Josh Krieger

Within modern American politics, the experiences of people such as Cassidy Hutchinson provide an insightful perspective on the challenges of balancing political allegiance with personal integrity. Throughout her interviews and her books, Hutchinson’s details many different career experiences, providing light on the difficulties experienced by those immersed in extreme political division, especially in the time of the Trump presidency. Hutchinson’s experience creates an in-depth analysis of the mechanics of power, leadership, and the status of democracy in America through her comments and commentary. During this podcast, Hutchinson talks with the two host, Michael Berkman and Chris Beem, who are both currently involved with the McCartney Institute for Democracy on the campus of Penn State University on various different topics that Hutchinson experienced throughout how interesting career.

Throughout the discussion, Cassidy Hutchinson’s explains her path through and out of the Trump administration, capturing the subtle issues of political allegiance and personal belief in a politicized environment. According to the interviewees, Hutchinson’s tale emphasizes the complexities of power relations, and the challenges people experience when confronted with opposing opinions within their political affiliations. Her transition from a career-focused viewpoint to a deeper grasp of the administration’s ethical quandaries is a heartbreaking reminder of the moral compass essential in public service.

Furthermore, the interviewers dive into the more significant ramifications of Hutchinson’s experiences, examining issues such as leadership, honesty, and democracy. Hutchinson’s was able to engage in self-reflection and admit the flaws of the political context emphasizes the necessity of honesty and responsibility in navigating difficult times. The podcast shifts its focus on the function of narrative in changing public perception and understanding, highlighting the need for authentic communication and empathy in crossing ideological divisions.

Finally, Hutchinson’s narrative serves as both a cautionary tale and an encouragement for individuals facing similar moral quandaries in politics. Both hosts made observations on her travels and how they shed light on the current problems faced by democratic institutions and the need to sustain democratic principles in the face of hardship, especially with what’s been happening in recent times. Through serious analysis and introspection, Hutchinsons remarks that powering through the rising discourse highlights democracy’s resilience and the ongoing search for a more equitable and inclusive society.

Hutchinson’s path demonstrates how intricately institutional factors and human agency interact to shape political outcomes. Her choice to criticize the Trump administration despite criticism from all political quarters shows how important it is for someone to have moral integrity to bring about significant change. By sharing her experience, Hutchinson inspires others to consider their own ideals and how they contribute to the future of democracy.

In summary, Cassidy Hutchinson’s journey is a fascinating story that provides insightful guidance for negotiating the intricacies of modern politics. Her experiences demonstrate how crucial it is to preserve one’s moral integrity, critical thinking skills, and dedication to democratic principles in the face of political pressure. Hutchinson’s message serves as a reminder to us all about the importance of human connection and being able to talk with one another in determining the course of democracy as America struggles with polarization and conflict. Hutchinson encourages people to accept their duties as active participants in the political process through her brave position and unshakable dedication to the truth. 

Back on April 1st, I got to attend an amazing event hosted by David Hogg. David Hogg is a survivor of one of the largest school shootings in American history, the Parkland Shooting. From that point on, Hogg has dedicated his life towards the world of activism, pleading with to “get over politics and get something done” regardless of party affiliation. Throughout Hogg’s event, he brushed upon his entire timeline ever since that terrible day, where he started with advocating, what problems he faced, and where he plans on going in the future. Hogg’s story is eye opening to what some Americans have faced now that school shootings are becoming more and more common each year.

Hogg began his story at the beginning of what soon become the rest of his life, the Parkland shooting. Here, Hogg talked about every minute of the tragedy, from when he heard the first shots ring around the school, to the panic the followed, and the hours waiting for his classroom to be cleared by the police. Throughout the entire story, you could understand from each word that came out of Hogg’s mouth how terrified he was throughout the entire time, from only being able to know his sister was safe through text message, and only being able to see his family after multiple long hours of horrific waiting.

Following the massacre, Hogg was faced with one of the most difficult decisions, what now? Although dealing with an immense amount of trauma, Hogg had decided to push through and begin to talk to the community about how they should move forward, starting with adding additional gun laws through the county. Through having difficult conversations with the community, furious debates, and sheer motivation, Hogg and his fellow classmates were able to enact on his county and state laws that would make it more difficult for gun owners who have a violent history to purchase a weapon.

