IMPORTANT PSA

We're losing our giraffes!!!!! According to CNN the giraffe population is decreasing. In 1985 there were 163,452 giraffes, not there's about 97,562! The most important species of on this planet is slowly dying out! They have moved from "least concerned" species to "vulnerable" species. This is a a serious matter. Imagine the Madagascar movies without Melman! Or the Lion King without the hundreds of giraffes in the opening scene, and later on in the number "I just can't wait to be king". We need to change our ways of living in order to let these animals strive! Giraffes aren't the only ones in danger. There's also elephants, orangutans, BEES, and so many more! Anthony Barnosky from the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve at Stanford University, says that in the next 20 years, we could be facing the "6th largest mass extinction event in the entire history of Earth". Like Dinosaur level extinction. So #GiraffeLivesMatter # SaveTheBees #SaveThePlanet

#SaveTheGiraffes

Leo's meeting Trump

 Leonardo Dicaprio met with President Elect Trump to discuss the climate, Dicaprio said, "We presented the President-elect and his advisors with a framework ... that details how to unleash a major economic revival across the United States that is centered on investments in sustainable infrastructure", and their conversation focused on creating secure jobs for Americans, and renewable energy. The meeting seemed to only add the mixed messages Trump has on the environment. In fact on the same day, Trump asked Scott Pruitt, Climate change denier, to head the EPA. Meaning there will be 0 progress towards creating a cleaner and safer environment. If so, we may actually be able to find Jack's body on the bottom of the ocean.

Ohio's "heartbeat" bill

  Lawmakers in Ohio have passed a "Heartbeat Bill" that will ban abortions after the heartbeat can be detected, which is usually in the first 6 weeks of a pregnancy. The bill won't allow abortions in cases of rape or incest. Former republican presidential candidate, John Kasich, has 10 days to decide if he wants to pass or veto the bill. If he signs the bill then, it will be put into action early next year. And if he doesn't do anything to the bill, it will automatically pass. The bill has created a lot of controversy, and if it were to pass, a court battle could occur. The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio has already said that they will press for court case. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives, and state reps approved it 56-39. Now we just have to vote for Kasich to sign it. I personally think that he will sign it, but I also thought Hillary was going to win the presidential election. Who knows what will happen.

Unemployment Rate Drops

 According to NPR, the US unemployment rate has dropped the most since 2007, from .3% to 4.6%. NPR says that ~4.6% is what economists consider "full employment". However, wages have dropped in the previous month when it was expected to increase, but on the US secured 178,000 new jobs last month. Economists are surprised by the unemployment drop, they expected it to stay steady at 4.9%. For feminists around the country, it's bad news. Because the majority of new jobs was given to males, increasing the employed male rate, the female and teenager rates remained the same.  Not fair right? It's 2016 where's the equality?

Trump Disregards the First Amendment

  Trump becomes our leader in approximately 50 days, and he's already targeting the First Amendment. He says that people who burn the American flag should be punished, either jailed, or "stripped of their citizenship". After hearing this statement, the media went wild. CNN is saying that he's using a similar tactic as his presidential campaign. Like when he said he was going to build a wall, and send all illegal immigrants home. He's embellishing his plans to get media and public attention. People are worried that Trump isn't aware of what limitations he will face once he's in office, or that he might even try to get rid of those limitations. Trumps tweet caught major flame, no pun intended, because it seemed like Trump was overlooking 2 past Supreme Court rulings that held flag burning is a form of free speech; a right that is defended by the First Amendment. CNN's senior legal analyst, Jeffrey Toobin, said, "It is pretty remarkable that the President-elect of the United States is calling for penalties, criminal penalties for protected speech". I would agree with Mr. Toobin, and I would hope that the majority of America would as well. Because essentially Trump is planning on deporting us for practicing something that is in our Constitution, aka the document our entire nation is based off of.

Trump 100 day plans

    In a video released on Monday, Trump enlightened the public on what it is he would like to do with America. He focused on things that he could only do with executive actions only, there wasn't a mention of a plan that would have to go through Congress first. He says he wants to withdraw from the "Trans-Pacific Partnership" and replace it with fair bilateral trade deals. Which will ruin Obama's goal to strengthen US influence in Asia, leaving the Western world's trade in 'disarray'. Trump says he will reduce environmental restrictions. He says he will "cancel job-killing restriction on the production of American energy, including shale energy and clean coal, and create  many millions of high-paying jobs." He said he'll investigate corrupted visa programs that undercut the American worker in hopes to end illegal immigration, and suspend immigration from terror problem regions. However there was no mention of "building a wall" in the video. Some would say that he lied to the American population during his campaign. others might say that the wall was really just a metaphor for a more secure border. The only person who really knows is Trump. But also does he really know? 

