Oct. 23, 2020 by The Wichitan and Wai Kun

Oct. 23, 2020 | thewichitan.com |Real Students. Real Stories. | Vol. 85 No. 5

MEDIA: Pg 9

“Trial of the Chicago 7” is rousing and inspiring.

DEBATE RECAP: Pg 6-7 COLUMN: Pg 2

Last night concluded the presidential debates. So just in case you missed them, here’s a recap of all the major points made by both candidates.

Breaking up the U.S. is the best way to save it.

POLITICS ON CAMPUS: Pg 12

SATIRE: Pg 8

US SENATE RACE FOR TX: Pg 10

Students speak on the campus’ political climate.

This year’s MSU animal debates were intense.

Five candidates vie for U.S. Senate in Texas.

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@TheWichitan

Our view: Don’t sacrifice friendship for one election

s MSU Texas students, along with the rest of the country, submit their votes for one of the most divisive elections in modern history, it’s important to remember what really matters. Regardless of whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump is the president for the next four years, the fact remains that they will most likely only serve the position for one term. The friendships you make in college, however, can last a lifetime. Don’t throw away what could potentially be a very strong relationship simply because the other person didn’t check next to the same name. While the Commander-in-chief is a very important position, most historians agree that the majority of Americans think the president has more power than they actually do. Conversely, most sociologists and psychologists agree that a social life is vital to an individual’s wellbeing. Everywhere one looks during this election season, there is hate on both sides of the political spectrum. Voting for Trump doesn’t make someone a fascist racist just as much as voting for Biden doesn’t make another an America-hating communist. In a world where social media seemingly dictates an individual’s every move, it can be hard to remember this world is not only black and white. When this disastrous whirlwind of an election is over, it’s important to remember that lives will return to normal, or at least what counts as normal in 2020. When that normalcy returns, we’re all going to need a friend by our side.

CAMPUS VOICES

THE BEST WAY TO SAVE AMERICA MAY BE TO BREAK IT UP

t doesn’t take more servative states in the bible belt should be able Canada and South Korea respectively. than a quick peek at to stop liberal countries from adopting liberal For those worried that potentially dangerthe news to realize or socialist policies. ous countries like Russia and the People’s Rethat the United States of With the divide between the nation’s left public of China would run rampant in a United America is not thriving. and right becoming more polarized and vio- States-less world, I’d ask: what is the US doing The nation is the most lent by the day, separating the US into ideo- to stop them now? The US hasn’t stopped RusAmos polarized it has been logically similar countries would force the sia from illegally annexing Crimea and medPerkins since the Civil War and re- like-minded parties in these new nations to dling in former U.S.S.R. Republics affairs, and spect for the country is declining worldwide. split into many separate parties with small it hasn’t stopped China from its cultural genoInstead of playing out the nation’s twilight differences instead of the two extremes par- cide of the Uyghur Muslims and its oppresyears, inevitably ending in violent destruction, ties we have today. sion of Hong Kong. An American Union, while the world’s last superpower should perhaps not as influential, work toward arguable and peaceful would still be able to promote dissolution into many, smaller soverthe shared democratic values eign countries. of the former states. The United States is huge. How This dissolution would huge, you ask? So large that the connot be the one proposed by tiguous United States could fit 30 difpast politicians that splits the ferent European countries inside it. nation into fifty countries, With a population of 328.2 million, the leaving smaller states like States is more than twice as populated Montana and Rhode Island as all members of the Commonwealth vulnerable, but instead one realm (which includes Australia, Canwhere multiple states from ada, UK, Jamaica and twelve other sovfederations with bigger states ereign nations). The only states that that share similar values and compare to the US in size and populaneeds. Individual counties tion are Russia and China, neither of that don’t share the same dewhich has nearly as many freedoms mographics or values as their GRAPHIC BY AMOS PERKINS | THE WICHITAN and liberties as the US. home state could hold referA map of some of the countries that might come out of the That sounds like a boast, right? endums to join neighboring dissolution of the U.S. Wrong. With all that size and all those states that better represent people come drastically different viewpoints, Despite a shared language and background, them. ideologies, needs, concerns and values. While Texas is as dissimilar to California as AustraAs a patriotic person who tears up when he states are largely autonomous, the role of the lia is to England. The same could be said for hears the Star Spangled Banner and watches central government in state politics is increas- several United States states and regions. The Independence Day every 4th of July, it’s sad ing every year. It makes very little sense that most pressing concern over a dissolution is for me to think of the USA ending in my lifepeople who live, in some cases, thousands of the economy, but in my opinion, the economy time. However, it’s even sadder to see it in miles from each other should have a say in the of all subsequent countries should continue its current state: a polarized state ran by the politics of each other. For example, there’s no to thrive with a free trade agreement under straying further from the democratic values of reason northern states should have a say in a European Union-style American Union. The freedom it touts while being governed by agthe immigration policies of states that border Gross Domestic Products of California, Texas ing hypocritical leaders who don’t represent Mexico just as there is no reason deeply con- and New York state are similar to the U.K., the people they were elected by.

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Bridget Reilly MANAGER EDITOR: Amos Perkins Vol. 85 | No. 5 Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline

DESIGNER: Omar Combie NEWS EDITOR: Stephanie Robledo

ISSUE STAFF: Sandra Cruz, Dallas Wabbington, Khirstia Sheffield,

Christian Evans, Emily Beaman, Elizabeth Mahan, Alexis Porta

ADVISOR: Jonathon Quam

Copyright ©2020. First copy free. Additional copies $1.00 each. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.

