VIRGINIA REVIEW OF POLITICS T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17
REJECTED: HOW THE INCREASE OF WOMEN IN HIGHER EDUCATION LEADS TO ADMISSIONS DISCRIMINATION
Elizabeth Adams
HOW BIDEN’S FOREIGN POLICY LED TO HIS DROPPING OUT OF THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Rishi Chandra
WHY THE POWER PLANT RULE NEEDS A SECOND WIND
Nicole Christy
ARCHIVAL SILENCE WITHIN UVA'S SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARY
Aliza Susatijo
SINKING THE RUSSIAN WAR MACHINE: A TWO-YEAR PERSPECTIVE ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ECONOMIC SANCTIONS
Katelyn Bremer
FAITH VS. FEALTY: THE INCOMPATIBILITY OF LITERALISM AND ORIGINALISM
Owen Andrews
ELON MUSK IS NOT SPECIAL, YET HE HAS SPECIAL POWER. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS.
Ben McNiff
WHY 2024 OUGHT TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT YEAR FOR GUN RIGHTS IN AMERICAN POLITICS
Zachary Geller 19
DELEGATE HOLLY SEIBOLD: FIGHTING FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN
Madeline Wenger
NOTEFROMTHE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Iamveryexcitedtosharethenewest printeditionoftheVirginiaReviewof Politics!Throughoutthiselectionyear, ourexcellentwritersandeditorshave beenatworkshapingthestateofour magazine.Thisissuehighlightsthebest articlesofourjournalintheFall2024 semester.Inthisedition,youwill explorefascinatinganalysesonawide rangeofissues.Readaboutthe intersectionofhighereducationand socialissueswithAdams’sanalysisof femalediscriminationatuniversitiesand Susatijo’spieceontheimportancefor greateraccessibilitytoarchivedartifacts andexhibitsatUVA’sSpecial CollectionsLibrary.Youcanalso engagewithglobalnewsinChandra’s articleonBiden’sforeignpolicyfailures andBremer’sassessmentofeconomic sanctionsagainstRussiaatthetwo-year markofthewar.Forstate-level politics,readWenger’sinterviewwith VirginiaDelegateHollySeiboldonher
careerandadvocacyeffortsforwomenand children.Thisissuealsooffersarticleson nationalU.S.politicsincludingAndrews’s comparisonbetweenthejudicial philosophyoforiginalismandbiblical literalism,McNiff’sarticleaboutthe dangersofElonMusk,andGeller’spiece ontheimportanceofgunrightsatthis particularmomentofAmericanpolitics. Lastly,wealsohaveinteresting environmentalanalysis,giveninChristy’s assessmentoftheEPA’sproposedPower PlantRule.Thewiderangeofsubjectsin thisissuehighlightacornerstoneof VROP:thefreedomstaffwritershaveto exploreandwriteabouttheissuesthat mattertothem.We’reexcitedtocontinue toprovideaspaceforyoungwritersto developtheirideasandvoiceforyearsto come.Youcanvisitourwebsite, virginiapolitics.org,toviewourmost recentarticles.Theywon’tdisappoint!
Executive Board (F24)
Editor-in-Chief, ClaireSatterfield
Managing Editor, SarahAhmad Operations Manager, MattWilson
Interviews and Features Editor, KaitlynBrooks Social Chair, JoeyChan
Claire Satterfield Editor-in-Chief
Rejected: How the Increase of Women in Higher Education Leads to Admissions Discrimination ThearrivalofSeptember meansaseasonofnewbeginnings formany.Astheleavesbegin changingcolorandchildrenwave goodbyetothelastgoldenraysof summer,highschoolseniorsprepare tostarttheirownnewundertaking: applyingtocollege.Theadmissions processissomewhatofamysteryto manystudents,whocompilethe summationoftheirlivesintoessays andactivitydescriptionsinhopesof gainingadmissiontotheirpreferred universities.WiththeSupreme Court’sJune2023ruling overturningaffirmativeaction,the
https://www.stettlerindependent.com/news/ukraine-strike-on-russian-territory-
admissionsprocesshasgrownincreasinglyconvoluted,as collegesworktoamendtheirpoliciesandcriteriato accommodatethechangeAstheissueofrace-conscious admissionscontinuestomakeheadlines,anothergrouphas foundthemselvesfacingdisproportionatelyloweracceptance ratesandhigherstandardsforadmission,tofarlessfanfare: women.
Forthemajorityofitshistory,highereducationinthe UnitedStateswasinaccessibletowomen.WhileHarvard Universityopeneditsdoorsin1636,itwouldbeover200 yearsbeforewomencouldattenduniversityintheUS,with OberlinCollegeadmittingthefirstfemalestudentsin1837. Still,educationwasfarfromequalforoveracentury followingOberlin’sfirstclassofwomenColumbia University,forinstance,didnotadmititsfirstclassof womenuntil1983.Today,however,womenaremakingup forlosttime,attendingcollegeathigherratesthantheir malecounterparts.In2022,just42.7%ofUSundergraduate studentsweremen,acompletereversalfrom1970,inwhich 412%ofcollegestudentswerewomen
Partofthistrendmaybeexplainedbythepotentialfinancial benefitsofacollegedegree,particularlyforwomenWhile non-collegeeducatedmenearnamediansalaryof$50,000, womenwithoutdegreesearnjust$35,000andfacehigh levelsofeconomicinstability,withonly51%workingafulltimejob.Collegepresentswomenwiththeopportunityto leveltheplayingfield.
As more women apply to college than men, they face increasingly higher admissions standards, particularly at elite universities striving for gender-balanced classes. Despite progress in gender equality in higher education, this trend raises concerns about unintentional discrimination against women in the admissions process contributestoastableeconomyandeconomic diversification,benefittingtheUnitedStatesasawhole. However,thesepositiveoutcomesbelieanironicparadox:as morewomenapplytocollege,itbecomesincreasingly difficultforthemtogetin.Oneoftheclearestexamplesof thiscanbefoundinthecaseofBrownUniversity,which received31,650femaleapplicantsand19,666maleapplicants duringits2023-24applicationcycle.Despiteseeingwomen applyatsuchadisproportionatelyhighrate,Brownadmitted agender-balancedclass,accepting1,350menand1,336 women.Thus,theacceptancerateforwomenwasjust4.2%, ascomparedto69%formenThephenomenonheldtrue foralleightIvyLeagueschools,whichreceivedmorefemale thanmaleapplicantsinthemostrecentadmissionscycle, thoughtheunintentionaldiscriminationagainstfemale applicantsisnotconfinedtojusttheprestigiousgroupof eightinstitutions.Facingthecontinuingtrendofhigh numbersoffemaleapplicants,“there’snotalotyoucando otherthandiscriminate”,remarkedCharlesDeacon,Deanof AdmissionsforGeorgetownUniversity.Inanerawhere eliteschoolssuchasYalestatethat“alargemajorityofthe studentswhoapplyforadmissiontoYalearequalifiedtodo thework”,thedataonfemaleapplicantsindicatesthatthey areheldtoahigherstandard
Womenwithabachelor’sdegreeor higherhavehighercareerearnings thanmenwithonlyhighschool diplomasorassociate'sdegrees, makingcollege-educatedwomenthe onlydemographictoout-earnmenin anycapacityWhileacollegedegree certainlydoesnotremedythe disparitiesbetweenmen’sand women’swages,itgiveswomena fightingchancetoimprovetheir financialprospects.
Theproliferationofwomenin collegesignalsanincreasedlevelof genderequality,whichinturn
Collegesanduniversitieshaveshroudedtheiradmissions processesinsecrecy,leavingstudentsfeelingcrushedby rejectionthathardlyreflectstheiractualqualifications. Improvingthecollegeadmissionsprocessisanuphillbattle,
buttherearechangesthatcanlessenthepainoftheexercise. OnepossibilityisamendingTitleIXtoaccountformodern trendsregardingwomeninhighereducation.Passedin 1972,TitleIXprohibitsdiscriminationinadmissionsat federallyfundeduniversitiesonthebasisofgender. However,thelawprovidesanexemptionforprivate undergraduateinstitutions,allowingsuchuniversitiesto determinetheirownpoliciesongenderandadmission. With19ofthetop25universitiesfallingunderthepurview ofprivateownership,TitleIXprovidesonlylimited protectiontowomenseekingadmissiontoeliteuniversities Thus,onesolutiontoremedythechallengesfacedby womeninthecollegeadmissionsprocessistoremovethe privateschoolexemptionfromTitleIXandbeginapolicy ofsex-blindadmissions
Criticsofgender-blindadmissionspointtoworriesofmen becomingunderrepresentedordiscriminatedagainstinthe universitysetting.However,collegesoughttorepresent theirapplicantclassinadmissions,soacceptingmore womenwouldnotdiscriminateagainstmen,butsimply reflecttherealitiesofapplicants.Suchachangehasalready beenimplementedatsomepublicuniversities,suchasthe UniversityofGeorgiaAfterbeginningapolicyofsex-blind admissions,Georgiasawitsclassbecome57%women, hardlymakingitasingle-sexorovertlyfemaledominated school.Theargumentthathighereducationmightbecome undulyfemale-dominatedisfurtherdisputedwithasimple studyofscienceandtechnologymajorsEvenaswomen out-enrollmenincollegeoverall,mencontinueto outnumberwomeninSTEMfields.Finally,theprestigeof eliteuniversitiesisn’tgoinganywhereanytimesoon,andthe drawofsuchanexclusiveclubisunlikelytodriveawaymale applicantsinsearchofhighereducation.Consider,for instance,recentdataonpost-collegeearningspotential rankingselectivecollegessuchasMassachusettsInstituteof Technology,Princeton,andStanfordUniversities,and DartmouthCollegeinthetoptenforearlyandmid-career earnings.Theallureofeliteinstitutionsisonethatcaptures themindsofcollegeseekersofallstripes,andmeritshould bethemainconsideration;womenshouldnotbelockedout ofsuchbenefitsonthebasisofsex
After the centuries-long struggle for equal education, women should not be forced to work harder, yet again, to grasp one of the limited number of spots available to them at elite institutions. Rather, colleges should consider creating a more even admissions playing field by matching the gender demographics of their incoming class to the applicant pool, helped along by the amendment of Title IX to eliminate the exemption for private universities.
