Jussie Smollett Case Dropped

Summary:

Prosecutors have dropped felony charges against Jussie Smollett for his hate crime report that two men attacked him on January 29, yelling racist and homophobic slurs while striking him. Smollett was previously indicted by a grand jury in March for 16 counts of disorderly conduct. Smollett’s case was dismissed in exchange for his $10,000 bail and community service. Smollett is also being asked to pay an additional $130,106.15 for the cost of the false investigation. Kim Foxx, Cook County State’s Attorney, has come under fire for dropping the charges and sealing the documents on the case. She responded by stating that "If he's found guilty on a Class 4 (felony), the likelihood was he was going to get some type of, perhaps, restitution, community service -- not prison." Rahm Emanuel Chicago’s governor wondered “if Smollett weren’t an actor with influence” he wouldn’t have gotten off so easily. Trump has also tweeted on the issue: "FBI & DOJ to review the outrageous Jussie Smollett case in Chicago. It is an embarrassment to our nation!"

Questions:

1. Do you believe that Jussie Smollett received preferential treatment for his status as an actor? 

2. Do you believe a federal investigation into the case would be appropriate?

3. Is this case an example of the larger issues with our criminal justice system?

4. Do you believe that Jussie Smollett received a reasonable sentence?

https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/29/us/jussie-smollett-backlash-friday/index.html

Trump's tariffs are costing Americans $1.4 billion each month, study shows

Summary:
The Trump tariffs include: China, South Korea, Mexico, European Union, Canada and affect over $50 billion dollars in goods. President Donald Trump’s trade policies and tariffs reduced U.S. income at a rate of $1.4 billion per month by the end of last November, according to new research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Princeton University, and Columbia University. In addition to decreasing U.S. earnings, American consumers are also harmed during a trade war in terms of the variety of goods they can purchase. In the three years prior to the imposition of tariffs, all categories of goods experienced increases in the number of varieties offered in the U.S. However, after the Trump tariffs, studies found that businesses and consumers saw “substantial increases” in the price of goods throughout last year and Americans suffered by a lack of import variety and disruptions to supply chains..

Trump originally wanted to use these tariffs as leverage against other countries in order to renegotiate deals such as NAFTA, which he has indeed done. However, the overall results of the tariffs so far have proven to be detrimental and U.S. policy makers are surely looking for change. This connects to international relations in Asia, Europe, and the Americas in terms of trade deals, business and economy. In regards to history, tariffs used to be the greatest source of federal revenue until income tax, but now it is presently being used in a trade war against China.

Questions:

1.When Trump originally announced his idea of tariffs, did you expect it to turn out this way or differently?

2. Should Trump end this trade war with China or should he continue to try and salvage the situation?

3. What could Trump have done differently instead of tariffs in order to renegotiate deals with other countries?

Link: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/economy/trump-s-tariffs-are-costing-americans-1-4-billion-each-n987336

New York Suburb Declares Measles Emergency, Barring Unvaccinated Children From Public

Summary
        As of October, Rockland County in New York has been marked with a measles outbreak that has had 153 cases, and this outbreak as continued to this day. Tuesday, March 26th, however marked a change in the way that this outbreak is dealt with as Ed Day, the county executive of Rockland declared a state of emergency which would be acted upon by banning unvaccinated children and teens from public places. The majority of these children or teens in the Rockland county are a part of ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities who read and hear anti-vaccination information leading to only 72.9 percent of children and teens to be vaccinated. Children and teens have been barred from public areas like schools, places of worship, and places for shopping, and this ban is set to last 30 days. Unvaccinated children place other people who actually cannot be vaccinated in the Rockland community at risk; therefore, punishment like fining or placing the parents of the unvaccinated child will follow suit if the anti-vaccination ideas stay prevalent.
       This entire situation places the rights of citizens on the border of being protected or not. Therefore, this connects to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights as these founding documents lay out the basic rights endowed to all humans. If citizens are prohibited from being in public areas, their rights are being infringed upon which poses a major civil liberties question relating to the constitutionality of such a policy. Moreover, the infringement of civil liberties relates to the the children and teens who are a part of Rockland County as they read anti-vaccination literature. This literature promotes the a culture which strays from the status quo and puts many people at risk to obtain measles. However, the banning of this literature would lead to the removal of the right to free speech. Ultimately, any policy to ban children from reading the literature or stop the publication of sit infringes upon the rights and powers enumerated in the Constitution and bill of Rights. 

