Unions in Trouble

Due to work slowdowns, strikes and picket lines in its arsenal, membership in workplace unions has plunged over the last few decades, particularly in public-sector jobs. Over the past years labor unions members were above 30% in the 1970’s but recently it has decreased to less than 10% effectively making it harder for unions to stay afloat during voting tolls. The Supreme Court is also standing against labor unions making it harder for employees to work in their unions. “If, as expected, the Supreme Court strikes down so-called "fair-share" laws that fund collective bargaining for all employees, and as more states pass laws that eliminate unions as a workplace option, employees are taking to the streets to demand what they want, bypassing union leadership and negotiations with management in the process.” Unions have begun to lose their past amount of interest and has now become even more endangered. This could also lead to the further downfall of labor unions as the more they fight the less people will want to work in unions.

I agree with the author about labor unions entering a downfall because even if they tried to go to court I don’t think it would go well for them since they are also against them. But since picketing is causing an uproar within the unions what would be another way? For me I think they could try and bring these issues up to the executive branches or even through  social media where it could gain a large amount of traction.

https://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2018-03-23/janus-supreme-court-case-could-spell-a-grim-future-for-unions

Mass, March Madness

The march for our lives rally that took place on saturday had a much meaning than just the parkland shooting. Many students involved in the march, especially students of color in the U.S. wanted to change the violence they see in their own neighborhoods and communities. No one has focused especially on this topic so they took the opportunity to integrate it into this. 16 year old Kaiseona Lockhart said “ They’re trying to say that mass shootings and shootings, they don’t Connect, but in reality they both happen by a gun”. This specific mass shooting has been seen as having more staying power and its because of students who survived the parkland shooting. Although this was focused around mass shootings that isn’t the only situation revolving around gun-deaths. A study was conducted and it found roughly 1,077 people have been killed in mass shootings since 1966, 176 of them children and teenagers. In 2017 itself, chicago nearly had 3,000 shooting incidents, snd 3,457 shooting victims. Between 2006 and 2015 , more than 14,500 people were shot in philadelphia, a rate of one shooting evry sox hours (which is insane). Many are calling for more strict gun laws Black lives matter groups, the march for our lives rally participants etc. and haven’t gotten what they deserve. They have gained tiny achievements in the gun control movement, Florida state legislature passed new firearm regulations and Trump signed a bill on Friday that helped to move forward to better laws like the Fix Nics Act which helps with better background checks for gun purchases. Many have also been calling continuously for a ban on assault weapons specifically AR-15’s that were present in the recent mass shootings. Something the March organizers  had on their agenda could reduce gun violence immensely. Their plan was to make it so anyone privately purchasing guns had to be subjected to a background check. This wasn’t  something to just protect white kids in white neighborhoods, this helped everyone could be potential victims.
       This article helps to give light to so much more than just the recent mass-shootings but the daily or weekly shootings that kids see everyday on their block or in the community in general and can’t escape it cause they have nowhere else to go.  These mass shootimgs have become a very controversial topic and a real problem-in the united states as of late and seem to be unpredictable  as to where could be hit next. One thing that struck me as problematic is why does this specific mass shooting have staying power and what makes it so much more in depth than the others that peopel wanna talk about it. Getting better gun control laws are always a main focus of these articles or whenever anyone talks about them and the main contributor to mass shootings in general. If someone has such easy access to purchasing a gun with no trace back to them or  at a private show and if they have the intent to commit an act like these they have all the tools to do it. Do you believe that gun control laws are the only factor to helping stop mass shotings or is there an even better way to prevent this? Personally I do see more strict gun control laws being the only way because without guns there is no mass shootingsand there can’t be any mass stabbings cause that would be dumb. https://www.theatlantic.com/amp/article/556463/?__twitter_impression=true

Trump pushed White House staff to sign non-disclosure agreements: report

President Trump asked senior White House staff members to sign confidentiality agreements, much like he did as a private citizen, according to a reported column in The Washington Post.Post columnist Ruth Marcus wrote she obtained a draft of the non-disclosure agreement, calling it a "doozy." If found violating the NDA, staffers would be penalized $10 million, to be paid to the government. She wrote that the $10 million figured likely was watered down in any final version because the people she spoke to about the agreement didn't remember that "jaw-dropping sum."The NDAs, a person who signed the document told the Post, “were meant to be very similar to the ones that some of us signed during the campaign and during the transition. I remember the president saying, ‘Has everybody signed a confidentiality agreement like they did during the campaign or we had at Trump Tower?’”According to the Post, staffers balked at first but, pressed by then-Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and the White House Counsel’s Office, they ultimately signed because they figured the agreement wouldn't be enforceable, particularly since the NDA was to also cover time past the Trump administration, the Post reported.As a candidate, Donald Trump suggested he'd like to see high-level employees of the federal government sign NDAs so staffers couldn’t write about goings-on in a Trump White House.“When people are chosen by a man to go into government at high levels and then they leave government and they write a book about a man and say a lot of things that were really guarded and personal, I don’t like that,” Trump told the Post  in 2016.Richard Painter, chief ethics lawyer to President George W. Bush, told Politico shortly before the 2016 election that Trump could not enforce a non-disclosure agreement as president like he could as a private businessman, and the agreements could not violate existing laws like the Freedom of Information Act. Ben Wizner, director of the ACLU Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, said in an email Sunday night, “Public employees can’t be gagged by private agreements. These so-called NDAs are unconstitutional and unenforceable.”Since president Trump has prior experiences with the NDA's where do you think he's trying to go with it. I think that he's just trying hide something that he doesn't want the American people to find out about. Is he using the fear of money to make a point of not talking to the public about his presidency? The main question that we should ask our self's is what is he hiding since NDA are non constitution.

FBI Deputy Director Fired

Recently, Andrew McCabe was fired from his position as the FBI Deputy Director as of Friday, March 16. He was fired due to being accused of misleading investigators and failure to disclose information between F.B.I officials. In other words, he was for fired for a failure to answer questions he took an oath he would answer. During this event, President Donald Trump had made McCabe a victim of scorn and mockery. He continuously degraded McCabe for treason and continuously pestered him and urged for him to be fired. Subsequently, McCabe was fired and apparently two days before his retirement. His retirement was denied by Attorney Jeff Sessions. Even after his retirement, he was still pestered by Trump. Trump posted on his Twitter "Andrew McCabe FIRED, a great day for the hard working men and women of the FBI - A great day for Democracy, "Sanctimonious James Comey was his boss and made McCabe look like a choirboy. He knew all about the lies and corruption going on at the highest levels of the FBI!" In my opinion, this act against McCabe was morally wrong. He served his country, and yet he was denied the compensation he deserved. It is unknown why he refused to the questions he was asked but no one deserved the torment and humiliation dealt by the officials and the man called the President of The United States. What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think the decision of him being fired was justified? Also, Do you think Trump's actions were justified or do you think his actions were cruel and unfair?

https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/16/politics/andrew-mccabe-fired/index.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/16/us/politics/andrew-mccabe-fbi-fired.html

Could Trump presidency come to a close?

