The secret backstory of how Obama let Hezbollah off the hook

POLITICO

For the past eight years, the DEA has been working on a secret investigation, dubbed Project Cassandra, into a large drug syndicate that they traced back to Hezbollah, an Islamist terrorist organization based in Lebanon. The investigation followed cocaine shipments into the United States through the Middle East and Central and South America, as well as money that was laundered through the shipment of American cars to Africa. In all, this drug ring was collecting $1 billion annually from their illegal activities. However, when members of this investigation sought approval for further investigation and prosecution, members of Obama's Justice Department regularly delayed or rejected those requests. Ali Fayad, a top operative for Hezbollah, was detained for two years, but the Obama administration declined to prosecute him, and he was released in 2016, only to re-engage in terrorist activities. A major factor in this investigation is Iran, who was helping to sponsor Hezbollah. At that same time, President Obama had his sights set on reaching a resolution with Iran regarding its developing nuclear program. The biggest bombshell (ha) of the whole investigation dropped when Katherine Bauer, a Treasury official during the Obama administration revealed that "these [Hezbollah-related] investigations were tamped down for fear of rocking the boat with Iran and jeopardizing the nuclear deal.” Essentially, President Obama had been covertly allowing this world-wide multi-billion dollar drug ring, headed by Hezbollah, to function in order to reach his nuclear deal with Iran, Hezbollah's main sponsor.

1. Do you think Obama was justified in neglecting the prosecution of a terrorist organization in order to reach a resolution with Iran?

2. Why do you think this scandal is less well-known than the feud between Donald Trump and LaVar Ball?

Congress Passes Transformative Tax Reform Bill

White House, GOP celebrate passing sweeping tax bill

One of Trump’s many campaign promises is coming to fruition. A monumental tax bill has been passed by Congress along the party lines and will completely transform the tax system.

The Republican tax plan lowers individual rates, eliminates personal exemptions, caps state and local tax deduction, preserves smaller but popular tax breaks, eliminates the mandate to buy health insurance, cuts the corporate rate, and eases the tax burden on businesses.

However, with these tax cuts come increases in the deficit. It is projected that although taxpayers will have an 8% tax cut in 2019, in 2027 taxpayers earning up to $75,000 will receive a tax increase.

Questions:

According to a new CNN poll, 55% of Americans oppose the plan. Just 33% say they favor the GOP's proposals to reform the nation's tax code. What do you think these statistics say about our partisan government and our participation within it?

Ryan and Republicans alike have been working toward this goal since 1993. Why do you think it has finally passed?

Trump recognizes Jerusalem

As a country, we as a country left ourselves out of this conflict. We know that Palestine along with Israel are fighting for control for this land. Our stance on neutrality has been carefully maintained for the past 70 years, and it only took a "Tweet" from our President to create controversy. Although our President has identifies Jerusalem as the capital for Israel, our very own Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson even states that we still view Jerusalem as independent from Israel even going as far to state that "Passports of Americans born in Jerusalem will continue to say born in Jerusalem, not Israel. American Government maps won't identify Jerusalem as being inside Israel" (NY times). So where does the president get the power to make a national and very controversial decision that can ultimately affect the well being of Americans all over the world. This not only shows how abrupt our President is, but also illustrates the separation between our President  with of all of appointed and elected officials. 

1: Should Trump be allowed to give his own personal beliefs on such a fragile international problem?

2: Not only how will Palestine but the Global society react?

3: Will we ever fully recognize the city of Jerusalem as a Capital? 

Republican Tax Bill in Final Sprint Across Finish Line

The Republicans aimed to have their tax bill on the president's desk by Christmas and they are almost there. In the same day Alabama lost a seat to the Democrats in the Senate, the GOP finished drafting the finial bill that will take vote in both the House and the Senate next week. Given that the vote in the Senate for the bill last week was 51-49, with one Republican voting against the bill, the vote on the final bill in the Senate may require the Vice President to step in to be the deciding factor if the majority whip cannot convince Bob Corker(R-Tenn) to vote for the bill.

According to a recent article on New York Times, here are some of the significance of the bill:
"The changes[from the draft form the House bill] included a slightly higher corporate tax rate of 21 percent, rather than the 20 percent in the legislation that passed both chambers, and a lower top individual tax rate of 37 percent for the wealthiest Americans, who currently pay 39.6 percent. But the bill will still scale back some popular tax breaks, including the state and local tax deduction and the deductibility of mortgage interest."