Dakota Pipeline

   The Dakota Access pipeline is an oil pipeline that would potentially run through the boarder of Canada in North Dakota, and go all the way southeast to Illinois. Geological surveys have shown that there is about 7.4 billion barrels of undiscovered oil. After completion the pipeline's goal is to shuttle about 470,000 barrels of oil every day. That can make up yo 374.3 million gallons of gasoline per day, which means gas prices could essentially go down. So what's the issue here? The Sioux Tribe. They have sued the US Army Corps because the pipeline threatens the Tribe's environment and economic well-being. They also say that the pipeline will destroy/damage historical, religious, and culturally significant sites of the Tribe. An advocacy group of the pipeline says that this claim is false and that the pipeline will not cross Sioux Tribe reservations. 100% of those affected by the construction have voluntarily signed to allow construction, not including the Tribe obviously. There's only one major con in the construction of this pipeline, and that's the destruction of sacred Tribal land. On the other hand there are a lot more benefits for the entire country. For example, the economy will grow tremendously, and we won't have to rely on foreign oil anymore. However I do think that we should respect the Sioux Tribe's wishes and try to come up with a better access point for oil.

Actress Shailene Woodley protesting at the Dakota Pipeline Site 

Formal vs Informal Senate Powers

Formal powers- Passing Bills, proposing bills,  power to declare war, coin money, raise an army/navy, regulate commerce, establish rules of immigration and naturalization and establish the federal courts and their jurisdictions.
Informal Powers-  power of persuasion, issue executive orders, issue signing statements, crease and use bureaucracy, personality and leadership and make legislative proposals.
How do you know?
Formal powers are powers that are explicitly stated in the Constitution.

Jeff Sessions

• When was Sessions first elected to the Senate? In what year did he most recently win reelection?  This means that his current term is up when?
• First elected in 1997, most recent re-election November 4, 2014. His current term will end in 2020. 
• What committees is he on? Include subcommittees.  What committees does he chair?
• Senate Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Airland, Subcommittee on SeaPower, Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, Subcommittee on Oversight, agency action, federal rights and courts, Senate committee on budget, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, Subcommittee on Fisheries, water and Wildlife, Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure
• Chairman of Strategic Forces and  Immigration and national interest, 
• Where does Sessions rank in terms of his seniority in the Senate? In terms of his seniority Republican?
• In terms of seniority as a Republican, he ranks at #9
• In the senate he's ranked at #18
• Who are his major donors? Any Huntsville donors? 
• McWane Inc, Parker Towing, Drummond Co, Maynard, Cooper & Gale, Smith's Inc
• No
•  What will happen to his Senate seat if he has to resign it? How will this process work?
• If Sessions is confirmed to be the Attorney General, there will be an interim replacement. The replacement will be chosen by the Alabama governor, and then a special election will be held to replace Sessions. 
• Which individuals are being discussed as potential replacements for Sessions?
• US Representative Robert Aderholt, Mo Brooks, State Senator Del Marsh, Senator Arthur Orr, Jim Byard Jr., US Representative Martha Roby, AL Attorney General Luther Strange, State Senator Cam Ward. 
• For what cabinet-level post has Sessions been nominated by president-elect Trump? What department would he head, and what is the job description for this position?
• He is nominated for the Attorney General from the US DoJ, the attorney general holds the power of attorney in representing a government in all legal matter. He can prosecute cases that involved the government and gives advice to the president and heads of the executive departments when needed. 
• Why might Sessions nomination generate controversy?
•  There's controversy around his nomination because he's been accused of racism. When Reagan was president he voted against appointing him. And he thought the KKK ok until he found out that they smoked pot. Spoke critically of Civil Rights legislation, basically he's a bad dude. 
• What will the Senate have to do in order for him to actually assume the post for which he has been nominated?
• They have to vote on it and confirm his position. 
• Find the individuals who served as Attorney General for Obama, Bush, and Clinton.What will the Senate have to do in order for him to actually assume the post for which he has been nominated?
• Obama 
• Loretta Lynch 
• Bush 
• Alberto Gonzales 
• Clinton 
• Janet Reno 

Hamilton Vs. Pence

   Friday night, Vice-President elect, Mike Pence, went to watch the hit Broadway musical, Hamilton. As the show ended, one of the cast members called out Pence, as he was exiting the show. Cast member Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr said the following:

       "You, know we have a guest in the audience this evening. Vice President elect Pence, I see you walking out but I hope you hear just a few more moments. There's nothing to boo, ladies and gentlemen. There's nothing to boo. We're all here sharing a story of love. We have a message for 

you sir, we hope that you will hear us out. 

