Ryan Gosling as Ken and Margot Robbie as Barbie. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.
Barbie had a stellar year getting eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and being the highest-grossing film of 2023 making more than $1.4 billion worldwide, yet somehow two of the most pivotal parts of the movie failed to be recognized. Back on Jan. 23, social media were in a frenzy trying to make sense of the lead actress, Margot Robbie, and director Greta Gerwig being snubbed from their categories even though the movie itself was nominated for best picture. How does that make any sense?
What is crazy about it is the fact that this couldn’t have even been scripted better. We have a movie that is partly about how women can still look back fondly on their childhood toys and be part of a new, better, more modern, more feminist-leaning era, yet this Oscar snub feels so dated. America Ferrera and Ryan Gosling, both got nominated for their roles in the movie, and even though the movie got a lot of Oscar nominations in general, it just feels like they missed the most important nominations.
Some people might not care, or might say that even if they were nominated they probably wouldn’t have won anyways because of the competition, but it’s the nomination itself that says a lot about the past year we had in movies, it is a part of the history that is the truly important part about the Oscars. You are being held in high regard amongst others that have all put their best foot forward for their projects, and to be left out of that when you have left such a big mark on the movie industry is such an odd choice by the Academy.
When Gosling was nominated other than thanking the Academy for the nomination he went on to say, “But there is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, the two people most responsible for this history-making, globally-celebrated film. No recognition would be possible for anyone on the film without their talent, grit and genius. To say that I’m disappointed that they are not nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement. Against all odds with nothing but a couple of soulless, scantily clad, and thankfully crotchless dolls, they made us laugh, they broke our hearts, they pushed the culture and they made history. Their work should be recognized along with the other very deserving nominees.”.
On left, Rosa Conn, business major at NECC, takes a selfie with Ailyn Dias Torres, an MBA student from Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad de Juarez, Mexico, in Boston. Diaz Torres visited Conn in the summer after they connected through the IVE/COIL program. Photo by Rosa Conn
NECC students are connected with international peers virtually to team up on projects together. There are around seven courses with a special component, the International Virtual Experience IVE and Collaborative Online International Learning COIL where NECC students are paired with students at universities from Canada, France, Mexico or Palestine, to work as a team on an assigned project.
NECC students, the same as their international peers, consider these courses as highly valuable and open-door to thinking globally.
Learning globally from class
Courses like Physiological Chemistry and Anatomy and Physiology are required courses for most AS programs in Health Sciences. Professor Emily Gonzalez is the leader of both. She is leading this spring her third cohort of NECC students in a project with UIT Cachan of the Université Paris Saclay in Cachan, in the southwestern of France.
Also, Professor Gonzalez currently is teaching Anatomy and Physiology I collaborating with medical students at An Najah National University of Palestine in a discussion on environmental toxins. This collaboration was repeated with students in Physiological Chemistry in fall of 2023.
On the other side, Professor Lis Espinoza also teaches courses Spanish SPAN111 and English Composition ENG102 with COIL projects with peers in Mexico.
Professor Sheila Muller who teaches Principles of Marketing MKT210 and Entrepreneurship BUS102 with the IVE component, says “these exchanges give our business students a first-hand glimpse into working with diverse and international teams once they start their career paths in the global marketplace. It is a perfect microcosm for them to navigate their cultural profile, values, norms, and beliefs to better communicate with other cultures.”
Indeed, one of Muller’s students, Rosa Conn who will soon be graduating and transferring to a 4-year university, and was paired with students from Mexico confirmed “as a business major, I truly believe that this connection that we do with other (international) students is going to train us for the business world. For example, if we have a meeting in China or Mexico, in this program (IVE), we learn to understand that everybody works in a different way. We learn how other people do meetings, how they handle work/life differently like we do here, in the States.”
Professor Judith Pollock-Ciampi teaches managerial business communications with the IVE componet which is a capstone course that provides global awareness to students. Students learn about multicultural and generational communications. She said that it aligned with the college’s Strategic Plan, and helped students become more informed global citizens for the 21st century workforce.
International teamwork
Students are exposed to teamwork with peers from universities overseas and learn about the other student culture, about others countries points of view, and adjust each other timetable to come out with the assignment results. According to the feedback from the Center of Business, NECC business students and their French peers had exceptional team collaboration.