Questions:
1. Do you think if this bill passes it would help Republicans in 2018 mid-terms.
2. What is your thought about how partisan Congressmen have become, with not a single Democrat voting for the bill and only one Republican voting against the bill.

Roy Moore's wife, Kayla Moore, denies anti-Semitic claims

Kayla Moore: 'One of our attorneys is a Jew'
Eric Bradner, 2017

On December 12, 2017, there will be an election for the Alabama senate. This has been a very controversial election due to the sexual assault claims brought against Roy Moore, the republican candidate, by numerous women, some of whom were minors at the time of the incident.

At a rally on December 11, 2017, Roy Moore's wife Kayla Moore came up to speak. Mrs. Moore took this as an opportunity to "set the record straight"..."One of our attorneys is a Jew". Obviously her words came as a shock to many, who feel as though this was very insensitive, and only drew more attention to the bigotry of her husband.


1. What will this election mean for the Trump presidency, if Roy Moore is elected?
2. How does offensive language and attitudes towards marginalized groups effect the integrity of the government.
3. If Roy Moore wins this election, will that strengthen or weaken the Republican party in the long term.

Cyntoia Brown's story: A sex trafficking victim

Why Celebrities Are Rallying Behing Cyntoia Brown, a Woman Spending Life in Prison

Additional Resources: Why Cyntoia Brown, who is spending life in prison for murder, is all over social media

After spending 13 years in prison, Cyntoia Brown’s case came to limelight and caught the eye of a few celebrities of a flawed juvenile system. Brown is a victim of sex trafficking whose situation gained public support by major celebrities such as Rihanna, LeBron James, Kim Kardashian etc. Cyntoia Brown’s case attracted the social media massively that celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, hired several attorney’s to join her plea.

When Brown was at the age of 16, she was sex-trafficked by a pimp named “cut-throat”. After being constantly drugged and raped, a 43 year old predator purchased her for sex. She felt unsafe in the environment which resulted her to fight back and kill him with a handgun from her purse. Because of this incidence, she was arrested and was convicted in 2006 as an adult to be sentenced to life in prison. Though she claim of self-defense, the jury rejected her, and found her guilty of first-degree murder and aggravated robbery.

In 2016, Mr. Faison introduced a bill that would require reviews of life sentences for juveniles after they serve 15 years in prison, however it was defeated. He argued that Brown deserves a new trial because she received an unfair and ineffective counsel by a public defender. He asserts that life sentence is unconstitutional under the 8th amendment which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. Thus, a habeas corpus petition is pending in the Court of Appeals. However her lawyers have been unsuccessful so far.

Questions:

1.) Do you believe the Juvenile System is flawed? Why/Why not?

2.) Does Cyntoia Brown's case deserve a new trial? Was it fair or unfair?

3.) What amendments can be presented in terms of her situation? Was it constitutional or unconstitutional?

Corker Votes Against Tax Reform In Senate Vote practice

 Bob Corker helped Republicans get the tax bill to the finish line, then they abandoned him

Jeff Stein, Dec 1, 2017

In the early hours of Saturday December 2nd, Sen Bob Corker (R-Tenn) Voted against the Senate tax reform bill, making the vote total 51-49. The vote was very bipartisan as Corker was the only republican to join the democrats in voting against the bill. The senator's main issue with the plan is that these cuts will lead to an increase of around $1 trillion to the Federal Deficit. This prediction has also been confirmed by the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation giving that the economic growth could supplement around $400 billion of the total 1.4 trillion cut.

Many Americans support tax cuts without realizing the damage that it does to the deficit. In order to decrease the deficit we must design a budget with income that leads to an annual surplus which can slowly decrease the deficit. The steps to decreasing the immense deficit will be unfavorable but must be acted upon soon to prevent the collapse of our great nation.


Questions:

1. What do you think about the idea of economic stimulation to decrease the budget that is proposed in this tax bill?
2. Could Corker have done more to stop this bill from being passed in the Senate?

Trump Refers to Warren as "Pocahontas" at Navajo Veteran Code Talkers Event 

At a Navajo veterans' event, Trump makes 'Pocahontas' crack

Dan Merica, Nov. 28, 2017

An event was held at the White House on Monday, the 27th of November, in order to credit two Navajo code talkers for their outstanding work during World War II. While all seemed to be going smoothly at first, the event would suddenly take a sharp turn when Trump made a slight racial slur directed towards Native Americans.