At this point, Hogg began to realize that this movement he was helping to create was bigger than him. Hogg decided to go straight to DC and starting pleading with extremely high government officials to make any type of change towards gun laws that would help reduce the possibility of Parkland from ever happening again. Even though Hogg had been given death threats by active gun supporters, he still continued to talk face to face with the gun advocates and explain to them that he was not trying to take all the guns away from the American people, he just wanted to make it restricted to those with violent backgrounds or have a high possibility of committing a violent act. Through patients and continuous work, Hogg was able to change the minds of thousands and inform millions, all across the United States.

David Hogg’s journey from survivor to activist illuminates the profound impact of tragedy and the resilience of the human spirit. Through tragic recollections of the Parkland shooting, he invited us into the harrowing moments. His determination to transcend trauma and initiate change underscores the power of individual spirit in the face of adversity. From advocacy to lobbying in Washington, Hogg’s unwavering commitment to gun reform exemplifies courageous leadership. Despite facing hostility and threats, he persevered, engaging in debate and mobilizing communities towards meaningful legislative action. Hogg’s story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in our darkest hours, collective action can ignite progress and safeguard the future.

I am convinced that practically everyone has considered what they will do in the far future. After spending our early years having fun and seeing the world, many people take on the greater responsibility of starting and raising a family. This work requires hours of planning, whether it is financial, living arrangements, or how large they want their family to be, but for some others, there is even more areas of thought that need to be considered. Many people throughout the LGBTQ community have to face a few more hurdles than most people think when it comes to starting a family.

One of the many challenges that the LGBTQ community is facing in starting a family revolves around legal complexities and inconsistencies. In many regions, outdated laws fail to recognize same-sex relationships or provide adequate protections for LGBTQ parents and their children. Adoption processes can be arduous, with discriminatory practices and biases present within adoption agencies. Moreover, access to reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization or surrogacy may be limited or legally restricted for LGBTQ individuals, further hindering their ability to conceive or adopt. This has also become a more concerning problem due to the reversal of Roe vs. Wade decision by the Supreme Court because many people of the LGBTQ community fear that the courts will continue to make it more difficult or add complexity to these processes or in a more extreme scenario, begin heading towards getting rid of their rights when it comes to having children.

Societal stigma and prejudice also are a significant barrier to family-building within the LGBTQ community. Despite increasing acceptance and visibility, homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia persist in various forms, manifesting in discrimination, harassment, and violence. LGBTQ individuals contemplating parenthood may face judgment and condemnation from their families, communities, or religious institutions, exacerbating feelings of isolation and marginalization. Fear of discrimination or hostility towards their children deter LGBTQ individuals from pursuing parenthood, fearing the potential impact on their family’s well-being and safety.

Financial constraints represent another formidable obstacle for the LGBTQ community seeking to start a family. The costs that come with adoption, assisted reproductive technologies, and legal processes can be prohibitively expensive, placing parenthood out of reach for many within the community, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Furthermore, the LGBTQ community may encounter employment discrimination or lack workplace benefits such as parental leave or health insurance coverage for fertility treatments, furthering their financial burdens.

With having someone in their family in the LGBTQ community who is beginning to plan out a timeline about when they want to start a family, there are more areas that they have to consider than many people believe. Although planning out parenthood is difficult for everyone, those in the LGBTQ community are at a statistical disadvantage to those who are not, which means that their timeline for parenthood is going to be more complex than the normal timeline and will potentially need to be more thought out. It is terribly disappointing that the United States is shifting towards a direction that complicates basic human rights for those in the LGBTQ community, but with enough time and thoughtful consideration, those in the LGBTQ community have continuously found a way to enjoy one of life’s greatest journeys.