Managerial Business Communication students were paired with computer science students from Polytech Nancy, Université de Lorraine in France. One student emailed the professor this review after the course was finished. “It was helpful to have experience working with people on the other side of the world. The French students gave us a wonderful first experience with working with people from different cultures and this is sure to help me in the future.”
Another student of the same class, DS, emailed the professor that it was like opening a window to the world. “You get to chat with and collaborate with students from different countries… We’re not just learning about cultures in a textbook; we’re living it, working with people who see things from a totally different angle… It’s a journey that broadens our mind and connects us with awesome students from around the world.”
As professor Gonzalez said “students at NECC will be working with a diverse population with many cultural backgrounds and while we have much in common, there is much we can learn to understand at the verbal and non-verbal level when we communicate with each other. This can lead to efficiency and a better atmosphere in the workplace.”
Improving your resume
Professor Muller and Professor Ciampi provide a paragraph for students to use on their resumes. Other professors teaching similar IVE courses provide a special certificate. In both cases, this extra international component differentiate them for having worked/study with students abroad and successfully achieved their assignments. This may lead their names up to the top list for a job position or promotion.
On left, Rosa Conn, business major at NECC, takes a selfie with Ailyn Diaz Torres, an MBA student from Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad de Juarez, Mexico, in Boston this summer. Diaz Torres visited Conn in the summer after they connected through the IVE/COIL program. Photo by Rosa Conn
Connections that transcend the classroom
Probably, the most important for Rosa Conn, NECC business student and Ailyn Diaz Torres, a master’s in business administration student from the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad de Juarez, was the friendship beyond classes.
Diaz Torres said “I think it was great to be in contact with international students and learn about their points of view on the same topics. It was interesting to find similarities and contrasts between both countries. We found things that happen in the south of the USA and could happen in the north of Mexico.”
From Ciudad de Juarez, Diaz Torres added “I loved to meet Rosita, as I learned about her story, a Mexican girl who is studying and managing her own business at the same time. We continued being in touch after the course ended, and I told her I was interested in her business experience. I told her I would love to travel to Boston and visit her someday to learn more about her business. During last summer, I asked her if my son and I could visit her, and Rosita happily agreed. Once there, Rosita took me to all her business processes, marketing, logistics, management. I learned a lot about her entrepreneurship but beyond that, I met an amazing human being. So, what I liked the most about this course was the connection with another student from another part of the world.”
As Diaz Torres is an MBA student, working as a high school teacher, and with four kids, her possibilities to study abroad are limited. However, having the opportunity to be paired with international students virtually to teamwork on a study project and making friendship beyond classroom, “that only happened, that only could happen, through this course,” said Diaz Torres.
They have built a lifelong relationship. Conn is planning to return the visit and travel to Ciudad de Juarez, Mexico, to visit Diaz Torres soon.
These courses are a great opportunity to broad students’ way of thinking and give different perspectives about the world. It is fascinating to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds, finding similarities and challenges between both and most importantly, having the chance to work with an international cohort from your NECC classroom.
Furthermore, the Director, Instructional Technology & Online Education at NECC, Melba Acevedo, explains that IVE/COIL courses “give the students the opportunity to exchange experiences with students outside of the not just the local community, but even outside the country. By these opportunities, students will be able to expand their perspective, see things from other people’s point of view, and outside of the U.S. bubble.”
Acevedo points out these courses are not “cookie cutter” as they vary from semester to semester even with the same faculty members. When asked about how students manage the communications across borders considering different time zones, she explained it’s different per case. “It’s the beauty of the faculty when they put (it) together … and they do it according to what they feel comfortable with technology and what is feasible,”she said.
Students use different communication tools to talk to each other, including emails, Google Meet, Zoom, Discord, WhatsApp and even Face Time.
A call for students eager to check which courses are available for next semester with the International Virtual Experience component, same as faculty willing to collaborate with professionals all around the world, please contact Melba Acevedo at macevedo@necc.mass.edu
The 66th annual Grammy Awards took place on February 4, 2024, celebrating the best in music of 2023. It was a night filled with amazing performances, memorable moments, and it raised some eyebrows.