          On March 18, 2018, there was an incident with Presidents Trumps idea with firing special counsel Robert Mueller. The idea of this firing him was so shocking even members of the Republican party disagree with him even threatening him. Members of your own party that's a little extreme but we need to know what is Trump's reasons for doing this. This problem started to boil when John Dowd Trumps's lawyer hoping that Rod Rosenstein would stop Mueller's theories with the 2016 election and say that Russians where messing with the election. Can you imagine if this was really how would vote for candidates that run for president if the elections are rigged? Also, how do you think Trump will react to this if you were him? Mueller was the only one to feel his wrath Mueller's team, Andrew McCabe (former FBI Deputy Director), and now fired FBI director James Comey. Now we see a tweet from Trump stating "Why does the Mueller team have 13 hardened Democrats, some big Crooked Hillary supporters, and Zero Republicans?" Trump wrote."Another Dem recently added ... does anyone think this is fair? And yet, there is NO COLLUSION!" Do you agree with Trump that group that apart from the government has to have an even amount of Democrats and Republicans so should we leave it alone? How would you think Republicans would react to this knowing you leader is doing something this drastic they say this won't be tolerated by Congress. If he would continue this he could have been impeached. So is Congress putting Trump in check for the amount of power and what he can do as a president? Anyway, do you think that a president should be able to fire whoever he/she wants if they threaten them or give them a bad name?

Trump’s crack down on school violence

In recent trading times there has been a spree of school shootings and many have died from them. Due to these events Trump is trying to pass laws to make change for the safety of the kids and adults. Trump has sat down and spoke with different families of victims and members of the NRA and lawmakers to come to find out what would be needed to lessen this problem. In these meetings Trump has advocated for aiming teachers and faculty in schools to be prepared and armed to shut down situations like this. While democratics and teachers union don’t agree with this he stands by this, but also has other options in plan. He also plans for optional class for teachers and faculty to take to be able to see signs of this before they get to far that people get hurt. Besides cracking down on school disasters he also is trying to change laws as well. In the process he is planning on changing the age requirement for people to possess guns. He is also trying to have universal background checks on all people not just people with licenses. The NRA is not agreeing won th this but Trump is advocating for this to the Congress. Do you agree with teachers being armed in schools with guns or should they just be prepared to see the signs? I say they should be prepared for the signs instead of more guns in schools. Also should gun requirement be changed and universal to all people?


https://www.google.com/amp/www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-trump-school-shooting-plan-20180311-story,amp.html

Banned from snow?

A school in Britain has banned their students from touching snow. Their reasoning is that kids usually have snowball fights for fun, but these fights can also be dangerous. They believe there can be rocks and or grit in the snow, and this can hurt the children. The principal of the school, Ges Smith also states that the snow can make kids wet and “unfit for school”. Although it can possibly be dangerous, I don’t think completely banning the touching of snow was the way to go. All kids have snowball fights, and yes sometimes kids get hurt while having fun. However, that is life. Kids should be able to live and learn and have fun. What do you think? Did Smith overact by banning the touching of snow? Or were his reasons just?

http://www.offthegridnews.com/current-events/school-bans-kids-from-touching-snow-because-they-might-get-hurt/

Growing Pains?!?

      It is said that being a president of a superpower of a country is a tough job to have. This is true as we can visibly see the toll that this job has on people. With Trump we can’t see it as much as we can feel it. His change is more emotional. Reporters say that being the president has had a huge mental affect on Trump and he is slowly breaking down. He has increasingly become more and more emotionally unstable to the point where anything said about him can be seen as a threat towards him. They also say that the more pressure that is put on him, the more he feels the need to isolate himself. He has been making tons of rash decisions and in the minds of his peers is becoming unhinged. He is doing things like making huge plays on bills and signing them without consulting his advisory groups, letting people into the White House without backround checks and screenings and plenty of other things. His peers are growing worrysome and fear that his play on the steel and aluminum tariffs are going to somehow dwindle the economy and cause issues with foreign nations.

      In my analysis, I believe that Trump is making the moves that he should have always been making as president. I also think that his peers are starting to criticize him because he is making moves that he wouldn’t have normally considered. He even had an interview with the NRA passively aggressively attacking them and the second amendment as the cause of the school shootings going on and other mass killings. I wouldn’t say that Trump is totally changing for the good but what I am saying is that when he does make a good move the media will still attempt to find a way to villainize him. Let me know your thoughts. Why do you think it is that the media is trying to keep Trump in a certain light? This is a huge changing point for the country because the current extreme moves that Trump is tying to make all have reasons behind it, valid reasons I might add. He wants a tariff on aluminum and steel because if you guys have forgotten, America is still in debt. He is attacking the NRA and 2nd amendment because our schools are no longer safe. If he can make the right moves and pass a good law or two, this can change our government forever.



'This is not going to end well': Trump's friends and allies are worried he's spiraling out of control — and they say this time is different - Business Insider https://apple.news/A695N-QLQSBWaRDdUn06zmA

Nine notorious dictator Nine shout-outs from Donald Trump

In the past week Trump has congratulated the nine of the well know dictators in the world  who are Xi Jinping from China, Trump stated that Mr. Jinping  that he is a great leader , how he is present for life. Also he congratulated Mr.Jinping  on the work that he has done in his country and how we should try this this some day in other words Trump would want to to try a dictatorship in the United States. The next person he congratulated was of course Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump of course congratulated  Mr. Putin on how he is a leader also on how he has a very strong control over his country. Lastly he stated that  the system that the Russians follow he doesn't want to follow but he felt that Vladimir Putin was a far better leader than the United States previous leader which was President Barack Obama. Now these remarks from Trump where considered the first time trump expressed his admiration for Mr. Putin as president he has also done before during the election. what is interesting is that in the United States human rights report described restrictions in Russia on political participation, the suppression of civil society, and  allegations of torture. thereof based off of these reports Putin is a wonderful leader to Trump. the last major leader is Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte Trump congratulated him on his accomplishment of  cracking down on drug problems. What he did to crack down on the drug problem is that he hunted and killed suspected drug dealers who where selling the drugs while he was mayor. Now that he is president these killings have risen. Trump wants to adopt this idea by putting drug dealer on the death penalty when they are caught. When Trump congratulates these three out of the nine he congratulated it shows something about how trump want to change the course of the United States it seem that he wants to follow a dictator regime this is very dangerous for our society being this can effect our way of living. my question too you is that should we as citizens be worried about trump congratulating these major dictators ? Keep in mind that these leaders are communist leaders which the United States over the years tried to limit the growth of communism in the world.