THE VOTING 411 By Amos Perkins | Managing Editor

WHERE TO VOTE

MAIL-IN VOTING

Texas has strict rules on mail-in voting. In order to vote via absentee ballot, you must be either 65 years or older, cite a disability or illness, out of the country or confined in jail but otherwise eligible to vote. Absentee ballot applications had to be submitted before early voting began Oct. 13. If you’ve already received your absentee ballot, they must be submitted by Oct. 23.

Registered and eligible voters may vote at any voting location in their county during the early voting period. On Nov. 3 however, voters must vote at the location indicated by the precinct number on their Voter Registration Certificate. You can find your poll location at votetexas.gov.

WHEN TO VOTE

YOU DON’T HAVE AN ID

If you lack the necessary ID and are unable to acquire the necessary forms by the time you vote due to a reasonable impediment, you will need to sign a sworn document stating why you don’t have that form of ID. Along with the statement, you will be required to present your certified birth certificate, valid voter registration certificate, a current utility bill, government check, bank statement, paycheck or government document with your name and an address.

Early voting in Texas began Oct. 13 and extends through Oct. 30. Times can vary based on location, so voters are advised to check their precinct’s specific voting times prior to the day they plan to vote. Election day is Tues., Nov. 3, and voting will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at polls statewide.

ID NEEDED The state of Texas requires a form of photoID in order to vote. Forms of Identification include Texas driver’s license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas election ID certificate, Texas personal ID card, Texas handgun license, US military ID with photo, US citizenship certificate (with a photograph) or a US passport. For voters under the age of 70, all forms of ID, with the exception of the citizenship certificate, must be current or only expired in the last four years.

WHAT NOT TO DO Texas anti-electioneering laws prohibit: 1) The wearing of insignia, clothing or apparel that endorses a particular candidate or party within 100 feet of the polling place 2) The collecting of signatures for a petition inside 100 feet of the polling place. 3) The use of electronic devices, including cellphones and laptops.

IF YOU SHOW UP TO THE POLLS WITHOUT AN ID If you go to the polls without a form of required ID and without a reasonable impediment to acquiring one, you may still cast a provisional ballot. If you wish for your provisional vote to be counted, you must visit the voter registrar’s office within six days of the election and present your approved ID, submit a temporary affidavit or qualify for the disability exemption.

CAMPAIGN BIOS: DONALD TRUMP BIRTHDATE: JUNE 14, 1946 BIRTHPLACE: QUEENS, NEW YORK Education: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ECONOMICS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (1968) FAITH: PRESBYTERIAN

ELIZABETH MAHAN REPORTER onald Trump publicly declared his interest in American politics in 1988, although he did not actually have a presidential campaign until 2016. Trump has raised and spent over $1 billion on his reelection campaign since he took office in 2017. During his presidency, Trump has brokered a peace deal to normalize relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, made efforts to overturn Obama Care, banned certain vaping products and gave the Pentagon orders to create a new branch of the military called the Space Force.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHEALAH CRAIGHEAD

President Donald Trump delivers remarks on Protecting America’s Seniors at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater in Fort Myers, Fla. Oct. 16, 2020. ON HEALTH CARE: Trump seeks to repeal Obama Care, although he has created no clear health care plan that fulfills his goal of minimizing government involvement in health insurance while still managing to not take away the coverage that people were provided under the Afford-

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIA DUFOUR

President Donald Trump sits in his conference room at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Oct. 4. able Care Act. Trump values cutting the cost of medicines, allowing Americans to buy health insurance across state lines and making insurance coverage accessible for citizens with preexisting conditions. The first sitting president to attend the March For Life and deliver a speech, Trump is pro-life. In a campaign letter sent Sept. 3, Trump wrote if he is reelected, he will “‘fully defund’ health care providers that perform abortions, including Planned Parenthood,” according to USA Today. ON COVID-19: In September, the Trump administration rolled out a plan that detailed how COVID-19 vaccines would be distributed to the public immediately after being created and approved. This plan involves delivering 6.6 million kits filled with syringes and alcohol pads. His goal is for vaccines to have no upfront or out-of-pocket cost for providers or Americans receiving the shot. Trump was an advocate for gradually reopening the economy in May, and he discussed new coronavirus relief plans at the beginning of October with Speaker Nancy Pelosi but ultimately stopped the negotiation. ON EDUCATION: This Summer, Trump urged public schools and universities to reopen for on-site education because, as he wrote in a tweet, online learning is terrible in comparison to in-person learning. Trump disapproves of the Common Core; he instead thinks the nation should do-away with standardized learning and focus on letting parents and teachers have a say in the education in children’s education. On Aug. 7, Trump said he was contemplating taking actions that would “defer student loan payments and forgive interest until further notice.” ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM: An advocate of the death penalty, Trump signed the First Step Act, which released thousands of people from prison by shortening

some required sentence periods and increasing compassionate releases. The First Step Act also improved the conditions for incarcerated pregnant women. In response to the death of George Floyd, Trump made an executive order that emphasized deescalation strategies and professionalism among law enforcement officers. Trump said, “We’re not defunding police. If anything we’re going the other route. We’re going to make sure our police are well trained, perfectly trained, they have the best equipment.” ON THE ECONOMY: Trump’s economic growth policies have created 6 million new jobs. Before the global pandemic, the unemployment rate was lower than it had been in 50 years. He also ordered the 2017 tax cut, although it increased the national debt. ON IMMIGRATION: To prevent illegal immigration, Trump’s administration built a wall on the U.S-Mexico border. He has a “zero tolerance” policy for illegal immigration, which prosecutes any adult who illegally crosses the border, separating many families who cross the border together.