Miley Cyrus gave an iconic performance of her hit song “Flowers” at the award show, the same song that won Record of the Year just minutes before, and Best Pop Solo Performance. Miley brought excitement and enthusiasm to the stage that night, dancing like Tina Turner in a sparkly silver dress. Fans across all platforms are raving about how fit and lively Miley looked during her performance and are even raising questions regarding her workout regimen.
Autumn Miller, a second-year student at Northern Essex Community College, shares some conflicting opinions on Miley’s achievement. “I don’t think Miley should have won two awards for Flowers, especially over her competitors in those categories. But her performance was amazing, and it is nice to see her win her first Grammys,” Miller says, “I think that’s the best part of these award shows, seeing how happy the artists are to be appreciated for their work.”
Taylor Swift won Album of the Year for her top selling album “Midnights”. Not only is this Swift’s thirteenth Grammy, but it also makes her the first artist to win Album of the Year four times. However, there has been a lot of debate on whether or not she was more deserving than the other artists nominated for the same award, and many viewers have become skeptical on the reliability of the Recording Academy voters.
Lana Del Rey’s fan base have been very apparent about their disappointment in Swift’s win, saying that Del Rey’s album “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard” should have won, and that Del Rey has been getting “snubbed” for years. Many clips and photos of Del Rey at the award show wearing a saddened expression have been shared online as fans discuss this controversial misprize.
Swift is also receiving backlash for her actions after receiving her award. After her name had been announced, Swift proceeds to bring a disheartened Lana Del Rey onto the stage with her while she accepts her award and gives her speech. Ana Brandolini, a newly transferred student at NECC, discusses her annoyance at this occurrence. “To me, it just seems like a slap in the face to be dragged by a peer onto a stage to celebrate her loss. I don’t doubt that she felt humiliated up there,” says Brandolini. To further add to an already awkward situation, Swift decided to announce her upcoming album, the “Tortured Poets Department”. Many people found this announcement to be inappropriate, as the audience was filled with her peers and competitors, not her fans. “The Grammys are for celebrities and artists to celebrate each other and themselves. There is a time and place for most things, and this was the wrong time and place,” Brandolini mentions.
Phoebe Bridgers left the award show with the most Grammy’s of any other artist that night. She had won the award for Best Pop Duo alongside SZA, for their song “Ghost in the Machine”, along with three other awards won by Boygenius, a three person indie rock band where she is a member. This is the first year that Boygenius has attended the award show with six nominations, as they only have two albums that are five years apart. They had won Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance for their single “Not Strong Enough,” and best alternative album for “The Record.” Sydney Riley, a high school student attending Northern Essex’s early college program, shares her thoughts on their win. “I am a huge fan of Boygenius, and I am so happy that they got the recognition that they deserve,” Riley says, “But, I don’t know if I would even consider them to be a rock band. I wish that they had won in another category so that Lana could have had her moment.”
Jay -Z accepting award with daughter Blue Ivy. Photo courtesy of CBS
American rapper Jay-Z, who went on stage to accept the Dr. Dr Global Impact Award, called out the Grammys for their snubs against his wife, famous singer Beyoncé. During the televised event, Jay-Z was presented with the award, which honors Black musicians who have influenced the industry, celebrating his achievements in the music and hip-hop community.
“It was interesting to watch this moment live,” said Haverhill resident Julia Rodgers, “I totally agree with him.”
Jay-Z took the stage,bringing up his daughter Blue Ivy. After thanking Dr Dre, who was at the awards, and the Black Music Collective, he then referenced a boycott of the awards done in 1989 by Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff after the presentation of the best rap performance category wouldn’t be televised.
“We love y’all. We want y’all to get it right,” he then said. “I don’t want to embarrass this young lady, but she has more Grammys than anyone and never won album of the year. So even by your own metrics, that doesn’t work. Think about that. The most Grammys never won album of the year. That doesn’t work.”
Beyonce, nominated for album of the year 4 times, has made award-show history by winning 32 Grammy awards, making her the most awarded person in Grammy history. While she did win best dance/electronic album for her 2022 album “Renaissance” at the 2023 Grammys, many fans felt she was snubbed for the album of the year category. Many Grammy viewers noted that no black woman has won that award since “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” in 1999.
