The Wessex Wire (April 2016)

The Wessex Wire The Student Newspaper of West Essex Regional High School

Vol. LVI No. 5

65 West Greenbrook Road, North Caldwell, N.J.

TheWessexWire.com

We the People of the Wessex Wire have created this issue in light of the upcoming election. To keep up with the candidates and parties, it is important to stay politically inclined. Whether Democrat, Republican or perhaps an Independent, there are a few things to become aware of as November approaches. For your convenience, the staff has provided you with the most important tools to be informed in the field of politics.

Inside this issue: Inspiring W.E. grads to politically motivate you (page 2) Tips to stray from ingrained family beliefs (page 4) A political quiz identifying ideologies (page 6) The impact a candidate’s last name has (page 8) Our favorite politically themed movies (page 10) Justice system’s flaws in Duke lacrosse scandal (page 11)

Social studies scholar turned politician

By Olivia Ritter ’18

In an issue of The Wessex Wire from April 1993, a feature page with the title “Students of the Month” included a picture and quote from Josh Gottheimer, the school’s Social Studies Student of the Month. His quoted caption read, “The History Department has not only stimulated my education here, but has influenced me to pursue a politicallyoriented career.”

Today, 22 years later, Gottheimer is now running for a seat in the 5th Congressional District, which includes a Bergen, Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties.

Gottheimer’s current run for Congress reflects his own views on the political arena. Growing up in North Caldwell and moving to Wyckoff where he now resides, Gottheimer said he understands many young people’s indifference toward the 2016 election, and he wants to help channel those feelings into action.

“Part of the reason I’m running for Congress is that I’m frustrated, too,” said Gottheimer.

“Candidates are more interested in sending an angry tweet.”

Gottheimer credits many of

In This Issue:

Check out more West Essex graduates involved in politics on page 2 his past West Essex teachers for helping him focus on the political field. One teacher in particular is middle school history teacher Mr. Richard Hochman, who centered lessons on political affairs.

“He would pick an issue like ‘taxes’ or ‘education’ and run to explain the sides: conservative, moderate or liberal,” Gottheimer said. “He made us think critically.”

Outside of class, Gottheimer said his involvement on the Wessex Wire as a staff reporter and program coordinator was also important to his political education. He credited the adviser at the time, Ms. Tina Lane, with contributing to his fervor toward politics. On the paper, Gottheimer “asked the tough questions” about the issues, and Lane inspired him to “fight for the people” and “represent his constituents.”

“The Wire had a big impact,” Gottheimer said. “We wrote about policies affecting the school and

3-4 Opinion

Media fails the public

PHOTOS FROM ARCHIVES AND COURTESY OF JOSH GOTTHEIMER

(Left) Quoted in an issue of the Wessex Wire from 1993, Gottheimer states his interest in a politically-oriented career. (Right) Today, Gottheimer is running for the 5th Congressional District.

the country.” This attentiveness to the current political climate fueled Gottheimer’s dedication to the issues and what needs to be done to fix them.

It was former New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg who kickstarted Gottheimer’s political career. As a 16-year-old student at West Essex, he worked as a Senate page and interned for Sen. Lautenberg, and he was able to understand the inner workings of the Senate and familiarize himself

6-7 Election

with the live political field.

Following high school, Gottheimer attended the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Law School. He continued his political based efforts as a speechwriter and special assistant to Bill Clinton and working on several campaigns, including Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2008.

“West Essex gave me an incredible education,” he said. “It prepared me very well.”

Determine your political ideology

5 & 8 Features

April 2016

Health fair treats W.E. students

By Sammi Mazzella ’16

West Essex hosted its 3rd annual Health Fair on March 24. Students in anatomy and physiology, sports medicine, dynamics of health care, honors biology, with the help of the WE Care and STEM clubs set up stations for all students to learn about physical health, mental health, and many tips to improve one’s health.

Dr. Bruffy, anatomy and physiology and sports medicine teacher, has been organizing the Health Fair since its beginning. “My vision for the Annual Health Fair was to bring the community and school together to promote healthy living,” Dr. Bruffy said.

The presentations included the effects of drugs and the benefits of dark chocolate. “They demonstrated concepts they’ve learned throughout the year and were able to provide interactive ways for students and the public to promote health and fitness,” said Dr. Bruffy.

Dr. Danielle D’Alessio and Dr. Geoffrey Bossio from Advanced C hiroprac t ic Rehab C enter brought a table and adjusted students. Students made smoothies for those who came to visit the Health Fair. A CPR station was available for students to learn how to perform CPR on an adult and a baby. They were two dummies for students to even practice what they had learned from the presentation.

Many outside vendors from the surrounding communities came to the school to offer their services or products to the student body. Gyms including 360, Planet Fitness and Crossfit. Crossfit, offered a giveaway to a lucky student of one month free at their gym.

Dr.Bruffy, who is also a professor at Caldwell University, had nursing students from Caldwell University attend the Health Fair.

The nursing students are trained in taking vitals, so they came to gain practice and interact with the West Essex community.

Are candidates telling the truth?

The Wessex Wire: News

April 2016

Page 2

W.E. grads follow political aspirations Julie McClain ’06, communications director for Clinton campaign

By Melanie Montesdeoca ’18 Even though Julie McClain says working for Hillary Clinton for America is an extremely time consuming job, she wouldn’t want to have it any other way.

“I eat, sleep, and breathe Hillary Clinton right now,” McClain said.

“But I feel very lucky to be part of making history. It’s challenging and

difficult and extremely exciting.”

McClain is currently the communications director for Clinton’s Maryland campaign, and prior to that she worked as Clinton’s New Hampshire press secretary for the past year.

A 2006 graduate of West Essex, McClain came to the realization at a young age that she wanted to be involved in politics. She furthered that love for politics at the University of Pennsylvania when she took an intro course on American politics her freshman year. McClain says being at West Essex was a wonderful “stepping stone” that gave her the life skills

that have helped her through all of her work in politics and media.

“My U.S. History courses, taught

by Mr. Boyd and Mr. Woodworth, really sparked my interest in government,” she said. “As did a few of my extracurriculars, like class council and the Lincoln-Douglass debate team.”

McClain worked as communications director of the New Hampshire Democratic Party; various press secretary-related positions for congressional and senate races in Hawaii, Nevada and Pennsylvania; and as policy assistant for Andrew Cuomo’s gubernatorial campaign in 2010.

McClain began working toward her dream job in D.C. by starting out as an unpaid intern during summers at the University of Pennsylvania. She did a little bit of everything, interning for Sen. Frank Lautenberg of N.J., a New York city council member, and then Andrew Cuomo’s gubernatorial campaign. “I had a hard time finding a job in D.C. and wanted to work in communications, a field I hadn’t worked in previously.”

“In politics, people are always helping each other out. You never know when someone may be able to help you in the future,” McClain said.

TJ Helmstetter ’03, deputy director of regional/specialty media for DNC TJ Helmstetter walks through the entrance at Democratic National Committee headquarters. He has been dreaming of working here since he was eight years old, and now that dream is a reality. As

Deputy Director of Regional and Specialty Media at the DNC, his job is to make sure that the Democratic platform reaches the voters.

“My role is specifically to ensure that the message of Democrats is getting out there to voters and [explain to them] how critical those differences are and why it is so important to elect a Democratic president,” Helmstetter explained.

He graduated from West Essex in 2003, and was the editor in chief of this publication for two years.

His former advisor and journal-

ism teacher, Ms. Tina Lane, was an inspiration that motivates him to this day.

“She showed me what everyone’s role is as an engaged citizen and to seek out and stand up for the truth,” he said.

He is concerned about young people that don’t care about political issues. “With issues like student debt and other challenges that our parents didn’t face, we have a responsibility to be engaged because if we’re not voting, then politicians aren’t listening to us,” McCalin said.

administers and analyzes its own public opinion polls.

The group’s reach spans from the Boston area to the national level, with polls and articles featured in media outlets such as the Huffington Post, the Washington Post and MSNBC´s Hardball with Chris Mathews.

Ritter’s interest in politics began in high school. Her APUSH classes with Ms. Blanchard and AP Gov and Pol with Ms. Vaknin inspired her passion and understanding for America’s political system, and when she discovered

the polling group at Emerson’s organization fair during her first semester, she dove right in.

“Working in politics is super unique because it is always fastpaced and relevant,” Ritter said. “[It] can really impact public perception and what living in the U.S. looks like [and] can take many forms, from working on domestic policy, for campaigns or on international relations.”

Through ECPS, Ritter said, she’s developed skills in professional writing, communicating and data analysis, among others. This orga-

nization has also given her many opportunities to gain real-world experience with politics. Ritter traveled all over the country with the organization to cover political events, visiting locations such as Washington, D.C. and Wisconsin, the latter of which she visited for the April 5 primary.

