Rachel's American Bridges and Borders Blog

You are probably familiar with the grumpy, green "Sesame Street" character, who lives in a trash can  − Oscar the Grouch. But did you ever stop to think why such a happy and child-friendly show like "Sesame Street" would ever want to include a character that appears so pessimistic and gloomy? Caroll Spinney, who voices Oscar the Grouch, said that he got the inspiration for the character from a  stereotypical taxi driver from New York. Spinney said, "Who could be more of a Grouch than a cab driver from the Bronx? I had my ideal model for my new character." The reason behind including Oscar in the cast of characters was to put forth a message of acceptance and inclusion to young children. One of the producers of "Sesame Street" said that "it takes all kinds to make a world. And [Oscar's] just another kind." Robert W. Morrow explained that Oscar's purpose was "to dramatize tolerance for those who are different," by...

Republicans are criticizing President Trump after he mocked Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who says she was sexually assaulted by Brett Kavanaugh, Trump’s Supreme Court nominee. (Click here to read the article.) Trump ridiculed Ford at one of his rallies for not recalling certain details of the alleged assault that took place 36 years ago. (Click here to watch the video of Trump's statements at the rally.) Republican Senators Jeff Flake and Susan Collins called Mr Trump's remarks “appalling” and “just plain wrong.” Flake also said that “There’s no time and no place for remarks like that. T o discuss something this sensitive at a political rally is just not right … I wish he hadn't had done it.” Michael Bromwich, Ford's lawyer, described President Trump's words as “a vicious, vile and soulless attack” on Ford, adding, “Is it any wonder that she was terrified to come forward, and that other sexual assault survivors are as well?” The words of the people w...