Opinion

As We See It

From the Editor’s desk

Honor veterans with actions, not just words

Growing up I idolized wars and the soldiers who fight them. I regularly came home from the library with VHS tapes about jet fighters, tanks or warships. Yes, I’m that old.

I wasn’t quite seven years old, but I can remember being glued to the television when Operation Desert Storm began. I can recall doing the same in 1993 during the Battle of Mogadishu. I thought war was “cool.”

I watched the events of Sept. 11, 2001 on a television in my high school where I was a senior and closely followed the news as Operation Enduring Freedom, the invasion of Afghanistan began later that year. In addition to remembering 9-11 as the national tragedy it was, it lives on in my mind as the reason my friends soon began going off to war.

On Nov. 6, 2003, Army Specialist James Wolf of the 52nd Engineer Battalion was killed by an improvised explosive device as his convoy passed near Mosul, Iraq. Wolf was one of my brother’s best word. I’ve met enough who, behind friends. Sitting on a pew at St. closed doors, roll their eyes at Agnes Catholic Church in Scotts- being thanked for their service, so bluff, looking at his flag-draped I don’t do that either. But to all of casket, I finally understood the those who have served, I simply say true cost of combat. that you have my utmost respect.

That day my opinion of war In this week’s edition, we honor changed. I no longer found it Veterans Day and those who “cool.” served. As you enjoy our content,

I would prefer if we never had I ask that you please remember it’s to fight another. I am concerned Brandon Davenport not enough to thank our veterans that the wealthy and the powerful for their service. We must ensure in our country secure their personal inter- we use our voices and our actions to guarests with the lives of young, and often poor, antee they receive the best support and care soldiers. I personally don’t believe every this country can offer – the kind of care they action that has seen our warriors deployed earned, but too many fail to receive. has been righteous. Consider donating your time or money

But I have always and will always respect to organizations like Disabled American the men and women of the U.S. military, Veterans or the Veterans of Foreign Wars especially those who are sent into combat. Foundation and whatever your political What they endure is extraordinary and leanings, advocate for more efficient, effecdeserves our respect. tive care for veterans. Listen to the stories

I’ve met too many veterans who dislike and concerns they have and when you do being called heroes, so I don’t use that thank them, don’t let it be a hollow gesture.

As You Said It! We asked: Are you happy with the election? Why or Why not?

Ashyln Jensen 18,freshman, Greenriver, Wyoming

“No. What’s fair is fair but I would have preferred Trump to win.” Jalen Hoffman 19, freshman, Norfolk

“I am okay with it. I think overall we will be okay. I am just interested to see how things go for the future.” Kel Underwood 18, freshman, Alliance

“Not really I would have preferred Trump to win. I don’t really care for politics but I don’t think Biden is really fit for office.” Naomi Thayer 18, freshman, Martin, South Dakota

“I really don’t care. I mean what can you do about it. Life still goes on.” Abrielle Hoopman 19, freshman, Douglas, Wyoming

“I would say no, just because for some things Biden wants to change I don’t.”

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Participation on The Eagle staff is open to all Chadron State College students. The Eagle is a student newspaper produced by and for students of Chadron State College. Opinions expressed in editorials and columns written by the student staff belong solely to the authors. As a public forum, The Eagle invites guest columns and letters to the editor from all readers. Opinions expressed in submissions belong solely to the author(s) and DO NOT necessarily reflect the opinions of The Eagle staff, its adviser, CSC students, staff, faculty, administrators or governing body. Please limit all guest columns or letters to 400 words. Deadline for submissions is noon Monday for consideration in the following Thursday’s edition. The Eagle reserves the right to edit or reject all submissions.

Opinion

As They See It

Stepping Up with Abigail

Epic music turns study time into journey

u By Abigail Swanson Columnist

I listen to music while I study, read, or write countless pages of business concepts. I know people who can not listen to anything but pure silence while engaging in mental activities.

Those who do have a study playlist may listen to music with words or without, to classical composers or modern pieces. A blog article I recently read inspired me to consider what music I listen to.

Personally, I’m a sucker for a good epic soundtrack, especially while phrasing my views on social media uses for data gathering in a business setting. u By Sullivan Jones Reporter

The president couldn’t do it.

He couldn’t soften his angry frivolous rhetoric for a few months before the election.

As a result, his voters, including me, must live with the consequences of an election he should have won.

No, Joe Biden is not the president America wanted. He was the president that would not be Donald Trump – that wouldn’t echo Trump’s rhetoric.

Though, make no mistake, Joe Biden is nothing special. In fact, he is the exact type of

Music helps me focus by drowning out distractions in the world around me. My fingers fly faster with a beat in the background.

While I may not want to read my text book about marketing research, at least the background noise makes it sound like I’m in some epic scene.

Some people can focus with singing or talking in the background. I just can’t. I get distracted listening to the words around me rather than the words I’m supposed to be reading or writing.

The same is true of orchestra versions of songs I know.

Instead, I select soundtracks from tv shows and movies I like career politician America decided to throw out in 2016 and would have decided to throw out this election as well.

But no.

Trump could not play politics in the few months that mattered most this election cycle.

For example, his incessant focus on voter fraud was completely useless – even if such accusations prove true to some degree. It was counting chickens before they hatched.

Nonetheless, this election was incredibly close, even if the popular vote and the electoral college does not make it seem so.

After all, Trump outper-

Abigail Swanson

or whatever the Spotify algorithm throws my way.

I’ve learned to beware of iconic themes. I imagine Johnny Depp swaggering around to “He’s a Pirate” or Darth Vader’s swooshy cloak during “The Imperial March,” rather than what Galactica (the 2004 remake), I’m supposed to be writing or “Rue’s Farewell” by James Newreading. But honestly, I don’t ton Howard from The Hunmind. The epic journey is worth the risk. Maybe whatever I’m writing will “Music helps me focus by drowning out distractions in the world ger Games, “Samwise The Brave” by Howard Shore from The Lord of The Rings: have a little bit around me ... The Two Towof the scope of ers, and “The Star Wars or - Abigail Swanson Battle” by the whit of Pi- Harry Gregrate of The Caribbean if I listen son-Williams from The Cornito the film score while writing. cles of Narnia. At least, that’s what I tell myself. Everyone uses their own

In case you were interested, study method, but if you are here, in no particular order, are willing to try something new to some of my favorite tracks in my motivate yourself, try listening playlist: “Kara Remembers” by to some epic music.

Trump’s rhetoric let his loyal voters down

Sully Sullies

Sullivan Jones

formed the polls again and won key battleground states by unexpected margins – he should have won most of them.

Though the deck – news media, pandemic, and social media platforms – was Bear McCreary from Battlestar stacked against him.

He once again proved his unorthodox political strategy of fighting any who stand in his way can be effective – to a certain point.

Unfortunately, America saw him breach that point in the first presidential debate with Joe Biden:

Acting in the most unpresidential way, the president managed to accomplish absolutely nothing besides angering his opposition and encouraging it to say enough is enough.

Which, on Nov. 3 they did. Well, not exactly. This election was decided in the months leading up to election night by the absentee ballots Trump rightly despised.

Like Trump, I wouldn’t want people voting for me in the middle of a public temper tantrum that is amplified by each tweet, nightly news story and the pandemic.

But Trump was ignorant of the fact that so many Americans were being driven to the polls early by their disgust for his flaming rhetoric which only a blue wave could extinguish.

And now, because of Trump, you and I must live with the consequences of reelecting the type of politician America rightfully tossed aside four years ago.