She’s worked with Jumpstart, an Americorps program dedicated to increasing the language and literacy skills of low-income preschoolers, and serves an administrative role for an organization at a South Boston preschool.

By Chris Tsakonas ’18

Hannah Ritter ’13, president of Emerson College Polling Society

By Daniella Ignacio ’17 Hannah Ritter, a 2013 West Essex graduate is a senior at Emerson College in Boston majoring in political communication. She serves as president of the Emerson College Polling Society, a studentrun organization that writes,

The rise of social media has made it easier for politically active students to get involved, meaning that there are no excuses for students to not be in there, according to Helmstetter.

Helmstetter advises students to get involved in politics based on their interests.

“Find an organization or candidate that wants to do something about it. Don’t be afraid to take an unpaid internship because you fear your talent will be unrecognized; you’ll work your way up.”

Mayors give advice on why students should speak out We asked the mayors from our sending districts, “What would you say to students who feel apathetic towards politics?”

John Duthie, Roseland

Edward Abbot, Essex Fells

Students have a voice, whether it is their individual voice or a voice representing them as a group, that is extremely powerful today. Their voice can be heard quickly. We live in a great country where we have the freedom to express our individual and collective thoughts and … My question to those who are apathetic to government and politics is, “Why would one choose to be silenced?”

This is your world and this is your chance to make great changes for the better.

I am confident that the upcoming generation, your generation, truly has the potential to return our country to its proper place of being the “city on the hill,” but you have to become involved.

It’s quickly becoming your time to take the helm and realize that the future is in your hands. Don’t squander it; get involved.

Joseph Alessi, North Caldwell I believe in the expression, “he who doesn't know history is doomed to repeat it.” If you do not have a voice in government, you won't be able to be a decision maker and will simply become a follower... If you do not get involved, then do not complain.

The only way you’re going to get heard is if you get involved and try to make a difference within government through action.

James Gasparini, Fairfield I believe that students should be involved as well as express their positions, there should be no reason for apathy or a cynical opinion of government.

The youth of our nation is our future and they should have their powerful voices heard. They should become engaged as early as possible so that they can take part in shaping the community, state, and country that they live in.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUBJECTS.

By Cathryn Kessler ’16

Opinion

April 2016 Issue 5

The Wessex Wire Page 3

The

Staff Editorial

Wessex Wire

The Official Student Newspaper of West Essex High School

A Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist 2015-2016 STAFF:

Editors-in-Chief Brianna Crummy ’16 Julia Maxman ’16 Managing Edior Tatum Pappas ’16 Art Director Courtney Pappas ’16 News Editors Anthony Gagliardi ’16 Cathryn Kessler ’16 Opinion Editors Jordan Alworth ’16 Jewels Gutowski ’16 Features Editors Julie Rosenberg ’16 Isabel Tabs ’16 Sports Editors Kirk Geller ’16 Caitlin Morrissey ’16 Arts & Culture Editor Patrick Glenn ’16

Photo Editors Maddie Gering ’16 Sammi Mazzella ’16 Jules Moskowitz ’17 Copy Editors Gianna Aktas ’16 Ceana Cuello ’16 Junior Copy Editor: Daniella Ignacio ’17 Advertising Editors Sammi Mazzella ’16 Jaime Petrocca ’ 16 Contributing Staff Kerri Astorino ’16 Jessica Cunha ’17 Joey Ploscowe ’18 Olivia Ritter ’17 Chris Tsakonas ’18 Micaela Weiss ’17 Adviser Mr. Hermosilla

Research Editor Jake Wolf ’17

65 West Greenbrook Road, North Caldwell, New Jersey 07006 (973) 228-1200 ext. 258

FROM LEFT:“HILARY CLINTON - CARICATURE” BY DONKEYHOTEY (HTTPS://WWW.FLICKR.COM/ PHOTOS/DONKEYHOTEY/13968689382/IN/) “DONALD TRUMP - CARICATURE” BY DONKEYHOTEY (HTTPS://WWW.FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/DONKEYHOTEY/24854169213/)

The Wessex Wire Editorial Policy The national-award winning Wessex Wire is published with supplemental updates to inform, educate and entertain the approximately 1,200 students of West Essex High School, faculty and community. Unsigned editorials are the consensus opinion of the editorial board and do not always reflect the views of the adviser, staff, administration and/or board of education. Signed editorials reflect the view of the person whose name appears in the byline.

The Wire serves as a forum for the expression of ideas and opinions of students, staff and community members. We urge readers to write letters to the editor on pertinent matters of concern. Letters must be signed; however, anonymity will be granted if necessary upon request. Members of the editorial board reserve the right to edit all letters to the editor for length or libelous content. Students, faculty or members of the community with an interesting experience or strong opinion on any subject are also encouraged to write or contact the Wire at thewessexwire@gmail.com.

Several photos in this issue are used under various Creative Commons licenses. For more info and full licensing details, visit creativecommons.org.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DONKEYHOTEY (CC BY 2.0)

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are two controversial figures of this presidential election season.

Media fails the public Mainstream coverage puts desire for high ratings over responsibility to educate viewers

By Jordan Alworth ’16

A first lady, a socialist, a Canadian and a business tycoon are all potential candidates to hold the most important office in the entire world. The attention surrounding this presidential race is heightened due to the emotional intensity of constituents. A majority of people are rightfully frustrated with the state of government and are open to the idea of “non-politicians” leading the country. As a result, campaigns have become increasingly passionate and directed towards attracting a strong foundation of loyal supporters.

This extreme display of fervor is a matter of mystery; voters are overwhelming loyal to their selected candidate, but could it be for the wrong reasons?

With confidence, I can say a significant portion of each “fan base” would not be able to defend their candidate’s actions or back up their own stance on issues, if asked. So again, why are these people swayed to pick the candidates they do? The media is largely to thank.

Reporters draw from a seemingly unending well of topics that push viewers’ buttons: Ben Carson’s sleepy appearance, Marco Rubio’s commentary on Donald’s hands and Trump’s advocacy for his infamous wall.

Viewers are immediately amused by the immaturity and lightness of this kind of coverage; however, what truly matters and deserves to be publicized is increasingly neglected.

“The media spends too much time talking about things that people don’t really care about,” senior Kylie Donohue said. “I want to know about each candidate to be an educated voter, but I’m not getting enough information on their political views to determine who I side with.”

The media is capitalizing on the unique circumstances of the race, by overemphasizing sensational issues for the purpose of ratings. According to CNN, the August Republican debate hosted by FOX News attracted 24 million viewers, making it the highest rated debate of this campaign season. Many credit this spike in viewership to Trump’s boisterous persona and tendency to clash with other candidates.

This particular debate started the tension between Trump and Fox News commentator (and at time

co-moderator) Megyn Kelly. Attacks continued for months to follow, and so did the attention. Yes, hearing Trump’s ridiculous commentary is entertaining, but it comes at a cost: for every minute spent discussing nonsense, a minute (that will likely never be regained at a such a critical time or at a similar magnitude) is lost, depriving voters from hearing valuable information. Debates give candidates a unique platform to reach millions of people all at once and it should be used accordingly.

If you wanted to assess ex-GOP presidential candidate Jeb Bush by visiting his website, it turns out you actually can’t; according to the Washington Times, Donald Trump bought the domain to www. jebbush.com, making it no longer accessible. On a professional level, voters are being deprived of the opportunity to educate themselves on each candidate’s views, directly from the source.

Already, a lot of attention is surrounding the race and it is only the primaries. More than ever, viewers need the media to provide them with substantial information to guide their opinions and essentially, ability to control the future of this country. But the national media is dropping the ball. Students, who are the pioneers of social media, have become more involved in politics, yet their impressionability should draw concern.

“There’s a bigger push to get young adults prepared for the election, so they need to be able to formulate their own ideas aside from the media and their families,” said Mr. Rosa, W.E. Connect Aide.

Teens are getting more and more interested in the presidential race because of its presence on social media and popularity on talk shows, leaving a huge number of them with a false sense of awareness for what is considered “important.” Their supposed knowledge of current issues is based on what Google considers to be current and relevant. The articles that appear at the top of the newsfeed after searching a candidate’s name rarely address important policies or candidate’s reactions to serious events happening around the world.

“The media is being effective for young people because the visual things are all they care about. But when it comes down to it, that’s not what is going to matter in the election,” junior Olivia Ritter said.

Voters should not be voting for a candidate for an objectifiable reason, such as “she is a woman” or “he is funny.” Instead I would encourage young, old, educated and uneducated voters is to try to resist the media’s emotionally charged coverage, by taking into account the significance of the decision that is in every one of your hands, and choose mindfully.

