Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2024, Andrews University Fri, 22 Nov 2024 09:37:00 +0000 Fri, 22 Nov 2024 09:37:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Biden’s Jobs Plan http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/60210 04.13.2021 I was recently listening to a podcast that brought up an interesting <a href="https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/how-does-federal-government-spend-its-money" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(58, 123, 170); text-decoration-line: none;">statistic</a>. When the Baby Boomer generation first began to enter the American workforce in 1962, entitlement programs to assist aging populations (which includes healthcare, welfare, and government pensions) comprised 31% of government spending. The remaining  budget was spent on discretionary spending, which includes national defense, transportation, education, housing, social service programs, as well as science and environmental organizations. Today, government spending has reversed, with entitlement programs representing 61% of government spending. The Baby Boomer generation reaped the rewards of a government focused on investing in the future and providing pathways to the middle class. Following this, they proceeded to shut the door and pull up the ladder for subsequent generations. Biden’s massive proposal entitled the American Jobs Plan is a $2.7 trillion dollar program designed to employ <a href="https://www.economy.com/getlocal?q=C228A0FF-2701-47B2-ADE0-D158B5866251&app=download" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(58, 123, 170); text-decoration-line: none;">2.1 million</a> Americans by mid-decade, increase our global economic power, and provide new ladders for us to succeed. The entire piece of legislation is extremely wide ranging, so I will only discuss the parts I found most intriguing.         Biden’s plan includes a significant increase in investment for research and development (R&D), which includes investments in AI, advanced nuclear energy, electric vehicles, and several other fields. America is one of the only major economies whose public investments in R&D have declined as a percent of GDP in the past 25 years, with China ranking #2 in global R&D <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/31/fact-sheet-the-american-jobs-plan/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(58, 123, 170); text-decoration-line: none;">investments</a>. An increase in American investment would improve access to higher wage careers and increase America’s global competitiveness. As America quickly progresses into a future dominated by technology and AI, Biden is also calling for a $40 billion investment in a new Dislocated Workers Program and sector-based training. This fund will support those who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, such as truck drivers replaced by automated vehicles.         A major aspect of the plan is an increase in government spending on infrastructure. According to Moody’s <a href="https://www.economy.com/getlocal?q=C228A0FF-2701-47B2-ADE0-D158B5866251&app=download" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(58, 123, 170); text-decoration-line: none;">Analytics</a>, in a weak economy like we are experiencing now, public investment in public infrastructure produces the greatest increase in national income compared with other types of federal government spending and tax policy. The plan contains provisions for $621 billion of spending on transportation infrastructure. Included are funds to incentivize the construction of 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations by 2030, invest $80 billion to improve American railways, and invest $85 billion to modernize public transportation.         Biden plans to pay for this by increasing the corporate income tax from 21 to 28 percent and closing various loopholes corporations use to evade paying taxes. This corporate income tax would still be around its 21st century average from before Trump’s 2017 tax law and well below where it stood before the 1980s.         The American Jobs Plan represents one of the greatest opportunities for our nation to invest in our future and maintain dominance in the global economy. Ezra Lane (junior, undeclared) commented “The topic is so complex it is hard to discuss in a student paper. It is difficult trying to explain why this is a good or a bad plan, or what the real impacts of it will be for AU students. But I believe it is necessary to discuss several positive aspects of the legislation and why it may be worth raising the corporate tax rate.” After decades of neglect, I personally believe now is the time to support America’s next generation. <div>  </div> Thu, 24 Mar 2022 03:09:00 +0000 A Birthday Boy's Reflections http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/60209 04.13.2021   A lot of my writing and idle thinking tries to make sense of personal and collective struggles and triumphs. What does it mean to live a good life, and how can I get closer to it? It’s a question that sits at the foundations of my wonderings. There are times where I discover things that give me comfort in it all–a statement that becomes belief, or a work of art. They