The Islander Election Issue 2016

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November 4, 2016

mihsislander.org

Volume VI, Edition 2

Teachers shaping the next generation through political information Sophie Poole staff writer

Teachers hold a powerful role in shaping the next generation of voters.

The official policy of the Mercer Island School District reflects this responsibility and states that teachers must maintain a politically neutral stance in their classrooms. Enforcing teachers to remain impartial about political discourse in the classroom allows students to formulate their own opinions free from influence.

The official policy at Mercer Island High School, found in the Administrative and Board Policies book in section 5252A, states teach-

PAID

ers and staff at the high of the issue. “I’m allowed or ‘I agree with Trump beschool have the right to to share my professional cause,’“ Puckett said. Stateshare their political views or my personal opinion...I ments teachers make can be easily misconif explicitly asked strued by students, by a student. therefore teachers Children are conmust tread caresidered a captive fully to avoid ofaudience; they are fense. legally required The 2016 Presito attend school dential election’s and listen to what less traditional teachers say in the nature provides classroom. Theresome teachers fore, teachers carwith connections ry a responsibilto their curricuity to provide stulum and learning dents with unbiopportunities for ased information.

Photo by Sophie Poole Jeffrey Randolph uses examples from the election in his AP Psychology course. their students. As Puckett explains an introductory that a teacher can state their opinion to an in- can share about the current assignment in the AP dividual student if asked, affairs...I can’t say, ‘Well, I (continued on pg. 2) but must show both sides agree with Clinton because’

Inside

MIHS students getting involved in politics.

Politics at MIHS > Page 2

Some of the less discussed issues the new president will face.

Comparing Issues > Page 3

TALK ON THE ROCK The Presidential Election

“Itisisgoing goingtotobebea atight tight “It election between Business election between Business man Donald Trump man Donald Trump andand SecreSecretary State Clinton.�

Hillary tary of State of Hillary Clinton.�

What do you think about the 2016 election?

Jay Maheshwari, freshman

“There will probably be a large fight between them about respecting women and other issues that go off topic.�

What do you think about the recent video of Donald Trump bragging about sexual assault?

“I think it is absolutely mortifying and a horrid misrepresentation of our nation.

Bella Johnson, senior

“The words he spoke are completely unacceptable and should not be the mindset of one leading our country.�

Should Hillary be punished for the email scandal?

“Yes, she should be punished. Had she not been a politician we would not be asking this question in the first place.�

Tyrell Little, senior

A backstage look at the rol media plays in politics.

Spread > Page 4/5

Is Trump qualified for the most powerful position in America?

Opinions > Page 6

Internet commenter Reid Martinez explains the election.

Satire > Page 7

Make sure to check out our online reporting website at mihsislander.org!

2

POLITICS AT MIHS

Life of a senator’s son Jake D’Souza staff writer

MIHS senior Michael Litzow lives a distinctive life from most high school students, as the son of Washington state Senator Steve Litzow.

Senator Litzow has been involved in politics for nearly all of his son’s life, beginning his career on the Mercer Island City Council in 2003. Senator Litzow served on the City Council for about seven years until he ran for Washington state Senator in 2010.

“He had a thing for politics…He wanted to make a difference,” said Litzow.

Few people grow up with successful politicians in their family, but “I don’t think it feels different…I’m just used to it now,” said Litzow.

Interestingly enough, Litzow is not engrossed in politics. “Everyone knows him [Senator Litzow] and tries to talk politics with him and tries to talk politics with me, and I really don’t care about that.” However, Litzow enjoys supporting his father’s political endeavors by helping with minor advertising jobs, such as knocking on doors in neighborhoods to promote the Senator’s candidacy. Litzow

said the amount of time he spends helping his father has “dipped down” since the start of school in August.

One of Litzow’s concerns is that Donald Trump’s portrayal of the Republican Party in the national presidential election will negatively affect his father’s reelection. Senator Litzow, a Republican, may lose his spot in the state senate if voters instead choose a democratic candidate. However, Senator Litzow subscribes to several Liberal ideals despite identifying with the Republican Party.

Although accustomed to his father’s political career, Litzow said, “It gets me a little bit [worked up] when…random people [are] hating on him. For some reason, I read all the comments [on Facebook] bashing on my dad and [think], ‘you don’t even know him.’”