World of politics in need of manners It’s a healthy part of today’s political customs to be able to debate with others who do not share the same views as you.

However, with this freedom comes the responsibility to not only support your own opinion, but accept that others will not always have similar beliefs.

Whenever politics are discussed, especially with the upcoming election, it is common that innocent debating and disagreement can lead to stubborn argument. Despite associated parties and political ideas, it’s important to state your beliefs in a respectful and calm way. Of course, when discussing certain controversial topics with others who have dissenting fundamental views, it is normal to try to persuade others to see your side. While proving your point, though, keep in mind that no one ever won a debate by being close-minded.

In order to ensure you are being respectful when discussing with someone else, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

These include not interrupting, refraining from eye-rolling and acknowledging the other person’s side.

As seen from the current presidential race, the candidates have not proven their abilities to respectfully debate. Trump, for example, must not have been informed of the proper way to debate, as he has shown in recent debates. That does not mean that debating—on any level — should exhibit Trump’s offensive behavior. After all, politics arose from the goal of making the lives of citizens better through helpful legislation.

Notorious problems with politics stem from those who cannot “agree to disagree.” If it is instilled in students that political respect is essential, this can dramatically affect the disregard we see among political officials on a national level.

April 2016

Page 4

The Wessex Wire: Opinion

Candidates’ intentions subject to skepticism

By Ceana Cuello ’16 PHOTO BY JORDAN ALWORTH

Pat Glenn salutes the flag, showing his focus on what actually matters: patriotism, not petty political drama.

Party polarization is to blame for the near extinction of the rare ‘moderate’

By Patrick Glenn ’16 Does it bother you that people seem to be so radical on the political spectrum? In my experience, it seems that individuals willing to publicly express a political view tends to lean to one extreme or the other.

Whenever the presidential election or politics in general are discussed, the only things I hear are words of scorn and extremism. What I’d like to know is, where are the moderates at? And more specifically (and not to alienate any of my charming peers) where have all my moderate Republicans gone?

I’m not trying to sound super liberal here. Although I may tend to lean a little to the left, I am doing my very best to remain impartial with this article. So, back to the point, where have all of these moderate Republicans gone? To clarify, a moderate

Republican, also known as a “Rockefeller Republican,” (derived from former Vice President Nelson Rockefeller) is an individual who is willing to work across the aisle, be progressive with social issues and overall be far less radical in their ideals. For decades, these so called “Liberal Republicans” were a very strong presence in American politics.

As the ’80s and ’90s passed, the Republican right wing radicalized at an increasingly alarming rate. However, liberals and conservative were still able to compromise and play the game of give-and-take. Whether it was President Ronald Reagan (R) with Speaker of the House “Tip” O’Neill (D) or President Bill Clinton (D) with a Republican Congress, these politicians had the ability to meet each other in the middle and get business done.

I may be romanticizing both men a little since their presidencies were flanked by Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush, but the fact remains that very few politicians

today have the desire to seek compromise from their opposing party members.

Let’s return the discussion to a more micro level: radical teenagers spewing venom both left and right. Conservative teengagers screaming “Lock Hillary up!” or classifying people as “Makers and Takers” and liberal teens demanding free college tuition and deeming every borderline comment as “offensive” and “ignorant” are the very root of the problem. And the real reason there are candidates like Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Bernie Sanders is because of the radicalization of the general public.

We must end these extreme viewpoints now, and return to a more moderate position.

Without the ability to compromise and come to agreements, gridlock will continue and very little will be accomplished.

So, do your best to remain openminded and civil in your discourse.

You don’t need to lose your opinions, but be open to compromise.

It takes a certain type of person to run for president. Most of the time people seek someone who is honest, educated and respectable to take leadership of our country.

While looking for these traits in candidates, many find the negative ones and discover this person may be running for the wrong reasons.

While some motivations are completely genuine and based on the desire to actually make a difference, others are trying to play the fame game— doing absolutely anything to get their faces seen and known to become more popular with the public.

Whether they win the election or not, being famous or influential comes along with the simply running. Being in the public eye is what catches the public’s attention and increases the popularity of these type of candidates.

“If they know what they are doing and seem genuine I’d vote for them,” freshman Brett Epstein said. “I wouldn’t want someone who only cares about themselves as a president.”

In this year’s election, the same question keeps arising. Are these candidates fit to run our country or are they just aiming to increase their personal status?

“There are certain things candidates do that could question the way we judge their intentions as a president,” junior Sara Wells said.

“It’s hard for me to tell which ones are doing the right things.”

With Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton as the frontrunners in this

election, their qualification to hold the position is in question.

In comparison to candidates like Bernie Sanders and John Kasich, Clinton and Trump recieve much more attention.

Before Ben Carson was out of the running for president, he drew in large amounts of attention by selling books and appearing on FOX News, according to CNBC, making him appear fame-hungry.

These other candidates are competing with already well known public figures, so they seem to be trying to get something out of this whole experience.

Trump has been rumored to be doing this to only become wealthier and better his businesses, and Clinton to be doing it to gain even more power than she already has.

They give this image throughout their candidacy because of who their name, but not necessarily from what they’ve done.

“I think candidates like Trump truly believe they could make a change, but I don’t know how to feel about him because he takes things to an extreme,” senior Brandon Heinz said.

These speculations have yet to be confirmed as valid reasonings, but are still up for question. It’s truly a contentious situation as to whether or not these candidates are considering taking the honor of being president for the good of the people. No one wants a president that is just trying to make a quick pass into eminence.

“I don’t know if candidates run for the right reason,” teacher Dr. Bruffy said.”

Parents shape political ideology of children to a fault

By Julia Maxman ’16

Kids take a lot from their parents. Their eye color, skin tone, height and other characteristics that shape children. Yet, another factor that many children will assume from their parents is political identity. If parents are more conservative, odds are their child will follow in their footsteps. Perhaps if someone falls more to the left on the political spectrum, their kids will too, fall in that position.

According to a Gallup study in 2005, 7 out of 10 teens say that their social and political ideology is similar to their parents.

“It makes sense that political socialization stems most from family.” AP Government and Politics teacher Ms. Vaknin said. It is just a natural thing that when teaching values, parents instill political beliefs as well.”

Considering how significant parents are in their life as they are maturing, this makes a lot of sense.

Yet, this should not be the only factor that weighs in on the makeup of one’s opinions in politics. It is one thing if some ideas stem from childhood, but political values should

come from experience as well.

In order to reject these automatic beliefs, but also pull back on the stubborn teenage rebellion, students should keep an open mind about current events and changing political views and actually come to their own active conclusions. While there is nothing wrong with maintaining instilled political beliefs, or having differing views from parents, if the only premise for an argument is “because that is what my parents told me,” or “I just disagree with my parents,” then that it simply a carbon copy of what has been fed to a child by means of the people who raised them, or an ignorant child who is using a political platform to escape nagging parents.

Aside from students taking their political ideology from their parents, other factors include their gender, age, religion, region and socioeconomic status, which all play an important role in determining political stances. As college and the next chapters of life will begins, our generation may be met with new ideas shaping their outlooks.

So while now, it may be easy to spit out

what our parents tell us, it is unnecessary to have such stubborn political stances.

“Whenever I am talking to my parents, like at a family dinner, we usually talk about current events and politics, so I am able to see their views,” senior Halle Mason said.

Along with those who are close political matches to their parents, there are other people in our generation who take the opposite view of their parents simply as a curious form of rebellion.

“My parents have strong political views they always try to impress on me,“ sophomore Alexa Artale said. “Because they pushed me so hard to follow in their political views, I have different beliefs.”

It is a serious problem for those who blindly take their parents opinions.

However, the same problem arises for people who let what their parents try to instill in the go in one ear and out the other.

For those of you who find it second nature to immediately assume what your parents have told you in the past or drift from their constant guidance: Considering that politics shape the way our country is run

ILLUSTRATION

BY KERRI ASTORINO

and is the premise of everyday life, it is too important to make political socialization a family matter. So the next time you begin to ponder your political beliefs, before you automatically think of your parents, do some research and create your own beliefs that you can support. After all, when you finally step into the voting booth, your parents won’t be there to push the button.

Features

April 2016 Issue 5

The Wessex Wire Page 5

Fact or Fiction: Which candidate is telling the truth?

By Jessica Cunha ’17

It is no surprise that those involved in politics are not 100 percent truthful. Whether it be little white lies or huge scandals, candidates will not only try to put themselves in the best light, but defame their competition. Separating truth from lies can be tricky, so here’s a quick fact-check on some of the more surprising statements from this election cycle.

CLINTON

Sanders

CRUZ

Hillary Clinton said she “There have been multiple and Bill Clinton were “dead media reports about (Donald broke” in 2001.

