A&E
Sports
Opinion
Spartan Market has been a go-to store for years
Volleyball team wins first conference match
U.S. should abandon China for human rights violations
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Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021
Volume 156 No. 8 SERVING SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1934
WWW.SJSUNEWS.COM/SPARTAN_DAILY
YAMI SUN | SPARTAN DAILY
A Black Lives Matter sign sits with art supplies on Black Liberation and Collective Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.) Outreach’s table during a demonstration at San Jose City Hall Monday.
Community honors Black history By Ruth Noemi Aguilar SENIOR STAFF WRITER
To come out here all the time and only be angry would be too much on our own mental states and everybody else’s mental state. Sometimes you got to dance it off.
Black Liberation and Collective Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.) Outreach members, a local social justice organization, hosted a community barbecue on Monday in front of San Jose City Hall. The event, called Black History Month: The Kickoff, celebrated Black History Month and provided food to community members, according to the organizations Feb. 3 Lou Dimes Instagram post. Black Liberation and Collective Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.) Outreach president “I definitely am trying to teach my kids about Black history and about Black liberation and that’s really why we’re here,” said Adriana Chavez Empowerment Radical Optimism (H.E.R.O) Lopez, a San Jose resident who brought her Tent members, to bring snacks and refreshments two kids to the event. for event participants. B.L.A.C.K. Outreach collaborated with Human H.E.R.O Tent is a volunteer organization
that provides resources to Bay Area activist groups, according to its website. H.E.R.O Tent barbecued meat provided by Grace Baptist Church, which received it as a donation. Both groups gave freshly cooked meals, including hamburgers, chicken and hotdogs to the unhoused community in Downtown San Jose. They planned to give leftovers to the unhoused communities near the Guadalupe River Park. B.L.A.C.K Outreach members set up food stations near city hall where people lined up to receive meals. Next to the stations were Black empowerment chalk art pieces with phrases such as “Black is Beautiful,” “Celebrating Black Histor y” and “Power to the People.” “You know, we are out here kinda protesting DEMONSTRATION | Page 2
Angela Davis speaks at SJSU webinar STAFF WRITER
Angela Davis, an educator, author and political activist for Black feminism, socialism and the abolishment of racial capitalism, spoke Thursday at the San Jose State Human Rights Institute’s final webinar in its three-part lecture series honoring Davis and her work. Sociology junior Tiffany Yep said finally hearing from Davis after the previous events was “informative and powerful.” Yep said she was inspired to attend the series after the reignition of Black Lives Matter
demonstrations in San Jose increased her dedication to feminism and civil rights. Two representatives of Silicon Valley De-Bug spoke briefly alongside Davis on police brutality and prison abolition. Silicon Valley De-Bug is a San Jose-based advocacy organization that voices stories and campaigns for community members and was a stakeholder for Davis’ series. Sharon Watkins, a Silicon Valley De-Bug representative, said her 23-year-old son Philip Watkins suffered a mental health emergency and was killed at his home by the
GARDEN CALENDAR
San Jose Police Department in 2015. Watkins told Davis and webinar attendees that she has continued to make policy changes at the state level to expunge the laws and lawmakers who turn “blind eyes to police violence in our communities and across the state.” Davis said she was happy to see the possibilities for change in San Jose. She said the overpresence of police and the criminalization of young people in schools should be a primary focal point in the community to
The idea is to imagine and hopefully create a society that no longer relies on these horrendous institutions of violence and punishment.
Angela Davis
political activist for Black feminism, socialism and the abolishment of racial capitalism
spark radical change. the schools into institutions of “We all need to focus on punishment.” getting police out of schools,” Other contributors and Davis said during the webinar. “They [police] are transforming DAVIS | Page 2
2021
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By Madilynne Medina
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NEWS
TUESDAY, FEB. 16, 2021
YAMI SUN | SPARTAN DAILY
(Left) Demonstrators paint in chalk during Black Liberation and Collective Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.) Outreach’s Black history month demonstration Monday. (Top right) A demonstrator’s message written in chalk. (Bottom right) B.L.A.C.K. Outreach President Lou Dimes (right) and an associate talk at Monday’s demonstration.
