Articles by Jonathan Cortez

[Statements, opinion, and views expressed in this column are those of the author named and are not necessarily those of the EllwoodCity.org and Thought Process Enterprises team.] “All research and successful drug policy show that treatment should be increased and law enforcement decreased while abolishing mandatory minimum sentences,” a line from rock band System of a Down’s “Prison.” Though not 100% accurate, the line highlights the faults in the United State’s drug policy. America treats drug use as a serious criminal offense, along the same lines as violent crimes. This policy places undue strain on the criminal justice and prison…

[Statements, opinion, and views expressed in this column are those of the author named and are not necessarily those of the EllwoodCity.org and Thought Process Enterprises team.] The new scheduling policy, Senior Privilege, caused quite a stir among the school board at last Thursday’s meeting. In short, the policy allows seniors in good standing to come late or leave early for two periods. Some members of the board expressed concern that the policy would appeal to slackers and set up bad habits before college. As someone who was just in college, I have to agree. Saying that the policy appeals…

[EllwoodCity.org is beginning a weekly column on local, regional, and national news and events that will publish on Fridays. Statements, opinion, and views expressed in this column are those of the author named and are not necessarily those of the EllwoodCity.org and Thought Process Enterprises team.] I’m impressed by the stamina of the anti-LGBT front. Despite continually losing ground, the stalwart defenders of upright moral values always rally to draw a new line in the sand. As someone who really doesn’t care about what other people do, I can’t imagine myself being motivated enough to fight a downhill battle that’s…