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Candace Owens' Backwards Ideas Are Causing Damage, Not Harry Styles Wearing A Dress
Candace Owens thinks men wearing dresses are damaging to civilization, but it's her ideas that are the problem.
24 November
2694
Androgyny is something that has always been part of culture. Since the beginning of time, gender expression has always been varied and expansive. However, as time went on, society forced particular roles onto certain genders. These sorts of gender roles have caused many to rebel against them, including artists and rock stars. Harry Styles seems to be the next one in line to rebel in this way.
<p>On the cover of Vogue's latest issue, Styles is seen wearing a dress. Whether it's a move of rebellion is uncertain, but it certainly makes a statement. This also <a href="https://www.instyle.com/news/harry-styles-met-gala-2019-best-look" target="_blank">isn't the first time</a> Styles has worn clothing not typical for men in modern-day America. However, as progressive as we've become, there's still a swarm of controversy that awaits a man who dares to step outside his assigned gender role.</p><p><div id="div-gpt-2649031908-content-ad" class="ad"><script>
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</div></p><p>The latest triggered conservative snowflake is Candace Owens. Owens garnered attention <a href="https://variety.com/2020/music/news/harry-styles-candace-owens-tweet-1234833146/" target="_blank">when she tweeted that</a> "no society can survive without strong men." She went on to call it "an outright attack." Owens further spoke <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CHrLD3ulBSm/?hl=en" target="_blank">in an Instagram video</a>, where she lamented the past gender roles assigned to us. She claimed to long for the days where men were the providers and defenders, while women were nurturers.</p><p>First of all, not every human being is the same. To assume that people are all alike because they share the same gender is ignorant, to say the least. With that in mind, it is inevitably going to place a lot of pressure on men. Expecting all men to fight in wars and be the only source of income for their family is asking too much for some. There are also women who don't want to be stuck in the kitchen cooking and doing housework all day. Lots of women want and deserve a more exciting life.</p><p>This is reality. There's a reason things have changed since the 50s. People shouldn't be categorized by their gender. Everyone is an individual. You can't expect all members of a group to think, feel, or act the same way. That is a fantasy and an unhealthy, unrealistic one at that.</p><p>There are many ways to be a man. Men can wear dresses and high heels. Men can wear makeup and paint their nails. This is something Owens herself should understand. After all, she is seen wearing pantsuits most of the time. </p><p>Owens might be nostalgic for a time she wasn't alive to experience. However, that period of time wasn't healthy for men as a collective whole. The <a href="https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/" target="_blank">highest rate of suicide in America</a> is among men. I believe the issues men developed as a result of these gender roles are a big reason for this.</p><p>Men were taught that they had to be physically strong and fight in the army. They were taught they had to be providers and work all day to feed their kids. With this responsibility, men were also taught they couldn't show any negative emotion. They couldn't cry or expose their vulnerability. Anything that dared defy that notion of strength wasn't allowed in men.</p><p>This led to toxic masculinity, where a key component is to suppress one's emotions. That toxic masculinity still exists today and people like Owens are perpetuating it. This doesn't say all masculinity is toxic, however. It merely states that masculinity can be taken to a toxic place. This not only harms women and LGBTQ individuals but straight men themselves.</p><p>When it comes to strength, it comes in many forms and exists within many different types of people. I believe emotional strength is just as important as physical strength. Men need to allow themselves to cry openly and not hide their vulnerability. Otherwise, I believe whatever physical strength they may have will manifest in very harmful ways, either towards themselves or another person.</p><p>Owens said in her video that she wouldn't call on a man in a dress to fight in a war. Well, maybe she would be more comfortable with one of the many female soldiers who defend our country. And it's not just in the United States Military. In Israel, both male and female citizens are required to serve in the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). There are many female soldiers who have used their strength to defend their country. And I'm certain many of them have worn dresses in their lifetime.</p><p>Another assumption made by conservatives who criticize male femininity is that women won't find it attractive. This is another point Owens tried to make when ranting about Harry Styles. First of all, all women are individuals. Therefore, they all have different tastes in men. I'm sure there are plenty of women who find Harry Styles and other feminine men attractive. </p><p>However, I also think it's worth noting that Styles may not have been wearing a dress with the intention of women finding it attractive. When women are sexually harassed or assaulted, they're often victim blamed with ignorant comments criticizing their clothing choices. These women respond by saying a short skirt or tight dress isn't an invitation and doesn't mean they "want it." They're dressing that way for themselves, not anybody else.