are the seemingly small victories that pepper a life full of questioning, doubt, and wonder for the miracle of being alive. A current struggle has been the fact I’m getting older. With that comes oncoming expansions in responsibilities. Here comes another step into adulthood—ready or not. While I’m decades and decades away from the potential of experiencing the declines of old age (which comes with its own anxieties), right here and now there’s a fear that I’m not up to the task of being a real adult. For the past few days and weeks, I’ve felt rather down. Among many thoughts, the thought of turning another year older felt intimidating. At the time of writing this, on the morning of April 13, I’m finally 21. While I don’t plan to, I’m old enough to partake of the liquid hallmark of adulthood. This is the year, or least it’s supposed to be. This is where I’ve been told that life really picks up. I didn’t quite feel big enough, or ready for the start of this 21st year of life. That feeling has been shifting as gratitude has taken a hold of my heart. Thankfulness is actively changing my misgivings about how the future could be. It’s changing my fears into hope and action. I don’t spend enough time noticing the good, and letting it fill me. I haven’t made enough space for God to be all that he could be in my life. So now, I want to take a moment to celebrate life, and the things I’ve done and hope to do in next year of mine. In the last year I’ve learned: ·      What quality time feels like and how much I need to receive and provide it. ·      How to be a better listener—hearing what makes my friends come alive makes me happy! ·      The joys of my friends are my joys as well, not just their pain. ·      There are friends and family in my life that love me and are proud of me even when I’m not. ·      I’m capable of doing difficult things. ·      Sometimes my best looks different in different seasons of life. I have to be kind to myself and readjust accordingly. ·      To fill the fullness—the highs and the lows—of my emotions and of life itself. It’s either everything or nothing at all. I’ve learned, and I’m continuing to accept and move through it all. I’m continuing to learn: ·      To stand up for myself, to be my own ally and treat myself as someone I am responsible for helping or—more simply put—like someone I love. ·      How to see things for what they are; to not minimize my own accomplishments and joys and magnify problems and woes. ·      There’s a lot of life to live outside of my own head and so much to experience outside of my own inner world. ·      How to respect the boundaries around my time, health, and responsibilities. ·      When to say no to good things in order to say yes to great things. ·      How what I know and what I love fit into the life and career paths God knows would be the greatest blessing to the world and bring me the greatest fulfillment. Here are just a few of the first things that came to mind that is the stance I’m learning to return to above everything else: of generosity, gratitude and growth. Today, I rejoice that life is returning to the trees and daffodils all about campus. I’m so happy to be greeted by clear blue skies. The sun shines for the whole world, but for one day, I remember that it shines for me, too. Thu, 24 Mar 2022 03:06:45 +0000 Parler, QAnon, and the Freedom of Speech http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/60195 03.03.2021   On January 6, 2021, the United States Capitol was stormed, shocking people across the nation as seemingly everyone collectively scrambled to explain what we had witnessed. Some said that this was only a flash in a wider, more sinister problem, while others argued that the events of that day did not define the true character of America. Ultimately, even with disagreements on what this event meant in the legacy of this country, most everyone could agree that this was done by a movement who wanted to be heard. For this growing group behind the attack, the raiding of the Capitol was only a single moment in a campaign to take down an elite of <a font-size:="" href="https://www.nytimes.com/article/what-is-qanon.html" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(58, 123, 170); text-decoration-line: none; font-family: ">“Satan-worshipping pedophiles''</a> and to protect the country with the guidance of then-president Donald Trump. Those inspired by this narrative of falsehoods had originally found a movement and a community online. From there it only took some time before the execution of “The Storm.”         