Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Its not the end of the world yet. Trump might have a chance with his policies.




Are we still trying to stop global warming? During President elect Trumps campaign he claimed that climate change is a hoax and that he is committed to end the Clean Power Plan at the center of Emission Reduction system. He also promised a new beginning for the fossil fuel industry. Yes, the idea of international diplomacy will become more difficult as China and India process their energy policies as there is a possibility that the US will walk away from their commitments. Its very likely that the Trump Administration will dismiss the Clean Power Plan and the renege on the paris record. The least we can do is keep the nations nuclear plants online, continue tax incentives for wind and solar energy, and stays out of the way of the shale energy revolution. Trump wants to bring back coal jobs, but he might have to go in a different direction due to his on promoting natural gas and committing to energy independence. President Obamas cap and trade bill limited emissions that were higher than what they were told to be. The demise of The Clean Power Plan will not make that much of a difference. The transition from coal to gas will happen anyway. A study commissioned last December by the Environmental Defense Fund concluded that most states could comply “by relying exclusively on existing generation, investments already planned within each state and implementation of respective existing state policies.” Climate objectives could blend with Trumps goal of energy independence. The United States could pretty much become energy independent by 2040 — reducing its annual oil imports to 1 million barrels a day from 6 million in 2014 — as long as Washington sticks to current policies. The Trump administration only has to maintain the Obama administration’s CAFE standards, which require the average fuel economy of cars and light trucks. A recent analysis by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology concluded that the promises made in Paris would reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at the end of the century to 710 parts per million from 750. For this to work, the United States, as the dominant economic player, must play ball. The clock is ticking, but we still have some time.

  1. Do you believe that Trumps policies will work for a better America?
  2. Do you believe Climate Change should be addressed seriously?
  3. How do you think Trump will affect this issue in four years?
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/29/business/economy/trumps-climate-policies-may-work-out-in-the-planets-favor.html?smid=pl-share&_r=1

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Vote Recount Push Advances, but Reversing Trump’s Win Is Unlikely

Jill Stein, Presidential candidate for the Green party is raising money for the votes to be recounted in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania because she believes that the votes possibly could have been hacked or interfered with. Stein is demanding that the votes be counted by hand, but the elections commission rejected it and Stein said she would sue. Stein stated, “We would not want to be collaborating with the Clinton campaign on this.” However, Clinton will have her lawyers present at the recount, but will not be contributing any money towards it. 7 million dollars are needed to be raised for the recount to happen and 6.3 million has already been raised. Wisconsin needs to receive 3.5 million dollars for the recount and if they do, it will begin on Wednesday, finished on Dec 12th, certified on Dec 13th, and the Electoral College votes on Dec 19th.
In response to this, Mr. Trump’s spokesman, Jason Miller, said in an email that the “mere talk of a recount by someone who got less than 1%” — Ms. Stein — “is a joke.” Trump is calling this scam by the Green party, and is also accusing states such as California, Virginia and New Hampshire for voter fraud.

Do you think it is possible for this recount to reverse Trump’s win?
Do you support the vote recount?
Should Clinton help fund the vote recount?

Donald Trump Doesn't Know His First Amendment Rights

Article Link

Following president-elect, Donald Trump's tweet stating that he feels that people who burn the American flag should be severely punished or even have their citizenship revoked, people are becoming concerned with whether or not they believe that he will protect and preserve the rights set forth in the Constitution once he is inaugurated in January.
His tweet saying that he feels that those people should be punished not only shows that he does not know his First Amendment rights that protect his freedom of speech, but he also neglects many of the bizarre things he says against minorities, women, and other americans.
The Supreme Court has ruled that flag burners are constitutionally protected by the first amendment. On top of that, Supreme court has also made known that it is impossible to strip someone of their citizenship.
Some find his tweets to be meaningless. However, people must not neglect the fact that social media allows him to spread his thoughts and opinions to millions of people all over the world and that he will become one of the most powerful people in the country in January once he is inaugurated.

Discussion Questions:
- What do you think this tweet shows about Trump and how prepared or ready he is to become president?
- Do you think that Trump says bizarre things he may not really mean to gather more attention?
- Do you think that the people of our country should be concerned with the fact that he may not be familiar with all of the rights set forth in the Constitution?