DEMONSTRATION Continued from page 1 Presidents Day and I personally believe that the people have a lot to say,” said the “Power to the People” artist, who wanted to be identified by the alias Mars. H.E.R.O Tent members also brought canvases for painting, markers and chalk to draw. The supplies were donations from a previous event called Art in The Park, according to a H.E.R.O Tent member who wished to be anonymous. Lucila Chavez, founder of the community-based roller skating group San Jose Roll Call, brought a speaker for music during the event. Lou Dimes, president of B.L.A.C.K Outreach, said adding music to the event helped people to relax.
DAVIS
San Jose resident
“To come out here all the time and only be angry would be too much on our own mental states and everybody else’s mental state,” Dimes said. “Sometimes you got to dance it off.” Dimes said the kickoff event was different from the group’s past events with large crowds. He said it was a more intimate gathering where attendees were able to converse and celebrate the month. “It’s just a day to come out and exist,” Dimes said. The event was originally planned for Feb. 1,
police violence and possible alternatives to prisons. She explained she’s unsure about what the exact solution may be to halt incarceration.
Angela Davis political activist for Black feminism, socialism and the abolishment of racial capitalism
“The idea is to imagine and hopefully create a society that no longer relies on these horrendous institutions of violence
ILLU ST RA TIO N
BY
OR AM
We are not suggesting that we need a better institution, we are suggesting that we need a better society.
and punishment,” Davis said. She maintained that prisons are a product of capitalism and although the solution may not be clear, she said “we do not answer that question by imprisoning everyone.” Davis suggested prisons simply hide the people who have problems and require assistance including those suffering from various life circumstances. “If we want to understand why people engage in such horrendous crimes, the best thing to do is engage in the kind of research that allows us to understand the issue that needs to be addressed,” she said. Davis also said with Vice President Kamala Harris’ victory, it’s important to celebrate the symbolism but continue to be critical. The webinar ended similarly to the other two events with a call to action for students and
Follow Ruth on Twitter @RuthNAguilar
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stakeholders of the series included the SJSU César Chavez Community Action Center, the SJSU Mosaic Cross Cultural Center and multiple academic departments. The series focused on Davis’s work during and after her controversial incarceration in 1971-72 after which she declared prison a corrupt and racist institution of punishment. Davis said San Jose and the surrounding areas are significant to her because she was held in multiple jails in Santa Clara County during her trial. The webinar concluded with a Q&A where many students and faculty members asked for Davis’ thoughts on the current state of law enforcement,
Adriana Chavez Lopez
LIN
Continued from page 1
I definitely am trying to teach my kids about Black history and about Black liberation and that’s really why we’re here.
but a coronavirus exposure scare during a previous B.L.A.C.K. Outreach event caused organizers to postpone the kickoff until all members quarantined and got tested. “We take [COVID-19 scares] really seriously with what we do,” Dimes said, “We do a lot of work with the unhoused and we go out into the encampments and feed people, so we don’t want to possibly cause an outbreak.” A march around San Jose City Hall was originally scheduled for after the barbecue, but because of weather complications, the event changed to a stationary gathering. “We’ve tried to just kind of have an attitude of, ‘We said we were gonna come out, unless it’s pouring rain then you know we’re still gonna come out,’ ” Dimes said.