Womenhavemadehugestridesinthepasthalf-centuryin therealmofhighereducation.However,issuesof discriminationpersistandshiftwitheachchange,theshape ofinequalityemergingtodayintheformofhigher admissionsstandardsforthesakeofgender-balancedclasses Afterthecenturies-longstruggleforequaleducation, womenshouldnotbeforcedtoworkharder,yetagain,to grasponeofthelimitednumberofspotsavailabletothemat eliteinstitutions.Rather,collegesshouldconsidercreatinga moreevenadmissionsplayingfieldbymatchingthegender demographicsoftheirincomingclasstotheapplicantpool, helpedalongbytheamendmentofTitleIXtoeliminatethe exemptionforprivateuniversities.AmendingTitleIX wouldholdprivateuniversitiesaccountablewhenitcomes togenderequality,subjectingthemtothesupervisionofthe DepartmentofEducation’sOfficeofCivilRights(OCR). Introducingfederaloversighttotheissueofsex-based discriminationatprivateuniversitiesforcessuchinstitutions totakealookattheirownprocessesandstandardswhile holdingtheirfeettothefederalfire,astepintheright directionforwomeninhighereducation.Ultimately, collegesoughttoaimtoadmitthemostacademically qualifiedclasspossible.Gendershouldnotmatter,asthe questionisqualification,notsex.
ByElizabethAdams Staff Writer ‘28
WhilethemostcommonlycitedcauseforBiden’swithdrawalfromthepresidentialraceishiscognitivedecline,hisunpopularforeignpolicydecisionsonissuescriticalto Americanvoterscannotbeoverlooked Foreignpolicyhasbeennotoriouslyweakamongstone-termpresidentsastheyneartheendoftheirterms,andBidenisno exception
Withtwoassassination attempts,ashocking presidentialdebate,Brat Summer,andamyriadof internationalconflicts,2024 hasbeenoneofthemost chaoticanduniqueelection yearsinAmericanhistory. Afterfacingwidespread criticismforhisperformance duringtheJune27th presidentialdebate, PresidentBidendroppedout oftheraceandendorsed Vice-PresidentKamala Harris.Bidenjoinsthe
TheIsrael-Hamaswarhas beenconsistentlyincreasing incasualties,tension,and significancetoAmerican voters.ANewYork Times/SienaCollegepoll fromDecember2023 showedthatoutof1,016 registeredvoters,57% disapprovedofBiden’s handlingofthewar, whereasonly33%approved it.Inthatsamepoll,46%of participantstrustedTrump todoabetterjobthan Biden.DespiteAmerican https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/82766e46-joe-biden.jpg
groupof12one-termpresidents,whichincludeGeorge H.W.Bush,LyndonB.Johnson,andJimmyCarter.As Bidennearstheendofhisterm,wemustaskourselveshow wegothere.WhathasledtoBidenonlyservingasingle term?
ThemostobviousexplanationisthatAmericanslostfaithin hismentalacuityafterthedebate.Whileageandmental perceptivenesswereimportantfactors,theywerenotthe onlyones Biden’sforeignpolicysignificantlyinfluenced hisdroppingoutAnescalatingwarintheMiddleEast,a botched-upmilitaryevacuationofAfghanistan,fightingin Ukraine,andtensionwithChinaaresomecrucialissues plaguingtheglobalcommunityandAmericanvoters. Foreignpolicyhasplayedanessentialroleinthelackofreelectionsofseveralone-termpresidents.Biden’ssingleterm highlightstheextenttowhichtheAmericanpeopledeeply investininternationalrelations.
Biden’sattempttocombattheIsrael-Hamaswarhas concernedmanyvotersRecently,afterBidenhadalready droppedout,Israeldetonatedhundredsofpagersand walkie-talkiesinLebanon-killingatleast20peopleand woundingover450.Iranretaliatedbycarryingoutamassive airstrike,firing180missilesacrossIsraelonOctober1st.The BidenAdministrationclaimsthatachievingaGazacease-fire dealisoneofBiden’stoppriorities,yetthisnewattack furtherthreatensanynegotiations.
Americanactivists'continuedprotestofmilitaryaid packagessenttoIsrael,aGazacease-firedealseems increasinglyunlikelyinthenearfuture.
Afterthe2022RussianinvasionofUkraine,theBiden Administrationhasconsistentlymonetarilyandmilitarily aidedUkraine.APewResearchCenterpollfromJulyofthis yearshowsthataroundtwo-thirdsofDemocratsand Democratic-leaningindependentsbelievetheU.S.hasa responsibilitytoaidUkraine.While36%ofDemocrats believetheUnitedStatesisprovidingtherightamountof aid,27%believeitisnotenoughassistance.Almosthalfof RepublicansthinktheU.S.isprovidingtoomuchaid,while only18%believetheamountofaidisthecorrectamount WhileDemocratslargelyfavorUkrainianaid,wemust considerthemoderateRepublicans.DonaldTrumpisafarrightpopulistpolitician;thus,themajorityofhiscurrent supporterswillstayhissupporters.ModerateRepublicans neededtodecidewhethertovotefortheirparty’scandidate orBidenIftheybelievedBidenwasspendingtoomuchon Ukraine,thenitispossibletheywouldhavevotedfor Trump.Ontheotherhand,someDemocratsthinktheU.S. isnotdoingnearlyenoughforUkraine
In her article for The Conversation, Michelle Bentley states, “The reality is that Biden’s foreign policy efforts have always been largely welcome to Ukraine but they have never [been] enough to bring about a resolution”
InherarticleforTheConversation,MichelleBentleystates, “TherealityisthatBiden’sforeignpolicyeffortshavealways beenlargelywelcometoUkraine buttheyhavenever [been]enoughtobringaboutaresolution.”Biden’saidto Ukraineaffectsvotersonbothsidesfordifferentreasons.
Otherone-termpresidentshavefacedsimilarstruggles regardingtheirforeignpolicyanditsreceptionbythe Americanpeople.Apatternexists someofthesepresidents hadforeignpolicysuccessearlyintheirtermsbutstruggled withmaintainingthatsuccessneartheendForexample, PresidentJimmyCarterbrokeredtheCampDavidAccords betweenEgyptianPresidentAnwarSadatandIsraeliPrime MinisterMenachemBegininSeptember1978TheAccords ledtothefirst-everpeacetreatybetweenIsraelanditsArab neighborsin1979.However,Carter’shandlingofthe IranianHostageCrisis specificallyOperationEagleClaw, whichwasanattemptbytheUnitedStatesArmedForcesto rescuethehostages damagedhisprestigeintheeyesofhis voters.
In August 2021, Biden’s military pull-out of Afghanistan ended in chaos. The Taliban marched into Kabul on August 15th, and an ISIS suicide bombing on August 26th killed 13 U.S. service members and over 170 Afghans According to a 2021 poll by The Pew Research Center, only about 26% of those surveyed say the administration did an excellent or good job, while 42% said it did a poor job.
https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/82766e46-joe-biden.jpg
Similarly,Bidenalsohadsuccessfulforeignpolicyearlyin histerm;shortlyafterhisinauguration,Bidensignedan executiveorderreenteringtheUnitedStatesintotheParis ClimateAccord.However,inAugust2021,Biden’smilitary pull-outofAfghanistanendedinchaos.TheTaliban marchedintoKabulonAugust15th,andanISISsuicide bombingonAugust26thkilled13USservicemembers andover170Afghans.Accordingtoa2021pollbyThe PewResearchCenter,onlyabout26%ofthosesurveyedsay theadministrationdidanexcellentorgoodjob,while42% saiditdidapoorjob
ThoughvoterswereconcernedaboutPresidentBiden’s mentalacuity,especiallyafterhisperformanceduringthe June27debate,foreignpolicywasanotherdrivingforcein hissteppingdownfromreelectionTheAmericanpeople lostconfidenceinBiden’sabilitytohandlethenumerous internationalconflictsplaguingoursociety,andassuch, addedtohisdecision.Wars,humanitariancrises,and authoritarianregimesareincreasingexponentiallybothin numberandseverityInthisunprecedentedtime,America needsaleaderwithastrongforeignpolicyplan.Whether KamalaHarrisorDonaldTrumpwinsthiselection,once theyareinoffice,theymustprioritizeforeignpolicyto secureconfidenceintheAmericanpeopleandthusensure theirlegacy.
ByRishiChandra Staff Writer ‘28
Why the Power Plant Rule Needs a Second Wind The EPA’s proposed Power Plant Rule aims to drastically cut carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants, which produce a significant share of the nation’s greenhouse gases. While the rule’s ambitious targets for emissions reduction have sparked controversy, it underscores the need for innovation in carbon capture technologies and renewable energy to effectively combat climate change.
Irecentlychallenged ChatGPTtoagameof20 questions,somewhat frivolouslytestingthelimits ofthisAI.Whileitsinability toguess“shoe”was entertaining,witheach questionIwasasking,Iwas expendingenough electricitytopowerone lightbulbfor20minutes. Electricityistricky–onecan seekto‘reducetheircarbon footprint’bybikingorusing publictransportation, thoughheatinghomes,
CCSandemission-friendly methodslikerenewable energyandphasingoutcoal completely.Thispolicy wouldeitherleadtothe closingofmostcoal-fired plantsorthewidespread adoptionofCCS,a technologywithmixed reviewsofsuccess.Both possibilitieshavebeen understandablycriticized. Amidstgrowingenergy demands,ifmostcoalplants disappearby2039,there wouldbeapredicteddeficit https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=1703&picture=power-plant
water,applianceusageandcomputersareoftennondisputable.Passiveandunintentionalusealsoleadstothis highenergyconsumption,asseeninmythoughtless ChatGPTexperiment.Unfortunately,promotingdecreased electricityusehasbeenlargelyineffectiveinreducing carbonemissions,40%ofwhicharecreatedbythe electricitysector,promptingtheEnvironmentalProtection Agency(EPA)totakeactionbyproposingthePowerPlant RuleThepushbackhasbeenwidespreadandreasonable, thoughacompleteabandonmentofthisruleforeshadowsa bleakenvironmentalfutureandworsedomesticandforeign cooperationDespiteitsimperfections,thePowerPlantRule mustbemodifiedandfoughtfor.