Despite the negativity that sometimes surrounds elections and political life, Litzow has acquired numerous life lessons from his father. “[Senator Litzow] knows exactly what to say and when to say it, which is really handy. I’ve learned a lot about the political aspects of [life], which is good to know.”

Teachers (cont.)

Sophie Poole staff writer

(continued from page 1) Psychology, many students psychoanalyzed Donald Trump’s behavior. “Things such as hindsight bias or using anecdotal evidence instead of actual statistics to make a case are often done in the national election,” said Jeffrey Randolph, MIHS Psychology teacher. “[The election] actually lends itself nicely to the introductory points I make in psychology.”

MIHS English teacher Curtis Johnston emphasizes the importance of informing his students so they can formulate their own opinion. “My biggest goal is just making my students aware of how the election process is going,” said Johnson. For Mercer Island students to make fully informed, comprehensive

decisions about politics, teachers are required to provide multiple perspectives about controversial issues, including viewpoints in the minority within the Mercer Island community.

Students acknowledge the difficulty of discussing controversial topics in a public school setting. “I think basically all my teachers either struggle or just choose to not even acknowledge the election,” said MIHS junior Julia Graham.

There is a grey area between information and persuasion. Insuring that students obtain a well-rounded education about current events can sometimes complicate the teacher-student relationship. Teachers providing information for a wide range of political views, free of personal opinion, is a difficult skill yet essential for student learning.

mihsislander.org

Minors at MIHS engaging in politics even when they cannot vote

day, I was drafting emails to Microsoft executives Students at Mercer Isabout fundraising events. I land High School that are made a lot of calls and parunable to vote in the upticipated in many interesting coming presidential elecdiscussions with potential tion can still get voters that both supinvolved in the ported and questioned political process Secretary Clinton as a through voluncandidate.” teering and stayParticipating in the ing informed on presidential election, political issues. whether by reading about the issues, According to the MIHS regwatching debates, or volunteering for a istrar, 87 Mercer Island High campaign, is an edSchool seniors ucational experience that allows all stuare 18 years old, meaning that less dents, regardless of age, to invest in and than 6 percent of the MIHS stuPhoto courtesy Ellie Gottesman learn about the nationZack Gottesman met former President Clinton while working on the dent body can Junior al government. “PolHillary Clinton campaign. iticians are the voice actually vote in the November elec- involvement in a campaign of all citizens. We need to tion. However, because is by interning or volunteer- stay informed,” said MIHS nearly all students will ing for a politician. “Intern- freshman Olivia Cartwright. be 18 years old by the ing for the Clinton campaign For students who cannot 2020 election, students was a great way to under- vote in the upcoming eleccan start pretion, there are still many ways to enparing now to make that gage in the political important process and stay informed. Junior choice.

Engaging Alec Moore said, “Following politiin political dialogue during cal campaigns even the current when you can’t vote will allow you election cycle helps into make more inGraphic by Hanna Puetz formed decisions in form students before they Local government contacts for students interested in getting involved in politics. the future.” cast an offi*Please note that quoted cial ballot. Watching the stand the election process in debates improves stu- greater detail. A campaign student Zack Gottesman is dent awareness of current is a lot like a startup, and I the brother of staff writer issues, including those was given a lot of responsi- Ellie Gottesman. about the economy, im- bility right out of the gate,” migration, national secu- said Zack Gottesman,* a rity, and foreign policy.

MIHS junior. “On my first Ellie Gottesman staff writer

“[The debates] help me to become more informed about our nation’s future,” said MIHS junior Ali Dickstein.

One approach for direct

November 4, 2016

COMPARING ISSUES

3

Lesser-reported issues of the 2016 Presidential election Emma Gottlieb Staff Writer

If you’ve kept up with the presidential election, you probably know a good deal of information about China, ISIS, and immigration.

But what about the many other issues threatening our nation and the international community? Here are some of the important topics on which candidates have not yet shed a sufficient amount of light on.

Homelessness: As of one year ago, more than 500,000 people in the United States were reported homeless, a quarter of them children. New York City continues to experience near-record homelessness.

Overall, the number has decreased 11 percent from 2007 to 2015. However, the actual population is thought to be higher than recorded because many people living without roofs over their heads cannot be reached by means other than people physically going out to survey them (i.e., people

living on a friend’s couch). trial of Trayvon Martin as of ending racial profiling.