c o m mu n i t y advocates. vocates. “We are not “W suggesting that we need a better institution, we are suggesting that we need a better society,” Davis said. Follow Madilynne on Twitter @madilynneee
Crime Blotter Felony: Threaten Crime Feb. 10, 07:41 a.m. at San Jose State University Adult Arrest
Burglary Feb. 8, 8:43 p.m. at Student Wellness Center Adult Arrest
Alcohol/Drugs/Narcotics Feb. 6, 12:43 a.m. at South 10th & East Reed streets Adult Arrest
Weapon Possession Feb. 2, 11:47 p.m. at Simpkins Stadium Center Adult Arrest
Indecent Exposure Feb. 9, 7:36 p.m. at South Garage Adult Arrest
Unlawful Paraphernalia Feb. 7, 6:16 p.m. at Washington Square Hall Adult Arrest
Burglary Feb. 5, 10:02 a.m. at East San Salvador & South 6th streets Adult Arrest
Burglary Feb. 2, 12:43 p.m. at Event Center Information Only
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
TUESDAY, FEB. 16, 2021
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ILLUSTRATION BY BIANCA RADER
Liquor store etches lasting legacy By Jovanna Olivares STAFF WRITER
Spartan Market Liquor Store on East William St. could be considered an important community staple for San Jose State students living downtown. The market appears like any regular liquor store from the outside, but inside, above the checkout counter, signed pictures from former SJSU students hang everywhere with personal notes written on them. Above the images is a unmissable sign: “Welcome to the #1 liquor store in town – your party headquarters.” Jenna, who preferred to be known only by her first
name, has managed and operated Spartan Market for the last eight years while working alongside family members including her sister Tu. Although the location has gone through various owners, Jenna has made the establishment a notable extension to the college culture at SJSU. “Jenna’s is a staple to San Jose State,” said Tasha Rose, a junior marketing major. “I don’t think people get formally introduced to Jenna, but everyone knows Jenna.” Jenna has built long lasting connections with generations of SJSU students and community members.
She said she’s created a special bond with her frequent customers. “I treat [my customers] like a family, like friends, like my kids. I love them,” Jenna said. “It makes me think when I was young and seeing people now makes me happy.” Spartan Market is known for carrying special selected products other liquor stores don’t have. Rose said she has only ever found green tea and cucumber flavored Arizona Ice Tea at Spartan Market. “It’s so good, I would scooter three [or] four blocks in the middle of a hot summer day just to get that drink,” Rose said. “I’d buy
like four cans, Jenna said she hand picks them cause she likes them too.” Jenna’s unique relationships with each of her customers has brought her a loyal base. “I really like the sense of community the space provides, especially now with the pandemic, like having someone to talk to,” Dylan Songkham, a 2018 alumnus said. “You can go into the store and interact with someone you already know on a more personal level opposed to, like, a bigger grocery chain.” Jenna said alumni continue to visit her to say hi and get their preferred cold alcoholic beverages
JOVANNA OLIVARES | SPARTAN DAILY
Jenna and her sister Tu have managed Spartan Market since 2013, providing service that keeps students returning to the liquor store.
even after moving away from San Jose. “As a first year I was told by my big [brother] how popular that spot was and how Jenna remembers everyone’s orders,” Songkham said. “And how she was very kind and that’s why people would always go there in the first place.” Jenna said the pandemic has brought changes to the usual weekend party environment she was familiar with. Now that business has slowed down, it’s given her the opportunity to spend time with her family. “I used to work day and night,” Jenna said. “I split the day with my sister, now to [be able to] spend time with my mom. She’s 96 years old, so I choose to spend time with her too. At night I am here and everyone comes in to visit and talk.” Jenna said she’s appreciative of the many customers who continue to shop with her and converse throughout these difficult times. “Lowest price isn’t a priority when the service is so great and sincere,” Rose said. “She had been really grateful that we came in, and to see those faces that kept coming in, when people weren’t around. She was really appreciative.”
Follow Jovanna on Twitter @joo_zunigaa
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SPORTS
TUESDAY, FEB. 16, 2021
PHOTO COURTESY OF SJSU ATHLETICS
San Jose State outside hitter Latahevai Lousi spikes the ball during a match against Boise State on Feb. 5. Lousi leads the team with 57 kills so far this season.
Spartans secure first season win By Christina Casillas STAFF WRITER
The San Jose State volleyball team broke its losing streak by winning 3-2 against Air Force Academy in a nail-biting match Saturday night in Colorado. The victory was the first five set match the Spartans (1-3 MWC) have played this season. The Spartans were on a roll with outside hitter Latahevai Lousi landing 17 kills, outside hitter Makayla Lewis had 10 kills, middle blocker Haylee Nelson had 9 and middle blocker Allyson Alden had 8. Lousi and Nelson contributed 3 and 2 aces, respectively. The Spartans started off Set 1 neck-and-neck with the Falcons (2-2 MWC). The Falcons lost control of the ball after an overpass by Nelson and a 5-point run began for the Spartans. The Falcons called a timeout and stopped the Spartans’ momentum. SJSU recovered, scoring a 4-point run which would soon become a 5-point run after Air Force called another timeout. SJSU errors gave points to Air Force, but ultimately errors by Air Force and kills by outside hitter Whitney Barnes and Alden guaranteed SJSU to win the first set 25-19. Set 2 started off on a rocky note for the Spartans. A serve that was too wide granted the Falcons a point which began a 4-point run.