While speaking to those being honored, Trump stated, "I just want to thank you because you are very, very special people." Only seconds later would he refer to Elizabeth Warren as "Pocahontas" by saying, "[Navajos] were here long before any of us were here, although, we have a representative in Congress who has been here a long time... they call her Pocahontas!" In addition to the multiple Native American tribes and communities being upset with Trump for his words, others are upset with his actions as well, as he said this all in front of an Andrew Jackson picture, someone who is partially known for hatred, executions, and legislative acts against Native Americans in early America.

Although President Trump had no intentions of offending any of the code talkers, several of those in attendance could not believe what had just happened and displayed that feeling by resorting to almost complete silence.

Questions:

How will this affect Trump presidency in terms of support from Congress?

How much of an effect will publicly apologizing to both, Warren and the Native American tribes/communities, have?

http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/27/politics/trump-pocahontas-navajo-code-talkers/index.html

Net Neutrality Hangs in the Balance

ISPs Want Supreme Court To Kill Title II Net Neutrality Rules Now And Forever

Jon Brodkin                      

President Trump’s FCC chairman Ajit Pai is currently on track to get rid of net neutrality, which would allow internet service providers (ISPs) to have free reign over how they treat data on the internet. Broadband industry lobby groups have appealed to the SCOTUS in order for net neutrality rules to be overturned, as they have failed in past attempts to overturn the Title II net neutrality order. The lobby groups have insisted that the FCC exceeded its statutory authority by reclassifying ISPs as common carrier services, which are subject to more strict regulations. These lobby groups along with the ISPs CTIA and AT&T have pushed for the SCOTUS to get involved in the issue of net neutrality to declare that mobile internet access is immune from the Title II order of common carrier service regulations, but with FCC chairman Ajit Pai planning to revoke the net neutrality rules sooner rather than later, SCOTUS intervention seems more unlikely. If larger ISPs including AT&T and Verizon end up becoming immune from common carrier service regulations or are classified as information services that are not subject to net neutrality rules, than they would have significant power to weaken the competition with smaller ISPs by controlling their users’ access to these ISPs.

In addition to support from broadband lobby groups, ISPs could also get support from Republican congressmen, who have favored proposed bills in the past that would limit the FCC’s authority over ISPs.

Questions:

1. Do you see net neutrality as a partisan issue even though the revocation of the net neutrality rules would affect most consumers?

2. Is it possible that certain politicians may have business ties to ISPs? How might this affect their position on net neutrality and in turn, affect their constituents' support for them?

3. Do you think that the SCOTUS will get involved in any net neutrality cases in the near future? Why or why not?

Trump Ignoring ABA's "Not Qualified" Ratings

Trump is bypassing judicial ratings agencies before making his nominations — and it has led to a substantial increase in 'not qualified' nominees
November 15th, 2017

Additional Short Video: Brett Talley, Young Inexperienced Nominee, Wins Approval

With the large number of judicial vacancies, President Trump has been rapidly nominating candidates; however, many of those nominations are deemed "not qualified" by the American Bar Association.

Out of President Trump's 51 nominations 2 were unanimously rated "not qualified". And prior to 2016 only 2 nominations were ever unanimously given such a poor rating. Overall, 8% of Trump's nominations were rated unqualified by a majority, compared to the only 0.7% average from 1986 to 2016.

Brett Talley is a 36 year old lawyer and one of Trump's nominations. He is a Harvard Law School Graduate who has received one of the unanimous "not qualified" ratings. Some people disagree with the ABA's ratings. "Mr. Talley served as deputy solicitor general for the state of Alabama, currently serves in the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Policy and was recommended by Alabama's US senators," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement to The Times. "He is more than qualified to serve in the federal judiciary." Republicans have commonly criticized the ABA's ratings. On the other hand, Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told Business Insider in a statement that the spike in "not qualified" nominees put forth by the Trump administration is "very worrisome."

Questions

1. Do you believe the ABA's ratings are more of a guideline or a suggestion? Why?
2. Why do you think Republicans tend to dislike the ABA's ratings and Democrats tend to agree with them? Should this divide be changed?
3. Do you believe President Trump's nominations are just? If not, what solution(s) could you offer?