https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/03/trump-xi-jinping-dictators/554810/

Opioid Deaths

Ever since the Vietnam war the drug opioid has made a huge impact on America killing most of those in its wake. Even though there has been bills to try and keep it handled these types of drugs opium seems to keep evading them. Opioid has sadly managed to kill 42,000 people per year just from overdosing, and this number only seems to be increasing as over the year 2015 to 2016 the deaths have risen by nearly 28%. A program called Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) which was used to help distort the opioid problem. But it only helped put one piece to the one piece to the problem. Legislators have also began to make another version of CARA called CARA 2.0, which would include the pieces that were taken out before. This one would be able to have $6 billion dollars which would go into helping combat opioid overdoses and mental health problems. Such products would be a reversal overdose drug which will be accessible to communities and non medical settings which would help those who may have a relative or someone they know that may have used an overdose from the opioid drug. They will also be moving the focus from having a high emphasis on law enforcement's on drugs to making a better bill that will help those who are affected by drugs. As our country has seen there has been a huge impact on the people due to drugs itself. Instead of just locking up those who do drugs to actually helping those who are need a way to combat it. Along with these drugs will there be any other way to apart of the bill that maybe able to help drug victims?

The gun control problem

On February 25th, the following events that occurred at Parkland Florida a lawmaker Rep. Ryan Costello had called for tougher rules and restrictions regarding firearm purchases,uses and users. He referred to different acts that could be implemented to put these different rules and regulations in place. The Toomey Manchin bill would invrease background checks for firearms purchases and also the fix Nics Act which would be able to improve the wuality and accuracy of background checks in the system. Costello than went and explained he would support a ban on Assault rifles. “I think therd is a group of things that everyone can agree to, and then we move into the discussion and hopefully develop a vocabulary that everyone can wrap their arms around”. Trumpa also supports this ban while also trying to get rid of devices called bump stocks which help assault rifles shoot hundreds of rounds per minutes.

In a way congress and lawmakers have an extremely big part in this matter not just the people trying to help the victims anyway they can. Congress and lawmakers have the power to make it so a bill to help can eihter get passed or stay in the house/senate until they aren’t able to agree on it or they kill it.

The bills mentioned in this article make me wonder why don’t they try it an see if it actually can help and maybe it’ll be for the better. It seems as if congress stalls for time although there is none left and this needs to happen now. Do you believe that congress could be a main factor in this situation or not?

What is something they could do in order help resolve this?

Democratic candidates reap financial benefits of anti-Trump fervor

Democratic challengers sailing a wave of displeasure with Republican leaders in Washington are collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars — sometimes in a matter of days or weeks — as anti-Trump fervor is translating into hard cash for this fall’s midterm fights.In New Hampshire, first-time congressional candidate Maura Sullivan — a former Obama administration official who served in the Marines — has raised twice as much as the leading Republican seeking a seat previously held by the GOP.And in Wisconsin, the leading Democrat trying to unseat House Speaker Paul D. Ryan raised $150,000 in two days after Ryan touted a high school secretary’s $1.50 salary increase thanks to the new tax law. Ryan eventually deleted his widely mocked tweet.The strong showings in recent campaign finance filings offer a glimmer of hope for Democrats, who face a changing political environment in their effort to regain the majority in Congress. Polls that just weeks ago showed deep frustration with Republicans and President Trump now show voters softening toward the president’s party, as they warm to the tax law and feel the effects of a strong economy.In addition, Republicans retain some financial advantages. The Republican National Committee has raised far more money than its Democratic counterpart, thanks in part to a surge in small-dollar donations sparked by Trump’s popularity with the GOP base. Some major Democratic donors, meanwhile, seem hesitant to invest in upstart, unproven “resistance” groups that might also support Democratic hopefuls.      

Ever since the democrats lost the majority seats the have been trying to find a way back into the controlling the senate. Donald Trump could be the answer that they have been looking for some time. since Trump as took office he as showed his true reasons for running for office. Not for the people but for him self. Now the american people have now seen his true color and are know changing their mind and started backing more and more democrats to oppose Trump from what he wants to accomplish. 

President Trump playing the Victim Role

    Donald Trump has been talking about he feels about being targeted and playing the victim. It's not a sight to see but he points the finger at the Obama organization and blaming them saying that they are using all resources at their disposal to spy on him. I think that Trump should be the bigger person about it he feels this way and shouldn't use the word victim to make people feel sorry for him it's not fair. Trump is making himself a target with the things he does and how that affected others so he bring this upon himself. He needs to wake up and realized that he's the President of the United States and he needs to act like one an don't let petty things like this stop a process that could better us instead of slowing us down. He also says that not only the FBI and DOJ (Department of justice)  but the State Department is also after him and are looking through the election. Do you think that Trump is over reacting to them rumors? If so what would you do about it would you ignore them and work on other problems to over come it or would you deal with them now to get it over with?

https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/10/politics/trump-obama-administration-steele-dossier-tweet/index.html

Trump Sees The American People Are Showing Treason

President Donald Trump feels that if an American doesn't clap for him, he considers it as treason. Last week, Trump showed annoyance when the Democratic party did not clap for him at the State of Union. He began to say "They were like death and un-American. Un-American. Somebody said, 'treasonous.' I mean, Yeah, I guess why not? Can we call that treason? Why not? I mean they certainly didn't seem to love our country that much." What surprises me in this situation is how arrogant and clueless this man can be. First, the official term of treason is to overthrow the government of the state that one shows allegiance or to kill or injure someone whom you have allied with. No one in this situation harmed him physically but it seems they have harmed his pride and dignity. And no one had made an attempt to overthrow the government that he resides himself in. Second, I find it disgusting that he could be so arrogant to think that everyone must have him in their favor and like him, even after everything he has said and done in the past year of his presidency. Even though the situations are completely different, I find many similarities between this and Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to kneel to the national anthem.  I find a link where people don’t align themselves with they don’t trust. I feel the democratic party wasn’t wrong in this situation and has the right to clap for who they want. What are your initial thoughts on this topic? Do you think Americans, both democratic and republican, have an obligation to clap at an event like that, or do you feel anyone has the right to clap for who they want?

https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/05/politics/trump-speech-treason/index.html