OnApril2nd,2024,theEPAannouncedthefinalPower PlantRuleundertheCleanAirActwithacentralgoalof reducingcarbondioxideemissionsfromcoal-firedpower plantsAlthoughcoal-firedplantsonlyproduce16%ofour electricity,theycontributeto50%ofgreenhousegas emissionsfromtheelectricitysector.Underthisrule,coalfiredpowerplantsaregiventheoptiontoretireby2032and facenorestrictions,reduceemissionsby16%andretireby 2039,oradoptcarboncaptureandsequestration(CCS) technologyby2032,resultingina90%reductionin emissions.Coalandsteamhybridplantsarealsosubjectedto thisrule,although,notably,gasplantsareexempt.Asis likelyclear,thesearenotstandardupdatestoanexisting system.Theseaggressivereductionrequirementsand impendingdeadlinessuggesttheEPAislookingtoreshape electricityproductioncompletelybyforciblyusheringin
of250gigawatts,whichisoverhalfoftheelectricityusedin 2023Thissupply-demandgapwouldlikelybefilledbynew gasplants,creatingmoreinfrastructurecostsforthe governmentduetogasplantsubsidies.AlthoughtheEPA mayintendforrenewableenergyandnuclearreactorstofill thegapinenergydemands,bothplantsproducelessthan theirprojectedcapacities,andrenewableenergyprojects proposalsareoftenrejectedThesecondroute,requiringthe adoptionofCCStechnology,iscriticizedforthe technology’sincompletenessandcost.AsofMarch2024, only94powerplantsintheUSAuseCCS,anditisdisputed whetheremissionsareactuallyreducedby90%,withsome claimingthereductiontobeaslowas10-20%.Thetiming ofanattempttorestructureelectricityproductionisalso unfortunate–electricitydemandaccompanieseconomic growthandintelligence,especiallywithnewAI.Forthe UnitedStatesandglobalcompetition,thestakesof harnessingAIaresignificantlyhigherthanplayinga guessinggamewithChatGPT.
Sofar,inconsistencieswithCCSandtheinabilityfor renewableandnuclearplantstofillthegapposethegreatest hindrancestoimplementingthisruleThePowerPlantRule istheidealmotivationtonudgeinnovationinthesefields. ResearchinCCSmightreceivemoreresourcesandattention ifperfectingitpreventsspendingbillionsonconstructing newgasplants.Section45QoftheUStaxcodealso subsidizesCCSuse,furtherencouragingitsrefinement. Renewableenergyalreadyexperienceda‘boom’in2020, bothdomesticallyandinternationally.Ifthistrendcontinues
foranotherdecade,itcouldbeenoughtofilladeficitleftby disappearingcoalplants.Furthermore,theoppositionis quicktodisputethelogisticsofimplementation,though thereislittledenyingwhatgoodcancomefromnearly eliminatingcoalemissionsDuetoimprovementsinthe surroundingairandwaterquality,$370billionisexpected tobesavedfromclimateandpublichealthbenefits,and climatechangecouldatleastbestalled.Whileitispractical tofocusonimplementation,thesignificantpositive outcomesdeservemoreattention.Inthisway,therewould beagreaterconsensusofthefinalgoal,andbothsidescould workbackwardstoconfigureabetterplanofaction.
BeforeproposingsomemodificationsforthePowerPlant Rule,itisimportanttocontextualizethisrule’soutcomeon theglobalstage.IntherecentCO28UNConferenceat Dubai,therewerecallsfora“globalstockade,”demanding participantsintheParisAgreementtocomeforwardwith planstoreducecarbondioxideemissionsbyearly2025.This stockadealsopushedforatriplingofrenewableenergy sourcesandatransitionawayfromfossilfuels.Formany Americans,thereisasentimentofbitterness:wearewilling toproposeambitiousemissionreductionplans,thoughsome countries,namelyChina,arethelargestcontributorstofossil fuelemissionswithlittlerestrictionsinsight.WhileChina’s dominanceinworldcarbonemissionsremainsfirm,their domesticemissionshaverecentlyplateauedforthefirsttime since2006Chineseprevalenceofcoalplantsisdecreasing similarlytotheUSAinthelast30years,andlessemissions aregeneratedpercapitathanintheUSASubmittinga versionofthePowerPlantRuleasourcompliancewiththe ParisAgreementcouldspurothercountriestofollowsuit, or,attheveryleast,granttheUSAinfluenceasoneofthe leadersattheforefrontoffightingclimatechange
https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/10/28/what-is-cop28-everything-you-need-to-knowabout-the-un-climate-summit-in-dubai
cannotbringaboutpositivechangeifitcontinuallyfaces thislevelofopposition;thereforesomechangesneedtobe made.The2032(toreduceby16%)and2039(toadopt CCS)deadlinesshouldbemoved,eachbyatleastfiveyears. Withthistime,CCSresearchwillbeabletoreceivemore investmentandimprovement.Governmentfundingfrom taxdollarsisnotideal,thoughitisaninvestmenttoavoid subsidizingthousandsofgaspowerplantsandspending billionsonhealthcarefromworseningenvironmental conditions.OnceCCSisclosertoconsistentlyreducing emissionsby90%,themarketingandreleaseofthisnewsto thepublicmustbeaccessible,convincing,andinformative Businessesandfamiliesneedtounderstandhowtheir energysourceischangingandwhytheycanputtheirtrust andfundsintoit.Untilthesearerealized,thereshouldbe greatertransparencyonelectricityusageLabelingthe electricityconsumptionofproductsandpromotinggeneral knowledgeofacceptableenergyusecoulddecreasetheneed forsuchaggressiveemissioncutsinthefirstplace.
Althoughnoble,thePowerPlantRule’semissionrestrictions andtimelinesaretooambitiousandcontroversial. Congressionaloppositionisalreadyunderway;on September18th,2024,theHouseEnergyandCommerce CommitteeresolvedtoblockthePowerPlantRuleTotruly dismantlethepolicy,theSenatewouldhavetopassasimilar motion,andtheblockagewouldbevetoedbyPresident Bidenwithnearcertainty.Withtheupcoming2024 Election,itwillbeinterestingtoseeifthismotionis expeditedordelayedonceDonaldTrumporKamalaHarris respectivelyiselected.Nevertheless,thegrievancesstatedin theHousearereasonable:thecostofgasplantswilldelay theirnownecessaryconstruction,CCSisunreliable,and newerenergysourcesarenotgenerallytrustedand dependeduponbymanybusinesses.ThePowerPlantRule
AsofOctober16th,2024,theSupremeCourtallowedthe BidenAdministrationtoofficiallyimplementthePower PlantRule.Thisisasignificantstepforwardfromthepause issuedinJune,thoughitsheavycriticismhasnotdied down.Theaforementionedmodificationscouldbewhatthe PowerPlantRuleneedsforacceptanceandeffective implementationofthischallengingandsomewhatcostly endeavor.Theimprovementstotheenvironment, subsequenteffectonupstreamhealth,futuresavings,and roleinglobalclimatechangeeffortsmakeitapolicyworth reformingandfightingfor.
ByNicoleChristy Staff Writer ‘28
Archival Silence within UVA's Special Collections Library TheAlbertandShirleySmallSpecialCollectionsLibraryhasfocusedonprocuringandpreservingrarebooks, manuscripts,andartifactssinceitsformationin1987 However,theirstepstowardsestablishingafullhistoryisundercut bytheirlackofefforttosharetheseresourceswiththegreaterstudentbody.
Whatarethechances youhavebeentoUVA’s SpecialCollectionsLibrary? LocatednexttotheShannon andClemonsLibraries,itis notthetypicalstudyspotfor students.Yet,itnodoubt holdssomeofthe University’smostvaluable resources.Holdingmore than16millionhistorical objects–includingfirst editionmanuscripts,images, andmaps–theAlbertand ShirleySmallSpecial Collectionsisanarchiveof.
Virginia’shistory.Hiddenintemperature-controlledvaults underground,thelibraryholdsartifactsfromaroundthe worldandworksfromsomeofhistory’sgreatestauthors. However,itisonlyrecentlyinUVA’slonglegacythatthe worksheldintheSpecialCollectionsLibraryhave showcasedthefull,unabashedhistoryofAmericaratherthan acarefullycuratedimage.
It is only recently in UVA’s long legacy that the works held in the Special Collections Library have showcased the full, unabashed history of America rather than a carefully curated image.
Evencenturiesintothefuture,thosewhohaveattemptedto sharepiecesofhistoryhavebeenrenderedsilentthrough institutionalaversion.Whilethecuratorsandanalystsof SpecialCollectionsaredoingtheirbesttorestoreand integrateavarietyofworks,itisdifficulttofillinthegapsof historythatareleftblankbythisliterarysilence. Archivalsilenceisdescribedaseitherintentionalor unintentionalmovestomisrepresenthistorysuchthatthere areconsiderablevoidsinthestoriesthataretold.With UVA’shistoryasauniversitythatcarefullycurateswhich storiesaretold,suchasselectivechoicestohonorenslaved labor,itsproblematicpasthaspersistedeventoday.Through itshistoryofcommemoratingwhitesupremacyintheform ofmonumentsthatcelebrateaone-sidedhistory,the Universityhassimultaneouslydampenedthevoicesofthose wishingtosharetheirversionofhistory.Despitetherecent
removaloffigures,ofwhich includeRogerE.Leeand GeorgeRogersClark,their namesremaineverpresent inhistoricalconversations, oftenatthecostofthose whowereactuallypartof UVA’sculture.
