Immigration Policies Need To Change

On August  21st a young woman named Mollie Tibbetts was killed by an illegal immigrant. Of course this was very terrible but when Trump had spoken about it he blamed it on the Democratic immigration policies. Trump made a very good point when he said "We believe that any party that puts criminal aliens before American citizens should be out of office, not into office." The man responsible for Tibbetts death was  24 year old Cristhian Bahena, a Mexican who entered the country illegally. This tragic event gave the White House the perfect talking point to focus on when revising immigration laws. Later in his initial speech Trump lists more people that are victims of illegal aliens.
                                                             

Source: 
https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/24/politics/donald-trump-mollie-tibbetts/index.html
CNN Article 

Discussion Questions

Should we change our immigration policies?

Is Donald Trump right about how illegal immigrants do most crimes? 

What should our government do about immigrants? Do you support Trumps ideas? 

First United States Fetanyl Execution

       Everyone most likely knows the meaning of capital punishment (aka the death penalty). It's the legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a serious crime. The death penalty dates back many years in the United States. Its legitimacy has been challenged over many of those years.

      In the United States the most recent execution took place just this month on August 14, 2018, in Lincoln, Nebraska. A convicted murderer, Carey Dean Moore, was put to death by a first-time, untested four-drug "cocktail" which included the extremely powerful opioid fentanyl. Many of us have heard about fentanyl because it is plastered all over the news on a regular basis because it has become a real bad drug problem in society, killing many people who never dreamed they wouldn't live to see another day. 

     Carey Dean Moore was in the Nebraska State Penitentiary for 38 years before his final execution date came. He was Nebraska's longest-serving inmate. He even got fed up with the legal system after a while, and not knowing if there would be another delay he repeated in writing just this month he was guilty and did not want to fight the execution any more in court . Finally, on the day of his execution, it took 23 minutes from the time the first of the four drugs, including fentanyl, were injected into him until the last one before the coroner announced his time of death. His execution was the 1,481 since 1976 in the United States.https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/number-executions-state-and-region-1976 .

     What's the big deal about this current event since the death penalty is constitutional? Remember the 5th Amendment we just learned about, specifically the part about "no person shall be....deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law...". His case was carefully overseen by the judge that handled his case. Carey Dean Moore committed a crime, a double murder. He was charged, tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. He got his due process, his fair treatment through the judicial system.  Now think about the 8th Amendment of the United States Constitution which prohibits the federal government from imposing cruel and unusual punishments. The state of Nebraska set a precedent. They were the first to execute a person with an untested four-drug cocktail. They expected he would have been dead within 15 minutes or so. It took 23 minutes. During that time there were required witnesses including a clergy member. Refer to this video that outlines what happened in the execution room. It gives details of how Carey Moore reacted while the drugs were being pumped into him. Some of the details were "...coughed...rapid diaphragm...face turned red....then purple....eyelids opened slightly...". Another detail was "10:24 curtain lifted.....10:30 curtain down...10:53 curtain up again". 

https://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/video-news-conference-after-execution-of-carey-dean-moore/youtube_ec2b329e-cda4-5a2a-a2de-634a5ab33cb8.html

There has been questions, but no answers, about the curtain being lifted, put down, and then lifted again.Normally, the curtain is not put down until an executed person is pronounced dead. In this case, the person was not yet pronounced dead. Fourteen unexplained minutes passed from the time the curtain went down at 10:39 and then up again at 10:53 which was 6 minutes after the time he was pronounced dead. This raises questions.

Questions for Discussion:

1) Which Amendment of the Constitution guarantees a criminal defendant the right to a speedy trial?

2) Do you feel Carey Dean Moore was treated fairly?

3) If not, do you feel you could have eventually been spared the death penalty because of it?

4) Do you feel Carey Dean Moore was subjected to cruel and unusual punishment when he was given the new four-drug cocktail for his lethal injection and that something did go wrong?

5)Should the state of Nebraska give an explanation to the public about the curtain incident?

6) Will this precedent have a positive, negative, or neither affect on the state of Nebraska?

Link on Topic: 

https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/true-stories/14-minutes-to-die-what-happened-behind-the-curtain-at-nebraska-killers-execution/news-story/1764365e48d482464b9fd6132bc3d72f

Related Articles:

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4756969-Execution-letter.html

https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/08/14/nebraska-executes-inmate-using-fentanyl-a-first-in-the-us/

I chose this article because I found the topic very interesting since I could relate several Amendments we are learning about to this event.