      And I encourage everybody to pull out you phones and tweet and post because this message needs to be spread far and wide.

    Vice President-elect Pence, we welcome you and truly thank you for joining us here at Hamilton: An American Musical. We really do.

      We, sir, are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us: our planet, our children, our parents or defend us and uphold out inalienable rights, sir. But we truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of us. All of us.

     Thank you truly for seeing this show, this wonderful American story told by a diverse group of  men, women of different colors, creeds and orientation." (Hamilton, Twitter)

   In response to the viral videos, and various tweets about this confrontation, President Elect Donald Trump (Cringe), demanding that the cast of Hamilton apologize for their actions. He claims that Pence was harassed by the cast. He followed with this twee, " The theater must always be a safe and special place. The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize!" (Twitter). Trump didn't even acknowledge the concern the cast showed in their remarks. Simply ignoring the fact that the diverse population of America is genuinely terrified. Instead, he makes the cast of Hamilton look like the bad guys. The Washington Post reminds us that, "During his public career, Pence has been an outspoken opponent of equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens. In Congress, he opposed efforts to encourage foreign governments to decriminalize homosexuality and sought to block the repeal of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. As a governor, he stood against not only marriage equality, but civil unions as well. He also opposed a law prohibiting discrimination against LGBT people in the workplace and signed one opening the door to wide-ranging discrimination against these residents of his own state under the guise of religious liberty." The Hamilton cast was not wrong to do what they did, they were voicing the fears that many Americans have around the country. Lin Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton, tweeted Dixon and the rest of the Hamilton cast saying, "Proud of [Hamilton the musical]. Proud of Brandon Dixon, for leading with love. And proud to remind you that ALL are welcome at the theater." (Twitter).

Brandon Dixon enlightening Mike Pence 

Protesting Gone to Waste?

     Ever since we found out that Hillary won the popular vote, people have been furious. Riots and protests have broken out all over the country. Mostly in New York, Chicago, DC, and LA. Most protests are being held in front of Trump's hotels, blocking off multiple streets at a time. My friend in Chicago posted videos of her protesting in front of Trump Tower in downtown Chicago, along with hundreds of other people. They were chanting things like "ho ho, hey hey, Donald Trump has got to go", and the women would chant "its my body, my choice!" and the boys would respond with "It's her body, her choice!". Alot of people are also protesting against the electoral college; arguing that the peoples voices aren't being heard.As empowering and substantial these protests are, they aren't really accomplishing anything at all. We can't remove the Electoral College, and we can't remove Trump from the office with no reasoning at all. To get rid of the electoral college we would have to amend the Constitution, which would require a 2/3 majority vote, and ratified in 38 different states, highly unlikely to happen. So basically all the people who are out there protesting are wasting their breath. I do think it would be amazing to be a part of something so big and historical as these protests, but I know that I wouldn't really be accomplishing anything.

Protests in front of Trump Tower, Chicago 

2016 US Election (aka the end of an era)

   Yesterday was the United States general election. Meaning that the citizens of America voted for their next POTUS as well as their states' house and senate representatives. Last night was also the most embarrassing night in all of American history. I don't know how, but freaking Donald J. Trump won the presidential election. And I have never been so worried in my entire life. I honestly can't believe that America is so incredibly stupid. How could we let this happen?! We all thought this was a joke, no one thought he was seriously going to win. It's like the BREXIT of the United States. Trump won all of the critical states, like: Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin.... etc.  Clinton was doing so incredibly well in the polls, yet she lost with Trump exceeding the 270 necessary electoral votes. HOW!!??!?!?!? The senate races also occurred yesterday. I've been focused on the Pennsylvania race between Katie McGinty and incumbent Pat Toomey. In the early stages of the night, Katie was winning immensely, with polls showing that she had 61% of the votes, and at one point she even had 81% . But towards the end of the night she, as well as Clinton, lost Pennsylvania to the Republican nominee. It's going to be another 4 years of no gun control, pro- life, racism, police brutality etc. Everything that Obama has worked so hard for in the past 8 years will now be for nothing. Many people are saying that we have "taken 5 steps forward, but 10 steps back". I am genuinely terrified, I have cried, screamed, and just waited for this nightmare to be over.