Anexampleofrecentefforts madetohighlightnew voicesinhistoryliesinthe “VisionsofProgress: PortraitsofDignity,Style, andRacialUplift” photographyexhibitthathas
beenondisplayintheSpecialCollectionslibrarysince2022. JohnEdwinMason,chiefcuratoroftheexhibit,hopedto usethephotostopaintacompletelifestoryoftheAfricanAmericanindividuals,ratherthanthe“veryspecific,very whiteimageofCharlottesville,”thathadpreviouslybeen cultivated.Thesephotosweretakenintheearly1900’s duringthepeakofJimCrow,yetRufusHolsinger endeavoredtodefinethesubjectsofhisphotosbymorethan theoppressiontheyfaced.Theunveilingofthisexhibitwas accompaniedbytoursthroughouttheyearaswellasa websitethatgoesintothedepthofthehistoryofthesitters ineachportrait.Accompanyingdescriptionsidentifyfamily membersaswellashomelocationsinordertobenefit genealogyresearchforpresent-daydescendantswhohopeto retracetheirancestry.
Itisaremarkablefeattorecovermorethan100lostphotos oftheseCharlottesvilleAfrican-Americansandallthemore importantthatSpecialCollectionsandtheHolsingerStudio makeactiveattemptstosharethisexhibitwithstudentsand localresidentsalikebyholdingtoursandcelebrations. However,theirworksarehardlyeverheardabout.Asthe Universityhasperiodicallyremovedmonumentsthathonor controversialconfederateandcolonialistfigures,itisa commonconsensusthatthisisthereachoftheirprogressive effortsRatherthancommemoratingthephysicalremovals ofUVA’spast,itwouldbeamoreproductiveanduplifting effortamongstUVAgoverningbodiestopromotethe historicaladditionstheyaddtotheUniversityThiswillaid increatingafullandcompletepictureofCharlottesville’s
“Small Library to Monroe Hall” by Timothy Jarrett is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 Archival Silence within UVA's Special Collections Library
pastthroughoutthecenturies,workingtofilltheabsencesof knowledgefosteredbyarchivalsilences.
As the University has periodically removed monuments that honor controversial confederate and colonialist figures, it is a common consensus that this is the reach of their progressive efforts. Rather than commemorating the physical removals of UVA’s past, it would be a more productive and uplifting effort amongst UVA governing bodies to promote the historical additions they add to the University This will aid in creating a full and complete picture of Charlottesville’s past throughout the centuries, working to fill the absences of knowledge fostered by archival silences.
Inordertomakeprogressivestepstowardsreformingthe one-sidedpastsharedatUVA,theUniversitymustdomore topromotetheimportantandtransparentworkofcurators intheSpecialCollectionsLibraryElevatedawarenessof newlyacquiredworkstoSpecialCollectionswillexpandthe knowledgeofVirginianandUVA-specifichistoryheldby studentsandresidentsofCharlottesville,inaccordancewith theculturalinterestsofSpecialCollectionsTheSpecial CollectionsLibraryidentifiesareasofgrowththattheyhope toexpanduponwithintheircollection,including “Americanfiction,poetry,anddrama,particularlyworksof writersofcolor,women,andcommunitiesnotwell representedintheexistingpredominantlywhitecollections [and]narrativesoftheenslavedandnewlyemancipated ” Curatorsaligntheirinterestswiththemaingoalofusinga “reparativecollectingmodel,”whichunderscoresthe essentialityofobtainingartifactsthatdepicttheexperiences ofmarginalizedvoicesHowever,thesegoalsareburied withinalengthywebpagedescribingthelibrary’sgeneral
https://uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu/about/history
collectiondevelopmentstrategyIfthesearesuchmajor goalsfortheUniversity,shouldtheynotbefurther prioritizedsothatthosewithinterest,letalonein-depth researchers,caneasilyacquirethisinformation?
ExamplesofmeasuresUVAcantakemaybeseenwitha simplewebsearchof“ArchivalSilence”Immediately, websitesforUMBCandtheUniversityofColorado, Boulderappearwithdefinitionsofarchivalsilence,biasesin archives,andhowthismayaffectthebreadthoftheir historicalcollections.Thesewebsitesdirectlyaddressthe prejudicethatfostersthissilenceandhowithasseepedinto theircollectioninthepast,aswellastheircurrentattempts torepairit.Bothwebsitesincludeadditionalresources–includingvideosandreadings–thataresearchermaylook intotolearnmoreabouterasedhistoryinarchivalmediums. Theseeffortsareastepintherightdirectiontowards eventuallyunderstandingandsharingloststories.
Inadditiontomakinganefforttoeducatestudentsonthe foundationandbackboneofUVA’scommunity, administrationshouldalsofocusondedicating commemorativeeventstotheopeningofnewexhibits.This canbedonethroughpartnershipswithmajorstudent organizationsandhubsofknowledge,suchasUPCorthe FralinMuseumStudentscannotlearnaboutthehistoryof theirUniversityifthereisnopublicitysurroundingthe eventsthatservetoinformThisactivemovetowards progresswillfacilitatethespreadofknowledgeratherthan passivelyallowinghistorytorunitscourse
Students cannot learn about the history of their University if there is no publicity surrounding the events that serve to inform This active move towards progress will facilitate the spread of knowledge rather than passively allowing history to run its course.
IncombinationwithSpecialCollections’goalstoexpand theirarchiveofhistoryfromtheperspectiveof underrepresentedcommunities,itwouldbeaconsiderable steptoimplementapagespecificallydedicatedtoaddressing howarchivalsilenceandnegativeinfluencehasaffected UVA’scollection.Highlightingandexpandingonthisissue wouldshedlightonreparativeactionsthatthestudentbody expectstoseefromtheirUniversity.
ByAlizaSusatijo Staff Writer ‘26
Sinking the Russian War Machine: A Two-Year Perspective on the Effectiveness of Economic Sanctions TwoyearsafterthebreakoutoftheUkrainewar,theburgeoningeconomicalliancesbetweenautocratic nationshavebecomeathreattoeconomicsanctionsasaviablemethodofquellingtheRussianassault. Unlesssanctionsbroadentheirattacktocorporationsenablingevasions,theyfailtostoporeven disincentivizetheRussianoffense.
Inourglobalizedworld, bilateralwarsarenevertrue two-playerconflicts. RussianandUkrainian troopsmayclashonthe battlefield,butconflict localizationendsthere.Yet, whiletheeconomicsof supportforUkraineremain diverseandmultiplicable, theeconomicsofattackhave honedinonasingular Russianenemy–anenemy that,uponreflection,might haveneverstoodalone. Evenso,whileRussia
appearedtostandalone,thesolidarityofsupportforUkraine hasshined.
TheEUhasthrownitssupportatUkraine,accumulating 167billiondollarsoffinancial,military,andhumanitarian aidasoftheFebruary2024commitments.Although quantitiesoccupythemostheadlinespace,fourteenEastern EuropeanandScandinaviancountrieshavesurpassedUS supportinpercentGDPcontributions.Thiscoalitionof economicandmilitarysupportiscrowned intermsof quantities withCongress’fivebillsworth175billiondollars inaid.WhilemostU.S.fundingisdivertedbackto“U.S. governmentactivitiesassociatedwiththewar,”theforcesof Ukrainearesuffusedwithcombinedinternationalsupport. YellowandbluearenottheonlycolorsontheUkrainian sideofthebattlefield,butdoesRussianredtrulystandalone?
Yellow and blue are not the only colors on the Ukrainian side of the battlefield, but does Russian red truly stand alone? AsAnneApplebaum’snewbookilluminates,anewcoalition existsonthesideoftheRussias:AutocracyInc.However, thisishardlytheentrenchedcoalitionsoftheColdWarera, withrigidideologiesandlimitedplayers.Thisincorporation isfarfromamilitaryorpoliticalalliance.It’sablocof uniquelyautocraticbutdiversecompaniesnotchainedby ideology,buta“ruthless,single-mindeddeterminationto preservetheirpersonalwealthandpower.”
Theyexchangearms,police, training,andeven propagandistictrollfarms andmedianetworks.It’sa solidaritybuilton underminingenemies any enemy thatopposesthe stabilityoftheirautocracies andthebulkoftheir pockets.Inthelastdecade, dictatorshavedealtwith dictators,andthosedeals haveafewwordstosay abouttheeconomic sanctionsonRussia.With Ukraine’snumerous
allies,February2022unleashedabarrageoffireinthe“most coordinatedanddeepesteconomicsanctionsinmodern history”onRussia.TheUnitedStatesseveredconnections withitslargestbanks,SberbankandVTBBank,andalltheir lessersubsidiariesTheyfrozefivebillionoftheirbanks’US assetsandcrumbledtheruble.Anyenergy,military manufacturing,andtransportcompaniesthatcouldbe targetedwereattackedwithdebtandequityrestrictions WithG7support,acoalitionof37countriesunitedto economicallyisolateRussiafromthebulkofWesterntrade tostarvetheiroffenseandelitesof300billiondollars Sanctionswantedtostarvethebear,butastheUkraineWar reachesthestagesofmatureconflict,theireffectsseem bulimic
Bytheendof2022,theRussianeconomywasstarvedby economicsanctionsTheanti-Russiacoalitionsucceededin immobilizing300billiondollarsfromRussia’slargestbank alone.Russianoligarchssurrenderedbillionsinpersonal propertyassetsinternationallyRestrictionsonliquidityand importsreducedRussia’sabilitytomitigatesemiconductors shortages,componentsessentialtoaviationandmissile productionWhiletheRuble’sinitialcrashwasextremely dramatic,thecurrencystillsatcomfortablybelowits2021 exchangerates.However,liketheruble’scrash,economic weightlosswasshort-lived
AutocracyInc.broughtfreshplattersofeconomic opportunitywithdealstailoredtounderminesanctionsAs Applebaumwrites,Iraneagerlyexportedlethaldronesto
Picture credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/cfDURuQKABk
Russia;NorthKoreaservedmissilesandammunition SupportwasdeliveredfromasfarasEasternAfrica,with Eritrea,Zimbabwe,Mali,andtheCentralAfricanRepublic. Thesedelicaciesofwarcomplimentedthecoursesservedby BelaruswhentheyallowedRussiantroopstouseits territory,roads,railwaylines,andmilitarybases.When otherslackedmilitarysupport,theymadeupin manufacturing:Turkey,Georgia,Kyrgyzstan,and Kazakhstan,allimportedelectronicgoodsEvenIndiaadded tothemealbybuyingcheapRussianoil,followingthetrend setbyChina’squiethelpingofarmsandenergysales.The economicsanctionsonRussiashedsomepounds,butRussia wasquicklybingingonautocraticforeignsupportJustas RussiafacedthecombinedsupportofNATOandtheEU, Ukraine,anditsallies“slowlylearnedthattheywerenot merelyfightingRussiainUkraine.Theywerefighting Autocracy,Inc”
EconomicsanctionsfailedtoisolateRussiaenoughfromthe globalmarkettocauselong-termdamageDespitelost assets,Russia’sRubleandthemilitary-industrialcomplex havealmostcompletelyrecovered.Theinitialattackwith economicsanctionslimitedthespeedandimpactofthe initialRussianoffense;sanctionsonRussiaalonebought Ukrainetimebutdidnotbuythemafuture.Nevertheless, thatdoesnotmeanallcauseislost.