Obamacare is probably toast - and a lot of poor, white Trump voters will get hurt by it

Image result for obamacare meme trump


Donald Trump has nominated Tom Price, a GOP representative and an Affordable Care Act critic, as his secretary for Heath and Human Services. Unlike many Republicans, Price at least has given a lot of thought to how to replace the Affordable Care Act. But Price's own plan would roll back the Medicaid expansion, a substantial amount of financial assistance for others getting coverage, and a fair part of regulation of the individual market. And therefore, most likely, a lot of the 20 million people who would lose coverage due to repeal will still be without coverage, and there will no longer be protections for those with bad medical conditions.

Essentially, conservatives want way less government spending and regulations designed to help poor and sick people, protect consumers, and enforce a minimal standard for coverage. So, they're willing to tolerate way lower standards in those areas, although some want conservative reforms to try to make very cheap coverage widely available. On the other hand, liberals think we should spend and regulate to point where the nation can move toward universal care and see expanded and improved coverage as part of a bigger effort to progress towards a higher minimum standard of living. Obviously, conservatives won the election, and they get to control the country. For better or for worse.

According to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index that demonstrates that a lot of poor and middle-class whites (who voted for Trump in disproportionate numbers) have benefited from Obamacare, meaning they're probably going to suffer from its repeal (and even its replacement with something that covers far fewer people).  The Index statistics from earlier this fall conveyed that generally, the national uninsured rate has plummeted to a new low of 10%, a drop of over six percentage points since the law went into effect, which alone is a huge achievement.But this drop is even more pronounced among whites. Gallup-Healthways says that among whites without a college degree who have household incomes of under $36,000, the uninsured rate has dropped from 25% in 2013 to 15% now (a drop of 10 percentage points). It's often noted that the law has disproportionately expanded coverage among African-Americans and Latinos, which is true, but it has also done so among poor whites.

It seems more likely that we'll see a substantial rollback of the progress toward universal health care we've seen in the past few years. News companies love to go to "Trump's America" to hear voters explain that Trump spoke more directly to their economic struggles than Democrats did. Maybe now we'll get more news coverage of those citizens of "Trump's America" who are set to lose their health care, too.
 http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/article/Obamacare-is-probably-toast-and-a-lot-of-poor-10642359.php

1. Do you agree with Trump's nomination of Tom Price as his secretary of Health and Human Services? Do you agree with Price's view on healthcare?
2. Are you more conservative or liberal when it comes to healthcare?
3. How do you think other countries view America now that Trump is our president-elect?

Trump falsely claims 'millions of people who voted illegally' cost him popular vote

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/27/politics/donald-trump-voter-fraud-popular-vote/index.html
Image result for trump falsely claims that illegal immigrants cost him his popular vote

Donald Trump claims that millions of people who voted illegally cost him popular vote, only because in Virginia, New Hampshire, and California Trump has said that it was, "serious voter fraud". In Wisconsin, Trump made the Green Party recount the popular vote and this has never been caused before until now. Just because of this one thing that he said he is making everyone second guess the electoral democracy as working probably and not being misuse. Donald has tweeted saying that, "...I won popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally" but yet again there is no real hard core evidence that states illegal voting. He could've gotten the idea of that by seeing stories on conspiracy websites. The Clinton campaign and White house checked and did not find anything wrong but they are still going to guarantee that the recounts are "fair to all sides". In 2012, Donald Trump tweeted, "the electoral college is a disaster for democracy" and four years later on November 15, 2016 he tweeted again saying, "the electoral college is actually genius and that it brings all states, including the smaller ones, into play. Campaigning is much different!" he tweeted that one week after the election day. It is really unexpected accusation for a president elect to make.


Discussion questions:
Why did Trump change his mind about the Electoral college? How is it genius all of a sudden?
Why Does he care about the Popular vote if he already won ?
How could he say 'millions of people who voted illegally' cost him popular vote if he doesn't have evidence to back it up?

