Portfolio
Reflection I: Over the course of this year, I have learned a lot about how to write good stories, as well as how to draw art for the paper. This year is the first semester I drew anything for the paper and I am so happy with the work I put into it. In the future, I probably will not do more drawings unless I am asked specifically, however, now I understand the fundamentals of how to do it when necessary. Another production skill I learned is how to use indesign. As you can see from this portfolio, I can use it. Maybe not amazingly, but it’s a start. I need to improve on this before the next issue in August, otherwise it will be a bland News page. I learned a lot about deadlines this year. While for the most part I was either just a little late or completely on time, I was not perfect. During April, I butchered my articles and did not do the normal level of quality I usually hold myself to. In the future, I will recognize where I am mentally and evaluate how much work I can do. During this class, I worked very hard to get along with others. I am often nervous around people, especially people who I think are above me in some way so it was hard for me to get used to talking to my editors. I think I did a good job when I worked with others although I do not think I did it very often. I learned that Journalistic ethics are just as important as I thought they were when I learned about them in Digital Journalism 2 years ago. It warms my heart that those ethics are genuinely applied to our paper and not just disregarded. The ethics of Journalism create the building blocks of a good, honest paper and should be taken very seriously. My dedication to the paper was a lot. I spent the majority of my free time writing for this paper and I enjoyed every minute of it. I wrote countless articles, came in on production day, and even submitted art to the paper. One issue in particular stands out as one of my most useful months: March. That month I wrote 3 articles, did artwork, and finished up unfinished articles on production day. I love the rush. Some hardships I faced this semester were trying to maintain my focus on the paper. During the month of April I sort of lost my grip on my school responsibilities and it led to me not doing as much work as I should have on the paper. I learned that I need to get away from the world around me and focus on the paper every once in a while. I think I redeemed myself in may, seeing as I turned every article I wrote in early and was able to edit and work on my errors before publications.
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Reflection II:
I think the most significant piece of work that I wrote was probably the article from may advocating in favor of socialism in America. It was my longest essay clocking in around 700 words due to it needing every single ounce of detail in order to get my point across adequately. As well as being my longest article, I also think it is my best argumentative piece I have written. I have received many compliments on the quality of this piece, and I think it shows how strong a writer I can be if the circumstances are good. This is not just my favorite opinion article for this class but my favorite argumentative thing I have ever written. I think this article is so good because it uses good sources. Before writing this article, I knew that promoting a historically unpopular political view in a school paper would be difficult to write because if I did not live up to the hype, it would tarnish both my reputation as a writer, but more importantly would make socialism appear to be worse than it actually is due to my incompetence. I researched several articles about both how socialism is beneficial, how inequality exists in the US, and what causes the said inequality. These three topics became the central themes of my arguments. When looking for articles I made sure to use sources that were legitimate and, either professional editorials or were straight news articles reporting data. The article was difficult to get started on, but once I got the ball rolling, there was not much blocking me from just finishing it in one sitting. I had meticulously laid out my plan for the article beforehand and pretty much worked off of that to ensure I covered everything in detail. I learned that it is surprisingly difficult to find articles advocating for socialism from unbiased sources. I had to be creative and use pieces of evidence unrelated to socialism, and then explain how socialism would affect these statistics. I really liked how long and thought out my article was when it was done. It is something that I am not scared to show off despite the controversial opinion that I represent. I am so glad my editor, Claire, liked it because it made me feel like it could truly stand on its own. She barely made any changes to it, however, the few she did make really made the article feel stronger to me. You also made edits to it which were greatly appreciated and gave strength to my thesis and closing, which only furthered how strong my argument was.
Reflection III:
Article 1: Standardized Tests PRO I am proud of the standardized testing pro because it is the first PRO-CON opinion piece I did that was published in the paper. Prior to this, all the articles I had done had been facts and news with little room for opinion to be added. This was the first time I ever wrote something that reflected my personal views. It was also the first article that my dad complimented me on after reading it which made me feel very good. Article 2: China GDP Growth The China GDP Growth story makes me proud because I spent a lot of time trying to make it as professional as possible without coming off as pro-American or Anti-Chinese. I spent many hours researching this story to make sure it was very authentic and all of my statistics were from valid sources and were up to date. I think it was my second most researched article only behind my pro socialism opinion piece. Article 3: Newsies Writing my Newsies article may not be a deep or critical piece of work, however, it was an article that was really fun to write and photograph. There were many bumps in the road to get the photos I needed for the article, and going to see the rehearsal was so much fun. I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing, writing, and photographing this story and everyone who helped me make the article possible worked with an amazing attitude and zeal. I am so proud of how everyone was able to make this article so much fun to write.
4 ● DECEMBER 11, 2020
THE CSPRESS
THE CSPRESS
Staying Is standardized testing an effective way to U.S. election impacts TEAR SHEETS safe or the globe measure a student’s college readiness? spring break? \ Zander Bezotte
David Lane
ness to honor agreements with China that Trump had been contesting.” Biden’s victory has caused many European citizens to express their support. The BBC posted a chart from Pew the leading global power. as President of the United States. This anxiety and stress in students, but also forces student’s grades Research Center showing that 32% of has led to speculation on how the rest or acceptance into college to ride on one single grade. UK citizens have confidence in Trump, of the world will react to Biden in office Before students get the opportunity to take the SATs, and 13% of German citizens had faith in as opposed to his predecessor. they haveBlack, to pay a $50 said, fee, or $60 for the SAT with Trump. Kaylee a junior “I think Essay, onlythese to have to four wake years up at our 6 in the morning on “I think it’ll change significantly as the that over past current president of Mexico is dealing country has They become more onto their “closest” a Saturday. then havedivided to drive People are quick to with corruption within its government. both sides, Republicans and Democrats. testing center which only means spending more on The president obviously wants to make People are quick to judge each other on judge each other on gas, then sit for three to four consecutive hours in an Mexico better so I think he’ll strive to their political ideology making it much their political ideology, uncomfortable chair in an eerie silent room only leavbetter relations with