Political Typology Quiz

I found this quiz that defines your political views. It's really interesting, and I think it's worth checking out!

Pew Research Center Political Typology Quiz

President Obama's Belief on Police Being "Scapegoated" for Society's Failures

Barack Obama defends law enforcement and their effort to help the community. He does think they don't get enough credit for the good they do, rather only get attention for the bad things they do. Obama believes the police are "scapegoated" for all the problems in society. Even with there being a tendency of racial bias in how police act towards a certain person, Obama believes it's not all up to the police to eliminate. In addition, more gun safety laws in the United States has been a major goal to Obama. He believes that if less people own guns, it will ultimately eliminate a lot of problems; there will be less deaths, and there will be a safer environment for the people. Do you agree or disagree with Obama's views on the law enforcement? Explain. Is there true validity to use the police as scapegoats? How do you think the police respond to being scapegoats? Additionally, do you think Obama has the right to take away our right to the Second Amendment (the right to bare arms)? Do you agree with Obama's belief on gun safety in this country? Why or why not?

Carly Fiorina's Potential as Republican Candidate in 2016 Presidential Election

Carly Fiorina is starting to prove her potential as a great candidate in the 2016 presidential election. She is very determined to go up against the favorable Donald Trump and with the loss in the 2010 election for Senate, Fiorina is hungry for the win. Some controversy on the topic of Planned Parenthood caused a negative effect on people's views of Fiorina, but other than some small controversies, Fiorina is preparing to campaign and run to be the potential Republican Party candidate. Even though Carly Fiorina has a different approach on campaigning and her views, do you think Carly Fiorina has potential in the Republican race? How can she compete against the popularity of Donald Trump if she is an outsider to the election with less popularity than him? Explain why you think this? Do you think Carly Fiorina is wasting her time? Why or why not?

University of Mississippi Lowers State Flag with Confederate Symbol

University of Mississippi Lowers State Flag with Confederate Symbol


The University of Mississippi recently took down its state flag, which had the Confederate battle emblem on it, because it had received complaints from student leaders. Although the student government had voted 33 to 15 to remove the flag, some state leaders were against it, such as State Senator Chris McDaniel (a Republican). He said that a public university is  not a "cocoon designed for coddling the feelings of the perpetually offended". What do you think the Confederate symbol represents? Do you think the Confederate flag should be removed? Would a Democrat react differently to this situation, and if so, how?

White House Disagrees With F.B.I. Chief On Scrutiny as a Cause of Crime

White House Disagrees With F.B.I. Chief On Scrutiny as a Cause of Crime

According to the FBI director, James B. Comey, the rise in violent crime in some cities is not because police officers have been shirking their responsibilities, but because recent criticism of police has caused police officers to be more passive. Many law enforcement leaders and officers have said that they fear that their direct interactions with people would be caught on camera. Officers described a crowd of young people with mobile phones jeering at them when they stepped out of their cars, which made them feel as if they were under siege. This has become known as the Ferguson effect. However, many White House officials disagree with Comey's statements, and some were even offended that Comey had suggested that criticizing the police had caused the increase in violent crime. The end of the article also briefly mentioned that the government's more lenient prison sentences and that federal prison population had declined. The people that are video taping and taunting the police have their actions protected by the 1st Amendment, but their actions are creating public disorder. Should these rowdy people have their actions protected if they are disrupting law enforcement's ability to do its job? Also, should the U.S. consider making its sentences for criminals more lenient or more harsh in order to curb crime?

The Trump Poll Numbers Lie

America has a fascination with anything - or anyone - out of the ordinary. This is nothing new. In the case of the 2016 election cycle, this "out of the ordinary" thing just happens to be Donald Trump. But election after election, there has almost always been a Donald Trump - someone who captures America's attention for a time being, before getting boring. Now, almost everyone thought the American people's obsession with Trump would be long over by now. But, much to everyone's surprise, Trump is leading the polls - with a large margin in some cases. However, it's just a matter of time before Americans come to their senses and back someone not shiny and new, but tried and true. What does America's obsession with anyone different say about Americans? Is the fact that we so desperately want someone new necessarily a bad thing? Does placing so much emphasis on someone without a chance of winning hurt the Democratic process?

American Airstrike Hits Doctors Without Borders Hospital in Afghanistan

Just a couple weeks ago, the United States military launched an airstrike on a Doctor's Without Borders Hospital in Afghanistan and killing 19 patients and staff. Our government has defended the attack, arguing that the primary targets were Taliban insurgents inside of the hospital while hospital staff maintain that there were none. Unfortunately, the incident comes at a time when the United States is being increasingly heavily scrutinized for its use of airstrikes and drone strikes. Many say that our Military is being too indiscriminate with its use of force. In what cases is such force justified? Under which circumstances, if any, are civilian lives worth being put at risk? Is the force being used in the Middle East worth alienating the citizens there?