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Donald Trump’s bogus claim that millions of people voted illegally for Hillary Clinton



https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2016/11/27/trumps-bogus-claim-that-millions-of-people-voted-illegally-for-hillary-clinton/

Soon-to be president Donald Trump said on Twitter that millions of people have voted for Hillary Clinton illegally. Clinton had won the popular vote by 2.2 million votes, which Trump claims to be BS and that he should have won the popular vote as well as the electoral college, which really matters in the election. Although many controversial rumors have been spreading to claim this true, there has been no direct evidence to support this. Conservative fraud specialist Gregg Phillips tweeting out that the election had been rigged and that the number of votes by non-citizen voters exceeded 3 million, as well as claiming other false statements such as Obamacare was "the biggest voter registration fraud scheme in the history of the world" because of the fact that it provided opportunities for voter registration.

What do you think about Trump's claim on that the election was "rigged"?
Why do you think that Trump would make a false statement like this?
How do these actions affect your outlook on Trump as a future president ?

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Trump Picks Nikki Haley and Betsy DeVos As First Women For Cabinet

Nikki Haley, left, and Betsy DeVos



Article Link

Regarding Trump's selections for his cabinet consisted of white, male individuals. However, Donald Trump has introduced the first two women in his administration. Trump selected South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley as the US's envoy to the United Nations and Betsy DeVos as the education secretary. Both women were former critics of Trump, naming him an "interloper," and Haley admitted she was "not a fan." Although Haley has been viewed as an influential political figure, many of her stances were not known at the time. Upon further research, she was described to be a "political heavyweight," and this assured diplomats that Trump is taking the UN seriously with his choice of ambassador. There is a relief among diplomats since Trump did not elect someone who would be perceived to be a person to downgrade the job of UN ambassador. Trump highly speaks of Haley, referring to her as "a proven deal maker... [and] a great leader representing us on the world stage." Haley is a woman representing a minority who supported Marco Rubio during the primaries and then Ted Cruz, and she attacked Trump's proposal to ban Muslim immigrants. Trump had called her views on immigration "weak" and an "embarrassment." Trump's election of DeVos was also believed to bring in a strong leader in education, despite the fact she supported Trump's rivals.

Discussion Questions:
1. Do you think Trump's election of women, one being a minority, is representative of change in his previously outspoken remarks?

2. Why do you think Trump elected people who have previously disagreed with his political views, and how will this affect his public image?

3. Why do you think Haley and DeVos agreed to join the cabinet despite somewhat conflicting views, and how do you think they will influence the nation?

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Syrian Children's Hospital Targeted by Airstrikes


A children’s hospital along with two other hospitals were targeted by Syrian and Russian warplanes in Syria. A spokesperson from the IDA said that the heavy bombardment forced the staff to evacuate all patients for safety. According to Aleppo’s health director, every hospital in the eastern part of the city has now been destroyed depriving some Syrians from the medical help they need. Families spent their days and nights in basements or bomb shelters for protection. The White Helmets team which rescues survivors and puts out fires said they were struggling to reach all bomb sites and help all those injured. Medical facilities are now moving underground to dwindle the chance of being targeted. A White House National Security Adviser Susan Rice warned the Syrian regime and its ally, Russia, that they will be held accountable for the bombings of hospitals in rebel-held portions of Aleppo. Donald Trump has numerously said that he is open to working with Assad and Russia, whose forces are currently heavily striking East Aleppo. His election has incited fear in many Syrians as they believe with his winning the presidency, the target on their country will only increase.

Do you believe that with this new election, Syria will face an increase in attacks?
Is it hypocritical for America to condemn the bombings by Russia even though we have continuously turned our back on Syria?
How could America intervene and help Syria?

Trump Nominates Jeff Sessions for Attorney General

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38027519
Donald Trump, right, with US Senator Jeff Sessions at Trump Tower, New York, 7 October 2016

Trump has nominated the conservative Jeff Sessions as the Attorney General of the US. Sessions was once nominated to be a federal judge in 1986 ,but the Senate didn't confirm him as a federal judge due to alleged racist remarks. Trump says that Sessions has one of the best legal minds in the world and is respected by many legal scholars. Sessions doesn't want a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and wants the wall between the border of the US and Mexico. Some Democratic senators are concerned with how Sessions will act with the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice.

Discussion Questions:
Do you think it is okay for someone who allegedly made racist comments be nominated as Attorney General of the US?

