Extending the Women's Movement
Modern Feminism is Walking in the Footsteps of Those Who Stood Up

As women become continue to become more active in politics, a teacher from the Chicago suburbs takes us through the history of the Feminist movements.

Fighting Against Assumptions
Women Should Stand Up When We Need To, But Do We Need To?

As women continue to voice their frustration with the current administration, an editor from Iowa asks what we're all fighting for.

The Spring Issue

Fake News
Donald Trump Takes on the Media

Can we believe what we read in the news? What story are they trying to tell? An executive near Chicago details the medias attempt to take down our president.

Fake History
Why You Should Stop Learning From Memes

Can we believe the historical references we see on social media? Not without proper context. An urban teacher explores how history has been misappropriated to fit simple narratives.

Global Warming is Everyone's Problem
Our Responsibility to Protect Our Planet

Despite how most scientists interpret the data, climate change has been very politicized. A suburban teacher reminds us all of our responsibilities towards our planet.

Defending Cultural Appropriation
Walking the Line Between Influence & Exploitation

Despite how many people may feel, Cultural Appropriation is not inherently terrible. A teacher and musician uses music to explain the benefits of cultural appropriation.

In Order To Form A More Perfect Union
Has Our Two Party System Failed Us?

Why is it Republicans vs Democrats? Is a two party system the natural order of politics? A suburban project manager argues that our two party system has failed to protect our interests.

Identity Politics

Due to an unforeseen illness, Identity Politics is on a one month break, but it will come back with a bang - with the first video edition of Identity Politics.

Most Political Cartoons Make Statements.
We Want to Ask Questions.

This Issue's Contributers

Every month, we'll highlight the people who contributed to this publication. Not only will this recognize them for their work, but it will allow everyone to see the diverse backgrounds that have collaborated on this project.

Greg M.

"Liberal Democrat"

My political beliefs have greatly changed over the years. When I was younger I would have considered myself to be quite conservative. These beliefs were shaped by the environment I grew up in and it was not until I was in college that I would have ever considered myself to be a liberal. The reason I consider myself a liberal has to do with my strong beliefs in social justice and environmental issues. I take pride in being an advocate for others and my goal through this website is to create content that is both informative and thought provoking. My hope is to provide insight into the mind of a liberal and help create a better understanding for those that do not share our core beliefs.

2 Things I'd Like Changed About My Party:

1. Work together more often
2. Talk more to people of the working class

2 Things I Admire About Other Parties:

1. Desire to balance the budget
2. Bringing jobs back to America

Sean R.

"Moderate Libertarian"

It’s hard to find my home on the political spectrum. While I was born and raised as a good ol’e Republican, I’ve become much more moderate in recent years. I’m definitely in the “Fiscal Conservative, Social Liberal” category, but that isn’t well represented in our two party system. My passion is civil rights. If our society can build a foundation of social justice, I think we can continue do great things. I believe that we should be able to provide for everyone’s basic needs, but I recognize that government is not always the best institution for the job. My biggest hope for this publication is that you continue reading the articles from people you disagree with. I want us to rediscover the humanity in our political opponents.

2 Things I'd Like Changed About My Party:

1. Lack of a legitimate candidate
2. Extreme budget cutting

2 Things I Admire About Other Parties:

1. Spending on Infrastructure
2. ​Stimulating small businesses

Allison H.

"Feminist Democrat"

In the first two presidential  elections that I was old enough to vote in, I voted Republican. Yes, that includes the historic election of Barack Obama in 2008. However, since I became a teacher my personal and political views have changed drastically. In my five years of teaching I have worked with a diverse student population and a majority of my students are categorized as low income. They have changed me as someone who wants to fight for equal opportunity or to change society so that all are accepted the way they are born. Also, the more I became immersed in American history and current events I realized there is so much injustice in this country and we must continue to fight against it. And of course, I want to improve our education system. I fully believe that education and opportunity is the largest factor in determining someone's life path. Thus, being a teacher has been the largest influence in my politics. I will never vote for someone who will not accept and respect my students for who they are. And of course,  I will vote for the person who will support the feminist platform. 

​2 Things I'd Like Changed About My Party:

1. Shake things up in the leadership, promote someone that we can be excited about!
2. Focus on education & ways to allow teachers to be part of the legislative conversation.

2 Things I Admire About The Party:

1. The emphasis on American entrepreneurship.
2. The ability to reach Middle America.

Anthony H.