George W. Bush unleashes on Ted Cruz

On Monday, GOP front runner Donald J. Trump blamed former president President George W. Bush for the 9/11 attacks, causing Jeb Bush to defend the legacy of his brother. The former president did speak out this week about a candidate, in a donor meeting for his brothers campaign, but it was not Trump. Instead, he spoke about Senator Ted Cruz, saying "I just don't like the guy." Donors said that he didn't like the alliance that he made with Trump and one specific donor paraphrased the former president, "[George W. Bush] said he found it ‘opportunistic’ that Cruz was sucking up to Trump and just expecting all of his support to come to him in the end.” George W. Bush knew his home-state senator well, as he served as a domestic policy adviser on his 2000 campaign, until Cruz distanced himself from both Bush and the GOP. Another donor said that “[George W. Bush] said he thought Cruz was going to be a pretty formidable candidate against Jeb, especially in Texas and across the South,” and Bush was cited saying he would not doubt Cruz's strength. What do you think about Cruz? Is he a real threat to Jeb or other candidates running for the nomination? Or do you think he is on the way out of the race?

Jim Webb Withdraws From Race for Democratic Presidential Nomination

Former Senator Jim Webb withdraws Tuesday from the democratic presidential nomination. This decision came after months of polling just above zero and low fundraising. Webb, a military veteran and a former Republican, only further progressed his issues after the disastrous debate last week were he spoke only fifteen minutes out of the full two hours, and spent a lot of that time complaining about not getting enough time to speak. Webb, however, said he is considering a bid as a independent, saying at the conference, “If we ran an independent race, I honestly could see us beating both [Clinton and Trump].” Do you think that Webb's dropping out will help, hurt, or not effect the democratic presidential nomination? Furthermore, do you think that Webb has a shot at running as an independent?

As he ponders run, Biden touts accomplishments at forum.

The time has finally come for a post on Joe Biden. As Joe Biden begins to talk about the banter that occurred last Wednesday, Washington is pondering, will he run or won't he run? Does a Joe Biden campaign help or hurt the Democratic Party? The latter might be a better question. Also, when will it be too late for him to jump in the race?

Republican Freedom Caucus’s Revolt in House Is Stoked Back Home

It's clear that the goal of the Tea Party has been to cause complete turnover in the Republican Party on Capitol Hill. This article looks into the biographies of five members of the branch of the Republican Party. How do the views of these legislators differ from the majority of the party and how do these members plan to pass policy in Washington with these ideals. Will it work?

Ending Mass Incarceration One Good Job at a Time

The number of people imprisoned in the United States has grown at "a rate five times greater than the world average." Part of the problem is that those who end up behind bars once are likely to be imprisoned again. With a crime on their record, former inmates have a harder time finding a job than others, which leads them back down a path of crime when they cannot find employment, effectively perpetuating the cycle of criminal activity. However, some steps have been taken to enable ex-convicts to find a job, such as trade programs that train inmates in trades and earn union membership for them. With marketable skills, they are better prepared to find a stable career upon release. On job applications, though, applicants are required to report any crimes they have been convicted for, which could effectively nullify any prospects they might have had. As a result, many unions support "Ban the Box" proposals. Should ex-convicts have to report their criminal past? Should this only apply to all ex-convicts or just those who have been convicted of misdemeanors? Should employers have the right to know prospective employees' backgrounds? But also, are these programs a good way to prepare former criminals for a stable working life? Or should we not offer such programs to those who have been convicted of crime?

Many Low-Income Workers Say "No" to Health Insurance

The Affordable Care Act, while having the intended effect of making healthcare insurance more accessible to those of low socioeconomic status, has not been entirely successful. Met with fierce opposition, this controversial law includes a mandate requiring employers to offer healthcare insurance to their employees. However, surprisingly few low-income workers have bought health care from their employers, as it is still not reasonably affordable. Many such workers are instead forced to go without health insurance so that they can cover their other expenses; if they are lucky, they rely on health insurance provided by their spouse's employer. These workers who are offered health insurance by their employers, even if it is not affordable for them, are no longer eligible for subsidized health insurance, which still leaves many unable to afford healthcare. Also, low participation makes insurance companies hesitant to sell policies to employers. And some employers still opt out of offering insurance plans to their workers and instead choose to pay tax penalties. How can these problems be addressed? What revisions should be made in order to ensure the Affordable Care Act has its intended results?

Senate OKs Massive Defense Bill, Sends Measure to Obama

Congress sent Obama a $612 billion defense policy bill with 70 to 27 approval in the Senate and 269 to 151 approval in the House.  Obama has threatened to veto, which would only be the fifth time in the past 50 years.  His reasons are that the bill increases the war-fighting account with no increase in money for domestic agencies.  Others are unhappy with the bill because they claim it needs to focus more on long-term military strategy.  The overall vote in the House and Senate proves that most people are happy with the bill even if some think it could be better.  Obama is receiving pressure to sign the bill.  Should he choose to veto?

