Published Papers
Maia Boell letter to the editor:
Iowa summertimes are filled with endless activities that capture the Iowa spirit. One undeniable aspect of classic Iowa summers are our extravagant Independence Day celebrations. During July, millions of Iowans gather with cherished ones to commemorate our freedoms, but this past holiday, as we celebrated our rights as Americans, Governor Kim Reynolds called upon our Congressmen to reconvene at the Capitol–the purpose of this session being to debate HF 732, ultimately stripping away our reproductive liberties.
This extraordinary session took place over a cursory fourteen hours on Tuesday, July 11th. Despite outcry from thousands of Iowans in both political parties, House File 732, passed in our legislature. Republicans defended this legislation in calling abortion “arbitrary destruction” to the unborn, failing to recognize that this bill, paradoxically, negatively impacts those who can become pregnant. Republican congressmen also failed to recognize that this bill doesn’t represent the majority of Iowa citizens’ wishes concerning abortion policy. Upon the passing of HF 732, many felt as though their concerns were not acknowledged by their elected representatives.
Despite feeling ignored, many youth and adults continue to fight for abortion access. Legislators and citizens have made it apparent that they are committed to ensuring reproductive justice. Helping also are organizations such as the ACLU of Iowa, Planned Parenthood North Central States, and the Emma Goldman Clinic who are prepared to challenge HF 732 in the Iowa Supreme Court relatively soon. Abortion access is healthcare that everyone deserves, and Iowans will continue their commitment to that right.
Carroll Times Harrold
Link to the news letter: https://carrollspaper.com/opinion/letter-to-the-editor-boell-7-18-23/article_098ee692-24f8-11ee-a423-235c846ecc1c.html
Filiz Sonmez letter to editor:
Sometimes, minor changes can cause a great deal of difference that can save lives. Asylum is the protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee. Most people who apply for asylum live in dangerous countries with active civil wars and corrupt governments.
There is no law for the Immigration Office to reply to your application in a determined period. This causes many people to stay in dangerous countries; they must escape to survive.
To put it bluntly, America’s refugee protection system needs to improve because if it continues in this direction many innocent people will suffer. The CEO of the American Refugee Council has said, “The refuge system is an incredibly ineffective, and unfair way to operate.”
Children are the hope for our future, so why aren't we doing everything in our power to keep them alive? If we turn a blind eye to something because it may be challenging to solve or not a priority, we won't be able to change the world. It is important to me as a refugee who has been through the system that more people know about this and work towards fixing it by talking to their representatives about this issue.
Des Moines Register
Link to the news letter: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/readers/2023/06/29/clarence-thomas-commentators-ignore-exoneration/70365792007/