FUN FACTS 1. Attended New York Military Academy at the age of 13 2. Says he typically gets four hours of sleep 3. Hated shaking hands and pressing elevator buttons in fear of transferring germs, even before the beginning of the pandemic 4. Appeared in multiple movies and TV shows including: The Apprentice, Home Alone 2: Lost In New York, The Little Rascals, Two Weeks Notice and Across the Sea of Time 5. Prefers his steak to be very well done and to eat his pizza with a fork

ON THE ENVIRONMENT: In 2017, Trump deemed climate change no longer a threat to national security. In March, Trump retracted several policies that Obama created to help the environment, because he said they were too costly. He replaced Obama’s Clean Power Plan with the Affordable Clean Energy Rule. While making this switch, he suggested modifications for the Endangered Species Act that would diminish legal protections for endangered animals.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIA DUFOUR

President Donald Trump talks with reporters outside the White House, Oct. 21.

Oct. 23, 2020 Campus Voices | Voting 411 | National Politics | Satire | Media | Texas Politics | Campus Politics ON HEALTH CARE: Biden wants to build on the Affordable Care Act rather than create a new plan. He is interested in “giving Americans more choice, reducing health care costs, and making our health care system less complex to navigate,” as stated on his campaign website. Biden hopes to end the opioid crisis by ensuring Americans have access to all types of health care, including mental health services and substance use disorder treatment. The safety of nursing homes and long-term care facilities is also a priority of Biden’s. A pro-choice candidate, Biden considers abortion a “constitutional right,” and plans to remove the requirements for parental notification, waiting periods and ultrasounds.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GAGE SKIDMORE

Former Vice President of the United States Joe Biden speaking with attendees at the Iowa Democratic Wing Ding at Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, Aug. 8 ELIZABETH MAHAN REPORTER oe Biden ran for president for the first time in 1987 and didn’t run again until 2008, when he dropped out after ranking fifth in the Iowa caucus and was later selected to be Barack Obama’s running mate. Delaware’s longest serving senator, Biden’s interests and actions in politics include co-sponsoring the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, openly supporting the LGBTQ+ community, organizing and implementing the Recovery and Reinvestment Act and opposing the manufacturing and selling of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Biden raised $364.5 million for his campaign in August and $383 million in September.

ON COVID-19: Biden and Kamala Harris have a sevenpoint plan for working to beat the coronavirus. These steps consist of: adjusting the current system for testing and tracking by adding more drive-through testing centers, utilizing the the Defense Production Act to increase the production of masks and other personal protective equipment, clearly conveying the evidence-based national guidelines, dispersing vaccines and treatments equally to each American population, protecting those at high risk as well as older Americans, restoring the US’ relationship with The World Health Organization and implementing mask mandates for any time Americans are near people outside of their household. ON EDUCATION: Biden may request more funding for schools in order to follow his five-step roadmap for reopening in-person education. He focuses on incorporating more diversity in the classroom and narrowing the gap in funding between white and non-white districts. For higher education, Biden laid out a $750 billion plan cen-

life for a family of their own. He also wants to improve racial economic inequality.

FUN FACTS 1. Attended Archmere Academy, a Catholic prep school, where he played football. As a wide receiver and halfback, he caught 19 touchdown passes 2. Favorite food: angel hair pomodoro pasta 3. While he was still in law school, he bought his first wife a puppy and named it Senator 4. Calls himself “Middle-Class Joe” 5. Once got probation at University of Delaware when he sprayed his dorm director with a fire extinguisher as a prank

tered around allowing two years of tuition-free community college, which would bring down the tuition for a four year degree by half of the price. This plan would also give funds to historically Black colleges and minority-serving universities.

ON IMMIGRATION: He plans to revoke the national emergency title and overturn the effects of Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy that separates families at the border. He says immigrants should be provided with a “roadmap to citizenship, “and resources for immigrants that live in the United State should be expanded. ON THE ENVIRONMENT: Biden’s $1.7 trillion Clean Energy Plan involves investing in energy efficient buildings and striving for net-zero emissions. He hopes his plan will not only benefit the planet but also the American people, by creating numerous jobs. Biden would also rejoin the Paris Climate accords.

ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM: Despite his previous statements in support of the death penalty, Biden now wants to collaborate with congress to terminate the death penalty and also remove mandatory minimum sentences. He believes all incarcerated people should be able to obtain a GED, and he supports giving Pell Grants to prisoners and former prisoners. Biden also wants to, “address systemic misconduct in police departments and prosecutors’ offices,” according to his campaign website. He does not support defunding the police, but he does call for more diversity in law enforcement officers and increased funding for body cameras for officers. PHOTO COURTESY OF GAGE SKIDMORE

ON THE ECONOMY: Biden wants to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour and get rid of the tipped minimum wage and sub-minimum wage for people with disabilities, which could allow people with disabilities to be able to provide a middle class

Former Vice President of the United States Joe Biden speaking with supporters at a community event at the Best Western Regency Inn in Marshalltown, Iowa, July 4.

CAMPAIGN BIOS: JOE BIDEN

BIRTHDATE: NOV. 20, 1942 BIRTHPLACE: SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE REVIEW UNIV. OF DELAWARE ON FLICKR.COM

Democratic nominee Joe Biden speaks at the University of Delaware.

