feature-articles

Where We Are Headed...According to the Results of the MA Special Election

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:25:51 +0100

By Anna Goodman,
Political Analyst

The tiny state of Massachusetts has always played a vital role in America’s heritage. From pilgrims to the Boston Tea Party, Massachusetts has demanded notice time and time again throughout U.S. history. A few weeks ago, the small-but-mighty state once again commanded the attention of the entire country when a unique United States Senate race was held between Scott Brown (R) and Martha Coakley (D) for the purpose of finding a replacement for the late Senator Ted Kennedy. When Scott Brown became the first Republican to win a Senate seat in the deep blue state in over thirty years, it set in motion a chain of widely varied speculations about the special election’s implications for the future—both during the current administration (since Brown’s victory ended the filibuster proof majority of Democrats in Congress) in addition to the potential ramifications for the 2010 and 2012 elections.

Scott Brown’s win was an extremely decisive victory for Republicans, and it has the potential to affect the performance of concerned Democrats both in Congress and the White House throughout the remainder of their terms. The fact that Brown could pull off such a win—especially in a highly partisan state like Massachusetts—should stand as a warning to Democrats. Unless they shape up rapidly, their days as the majority party are numbered. Through polls, the tea party movement, and other methods, Americans have attempted to send a message to Washington about their opposition to some of the Democrats main legislative efforts, such as the trillion-dollar healthcare reform bill. Although Democrats seemed to ignore the voice of the people originally, they are now being forced to listen because they are no longer filibuster proof in Congress and their seats are at risk in the coming elections. Over the upcoming months, expect to see Democrats reducing their pressure on more radical bills. At least until the 2010 elections pass, they will more than likely be trying to play it safe and regain some of the more moderate voters who have swung towards Republicans during the Obama administration. The Republican victory of Brown has already begun to affect the plans of the Obama White House and the democratic Congress. From this point on, they will face more opposition and must pick their battles carefully if they intended to maintain their majority in 2010.

2010. Every newspaper and talk show seems to be buzzing with speculations and rumors about this year’s elections. Why? Well, there are two reasons actually. First of all, this election has the potential to swing the balance of Congress to the Republicans, and secondly, everyone is looking at this election as an indicator of how the 2012 presidential race might play out. With Brown’s win, it seems public leaning is definitely towards Republicans. U.S. citizens are rightfully concerned and wary of the Democrats’ far left agenda and are tending to side with the relatively more conservative Republican Party. If Republican’s wrest control of the House and/or Senate during this years’ races, it may signal the end of Obama’s ability to force through legislation. Also, many would see it as an indicator that a Republican would most likely reoccupy the White House in 2012. Considering all these factors, it is not hard to see why 2010 elections have become much-discussed topics, especially in light of the results of the Massachusetts special election.

When you extend the potential implications of Brown’s election to 2012, it is easy to see why Democrats are getting a little nervous. Brown won in Massachusetts, which is an extremely liberal state, and this being the case, the chances of more bipartisan states supporting the Republican candidate for 2012 seem greatly increased. Adding to the likelihood of Obama’s removal from office in the next presidential race is the fact that his approval ratings continue to drop rapidly. His job approval rating from the Gallup pole for February 8-10, 2009, was 66% while exactly one year later it has dropped to a mere 50%. Combining all these factors, then, it seems that Brown’s win may be a fair indication of the direction of 2012 elections as well.

Who would have thought that the one senatorial race in a tiny New England state could have such nationwide implications? Brown’s victory is already forcing Democrats to consider new strategies and more bipartisan projects, especially in light of the 2010 elections. In fact, the Democrats’ monopoly on the government is greatly threatened because, if the Massachusetts race was any indication, the number of Republican Congressmen will skyrocket this year. Looking farther out, though, Brown’s win could indicate the return of Americans to more Conservative politics and the election of a Republican president in 2012. The Senatorial race between Brown and Coakley is one for the books, not only because of the race itself, but because of its long term implications.p

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:20:23 +0100

Lydia DeWolf
Reporter

Most people can sing all the verses to the popular Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” but many have never heard of the meanings behind the symbols. The song got its start in England during the 16^th century, when England established a state church. Christians who did not agree with the state church were not allowed to teach their children their beliefs, but that didn’t stop them! They used a song like a secret code, singing about objects and numbers that helped them to remember the basis of their creed. Each verse, whether swimming swans or leaping lords, represents an aspect of the Christian faith. Share these simple reminders with your family this year as you sing this well-loved carol, and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! p

