OPINION — Over the last several weeks, I’ve spoken with countless people in Wisconsin who are distraught about the ongoing violence in Israel and Palestine. They are hurting—terribly—and they are scared for their loved ones. We are all mourning the loss of so many lives. Islamophobia and antisemitism have always been serious problems in our […]
Category: Opinion
OPINION: Taxpayer dollars should be used to serve the people here, not destroy lives elsewhere
OPINION — Last month, a U.S. government shutdown was miraculously averted. A potential shut down still exists if congress and the Biden administration cannot agree on appropriation bills by Nov. 17. Some of the services that will see the impact of a government shutdown are Head Start, Meals on Wheels, Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP), […]
OPINION: Menthol ban: an examination of justice and equity in our community
OPINION — My name is Chester Todd, and I am a Community Advocate in Racine, Wisconsin. I am writing to make you further aware of an issue: the proposed menthol ban. This is a conversation that truly should be addressed to our Black community – a discussion that is grounded in our collective lived experiences. […]
Opinion: How my New Year’s resolution led to the buzz about bees
Honeybees migration into their new home. – Save the bees! Save the bees, our lives depend on it. I know this because I once had no connection and appreciation for this winged insect. It’s true, the real buzz and word on the street is that these little buggers hold more value than we, as a […]
OPINION: It is never too early, who shall answer the call for Wisconsin’s 1st District?
OPINION — I do not know Congressman Bryan Steil, so I can only put forth assumptions about his personality, outlook on social issues, and politics. I would assume that since he is a Republican and follows the party’s agenda (a requirement for membership), he may be anti-Black, anti-LGBTQIA, anti-immigration, and against anything positive for the […]
OPINION: Back to the fields
OPINION — The decision of the United States Supreme Court to trash the long-standing Affirmative Action Law that permitted many Black and Brown children access to a college education should come as no surprise to anyone, especially Black Americans. There is no other way to say it, Black people are living in a social system […]
OPINION: Wisconsin homeowners could be at risk with new Fannie Mae program
OPINION — In this uncertain economic landscape, we are all feeling a strain on our wallets. It is understandable, then, that the government is looking for ways to lower costs and ease financial stress for Americans. However, short-term cost-saving measures should never come at the expense of our long-term financial security, especially when it may […]
Letter to the Editor: Mental Health Month and Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week
Dear Editor, Racine is participating in a nationwide effort to recognize May as Mental Health Month as well as Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week, May 7 -13. During Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week and for the remainder of May, we will focus on the importance of this shift from awareness to acceptance. We hope these […]
Op-ed: Robin Vos wants to gag citizens
by Matt Rothschild, Wisconsin ExaminerMay 5, 2023 OPINION — Assembly Speaker Robin Vos wants to take your voice away. The shared revenue bill that the Assembly Republicans just introduced “would ban counties, municipalities from putting advisory referendums on the ballot,” according to JR Ross of WisPolitics. Vos and his cohorts don’t even want your advice! […]
OP-Ed: Racine’s public safety challenges: a deep dive
Voters in Racine County will head to the polls on Tuesday to vote for their chosen candidates. Once the winners are announced, those elected will need to tackle issues that are complex and somewhat daunting. And by no means should what I am about to write be taken as an endorsement of any candidate. I […]
OPINION: Against Apathy: Lake Michigan after Two Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddles
OPINION — There’s nothing quite like standing on the frozen sands of North Beach on a winter’s morning. The frigid waves steadily march from the endless eastern horizon only to crash mere inches from my feet. The crisp air fills my lungs. The whooshing wind whistles in my ears. The ridgeline behind me, full of […]
OPINION: Keep the Rule of Law: Spring 2023 election for Wisconsin Supreme Court
OPINION — Wisconsin has an opportunity to ensure that our Supreme Court will follow the law. This is always important, but with individuals stating publicly that they would ignore the law because they sympathize with various social issues, it is even more important today. Our government is structured so this should never happen. Laws are […]
OPINION: 2023 State Supreme Court race and issues of race
OPINION: Although the contest for Wisconsin’s Supreme Court is nearing its final stretch, It seems that the needs of the Black voting bloc have virtually been ignored by the two candidates, Judge Protasiewicz and Dan Kelly. Like Protasiewicz, I am also a firm believer that women’s health issues, including abortion, are extremely important; however, we […]
Op-Ed: Yes! Send a penny of sales tax back to locals
OPINION — What does a penny buy these days? When it comes to the state budget, you might be surprised. First, a bit of background The state of Wisconsin levies a 5% tax on retail sales – a rate unchanged since 1982. This state sales tax rate works out to five pennies on every dollar […]
Op-Ed: Rare Disease Day: How my conditions shaped me to be a community storyteller
What do you want to be when you grow up? I bet you’ve asked and answered that question more times than you can count. Did you grow up to be what you wanted? I hope, like me, you became everything you thought you’d never be. I became a storyteller. I am who I am because […]