EDUCATION: BACHELOR OF ARTS IN HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE (1965). JURIS DOCTORATE FROM SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL (1968). FAITH: ROMAN CATHOLIC

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KN TRUMP’S TOWN HALL

Oct. 15, 2020, President Trump participated in a town hall hosted by NBC News and moderated by Savannah Guthrie.

RESPONSE TO RADICALS

Turning to cover gray areas from the previous debate, Guthrie brought up Trump’s refusal to denounce white supremacy. According to Trump, he’s been denouncing it for years and also denounces Antifa and “the violent, vicious radical left that kill people and are burning down cities”.

UPCOMING ELECTION

On the topic of a peaceful transfer of power in the case that Biden wins, Trump said he wants a “clean” and “honest election” but cannot ignore the ballots being dumped and thrown away that have his name on it. While Guthrie disputed this idea, saying that Trump’s FBI director has said there is no widespread fraud, Trump continued to say he was “not happy” about the “fraudulent and corrupt ballots.”

PHOTO BY JIM WATSON

COVID-19 RESPONSE

The first question from the crowd asked

US President Donald Trump (L) and Democratic Presidential candidate and former Trump why he only placed a travel ban on ChiUS Vice President Joe Biden exchange arguments during the first presidential debate na if he knew how dangerous the disease was. Trump said he was the only one in his adat the Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio on ministration who wanted to implement the Sept. 29.

FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE Sept. 29, was the first presidential debate of the year between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. The debate was moderated by Fox News’s Chris Wallace, who chose the six main topics of the debate.

SUPREME COURT

For the first topic of the night, the issue of filling Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat on the Supreme Court arose. President Trump stood by the fact that he has the right to push for his nominee, Amy Coney Barett, to be confirmed. He believes her to be one of the most qualified people for the job and hopes her hearing doesn’t go like Brett Kavanaugh’s. He also said that in a reverse situation, the Democrats would be doing the same thing he was. Biden argued for the seat to remain empty until the results of the presidential election are determined. He said this way, the American people would have more of a say in who is appointed. He also expressed concern for issues that may be brought before the court right before the election in an attempt to push

travel ban. He was told by Dr. Fauci that he “saved thousands of lives” by doing this. He said he knew it was a big threat in January but didn’t want to panic the American people. “There isn’t a middle ground,” he said after Guthrie asked why he had to choose between creating panic or misleading the public.

EMERGENCY RELIEF

President Trump was asked why he hasn’t used his office to make the second stimulus payment an emergency relief package. Trump said that Nancy Pelosi is the reason he can’t get any of it through. “She couldn’t care less about our workers or our people,” he said. Trump said he and Pelosi are in the middle of negotiations to have a “big and bold” bill pass. Next, came a question asking how Trump’s lower corporate tax rates are helpful. The President explained that his lower tax rate has brought more companies into the nation, leading to more jobs being created than ever before.

SUPREME COURT POSITION

An audience member asked if it’s hypocritical of the senate to push Trump’s nominee for SCOTUS when they were against Obama’s nominee four years ago. He said that he’s done what every other president has done when a seat in the Supreme Court opens and that it’s within his rights as President to fill the seat.

a Republican agenda.

COVID-19

President Trump continued to push his stance that China is completely at fault for the spread of the virus. He believes his administration has done a “phenomenal job” since the outbreak and said that a vaccine is highly likely to be released by the end of the year. Biden attacked Trump’s administration for a lack of proper response to the virus because Trump “knew how serious it could become and still didn’t implement proper precautions.” He stressed the misinformation Trump has spread regarding the virus and urges Americans to stay safe.

ECONOMY

Trump continued to express his pride in the strength of the American economy, before the pandemic, and it’s recovery growth. Biden said that Obama inherited a recession, and they handed Trump a booming economy, “but he blew it.” Biden believes his economic plan would create more jobs than Trump’s has. He says he would eliminate some of the corporate tax reduction.

PHOTO BY BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI

President Donald Trump and moderator Savannah Guthrie during Trump’s town hall event at the Perez Art Museum in Miami, Oct. 15.

NOW FROM THE 2020 DEBATES FINAL DEBATE

On October 23, 2020, Donald Trump and Joe Biden took to the debate stage for the last time before Election Day. Here are some of the candidate’s statements and views from the night.

FOREIGN ISSUES

Trump defended his bank account in China by saying he closed it before he ran for president in 2016, and then attacked Biden and his family for taking money from Russia. Considering North Korea, he boasted about the “very good relationship” he has with Kim Jong Un and promises to keep that relationship steady. Biden explained his plan to “reign in” China by having more intense summits to discuss measures that need to be taken by both sides. He claimed to never have taken money from Russia and asked Trump about his secret Chinese bank account.

PHOTO BY JIM WATSON

AMERICAN FAMILIES

Trump spoke about his healthcare plan to

Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden and moderator George Stephanopoulos get rid of Obamacare but did not explain how participate in an ABC News town hall event at the National Constitution Center in he plans to implement it in a second term. He says he wishes he could be passing more legPhiladelphia on Oct. 15.