“I was shocked Taylor won album of the year,” said Haverhill resident Max Popoloski, “I felt other artists were cheated by this.”
Jay-Z’s speech while accepting the award, sparked an ongoing debate, with many people pointing out a racial bias and ignoring many black artists who have greatly influenced the industry. Artists such as Kelly Rowland, former member of Destiny’s Child with Beyonce, DJ Khaled and rapper Tyler, the Creator have spoken against the Grammys for how Black artists are treated.
“Some of you are going to go home tonight and feel like you’ve been robbed,” Jay-Z later added in his speech. “Some of you may get robbed. Some of you don’t belong in the category.”
While it is unclear who Jay-Z was speaking about, many internet users have given their opinions on the situation, sparking controversy immediately after the award show.
“I liked Jay Z speech. Sometimes you got to let folks know what it is out loud,” one X user said.
However, some users felt differently, and had mixed opinions on the issue.
“Jay Z’s acceptance speech was the truth; however, it would have held more weight for me if they didn’t attend,” another x user wrote. “I totally understand wanting to be recognized for your work, who wouldn’t? But at this point, if you truly believe what you’re saying, what is the point showing up every year and accepting their awards?”
Jay Z concluded his speech at the awards by advising artists not to give up, encouraging them to continue with their work until they receive the recognition they deserve, resonating with many people in the audience and online. The Brooklyn rapper left the awards show shortly after his speech.
Join Career Services and MassHire Merrimack Valley Career Center for our upcoming job fairs:
March 4, at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Health and Human Services and Professional Services, at the Dimitry Building Atrium, Lawrence and April 25 at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for all industries, TC Building TC103, Haverhill.
Who can attend the NECC and MassHire Career Center job fairs?
All are welcome – both students and community members! NECC students are strongly encouraged to attend. Even if you are not currently job searching, it is helpful to attend, explore opportunities, and make connections with employers.
What can I expect from attending a job fair?
One myth about attending a job fair is that attendees should leave with a job opportunity in hand. Receiving a job offer immediately is very rare. Many employers will encourage an attendee to apply online through their website.
So, why attend? The job fair is an opportunity to meet employers, get information, learn more about a company, industry, or occupation, and start to network. You never know, you may meet your future employer at the fair.
Pre-register for the event to receive reminders and a full list of companies attending.
What should I prepare for a job fair?
1. Create a strong resume – and visit Career Services for feedback!
a. If you are actively job searching, bring multiple copies of your resume and be prepared to apply online after the fair.
b. If you are applying to more than one type of job, you may want to prepare a different type of resume depending on your job target.
2. Develop and practice your elevator pitch.
a. These are your opening two sentences when you meet someone. Something like, “Hi, my name is Nick Jonas and I am an English major at Northern Essex Community College. I’m interested in working in Human Resources and want to learn more about your company.”
3. Dress for success at the event.
a. Similar to how you would dress for a job interview, you want to dress in business attire for a job fair.
b. Questions about what to wear? We can help!
4. Review attending employers and identify companies of interest.
a. Yes, some pre-event homework. Check out the list of attendees, which companies interest you? Search their websites and review their open positions. Attend the job fair with a list of your top “must visit” companies.
What do I do after?
Apply to positions and reconnect with employers.
1. Hold on to the business cards and contact information you receive from the job fair to follow up with a thank you and ask any additional questions.
2. If you are on LinkedIn, consider sending a connection request with a representative you talked with at the fair and express you are very interested in that company.
Contact NECC Career Services:
If you would like to talk more about job search, contact with NECC’s Career Services through Navigate or email (careerservices@necc.mass.edu).
Learn more about internships, Handshake, and application materials with your Career Services Office.
NECC students and faculty believe having a balance between academics and mental health is important and having an emotional support animal on campus will help them thrive in finding that stability.
Mental health has become a popular topic in the U.S. that affects “approximately 77%” of college students according to The American College Health Association (ACHA). The ACHA also reported in a 2023 survey that college students are diagnosed with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and “Stressor-Related Disorders.”
An NECC student who wishes to remain anonymous because of this sensitive topic claims that “midterms or finals week may cause” their mental health conditions to be apparent.
