Trump's Pick for Secretary of State

After securing the nomination for President, Donald Trump has been meticulously constructing his White House cabinet, to serve with him for the next four years. Guided by the insight from close advisers  and a transition team led by VP-elect Mike Pence (formerly Chris Christie), Trump has been appointing political allies and  Washington outsiders and insiders ( ex) Bannon and Priebus) to key positions. His pick for Secretary of State seems to be narrowed down to three men. One possible pick is, UN diplomat John Bolton; he is known to have a very hawkish stance with foreign policy and contradicts the isolation Trump called for during his campaign. Another pick is former New York mayor Rudy Guilliani, a close friend and ally of Trump. Finally, 2012 Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney is being considered for the position, even after he and Trump sparred during the election.

Questions to Consider

1. Who do you think Trump will pick; would this pick contradict any campaign promises he made?
2. What do these three picks hint of Trump's foreign policy?
3. If Trump takes a more hawkish stance, how do you think Russia and China will react? How about if he takes an isolationist one?

Female and Minority Representation in D.C. Post-Election

Somali Refugee Makes History in U.S. Election by DOUALY XAYKAOTHAO

Last Tuesday's election has proven to be one of the most momentous in all of our country's history. Some may argue that our country has taken a leap back, others say forward. Whatever your political views, it's important to recognize the key women who are increasing representation in politics as a result of the 2016 U.S. election. Some of these key women include the Catherine Cortez Masto (first Latina senator), Tammy Duckworth (first Thai-American female in Congress and first female senator to have seen combat), Kate Brown (first openly LGBT governor) and not to forget, Kamala Harris (first Indian-American senator) and many more.

Although, as of lately, Ilhan Omar has been making headlines as one of Minnesota's new lawmakers. She is the country's first Somali-American lawmaker and is also a former refugee.

Omar arrived in the United States with her family in 1995 as a result of the Somalian Civil War and spent 4 years prior in a Kenyan refugee camp. Omar's election has increased dialogue surrounding the current Syrian refugee crisis and the United States' role in harboring refugees. In addition, Omar herself is a Muslim and serves to disprove many of the false negative stereotypes that are commonly associated with being both a Muslim and refugee.

As of now, our country has become more polarized than ever in terms of ideological differences and perspectives. It's important that we recognize and celebrate the diversity that strengthens us in order to overcome the negative rhetoric that has been affecting minority groups across the nation as a result of the presidential election.

Questions to Consider:

1.  In what ways does Omar's election contribute to the dialogue surrounding Trump's proposals condemning both refugees and Muslims?

2.  In regards to the electoral successes of the women mentioned, how do they help counterbalance the increase in conservative power in D.C. as a result of the election?

Living through the Aftermath of the 2016 Election

Over the past week I have struggled to find what words would be the most important to give to the people, granted that I am only speaking to a Government class. I believe that the effect of the this election has been larger than America ever imagined and it has been something that has simultaneously brought together and divided the American people in an extreme manner. Through social media and the news I have seen friends dispute about candidates and whether or not people should be scared. An interview with renowned writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Emmett Tyrell shows the differences that people see in Trump even after the election( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eloHoAvArCo ). Protests have arisen in large cities all over the country and there have even been walk outs at schools near us. While we are all entitled to our own beliefs and political standings, it is important to recognize what is at stake over the next four years.
The New Yorker has compiled sixteen essays that each focus on an aspect of Trump's soon-to-be Presidency and what that means for America. Since this article is long, I encourage you to focus on 2-3 topics. Toni Morrison discusses the growing white supremacy in our country and how that is killing the reality of America being accepting of minorities. Jill Lepore touches on the divisions of the people in America right now. Each author has something significant to say about the aftermath that affects every single citizen.
As you read, reflect!
1) What is one topic that is touched on that is most interesting/significant to you? Why? Why are the words powerful?
2) Do you believe that the political divisions in society will ease? Or will the opposition to the President-elect stay strong?
3) Thinking about our executive branch unit...How do you think Trump will handle the White House? How will he use his powers? Will his lack of political experience hinder his abilities?


http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/11/21/aftermath-sixteen-writers-on-trumps-america#top