BIDEN’S TOWN HALL Joe Biden participated in his own town hall on Oct. 15. Biden’s was hosted by ABC and moderated by George Stephanopoulos.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Biden attacked the Trump administration’s response to the pandemic, saying that it’s a president’s responsibility to lead, and Trump had his worries on the stock market rather than American safety. He said he would take measures to contain the pandemic while not ruining the economy by giving guidance and money to schools and businesses to take preventative measures. On a potential vaccine, Biden said he would take it and encourage the public to as well. Requiring the vaccine under his administration would depend on the nature and distribution of it, but Biden said it’s impossible to enforce it. He urged the crowd and watchers to wear their masks.

ECONOMY

Biden said he wants to eliminate the top 1/10 of the 1% from getting most of the tax cuts and said he won’t tax anybody making under $400,000/year. He said that investing this tax money in certain areas, like infrastructure, would allow employment, GDP, and other areas of the economy to flourish.

SUPREME COURT POSITION

Biden attacked Amy Coney Barett for not responding to questions or having a judicial philosophy in her hearings. He said there are many protections at risk. On packing the court, he said he would release an answer by election day.

TRUMP’S FOREIGN POLICY

Biden said only “a little” credit should be given to the Trump administration While Trump has done some good, Biden said it’s more important to see the United States is no longer trusted in the world. He said this is due to Trump embracing oil and dictators and leaving agreements with our allies.

islation but said Nancy Pelosi “doesn’t want me to approve anything”. He included that he would consider raising the minimum wage but allowing it to be optional on a state to state basis. Biden plans on implementing a healthcare plan like Obamacare but with a public option. He said, “healthcare isn’t a privilege, it’s a right” and doesn’t believe Trump’s plan can give the American people an affordable option. He strongly promoted a minimum wage increase to help support those making a living on those jobs.

RACE IN AMERICA

Trump began by attacking Biden for the bill he tried to pass through Congress in 1994. Then, he moved on to say that “nobody has done what [he’s] done” while in office for the black community and other minorities. Biden said he acknowledged he would never have to teach his daughter what black parents have to teach their children, and attacked Trump for being the first president to “stop moving towards inclusion”. He admitted his past stances on crime bills were a mistake and advocated to focus on rehabilitation for prisoners.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Trump claimed that the environment under his administration has been the cleanest in history. He says Biden’s plan would cost 100 trillion dollars and would be an economic disaster. Biden said climate change is the next existential threat. He claims his plan would not cost as much as Trump says, although he did not provide an alternative figure. Biden would also rejoin the Paris Accord and focus on moving towards net zero emissions by 2035.

LEADERSHIP

Trump said our country’s success will bring us together. He said he plans on creating a bigger job market, expanding the economy and bringing America to success. Biden wants to move forward and fix missed opportunities over the last three years to grow the economy, fix racism, and provide clean energy. “What’s on the ballot is the character of the country,” he said. “I’ll make sure you get [good character] because you haven’t been the last four years.”

IF HE LOSES

Biden said if he lost he’d go back to being a professor and “focus on what constitutes decency and honor”. He wants to promote togetherness, he said, unlike how Trump wants America to “divide and conquer.” If elected, he promised to be president for not just those who voted for, but against him as well, and will strive to “heal this nation.”

COVID-19 TESTS

Biden claims he gets tested every day for COVID-19. He’s less concerned with himself and more concerned with the cameramen or secret service. He looks forward to the next debate and is confident that it will be safe.

PHOTO BY CHIP JIM BOURG-POOL

Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden arrive onstage for the final presidential debate at Belmont University on Oct. 22, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. election.

Coverage of the MSU animal debates mans at all costs and wear teeny tiny masks to prevent spreading the virus anymore. It may be an inconvenience now, but it will mean more food for all of us in the long run,” Bite’em said, before quickly adding, “Except the Squirrel Party members of course; we don’t have to since we have more acorn than everybody else.” As debates in America tend to do, the argument quickly become a slew of insults against each candidates personal character. Grump began the jabs by directly accusing his opponent of being too distracted and senile to be president. “This is preposterous- tree! I have never - acorn!- gotten distracted -grass!- in my life- dog!” Bite’em declared, before pausing GRAPHIC BY OMAR COMBIE | THE WICHITAN and adding, “Wait, what was I Flippers Grump, incumbent president and Squeakers Bite’em, Squirrel Party leader, face saying?” off in final debate on Friday, Oct. 24. On the opposite end of the ikes Lake on Monday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. Grump has been criticized for his repatch of grass where the debate saw a fierce presidential debate that sponse to the COVID-19 virus, or the “hu- was held, Grump faced accusations of befeatured squawking, constant inter- man virus” as Grump calls it. While the ing speciesest, with Bite’em pointing out his ruption and absolute chaos between two pandemic hasn’t resulted in any casualties plans to build a big fence around the camfigures deemed by political experts to be for the university animals, fewer gatherings pus to keep the other animals out. “unfit to run a country.” Surprisingly, this of humans has meant fewer easy meals for “I am not a speciesest; in fact, I’m the debate wasn’t between President Trump and the animals. Some say the Grump adminisleast speciesest person I know. Ask anyone!” Joe Biden. The aforementioned debate is of tration’s policy of attacking any human that Grump said. “I just don’t trust humans, repdoes attempt to feed them has only worscourse referring to the highly anticipated tiles, amphibians, most animals with fur 2020 MSU Texas animal presidential debate, ened this problem. “I know a lot about humans, way more and the vast majority of birds that aren’t one of three debates to decide who rules than my opponent here, and I know that geese.” over the fauna at Midwestern State. humans secretly love being attacked by us. Despite being the only two candidates inIncumbent president and former director of the attacks on humans department Besides we’ve always done it this way, and if vited to the big debate, Grump and Bite’em for the Goose Party, Flippers Grump, took on we’ve always done it this way, it must be the are not the only two animals vying for head longtime Squirrel Party member, Squeakers right way,” Grump said. “The human plague of animal kingdom. William B. Gills, of the Bite’em in what was described by debate was purposely spread by humans to make independent Piscatory Party, and Quack Mcsure we have less food, so we must bite them analysts as “complete and utter nonsense.” Flippers of the Duck Anarchy Party staged any chance we get.” Bite’em offered their own debate on the other side of the a very different re- lake, moderated by a nonpartisan amphibsponse, airing on ian moderator who will remain nameless. Gills planned to speak on human litterthe side of caution, while addressing ing but choked on a facemask and was carthe controversial ried underwater to the nearest fish hospital, actions of fellow where his condition remains shaky. McFlipparty member pers ranted for thirty minutes about everyDandy Squirellosi, thing they hated before being asked by the who was spotted moderator what it was they stood for. Mcstealing fries from Flippers responded to the question by imhumans outside a McDonalds with- mediately eating the moderator. “Both debates were hectic, and yet they out a mask. GRAPHIC BY OMAR COMBIE | THE WICHITAN somehow managed to both be more civil “We need to get Goose Party logo (left) and Squirrel Party logo (right). Oct. all our fellow ani- than the human debates,” Jenny Waddles, 23) mals to avoid hu- esteemed goose political commentator, said.