Questions:


1. The anti-vaccination culture has a variety of causes whether it be the community, parenting style, or following religion, but do you think parents should have control over their children and their ability to receive a vaccination?


2. The current legislation which now states that children and teens are not allowed in public places is set to last for 30 days. After these 30 days, do you think this should should be continued? Why or why not?


3. Is there any way for the government to ensure that parents approve for their children to vaccinated? If so, what do you think that way is?

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/26/nyregion/measles-outbreak-rockland-county.html?action=click&module=News&pgtype=Homepage

China’s soybean demand has been hit by swine fever, raising doubts about Beijing’s trade promises

Summary

As the US and China continue to negotiate a trade deal aimed at satisfying both sides, soybeans are emerging as a bargaining chip for Beijing to use as leverage in those talks. But while Beijing has pledged to import more American soybeans, analysts are unsure if China will buy. China’s pig farming sector has recently been hit by an outbreak of African swine fever, driving hog numbers down by 13% and crippling demand for soybean-based feed, much to the detriment of the American soybean industry. According to the US Agriculture Secretary Sonny perdue, China has pledged to buy an additional 10 million metric tons of US soybeans, equating to around $30 billion. However, customs data show that soybean imports have been falling in recent months, party due to the heavy tariffs imposed on the soybeans. Despite this, China still remains firm that they will keep their pledge to buy more soybeans for 2019.

This relates to the law of supply and demand by demonstrating how the demand shifter of decreased number of consumers(Chinese pig farmers) shifted the demand curve to the left. In addition, the tariffs imposed last year created a price floor that was above the equilibrium point which lead to a surplus.

Questions

1. Do you think China will be able to live up to their promise to buy more soybeans?
2. Although there have been unintended consequences (such as the US soybean industry), have the Chinese tariffs been generally positive for the economy?
3. If you were a soybean farmer, what would you do?

YNW Melly Song Climbs Billboard Charts as Fans Speculate Lyrics Are About Killing His Friends

Link: https://people.com/music/ynw-melly-murder-song-climbs-billboard-charts/

On February 13th, Florida rapper YNW Melly was arrested for the murder of two of his friends in October 2018. Melly, born Jamell Demons, is facing first degree murder charges, as ballistic evidence points to a premeditated crime. According to initial reports, the two victims, Anthony Williams, and Christopher Thomas Jr, were shot and killed in a drive by shooting. Demons’ accomplice Cortlen Henry, corroborated this story, claiming that their car was shot at as they were pulling out of the freeway. However, the locations of the bullet casings and an autopsy of the victims told another story. The new report states that Demons and Henry were the culprits, and had shot their own car after killing WIlliams and Thomas to make it look like a drive by. They then drove around with the bodies of the two victims for a while before taking them to the hospital. Furthermore, Demons had released a song called “Murder on my Mind” earlier in the year, which describes him wanting to and committing murder with a surprising amount of detail. The content of this song has not helped his case, as it seems like too big of a coincidence. Despite overwhelming evidence against him, Demons has pleaded not guilty, and posted a tweet regarding his thoughts, saying, “I want you guys to know I love you and appreciate every single one of y’all, a couple months ago I lost two brothers by violence and now the system want[s] to find justice… unfortunately a lot of rumors and lies are being said but no worries god is with me and my brother @ynw.bortlen and we want y’all to remember it’s a ynw family”.

Questions to Consider:

1. Do you think Melly is guilty of the crimes he is accused of?
2. Should the police be able to use song lyrics as a justifiable cause to launch an investigation?
3. If so, then should other artists also be investigated for the content of their songs in the past?

Following Christchurch Mass Shooting, New Zealand Bans All Automatic Weapons

https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/20/asia/new-zealand-christchurch-gun-ban-intl/index.html


On March 20, New Zealand's Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern announced that there will be a full ban on all military-styled automatic and semiautomatic weapons. This is due to the fact that the Christchurch Mosque shootings were performed using several military grade semi-automatic weapons. However, other weapons such as a lever-armed rifle and a shotgun were also found at the scene. Hence, many people who had previously owned these weapons legally will no longer be allowed to keep them in possession after this law. Gun owners will be able to return their guns immediately with a buyback scheme. This law reflects the measures that Australia took following their mass shooting in the 1996. With this introduction in Australia, gun suicides decreased to an average of 4.8% a year, and gun related murders decreased by an average of 5.5% per year. This law was welcomed by many in New Zealand following the attack. Lobbying group Federated Farmers issued a statement stating that the members would not welcome this law, but understand that it is necessary to keep the peace and will be the most practicable solution.