</p><p>Maybe the same is true for Harry Styles. Maybe he's just dressing this way to express himself as an individual. Maybe he wanted to make a social statement about breaking down gender stereotypes. Believe it or not, not everything men do revolves around sex. Not all men are sex-obsessed animals who can't get enough. </p><p>And it's not just women like Owens who perpetuate this myth. Some men self-project their own selves onto other men and continue a toxic cycle of insulting stereotypes.</p><p>When Owens acted like this "feminization" of men was a fairly new phenomenon, many were quick to tweet her images of male rock stars over the years. These men, from Prince to David Bowie to Kurt Cobain, all wore dresses at some point. They rebelled against the sexist and homophobic attitudes of their time. Owens, however, responded by saying these men all had drug problems and were unstable. I fail to see what one has to do with the other. Not to mention the fact that addiction is a disease and shouldn't be shamed.</p><p>In addition to thinking it's a new phenomenon, Owens implied men are encouraged to dress this way. She seems to think that men aren't naturally feminine but influenced by their environment. I can tell you from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHzPlArA4IO/" target="_blank">my own experience</a> this isn't true. I loved playing with Barbie dolls as a kid. I wore towels on my head to pretend I had long, curly hair like Mariah Carey.</p><p>My femininity wasn't encouraged or influenced by my environment. In fact, many people around me tried to sway me in the opposite direction. This was either the result of their own prejudice or their need to protect me from the outside world's judgment. Certain family members would've been much happier if I played little league instead of Barbies in my bedroom.</p><p>I knew firsthand the pain this sort of judgment caused long before I could articulate this sort of counter-argument. With the pain I've been through, I'm still here. That proves I'm a strong man, femininity and all. Despite what Candace Owens might think, strong men come in all forms and, along with strong women, we all do our part to keep civilization alive.</p><p>Ours is a civilization of diversity, acceptance, and equality. I don't know about you, but that's the civilization I want to be part of. I think that's a civilization everyone should strive for.</p>
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If You Have An Issue With Harry Styles Wearing A Dress, This Is For You
Harry Styles, the first male to appear solo on the cover of Vogue in American history should be something celebrated, not denounced.
18 November
974
Harry Styles has consistently been catapulted into stardom for countless reasons such as, but not limited to: being an amazing artist and an all-around phenomenal human to admire. Renowned for leading his platform through kindness, acceptance, love, and self-expression. It is not a secret to anyone that follows Harry Styles that he upholds an eccentric sense of fashion. Harry Styles is a mogul for shifting the traditional gender fashion roles towards a more gender-neutral normative fashion. He leads this by rocking whatever fashion he wishes to express himself in and extending the same acceptance and kindness to others.
<p>Need proof? Harry Styles' mantra is "Treat People With Kindness" and even wrote a whole <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi2Gy7DG75g" target="_blank">song</a> on it. </p><p>He is the very first man to appear solo on the American Vogue cover. Harry Styles is on the cover of Vogue, rocking a gown look, and making big steps for showing people that they can express themselves however they wish to. Yet, we as a society will always be met with traction when things deter from our societal enforced gender constructs...</p><p><div id="div-gpt-2648961307-content-ad" class="ad"><script>
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</div></p><div id="92939" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="df60b007de1d9cacc744acd15004705c"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1327691891303976961" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">There is no society that can survive without strong men. The East knows this. In the west, the steady feminization… https://t.co/0ArvBaazmr</div> — Candace Owens (@Candace Owens)<a href="https://twitter.com/RealCandaceO/statuses/1327691891303976961">1605381388.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "<a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manly" target="_blank">manly</a>" as having qualities traditionally associated with a man: Strong, courageous, and brave. This is a pretty contradicting statement to make seeing as to be the first man to appear solo on the cover of American Vogue requires courage and bravery to do so.</p><p><strong>Being upset that Harry Styles is expressing himself through fashion is not only impractical but enables toxic masculinity in our society, which is still prevalent today. </strong></p><p>Why must we keep confining our self-expression to traditional gender roles? </p><p>What is the point of policing someone who isn't adhering to the traditional gender role? </p><p>If you possess a strong sentiment about adhering to the traditional societal gender roles born into, why can't you adhere to them without the need to condemn people who are expressing themselves in ways that they please?</p><p>I think whether we knowingly or unknowingly spew hate from our mouths because it something we believe in or uphold for ourselves, we should take a step back, reflect internally but above all, accept and respect people for who they are and how they wish to express themselves. </p><p>I think if we did this, the world would be a much kinder place, remember to treat people with kindness.</p>
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Native Americans Might Have Been The Key To Turning Arizona Blue
Voter turnout hit records in this year's election, and it may have been the secret weapon for the Democrats.
