The Seahawk

OPINION: Political leaders should use their power to accommodate for better transportation options

Michael Friant, Contributing Writer • June 3, 2021

With the current housing crisis in Wilmington, a leader of his stature should use his power to boost the welfare of all his constituents. Rep. Rouzer should not have used one of his earmark requests to secure funds for a road expansion. He should offer an alternative that would be more efficient for everyone involved.

OPINION: Wilmington needs to be more accessible

Michael Friant, Contributing Writer • May 29, 2021

While most people think of using a whole day to travel out of town, the people who rely on Wilmington public transportation have to plan their whole day around going somewhere, which is typically only...

OPINION: The Gaza crisis shows that it’s time to stop glorifying your country at the expense of others

Jacob Sawyer, Staff Writer • May 29, 2021

This senseless violence is another example of patriotism taken way too far. Idolization of the state was a key driving force behind humanity’s bloodiest conflicts, including both World Wars. More recently, right-wing nationalist leaders like former U.S. President Donald Trump nearly caused a further war with policies like imposing universal sanctions on Iran and escalating economic tensions with China. Both moves were harmful to innocent civilians within their target countries and did not help the U.S. in any way.

OPINION: The money and space being used for the Christian center should be donated to help minority communities in Wilmington

Michael Friant, Contributing Writer • May 17, 2021

As a monist, someone who respects all religions equally, this move is pandering to white evangelicals, and it makes the case for why The Center of Christian Thought, Inc. should donate the money to the City of Wilmington for the building of a secular community center serving all the inhabitants of Wilmington, and the money should be spent building up minority communities.

OPINION: Women need more protection and help from predators

Serah Culler, Staff Writer • May 11, 2021

I am not the only woman in North Carolina who has lived in fear of someone. I am also not the only one who dreads having to face their attacker in court. It is no secret that many women don’t come forward after they are harmed, or that they choose not to follow through with the charges.

OPINION: Taxation of feminine hygiene products must stop

Trina Mclean, Contributing Writer • May 11, 2021

The North Carolina General Assembly is pushing for the legislation of an act to exempt feminine hygiene products from sales tax. The products specified in the proposal are limited to: tampons, panty...

OPINION: UNCW’s new campus fee increases are minuscule but necessary

Nicolas Ziccardi, Assistant Opinion Editor • April 29, 2021

While this issue may not seem significant on the surface, the fee increase is emblematic of the cultural and political environment we are living in today. Arguably, the two largest topics that faced the nation last year and continue to do so are the pandemic and police reform, so it is hardly surprising that the university has chosen to raise an extra $335,688 for both.

OPINION: UNCW must implement wellness days

Emma Sheeran, Opinion Editor • April 27, 2021

UNCW must implement student wellness days moving forward. This change would lead to increased academic performance, increased mental health and a decreased rate of student burnout. Student wellness days would ultimately benefit the university as a whole.

OPINION: The fear-driven pause of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine was a costly mistake

Jacob Sawyer, Staff Writer • April 24, 2021

Public health authorities in the U.S. have committed a massive blunder by suddenly withholding from a desperate nation a lifesaving vaccine. Last week, the FDA and CDC recommended a pause of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine following reports of blood clots in women who had just received the inoculation.

OPINION: The Chauvin conviction marks the end of the beginning, not the beginning of the end

Jacob Sawyer, Staff Writer • April 24, 2021

Derek Chauvin, the officer who killed Floyd, was found guilty of murder Tuesday and hauled off to prison, possibly for decades. The Black community and its allies joyously poured into America’s streets in celebration, relieved that they can now begin to heal from the trauma of both the killing and trial. Many consider the case a turning point in U.S. policing as well as the country overall, but much more and harder work remains ahead.

OPINION: Legalizing cannabis just makes economic sense

Nicolas Ziccardi, Assistant Opinion Editor • April 22, 2021

While the moral arguments for and against cannabis legalization have been thoroughly played out and exhausted, the fiscal incentives and prerogative to legalize far outweigh any moral hesitations. North Carolina has taken the tax revenues from both alcohol and lottery ticket sales and financed public works projects and programs that make the best of potentially detrimental activities.

OPINION: Who is the filibuster for?

Nicolas Ziccardi, Assistant Opinion Editor • April 22, 2021

While it is feasible to eliminate the filibuster as it exists now, many senators, including Manchin and other Democrats, are hesitant to destroy what they see as a key tool of the minority party. With Democrats' Senate and House prospects looking mixed going into the 2022 midterm elections, several Democratic senators are worried that Republicans would be able to do much more damage than they did during the Trump administration if the filibuster is removed.