Secret Service Supervisor Is Put on Leave
This article discussed the Secret Service's suspension of one of their top ranking officials after reports of his misbehavior and possibly illegal actions. This comes not long after a Secret Service member was found drunk on White House property, and a short while before that, a man was able to walk through several levels of the White House security untouched before anyone noticed that something was wrong. These incidents have raised many questions about the image that national security gives off versus what it is doing in actuality.
Friday, April 10, 2015
4/6
U.S. Defense Chief Arrives in South Korea Amid News of North’s Missile Launches
This post was about the arrival of the U.S. Defense Chief, Ashton B. Carter, in South Korea to discuss the safety of the Korean peninsula with country officials. Upon his arrival, he learned that North Korea had recently launched two small missiles into the country. No one has been able to confirm if these missiles were sent as a threat to South Korea or the United States.
This post was about the arrival of the U.S. Defense Chief, Ashton B. Carter, in South Korea to discuss the safety of the Korean peninsula with country officials. Upon his arrival, he learned that North Korea had recently launched two small missiles into the country. No one has been able to confirm if these missiles were sent as a threat to South Korea or the United States.
3/6
Obama Calls for End to ‘Conversion’ Therapies for Gay and Transgender Youth
This was about president Obama's support of banning conversion therapies aimed at LGBT youth, specifically on state levels. A petition on whitehouse.org, started after a transgender teen committed suicide several months ago, was what inspired the president to take action on the issue of cruelty in conversion therapies.
This was about president Obama's support of banning conversion therapies aimed at LGBT youth, specifically on state levels. A petition on whitehouse.org, started after a transgender teen committed suicide several months ago, was what inspired the president to take action on the issue of cruelty in conversion therapies.
2/6
In Accepting Bitcoin, Rand Paul Raises Money and Questions
This post talked about Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul and his recent announcement of his running. In his speech, he told his supporters that they could contribute to his campaign through a website that makes donations almost impossible to track, a controversial move in the world of politics. Because donations are anonymous, large companies could create false names and accounts and contribute heavily to this campaign, something that is banned but could be attempted through this process.
This post talked about Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul and his recent announcement of his running. In his speech, he told his supporters that they could contribute to his campaign through a website that makes donations almost impossible to track, a controversial move in the world of politics. Because donations are anonymous, large companies could create false names and accounts and contribute heavily to this campaign, something that is banned but could be attempted through this process.
1/6
New Sea Drilling Rule Planned, 5 Years After BP Oil Spill
This article was about new rules and restrictions being contracted by Obama and his political team to limit the capabilities of offshore drilling facilities, five years after the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This legislation will follow laws passed both in 2010 and 2012, and is the most strict yet. It could go into effect as soon as Monday, April 13.
This article was about new rules and restrictions being contracted by Obama and his political team to limit the capabilities of offshore drilling facilities, five years after the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This legislation will follow laws passed both in 2010 and 2012, and is the most strict yet. It could go into effect as soon as Monday, April 13.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
5/5
Lining Up in the Drizzle for a Coveted Supreme Court Spot
This article reported on the Supreme Court's scheduled discussions today on Obama's health care laws and how intrigued the public seems to be with the issue, regardless of the fact that these types of conversations have been had in government several times before. Many of the people standing outside the Supreme Court were hoping to get a seat inside to listen to the arguments, while others stood with signs and simply wanted to express their opinions. Both lawmakers and citizens alike feel very passionately one way or the other about this legislation.
This article reported on the Supreme Court's scheduled discussions today on Obama's health care laws and how intrigued the public seems to be with the issue, regardless of the fact that these types of conversations have been had in government several times before. Many of the people standing outside the Supreme Court were hoping to get a seat inside to listen to the arguments, while others stood with signs and simply wanted to express their opinions. Both lawmakers and citizens alike feel very passionately one way or the other about this legislation.
4/5
Hillary Clinton Asks State Dept. to Review Emails for Public Release
This article discussed the issue of Hilary Clinton using a personal and non government email account during her time as secretary of state. It was recently discovered that she had been having all her business emails handled through a private account while in office, which prevents the government from having access to some of her information if they had needed to. Clinton told the world through twitter a few days ago that she wishes for the State Department to have full access to her emails because she has nothing to hide, and would even like for the public to have access to these files.
