4
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opinion
omg. i just typed "former President Barack Obama" and i just cried a little
melatonin gives you some strange dreams guys...
i'm talking full on detailed nightmares
Listening to Rush and being sorry for myself is my true brand
Starting off the semester with a zero!! It's the little things that count!
it's always a good time to be petty
At this point I would rather do the 2 truths and a lie ice breaker than play one more round of "get to know you bingo"
KANSAN.COM | MONDAY, JAN. 23, 2017
Melania Trump looks like Inauguration Barbie
If Adam Sandler drops a Netflix movie and no one is there to watch it, can you still call it trash?
To the girl who ordered a shot at Jefferson's at 4:30 in the afternoon: I feel you.
If there's anything good that's come from this election,it's that it's gotten more people comfortable with saying pussy
F--- KU Parking
Go Pack Go sounds like my mom yelling at us to hurry up and leave for vacation.
I walked out of Chipotle with the tray. I am a certified dumbass.
Trump could just throw a rotten carrot in the Oval Office if he wanted a day off and I wouldn't know the difference.
Aziz Ansari's SNL monolog is my aesthetic.
Kate McKinnon as Kellyanne Conway would assemble a better Administration than the actual incoming Administration.
George W Bush trying to figure his poncho at the inauguration is everything.
Barack and Michelle are serious goals To send in an FFA, text 785-289-8351
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Illustration by Erica Gonzales
Kassebaum: A thank you letter to Obama
▶ NELLIE KASSEBAUM
@nelliekudk
on Friday, Jan. 20.
Barack Obama
officially ended
his tenure as resident of the United States and returned to his new role as an irregular, everyday citizen. Irregular because of the man he's proven himself to be, and citizen because of the promises he's made to a nation filled with fear.
He perfectly embodies the citizenship with which we ought to practice democracy and discuss policy.
Obama is the only president I have notable memory of. I remember the enormity of his 2008 campaign and election, and could actively understand his political ideologies by the time he ran for re-election in 2012. To appreciate Obama does not require you to agree with his political persuasion, but it does necessitate an understanding of the unusually good human he is.
To consider Obama only the president of the United States would be tragic. To ignore the character and intelligence of Obama would be to forget the best parts of him. Let us remember and
admire that these attributes filled the Oval Office, the White House, Washington, D.C., and the nation. This man, who even wooed Trump voters, has undoubtedly gone down in history as first, a remarkable man, and second, an outstanding president.
He has been a beacon of positivity in some of our nation's toughest times."
I've marveled at Obama's mastery of policy, personality and optimism. He has been a beacon of positivity in some of our nation's toughest times,
especially after inheriting a nation in a downward spiral. From his humble roots to his impressive academic career, Obama has proven that humility speaks louder volumes than boasting and bragging ever will.
Obama has been remembered fondly as his days in the Oval Office have been waning. It's been on my mind, but I'll admit it hadn't fully hit that Obama was leaving office until I was going to bed on Jan. 19. The past eight years I'd fallen asleep with a security blanket of a leader keeping watch over America. I felt assured that I would wake up to a world that would see a better day.
Jan. 20, 2017 will not be a day I remember negatively
or with remorse. It is the day I pledge to live my life as an irregular citizen, devoted to doing what's best for our country, even if it doesn't fall within my party's purview. It means I pledge to being an active participant in democracy and accepting all that title implies: from informing voters on local and federal elections as well as actively working for change that will ensure a better tomorrow.
Thank you to the man (and former president) who reminded us all of our true responsibilities. And thank you for promising tomorrow when I thought it might not dawn.
- Edited by Omar Sanchez
Liston: Protests must remain peaceful
RYAN LISTON
@rliston235
Marches and protests highlighted the first days of Donald Trump's presidency, including Women's Marches across the world that drew millions of participants. Locally, Women's Marches
took place in Topeka, Wichita and Kansas City. These marches focused on women's rights issues as well as a general dissatisfaction with President Trump. Conversely, protesters smashed windows and damaged vehicles on Thursday and Friday, according to The Hill.
Being active and protesting are good ways to raise awareness on issues and to highlight people's concerns, until they become violent, hostile or damaging. The Women's Marches are an example of protests with widespread success; whereas, the destruction
of property hinders any meaningful progress towards the goal of the protests.
the destruction of property hinders any meaningful progress towards the goal of the protests."
No arrests were reported relating to the Women's March in Washington, D.C. where half a million people gathered for the protest. Over 200 arrests were
reported due to the rioting on Friday, according to the Washington Post. According to The Topeka Capitol Journal, Capitol Police Lt. Eric Hatcher said there were "absolutely no problems at all" in Topeka where over 3,000 people joined the Women's March.
People can voice their opinions with clarity when they organize properly and commit to peaceful protesting. The situation can get out of control without such a commitment. Additionally, the legitimacy and goals of protests are undermined when acts of violence or vandalism occur.
Opponents of a protest's purpose can and often do use any negative coverage to criticize the overarching message and those who advocate the message.
We should all feel free to speak our minds and get involved on issues we care about as citizens of a democratic society. However, we should do so peacefully if we hope to be taken seriously and make lasting changes. There will certainly be more protests over the next four years in response to President Trump. My hope is that the majority of these protests remain peaceful and well-organized.
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