How will Sessions' Conservative mindset affect immigration to the US?

What laws do you think Sessions will see as the most important to enforce?


Thursday, November 17, 2016

Bernie Sanders: 'Maybe I Would Have Been Elected President'

Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/bernie-sanders-elected-president/story?id=43597187






      Bernie Sanders claims that he could've beat Donald Trump, who only won because 
America was "desperate and in despair, and not because they were racist. Sanders had 
high hopes in the election but ended up losing behind Trump and Hillary. Sanders slammed 
Trump on his racist beliefs: "I call on Mr. Trump to rescind the appointment he made of Mr. 
Bannon. A president of the United States should not have a racist by his side...Unacceptable." However, Bernie is giving Trump a shot at being president, and believing in him although they have many different beliefs. Sanders knows that he has made an impact on the election by stating: "My campaign brought millions of people into the political process, the overwhelming majority of whom ended up voting for Hillary Clinton." Bernie believes that the democratic party needs a change by hoping that the party is able to stand up to the powerful people who are destroying the middle class. If the democratic party isn't willing to stand up to the powerful and rich, Sanders believes " I don’t see much of a future for the Democratic Party." During his speech, Sanders exclaims that he knows majority of the citizens aren't racist, sexist, and homophobes, so Trump won't be able to pass racist policies.


Discussion Questions:
- Did Bernie Sanders really have a chance against Trump? How so?
- Did Sanders create a huge impact on the political world?
- What is your opinion on the Democratic Party standing up to the rich and powerful?
- Will Trump be able to pass racist policies now that he's president?

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Students Taking Part In Trump Protests




Image result for students at trump protests new york city


Days after Trump was elected president of the United States many were frustrated about how the election went down and felt that their voices were not heard. Many decided to go out and protest either violently or peacefully and that is what hundreds of students across the United States decided to do, many are unable to vote, but still proceed to have their voices heard. One very astounding case of these Protest was when History Teachers at a High School in New York City allowed their Students to skip their Classes and attend the Protests that were at Trump Tower. Many other High School Students decided to even travel to New York City to protest with other Students. Other Teachers at the High School objected the decision of letting the History Teachers allowing their Students to leave the School. Officials from the Department of Education told the press that the Students who did skip class on Tuesday will face punishment. 

Do you believe that Students should take part in protests such as these?
Do you think Students should be allowed to skip School to be apart of these protests? Why?
Do you believe that Students should be punished for speaking up? Why or Why not?

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/11/16/some-new-york-city-students-allowed-to-skip-class-to-join-in-trump-protests.html

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Is America Punitive


WE DON’T agree with President-elect Donald Trump on much, but we happen to share his view that the Obama administration overreached in trying to rewrite immigration law unilaterally. Still, tough enforcement is one thing; gratuitous cruelty is another. Mr. Trump would be straying squarely into the second category if his immigration crackdown targets youngsters whom Mr. Obama has shielded from deportation since 2012. Under that program, 750,000 undocumented immigrants and mainly teenagers and 20-somethings who grew up in America and graduated from U.S. high schools — have received work permits and Social Security cards. Most have jobs; they pay taxes, open bank accounts and, for the most part, live productive, law-abiding lives. It would serve no public policy purpose to pursue this cohort of young people, most of whom were brought to America as children by their parents, and are undocumented through no fault of their own. Half have relatives who are U.S. citizens; roughly a quarter have children who were born here.To round them up, or threaten them with deportation, would mean hounding families who have lived here for well over a decade. Most of the youngsters are as culturally American as their U.S.-born neighbors; many are building careers that will contribute to their communities. They make no secret of their immigration status or whereabouts, having registered openly with the government under the Obama administration’s program. For Mr. Trump to use that database to target them would be a mistake that would brand his new administration as callous and recast this country as America the Punitive. Mr. Trump’s worst instincts on immigration were underscored by news that a notorious hardliner, Kris Kobach, would serve on his transition team. Mr. Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state, has been behind countless crusades over the past decade, many of them thwarted in federal courts, to harass and intimidate immigrants. Mr. Kobach vowed Thursday that the Trump administration would build that “beautiful” wall, and there’s no doubt Mr. Trump has a mandate to do so. It would be a massive waste of money — a $15 billion to $25 billion project that would do nothing to stop visa over-stayers, who represent a third of undocumented immigrants, and relatively little to deter illegal border crossings, already near a 40-year low. No wall is impermeable, and more Mexicans have left the United States than entered since the Great Recession of 2008. And no, Mexico won’t pay for the wall.
Questions:

  1. Why does Mr. trump want to get rid of immigrants?
  2. Is America Punitive now?
  3. Are we anti feminist now that Donald Trump is a president?

