What South Korea’s crisis reveals about modern democracy
In less than 48 hours, on Dec.3, South Korea found itself under martial law by the order of President Yoon Suk Yeol — a turn of events almost unbelievable in its sheer surreality. Tanks rolled into the streets of Seoul and congress members scaled barricades to enter parliament, creating a dramatic spectacle of democratic collapse. The turmoil, which ended in a quick repeal of martial law amid overwhelming public protests and government opposition, exposed the fragility of South Korea's democracy. And although overwhelming public disdain for President Yoon eliminates any immediate threats to the country, the line between democracy and authoritarianism has never been thinner.
HOTLB: What’s your holiday hot take?
As the holiday season has arrived, Samo students have endless opinions. In every busy hallway or crowded lunch table, you’ll hear debates over anything and everything festive - from the tastiest new holiday drink from Starbucks to arguments over the best Christmas movie. To avoid the overbearing stress of final grades, students can’t help hopping on the holiday train and discussing the controversial topics of the season with each other.
Finals week… or my final week?
Finals week might be the most stressful period of time of a high schoolers career. From pulling all nighters to study to spending countless hours in the library. Is this stress worth it and should finals really be the deciding factor of how much you learned this year and how well you do in the class?
Countdown to 2030: Trump’s climate crisis
The White House might be able to handle four more years of Trump, but can the climate? Last time Trump was in office, his administration rolled back over 100 environmental rules and his win is predicted to add 4 billion tons of carbon emissions to the environment by 2023.
Should political differences impact friendships?
In today’s polarized climate, political divisions have never felt more personal. As many believe that people’s values and beliefs often align with their political choices, it raises the issue pf how much disagreement is too much when it comes to maintaining meaningful relationships.
Bandaids on Bullet Wounds: new UC Weaponry
Our First amendment is at risk as weaponry has been let into UC campuses, in the face of protesting about the Israel-Hamas war. Non-lethal weapons such as pepper balls and sponge rounds, projectile launchers and new drones have been admitted for usage. Such an interesting way to remove our rights.
Putting passion over paper in samo clubs
Clubs are often created for the sole purpose of looking good on college resumes. What are ways we, as high school students, can make meaningful and effective clubs that have genuine meaning and purpose?
Kids with Iphones need a wakeup call
A child getting their first phone has become a modern-day rite of passage, sparking debates at the dinner table, stirring up opinions in the classroom and leaving parents wondering if they're handing over a lifeline or a pandora’s box of problems. While the convenience and safety offered by smartphones are undeniable, there are significant developmental concerns that come with giving children access to these devices at a young age.
Are second-hand prices going first class?
From vintage shirts to denim skirts, the rise in popularity of thrift stores is undeniable. For many, thrifting has become a hobby, serving as a unique alternative to the mall. However, prior to this trend, the majority of thrift stores’ customers shopped not for the perfect baby tee, but out of necessity.
Relationship radar: unpacking toxic trends
Love bombing. Ghosting. Gaslighting. These terms are often thrown around in online discourse to define a toxic relationship, which are oftentimes romanticized and glorified.