Lack of affordable housing a response to anti-black She also plans to crack plus lower pay at the lower racism. The movement down on gun shops letting wages have been cited as the seeks to end both the illegal guns into the wrong systematic and intentional hands. main causes.

• Donald’s thoughts: • Hillary’s thoughts: targeting of black people in Aims to curb skyrocketing the United States. With the Trump aims to help the African Americans rental costs by living in inner-cities expanding the that suffer from supply of affordable extreme poverty, rental housing. Will unemployment, also remove barriers and bad educational to homeownership systems. Believes such as unclear that the African rules of obtaining a A m e r i c a n loan and supporting population should counseling vote for him because programs for the Democrats significant financial have failed their commitment.

Photo courtesey of The All-Nite Images community.

• D o n a l d ’ s Black Lives Matter became a household name after recent police shootings.

Aleppo: thoughts: Aims to • Aleppo, the largest city create 25 million jobs over second presidential debate the next decade, therefore being held just minutes in Syria, is the site of one helping the economy grow from Ferguson, Missourri, of the worst and longest and ultimately allowing Hillary Clinton and Donald battles of the Syrian War. more access to homes to Trump missed a huge There, the Syrian army has those who are currently opportunity to discuss the killed thousand of people BLM movement. with violent airstrikes, without.

• Hillary’s thoughts: purposefully targeting Secretary Clinton plans hospitals and schools.

Black Lives Matter: Black Lives Matter is a to reform the “broken” Hundreds of thousands of call to action, founded by criminal justice system by people have been forced to Alicia Garza in 2012 after reforming sentencing laws evacuate the city since the the murder and posthumous and policies, with the goal battle began in 2012.

Are you a senior or the parent of a senior applying to college?

Do you feel that there are a ton of tasks to do and it is hard to track these tasks and stay on top of all the deadlines?

We’d like to get feedback from you on an app that was built to give students and parents a personalized game plan for collaborating and finishing up college applications in time.

We will give you $25 for 25 minutes of your time - you will be trying out the app and giving us feedback. Please contact Bharat (an MIHS parent) at bharat_shyam@hotmail.com if you’re interested.

• Hillary’s thoughts: Wants to continue what Obama is doing in terms of continuing to back our Muslim allies. Also wants to take a harder stance against the Russians, which will have a huge impact on the war in/devastation throughout Syria as the US and Russians are backing different sides of the war • Donald’s thoughts: Sees no issue with letting Russia go in and take care of ISIS themselves.

With so many issues facing the presidential election, not everything can be covered properly. However, it is important to have at least a baseline understanding of all matters as every one of them has the potential to escalate quite quickly into the coming years.

For an extended look at ”Lesser-reported issues of the 2016 Presidential election,” visit mihsislander. org.

Washington’s big election: the race for governor a 41 percent approval rat- is education funding. Both ing among Washingtonians. candidates have yet to proThis year’s election for Washington has been pose their plans on how Governor of Washington the second longest run- they are going to fully-fund state is between Demo- ning one-party statehouse all public school teacher cratic nominee Jay Inslee, rule, having a Democratic salaries. One solution to and Republican nominee governor since 1985, only the teacher-funding probBill Bryant. Inslee is run- surpassed by the GOP’s lem is called the McCleary ning for re-election after control of South Dakota decision, and it may cost narrowly winning the roughly $3.5 billion 2012 gubernatorial every two years. Bryrace against Repubant has said he wants lican Rob McKenna. to increase funding Inslee’s past expefor public schools by rience includes serving increasing the tax revas U.S. congressman enue dedicated to eduduring the years 1999cation. Bryant has also 2012. Bill Bryant is hinted towards needrunning for governor ing to overhaul how after being Port of Sethe state funds educaPhoto courtesy Q13 Fox News attle commissioner Jay Inslee (D) and Bil Bryant (R) are running for Governor. tion. Inslee has yet to since 2008. In the Wash- since 1979. Washington’s release a plan. If re-elected ington Primary election state government is split he intends to release the Jay Inslee received 49.30 with the Republicans con- education funding reforms percent of the votes while trolling the Senate and the plan in December; that is Bill Bryant accumulated Democrats controlling the once he obtains the data an 38.33 percent. Although governorship and House of education-funding committhe Primary election might Representatives. In 2014 tee has been collecting. In not indicate it, the election when the Republicans took the third debate, Inslee statshould be close because over the Senate it end- ed fixing education fundthe last three elections have ed a complete democrat- ing could be done through been within 6.5 percent in ic control of government. growth of revenue and getthe popular vote, especially Arguably the biggest is- ting rid of tax exemptions. because Inslee enjoys only sue for the new governor Jonathan James Staff Writer

A BACKSTAGE LOOK

Who will win the 2016 presidential election?