COMIC BY DALLAS WABBINGTON

‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Protest scene in “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (2020).

ou can’t make up a story like this. Eight defendants, a caricature of a judge and the Federal Government square off in Netflix’s new drama “The Trial of the Chicago 7” which covers the Brian Lang trial of the Chicago riots in 1968. Writer/Director Aaron Sorkin helms the project and his trademark snappy dialogue and rousing storytelling elevate a courtroom drama to a spectacle. The “Chicago 7” takes place in the months after riots at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. Protestors from groups such as the Youth International Party (a.k.a. the “Yippies”), Students for a Democratic Society and even the Black Panthers converge on Grant Park in Chicago. After peaceful protests devolve into

unrest, eight protest leaders are taken into custody and tried as they question whether their trial is meant to be a bona fide criminal case or merely to set a precedent. It’s hard to beat a cast like this one with big names like Mark Rylance as the defense attorney and Eddie Redmayne as one of the leaders of the defense. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II turns in a notable performance as Black Panther leader Bobby Seale who is beaten and shackled in court for protesting his lack of a lawyer. Frank Langlett’s biased Judge Hoffman is easy to hate and was my favorite performance. The bulk of the “Chicago 7” is told in the courtroom or in the house that the defense is headquartered in, with handy flashbacks to the riots that flesh out the story. I appreciate the fact that the film lays out the context of the Vietnam War and the back-to-back assassina-

tions of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy before introducing the story itself. For a story that is 50 years old, the writing still manages to deliver plot twists and build tension. The dialogue is this movie’s strongest asset and is best shown off while the defense strategizes and philosophizes about what they stand for and their reasons for protesting. The movie tiptoes into the realm of cheesiness at times, but for the most part, it straddles the line of being passionate and rousing without feeling silly. Of course, you can’t discuss this film without at least mentioning the elephant in the courtroom, that is, the riots themselves. “The Trial of the Chicago 7” doesn’t shy away from showing the violence of the riots between the police and protestors which bear an eerie resemblance to the footage and anecdotes that emerged from

the nationwide riots earlier this summer. It felt almost a little discouraging to remember that riots and unrest have been going on for decades and the film silently prompts the viewer to take stock of the progress that has been made and the work that is still left unfinished. While “The Trial of the Chicago 7” might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I’m excited that it’s available to most people on Netflix. In a year when good movies are rare, “The Trial of the Chicago 7” feels important and sticks with you even after you’ve scrolled over to find something else to watch.

Brian’s Film Rating: 4/5

TEXAS SENATE CANDIDATES STEPHANIE ROBLEDO NEWS EDITOR n November 3rd, Texans will not only be voting for the next president of the United States but also for the next Texas representative for the U.S. Senate. This year’s candidates are incumbent John Cornyn, M.J. Hegar, David B. Collins and Kerry McKennon. Also running is Independent write-in candidate Ricardo Turullols-Bonilla, however, The Wichitan found little information about his campaign and policies.

John Cornyn (R)

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN CORNYN.

Senator John Cornyn speaks in the U.S. Senate.

- John Cornyn is a member of the U.S. Senate representing Texas since 2002 and is running for reelection for the Republican Party. - In the past, he has served as a Bexar County district court judge, on the Texas Supreme Court and Texas Attorney General. - Cornyn is against Obamacare, instead he supports a plan that covers those with preexisting conditions, lowers the cost of prescription drugs, lowers the cost on seniors for medicare and allows cross-state insurance to increase competition.

David B. Collins (G)

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David Collins.

- David B. Collins is running for election to the U.S. Senate representing Texas for the Green Party. In the past, he has been a Green Party nominee for the U.S. Senate and County Judge for Harris County. - Collins advocates for improved medicare for all. - Collins support subsidizing the creation of urban farms, food webs and the immediate prohibition on new fossilfuel infrastructures, such as pipelines and refineries. - Collins is for a transition from a fossil-fuel economy to a renewable-

- Cornyn supports environmental policies that ensure economic success while protecting public health but is opposed to federal agencies expanding their regulatory reach beyond their legal authority. - Cornyn’s goals in economic policies are to create an environment that encourages economic production, job growth and an increase in wages, and to achieve this is to reduce taxation for Americans and businesses that have hindered their economic growth. - Cornyn was born in Houston on February 2, 1952.

energy economy. He is also an advocate for the Ecosocialist Green New Deal which encompasses the Economic Bill of Rights and a Green Economy Reconstruction Program. - Collins was born in Oklahoma on November 13, 1962.

