Don’t turn your heads yet. As we get ready to close the book on the 2016 sports season, the UNH men’s hockey team is on the rise and it is not what many expected. At 8-6-2 (5-1-1 in Hockey East) the Wildcats are finding their groove and proving to the rest of the country that they may be a legit college hockey team down the stretch.
This will be my last column until Donald Trump assumes the presidency of the United States and becomes the most powerful person in the world. Well, actually in my opinion Mike Pence, poster child for Reaganomics and Christian supremacy, will be the actual mover behind Trump, but regardless Trump is the official head of state and this means so much.
On Nov. 15, the UNH College Democrats held a “walk-out” to, according to the Facebook event details, “show solidarity with all people who are at risk of getting their rights taken away by a Donald Trump presidency…” You can actually go check it out yourself, the Facebook event is still accessible. At this event, two individuals stood amongst the crowd, one in a gorilla suit and one in a Richard Nixon mask. After many individuals became upset about these attendees, particularly when UNH professors came forward calling for an investigation and expulsion of these two, a media storm brewed. This past Wednesday, these two met up with myself and Managing Editor Elizabeth Clemente in hopes to publish an anonymous letter from the Nixon mask protester that can be found on page 12 of this issue.
Dear UNH Community,
When President-elect Donald Trump made his acceptance speech, he said something “Presidential.” He said he wanted to bring the nation together. He said he wanted to be the President of All People.
In honor of the upcoming holiday season, today I’m discussing two of my favorite holiday songs: “Elf’s Lament” by the Bare Naked Ladies (BNL) and “Can I Interest You In Hannukah?” of Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart (yes the political talk show hosts). The first is one of my favorites because it’s funny, pensive and sung by the enormously talented and awesome Bare Naked Ladies. The second is one of my favorites because it’s hilarious, a little non-politically correct (PC) and representative of two different winter holidays, both of which I celebrate to some extent.
We have a serious epidemic on our hands, and the only way to stop it will take a lot of hard work and effort. Reading more than eight words has seemingly become a skill that many Americans cannot undertake. Whether it be in this newspaper or on social media, people have forgotten that behind a headline and a photo, there is more information to obtain before sharing, commenting or liking an article, let alone checking to make sure the information comes from a credible source.
Seeing as this is my last column before Thanksgiving, I’ve decided to write about what I’m thankful for right now. I think the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” at least the chorus of it, is particularly relevant.
The undeniable comic genius of actor Kevin James is once again explored through the Netflix Original comedic-thriller film, “True Memoirs of an International Assassin.” He’s accompanied by the fantastic and intimidating performance of Zulay Henao, whose character is technically the sidekick of the film, though honestly, the more physically and mentally apt of the two.
Despite a 10-point lead after the first quarter, the Wildcats dropped their home opener to Ivy League member Cornell University 61-56.
As the leaves begin to change and the winter season sweeps into Durham, it brings a moment of reflection. Early on back in July, there was a feeling in the air that this first semester would bring some memorable sporting events to the campus. Well from two-a-days to postseason play, UNH athletics had a lot to offer to the Seacoast.
Last Monday, I didn’t think I’d be sitting here still dumbfounded by the election of “Celebrity Apprentice” star and billionaire “populist,” Donald Trump to the White House. I wasn’t completely secure in thinking that Hillary Clinton would win, but pretty confident. Like 80 to 90 percent. So I am sitting here, wondering where this country can go next and it is terrifying. The actuality of a Trump presidency has become more and more looming as we hear about what Trump is planning on doing. What we don’t hear is certainly the most important. In an era when the mainstream media was what fed us this presidential monster, we must remain vigilant in not letting this cartoonish villain destroy the country.
In the aftermath of a controversial election, one that brought to the surface and produced a lot of hatred and anger on all sides, it’s important to take a deep breath, forgive and move on. A lot of people have said that they don’t recognize America right now, but I do. This country has survived through 44 presidents, and just over two centuries. I have no doubt that we will continue to persevere through, no matter what next comes our way. I’ve seen a lot of people placing blame and that’s not what an election should be about. Whatever you’re doing, whomever you voted for, as long as you’re doing your best to do what you consider right, that’s something to be proud of. That’s why I’m discussing the song “Something To Be Proud Of” by Montgomery Gentry today.
Today was a big day in The New Hampshire (TNH) history. Our budget for next year was officially passed by the Student Senate. In years past this hasn’t meant much for our readers. We have had the same twice a week platform for many years. Within the past few years TNH has made a digital presence, this year being our most successful. We have gained a serious following on social media, brought our digital newsletter to light and continue to improve our website. Now, starting with the 2017-18 school year, our readers can expect some major changes.
President Obama visited campus on Monday to campaign for Hillary Clinton. For the entirety of the 2016 presidential race, Obama has been constantly reminding Democrats and independents who support him and his policies that Clinton must be elected to carry on his legacy. He was right. For all of his failures as president, Obama passed some of the most progressive legislation of the last 50 years and worked both internationally and right here in the U.S. to fight climate change, the most pressing issue of our time. All of that is now lost.
Today marks the beginning of a new era for me. Until yesterday, I felt lucky to have never experienced blatant, overt racism firsthand. However, watching CNN’s coverage of the election results early Wednesday morning, as I saw state after state endorse an agenda built on bigotry and fear mongering, I felt the deep pang of true injustice hit me for the first time in my 21 years.
Tuesday marks a monumental day. Not only is this the day we will be electing our next president, but it will also be the first time I, personally, will be voting for the next president. I’ve waited four years, turning 18 only three weeks after Election Day in 2012, anxiously looking forward to casting my vote. I can remember going to the polls with my mom when I was younger. “One day you will get your own vote, too,” she said… And here we are.
On Wednesday night the College Republicans and Democrats held a debate completely run by students. Three students represented each club, the moderators were students and students in the audience submitted all the questions. As part of the planning process, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Although our opinion section is open to all students, UNH community members and Durham residents, we haven’t had much of a right-leaning presence in The New Hampshire this semester. Because of this, my knowledge of what students who more strongly affiliate with the Republican party think about different issues was minimal.
Solutions by The State News
