Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) party Rep. Ryan Winkler presented the adult-use cannabis bill to the Minnesota House of Representatives that would legalize recreational marijuana, and on Feb. 23, the bill passed through its second round of House committee meetings. Scout Mason and Lauren Dettmer have the story.
OPINION: Unity should be Biden’s top priority
On his first day, President Joe Biden signed 15 executive orders with topics ranging from the pandemic to climate change. Opinions Editor Maddie Peters argues Biden’s top priority should be uniting the country, especially in the face of COVID-19 and January’s political whirlwind.
OPINION: Left-wing populism benefits the right
Political issues in the United States and Europe, such as immigration and international trade, have recently split the electorate into two sides. Columnist Gustavo Gutierrez-Nidasio argues that while this split might be ideological, the approach that both sides use, populism, is the same.
OPINION: Republicans are facing another Joseph McCarthy
Seventy years ago, a non-existent list of 57 communists within the State Department emerged, creating a culture of suspicion and mistrust. Columnist Kayla Mayer argues McCarthyism is back in the Republican Party.
AP: President Donald Trump impeached by US House on 2 charges
President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday night, becoming only the third American chief executive to be formally charged under the Constitution’s ultimate remedy for high crimes and misdemeanors.
OPINION: White male politicians shouldn’t use words with prejudicial context
In response to the impeachment inquiry in October, President Donald Trump sent out a tweet comparing his situation to a lynching. Columnist True Dabill argues terms like “lynching” and “witch hunt” should only be used when their literal descriptions become reality.
OPINION: Loving our country requires disagreement
President Donald Trump has painted himself as the ultimate patriot. Any criticism of him or his policies is deemed unpatriotic, but it shouldn’t be that way. Columnist Kayla Mayer argues patriotism doesn’t mean unceasing support for everything a country does.
OPINION: Democrats need a moderate candidate in 2020 election
Candidates Joe Biden and Amy Klobuchar have both positioned themselves in relatively moderate stances, but it all depends on who you talk to. Columnist Grace Hallen argues the election of a radical democratic candidate will only splinter party lines further.
OPINION: Gerrymandering weakens the democratic process
Gerrymandering is dividing election districts in a way that is favorable to one party, therefore giving advantage to that party through the voting process. Opinions editor Maddie Peters argues partisan gerrymandering threatens the right to vote.
OPINIONS: Media describes female presidential candidates more negatively than male
A study by Northeastern University senior Alex Frandsen found that female candidates were described more negatively in the media than male candidates. Columnist Kayla Mayer argues that the solution to this is that voters need to consider whether they dislike a candidate because their behavior is violating gender norms or because their platform is unpalatable.
Bridge St. Thomas provides student-led middle ground for political discussion
Bridge St. Thomas, a club founded by senior Matt Kearney, is a haven for students with differing political views to engage in civil discussion about varying topics.
AP: Senate leaders say no special session fix for Lt. Gov. drama
Republican state Sen. Michelle Fischbach is set to become Gov. Mark Dayton’s second-in-command next week, after current Lt. Gov. Tina Smith is sworn in to replace U.S. Sen. Al Franken.
The politics of political disagreement
“Few people are able to express with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment.” These words from Albert Einstein ring especially true in the midst of the current political climate.
Trump victory works against DFL in Minnesota
Donald Trump’s blitz across the U.S. electoral map pressed Hillary Clinton in Minnesota, with the race not called for Clinton until Wednesday morning.
Pay attention to politics
Ignoring politics is not only impossible but also disadvantageous.