This article discussed the issue of Hilary Clinton using a personal and non government email account during her time as secretary of state. It was recently discovered that she had been having all her business emails handled through a private account while in office, which prevents the government from having access to some of her information if they had needed to. Clinton told the world through twitter a few days ago that she wishes for the State Department to have full access to her emails because she has nothing to hide, and would even like for the public to have access to these files.
3/5
A Winding Path to Funding Homeland Security
This article gave a summary of the timeline of fighting to fund Homeland Security in Congress and the controversy it has been causing. The main issues with the funding surround immigration; Democrats will only agree to fund the department if the president's immigration policies are put into action, and Republicans refuse to allow his immigration policies to pass. The Senate wants to make these issues into two separate bills, but the House wants to combine them.
This article gave a summary of the timeline of fighting to fund Homeland Security in Congress and the controversy it has been causing. The main issues with the funding surround immigration; Democrats will only agree to fund the department if the president's immigration policies are put into action, and Republicans refuse to allow his immigration policies to pass. The Senate wants to make these issues into two separate bills, but the House wants to combine them.
2/5
Alabama Halts Gay Marriages After Ruling
This article was about the Alabama Court issuing a statement ordering judges to stop issuing gay marriage licenses, the same move Chief Justice Roy Moore tried to pull a few weeks ago on the night before the ban on gay marriage was scheduled to expire. This ruling goes against orders issued by the Supreme Court, and borders on being an illegal action.
This article was about the Alabama Court issuing a statement ordering judges to stop issuing gay marriage licenses, the same move Chief Justice Roy Moore tried to pull a few weeks ago on the night before the ban on gay marriage was scheduled to expire. This ruling goes against orders issued by the Supreme Court, and borders on being an illegal action.
1/5
Darren Wilson Is Cleared of Rights Violations in Ferguson Shooting
This article was about the shooter of Michael Brown in Ferguson last August that sparked protests around the nation about civil rights. Although the officer who killed Brown, Darren Wilson, was not charged as guilty and was backed by the court that his actions were justified a few months ago, he was also brought up on charges of civil right violations against African Americans. Several days ago, he was also cleared of these charges, but new issues came up regarding the Ferguson police department and evidence found that they have prejudices against certain races and talk fairly openly about these amongst themselves.
This article was about the shooter of Michael Brown in Ferguson last August that sparked protests around the nation about civil rights. Although the officer who killed Brown, Darren Wilson, was not charged as guilty and was backed by the court that his actions were justified a few months ago, he was also brought up on charges of civil right violations against African Americans. Several days ago, he was also cleared of these charges, but new issues came up regarding the Ferguson police department and evidence found that they have prejudices against certain races and talk fairly openly about these amongst themselves.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
5/4
For Immigrants, Fear Returns After a Federal Judge’s Ruling
This post is about the postponed expansion of a bill that would expand and provide more funding for the immigrant education program known as "Dreamers". Many immigrants who have been in the states for years still fear deportation, and any sense of security they got from the hope that immigrants already in the U.S. will be okay to stay for the time being was taken away from them as this bill was postponed once again.
This post is about the postponed expansion of a bill that would expand and provide more funding for the immigrant education program known as "Dreamers". Many immigrants who have been in the states for years still fear deportation, and any sense of security they got from the hope that immigrants already in the U.S. will be okay to stay for the time being was taken away from them as this bill was postponed once again.
4/4
Battle to Retake Iraqi City Looms as Test of Obama’s ISIS Strategy
This news article was about the importance of an upcoming surge to win back an Iraqi territory currently under ISIS control. The outcome of the fight will be a major reelection of President Obama's strategy on fighting not only ISIS but terror groups in general. Obama's current plan is to cut the group's access to supplies, but walk a fine line because they must be careful not to restrict Iraqi natives from their basic necessities, seeing as there are almost one million people in the city being fought for alone.
This news article was about the importance of an upcoming surge to win back an Iraqi territory currently under ISIS control. The outcome of the fight will be a major reelection of President Obama's strategy on fighting not only ISIS but terror groups in general. Obama's current plan is to cut the group's access to supplies, but walk a fine line because they must be careful not to restrict Iraqi natives from their basic necessities, seeing as there are almost one million people in the city being fought for alone.
3/4
U.S. Open to Slowing Troop Pullout in Afghanistan
This article was about defense secretary Ashton B. Carter's agreement to slowly down the removal of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, in hopes of ensuring that the Taliban does not return. American and Afghan leaders are expected to meet in Washington D.C. next month to discuss plans going forward.