America in harder to communicate. This shows making it much harder to have ing you, your swirling thoughts and the test. order to better his own country. Biden, other countries America is a divided These tend to lead to testing anxicommunicate. being much more experienced in dealnation andconditions needs a unifying leader.” Claire Geare Opinion Editor ing with foreign leaders and also being With a new president, new things eco- a student ety. Which is one of the worst K aylee Black less aggressive will most likely appeal to nomic changes will come sweating, to the can experience. The also excessive nausea, Mexico,” said nation. The Union Bank of Switzerland, a junior the country for two weeks in a manWell, well, well… What do we have here? rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and brain The decision voters topina choose an investment company and posted an quarantine. I just made hope the Sand in the pockets? A lingering smell of datory splitting headaches overwhelm test takers’ while coladas it. President will not pineapple? And what’s this? Cornrows? In Biden aswere ourworth next article on its website detailing how its self-doubt, fear, stress, don’t normally have but a problem with too. political climate, no less?profesThis is just onlyI affect Americans Mexicans Kristinthis Margalit, an English investors collectively thinkhopelessness, the United inadequacy, spring break, besides the usual begrudgewhatwho I expected… you’ve in been to Rocky The and anger surguewill through their systems. Trump administration spent bilsorAccording at ASU, specializes teachState’s economy be affected by ment and my crippling fear of having fun. Point. to the American Anxieties Association, about lions of dollars to build a wall in order to ing students from across the world the winner of the Test election. The artiListen, I’m sympathetic to the cause, My problem however, comes from the keep out drugs and illegal immigrants “Russia would prefer to deal with cle stated, “A Blue Wave, for example, 16-20 percent of students have high test said, anxiety, while really. With the upcoming anniversary of sheer irony of the situation. entering the US. Biden sworn Trump maylockdown, be someI too immewould likely benefit assets exposed to many graphics warning thehas public our there nationwide need an fromToo another 18 percent have moderately-high test and anxithe wall diate contention towards the Biden energy efficiency, smart mobility, and stay construction inside. Maybe youon thought it saidonce escape to the sunny beaches of Puerto to tostop ety. Making this the most prevalent scholastic impairbecomes according administration changes that renewables both in the US and abroad.” inside president, except for spring break” to or the Penasco.and There’s no cure for burn will out like he“stay ment our last schools today.Russia It onlyand gets worse maybe for you Immigration just can’t read the title with all illegally drinking in a Mexican dive bar, Center Studies. affect when Russian diplomacy negatively. Overin the decade, the entire of a college entrypromor significant frolickingwill the beaches packed fellow that glare from the beach. China,funds however, respond verywith posiChina havefate become much more breakers, and getting stuck out of from a talking scholarship hangamong in the balance one score. to spring Biden. He projects a willinginent figures politi- of tively staff writer
STANDARDIZED TESTING HAS and always should be a part of a student’s journey
through school. Making sure they remain in use is important for both the student body and universities deciding who to accept. Besides being the most accepted metric for college admissions tests, standardized testing allows for easy comparisons between students to be made. Teachers are never equal in how they grade, making it impossible to compare simple letter grades between students across the nation. Tests like the SAT and ACT are much more evolved than any other test high schoolers take. They are specifically designed to have a fair balance of questions to ensure students are able to articulate what they know without any outside factors interfering. According to an article from The 74 Million Organization, a non-profit news organization that specializes in covering K-12 education, “[Standardized tests are] in fact, a rigorous and highly scientific process, one that has been developed over 100 years and reflects research by generations of esteemed scholars. It has its own subfield, psychometrics, and every year universities graduate new Ph.D.s in that subfield.” Standardized tests are not only good measures for the students ability in the classroom, but are also good measures for a teacher’s skill. An article from RealClearEducation, a news source made in the specific interest of detailing education news, claimed, “Assessment is a key element of teaching and learning—and of system accountability. Too many educators have gaps in their understanding of assessment design, the role of formative and summative tests, and how standardized tests are a crucial equity tool.” Judging a teacher’s skill is especially crucial during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Using standardized tests as a means of checking a teacher’s ability to work under new social distance learning, whether remote or in person, is necessary to have a functioning and thriving class environment. Some people think that standardized testing is not a good metric for showing how much information a student knows. Students with test anxiety will not be able to perform as well on tests as those who do not suffer from this disorder. While these students should not be ignored, students withDavid Lane out these issues vastly outnumber those with this affliction. The American Test Anxieties Association said, “About 16-20% of students have high test anxiety, making this the most prevalent scholastic impairment in our schools today.” While this number cannot be ignored, at least 80 percent of students will benefit from a standardized test system. Helping those people who have test anxiety is a better alternative to getting rid of standardized tests all together. Standardized tests allow students to be merited for their skills as learners and their ability to remember what they learned in the classroom. Removing this leaves a students ability exclusively up to the teacher, which could lead to bias. Although not a perfect system, standardized tests are the most fair option for meaTHE CSPRESS suring a student’s abilities.
YES
cians in America and across the world. Many people in support of Trump
THIS NOVEMBER, AMERICANS voted to believe China and Russia are threats to American democracy and itsofposition as replace Donald Trump Joe Biden STANDARDIZED TESTINGwith NOT only causes extremely unhealthy levels
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Standardized testing does cause students to dedicate hours of studying, and learning time management skills. While also helping identify problem areas in students, prevents subjective grading and is an accurate way of evaluating what a student does or does not know across areas like math, reading, and writing. Yet some parents stress so much about their child that they pay for Pre SAT courses. These can cost up to $50 if you do a self-guided course all the up to $800-$1800 for in-person courses or one-on-one time with tutors. At the end of the day, most families don’t have $1800 to spare for a single test. Even though data released by the American Community Survey explained that approxiEmma Weaver mately 175,000 Arizonans pulled themselves out of poverty between 2015 and 2018, 2020 threw everyone a curveball. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate decreased by 1.0 percentage point to 6.9 percent in October 2020. Which was the sixth consecutive month the rate has declined, but it was still nearly twice the February rate of 3.5 percent. If your score doesn’t make the cut for scholarships or colleges, then you have to go through the whole process again. The only good thing about COVID-19 is that SAT/ ACT scores are no longer required. Meaning less anxiety for all students, no more long morning drives, and no more spending money on useless tests.