15 November
1716
The 2020 general election brought in more participants and voters than ever before, and in Arizona, an important chunk of the registered voter turnout was the Native community.
<p>According to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020-us-election-voter-turnout/" target="_blank">Bloomberg</a>, an estimated 161 million ballots were cast in the 2020 Election, holding the new record of voter turnout in the history of the United States. In Arizona, The Washington Post <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/election-results/arizona-2020/" target="_blank">calculated</a> just under 3.3 million ballots. </p><p>"For some communities, like Native Americans, it can be hard due to inaccessibility or other reasons," said Noah Huerta, the president of the <a href="https://twitter.com/najaatasu" target="_blank">Native American Journalists Association at Arizona State University</a>. "Voting is one way that we can ensure that our voices have a say in American politics and fight for a better future for our communities." </p><p><div id="div-gpt-2648865195-content-ad" class="ad"><script>
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</div></p><p>The Native American community accounts for 5.9% of the Arizona population, according to the <a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/AZ,phoenixcityarizona/PST045219" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau</a>. While that may sound like a small number, it translates to more than 429,000 people. Of that group, over 35,000 people that identify with the Native community live in Phoenix. And with 99% of the state's ballots counted, Democratic President-elect Joe Biden's margin of victory in Arizona was <a href="https://www.azcentral.com/elections/results/2020-11-03/presidential/" target="_blank">just over 10,000 votes</a>. </p><p>Debbie Nez-Manuel, an advocate for the Native American community, said voter turnout and selection depends on the county across the state, especially where funding was focalized. </p><p>"There are many [funds] pointing at Navajo Nation which spans over several counties and where funds were directed," Nez-Manuel said of the voter turnout. </p><p>In a pivotal election during a pandemic, with Natives holding the ability to swing Arizona, which has been marked as a red state since 1996, mail-in ballots hold the power. As explained by Nez-Manuel, the Native community was a key blue vote this year. </p><p>"Native American voters clearly lean in favor of Democratic values, while some may be independent they still lean in a way where we share the same values and those of the Biden and Harris ticket," she said. "With tribal nations in Arizona favoring the Biden/Harris campaign, their collective efforts are one of the reasons the democratic party pulled through this win for Biden." </p><p>Huerta agreed, saying that if there wasn't as much turnout from smaller communities as there was, the result may have been different.</p><p>"The Native vote is not something that is always sought after because we have a smaller community than most. However, it played a key role here in Arizona," he said. </p><p>While the state of Arizona voted blue for both Senator-elect Mark Kelly and President-elect Biden, offering a boost of morale for left-leaning Native American voters and other non-white left-leaning groups, the battle for equality and representation is still far from over. </p><p>The U.S. Census accounted for 82.6% of Arizona's population identifying as White/Caucasian, and 72.3% in Phoenix. In many cases, the White population has the opportunity to help bring support and representation to other minorities, such as the Native American community. </p><p>Investment and funding alone, according to Nez-Manuel, can help bring light and opportunity to the communities.</p><p>For Huerta, "simply acknowledging the Native peoples" is a step in the right direction. </p><p>"Natives are the forgotten group and referred to as 'other' or even 'something else'," Huerta said. "Native voices need to be heard and recognized."</p>
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The Best Tweets About America's New Internet Boyfriend, Steve Kornacki
He really did the most during election week.
11 November
820
If anyone has definitely had a whirlwind of a week, it's Steve Kornacki, the national political correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC.
<div id="54b92" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="77480c5edd93bbdb4d67637ebf96741d"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1324886116076548096" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">We've got some new #TrackingKornacki gifs ->
https://t.co/vzyBhGXKE0 https://t.co/uyVr7oUWhK</div> — MSNBC (@MSNBC)<a href="https://twitter.com/MSNBC/statuses/1324886116076548096">1604712439.0</a></blockquote></div><p>
Kornacki has quickly become the Internet's new boyfriend and meme, after America obsessively watched him track the ballot count in each state, during what probably seemed like the longest election week ever.