Michael Cohen's lawyers change story on election

Recently around 4:15 p.m. Michael Cohen's lawyer changed the story again on what Trump did and didn't know about the election with the Russians.  Lanny Davis offered many variations to the story but has now second guess Cohen's claims. He states that "I should have done a much better job of speaking with more suspicion than certainty, and I regret my mistake," Davis told CNN. This shows that he is trying to cover something up or that he knew something prior and should not have said what he said. Cohen also claims that he was there when Trump Jr. told President Trump about the Russians' offering to share dirt on Clinton which Trump gave the approval on.  A spokes woman from CNN said on Tuesday that "we stand by our story, which had more than one source, and we are confident in our reporting of it." This shows that CNN believes full in the story and are not planning on changing there mind which is bad for Trump. Further ore CNN is saying Cohen didn't have  information backing up his claim. Last week Cohen also pleaded guilty to eight criminal counts in Manhattan federal court, fraud, false statements to a bank and campaign finance all back to Trumps work. Something interesting though is after Cohen's plea Davis started changing his story as I feel is to match Cohen. Although Trump did tweeted on Saturday changing the story saying he 'did not know about the meeting." So Trump is either lying or trying to stay away from trouble because he may be impeached but also so he doesn't get hurt for the next election. According to the New York post Davis said he "was not aware of the meeting..." this just shows that he is clearly lying and id trying to stop this. Off of this since Davis is a longtime Clinton confident others think that maybe he is trying to help her out and working more than one side to this. 

Sources used:

https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/28/politics/lanny-davis-trump-tower-michael-cohen/index.html

https://nypost.com/2018/08/23/how-long-before-cohens-lawyer-changes-his-story-again/

Discussion questions:

Should Trump be impeached for this?

Do you think Davis is really trying to help Clinton?

What will happen to Trumps lawyer?

Will this affect Trump in the next election?

Donald Trump vs. Google?

Earlier today at 11:02 am, President Trump tweeted out that the worldwide search engine known as Google is rigged for showing people negative and fake articles whenever people search up Donald Trump. His exact words were that Google "has it RIGGED, for me & others, so that almost all stories & news is BAD", (Trump's twitter). He also said Google could be doing illegal things, and that he would "address the situation". White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said, "We're just gonna do some investigations, some analysis, that's what we do,". Not only did Trump accuse Google of doing these things, but also some other social medias and search engines.

Articles used: 

CNN: Donald Trump vs Google

BBC News: Trump attacks Google

Questions for Discussion:

Does Trump have the right to accuse Google of making him look bad?

Should Google change its search results to more positive articles?

New Senate Building Name??

As we all now know Senator John McCain has recently passed away. Although, many are grieving over his death others are trying to find a way to tribute his name in memory. Close senator friends of McCain, Senator Schumer and Senator Flake are both trying to rename the Russel Senate Office building in honor of McCain. Senator Flake wanted to be the first Republican sponsor to change the name of the building. This shows how much people really cared for the hero, Senator McCain. 

Richard Russell; senate building named after him

When recalling the information about Richard Russell, who the building is named after as of now, we see may flaws, he was a leader of opposition towards blacks which is not something most Americans would want to represent our senate. He had also opposed many bills that had to do with the banning of lynching.        

 Unlike Richard Russel, McCain tried to do his best, even defending his own opponent while running to be elected. Many would rather say they want John McCain to represent the senate instead of a leader who was for segregation and opposed civil rights. 

Articles:

Schumer Proposition

Flakes Endorsment

Questions:

1.  Is it right for the name of the building to be renamed in the first place?
2. Is John McCain the right person to rename the building after?
3. If McCain is not, who else may fit the role? 
4. When and under who's jurisdiction can accomplish this task?

Will the Violence Ever Stop? Another Mass Shooting Leaves 3 Dead

Jacksonville police responding after a shooting at Jacksonville Landing was responded

Earlier Sunday at a video gaming tournament in Jacksonville, Florida a shooter opened fire on a restaurant where the tournament was being hosted.  The shooting took place at the Jacksonville Landing, a riverfront venue with an open-air performance space and a variety of shops and restaurants.  In 2015 President Trump even held a rally there when running for president. The tournament was a southeastern Qualifier for the Madden NFL Championship Series for Madden NFL 19.  The shooter killed two people and himself, raising the fatalities to three. Nine people were injured and an additional two were injured by the running crowds.  One person is in critical condition in a Florida hospital.