NO
Jo Breese
creeker editor
Fifteen dollar minimum wage is the least we could do to help Americans live their lives. Many companies have committed to a 15 dollar minimum wage. Amazon, Target, and Costco are just a few of hundreds that have created their own rules for minimum wage. Since the government won’t do it, many companies feel the outrage directed at them. An increase to the measly FEBRUARY 12, 2021 ● 7 federal minimum wage of
Electoral college helps bridge gaps in democracy Facts over fiction: thethe vaccine is harmless
that misrepresents the American sons, the Electoral college was are forced to appeal to citizens United States. As Alexander Hamilton, a found- people. made to create a buffer between from a variety of backgrounds and If elections were strictly on ing father of America, said in the population and the selection of cultures in the majority of states. Mob Rule is the idea that 51 per- Federalist Papers, “Real Liberty population, entire states would the President and to structure the government in a way that cent of the population could tyr- is neither found in despotism or be misrepresented and have their gave extra representation to the annize the other 49 percent of the extremes of democracy, but in rights and appeals skipped over. The Electoral College is the most the population. This is why the moderate governments.” smaller states. legitimate of Democracy Electoral College isto Data is so concerns important, fromWhile The Electoralthey College’s In an attempt to gain Americans’ According Lab, system a website ous safety their the vacthe second can. struc- Electoral College actsunited as an almost wayin the vaccine, politicians are of democracy, ture encourages presidential can- it protects the rights of minori- an effective systemcreated trust by bothand the statesperfect From the start of the pandemic, a cine. Before running the current didates to form policy that will ties and brings a voice to those it has its few flaws. Only five times to elect the most important posivaccine seemed like the only way large-scale study, the companies ran treasury department and the Bureau volunteering to receive their vacciappeal to citizens from all over who may be underrepresented in in the history of this nation has tion in America. ofUnited the Fiscal Service, “As of September nations publicly. President Joe Biden, trials starting in Mayof the to truly endhomogeneous the mania, however, the President States the nation. smaller Mob Ruleclinical is only possithe nation, not just Former Presidents Barack Obama and 1, 2020, were vote specifically designed to vote. it seems people the popular Peopleroughly argue $2.59 trillion in new ble not throughthat a popular which lost population centers some such as Los are budgetary resources have been made George W. Bush, Kentucky Senator detect warning theisvacwilling to accept the miracle that this an abominable system would ultimately tyrannizesigns the about Angeles and New York. Candidates
Vaccine skepticism is just as deadly as not beleiving in the virus itself
global news editor
In recent years, the Electoral College has become a heated topic of discussion with loads of controversy surrounding it. While many advocate for the repeal of the Electoral College, the Electoral College is one of the most important processes of the presidential election and an essential concept of democracy within the United States. Formed for two main rea-
David Lane staff writer
The importance of safety is no hoax.
There have been multiple COVID19 vaccines developed by pharmaceutical companies such as PfizerBioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, etc. To ensure the safety of the public and bring an end to the pandemic, it is crucial that everyone take a vaccine
of modern medicine bestowed upon them. While scientists across the world raced to cure this modern plague, many people who are ill informed about the process of making the vaccine were quick to call it a sham. It is no surprise with how divided our country is that simple things such as facts of scientific research are something people call into question. These people rally around one another spreading unfounded claims about the antivirus. They believe it is a government probe, or that it is somehow harmful to take. The truth is, the antivirus is completely safe. Each vaccine has been tested and tried several times to ensure its safety. The New York Times published an article detailing the steps Pfizer has gone through to ensure a safe vaccine. The article said, “So far Pfizer and BioNTech have reported no seri-
cine’s safety. They tried out four versions of their vaccine and selected the one that produced the fewest cases of mild and moderate side effects, such as fever and fatigue.” Over the course of 2020, scientists all over the world have been working to develop a vaccine to cure the world of coronavirus. Due to a massive amount of money from both private and public donations, the development process has gone much quicker than usual. This, however, has made many suspicious of how well the vaccine will work. Many ill-advised and under informed people think that it is impossible for an anti-virus to be effective when most vaccines take years to develop. This claim is ill informed, however, disregarding the fact that both governments and incredibly wealthy donors have given trillions of dollars to research and development.
“
available for federal agencies to
Many ill-advised and under informed people think that it is impossible for an anti-virus to be effective when most vaccines take years to develop. respond to the pandemic.” Time is money, and the amount of money given to research a vaccine was exponentially more than normal for a vaccine. This caused much quicker results to attempt to put an end to the pandemic.
Mitch McConnell are among them. According to USA Today, “Between Dec. 14, when vaccinations started, and Jan. 20, about 16.5 million shots were administered.” And yet so far nothing serious has happened to most of the 27 million people who have received a first dose of the vaccine. The fact of the matter is that it is normal to have side effects after vaccines. It would be impossible to develop a vaccine that has absolutely no side effects or risks. Another fact of the matter is that it is also normal for part of the population to have skepticism about something new, like the vaccine. Fear of the unknown is the real root of skepticism.
Remember in March of last year when there were people calling the virus a “hoax” or “planned?” Well here we are, 450,000 deaths later.
An apology, just in time for Valentine’s day Ahh, Valentine’s Day at Cactus Shadows. The season of love is upon us once again, fellow falcons, and this time:
corporate brainwashing holiday. The greeting cards, teddy bears, and overpriced hotel suites are all in the name of true love. And thanks to the pandemic, the student store is no longer in operation. So, with all the free time, those white-collared children have finally found the room in their hearts for something besides
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THE CSPRESS
Texting ban in effect Staying THE CSPRESS
David Lane staff writer
The ban on texting and driving began early this year in an effort to make roads in Arizona safer. Drivers who are caught texting while driving will be pulled over 14given ● MARCH 19, 2021 and a ticket. It’s been illegal to use a cellphone while operating a vehicle in Arizona since 2019, when legislation was passed to try and curb texting while driving. However, police officers could only give out warnings until January 2021. “I support the ban because it could decrease the amount of traffic accidents in Arizona. This is important because Arizona has more car crashes than many other states,” said Brandon Wells, a junior. The ban will cover everything from texting and driving, to using social media, to making phone calls without using hands-free mode. Fines will start at 75 dollars for first time offenders, and every subsequent ticket will range from $150 to $250. “I disagree with the fine
COMMENT
safe or spring break?
amount, I don’t believe fines should be given out as punishment. Getting Community service hours is a much more fitting punishment than a fine,” said Carson Hayes, a junior. Bluetooth devices and carplay are permitted under this law. GPS is also allowed as long as the phone is cradled in a holder and not in the driver’s hand or on his or her lap. “Sure I support any ban on cellphones anywhere. Addiction Claire Geare Opinion Editor to phones is a problem. I wish we could effectively ban phones Well, well, well… What do we have here? from our schools. In cars Sand or in thein pockets? A lingering smell of pineapple? And what’s this? Cornrows? In classrooms, the phonesthis are politicalaclimate, no less? This is just I expected… you’ve been to Rocky proven distraction to thewhat tasks at Point. hand. They diminish the awareListen, I’m sympathetic to the cause, ness of the user to the really. realWith lifethe upcoming anniversary of our nationwide lockdown, I too need an the sunny beaches of Puerto activities around them,” escape said toJon Penasco. There’s no cure for burn out like Bernreuter, a physics teacher. illegally drinking in a Mexican dive bar, frolicking the beaches packed with fellow Arizona has taken longer than spring breakers, and getting stuck out of most states to put the texting and driving ban in place, but initiating it now will lower the amount of accidents caused than if it wasn’t enforced at all.