As the semester is coming to an end and our world is starting to become more alive with spring turning into summer, I wanted to talk about something that I just recently in the pace few years have found myself participating in. When I was in high school, I used to lots of landscaping work for a various amount of people, but besides my own property, I spent many hours working for an older woman named Lyn. Lyned was extremely involved with the gardening community and still to this day has one of the best backyard gardens I have ever seen, but as she has gotten older, she needed to hire people to do more of the heavy lifting and physically demanding task. Although she hired me to do these jobs, she often was outside with me doing other types of gardening task. During this time, she introduced me to No Mow May, a simple but unique way of promoting a healthy environment.

The practice is exactly as it sounds, no matter how long your grass grows, no matter how much you do not like the look of your lawn, you are not allowed to cut the grass. No Mow May can actually be really healthy for garden for a numerous amount of reasons, one of them which is with biodiversity. Allowing grass and other plants to grow without mowing provides habitats for various insects, birds, and small mammals that you typically do not think about. It also promotes native plant growth such as with many wildflowers and native plant species that many people believe are weeds. It is also thought that No Mow May does a great job at allowing your grass to retain more moisture, allowing for your lawn to feel and look healthier. I personally also enjoy the look of a lawn with longer naturally growing grass because it makes the area seem more natural, while allowing me to see more wildlife and flowers.

Another benefit that comes from No Mow May is in the forms of chemical usage. Many people across the United States use chemicals on their lawn and throughout their gardens to mitigate the amount of weeds that are growing in their yard. Although many people find this to make their lawn looking healthy and overall more aesthetically pleasing, it has extremely terrible impacts on the environment. Most of these chemicals are either consumed by the animals, causing them to gain terrible defects and die off, or end up back into our water supply and ingested by us. Participating in No Mow May both reduces the amount of chemicals we have in our environment and the added benefit of taking the month off to maintaining their yard, which can even be a money saver for some.

In conclusion, No Mow May offers a simple yet impactful way to promote environmental health and biodiversity in our communities. By refraining from mowing our lawns for just one month, we can create habitats for various species, promote the growth of native plants, conserve water, and reduce chemical usage. Embracing this practice not only benefits our local ecosystems but also saves time and money on lawn maintenance. I highly recommend those who have not participated in this to give it a try to see how they like it, the worst that can happen is that your lawn is a little bit more overgrown than usual, the best thing that can happen is that you promote a healthy environment, bring more wildlife to the area, and support native flower species.

 

Sources:

What is No Mow May: why and how to take part | (homesandgardens.com)

What is No Mow May? And Does it Actually Help Pollinators? – Garden Therapy

No Mow May: why you shouldn’t mow your lawn this month | Ideal Home

No Mow May – Warwick District Council (warwickdc.gov.uk)

I am sure it can be agreed upon that as we have all grown up, we have realized that getting into relationships and maintaining them can be difficult and requires a lot of work to do. You have probably heard stories from your friends about how they are trying to find people to possibly date, or that their current relationship is going through a numerous amount of difficult problems, or that a long relationship has ended, or better yet, they have finally got into a meaningful relationship. These topics are easy point in discussion and can be a common occurrence for some groups of people, however, have you ever thought about these topics from the viewpoint of someone in the LGBTQ community?

As someone who knows a lot of people part of the community, I have been able to listen to what types of struggles someone faces when it comes to trying to find people to get into relationships. For starters, thinking purely on numbers, the LGBTQ+ community can face difficulties finding people to date in the first place, especially since about 7% of the United States population is a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Even though that leaves around 25 million possible people someone could find themselves dating in the LGBTQ+ community, the LGBTQ+ community holds a different type of sexualities, thus even people in the community would not find themselves attracted to someone else in the community. This can be especially difficult for those who identify themselves as gay or lesbian, who typically have to be in relationships with those in the LGBTQ+ community.

From talking with my sibling on the matter, they have told me that it is not as difficult as it may seem. Although sometimes it may be difficult to stumble upon people who are in the LGBTQ+ community that are looking to get into relationships, there are plenty of chances to get into groups that have lots of people who are in the LGBTQ+ community that are together to do a variety of activities such as going to parades or for support groups, which can lead to bettering relationships and sometimes develop into being in relationships. There are also dating apps that are specifically designed for those who are in the LGBTQ+ community who are looking to find deep and meaningful relationships with each other. This especially helps those who are find it more difficult into finding people to get into relationships are more anxious about getting into dating.

