trial. Trump and McConnell have historically had a strong relationship, but their recent arguments have characterized a growing divide in the Republican party.”

NationalKatharine KurzFebruary 25, 2021Trump, McConnell, GOPComment

The Democrats Debate Student Debt

The Democrats Debate Student Debt

“Previously, President Biden has stated the cost of college “must be lowered immediately,” and that free four-year college education is a must for anyone from households making under $125,000. Now, he states that he will write off $10,000 of student debt for borrowers, but no more. What changed, and how is the rest of the Democratic Party reacting to this?”

NationalLejla BrkaFebruary 23, 2021Biden, Democrats, Student DebtComment

Rush Limbaugh: A Legacy

Rush Limbaugh: A Legacy

Ultimately, Rush leaves a mixed legacy behind. He vaulted American conservatism, and the spectacle of politics as a concept, into the mainstream. The elimination of the Fairness Doctrine Act is the sole reason for his notoriety, and with it, he was able to establish a daily listenership and millions of followers across the country. Since 1988, he has served as a trusted voice in many conservative households, and he created an avenue for others to follow in his stead. Often, however, his comments were ill regarded, made in bad faith, or outwardly offensive, reflecting a deep seated hatred of the Democratic party and pandering to a hyperconservative audience rather than journalism through the pursuit of facts.

NationalNicholas LongFebruary 23, 2021Comment

The Arguments For and Against the Raise the Wage Act

The Arguments For and Against the Raise the Wage Act

“Part of the hesitation from Senate Democrats stems from a new report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released on Feb. 8, which predicts that although the proposed minimum wage increase would lift 900,000 out of poverty, it would also put 1.7 million people out of work and increase the federal deficit by $54 billion.”

NationalAurora CharlowFebruary 21, 2021Bernie Sanders, Minimum WageComment

The Rise in Violence against Asian Americans amid COVID pandemic

The Rise in Violence against Asian Americans amid COVID pandemic

“Hate and violence against Asian Americans has been developing for months since the pandemic, leading experts to blame insecurity and fear upon by the pandemic to rationalize the increased discrimination and xenophobia. In the past, there is a long history of diseases and outbreaking being used to rationalize xenophobic behavior, and the current pandemic reflects that historic trend. Advocates for the Asian American-Pacific Islander community are calling for more to be done to address the current violence against Asian Americans, a community in which racist crimes have been historically underreported in America.”

NationalBreana WeaverFebruary 21, 2021Violence, XenophobiaComment