Alexei Navalny: An Exceptional Leader

By Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

Alexei Navalny was a Russian opposition leader, lawyer, scholar, anti-corruption activist, and political prisoner. Navalny was Vladimir Putin's main competition for President of Russia. Navalny displayed anti-government demonstrations throughout all of his campaign. Navalny exposed those who were in power that were corrupting his country.. Nalvany was a voice for those scared to speak up against their leader. He was unique in the way that he brought all political views together. Liberal, conservatives, and nationalists, all wanted to feel safe and trust their leader and Navalny would give this to them.

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Bail Reform in the Works

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer 

The Georgia House of Representatives has passed a Republican-supported bill that approves a longer list of criminal offenses requiring cash bail. This will stop any charitable funds from being allowed as bail and send more people charged with misdemeanors to more dangerous prisons. Charitable groups can now only post up to three cash bonds in a year and if they go above this, they will also be charged with a misdemeanor. This is not the first time that Republicans have lengthened the list of crimes that require cash bail, with the current number recently surpassing 24. 

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The Art of Protest: An American Perspective on the French Retirement Strikes

The whole debacle started with a proposal by French left-wing president Emmanuel Macron to raise the age required to receive government retirement pension from 62 to 64. Given that you need to be 67 to receive your full social security pension in the United States, I was shocked to hear that this was even an issue. Now I am by no means a French legal expert, so I cannot speak much in depth of the debate on this issue. However, while retirement at 62 seems fanciful to me, I too would be furious if I had been promised it and then the president (who is quite wealthy) proposed taking it from me. 

This was the general reaction of the French public, and they expressed their anger in the way that they knew best: strikes. However, French strikes are not quite the same as those seen in America. They are typically the first step of a bargaining process, rather than a last resort. Whereas American unions tend to hold out on declaring a strike in hopes that an agreement will be reached, the French public start with strikes, almost as a reminder to the government or powerful company that they are the ones who truly hold the power, often before negotiations are made. Thus, the moment the retirement reform was proposed, the French had taken to the streets in protest in Paris. This mass public movement overtook the entirety of France, and by January 19, a national strike was declared. Not a single tram was running in the city of Montpellier where I live. Few buses were running and most businesses were closed. 

Another difference between French and American strikes that typically occur, is that French strikes have a declared end date. Whatever unions involved will declare a strike for a 24 or 72-hour period, and then business will resume as normal. This was the case at the beginning of the strikes. After a total shutdown on Thursday, everything was back up and running on Friday. However, the reason most strikes in France last a brief predetermined time is because they remind those in power of their place (in service of the people) and lead to successful bargaining and resolution. However, in this case, the French government did not stand down. Thus, another strike was announced the following week, and then the next, but the French government did not stand down, so the protests intensified.

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Denver Mayoral Debate Hosted by Regis

By Danny Gonzales-Hyde, Staff Writer

This year Regis had the pleasure of hosting the Denver Mayoral Debate on February 9, the debate featured 16 candidates all of whom were given a platform to state why they are the best candidate for mayor. The event was hosted in the Regis recital hall, filled with Denver residents of wide-ranging demographics. As the event got underway, President Aceves gave a quick address to the audience thanking everyone for their attendance and the candidates for their participation. The debate format was distinct, as there were a variety of categories with a few questions and a number of candidates were called upon at random to answer each question. On top of this, candidates were each given three rebuttal cards that they could use when they deemed necessary. 

The first category addressed in the debate was the cost of housing as Denver has become increasingly expensive. In response, the candidates proposed a variety of different policy changes such as rent control, rent assistance, and increasing worker rights in an attempt to help Denverites accumulate more wealth. One of the most controversial topics introduced in the debate was that of houselessness which has been on the rise in Denver for a number of years. The candidates had an assortment of different takes on this such as having more of a focus on mental health and addiction services with the aim of creating stability, proposing that the city should invest in smaller housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness, and reevaluating where our tax money is going and repurposing that money. On the contrary, some candidates proposed that we should enact a camping ban as it creates an unsafe environment in the inner city.

Another fascinating topic that was touched on was the recent increase in population that Denver has been experiencing as people have been moving in from out of state. This is a relevant issue as Denver's infrastructure can’t support this influx of people. The candidates had varying ideas, most of which were centered around plans to improve infrastructure either by instituting more bike lanes or linking it to other issues such as Denver becoming increasingly overpriced and climate change. On the topic of climate change, the candidates all acknowledged the issue and stressed its importance, some even going so far as to call it a public health issue. In turn, they proposed solutions such as getting rid of fossil fuels, resorting to other forms of electricity, and holding corporate entities accountable as they disproportionately pollute our state. 

The debate gave us a sneak peek as to who the future and current leaders of our city are as we will surely see their names topping headlines for a number of years to come. Furthermore, we also received insight into the issues that matter to Denverites as the questions were all submitted by Denver residents who took the time to submit questions that matter most to them. Lastly, this debate gave us a chance to envision what the future holds for our great city.