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https://www.history.com/topics/recession

https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LNS14000000

https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupations-most-job-growth.htm

https://www.cbo.gov/publication/44995

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Who: Democrats, Republicans, Supreme Court
What: Democrats have called the GOP as hypocrites if they confirm a new Judge in an election year.
When: June 27, 2018
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: Back in 2016 republicans denied Obama’s nomination saying it was an election year.
How: Democratic Senator Sen Dianne called out Republicans on Twitter

Summary:

Democrats have called out Republicans for planning to elect a new judge in an election year. Back in 2016, Republicans denied Obama’s appointment saying that it was an election year and the people should have a say. Should republicans approve someone, it will be ironic from past claims. Democrats fear that a new conservative judge will make abortion illegal and tip court cases on the side of the conservatives. The announcement of Judge Kennedy’s retirement comes at a crucial time of political turmoil with the midterm election only 4 months away.

Reflection:

Republicans must be consistent here. It is the right thing to do and if they proceed with the nomination they will suffer huge backlash which I think is justifiable. A new judge could drastically change the political landscape and the people should have a say in such an event. I have also seen many people classify Kennedy’s announcement as “immoral” for giving this power to Trump but I think people should respect his decision.

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Who: Brandon Dassey
What: The Supreme Court will not hear his case
When: June 26, 2018
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: The court did not give a reason
How: Dassey’s legal team appealed to the Supreme court but they were denied

Summary: Brandon Dassey, who was found guilty of assisting in the murder of Teresa Hallbach, will not have his case heard by the supreme court. Dassey’s lawyers argue that Dassey was manipulated by police to self-incriminate himself. They state that at the time of interrogation when Dassey was 16, his parents were not present and that allowed the police officers to manipulate Dassey. To make things worse, the court did not give a reason as to why they refused to hear his case.

Reflection: I think the court made the wrong choice here. Lower courts found that Dassey’s confession was in fact involuntary and he at least deserves another chance to present his case. It is also strange that the court did not give a reason which is the least they could have done. He was also 16 at the time and a lower court determine Dassey is of “lower intellectual ability” which could have played a role in his confession.

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https://law.justia.com/cases/south-dakota/supreme-court/2013/26634.html

https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/431/471.html

https://www.oyez.org/cases/1986/85-993

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Who: Supreme Court, Online retailers
What: The supreme court ruled that online retailers must now collect taxes of all online purchases even if the retailer resides outside of the state
When: 6-21-18
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: Not charging taxes creates a disadvantage for local businesses and certain states like South Dakota are not able to generate enough tax revenue to fund projects

How: The court rule 5-4

Summary: The Supreme Court ruled that online stores must collect taxes must collect taxes even if out of state. Current law does not require vendors to collect taxes if the vendor’s physical presence is outside the state of the buyer. This ruling will level the playing field for small businesses who are at a disadvantage since the same products can be found online without a tax. This decision will also help states like South Dakota collect much needed tax revenue and fund education and healthcare. Many think this was a necessary change since online sales make up a huge portion of the economy.

Reflection: This ruling affects me because I buy a handful of things online. While I don’t like taxes, I do agree the change is needed to level the playing field. However new taxes could mean less revenue for big corporations and they may have to lay off workers. Online sales have only increased over the last couple years and regulation is necessary before it gets out of control.

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Who: Supreme Court
What: The supreme court ruled that police officers need a search warrant before accessing a suspect’s cell phone location data.
When: June 22, 2018
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: The court decided that searching a phones location record violates the 4th amendment
How: The court ruled 5-4

Summary

The supreme court has declared that law enforcement officials require a search warrant before accessing a cell phones location record. The decision comes after a man named Timothy v. Carpenter was tracked through his cell phone after police tied him to several robberies. However, the decision does not address the need of a warrant for other types of records. The decision represents a victory for privacy advocates.

Reflection

I agree with the Court’s ruling. In this digital age anything can be visible to anyone and law enforcement has even more power being able to track anyone through their cell phone device. Such practice violates the 4th amendment which protects against unreasonable searches. After major data leaks such with Facebook’s, people have expressed more concern over their digital privacy and this decision is one step forward.

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What: The United States has left the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
When: June 20, 2018

Where: New York City
Why: The U.S. claims the UNHRC is a cesspool of bias
How: The U.S. announced the decision yesterday

Summary:

The United States has left the United Nations Human Rights Council claiming it is a cesspool of bias. The decision also comes after UN criticism on Trump’s zero tolerance policy despite other countries in the council having a worse human rights record. Israel and the U.S. feel there is a strong bias against Israel and Israel has praised the move as an act against mockery and hypocrisy. Other countries like the UK and Australia have questioned the decision saying it is regrettable. Australia is also worried about this anti-Israel bias but says that the better option was to work from within. This is the latest international body the U.S. has left after withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accords and the Iran Nuclear Deal.