AutocracyIncovercamesanctionsmeantfortheRussian
economyalone,noteconomicsanctionsmeantforRussia anditsallies.TheUnitedStateshadtheforesighttosever immediateRussiansupporterslikeBelarus,buttheextentof AutocracyInc.’snetworkdidnotrevealitselfuntilthe Russianrecoveryafter2023WhiletheUSandtheG7 continueandexpandeffortstoisolatemarketslikeRussia’s fourbilliondollardiamondexchange,theextentof AutocracyInc.’ssupportcallsforbroadersanctions;there’s littlepointindammingthefloodofRussiansupportifyou onlyblockone-halfoftheriver.Thetuneofeconomic sanctionsmusttakeastrongerhandatexpandingsanctions toAutocracyInc.iftheyaretodetertheRussiansupport network2024sanctionsthattargetspecificcompaniesin China,Turkey,andtheUnitedArabEmiratesthathave helpedRussiancompaniesevadethesanction'seconomic costshouldbeencouraged.AsDeputyTreasurySecretary WallyAdeyemstates,international“firmsmustultimately choosetodobusinesswithRussiaorwiththeUnitedStates anditspartners”whenitcomestohinderingRussian support
Theeffectisaglobalconflictwithnoactualinternational bootsontheground;aneconomicwaroveraglobalmarket thatcannotbefullycontrolled.However,conflictsarerarely wonbyasingleendeavor.Thereisariskofpolarizingthe world’seconomyanddefiningsides;evenso,theviabilityof economicsanctionsdependsonbroadersanctionsthatsever theseneweconomicalliancesandconfrontAutocracyInc.
ByKatelynBremer Staff Writer ‘27
Faith vs. Fealty: The Incompatibility of Literalism and Originalism WhileBiblicalliteralismandconstitutionaloriginalismmayseemsimilar onthesurfaceandoftenseeanideologicaloverlap,thetwointerpretive systemscannotcoexist
In2022,aGalluppoll foundthatafifthof Americansbelievethatthe Bibleistobereadliterally. Additionally,49%believeit tobethewordofGodbut donotbelieveitshouldbe takenliterally,and29% viewthebookas“a collectionof‘fables,legends, historyandmoralprecepts recordedbyman’”meaningtheydonotread theBibleasalegitimate religioustext.Interestingly, whileGalluprecordsdataon
AmericaninterpretationsoftheBible,theyfailtomeasure publicsentimentregardingtheliteralinterpretationof anothertextcentraltoAmericansociety:theU.S. Constitution.Originalismisalegaltheorythatthe Constitution“shouldbeinterpretedasitwasunderstoodat thetimeofitsadoption,”accordingtotheLegalInformation InstituteofCornellLawSchool.Thismethodof interpretationshouldsoundfamiliar,asbothoriginalismand literalismhingeonthebeliefthattheirrespectivetextshave timeless,fixedmeaningsthatareeasilyunderstoodbyany givenreader.Furthermore,muchlikeBiblicalliteralism, originalismhasstrongtiestoconservativepolitics. ConservativeJusticesAmyConeyBarrett,Clarence Thomas,andNeilGorsuchareallself-describedoriginalists, whileJusticesJohnRoberts,SamuelAlito,andBrett Kavanaughconsistentlysupportoriginalistrulings(asAlito describesit,he’sa“practicaloriginalist”).Thisconsidered, originalistshaveadefinedideologicalmajorityonthe RobertsCourt.ThedebateoverBiblicalliteralismisnot somethingthat necessarily hasbearingonobjectivescienceor politics,norshouldit.However,originalism,withitsfocus onconstitutionallawandthelegaltheoriesofAmerica’s founders,verymuchdoeshaveadirectbearingonpolitics. Whileliteralismandoriginalismareveryeasilyintertwined, framingthetwoasinextricablecomponentsofthesame conservativeplatformthreatenstheprinciplespresentedby bothsystemsofinterpretation.
candHillaryClinton.Inthis forum,whichtookplaceat theMessiahCollegein Grantham,Pennsylvania, thecandidatesreceived questionsfromChristian faithleadersfrom throughoutAmerica. Duringthesecondhalfof thenight,whenan interviewerinquiredhow then-SenatorObamawould respondifoneofhis daughtersaskedwhether Godcreatedtheworldinsix days,hegaveavery
interestingresponse.“WhatI'vesaidtothemisthatIbelieve thatGodcreatedtheuniverseandthatthesixdaysinthe Biblemaynotbesixdaysasweunderstandit,”saidObama. “Iknowthere'salwaysadebatebetweenthosewhoreadthe Bibleliterallyandthosewhodon'tAnd,youknow,that,I think,isalegitimatedebatewithintheChristiancommunity ofwhichIamapart.But…Idon'tthinksciencegenerallyis incompatiblewithChristianfaithAndIthinkthatthisis somethingthat,youknow,wegetboggeddownin.”
AsObamarightlyobserves,thedebateoverBiblical literalismisadivisivetopicamongtheAmericanfaithful, whichhasspilledovertobecomeasourceofpolitical divisiononthebackdropofbroaderChristiannationalism BiblicalliteralismisthebeliefheldthattheBibleshouldbe interpretedalongthelinesofthe“plainmeaning”ofthetext aswellasthehistoricalcontextinwhichitwaswrittenThis approachhasbeenpromotedbyfiguresashighlyinfluential asSaintThomasAquinas,MartinLuther,andJohnCalvin. However,Biblicalliteralismalsohasstrongtiesto conservative,fundamentalistconclusionsandpractices. Becauseofthis,itisoftenassociatedwiththestaunchly conservativeideologicalconclusionsoforiginalist interpretationsoftheConstitution.While,onthesurface level,thesetwointerpretivesystemsmayseemsimilardueto theirliteralnatureandconservativecores,manyproblems arisewhenoneconsidersbothsystemssimultaneously.
OnApril13th,2008,CNNhosteda“CompassionForum” forthenDemocraticpresidentialcandidatesBarackObama
First,theEstablishmentClausethrowsahugewrenchinto therelationshipbetweenliteralismandoriginalism.As
C.Suthorn/cc-by-sa-4.0/p7.ee
Jeffersonhimselfsummarizes,“Icontemplatewithsovereign reverencethatactofthewholeAmericanpeoplewhich declaredthattheirlegislatureshould‘makenolawrespecting anestablishmentofreligion,orprohibitingthefreeexercise thereof.’”TheideathatAmericashouldbecomeaChristian nation,as61%ofRepublicansbelieveitshould,necessarily conflictswiththeConstitutionbecauseoftheEstablishment Clause.Whileonecanprescribetoeitheroriginalismor literalism,it’ssimplyimpossibletofullyfollowboth,asthe framersoftheConstitutiondidnotintendforAmericatobe oreverbecomeareligiousstate.
https://www.history.com/news/founding-fathers-finances-american-revolution
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/constitution-united-states
Furthermore,assumptionsthatthefoundersweremorally unimpeachableandtimelesslycorrectarefranklybaseless The3/5thscompromise,whichlegallycountedeach enslavedpersonas3/5thsofacitizenforthepurposesofthe electoralcollege,wasintheveryfirstArticleofthe Constitutionfor81years.Advocatesforthemoralityofour foundersseemtoselectivelyignorethecompromisetoday, oratleastattempttojustifyitAsidefromotherqualms,such astheframers’viewsonwomen,anotherissuearises:It doesn’tseemthattheframersoftheConstitutionwerein agreementthatjudicialreview(orlegalinterpretative doctrineslikeoriginalism)shouldexistatall.Nothingin ArticleIIIsaysanythingaboutjudicialreview,andthe NinthAmendmentfurthercomplicatestheoriginalistpoint ofviewbyimplyingthatjudicialreviewcouldbeaviolation
The idea that America should become a Christian nation, as 61% of Republicans believe it should, necessarily conflicts with the Constitution because of the Establishment Clause. While one can prescribe to either originalism or literalism, it’s simply impossible to fully follow both, as the framers of the Constitution did not intend for America to be or ever become a religious state
ofprotectionsforunenumeratedrights.Finally,itseemsthat manyofthefoundersdidnotwanttheConstitutionto remainastaticdocument.Forinstance,in1796,James MadisonwrotethattheConstitution“‘wasnothingmore than[the]draftofaplan,nothingbutadeadletter,untillife andvaliditywerebreathedintoitbythevoiceofthepeople, speakingthrough[the]severalstateconventions.’”
Religious activism has long had its place in American politics as a force for positive change. But any time that Christian nationalism, or any other religious organizing framework, crosses over from public discourse into institutional practice, the founders’ crucial trust in future generations to maintain a secular government is being betrayed. While originalism on its own suffers from logistical issues, when paired with the seemingly compatible practice of Christian literalism, all that can result is an even greater impractical mess.