Many have called this a wake up call for American law makers. It only took one massacre and 72 hours in New Zealand for the government to change their gun laws drastically, virtually banning all military styled weapons to be kept in civilian hands. After all the events in recent years regarding gun violence in America, American lawmakers still cannot change their laws?

1. Do you think America can adopt the same laws New Zealand has just adopted, which had worked flawlessly in Australia?

2. Unlike New Zealand, it is evident that our gun laws are slow to change. What are some reasons that the gun laws in America cannot be overhauled similarly to New Zealand?

Native American inmates in Texas win right to grow hair long

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47613885

In Texas, three Native American inmates have successfully sued the state’s prison system for the right to grow long hair. They stated that growing long hair expresses their religious beliefs and connects them to their creators. However, the state argued that it could harbor lice, represent gang affiliation, and increase the chance of inmates overheating. The three men have been imprisoned for decades, serving time for heinous crimes such as sexual assault and murder. The ruling US District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos in Corpus Christi issued last month applies only to the prisoners in the McConnell Unit located near Beeville.

Do you agree with the ruling?

Should religious beliefs be prioritized over health?

Last ISIS camp in Baghouz is captured

With the help of the U.S., the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) captured the last ISIS encampment in Baghouz. While this is significant progress, there are still occasional gun fights between the last few ISIS militants fighting to defend the tiny piece of land their camp has been reduced to. The head of the SDF press office, Mustafa Bali, has stated that this is not victory yet, just another progression in the fight against ISIS. This is quite significant because at one time the terrorist group’s territory spanned hundreds of miles through Syria and Iraq. Since the SDF has started recapturing ISIS territory, more than 60,000 people have emerged from the area. Many of whom were ISIS fighters and supports, but there have also been ISIS victims. Of these victims are Yazidi women and children who were used as slaves.

Other wars against terrorism have not occured in history and the current fight is constantly changing with the introduction of new technology. Despite the war taking place in Syria, the fighting against terrorism concerns all people, so cooperative diplomatic relations is vital to the continuing fight.

I think that capturing Baghouz is good news, but there is still a long way to go before ISIS can be eradicated.

1. How might the government react to concerns about ISIS fighters/supporters leaving the territory?
2. Do you think it’s possible for someone to completely change their ideology after being raised up believing it?

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/isis-syria-ready-to-accept-looming-defeat-baghouz-new-video-final-battle/

https://www.npr.org/2019/03/19/704730563/isis-camp-in-baghouz-is-captured-as-u-s-allies-celebrate-progress-in-syria

40 killed, more than 20 injured, in shootings at 2 mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/03/15/shootings-reported-mosques-christchurch-new-zealand/?utm_term=.939527dc4701




Tragically, there has been yet another mass shooting. 40 have been killed and 20 more injured after a mass shooting at two mosques in New Zealand. Authorities have discovered that this massacre was planned out in advance by three individuals who targeted Muslims on purpose due to their radical anti-immigration views. In fact, they discovered that the three perpetrators had posted a racist manifesto as well as pictures of ammunition and weapons online before their attack.
New Zealand has gun laws that are stricter than American laws but not as strict as Australian laws. Consequently, this tragedy will probably reignite the controversial gun control debate. In fact, authorities believe that one of the perpetrators "intended to deepen strife in the United States over gun ownership and the Second Amendment."

Do you think this will get more people talking about gun-control laws in the U.S.?

Is the problem here about racism or gun control?

Beto O’Rourke Enters the 2020 Presidential Campaign

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/14/us/politics/beto-o-rourke-president.html

This morning former Texas congressman Beto O’Rourke has announced the will join the presidential campaign race. After nearly missing and losing the Senate race, he is hoping that his broad message of national unity and generational change will lift him above a slate of committed progressives offering big-ticket policy ideas. His first stop was Iowa on Thursday morning, introducing himself to a new state he hasn’t been to before. His sudden announcement to run has made a lot of noise, and he has even gotten the attention of President Trump. A long journey is ahead of him, as he joins 14 other candidates for the Democratic party including the likes of Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders. While there are many questions about his tools and ability to run a successful campaign, the question is, does he have what it takes to win the presidential race and get over all his candidates?