Campaign Ad Done Right

   Jason Kander, democratic nominee for Missouri's senate race, released a campaign ad not too long ago. In the video, he appears blindfolded and assembles an AR-15 rifle, without messing up. The video went viral within days. Kander's message was clear; he supports the 2nd Amendment, but also thinks that there should be background checks for those who buy guns. His ad was very powerful in my opinion, because it showed that he knows how to use a gun, and he's been trained to know the inner workings of a gun. I would not be afraid if he held a gun in front of me. Which makes you realize that most of the people purchasing guns are not trained like Kander. Soldiers aren't the only ones buying guns, so there's people out there who don't know how to use their guns, and that can be so incredibly dangerous. Also Kander made a smart move in releasing such a viral video, because he just had to upload it once, and then the media took over. The media began talking about it, and putting it on all their platforms. All Kander had to do is release the video, and now he's talked about all over the country.

Jason Kander assembling a gun blindfolded 

Toomey

  As of Monday night, Pennsylvania Senator, Pat Toomey, is ahead of opponent, Katie McGinty. 44.3% to 42.3%. With the election one week away Toomey still has to reveal what his stance on Trump is. Many have asked Toomey, and he has often responded with a very vague statement. Neither confirming nor denying his endorsement. Toomey may be playing it smart though. He's being cautious of his supporters. He knows that if he says the wrong thing he will lose a handful of supporters. Which will cause him to lose his leading spot in the polls.

Pat Toomey

1st Amendment used incorrectly?

  A woman in Indiana used the "religious freedom" to defend herself  against beating her son. Thirty-year old Kihn Par Thaing, beat her seven year old son, leaving him with 36 "deep purple bruises across his back, arm, and thigh", according to the Washington Post. He had a visible mark on his ear the shape of a hook, which the court said was from being hit with a hanger. Her son's teacher said that when she went to pat him on the back, he flinched, which led to child services being called to the school. Thaing has been charged with "battery on a person less than 14 years old and neglect of a dependent," both being felonies, and is now on probation. In July, when the case was first brought to light, Thaing asked for the case to be dismissed. Her reasoning being that Indiana's religious freedom law protects her from being prosecuted. In the year that the "religious freedom" law has been enacted, this is the first case that has dealt with the safety of a child. Her attorney Greg Bowes, said that "her Christian beliefs were the “guiding values” that influenced her behavior when she punished her son". He also cited verses from Proverbs 23:13-14:"Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol". He also argued that the Indiana law says that parents can use "reasonable punishment necessary for their children's 'proper control, training, and education'". The prosecutor said that there was no way of determining what's reasonable punishment and what's not. This raises many questions, one of mine being, "when is it ok for the government to step into the religious beliefs of US citizens?". Because the first admendment states that US citizens have the freedom to practice their religion, and that's all Thaing was doing. Given that it wasn't an ideal way of practicing, but does the government really have the power to intervene? Because if they do intervene, wouldn't that be going against the Constitution? Maybe Thaing went about this the wrong way,  I mean child abuse is definitely punishable, but using religion as your excuse may not be the best way to get out of trouble.

Kin Park Thaing

Joe Walsh

 Joe Walsh, a republican radio show host and ex-house representative, says he's tweeted that he's voting for Trump, and if he doesn't win, then he's bringing out his musket. A concerned CNN reporter, Jake Tapper, asked what he meant by "bringing out his musket", and Walsh responded with saying said, "It means protesting. Participating in acts of civil disobedience. Doing what it takes to get our country back." (Twitter). Personally I think this is very worrisome, because when people express their thoughts through media platforms, such as twitter, viewers and followers don't know what is really going inside of the head of the tweeter. And even if the tweeter clarifies, there's no way of actually knowing if he/she means it or not. Based on what Walsh is saying, it seems like he will start a literal revolution if Hillary wins. He uses the term "civil disobedience", what even is that? Is he going to up to the White House, and serenade Hillary until she agrees to step down as President? Even though he says he's going to be civil about it, I highly doubt it. In a CNN interview last night, the reporter was asking about Walsh's various concerning tweets, and Walsh got very defensive about it. If he's getting so worked up about a few tweets, what's going to be his reaction if Hillary loses?

Joe Walsh 

Senator Races

Pat Toomey Vs. Katie McGinty- According the Huffington Post, as of last week Toomey was winning by 1.8%, but as of yesterday Katie McGinty is winning by .4%. So the results could go either way, it is still very up and down.