It was hard for the Spartans to recover with the Falcons, having runs of 3 to 4 points only being disrupted by single points awarded to the Spartans. Though SJSU attempted to remedy the point deficit it was experiencing, the difference in points was too much to recover from and Air Force took Set 2 10-25. SJSU had a strong start in Set 3, beginning a 3-point roll with a kill from Lewis and Lousi. Though the Spartans gained points, the Falcons followed close behind. Eventually, Air Force was able to gain the upperhand during the set. In a dramatic attempt to save the set, Nelson jumped over a coach into the bench, but the ball had already touched the ground. The Spartans lost Set 3 20-25. The Falcons initially held the lead during Set 4, but the Spartans were persistent. Throughout the first half of the set, the Falcons were leading 5-3. Barnes pushed the Spartans closer to the Falcons with a kill, tying the game 16-16. A 3-point run granted the Spartans a 2-point lead. Middle blocker Ryann Thomison was able to secure the win with a final kill. Set 5 was intense when the Spartans held the lead for 2 points before being overtaken by the Falcons. Air Force was closely followed by SJSU throughout the game, but after another timeout called by SJSU head coach
Trent Kersten, the lead was cut to 2 points. In an attempt to bring the Falcons back together, the team called a timeout. After Air Force hit the ball out of line, SJSU held a 5-point run. Nelson secured the game with a kill, ending the set 16-14 and giving the Spartans the 3-2 win. SJSU is scheduled to face off against Fresno State on Thursday in Fresno.
Friday 3-1 Loss The San Jose State volleyball team lost 3-1 in a difficult match against Air Force Academy Friday night in Colorado. The Spartans were looking to break their three match losing streak, but ultimately the team was overtaken by the Falcons. Outside hitter Latahevai Lousi was the attack leader of the night, securing 42 attack points for SJSU. Air Force led at the beginning of Set 1, but Lousi disrupted the Falcons lead by setting up a 3-point run with a kill leaving the score 6-4 in favor of SJSU. Although the team struggled at first, the Falcons attempted to wrestle the lead back from the Spartans. SJSU continued to hit at 47% and maintained a thin lead throughout the first set. An attack by middle blocker Haylee Nelson was blocked, which began a 4-point run for the Falcons. Nelson led the Spartans in digs with 16 in Friday’s match.
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The Spartans huddle before a play during their Feb. 5 loss against Boise State.
SJSU head coach Trent Kersten remedied the situation by calling a timeout, which worked in the Spartans’ favor as the Falcons committed a service error immediately following the timeout. But the Falcons started another 4-point run which forced Kersten to call yet another timeout while the Spartans were losing 15-20. The Spartans were never able to fully recover and the Falcons won Set 1, 25-19. Despite losing Set 1, SJSU started off Set 2 strong after winning an intense joust. SJSU held a 4-point run fueled by service and attack errors from Air Force, as well as a service ace by Lousi. The Falcons were forced to call a timeout after an impressive backrow
attack by the Spartans. This allowed Air Force to land a kill, changing the score to 12-9. Though the set was close, SJSU was able to maintain a lead for a substantial amount of the set. After some mistakes by the Spartans and strong plays from the Falcons, the Spartans lost the lead and called a timeout, leaving the score 20-21. The Spartans called another timeout and gained another point because of a Falcon service error, but the Falcons ultimately won Set 2, 21-25. The Spartans dominated Set 3, starting off strong and holding a 9-point run in the beginning. A 7-point run from the Falcons tightened the game, but the Spartans were able to win their first set of the night 25-22.