Educational tasks like keeping up with “deadlines” or attending to personal matters plays a role in another NECC student’s life that sparks “tons of anxiety and stress.” Respectively, this student also wishes to remain anonymous because of this sensitive topic
“The same sort of stress that affects students can affect faculty” said NECC Counselor and Psychological Service Coordinator Gabriel Garcia.
In a National Library of Medicine article it is made clear that college faculty (professors and student success services) cannot go unrecognized because they are “principle [assets] of the educational process” in which “one-third” of this population deal with mental health conditions.
Academic Coach Amy Joyall explained her daily goal of “wanting to be accessible” to each student and finding a balance of “structure [for herself] and others” can be a root cause of mental health conditions.
Attending college can be a difficult transition for students and managing one’s workload can be an overwhelming task for faculty. Collectively, NECC students and faculty believe having an emotional support animal on campus will help take some weight off their shoulders.
The NECC students who both wish to remain anonymous expressed having an emotional support animal on campus would “uplift [their and other students’] mood, and [would help manage] stress levels.” In addition, the animal(s) “would help calm students and encourage” them to take a break from stressful situations.
As for faculty, emotional support animals allow people an opportunity to “break [the] momentum of a busy day” and spend it with a “non-judgemental” companion, said Joyall. She believes there is a “trade off [that] gives energy [and] connects people on campus” when spending time with an emotional support animal.
Situated in Haverhill and Lawrence, Massachusetts, Northern Essex Community College may be considered one of the top community colleges within Massachusetts when it comes to athletics and academics, but it may owe this spectacle to the positive reception it handles from their student body, past or present, and the figures that help shape their budding community.
One key factor that may highlight the reception behind Northern Essex is the comfortability of proximity, as stated by Nellysha Martinez, a current Art & Design student at NECC from Lawrence, Massachusetts.
“The greatest appeal of NECC that I found was how close it was to home,” stated Martinez. “The Lawrence campus was the closest to me, but, ironically, I ended up taking my first classes at the Haverhill campus and being split between both campuses.” Martinez also commented on how the addition of free public transportation, such as the MVRTA buses, are essential in their continuation to further learn at NECC.
Another positive factor to showcase regarding NECC is their affordability, especially for students who transfer into the institution due to financial burdens at previous colleges and universities. Haverhill’s Jason Almanzar, a 2017 graduate of NECC who originally attended Providence College, cited NECC as a safe option when it comes to issues of paying for tuition.
“I view NECC as a more cost-effective option over traditional four-year universities,” expressed Almanzar. “The total cost of attendance reduced my education by over 80% and allowed me to continuously work towards my degree without the fear of sudden interruptions due to financial issues.” Almanzar also noted the variety of majors available at NECC to be beneficial in choosing what to pursue once he transitioned back into a four-year university.
Furthermore, regarding the topic of affordability, Lawrence’s Germinudy Lopez, who has had her children attend NECC over the years and was a former student herself, elaborates on how NECC can be seen in the perspective of a parental figure.
“As a parent, I can say that the school is affordable and gives students different opportunities,” detailed Lopez, who quotes her own experiences at NECC as a gateway for her children to consider the school once college application season is on the rise.
Northern Essex Community College offers students the opportunity to do college internships on campus or off-site.
The plus about students doing internships in general is that they have the opportunity to earn real-life experiences and apply all the knowledge that they learn during their internship to their future jobs. Internships are a valuable experience for college students ready to enter the work field.
After completinga degree programs that ready them academically, the Internship is a hands-on work experience that prepares them for the real world.
Talking to faculty who have been involved in internship courses, they claim students learn all the steps that students need, in order to do an internship on or off campus. Some students may struggle to find their internship, while others find an internship quickly. It all depends on what type of internship they are looking for.
Sandy Rochon, a faculty member at NECC, has been working there for almost two years. Rochon works in the Career Services Department. She is one of the people in charge of helping students find a good internship that fills their needs.
Rochon stated, “I recommend students do an internship because it will provide students with real-life experience.
Students will be able to know if this particular job is one they would like to work in for the future”. “I also recommend students do an internship because they help them discover if this is what they are looking for”, (Sandy Rochon).
Katie Yeaton-Hromada is a coordinator for the Career Services Department at NECC. Yeaton-Hromada works helping students to find job opportunities, and to find suitable internship opportunities as well.