Jason Kander Vs Roy Blunt (Missouri)

  Since the most recent release of Jason Kander's campaign ad, media attention has been focused on the, very close, Missouri senate race. Missouri, a mostly red state for the past 5-7 years, has a population of 6 million (2014), and it's top industries are health care and social assistance, retail, advanced manufacturing, financial and professional services, and agriculture and bioscience.

   Democratic Candidate, Jason Kander, received his BA in political science from American University, and got his J.D form Georgetown law school. After getting his J.D, he became a military intelligence officer (2006-2007). He also taught Political Science at the University of Missouri-Kansas State. After he began his political career, starting off on the board of directors of Coro Kansas City. Then he was part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association. Then finally putting his Law degree to use, became part of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.  From 2009-2013 he was part of the Missouri state house, and during that period of time he served on the following committees: transportation and economic development, budget, downsizing state government, judiciary, homeland security, and joint committee on life science. He's a classic democrat. His campaign themes include: advocating for veterans and military families, supporting Missouri Businesses, fighting for the middle class, pushing for an open and honest government, and standing up for women. In the most recent fundraising quarter, Kander has out-raised his opponent, Roy Blunt, making it the second out of three quarters that he's raised more money than Blunt. In this 3rd quarter, Kander has received 23,000 new donors, 94% of those donations are $100 or less. In the last 20 months he's raised around 9.3 million dollars, according to news-leader. Kander has received $780,000 from the Missouri Democratic party. In addition, Ohio republican senator, Rob Portman, spent $1,4 million on behalf of Kander.

  Roy Blunt, the incumbent of this race, is the republican candidate. He received his bachelor's from Southwest Baptist University, and his master's from Missouri State University. From 1972 to 1984, he was a clerk for Greene County, Missouri, then from 1985 to 1992, he was Missouri's secretary of state. In 1992 he ran for governor, but lost to John Ashcroft. In 1993 he took a break from politics for a while. and became the president of Southwest Baptist Church from 1993 to 1996. In 1996 he returned to politics and became part of the US House of Representatives for the next 14 years. And finally from 2011 to present he's been the US Senator of Missouri, and is running again against Jason Kander. Based on his resume, Blunt would definitely be considered as a career politician. He's also the most Republican candidate you can imagine. He wants the government to stay out of running schools, and he wants absolute gun ownership, and private social security. He also wants to keep God in the public sphere, no "rights" to clean and water, stricter punishment to  reduce crime, maintain US sovereignty from UN, expand the military and never legalize marijuana. He doesn't want to legalize require hiring women and minorities, or expand Obamacare, or higher taxes on the wealthy, or prioritize green energy. He's Pro-Life, anti LGBTQ, anti-immigration, and for the war in Iraq. He raised a lot money in fundraising, about $14.4 million from 2011-2016, he's spent $10.4 million, and has $4 million on hand. His main contributors are the Crawford Group ($93,500), Goldman Sachs ($87,150), Monsanto Co ($72,550), Capital One Financial ($65,800), and Blackstone Group ($62,800). He's held fundraising events with George W. Bush and many dinners.

As of right October 25, Blunt is winning with 44.9% of the voted and Kander is behind with 40.5%. Hopefully Kander will pull through and win this election.

  

 The Grinch  

(aka Roy Blunt)

 Jason Kander 

                 
Fundraising/ Donations and education/career information found from Ballotpedia 

Russia be acting Sketchy

   Russia has asked if they can observe the US polling elections on Election Day, in at least 3 different states. If you ask me, this sounds hecka sketchy. What will they do with this information? It's Russia! Who knows what's going on in Putin's head. Thankfully America is smart(ish), and we have, so far, denied their request. However there have been other visitors from other countries observing the polls before, but you know, they weren't Russia. According to the Washington Post, US officials have been examining the efforts of the Kremlin interfering with the 2016 election. But Russia really wants this, in fact each state received letters from Alexander K. Kazharov,asking them "to let an officer of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Houston “be present (for a short period of time, when convenient)” at a voting station “with the goal of studying the US experience in organization of voting process” during the presidential election." (Washington Post). Who knows, this may be an innocent act, but also its RUSSIA, and I believe that they aren't to be trusted.

The Face of Someone Who Cannot be Trusted

(Vladimir Putin)

(Russia)

Rigged Debate?