TheFreeExerciseClausedefendstherightofeverycitizen topracticereligionwithouttheinterferenceofthestate. Furthermore,religiousactivismhaslonghaditsplacein Americanpoliticsasaforceforpositivechange.Butany timethatChristiannationalism,oranyotherreligious organizingframework,crossesoverfrompublicdiscourse intoinstitutionalpractice,thefounders’crucialtrustin futuregenerationstomaintainaseculargovernmentis beingbetrayedWhileoriginalismonitsownsuffersfrom logisticalissues,whenpairedwiththeseeminglycompatible practiceofChristianliteralism,allthatcanresultisaneven greaterimpracticalmess
ByOwenAndrews Staff Writer ‘27
ElonMuskIsNotSpecial,YetHeHas SpecialPower.ThisIsIncrediblyDangerous. TheincreasinglycontroversialElonMuskownssomeofthemostvaluablecompaniesintheworldHisrecentturntoward misinformationpropagandistandDonaldTrumpcheerleader,amongotherthings,oughttoraisequestionsabouthis competencyandgiveAmericanspauseaboutthepowerheholdsinourpoliticalclimate
Alookbackintomid2010s The New York Times pieceswillgivereadersa viewofbillionairetech investorElonMuskasa real-lifeTonyStark,aman whois“aboutascloseaswe have…toearlyindustry titanslikeHenryFord, AndrewCarnegie,andJohn D.Rockefeller”.However, asoflate,thefrontpagesof publicationssuchas Rolling Stone, The Independent, The Guardian and,ofcourse, The New York Times,will
smallamountstoboththe GeorgeBushandJohn Kerrycampaigns.He contributedtotheHillary Clintonprimarycampaign in2008andgaveamuch greatercontributionof $100,000totheBarack Obamacampaignin2012. Hisformertilttowards Democratsiseasyto understand Muskhasbeen athoughtleaderon addressingclimatechange, evendistancinghimself fromDonaldTrumpin https://unsplash.com/photos/a-spacex-rocket-is-flying-in-the-sky-PSDEqr7lE7k
featureheadlineswhichseemtosignaloppositesentiments. TheyaccuseMuskofspreadingmisinformationonsocial media,pointoutirresponsiblemanagementofhisbusinesses, spotlighthispoorly-receivedposts,reportonthedeclining valueofX(formerlyTwitter),andcallthebillionaire “[d]angerous”ApolldoneinOctober2024byNBCNews foundMusktohaveanapprovalratingsimilarto“atypical nationalRepublicanpolitician”.
Thedifferenceinperceptionisstriking,butexplainable: Musk’srecentbehaviorhasleftthoseearlypraisesringing falseThisoughttobeofconcern,asthebillionairehasbeen handedtheeffectivekeysto“somanypartsofAmerican society”,fromtheprivatelifeofitscitizenstoits government
InMay2022,Muskpubliclyannouncedhisintenttochange hispartyaffiliationtoRepublicanafteryearsofbeinga registeredDemocrat.Hemadethechangeamidsthis purchaseofX,whichbeganearlierthatyear.Duringhis partyswitchandsocialmediatakeover,Muskbegana controversialstreakofposts,questioningthesafetyofthe COVID-19vaccines,thelegitimacyofelections,and undocumentedimmigration,oftenusingracially inflammatoryrhetoric.Whileexpressingtheseviewpoints, therewerenumerousinstanceswhereMuskusedveritably falseinformation,knowinglyornot
Historically,Musk’spublicpoliticalactivityhasbeen balancedwithatilttowardDemocratsIn2004,hedonated
2017afterthePresidentlefttheParisClimateAgreement. However,itseemsMuskhasabandonedenvironmentalism amidsthispoliticalmetamorphosis.Duringthe2024 Republicanprimaries,hevoicedhissupportforVivek Ramaswamy,whohascalledclimatechangea“hoax”Inan interviewwithDonaldTrumpthispastAugust,Musk claimeditwouldbeabadideato“vilifytheoilandgas industry”anddownplayedtheurgencyoftransitioningto sustainableenergy.
Musk’s recent behavior has left those early praises ringing false. This ought to be of concern, as the billionaire has been handed the effective keys to “ so many parts of American society”, from the private life of its citizens to its government.
It’sworthnotingthatMusklikelywasn’tvocalaboutclimate changesolelyoutofthegoodnessofhisheart.AstheCEO ofTesla,itwasinhisbusinessinteresttosupportpolicies whichincreaseddemandforelectricvehicles,suchasthe subsidieswhichTrumpplanstoeliminate.Now,hehas voicedpublicoppositiontothesesubsidieseventhough Teslahasreceivedupto$9billionfromsimilarpro-EV policiessince2018,including$890millioninthesecond quarterof2024.HisactivitiesonXcouldalsoharmTeslaby decreasingpublicconfidenceinhisabilitytoactaschief executive andthusdamagingthestockpricefora corporationwhichismoreelastictohypethanmost.There’s evidencetosuggestthisisthecase
Musk’sconductinthesepastfewyearssuggestsheiseither gullible,irrational,orboth.Themainstreammedia’s presentationofhimshiftedforgoodreason:hehasshownus whohereallyisElonMuskiseitheramanwhowillbelieve anythinghehearsorheisamanwhohaschosentothrow hissupportbehindapartydirectlyopposedtowhathasbeen hislife’sworkArationalactorwouldprioritizeTesla,where heownsshareswhichmakeupamajorityofhisnetworth, overasocialmediaplatformwhichlostaround70%ofits valueinjustoverayearafterheacquireditNotonlyishe investinghistimeandeffortintothewrongcompany,he hasmanagedtostilllosemoneyonXwhiledoingso.
Despiteapparentcracksinhisperceivedcompetenceand overallimage,Muskstillfindsunprecedentedpowerathis fingertipsFollowingRussia’sinvasionofUkraine,Musk promisedtoprovideUkrainianforceswithaccessto SpaceX’sStarlinksatellitenetwork,andthisprovedtobe crucialfortheirdefensiveeffortHowever,whenthecostof providingtheservicerosetothehundredsofmillions,Musk gotcoldfeet.Hereportedlybeganmeetingwiththe Kremlinandexpressingsupportforapeacedeal,even postinghisownideaforadealonXfeaturingheavy Ukrainianconcessions.
TheissuewithgivingMuskthisresponsibilityandpoweris thatnearlytheentirecommunicationsnetworkofUkraine reliedonahandshakedealTherewasnoformalcontract, meaninghecouldsingle-handedlycripplethewareffort withaphonecall.Asitturnsout,healmostdid.In September2022,UkrainerequestedStarlinkserviceinan attackontheRussiannavyoffthesouthwestcoastof Crimea.Muskrefused.Thenextmonth,duringland offensivesintoRussianterritories,Ukraineexperienced blackoutsintotheirStarlinkaccess.Althoughnotconfirmed, multipleAmericanandUkrainianofficialssuspecteda purposefulshutdownbySpaceXAccordingtoseniorUS defenseofficials,Muskdisclosedheheldconversationswith PutinwhichgavehimpauseoverStarlinktechnologyusein thewar
ThereachofthedangerMuskpresentsisnotlimitedtohis involvementininternationalaffairs,hisincompetencehas tangibleeffectsonotherareasaswell.Sincehisright-wing pivot,Tesla’ssaleshavedeclined.Despitethisslumpfor whichMuskisatleastpartiallyresponsible,hedemanded (andreceived)anearly$50millionpaymentpackagefrom theboard.Thecompanymakesupoverhalfthemarket shareforelectricvehiclesThus,adeclineinpopularityfor Teslaharmstheeconomicviabilityoftheentireindustryasa pathtowardreducingcarbonemissions.IfwelooktoX, Musk’sfingersleaveanothertrailofmismanagementInlate 2024,X withoutanypublicannouncement updatedits
https://fortune.com/2024/11/18/tesla-stock-outlook-tsla-donald-trump-self-driving-rules-elon-musk/
termsandconditionstoallowforthirdpartiestopayto collectuserpersonaldatatotraintheirlearninglanguage models.Thistypeofmonetizationofdataminingand distributionisakintowhatlandedMarkZuckerberg’sMeta PlatformsinhotwaterwiththeEuropeanUnionearlierthis year.X’snewpersonaldatapolicyrepresentsaserious violationofconsumerprivacyforitshundredsofmillionsof users.
YourdataisnottheonlycostofusingtheplatformMusk usesXasatoolformasselectiondisinformation.He consistentlyleverageshispowertoamplifyhisownreposts whichendorseveritablyfalseinformation,drowningout expertsandvoicesofreasonwhoaimtodebunktheselies. Again,ElonMuskisusinghisplatformtoexposehundreds ofmillionsofpeopletofalseinformationaboutour elections.Subscriptiontotheselieshastangibleeffectson people’sbehavior,fromprovokingarsonofballotboxesto placingthelivelihoodsofpollworkersindanger
Muskisn’tasuperhero.Thereisnoprofoundgeniusinhis movementsHe’sjustaperson,aflawedoneatthatThe onlydifferencebetweenhimandanybodyelseishehasthe opportunitytochangetheworldwithasnapofhisfingers. Inotherwords,thismanisnotspecial,butheistreatedlike heis.InsteadofgleefullyspeculatingonhisplansforMars ordeifyinghimasasavioroffreespeech,Americansought tointerrogatewhatitmeansforourcountry,thatamanlike ElonMuskhasthispower.
Muskhasbeengivenunprecedentedcontrolandleveragein multiplecrucialindustrieswhichturnthegearsofthe Americanmachine.Whathappensifhebreaksit?
ByBenMcNiff Staff Writer ‘28
Why 2024 Ought to be the Most Important Year for Gun Rights in American Politics TheissueofgunrightsisincrediblypotentinthemodernpoliticalandsocietalcultureintheUnitedStates,comingunder intensereviewandpartisancriticisminrecentyearsHowever,notnearlyenoughattentionisbeinggiventosuchacrucialtopic aheadoftheupcomingelectioncycle,onethatwillprovecrucialforthefutureofthenation’sprecedentonguncontrol
AsofSeptember30th-, therehavebeen408mass shootingsintheUnited Statesin2024alone.Inthe lastthreemonths,therehave beentwoattempted assassinationsofaformer U.S.president,bothwith theuseofanassaultrifle. And,earlierthisyear,the SupremeCourtdecidedtwo ofthecountry’smosthighprofilecasesongunrights, bringingnationalattention tothejudiciary. Nonetheless,evenafterallof thesignificantattention
gunshavereceivedintheeverydaylivesofAmerican citizens,onlyonestatehasagun-relatedinitiativeonthe ballotthisNovemberThisarticlewillpresenttheSecond Amendmentandthelegalprecedentlimitingitsscopeand scale,explainitsrelevancetomodernAmericanpolitics,and framethatsignificanceinthecontextoftheupcoming electioncycleInadvanceofthisNovember’selection,gun rightsarenotnearlyashighofapriorityastheyoughttobe, eventhoughdiscoursesurroundinggunsremainsextremely pervasivethroughoutallofAmericansociety.
