Israel Cuts Relations with UNRWA
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
Israel has officially cut ties with the U.N. agency that assists Palestinian refugees, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, (UNRWA) the agency that provides help and services for Palestinian refugees. UNRWA has also been helping different organizations to help Gaza.
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
Israel has officially cut ties with the U.N. agency that assists Palestinian refugees, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, (UNRWA) the agency that provides help and services for Palestinian refugees. UNRWA has also been helping different organizations to help Gaza.
Recently, legislation declared UNRWA to be infiltrated by Hamas. However, the supporting evidence seems faulty and UNRWA strongly denied this. UNRWA’s main ways of transport to support Gaza go through Israel. With this choice to cut relations, Gaza will continue to have fewer and fewer resources.
A few key points to understand the situation Gaza and Palestinians are in:
More than 42,000 Palestinians have been killed.
An estimated 9.17 million Palestinians have been displaced globally.
The majority of Palestinian refugees live in impoverished limbo in refugee camps.
93% of the population of Gaza is facing extremely high levels of food insecurity and starvation.
Cutting relations with UNRWA, the only agency attempting to protect and aid Gaza displays a pure refusal on Israel’s part to try to end this war, or at least end the killings, starvation, and mass displacement of Palestinians.
The Influence of Money in Politics
Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager
Among a variety of ways in which political work can be swayed, money is by far one of the most effective tools used to influence decision making. Today, thanks to Supreme Court decisions such as Citizens United v FEC, money dominates U.S. political campaigns to a level not seen in decades.
Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager
Among a variety of ways in which political work can be swayed, money is by far one of the most effective tools used to influence decision making. Today, thanks to Supreme Court decisions such as Citizens United v FEC, money dominates U.S. political campaigns to a level not seen in decades.
According to 2023 studies conducted by Pew Research Center, they have found that:
Roughly seven-in-ten Americans (72%) say that there should be limits on the amount of money individuals and organizations can spend on political campaigns.
More than six-in-ten Americans (63%) say that all or most of the people who currently serve as elected officials run for office to make a lot of money.
Around eight-in-ten U.S. adults say the people who donate money to political campaigns have too much influence on decisions made by members of Congress.
First, I must introduce what PACs and super PACs are, which is key to understanding the connection between money and politics.
PACs, known as political action committees, are entities that gather money from members and donate that money directly towards political campaigns which can include ballot initiatives and legislation, but are more commonly used towards candidates. These contributions are used for two specific reasons which is to promote a candidate, and to defeat a candidate. PACs must abide by restrictions that limit the amount of funds that can be sent out towards candidates, party committees, and other PACs.
Unlike PACs, Super PACs are regulated under separate rules. Super PACs allow for unlimited spending towards campaigns, however, super PACs cannot contribute funds directly to candidates or political party committees. Super PACs do however, have the ability to donate through sources like non-profits which make it easy for donors to mask their identity. In return, this raises concern over the ethicalness of undisclosed contributors and how it leads to a lack of transparency.
Super PACs allow wealthy donors to pour unlimited amounts of money into campaigns, which can result in drowning out the voices of ordinary Americans because of the high influence of money on campaigning efforts. When a donor’s identity is not publicly disclosed, this can prevent voters from knowing who’s trying to influence them through these campaigns. This problematic gesture of an “unknown donor identity” is commonly referred through a term called “dark money” which is when the source of funds for a campaign are simply unknown. More interestingly, super PACs have the ability to enable wealthy individuals and special interests to underwrite a candidate’s campaign, raising even more concerns about corrupt activity.
Additionally, here are some fascinating facts about PACs and Super PACs:
Outside spending on 2024 federal elections has hit a record of $4.5 billion, with more than half of that spending coming from groups that do not fully disclose the source of their funding.
The 2024 presidential race is the most expensive U.S. election in history, with a high value of over $2 billion in outside spending.
Elon Musk alone donated $75 million this year to a PAC that supported Donald Trump.
So, it’s no surprise that PACs and super PACs play significant roles in federal election campaigns through raising and spending money to influence elections. There is nothing inherently bad about the use of outside money in politics, however, if not effectively regulated, that money can be used to undermine the integrity of politicians and political processes.
The Influence of Lobbying in Politics
Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager
Persuasion in politics is a tactic that has been used for years. It is designed to convince individuals with power in government positions to support and implement certain ideas and policies. This form of persuasion is known as “lobbying” and is also associated with advocacy. Lobbying can be carried out by either individuals or organizations undertaking public campaigns (which are legally registered with the government) to pressure people in government positions into taking action towards specific policies.
Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager
Persuasion in politics is a tactic that has been used for years. It is designed to convince individuals with power in government positions to support and implement certain ideas and policies. This form of persuasion is known as “lobbying” and is also associated with advocacy. Lobbying can be carried out by either individuals or organizations undertaking public campaigns (which are legally registered with the government) to pressure people in government positions into taking action towards specific policies.
Lobbying can be executed in many ways. It is done through conferences, seminars, public meetings, consultations, face-to-face meetings, and written or telephone communications. The main purpose of lobbying is to create awareness and educate prestigious members on how public policies can and will affect individuals and communities. Because of this, it’s relatively fair to make the claim that lobbying plays a crucial role in our political system.