Questions:

Do you think his loss in the Senate race will hurt his Presidential race?

Do you agree with his ideals?

Do you think despite his campaign disadvantages, O’Rourke has a chance to win?

College Admissions Cheating Scandal:

            The recent college admissions scandal is thought to be the largest prosecuted in US history, and is thought of as yet another example of how wealthy families are able to cheat their way into prestigious universities and privilege. This scandal was done through CEO of a college admissions prep company called, The Key. Parents in wealthy families would pay Singer to allow their kids to cheat on standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT, to achieve higher scores. Furthermore, Singer used his connection with Division I coaches to make bribes to those coaches for the kids of wealthy families to be accepted as athletes, even though some had never played the sport before. For standardized cheating, Singer organized for a third-party to either change the answers of these wealthy students, or just flat out take the test for them. Furthermore, Singer bribed proctors of such standardized tests, in order to allow Mark Riddell, the third-party, to commit such acts of cheating. For the athletic cheating aspect, Singer allowed wealthy parents to bribe Division I coaches, to recommend their students as recruited athletes that should be admitted, even if their child has never played that sport. Singer managed to conceal the payments as donations to his charity, Key Worldwide Foundation, a non-profit that was meant to help poorer students.
           Many of the universities involved have released their coaches that were involved in the scandal, and declared that they had no knowledge of the wrongdoing. Colleges such as USC, UCLA, Yale, Stanford, Georgetown, and Wake Forest are not directly accused to this wrongdoing and are cooperating with the investigators in the process of identifying more funds and further investigation into the scandal.


Questions:

1. How will the recent scandal affect the universities involved?
2. Will the recent scandal change the current admissions process of universities? If so, how will the process change?
3. What is your opinion on both the role of wealthy families and the universities in the process?



lhttps://www.cnn.com/2019/03/13/us/what-we-know-college-admissions-cheating-scandal/index.html

Is criticizing AIPAC Anti-Semitic?

Controversy has stirred in the House after Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar made critical remarks of Israel. In February, Omar responded to a threat by House GOP leader to punish her and another congresswoman for being critical of Israel by tweeting “It’s all about the Benjamins baby.” This Puff Daddy lyric was immediately criticized as perpetuating a negative and harmful stereotype connecting Jewish Americans and affluence. In a following tweet, Omar named the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), saying it was funding Republican support for Israel. After receiving bi-partisan backlash for what was called anti-Semitic speech, Omar responded: “Anti-Semitism is real and I am grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of Anti-Semitic tropes. My intention is never to offend my constituents or Jewish Americans as a whole. At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, whether it be AIPAC, the NRA, or the fossil fuel industry. It’s gone on too long and we must be willing to address it.”

The latest controversy comes after Omar made another comment:"I want to talk about the political influence in this country that says it is OK for people to push for allegiance to a foreign country. I want to ask why it is OK for me to talk about the influence of the NRA (National Rifle Association), of fossil fuel industries or Big Pharma, and not talk about a powerful lobbying group that is influencing policies?" Again, she was accused of anti-Semitism. 

            Many are in support of Omar calling out what many see as an enormous problem, including Jewish Americans. An organization, Jews With Ilhan, stated: "There is absolutely nothing anti-Semitic about calling out the noxious role of [the American Israel Public Affairs Committee], which spends millions each year to buy U.S. political support for Israeli aggression and militarism against the Palestinian people."

https://www.npr.org/2019/03/07/700901834/minnesota-congresswoman-ignites-debate-on-israel-and-anti-semitism

Questions: 

Do you think Omar’s claims were anti-Semitic? 

Do you think it’s fair that criticisms of the Israeli government are quickly dubbed as anti-Semitic?

Is it justified that a Super PAC that prioritizes the interests of a foreign government has so much influence in American politics? 

Do you think Omar is being unfairly attacked because she is a Muslim woman? 

Paul Manafort sentenced to less than 4 years in prison after judge praises 'otherwise blameless life'

Paul Manafort was recently sentenced to less than 4 years in prison (47) months for his tax and bank fraud charges. He was the former campaign chairman for President Donald Trump. Some of his charges include recognizing individual false US tax records, failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts, among other unrelated bank frauds. This sentence is far less than the previously suggested roughly two decades of prison time. Manafort will receive a second jail sentence from a different federal judge, so there is still a possibility that Manafort could do more time.