Trump Responds to UCLA Basketball Incident

President Trump responded on twitter following the release of 3 UCLA basketball players who were arrested in China for shoplifting, expressing his displeasure for the lack of gratitude shown by LaVar Ball, father of one UCLA players released.

UCLA freshman Liangelo Ball, Cody Riley, and Jalen Hill were arrested on suspicion of shoplifting from a Louis Vuitton store in Hangzhou while team was visiting China to play Georgia Tech on that Friday. Shoplifting in China is a serious deal and can be 5-10 years in jail, but the boys were released after intervention by President Trump.

Trump had tweeted earlier in the week, calling for gratitude from the players for his work in this case with China. He tweeted, “Do you think the three UCLA Basketball Players will say thank you President Trump? They were headed for 10 years in jail!”.

Liangelo Ball, son of LaVar and younger brother of the Los Angeles Lakers Star, Lonzo Ball, publicly apologized in a news conference and thanked President Trump for personally asking the Chinese president to intervene in the case. Along with Liangelo, both of the other players thanked the President for his involvement in their release.

Although the issue appeared somewhat resolved, father LaVar Ball came to twitter to write “They try and make a big deal out of nothing sometimes… I’m from L.A. I’ve seen a lot worse things happen than a guy taking some glasses.”

Trump tweeted again on Sunday, calling Lavar “Very ungrateful” and saying “I should have left them in jail!”

Questions:

Should Trump have taken the measures he did to release the players from China, and what does Trump gain from the intervention?

Is Trump following the intended use of his twitter account or is he going to far in his more personal tweets?


http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/19/politics/trump-response-lavar-ball/index.html

Trump postpones decision to lift ban on the import of African elephant hunting trophies

Trump's elephant trophy reversal comes as a surprise to administration employees, interest groups

By: Miranda Green

Nov. 19, 2017

In a tweet Friday night, Trump postponed the decision to lift a ban on importing elephant hunting trophies from two African countries, surprising interest groups and his administration officials alike. Tweeting again on Sunday, Trump said he planned to announce his decision on the issue next week.

Ryan Zinke, Trump’s Secretary of the Interior, is working with the president to review the impact of the proposal to lift the ban, which was originally put in place by Obama’s administration. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has been reviewing the restrictions on importing elephant hunting trophies from Zambia and Zimbabwe “for years”, as mandated by the Endangered Species Act, but has determined the ban no longer necessary in elephant conservation.

To many animal rights or environmentally minded groups, such as the Humane Society, Trump’s choice to defer his decision on the matter is a surprising beacon of hope.

Questions:

1. What types of economic impact could the lifting of the ban have?
2. What does this inter-governmental controversy reveal about Trump’s administration and leadership?
3. What role/effect did interest groups, public opinion and other outside parties play/have in this decision?

UVA Mishandles Sexual Assault and Violates Title IX

UVA Violated Title IX, Had "Mixed Record" on Sexual Assault Cases, Federal Investigation Finds

11.19.17

The Education Department's Office of Civil Rights mandate colleges to properly address reported cases on campus, which is called Title IX. This was created to ensure a safe environment in colleges campuses. However, when Rolling Stones published an graphic article in 2012 about the gang rape of a University of Virginia freshman at a fraternity party, it raised questions and concerns about how colleges addresses sexual assault cases on campus and whether they are handled properly. The investigation of UVA highlighted that the university had not ensured such incidents will occur again. As a result, a federal investigation finds that UVA has violated Title IX, did not take the reports seriously and guilty of not imposing appropriate disciplinary action.

Despite the inconsistencies found in the Rolling Stone's article, this report the uncovers how inadequate colleges campuses are towards addressing sexual assaults. Ultimately, no college campus have successfully ensured that victims are treated fairly and the assaulters are punished appropriately.

Questions:
1. Should UVA be held accountable for their mishandling of the sexual assault case and violating Title IX?
2. What kind of preemptive measure should UVA and other colleges adopt to provide a healthier environment for all students?
3. Is the greek system partially at fault for the high number of sexual assault cases on college campuses?

Class Action Lawsuit Launched Against Weinstein Company

Harvey Weinstein’s accusers sue his company, alleging it enabled ‘predatory behavior’ by Richard Winton
11.15.17

Harvey Weinstein has been the subject of many headlines since early October 2017 when the New York Times published an article in which they revealed three decades of sexual assaults and cover-ups.

