In this editorial, Michigan Advance’s Julie Cassidy argues, “Homelessness isn’t a natural phenomenon; it’s a policy choice. And that means we can choose to end it.”
Opinion
Glen Oaks President David Devier laments about the loss of “shop” classes in Michigan middle and high schools. He argues the only way to “undo these detrimental decisions in local school districts is to enact new curricula that bring back hands-on experiences.”
In this week’s column, Watershed Voice’s Charles Thomas writes, “[…] the benefits of asking better questions are immense. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that changing the questions you ask yourself in times of struggle can alter the trajectory of your life, and over the long term be life changing. Better questions can also lead you away from narrow-mindedly blaming yourself whenever something bad happens in your life.”
Andrew George of Three Rivers gives his “strong endorsement for Tom Lowry as our next Mayor of Three Rivers,” citing “competence and experience” as important attributes to consider when voting on Tuesday, November 7.
Editor’s note: Watershed Voice does not endorse any candidates for public office, and any views or opinions expressed in this letter are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Watershed Voice staff or its board of directors.
Watershed Voice and #MomLife columnist Steph Hightree writes, “I’ve been driving a car for 22 years. Wow, that makes me feel super old. Anyhow, you would think that I would be a pro at teaching my daughter how to drive. Well, spoiler alert: I’m not.”
WSV columnist Zoe Thomas explains the many reasons why Barbie (2023) is important, including how it marks a long overdue cultural shift on how women are represented in media. “Not only are the women multi-dimensional, as has thankfully become more and more common in modern media, but they show femininity hand in hand with power, intelligence, and professionalism in a way that is almost never seen in film, let alone the real world.”
Watershed Voice columnist and psychotherapist Charles Thomas writes, “There is ample scientific evidence that being in a healthy relationship is associated with less anxiety and stress, better general mental health, a lower risk for depression, and even longer life span.” But what constitutes a healthy relationship? Charles has answers.
Amy Davidhizar of Cass County responds to what she calls a “smear campaign directed at this Saturday’s Three Rivers Pride Festival” led by St. Joseph County Road Commissioner Jack Coleman and others.
Watershed Voice Executive Editor & Publisher Alek Haak-Frost addresses the harmful and factually inaccurate messaging making its rounds on social media regarding Three Rivers Pride.
WSV columnist and limited licensed psychologist Charles Thomas writes, “While there weren’t many silver linings to the pandemic, one good thing that did happen as a result of it was that our culture developed a fresh appreciation of the importance of mental health care. But a large block of Americans has been left behind. This is in spite of the fact that they make up nearly 80% of all suicides, have fewer friendships and social connections than other groups, and are also more likely to binge drink and have substance use disorders than other groups.”
“Reclaimin’ Space: The Cost of Closing Eyes” is written by Rock Island, Illinois native Aubrey Barnes, also known as “Aubs.” Barnes performed at the 2022 Watershed Voice Artist Showcase in Three Rivers at the Huss Project, where he will return to perform in July.
Naomi Ludman of Dowagiac argues Michigan should vote to join the National Popular Vote Compact, which would mean all of the state’s electoral votes would be awarded to the presidential candidate who wins the popular vote.
Malachi “A+scribe” Carter of The Unapologetics Podcast asks, “How did Critical Race Theory even become a whole problem in the church? Who fired shots first?”
This installment of Reading in Righteousness gives attention to one Christian thought leader who has become the most prominent in White, conservative evangelical spaces concerning the topic of and opposition to Critical Race Theory — Dr. Neil Shenvi. A+scribe reads and scrutinizes his article “Critical Race Theory and Christianity.”
Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas writes, “If you’re lonely this Valentine’s Day, I think it’s normal and even laudable to yearn for the opportunity to love in this active way and to find the kind of love that is real, harsh, and at times, even dreadful.
“But dreaming of a love perpetually frozen in the moments after a meet cute is likely to bring only sorrow. While that kind of love does exist, it’s as fragile as a soap bubble that immediately pops when hit with the faintest of breezes. When that bubble has burst, we are left with a mess that must be cleaned up. Then it’s time for us to start the harder task of active love. As G.K. Chesterton wrote, ‘to love means loving the unlovable.'”
In this week’s #MomLife column, Steph Hightree discusses her upbringing and how it shaped the person she is today. Being the oldest of six wasn’t easy but she survived, as did her Hanson CD. Well, mostly.
Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas writes about the importance of deliberate practice when attempting to develop expertise.
#MomLife columnist Steph Hightree laments over her daughter getting older, and what she’s doing to embrace this bittersweet time in a parent’s life.
WSV columnist Charles Thomas recalls the “saddest Christmas” he’s ever had, and how a recent exchange with a Las Vegas taxi driver helped put into focus what Charles and many of us take for granted.