Photo Courtesy of CNN

Visit the mihsislander.org to participate in our mock presidential poll.

On November 8th, check out the results!

1791: Congress decided it was obligated to provide the circulation of information to the American people through the First Amendment.

1750s: Newspapers became more popular as politics started to factor more into the colonists’ daily life.

1870: Political cartoons by Thomas Nast uncovered the scandals and corruptions of William Tweed, a rich American politician. This ensured his loss in the election for the United States House of Representatives.

1920s: The invention of the radio created a way for the media to broadcast easier to American citizens.

1952: The pres debates were br on televisio the first ti

HISTORY OF MED Written by Maya Virdell and Reid Martinez

The evolution of technology has chan we know it. Here is a timeline of

AT POLITICAL MEDIA Comparing Polls:

Polls have become increasingly common due to the upcoming presidential election.

Each poll is conducted differently. One of the most popular non-partisan polling companies, Statistician Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight.com gives ratings for polls based off historical accuracy and statistical bias. Listed below is information on three different polling organizations and their FiveThirtyEight pollster rating.

CNN polls people via landline phones and usually interviews 600-1000 people per poll. They currently have Clinton leading Trump by eight points nationally. CNN tries to be more accurate by sampling likely voters and identifying unlikely voters. FiveThirtyEight rating: A Fox News, like CNN, conducts its polls by calling landline phones. They currently have Clinton leading Trump by seven points. Fox News polls are different than Fox Nation polls. Fox Nation polls tend to be off because they only poll Fox News viewers who tend to be more conservative. FiveThirtyEight rating: A

Rasmussen Polls are used by Breitbart News and are most often cited by Donald Trump. They currently have Trump leading Clinton by two points. According to FiveThirtyEight ratings, Rasmussen has a high Republican bias. This would explain the difference in its poll findings compared to CNN’s. It should also be noted that some members of Donald Trump’s campaign have previously worked for Breitbart. FiveThirtyEight rating: C

Every polling company has accuracy problems, with a margin of error of about five percent. Polls can be helpful for understanding the state of the election, but they are imperfect representations.

sidential roadcasted on for ime.

2000s: The invention of social media allowed people to share their political opinion with ease.

1970s: Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward worked together to uncover the infamous Watergate scandal.

DIA IN POLITICS

nged the world of political media as f the history of media in politics.

2016: The Federal Bureau of Investigation discovered that Hillary Clinton used her private email to communicate classified information.

2016: The Washington Post released a video of Donald Trump making crude remarks about women.

6

OPINIONS

mihsislander.org

Clinton over Trump: a question of qualifications

Grady Short staff writer

Here in America, we’ve grown accustomed to having two experienced contenders for the presidency.

Obama was a senator, Romney a governor; Clinton was a governor, McCain a senator. This year, however, Donald Trump, a man with no political experience whatsoever, has suddenly gained widespread support.

Trump’s supporters consistently point to their candidate’s supposed business acumen as a reason why he would be a good president, claiming that business management skills translate into good governance.

Even ignoring Trump’s six bankruptcies and his million-dollar head start in the real estate world, one must question how well his business experience would help him formulate policy and maintain a presidential comportment.

In business, the stakes are

far lower than in politics. Insulting one’s rivals doesn’t start wars, and there’s no significant motivation to help others. Trump, however, seems to be playing by these exact same rules in his political career -- by insulting his fellow Republicans’ personalities, wives, and physical characteristics, he’s alienated many members of his own party. During the primary he thought of people like John Kasich and Jeb Bush as pure competitors with whom he would never have to work again. As a result, he’s missing their support and doing terribly in the election, trailing Hillary Clinton by an average of seven percentage points as of the writing of this article. A key prerequisite for being a president is the ability to work with others, and Trump has shown no traces of such a quality whatsoever.