Now, he, along with his company from which he was fired, are being sued. A new class-action lawsuit alleges that his company enabled him in these behaviors, specifically his lawyer. His company is now faced with the prospect of bankruptcy due to the serious, and numerous, accusations.

Weinstein has been accused of some form of inappropriate behavior by more than 70 women including actresses such as Cara Delevingne, Angelina Jolie, Lupita Nyong’o, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Currently, there are 14 open sexual assault investigations in cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and London. He has paid eight settlements (that the public is aware of). The victims are seeking $5 million in damages, a number which is expected to rise with the new allegations coming to light. The stories of victims have sparked campaigns about sexual assault awareness under the hashtag #MeToo.

Questions:

1. Do you think this will have an impact on the industry and how it deals with sexual assault?
2. Do you believe Weinstein and/or his company will be held liable or not liable?

Trump Dumps his Responsibilities onto Congress: Does this Force Congress into Agreement or is it Counterproductive?

Trump’s Executive Actions May Mean More Headaches For Struggling Congress

By Tamara Keith

Oct. 16 2017

Trump’s agenda is composed of issues that all pertain to similar goals: to reverse Obama-era policies. He is pushing away the Iran nuclear deal that evaporated the nuclear-related economic sanctions, with intention to completely lock down any possibility of nuclear development. He is attempting to curb the subsidies given to insurance companies, and, finally, he wants to expire DACA. These issues connect to greater movements in Congress that would never reach bipartisan agreement, thus putting greater strain on the Republican-dominated House.

Trump is optimistic that his goals will implement and force change through the House, slowly but surely. He said that stopping the payments to insurance companies would contribute to the effort of eliminating Obamacare, and that his DACA expiration would later force unanimous agreement in Congress regarding the movement of money to build a wall. By continually using the term “we will”, Trump appears to be contributing to the policies, however, all the responsibility that comes attached to his plans are burdened onto the shoulders of Congress. The GOP is already struggling to achieve their own goals on the agenda, including passing a tax system overhaul; however, these partisan issues Trump is raising are taking priority.

Despite taking away time and money from national issues, Schumer (NY Senator) and Charlie Dent (US rep. of Penn) agree that the must-pass government funding legislation will create opportunity for an omnibus or other sort of negotiation where bipartisan agreement can be reached in relation to the health care subsidies. This offers a promising future for agreement in the House on issues that involve channeling the tax revenue, especially for health care.

Questions:

1. Is it enough for Trump’s policies, to force a bipartisan agreement on health care subsidies, to justify his control over the Republican agenda?

2. Considering Trump is simply following his outline for his term of presidency, would it make sense for his approval rating to go down?

3. Do you think Democrats will agree to get rid of Obamacare if it came to the point of reducing subsidies to the insurance companies?

Tom Steyer Launches $10 Million Campaign to Impeach Trump

http://time.com/5001180/donald-trump-impeachment-tom-steyer/

By Katy Steinmetz

October 27, 2017

Billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer has funded a multi-million dollar campaign to impeach president Trump on the charges of “being an immediate danger to the health and safety of America” and obstruction of justice with ads airing in all 50 states. In the ads Steyer himself accuse Trump of almost starting a nuclear war with North Korea as well as undermining the First Amendment by threatening to shut down news organizations. In addition Steyer claims that Trump’s firing of FBI director James Comey to be an obstruction of justice. Steyer made his fortune through hedge funds and has even donated over $165 million of his own money in the last two election cycles. Steyer is also considering running for Governor of California as Jerry Brown is nearing the end of his final term and also Senator Dianne Feinstein's seat in 2018.

Questions:

1. Do you think that Trump’s offenses qualify as “treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors” as stated by the Constitution as grounds for impeachment?
2. Do you think Steyer has ulterior motives behind the impeachment campaign, such as furthering his own political interests as he may run for office?
3. How could the next mid-term election possibly affect Trump’s chances of being impeached

The Rise of Trumpcare: Can Trump replace Obamacare through executive orders?

http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/12/politics/trump-obamacare-executive-order/index.html
By: Tami Luhby and Kevin Liptak
October 12, 2017

President Trump has recently signed the "Executive Order Promoting Healthcare Choice and Competition" also know as the "Trumpcare" Executive Order, which orders various governmental agencies to find ways to modify the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). One of these "governmental agencies" is the Labor Department, they will begin research on methods of allowing small businesses and groups of individuals to join together and buy nationwide association health plans, thereby promoting lower healthcare. The order will also allow Americans to purchase healthcare that does not comply with Obamacare and broadens the ability for employers to give their workers money to by their own healthcare.