MARCH 19, 2021 ● 7
Tech
Cryptocurrency on th
Bitcoin climbed from $0.08 to $48,200 i Kolton O’Connor
“I would invest but right now it’s ing me any mon ITCOIN, A RELATIVELY new form of currency, has recently skyrocketed in price, Carman, a junior. Many people attracting new investors. According to Investing News Daily, so they are ca Bitcoin was created in 2009 by an unknown per- into it. Accordin son using the alias Satoshi Nakamoto. In July, 2010, Investopedia, Bit Bitcoin started trading for $0.0008, and rose to a protocol know $0.08 by the end of the month. It remained around blockchain tech that price until April, 2013, when it rose to $250. ward. Any given \ David Lane As of today, it’s value is $56,637, which explains chain of discrete chronologically. I the sudden fascination with the cryptocurrency. 4 ● MARCH 19, 2021 THENEWS THE CSPRESS “I think Bitcoin is at such a high price right now any string of 1s David Lane would add over 107 billion dollars in since then has blown up and many peoemails, contracts because of wealthy 7.25 people likewhich Elon Musk dumping ple cannot afford their rent and are being wages for workers, can pull manyShows Jo Breese Cactus Drama Club is performing the work extra hoursat or take on people out of poverty. Many hit of broadway those forced musical,to Newsies, this month or bond trades.” loads of money into Bitcoin, and this would cause the Fine Arts Center. Unlike traditional producaffected by low wages are tipped work- more jobs. Fifteen dollar minimum wage is the least this one will have a dual cast, each one Adjusted for inflation, theOne minimum ers, who only have toGray, get paid two dollars we could do to help Americans live their reason Bi the price to rise,” said Thomas ations, junior. performing on different days. it’sStrike beenofin decades. and thirteen cents by their bosses,The as the lives. play is wage based is onthe the lowest Newsboy 1899,a musical that average tells the story of Jack Kelly, The worker today is apaid perrest isDaily expected story to come from tips. Many companies have committed to a ple is29that it isn’t The Investing News tracked the rise ofaway dreams of moving from ago. the American less than 50 years The biggest issue with raisingnewsboy the min-who cent 15 dollar minimum wage. Amazon, Target, big city out west. However, after news tyrant workers have not been feeling the ecoimum that wage is how a lot of peopleJoseph will lose and Costco are just aand few of reported hundreds group or person Bitcoin, the currency fluctuated Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the nomic growth that the United States their jobs, over 1.4 million estimates CBO. that have created their own rules newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies and on th greatlyfor until 2016,is when itgo onbegan afemale susstrike. reporterin Katherine has by gone through that time. reliant A sinThis number inaccurate though, as Aided minimum January wage. DANGEROUS New York City soon recognizes parent working for the federal ministudies following state increasesPlumber, to mini-all ofgle Since the governthe power of the newsboys. DRIVING Lukha the price tained rise. In 2020, itwage had 323% to over mum wage couldn’t themselves to can’t b mum have grown found that theby estimated ment won’t do it, “I think it was a good idea to dualbring cast this the linetalented withoutpeople taking on other job loss never happened and unemploymany compashow. The club is poverty full of really Thirion, a freshman, something lik $29,000. Then, in 2021, the currency skyrocketed and I'm sure casting a hard decision to as make jobs. was Over 900,000 people will be lifted ment mostly stayed level. A 2018 study nies feel the so I like that there are that many more opportushows how texting the minimum from UC Berkeley found no negative out of poverty soon after currencies. to its currentoutrage price. nities for people to show off their abilities. It's wage increase andtoit remember will allow others the employment effects. The idea that masdirected a little bit confusing sometimes and driving can be a who is the cast andtoo. who is the closing“I believe that opportunity sive job loss will happen minimum at them. Much of the growth this year isasdue toopening increased distraction and a risk To combat People this, webeing call Crutchie onfederal their minimum paid the wage is slowly increased is an cast. outdated An off night “ensemble Crutchie” and same for all wage are suffering whilebecause places Arizona that is that holds basis in reality. increase asmyth investor activity, well asno Tesla’s announcement to other drivers on the the double cast leads,”said Cheyenne Yerkes, a and California During the aftermath of the pandemic, to the senior member of the drama club.are flourishing due to road. As accidents many people,” sa that it bought $1.5 billion in Bitcoin. Activity spiked Like most plays year, it can be viewed statethis minimum wage. The minimum a 15 dollar minimum wage is desperately measly from home via zoom link, as well as in person, needed. Wages in many states have been wage should be the same for everyone in federal involving texting and with social distanced seating. Each ticket will sor. again when minimum Tesla began accepting Bitcoin asperson. sopaynoInone should be poor just for the same since 2009, when it increased cost 15 dollarsthe perUS, person viewers driving continue to being born in atimes different state. by a measly 30 cents. The costmust of living wage of wear a face mask at all throughout Bitcoin may co ment for its electric vehicles. the show. worsen across the “Rehearsals are always busy. We run every\ David Lane thing multiple times so we can switch between Bitcoin has become a viable alter- like Tesla accept United States, the casts, so it gets a bit hectic at times. Other than THIS BITCOIN MACHINE IS that, everyone has a lottradiof fun working together,” new ban put in place the lack of place native for many people to the said Brooke Kilgore, a junior in Drama Club. located at the Cave Creek Market This production has been unlike any other for Arizona hopes to tinues to be a d tional forms of investing. price spring play inThe Drama Club history. Due to actors getting quarantined, the rehearsal process has decrease the amount of on Cave Creek Rd and Lone faster than under ever to maintain a March the Investing New of bitcoin currently hadisto be just 18 debut. Mountain. Most poeple do not crashes that happen. “I think it’s really great that we put together a $50,000, and was at an all time high “hard to deny.” In musical that would have taken eight weeks usuknow that there are Bitcoin ATMs 4 Miah Thirion ally in the span of about five. We all got quaran$0.08 to $ of just over $56,000. It tinedis for on the firsta 10 downdays of rehearsal and from I had inside some gas staions and malls to teach the entire show over zoom using drawings and figurines to represent everybody risen movjust 627 per ward trend, so now would be the NEWSIES CAST MEMBERS take their places before the musical 4Cait Bunkers ing around the stage,” Andrew Cupo, the Drama number “Seize the Day.” The musical focuses on the plight of newspaper delivery boys, called newsies, who were underpaid and overworked. Club advisor, said. perfect time to start looking into it. Adam Schwartz, a junior, Maya King, a senior, Keira Reinhard, a junior, The opening cast will perform on March 18, the country for twostaff weekswriter in a mandatory quarantine. I just hope the pina coladas were worth it. I don’t normally have a problem with spring break, besides the usual begrudgement and my crippling fear of having fun. My problem however, comes from the sheer irony of the situation. Too many graphics warning the public to stay inside. Maybe you thought it said “stay inside except for spring break” or maybe you just can’t read the title with all that glare from the beach.