Could Electoral College Elect Clinton?

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/could-electoral-college-elect-clinton/ar-AAklfwV?li=BBnbcA1&ocid=wispr


People are currently petitioning electoral candidates to change their to reflect popular vote of the last election rather than electoral college. This article analyzes whether that is legally possible and technically achievable. From a legal stand point of view the article states that other then having to pay a fine electoral candidates can change their votes without breaking the law. On the other hand in the whole history of the United States that has never been done and had never even been attempted. 

Question:

1) Can the electoral college elect Hilary Clinton on December 19th?

2) Why would the electoral college never allow this to happen?

3) Why would Obama and Clinton herself oppose such a move?




Trump: 'I'll take $1 salary as President'





http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2016/11/14/trump-i-ll-take-1-salary-as-president.html?via=desktop&source=copyurl
       







Donald Trump was elected President of the United States on Wednesday, November 9th, 2016. During an interview on the show "60 minutes", he said that he would not take the regular salary of $400,000 as president. "“I think I have to by law take $1, so I’ll take $1 a year." Trump said during the interview. Being a billionaire, it is true that he does not need the money anyway. However, it's still ideal for the president to take the money anyway.


1. What are some reason why Trump may not have taken the money?

2. What does this decision say about Trump?

3. Do you think Trump is trying to make a statement with this decision?

Monday, November 14, 2016

'Knife fight' as Trump builds an unconventional national security cabinet


WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 10:  President-elect Donald Trump walks from a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell at the U.S. Capitol November 10, 2016 in Washington, DC. Earlier in the day president-elect Trump met with U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House.  (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/14/politics/trump-shortlist-national-security-worldview/index.html

Trump is now deciding his cabinet, now that he has won the election of 2016. People are beginning to realize that President Trump's short list of possible role takers are all unconventional. Trump has come to a agreement with who will take key national security appointments. Sen. Jeff Sessions is now the leading contender for attorney general, and is in the mix for secretary of defense as well, say multiple sources with knowledge of the transition. On another note, retired Lt. General Ron Burgess, former director of the DIA, is a leading contender for director of national intelligence. Also retired General Michael Flynn is leading candidate for national security adviser. For the secretary of state it is possible that Rudy Giuliani may take the role. John Bolton is also in the circle of possibility of secretary of state. Also Senator jeff sessions is a possible candidate for attorney general or secretary of defense. Lastly Lt.Gen. Michael Flynn is a possible for national security adviser. The Knife fight is between these roles and people that Trump will choose for his cabinet of staff.

Why do you think Trump has such a short list of people for these key positions?

Why do you think this short list is unconventional?

Why do you think this is called a knife fight?




Friday, November 11, 2016

What does Trump Really Believe?



Trump believes the world is a "zero-sum place". Even his supporters have cautioned that his proposals should not be taken literally. Trump says he wants big tax cuts for businesses, and to rebuild the falling bridges and run down airports. These strategies don't seem to add up. The tax cuts he talks about, come right out of the Republican playbook. When experts look at his proposals, they can not "price"them because they are so vague, yet they can infer federal deficits will soar. Trump made a point to talk about the $20 trillion debt the US has in every debate. We have yet to see if this is the promise he will keep in his first year as president. One big topic he always talks about is making things; yet fails to mention the work that goes into that and the work Americans he plans to deport can do. All in all, Trump's proposals are vague and incoherent. It is hard to see a clear future with Trump as the new president.


Questions:
1. Do you think Trump will stay true to what he has been saying in the debates?