Reflection:

I can understand the United States' position on the matter. But I think the better move would have been to work from within as suggested by Australia. Human rights abuses are no small matter and United States’ influence as a global leader helps the cause. The current zero policy at the southern border also makes the U.S. look somewhat hypocritical but that cannot be compared to the actions of other countries such as Venezuela.

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Who: President Trump

What: Trump has downplayed Roe v. Wade in an interview with Fox News
When: July 1st, 2018
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: Abortion rights have become a huge concern for people in the United States and Trump’s stance has made him unpopular among many voters
How: He said abortion rights may be determined by individual states

Summary:

In an interview with Fox News president Trump downplayed Roe v. Wade by saying abortion rights will left to the individual states. With supreme court justice Kennedy’s retirement many pro-choice advocates fear a new conservative judge will make abortion illegal. During his campaign Trump stated that he expected Roe v. Wade to be overturned automatically if he could appoint 2 justices. Trump will appoint a new judge in the coming week in what could be a huge setback for women’s rights.

Reflection:

Roe v. Wade affects millions of women and is not something to be taken lightly. Democrats are currently pushing for nomination to occur until after the midterms. However, I think leaving the choice to individual states may not be a bad idea. If a woman’s state does not allow abortion then she could simply travel to another state that allows it. Right now, republicans control the senate which is troubling for many democrats. They hope to hold back the nomination until after midterms and prevent another conservative judge from taking a seat.

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https://www.dol.gov/

Department of Labor

https://www.commerce.gov/

Department of Commerce

Policy

Increase Investment into the U.S. to create jobs

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What: President Trump has asked the Pentagon to create a 6th military branch called Space Force
When: 6-18-18
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: Trump claims space is another war frontier and that a space force will be necessary in the future
How: He plans to create a 6th branch

Summary

President Trump has asked the Pentagon to create a 6th military branch called Space Force. This new branch would fall under the command of the Air Force. This new branch was proposed back in June and was added to a bill that passed the house. However, the branch did not make the final cut. The creation of the branch would be the first in 71 years.

Reflection

I think that right now is not the time to make a new branch. President Trump just met with Kim Jun Un to discuss denuclearization creating this new branch does not send a peaceful message to the world. Additionally, this would increase military spending which is already in record numbers. Instead, the government should fix potholes since it is their job not Domino’s. Furthermore, the country should fix the immigration problem first.

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Who: Republican Primaries Candidates

What: Republican Primaries have become a loyalty test for many voters
When: June 18, 2018
Where: Across the country
Why: Conservative voters supportive of President Trump have voted for the candidate that appears more supportive of him
How: Some candidates have spoken against Trump’s policies which can make them lose the election

Summary

Republican candidates have found out that going against Trump’s policies can prove costly in the primary elections. One example is Mark Sanford of South Carolina whose conservative voting record played a smaller role than his support of Trump. It is also to notice that Trump has good approval rating from his Republican Party. Some Republicans have criticized the ironic practices and values of Republicans such as Traditional family values, yet families are being separated at the border. Other Republicans fear that moderate voters will move over to the democrats. Whatever the case. many people feel that the Republican Party is now Trump’s party.

Reflection

I find it interesting and in a way scary that a single person can have so much influence in these elections. Conservative voters love President Trump but allowing him to swing their public opinion in such a way is not reasonable. People should be able to form their personal opinions on the issues that matter to the, and what the candidates think. Not some loyalty test. This will make voters focus on support of Trump rather than real issues.

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Who: Paul Ryan

What: Paul Ryan announced that the house would hold talks on immigration. This comes after democrats’ failure to achieve the required signatures to bring the issue to a vote.
When: June 12, 2018
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: The immigration issue has become a major talking point in U.S. politics and after negotiations Paul Ryan agreed to hold the talks
How: The house will consider two bills

Summary

Speaker of the house Paul Ryan has agreed to hold talks over immigration in the coming weeks. The announcement comes after democrats fell two signatures short of bringing DACA to a vote. A reason for the delay is that Paul Ryan feels the issues will divide the Republican party. However, Democrats argue that ignoring the issues will bring political turmoil. If congress does not solve the problem then DACA could be left at the hands of the supreme court.

Reflection

This is a good step forward after all the turmoil pertaining the issue. Dreamers and many other immigrants simply want to work and get an education. I hope the talks lead somewhere since the senate held talks back in February but little was solved. A persisting obstacle is the border wall which conservatives insists on including on the bill. It surprises me since the idea of a wall sounds irrational and ironic since they are praising Trump for his peacekeeping efforts in North Korea but it seems to be the opposite with our closest neighbors.

