Civic Issues | Kaitlyn Harries

By:  State of Freedom We have the power, we have the ability to stand up for what we believe in, we decide where this country goes in the future. Our votes go where we choose, our money goes where we choose, our voice goes where we choose, right? Apparently that isn't necessarily the case. When it comes to public sector unions, whether you are a member or not, you pay the same union fee, known as a fair-share fee. This fee goes to negotiations for future contracts and benefits, things that benefit every public sector employee whether they choose to be a part of the union or not. However, that's now being called into question. Back in September 2017, Mark Janus, a worker in the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, sued the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees for violation of his First Amendment Rights. Janus argued that the Illinois law requiring non-union members to pay fair-share fees violated his rights because of where the funds end ...

By: Jesse Van Mouwerik We've been undermined, we've been hacked, we've been compromised. Who could possibly be responsible for all of this? The Russians of course. Since late 2016 news sources have been ladled with a multitude of articles about Russian hackers meddling with the election and assisting then candidate Donald Trump cinch the election. An investigation was then opened by the FBI to investigate any connections between Russia and the Trump campaign. However, recent news has come to light that it all might have been a sham. Once again politicians trying to further their own agenda clouded the scope of the American people when trying to choose a candidate to vote for. Voting, one of the most coveted rights of the American people that people look forward to when they turn 18. So why do politicians make such a point to undermine their opponents rather than build up their own moral character? After all at this point none of them have a shroud of morality left. ...