</p><p>
Here is a Tweet roundup of Kornacki and his infamous board.
</p><h2>1. Obsessively checking the news every five minutes to see if there's a new update</h2><div id="0fcb7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c322fbd54c7131dfe0ac186797fb309e"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1324889047878279169" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">@MSNBC Let’s check in and see if he has a new update https://t.co/5mUIziXFjH</div> — Vijay Paintal (@Vijay Paintal)<a href="https://twitter.com/VPaintal/statuses/1324889047878279169">1604713138.0</a></blockquote></div><h2>2. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks that Kornacki is cute</h2><div id="98cf4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="296a1159b56285e2ae940f37a2200034"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1324747695630786561" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">steve kornacki lie on top of me all weekend challenge</div> — Adam Goldman (@Adam Goldman)<a href="https://twitter.com/theadamgoldman/statuses/1324747695630786561">1604679437.0</a></blockquote></div><h2>3. Seriously, I'm not the only one who's in love with Kornacki</h2><div id="10ad4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b50d41e5c3a4d050d450e7d2d63857cb"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1325121782001537029" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">PUT KORNACKI BACK ON.
LET THAT MAN KHAKI DANCE THROUGH THE STUDIO AND TEAR HIS SHIRT OFF.</div> — Zach Kornfeld (@Zach Kornfeld)<a href="https://twitter.com/korndiddy/statuses/1325121782001537029">1604768627.0</a></blockquote></div><h2>5. Netflix? I don't know her anymore.</h2><h2></h2><div id="c66fb" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6f389dc64760061be1e836cbe0659309"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1325580563563077633" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">What did I watch before Steve kornacki</div> — kathryn gallagher (@kathryn gallagher)<a href="https://twitter.com/kathryng/statuses/1325580563563077633">1604878009.0</a></blockquote></div><h2>6. What will happen to Kornacki after the election</h2><div id="8effb" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="105c2102363b631e734cdd5d4795a94c"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1326469061690056706" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">After every election cycle they lock Steve Kornacki back up into his big Sudoku cube in the NBC catacombs where he… https://t.co/eu47DMY6MG</div> — Damien Lee (@Damien Lee)<a href="https://twitter.com/DamienLeeVoice/statuses/1326469061690056706">1605089843.0</a></blockquote></div><h2>7. The dedication this man did for an entire week for the entire country </h2><div id="75c25" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="24c803c877a83dc1a9a31576264ef5e9"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1323745105447018496" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">@SteveKornacki Kornacki when he gets near the big board on election night https://t.co/x37YB31zLz</div> — Jack Jagla (@Jack Jagla)<a href="https://twitter.com/Jackyjags/statuses/1323745105447018496">1604440401.0</a></blockquote></div><h2>8. Election Day is better than Groundhog Day because of Kornacki</h2><div id="ce85b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="01f1f8ac5dc8e93bc0e0a29a87fc4eca"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1325095397929443328" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">"Groundhog Day" only it's Steve Kornacki waking up every morning on Election Day</div> — Truman Chipotle (@Truman Chipotle)<a href="https://twitter.com/LoganJames/statuses/1325095397929443328">1604762336.0</a></blockquote></div><h2>9. Not all heroes wear capes</h2><div id="f55ca" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="27267a3ff14412b9f087577d69422e4a"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1325123963979255808" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Now that the election is officially over they’ll have to remove an exhausted Steve Kornacki from the MSNBC studio l… https://t.co/AvXwJTJyZU</div> — Emily🦋Takami (@Emily🦋Takami)<a href="https://twitter.com/http_emxly/statuses/1325123963979255808">1604769147.0</a></blockquote></div><h2>10. And finally, my personal favorite, a Kornacki fancam. </h2><div id="f3781" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3826978537c9f7247592bad5901e5cad"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1324886433040011264" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">@MSNBC https://t.co/eOXCPqCUz5</div> — clara²⁸ ☀️ (@clara²⁸ ☀️)<a href="https://twitter.com/goldxnmoons/statuses/1324886433040011264">1604712515.0</a></blockquote></div>
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Being An Arizona Voter And Using Mail-In Ballots
Arizona uses secure technology and reliable machines to count ballots for the 2020 general election.