WhiletheSecondAmendmentenshrinesafundamental righttobeararmsinthemostimportanttextinAmerican history,theConstitution,theextentofthisrightisstillquite obscuretomostAmericansItisnotwidelyknownexactly whatlibertiestheSecondAmendmentcovers,orhowthe righthasbeeninterpretedbythenation’shighestcourtover time.TheSecondAmendmentstatesthat“Awellregulated Militia,beingnecessarytothesecurityofafreeState,the rightofthepeopletokeepandbearArms,shallnotbe infringed.”Oneoftheshortestlibertiesprotectedunderthe BillofRights,theSecondAmendmenthasbeenconstantly debatedinmodernpoliticaldiscourse,andtheissueofgun rightshasbecomeadeeplypartisantopic.
Althoughthetextoftheamendmentseemstocoveravery narrowscopeoftheabilitytopossessanduseguns,many modernpoliticalgroupsbelieveittobeaninfrangibleright. Thetruthissomewherebetweenthetwoextremes.While theSupremeCourthasrecentlynotshiedawayfrom decidingSecondAmendmentcases,theCourtruled infrequentlyontheprotectionsprovidedbytheSecond
Amendmentformorethan 200yearsInoneparticular casedecidedin2008, District of Columbia v. Heller, the Courtdeterminedthata citizenpossessesan individualrighttokeepand beararmsinthehomefor traditionallylawfulpurposes. Followingthiscase,in2010, theCourtheldinMcDonald v.CityofChicagothatsuch arightis“fundamental,”and in2016theCourtdecided Caetanov.Massachusetts, rulingthatthescopeofthe SecondAmendment
protectsmodernweapons,notmerelythoseinexistenceat thetimeofitswriting
2024hasalreadybeenoneofthemostcriticalyearsin Americanhistoryintermsofdefiningnewprecedentonthe SecondAmendmentThisyear,theSupremeCourthas ruledontheconstitutionalityoftwodistinctcasesrelatingto gunrights.In United States v. Rahimi,theCourtruledon whetherornotsomeonecanlegallybedispossessedoftheir firearmsiftheyhavebeenservedwithadomestic-violence restrainingorder.Inanearly-unanimous8-1decision,the courtruledthatwhenapersonposesacrediblethreattothe safetyofanother,theymaybetemporarilydisarmedwithout thisdisarmamentviolatingtheSecondAmendment.This wasanimportantdecisionthatfurtherplacedrestrictionson theprotectionsofferedbytheSecondAmendmentwhile ensuringgreatersafetyandprotectionforvulnerable populations.Whilethe1980SupremeCourtcase Lewis v United States affirmedthatapriorfelonyconvictioncanbe usedasprecedentforpreventingthepurchaseofafirearm, thisresolutionfurtherpreventsthepossessionofdangerous weaponsbyunequivocallydangerousindividuals.
Additionally,therulingin Garland v. Cargill determinedthat afirearmwithabumpstock amechanismthatallowsa semi-automaticweapontofireattherateofanautomatic weapon doesnotmeetthelegalqualificationsfora machinegun.Votingalongideologicallines,the6-3 conservativemajorityofthecourtfoundthat,becausea semi-automaticgunwithabumpstockdoesnotfiremore thanoneshot“byasinglefunctionofthetrigger,”anddoes notdosoautomatically,itdoesnotmeetthelegalstatutes
“Gun control” by NickYoungson is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 for Pix4free
fora“machinegun.”Expoundingonthedefinitionof protectedfirearmsunder Caetano v. Massachusetts,thisruling minimizesthelegaldefinitionofamachinegun.Thisruling willhaveanenormousimpactontheusageofbumpstocks movingforwardasitvalidatestheequipmentusedcountless timesinrecentyears,includingintheincrediblydeadlyLas Vegasmassshootingin2017thatkilled60peopleAtthis time,bumpstocksarebannedinonly15statesandthe DistrictofColumbia,sowhilethisrulingdoesnotoverturn thebansatthestatelevel,itallowsstategovernmentsto decidethefutureofbumpstocks,openingthedoorforthe wideravailabilityandaccessibilityofthedevices.
And,astheSupremeCourtbegantheirmostrecenttermin October,oneofthefirstcasespresentedconcernedthe futureof“ghostguns,”orfirearmsproducedorassembledby individuals,makingthemunregulatedandunlicensed.This isyetanothercrucialcaseonthefutureofgunrightsinthe UnitedStates,anissuethatinvolvesthesafety,security,and freedomofmillionsofAmericans,thethirdinayearalready enshrinedasoneofthemostinfluentialinshapingdomestic gunpolicyinhistory.
Inadvanceofthiselection,itisimportanttounderstandnot onlywhythiselectionissoimportantindeterminingthe futureofgunrights,butalsowhythisissuehasbeen overlookedbycandidatesatthestateandfederallevels.The platformspresentedbypresidentialcandidatesDonald TrumpandKamalaHarrisaredistinctlydifferentfromone another,generallyinlinewiththestancespresentedbyeach oftheirparties.AfterpressurefromtheNationalRifle Association(NRA)in2019,thenPresidentTrump abandonedhispreviouspolicyonestablishingred-flaglaws flawsthatpermittemporaryseizureofanindividual’s irearmsifajudgedeterminesthattheyposeadangerto themselforothers aftermassshootingsaroundthe country.ThefundingandendorsementsthatTrump receivesfromtheNRAwillinfluencehispoliticalinterests andguidehispolicyaspresident.Sincethen,Trumphas proposedtaxcreditsforteacherswhokeepaconcealedcarry weapononschoolgroundsandchangedinternational restrictionsthatmakeiteasierfordomesticgun manufacturerstoselltheirproductstoforeignbuyers Furthermore,asTrumphadtheopportunitytoappoint threeconservatively-alignedjusticestotheSupremeCourt, theoutcomeofgun-relatedcaseswillmostlikelyalignwith conservativeideologyfortheforeseeablefuture.Even thoughtwoassassinationattemptsweremadeonTrumpin thepastyear,bothofwhichwithassault-stylerifles,these eventswouldseemtohavelittleimpactwereTrumptobe re-electedAccordingtoChrisLaCivita,asenioradvisorto thecampaign,TrumpwillcontinuetosupporttheSecond Amendment,includingthroughtheappointmentoffederal judgesopposedtonewrestrictionsonthepossessionand usageoffirearms.
Ontheopposingside,VicePresidentKamalaHarrishas calledonallstatestoenactred-flaglawsandhasannounced hersupportforrestrictionsonconcealedcarryingoffirearms inschoolsAdditionally,shehasbeenstronglyopposedto legalimmunityforgunmanufacturersinlawsuitsWhenshe workedastheattorneygeneralforthestateofCalifornia, shehelpedenactsuchalawin2014,transformingCalifornia intooneoftheearlieststatestoimplementthistypeof legislation.Whilethesetwocandidatesdiffergreatlyin termsoftheirpoliciesonotherissueslikeeconomics,
immigration,andcriminaljustice,theresultsofthiselection willalsodeterminetheexecutive’spoliciesongunrightsfor thenextfouryears,policieswhichhaveanincalculable impactonthelivesandsafetyofeveryonewholivesin America.
While2024isalandmarkyearintermsofguncasesdecided bytheSupremeCourt,therearetwoprimarystepsvoters cantaketoensurethattheyareawareoftheimpactthisyear hashadandwillcontinuetohave,onthefutureoftheir constitutionalrights.Thefirstoftheseistoeducate themselves.Themostfundamentalaspectofbetter understandingandapproachinganissuesuchasgunrights istofamiliarizeoneselfwiththehistoryoftheissue,the activelegislationregardingit,andtherelevantstancesof thoseinoffice,aswellasthoseontheballotforthe upcomingelection.Whilethismayseemtediousor unnecessarytosome,itisoftheutmostimportancetoknow whatrightsandprivilegesareprotectedbytheConstitution, aswellaswhatthepresentandfutureoflegislationmay looklikeaccordingtothoseinpower.Thisarticlehas shownhowimportantchangesingunregulationsaretothe futuresafetyandsecurityoftheUnitedStates.However, only53%ofHarrissupportersand59%ofTrump supporterssaythattheissueofgunpolicyis“very important”indeterminingtheirvoteforthiselection. Withoutfurthereducationandgreaterknowledgeofthis issue,citizenswillnotbeawareofthedifferencesineach candidate’spolicyandthereforefailtounderstanda significantfactorinthisupcomingelection.Formore generalinformationoneachcandidate’spolicies,readthis article,andformoreinformationonthegunviolence epidemic,readthisreportfromJohnsHopkinsUniversity
Thesecondactionthatallcitizenscantakeinshapinggun rightspolicyistovote.AnygivenindividualintheUnited Statescannotsimplyenactalaworpieceofpolicyontheir own;thesameistrueforelectedofficialsandmembersof thestateandfederallegislatures.Itisonlythroughbeing appointedtoservetheircountryorcommunitythatthese officialscaninfluencechangeonpolicy.So,whileonlyone statemayhaveaconcretegunrightsbillontheballotin November,Americanscanexercisetheirconstitutionalright tovotetohelpshapeandimplementleadersand policymakersthatbestfittheirpersonalbeliefsandpolitical interests.