Trump’s) business dealings with (June 9, 2014, in an interthe mob, with the mafia.” view with ABC) (Feb. 28 in comments on “Meet the Press”) Fiction. Clinton’s public financial records show that she is just fine.

Trump “The New York Times can write a story that they know is false” yet “they can’t basically be sued.”

(Feb. 28 in an interview with “Fox News Sunday”)

Fiction. Ever heard of a libel case, Trump?

Fact. Trump has been linked to the mob. His business dealings with famous mob members La Cosa Nostra and Anthony “Fat Tony” Salerno are sketchy at best.

Sanders “When you’re white...you don’t know what it’s like to be poor.”(March 6 in a Democratic debate in Flint, Mich.)

Fiction. Actually, almost 20 million white Americans are in poverty.

Trump

“The AfricanAmerican community lost half of their wealth as a result of the Wall Street collapse.”

(Feb. 11 at the PBS Democratic debate)

Fact. Minorities were hit harder during the Wall Street collapse according to a 2013 report from the National Association.

“Look at those hands, are they small hands? He referred to my hands -‘if they’re small, something else must be small.’ I guarantee you there’s no problem. I guarantee.”

(March 3 during a Republican presidential debate)

Up to debate. But honestly, this has to be the most insignificant thing to ever come out of Trump’s mouth.

CRUZ

CLINTON

Said CNN reported Ben Carson was “taking a break from campaigning” and the Cruz campaign “forwarded that news to our volunteers.”

(Feb. 6 in the New Hampshire GOP debate)

“African-Americans are more likely to be arrested by police and sentenced to longer prison terms for doing the same thing that whites do.” (aired in a TV ad on Feb. 23)

Fiction. Cruz later admitted

that he and his team had made a mistake, but let’s be honest, he just wanted to rally up some last minute votes—and it worked.

Fact. According to the Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, this claim checks out.

Don’t know, don’t care: A case for political apathy

By Jules Moskowitz ’17 If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t know much about the upcoming election.

Although West Essex is filled with students who are strongly opinionated regarding the election, others couldn’t tell the difference between the Democratic and Republican candidates. I know that I don’t, and I’m OK admitting it out loud. But I’m certainly not alone.

Some students avoid having opinions about the election simply because it’s too controversial. Whether your family is always ranting about the latest debate, or you keep seeing polls on Facebook, it is clear how opinionated America is about the election. Some students simply ignore the issue in order to steer clear of all the controversy.

“I just don’t care about the

election...there are too many other things going on,” senior AJ Tomaselli said.

Like Tomaselli, many students disregard the fact the election is happening. Since we are constantly being flooded with academics, work, sports, activities, and many students admit that the election is the last thing on their minds.

Another reason why students tend to avoid the topic is due to the fact that many high schoolers aren’t eligible to vote. “The high school setting uninterests students, just because most of us are not old enough to vote,” senior Lucas Brendal said. Seniors and some juniors are the only West Essex students able to vote, so the issue may seem irrelevant to 9th and 10th graders.

Interestingly enough, some students feel as if a majority of the running candidates are capable of successfully running America. “I

think most of the candidates are qualified and will do a good job,” junior Joe Barretti said. This goes to show that some students lack interest in the election because they are fairly confident in most of the contenders. They feel as if any candidate elected has the potential to successfully run our country.

On the other hand, some people don’t care for the complete opposite reason.

“I think that none of the candidates are capable of being a good president,” junior Steven Lucero said. “I’ve just given up on following the election.” Students may be having a hard time siding with a candidate which makes them disregard presidential issues.

“As a freshman, I haven’t really paid much attention to the election, as I get older I’m sure I’ll care more, but as of now, it doesn’t pertain to me,” said freshman Quinn DelehantyYounger students tend

ILLUSTRATION BY JOEY PLOSCOWE

Someone who does not care about politics being pulled by friends to support their political party.

to feel as if the election isn’t really important right now; especially due to their age.

Due to many reasons, some students could not care less about the election coming up in November.

For example, maybe it is because students’ parents are not politcally involved, so they don’t think they

need to be. Although many people may believe that everyone should know what’s going on with politics and side with a candidate, students find a spectrum of reasons to not focus on the election, but rather the other thousand things that are running through our hectic minds.

Election 2016

April 2016 Issue 5

Online quiz helps voters find their ideal candidate

Right or left? Red or blue?

Our quiz will decide for you

By Gianna Aktas ’16

By Brianna Crummy ’16

Health Care The government should provide health care to the people as it is a basic human need

It should be provided by private organizations and left up to the people to determine if they want to purchase it

Reproductive Rights Women should have the right to choose what they do with their bodies and a mother can make decisions for her unborn child

Women should not be able to obtain an abortion as it takes the life of another human

Environment The environment is in grave danger and legislation needs to be passed to help fix the damage we’ve done

Our government should not be regulating the environment as business should not be limited on in their work

Immigration People should be welcomed into our country as immigration is fundamental to this country’s prosperity

We should limit/stop people from entering our country as they are taking opportunities away from the people

Military The government should decrease its spending on the military and bring home troops to focus its funds at home

We should increase spending and expand our military to ensure we are protected and can defeat our enemies

Taxation Taxes should be increased to fund government needs; the tax rate should be progressive — the more you make the more you’re taxed

Taxes should not be raised; a flat tax should be imposed— everyone is taxed at the same percentage

Sitting at a table packed with either Republicans or Democrats arguing about who should be the next president gets annoying when you don’t know where you stand in the picture. It’s like you’re playing a game with yourself, saying things like, “OK, Mom said this and since she’s my mom, I agree with her.” Constantly wondering where you stand on the political spectrum gets tiring and old.

For those who are not as politically active, online tests seem to be their go-to when figuring out who they want to run the country. iSideWith.com is a political website that was created in 2012 by two friends, Taylor Peck and Nick Boutelier, both with very different political views. Along with the political quiz that more than 34 million people have taken, the website offers news sections, polls and a whole section dedicated to understanding the results from the quiz.

The students take this test to become more politically aware of what is going on.

Some students who are not eligible to vote in November use the test to get a better understanding of their own views and help them in the future.

“I took this test because I knew where I stood as a Republican. I knew I would agree with Trump the most and the test clarified my results,” senior Victoria Luongo said.

The quiz itself is catego-

By Maddie Gering ’16

DIRECTIONS: As you go through the quiz, tally the number of red and blue circles.

If you have a majority of blue circles you are most likely a Democrat, if you have a majority of red you are most likely a Republican and if you have a balanced number of each you are more moderate or politically independent.

Number of each color:

The Wessex Wire Page 6

F A Q

Requirements to run for president?

- must be at least 35 years old - a resident within the United States for at least 14 years or a natural born citizen

Does your vote really count?

When voting, your vote counts just as much as someone else's who lives in your state, but might not be worth as much as someone voting in another state. This is because each state has a different number of representatives based on the population of each state.

rized into 11 different issues: social, environmental, economic, domestic policy, healthcare, electoral, criminal, foreign policy, education, immigration and science. Each section offers eight yes-or-no type questions. Along the side of the question, there is a rating bar which allows users to say if this issue is either least or most important to them.

“We believe that if users are reminded which political issues are important to them and are shown how these views align with political candidates they will be more likely to vote and influence their friends and family to do so,” Peck and Boutelier said in a statement.

Once the test is finished, users will have their results presented to them. It will tell them if they side with Republicans or Democrats more. A list of all the candidates will appear with percentages next to them, from greatest to least on the ranking scale of who to vote for.

“I side with Sanders on 82 percent of the issues. I didn’t know where I was going to fall, but I can now see why I’d be best fit to vote for him,” junior Sydney Kessler said.

Senior Emma Faust does not follow politics and is not politically active. However, after taking the test she was able to learn more about her own views.

“I s i d e w it h B e r n i e Sanders, I think he’s a pretty chill guy. I didn’t think I would side with him, I actually thought I wouldn’t side with any of the candidates,”

What's the role of the electoral college?

Citizens do not directly vote for the president, but they designate electors who pledge to vote a certain way. New Jersey has 14 electors; giving them fourteen votes when deciding in an election.

How do I register to vote?

- at a County Voter Registration Office - get a Voter Registration Mail Application form from the state or the federal government - check off the box when renewing your driver’s license

April 2016

Page 7

The Wessex Wire: Election 2016

Get to know your candidates before it’s time to vote

Hillary Clinton

A quick breakdown of each potential nominee’s background, views and personal statements

By Jaime Petrocca ’16

Experience: Married Bill Clinton,

Bernie Sanders

soon became the First Lady in 2001 to 2009. Obama then became president in 2008 and appointed her Secretary of State. She was sworn in as part of his cabinet in January 2009 and served until 2013.