  After last nights debate, Trump accused Hillary of having seen the debate questions prior to the debate. He provided no evidence but, according CNBC, he tweeted "Why didn't Hillary Clinton announce that she was inappropriately given the debate questions - she secretly used them! Crooked Hillary". Even though the moderator, Chris Wallace, said that he had chosen the topics himself, and had not shared them with any of the candidates. So maybe she didn't feel that the questions were inappropriate, because she was respecting the moderator and his questions. Which is something that doesn't come easily to Trump. He just needs to stop complaining and deal with the fact that he's not doing well.

Last Night's Presidential Debate 

Rigged or Not Rigged?

    Tonight during the debate, Trump's multiple accusations that the election is rigged was brought up, and Clinton took this as an advantage. She responded by mentioning the many times that Trump accused an organization to be rigged for example: The FBI, The Iowa Caucus, The Supreme Court, and my personal favorite the Emmy's.  Saying each of these organizations are rigged is like saying, my GPA is rigged, or the College Board is rigged because I'm not getting the ACT scores I want. The system isn't rigged... I'm just not doing the right work for the system to work in my favor. It's my fault. Just like it's Trump's fault that he didn't win an Emmy for his show, Celebrity Apprentice, or win the Iowa Caucus. How are you going to win if you're constantly yelling at people, or being rude to people. Hillary won tonight's debate... But obviously for Trump, it was rigged. 

American Horror Story

   During the last debate, Trump was asked if he would support the outcome of this election. He responded with, "I will tell you at the time"..."I will keep you in suspense", despite the fact that his running mate, Mike Pence, and daughter, Ivanka Trump said that he would accept the outcome of this election. CNN News reporters have said that this was Trump's biggest mistake during the debate, and that no presidential candidate has refused to accept the outcome. Which isn't a first for Donald, he is also the first candidate to withhold his tax returns from the public. Another mistake that Trump made is when he called Hillary a "nasty woman", only a few minutes after saying "no one respects woman more than I do"... Goes to show that he really is a hypocrite and the only way he can defend himself is by criticizing others, and saying that they're incorrect. Imagine him as president, sitting down with foreign officials, and every time he disagrees with someone he just yells "wrong". How presidential.

Clinton v Trump on Abortion

    During the most recent Presidential Debate, the candidates were asked about abortion. Clinton says she is pro life and supports Roe V Wade, even though in the past she said she didn't. She defended herself by saying that she didn't know that the organization looked at women's health in the later end of a pregnancy before following with the abortion. Trump replied with saying something along the lines of how they can just "rip the baby out" on the last day of a women's pregnancy, and how that was terrible. But what Hillary meant was that, the organization would go through abortions if the mother is at risk, and/or there is an issue with the fetus itself. After hearing Trumps comment, Clinton said that the "rhetoric" he used was unacceptable, and I would have to agree with her.

Oh Trump part 39050094891

   This election has taken a turn for the crazy. Footage of Trump saying derogatory things about women has been released. The election is apparently "rigged". Debates have seemed more like children arguing rather than sophisticated and professional. It's absolutely absurd, and it seems completely unreal.  I feel like Hillary doesn't even know how to talk to Trump anymore, because every time she does, he brings up the emails and how she and Obama created the war in Iraq and ISIS. Trump doesn't know how to have a respectful conversation, let alone how to be sophisticated. When he talks at his rallies, he demeans several races and people. Early in his campaign he insulted Chinese people, and in the recent video he talks about women in a truly disgusting way. Yet when asked about his words in the most recent debate, he says "No one respects women more than me". I don't understand how he can stand in front of the entire country and say things like that when there is clear evidence counteracting his statements. Another example is the Iraq war, he said he supported it on a TV interview with millions of viewers, yet he still denies it. And how does he defend himself? "Oh in a private conversation with someone, I told them I think the war is a bad idea." Wow Donald, you really convinced us. More recently, a participant of one of Trump's beauty pageants, came out to the public and exposed how Trump would just walk behind stage, with no regard to whether or not the girls back stage were dressed or not. His response to that was that the girl was lying and that she has no proof. Ok Trump but tbt to when you were i CNN and said "Before a show, I’ll go backstage and everyone’s getting dressed, and everything else, and you know, no men are anywhere, and I’m allowed to go in because I’m the owner of the pageant and therefore I’m inspecting it"..."You know, I’m inspecting because I want to make sure that everything is good"..."And you see these incredible looking women, and so, I sort of get away with things like that" First of all why would you brag about that on LIVE television?!? And second of all how can he deny that when there is direct proof? This man just befuddles me, and I have no way of sympathizing with his supporters, because he's just plain crazy

. 

Obama in a headdress??