Isis Fighters Flee to Syria On Instinct                    By: Kyzelle Jones


   Many Islamic State foreign fighters and they're families have left Syria, escaping the "American-led Campaign"(U.S forces sent by ex-President Obama during his second term to deal with offensives in Iraq). Using escape routes such as Syrian army lines to then hide in Damascus, who are now waiting for orders from insurgent leaders through channels that are encrypted. In addition to that, it has been discovered that battle ready individuals trained in chemical warfare have abandoned their Country just to join an Al Qaeda division located in Syria. A vice chairman, General Paul J. Selva, soon states that "Jihadist's are going underground, dispersing to other safe havens, including on the internet, and returning to their home countries". Jihadist's should not have the ability to just disperse and disappear when necessary. Some form of pressing Militant defense must be put in place enable to force a lock down, to stop any Jihadist or individuals from fleeing using any method.
   The concern is, since America are the World's "Freedom Fighters" is Donald Trump going to put a campaign into affect to stop this from happening? If he does, how would America respond towards this decision passed by the Congress originating from Donald Trump? Being that something needs to be put in place, does this trace back to Obama's decision in 2014 of putting the American-led Campaign?

 https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/04/world/middleeast/isis-syria-al-qaeda.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fworld&action=click&contentCollection=world&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront

Trump does care? MS13 gang members kill Long Island Teens

In 2016 two teens, Kayla Cuevas 15 years old and Nisa Mickens 15 years old, were beaten and murdered by MS13 gang members in Long Island. Not long after the incident Trump went to Long Island to speak on gang violence in the area. The parents of Nisa talked to Trump on the situation and she said he told her " we'll speak soon". Soon turned out to be the week of his State of Union address as both the parents of Kayla and Nisa came out to Washington D.C to hear the speech.  Trump brought up what happened and how people feel for their pain. Trump actually stated "Everyone in America is grieving for you," Trump said during the Tuesday speech. “…I want you to know that 320 million hearts are right now breaking for you. We love you. Thank you.” After the speech the mother of Nisa explained to reporters about a positive conversation with Trump. She explained how when talking to him you saw and felt not only in his words but how he was saying it that he truly cared and felt sincere for them. As a man who doesn't really show this much it's actually surprising to see this as it shows more for who Trump might actually be. This also lead me to think that what Trump is doing as president isn't because he doesn't know what he's doing, but it might be because he's doing it straight from the heart. Trump might be wanting to make America great again in a way his actions don't show the right way, but his feeling my prove other wise. If so then I start to think maybe Trump getting elected might be because he's passionate in a different way and maybe he's trying to bring passionate people with him? What do think is Trump a passionate person with feeling or is he just acting to try to persuade people to believe he is what America needs? 



http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/02/01/mom-teen-murdered-by-ms-13-praises-trumps-state-union-recognition.html

Russia on US nuclear weapons

     As US nuclear weapons grow, Russia expresses their complete disapproval on the use of them. The US was primarily using the weapons as a way to keep Russia from using theirs. However, the weapons are becoming too big to use without catastrophe, and are no longer effective deterrents. Russia claims that they will take “necessary measures to ensure Russian security.” This is Russia’s view. The US views their actions as a way of showing that the use of nuclear weapons overall is unacceptable. They believe that doing this will “repurpose existing warheads”. 

The US isn’t the only one with nuclear weapons. France, UK, Israel, Pakistan, China, India, Russia, and North Korea all have nuclear weapons as well. Seeing as the US is increasing the number, effectiveness, or size of their weapons, do you think other countries will start to do the same just to keep their defenses up? If so, will it become another arms race, or will the strategy work and make everyone stop the development of nuclear weapons? 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/world-europe-42931269

Trump the Advocate?!?

    Just hours before President Trump’s State of the Union address, Trump would go on to say that he wants a more unified country. He said that the country has basically been going through a big divide. He feels as though this schism has been brewing since even before President Obama but says that it dates to President Clinton’s impeachment. This is huge talk coming from our president right before his address. He gives an example saying that one problem causing this is health care. Some people want free aid, while others want private aid, basically wanting to pay for it.

      This is actually pretty huge and a valiant step up for our president. The issue is that this seems as an attempt at selling the country a dream. He could be saying this as an image thing or publicity stunt. There may never be a true way to unify the country. What are Trump’s true motives behind saying all the things that he is saying? Why is he selling the country false hope? There may be something fishy going on and we will see all that he has to say later on in his address.

Would Trump stay on task for the up coming State of the union Speech?

       As Trumps first  State of the Union speech is approaching there are many worries that he will go off task. Due to his first year as president which he broke majority of the rules as president which consist of presidential communications and policymaking. If Trump sticks to what he is saying he is expected to ask congress for  about 1 trillion dollars to rebuild roads and highways, airports and sewers. Do you think that is a good why to spend 1 trillion dollars on? Although These things are needed but I personally think spending 1 trillion dollars on highways, freeways, airports and sewers are a waste of money because that is minor compared to other things that need 1 trillion dollars to be spent on.Also During his speech he is going to talk about his plan  about the immigration system while he grants 1.8 million people citizenship.  Does this means that Trump and the Republican Party came to a firm agreement on Immigration? Do you think  Trump will do more harm than good after hearing his expected actions? The state of the Union speech is  a good step for Trump to right his wrongs he follows the traditional way of these speeches. As his first year as presidents proved that you can expect the unexpected from Trump while he is on TV, therefore it seems that trump already is being expected to say something outrageous which will cause more problems in the country. Overall this Speech is a make it or break it for Trumps presidency, would Trump be able to stay on task ?

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/27/us/politics/trump-state-of-the-union.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

Is The Media After President Trump?

   In January there was so called incident that involves President Trump and an adult actress Stephanie Clifford. CNN media told that Trump had a sexual relationship with her probably before the 2016 Election. It also stated that there was hush money involved when 130k sent to Sephine Clifford to keep quiet from Donald Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen. After reading this article, it would probably bring a crazy change of heart for some voters to run for president after hearing about what he has done if it was real it also said he could have done it before he was married to his first lady Melania Trump.  However, these ideas were rumors, and it brings up the sense that what if this was true would he would have won the election? Stephanie confirmed this story in a statement she gave "When I met Donald Trump, he was gracious, professional and a complete gentleman to me and EVERYONE in my presence. Rumors that I have received hush money from Donald Trump are completely false. If indeed I did have a relationship with Donald Trump, trust me, you wouldn't be reading about in the news, you would be reading about it in my book. But the fact of the matter is, these stories are not true". So why would the media have a story like this with so little evidence and everybody is denying it and giving no leads to anything. Do you think that the real backstory for putting this up was to expose Donald Trump or as a warning that they'll watch his every move? To me is how so many people are watching you when your in a high place of power and anything mistake you think people don't know they'are always watching waiting for you to slip up like in crucial moments like the 2016 Election.
http://money.cnn.com/2018/01/16/media/fox-news-stormy-daniels-trump/index.html

Is Someone Finally Censoring Trump?!?