Yeaton-Hromada stated, “I totally recommend students do an internship because this is an awesome opportunity that will help them build up knowledge towards their degree. They will be able to bring all the knowledge they have earned during the internship to their future job.”
Professor Sheila Muller is the Chair of the Business Department at NECC. Professor Muller stated that the internship class is a course that students should take when they want to earn experience. According to Professor Muller, doing an internship is a good idea that provides students with real-life experiences. Professor Muller stated, “Not all programs at NECC offer the opportunity to do an internship, but some of them do. The number of hours for students to do their internship is around 8 hours per week, or 10 hours weekly as a maximum.”
Professor Muller also stated, “Students who do an internship will learn how to behave in a business environment and will have an idea of what to expect in the future” (Professor Muller).
The greatest praise of the program comes from the NECC Internship Students.
In interviewing a variety of students who chose the Internship option, almost every one of them has excellent feedback from their experiences.
The most widely stated comment is that students feel much more prepared for life in their chosen careers.
They go on to say that their real-world learning experiences have been more than just a classroom experience. Learning is expanded to what it will be like as they enter the workforce. These NECC students contest that hands-on learning experiences are a preferred way of attaining knowledge.
A Year of Transformation: President Joe Biden’s Accomplishments
In the corridors of power, where decisions echo through history, President Joe Biden embarked on a journey to reshape America. His first year in office was marked by determination, resilience, and a commitment to addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Here, we chronicle the milestones that defined his presidency:
Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill:
One of Biden’s flagship victories was the approval of a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package. This landmark legislation significantly increased investment in critical national infrastructure, including bridges, roads, airports, public transport, broadband internet, waterways, and energy systems.
The bill garnered support from both sides of the aisle, with 13 Republicans breaking ranks to join Democrats in passing it. Biden’s administration emphasized that this investment would help address supply chain disruptions and boost economic growth for years to come.
Covid Relief:
In March, the Biden administration passed a $1.9 trillion COVID relief package aimed at combating the ongoing struggles from the pandemic. This comprehensive legislation provided direct payments to struggling citizens, extended unemployment support for those in need.
Chips and Science Act:
The CHIPS and Science Act is a significant piece of legislation aimed at bolstering domestic semiconductor production in the United States. By investing in research, development, and manufacturing capabilities, this act seeks to reduce reliance on global supply chains for critical microchips. It not only addresses economic competitiveness but also enhances national security by ensuring a robust semiconductor ecosystem. Additionally, the act extends beyond microchips, funding research in cutting-edge fields such as quantum computing, materials science, and nanotechnology. In essence, the CHIPS and Science Act lays the groundwork for America’s technological future, fostering innovation and resilience across industry allocated funds for vaccination programs, and offered rental assistance.
The bill also targeted child poverty and nutritional issues across the country. Additionally, it invested in restaurants, hospitality, and raised support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Record Job Creation and Low Unemployment::
Under Biden’s leadership, the U.S. economy witnessed record job creation adding 10.7 million good paying jobs. His administration focused on revitalizing industries hit hard by the pandemic, such as hospitality, manufacturing, and healthcare.
The unemployment rate plummeted to historic lows of 3.4% reflecting the resilience of the American workforce and the effectiveness of economic policies.
Lowering Prescription Drug Costs:
In the quiet corners of pharmacies, seniors counted their pills and their pennies. Biden listened. He capped annual drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries, easing the burden on those who had carried the weight of illness for too long. Transparency became the antidote to opaque pricing. The pharmaceutical industry squirmed, but the American people breathed easier. Essential medications were no longer a luxury; they were a right.
Pact Act:
The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This legislation adds to the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these hazardous elements. The PACT Act aims to provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. Notably, it extends eligibility for VA health care to Veterans with toxic exposures from the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras. Additionally, it introduces more than 20 presumptive conditions related to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures. These changes signify a significant step toward supporting those who have served our nation.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Beyond:
The Supreme Court, a hallowed institution, welcomed a new face. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to ascend those marble steps, carried the hopes of generations. Biden’s commitment to diversity echoed through his appointments—to the judiciary, to the executive branch. The mosaic of America found its place in the halls of power.