Trump’s uncooperative nature isn’t the only big hole

in his resume; in terms of his personal life, he’s a walking disaster. Countless women have claimed that he sexually assaulted them after he was caught on tape bragging to a television host about doing just that. Near the beginning of his career in real estate, he discriminated against African-American tenants, going so far as to write a “C” on their housing paperwork- for “colored.”

In 1980, Trump knowingly hired 200 undocumented Polish workers -- illegal immigrants just like those he rails against now -- to tear down the building that would later be replaced with Trump Tower. He cheated on his first wife, bragged about it, and now somehow enjoys the support of the Christian fundamentalist “family values” constituency.

The common theme throughout Trump’s past is a history of abhorrent and destructive behavior. If all of his racist, sexist, and hypo-

Media in politics: hurtful or helpful? whole story- to convince staff writer people of their opinion. In this election in particular, Even if we don’t realize Twitter has been a huge it, we are heavily influform of communication enced by the media every and exposure. News sites day. According to the San have used this new mediDiego News Center, “the um to their advantage by sum of media [...] delivshowing a tweet without ered to consumers on mocontext, turning the bile devices and to their meaning completely. homes [takes] more than Quotes from speeches 15 hours a day to see or have also fallen victim hear.” With people conto the media’s selective suming so much content reporting. After Hilevery day, what we see lary’s comment about and read has a major efsupporters fect on what we know and Photo courtesy Jane Gormley Trump’s Today, people are increasingly relying on social media for their news. falling into what she believe. courage closed-mindedness, called a “basket of deplorBeing surrounded by so much media can prove to but they are also incredibly ables,” CNN played only be a problem. News outlets biased. To forward their five seconds of the quote, mostly focus on scandals own agendas, news outlets omitting pieces where she and the negative aspects of carefully pick evidence and explained that she was people, almost never show- quotes that they can turn to making a generalization, ing anything positive. Even support their own beliefs and only including some when they do run an up- and convince others of their of Trump’s supporters, not all. lifting story, the characters accuracy.

Moreover, the way the The media uses selective in it are presented as their media follows the election quoting and careful phrasextremes; people are either framed as incredible and and portrays the candidates ing to put words into the awe-inspiring, or horrible is not only inaccurate, but candidates’ mouths. You and treasonous. The me- also unethical. To keep their may not realize it, but the dia’s negativity encourag- audience on their side and news can frame issues in es not only hateful online control what their consum- a way that does not allow comments, but also the dis- ers know, news outlets tell for the development of missal of others’ beliefs. In partial truths -pieces of the well-informed opinions.

Isabel Funk

fact, according to Psychology Professor Art Markman, regular people are posting online comments that are increasingly “extraordinarily aggressive, without solving anything.”

Not only does the media oversimplify issues and en-

critical behavior still seems reasonable, just ask yourself this: What if Hillary Clinton had done the same? What if Hillary Clinton cheated on Bill, remarried twice, discriminated against African- Americans, started businesses which have gone bankrupt four times, sexually assaulted people and bragged about it, insulted veterans and nearly every other group in the country that wasn’t made up of white men, and was endorsed by white supremacists? There’s a very obvious answer: she wouldn’t have a political career.

Which brings us to the worst part of Donald Trump’s rise: the ridiculous double standard to which he’s being held. Somehow, through all the scandals, discriminatory language, and inflammatory remarks, a sizable chunk of the American population still supports him.

Up until this year, the

American public has been spoiled. We’ve nearly always had candidates with the right temperament, the right experience, and at the very least educated opinions and policies. Trump has none of that. So to all those who support Trump, I say: Look at his resume. Look at his past, and see if he’s displayed anything at all which would make him a good president.

On the most basic level, Clinton has the necessary experience and personality to handle the job. She’s served as Secretary of State and as a U.S. Senator. Even though she has problems of her own, she’s the only credible and experienced candidate for the job. If Donald Trump had a traditional job interview for the presidency in which his past was actually examined, he’d flunk it.

Don’t let him get the job.

SNL and the electorate Patricia Pont staff writer

Since 1960, political debates have been televised.