In what was essentially a flipped version of the third set, the Falcons started Set 4 with a slow-growing lead. The Spartans called their first timeout of the set after a 3-point run from the Falcons, but even after the timeout the Falcons continued the run until a player made a service error. The Spartans tried their best to overcome the Falcons by the end of the set, but ultimately the Spartans lost 25-20. The Spartans had 14 service errors by the end of night and a 40.7% scoring average.
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OPINION
TUESDAY, FEB. 16, 2021
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The U.S. must cut off China ties Shruthi Lakshmanan SENIOR STAFF WRITER
As the world continues to socially evolutionize, the U.S. and its international counterparts should distance themselves from China as it indulges in human rights violations. China has been a significant competitor in the international economic forum because of its manufacturing abilities and exporting ventures. But the U.S. should completely divorce from China given its severe ethical concerns. In early 2017, drone footage was anonymously released on YouTube revealing Chinese modern day concentration camps. This evidence verified a long-assumed theory about the operation of internment camps targeting Uyghur Muslims, a Turkic ethnic group from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in Northwest China. The Chinese Communist Party (CPP) has redirected the narrative and labeled the camps as “re-education” programs dedicated to eradicating supposed extremist Muslim minority views, according to an Aug. 18, 2018 BBC article. But China’s definition of “reeducation” also entails the wretched abuse of more than one million people in forms of “torture, forced political indoctrination and mass
surveillance,” according to a Feb. 20, 2020 Human Rights Watch (HRW) article. This isn’t the time China’s suppressed groups who’ve “undermined” the CPP. Hong Kong protesters were gunned down between 2018-19, following a possible extradition bill. The bill would’ve “allowed for criminal suspects to be extradited to mainland China,” according to a Nov. 28, 2019 BBC article. Hong Kong had been granted a “one country, two systems” political structure following British rule to ensure democracy. China’s idea of collaboration with Hong Kong entails a sham democracy evident during Hong Kong’s 2014 election, where citizens elected a leader from a CPP pre-approved list of pro-Beijing politicians. Now the CPP has intervened in Hong Kong’s election and postponed it for another year because of the coronavirus, according to an Aug. 7, 2020, Time article. Despite this unjustified postponement and China’s routine abuse, the 2022 Winter Olympics is set to remain in Beijing. In March 2020, the International Olympic Committee released recommendations to ensure human rights during this
ILLUSTRATION BY NICK YBARRA
year’s Winter Olympics, but “recommendations” aren’t actions. Abuse was reported to the HRW during the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics for “forceful evictions, silencing of activists and relocation of homeless people in order to expand the area for the event.” With this history and current events within China, it’s immoral to continue a partnership with the country, regardless of its economic strength. It’s simply not enough to recognize abuse. People must voice the concerns of the underrepresented. When people including Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, say they acknowledge concerns but “have to pick [their] battles,” within business ventures, as Cuban explained
CLASSIFIEDS CROSSWORD PUZZLE
to journalist Megyn Kelly, they’re proclaiming that ethics falls behind economics. This belief has become a global sentiment and politicians including former President Trump have indulged the idea. In a June 2020 Axios interview, Trump reasoned his late treasury sanction impositions in accordance with conducting a “major trade deal.” And though the administration ended its term with a statement deeming the Uyghur Muslim crimes a “genocide,” the economic priortization over human rights is a dangerous rhetoric. When domestic businesses implement corporate relationships with foreign countries, they’re aiding and abetting a human rights crisis.
For example, Apple’s manufacturing is primarily conducted in China in partnership with Taiwan’s Foxconn, the largest electronic manufacturer in the world, according to Fortune Magazine. A June 18, 2017 Guardian article showed problems as Foxconn promised employee housing, yet they were forced to pay extremely high utility bills. Workers also slept in crowded sleeping quarters and lacked proper social insurance, a public insurance program that provides protection against economic risks, according to Britannica. The article said unhinged working environments have led to several physical and mental health concerns, including an unnerving suicide rate.
SUDOKU PUZZLE Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
If this was any other country, developed nations would implement stronger sanctions. But when economic factors intersect with ethical concerns, moral righteousness hasn’t been adhered. It’s encouraging to see a new presidency continuing the former administration’s stance on China yet with a more democratic and human rights lens. Hopefully the U.S. will encourage other nations to dissolve their volatile relationships to ensure the protection of vulnerable communities.
