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Posts published in “Opinion”

(Archive November 2016) Michelle Valois Says Raise Taxes on 1%

By editorialteam on September 4, 2024

By Rebekah Chiasson | Assistant Editor

Just one day before the election, Democrat and professor at MWCC, Michelle Valois feared internal conflict within our nation if Trump were to be elected. According to ABC, CNN, USA Today, her fears came true with nation-wide Trump protests felt in California, Chicago, and Washington just days after the election of future President Trump. Valois explained, “I am very nervous for the poor and working and middle class, but I am more nervous for Muslims, Mexicans, all people of color, immigrants (legal and illegal), the LGBTQ community, especially trans youth,” and added, “If Trump cannot pass legislation that adversely affects their lives, I fear that his supporters might feel that it is now okay to harass and hurt these most vulnerable and marginalized people.” read more

(Archive November 2016) MWCC Law Professor Weighs in on Election

By editorialteam on September 4, 2024

By Jamie Parker | News Editor

This election was surely one for the books. For professors that teach at MWCC, each field of study sheds a different light on this election. I had the privilege of conducting an interview with Law Professor, James Korman. Professor Korman has been practicing Law in Massachusetts since 1992, “I primarily did criminal and civil litigation. However, I did a fair amount of general practice work as well: Divorce, Real Estate, Contracts and Estate Planning.” Over email, Professor Korman explained how his field of study influenced his opinions this election, his feelings on both candidates’ claims towards the Supreme Court, and his overall feel about this election. read more

(Archive November 2016) Students Speak on the 2016 Election

By editorialteam on September 4, 2024

By Mike Augustus | Observer Contributor

Mark Ramos

Mark Ramos, 32, has now voted in four presidential elections. This time was the most embarrassing election that he has voted in. “Bitter sweet” are the words Ramos used to describe the election results.  

Ramos did not vote for Trump or Clinton, but decided to vote for Jill Stein. What she offered during her election run was more appealing to Ramos than what Trump or Clinton offered. It was a bitter sweet election for Ramos because he did not want Clinton in office, but kind of wanted Trump to win. However, once Trump won he didn’t get a good feeling for what the next four years will bring. read more

(Archive November 2016) Election Analysis and Advice from Dr. John Fielding

By editorialteam on September 4, 2024

By Courtney Wentz | Assistant Editor

Doctor John Fielding, who teaches history and human resources management at Mount Wachusett Community College, said this was the worst election he has ever seen.

Fielding has his Bachelor’s in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations from UMass Dartmouth, his Master’s in Public Administration from Rhode Island University, and his Ph.D in Managerial Ethics from Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. He started working at MWCC in 1998 and retired in 2008 as Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. He is now an adjunct professor. read more

(Archive November 2016) An Unsuitable President

By editorialteam on September 4, 2024

By Nicholas Velillari | Observer Contributor

The morning of Tuesday, November 8 started off with optimism for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, but by the early hours of Wednesday morning a new reality set in: Donald Trump won, and that is frightening.

The Electoral College selected a person totally inept and unqualified to lead.  He ranted on building a wall between the US and Mexico, making fun of the disabled, bragging about sexually assaulting women, and proposing to ban an entire religious group of people from the US. These are all things that America should be fighting against. read more

(Archive November 2016) Post-Election Thoughts from Professor David Wyman

By editorialteam on September 4, 2024

By Nicholas Velillari | Observer Contributor

On the morning of November 9, Donald Trump became the presidential elect of the United States, leaving many Americans shocked while others were cheering.

Election night went on to become increasingly nerve wracking as a once leading Hillary Clinton lost in the electoral college 228-279, even though she won the popular vote.  Associate English Professor at MWCC, David Wyman, had a few comments on a Trump victory.

“The first thing that came to my mind… was violent protest demonstrations in the streets all across the country,” stated Wyman, “riots, like the ‘60s. I don’t think people are going to accept it. I could even see Trump declaring martial law to put down the demonstrations.” read more

(Archive November 2016) What Now?

By editorialteam on September 4, 2024

How to Accept the Election

By Jamie Parker | News Editor

Donald Trump won the 2016 Presidential Election last Tuesday, November 8th.
Photo courtesy of Michael Vadon https://www.flickr.com/photos/80038275@N00/20724666936/

Our country is going through a major shift right now. The results of Tuesday’s election have left about half of the country with a feeling of defeat, and even fear, while the other half is left with the feeling of exuberance. Regardless of your feelings towards the decision made, this is the reality. On January 20th 2017, Donald J. Trump will become the 45th President of The United States of America. This is the most important time for our country to come together and show the world that we ARE the “United” States of America.  read more

(Archive November 2016) Donald’s Idiocy Trumps Hillary’s Unlikeability

By editorialteam on September 4, 2024

By Jason D. Greenough | Web/Social Media Editor

Let the record state that I am not writing this as an endorsement of Hillary Clinton. While I will be voting for the Democratic front-runner this November, I think I should clarify that I am not a huge fan of Clinton, given her tactics during the primary season against Bernie Sanders. 

Needless to say, I still love Bernie and still do believe that it should be him up at the podium destroying the Republican front-runner instead of Clinton. I use “destroy” in this context like Clinton is doing the unthinkable. It’s a bar that is pretty damn low, if you ask me. And Trump’s inability to be a cooperative human being is making me fall in love with Hillary all over again. read more

(Archive September 2016) Body Image

By editorialteam on September 3, 2024

By Shelby Ayres | Observer Contributor

Body image is a big problem that has been affecting girls, continues to affect them, and appears to be more of a problem every year. Girls as early as 7-years-old are seeing themselves as fat.  It is all due to the rise of the media and the fascination it has with photoshopping women, which creates unrealistic images of women, according to Kerrie Griffin, Psychology Professor at Mount Wachusett Community College.  . 

Holly Tata, MWCC student, said, “I have always known that the models on the covers of popular magazines were photoshopped and tried to convince myself that even though I may not live up to the media’s standards of skinny, it doesn’t mean I’m not skinny. The problem is the media is hard to get away from since it’s everywhere, so after a while of being constantly subjected to such beautiful and influential figures, it’s hard to continue to convince yourself that you are still good enough.” read more

(Archive May 2016) 7 Hiking Spots for Beginners

By editorialteam on September 3, 2024

As Told by an Out-of-Shape College Girl and Her Dog

By Jillian Manty | Observer Contributor

Courtesy of Jillian Manty

1) Lake Dennison Recreation Area: Winchendon, MA

Lake Dennison is a popular camping area that attracts both locals and out-of-towners. There are plenty of trails throughout the entire area. If you’re looking to stay out of the woods, you can walk on the road of the campground and check out the boating area.

2) Tully Lake: Athol, MA

Tully is another recreational area close by. They have an area set up for barbequing with picnic tables and fireplaces. If you’re looking for a nice, easy hike, this is a beautiful place. The trail loops around the entire lake, offering several places to stop and check out the view. read more