Monthly Archives: July 2016

Orlando Shooter Was A Product of US Hyper-Masculinity

Like so many others, I’ve been at a loss trying to make sense of the heinous act of anti-queer mass murder in Orlando. The following are some of my scattered thoughts on the topic, some of which I originally posted … Continue reading

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How Lawmakers Are Exploiting Public Fear After Orlando to Push More Police Militarization

To date, the Orlando Police Department has disclosed no definitive evidence that its military-style weaponry protected public safety the morning of the horrific massacre at the LGBTQ Pulse club’s Latin night. And the department’s chief has not ruled out that … Continue reading

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Bryton Mellott’s Flagburning Facebook Posts

On July 4, Independence Day, Bryton Mellott was arrested for posting photos on Facebook of his burning of a US flag. The story was picked up by Forbes, NPR, ABC news, CNN, and other national outlets, and went viral on … Continue reading

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News-Gazette: Always Right

The News-Gazette has always been Right — right-wing Republican, and in its smug self-righteousness, right. The paper presents itself as “respectable Republican,” as representing the values of “proper,” polite society. It abhors what is impolitic, impolite. That the News-Gazette is … Continue reading

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Rio 2016: Beautiful Games at Huge Cost

From August 5 to August 21, Rio will be the home of some of the most beautifully intense displays of athletics during the 2016 Summer Olympics. While fans will rightfully be enjoying the amazing displays, we should also pay attention … Continue reading

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State’s Attorney Rietz Goes Easy on Violent Police and Jail Officers

Rape On March 30, 2015, there was a ceremony in the Champaign City Building during which Officer Jerad Gale was given the award for being “Officer of the Year.” About a year later, in May 2016 this same officer pleaded … Continue reading

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Prison Boycott in Illinois Targets Costs of Incarceration

During the month of April, at least 100 of those incarcerated at Stateville Correctional Center, about an hour outside of Chicago, participated in a boycott of the overpriced phone calls, commissary goods, and vending machines. “Mass incarceration is a luxury … Continue reading

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Independence Day 2016

We have just celebrated the independence of our nation with fireworks and other reminders of the “glories” of war. Only a few weeks ago I saw our president laying a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Somehow it doesn’t … Continue reading

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The Syrian Stage: The Globalization of the Syrian War

Just as the Arab Spring showcased the political possibilities of new forms of communication—empowering political dissenters by allowing them to rapidly share developments and warnings with each other and the world, and breaking the dominance the state had enjoyed over … Continue reading

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UCIMC Is Hiring For 2 Positions

The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center (IMC) is seeking a full time Program Director to coordinate and develop programs, coordinate volunteers, outreach and fundraising for the organization and a part time Program Coordinator to serve as the IMC liaison to the City of Urbana … Continue reading

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