The Fourth of July supposedly symbolizes freedom. It means liberty, self-governance. Independence from tyranny. July 4th is supposed to be fun, because living in America was supposed to be fun. The ruling fathers wove opulence into the foundational documents of this nation. They killed and enslaved for extravagant wealth, for

By Ian Firstenberg  Former President George W. Bush joined celebrities and journalists alike on a speaking circuit when he was rudely reminded by an Iraq War veteran of the crimes against humanity he helped perpetrate.  Former President George W. Bush spoke in the Los Angeles area Sunday and Monday night as

by Xan Holbrook It’s approaching cliche among historians and history buffs to say that Afghanistan is unconquerable. However, its reputation as the toughest nut to crack in geo-politics – from the Parthian Empire until now – is not meritless. For most Americans, Afghanistan first permeated the national psyche during the

Sixteen awesome indie and punk artists banded together for this charitable covers compilation that includes the songs of Tom Petty, Green Day, Rick Astley, and many more timeless musicians (try listening to Never Gonna Give You Up) and not get it stuck in your head). We all enjoy quality renditions

SXSW jumped the shark long ago, so be glad you’re not attending the Doritos-sponsored Spring Break for corporate America that’s getting underway in Austin, Texas. SWSW calls itself a “music, film, and interactive festival”. What in the Hello Fresh is an “interactive festival”? It’s where the normally cool city of

The Women’s March in NYC the day after the Inauguration was monumental. By now you’ve heard about the unity, solidarity, and strength felt by many as they participated in the march with hundreds of thousands of other similarly-outraged people–250,000 people, approximately–and millions more in cities across the country and the

JFK airport erupted this weekend as Trump’s travel ban left many across the globe stranded or facing the mid-air shock that upon landing they would be placed in detainment instead of with loved ones. Here’s how it happened and an investigation into what so many new border walls, both concrete and

By Mar-Li Pitcher and Lauryn Petrie  Red banners wave and the exuberant crowd’s cheers of “Make America Great Again” rise to the rafters. The working-class descendants of the Mayflower feel that they have finally found their king. Xenophobia and fear fuel their rabid enthusiasm. Meanwhile, outside, homeless people are having their