Now, however, in a world of Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram, voters will use this new online medium in many different ways. After Hilary Clinton’s email scandal and rumors of Donald Trump’s numerous affairs, the expectations for Saturday Night Live and the entertainment industry is high.

The first presidential debate was the most watched debate ever, with NRP citing that an estimated 84 million people tuned in to watch Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. SNL and other political satire shows have taken over the election by creating exaggerated representations of the candidates that become even more real than the candidates themselves.

In fact, Reuters published a press release shortly after the presidential election in 2008 saying that “roughly ten percent of all voters polled on election day reported that their vote had been influenced by an SNL

Photo courtesy Towleroad SNL’s Alec Baldwin portraying Trump during a debate.

sketch in one way or another.” It’s amazing to think that satire like SNL has such influence over voters today.

Even Donald Trump has realized the pull that SNL has with voters. Trump, displeased with his portrayal in one of their shows, tweeted: “Watched Saturday Night Live’s hit job on me. Time to retire the boring and unfunny show. Alec Baldwin portrayal stinks. Media rigging election!”

Trump’s annoyance at what he calls SNL’s “hit job” validates the media’s impact on voters and also seems to reflect his defenslessess toward satirical jabs.

One thing is for sure: SNL will play a large role in determining the outcome of this election.

SATIRE

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Reid Martin

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November 4, 2016

7

An internet commenter’s guide to the 2016 presidential election

Today I get my brake as a big time journalist. Years of preaching the truth in the comment section and now I finaly made it big. My face will never be known but my presents online is felt by all. Im here to give you millenials a crash course on the election. You millenials may not know it but you have been brainwashed by liberal madea, and your lucky im here to set you strait. Beeing the humbel man that I am, I will be sharing taeks from other internet friends of mine. WARNING: These election taeks are 100% based off fact and if you don’t like them. Their’s the door?

Lesson #1

Your first comment comes from one of my favrites, White Male. White Male is DEFINTLY not afrade to go there! The subject of race can be a taboo subject to some, but White Male clears everything up by saying if you hate racists, your the real racist. That will give you millenials something to think about.

3

Lesson #

Lesson #2

Wow! Raynaninja spittin the TRUTH to Truther! I bet youre mainstream madea never says anything about this. S/O to Rayaninja for Even siting his sources! Is Hillary Dracula? I bet you tweens only thought vampires were in your movies! WRONG… If this theory holds this means all liberals are #TeamEdward. Are #TeamJacob members prepared to elect this woman? ILL LET YOU DECIDE.

Failed 2016 presidential candidates: Where are they now?

Teddy Fischer staff writer

Amidst the news surrounding Hill-dog and The Donald, many U.S. voters are wondering what happened to this election’s failed presidential candidates.

The politicians seem to have adopted a reclusive lifestyle following their losses, which many assume is due to embarrassment.

A close friend of the Bush family anonymously shared what Jeb Bush has been up to since his dropout from the race.

“He’s been sitting in his study with the lights off ever since he dropped out,” said a source.

“He’s just been watching the news in silence, except thr occasional outburst of ‘low energy Jeb and slow and steady wins the race.’

He just sits there stroking one of his toy turtles.”

After dropping out of the presidential race, Ted Cruz

began working at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp as an interrogations officer.

“He’s been remarkable at his new job,” said a naval base guard. During the election, many of Cruz’s critics noted he possessed an aggravating voice, and Cruz decided to use his talents for good.

“I’m excited to bring my talents here to Cuba,” Cruz said. “ I ’ m j u s t happy to be e m ployed to tell you the truth.”

Cartoon by Teddy Fischer E v e r since beginning what the CIA calls “voice torture,” Cruz has been successfully extracting more information from suspects than ever before.

On the Democratic side, Martin O’Malley has had a tumultuous return to regular life since suspending his presidential campaign, but is now on the mend. “I’ll be the first to admit that

it’s been rough,” O’Malley said. However, after a few weeks in solitude, O’Malley rejoined his seven-member Irish-pub rock band in Baltimore, Md. His band routinely covers songs from Celtic punk bands like the Pogues, Flogging Molly, the Cheiftans, and Dropkick Murphys, and plays originals.

“After leaving the election, I knew I wanted to get back to doing what I loved: playing acoustic guitar and providing vocals,” said O’Malley.