The gunman was 24-year old David Katz of Baltimore.  Sheriff Mike Williams was not open about the gunman's motives but did say he did intend for it to be this location he brought a gun to. People are shocked and the gaming community is reeling.

A player, Drini Gjoka, who was participating the tournament tweeted on Sunday that the “tourney just got shot up.” He followed up on that tweet with “I am literally so lucky,” he said. “The bullet hit my thumb.” In another tweet, he said he would “never take anything for granted ever again.”

There was a video game live stream going on when the first shots were fired.  Many viewers expressed their comments of shock and fear for the people there. The viewers were saying things such as “Is there a shooting” and “That’s a gun.” Then the live stream cut out and viewers were left uninformed and scared.

Screenshot of the video game live stream the player on the left has a red dot from the gun on his sweatshirt

“How long is it going to take for us to get guns off the street?” Mr. Williams said. “How long is it going to take for us to deal with someone who may be mentally unstable when they could have gotten the help that they deserved in the beginning? How many more people, how many more friends, do we have to lose — die — to this? When are the politicians going to wake up and stop sitting on their butts collecting checks and do something?”

President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said. Gov. Rick Scott said he spoke to President Trump, who offered federal resources and the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives  (ATF) is responding. But is offering federal resources really enough? This shooting Sunday is the 234th mass shooting in America this year. Something needs to be done and it needs to be done fast.

Gabby Giffords' Twitter Statement

A video with some additional information

Cited Sources

https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/26/us/jacksonville-madden-shooting/index.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/26/us/jacksonville-landing-mass-shooting-madden-tournament.html

Discussion Questions

1. Do you think that guns should be banned from the public?
2. Should be more questions be asked and more limitations be placed on gun buyers?
3. If you were a Florida politician what would you do about this being the second shooting this week?
4. Do you think that President Trump should be doing more about the shootings and the risk people are at? 

I chose to write about this topic because it is very important and not much is being done.  The topic is extremely controversial and with school starting soon it is going to be an even bigger issue.  Attackers are finding more and more places to attacked and something needs to be done.  There are many resolutions but none are being used.

McCain: Dead at 81

As many of you have probably heard, Senator John McCain has passed away due to brain cancer. McCain, an Arizona senator, former Navy officer, and republican, was known as a “maverick”, for his service in the House and Senate. McCain has served in Senate since 1987, and prior to his appointment to the Senate, served two terms in the House of Rep. BAck in 2008, he was the Republican presidential nominee, who lost to Obama. HE also lost in the primaries to George W. Bush in 2001. McCain was diagnosed with a brain tumour about a year ago, and unfortunately had announced just last week his discontinuation of treatment. President Trump on saturday responded to his death, by a tweet stating “my deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!”. But when a White House Statement that declared the decorated veteran a hero was proposed, Trump simply decided to honor him through social media. John McCain’s funeral is planned to take place at the Washington National Cathedral on Saturday.

1. What is the next step for Arizona to fill McCain’s spot on the Senate?
2. Will people in Arizona vote Republican again, or go for a more liberal candidate?

Sources: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/how-arizona-will-fill-john-mccains-seat-and-who-might-fill-it/ar-BBMtBVY?ocid=spartanntp

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/msn/trump-rejected-plans-for-a-white-house-statement-praising-mccain/ar-BBMtSvm

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/26/us/politics/john-mccain-biography-career.html

This article is significant because we lost a very important political figure. Some important things he has done are normalizing relations with Vietnam, running for president twice, and trying to change immigration reform and the affordable care act. He has led a very interesting life, which people may not be aware of.


1. Sen. McCain has been called a "maverick". What is a maverick?
2. What happened to Sen McCain during the Vietnam War?
3. On what issues has he been at odds with Trump?
4. What vote by McCain upset Republican majority leader McConnell and Trump?

Trumps Worst Nightmare In The Form Of Rep. Cummings

             President Trump may be receiving more skepticism and media attention due to the actions of of the Houses oversight committee. The oversight committee has begun to take action in an attempt to expose any illegal actions president Trump may have committed. Documents have been requests reporting on the revoking of security clearance of CIA Director John Brennan. In November, when Republicans are no longer the majority in the House, President Trump will no longer have the ability to be safe behind the Houses "wall" of sorts. Trumps administration may be in store for a wave of political and media attention. None of this is set in stone yet though, if in November the polls actually have the Republicans remain in the House then what President Trump may or may not have done may never be seen. Many democrats hope to expose something of President Trumps in order to file a case to get him out of office but nothing will truly be known until November. 