2. Do you think Trump will be an effective president?

3. Trump's statements/proposals often time don't add up. Do you think this will effect his ability to have a well run presidency? In other words, does he know what he is doing?


http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/10/us/politics/world-is-about-to-find-out-what-donald-trump-really-believes.html?ref=politics

Thursday, November 10, 2016

#CalExit gains more interest after Trump's election to president


http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/10/politics/calexit-donald-trump/index.html

After Donald Trump won the election, there has been an increased interest in California to secede from the United States. About 60% of Californian voters support Clinton and fear the future under Trump’s presidency, so the movement to constitutionally exit the US is attracting attention of many more people than before. Supporters are actually calling for a vote to be held about this proposal in 2019, hoping to see how many people in California support or oppose California being a state rather than a nation.
The “Yes California” campaign website states that "as the sixth largest economy in the world, California is more economically powerful than France and has a population larger than Poland,” implying that they believe California will be able to compete and possibly even thrive as its own entity rather than being part of the United States.
This secession is considered highly unlikely to actually happen, especially considering that similar instances of contemplating seceding have happened in other states as well and ultimately resulted in nothing happening. However, the idea is being rapidly spread through social media platforms and often protests as well.

  1. Looking at the statistics, do you think California could actually sustain itself as its own nation?
  2. What is your own opinion on #calexit? Should it be taken into more serious consideration or ignored?
  3. How do you feel about this reaction to Trump’s win from many people in California? Is it appropriate to the situation?


Donald J. Trump is the 45th President of the United States of America



The results are in, and Donald J. Trump has been elected 45th president of the United States of America. Many people are outraged and afraid of what this means for the country, on top of the house and the senate also being under Republican control. The future of the country is promised to be very different from the way it was before, in one way or another. After a dominating performance in the election, a man known for merely novelty had defeated a long time recognized politician, Senator Hillary Clinton. A year ago this would have been considered impossible, to some people it still is. Half of the country is on constant protest, saying phrases such as "not our president" and so on. Many people are afraid that all the diversity work this country has done to accepted each other will be reversed and that we will go backwards as a nation. Only the future holds the answer.


-Do you believe America's anxieties are deserved? Or are people overreacting
-Do you think Trump can change the minds of all those against him and show that he is a good president?
-What does the future look like when Trump gets officially sworn in in 2017?

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

White House Turns Red

As we fall deeper into the presidential election, our current president Obama is preparing to leave the white house. In doing so, in his departure he has invited one of the NBA leading teams, the Cavaliers, to come visit before facing the Washington Wizards.

The Cavs. will visit the White House on November 10, of this year. As Obama's has been the face of the black community within the nation for almost this past decade. The team had a few words regarding their position on that as he steps down:

"He's been a great role model, especially to African-American kids. What he did was something that you never thought could be possible. Being a black president, for me to be there when he's on his way out and his last term is ending, I think that's pretty significant as well." - Lebron James


"Having our first black president was a big thing for me and for my family and I know for a lot of others. "I know having a chance for these guys to see a black president in office is a big thing. It's a big deal. So, that's one of the reasons why I wanted it to be while he was still in office because you never know if it will ever happen again." - Tyronn Lue


Being a fan of basketball himself, Obama is as eager to once again be able to see one of his favorite teams. Giving him the opportunity to congratulate the Cavaliers on their recent win in the NBA Championships.

Questions:
  • How do you think Obama stepping down will affect the Black communities?
  • As a bay area local, how does it make you feel that our president favors our NBA Chap. rival?
  • Do you think that Lebron James is the greatest players within the NBA?
  • In the change of presidency, do you think that there will be ever another "goat" that could be live up to Obama term?

Monday, November 7, 2016

Presidential Election: The Day Before the Storm



It's the final day before the election and the two candidates, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, are racing to gain as many votes as they can. Currently, Clinton has the lead, but it's very small. This could be why Trump plans on visiting four states: Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire. Clinton, on the other hand, is planning to visit Michigan, who she lost against Bernie Sanders. However, she also has the support of current President Obama, who also plans to visit Michigan in order to convince them to vote for the Democratic party. Just yesterday, the FBI director came to a final decision regarding Clinton's private email server. The result was that Clinton will not be facing any charges. While many believed that the FBI director was doing investigating this in order to advantage a certain political party or candidate, President Obama denied this, stating his confidence in the director. 