This article was about defense secretary Ashton B. Carter's agreement to slowly down the removal of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, in hopes of ensuring that the Taliban does not return. American and Afghan leaders are expected to meet in Washington D.C. next month to discuss plans going forward.
2/4
Obama’s Expected Keystone Pipeline Veto Is Likely to Be the First in a Wave
This publication addressed the controversial oil pipeline legislation and the expected moves of various politicians, including the president. Obama will almost certainly veto the push for the "Pipeline XL", which will be a big move because the veto isn't used in modern times as much as in the past. However, even though the pipeline is something the president is very much against, Obama may want to consider the fact that his veto of Republican ideas doesn't help get people on his side to vote for rings such as The Affordable Care Act.
This publication addressed the controversial oil pipeline legislation and the expected moves of various politicians, including the president. Obama will almost certainly veto the push for the "Pipeline XL", which will be a big move because the veto isn't used in modern times as much as in the past. However, even though the pipeline is something the president is very much against, Obama may want to consider the fact that his veto of Republican ideas doesn't help get people on his side to vote for rings such as The Affordable Care Act.
1/4
In Pre-Primary Pivot to Right, Walker Shifts Tone on Abortion
This article talked about Wisconsin governor Scott Walker and his changing views on social issues such as abortion, immigration, and same sex marriage. A recent political issue regarding presidential candidates is the changing of stances on topics in order to please a certain interest group. Scott Walker is one of many candidates looking to appeal to several different aspects of the Republican party.
This article talked about Wisconsin governor Scott Walker and his changing views on social issues such as abortion, immigration, and same sex marriage. A recent political issue regarding presidential candidates is the changing of stances on topics in order to please a certain interest group. Scott Walker is one of many candidates looking to appeal to several different aspects of the Republican party.
Friday, February 6, 2015
5/3
U.S. and Europe Working to End Ukraine Fighting
This was about the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the U.S. choices in what actions they take next. The U.S. is considering sending weapons to Ukraine to help their citizens resist Russia's territorial advances, but people from Moscow in Ukraine may not have the best intentions in mind either. Currently, the U.S. is helping the Ukrainians with supplies for communication such as radar, but few military items. The heads of security met in the White House on Wednesday to make decisions about the path forward but no consensus was come to.
This was about the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the U.S. choices in what actions they take next. The U.S. is considering sending weapons to Ukraine to help their citizens resist Russia's territorial advances, but people from Moscow in Ukraine may not have the best intentions in mind either. Currently, the U.S. is helping the Ukrainians with supplies for communication such as radar, but few military items. The heads of security met in the White House on Wednesday to make decisions about the path forward but no consensus was come to.
4/3
Lawmakers Aim to Protect Farm Animals in U.S. Research
This article was about federal sponsored animal testing in the meat industry and how tiger measures are being passed on the humanity of the tests, giving more rights to the animals. Referred to in Congress as the "Aware Act", this legislation would protect cows, pigs, sheep, and other animals common in the industry from "neglect and mistreatment". Proponents of this act wants the Department of Agriculture to have to follow similar rules that industries have to abide by regarding animal testing. Technological farmers claim that they have the ever more difficult job of feeding a growing population, so some bioengineering to increase birth rates of animals is necessary, but many disagree because it involves forcing a poor standard of living on the animals they produce.
This article was about federal sponsored animal testing in the meat industry and how tiger measures are being passed on the humanity of the tests, giving more rights to the animals. Referred to in Congress as the "Aware Act", this legislation would protect cows, pigs, sheep, and other animals common in the industry from "neglect and mistreatment". Proponents of this act wants the Department of Agriculture to have to follow similar rules that industries have to abide by regarding animal testing. Technological farmers claim that they have the ever more difficult job of feeding a growing population, so some bioengineering to increase birth rates of animals is necessary, but many disagree because it involves forcing a poor standard of living on the animals they produce.
3/3
White House Accelerates Drive to Improve Data Privacy
This post gave insight into the Cyber secuirty debate in America. Currently, the White House is working on enacting measures to strengthen data privacy; however, it also means that the government will have more control of the data. The sudden drive to pass these measures came because a healthcare provider was hacked earlier in the week, giving Cyber criminals access to thousands of people's health records. Another part of the concerns are the costs of data. Prices are not level across the board for the same products, depending on which company owns certain data.