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Minimum wage must be increased
Newsies stop the world
staff writer
creeker editor
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and Devon Breese, a sophomore, all play the parts of these delivery boys. 4David Lane
and March 20 at 2pm, and the closing cast performs March 19, and March 20 at 7pm.
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District Budget Cuts continued from page 1
As the population gets older, they are not as invested in education. These people outnumber parents with children in the district by a pretty large margin. So it’s not if we can or can’t, it’s if the voters will approve of it. That’s what I really have to try to figure out as superintendent if we want to keep all of these great programs,” said Monroe. The Excellence Committee, made up of community members, parents, teachers and administration, has been meeting this year to weigh the options of going out for an override and or bond in November.
“You have to think about the demographics here, if you look consistently across the Valley, the places with higher amounts of retired people likely have lower chances of passing an override,” said John Trenton, french teacher. Furthermore, the district has “the lowest combined tax rate of any unified school district in Maricopa County of $1.8155,” and unlike other districts in Maricopa County, CCUSD is the only one to not receive “additional funding from either Maintenance and Operations, Capital Outlay override, bond, or all three.”
At the end of the 2020 fiscal year, CCUSD was placed on an “approaching highest financial risk” watchlist by the Arizona Auditor General’s Office. One reason for this is the decline in student rate, and in his letter, Monroe points out that the current capture rate for the district is about 50 percent. This means that only half of the school-aged children living within district limits are attending their appropriate school. “There’s probably a higher rate of home schooling in this area than others,” said Trenton.
comes in at 48th in funding and 49th in spending in the U.S. The state receives $1.2 billion, or $1,274 per pupil, from the federal government. It divides $3.6 billion, or $3,896 per pupil, among the public schools from the state’s money. Lastly, local funding comes out to be $4.1 billion, or $4,475 per pupil. This means that Arizona’s total education fund is $8.9 billion, or $9,645 per pupil. Conversely, New York comes in first in spending and second in funding, with $28,228 to spend on each student. This reorganization is Monroe’s first step in handling the budget shortfall in the upcoming year. Though the district has faced budget difficulties for many years, this
is by far the most significant change that will have been made in recent years. There are other areas Monroe plans to look at. “I’d like to do a program review,” said Monroe. “I’d like to look at fee structure, what are students paying for sports, AP, IB, our counseling program, our band program, CTE programs. I want to see how those programs are, do we need to bolster them? Those are some of the high school areas I would like to look at, to see how robust those programs are and if we do, in fact, need to bolster them.” With the budget cuts implemented to date, the district is still only part way through what is certain to be a difficult process.
to wait till 2023 or 2024 for vacci- vaccine options to see which one is the 3D printer has shown itself to be a wor- printing, optimized to maximize their perforDavid Lane the best in terms of effectiveness nation.Staff Writer thy investment for those who feel the need to mance while minimizing their weight. They President Biden has said he and lack of side effects. I will take can also be used to print certain parts and create things. 3D printers havegyms been for about the vaccine once I40 have thoroughly intends to use highschool andaround versatility of the 3D printer is not pieces that are hard to come by. years, but have not to your completed my research asThe I want NFL stadiums to distribute the been vac- affordable 3D printing is a much more affordable way the The48th in Funding average consumer until recently. Assure theI techto make am making theonly right thing that makes it appealing.Arizona cine. According to Cnet, Disneyland CCUSD is not alone in its budget difficulties. As a whole, Arizona said Mr. Boyadjian. closednology its doors has as of January in decision,” ease of operation allows for a wide variety of to produce things, so this means that comgotten 14th cheaper and more effiAccording to to the the Centers for order to serveitasis a vaccination applications, and you don’t even have to be a panies can sell them for less money. The filacient, becomingsite. more appealing and Medicaid services, “I was given the opportunity to Medicare ment used by 3D printers is much cheaper scientist to figure it out. common buyer to purchase a 3D printer for rocket people register for the COVID-19 vaccine. regardless whether or notAlthough the 3D printer has matured since than traditional manufacturing techniques. personal use. However, I am somebody who takes have health insurance, the vaccine The possibilities of 3D printing are almost its origins in the late ‘80’s, the future of 3D As well as being more economical, it is also a long time to decide on certain will be free for all Americans; but endless. From making prototype parts for printing is just getting started. New tech- durable and long lasting. important things. As such I missed many providers can legally charge 3D printing has the potential to make a engineering projects, to designing your own for the distribution of theniques vaccine.that use metal instead of plastic have the registration deadline. I am still jewelry, on toalleven making homemade toys, just been recently introduced to modern 3D large impact on the world. doing research of thejust available
3D PRINTI
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r/WallStreetBets lifts multiple stocks to their Livia Lowe staff writer
Gamestop Stock grew dramatically as many small investors invested in order to raise stock value. The Stock Market is the system of trad-
video games that rose in popularity around the same time that game consoles that relied on DVDs were popular in the mid 2000’s. The buzz surrounding Gamestop had died down over the years because gamers can now buy games and store them all online.
funds are generally wealthy. Many people do not necessarily trust Hedge Funds as they are privately funded. What the Hedge funds have been doing shorting stocks. Shorting is when an investor buys a stock in hopes it will go down in price,
stock whic the time, target of t also starte stock but G Though
Chitwood, who’s been an officer for nine years and his first year as a School Resource Officer.
