Missy Alvarez

AP United States Government

Mr. Majka
July 31st 2016
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/obama-gives-impassioned-speech-on-trump-dontboo-vote-w431382
Current Event
Rolling Stone released an article concerning president Barack Obamas perfervid speech
against Donald Trump at the Democratic National Convention. The author of this article
highlights the most profound areas of the speech by directly quoting Obamas words, making
sure not to sprinkle any personal views or unnecessary garble, ultimately presenting coverage on
only Obamas speech itself. Obamas hope for the future is introduced with the quote "I am more
optimistic about the future of America than ever before," comparing the emotions behind this
election to the election in 2004 when he gave his first ever DNC speech. Following this, he then
confronts the state of mind he believes Trump to have and how it is inefficient for our country to
move forward. He calls Trumps view deeply pessimistic and promises that Americas strength
and greatness does not depend on the man who called our country weak. It is also portrayed how
Obama firmly believes that Hillary is the most qualified candidate, whilst also throwing a bone
to Bernie Sanders and his supporters by saying, "That's right: Feel the Bern!"
Obamas speech was moving and frankly quite convincing. The way he spoke to
Americans, his positive outlook shining bright, it gave the crowd listening an air of expectancy.
When he mentions that he believes that Americans of every political party, race, background,
faith, sexuality and etcetera are strongest when we are together, the crowd goes wild. Thats the

statement that should resonate most with our society, we need to work towards acceptance and
cooperation. Obama speaks about Trump with disdain saying that he has no regard for working
people and calling our military a disaster. No candidate is perfect but from the amount of hate
and controversy coming from Trump's campaign, its hard not to believe and trust in Obama and
the democratic candidates he supports.

Missy Alvarez
AP United States Government
Mr. Majka
August 3rd 2016
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/bernie-sanders-endorses-hillaryclinton_us_56e98f60e4b0b25c91841bdd
Current Event
The Huffington Post wrote an article regarding Bernie Sanders endorsement of Hillary
Clinton for president and his determination to unify all democrats. After it was certain Hillary
would win the democratic nomination Bernie stated I intend to do everything I can to make
certain she will be the next president of the United States. He also went on to criticize Trumps
racists agenda and in turn, praise Hillary for her positive attitude and acceptance. Hillary
mentions their past rivalry and expresses her relief that they are now on the same team to
ultimately defeat Trump. The message that seems to be coming from Hillarys campaign now
with new influence from Bernie is Stronger Together where she advocates diversity, to directly
combat Trumps beliefs.
It is hard to see Bernie Sanders lose after all his perseverance and passion behind
improving the United States. Its honestly surprising that he did not receive the nomination,
considering that Bernie seemed to be the only person in this election who had nothing to hide.
Liberals really had no reasons to distrust him. His presence had a huge impact on young peoples

engagement in this year's election, but will those people listen to Bernie by voting for Hillary?
Hillary and Trump seem to be equally disliked for various reasons, but many democrats are
pushing aside their differences and just thinking what would be best for the country. At this
point, some Bernie or Bust people may not be happy, but it may be more productive if
democratic citizens tried unifying the party to create a stronger force against Trump, rather waste
their efforts tearing each other down.

Missy Alvarez
AP United States Government
Mr. Majka
August 1st 2016
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/26/opinion/sunday/aziz-ansari-why-trump-makes-me-scaredfor-my-family.html

Current Event: Editorial

Aziz Ansari, an actor, writer and director wrote an eye-opening piece for The New York
Times editorial section explaining why Donald Trump brings fear to him and his family. Aziz is
the son of Muslim immigrants, and although he is not religious himself, he still experiences the
hatred emanating from Trump and his campaign. He reminds the reader that even from the getgo, Trump's campaign was targeting Mexican immigrants calling them rapists and drug dealers.
He describes how American culture pictures all Muslims as monstrous terrorists and how Trump
has only perpetuated this twisted idea further. Aziz mentions how after the Orlando attack, the
F.B.I investigated 1000 Muslims that may have had relations with the killer, Aziz makes the
point that Muslim Americans have as much in common with that monster in Orlando as any
white person has with any of the white terrorists who shoot up movie theaters or schools or
abortion clinics. When the facts are presented that way, its hard not to see the internalized
racism that many Americans hold, and Azizs article shows how Trump only encourages this
negative nature.
To the author of this editorial, Aziz Ansari, the fact that I have no comforting words for
you at this time because I honestly do not know when our society will finally be able to get past
this inherently racist ideal, is very frightening itself. With all the horrible events that have
occurred in the past year, I feel as though I have become desensitized, no longer shocked when
Trump vocalizes a racist remark or when Americans blindly turn to hate and fear in the midst of
a crisis. Despite all of this, your article is thought provoking and helps me to understand the
struggles that so many Muslim Americans face. I agree with every word you state against Trump,
and fully empathize with your reasons for fearing the idea of such a bigoted human being our

next president. I hope your article resonates with readers like it did with me, educating and
opening minds to push our society away from hate and fear, but rather, move towards a more
accepting nation.