Heather Weigel
Opinions EditorArticles (68 total)
Advice: Your path at EMU may surprise you
Life at EMU comes with all kinds of struggles and opportunities. Try to make the most of all of it, and let it transform you into a person you never expected to be.
Opinion: A local perspective on Native American mascotization
The Eagles used to be the Hurons, the Stanford Cardinals used to be the Indians, and the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians are exploring a name-change. This change is also being reflected in nearby Clinton, as well as other high schools around the United States. These pushes aren’t new, and the rationale hasn’t changed much: mascotization isn’t the honor some think it is.
Opinion: Abortion rights still under threat despite SCOTUS ruling
Chief Justice John Roberts has granted lower courts and state litigants an outline for arguing cases similar to Whole Women’s Health and June Medical Services while states still qualify abortions as elective procedures not only in an economic sense, but also in determining physical access to healthcare. The recent Supreme Court decision is not the shining victory journalists and activists want it to be.
Opinion: Recent Beth Bashert resignation shows that pressure on local politicians is essential
The recent controversy surrounding Mayor Bashert’s comments and swift local pressure leading to her resignation shows that localism and federalism is effective in addressing societal ills - even in progressive circles and cities.
Opinion: Now is the time for data-driven, common sense police reform
American legislative bodies and advocacy groups should take advantage of the consensus around needing police reform. Part of that is having an honest conversation about what reforms work, how to push them through, and how to navigate reform while keeping unlikely allies motivated to join and continue the cause.
Opinion: No, the Black Lives Matter protests are not an extension of Bernie's electoral "revolution"
The Black Lives Matter movement necessitates a bottom-up approach to reform; while that has resonated with the campaign rhetoric of Bernie Sanders, it more appropriately applies to local and state governments. Claims that Bernie is “what we need” as a nominee are only half-true and distract from the greater point.
Opinion: We need more American sports dramas
As the pandemic wreaks havoc on the TV programming calendar, it may leave some holes open to be filled in the future; perhaps sports dramas can rise up and fill them.
Opinion: Conspiracism is a popular phenomenon; addressing it requires understanding and dialogue rather than censorship
The best way to navigate popular conspiracy theories is to approach them from the understanding that these theories are a mostly natural phenomenon and that people aren’t necessarily wrong to endorse some of them. They may be factually incorrect, but they are not behaviorally out-of-bounds. Popular conspiracy theories should also be approached with the knowledge that public debate itself can put a ceiling on conspiracy theories. Facebook and Youtube may have added fuel to the conspiratorial fire by removing the “Plandemic” video.
The Tara Reade controversy is rife with uncertainty and hypocrisy
Much of what is absent in sexual assault accusations in the MeToo era is strong journalistic principles and due process. This is true regardless of who is accused and what your political affiliation is.
Opinion: Absentee voting in the wake of COVID-19 should be simplified despite the cost
Beefing up absentee voting efforts can help Americans navigate COVID-19 while still participating in our democracy. Action must be taken by Congress and by state legislatures to make these efforts cost-effective and comprehensive.
