"Senators To Pentagon: Add Nondiscrimination Protections For Gays, Lesbians Now"
A letter sent to the defense secretary signed by 22 democratic and one republican senator asking that action be taken to add nondiscrimination protections for gays and lesbians. The letter strongly urged defense secretary Carter to update the equal employment opportunity in all service branches to“prevent discrimination, harassment, or intimidation of service members based on sexual orientation.”
This relates to our government class because it discusses the federal government's rules and regulations, it also discusses advancements in political equality. I completely support this potential protection. I think it's past time for these measures to be taken but i feel they should expand it to cover LGBTQ+ instead of just gays and lesbians.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Blog Post #13
"Rand Paul Blames 'Lack of Fathers' for Baltimore Protests"
Republican Senator Rand Paul made a statement on the protests of Freddie Gray's death, saying the "lack of fathers" was to blame. He mentioned he had come through the city on a train and was thankful they didn't stop. The 2016 candidate grouped the looting and protesting together describing it as moral issues of "thuggery and thievery". The article also provided links to statistics showing that the stereotype of black fathers being absent is just that, a stereotype. He also stated that he fully supported the Baltimore police.
This relates to our government class because it discusses the 2016 presidential campaign, and how the candidates opinions effect their campaigns. I had planned on looking for statistics to fight the "absent father" stereotype, but was pleasantly surprised to see the article provided them. Since the beginning of his campaign, I haven't been a fan of Rand Paul, his environmental policies are lacking and he seems to have no concern over unequal pay or the rising college prices, despite targeting the American youth in his campaign. I think the statement he made was very racist, and that a candidate in 2015 should know better than to mindlessly trust stereotypes. I think this will definitely hurt his campaign and cause loss of support from the African American community and from those supportive of racial equality.
Republican Senator Rand Paul made a statement on the protests of Freddie Gray's death, saying the "lack of fathers" was to blame. He mentioned he had come through the city on a train and was thankful they didn't stop. The 2016 candidate grouped the looting and protesting together describing it as moral issues of "thuggery and thievery". The article also provided links to statistics showing that the stereotype of black fathers being absent is just that, a stereotype. He also stated that he fully supported the Baltimore police.
This relates to our government class because it discusses the 2016 presidential campaign, and how the candidates opinions effect their campaigns. I had planned on looking for statistics to fight the "absent father" stereotype, but was pleasantly surprised to see the article provided them. Since the beginning of his campaign, I haven't been a fan of Rand Paul, his environmental policies are lacking and he seems to have no concern over unequal pay or the rising college prices, despite targeting the American youth in his campaign. I think the statement he made was very racist, and that a candidate in 2015 should know better than to mindlessly trust stereotypes. I think this will definitely hurt his campaign and cause loss of support from the African American community and from those supportive of racial equality.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Blog Post #12
"Senate Makes History by Confirming Loretta Lynch as U.S. Attorney General"
As prior Attorney General Eric Holder resigns, Loretta Lynch has been confirmed the new Attorney General. Lynch is the first African-American woman to hold this position. This was only achieved by extensive delay due to GOP. The Republican party has many criticisms against Lynch, mostly focusing on her views on immigration. She was confirmed 56 to 43, in addition to all Democrats 10 republicans gave her their vote. Ted Cruz was the only one to not vote but was one of her harshest critics, declaring her unfit for the job. Senator Claire McCaskill made a comment on GOP's response to Lynch saying "What my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are saying is, it doesn't matter if you're qualified... We have a new test: You must disagree with the president who nominates you" and added that "It is beyond depressing".
This relates to our Government class because it discusses executive positions, political party relations, and is a win for minority and women's advancement in politics. I'm very happy Lynch was elected, I think even if you don't agree with her policies, you'd have to agree that this was important to racial/gender equality. I have high hopes and am looking forward to her time in office.
As prior Attorney General Eric Holder resigns, Loretta Lynch has been confirmed the new Attorney General. Lynch is the first African-American woman to hold this position. This was only achieved by extensive delay due to GOP. The Republican party has many criticisms against Lynch, mostly focusing on her views on immigration. She was confirmed 56 to 43, in addition to all Democrats 10 republicans gave her their vote. Ted Cruz was the only one to not vote but was one of her harshest critics, declaring her unfit for the job. Senator Claire McCaskill made a comment on GOP's response to Lynch saying "What my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are saying is, it doesn't matter if you're qualified... We have a new test: You must disagree with the president who nominates you" and added that "It is beyond depressing".