       On Jan.17, 2018 Donald Trump did what he does best and tweeted. This tweet just so happened to be what he called, “The Fake News Awards”. It was here where he would speak on all of the individuals who felt the need to share their opinions on what was going on in the community on social media. One person who I know he spoke on was the rap artist Mad Skillz who made a rap song named the “2017 Rap up” where he rapped about all that happened in the year passed. Trump went out of his way to tweet Mad Skillz himself and call his song “Fake News” and “Hogwash”.
    Right after Trump posted his “Fake News Awards” tweet, someone shortly after was able to delete the post, but not before CBS News’ Christopher Brito was able to screenshot it. This is a formof improvement in my eyes as someone is finally making an effort to stop Trump’s social media rampage. If someone successfully stops Trump’s social media, maybe he will be able to focus on the important matters such as the markets going down into the ground. Trump is being less of the “Economically Sound President” everyone that voted for him thought he was, and more of the “King of Bad Tweets”. Do you believe that someone should be able to check “The most important man in the country” on what he says on social media?

North Korea put on Terrorist List by President Trump

Recently, President Trump has put North Korea on the terrorist list. This isn't the first time they was put on the list though. They was put on the the list in 1987 after the bombing of a South Korean airline that killed 115 people. They stayed on this list until 2008 when President Bush took them off for the aid-for-disarmament deal. This deal was then revealed to be one for Pyongyang, which is a city in Korea which is actually a Democratic party. This hasn't lasted long as we though Trump has put them back due to them getting more involved with nuclear weapons. He actually spoken to China to get tighter on their neighbors, but what repercussions come with it? I believe this makes it harder to come to agreements with Korea and makes America look more like an enemy than a friend. This also may even want Korea to push the work of their nuclear weapons because they feel their enemies are coming harder after them. I believe doing this wasn't the smartest idea and even puts America in a bad place. Trump is suppose to be our representative and with him doing this makes it seem like all Americans follow his word and agree with him. Do you feel Trump was smart for doing this or do you think it was wrong? 


https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/nov/20/donald-trump-put-north-korea-terrorist-list/ 

North & South Korea at Peace

South Korea will seek to use inter-Korean talks on Tuesday to decrease tensions on the peninsula and reunite families separated by the Korean war, Seoul has said. Comments from Cho Myung-gyon, South Korea’s unification minister, illustrate the broader possibilities of the negotiations with North Korea, which are set to focus on Pyongyang’s participation in next month’s Winter Olympic Games. “Basically, the two sides will focus on the Olympics. When discussing inter-Korean relations, the government will seek to raise the issue of war-torn families and ways to ease military tensions,” Mr Cho said on Monday. But US president Donald Trump over the weekend said he would be supportive of broader talks with Mr Kim, although did not clarify under which conditions. “I would love to see them take it beyond the Olympics,” Mr Trump said on Saturday of the prospect of talks between the neighbours, adding that the US would get involved “at the appropriate time”. Mr Trump has thrown his support behind the talks “100 per cent” following a call with South Korea’s president Moon Jae-in after warning North Korea last week about the size of the US nuclear arsenal, saying it was “a much bigger and more powerful one than his”.

So thankfully North Korea is finally showing some peace by going into talks with South Korea. Though, our own government is not being quite as peaceful as he should be since Trump keeps saying ''his is bigger''. It seems to me that North Korea only wants some peace after their leader, Kim Juh Chong Onng Glog says they now have long range missiles which is strange to me.

Link: https://www.ft.com/content/e908a36e-f419-11e7-88f7-5465a6ce1a00

Trump's Twitter threats put American credibility on the line

Since Trump has been elected the new president of the United States Trump has used twitter as a platform to express his views and what he stands for. Recently Trump has used twitter to attack countries,  to push protesters to overthrow Iranian government,  he has threatened to blow up North Korea, and lastly he has stated that there is a need for a cut in aid to Palestinians. There is a big difference in the foreign policy message that Trump is following  is that it shifted away from how traditional United States presidents handle situations. This means that Trump has started the trend to use a more direct approach to problems by using twitter as his primary platform, also it shows how trump has a pattern of shifting away from his word as we have seen after the election. Due to this recent approach to problems has caused countries to raise questions wether they should  take his word seriously or  wether they should ignore it. which raises questions, if trumps words are just looked over how does that shape Americas credibility? How does it shape Americas  world image? and lastly  does it questions Americas trust? I think that trump does not understand that his words are not just a reflection of himself it is also a reflection of America, since America has been seen a certain way; America new approach that has been set by Trump is considered abnormal because this is not how  past America presidents  have acted. So did Trump change America for good? where as he uses social media as a platform  to talk about problems and away to connect to the people. Lastly I do think trump does put American  credibility on the line because has he states he want to cut aid to the Palestinians which America does not have a track record of pulling away world help which is an example of a lack of American credibility.


https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/07/world/europe/trump-tweets-american-credibility.html?ribbon-ad-idx=5&rref=homepage&module=Ribbon&version=origin&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Home%20Page&pgtype=article

McCain, Battling Brain Cancer, Leaves Washington For Christmas Break Before Contentious Vote On Tax Bill

 In summy, on a Sunday John McCain went to Arizona to spent christmas with his family and is battling brain cancer ,which stops the Republican party on voting which they somewhat needs the senator vote but couldn't vote due to his surgery. So Trump told reporters that even through McCain is going through a really tough time that he will come back if they really need his vote. In which McCain was being treated at Walter Reid National Military medical center and was diagnosed with gliblastoma, an agressive malignant brain tumor that causes seizures, headaches, blurred vision and many other symptoms. His daughter was tweeting about family holiday plans and thanking all people who said kind words to her father to feel better. Senator John missed several senate votes, voted for initial version of tax bill, including sweeping tax cuts, passed senate with 51 botes, and the Republican leaders can pass the final version but since it's in the House-senate negotiations can't afford any more defections. Which the bar is set high to pass the legislation and they feared that two other people couldn't vote even through they wanted to pass the legislation. McCain has a good spirit is doing very well from his recovery and someone said he remains one of the toughest man on the earth. The issue here is both good and bad because even through McCain couldn't get his vote in, it did help a little bit to stop the voting somewhat and their is a chance the government and Trump doesn't need to wait for McCain to get his vote. Which the president and the others Republicans did need another vote in order to pass the bill for tax but their is ninety percent they can pass this legislation quick and simple. How can Trump and Republicans get the legislation to pass without John McCain vote?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/mccain-battling-brain-cancer-leaves-washington-for-christmas-break-before-contentious-vote-on-tax-bill/2017/12/17/5dd61326-e37a-11e7-833f-155031558ff4_story.html?utm_term=.dc8870751cfb