"Fiscal Far Right"

I’ve always leaned towards the right especially when it comes to fiscal conservatism. I’m a natural born capitalist and believe in a small government staying out of the way of progress. On the other hand, I have leftist views when it comes to the social issues, supporting many of the liberal social stances on issues facing today’s society. The challenge I see is that most of the impactful social issues won’t be changed very frequently or easily whereas my wallet feels the pain every year with a liberal agenda. I’m not affiliated with any party and support the best candidate for the job, however if I had to choose it would most likely be a Republican. In an ideal world I believe there should be four major parties to choose from instead of only the two major parties being as there are two sides to both social and fiscal viewpoints.
​
2 Things I'd Like Changed About My Party:

1. Focus on fiscal conservatism values that speak to the general population of the country. The focus on social issues turn off too many people.
2. Speak more for their voters and not be afraid of political correctness when laying out their plans.

2 Things I Admire About The Parties:

1. Libertarian fiscal views on a laissez-faire capitalist society & how they continue to gain momentum over time.
2. Democratic push for civil rights. I think all parties should create more civil liberties for all.

Tom B.

"Green Liberal"

The dichotomy of punk rock and the events after 9/11, while growing up and attending college in conservative areas formed the foundation of my political ideology. I would not refer to myself as a Democrat for a myriad of reasons, and would place myself firmly to their left. My top three issues are global warming, healthcare, and education. I am an eleven year High School History Teacher, and I am currently working towards my MA in History. When not being a history geek I enjoy hiking, camping, and skiing with my wife and friends. 
If I was a Green, this is how I'd answer:

2 Things I'd Like Changed About My Party:

1. An inexcusable inability to attract and retain viable candidates.
2. A complete lack of diversity, economically & racially.

2 Things I Admire About The Parties:

1. They have power, which means they're organized.
2. Their ability to accomplish what they believe is right, despite opposition. 

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Taryn D.

"Modern Republican"

I am fairly liberal to moderate in my social views, but very fiscally conservative. I used to be pretty conservative all around, but I have gradually shifted my views on social issues over the last decade. I think that is representative of the Republican Party in general. I call myself a “Modern Republican” because I think Republicans today are different than they were 10, 15, or 25 years ago. I think most of us would say we lean a little more left on social issues, supporting things like gay marriage and women’s rights. Unfortunately, those with the loudest voices seem to be stuck in the past, preaching straight conservatism across the board. It’s just not realistic.

​For the Republican Party to survive and thrive, we must make adjustments based on an ever-evolving world, and we must find candidates and advocates who are more representative of the American people. I hope to see the Republican Party adapt in the coming years, consequently changing the stigma associated with being a Republican.

2 Things I'd Like Changed About My Party:

1. More inclusive mindset and approach to action
2. Taking responsibilities about failures & offering NEW solutions

2 Things I Admire About Other Parties:

1. Passion to organize & advocate for their beliefs
2. Ability to resonate with a larger audience

Jodi B.

"Liberal / Humanitarian"

My political beliefs cannot be defined by either Democrat or Republican - for the most part, I don't have much respect for either party. Most of my life I voted Republican, but that changed as the Republican party changed. I guess I have evolved into a full-fledged Liberal. I have a hard time with boundaries of any kind and try my hardest to always start with the fact that we are all human and go from there.

The more I pay attention, the more "political" I become. The hardest thing about this last election for me is the division that it has caused in our country. I love that this is one effort to bring us back together and my sincerest hope is that we get past the party system and work together- be conservative when it makes sense - be liberal more often :)  I'm a big believer if what I do isn't hurting anyone- stay out of my business.


2 Things I'd Like Changed About My Party:

1. Need to take action - results mean more than words
2. Work harder at compromise when it makes sense

2 Things I Admire About Other Parties:

1. Focus on jobs
2. Will do what it takes to get their agenda through

Jackie L.

"Uninvested Democrat"

If I had to choose my political side, I would have to say I definitely lean more towards democrat, but that is not to say I am completely against what republicans believe. I am open to many different possibilities and viewpoints.

I grew up in a household where politics wasn’t a huge deal. Therefore, I formed my own opinions about the government and the way things work in our county.  The more I learn and  continue to learn about politics the more I find myself intrigued and inspired to keep learning and figure out where I stand politically.

2 Things I'd Like Changed About My Party:

1. Corrupt politicians that care more about donations than citizens
2. Silencing people that disagree with us

2 Things I Admire About Other Parties:

1. Bringing jobs back to America
2. Focusing on national security

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#BreakTheEchoChamber