Gun Control Legislation:
The debate raged like wildfire. Guns, violence, and the soul of a nation hung in the balance. Biden stepped forward, signing the first significant gun-control law in years. Critics roared; defenders applauded. But the heart of the matter lay in protecting lives. The Second Amendment met the urgent need for safety. It was a tightrope walk, and Biden balanced with resolve.
Transparency and Integrity:
The White House regained its luster. The Department of Justice shed shadows, and sunlight streamed through the windows. Ethical governance was no longer a whisper — it was a roar. Diversity flourished, not as a buzzword but as a living, breathing reality. The American people deserved nothing less.
As the calendar turned, President Biden’s accomplishments etched themselves into the annals of history. Challenges remained, but hope glimmered on the horizon. The nation watched, and the world held its breath.I hope President Biden gets more of the credit he deserves for his accomplishments as president.
Donald Trump seen here surrendering to the Fulton County Georgia Department of Corrections. Photo by Fulton County Department of Corrections
It’s a well-known fact that Donald Trump lied over 30,000 times in just the four years he was president. has consistently propagated falsehoods and misinformation about that crosses his mind and may be beneficial to him. We will look at just a sliver of some of the falsehoods he spreads.
The former president spread widespread lies about the 2020 election. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, he continues to claim that the election was stolen from him. Here are the facts:
Joe Biden won the 2020 election decisively. He secured 306 Electoral College votes compared to Trump’s 232, and he received over 7 million more popular votes. Recounts and reviews in several battleground states confirmed Biden’s victory.
In Arizona, a thorough review of ballots in Maricopa County reaffirmed Biden’s win. In Georgia, where Trump was recently indicted for his efforts to overturn the election, state officials recertified Biden’s victory after conducting three statewide counts. Michigan’s Republican-led committee also found no widespread fraud in the state. These reviews consistently upheld Biden’s win.
Trump’s relentless spread of misinformation aims to undermine public confidence in the American electoral process. Unfortunately, it seems to be working recent polling shows that 57% of Republicans believe Biden was not legitimately elected.
Despite these facts, Trump’s false claims persist, perpetuating a dangerous narrative that threatens the foundation of democracy. It’s crucial to rely on accurate information and hold leaders accountable for their statements.
Trump falsely claimed that Nancy Pelosi caused the insurrection at the Capitol. This assertion has no basis. He also repeated the false claim that the rioters had “no guns” during the attack.
Trump was criminally indicted for his role in the events leading up to the Capitol storming. The charges include conspiracy to defraud the government, conspiracy against the right to vote, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, and obstruction of an official proceeding. The indictment alleges that Trump repeatedly lied about election malfeasance, even when administration officials informed him otherwise.
The indictment highlights how Trump’s pervasive, and destabilizing lies about election fraud targeted the core function of the U.S. federal government—the process of collecting, counting, and certifying presidential election results.
During the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, Trump claimed that there were no guns and that it was a peaceful protest. Jill Sanborn, assistant director of the FBI’s counterterrorism division, testified before a Senate committee that the FBI did not recover any guns during the incident. However, her statement needs context: she declined to speak for the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department or U.S. Capitol Police. While the FBI didn’t find guns, court documents reveal that some of the more than 430 people charged in connection with the riot brought guns onto Capitol grounds or stashed them away while staying in Washington.
Additionally, an internal report indicated that U.S. Capitol Police were ordered not to use weapons intended to disperse rioters during the attack. Despite the lack of widespread firearms, other weapons like clubs, pepper spray, bear spray, and flagpoles were used by rioters. The events of that day remain a critical moment in American history, emphasizing the importance of accurate information and accountability.
Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, former President Donald Trump made several statements that were fact-checked and found to be misleading or false. Here are some notable instances:
In the early days of the pandemic, Trump repeatedly downplayed the risks posed by the novel coronavirus. He claimed that the situation was “totally under control” and that the virus would be “just fine.” However, as the pandemic unfolded, it became clear that COVID-19 was a serious global health crisis.
Trump suggested unproven treatments for COVID-19, including hydroxychloroquine and drinking bleach, which was dangerous and lacked scientific evidence of effectiveness. His statements led to confusion and potentially harmful consequences for public health.