Mary J. Hegar (D)

PHOTO COURTESY MJFORTEXAS.COM

Mary J. Hegar votes early in the presidental election.

- Mary Jennings Hegar also known as M.J. Hegar is running for election to the U.S. Senate representing Texas for the Democratic Party. In the past, she was a commissioned officer in the Air Force, served three tours in Afghanistan as a combat search and rescue and medevac pilot and was a Democratic candidate for the Texas 31st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. - Hegar believes that healthcare similar to the military provided Tricare should be avail-

Kerry McKennon (L) - Kerry McKennon is running for election to the U.S. Senate, representing Texas for the Libertarian Party. In the past, he has served in the U.S. Navy and worked in sales. - McKennon believes that the solution to the planet’s environmental issues and pollution is based on private enterprises. - McKennon advocates for the end of the opiPHOTO COUTRESY OF FACEBOOK.COM/KERRYDOUGLASMCKENNON oid crisis by legalizing cannabis and other Kerry McKennon. non-pharmaceutical substances. His goal includes releasing indi-

able to all Americans. She advocates for lowercost prescription drugs and is opposed to privatization, destroying medicare, raising the eligibility age for Medicare and discrimination against those with preexisting conditions. She is for setting goals for the increase of clean, renewable energy and investing in clean energy manufacturing and sustainable transportation. - Hegar is opposed to any legislation that benefits corporations and the extremely wealthy while at the same time hurting working families. - Hegar was born in Connecticut on March 16, 1976.

viduals imprisoned for drug offenses. - McKennon is for improving immigration reform because he believes that immigrants are not here to take over but to follow the American dream and the nation would not be the same without them. - McKennon is 51 years old.

THE FIGHT FOR 13TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

BRIDGET REILLY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ac Thornberry, the member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing the 13th Congressional District of Texas, will not be running for reelection, leaving the seat up for grabs to candidates Ronny L. Jackson, Gus Trujillo and Jack Westbrook. The district is located in the northern part of the state and stretches from Gainesville to the top of the panhandle. Included in this District is Wichita County, comprised of the cities of Burkburnett, Cashion Community, Electra, Iowa Park, Pleasant Valley and Wichita Falls.

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Gus Trujillo at MSU Texas, Oct. 14.

Gus Trujillo Age: 33 Democrat •

•

Served as a congressional intern for Representative Mac Thornberry in the U.S. House of Representatives Graduated from West Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Business Administration

The former office manager of the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Trujillo’s priority is to aid the middle class and supports capitalism with stricter rules to help everyone succeed “Our middle class is shrinking and it’s due to the concentrated wealth that has gone to the top where companies, and not people, are rewriting the rules...” Trujillo writes to The Amarillo Pioneer. “I am a firm believer in capitalism as that is what helped our country become the greatest superpower on earth, however, the rules must be fair so that there are opportunities for everyone to

succeed With the opportunity to choose between private and public health care, Trujillo supports legislation that allows the choice. “A medicare for all plan should not be imposed onto those who don’t wish to accept it,” Trujillo says to The Amarillo Pioneer. “The freedom to choose a private or public option should be left up to the people and not the government.” Trujillo supports President Donald Trump’s border wall to a certain extent with the U.S. ecological system leaving him to suggest technological ways to protect the border. “Placing a wall in a place that blocks this essential animal migration would negatively affect our side of the environment...” Trujillo says to The Amarillo Pioneer. “For areas where a wall is not effective, we must utilize modern technologies that view and track immigrants at far distances long before they reach our borders.”

PHOTO BY SHEALAH CRAIGHEAD

Ronny Jackson in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ronny Jackson Age: 53 Republican • •

Retired United States Navy rear admiral Graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in marine biology

After 25-years of active duty in the navy, Ronny Jackson retired in 2019, boasting a stint in the White House as a White House Physician in the George W. Bush Administration and as the appointed Chief Medical Advisor to President Donald Trump. Jackson aims to push “strong immigration reform,” touting a limited number of immigrants that can legally enter the U.S. and supports the border wall. “I will work tirelessly to prevent anyone from entering our country illegally...” Jackson writes on his campaign website. “The men and women of Customs and Border Protection, the Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs

Enforcement (ICE), need the wall in place to effectively do their job and protect us from criminals, gang members, drug smugglers and human traffickers that continue to cross our border every day.” Being a gun owner his entire life, Jackson supports the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. “I believe that law-abiding citizens of this country should be able to have guns in their homes and carry them in public,” Jackson wrote. “I will work to ensure that no one can take away or limit our ability to defend ourselves or our constitutional right to our guns.” In favor of affordable higher education, Jackson is dedicated to reforming the education system. “The federal government should not be able to mandate and promote the liberal agenda of other parts of the country on our schools in the state of Texas and the 13th Congressional District,” writes Jackson.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTBROOK 4 CONGRESS

Jack Westbrook.