Bernie Sanders has been spotted at Hempfest in Washington state wearing a tie-dye shirt and a Rastafarian beanie. “Yeah dude, I’ve just been chilling out with my people, playing guitar, and drinking lots of kombucha,” said the 75-year-old Sanders. “I mean, it’s been pretty lit.”

Not to be outdone, former Republican candidate Ben Carson was featured in the news for performing a tenhour brain surgery on himself. It is noted that while the procedure was successful, Carson has no recollection of running for office or becoming a brain surgeon, even though he still sings

Are last post comes from John Kenneth. He has asumed triple threat position. Triple threat is wen you connect nazis, communism and social Darwinism to Barack HUSSEIN Obama. It’s quiet a common writing technique in the comment sections. Theyres alot to unpack in this one but its a intresting taek. MIKE DROPP!

Principal Puckett deletes 32,000 emails, avoids five-year detention Jake D’Souza staff writer

Earlier this week, principal Vicki Puckett was found to have deleted 32,000 emails from her private email server.

Against Mercer Island School Board rules, Puckett used a private email address to communicate primarily with the Bellevue and Lake Washington High School administration. The few classified emails were marked with “(c).” Many of the emails outlined plans to give students extra homework and mandatory school study days on weekends. Numerous non-classified messages between Puckett and the Lake Washington High School administration also showed them smacktalking Bellevue for recruiting football players and fudging grades for star athletes.

The private server also contained emails between a supposed Nigerian prince, who claimed he would keep Associate Principal Mark Jergens-Zmuda sequestered

in Nigeria until Puckett paid a $5000 ransom fee. Subsequent emails revealed that just as Puckett was about to send the money, Zmuda rushed into her office and explained that he had been gone the last few days with a bad head cold.

Puckett was investigated by the School Board, and could have been sentenced to five years and one semester of detention as punishment for the creation and usage of a private email server.

However, the board decided that Puckett did not have any bad intentions in creating and deleting the server.

Therefore, she will not face any punishment other than a strong rebuke.

Some parents believe Puckett is unfit for her job.

“She cannot follow the rules,” said Mercer Island parent Julie Thompson.

However, most Mercer Island families are remaining faithful to Puckett and trust her ability to be a principal.

According to insiders, Puckett is keeping her head high and plans to continue leading the students of MIHS for the next five years and one semester.

Who is your candidate?

Compiled by: Ellie Gottesman and Isabel Funk

Start

You are typically more...

Liberal

We should take in ________ refugees.

Conservative

More

Fewer

Should the U.S. build a wall?

Gun control should be drastically increased.

Yes

No

True

What is your stance on abortion?

Pro-Choice

Should the U.S. have a smaller government?

No

Pro-Life

Vote Hillary!

9100 SE 42ND STREET MERCER ISLAND, WA 98040 MIHSISLANDER@GMAIL.COM WWW.MIHSISLANDER.ORG Editor-in-Chief: Jane Gormley Front Editor: Georgia Mattox Features Editor: Hanna Puetz Sports Editor: Nathan Benson Spread Editor: Christine Lee Opinions Editor: Jane Gormley Campus Life Editor: Zoe Levin Back Page Editors: Isabel Funk and Ellie Gottesman Online Editors: Hanna Nóren and Georgia Mattox

Staff Writers: Jake D’Souza, Teddy Fischer, Isabel Funk, Ellie Gottesman, Emma Gottlieb, Jonathan James, Reid Martinez, Liam Mcleod, Patricia Pont, Sophie Poole, Lucille Shield, Grady Short, Maya Virdell Adviser: Chris Twombley

Yes

Vote Trump!

“We are not a country that cowers behind walls. We lead with purpose and we prevail.”

ISLANDER

False

“With out passion you don’t have energy, without energy you have nothing.”

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Nondiscrimination Notification The Mercer Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

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following people have been designated to haninquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) Coordinator: Dr. Gary Plano, Superintendent (206) 236-3300 gary.plano@mercerislandschools.org Title IX Compliance Coordinator: Dean Mack, CFO/COO, (206) 236-4522 dean.mack@mercerislandschools.org Section 504 & ADA Coordinator: Lindsay Myatich, Director, (206) 236-3326 lindsay.myatich@mercerislandschools.org Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Simmi Kher, Coordinator, (206) 236-3300 simmi.kher@mercerislandschools.org