South Africa's New Leader

Over the past week, there has been talk of the election for the new leader of South America, monitored by the ANC( African National Congress). It is Africa's democratic political party and it has won every election since Nelson Mandela's election. This election will be seen as the most important election in the country. The previous leader, Jacob Zuma, is forced to step down as president. Many have felt that he was involved with a corrupt relationship with the Guptas, a wealthy Indian family, and facing prospect on 18 charges. There has been opposition to remove him as president and he was defeated. However, his leave of absence can spark negative effects in the political party. The election can cause political infighting and may has led assumptions to the party to split. It has even said the ANC will be at a crossroads because of this event. The new presidential candidates will be  Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa. The winner of this election will decide the leadership and fate of South Africa. Do you think the situation will become better due to receiving a new president and do you think something else should be done about this situation?

www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42365341
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42382393

Trump strikes again with Jerusalem

One may ask why Lebanon has broke out in protests due to Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel capital, since this decision directly affects Palestine. Well for one Lebanon has over 500,000 Palestine refugees who would be devastated to hear that Jerusalem won't be recognized as their capital after for it for so long. This decision  has produced major backlash around the world. North Korea (our enemy) has denounced President's Trumps's decision as "Reckless wicked Act". Indonesia a predominantly Muslim country had 10,000 people protest outside of the American Embassy "It was the third and largest demonstration in their country against the Jerusalem decision by Mr.Trump. 

This decision has had a ripple effect across the world. Arab nations extremists groups like the Taliban and  even our allies here have denounced the decision. Do you believe that this could cause another long war?   https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/10/world/middleeast/lebanon-protest-trump-jerusalem.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fpolitics&action=click&contentCollection=politics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=7&pgtype=sectionfront

Donald Trump is totally not worried about Michael Flynn's guilty plea

President Donald Trump wants you to know one thing about former national security adviser Michael Flynn's guilty plea for lying to the FBI about his contacts with the Russians during the 2016 campaign: He's not worried about it. Not at all. Zero percent. Nada. Zilch.How do we know that? Because Trump just keeps telling us.

Since Flynn's guilty plea on Friday morning, Trump has tapped out double-digit tweets making clear that Flynn's decision to cooperate with special counsel Bob Mueller's investigation has no impact on him and, oh yeah, the FBI is super corrupt and bad. Also, the Russia investigation is a hoax. And Hillary Clinton got off easy. The media is bad and dishonest too.

It all started Saturday morning with this tweet -- that Trump attorney John Dowd now claims he wrote: "I had to fire General Flynn because he lied to the Vice President and the FBI. He has pled guilty to those lies. It is a shame because his actions during the transition were lawful. There was nothing to hide!"The obvious problem here for Trump -- if that tweet is taken as accurate -- is that the day after he fired Flynn, he reportedly asked then FBI Director James Comey to see if he could find a way to "letting this go," meaning the bureau's investigation into Flynn. If you take Trump/Dowd's tweet literally, then Trump did so while knowing that Flynn had lied to the FBI.

The first strain of this next Trump Twitter tornado was the "Why aren't we talking about Clinton?" narrative.

"So General Flynn lies to the FBI and his life is destroyed, while Crooked Hillary Clinton, on that now famous FBI holiday 'interrogation' with no swearing in and no recording, lies many times...and nothing happens to her?" Trump tweeted. "Rigged system, or just a double standard?"He followed that one up with this: "Many people in our Country are asking what the 'Justice' Department is going to do about the fact that totally Crooked Hillary, AFTER receiving a subpoena from the United States Congress, deleted and 'acid washed' 33,000 Emails? No justice!"."Congratulations to @ABC News for suspending Brian Ross for his horrendously inaccurate and dishonest report on the Russia, Russia, Russia Witch Hunt," tweeted Trump. "More Networks and 'papers' should do the same with their Fake News!"

This fake news thing is going out of hand. Its mostly him just trying to redirect some of the blame on to some or something else. in this case he is worried because of the links that Flynn provided. He uses the Hilary situation just to deflect most of the blame and not make him self look guilty. Trying to cover his tracks and making the media less credible and saying its fake news is the best way he knows how.

Net Neutrality Showdown

The internet plays a large if not significant role in our everyday lives. We use it in so many different ways, some to study for tests, talk to someone in another country, look up information, or even just to watch their favorite show online. All of these are done for free due to the free access of these platforms through the internet. Even though its been prospering for a number of years since the internet was first created there have been those who have attempted to control such freedom just for their own personal gain. Some of the people are large corporate companies seeking the large amount of revenue from such a successful source have hidden their agenda through soft words stating that by controlling the internet and making consumers pay for certain websites is a way to help keep the consumer safe and with the largest amount of freedom. Although it can be argued that this is true, it comes into question of how can you give more freedom to something that is already free. The F.C.C. and other Comcast companies have all begun to take steps in controlling the internet and changing the internet from how we know it.

Net Neutrality was created so that companies would be prevented from treating those who pay for more exclusive content being treated better than those who have not spent money on the site. For example it prevents AT&T from charging a fee to companies that want to stream high-definition videos to people. It even shelters those who are just creating websites and can't afford to pay for fast line access. Large internet giants such as Google, AT&T, Charter, Microsoft, etc. have turned the innovative and promising into into a field of large corporate giants fighting against smaller and medium sized businesses. A letter sent to the F.C.C.head Ajit Pai, the one who drafted the net neutrality repeal order, more than 200 start-ups argued this week that the order “would put small and medium-sized businesses at a disadvantage and prevent innovative new ones from even getting off the ground.” And that this would in fact have the opposite effect of wanted people to use the internet more. The internet's once flexible nature is now seemingly coming to an end. With only a few weeks left till Congress makes the decision we can still change the results. If net neutrality is ended how much will this impact the world at large and its many consumers, will there be a massive drop in users or still a steady stream? I personally believe that we are seeing the end to a once glorious source. 


https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/29/technology/internet-dying-repeal-net-neutrality.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FNet%20Neutrality&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=4&pgtype=collection

Lybian Slaves

     Video footage of Lybians being sold off at auctions has surfaced and shocked the world. The leaders of Lybia, France, Germany, and Niger have come together and formed a plan to evacuate migrants from Lybia. One of the reasons Lybia is having this issue is because these auctioneers are taking advantage of the fact that Lybia is a main transit point for refugees trying to reach Europe.
     It is ridiculous that in 2017 slavery is starting to arise. People are just trying to make it to a better place for better living conditions or job opportunities etc., and they’re being sold into slavery. Do you think this issue is getting the recognition it deserves? The U.S. tends to get involved with a lot of foreign affairs, but will they jump in this time to save these poor people?