Global News
Increase in Crime
WORK IN PROGRESS.Aubrie Gilling, editor-in-chief of LitMag, photo copies a picture for the upcoming magazine. The magazine includes a variety of student stories, art pieces, poems, photos, and more, and will be
The most concerning aspect available to purchase at the beginning of May. 4 Blaine Ashby THE CSPRESS about the surge of gun sales is that according to the Bureau of Surge in Gun Sales David Lane checks, and sales Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Background staff writer of firearms and ammunition, Explosives (ATF), an individual 2020, THE for COVID-19 pandemic most aof between 18 and 21forced may acquire have been URING skyrocketing world their home, to reside a stock handgun in theleading state they months. Thethe surge is in to lineremain with in and a decreasing GDP in almost every “We noticed a change from of two literature editors. in. the record market pace setcrash, in 2020. David Lane staff writer country. That is, every country The magazine has regularly previous years,” said Lori Hart, “I have a except gun for aChina. few reasons. According to the Washington only China’s GDP grow a global crisis, was One:amidst hunting, any gun canit be Post,Not nearly 23did million firearms Literary Magazine members have adviser. “There were no travel shots, won the top awards in the country thebought, only nation to do so.a 64 used for hunting no matter how were representing been working on this year’s book for example, and most of the work over the past ten years, including Thejump International Monetary Fund said that out ofprotection, the top ten anyone put it. Two: percent year over year. during the pandemic. Despite far was darker. Students were obviously the Crown award from Columbia global economies, China’s was the only one to see a net increase “I have owned a gun in my what am I going to do when fewer submissions, the magazine affected by the isolation during the Scholastic Press, and the Pacemaker The cause of COVID-19 has remained in GDP over the course of 2020. award from the National Scholastic name since I turned 18 in someone breaks into my house. will still beinpublished withsince a variety pandemic.” shrouded mystery ever “This will affect America in the long run because as China As a result, this year’s theme Press. January. My house has had guns Three: responsibility, when of stories, artCOVID-19 pieces, poems, thestudent beginning of the theybut arethey more someone able to gain a competitive edge “I believe we are the only high owns a gun, it teaches in grows it sincestronger, I was born, and more.last March. However, now focuses on these changes, and work outbreak over the US andproperly possiblyput take control over of the econthem how to more use, manage and have always been The met almost every will be organized like a journal, with school in Arizona who regularly that theclub virushas is mostly contained Vance, a junior.maintain it,” said Nathan Ring, within Wuhan, where it firstto read, hand-written drafts and sketches. wins one or both of these awards,” in omy,” a safe,”said saidAidan Coleman Graves, Wednesday since August GDP fluctuated early who’s on in 2020. It initiallyfor shrank began, researchers are conducting “We wanted to create a more said Hart. been shooting manyby who’sChina’s been shooting for roughly discuss, and edit submissions for investigations try and determine first quarter of the year. The Members spend the first semester years. 12 roughly years. seven percent during the the magazine. toWhile initially done intimate experience for the reader how the pandemic began. Chinese knew to get its back through submissions, According to industries the Times The stategovernment with the most salesit needed over Zoom, they have been meeting to reflect the challenges this past culling if they profit from the pandemic. By the and time year have created for all of us,” said critiquing and voting on which magazine, gun violence in online January was wanted Illinois,towith in person since March. The World Health Organization theguns rest sold. of theThat world lockedgun down in response to COVID-19, pieces will get in. crime, in particular, rose 1,002,118 is 24% “Surprisingly, COVID hasn’t Gilling. (WHO), has undertaken a monthChina hadfor itsthe factories running again. Their country “We use a specific criteria Lit mag has changed since its drastically, with over 19,000 of national sales month;up and impacted the production of the long investigation to try and answer became a go has to place for cheap goods and supplies people killed inmedical shootings and however, the state slightly books this year badlyitas last year,” inception in 2002. Originally a when critiquing,” said Milinovich, the question of as where began. for the of the world andfirearm-related it's GDP was ableincidents to stay growin less than 4% rest of the national said Aubrie Gilling, Editor in Chief. photo-copied booklet, the magazine “Everything is scored anonymously ing, even a pandemic. WHO has that therehad needs 2020. That’s the highest death population. The during same pattern “Last year,said everything to be has grown into a full-blown so we can avoid submissions being 2021 ● 7 to be many more think thiswith will the be a turning point for the Chinese. Each16,copy is printed accepted solely because we like toll in over 20 years, according holds for“Ithe state remote. Now, we investigations get to sit together publication. APRIL around Wuhan to know for They will become the in onestoleading global affairs data from thedomestic Gun Violence second-highest gun sales and collaborate onreally the design, so it’s on a high quality printing press and them.” certain where the virus came from. instead of the US. I think, in the future, China will be a domThis year’s magazine is now professionally bound. Kentucky reaching 421,790, just Archive (GVA), an online site more like a traditional year.” One of the leading theories WHO inating country over all other first time “I think more people know about available for pre-sale. For more that nations collects for gunthe violence data,in over 10% of the national total. Submissions to lit mag have not investigated was the idea that a virus centuries,” said Trent Stevenson, a junior. and the Britannia Group’s nonIn contrast, Arizona sold 60,548 only been fewer than usual, but our club now; we have new members information, find the club page on had been manufactured and leaked the partisan sitepandemic procon.org.were still guns in While January.initial estimates before the were different, this year that are all passionate the school website, or follow them from topics a lab. This was very ruled unlikely optimistic thatanChina would “In my opinion, increase in overtake the U.S. as the leading due mostly to the of the because the virus waseffects not known by about the publication and eager to on Instagram @ cshslitmag. economy before 2050, this has led some to speculate contribute,” said Mia Milinovich, one gunglobal sales is a good thing since pandemic and quarantining. scientists yet. that China’s GDP will pass the U.S. by as soon as 2028. f mass shootings continue toRobert rise, theSubbaraman, topic of gun control is being disGUN OWNERSHIP IS a responsibility that needs to remain in The investigation concluded that bats the head economist as well as the e news and social justice debates. the hands of those above ageof of the 18 invirus. order to ensure may have been the the origin head of global markets at Nomura said that if China In America, an 18 year old should be able to that only those mature enough to handle the derek chauvin trial Begins $1.9 trillion stimulus Passes Researchers have found several Billpower Prince PhilliPthan diesestimates at 99 is able to strengthen the Yuan faster purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer. of possessing a lethal weapon. other coronaviruses that are similar predict, they could pass the U.S. even sooner. Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police Under current Federal laws, American the United States, the issue of COVID-19 in frozen bat samples On April 9,citiPrincewith Philip, theU.S. Duke of Into The Relief Bill became public law “Thepassing relationship China will have the officer, faces charges of manslaughter, secondzens, after a background check, controlin isCambodia aCOVID-19 very controverand Japan. Edinburgh, died at the age of 99 at gun stored on March 11,While administered by President Biden. degree murder and third-degree murder in will be affecteda by how much attention the curcan legally purchase shotgun or long sial and polarizing one. Windsor Castle in England. Queen The bill includes stimulus checks of up to the death of George Floyd. The case is being rifle such as an AR-15 at age wants 18 fromtoa devote to critibothCOVID-19 sides agree gunrelated rent administration is that closely Elizabeth II as well as the rest of the per person also assists unemployment prosecuted by Minnesota Attorney General licensed dealer. one to be violence is $1,400 a problem cizingHowever, abuses of thehas environment, anotherinstrand of country, will enter antreatment eight day mourningto RaTG13, issues by providing a $300 federal boost Keith Ellison, with Chauvin represented by the age of 21 order poor to legally purchase America, they fail to ofinlabor, wages, working conditions, that shares about 96 period, with the funeral being held on coronavirus to weekly jobless payments, along with the a handgun from a licensed dealer or obtain cooperate on how Minneapolis-based attorney Eric Nelson. The of its genes with COVID-19. the Chinese April proclivity manipulating 17th tofor commemorate his legacy. percentlegislation providing $350 billion to states, local a concealed carry permit. There are special to deal with it. Some trial began on April 6 and is expected to last This strain was carried by horseshoe theirmilitary currency, the treatment and impristerritories , and tribes. exceptions for active personnel who, Americans governments, think between two to four weeks. bats in China. onmentfrom of political and minorwith special permission the stateprisoners and that by lowering ity groups in course, work camps, and the list after passing a firearms training can the age of citizens While the official results are still carry a handguncould at age go 19. on. The simplest way to see it: eligible to own a gun, unknown, the investigation will help Possessing China a handgun falls under the they are somehow helpproduces lots of products that are better understand how the virus Second Amendment of and the we Constitution, ing to decrease gun vioinexpensive are a nation of consumstarted and what can be done to making it a legal right for an 18 year old lence in America, howers,” said Steven Mitten, a history teacher. to own one. Handguns not only serve ever,avoid this another couldn't outbreak. be Although China was seen as a threat by the as a great exercise of personal responfurther from the truth. Trump President sibility, administration, but they are an essentialBiden has made A recent poll from no clear regarding stance towards their tool indication in self defense. As the his increasthe New York Times 3that Owenalthough Taylor found 18-20 affairs.ing murder rate from 2020 continues ittoseems carry to into 2021, essential year olds make up 5 perNow, only be ita is matter of time until China for responsible year as olds who wish cent of the population, beats out the United 18 States a global superpower.
