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August started off with quite a spectacle – a brawl that caught everyone’s attention, except for those unfortunate individuals who received a whack on the head with a folding chair. Contributing columnist Ted Johnson found himself engrossed in the viral footage of a Black captain in Montgomery, Alabama being attacked by entitled White boaters. However, what made this incident even more significant was the response of Black bystanders who came to the captain’s aid. Ted describes it as a time that captivated the internet and Black individuals in particular.
But Ted’s conversation with his father, who grew up during the Jim Crow era, dampened the initial excitement. His father was waiting for the other shoe to drop, and unfortunately, it didn’t take long. In August, the pendulum swung towards pain. A racist gunman took the lives of three Black individuals at a dollar store in Jacksonville. Gene Robinson, who also wrote about this incident, expressed his sadness at the recurring pattern of Black people being targeted because of their race. He points out the irony that this tragedy coincided with the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, showing that Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of a prejudice-free society is still far from being realized.
Ted acknowledges that the White aggressor in the Montgomery brawl had an air of white supremacy about him. Until this deeply rooted issue is addressed, Black individuals will constantly be waiting for the next shoe to drop.
In another opinion piece, Greg Sargent discusses Nikki Haley’s lackluster response to the Jacksonville shooting and how it highlights the Republican Party’s complicated stance on race.
Moving on to a different topic, President Biden’s upcoming visit to Hanoi to upgrade diplomatic relations with Vietnam is a significant step towards reconciliation. This gesture holds particular importance due to the ongoing dialogue, although slow and sometimes painful, that has helped ease tensions between the two countries. However, it is crucial not to let this reconciliation distract from Vietnam’s deteriorating human rights situation. The Editorial Board emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues with Vietnam and reminding them that no ruler or system is strengthened by trampling on the rights and dignity of their own people.
Shifting our attention to technology, the satellite internet industry plays a vital role in Ukraine’s fight against Russia. However, one man, Elon Musk, has a significant amount of control in this domain through his Starlink network. The Editorial Board questions whether it is wise to have one erratic individual making decisions related to critical battlefield communication. Their suggestion is for the United States to launch more of its own satellites to ensure that there is more competition and alternatives to Musk’s monopoly.
Contributing columnist Jim Geraghty tells the story of a singing rabbi in Ukraine, providing insight into the rabbi’s patriotism and humanitarian work. Similarly, Catholics in Nicaragua have been standing up against their authoritarian regime, with the church at the forefront of protests. University of Notre Dame President John I. Jenkins emphasizes the need for the international community to acknowledge the oppressive tactics employed by Nicaragua’s government.
Indian journalist Barkha Dutt highlights the unsung heroes who played a crucial role in India’s recent moon mission. Their tireless efforts often go unnoticed and they are sadly underpaid for their contributions.
In another opinion piece, Paul Waldman dispels the notion that Nikki Haley is a moderate when it comes to abortion.
As we bid farewell to August, journalist Tim Carl from 2020 reminds us of the threat that wildfires pose to California’s vineyards.
And now, for a goodbye in the form of a haiku – The Bye-Ku:
Below Orion’s belt,
See the stars bid farewell,
August slips away.
If you have your own newsy haiku, feel free to email it to me along with any questions, comments, or ambiguities. See you tomorrow!
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