Finishing College, Among Other Things
STAND News’s Sean Creagh takes a thoughtful look back over his time as a college student, and shares his insights on what matters most.
STAND News’s Sean Creagh takes a thoughtful look back over his time as a college student, and shares his insights on what matters most.
2021 was a mesmerising and consequential year in US politics. Business & Politics editor Sean Creagh sums up the biggest stories
The Afghan military, who have found it too difficult to defend rural districts, in response to the Taliban’s belligerence, have decided to simply abandon vast arrays of land – all in hopes of culminating their forces to defend (more) economically valuable cities. This has led to some easy victories for the Taliban, who have now taken control of over two-thirds of the country and forced thousands of families to flee for their safety.
There are also policy choices which no longer resonate with voters in 2021. Fianna Fáil has typically been the party of housing and social protection. But where are they when this is exactly what the voting public are crying out for? Where are these affordable estates for working families, and where are the council houses? Sure, there has been the COVID-19 pandemic at play in shutting down the construction industry, but that ultimately will not matter when people go to the polls.
The fictitious scenario of YouTube star Jake Paul running for US President in the not so distant future is a reality we may eventually face. In a world where the line between news and entertainment has become so blurred, we can expect more social media influencers in high-profile jobs. You no longer need talent or knowledge; a following of supporters is enough.