Platform: Clinton veers toward the left side of the spectrum, being more Democrat. She believes in banning assault weapons, creating comprehensive background checks and closing loopholes regarding gun control. Clinton supports comprehensive immigration reform, including a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants.

In Her Words: “I will stand up against any effort to deport dreamers.

Immigrants are vital to our economy.”

Experience: In 2006, he was elected

to the U.S. Senate after 16 years as Vermont’s sole congressman in the House of Representatives. He is now serving his second term in the U.S. Senate after winning re-election in 2012 with 71 percent of the vote.

Platform: Sanders believes that all students deserve the opportunity to receive an affordable, quality education from the earliest stages of schooling to high-level degrees. Sanders wants to reunite families separated by immigration and give them the same opportunities families already have here in America.

In His Words: “We’re here to discuss how our country comes together to, among other things, make sure that 11 million undocumented people in our country no longer have to live in the shadows, no longer have to live in fear, but can live in security and dignity.”

Ted Cruz

Experience: In 2012, Ted Cruz won the election to the U.S. Senate with the support of the Tea Party and took office the following year, going on to orchestrate a governmental shutdown in opposition to Obamacare.

Platform: Cruz believes in trying to block any current effort that lets undocumented immigrants legally remain in the U.S. He believes in mandating a balanced budget, as well as ending the Common Core

John Kasich

Experience: The current governor of

Ohio, first elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. Gov. John R. Kasich continues to be a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and, as governor, has enacted legislation to defend it Platform: New laws enacted in Ohio by Gov. Kasich effectively defend against the threat of federal intrusion and privacy abuses that have raised concerns nationwide. As President he would put these same approaches to work for every student.

In His Words: “The idea behind the standards was for students in every state to be given the opportunity to compete with every other student. I want kids to jump higher. I’m going to make sure that standards are high and local control is maintained.”

INFORMATION SOURCED FROM WWW.BIOGRAPHY. COM, BERNIESANDERS. COM, WWW.PBS.ORG, WWW.JOHNKASICH.COM

education standards.

In His Words: “Under no circumstance should the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans be up for debate.”

How do voters see candidates Percent of registered voters who say each would make a _____ president: Great

Donald Trump

21

Experience: A real estate devel-

oper in 1980, he opened the Grand Hyatt, which made him on of the best known and most controversial developers.

Platform: Trump said the Second Amendment guarantees a fundamental right that belongs to all lawabiding Americans. The Constitution doesn’t create that right – it ensures that the government can’t take it away. Trump also believes that decades of disastrous trade deals and immigration policies have destroyed our middle class. Securing the border and implementing stricter policies to ensure illegal immigrants stop coming to America.

In His Words: “A nation without borders is not a nation.”

15

Good

Average

10% Bernie Sanders

Poor

Terrible

10%

11% 30 26 16

26 7

John Kasich

Source: Pew Research Graphic: Tribune News Service

22

Donald Trump

44

16 12

20

5%

13

39

Hillary Clinton

15 19

28 17

7% Ted Cruz 31

22

SURVEY OF 2,009 ADULTS CONDUCTED IN JANUARY 2016

*Don’t know responses not shown

April 2016

Page 8

The Wessex Wire: Features

The time to ‘live it up’ is now

By Tatum Pappas ’16 If someone told me my freshman year to stay home on a Friday night and hangout with my parents, I would have thought I was “too cool”. If they said to skip going out to dinner with my best friends, I would have said I didn’t want to miss out. There are so many things left to do before I head out for my freshman year of college, and I don’t want to miss out on any of it.

This article is a warning to underclassmen and a last minute memo to seniors: There is still time to finish that high school bucket list or take advantage of the things that college won’t have to offer. Here are the top 11 things I wish I was told much earlier before this ending of my high school career.

1.

Appreciate the home-cooked meals: The Freshman 15 is not a myth. Although the unlimited ice cream and dining hall food may seem appealing, there will never be anything like home-cooked meals from your good ol’ parents.

“I have a list on my phone of things I want to do before I leave for college.”

Gab Campanella ’17

“As sad as I am, I am also super excited to see what college has in store for me.

It is a bittersweet feeling.”

Spencer Barry ’16

2.

Go on an adventure every weekend with your friends: Take a hike or the bus to the city. Take advantage of the area we live in, especially if you’re going out of state for college! There is so much to do rather than sit on our phones for the weekend.

3. Don’t fret about spending money (might as well start being college-broke now!)

4. Study for your AP exams: it will pay off one day, and those few credits could end up saving you thousands of dollars.

5. Take pictures of every moment: Pretty

soon the high school memories will fade as you make more in your college years.

However, no need to let go of the past. Take as many pictures and videos as possible; a little piece of home to take with you.

6.

Rebuild bridges with friends: Leave high school with no tense ties; you’ll leaving feeling free from the past.

“Everyone is anxious to leave high school, but I think they miss it as soon as they realize how independent they have to be.”

Mr. McNaught

7. Go to more sporting events: Whether “I’m sad about leaving for college, but I feel like I have lived these past few years to the fullest.”

Joe Simeone ’16

it’s team games or performing art recitals.

8. Go to prom! And enjoy it!: Prom is far

more than “prom weekend,” enjoy a night dressed up with friends.

9. Chill with some of your friends on

school nights. You won’t have them in college.

10. Say hi to some random person in

“Dude, high school has been so chill so far.”

Zack Kearney ’17

the hallway; It is never too late to make a new friend.

11. Live up these last high school years. They don’t last.

The moral of the story is this: I am not saying do something wild every day or only hang out with your family. However, when you think to yourself “man, I really want to do that”, just. do. it. There is no one stopping anyone from doing anything but yourself. These past four years have truly flown by for me and out of all the awesome moments I had, I still crave more. So, to all you underclassmen: please take advantage of all your teenage high school years have to offer, it will be gone in a flash.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLEN J. SCHABEN/ LOS ANGELES TIMES/TNS

Donald Trump speaks to supporters at a rally at Fountain Park in Fountain Hills, Ariz., on March 19.

The conning connotation of a candidate’s last name

By Anthony Gagliardi ’16 Election season is a time for the candidates to portray themselves to the general public, hoping to gain support for their campaign.

A lot gets looked into when it comes to the candidates, but the one aspect that stands out the most is something that has stuck with them all their life: their last name.

Politicians have been around for a long time, with different ideologies making their mark in history.

Similar to other fields of work, politics have a tendency to be family-oriented, meaning that some families have kept this profession in the name for quite a while. The last name of a candidate could either have a positive or negative connotation, which means it could make or break a candidate.

“I feel like when politics stay in the family, it’s like the British monarchy,” senior Jake Schatz said.

During this recent presidential race, it’s clear to see the chain of power through families. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s last name instantly brings up memories of husband President Bill Clinton, and his legacy has impacted her political career for decades. During his presidency, President Clinton’s actions affected the public’s impressions of Secretary Clinton. As their marriage was under scrutiny, she stood by her husband despite his adulterous actions. After her role as First Lady, she remained in the spotlight for years to come as she served for the Senate and later as the Secretary of State. Mrs. Clinton’s political power has thrust her into the public eye, influencing her actions to be judged more harshly by the country.

“Many think that Clinton is an outsider because she is a woman, but she has been in the political sphere longer than we have been alive,” senior Cooper Salmon said.

Former Governor and presiden-

tial candidate Jeb Bush was forced into the same circumstances as Secretary Clinton, but his family had been in the political sphere for even longer than two generations.

His father, President George H.W. Bush, and brother George W. Bush served our country for a total of 12 years. Governor Bush’s family left him with their legacy which many claim tainted his run for the nomination. During the debates and his time campaigning, he was questioned on the past decisions of his brother. Tough questions were raised about Governor Bush’s support of the Iraq war, his brother’s criticized reactions and political maneuvering in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

Although Republican presidential candidate Donald J. Trump does not have any political ties in his lineage, he manages to use his family name to brand his campaign. Working off his family’s past successes, Trump uses his last name to his advantage, constantly flaunting his different ventures.

Many people are drawn to him as a candidate for his triumphs as a businessman; they think that he will be able to bring the country the same prosperity he was able to bring to the Trump Organization.

“The Trump name does carry something with it,” sophomore Ryan Murphy said. “At the end of the day though, his last name doesn’t make up for how he would act in office.”

Political candidates put themselves in a spotlight when undergoing the campaign process. Their background, whether it be their political participation or even their family involvement, plays a pivotal role in classifying a candidate. The Clintons and the Bushs are names that will live on for generations to come. They will go down in history with the Kennedys and the Roosevelts; shaping our country’s political identity.