Jack Westbrook Age: 58 Libertarian • •

A veteran of the U.S. Airforce Graduated from Wayland Baptist University with a B.S. in business

Running for office because the Republican and Democrat parties are “more interested in their party’s wishes than what is best for America,” Westbrook believes he is the best candidate for voters in the 13th congressional district. “Our nation is currently divided by Democrats and Republicans...” Westbrook writes to his campaign Facebook page. “Many of them are using their political office for their own benefit. I’ll be there to serve my constituents and to serve my country. I’m a Libertarian, so I will protect your rights and freedoms to the nth degree. I will not support any vote that takes away your liberty. “

Westbrook doesn’t believe the government should not be involved in the decisions of abortion and believes that a heartbeat is defined as life. “[The] government should not be involved unless it is legally called murder,” Westbrook posted to his campaign Facebook page. “I also believe that life begins at conception. However, as soon as there is a heartbeat, we should all be able to agree that there is life.” Westbrook doesn’t believe in “imposing his [Christian] beliefs on the unwilling,” and respects the choice of same-sex relationships. “What you choose to do behind closed doors is your business and not the governments,” Westbrook posted to his campaign Facebook page. “What you are is determined by X and Y chromosomes. How you want to dress and act is your business; however, the rest of society is not bound to accept your gender role.”

Students, Young Conservatives and Democrats of MSU Texas weigh in on the campus’ political climate

PHOTO BY PHOTO BY NIKO MCWILLIAMS | THE WICHITAN

Students walking to and from buildings on a sunny day, Oct. 21. STEPHANIE ROBLEDO | AMOS PERKINS NEWS EDITOR | MANAGING EDITOR s a public liberal arts university located in a historically conservative city, Midwestern State is a diverse political atmosphere. The Young Conservatives of Texas at MSU Texas and MSU Texas Democrats, led by AunJelle Irlbeck, history junior, and Luis SernaMartinez, political science junior, respectively, are two young student organizations meant to bring together the university’s right-leaning and left-leaning students respectively. Both Irlbeck and Serna-Martinez agreed

PHOTO BY PHOTO BY AJ RUBIO

Biology junior Isabel Garcia and Mechanical Engineering, freshman Cesar Lim have a conversation outside Legacy Court Yard, Sept. 1.

that the political climate of Midwestern State leans closer to the left on the political spectrum as is the case with the majority of college campuses. However, Irlbeck said she feels there are more conservatives on campus than most people think. “I would say that [MSU] is generally leftleaning... I would say there are a lot more conservative students than we know, just because they’re not vocal, and in some cases, they are afraid to be vocal, which is very unfortunate,” Irlbeck said. Both Serna-Martinez and Irlbeck said they were not fond of the polarized partisan nature of the United States culture. Serna-Martinez, a gun owner who supports the second amendment, said that it’s important to listen to the “other side” who he claims has good ideas as well. “Politics have become very polarized, especially in the last few years, and to me, it seems like it’s because of a lack of understanding and outreach from one side to the other. We are more comfortable within our groups, and that doesn’t facilitate the much-needed discourse between individuals of different ideologies,” Serna-Martinez said. Irlbeck, a supporter of combatting climate change, said the two sides are working toward the same goal with different methods. “I personally dislike how partisan things have become... I truly believe that we all want to get to the same place. We want to make society better, we want to have better education for our children, we want to have better healthcare; we

just disagree on how to make that happen,” Irlbeck said. Irlbeck addressed MSU students, saying that she wished for them to not be influenced by other people when it comes to politics and to make their own decision for themselves. “On behalf of myself and Young Conservatives, we just want people to stand up for what you believe in. Stand up strongly, don’t let people bully you into having a certain point of view or vote a certain way. Do your own research and make the decision for yourself, because whatever you vote, whatever policies you support, that’s gonna be your future and the future for your children,” Irlbeck said. In his own statement to MSU students, Serna-Martinez encouraged all students to vote early and often, no matter how small the election might feel. “Only thing I would say is vote often and vote early. That’s one thing we always harp on our members is try to early vote whenever possible and vote in every election even if it’s just the local elections, which a lot of people don’t feel that matter even though they can be pretty impactful on citizens,” Serna-Martinez said. General business freshman Melinda Gonzalez is a strong advocate for voting and believes those who don’t vote are letting down the country. “I think [voting] is super important. As an American, I think everyone has a right to be able to vote. I feel like if you aren’t taking advantage of your vote, you’re letting the people

down that are voting and trying to make a change, and you’re not using your American right.” When asked who he is voting for, radiology sophomore William Payne will cast his ballot for President Trump, because he is satisfied with the Commander in chief’s last four years in office. “[I’m voting for] Trump because of what he’s done for the economy in the past four years. Unemployment rates are at their lowest and I believe other people are looking at the bad in Trump instead of what Biden could do for the country because in his 47 years in office he hasn’t done much,” Payne said. Radiology tech freshman Destiny Walker is not happy with the choices for the 2020 election and is reserving her right to vote. “This election I do not plan on voting. I don’t agree with our candidates and before I just up and vote just cause, I just won’t vote. I’ll skip this election,” Walker said. Biology freshman Cristina Alvarado is voting for former Vice President Joe Biden as her morals do not align with President Trump’s. “Biden. I will not vote for Trump; he definitely does not stand for any of my moral beliefs, any of my civil rights beliefs, and I just think that that’s more important than anything else,” Alvarado said. Additional reporting by Bridget Reilly.

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Screenshot of results from a Twitter poll, Oct. 18. DISCLAIMER: This poll does not represent all MSU Texas students. Outside influences also contributed.