In conclusion, establishing relationships within the LGBTQ+ community poses a unique problem that differ from those experienced by the straight majority population. With a limited dating pool and the extra complication of different sexual orientations within the community, finding appropriate partners may be difficult for many people. Opportunities for meaningful connections and relationships can be found through social engagement, support networks, and specialized dating platforms. Recognizing and addressing these particular obstacles is critical to ensure inclusion and support for all those seeking love and friendship in the LGBTQ+ community.

Imagine how exciting it would be to plan out a trip with some of your buddies to travel anywhere in the world you want. I bet there is already a million different places in your head right now that you would love to travel too, with the only concern being that this place is not an active warzone or if you will be able to afford it. Once you found your non-warzone vacation place, you road trip down with your friends and you enjoy your stay throughout your vacation. For most people, its that easy, for others it takes a little bit more consideration into where they are vacationing. Although typically not a major problem, some people in the LGBTQ community have to think twice about where they are visiting, mainly for their safety, but also for many other reasons. As someone who has a sibling who is transgender and loves to travel, it’s something that sits in the back of heads whenever we want to travel somewhere, but it can be one of the main reasons why someone in the LGBTQ community does or does not travel to specific locations.

Continuing on my siblings’ experiences, there are many things that need to be put into consideration when they want to travel. My sibling absolutely loves to travel and has visited places all across the country throughout their lifetime, but now they have to think about their personal safety when making these decisions. Although unlikely it will happen in high tourist locations, discrimination can happen no matter the circumstances, and nobody wants to be put into a position where they are unable to enjoy their vacation just because they are a part of the LGBTQ community. This means trying to avoid these specific areas when we travel, especially when they are known for being dissimilatory. These situations rarely have happened, but again they have happened, thus its always important that me and my family would put some consideration into these destinations, although this can sometimes be the reason why we travel to certain places. There is a huge list that my sibling wants to travel to, specifically because of how they are open to people towards the LGBTQ community and actively support their existence by providing a numerous amount of laws that garneted their safety and right to exist. Sometimes these places specifically have annual events that are similar to pride events, which can be a significant relief when knowing that they are traveling somewhere.

On the other hand, many others in the LGBTQ community often need to worry about travel when it comes to traveling to specific countries. There are plenty of countries around the world that have discriminatory laws and social stigma for LGBTQ members that create an environment that is both hostile and dangerous. Even when there is laws that protect the LGBTQ, there can still be cultural attitudes that may lag behind these laws, leading to discrimination. Recently, this problem was in consideration when it came to the World Cup that was hosted in Qatar. Qatar is known for committing many human rights violations, including those towards the LGBTQ community. This made it difficult for some people who wanted to enjoy seeing the most popular sporting event in the entire world, however they were unable to attend because they are not guaranteed by the country that they will be protected both physically or legally, thus a safer option to just stay home.

In conclusion, while travel is typically viewed as a thrilling adventure, it is important to remember that for members of the LGBTQ+ community, concerns about safety, discrimination, and legal safety differ greatly between many places, making traveling more difficult. While substantial progress has been achieved in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and inclusiveness across the world, it is not true about everywhere, emphasizing the continued need for activism and awareness.

Penn State received a $3,305,011 grant from the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) in January to replace five Class 6 and 7 diesel-fueled trucks with battery electric vehicles and establish charging infrastructure at three locations on the University Park campus. This funding allows the university to begin electrifying its medium and heavy-duty vehicle fleet, which is a crucial component of Penn State’s Carbon Emission Reduction Task Force’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2035. Penn State now owns and operates 23 hybrid electric and 18 completely electric cars, but no electric Class 4-8 trucks. The cars that will be retired produce roughly 115 tons of CO2-equivalent per year and contribute to ground-level ozone, which has a negative impact on human and environmental health. Once the new cars are in operation, the net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will be roughly 48 tons CO2-equivalent per year, and the local air quality will improve. Four of the five trucks may be in place and functioning over the next 12-18 months, with the fifth arriving in 18-24 months. Four DC fast EV chargers and one Level 2 EV charging station will be placed on Penn State’s campus. The charging stations will be located at the Housing and Food Services Building receiving port, the Lion Surplus Building receiving dock, and the east side of the Physical Plant Building. This pilot grant program is meant to build off the success of the Driving PA Forward Initiative, which granted more than $70 million to roughly 1,100 emissions reduction projects around the Commonwealth.