House Votes to Lift 40-Year Ban on Oil Exports

After a 40-year ban on oil exports, the House voted to lift the ban, giving major oil companies suffering from low prices and falling profits, victory.  Those who support the bill say that it'll make more jobs, while allowing American producers to compete on the same level as other countries, revitalizing our economy.  Those who oppose are afraid that lifting the ban could raise gas prices.  The Obama administration is wary of lifting the ban because environmentalists claim this would only increase fossil fuel usage at a time when the country should be using less to reduce climate change.  Should this ban be lifted as a job creator?  Or are the costs of lifting this ban too high?

US Weaponry Is Turning Syria Into A Proxy War With Russia

The US has been deploying weapons for rebel insurgent groups in Syria. US involvement in the Syrian conflict has increased now that Russia has significantly increased airstrikes against the insurgent groups. With the United States supporting the rebels and Russia supporting the Syrian government, their involvement has escalated into a heavy proxy war. Although moral on both sides of the Syrian conflict has increased, things are looking in favor of the Syrian government due to the direct Russian involvement. Do you think we should react to the Russian presence in Syria? If so, how? Should we be concerned that we could be arming future terrorist organizations like we did in Afghanistan? Is it even our job to be intervening in the Syrian conflict?

Some Places Are Celebrating A Different Holiday On Columbus Day

As most of you probably know, Christopher Columbus didn't discover America. Native American were here long before he was. Because of this, cities such as Seattle and Minneapolis have passed resolutions to recognize today as "Indigenous Peoples' Day" in addition to recognizing Columbus Day. At least twelve states do not recognize the holiday at all. Columbus Day has been recognized as a federal holiday since 1968. Since it is a federal holiday, state and local government cannot officially  override the holiday. State and local governments hope that the push to change the focal point of the day will draw attention to the current state that most indigenous communities have suffered from decades of marginalization and oppression. Should the federal government change the recognition of the holiday from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day? What should be done about the current state of our indigenous population? If we want to cleanse America of its oppressive past, why stop at Columbus? You can make arguments for plenty of other historical figures as to why they should be discredited due to oppression of the indigenous.

California Becomes 2nd State To Automatically Register Voters

California Governor Jerry Brown recently signed legislation that automatically registers voters when they renew driver's licenses or state identification cards. Lawmakers hope to increase California's voter turnout, which was a low 42 percent in the 2014 midterm elections. According to Brown's office, 6.6 million Californians (of 39 million) are eligible to vote but are not registered. Oregon was the first state to pass such a law. Is this a good way to increase voter turnout? Should Pennsylvania adopt a similar policy?

The Families Funding the 2016 Presidential Election

Just 158 families have contributed nearly half of the money so far in the 2016 presidential election. There are over 120 million households in the United States, so half of the money is coming from just 0.0001% of families. While individuals are limited to campaign donations of $2,700, these donors give money in the form of "super PACs," which can raise unlimited funds. Most of the donors earned their fortunes themselves (rather than by inheritance). Should those with the means be allowed to spend unlimited money on elections? Or are we granting the rich a disproportionate share of power?

Poll: Donald Trump, Ben Carson hold onto top 2 spots

Ben Carson and Donald Trump dominate this recent poll at 22% and 26% of the support of the Republican party respectively. The rest of the candidates fail to break double digits with the next closest being Marco Rubio who is at 8%. On the left, Clinton received 45%, Bernie Sanders received 23%, and Joe Biden (who has not announced his candidacy yet) came in third with 17%. What does it say that over 50% of the Republicans who were polled are supporting candidates who have never held political office (Fiorina, Trump, and Carson combined for 55%) and that the majority of Democrats are supporting establishment politicians (including a vice president and a former secretary of state)? What does it say about the Democrats that Joe Biden has 17% of their support without announcing his candidacy?

Pa. House rejects Wolf budget plan

 The House has voted down Wolf's budget plan to increase funding for schools through an income tax increase and a new tax on natural gas drillers. This means that Pennsylvania is currently without a budget, which halts aid to schools, counties, and nonprofits. Wolf is a Democrat and was defeated by the Republican majority as well as nine Democrats. What is your opinion on Wolf's budget plan? What type (or types) of politics are evident during the budget debate?

Desperate House Republicans BEG Paul Ryan to Restore Sanity by Agreeing to Become the Next Speaker

In a sign of increasing desperation and panic, House Republicans are practically begging Paul Ryan to agree to run for the Speakership despite his repeated insistence that he does not want the post and is much happier in his current position as chair of the Ways and Means committee.

Divided House Republicans Search for Consensus on a New Speaker

After Kevin McCarthy shocked his House colleagues by dropping his bid for the Speakership, Republicans are left searching for a new candidate who can gain majority support.