Rand Paul: The GOP's brand 'sucks'

Due to the increased party polarization, many voters are jumping ship from the Democrat and Republican Party's. The GOP seems to have picked up on this trend, and is now making strives to cater to more of the American voters. Hopefully, this will beigin the process to bringing these two party together.

Justice for Edward Snowden

This is an opinionated article about Edward Snowden and how he should be given clemency by the U.S government. Most of us know Snowden, he leaked information of what the NSA was doing, they were gathering the American peoples personal information. Snowden did break the law but he also went against what the government wanted him to do by giving information to the American people he thought they should know. Do you think Snowden should be let back in the country? Or do you think we should put him in jail for breaking the law?

Controversial Patriot Act power now overwhelmingly used in drug investigations

This article discuses the patriot act. The patriot act was put in to place after 9/11 to stop terrorism in our country. There are many things in the patriot act but one thing is allowing law enforcement to search with no warrant needed. This article discusses how law enforcement can conduct searches without the person knowing. What do you think? Is the act keeping us safe or is it giving to much power to law enforcement.

Martin O’Malley, a Hillary Clinton Loyalist, Is Now a Potential 2016 Alternative

Martin O'Malley is arising as a possible challenger for the Democratic presidential nomination. He is campaigning hard, but refuses to directly comment on any of Hilary's policy. Some believe his economic policy is an area of concern, while others believe that his age will make it hard for him to mobilize the younger vote. What do you think about this possible nominee?

A New Push to Get Low-Income Students Through College

At this time, many extremely well qualified low income students do not have any way to make their way into a top notch college or university. An organization by the name of Bloomberg Philanthropies (connected to Mayor Bloomberg) has just unveiled a set of goals that will hopefully guide low income students into college. Within the next five years, the coalition wants to ensure one half of the students that occupy the bottom half of the income bracket make it to college.

Ahead of 2016, Immigration Activists Want Answers From Clinton

Many frustrated Latinos have begun to peg Hillary Clinton for answers on whether or not she supports immigrant families. Clinton has claimed to support immigration change, but some of her actions make that claim questionable. By mobilizing ahead of time, Latinos put the pressure on Hillary to commit to immigration change or lose critical Latino votes. How do you feel about illegal immigration? Do you think Hillary genuinely supports immigrants or claims to simply for the votes?

White House Presses States To End Ebola Quarantine: Report

The Obama administration is pressing for states to end the mandatory quarantine of health care workers who have worked with Ebola patients. Many federal officials, top health care workers, and citizens are in favor of a voluntary quarantine, but feel that the mandatory quarantine is too strict, and could cause health care workers to be unwilling to travel to Africa to help stop the spread of Ebola. Do you think there should be a mandatory quarantine of all health care workers who have worked with Ebola patients?

Political TV Ads Can Be Wasteful. But That Is Changing.

No matter what you are watching on TV these days you are sure to see a political commercial or two. But how affective are they? According to recent studies they are getting more and more influential. The main problem with these ads is that the politicians are not sure how to exactly work them. Questions like how much money to spend?, what channels and networks to air on?, and if it is even worth it? are frequently asked. The TV ads are staring to become more and more popular though.  What are your thoughts on this method of campaigning? Does it have an affect on you when you see one of these commercials?      

Unions Want Better Safety Standards in Response to Ebola

This article is about how unions including the AFL-CIO want better national safety standards for workers who could be exposed to Ebola. Other unions have already said that hospitals are poorly equipped to handle Ebola and the president of the AFL-CIO has sent letters to Congress and the White House demanding that they take action to protect workers from Ebola.

Enviormental Issues Become a Force in Political Advertising

As election day gets closer and closer we will continue to see more and more political advertisements. Something different about this year from years past though is that we will see more pertaining to the environment this year. Studies have shown that there have been 125,000 commercials highlighting the environment this election season. The change clearly shows that politicians believe the American people care more about the environment then they have in past years. The politicians believe it is the key to winning votes. Do you feel this way? And as a voter, or future voter, how high is the environment on your list of concerns? Are politicians smart to be putting this much money and time into this issue?     

In Raising Immigration, GOP Risks Backlash After Election

This article talks about the efforts of Republicans running for the Senate to bring up immigration in their campaigns to rally the conservative base. Some within the party are questioning the wisdom of bringing up immigration as they look toward long term immigration overhaul and the 2016 presidential election.

Environment and Energy Rise to the Top of Political Issues

Due to the upcoming elections, candidates have begun spending large sums of money on advertising, and one of the main things they are highlighting is environmental issues. Candidates on both sides of the political spectrum have been debating global warming, coal mining, and alternate energy, and it is clear that these environmental issues will play a large role in the midterms as well as in the 2016 presidential race.