ars
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Wuhan LitMag shows off creativity under investigation
Should 18-year-olds be allowed to buy guns in America?
News Briefs
to defend themselves and their fellow they are responsible for 20 American citizens from harm arm thempercent of homicides in the selves. U.S. Many people in this age When police aren’t able to make it on range have not been indethe site fast enough, terrorists and mass pendent from their families long shooters can be stopped in mere seconds enough to have any real life responsibilities. if a legal and trained gun owner is on site to diffuse How areing these sameguide peopletosupposed to be a stable make decisions n office as He was previously hospitalised in Angry Indian farmers have abanthe situation. If 18 year olds are allowed to arm themselves with ainvestments weapon that for can the potentially kill following a Solis, a 2020 after he suffered an aller- doned their fields to stage one oftrusted the and against these threats with concealable weapons, the amount someone at the pull of a trigger? gic reaction in jail, possibly from country’s biggest protests ever. crop cycle. of Americans who can stop these acts of violence will increase. This does not mean that people under 21 shouldn’t an unknown chemical substance. Under the previous laws, farmremanded Since November, tens of thouWhile many may argue that 18 year olds are not responsible be allowed to buy any gun. People over the age of 18 can before that, Navalnysimply was stand ersany hadgun toon sell goods at auction r 30 days to Two sandsperfidiof farmers have been living enough own ayears handgun, these accusations buy almost thetheir market. Handguns, however, doused with a tobright green liquid in that at their Agricultural U.S.18and tents at sprawling camps pitched ous. year olds are victims multiple responsibilities prove are prohibited duestate’s to their ability to be Produce hidden in n The draftcity is aofperfect example onehighways of these outside the capital New public much more easily than awhere larger they weapon. in the Siberian Barnaul by anof on Market Committee, were toadequate release behavior. esponsibilities.assailant If an 18 year Americantoman canhis be drafted While guaranteed larger and more capable at weapons, whoold pretended shake to receive least the Delhi. into a war, for his prosperity, die for his country, and use various weapthey also are much less likely tominimum result in the hand. government-agreed price. havefight been “There are always protests going ons at his expense in order to defend himself, then every owner killing someone. According to The Indian Express, on around the world but I think this There were restrictions on who h the proresponsible and adequate 18 year old should be able to bear The FBI’s crime statistics page shows that every state has significantly Putin, who is entering his 22nd year is one of the most important more could buy, and prices were capped wife and ones homicides arms in their own homeland. Also, in states like Texas, 18 as a result of handguns than by any other means. The poll even told for essential commodities. recently. They are no longer receivock year in oldspower, can get has married and signjournalists legal contracts, both major took police data from every city in every state. David Lane a laugh thatanif18Russian ThreeCourt newcase laws, bythat e news,decisions I withthat legitimize year oldsoperaworth. ing the same pay, which is harming The Supreme D.C. v.initiated Heller ruled a 2019wanted study conducted by Statistica Amendment protects individual rights to kill Navalny, “theyResearch the government of Prime Minister first time In tives many families,” said Dylan Lies,the a Second Department, an organization on the providing to bear arms, however, not without limits. The would have probably focused finished Narendra Modi, dismantled thisgovsaid Bear junior. market and consumer data, 2,345 murders were ernment should abide by the Constitution, and job.” atcher. For decades, the Indian govern- committee structure, instead allow- the committed by 20-24 -year-olds and only 1,441 Second Amendment is no exception, but when as not the ment has offered guaranteed prices ing farmers to sell their goods to murders were committed by 17-19-year-olds. gun violence in America is as out of control as anyone for any price. poisoned. to farmers for certain crops, creatThis data concludes that 17-19- year-olds commit it is, limitations like more extensive background s murder compared to legal handgun owners being 20-24. checks should be put in place to ensure that only ccording to JustFacts.org, a non-profit institute dedicated to people who are emotionally stable and responsible possess guns. prehensive documented facts about public policy According to The University of Rochester Medical Center, “The han 1 percent of firearms are used in the commisrational part of a teen’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until age 25 or so. In fact, recent research has found that adult and teen dy later found that guns prevent an estimated brains work differently. Adults think with the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s es a year, or 6,849 every day. Most often, rational part. This is the part of the brain that responds to situations with r fired, and no blood (including the good judgment and an awareness of long-term consequences. Teens ed. process information with the amygdala. This is the emotional part.” year olds to purchase a If a teen becomes erratic due to their brain still being developed, tect themselves is a constithere should be no way for him or her to access a gun that could hurt or hat should not be robbed of kill someone. citizen.
al turmoil erupts in India and Russia
S
NO
India
1900 LUGAR 4George Lugar, Public Domanin, via Wikimedia Commonhs
First released in 2016, Apple has introduced new versions of the bluetooth earphones, the Airpods Pro and Max which
Apple ditches Intel
bluetooth just like Airpods and I don’t see the point in paying for new ones. “ said Dean Randanovich, a sophomore. Beats have been around in the
What is your average screen time?
Apple makes their own CPU called Apple Silicon
COMMENT
6 ● MAY 14, 2021
David Lane staff writer
Is capitalism or socialism the best economic system for America?
In the next generation of Macbooks, Apple will be ditching their long time partner, Intel, to produce their own chipset known as Apple Silicon.
