• Arts at SMCC

    Last semester, SMCC student Destinee Linscott created a large painting inspired by her friend Elizabeth “Liz” Corvese’s interest in narwhals. Narwhals are a type of Arctic whale remarkable for having a single protruding canine tooth that resembles a unicorn’s horn. Destinee’s painting was started in August and finished in December. She used pastels to draw… Read more

  • A Note from the Advisor 

    If you are reading this column, it means you are holding the 95th consecutive Beacon printed since the paper returned to after a brief hiatus a little more than seven and a half years ago. The Beacon has seen over 100 student contributors participate in journalism as writers, designers, photographers, illustrators and sales representatives. You… Read more

  • Trump and Islamic Extremism:  Admission is the First Step

      It is unsurprising to see not a single Democrat applauding when President Donald Trump announced in his Feb. 29 address to Congress that he and his administration are “taking strong measures to protect our nation from radical Islamic terrorism.” After hearing Trump utter these words, one could almost hear, “Keep your hate speech off… Read more

  • The Grandiose Verbiage of a Trump Speech

    “Then, in 2016, the earth shifted beneath our feet. The rebellion started as a quiet protest, spoken by families of all colors and creeds — families who just wanted a fair shot for their children, and a fair hearing for their concerns. But then the quiet voices became a loud chorus — as thousands of… Read more

  • I’ll Be Fine if I Never See Paul Ryan’s Face Again

    If you were confused by Trump’s address to Congress, you’re not alone. The racism, mythmaking, and long periods of clapping conspired to make his address particularly ominous. Perhaps you were wondering, “Why are all these people standing and clapping, even the Democrats?” Or, “Why is Trump calling DACA recipients, asylum seekers, refugees, and permanent residents… Read more

  • More of the Same, in Prettier Packaging

    The New York Times called President Trump’s speech “a soothing comfort food.” For those of us who’ve had it with the Trump administration’s circus, it was palatable bread enough. I’ll admit I was impressed. Trump’s diction was eloquent; he barely strayed from the polished pitch he’d rehearsed. (Of course, he found it impossible not to… Read more