QAnon is a far right conspiracy theory which was started in 2016. It shares its origins from theories like <a font-size:="" href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/06/qanon-nothing-can-stop-what-is-coming/610567/" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(58, 123, 170); text-decoration-line: none; font-family: ">Pizzagate</a> and has since evolved into wider theories that involve a group of sinister corrupt elites, <a font-size:="" href="https://www.nytimes.com/article/what-is-qanon.html" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(58, 123, 170); text-decoration-line: none; font-family: ">including many democrat politicians and celebrities</a>, and Mr. Trump, who supposedly was put into office to fight against it. Sites like Parler and Gab are breeding sites for the ideas similar to and supportive of QAnon. Marketed as new and elevated forms of social networking sites, they act as foils to applications like Instagram or Twitter which are <a font-size:="" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/08/19/most-americans-think-social-media-sites-censor-political-viewpoints/" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(58, 123, 170); text-decoration-line: none; font-family: ">viewed as holding a bias against right and conservative ideas</a>. Despite these perceptions having been disproven as incorrect by the <a font-size:="" href="https://www.isdglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Disinfo-Briefing-BLM-and-Voter-Fraud.pdf" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(58, 123, 170); text-decoration-line: none; font-family: ">Institute for Strategic Dialogue</a> and <a font-size:="" href="https://bhr.stern.nyu.edu/bias-report-release-page" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(58, 123, 170); text-decoration-line: none; font-family: ">NYU Stern’s Center for Business and Human Rights</a>, the sentiment remains ever-strong. With the permanent suspension of Donald Trump from Twitter, the reasoning to migrate to alternative sites only increases. It only takes a single perusal of Gab’s front page to find hateful content and a few simple clicks to find the featured QAnon group along with many others ranging from “Cooking” to “Joe Biden Is Not My President.”         Ultimately, the argument for the continuation of sites like Parler and Gab lies in the ever-present debate of how we are able to balance freedom with safety. The First Amendment is often cited as a catch-all in conversations on deplatforming and censorship, but with its simplification, it can often be forgotten that not all speech is made equal. Supreme Court cases like Schenck v. United States which established the <a font-size:="" href="https://mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/898/clear-and-present-danger-test" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(58, 123, 170); text-decoration-line: none; font-family: ">“Clear and Present Danger Test”</a> and <a font-size:="" href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/354/476/#:~:text=Obscenity%20is%20not%20within%20the,Amendment%2C%20as%20to%20the%20States." ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(58, 123, 170); text-decoration-line: none; font-family: ">Roth v. United States</a> which ruled that obscenity was not constitutionally protected. In a <a font-size:="" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/01/09/us/parler-amazon-apple-google-responses.html" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(58, 123, 170); text-decoration-line: none; font-family: ">Letter from Apple to Parler</a>, Apple cited the social networking site’s removal from the App Store being due to, “[the] continued… direct threats of violence and calls to incite lawless action in violation of Guideline 1.1- Safety -Objectionable Content” reflecting a view that is reminiscent to that of constitutionally unprotected speech.         Even as problematic as these new social networks have shown themselves to be, it must be remembered that freedom of speech is incredibly valuable and does not just impact a single political ideology. Over the summer of 2020, protests in favor of the Black Lives Matter utilized the freedom to assemble just as much as those at the storming of the Capitol. Establishing a precedent impacts more than just the intended target, and we have to consider that the solution for solving violence of this variety is not and will not be easy.         In the country founded by protest and rebellion, it is unlikely that this debate will ever truly end. The internet landscape is constantly changing and growing just like the wants of the people. As movements rise, so too do their reactionary counterparts and innovations to share those ideologies. After all, even if the likes of Parler and Gab or the ideas of QAnon die out, we cannot predict what will take their place. Thu, 24 Mar 2022 02:43:07 +0000 COVID-19 Updates: The Variants, the Vaccines, and http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/60194 03.03.2021 Nearly a year since the COVID-19 outbreak, life has become an arduous journey of anxious waiting. At this point in the pandemic, it seems as if we endured the peak and are slowly making progress towards normality as active cases of COVID-19 have been steadily decreasing (NBC, 2021). Does this downward trend of cases foreshadow an end to what has seemed like a never-ending pandemic?         The hurdles still stand, however, as COVID-19 continues to be the leading cause of death in the US in 2021. In addition, new variants of the COVID virus are emerging, suggesting potentially new threats. Meanwhile, the challenge to vaccinate the population still remains. We aren’t out of the woods yet. So the question remains: how much longer till things entirely go back to what it was? To answer this question, we must look at the current problems that are holding us back.         