On the same day that Florida House lawmakers’ committee voted to arm some teachers, a Georgia social studies teacher was arrested for bringing a gun to school, firing it, barricading himself and causing students to run to avoid being stuck and possibly killed. According to Dalton, Georgia police, the teacher, Randall Davidson will face charges of aggravated assault, carrying a weapon on school grounds, terroristic threats, reckless conduct, possession of gun during commission of a crime, and disrupting a public school. Following the Parkland, Florida school shooting that killed 17 persons, Donald Trump proposed that teachers should be provided with incentives to be armed with guns in the classroom. A Florida House committee responded to the Parkland school shootings by approving a bill that would raise the minimum age to buy any gun, require a three-day waiting period for rifle purchases and create a program that could allow some teachers to carry concealed weapons in the … [Read more...] about Ban the Assault Weapons Elephant in the Room
Archives for February 2018
Donald Trump is the Real “DISGRACEFUL” One
Donald Trump began his early morning tweeting on Wednesday by attacking Attorney General Jeff Sessions calling him “DISGRACEFUL” all caps. Trump tweeted: Donald J. TrumpVerified account @realDonaldTrump Why is A.G. Jeff Sessions asking the Inspector General to investigate potentially massive FISA abuse. Will take forever, has no prosecutorial power and already late with reports on Comey etc. Isn’t the I.G. an Obama guy? Why not use Justice Department lawyers? DISGRACEFUL! Apparently, Sessions’ latest Trump problem was doing what Trump requested but not doing it in the manner that Trump deemed appropriate. Trump asked for an investigation into any potential FISA and surveillance abuse. Sessions called on the Inspector General to investigate as the independent body that investigates those who enforce the law to make sure they are following the law. Apparently, according to Trump, calling on the appropriate agency to investigate was … [Read more...] about Donald Trump is the Real “DISGRACEFUL” One
Here’s How to Fix DACA and Gun Laws
In a significant blow to the Trump Administration, the Supreme Court denied, without comment, the administration’s request to leapfrog ahead the system to immediately appeal to the Supreme Court an adverse California federal court ruling on “DACA”- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Previously, a California federal judge denied the Trump administration’s order to immediately end DACA—stating that the Administration was enjoined nationwide from ending it. It thereby ensured that almost 700,000 DREAMers may continue to remain in the country—at least for a while longer. DACA is the program established by President Obama in 2012 which protects against deportation some of those who entered the country illegally as children. Trump sought to end the program in March, 2018. The current status of the case, in light of the court’s ruling, is the Trump administration must now go through the normal court route and appeal the ruling to the 9th circuit, which hears appeals from … [Read more...] about Here’s How to Fix DACA and Gun Laws
Missouri Governor Meets #MeToo and Ferguson Movements
In an interesting twist of the #MeToo and Ferguson movements, Missouri Governor Eric Greitens was indicted last week by a St. Louis grand jury on one felony charge of invasion of privacy stemming from a 2015 consensual extramarital affair but allegedly nonconsensual taking of nude photos for transmittal. Newly sworn in St. Louis City chief prosecutor Kimberly Gardner, the first Black to hold the position, expressed that St. Louis must have confidence in their political leaders. Kimberly Gardner was elected in 2017, in the aftermath of the Ferguson uprising of 2014 following the killing of Michael Brown. Upon being sworn in, Gardner stated that since the uprising of Ferguson, the public has a new expectation for the role of prosecutor. While the main focus of the #MeToo movement has been on sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the workplace, Greitens’ case fits within the larger picture of how powerful men sexually exploit women. If allegations are proven true, Governor … [Read more...] about Missouri Governor Meets #MeToo and Ferguson Movements
Celebrating Presidents Day with a Fake President in Office
With everything going on with the Russian interference with our November, 2016 presidential election, some question the legitimacy of the current person holding the title and office of president. On Friday, indictments were handed down against Russian individuals and entities for engaging in unlawful activities to undermine the 2016 election and to favor Donald Trump. It begs the question that if a person holding the office of president won the office through the influence by the Russians, is President’s day still a legitimate holiday in 2018. Monday, February 19, 2018 is President’s day. Most local, state and federal offices are closed. President’s day is celebrated on the third Monday of February. When I was in school, it was celebrated as Washington’s birthday in honor of our first president. It was changed throughout time to celebrate Presidents Washington and Lincoln and then all presidents including the present president in office. If Robert Mueller’s investigation … [Read more...] about Celebrating Presidents Day with a Fake President in Office
Why is it Easier to Kill Kids than Change Gun Laws?
Last Wednesday as I sat in a hospital family waiting room awaiting the surgical outcome for my brother, a breaking news alert flashed across the TV screen. Another school shooting had occurred. This time the shooter took aim in Parkland, Florida at Douglas High school-killing 17 persons including students, one teacher, wrestling coach and football coach. At first, I couldn’t bear to watch under my present circumstances at the time. As the day ended and the next day arrived, I saw students speaking out on TV about the shooting and their fervent plea for changes to our gun laws. Having once debated former NRA president David Keene on gun rights, I know the NRA opposes any restrictions which take away gun rights. However, I also know we need to prioritize life over death; people over profits; actions over silence; laws over prayers and kids over guns. While the second amendment grants the rights to bear arms, the Declaration of Independence states we are “endowed by their Creator … [Read more...] about Why is it Easier to Kill Kids than Change Gun Laws?