American Released from Imprisonment in North Korea

Recently, Jeffrey Fowle, an American citizen detained in North Korea, was released after six months in prison. Fowle was arrested for leaving behind a Bible in a North Korean nightclub. Sweden played a role in helping release Fowle, as the United States has no formal relations with North Korea. Two Americans remain in detainment in North Korea.

Supreme Court Allows Texas to Use Strict Voter ID Law in Coming Election

The Supreme Court allowed Texas to use stricter voter ID laws for their upcoming November election. Opponents of this rule believe that this new law will hinder thousands of voters from voting which will significantly affect future elections. Many more progressives including the Obama administration have expressed their concern for this new law. Conservative people tend to favor this law. So what are the pros and cons of stricter voter ID laws? Should stricter voting ID laws be put into place?

Supreme Court Will Consider Police Searches of Hotel Registries

This article discusses the Supreme Court's decision to decide whether or not police could inspect hotel and motel guest registries without search warrants. The motel owners were not against that the registries would become available but that they would be available at all times even without permission from a judge. This article's main issue is that of privacy and security. Should the Supreme Court have the right to rule this way or to what extent?

The House Passes and Overdue Bill on Child Care

The government lately has been ineffectual and lagging behind. No matter what, there should be some basic, and relatively easy to address, issues addressed in a timely manner by Congress. The bill passed recently through the House was proof of just how behind our government is. This bill that was just passed gives a desperately needed update on previous laws that we would think were basic requirements, such as full background checks for workers, certain safety precautions, and required information sessions for parents. It's good that this bill is finally being passed, but it should've been years ago. Why is the government ineffective? Because even for education bills for young children, all the parties can think about is how this will benefit them in the next election.

Supreme Court Rules Against Increased Restrictions on Abortion

In Texas, there has been an attempt by the local politicians to create laws that severely crack down on abortion clinics. Last November, Texas had restrictions set on abortion clinics that some considered unreasonable, but were never challenged by the Supreme Court. Now, though, with the addition of two laws that would limit the number of clinics to a measly eight, the Supreme Court is finally coming into play. Their rejection of Texas' restrictions relieved supporters of reproductive rights and showed Texas that their laws have limits and have to face the highest court if they're exceeded. Now there's a question as to where the line is as to when the Supreme Court can rightfully deny laws that claim to "protect women's health".

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Runs for Governor of Georgia

This article tells of the upcoming Governor's race in Georgia.

Military chiefs: ISIL has ‘tactical momentum

America has begun a new military conflict in Iraq, and so far it's results are not promising. Despite air strikes and millions spent by the US each day, ISIL is still gaining ground and the government of Iraq, even with the help of American advisors, has yet to retake any territory captured by the Islamic State. A Pentagon spokesman has warned that the Defense Department insists that the war cannot be won solely through air power, and that the conflict may drag on for years. This brings to question whether America will once again be involved in a ground war in Iraq, and even whether pulling out of Iraq as early as America did was prudent, considering this current predicament.

House Dems in retreat

As the final stretch of the 2014 midterm election cycle comes into view, Democrats are faced with the unsavory reality that they must go on the defensive. Across the board, the DCCC is shifting funding away from candidates challenging Republicans and putting it instead towards incumbents with a questionable chance. This move shows the Democrats' concession that the Republicans, with a final influx of substantial outside money, could potentially come out of the election with their largest house majority since World War II.

Pentagon Signals Security Risks of Climate Change

On Monday, the Pentagon informed Americans that climate change is posing a threat to national security. The report explained that there are increases risks from terrorism, infectious disease, global poverty, food shortages and a rising demand from military disaster responses and how the military plans to deal with these issues. Though these issues are pressing, the problems occurring in ISIS are extremely important and posing legitimate threats, not possible ones. Do you think that the government should be focusing on climate change, the Middle East, or a balanced look at the both?

C.D.C. Will Offer More Ebola Training to Health Care Workers

As a response to the most recent diagnosis of Ebola (one of the nurses of the Dallas Ebola patient), the C.D.C. is taking steps to implement training and protocols for health care workers dealing with the disease. They are pressing to be sure that all health care workers know exactly what steps to take if an outbreak were to occur and a patient would wind up in their hospital, regardless of whether or not the patient would be transferred else where. American's are expecting health care workers to treat infected patients without any medical breaches. I'm glad that they're getting the proper training and equipment in order to handle the disease safely.