Do you think the punishment fit the crime?
Why do you think his sentence was lighter than the expected punishment?
Do you think Manafort should serve more time?


https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/paul-manafort-trump-s-onetime-campaign-chairman-be-sentenced-fraud-n980496

India-Pakistan Tensions Run High Over Kashmir Conflict

A suicide attack on a paramilitary convoy in India just a few weeks ago killed around 40 Indian soldiers. The attack has been claimed by the Pakistan militant group Jaish-e-muhammad. This event sparked outrage in India and has led India to airstrike militant bases in Pakistan's side of Kashmir, a disputed area between India and Pakistan. Pakistan has subsequently retaliated and launched artillery and airstrikes of its own across the border. A dogfight between Pakistani and Indian aircraft ensued, which has led to an Indian pilot being shot down and captured. He was recently released back to India, and, for the time being, tensions have lessened. Pakistan temporarily closed its airspace after India's airstrikes.

The Kashmir Conflict has been going on for many decades now over control of the area, but the recent events have escalated this conflict to new highs. It is important to note that both Pakistan and India are nuclear countries. Although previous clashes over Kashmir have been quite serious as well, I believe the recent rise of tensions serves as a reminder that land disputes are not simple issues, and that there will be no winner in a nuclear war if one should occur. The recent summits between North Korea and the US demonstrate the importance of striving toward good relations between countries.


Questions:

1. Although the conflict is between India and Pakistan, does the conflict affect other countries in any way?
2. Should mediators be involved in trying to resolve this conflict?
3. What can be learned from this escalation in tension between two nuclear countries?

• https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/28/asia/kashmir-analysis-intl/index.html
• http://theconversation.com/kashmir-conflict-is-not-just-a-border-dispute-between-india-and-pakistan-112824

Despite His Own Blackface Scandal, Virginia AG Says Governor Has Lost Public Trust

https://www.npr.org/2019/03/04/700084752/despite-his-own-blackface-scandal-virginia-ag-says-governor-has-lost-public-trus

The news of Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring wearing blackface (similarly to Governor Ralph Northam) in 1980 as a 19 year old college student surfaced just days after he called for Governor Ralph Northam to resign. Herring says he sees no contradiction in calling on Northam to resign despite both men wearing blackface in the past. Herring says he felt as if Northam had lost the public's trust due to Northam coming out with a contradictory story to his past surfaced actions. Thus Herring proposed that Northam needed to resign because without public support and trust, he will no longer be able to lead going forward. Northam says he is focusing on how to repair the damage made over the last month in Virginia. Since blackface is an American cultural phenomenon and has special and negative cultural meaning to Americans only, it does not have a connection to international relations.

Questions:
1. Do you think it is contradictory or even unfair for Herring to call on Northam to resign because of their similar past actions?
2. Should Northam resign due to not only his past actions, but his contradictory story?
3. Should Herring receive the same backlash as Northam has for his actions?

Democrats Asking For President Trump's Personal Tax Returns

        During the testimony of ex-attorney of the president, Michael Cohen, he revealed information that made Congress asked for the tax returns of the president. In the NBC news article, it is claimed that "Cohen testified that Trump, as head of the sprawling Trump Organization before his election in 2016, had at times deflated the value of his properties to lower his tax bill and called the government “stupid” for giving him a $10 million tax refund in 2008." President Trump is the first president since Nixon to not disclose his tax returns to the public.

         The House of Ways and Means Committee and its Chair D-Mass Richard Neal will do whatever it takes to retrieve these documents. This is the chief tax-writing that committee looks over all of the taxation bills in the House of Representatives. Instead of targeting Trump Organization, they are going after his personal since it will take years to analyze all of the liability companies weaved through.

Questions:
1) Should the government trust that the President will follow the orders or will he refute the request?
2) Do you believe that the tax returns have viable information that will help the impeachment of the president?
3) Do you have ideas of what Congress should do next if they cannot get him to hand over the tax returns?

Work Cited:
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-democrats-prepare-effort-request-trump-tax-returns-n978246
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/01/democrats-are-preparing-to-request-trumps-tax-returns-nbc.html