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Editorial Critique #1

Michael McGough, senior editorial writer for the Los Angeles Times, pens a short and sensationalized argument in defense of Adam Schiff’s recent statement regarding President Trump’s phone call with with Ukraine Leader Volodymyr Zelensky entitled: “ Adam Schiff’s riff on Trump’s Ukraine call was more truth than parody, but still unwise ”. Although the name of the article implies a commentary that includes both favor and criticism of Schiff, once studied, the editorial’s bias is clear. Any worthy point McGough could have made is lost in excess personal attacks and weakened still by an anemic attempt to project impartiality in his concluding critique of Schiff. Both the author and publisher appear respectable and long-serving. Nonetheless, their propriety is undercut by the bitter nature of this article. From the outset, McGough uses hyperbolic and derogatory descriptors of Trump’s character and behavior. Phrases like “new extremes of crazy” and “deranged” set the tone for the intr...
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Values Trump Data

When making policy, on what should we base our decisions: values, or data? We have strong values and traditions that inform our political ideology and direction: laws are made, budgets drawn, and our country’s future set. These belief systems are a fundamental aspect of our culture and can provide a strong sense of identity. Longstanding examples of these values include free speech, voting rights, and the right to bear arms, all enshrined in the Bill of Rights. But what if conclusive evidence discredits our values or proves the methods they inspire to be ineffective? In response, we have two distinct choices: to adhere to tradition regardless, ignoring fact, or to pivot in line with our goals. To pivot is frequently problematic. Beliefs become an integral part of our identity, and in confronting them, we often feel personally challenged. However, if we disregard data when voting, setting budgets, and creating policy, we will fail to realize our objectives. Let’s use sexuality edu...
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