Trump falsely claimed that COVID-19 was less lethal than the flu. Experts consistently emphasized that COVID-19 is more deadly than seasonal flu, with a higher mortality rate.
Throughout the pandemic, Trump criticized his own health experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. This undermined public trust in accurate information and guidance.
Fact: The COVID-19 pandemic is not a hoax. It has caused significant loss of life, strained healthcare systems, and impacted economies worldwide. Claims suggesting otherwise are false and dangerous.
During his tenure, former President Donald Trump made a misleading claim about late-term abortions. He echoed critics who falsely asserted that a bill would allow a woman going into labor to have an abortion. Trump stated, “Democrats are also pushing extreme late-term abortion, allowing children to be ripped from their mother’s womb right up until the moment of birth.” However, this statement is not accurate. Before the landmark abortion case was overturned in 2022, ninth-month abortions were exceedingly rare and not done legally except in cases of serious health risks to the mother. Furthermore, killing a baby after it is born has always been considered homicide and against the law.
Fact: Killing a baby after it is born has always been considered homicide and is against the law. This fact underscores the importance of accurate information and responsible discourse around abortion rights and related issues.
Donald Trump consistently makes claims linking immigrants to crime, particularly in the context of border security and his proposed border wall. During his presidency, he listed tens of thousands of crimes he attributed to undocumented immigrants, including charges or convictions for assaults, sex crimes, and violent killings. However, it’s essential to consider the broader context and rely on factual data.
Fact: Available studies consistently show that overall crime rates are lower among immigrant groups than among native-born Americans. For instance, in Texas, where comprehensive data on crimes committed by immigration status is available, criminal conviction and arrest rates for immigrants were “well below” those of native-born Americans. Undocumented immigrants constitute just over 6% of Texas’s population, legal immigrants make up over 10%, and native-born Americans account for over 80%. While some unauthorized immigrants have committed violent crimes, most immigrants in the U.S. are less likely to commit crimes or end up in prison compared to native-born citizens.
Former President Donald Trump has consistently propagated falsehoods and misinformation about climate change. Here are some notable instances:
Calling Climate Change a “Hoax”: Trump has falsely called climate change a “hoax” invented by China. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, he repeatedly downplayed the severity of global warming and its impact on the planet.
Misleading Statements on Wind Turbines: Trump incorrectly suggested that wind turbines cause cancer and kills whales. These claims lack scientific basis and has been widely debunked.
Dismissing Scientific Reports: His administration dismissed a landmark scientific report produced by the federal government’s own scientists, which highlighted the urgent need for climate action.
Rolling Back Climate Regulations: Throughout his presidency, Trump sought to roll back key climate regulations, undermining efforts to address greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.
Fact: Climate change is a real and pressing global issue, supported by overwhelming scientific consensus. It is crucial to rely on accurate information and prioritize responsible policies to mitigate its effects.
During his inauguration, former President Donald Trump made misleading statements regarding the crowd size. He claimed that the media misrepresented the number of people attending the event and that the crowd “looked like a million-and-a-half people” extending all the way back to the Washington Monument.
However, photographs taken from the top of the Washington Monument clearly show that the crowd did not reach the monument. Additionally, Metro figures for both 11 a.m. (half an hour before the inauguration) and the full day indicated fewer trips taken compared to past inaugurations. Despite these facts, Trump’s administration continued to assert that it was the largest audience ever to witness an inauguration, both in person and globally.
Throughout his political career, former President Donald Trump has propagated numerous falsehoods that have had significant implications for democracy. Here are some key points:
Pervasive Falsehoods: Trump’s disregard for factual accuracy is unprecedented among American politicians. Since his entry into politics, he has consistently made false claims, creating a firehose of misinformation.
Immigration-Related Claims: Trump’s statements on immigration often veer into inflammatory falsehoods. More than 70% of fact-checks related to immigration, foreign policy, crime, COVID, and health care were found to be largely false.
His falsehoods have fueled threats to democracy. Misinformation erodes public trust in institutions, undermines the electoral process, and contributes to polarization.
While fact-checking remains essential, it’s challenging to silence Trump or force him to change his rhetoric. The battle against misinformation requires ongoing vigilance and a commitment to accurate information.This is why we need to make sure that Donald Trump never steps foot in the White House ever again.