&

Arts Arts

Culture

April 2016 Issue 5

‘Hamilton’ discovers the fun in American history

By Daniella Ignacio ’17

‘Addams Family’ is creepy and spooky in all the best ways

By Grace George ’17 Teeming with ghastly scenery and taboo romance, the Masquers of West Essex’s performance of “The Addams Family” did not fail to impress with its humor and liveliness. The quirky cast consisted of an array of characters, ranging from taciturn butler Lurch, played

by Matthew Uhlendorf, to the vivacious Grandmama, played by Caroline LanFrank.

Taking place years after the original film, the show focuses on the complicated love story between Wednesday Addams (senior Tess Dyer) and an Ohio-raised boy named Lucas (junior Michael Gaccione). Wednesday, in an attempt to break the news of her decision to elope, arranges a dinner with her and Lucas’s parents, which goes horribly awry. However, in the end, the whole cast, including Uncle Lester, find happiness in love.

The show’s cast displayed their best vocals opening day, especially in the songs, “One Normal Night” and “Full Disclosure.” Dyer as Wednesday had a notable performance, projecting her beautiful voice in the songs, “Pulled,” “Happy Sad” and “Crazier Than You.” Junior Kira Shabbab as Morticia Addams and her stage-husband,

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BILL PRIOR, LEGACY STUDIOS

Kira Shabbab and Matthew DeFazio do not disappoint in their roles.

Senior Matthew DeFazio as Gomez, displayed a strong chemistry, appearing comfortable in each other’s presence on stage. “The lead actors looked so consumed in their roles,” said junior Sam Manuzza who attended the play opening night.

“The love between Morticia and Gomez and Lucas and Wednesday was portrayed perfectly through the actors who played them.”

Each actor, actress, stage crew member, tech crew member, makeup artist and director put their full effort forward to make “The Addams Family” extremely enjoyable for all.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALBERTO FRANK (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Caitlyn Jenner continues to make headlines this year, her views about the candidates angering the transgender community.

‘Conservative Cait’ throws her support behind candidate Cruz Caitlyn Jenner’s support of Ted Cruz puzzles transgender community

By Julie Rosenberg ’16 Even Kim Kardashian’s nude pictures on the Internet aren’t enough to take attention away from talk about Caitlyn Jenner’s political views. That’s right, Kim is being pushed aside and Caitlyn is taking the forefront for the Kardashian/Jenner family during this election year.

As someone standing as one of the most prominent and vocal figures of acceptance of transgender men and women, itself considered a very liberal cause, Jenner has expressed that her political views lie opposite. When asked by Diane Sawyer if she was a Republican, Caitlyn responded by saying, “Yeah! Is that a bad thing? I believe in the Constitution.”

The fact that Caitlyn identifies as a Republican leaves some people in the LGBT community debating whether to support Caitlyn or not.

It has been contemplated whether Caitlyn is actually a true supporter of the transgender cause or if she is only supporting it for publicity.

Caitlyn’s political party affiliation makes this question even more, well, questionable.

According to a July Gallup Poll published in The Washington Post, 21 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans are Republican or lean Republican, compared with 63 percent who identify or lean Democratic. With only about one-fifth of the LGBT community leaning the same way

as Caitlyn in their political ideology, her efforts to unite the community for the strength of her cause may become weakened.

Here at West Essex alone, people seem to side more Republican, however when it comes to social issues, such as gay marriage, many are willing to break traditional party lines; some of these same people agree that gay marriage should be legalized nationally. The party you side with shows a lot about you and your morals, but not everything.

Social issues bring out a different side of some people that does not always align with the political party that they associate with.

“Caitlyn should be able to publicly state her political views, however she probably should not be so strong and stubborn about them for the sake of what she is trying to do for trans people,” said Senior Sonali Goil.

“People are certainly allowed to have their own political opinions besides people may expect based on their gender,” Mrs. Blanchard said.

“It is just kind of discrediting to the LGBT movement that Caitlyn would go and support someone who would try to take away all of the rights that the LGBT community and even herself have fought to gain.”

It leaves people in awe that one of the most famous faces of the transgender community could support someone so against it. The Texas senator has even said, “my five year-old … knows there’s a difference between boys and girls” in a conversation about transgender students’ bathroom privileges. How could Caitlyn back someone that doesn’t back her and her movement for trans people?

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL VADON (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Ted Cruz is not shy about voicing his opinion against transgender equality.

In an interview with transgender journalist Dawn Enis published in the Advocate Jenner said that despite Ted Cruz being “one of the worst ones” when it comes to transgender issues, she likes him and would even want to work for him if he wins the presidency. Cruz is in favor of providing Americans with jobs and a thriving economy, she says, and “I want every trans person to have a job.”

As the political conversations escalate around the election for 2016, Americans look toward public figures to use the opportunity for change. Caitlyn Jenner currently has all eyes on her from those in the transgender community and those not in it. Hopefully, for her, her movement only progresses, however, her poltical views may hurt her.

High school students especially, the soon to be voters and adults of America, should take voting in the election seriously and look for candidates that they agree with. Keep an eye out for what each candidate thinks about both social and economic issues and stay true to your opinion, Caitlin Jenner will.

FROM TOP “CAITLYN JENNER” BY ALBERTO FRANK (CC BY-SA 2.0) (HTTPS://WWW.FLICKR.COM/ PHOTOS/ALBERTOFRANK/18544239191)/ “SENATOR TED CRUZ” BY MICHAEL VADON (CC BY-SA 2.0) (HTTPS://WWW.FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/MICHAELVADON/14235080339)/

stage allows for an incredible theatrical experience. In particular, Throughout the 2015-2016 Phillipa Soo as Hamilton’s wife Broadway season, there has been Eliza, Reneé Elise Goldsberry as one show that everyone is buzz- her sister Angelica and Jasmine ing about. One might wonder Cephas-Jones, doubling as her siswhether the show is deserving of ter Peggy and Hamilton’s mistress this outpouring of praise, love and Maria Reynolds, steal the show, even obsession. After with their powerful watching the show voices displaying FIND MORE recently, I can attest all ranges of emoONLINE that “Hamilton” lives tion and acting abilup to the hype and ity. The fact that all Visit even surpasses it. thewessexwire.com three sisters have Its talented group different ethnicities for the rest of the of creatives is one (Soo is half-Chi‘Hamiliton’ review! reason why. Linnese, Goldsberry is Manuel Miranda, African-American, the show’s composand Cephas-Jones er-lyricist-playwright-Alexander is Hispanic) shows that family Hamilton, proves to be genius yet knows no limits, even racial ones. again after his success with “In “Hamilton” was just a fantastic The Heights” in 2008. Creating a experience all around. From the rap musical about America’s first music to the story, from the actors Secretary of the Treasury would to the creatives, everyone is putat first glance seem disastrous, but ting their heart and soul into this his references to other famous rap, production to pass on Alexander R&B and hip hop songs, his mem- Hamilton’s legacy. If you are lucky orable tunes and characters and enough to score tickets to this most importantly, his inclusion of show, don’t take the experience many minorities on the Broadway for granted.

The Wessex Wire Page 9

April 2016

The Wessex Wire: Arts & Culture

Page 10

Enough political news: Let’s watch some political movies

By Pat Glenn ’16 We can talk all day about how we feel about the possibility of another Clinton in office, the delegate race in the Republican primaries and the circus that is the 2016 election … but while we wait, let’s have a look at some of our favorite politically themed films of all time. For this list, we narrowed the criteria to modern American politics and tried to keep the movies more recent (sorry “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” and “Dr. Strangelove”).

“Dave” (1993): Starting off with a fan-favorite comedy, “Dave” isn’t a hardhitting political thriller, but it is one of the most charming films about a president in office. After events transpire that force presidential impersonator Dave Kovic (Kevin Kline) to be a stand-in president, the average joe quickly feels at home in the White House.

Although the setup is unoriginal (normal guy thrust into position of immense power), the film’s charm and intelligence, along with Kline’s sincere earnestness, sets it above the rest.

“Frost/Nixon” (2008): Recreating the actual events of Australian TV personality David Frost’s experiences leading up to the legendary interviews on Nixon’s presidency, “Frost/Nixon” perfectly captured the scandal revolving around the infamous political figure. This Best Picture nominee tells the tale of how Frost

was able to fund and televise four programs that ran for 90 minutes each. The film highlights both sides of the matchup: a young Frost looking to leave a mark on the American media scene, and a cagey Richard M. Nixon attempting to regain some of his tarnished reputation. Even though the original taping was done decades ago, viewers still sit on the edge of their seats as Frost throws metaphorical jabs at Nixon.