All of this information comes from: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/opinion-elijah-cummings-trump_us_5b805b25e4b0cd327dfc9502

Leader of ISIS in Afghanistan Killed

A drone flying high above Afghanistan

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was formed in 1999, and began in the country of Iraq.  Since that time, ISIS has spread throughout the Middle East and across the world, controlling territory in Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Libya, Nigeria, Egypt, and possibly Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Leading many terrorist attacks across the world, ISIS is feared everywhere and no one knows when their next attack will occur.  However, in recent years, it is apparent that ISIS is on the decline.  Since 2015 (the height of their power), many achievements have been made in defeating ISIS.  In July, 2017, Iraqi forces took back the city of Mosul, a major city in northern Iraq.  Now, it has been confirmed that an airstrike has killed the leader of ISIS forces in Afghanistan.  Abu Saad Erhabi, the leader, and ten other members of the group were also killed in a joint air and ground operation by Afghan and foreign forces on Saturday night.  Many supplies such as weapons and ammunition were also destroyed in the attack.  ISIS currently has a stronghold in Nangarhar, on Afghanistan’s eastern border with Pakistan, so this may have weaken their power in that region.  Although it seems that ISIS is still somewhat strong, this event could possibly the beginning of the end of their extent of terror on earth.  The goal of ridding ISIS from the world seems to be in reach as the once powerful group grows weaker by the months.

Link to Website:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-attack/head-of-islamic-state-in-afghanistan-killed-says-government-idUSKCN1LB0BD

Questions for Discussion
1. Why do you think that ISIS gained so much power in Middle East?
2. Why is it important that ISIS is defeated as soon as possible?
3. Explain why this event is crucial to defeating ISIS.
4. Do you believe that ISIS will be a threat in the next coming years?  Why or Why not?

I chose to write about this article because many people have forgotten about ISIS, as North Korea has become a larger threat over the past couple years.  This reminds the world about the situation in the Middle East and that ISIS is closer to defeat than it was before.

John McCain Dead at 81

Senator John McCain has died of brain cancer at 81 years old. He was a veteran and was captured and kept in a prison in Vietnam during the war. He served in the congress for three decades and was the Republican presidential nominee in 2008. Just a few days ago, he announced that he will stop medical treatments. Many people have been calling him an "American hero", and lots of people have posted on social media their condolences.

Questions for discussion:

Should he be called an "American hero"?

Will the senate be the same without such an important figure?



 http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/08/25/john-mccain-dead-at-81.html

Former Seantor John McCain Dies From Brain Cancer At 81

John McCain died on August 25, 2018 at 4:28 p.m. He was surrounded by his family and died peacefully as a result of brain cancer. McCain was a Air Force pilot, a prisoner of war, a presidential nominee, and a member of the senate during his life. He had served the United States for over 60 years. During his life, McCain became a very famous and well respected senator. He was very influential and many people loved what he did for the country. He had been diagnosed with brain cancer last year, and decided not to be treated. He lost to Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election. He was elected into the Arizona House of Representatives in 1982, then was elected into the senate in 1986. He was re elected 5 times. 

I chose this article because I felt like it was very relevant in the world of politics since John McCain was such a big part. Many people are sending in tributes via social media and describing the former senator as a "True American hero." Other senators are saying that the senate will never be the same without him.

Questions for discussion:
1. Do you think that John McCain should be classified as a "True American hero?"
2. Do You think that John McCain played an important role in American history and why?
3. How did John McCain make a significant statement in the world of the Senate?

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/sen-john-mccain-independent-voice-gop-establishment-dies-81-n790971

Hawii huricane preperation

Hawaii has seen news and weather reports that infer them that a powerful hurricane is coming there way. Many people in hawaii are now gathering water food and better materials for there homes. Every store in hawaii has been cleaned out of water and canned goods.

Class Discution
 what can other states do to help.
What must the government do
What can you do

https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/nation/2018/08/23/hawaii-braces-hurricane-lane-impact/1072875002/

Home sales drop 1.7 percent in july

I choose this article for july because i find this interesting that home sales have dropped due to many things. Home sales can drop for a multiple of reasons such as taxes government and many other things. And the home sales dont look like they will be increasing anytime soon.

Class discusion 

Why may this may be happening

wht can the government due about this.

https://www.fox23.com/news/us-newhome-sales-fell-17-percent-in-july/818961484

Florida Waters in Serious Danger?