1. If you could vote (or are voting tomorrow), who would you vote for and why? 
2. Do you think it's possible for Trump to win the election, concerning the fact that Clinton's current lead is small?
3. Do you think that the FBI's conclusion regarding Clinton's private email server will affect the outcome of the race tomorrow? Could this still affect people's views on Clinton's?

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Clinton as President...What would it be like?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hIFDaGs8l8

I'm trying to mix it up a little bit, so if you have the time, try watching the video linked above. It discusses how Hillary Clinton would govern, should she be elected. And with the election coming up soon, I'm sure everyone is curious to know what it might be like if she becomes our president. Of course- keep in mind this is from Vox, so it is going to be biased, and it is going to be opinionated. Venture on with that in mind.

One of the biggest things this reporter discusses is Clinton's abilities as a listener. He says that despite the public's view of her as a cold, calculating person, the people she has worked with always describe her as warm. They often cite listening as her greatest quality, and the reporter says that Clinton is extremely good at listening to what the people want, and going out and getting it done. And she's been successful, a lot. But the reporter also criticizes that Clinton doesn't always succeed. Whether if it's because she listens to the wrong people, or because she tries to please too many at once, sometimes her skill isn't always a gift. The reporter does praise, however, Clinton's willingness to compromise. In an interview she mentions the importance of continuously reaching out to others, even if they are your opponent.

Discussion Questions:

1. Many criticize Clinton for being wishy-washy. They say she changes her mind a lot (ie. she didn't support same sex marriage before, but now she does). However, is this actually a good thing because it reflects that she listens to the people and what they want? Or does it simply mean she's indecisive?

2. If you had to choose between the qualities of being a good speaker or being a good listener, which would you prefer in a president?

3. If Clinton becomes president, do you think that she'll do a good job?

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

US election daily dig: Starbucks to the rescue?

Article

Seeing Trump and Clinton are constantly attacking each other, Trump saying Clinton is a liar and going to start WWIII, and Clinton poking at Trump for his attitude towards women and also says he is going to start a war too. However, the nationally known chain, Starbucks, decided to switch their cups from their regular white cups to green as a symbol of unity for the nation during the election. The Starbucks's CEO stated, "During a divisive time in our county, Starbucks wanted to create a symbol of unity as a reminder of our shared values, and the need to be good to each other." However, many Starbucks lovers have been outraged over the green cups because this time of year the cups are normally red to symbolize the holidays, but since then Starbucks has stated the red cups will come back later this month after the election. 

Discussion Questions:
1) Do you think the green cups will help the country unite the nation behind the winning candidate in next week's election?
2) Was this a creative idea that actually worked?
3) Do you think it was fair for Starbucks lovers to get upset over the green cups?

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Clinton, Trump All but Tied as Enthusiasm Dips for Democratic Candidate


Due to the FBI's renewal of their investigation on Clinton's Emails, her polls have dropped. Now she is one point down on Donald Trump. Donald Trump has 46% of the likely voters while Clinton hold 45%. As of Friday, Trump is up 8 points on Hillary Clinton in the share of voters who are very enthusiastic about their choice, 53% for Trump and 45% for Clinton. Strong enthusiasm for Clinton has lost 7 points since the renewed controversy over her use of a private email server while secretary of state. As for Trump, his strong enthusiasm has stayed strong since mid October

1) How is this scandal going to impact the election? 
2) Is Hillary in the wrong for using private email servers while secretary of the state?

The FBI keeps showing up in this election





The FBI keeps digging into the hole of politics. They wont stop until they find someone suspicious they have found themselves back in the scandal of Hillary Clinton's deleted emails. The FBI also released files of their probe from 2001 into Bill Clinton's pardon of fugitive financier Marc Rich. The FBI tried to make it clear that there was no political motive around the sudden release of files. "These materials became available for release and were posted automatically and electronically to the FBI's public reading room in accordance with the law and established procedures," the statement said. Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon question the timing of the release of the files nearly 16 years after his terms, but only seven days before the election involving his wife.

1) Do you think the FBI is working against Hillary Clinton?
2) What do you think their intentions were with releasing Bill Clintons files seven days before the election his wife is involved in?
3) Do you think the FBI is abusing their powers or simply using it to publicize old files as history?