“The American President” (1995): A great piece of screenplay delivered by the always witty Aaron Sorkin, this film laid the groundwork for NBC’s “The West Wing.” Michael Douglas portrays an idealized president that stands up for what it is right, but has major difficulties with handling relationships. Widowed a few years prior to the film, President Shepard struggles with potential love interest Sydney Wade (Annette Bening), an environmental lobbyist and newcomer to the Washington political circuit.

In these moments, the film scores its biggest laughs, as President Shepard accesses FBI records for Sydney’s phone number and seeks relationship advice from White House staffers.

“All the President’s Men” (1976): A masterful film about journalism’s role in politics, “All the President’s Men” tells the story of the downfall of the country’s Commander-in-Chief Richard M. Nixon at the hands of two young Washington Post reporters, Bob

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINEBAD (CC BY-SA 2.0)

The Frost/Nixon interviews were able to shed light on the former president’s legacy as well as reveal his true feelings on executive power and the Watergate scandal.

Woodward and Carl Bernstein.

A true-to-life film that captures every little nuance of investigative reporting and diligent detective work, this makes the story of how the duo were able to uncover the Watergate cover-up as riveting as the actual events. Plus, it’s a film about a duo of newspaper reporters; who wouldn’t love it?

“Air Force One” (1997): To break up all the heavy flicks,

‘O.J. Simpson’ brings back the juice

TOP: PHOTO COURTESY OF SINEBAD / “FROST/NIXON ” (CC BY-SA 2.0) (HTTPS://WWW.FLICKR. COM/PHOTOS/SINEBAD/ 3506914435) /

By Courtney Pappas ’16

In 1994, America watched one of the most famous cases on television, the O.J. Simpson murder trial. Now, more than 20 years later, America gets to rewatch the trials on the television miniseries, “American Crime Story: The People vs O.J. Simpson.”

Viewers were hooked right from the start of its Feb. 2 premiere. Now nine episodes in, the case is being relived by many and watched for the first time by our generation.

Ryan Murphy, previously producer behind the show “American Horror Story” (AHS), was added onto this 10-episode miniseries.

Like his previous work, “American Crime Story,” is based upon investigations and criminal activity, though a lot less scarier than “AHS.” Along with Murphy, “AHS” actress Sarah Paulson plays lead prosecutor Marcia Clark. The investigation traits that were in “AHS”, have now extended over into “The People vs O.J. Simpson.” Both shows zero in on the fascinating truth behind police force and how they are working.

From the first episode, the LAPD is made out to be monsters. They are ridiculed on how they handled the evidence against O.J. and are basically blamed for losing the case. The beauty of the show is that people can see the background information, like the LAPD, and understand details that were not shared originally. The cops from the beginning wanted O.J. wanted to be a suspect. Right when they were brought to the crime scene, the focus stirred away from allowing O.J. to mourn but made him a suspect.

Viewers can now put the pieces together between the investigation and the actual case.

Overall, the show has hooks that appeal to all age groups. For older generations, they are able to rewatch the case that they once lived through. For younger generations though, each episode is new and exciting. Even though most people know the basics of the case and the outcome, it is exciting to watch and see how everything actually occurred. The reality of this show is what makes it so interesting.

While not all reality TV shows are good, this one isn’t filled with fake drama. People see something that they never knew about before and can instantly research it and get the whole story. The appeal comes from the case finally be unravelled so that people can understand how O.J. was never convicted.

Shows and films that are based on real life events are beneficial to people to get a second look and behind the scene details on everything. “Confirmation,” a HBO original film, is coming out in late April and is based upon the case of Anita Hill and Clarence Thomas.

This is another memorable case seen on TV about the Supreme Court Justice being accused of sexual harassment his miniseries based on modern events are something that people want to see. Not only are some people reliving it, some people are first experiencing these shocking events and everyone is learning the details that were never uncovered before. The show is enlightening everyone about the case’s history.

let’s throw some unadulterated fun into the mix. Is the film a masterpiece by any means? No. It’s a beautiful mix of explosions, gunfire and ramped-up volume that makes you wish there was a president as badass as Harrison Ford. It may not be the most substantive film on the list, but it more than makes up for its lack of substance with plenty of style and sizzle. And remember, would-be baddies: Get off my plane.

“The Ides of March” (2011): No more fitting film than this one for primary season, “The Ides of March” highlights the strenuous time of campaigning as the potential nominee for the Democratic party. Told from the perspective of a presidential hopeful’s press secretary (Ryan Gosling), a rising star in the political sphere, the film keeps viewers on the edge of its seat with a series of twists and political maneuvering.

The Wessex Wire: Sports

April 2016

Page 11

Athletes can use success to change political landscape

By Kirk Geller ’16 Athletes across America have shown signs of taking action against political and real-world issues in their own unique way.

Countering acts of superiority and defiance with victories and protests, track athletes, young hockey players and basketball superstars showed America that they don’t have to be afraid of protest and that sometimes the best way to fight back is to be yourself and thrive.

Today’s sports stars acting on their personal and political beliefs draw on a long, rich legacy of athletic activism. Jesse Owens, a track phenomenon, went up against more than fellow athletes when he entered competition in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. Adolf Hitler was using the Games to show the world a resurgent Nazi Germany.

Meanwhile, Nazi propaganda promoted concepts of what the party touted as “Aryan racial superiority” and depicted others, including those of African descent, as inferior.

Owens, African American

himself, countered this by winning four gold medals in various track events.

“Jesse Owens wasn’t going out to stand up against Germany at that time but his success in the Olympics just ended up being a big momentum killer to Hitler and the German government.” junior Will Reif said.

While Owens created his own historical Olympic moment, the 1980 U.S. Men’s Hockey Team was working on their own miracle.

Facing the competition of Soviet Russia, whose political leaders were slowly attempting to turn America into a communist country, the young and inexperienced collegiate athletes were major underdogs. The average age of the team was 21 years old, making it, at the time, the youngest hockey team in U.S. Olympic history.

The Russians were considered “amateurs,” but in reality were a team of professional hockey players in their home country and had won the gold medal in the previous four winter Olympic games.

The Americans were hopeful, though, and through every piece

PHOTO FROM WIKIPEDIA

The “Miracle on Ice” team is one of the many examples of U.S. athletes standing up in the midst of poltical turmoil.

of adversity, including President Carter’s attempt to boycott the games because of Russia’s invasion of Afghanistan and the country being left in turmoil after the Iran hostage crisis the year before, the team defeated the Soviets, 4-3, in what is now called the “Miracle on Ice.” The team would go on to win the gold medal and bring home a major victory for a country that desperately needed it.

“While the victory didn’t actually do anything to change the political landscape, it was more about the symbolism,” senior CJ Lopez said. “Democracy was better than communism, and the Soviet government couldn’t beat us.”

In 2012, the Miami Heat basketball team stood up to make a public statement about the controversial

death of Treyvon Martin, a young African-American in 2012 that started bringing media exposure to white police officers attacking black civilians that were standing down willingly. On Feb. 26, Martin was repeatedly shot to death in Sanford, Fla., by gate-watcher George Zimmerman, who claimed self defense. An arrest had not been made one month later, so LeBron James and fellow Miami Heat players at the time decided to post a picture on Twitter representing their stance on the murder case.

The team donned hoodies, the same clothing Martin was wearing.

Zimmerman was later arrested but found not guilty of seconddegree murder and manslaughter, resulting in many protests.

“Their protest showed that there

is more to sports than just sports,” junior PJ Scheer said. “Current events can have an effect on major sports in any way and their acts proved how true that is.”

Athletes giving their protest to those who feel superior or allowed to bend the rules of law presents a confidence in America that not many people in our country can match. When fans see a sports figure be victorious despite all the odds against them, it acts as a catalyst for their own passion. What do we have to be afraid of if these men can find glory? The activism that athletes show when they decide to stand up against a national cause can help America come together to stand up in the face of those who see us as inferior and show that we are a country united.

crimes simply on the basis that “they felt entitled.” and saw them only as “a privileged group of white male athletes.”

Outside the Duke boundaries, the city of Durham roared with rage. Mike Nifong, who was then the prosecutor for Durham County, exploited the publicity of the scandal and continued to increase tension through his claims of hard evidence and horrifying eyewitness accounts that never substantiated in the trial.

The pressure and “evidence” surmounted, and Duke succumbed.

They suspended the three accused students, and terminated the remainder of the season for the men’s lacrosse team. Head Coach Mike Pressler was pressured from the University to resign from his position as head coach because of his support for the accused.

Duke’s reaction indicated just how touchy the case, and its subject matter were at the time. For such a long time, the racial problems were danced around and avoided at all costs. “[Duke Officials] just wanted this story to stop being in the public eye,” said Don Yaeger, author of It’s Not About the Truth, in his interview for “Fantastic Lies.”