Gas powered vehicles, especially semi-trucks and heavy load vehicles, take a heavy toll on our planet, devastating the environment and leading to the global temperature of the earth to increase steadily over time. Our university has made a great start into making their heavy duty fleet electric, however more action is required in order to reduce emissions coming from the semi-trucks. In order for Penn State to demonstrate their goals of being 100% carbon neutral in their heavy load fleet, they will need to continue to push for more policy that supports the purchasing if heavy load electric vehicles.

Concerns for Environmental Health: here I will discuss the impact on carbon emissions, specifically towards the trucking industry. I will incorporate statistics such as total carbon productions, environmental impacts, as well as semi-truck use statistics.

Name possible solutions and similar examples of implementations: I will plan on providing an idea of what the university or the country as a whole could be doing to pursing an electric fleet of semi trucks and provide a variety of examples of past implementations from other colleges or similar businesses.

Government Help: I will list what the government is doing to help make the change to more electric semi trucks, such as financial aid programs and legislation.

Conclude: Talk about how Penn State could be implementing a plan for getting more electric semi trucks.

I have always paid attention to Dr. Robert Bullard, a widely known advocate for sustainability and someone I thought would be extremely important to talk about, especially since I have yet to talk about a specific advocate. Dr. Bullard has played a pivotal role in furthering sustainability through his groundbreaking work in environmental activism, academics, and advocacy. His contributions span multiple decades and have profoundly impacted the conversation around ecological equality and justice.

One of the many things Dr. Bullard is known for is his literature and research on sustainability, especially dealing with minorities. His critical work, which includes works like “Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, and Environmental Quality” and “Confronting Environmental Racism: Voices from the Grassroots,” has uncovered the systematic inequalities that underpin environmental policies and enforcement. Throughout his books, he has offered empirical data to back up the claim that certain groups face a disproportionate share of environmental dangers by recording examples of environmental racism and exposing patterns of ecological discrimination. His study has sparked regulatory changes and encouraged people to fight for their right to a clean and healthy environment.

Another area in which Dr. Bullard has made significant change is promoting community empowerment. As a strong advocate for environmental justice, he has fought to raise the voices of neglected people and challenge the current norms in environmental decision-making. His participation with groups has offered assistance and resources to communities combating ecological injustice. He has formed coalitions among activists, scholars, and officials, resulting in a formidable alliance to improve environmental equality. Dr. Bullard has contributed to raising attention to the problems of frontline communities by organizing rallies, bringing lawsuits, pushing for legislative reforms, and supporting action at the local, national, and worldwide levels.

Furthermore, Dr. Bullard has brought various ideas regarding environmental policy and planning, resulting in integrating them into mainstream projects. He has played a crucial role in creating environmental policy debates and influencing decision-making through his participation with government agencies, academic institutions, and non-profit groups. His work has resulted in legislation like Executive Order 12898, which requires federal agencies to include environmental justice in their programs and policies. His advocacy has helped push the notion of equity within the sustainability movement, highlighting the significance of ensuring all communities have a cleaner and safer environment.

Dr. Bullard’s impact goes beyond his scholarly and advocacy work to include his mentorship and educator position. As an urban planning and environmental policy lecturer, he has motivated several students, including myself, to become change agents in their communities. He has pushed students to critically investigate the connections between race, class, and the environment and devise and promote new solutions to environmental concerns. Dr. Bullard’s impact will last for years because he has cultivated a new generation of activists and intellectuals dedicated to environmental justice.