  Obama says that America is making progress on Native American problems. We have done many things to improve their conditions, however we still have a lot to do. For example clean energy products, high-speed internet access investments, and protection of their lands by national monuments. Obama says "I've heard you. I have seen you. And I hope I've done right by you" (US News) to the people who were at the conference, most of which were from the 567 tribes that are federally recognized. Before beginning his speech Obama stopped to participate in a "traditional honoring ceremony" which included wearing a colorful robe and cone like hat. Obama described the ceremony as "a moving reminder of  the great friendships that we've developed".

Obama during the ceremony before his speech 

Child cries during city council meeting

   During the first City Council meeting since the Charlotte shooting, a young girl named Zianna Oliphant, delivered a speech. She said "It's a shame that our fathers and mothers are killed and we can't see them anymore" while crying, and "It's a shame that we have to go to their graveyard and bury them. And we have tears. We shouldn't have tears. We need our fathers and mothers to be by our side" (CNN). Protesters filled the City Hall during the meeting, while remaining peaceful and holding signs about Kieth Scott and Black Lives Matter. They didn't stand during the Pledge of Allegiance. They are frustrated about they way the government sees black people and how they are treated. Zianna says "I've been born and raised in Charlotte. And I never felt this way till now and I can't stand how we're treated. We are black people and we shouldn't have to feel like this. We shouldn't have to protest because y'all are treating us wrong. We do this because we need to and have rights."
The council meeting was held for the releasing of the police tapes that are being withheld from the public.

Zianna Oliphant 

FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

   Oh man last night during the first presidential debate of the 2016 Election, things got heated. I sat down and live streamed the event on my laptop with my pencil and notebook, ready to take notes. So Clinton started the debate by answering a question on job wages. She says that we should make the wealthy have more effect from taxes rather than the middle and lower class, and that the wealthy should help pay for the wages of the less wealthy. While Trump on the other hand immediately talked about the Mexicans, and how they are stealing our jobs. Then they were asked about child care, all Trump said that he agrees with Clinton on a lot of aspects of child care, only their numbers differ. Then on to trade, Clinton says that we need to have international trade because we're such a big part of the world. Trump says no because he believes that foreign countries are "piggy banking" off of America to better their countries. Then the proctor asks Trump about his tax returns, who says he will after his audit is complete. BUT THEN he says that once Hillary releases the 33,000 emails that she deleted, he will release his tax returns. Hillary in response says that maybe Trump is holding back from releasing his tax returns because he is afraid that it will expose him. For example, maybe he's not as rich as he says he is, or not as charitable, or the $650 million he owes to Wall Street and foreign banks will be revealed as well as the lack of payments towards federal taxes, troops, veterans, and school and health. She roasted him. The rest of the debate was a mess! Trump says our airports make us a third world country and Clinton is the reason for our national debt because of all of her "squandered plans". There were many accusations throughout the night and Clinton said that she was prepared for these, and that the viewers should go to her website and fact check everything. And then she referenced "the fact checkers" every time a crazy accusation was made. Clinton said Trump supported the war in Iraq, which he did not like, since he kept repeating "wrong". He tried defending himself, but didn't do a very convincing job in my opinion. RACISM!! When asked about the race issues, Trump mentioned the "Stop and Frisk" policy that was passed in New York and how successful it was. The proctor interrupted and said that "Stop and Frisk"was ruled unconstitutional because it was noticed as "racial profiling". To which Trump said something along the lines of "It's not racial profiling, they're just bad people". Basically the rest of the debate was Trump avoiding the questions being asked and talking about all of the endorsements he's gotten and how proud of them they are. Also he made a wild accusation of how Obama was to blame for the 4,000 killed in Chicago since his election. Trump says we need Law and Order in inner cities to end the police brutality, and Clinton say that we need to train our police so that they are ready for the various situations they will face. Trump also accused Clinton and Obama of creating a vacuum in Iraq that lead to the formation of ISIS, which is FALSE. Ok there's so much to talk about but not enough brain capacity to talk about it. But there's a lot more information on NPR, and the entire transcript of the debate is there, which also has fact checker along with it. It's really cool and you should check out.