Eventually, the truth came out, and the players were able to prove

their innocence. However, the impressions of the case still linger, despite the verdict. Although exculpatory evidence was found in the duration of the trial, many still believe that there was a crime committed that night. Ten years later, the accused are still victims of a seemingly ancient prejudgment.

“I would like to believe that we as a society do not prejudge, but allow the actual facts and evidence of the case be fully presented first then make a fair and meaningful decision,” said Assistant Principal Ms. Hoebee. “I think there is a clear difference between being cautious and condemning,” “This is and is not something you see often,” said senior Michelle Inga. “I think the Duke case, 10 years ago enlightens our sheltered community to the real-world problems that are in our backyard, but at times seem so far away.”

The reality is that in any environment, situations like the one at Duke happen. Whether it be in a political, social, or athletic setting, racial tensions continue to persist and encourage harsh attitudes in our society. The violence, outrage and forging of two distinct sides prove racial tensions continue to define American conflict and political culture.

The difference 10 years hasn’t made for Duke University lacrosse

By Caitlin Morrissey ’16 Ten years ago, the Duke lacrosse scandal and the events that transpired as a result of false accusations, prosecutorial misconduct and existing racial tensions in Durham, N.C., best exemplified a “rush to injustice.” Three members of the 2006 Duke men’s lacrosse team were accused of raping an exotic dancer they had hired for a team party. One of the accused hailed from Essex Fells, and was just a sophomore at the time.

“I remember coming home from college and seeing the overwhelming support from the town,” said assistant girls lacrosse coach Ms. Plesnitzer. “Whether it was donating meals or the yellow ribbons on the trees, it was really amazing.”

“My cousin went to Duke, played lacrosse there, and then coached there after he graduated,” junior Jordyn Thies said. “It was incredibly frustrating to see, and now understand the affects the scandal had on the coaches, who were condemned for their support of their athletes.”

“Durham at that time was a twotiered city–black-white, wealthyworking poor,” said Joe Cheshire, an attorney for one of the accused lacrosse players in a recent inter-

PHOTO FROM WIKIPEDIA

The Duke Lacrosse scandal asserted the continued presence of prejudgment.

view. Many people cited constant conflict between the elitist northerners that came to Durham to attend Duke University, and the working-class citizens of the developing city of Durham.

One month ago, ESPN aired “Fantastic Lies,” a documentary summarizing and reflecting on the events that happened a decade ago.

“I had absolutely no problem believing that rich, white, elite young men would take advantage of a young African-American woman,” Bradley Bannon said of his initial beliefs during his interview. He later served as an attorney for one of the accused.

The Duke lacrosse scandal was

the culmination of all the issues not only prominent in Durham, but throughout major cities in the country. The vast discrepancies between the race, class, education and privilege of the accused and the accuser divided the nation, and propelled a media frenzy.

The way the boys were portrayed by the media generated a surge of activist groups on the Duke campus whose membership included some of the Duke staff. “Factually, we know that this men’s lacrosse team has been bad in its citizenship,” said Dr. Houston A. Baker of the entire men’s lacrosse program in a 2006 interview. He believed that the three boys committed

April 2016 Issue 5

The Wessex Wire Page 12

Senior lax standouts prepare for final season Liam Garvey sees hard work and dedication pay off with commitment to Bryant University

Skyler Simson‘s natural athleticism leads to impressive success on the tennis court and lacrosse field

By Jake Wolf ’17

By Julia Maxman ‘16

Being a Division I athlete takes a lot of hard work, dedicaLearning and thriving at any sport is a challenge in itself. It takes diligence, tion and love for the sport. Fortunately for lacrosse star Liam hard work and patience. However, there are a rare few for which the competiGarvey, he is willing to do whatever it takes to reach the highest tion of any sport is innate. Whether given a ball, stick or racquet, they can not levels of lacrosse competition. only immediately learn the game, but thrive while doing so. For senior Skyler “I’ve been playing lacrosse since I could pretty much Simson, every sport she took on seemed to be effortless. stand,” Garvey said, “and with my mom being a As Simson starts her final season as a knight, she reflects serious lacrosse athlete when she was my age on how being on eight different teams at West Essex has the family connection and interest was there.” not only made her grow as an athlete, but a person as well.

A senior from Essex Fells, Garvey has “Of course sports get you in better shape and help you committed to Bryant University to play learn dedication, but for me, being an athlete has taught lacrosse next season. “Their coach and good me valuable life lessons such as discipline, responsibility academics led me to choose Bryant,” he said. and commitment,” Simson said.

Garvey will have to continue showing his imSimson first began her athletic career at the age of four, pressive talent as Bryant is ranked in the top 50 when her father and grandmother encouraged her to of men’s lacrosse the past couple years, making it take up tennis. This sport had been in the family, into the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament so it was “basically in my blood,” Simson said. in 2014. They have won the NEC Conference Before high school, she had played several title and are led by accomplished head coach sports, but she always made time for tenMike Pressler, who was previously the coach nis, playing year round. By the time she of Duke University. got to high school, current members of Garvey just began his final season at the girls’ tennis team had already heard West Essex, where he plays midfielder about the girl “whose serve could break for the Knights. His great success has led your racquet strings.” to him achieving many accomplishments, Immediately, coaching staff recogincluding Group II All-State Second Team nized her sheer talent and after preas a junior, and Honorable Mention as a season matches, Simson was placed at sophomore, in addition to being honored as a the first singles position, a remarkable captain for this season due to his motivational accomplishment for any tennis player skills and effort. let alone a freshman. Remaining strong His teammates recognize this effort as well, in this spot for the next four years, Simson including junior teammate Jake Evangelista. “Liam would go on to win 53 of her 72 matches as is fun to be around and is always making you laugh,” the tennis team’s first singles player, as a force Evangelista said. “He is a great lacrosse player and to be reckoned with for the tennis program, someone you can always rely on to do their job.” making a name for herself over the course of Reliability is a trait that is extremely valuable in a sport each season. like lacrosse, where each member of the team must be “Skyler is that kind of athlete who is powable to be counted upon in order to reach success. In such a team oriented PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE PROGRESS erful and aggressive on the court, but is modest off the court too,” sport, the captains must be counted on to lead their team, an area in which sophomore tennis player Julia Schwartz said. “She is a leader on the Garvey excels. team and was encouraging as a captain for the past two years.”

While he is an impressive motivator and leader, he also leads by example, While tennis will always be Simson’s first sport, she admitted that through his play. “On the field he is all about the game and always creatlacrosse, which she started when she was around seven years old, has always been ing plays for his teammates,” junior teammate Zack Kearney said. “He does things that her true favorite sport. makes your jaw drop.” This compilation of factors culminated into a stellar junior season “I love lacrosse because of the team aspect,” Simson said. “It’s nice to know that I for Garvey, and set him up for an even better senior year. have 11 other teammates to back me up on the field.” As an asset to the Varsity Squad Garvey’s desire to have fun is acknowledged by his teammates, and it is part of what for the past three years, she’s been an unstoppable force with her stick on the field. makes him such a standout player. “He loves the game more than anyone I’ve ever met “She is one of the best players on the team,” senior teammate Rachel Cecere said. and he has put in the work to be the best,” Kearney said.

“We count on her to run the ball up the field and run the attack. She holds the team together.”

While her abilities to stay composed and strong help her win points on the court, her communication and capacity to run up and down the field in the matter

By Micaela Weiss ‘17 though, with their front row out a 25-19 victory in an inof seconds, makes Simson a key player on the

pounding the ball. The sec- tense third match lacrosse team.

West Essex Boy’s JV vol- ond match was an extreme Coach McNaught has been While Simson has had a tremendous athletic leyball team is back in the confidence booster, with West waiting a long time for his career at West Essex, this lacrosse season will game. After three years with- Essex winning by 10 points. team to come out on top of a be her last. Next year, Simson will continue at out a single victory, the team Their adrenaline pumping, game, coaching over 50 games Hamilton College where she has committed to came together and defeated the boys were determined until finally having his team play lacrosse.

Bloomfield Tech in a three- to come out with a win. The claim victory.

“I’m super excited to continue my lacrosse camatch brawl. third match was filled with “It is a strong sense of acreer.” Simson said. “I’ve played sports my entire The boys lost the first nail-biting rallies that had the complishment,” said Junior life and I would feel like something was missing match of the game by only whole crowd on the edge of Michael Gonzalez. “Every if I stopped playing.” Although Simson will be two points. They came back their seats. second of the victory was playing as a Continental next year, she will take stronger in the next round, The boys were able to pull worth the wait.” with her all of her experience from West Essex and will continue to play as she had as a Knight.

JV Volleyball Knights spike first win in 3 years

Wise Words:

Coach McNaught “Even if you aren’t in the game, keep your head in the game.”