The main focus at the moment is on vaccines. Vaccines are the one hope we have in returning to our normal lives. In the past couple of months, great strides have been made in bringing COVID vaccines to the public with about 1.4 million American people being vaccinated every day. Companies such as Pfizer and Moderna have come out with their own take on the COVID-19 vaccines. As they proved to be successful, they have been expanding their supply greatly. According to experts (New York Times 2021), our lives could go back to normal by Fall if vaccines are delivered quickly and effectively.         It all sounds very promising thus far. We finally have the solution to our year-old problem. Now we just have to get everyone to take it. Turns out, this process is more difficult than expected. There are a number of variables that make giving vaccines such a complex and painstaking process. One of which has to do with the public’s attitude towards vaccines. Here are three responses from students about what they think about the vaccine, and whether or not they would get it. Albert Ahn (sophomore, biology), said  “I think it's necessary for our safety and the safety of our society, so I would be willing to get the vaccine when it becomes available.” Sion Jhan (senior, behavioral science) expressed some hesitancy: “I’m not completely against it, but I do think it can be a little risky because it hasn't been around for too long. It sounds great but I’m a bit scared about what might happen. For now, I want to see what happens before I get it.” Sangyeop Han (senior, business) gave his response: “I’m sure the vaccine is safe to an extent but it also seems as if the vaccine is a bit rushed so I want to wait a bit before getting it.”         To address the concerns mentioned, it is worth mentioning that nearly a year of vigorous research has been conducted internationally to produce these vaccines. Although the vaccines may have mild side effects, they have been well tested to ensure the safety of the recipients.         Since 2019, hesitancy to get vaccinated has been steadily increasing (New York Times, 2021). Whether it’s concerns about the side effects or poor health care coverage,     not everyone is actively looking to get vaccinated. There are even citizens who are not concerned about COVID-19 in their area, and thus are indifferent about getting vaccinated.         To effectively combat this issue around vaccination two things need to be prioritized. One, the urgency of getting vaccinated needs to be strongly emphasized by health officials. Too many have died due to COVID, and if we don’t take the necessary precautions, more loved ones will be lost unnecessarily. Two, vaccines need to become more easily accessible, especially to those in low-income communities. Many families are unable to get vaccinated because they have limited access to healthcare as they may not have the public transportation needed or internet access to make appointments online. To target this issue, vaccination campaigns need to be diligent in reaching out to such communities to ensure that this group of the population is vaccinated.         If things go smoothly, maybe by summer, we’ll be able to enjoy a beach day with our friends without being socially distant. If they don’t, maybe we’ll have to settle with facemasks for another year. At the end of the day, only God knows what our future holds. Instead of worrying too much about the future, what we can and should do is continue to follow the regulations that by this time are well accustomed to and finally, trust God, knowing that He will take care of everything.   References https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/26/opinion/vaccine-covid-coronavirus.html https://wvmetronews.com/2021/02/28/active-covid-19-cases-continue-downward-trend-in-sunday-report/ https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/02/vaccine-hesitancy-isnt-just-one-thing/618164/ https://www.vox.com/coronavirus-covid19/22299249/us-coronavirus-cases-update-vaccine-pandemic-end https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/coronavirus-cases-decline-across-u-s-experts-urge-caution-n1257942 Thu, 24 Mar 2022 02:42:03 +0000 A Woman and Her God http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/60193 03.03.2021   A woman and her God. What does this connection look like? As a newly committed believer at seventeen years old, I thought this meant making sure I was doing everything right, behaving as if God were peering over my shoulder, judging my every move. Now, as a twenty-year-old young woman who has since matured in her understanding of God, this means so much more. It means releasing the guilt of not spending forty-five minutes with Him at the start of a day, and instead, inviting God into my psychology studies with a simple, “Wow God, you’re so cool” as I learn about the complexities of the brain. It means acknowledging feelings of angst, jealousy, or self-doubt and getting to the root of those issues, together with Him. It means smiling and thanking Him for the uncomfortable, but necessary conversations had with close friends. With the Holy Spirit’s help, I am learning to approach my relationship with Christ from a place of authenticity rather than routine. How