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JOKIN’ AROUND Why did the tomato turn red?
It saw the salad dressing.
SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS
ACROSS 1. Chocolate source 6. Poems 10. Space 14. Sporting venue 15. Thorny flower 16. River of Spain 17. Dispense 19. A Star Wars hero 20. Less difficult 21. Prohibit 22. Applications 23. Gave out 25. Blatant 26. Weight to be borne 30. Weak 32. Side by side 35. Unhappiness 39. Countenance 40. A breed of hound 41. Artist’s workroom 43. Half man and half horse 44. Inuit 46. Border 47. The male reproductive cell 50. Anagram of “Paste” 53. Skirt lines 54. Trot
55. A “cord” used in sewing 60. “Sure” 61. Particularly 63. 57 in Roman numerals 64. Anagram of “Ties” 65. Follow as a result 66. Cry of pain 67. Adolescent 68. Originates in DOWN 1. An abandoned calf 2. Diva’s solo 3. To tax or access 4. Against 5. Rowed 6. Sphere 7. A two-base hit 8. Demesnes 9. Observed 10. Make younger 11. Overweight 12. Law and _____ 13. Slightly wet 18. Fury 24. Abaft 25. Bygone 26. Magma
27. Death notice 28. Backside 29. Car franchise 31. Baseball great, ____ Ruth 33. Discrimination against the elderly 34. Search 36. Quaint outburst 37. Strike heavily 38. Arid 42. Rejoinder 43. Small portable bed 45. Noisy bird 47. Timidly 48. Annoy 49. Electronic letters 51. And so forth 52. Startles 54. Joke 56. Deliver a tirade 57. If not 58. Astringent 59. Colors 62. Poetic dusk
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OPINION
TUESDAY, FEB. 16, 2021
Senate allows Trump tantrum Madison Fagundes STAFF WRITER
The second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump began on Feb. 9. It was Congress’s last chance to bring justice to his atrocities, but lawmakers failed to do what was right. On Saturday, the Senate voted to acquit Trump on a charge of inciting an insurrection. While this decision wasn’t shocking, it has set a dangerous precedent for the U.S. As long as Trump is allowed to have a political platform, he will be a threat to our country. His presidency was rife with lies, fear, deception and violence that will continue because he wasn’t held accountable for the Jan. 6 insurrection that changed the U.S. forever. Trump egged on violent protesters as they rallied around and eventually stormed the Capitol while election results were being finalized. Seven people died and hundreds were injured, according to the House manager’s video timeline shown during the trial. Trump has now become the first president in the history of the U.S. to be impeached twice. While Trump needed to be impeached for the events on Jan. 6, he should’ve been removed from office the first time he was on trial on Dec. 18, 2019. The violence at the Capitol
was not an accident and it was completely foreseeable. Trump had been spreading lies and provoking his supporters for months. In July 2020, Trump became the first president to publicly say he may not accept the election results in an interview with journalist Chris Wallace. He told his supporters for months that the only way he could lose was if the election was rigged. Trump claimed victory in a tweet on election night, before votes were fully counted. He continued to make incendiary comments about the election being rigged and he began filing lawsuits to challenge election results. On Nov. 15, 2020 Trump tweeted, “He only won in the eyes of the FAKE NEWS MEDIA. I concede NOTHING! We have a long way to go. This was a RIGGED ELECTION.” These actions alone are seditious and unprecedented. The transfer of power is a dangerous time for any democracy and Trump took advantage of this. Anyone who threatens to reject the results of an election is a danger to democracy and shouldn’t be allowed a political platform. Trump’s actions leading up to Jan. 6 were intentionally provocative and he continued that trend through the fateful day when he held a
ILLUSTRATION BY NICK YBARRA
Anyone who threatens to reject the results of an election is a danger to democracy and shouldn’t be allowed a political platform. “Save America” rally near the White House. At the end of the rally, Trump invited the crowd to march to the Capitol. “After this we’re going to walk down, and I’ll be there with you … You’ll never take back our country with weakness,” Trump said. “You have to show strength and you have to be strong.” Trump sent his followers to the Capitol and only acknowledged the chaos with tweets, telling his
supporters to stay peaceful as they stormed past police barricades and forced their way into the building. Trump responded to the media only after pressure from U.S. officials, where he continued to spread provocative lies and said nothing to satiate the mob. “We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. You’re very special,” Trump said at the very end of his Jan. 6 statement. However, the damage had
