The Seahawk

OPINION: The polls have betrayed us once again

Hannah Horowitz, Staff Writer • November 7, 2020

The polls do not consistently reflect the thoughts of the average American. Getting a representative sample of the American public is an extremely daunting task, and it often does not fully align with demographic breakdowns.

OPINION: It’s time for the US to decriminalize drugs

Emma Sheeran, Opinion Editor • November 7, 2020

The rest of the US needs to follow in Oregon’s progressive footsteps in order to benefit the wellbeing of our nation. The national decriminalization of drugs would reduce mass incarceration and institutionalized racism. On a national level, this change would be a monumental step towards equality and autonomy for all.

OPINION: America’s mental health crisis is worsening due to COVID-19

Hannah Horowitz, Staff Writer • November 2, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has put enormous strain on the lives of so many people around the world. America in particular is experiencing this pandemic alongside a consequential election season, the outcry for racial justice, and an already existing mental health epidemic. 2020 has not been an easy year to cope with, and many are left with feelings of hopelessness and despair due to the prolonged uncertainty.

OPINION: Trump isn’t the only serious threat to American democracy

Jacob Sawyer, Staff Writer • November 2, 2020

The US’ two-party system and resultant hyper-partisanship are, besides COVID-19, the greatest threats to the freedom of its citizenry. The country’s high-stakes, all-or-nothing elections force voters to choose between the lesser of two evil candidates rather than several promising ones.

OPINION: Consider this before taking a gap year

Emma Sheeran, Opinion Editor • October 30, 2020

Gap years are usually filled with traveling, experiential learning, and work experience. However, COVID-19 has turned our world upside down. Despite the drastic changes we’ve experienced as a result of the pandemic, students opting for gap years is at a record high. According to Fitch Ratings, the annual enrollment is expected to plummet 5-20% nationwide. The question is: Should you take a gap year during these unprecedented times?

OPINION: Scientists are undervalued and overlooked

Hannah Horowitz, Staff Writer • October 25, 2020

Scientists have become more visible to the public eye due to ongoing crises such as COVID-19 and climate change. Despite their expertise, the field is overlooked by the public and often ignored. Scientists dedicate their entire lives to their chosen field of study, enduring many years of difficult coursework, extensive research, and training. It is easy to forget the impact that science has on our daily routines, and the pandemic has helped re-emphasize the dangers we would face in a world lacking science.

OPINION: Animal agriculture is killing the earth

Emma Sheeran, Opinion Editor • October 24, 2020

The rising demand for animal products has resulted in fast growing animal agriculture industry. This continual increase in animal agriculture has left a severe impact on the environment. This negative impact is felt in the atmosphere, on land, and in the sea.

OPINION: We must prepare for the next pandemic now

Jacob Sawyer, Staff Writer • October 22, 2020

The US is facing its worst health crisis in more than 100 years. The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted unprecedented economic and social disruption this year, with no end in sight. Eight million Americans have fallen ill with the virus, and 220,000 of them did not make it. This means the US has the highest numbers of any nation. And yet cases are still soaring; in fact, they are on track to hit a third peak. Scientists are warning that this peak may be the largest of them all, especially as winter weather will force huge swaths of the country indoors and several holidays loom.

OPINION: The differences between the Biden and Clinton campaigns

Nicolas Ziccardi, Contributing Writer • October 19, 2020

Through a rigorous primary season, a contentious general election season, a host of controversies, and a literal pandemic, one thought has lingered in the minds of those who have closely followed the presidential election no matter which candidate you support.

OPINION: Legalize cannabis now

Jacob Sawyer, Staff Writer • October 18, 2020

There are many economic benefits of cannabis legalization outside the justice system as well. The drug is easily taxable, allowing greater funding for public services. A report from 2019 estimates that if the federal prohibition on weed was lifted that year, the US would earn more than $100 billion in extra tax revenue by 2025.

OPINION: Trick-or-treating is not safe this year

Emma Sheeran, Opinion Editor • October 17, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has interrupted normal life for many months. The upcoming holidays will need to be adapted to meet our new normal. With Halloween approaching, many families are faced with a hard decision: Do they let their kids participate in traditional Halloween activities such as trick-or-treating? How can parents keep their children safe from the virus during this holiday?

OPINION: Kamala Harris could only behave one way during the debate

Hannah Horowitz, Contributing Writer • October 17, 2020

Compared to the hysterics that we witnessed at the first presidential debate, the vice-presidential debate was much more professional, filled with passive-aggressive statements and non-answered questions. Senator Harris only had one option for behavior that would not sink the Biden campaign’s current poll numbers, and it is solely based on her sex.