This will end a 15-year partnership between the two tech giants. Intel is the largest supplier of computer chips in the world, having processors in almost every pre-built computer
“
These new chips will be designed to make cross platform compatibility as seamless as possible. Macs will be able to communicate with iPhones or iPads at a much greater level than ever before. Apps designed for the app store on phones will work much better than previously on Mac due to the new Apple-exclusive architecture. “The chips will have a more direct connection with what they
CAPITALISM IS THE best option for America and will only makeare themaking, country stronger. and can change
it according to people’s Capitalism has been a huge success in America, and has helped the country become needs,” said Brian Fleish, a what it is today. It is an economic system in which private businesses and junior. individuals dictate the The quality of Apple trade in a country. The production of goods and services are based the issupply Now that on Apple products with Intel CPUs and demand they have in the market. completely in charge of will suffer more and more own chip Capitalism is the reason the markettheir in America is production, so comshould of be the less general expensive petitive.out. The competitive as they are phased The itfornature to be made market requires peoplethe to chips be coming up same happened towith PowerPC since they do not have to go new and innovative things in order through a separate company. based Apple products when to win over consumers or potentially clients. This This could lead to been a largecheaper factor inApple how products. America they signed the dealhas with became so successful in this day and Intel 15 years ago. “Now that they are not age. relying on other chips from When there is no competition, other companies. I think Johnathan people Geare tend to become their pricescomplacent, could remain and lack the stable drive to come up withsaid if not go lower,” a freshman new products. This isNaylor, because the Jonathan a computer science teacher. one at the top would stand alone, put out, however, Apple still made up just around 3% of Intel’s gross annual with nobody to contest their authorApple released the Macbooks with revenue. ity. People are forced to use Apple Silicon, however, the their MacBook products, there no need for that Pro so model hasisbeen rumored to “The quality of Apple products with company to find ways to attract more release in 2022. This Mac will have Intel CPUs will suffer more and more a 64-core processor, one of the as they are phased out. The sameconsumers. few commercially happened to PowerPC based Apple Capitalism is great foravailable people laptops who such a large products when they signed the have beencontaining born intoaaCPU less with advantageous chipset. deal with Intel 15 years ago,” said situation. The fact that there is nothJohnathan Geare, a freshman. ing that people are forced to do or forced into, means that if a person really sets their mind to something, then they can achieve it. A person or family isn’t forced into any group or occupation, and can get out of where they stand if they take the proper steps. Not everything is going to be a walk in the park, because it still takes tremendous amounts of hard work to achieve that goal. Even though things may seem hard, there are still ways to get out of the situation you’re in, no matter how bad it may be. This is one of the drawbacks of capitalism compared to socialism, because many people would rather be content living paycheck to paycheck. Socialism normally provides healthcare and other government benefits. The thought of getting all of this “free” stuff is very appealing to many people. Capitalism comes with less restrictions, and the ability to Justin Wong choose whatever product one would want. With less restriction comes more innovation which leads to a stronger economy. This is because companies find ways to make things the most efficient way possible, and sell it for the most consumers are willing to pay. However, prices are kept low due to the competition among the companies. In capitalist countries, poverty and unemployment tends to be low compared to countries with other economic systems. This is due to the fact a person has to work if they want to have a living. If a person is unemployed, they have to be actively looking for a job to get unemployment benefits. Many people have doubts about capitalism and how effective it truly is, but no system can ever be perfect. Everything in a hypothetical setting seems perfect, but humans are incapable of being perfect. No matter how imperfect capitalism may seem, it is still the best option for America.
Capitalism
to challenge Apple for the throne there are so many different types of earbuds to choose from all with something different to offer.
“My daily average is 10
THE CSPRESS hours, but
that’s because I fall asleep with my phone on a lot,” Katie Heath, junior
Hours spent on screen daily
0-2 FOR America, MOVING FORWARD democratic socialism is the best political ideology to ensure that the 2
“My screen
government does it best to ensure that everyone will truly be created equal in the United States. time average The definition of what constitutes as Socialism varies greatly depending on who you ask. According is like 8 hours 2-4 20 and im usually to Dictionary.com, socialism is “a political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by on theTikTok or 4-6 Snapchat,” 42 community as a whole.” Dylan Schmidt, Socialism comes in many forms, it can be as simple as government funded corporations, it canfreshman be 6-8 the building ground for a truly communist state, as well as everything in between. In 30 the U.S., we already have several social programs some could consider socialist, such as Medicare and retirement pen6 9+ sions. Socialism promotes high taxes on the rich, and more 50 38 25 13 0 aid to those who are not in positions of wealth, in From a poll of 100 students taken on order to strengthen the economy of the nation April 9, 2021 from the bottom up. A strong focus is put on “I spend like the workers of America, and less emphasis is 4 hours on it, put on the wealthy, letting their oversized I just listen to wallets trickle down to the bottom of the music pretty social pyramid. much and go on Snapchat The socialism that would be most benefionce in a cial in our country right now, however, would be while,” Gabe one that promotes the economic aspects of socialDiaz, seinor ism, but does not abolish the democracy which America is built upon. In the United States, income inequality has significantly increased over the last 40 years. The middle class is shrinking and the rich are WPaul Wernes, Mikki Warriner, Miah Thirion growing richer and the poor growing poorer. Pew Research Center gathered data from the U.S. census bureau, as well as the World Bank, and found that the top 20 percent of Americans earn 52 percent of the yearly household income in the country. That means that the bottom 80 percent of Americans make up only 48 percent of the money in the country. By providing lower income workers with higher wages and benefits, the wealth will distribute more evenly, creating more room for economic growth. By providing the lower class with more money, they can spend more of their own income on non-essentials, thus increasing the wealth for everyone. While economic inequality is a major problem, so is racial inequality. The Center for American Progress published a statistic using data from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, showing that the median income for White households in 2016 was 171,000 dollars annually, while Black and Hispanic homes were only 17,600 and 20,700 dollars, respectively. In a country that prides itself on equal opportunity for all, it seems odd that the combined incomes of the second and third largest racial groups do not even make up a quarter of the income that Whites do. If America were to allow for some socialist programs to help lower income members of the country, it would be especially beneficial to these racial minorDavid Lane ities who are in dire need of support. While some people may argue that Capitalism provides a large open market with the ability to lift the hardest working members of society from rags to riches, this is rarely the case. Open markets do allow for prosperity among everyone, however, when the market becomes under checked and under regulated, only those with a headstart can truly reap the rewards of the system in place. The news organization Salon Media recently posted a story about economic inequality. “If you compare a chart showing the historical top income tax rate over the course of the twentieth century with a chart of income inequality in the United States over roughly the same time period, you’ll see that the period with the highest taxes on the rich – the period between the Roosevelt and Reagan administrations – was also the period with the lowest levels of economic inequality.” A market with few regulations only benefits those who can take advantage of it, keeping the lower class poor and the rich wealthier. And, in fact, a healthy amount of regulation actually benefits the economy, creating a strong middle class, and decreasing inequality economically and racially.
Socialism