https://www.google.com/amp/amp.timeinc.net/time/5042560/libya-slave-trade

Mexico’s Housing Debacle

      In mexico their are a lot of slum house and nothing has been done to change their living environment. These are people that work just as hard as us and should be living in a area that is up to date neighborhoods not a wreck and destroyed environment. The government was working with private developers to help developer a better place for Mexicans like what reporter Richard Marosi states  new "Global investors — the World Bank, big foundations, Wall Street firms — poured billions of dollars into the effort." This would be great progress for us to help change a person's future with the way they live  but we have to think about the aftermath of this of how people will live after this. I think that we can't because of the problems that we are facing even if that something is needed to change with the amount of money being use so why did the government put such a misleading idea in people head that they will help them. This is a major issue because how would you feel if you had to live in a place like this and you had to live in conditions like this "Homeowners toting buckets scrounge for water delivered by trucks. Gutters run with raw sewage from burst pipes. Streets sink, sidewalks crumble, and broken-down water treatment plants rust. In some developments, blackouts hit for days at a time."(R.Moarosi) Do you think that the government will play a big role in this situation with the devastation Mexicans are going through or will they give false hope ?  

This is the site: http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-me-mexico-housing/

President Trump and his Chosen colleagues

In recent news President Trump has shown support for Roy S. Moore, who is running for seat in the Senate. This is something Trump have been doing strong even knowing Mr. Moore is in a sexually harassment scandal. Many woman came front and still are coming forward on how Mr. Moore harassed them and is a sexually predator. Trump does support Mr. Moore talking on how he has a voice as well and if he denies it, it counts for something. As Trump supports him more and more further evidence came out that shows Mr. Moore true intent.  Access Hollywood has a tape that shows Mr. Moore as gloating about grabbing a women's genitalia and it was proven to be true. Question, what does this say about President Trump and what does it have to do with the government ? In my opinion I believe this can effect the government a lot. With a man who heavily seems to enjoy touching women with or without permission in a position of power like the Senate what other people may follow cause of him. Along side having the President what other people like Mr. Moore may get into power due to connections with men like so. In conclusion I believe Mr. Moore shouldn't get and position in the Senate and President Trump shouldn't be supporting a man like this. Trump as president has a connection his the Senate and could sway some of the people which in this case wouldn't be good?
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/25/us/politics/trump-roy-moore-mcconnell-alabama-senate.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FUnited%20States%20Politics%20and%20Government&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=8&pgtype=collection

Gun Ownership Requirements Require Change 

     How people receive guns has been a problem that the US constantly overlooks everyday. People that acquire these guns require to go through a background check to make sure that these people are mentally sound to have a gun in their possession. It seems as though these checks either aren’t being given or these checks are not asking the right questions. The state of Pennsylvania believed this to be true as they recently decided to change their laws and procedures on these background checks. The Pennsylvania Instant Checks Systems (PICS) is one of if not the best checking system in the country and the country believes it needs to be the model for how to obtain guns. Obtaining a firearm isn’t something that just anybody should be able to do and they carry out that belief very well. They do such a good job that the government provides 2 million dollars in federal money to the program.
    I believe that this system holds the key to future gun laws in America. PICS believes that not just anyone should be able to obtain a gun and I believe this is the right type of system. Recently there has been a lot of high profile gun accidents in our country and with better background checks we can stop future attacks from happening. For example, the attack in Las Vegas, Nevada. So many questions can be asked in this instance. How did this man attain so many firearms? Who sold them to him? What psychologically went wrong for him to do this? Was he fit to even have a gun? As you can see tons of questions can be asked, but these questions could’ve been prevented if he was given a proper background check. Do you believe that there needs to be a change to our background checks or even our second amendment as a whole?




How one state created a model gun background check system - NBC News
https://apple.news/Ad891vZm7Tgmoz3De6mQi3w
https://apple.news/Ad891vZm7Tgmoz3De6mQi3w

China's leader proposed the question to share global leadership with United States

The most Powerful leader in china Mr.Xi Jinping  wants to share global leadership with the United States. In the previous administration Obama has declined the offer from china, due to the reason that they worried that it implies that; an American retreat in Asia has to happen. Mr. Xi who is seen as thee most powerful leader in china in decades  may find it easy that Trump will be easy to sway into this idea of sharing global leadership. even though Trump has countless stated that China is a unfair trading rival, and has also stated he will stop trade with China and everything will be American Made.As Trump  travels to China  to meet with Mr.Xi  about how they will handle North Korea's Nuclear standoff. The question of do you want to join forces will come up. How would Trump react, answer this question? will trump tell china about there trading relationship will be tighter  due to the reason that the Trump administration feels that china is exploiting America for there openness. This bring so concern to America because it raises questions What will china be able to control ? What power will they hold in our politics? What will happen to our military? Will our wealth be shared ? How will it effect you ?

Muslim Americans Again Brace for Backlash After New York Attack

Umer Ahmad, a 43-year-old Muslim-American physician from New Jersey, was in his Trenton office when he heard that a rented pickup truck had deliberately driven down a bike path in Lower Manhattan, killing eight people and injuring about a dozen more.

Saipov hopped out of the truck and shouted "Allahu Akbar," or "God is great," before firing a BB or pellet gun, four senior law enforcement sources said. Law enforcement sources said he left a note in the truck claiming he committed the attack for the Islamic State terrorist group.

"From our perspective as Muslim Americans, we are just incredibly heartbroken," Nasher added. "And just thinking about the senseless blood that was spilled and thinking about the families who are now in mourning, it's difficult to even talk." Ahmad, the physician, said he worried about backlash every time an attack like Tuesday's happens. But "I feel I'm more worried about what the response from political leadership would be." he said. 

I for one do not think blaming an entire group of people is the answer or appropriate response to tragedies such this one. A lot of people have this idea that most Muslims think the same way these terrorists think but in reality, it is really just a small percentage. Sure it could be hard to know if a Muslim American is a secret member of Isis, but it is not a reasonable justification for making assumptions about another person's belief. But is there an actual solution to stopping attacks involving Isis members from happening?

Texas Church Shooting

     Over 20 people were killed on Sunday after a gunman walked into First Baptist Church of Sutherland springs and opened fire. CNN was told that police chased the man, and he was killed. His cause of death is unknown at the moment. Residents of Sutherland Springs were surprised that something so horrible would happen in their area. “In a phone interview on Sunday afternoon, he described Sutherland Springs as “a one-blinking-light town.”

“There is a gas station and a post office,” he said. “That’s about all there really is.”” Said Joseph Silva. 

It’s sad that innocent people’s lives have to be taken so frequently. 

