NFL players are not being disrespectful by exercising their right to protest

By GINNY BIXBY

Viewpoints Editor

After weeks of criticism and media attention focused on players kneeling for the national anthem in protest, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at a news conference on Wednesday, Oct. 18 that while he believes that players should stand for the playing of the national anthem, he does not plan to create or enforce any rule requiring them to. While Goodell should openly support his players’ First Amendment rights, it is reassuring to know that he does not plan to censor them- after all, that would be illegal.Read More

NFL players have the right to protest but should consider a different platform in which to do so

By EMILY KUBE
Staff Writer

The NFL has been the subject of much controversy around the country over the last couple of weeks. Some players are kneeling during the National Anthem, while some are not even coming onto the field. It is saddening to watch your favorite team or player use the field as a place to protest, especially during a time that means so much to us. Read More

NFL stands strong against Trump’s divisive words

By SEAN BERMINGHAM

At a rally in Huntsville, Alabama, President Donald Trump spent a portion of his time on stage talking about the National Football League. What started as a tangent about how penalties for hard hits are making the game soft and “ruining it,” quickly became a tirade on the National Anthem protests started last year by former forty-niners’ quarter back, Colin Kaepernick, and how the players “disrespect our flag,” according to President Trump.Read More

White House should stay out of Jemele Hill tweeting controversy

By ALLISON TOVEY

Staff Writer

On Monday Sept. 11, Jemele Hill, a host of ESPN’s SportsCenter, posted a series of tweets speaking out about Donald Trump and the bigotry that he has expressed time and time again.Read More

Oppressed work to empower each other under Trump presidency

By DANIELLE HOWARD

Throughout the entirety of his campaign, President Donald Trump actively insulted and attacked large margins of American citizens while empowering a select few under the guise of his slogan ‘Make America Great Again.’ His words and beliefs against people of color, members of the LGBT+ community, women, Muslims and more were met with horror and praise.Read More

Gubernatorial candidate Tom Perriello visits campus during tour to talk about student affairs

By MEAGHAN MCINTYRE

Virginia gubernatorial candidate, Tom Perriello, visited the University of Mary Washington last Wednesday while on his college campus tour. He talked to students and faculty members in the Hurley Convergence Center about his policies on mental health issues, his proposal for free education at two-year community colleges, promoting an environmentally friendly Virginia and combatting sexual assault. Read More

Op Ed: POTUS: Predator of The United States

By EMILY GROTTLE

No matter how many times someone tells me I need to accept the fact that Donald Trump is the president, I will not, because I can never respect this man. Trump has been accused on multiple accounts of sexual harassment, and he continues to demean and belittle women because he is a celebrity in the eyes of the media. We need to break the silence on Trump and recognize that what this man has been getting away with for years is simply unacceptable.

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Muslim professor at UMW feels direct affects of Trump’s travel ban, tells his story

By NATALIE BEYER

In January, when Professor Mehdi Aminrazavi marched with hundreds of thousands of women, men and children on Washington, he had no idea that just six days later things would get much worse for his family and him. The spirit of resistance from the momentous march dissolved into utter silence for Aminrazavi, as the Muslim ban was met with quiet complacency on the campus front.Read More

Saturday Night Live’s political satire steps up their game

By HARRY FISHER

Saturday Night Live has been on a roll with its political comedy sketches over the past few months. Every week, they bring us a new parody of some politician who has said or done something worth parodying, most often Donald Trump. This can likely be attributed to Trump’s campaign for president, and of course, his victory over Hillary Clinton in the election.

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Fake news has no place in The Blue & Gray Press

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS STAFF

Between the coverage of the 2017 campaign cycle and the ongoing unpredictable antics of President Trump, the media is having a field day, so to speak, with the constant influx of news worthy information that has been up for grabs the past couple of months.Read More

Op Ed: Give Trump a Chance

By BRANDON QUINTIN

*Note: this Op Ed was submitted on Jan. 22*

Sorry to break it to you, but yes, he is your president. Given that you’re reading this article in a campus newspaper, I think it’s safe to assume … Read More

Social media used to combat information overload

By AHMED KHOKAR

In the current political climate, it is becoming increasingly difficult to identify credible sources when trying to get your news fix. There are publications for every point of view, and the sources of information are overabundant particularly when it comes to current events. There has been an increasingly rapid trend of Americans relying on social media outlets as their primary news sources.

