Julia LaRoe
Articles
Opinion: America's defective political system will stay even when Trump leaves
Given the harm that Trump has caused domestically and abroad, his departure will be a weight off the shoulders of many. But the exploitative system that thrived under his presidency existed before him and will continue on after he leaves the Oval Office.
Opinion: Democrats need to run on more policy and less platitudes
Democrats cannot keep running on platitudes. The American people want policies that will bring fundamental change they need.
Opinion: Rushing Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court confirmation was reckless
With a 52-48 vote, Amy Coney Barrett takes the Supreme Court seat formerly held by the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The new justice was confirmed in only a month, but her presence will have a generation’s worth of consequences.
Opinion: Michigan expungement law will give many residents a new future
Bipartisan ‘Clean Slate’ legislation is now law after gaining signature from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, which will expand the eligibility for criminal record expungement. Having a criminal record has effects that reverberate throughout a person’s life, including long after the offense happened. This legislation is a needed step in the right direction to transforming Michigan’s criminal justice system.
Opinion: Future Detroit Amazon warehouse may create more harm than good
A portion of the Michigan state fairgrounds is set to be sold to build a new Amazon warehouse. Though its supporters tout the jobs it will bring to Detroit, community members and critics have voiced the lack of involvement the public has had in the decision, among other concerns.
Opinion: A vote for Joe Biden is a vote for a chance at the future
With the presidential election right around the corner, time is dwindling for voters that are on the fence about voting for Joe Biden to make their choice. With valid concerns about the effectiveness of the electoral process, undecided voters might question whether voting in 2020 matters. I’m here to argue the many reasons why a vote for Biden does effect the livelihoods of Americans, and why that is important even if you do not believe his presidency would bring radical change.
Opinion: The law prioritizes protecting police over Breonna Taylor
Breonna Taylor was killed in her own home because of complete police negligence and disregard for life. The police aren’t meant to protect you if they can try to break down your door, murder you, and get away with it, all on a flimsy hunch.
Opinion: prioritizing public health is not tyranny
Zooming in on the state of affairs with Coronavirus in Michigan, there is a standoff between the Governor’s ability to renew the State of Emergency without Legislative approval. The Legislature, with a Republican majprity, is arguing the use of emergency powers is an overreach, while Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her administration says the law gives her the right to exercise those powers in a crisis. Who is interested in public health, and who is interested in political and financial gains for themselves?
Opinion: Universities are focused on wealth over health in campus reopening plans
The University of Michigan filed a lawsuit against its grad student employees for the “disruptive” strike to get better COVID-19 protections and reforming policing on campus. While cancelled classes do disrupt schedules, a large infection rate would be much more disruptive. This is all part of the larger phenomena of university administrations insisting on a safe return to campus without much consultation with those who it will affect most.
Opinion: Incarcerated people are being left out of the COVID-19 conversation
Amidst another spike in cases in Michigan’s correctional facilities, protections for incarcerated folks are few and far between. Inmates are facing neglect in both preventative measures and treatment for COVID-19. Someone’s criminal record should not prevent them from getting the care and protection they need during a global pandemic.