This post gave insight into the Cyber secuirty debate in America. Currently, the White House is working on enacting measures to strengthen data privacy; however, it also means that the government will have more control of the data. The sudden drive to pass these measures came because a healthcare provider was hacked earlier in the week, giving Cyber criminals access to thousands of people's health records. Another part of the concerns are the costs of data. Prices are not level across the board for the same products, depending on which company owns certain data.
2/3
Democrats Exercise ‘No’ Power in Senate to G.O.P.’s Dismay
This article talked about the fact that even with one party controlling both houses, the supremacy of the majority isn't guaranteed. The bill to continue funding homeland security has failed three days in a row to be passed because of Democrat filibusters. Republicans may have control of both the House and the Senate, but they can't seem to agree on a solid agenda that they can put enough support behind and fully make use of their power in numbers. An issue that has been divided Republicans and keeping them at a stand still has been the topic of immigration, something that opinions on range from extremely conservative to surprisingly very liberal. In order for the Homeland Security funding to happen, Republicans have realized that aspects of it will have to be changed to address immigration more, but many are too stubborn to try and formulate a sort of a compromise that has any hope of not being shut down by the Democrats.
This article talked about the fact that even with one party controlling both houses, the supremacy of the majority isn't guaranteed. The bill to continue funding homeland security has failed three days in a row to be passed because of Democrat filibusters. Republicans may have control of both the House and the Senate, but they can't seem to agree on a solid agenda that they can put enough support behind and fully make use of their power in numbers. An issue that has been divided Republicans and keeping them at a stand still has been the topic of immigration, something that opinions on range from extremely conservative to surprisingly very liberal. In order for the Homeland Security funding to happen, Republicans have realized that aspects of it will have to be changed to address immigration more, but many are too stubborn to try and formulate a sort of a compromise that has any hope of not being shut down by the Democrats.
1/3
The Secret World of a Well-Paid ‘Donor Adviser’ in Politics
This article was about donor advisors-people who are in charge of the money that is given to a political campaign- and specifically Mary Pat Bonner. It explained the process that PACs and big companies go through to finance a candidate and how the "middlemen", managers like Bonner, are able to acquire about 10% of the donations for themselves. Because of this and many Americans' skepticism of how their money in politics in being spent, fundraising management positions are controversial. The secrecy of donor advisors, a position that the general public isn't even aware exist, can often scare donors away, so it's up to the advisor to play his or her cards right and convince citizens, companies, and PACs that their money will be influential to getting what they want in politics.
This article was about donor advisors-people who are in charge of the money that is given to a political campaign- and specifically Mary Pat Bonner. It explained the process that PACs and big companies go through to finance a candidate and how the "middlemen", managers like Bonner, are able to acquire about 10% of the donations for themselves. Because of this and many Americans' skepticism of how their money in politics in being spent, fundraising management positions are controversial. The secrecy of donor advisors, a position that the general public isn't even aware exist, can often scare donors away, so it's up to the advisor to play his or her cards right and convince citizens, companies, and PACs that their money will be influential to getting what they want in politics.
Monday, January 26, 2015
5/2
House Passes Anti-Abortion Bill On Anniversary Of Roe v. Wade
The House of Representatives passed a bill banning federal funding of abortion and Medicaid from covering abortions. This bill was heavily tied into the ban on abortions passed the 20 week pregnancy mark that was postponed due to lack of support. The president is expected to veto it.
The House of Representatives passed a bill banning federal funding of abortion and Medicaid from covering abortions. This bill was heavily tied into the ban on abortions passed the 20 week pregnancy mark that was postponed due to lack of support. The president is expected to veto it.
4/2
Abortion Vote Shows How Much Democrats' World Has Changed
This article talked about how being pro-life has become a Republican issue instead of just a social issue that people have different views about. Republicans looking to pass anti-abortion laws no longer have the support of the majority of democrats and can't count on having any support outside their party. On the democrat side of matters, candidates for political positions both in Congress and in state legislation who are openly pro-life have had a more difficult time being elected in recent years, showing how abortion has grown from a faith based issue to a social and political issue.
This article talked about how being pro-life has become a Republican issue instead of just a social issue that people have different views about. Republicans looking to pass anti-abortion laws no longer have the support of the majority of democrats and can't count on having any support outside their party. On the democrat side of matters, candidates for political positions both in Congress and in state legislation who are openly pro-life have had a more difficult time being elected in recent years, showing how abortion has grown from a faith based issue to a social and political issue.