This relates to our Government class because it discusses executive positions, political party relations, and is a win for minority and women's advancement in politics. I'm very happy Lynch was elected, I think even if you don't agree with her policies, you'd have to agree that this was important to racial/gender equality. I have high hopes and am looking forward to her time in office.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Blog Post #11
Chris Christie on 2016: "My wife and I have not made this decision yet"
The infamous Chris Christie has made a statement in an interview with the Today show that he's considering running in the 2016 election. He stated that "It is absolutely the truth that Mary Pat and I have not made this decision yet." He's considering the impact it would have on his marriage and children, along with the fact that he doesn't know if it's the best position for him. If he were to run, it would obviously be difficult for him considering his "traffic scandal". He also made a statement on Clinton saying that she needed to "earn" the Democratic nomination because people are very critical of them.
This relates to our Government class because it discusses the executive branch, the process of running for president, and the effect of the media. I think running for president would not be in Christie's favor. If the email scandal was so detrimental to the progression of Clinton's campaign, then the traffic scandal would be devastating for Christie. I honestly don't know if he would've been an effective leader for our nation but either way, he'd never make it because of all the negative publicity.
The infamous Chris Christie has made a statement in an interview with the Today show that he's considering running in the 2016 election. He stated that "It is absolutely the truth that Mary Pat and I have not made this decision yet." He's considering the impact it would have on his marriage and children, along with the fact that he doesn't know if it's the best position for him. If he were to run, it would obviously be difficult for him considering his "traffic scandal". He also made a statement on Clinton saying that she needed to "earn" the Democratic nomination because people are very critical of them.
This relates to our Government class because it discusses the executive branch, the process of running for president, and the effect of the media. I think running for president would not be in Christie's favor. If the email scandal was so detrimental to the progression of Clinton's campaign, then the traffic scandal would be devastating for Christie. I honestly don't know if he would've been an effective leader for our nation but either way, he'd never make it because of all the negative publicity.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Blog Post #10
"Video Shows Officer Michael Slager Shooting Unarmed Black Man In the Back In South Carolina"
Tuesday morning in Charleston, SC officer Michael Slagger shot and killed Walter Scott. A passerby recorded the whole event on his phone. Slagger shot Scott eight times in the back as he attempted to run from the officer. It isn't clear if he died immediately or not as no one checked his pulse or attempted CPR despite the officers claims of checking (the video shows contradicts many of the things the officer reported). The confrontation began when Wilson was pulled over for a busted tail light, Scott then fled by foot because of family court related warrants and was chased into a lot where he was then tasered and shot. The cop claimed he "felt threatened" to justify his actions.
This relates to Government because it discusses the corruption of our legal system and our local and federal governments response to the continuing discrimination of the African-American community. This was obviously a discriminatory act. It's sad how often events very similar to this happen and that the word of the police officer isn't being taken in this case only because there's a video proving he completely lied about what happened. Nearly everything the officer reported happening is contradicted in the video such as his claims of performing CPR and firing because he "feared for his life" when Scott supposedly stole his taser from him. In addition to him lying in his report, he planted what appears to be the taser or possibly a gun beside Scotts body, it still has not been confirmed which it was. Police Brutality and discrimination is inexcusable and measures need to be taken ro prevent this needless discriminatory violence. There are more black citizens in Canada than in Missouri alone only one black person was killed by police last year in Canada, if they can have such low rates why can't we? African Americans are 3x more likely to be killed by police than whites are. There's a problem with these statistics and something needs to change
source:x
Tuesday morning in Charleston, SC officer Michael Slagger shot and killed Walter Scott. A passerby recorded the whole event on his phone. Slagger shot Scott eight times in the back as he attempted to run from the officer. It isn't clear if he died immediately or not as no one checked his pulse or attempted CPR despite the officers claims of checking (the video shows contradicts many of the things the officer reported). The confrontation began when Wilson was pulled over for a busted tail light, Scott then fled by foot because of family court related warrants and was chased into a lot where he was then tasered and shot. The cop claimed he "felt threatened" to justify his actions.
This relates to Government because it discusses the corruption of our legal system and our local and federal governments response to the continuing discrimination of the African-American community. This was obviously a discriminatory act. It's sad how often events very similar to this happen and that the word of the police officer isn't being taken in this case only because there's a video proving he completely lied about what happened. Nearly everything the officer reported happening is contradicted in the video such as his claims of performing CPR and firing because he "feared for his life" when Scott supposedly stole his taser from him. In addition to him lying in his report, he planted what appears to be the taser or possibly a gun beside Scotts body, it still has not been confirmed which it was. Police Brutality and discrimination is inexcusable and measures need to be taken ro prevent this needless discriminatory violence. There are more black citizens in Canada than in Missouri alone only one black person was killed by police last year in Canada, if they can have such low rates why can't we? African Americans are 3x more likely to be killed by police than whites are. There's a problem with these statistics and something needs to change
source:x
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Blog Post #9
"Family Wants Action After 25-Year-Old in Maserati Shot, Killed by Police"
On March 24th in Cobb County, Georgia, new father Nicholas Thomas was shot and killed by local police officers. The police reported that they "feared for their lives" which lead them to open fire on Thomas, the man they were trying to serve a traffic warrant on. Police reported that they went to arrest Thomas but he tried to run them over, so their only option was to kill him. An interview with the salesclerk of the tire shop the incident took place in front of says differently. She reported that "The car was not moving when they began to shoot at him. The car had been stopped, he hit the curb and could not go any further" and when asked "So no point in making any aggressive moves?" she replied "None, none at all, they immediately opened fire on him".