Food From Afar

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:20:14 +0100

Katie Wells
Reporter

                Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, pumpkin pie. All of these foods are traditional holiday eats in our home sweet home, USA. But what about other countries? Well, I decided to find out!
            People in China eat many different things during the holidays, like lotus roots fried with ginkgo! Pork tongue salad and tingling spicy chicken are also on the menu!
            In France they eat a cake called La Buche de Noel. Goose is their roast turkey. And sometimes they eat oysters with crepinettes (a sort of sausage)!
            If you lived in Australia, you would probably enjoy roasted duck with salad, but this mainly depends on where you live.
            So before you start looking forward to a traditional American Christmas, put yourself in someone from another country’s shoes. Or clogs for that matter! p

Harvesters' Helpers

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:23:55 +0100

Lydia De Wolf
Reporter

            During the month of November, the Brighton Student Council organized a school-wide volunteering trip to Kansas City’s only food bank, Harvesters Community Food Network. Harvesters is an organization that collects, sorts, and distributes food in their fight against hunger. If you didn’t make it to the school trip, here are a few facts about Harvesters, taken from their website, www.harvesters.org.
            “Harvesters is a food bank, which is a centralized food collection and distribution facility that provides food and household products to agencies serving people in need.
            “In 2008, Harvesters distributed more than 28 million pounds of food and household products in our 13-county direct service area in and around Kansas City.
            Harvesters can feed five people for just $1. That kind of efficiency can only come from the central distribution model in which dollars are leveraged to acquire, transport, sort, package, store and distribute donated food.”
            Hats off to Harvesters for their good work, and a big “thank you” to the Brighton students who donated food and their time to this mission work! ▲

Pig Pandemic?

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:51:40 +0100

Emma Pell
Reporter

                Today, there is a lot of talk about H1N1, better known as the swine flu. Some people are concerned about whether or not they should get a vaccine for H1N1. With vaccines now available in Kansas, it is a good time to think about getting one—or not.
                There are two types of vaccines available: the traditional shot, and a nasal spray, called FluMists. Kathleen Sebelius, Health and Human Services Secretary, recommends that everyone, especially children, get the new vaccine. But is it really necessary?
                Sources say, even though there have been 600 deaths related to H1N1 in the U.S., 1 in 5 parents don’t consider swine flu a serious disease. Other polls show that more than a third of parents don’t want their kids vaccinated. It is also said that younger people have a better chance of catching H1N1 than the portion of the population 65 and older. Sebelius comments, “This flu is a younger person’s flu. Kids have no immunity.” Others are concerned that the vaccine is too new, and that the swine flu doesn’t really differ that much from the regular flu.
                So, how can you stay healthy without getting the swine flu vaccine? Simple ways are best. Here are a few ways to stay healthy and keep others healthy too:

· Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough

· Wash your hands before you eat, with warm water and soap

· Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth so that germs can get in

· Keep hand sanitizer in your pocket

· And of course, don’t hang around with sick people!▲

Barack Talk: Did It Rock?

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:50:49 +0100

Emma Pell

Reporter

On September 8, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., President Barack Obama addressed public school students, in their classrooms, nation-wide. Students in grades K-12 were invited to listen to his speech. The overall point of the speech was to encourage kids to stay in school and get a good education. For the older students, pamphlets were handed out at the end of the speech so that they could further discuss Obama’s speech. Teachers were directed to ask the children how they can be responsible to help President Obama and the government.

Before the speech was aired, some people said that the speech would be political, and that Obama didn’t want parents listening in. Others said that the speech was merely to be addressed only to the budding young scholars. Quite a few parents elected to keep their kids at home. Others chose to opt out.

Even though there was controversy before the speech, afterward, all were in agreement that the speech proved to be inspirational.

If you viewed the speech on the internet, what did you think?

You can visit one of these websites to watch short videos from two different perspectives on the government and Obama. You can also watch Obama’s speech to the students at the address below.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtGrp5MbzAI:

Obama Kids Music Video

www.timhawkins.net/ :The Government Can

To watch the full speech go to:

www.whitehouse.gov/mediaresources/ ▲

Orientation: A New Year at Brighton Academy

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:06:51 +0100

Katie Wells

Reporter

Summer is now officially over and school has started with the kick-off of Orientation! It was great to see our old friends and meet all the new people. Mrs. Jarrett started us off by introducing Mrs. Logan who gave an excellent speech. Then we had all the teachers come up and be introduced. Most of the teachers are familiar from last year, but there are a couple new faces, including: Mr. Fortier, Ms. Hoskins, Mr. Knight, Ms. Kolins, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Schwabauer. These teachers have just come here, so let’s give them a good impression.

Our school started out having only three teachers, but now has twenty-five! With the knowledge that our cool school is growing, let’s start the new year with a jump!