Maneuvering Persists After Courts Block New Voter Conditions

This article discusses the disagreement over voter ID in certain states. The republicans are supporting laws that would require all voters to present a photo ID, eliminate same-day registration, and eliminate extended voting periods during which black and Hispanic communities are known to vote. There are even laws that would restrict the type of photo ID required to vote. The Democrats, on the other hand, claim that these laws are targeting racial groups.

The First Amendment's Limit: The Supreme Court Plaza

This article points out that the supreme court strictly enforces of the first amendment surrounding controversial issues such as abortion or gay marriage, but forbids pins or apparel sending political messages in the building. Now, protest is allowed on the sidewalks surrounding the Plaza, but not on the Plaza itself. There is discussion about the constitutionality of the attempts of the Supreme Court (the institution that enforces the constitution) to make an exception to the constitution for itself.

New England Schools Terrorized by Bomb Threats

There have been a slew of bomb threats across New England lately. Schools fearing for the safety of their students continue to evacuate and close. Officials wonder if the threats are a string of copycats or an operation planned in conjunction. It's a shame this kind of disruptive behavior is occurring at all, especially in the school where Sandy Hook is now residing. I'd like to point out that bomb threats are taken more seriously than the constant threat of guns (considering the legality of purchasing/owning military-grade weapons).

The State of the Non-State, Washington, D.C.

Many residents have pressed the matter to make the District of Columbia a state or to have a stronger voice in its current local government matter. The residents are not represented at all and this makes them very angry. However many believe that the matter of a new state from D.C. will not happen. What do you think would be a good way to represent them fairly?

Struggling to Make Gay Rights A Reality In The South

On Monday, the Supreme Court decided to not take up a same-sex marriage case was a huge triumph for the national gay rights movement. However it is easier said then done. Many are concerned for their safety in the South and how people will adjust to it. The religious and cultural barriers are huge challenges that the gay community faces. Do you think the South will take a while to adjust to this?

Veterans Affairs Department Scandal

The VAD is firing four senior executives because of a nationwide scandal for long waits for veterans seeking medical care and trying to cover up the delays. Many misuses in the department and lobbying slipups.

Ballot Rulings Cause Confusion In States

There have been many court rulings about voting rules that seem to be causing confusion. One of the most recent ones have been the cut in early voting in states. The case in Ohio presents a split between Republicans and Democrats. The debate has been over the pre-stated voting restrictions, but the critics argue the restrictions discourage African-Americans, students or low income voters and those who side with the Democrats from voting.

School Lunches Become Latest Political Battleground

An interesting article about the politics of healthy school lunches.

Big Banks Face Justice

Supreme Court Delivers Tacit Win to Gay Marriage

The Supreme Court let stand same-sex marriage in Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. The article talks about the significance of this ruling, and then goes on to state how within weeks legal ripples from the decision could expand same-sex marriage to 30 states. Clearly this is a very historic day for anyone who is pro same-sex marriage. There has been a major struggle especially of late and same-sex marriage has been very hotly debated across the nation. Personally I am happy to see the courts rule in favor of  same-sex marriage in those five states and hopefully in future the courts will "finish the job". Therefore, allowing same-sex marriage to be legalized across the country.

Was arrested teen on his way to join ISIS?

This article is about a nineteen year boy who decided to flee his home in the Chicago suburbs in order to join ISIS. The young man named Mohammed Khan told his family in a letter left behind that he felt "obligated" to migrate. Police found drawings of the black ISIS flag and a notebook including a sketch of an ISIS fighter accompanied by words in Arabic: "Come to Jihad" at his home. Khan planned on moving and living in ISIS territory. He faces charges of  a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This article is relevant because oh how Obama  recently stated the United states would take action against ISIS and authorize missile strikes.

Remember Ferguson?

This summer the town of Ferguson, MO erupted when police forces attacked unarmed, peaceful protesters. The protesters were and still are protesting because the cop that shot the unarmed teenager Michael Brown still walks free. This article is an update published on October 6th about what is happening in Ferguson now. I think it's important to keep Ferguson in the spotlight because it demonstrates lack of communication between the federal and local levels and how media focus can be misleading. Since the media is not reporting on Ferguson as often as a topic like ebola, people have forgotten the importance of what is happening there.

Supreme Court Upholds Gay Marriage

This article is about the recent Supreme Court decision not to hear appeals of five cases from states where lower federal judges overturned gay marriage bans.

Obama Ally Parts With Him Over War Powers

This article is about Tim Kaine disagreeing with President Obama about his use of war powers.