This relates to our government class because it shows the continuing discrimination against African-Americans and our local and federal government's response (or lack of) to it. I think it's very obvious that this was an act of discrimination, especially considering the sales persons report.. The officers reported that they "feared for their lives" because they thought that Thomas was going to hit them with his vehicle. This was obviously said to make Thomas appear to be the criminal in the situation. If what the police officers had said was true, why were the bullet holes all on the side of the car, with not one in the front window? The officers reported that he was driving towards them, so wouldn't they have shot from the front? Every 28 hours, a P.O.C. is killed by police officers, I think it's ridiculous that people still hold on to the claims that racial bias has nothing to do with these shootings. But as always, even with undeniable evidence, the officers won't be charged for their crimes and the media along with a large majority of the public will continue to insist racism ended with slavery.
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/police-scene-shooting-cobb-county/nkddF/
On March 24th in Cobb County, Georgia, new father Nicholas Thomas was shot and killed by local police officers. The police reported that they "feared for their lives" which lead them to open fire on Thomas, the man they were trying to serve a traffic warrant on. Police reported that they went to arrest Thomas but he tried to run them over, so their only option was to kill him. An interview with the salesclerk of the tire shop the incident took place in front of says differently. She reported that "The car was not moving when they began to shoot at him. The car had been stopped, he hit the curb and could not go any further" and when asked "So no point in making any aggressive moves?" she replied "None, none at all, they immediately opened fire on him".
This relates to our government class because it shows the continuing discrimination against African-Americans and our local and federal government's response (or lack of) to it. I think it's very obvious that this was an act of discrimination, especially considering the sales persons report.. The officers reported that they "feared for their lives" because they thought that Thomas was going to hit them with his vehicle. This was obviously said to make Thomas appear to be the criminal in the situation. If what the police officers had said was true, why were the bullet holes all on the side of the car, with not one in the front window? The officers reported that he was driving towards them, so wouldn't they have shot from the front? Every 28 hours, a P.O.C. is killed by police officers, I think it's ridiculous that people still hold on to the claims that racial bias has nothing to do with these shootings. But as always, even with undeniable evidence, the officers won't be charged for their crimes and the media along with a large majority of the public will continue to insist racism ended with slavery.
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/police-scene-shooting-cobb-county/nkddF/
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Blog Post #8
"Obama: Maybe it's Time for Mandatory Voting"
When asked how to offset the influence of big money in politics, Obama suggested making voting mandatory. He explained that a majority of non-voters are American youth, uneducated, and or minorities. He suggested that this "would counteract money more than anything". Aside from the impact it would have on big money in politics, our country has one of the lowest voter turn outs, less then 27%. The article mentions it could have cons but doesn't really specify.
This relates to government because it involves executive powers and our right to vote (or not vote). I don't know if our government actually has the power to make voting mandatory because it isn't really specified in any amendments. I also think that it's not really too far-fetched, there would be many benefits like a stronger voice for minorities and youth, and more political involvement from everyday citizens. Only 37% of eligible voters actually vote every year and i think we would have a much different turn out if all eligible voters participated, so I would have to say i agree with this idea.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/19/politics/obama-mandatory-voting/index.html
When asked how to offset the influence of big money in politics, Obama suggested making voting mandatory. He explained that a majority of non-voters are American youth, uneducated, and or minorities. He suggested that this "would counteract money more than anything". Aside from the impact it would have on big money in politics, our country has one of the lowest voter turn outs, less then 27%. The article mentions it could have cons but doesn't really specify.
This relates to government because it involves executive powers and our right to vote (or not vote). I don't know if our government actually has the power to make voting mandatory because it isn't really specified in any amendments. I also think that it's not really too far-fetched, there would be many benefits like a stronger voice for minorities and youth, and more political involvement from everyday citizens. Only 37% of eligible voters actually vote every year and i think we would have a much different turn out if all eligible voters participated, so I would have to say i agree with this idea.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/19/politics/obama-mandatory-voting/index.html
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