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Some UMW students join thousands countrywide in protesting Trump

By JANAYE EVANS

A wave of protests has swept the country immediately following the announcement our new President- elect, Donald J. Trump. High school and college students alike have been exercising their right to free expression, protected under the First Amendment of the United States’ Constitution. The fears that many of these students have, stems from the intolerance that Trump welcomed during his campaign.

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UMW students react to the plans of President-elect, Donald Trump

By VIRGINIA BIXBY

The unprecedented election of Republican candidate, Donald Trump, has upset many Americans, including a large number of UMW students. But while every election causes some disappointment in voters, this one has been particularly controversial and divisive.

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Staff Ed: Editorial board implores community to stick together despite divisive election

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS STAFF

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS STAFF

In an unprecedented electoral sweep, Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party defied all odds. Every major polling source had almost unanimously, paved a clear path to victory for Hillary Clinton on election night. As of November 8, RealClearPolitics had projected a +3.2 point advantage in favor of Hillary Clinton, 46.8 to Trump’s 43.6. RCP had also predicted a favorable standing electorally for the Clinton campaign, with her resting at 203 and Trump at 164, with 171 electoral votes up for grabs.Read More

Green Party candidate Jill Stein makes final campaign stop at UMW

By ESTER SALGUERO & IZZY BRIONES

Anticipation rose as University of Mary Washington students and residents of Fredericksburg filled the Chandler Ballroom, of the University Center Sunday night in anticipation for Green Party candidate, Jill Stein. With only a few rows of seats provided, many were left sitting on the floor.Read More

Will we actually make America great again, though?

By REUBEN GEORGE-EZUMA

On Nov. 8, 2016, the United States of America will be electing a new president. There is much controversy surrounding both candidates, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Trump is often criticized for his political incorrectness and inexperience in politics, and Clinton is criticized for decisions she made during her role as Secretary of State. Though both candidates have seemingly questionable morals, the question still remains: what would happen if Donald Trump actually won the presidential election?

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All in favor of a democracy over a demagogue, say “aye”

By HABIBA NOOR

Like many college students, this November will be my first time voting in a presidential election.

Although people discuss this election in terms of “picking the lesser of two evils,” I disagree. I believe Hillary Clinton is the … Read More

Stressed out by the election’s media monster

By REBECCA MELSON

This year’s election process has been one of the most emotional, stressful and disappointing elections that I have ever lived through. The two top candidates have presented themselves like a bickering old couple, exhausting the American public with their sensationalism and constant media attacks.Read More

We aren’t so different, you and I

By KELLY O’GRADY

When asked whom you’re voting for in the upcoming election, if you say Donald Trump, you most likely get looked at like you have two heads. The response you get is, “Why? Are you crazy? How could you support him?” I have experienced this multiple times, even in class. It is truly not fair. I am accepting of other’s political views, so why should I get grilled about mine?Read More

Be realistic: your protest vote will not work

By SHAWNYA PETERSON

In the wake of the Bernie Sanders campaign, the anti-Hillary “Bernie or Bust” movement began to gain support, with members pledging responses ranging from writing in Sanders’ name on Election Day to abstaining from voting altogether.Read More

Endorsement from Carson to Trump may sacrifice trust from supporters

By EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH

Endorsement from Carson may come at sacrifice to trust from supporters Former presidential candidate Ben Carson announced that he would be endorsing current candidate Donald Trump on Friday, March 11, a decision I believe has cost Carson the trust he established with his voters by supporting a candidate who, so far, has seemed to share little in common with Carson’s own moral beliefs.Read More