President Biden’s Age Problem

At the age of 17, I find myself amongst a demographic where enthusiasm for Biden appears to be waning. The disquiet is for several reasons: skepticism about his age, concerns regarding his perceived lack of progressivism, and a general unawareness of his White House achievements loom large. As we approach the critical juncture of the 2024 elections, with young voters poised to shape the political landscape, Democrats and those close to the president must reckon with this dilemma. Here’s why.

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Op-EdArvind Salem
Navigating South Carolina’s Path to Swing State Status

 In the puzzle of American electoral politics, certain states have traditionally been viewed as reliable examples of partisan loyalty. South Carolina, a historically red stronghold, has long been synonymous with Republican dominance. However, recent political developments and shifting demographic trends suggest that the Palmetto State may be on the cusp of a transformative shift. 


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AnalysisArvind Salem
Joe Biden is the vote for foreign aid- and thus the vote for America

Representative Barbara Lee of California was the only member of Congress to vote against the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists (AUMF). Roughly 60% of Democrats voted against the US invasion of Iraq (in contrast to 1% of Republicans). Democratic opposition to war, and notably American boots on the ground, runs deep. Close to 1 million Service Members have perished overseas since the founding of the United States, notably involving very few actually perishing on US soil since the Civil War, with the exception of Pearl Harbor. Alongside this, these endless, deadly wars have left millions of Veterans, heroes of our country, disabled, homeless, in poverty, and with PTSD and other permanent illnesses. As if the human cost isn’t convincing enough, well over a trillion dollars have been spent on warfare alone (not including exorbitant peacetime military spending). The cost of war is tremendously high, and the human cost is even higher.

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How the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Represents Greater US Political Divisions

On Tuesday, March 26th at around 1:30 AM, a massive cargo ship lost power and crashed into one of the piers holding up the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The bridge split almost instantly, with the two ends remaining sprawled across the cargo ship for days after. At least eight construction workers had been on the bridge repairing potholes during the crash, six of whom were presumed dead by Wednesday night. The Key Bridge crosses the Baltimore Harbor Port, a port critical to the shipping of auto parts and hazardous materials in the US. Tens of thousands of people cross the bridge each day, and they are now using tunnels beneath the harbor to reach their destinations. Because of its role in the auto parts industry and in transporting hazardous waste, along with being the gateway to one of the United States’ key trading ports, the collapse of the FSK Bridge is likely to have a major impact on the US economy. An event as major as the bridge collapse should serve to unite the opposing political sides leading up to the 2024 elections. Instead, it represents further division, as illegal immigration, foreign interference in technology and trade, and criticism of diverse infrastructure have all been brought into what is now a harrowing event.


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Rethinking the College Essay

In the landscape of college admissions, where the pursuit of distinction borders on the existential, the pressure to carve out a unique identity often leaves students grappling with a profound sense of uncertainty. "I just can't seem to find anything worth sharing," murmured one of my peers, his words resonating with the silent anguish of countless others ensnared in the quagmire of self-reflection.

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Op-EdArvind Salem
Roe v. Wade - How Will it Affect the 2024 Elections?

The 2024 Presidential elections are getting closer and all signs point to another Trump vs. Biden ballot. Candidates are taking stances on controversial topics, one of the most prominent being abortion rights in America. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 and protests all over the country, abortion will have a massive weight in the elections. 

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AnalysisArvind Salem
Should There Be A Minimum Voting Age?

No matter which state you live in, the same rules apply when determining how old you have to be in order to vote. In all states, you must be 18 years old to register to vote. However, should all people be able to vote, regardless of their age. Some people think that people of all ages should be able to vote, but I think that only people 18 years old and older should be allowed to vote.

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Op-EdArvind Salem