Trump and Hillary going at it 

Charlotte shooting

   A video filmed by Rakeyia Scott, wife of the Charlotte shooting victim, Keith Scott, has caused an uproar from many Black Lives Matter protesters. In the video Keith Scott was in his car waiting to pick up his daughter, when the police confronted him. According to this Washington Post Article, the police were waiting for the arrest of someone else, but saw Keith sitting in his car with a marijuana joint, and a gun. In the video his wife is saying that he had just had a brain procedure and his medicine was making him loopy, but the police still continued to ask Mr. Scott to step out his vehicle. After a while you can hear the police officers repeatedly asking him to put the gun away, but his wife repeatedly says that he does not have a gun. Later you can hear 4 gunshots as the police fatally shoot down Keith Scott, even after the wife begs them not to. The public and most Black Lives Matter protesters are asking the police to release their video of the shooting, because in Mrs. Scott's video, it is unclear whether or not Keith Scott had a gun or not. The police have yet to release their video of the shooting, which has led to the speculation of whether or not they are editing the video to match their story. Protesters want the police to show "full transparency" of the incident, and the more the police withhold their video, the more suspicious everyone will be.

People protesting for the tapes to be released.

Gas Prices rise in the South East

   The Colonial Pipeline near Birmingham, Alabama, has experienced a leak according to this CNN article. About 250,000 gallons of oil has been spilled from the pipeline that provides gasoline for around 50 million people on the East Coast. The cause for the spill is unknown, but due to the shortage of gasoline, gas prices have gone up at least 30 cents, and some states (Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia) are declaring a state of emergency. North Carolina has experienced some "spotty" shortages, and they haven't had any stations close down. However, in the areas around Atlanta, Georgia, there have been a few stations that have had to close. But other than that, it doesn't seem to be an issue with severe outcomes.

Map of effected region

Trump's Tax Returns

   Trump has been keeping a lot of information relating his personal records from the public. Such as his medical records and tax returns. After many many months, Trump has finally released a letter from his doctor relating his health. But it doesn't seem like the public will be seeing his tax returns anytime soon. Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr. says that his father's tax returns are too distracting for the public according to this CNN article . He says "he's got a 12,000-page tax return that would create ... financial auditors out of every person in the country asking questions that would detract from (his father's) main message". Representative Steve King, a trump supporter, says that there would be different interpretations from everyone about Trump's tax return, and that he thinks it's a good idea that Trump is not releasing them. While Trump's opponent, Hillary Clinton, has released almost 40 years of tax returns.

Donald J. Trump

Another Shooting

   Yet another wrongful shooting has occurred in Columbus, Ohio, according to this CNN article. A 13-year old black boy, was a suspect in a robbery. He was in possession of a bebe gun that looked very similar to a gun that Columbus police use. When being arrested the boy, Tyree King, had pulled out the bebe gun, and the officer shot him, trying to defend himself. The gunshot ended up killing the child. Columbus Police Chief, Kim Jacobs, said that "This is the last thing that a police officer wants to do in their career. Unfortunately ... it becomes necessary at times to defend themselves,". She also informed the public that, the officer is being suspended for a week and he will have to meet with a psychiatrist before returning to duty. But it also depends on what is found from the investigation. In my opinion, I don't think he should be allowed to return to duty, because the police brutality is getting out of control. Too many police officers are getting away with murdering innocent black citizens. Even though in this case, the victim had a weapon that looked similar to a lethal weapon. The officer still should have made sure of the danger, before taking action.

 Columbus Police Chief, Kim Jacobs

Is Trump fit for president?

       Is Trump fit for presidency? Most people (hopefully) will say no. Events at a church in Flint, Michigan, will further prove that. In a video that can be found in this CNN article, shows Trump being interrupted by the pastor mid speech. You can hear her say "Mr. Trump, I invited you here to thank us for what we've done in Flint, not give a political speech.", followed by Trump attempting to talk about the successes of Flint. However, he was interrupted by heckling members of the audience. One lady asked about his discrimination against black tenants, and another brought to light that Trump had called black people lazy..  As a result Trump quickly ended his speech, and it seems like he had to leave out a majority of his speech, so that he could quickly exit off stage.
     Trump had started his speech by criticizing Mexico, and continued to focus on the negative manufacturing and outsourcing that Flint has suffered from. He never spoke about the actual steps the people of Flint did to fix their water problems, never thanked them either. Earlier this year, when Trump was asked about the situation in Flint, his answer was very vague. He said, that it's a shame that something like that is happening, and that it shouldn't be happening. He also said he didn't want to comment about it anymore and that "they've got a very difficult problem".
    Trump mainly focused on politics during his speech, being very inconsiderate to the people of  Flint, despite what they have done. Which why, in my opinion, Trump is not well fit for Commander in Chief of The United States. He only focuses on bashing his opponents, rarely talks about his policies, other than "building a wall", and he doesn't recognize the hard work that Americans do to better this country.

Trump in Flint, Michigan