3/2
House may delay border security bill until mid-February
A border security bill in the house, a controversial issue regarding immigration, is likely to be delayed until further notice. The main reason most want to wait to vote is until voting has commenced on the funding of the Department of Homeland Security, which is scheduled to expire if not given money.
A border security bill in the house, a controversial issue regarding immigration, is likely to be delayed until further notice. The main reason most want to wait to vote is until voting has commenced on the funding of the Department of Homeland Security, which is scheduled to expire if not given money.
2/2
For 2016, many Republicans but just one Democrat
This article focused on the notion that there seems to be only one real contender for the Democratic presidential candidacy, Hilary Clinton, but numerous ones for the Republican party. In a poll of usual Republican voters, almost half said they were undecided about who to support at this point in time, where over half of Democrats claimed to be already behind Clinton. As of right now, the conclusion is that the majority of Republicans and Independents as well will sit back and watch what happens with possibly candidates before committing to any particular person.
1/2
Federal deficit falls to lowest in Obama presidency
The federal is deficit is now at $468 billion, which is the lowest that it's been since Obama became president in 2009. Although experts expect the rate to stay about what it is now for the near future, the debt is expected to rise again because the generation of the baby boomers will begin to retire. President Obama is supposed to send his budget request to Capitol Hill by the beginning of February.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
5/1
Reviewing Federal Education Law, Senator Seeks More Local Control
Senator Lamar Alexander, a republican from Tennessee, spoke on the floor earlier in the week about changing education regulations to be managed by state and local governments, instead of regulations being passed on a federal level. Congress has tried to repeal No Child Left Behind since 2007 but has been stalled. Both democrats and republicans agree that education requirements need to be specific to certain areas because there are factors that aren't the same everywhere in the US.
Senator Lamar Alexander, a republican from Tennessee, spoke on the floor earlier in the week about changing education regulations to be managed by state and local governments, instead of regulations being passed on a federal level. Congress has tried to repeal No Child Left Behind since 2007 but has been stalled. Both democrats and republicans agree that education requirements need to be specific to certain areas because there are factors that aren't the same everywhere in the US.
4/1
This article focuses on the idea that making healthcare cheaper might seem better off for the present, but has negative long term effects for both the citizens and government. By making medicare packages less expensive, no one has to pay a lot of money upfront, but people receive less benefits and are more likely to have health complications down the road that could have been avoided by shelling out more money to begin with. However, the counter argument is that at least people are receiving any healthcare at all, and raising prices would just eliminate the number of people eligible to purchase a plan.
3/1
Supreme Court Takes Broad View on Hostage-Taker’s Penalty
The Supreme Court unanimously decided to pass a law declaring that any criminals who take hostages in the process of committing a crime such as robbery must serve at least ten years in prison. This measure was brought up in response to a debate that has been going on since the 30s, after a series of robberies ended up in police force accidentally shooting hostages who were in the way of the suspect. Congress wants to end the practice of criminals using humans as shields as they try to finish their crime or escape from the scene.
2/1
Obama Calls for New Laws to Bolster Cybersecurity
After the issues with the Sony hack, Obama told the public that he wanted to further America's defense against hackers, specifically foreign. He acknowledged that putting into effect technology pro cautions will require the industry and the government to work together. His staff even said that they consider cyber crimes to be just as illegal, if not more so, than physical crimes, because of the scale the crimes take place on.
After the issues with the Sony hack, Obama told the public that he wanted to further America's defense against hackers, specifically foreign. He acknowledged that putting into effect technology pro cautions will require the industry and the government to work together. His staff even said that they consider cyber crimes to be just as illegal, if not more so, than physical crimes, because of the scale the crimes take place on.
1/1
Boehner Facing Dissent and Defections in Vote to Remain Speaker of House
This article talked a lot about how Boehner will almost certainly be reelected, but mostly because he is the current speaker, not because he has a lot of support. Democrats don't like him because he's a Republican, and many Republicans see him as soft and believe that he has compromised on too many issues. Another problem Boehner must fix is the image that his party has due to association with white supremacist groups and anti immigration politicians.
This article talked a lot about how Boehner will almost certainly be reelected, but mostly because he is the current speaker, not because he has a lot of support. Democrats don't like him because he's a Republican, and many Republicans see him as soft and believe that he has compromised on too many issues. Another problem Boehner must fix is the image that his party has due to association with white supremacist groups and anti immigration politicians.
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