We can talk about so many different fields for Dr. Bullard; he has significantly contributed to sustainability through so many other public areas. His tireless efforts to solve environmental injustices have raised awareness, mobilized communities, and shaped policy debate. Dr. Bullard has made a lasting contribution to the sustainability movement by bringing forward the reality of environmental racism, empowering vulnerable communities, influencing governmental choices, and motivating future generations. His work demonstrates the significant impact you can make by advocating for more societal sustainability.

Sources:

Review: Robert Bullard: Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class and Environmental Quality on JSTOR

BIOGRAPHY – Dr Robert D. Bullard (drrobertbullard.com)

The father of environmental justice, on whether we’re all doomed – Vox

Summary of Executive Order 12898 – Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations | US EPA

 

It can be complicated to have someone who is part of the LGBTQ community in your life. I’m not discussing whether or not you agree with the LGBTQ community, but rather how to support them in different ways. That is why I want to touch upon two different areas of experience and what I believe is the best way of knowing what to do and when.

When supporting individuals within the LGBTQ community, it is essential to recognize that it requires an approach that encompasses both personal support and active advocacy. While helping an individual who identifies as LGBTQ can be a rewarding experience, it can also be a challenging one, especially if you are not familiar with the LGBTQ community or their experiences. It’s natural to have a spectrum of emotions when someone tells you about being a part of the LGBTQ community. Primarily, you should feel a sense of joy that they trust you enough to disclose this aspect of their life and assure them of your unwavering support. Nevertheless, additional considerations may arise. In my encounters with individuals coming out to me, I’ve found that it’s essential to follow these initial steps while also ensuring to periodically check in with them, offering an open ear for any concerns they might have. Unfortunately, many members of the LGBTQ community face backlash upon coming out, often leading to mental health struggles such as depression. As a result, determining the appropriate support to offer can be challenging. Drawing from my own experiences, maintaining ongoing communication and providing a supportive presence, even if it feels awkward sometimes, can significantly impact their well-being. Sometimes, a simple conversation can make the difference between reassuring them of their safety or prompting the need for more substantial intervention.

I also want to discuss the importance of advocating for better LGBTQ rights and living conditions. Being exposed to the injustices that the LGBTQ community faces through different forms of media can make you realize it’s time to take action. You can channel this desire by engaging in activities promoting equality for the LGBTQ. Seeking advice from people within the LGBTQ community can help identify ways you can contribute, as they have firsthand experience with the community’s challenges and can provide unique insights on advocacy strategies. This could involve joining advocacy groups or educating yourself by looking up online resources. Advocacy groups offer structured opportunities for involvement that can help amplify your efforts. In contrast, online resources provide a wealth of information to help you understand the issues more deeply and express your advocacy more effectively. You may even participate in pride parades or protests, potent platforms that raise awareness and demonstrate solidarity with the LGBTQ community. They also provide opportunities to engage with the community directly and personally. I’ve found blogging to be an impactful platform for advocating for the LGBTQ community, allowing you to share your thoughts and experiences with a broad audience. Simply reaching out and asking how you can help can bring numerous opportunities for meaningful engagement to light. This simple step can open doors to experiences and relationships that enrich your understanding of the LGBTQ community and strengthen your advocacy efforts.

In conclusion, supporting those within the LGBTQ community necessitates a thoughtful and compassionate approach that encompasses both personal support and active advocacy. By fostering open communication, offering continual reassurance, and seeking opportunities to promote LGBTQ rights actively, we can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for all members of the community. Remember, the first step towards adequate support is simply reaching out and asking how you can help. By doing so, you can significantly impact someone’s life and contribute to a more accepting and inclusive society for all.

• Harms should be clearly stated and should be one of the first things my audience hears at the beginning of my argument or for the message I will be giving
• A few areas I may be interested in are sustainability, electric vehicles, education, or LGBTQ+
• Jurisdiction may be difficult since it could be people seek control over how a problem is resolved because they have an interest in it, which makes jurisdiction a difficult topic. Because they can carry out the solution in their own way, there is frequently conflict over who gets to put it into action.
• Encouraging people to embrace change and new policy through mandates and inducements is beneficial for all.