While most of these provisions do seem appealing, critics have identified numerous drawbacks of the executive order. The order will free association health plans from various Obamacare regulations, thus resulting in lower costs but inferior benefits. This will result in younger and healthier people leaving Obamacare and skyrocketing premiums for for those that remain in Obamacare.

As a result, many are urging the president to work with congress instead of forcing changes through executive orders. In fact the senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer tweeted that Trump "is using a wrecking ball to singlehandedly rip apart & sabotage our healthcare system" referring to his executive order. This event thus calls into question the effectiveness and sheer power that executive orders give a president.

Questions:

1. Is Trump's use of executive orders to dismantle Obamacare a fair method to push his agenda?
2. Are executive orders too powerful in their ability to bypass congress?
3. Do Trump's new policies shift America's healthcare system in a positive direction?

Jeff Flake Not Seeking Re-election for Senate

Jeff Flake, a Fierce Trump Critic, Will Not Seek Re-election for Senate

By Sheryl Gay Stolberg
Oct. 24, 2017

Senator Jeff Flake, of Arizona, announced that he will not be running for re-election in the 2018 midterms during a notable floor speech. He attributes this to disapproval of Trump, and everything the Republican party has come to stand for. Flake emphasized disdain over "the flagrant disregard for truth and decency" that he has observed in his time as Senator under Trump. With a rocky relationship with Trump and often contradicting beliefs, it is not surprising that these disagreements over policies regarding immigration and isolationism ultimately discouraged Flake from running again. In his speech, Flake also acknowledged that "sustained incumbency is certainly not the point of seeking office, and there are times when we must risk our careers in favor of our principles". After studying the benefits that incumbents are subject to, including access to campaign finance, it is highly unusual that Flake would announce this so early. While many other politicians would choose to remain in office, Flake's lack of support within his party indicates he would not win the 2018 election, so he did not bother trying. Furthermore, his announcement indicates honor that is rarely found within politics. Flake strongly opposes the actions of his party, and stepping back from office reflects that sentiment. Hopefully, Flake's actions inspire others who disagree with the morals of what they currently represent, so they also stand up for what is right.

Questions

1. What does Flake's early announcement say about the 2018 election?

2. Do you think this will impact the public's perception of Trump significantly?

3. Do you think Flake made the right decision?

Trump's approval holding steady, but more say country headed in wrong direction

Poll: Trump's approval holding steady, but more say country headed in wrong direction
By LOUIS NELSON 10/17/2017

About thirty seven percent of the people polled approve of the way Trump handles his job as president, which remains the same as last month, whereas those that do not approve of Trump's job performance rose one percent to fifty seven percent. However, only forty six percent of people believes that the US is headed in the right direction, which is a decrease of seven percent from August. This drastic decline is primarily due to Trump's response with the hurricanes and his proposed tax reform package. If the trends continue, things may start to shape up for Democrats for the 2018 midterms.

Questions:

1. Do tracking polls accurately represent the people's opinions and knowledge? Explain.
2. Do you agree with how Trump is handling the hurricanes? If not, what course of action would you suggest he take?
3. Based on these statistics, do you think 2018 will be an anti-incumbency election? In other words, do Democrats have a chance at taking over the House or Senate in 2018? Why or why not?

So, Trump doesn't want war? Wait, I'm confused...

Tillerson on North Korea

Posted on: October 16th, 2017

By: Eli Watkins

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has confirmed that the United States' will continue diplomatic efforts in dealing with the hostile North Korea. Tillerson will was quoted saying "Those diplomatic efforts will continue until the first bomb drops," implying that he believes that nuclear warfare could be imminent. 

What was most surprising to read was that Trump agrees with Tillerson, wanting to resolve this issue diplomatically. Tillerson said, "[Trump] is not seeking to go to war" and that avoiding violence is his preferred avenue.