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Who: War Veterans
What: Senate approves expansion of private healthcare to veterans
When: May 17, 2018
Where: Veterans across the country
Why: Many believe veterans should be given free access to healthcare for serving our country
How: 51 billion dollars will be going to the new program

Summary:
The senate has approved a new 51 billion dollar plan to expand healthcare coverage to veterans. 5 billion of those are going to the Veterans Affairs agency but several VA officials say the money will quickly run out. The bill also calls for an evaluation of VA facilities and will close any failing facilities. Something to notice is that the VA agency remains without a leader and several veteran groups want the money to remain within the VA instead of private groups. The bill passed with a result of 347-70.

Reflection: I am surprised that such program was not implemented earlier since veterans risk their lives for our freedom. However, some people may not approve since the 50 billion are coming out of taxpayers' pockets. In addition some argue that healthcare should be accessible to everyone, a problem Obama tried to solve with Obamacare. I think the government should reduce military spending to fund welfare programs. Regardless, veterans deserve this for defending our country and this could be seen as a small step towards universal healthcare.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/16/politics/va-choice-veterans-vote-house/index.html   =)

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Who: State Representatives

What: The house approved a bill to cancel 15 billion dollars in spending
When: June 8, 2018
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: Republicans are looking to save money

Summary:

The house has approved a bill to cancel 15 billion dollars in spending at the request of president Trump. Some Democrats argue that the bill is a negative one since it cuts some funding for CHIP. Others are mocking the House for spending 2 trillion on tax cuts on the rich and putting what they refer to as a “band-aid” on a gaping wound. Despite the 15 billion dollars cut, this bill will only cut deficit spending by 1 billion in the coming decade.

Reflection:

In my opinion it is good thing that they are trying to save some money instead of spending it recklessly. However, cutting funding for CHIP does not sound so good since I have CHIP myself. Instead, the government should cut military spending since that takes up nearly half the budget. I also find interesting how this bill cuts the deficit by just one billion over the next ten years! This comes to show how much our government spends and we need do something about it.

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1) Small business capital formation Enhancement Act
2) Small business Credit Availability Act

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Who: House Republicans
What: Republican moderates threaten to side with Democrats if an agreement over DACA is not reaches
Where: Washington D.C.
When: June 11, 2018
Why: Moderates want a deal on DACA but conservative policies such as a border wall and n E-verify porgram have held back the deal.

Summary:

Republican moderates threaten to side with democrats who are 3 signatures short of bringing DACA to a vote. Conservatives want to implement the E-Verify system to check work eligibility in the United States. However, moderates argue that this could be an economic setback since immigrants provide a good portion of labor jobs. Conservatives also want a border wall which is a deal breaker for moderates. Another issue is a pathway to citizenship which conservatives oppose. The deadline to obtain the signatures is today June 12, 2018.

Reflection:

In my opinion, congress needs to bring this to a vote once and for all. The future of thousands of Dreamers rest in their hands and these people need answers. These people simply want to an education and succeed in the country they have lived in for so long. Additionally immigrants provide a good portion of labor in the United States Therefore E-verify could be a setback to U.S. economy.

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Who: House Republicans
What: Republicans in the House of Representatives are struggling to come to an agreement over immigration deal
When: 6-8-2018
Where: Washington D.C.
Why: Republicans disagree on Legal status for DREAMERS and want a border wall as part of the deal
How: Negotiations have been going on for some time now but representatives have failed to come to an agreement and consequently a bill to solve the issue.

Summary:
House Republicans are divided on a new immigration bill. The main talking points being legal status for Dreamers and a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. There is some hope however since the bill is being drafted according to Carlos Curbelo of Florida and there seems to be a growing consensus on Dreamers. Additionally, there is a plan for a merit-based visa policy rather than the current visa lottery that President Trump wants to eliminate. Other lawmakers want and end to the catch and release policy as part of the deal and moderate republicans want a path to citizenship in the deal.Talks over the bill will continue until June 25th.

Reflection:
It is unfortunate that congress is yet to come to an agreement. There are many young men and women who would love to get a college education but there dream is threatened by government's inaction. But there is some hope for the bill's policies. A merit-based visa system is far more favorable than the current lottery, however the fact the many republicans demand a border wall that will cost billions of dollars is a huge obstacle and unless other lawmakers find a way to please them,  the bill will go nowhere.

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3 sentences

1) I earned my black belt about a yer ago.
2) My favorite video game of all time is The Last Us.
3) I earned a 6 place trophy in my latest chess tournament with 4 wins out 5 games.

https://padlet.com/gerardo_vega12/y1hi99zczcs9 =)