11 November
989
Photo by Tiffany Tertipes on Unsplash
Arizona has more mail-in ballots to count this year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. With the state's experience and partners, voters can rely on faster results and secure counting.
<p>
Arizona has used mail-in ballots for 30 years and has created a reliable and successful system.
</p>
<p>
Maricopa County Elections Department is partnered with
<a href="https://runbeck.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Runbeck Election Services, Inc</a>. to help with mail-in ballots. Runbeck Election Services, Inc. provides products and services for states to provide better election solutions. Every year, the Maricopa County Elections Department uses the company's technology to print ballots for elections.
</p>
<p>
According to Jeff Ellington, the company's president and chief operating officer, the machines can print about 20,000 ballots per hour. The company sends out the mail-in ballots to the voters.
</p>
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According to
<a href="https://www.dataorbital.com/2020-general-election-early-vote-tracker" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Data Orbital</a>, 3.4 million ballots were requested by Arizona voters this year. So how does Arizona know all the ballots can be counted in enough time and correctly?
</p>
<p>
The Runbeck Election Services' technology processes and sorts early ballots.
</p>
<p>
"Each machine sorts 50,000 mail-in ballots per hour," Ellington said.
</p>
<p>
The machines take a picture of the ballot's envelope and its signature. According to Ellington, the machine checks the thickness of the envelope to confirm only one ballot is inside. Depending on the destination the ballots go to, the machines will sort them to either a precinct or legislative district. Runbeck Election Services does not count the ballots' votes. Arizona's election systems take care of tallying the votes. Maricopa County Election systems tabulate the ballots' votes. The systems stay secure by never connecting to the internet or office networks.
</p>
<p>
The marketing assistant for Runbeck Election Services, Tiffany Ellington, said that the machines are checked months and days before any election to ensure they work.
</p>
<p>
When asked if there are any issues with the machines during the 2020 general election, Ellington said everything is running correctly and smoothly.
</p>
<p>
Arizona has a contingency plan set in place if something happens on or near election day. There are back-up plans to ensure that eligible voters can still cast a ballot and that ballots can still be counted.
</p>
<p>
After the votes are counted and reported for election results, Arizona does post-election hand-count audits. County election officials perform a random audit on selected races to validate results after an election.
</p>
<p>
Securing the ballot-by-mail process is taken seriously.
</p>
<p>
Arizona counties utilize tamper-evident envelopes for mailed ballots. Voters can verify whether their mail-in ballots have been sent to them and if the county has accepted the ballots.
</p>
<p>
There are criminal penalties for ballot tampering, vote-buying or discarding someone else's ballot. According to a
<a href="https://twitter.com/GeneralBrnovich/status/1323739313956220930" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tweet</a> from Arizona's Attorney General Mark Brnovich, there was tampered evidence found in Glendale on election day. They are still investigating the situation.
</p>
<p>
Even though negative comments have spread about the security and success of vote by mail, Gov. Ducey believes in Arizona's system. According to
<a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/laurieroberts/2020/08/05/arizona-gov-doug-ducey-schools-donald-trump-mail-voting/3305830001/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AZ Central</a>, Gov. Ducey explained to President Trump that it is impossible to cheat with Arizona's mail-in voting in August.
</p>
<p>
Arizona's mail-in ballot system is improving and uses reliable products to ensure the peoples' votes. Even though the pandemic makes the general election more difficult, Arizona is counting every voters' ballot.
</p>
<p>
If you're an Arizona voter, you can help settle elections concerns by...
</p>
<p>
- Verifying the accuracy of your voter registration records and make any necessary updates.
</p>
<p>
- Understanding your voting rights and continue to vote.
</p>
<p>
- Using trusted sources about election information.
</p>
<p>
- Knowing relevant laws and important dates about mail-in ballots.
</p>
<p>
- Looking to trusted sources of information for reliable news about elections.
</p>
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Arizona Voters Pass Prop. 208 To Support Education Funding With New Taxes
Arizona voters pass Prop. 208, an initiative that will bring more money to Arizona schools.
10 November
1056
Called by the Associated Press Thursday, Arizona's Proposition 208, also known as the Invest in Education Act, has passed. This proposition will place a 3.5% tax surcharge on any income above $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for couples.