For over a month now, the red tide scare in the southwest of Florida has been a growing problem. The red tide is basically a harmful bloom of algae, which is harmful to both the sea life and humans that live around the water. For the past few weeks, beaches have been shut down, local businesses have been temporarily closed, and the residents of Florida are wondering when it will all come to an end.

The Green muck infesting the coast of Florida

So why is all of this happening?

Usually, the red tide comes into affect in the Gulf of Mexico yearly, however the severity of this killer algae varies by year. Red tide is usually caused by wind, currents, and the presence of nutrients that allow for the algae to grow. This outbreak is known as "a red tide" due to the rust-red colors that the toxic algae cells produce. These cells are known as Karenia brevis, which releases toxins when the cell blooms, and then dies. However, there is more to this red tide than meets the eye. Lake Okeechobee is located in Southern Florida, and when the levels get too high, it is regularly released to both the east and west coasts of Florida. Lake Okeechobee is surrounded by both miles of sugarcane fields, and miles of farmland. According to the video in the link below, phosphorus, a key ingredient in fertilizer, is flowing into the lake from the North, and from the South, water from the fertilized sugar cane fields is also flowing into the river. This polluted water then flows by canals to both coasts, and the toxic water ends up in the ocean. The polluted water from the lake mixed with the toxic algae already found in the coasts are not a good combination. However, the government refuses to stop pumping the phosphorous into the lake, because the profit being made from the agriculture is as good as its ever been.

The polluted waters of Lake Okeechobee

How does the algae effect sea life and humans?

The sea life on the coast of Florida are suffering greatly from this toxic outbreak in their waters. The red tide has spread more than 130 miles of coastline in Florida. So far, 2,000 tons of marine life in five different counties of Florida have been found dead either on the beaches or in the water. Florida is known for its pristine beaches, and beautiful sea life, but now, there is not much left to either of them. Since the beginning of this year, manatees, whale sharks, dolphins, turtles, and fish have been the victims of the toxicity. The animals often ingest the algae accidentally while they are feeding, and if the algae does not immediately kill them, they are usually unable to function properly, and die regardless. This algae is very thick and mucky, and has a distinct smell to it. Many people describe a tingling sensation followed by burning of their nose, throats, and lungs. Studies have shown that if you already have respiratory problems, then the fumes of the toxic algae can cause serious illness, and even possibly lead to death.

Fish line the beaches of the coasts of Florida

What is being done about this?

Rick Scott, the governor of Florida is doing everything he can to keep the beloved coasts and coastal towns of Florida from being damaged even more.The red tide has caused an estimated of 8 billion dollars, and that number is increasing each day that goes by. Governor Scott has provided over 3 million dollars so far to try to help the marine life and people of Florida. This money has been used to rescue and medically treat marine life, remove the dead marine life from beaches, provide scientists with the tools to study the algae in the water, and provide money for the businesses that were damaged by the effects of the red tide. However, in all of the time that the red tide has been ravaging the water, no others in the government have stepped into help. President Trump has not talked about the state of emergency in Florida, and has not proposed a solution to this.

Recent News

An article released just days ago describes the The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's plan to increase the water release for the next few weeks. Their reasoning to do so is simple; Florida is in the heart of its hurricane season, and Lake Okeechobee is at risk of reaching dangerous levels. Back in 1928, The Okeechobee Hurricane struck and badly damaged the city of Okeechobee. This deadly hurricane also caused severe floods from the lake, forcing the state to build the Herbert Hoover Dike around Okeechobee, and as the age of this dike is increasing, the quality of it is decreasing. The army corps is hoping that keeping the levels of the lake low will keep the residents living around the lake safe. But will this keep the overall residents of Florida safe?

Questions:

Do you think climate change may also have an effect on the spreading of the red tide?

Do you think President Trump should step in and help the people and waters of Florida?

Will scientists find a way to stop the red tide before it causes too much harm?

Article Links:

https://awarenessact.com/florid-declares-state-of-emergency-as-toxic-red-tide-causes-respiratory-issues/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.newsweek.com/what-brown-tide-outbreak-red-1090429%3famp=1

https://vimeo.com/194372466/recommended

https://flgov.com/2018/08/22/gov-scott-announces-additional-3-million-to-help-counties-impacted-by-red-tide/

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45288774

I chose to write about this subject because of a family friend who lives in Cape Coral, Florida, and he has been forced to move out of his home because of the toxic fumes in the air from the water. This is effecting many people and businesses, and something needs to be done to stop it before it gets worse.