AsNovember’selectionapproaches,theUnitedStatesyet againreachesaperiodofpoliticaluncertaintylargelydueto thepartisannatureofmodernpoliticalissues,gunrights includedThereareanumberoffactorsthatwillinfluence thiselection,andgunrightsareonlyoneofthem Remainingpoliticallyawareofwhoandwhatisonthe ballotatthestateandlocallevelsisespeciallyimportantin thisextremelycontentious,politicallyactiveyear.Because theSecondAmendmentisafundamentalpiecetoAmerican citizenship,history,andidentitythatisnotgoingaway,itis importantforpeopletoknowtheirrightsinordertokeep themselvesandotherssafe.Forthisreason,itisimperative thatdiscussionsurroundinggunrightsmustbemore presentatnotonlythefederallevel,butinstateelectionsas welltoensurethatthepopulaceisprotected,represented, andwell-informed.
ByZacharyGeller Staff Writer
DelegateHollySeibold:Fightingfor WomenandChildren On Her Background:
Althoughsheonlybecamea legislatorlastyear,advocacy isnotnewtoDelegate Seibold.She’salwaysbeena volunteer.She’sworked withcharities,buthasalso beencampaigningfor candidatesforalongtime.
“IfeltlikeIneededtoelect representativesthatshared myvaluesystem.”
Asapoliticalsciencestudent atAmericanUniversity,
IhadtheprivilegeofspeakingwithVirginiaDelegateHollySeiboldFrompublicschoolteachertonon-profitfounder, SeiboldhasspentherlifegivingbacktoherNorthernVirginiacommunityIn2023shetookheradvocacytoRichmondafter winningaspecialelectioninFairfaxCounty’s12thdistrictSincethen,she’sbeenachampionforwomen’srights,children’s safety,andcountlessotherimportantissuesontheHouseFloor
https://vahousedems.org/our-members/
Seiboldknewshe“wantedtodosomethingimpactful.”She internedforhercongressmanandtheStateDepartment, thenspentsometimeworkingforanassociationBut Seiboldfeltlikeshewasn’tmakingthedifferencesheknew shecouldmake.Shedecidedtoexploreacareerpathwhere shefeltlikeherchangewouldbemoredirect:asan educator.Thus,SeiboldwentbacktoschoolatGeorge WashingtonUniversitybeforebeginningtoteachata publicelementaryschool
ItwasthisjobthatbroughthertoVienna,VA–the communityshenowrepresentsWhileworkinginthe schoolSeiboldbecameawareof“aneedinourcommunity thatwasn’tbeingfulfilled.”Thereweremanymembersof thiscommunity,includingstudents,wholackedaccessto menstruationproducts.Seiboldbegancollectingand distributingpads,tampons,undergarments,andhygiene productstolocalwomeninneedWhatstartedinhergarage eventuallyeventuallygrewtobecomeBRAWS(Bringing ResourcestoAidWomen’sShelters)anon-profit organizationthatcontinuestodothisworktoday ButasDelegateSeibolddovedeeperintothisissueshe begantoaskherselfwhyitevenexistedinthefirstplace. Whenshedelivereddonationstowomen’sshelters,shesaid itfeltlikeshewasdroppingoff“bagsofgold.”Thesewere basicnecessitiesforwomen,yettheywereincredibly expensive,taxed,notincludedingovernmentsubsidieslike WICandSNAP,andunavailableinmanyschools,shelters, andprisons.
“Publicpolicydidn’treflect theneedsofwomenand girlsinAmerica,”she expressed.SoSeibold decidedtogetinvolved.She traveledtoRichmondand DC,wheresheworked closelywithrepresentatives torepealthetaxon menstrualproductsand ensurethatschoolsand prisonswererequiredto provideaccesstothemas well.Thisprocesstaughther alotaboutstatepolitics. “Whentheseatopenedin
mydistrict,Idecidedtorunforit,andhereIam.”From teachingtotestifying,Seiboldhasalwayskeptservingher communityclosetoherheart
On the Issues: Seibold’sexperienceintheclassroomprovidesherwitha uniqueperspectiveinherlegislativework.Sheremindedme thatsheviewsissuesnotjustasaneducator,butalsoasa momoftwokids
“Myfirstandforemostpriorityismakingsurekidsare protected,nomatterwhatdecisionwemake”This convictionexplainsherviewsonmanyissues.“Idon’t believegunsprotectourkids,”Seiboldshared,“everyoption Ihavetovoteforanygunviolenceprotectionmeasure,I do.”
SeiboldsitsontheABC/GamingSubcommittee,whichdeals withlegislationrelatedtoalcohol.DuringtheCOVID pandemic,theGeneralAssemblypassedlegislationthat allowedforthird-partydeliveryservices(Doordash,Uber Eats,etc.)todeliveralcoholicbeveragestoconsumers.The problemwiththis,Seiboldexplained,isthatitwasn’t possibletoIDcustomerswhentheproductsweredropped offatthedoor.WhenSeiboldaskedthesethird-party vendorsforadditionalinformationabouthowtheywere goingtoensurethisservicewasusedsafelyandlegallythey couldnotprovideit.“Nothingaboutthisseemsresponsible,” sheargued.Whentheoriginallegislationallowingthirdpartyservicestodeliveralcoholwasupforrenewal,Seibold votedagainstit.Nextyear,thecompaniesaregoingto provideinformationonhowtheycanensurethattheyare
Afterlearningthatthepoultryindustrywasviolatingchild safetyregulations,hiringkidsasyoungas14toworklate nightswithdangerousmachinery,Seiboldintroducedabill toraisethepriceofviolationfinesfrom1,000to25,000 dollars
Thiscommitmenttochildren’ssafetyisnotanisolated occurrenceforSeibold,it’ssomethingshecontinually demonstrates.Inthewakeofatragiccaraccidentinher communitythatledtothedeathsoftwoteenagepedestrians, Seiboldadvocatedforabill“thatwouldinstallspeedcameras inthehighestriskareasinVirginia.”Itdidn’tpassthisyear, butSeibold’snotgivingup.Sheiscontinuingthefightand lookingfightingforittobepassednextyearSeibold continuestomakechildrenapriority.“It’sreallyjustabout whatwecandotosetourkidsupforsuccess.”Ifthey’re workinglateorunabletogettoschoolsafelythatisn’t happening.
Beforesteppingfootinoffice,muchofDelegateSeibold’s worksurroundedaccesstomenstrualproducts.By collaboratingwithelectedofficials,shemadeincredible stridesinincreasingaccesstomenstrualproductsinVirginia schoolsandprisonsystemsandplayedanintegralroleinthe fightforlegislationtoremovethetaxonpadsandtampons. Afterbeingswornintooffice,Seiboldbroughtforwardand successfullypassedabillensuringthatstudentsinyounger gradeswerereceivingeducationonmenstruation.Further, shehasplanstointroducelegislationexpandingtheearlier bill.Thiswouldensurepublicschools,includingpublic universities,liketheUniversityofVirginia,havetoprovide studentsmenstruationproductsAsshesetsherlegislative agendaforthenextyearandlooksevenfurtherintothe future,DelegateSeiboldcontinuestoaskherself,“Whatdo peoplewant?Whatdopeopleneed?Whatdogirlsneedin ordertobeeducated?Whatdowomen,domesticviolence victims,andothermorevulnerablepopulationsneedsothey canhavejobs,beindependent,andbesafe?”
On Current Events: AnothertopicDelegateSeibolddiscussedwastherecent repealofRoev.Wade.Herdiscussionincludednotonlyher thoughtsontheissueitself,butalsohowshefeltitimpacted theroleofourstategovernmentstoday
Tobegin,Seiboldstatedclearly,“theSupremeCourtwas wrongwhentheydeliveredthatdecision”TheDobbs decisionposesamajorthreattowomenacrossAmerica’s abilitytoreceivethereproductivehealthcarethattheyneed. Theonlypositivesheseesisthatitdidbringmoreattention tothestates.
Manyofthegovernmentdecisionsthatmostdirectlyaffect ourlivesaremadeinRichmond,notDC,Seiboldreminded.
https://virginiamercury.com/briefs/who-virginia-dems-and-the-gop-picked-to-lead-them-in-the2024-general-assembly/
VirginiaisthelastSouthernstatewhereabortionisnot restrictedsoitiscriticalthatweprotectthisright. Seiboldbelievesthatwhatweneedtodonextisenshrine therighttohaveanabortioninourstateconstitution, “becauseifit’sactuallyinourconstitution,itdoesn’tmatter who’sinpower,itbecomesalegalrightforanybodywho goestoVirginia”Sheandotherdemocraticlegislatorswill bebeginningtheprocessofaconstitutionalamendment oncetheGeneralAssemblyisbackinsession.
Inthemeantime,she’sstrivingtopassintolawabill allowingwomeninstateswithoutaccesstoabortionto receiveoneinVirginiawithoutthefearofpunishmentor extradition.Althoughthesafeharborbillsheintroducedlast yearwasvetoedbyGovernorYoungkin,Seibold’snot discouragedfromtryingagainShewillfightuntila woman’srighttoreproductivehealthcarecan’tbetaken away.
Finally,DelegateSeiboldsharedherthoughtsonthe2024 election.“Iamsoexcitedaboutourcandidate,Vice PresidentKamalaHarris,”Seiboldsaidenthusiastically,“and TimWalzjustbringsthatkindnessandjoytoourcountry thatismuchneededatthistime.”Shetoldmethat“people reallyneedtounderstandhowcriticalthiselectionis,”and that“democracyisontheline.”Shealsodiscussedhowin ordertoprotectthedemocraticsystemthatourmilitary foughtforanddiedfor,weneedtorejectDonaldTrump andelectKamalaHarris.Inaddition,SeiboldbelievesHarris willhelptoprotectkidsfromgunviolenceandprovide womenwithautonomyovertheirownbodiesSeiboldcites Harris’splanned6,000dollartaxbreakfornewfamiliesasan exampleofhowshe’sgoingtosetupAmericancitizensfor success
Finally,Seiboldcalledforeveryone,butespeciallyyoung people,togetoutandvote“Yourvoicesaresoimportant,I wishpeopleunderstoodhowimportantyouallaretoour future.”
ByMadelineWenger
Interviews & Features ‘28
UNIVERSITY