<p>Many Arizonans believe this initiative is the first step in improving and prioritizing K-12 education. But for others, this new tax increase is frightening. </p><p>This money will then be distributed to teacher and school staff salaries, mentoring and retention programs, career and technical education programs, and the Arizona Teachers Academy, an organization that offers scholarships and support to future Arizona teachers. </p><p>The city of Mesa contains the largest school district in the state, Mesa Public Schools (MPS), and residents in favor of Proposition 208 believe this initiative will help combat the teacher shortage that has plagued Arizona. </p><p><div id="div-gpt-2648656250-content-ad" class="ad"><script>
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</div></p><p>"Everyone has had a teacher that positively impacted their life," said Riley Rambo, 20, a first-time voter, former MPS student, and current member of the workforce. "The 'Red for Ed' movement really showed us how underappreciated teachers are and I am totally voting for anything that will improve teacher pay and bring more people to the profession." </p><p>Those still in school have been the most impacted by the state's teacher shortage and lack of funding. MPS senior Quincey Strobel has seen firsthand the hardships teachers face.</p><p>"The reason why I supported Prop. 208 is because every day at school I see teachers struggling," said Strobel. "I know multiple teachers with two jobs and I have even been in classrooms with 40-plus students. It's all really upsetting." </p><p>While there is a large sum of Arizonans in favor of this proposition, about 48% of voters are opposed, believing Proposition 208 is full of false promises and will result in turmoil for small business owners. </p><p>"Arizona's small business owners have sacrificed a lot this year. They have fought through the challenges of COVID-19, working hard to keep their doors open and protect the health and safety of their employees and their customers. They deserve our thanks, not a massive tax increase," said Gov. Doug Ducey in a sponsored statement for Arizonans for Strong Leadership, a PAC against 208.</p><p>MPS teacher, Gail Ginther, has been an educator for 23 years and voted against the proposition, believing that this money is not enough to solve all the problems surrounding Arizona education. </p><p>"I voted no on Prop. 208, I think it will harm small business," said Ginther. "In Arizona, education is never prioritized and teacher salary is always the last to be increased. Even if some of the money goes to us, it probably won't make that much of a difference." </p><p>From small business owners struggling from the impacts of COVID-19, teachers fighting for better pay with movements like Red for Ed, and the Arizona government constantly promising improvements for K-12 education, voters and teachers like Ms. Ginther have every right to be skeptical about initiatives like Prop. 208. </p><p>But those behind 208 are positive that this new tax revenue will strengthen Arizona schools, resulting in a strengthening economy. </p><p> Rebecca Gau, executive director of Stand for Children Arizona, the organization supporting Prop. 208, fully believes in this correlation. </p><p>"When students are successful, the economy is boosted. Career readiness and vocational education are essential. Businesses want to operate and relocate to areas with good schools, graduating qualified students, and skilled workers," said Gau in a statement for Stand for Children Arizona. </p>
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Pfizer's CEO Says Its COVID-19 Vaccine Is 90% Effective, Here's Everything You Need To Know
"This will be the greatest medical advance in the last 100 years."
09 November
567
Photo by Dimitri Houtteman on Unsplash
This morning, Pfizer released fantastic news about their COVID-19 vaccine.
<p> Pfizer reported that "the vaccine candidate was found to be more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 in participants without evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first interim efficacy analysis." </p><p>To put this into perspective, the "flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60% among the overall population," <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines-work/vaccineeffect.htm" target="_blank">according to the CDC</a>.<br><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines-work/vaccineeffect.htm" target="_blank"></a></p><p>However, measles was once eradicated in the United States. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/measles/index.html#:~:text=Two%20doses%20of%20MMR%20vaccine%20are%20about%2097%25%20effective%20at,through%2012%20years%20of%20age." target="_blank">According to the CDC,</a> "two doses of MMR [measles, mumps, and rubella] vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93%." </p><p>That means Pfizer's vaccine could work similarly to the measles vaccine. However, this reality is dependent on enough people being vaccinated. To achieve herd immunity, <a href="https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-is-covid-19-coronavirus-herd-immunity-when-will-we-achieve-herd-immunity.h00-159383523.html" target="_blank">at least 60% of the world's population</a> will need to be immune. That's approximately 4.7 billion people!</p><p><div id="div-gpt-2648798423-content-ad" class="ad"><script>