I relate to God on a Tuesday may look completely different from how I relate to Him on a Friday, and that’s the beauty of developing intimacy with Christ. God identifying Himself as, “I Am,” means He is ready and willing to be exactly what I need Him to be, whenever I need Him to be. I posed this question to a few other Christian women I’ve been blessed to meet: “In your own life, what does it look like to be a woman connected to her God?” “To be a woman is great, but to be a woman with a great God is greater. Even before identifying as a woman, a sister, etc., I identify myself as a child of the One true living God. Without Him, I get lost in the thoughts of vanity and false beauty standards. Without Him, I get lost in words that men who only want to use my body say to me. Without Him, I get lost. But with God, I am able to know my worth; know how to live in a way that represents Jesus to the fullest. I am able to be a woman of valor. Instead of being lost, I am found in His love. I am led toward true inner beauty and love that is unfailing. To be a woman is great. But to be a woman of God is greater.” Sarah Nathalié, 21, Singer-Songwriter and Producer “I feel most connected to God when I take the time to include Him in the little things of my life and truly share what’s on my heart and mind. I’ve found that it can be so easy for me to just start my day alone and neglect to talk with God which ends up sidelining Him in a way. But on the other hand, I find that when I invite God into even the little things, I begin to see His grace and mercy and beauty in the things and people around me.” Kelli Coffen (sophomore, elementary education) “For as long as I can remember, God has been my source of strength. Although this understanding has been widely perpetuated by society, there is no better way for me to express what God means to me. There are many silent battles and trials that I face within my life; however, my Cornerstone keeps me grounded in all things. Like many relationships, I feel distant when I don’t make an active effort to reach out to Him. In spite of my downfalls, God is consistently there. God is my strength.” Zora Williams (senior, nursing) "A woman truly connected to God is reflective of Him. Every facet of her life becomes saturated with God’s character and overflowing with His love. She is curious about life, passionate about serving others, and contemplative of her place in the world. When a woman centers her life around God, then you will clearly see His goodness spilling into her work, her words, her interactions. I’m not that woman yet, but I want to be. And every day God leads me closer to her.”    Emerald Norman (class of 2020, behavioral science) In reading the testimonies of my fellow sisters in Christ, what amazes me most is God’s divine ability to connect with billions of souls across the globe, yet, one can feel as if she has God all to herself. God is not bound by any limits. Because of this, He can draw close to those He loves and those who love Him (Romans 8:39). As women in a fallen world, we often forget this perfect love extended to us. We are tempted to feel threatened by another woman’s appearance, her accomplishments, or how loved she appears to be by others. We forget that being women connected to the same God is what unites us the most; that comparing ourselves to one another hurts God’s heart more than we can understand. We forget that each of us is loved equally by God and are invited to enter into a unique, Father-daughter relationship with Him. If we want to remember, we must personalize our Creator. For daughters of Christ, He is not just God ‘the’ Father, but God her Father, her Protector, her Strength, her Compassionate Friend. What makes the bond between a woman and her God so special, is simply that. He belongs to her. Thu, 24 Mar 2022 02:41:01 +0000 Creative Spotlight: Karla Torres http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/60190 03.03.2021   What inspired you to go into graphic design? I really like creating and sharing my ideas and thoughts through art and design. I want to speak out about important issues that are happening in the world in a creative way. My dad also worked as a graphic designer in college. Watching him work and his passion for it really inspired me to go into it! I don’t regret my decision at all. The possibilities are endless with graphic design and I am excited to see where it will take me and the messages I’ll have the opportunity to share. What is some art that you enjoy? I enjoy art by Latin artists that are full of passion and emotion and tell a story. I like illustrations that carry a lot of meaning behind them. Artists that I look up to are Mariangel Briceño and Susana Castro, two amazing Latin graphic designers. Do you have a plan or vision of what you would like to do with graphic design? I want to work as a graphic designer for the company Delish, working on web design and food photography along with any graphic design things that come up. What is some advice you’d give to students thinking about going into graphic design? Don’t be afraid of critique. Don’t be afraid to ask your professors for help. They will help you develop amazing work. What is a piece that you are proud of and why? I created a piece that brought awareness to cardiovascular disease. It was a type of irony. It took a while to do but I am really proud of how it turned out. <div>  </div> Thu, 24 Mar 2022 02:34:55 +0000 Insurrection, Impeachment, and Inauguration: Three http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/59134 <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where were you on Wednesday, January 6?  