How do you think the media will depict the shooter depending on his characteristics? (Male/Female, Black/White etc).

https://www.google.com/amp/s/mobile.nytimes.com/2017/11/05/us/church-shooting-texas.amp.html

Hundreds Of Thousands Of Pro-Spanish Demonstrates Turn Out In Barcelona

On Sunday October 29 lots of Spaniards came together to prove they're against a independent state and for a central government's takeover of the breakway republic, they wanted leaders of a attempted secession to be punished. So when the central government took action they heard what the people was saying they immediately fired the Catalan regional President and everyone who was working to get the President want he want fired as sell. The people heard a small brief about mounting "the democratic opposition take-over" leaving everyone confused in what they heard. Then their was a showdown in which the police station was all order to take down all the portraits of puigdement, then they have to wait and see if the bureaucrats would go back to work and the doors opening up to the Catalan government and parliament.
   Finally the spokesperson of the government heard someone say "if puigdement takes part in these elections he can can excercise the democratic opposition. What I think about all of this is that the Spaniards should have the right to choose whether they want a central government to takeover and not a independent state. So the government came up with an idea to have all the Spaniards vote in a election to see what they want to have in their society; which I agree they should have an election since lots of people want something to change. Would the people of Barcelona take part of this major election to get what they want? Or would they keep coming together a lot to get their ideas to be heard and not have any elections?

Puerto Rico Loco!

Puerto Rico had a chance to re store it's power when instead decided to scrap the entire $300 million contract from the whitefish energy company. In San Juan Puerto Rico the head of the governments power company had announced that they will not be taking the offer of the three million dollar contract from whitefish energy company in order to investigate the contracts validity. Although the cancellation will delay much work to be done for about 10-12 weeks." There cannot be any kind of distraction that alters the commitment to restore electrical power as soon as possible in Puerto Rico." Although the restoration of Puerto Rico's power would have been extremely beneficial to their hurricane relief efforts. The whitefish energy company was stationed in a remote area in the mountains of north Montana and have only been around for two years with only two employees until the hurricane made landfall after that they had hired more than 300 in order to help with work in Puerto Rico."We will certainly finish any work that PREPA wants us to complete and stand by our commitments knowing that we made an important contribution to the restoration of the power grid since our arrival on the island on Oct. 2." Ricardo Rosella (The governor) had stated . Even though they are being safe rather than sorry this is also a big set back in order for Puerto Rico to move forward and get back to it's full strength.  The Trump Administration had also stated that there were no political connections in this incident. Many investigations and audits are ongoing in order to get  to the bottom of the Whitefish energy company and make sure they are legit, local and federal government are both involved in this, they are even keeping tabs on the company's purchase and contracting divisions. Still about 70 percent of Puerto Rico is without power, it's been over a month after the hurricane had struck. Puerto Rico is a place where a lot of people go to spend their vacations it is somewhere amazing but seeing struggling like this is very sad and disappointing not just the people on the outside but the people of Puerto Rico as well.   

Short Term Plan to Stabilize Obama Care

A Republican senator said he has reached a tentative deal with a Democratic counterpart to provide a short-term stabilization fix to Obamacare health insurance markets. It was between Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. The deal was made five days after President Donald Trump's decision to kill billions of dollars worth of crucial Obamacare payments to insurers.
Trump's move, coupled with an executive order he signed Thursday, is widely expected to harm the Obamacare markets. It was already leading to higher premium prices for individual health plans next year. Alexander said the bipartisan deal would reinstate the cost-sharing reduction reimbursement payments to Obamacare plans for two years. However, it would have to be approved by congress.
"This agreement avoids chaos," Alexander said on the Senate floor. "I don't know a Republican or Democrat who benefits from chaos." The deal would also give states flexibility on what kinds of health plans could be sold in individual states, and would reportedly allow people over age 30 to buy less expensive and less comprehensive catastrophic health insurance plans. The deal also would allocate money for states to promote enrollment in health coverage. And it would allow for the creation of "interstate compacts" for the purchase of health coverage. Many have said that there is no guarantee that Alexander and Murray will be able to win approval for their agreement from either the rest of Congress, or from Trump. "It stabilizes the system," said Schumer. "There's a growing consensus that in the short term, we need stability in the markets." Schumer said the bill includes "anti-sabotage" provisions to counteract the "sabotaging" of Obamacare that Trump has engaged in. "This agreement would undo much of that sabotage. The deal in its current form is not close to being something that the Trump administration would accept. The administration would want much more than the flexibility being offered to individual states.  Trump says "This is a short-term deal, because we think, ultimately, block grants going to the states is going to be the answer". He was referring to the block grant system that was contained in a failed Obamacare replacement bill last month, that would have given states money directly to set up their own health coverage systems for individuals. What are your thoughts on this situation?  Do you think this plan has the potential to succeed with approval? Or do you think this plan will not be able to succeed?

FBI watched, then acted as Russian spy moved closer to Hillary

As Hillary Clinton was beginning her job as President Obama’s chief diplomat, federal agents observed that Russian spies were released in America. During 2009 to 2010 the FBI found illegal evidence. A female Russian spy posing as an American accountant so that she could get closer to Hillary and gain intelligence, later the spy was arrested and deported as she moved closer to getting inside the secretary’s department, agents said. Another pointed where spies were sent over was in October 2009 which was intercepted by the FBI in which Russian handlers instructed two of their spies specifically to gather nonpublic information on the State Department. “Send more info on current international affairs vital for R., highlight US approach,” part of the message to the spies read, using the country’s first initial to refer to Russia. “… Try to single out tidbits unknown publicly but revealed in private by sources closer to State Department, government, major think tanks.” (The Hill interview with FBI agents) Hillary seems to have been in the Russians sights even before Trump came into office and had several occasions where the spies always tried to get close enough to have enough dirt on Hillary and America. I find this extremely interesting because I for one never knew about these occurrences with Russian spies have infiltrated our political system. What is truly questionable though is if this can be traced back to present day Trump allegations with him and the Russian hackers, could it be a possible linkage or just two separate matters?

Source: http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/356630-fbi-watched-then-acted-as-russian-spy-moved-closer-to-hillary

Trumps Plan on Tax Cuts

         President Trump has a plan to make tax cuts. These cuts are suppose to be the biggest cuts in the history of the country. He believes that he will have enough votes for his plan to pass in Congress.  “Well, it’s going to be all growth. Look, it’s going to be growth. I think that growth can be staggering. I also think we have a lot of waste in this country. And we’ll be doing other things. We will be doing welfare reform. I mean that’s coming up,” said Trump in his interview on Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo. He plans to not only deal with taxes but also health care. His main claim is that there will be “growth” for the country. 

          What good or bad do you think will come from these tax cuts? The welfare reform? Also, Trump hasn’t stated exactly how he’s going to get all of these things done. So will something be done, or is this just another statement telling people what they want to hear?