Trump, however, has Tweeted some contradicting things in regards to Tillerson's comments. While the Secretary of State was in Beijing, trying to cool tensions with North Korea, Trump said that Tillerson "was wasting his time" and also threatening to "totally destroy the isolated nation." Despite this lack of certainty regarding US Policy towards North Korea, Tillerson assures the public that China "is not confused in any way" and is aware of how the United States intends to deal with North Korea.

As precautionary measures, the United States has begun taking part in joint naval drills in the water of South Korea. According to Kim Kwang Hak, a researcher at the Institute for American Studies of the North Korean Foreign Ministry, this has hardened the determination of the rogue that the "US shouold be tamed with fire" and has lead North Korea to move [their] hand closer to the 'trigger'."

Questions:

1. Do you think it's healthy that the President and his Secretary of State contradict each other so often on such a serious matter? What could be some potential repercussions of this issue?

2. What do you think Trump actually thinks is the best way to deal with North Korea? Is he just putting on a show to prove his manliness or is Tillerson lying?

Trump Chips Away at Affordable Care Act

Coverage Questions Swirl as Trump Cuts Subsidies - Andrew Soergel, US News &World Report, October 13, 2017

After Trump's failed attempt to repeal Obamacare, he is taking a new approach in trying to chip away at the Affordable Care Act. Trump has issued a statement stopping the cost sharing reduction subsidies authorized by the Affordable Care Act. These subsidies were designed to make coverage more affordable to lower-income Americans. However, these subsidies have been criticized and in federal court was ruled that "the payments could not be authorized without approval from Congress." This has been a constant debate between Democrats and Republicans for many years, yet no party has been able to come up with a compromise or solution to the issue. Many are afraid that losing these subsidies will continue to raise the premiums of health insurance affecting the many people that are on Obamacare. However, some Republicans are stating that it is unconstitutional to bailout these insurance companies, due to the fact that congress is in charge of the government "purse" and "how the previous administration abused taxpayer dollars and skirted the law to prop up a broken system." Despite this fact, many from both parties fear the future of health insurance due to the President's recent actions.



Questions:
1.  Do you agree with Trump's actions? If no, what could he have done instead?
2. Who does this affect the most in America?

Texas Tech Shooting

Ralph Ellis - Tony Marco

http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/09/us/texas-tech-police-officer-fatally-shot/index.html

Gun control and police brutality continue to be topics that weigh heavy on the minds of Americans; however, violent retaliation against police brutality by those in pain as a result of their maltreatment of Americans documented, and undocumented is an issue that is in need of more acknowledgment as well.  On October 10th of 2017 Hollis Daniels, a 19-year-old freshman from Seguin, Texas opened fire on Officer Floyd East Jr., who was working at Texas Technological University, as a security guard for the night.   Officer East was allegedly not provoking the student, and as officials were able to find drug-related paraphernalia in the student's dorm, they are assuming the murder was drug induced.  

1. Should colleges search dorms for weaponry?

2. Should colleges attempt more background checks for students they are considering for admission?

Will Las Vegas Change Gun Control?

"Trump's ardent pro-gun stance is new, but will Las Vegas force him to give ground?" Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, Oct 7, 2017

What is now the worst mass shooting U.S. history, the Las Vegas massacre, killed 58 and injured hundreds last week, has caused a rise in controversy with gun control. President Trump now faces a large conflict, with many citizens angry, wanting more gun control, but also many fighting for the right of the second amendment. With Trump being close with the NRA, them spending more than $30 million, endorsing him during the campaign, and them being a key factor in helping him win the election, he is now faced with a larger issue. Trump being a supporter of gun rights has stated “Law-abiding people should be allowed to own the firearm of their choice. The government has no business dictating what types of firearms good, honest people are allowed to own.” Trump has addressed the shooting sending thoughts and prayers out to the victims and their families, but has ignored the gun control topic stating “We’ll talk about gun laws as time goes by". Many argue more regulations need to be emplaced to ensure events such as the Las Vegas shooting do not occur. The NRA usually tends to stay quiet after events such as Las Vegas, although they have stated their should be restrictions on bump stocks, a device that can be attached to a rifle to make it fire as fast as an automatic weapon. Even though it is a rare statement from the NRA, many argue they avoiding the bigger issue and changing the focus onto bump stocks.

Questions:

1. Do you think the President's response to topic of gun control was appropriate? If not, how should have Trump responded?
2. How do you think Trump’s relationship with the NRA will affect any suggested gun control regulations?