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s funny, really, the feeling of living through history. In the moment, it doesn’t feel like history at all, just normal day-to-day life. And as 2020 seemed to grow progressively crazier with each month, the events of that Wednesday didn’t seem too out of place at all.  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On January 6, I was at home, frantically refreshing the live updates page on NBC & announcing the latest bit of news to my family. I scrolled through hours worth of tweets, consuming what felt like millions of hot takes from all over the world. As the evening waned further, we turned on the TV & listened to the Senate deliberate over the day’s events. I went to bed that night not feeling any different. Just another day in the hellish year we have been surviving.  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It wasn’t until several days later that it really hit me: people had actively planned an insurrection. Some planned to kidnap our elected officials (Evelyn & Pengelly 2021). The coup ended in chaos, with five dead (including a Capitol police officer) and perhaps many exposed to COVID-19. For most Americans, we can only imagine this kind of coup happening in foreign, far-away countries. While they had the right to peacefully demonstrate, the most frustrating part was the hypocrisy. Many of the people who stormed the Capitol and endangered the lives of the police are the same ones who righteously uphold the police department. The same people who accused Black Lives Matter protestors of widespread rioting were actively storming one of our nation’s greatest symbols of democracy.   <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A week later, Donald J. Trump was impeached for the second time, a historic moment that shines a less-than-flattering light on our 45th President. Impeached on much stronger grounds this time, the charges levied against him include attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election and inciting a violent coup at the nation’s Capitol. A conviction on these charges in the Senate would guarantee that Trump could not run for president again. And if I’m being honest, it’s a fitting way to end his term: doubling down on his false claims that election results were tampered with was the cherry-on-top to four years overshadowed by racist, sexist rhetoric that affected real people I know and love. He will certainly be remembered, but perhaps not in all of the ways he would want to.  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, on January 20, most of the nation took a collective deep breath. The news didn’t feature violent activists climbing walls or a spotlight on another one of Trump’s outrageous tweets. Instead, NBC wrote about Michelle Obama’s burgundy ensemble and Kamala Harris’ hair. In four years, we’d come full circle. From electing a man who deemed it appropriate to grab women by their genitals (Prasad 2019), and calling Mexican immigrants the sort of people that bring drugs, crime, and sexual violence to US (Phillips 2017) to swearing in the first woman in the executive branch, Auntie Kamala.  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some days it feels like our world is slowly descending into chaos; the first two Wednesdays of 2021 certainly felt like it. But I often have to remind myself that college students in 1939 and 1955, during World War II and the Vietnam War, probably felt the same. As long as our earth keeps spinning, nations will rise and fall, wars will be fought, and each generation will have their own trauma to deal with, their own chapter in the history books.  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">References   <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Evelyn, K., & Pengelly, M. (2021, January 11). Capitol attack: Two men arrested over zip-tie  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">handcuff allegations. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/10/us-capitol-mob-rioters-arrests-violence-brutality <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Phillips, A. (2017, June 16). ‘They’re rapists.’ President Trump’s campaign launch speech two  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">years later, annotated. The Washington Post. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/06/16/theyre-rapists-presidents-trump-campaign-launch-speech-two-years-later-annotated/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/06/16/theyre-rapists-presidents-trump-campaign-launch-speech-two-years-later-annotated/</a> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Prasad, R. (2019, November 29). How Trump talks about women - and does it matter? BBC  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50563106   Wed, 15 Sep 2021 23:57:43 +0000