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</div></p><p>CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta interviewed Albert Bourla, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/09/health/pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-effective/index.html" target="_blank">CEO of Pfizer</a>.<br><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/09/health/pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-effective/index.html" target="_blank"></a> </p><blockquote>"We believe that we are in a good situation to have up to 50 million doses this year globally, and I believe we are in a very very good situation to have 1.3 billion doses globally [next year]."</blockquote><p>Now, keep in mind that Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine is a two-dose vaccine, so 1.3 billion doses translates into 650 million available vaccines.</p><p>Bourla also told CNN, </p><blockquote>"How long this protection lasts is something we don't know right now... We will follow up [on] the forty-four thousand people who [received this vaccine] for two years." </blockquote><p>It is rumored that the vaccine will be free because of the $1.9 billion U.S. agreement. However, Dr. Kathrin Jansen, the head of Pfizer's vaccine development, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/09/health/covid-vaccine-pfizer.html" target="_blank">claims in a New York Times article</a> that "We were never part of the Warp Speed... We have never taken any money from the U.S. government, or from anyone."</p><p>Despite both the $1.9 billion U.S agreement and the $444 million Germany agreement, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/09/health/covid-vaccine-pfizer.html" target="_blank">Jansen still claims</a> to be distancing "the company from Operation Warp Speed and presidential politics, noting that the company — unlike the other vaccine front-runners — did not take any federal money to help pay for research and development."</p><p>Pfizer, among other companies, like Moderna, decided to take <a href="https://www.modernatx.com/modernas-work-potential-vaccine-against-covid-19" target="_blank">a new approach</a> for the development of their vaccine. </p><p>This new approach <a href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/how-the-moderna-covid-19-vaccine-is-breaking-recording-time" target="_blank">does not include the virus itself.</a> Instead, it is based on part of the virus's genetic material. Injecting this into the human body will "trick" your body into developing an immune response so whenever you're exposed to COVID-19, your body will already recognize it and fight off the infection.</p>
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Alex Trebek Has Passed Away From Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer
He passed away peacefully with his friends and family by his side.
08 November
3820
Beloved host of "Jeopardy!" Alex Trebek has passed away from stage 4 pancreatic cancer at the age of 80.
<blockquote>Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by fa… <a href="https://t.co/I8GuVbsvPY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://t.co/I8GuVbsvPY</a>— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy!)<a href="https://twitter.com/Jeopardy/statuses/1325490106329751553" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1604856442.0</a></blockquote><p>Trebek was the host of the game show for 35 years and was a household name in America. He <a href="https://www.cancerhealth.com/article/alex-trebek-clarifies-comments-pancreatic-cancer-treatment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">revealed his diagnosis</a> in March 2019 and released a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Jeopardy/photos/a.187939387923652/3424126524304906/?type=3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">statement </a>the following July:</p><blockquote>"I feel the need to clarify my quote that, if my course of cancer treatment does not continue to work, I would consider stopping treatment. That quote from the book was written BEFORE my current regimen, and I was going through some bad times. My current numbers are very good, but we will have to be patient with this new immunotherapy program that I am on. But, if it were to stop being successful, I would return to my previous chemo treatment -- NOT stop all treatment. I apologize for any confusion, and want everyone to know that I am optimistic about my current plan, and thank them for their concerns."</blockquote><p>This past September, Trebek <a href="https://www.survivornet.com/articles/alex-trebek-is-back-on-jeopardy-tonight-a-year-a-half-after-stage-4-cancer-diagnosis-id-be-lying-if-i-said-the-journey-had-been-an-easy-one/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">came back to the show</a> as its host after a hiatus as a result of his cancer. </p><p>The news is unfortunate and another huge loss for many Americans in 2020 after the loss of cultural icons like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Kobe Bryant.</p><p>For his final show, Trebek talked about what he wanted his final words to be. </p>
<div id="c4526" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bf699b86a076a979d435114db7af6f79"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1325491969859219459" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Alex Trebek on how he wanted his final Jeopardy show to go.
RIP, this one really sucks. https://t.co/HocFuGANmh</div> — TRAFON (@TRAFON)<a href="https://twitter.com/RiseFallNick/statuses/1325491969859219459">1604856886.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>Alex Trebek <a href="https://www.pancan.org/news/trebek-memoir-explores-pancreatic-cancer-diagnosis/" target="_blank">wrote a memoir</a> about his battle with pancreatic cancer called "The Answer Is... Reflections On My Life." He passed away peacefully with his friends and family by his side.<br></p><p><div id="div-gpt-2648704280-content-ad" class="ad"><script>
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