already been done. Rioters terrorized and desecrated the Capitol building. Had Trump not intentionally stoked anger in his supporters, spread lies and gave them direction, this incident wouldn’t have occurred. Trump’s legal defense argued he’s shielded under the First Amendment and impeaching him violates his right to free speech. However, according to a Feb. 5 New York Times article, a group of Constitutional Law Scholars concluded Trump’s argument was “legally frivolous” because free speech is no longer protected under the Constitution if it incites imminent lawless action or violence. Even if the charges brought against Trump were baseless, Trump
should’ve been removed from office long ago. Not only was he impeached once before, he’s spread hate and sowed division since he stepped into the political spotlight. Despite all the events that have unfolded, the country is still standing. Not convicting Trump was a massive mistake. Trump needed to be held accountable and by not doing so, we’re telling the world his words were acceptable. They were not acceptable and Trump must be forbidden to hold office again. Until then, he will always be a danger to our country.
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Theaters will survive, at-home movies will suffice Jovanna Olivares SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Nothing will compare to the big screen experience of watching a movie during its premiere night and the fragrant smell of buttery popcorn in a packed theater. As nice as those memories are, the last thing I want to do during the pandemic is be surrounded by people in tight rows of seats while munching on overpriced snacks. The communal aspect of watching a movie is comforting, however it’s not logical to limit movie premieres to theaters right now. It would be nice to assume people can follow directions and have their masks on properly while following strict sanitary rules, but the odds of that happening are slim. Instead, streaming services have greatly improved the void of new movie releases from the comfort of your own couch. This isn’t the first pandemic theaters have faced and it’s likely they’ll survive in a post-pandemic world. No one asks if dine-in services will cease to exist simply because it’s not currently an option.
Theaters have endured the 17th-century bubonic plague and the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak, according to a September 2020 New York Times article. It’s likely theaters will survive yet another pandemic because of its beloved social appeal. According to a December 2020 Variety article, Warner Bros. announced it would simultaneously release films in theaters wherever permitted and on HBO Max throughout 2021. The production company did this with “Wonder Woman 1984,” which was released Christmas Day on HBO Max and was available in some theaters. The film made $5.5 million domestically and $118 million globally, according to a Jan. 3 Variety article. Movies can still generate money through subscription-based releases, although it’s difficult to determine monetary success through these platforms, according to a June 4 CNBC article. But the performance
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of subscription-based film releases won’t be as transparent as box office comparisons. Considering other large production companies don’t have a streaming service to release films, it is likely they’ll probably continue to backtrack release dates. More studios should skip the theater and go directly to consumers via streaming services to accommodate the pandemic. You even have the advantage of eating whatever you please from your couch instead of paying for overpriced theater concessions. I enjoy being able to cozy up on my couch with a fluffy blanket waiting for a new movie to begin. It will have to do for now. After pushing the
I enjoy being able to cozy up on my couch with a fluffy blanket and waiting for a new movie to begin. It will have to do for now. original release date twice for the Pixar Animation Studio film “Soul,” Disney decided to release it directly through Disney+ instead of its on-demand TV channel. The on-demand option would’ve made consumers pay additional money on top of their subscription like the release of “Mulan,” according to an Oct. 9, 2020 Observer article. While I’m all for
releasing movies through video streaming services, I don’t like the concept of paying additional fees to a service provider. Movies should be accessible to bring people a mini-theater experience from the comfort of their own home. Now is a difficult time for studios to create major productions, however the pandemic is teaching us to realize the world must pause until
everything goes back to normal. In the meantime, membership fees for streaming services should cover money typically made from theaters, assuming there are no plans for a new blockbuster film. The theater industry will survive because most people miss the nostalgia of movie theaters. For the time being, I have no problem waiting for a new movie premiere through a subscription service while enjoying takeout food.
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