Editor's Note #35
Dear Readers of the Spirit,
It’s been interesting to see who has been linked to the Epstein files, and frankly incredibly disturbing. We all knew Trump was involved, despite the previously redacted version that was provided to us, but its ties to almost everyone within the political establishment really demonstrate the gall that the politically and economically influential have. The continual inability to confront Epstein for who he was, especially after his initial conviction in 2008, seemingly appeared to be just a ‘blip’ that he was able to repent from. The ‘blip’ being the solicitation of prostitution from a minor. Bill Gates, deciding to meet Epstein, has been excused as a ‘serious error of judgement’, despite the stacking evidence being built against his name. Even more distressingly, he associated with a predator who abused young girls, whilst his daughters were of a similar age. The sheer volume of entitlement regarding this case, is rife and raw. It appears though that some have finally been caught, whether accountability will be served is another question as the rule of law is not applied equally. Hundreds of women have suffered as a result of the leadership of one man, setting up a systematic effort to traffick them to the wealthy who take and take as if the world is theirs. Those who befriended him, despite not ‘officially’ committing crimes, are complicit because they knew. It continues; those who decided to maintain relations with people who knew him are also complicit. All of these instances added layers of protection to the tragedy he was committing, and the intentional ignorance enabled him to continue.
This may appear to be quite an unfortunate beginning to the Editor’s Note, but misfortune is the current reality for so many people. Misfortune is often the subject of most news stories, unfortunately.
The past month has been a nightmare for Iranian citizens and those of the diaspora, who struggled to regain contact with their loved ones due to the internet shutdown. What has amazed me is the sheer resilience demonstrated by the Iranian people who continue to resist and stand up for what they think is right, despite the terror and violence that has been inflicted. I have been shocked by the death toll figures that have been produced, but we will not know the true reality of what has occurred until the internet blackout is lifted.
If you are reading this note, I hope you take a good look at this issue of the Spirit. Additionally, if you are reading this, you may care about the comings and goings within this university. I encourage you to vote in the upcoming Student Unions sabbatical officer elections (3-5 March), as it is your biggest opportunity to shift the future of this university. Even so, if you do care about this institution, why not nominate yourself to stand in the election?