Everyone is affected by lobbying, because lobbying seeks to address many important social and economic issues that without a doubt, affect the majority of citizens. Actions brought out by the government do not pertain to specific individuals, however, all laws and policies are applicable to all citizens. Therefore, lobbying is a way to influence legislative action that affects everyone.
Lobbyists are a sort of representatives that take into account the interests of individuals that do not have the opportunity or access to represent them personally to the government. Although lobbying is perfectly legal, the practice has previously and continues to face harsh criticism, with many implying that the use of heavy persuasion in politics is a form of bribery, due to the amount of influence it has on legislative action. While lobbying isn’t itself a corrupt practice, there is still wiggle room for self intent and self interest to be displayed. This can then lead to false acts of working in the public’s best interest.
The complexities of lobbying include:
Lobbyists have a habit of bribing members of Congress with advantageous job offers. This term is also referred to as “the revolving door”. With multi-million-dollar future salaries on the line, most members of Congress are more than willing to protect the best interests of the lobbyists who may one day be their employers.
Lobbying is legally protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. While the term “lobby,” isn’t explicitly mentioned, the right “to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” is specifically implied. This translates into modern times, as a right to lobby.
In 2023, the total lobbying spending in the United States amounted to 4.26 billion U.S. dollars. In 2022, the total lobbying spending was around 4.11 billion U.S. dollars. This significant amount of money is recorded by Statista.
The bottom line is that the practice of lobbying is integral to decision making in our political system, and, like many things, there are both pros and cons to it, all depending on the circumstances.
Regis University Defeats South Dakota School of Mines Men’s Soccer
James Ortiz, Staff Photographer
On October 25th, 2024 Regis University completed Friday's Senior Night celebration at the Regis Turf Fields with a victory over South Dakota School of Mines men’s soccer team, the Hardrockers. The game was a win for the Rangers with a final score of 2 to 1. This win once again preserved the Rangers spotless RMAC record.
James Ortiz, Staff Photographer
On October 25th, 2024 Regis University completed Friday's Senior Night celebration at the Regis Turf Fields with a victory over South Dakota School of Mines men’s soccer team, the Hardrockers. The game was a win for the Rangers with a final score of 2 to 1. This win once again preserved the Rangers spotless RMAC record.
The players take to the field. Photo by James Ortiz
The game begins. Photo by James Ortiz
Both teams line the field. Photo by James Ortiz
Both teams fight for victory. Photo by James Ortiz
Players support their teams. Photo by James Ortiz
The Roots of Domestic Violence
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
Domestic violence roots itself in wanting power and control over your partner. Insecurity, childhood trauma, and / or economic hardship are all possible grounds for domestic violence to begin. Signs of abuse include jealousy, cruelty to animals or children, verbal abuse, intense and sudden mood swings, threats of physical punishment, and unrealistic expectations. Warning signs of someone who may become abusive are tight relationship roles, controlling money or housing, verbal abuse, and arguments escalating intensely.
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
Domestic violence roots itself in wanting power and control over your partner. Insecurity, childhood trauma, and / or economic hardship are all possible grounds for domestic violence to begin. Signs of abuse include jealousy, cruelty to animals or children, verbal abuse, intense and sudden mood swings, threats of physical punishment, and unrealistic expectations. Warning signs of someone who may become abusive are tight relationship roles, controlling money or housing, verbal abuse, and arguments escalating intensely.
Victims of domestic violence also present symptoms. Family and friends who may be experiencing domestic violence may become more reserved, depressed, and present other attributes that are unlike themselves. If you have already had suspicions of violence going on with someone you know, these signs could be confirmation.
When wanting to help a victim of domestic violence, make time for them, make them feel heard, lose judgment, validate their feelings, and try to find outside support and resources to strengthen their recovery. If you are finding yourself questioning or fully knowing that you are in an unhealthy and possibly violent relationship, leaving can be challenging. You are not to blame and deserve to be treated with love and respect.
Some tips to handle domestic violence situations would be to come up with safety plans, protect your privacy, talk to a close friend or loved one, and find a safe community to speak about what is happening in your relationship.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please use the following resources, provided by Denver Health:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
Rose Andom Center in Denver, CO
720-337-4400
PorchLight
720-853-8850
https://www.porchlightfjc.org/
Gateway Domestic Violence Services
303-343-1851
SafeHouse Denver
303-318-9989
Regis University's First Snow of the Year
Alina Hussaini, Staff Photographer
On Wednesday, November 6th, 2024, Regis University experienced its first snow of the year. It was complete with a powdery coat and a chill in the air. This weather signals the upcoming approach of winter with beauty and serenity.
Alina Hussaini, Staff Photographer
On Wednesday, November 6th, 2024, Regis University experienced its first snow of the year. It was complete with a powdery coat and a chill in the air. This weather signals the upcoming approach of winter with beauty and serenity.
Main Hall stands tall in the snow. Photo by Alina Hussaini
Footprints grace the snow coated sidewalk. Photo by Alina Hussaini
A tree on campus supports the snow. Photo by Alina Hussaini