Prop 64(legalization of Marijuana) is passed!

https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_64,_Marijuana_Legalization_(2016)


Prop 64 was recently passed within California, which allows adults that are twenty-one and older to use weed. Even though weed is legal, you still may not smoke weed while driving or have 28.5 grams on you. The Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation will manage or regulate marijuana use and enforce the law. On another note, the article stated "supporters for the prop raised 22.5 million dollars in contributions, while no on prop 64 had raised 2.1 million dollars." Additionally, a lot of tax money will be come in as a result of the legalization of marijuana. "Revenue from the taxes will be spent on drug research, treatment, and enforcement, health and safety grants addressing marijuana, youth programs, and preventing environmental damage resulting from illegal marijuana production." This displays how the tax money will be used wisely and how the benefits of legalizing marijuana are prevalent. 

Questions:

1. What are the consequences of using marijuana under the age of 21 or selling it without a license?

2. How will tax revenue be used?

3. How do you obtain the right to legally sell marijuana 

Which California Propositions and Local Measures Passed?

California Propositions and Measures Passed

On Election Day, registered voters in California voted on propositions covering a range of concerns in addition to the presidential election and state representatives from the House and the Senate. Some of the propositions that were passed are legalizing marijuana, raising the cigarette and tobacco tax by $2, tightening gun and ammunition restrictions, allowing multilingual education, speeding up the death penalty appeals process, and banning plastic bags. A controversial proposition that failed was Prop 61, which would have capped prescription drug prices. Although Pharma poured money into its opposition of the proposition, many people supported it in hopes that it would limit their prescription drug prices.

 Locally, people voted on measures based on the focuses of counties. As expected, Measure R (prop 18) was not passed. However, there are measures in other counties that were voted on and passed by the people, such as Los Angeles Measure HHH, which raised property taxes in order to fund homeless housing.

Paying attention to and voting for propositions is important because it allows different states to control their own legislation based on the general opinion of the people. In class, we discussed that the federal government has its enumerated powers in the constitution, but everything else is designated for the states (as stated in the 10th amendment), so we must use our right to make sure that our opinions are heard through the democratic process.

Questions to think about
1. Will legalizing marijuana will have any significant effects on California? What about the country?
2. What is the significance of having measures in individual counties?

Did FBI Director Comey Ruin Clinton's Chances of Winning?

Just when we were expecting the October surprises to be over, FBI Director Comey publicly reopened investigations into Clinton's email servers 3 days ago. Characteristic of her entire general campaign, it seems that Clinton will constantly be burdened by the weight of FBI indictments and investigations into her private email server, despite being cleared of charges during the summer. As expected from an October surprise, the Trump camp jumped on the opportunity to drag Clinton through the dirt, and the new bombshell 'allegations' have effectively shrunk Clinton's chances of winning from 82.2% (prior to Comey sending the letter to Congress to 66.9% (November 6th) (fivethirtyeight.com).

However, will this 'October' (it's already November!) surprise sway voters so dramatically as to cause an upset come Tuesday? According to Enten, author of "How Much Do 'October Surprises' Move The Polls?", history shows that October surprises aren't the 'game-changers they're sometimes portrayed to be'. Yes, news of Bush's DUI may have caused the popular vote to swing Gore's way during the 2000 election, but Enten argues that this occurrence was anomalous when compared to other elections.

Despite historical data indicating that the FBI bombshell will not cause substantial damage to the Clinton camp, it wouldn't be difficult to believe that this will be another anomalous election in the history of American democracy. After all, this has been one of the most unconventional elections in modern American election history.

Questions to think about:
Do you think the FBI probe into Clinton's emails will cost her the election?
On Sunday, FBI announced that they have not found any incriminating evidence and are closing the investigation again. Does this revelation come too late, and will it play to either candidates' favours?
When do you think campaigns are decided? Months, weeks, or days before election day?

Burlingame divided over rent control: While opposing political factions collide, future of residents hangs in the balance.

Burlingame divided over rent control: While opposing political factions collide, future of residents hangs in the balance.

As Elections are only a few days away, it is crucial that we inform ourselves on local elections as well as national. One proposition facing controversy here in Burlingame is Measure "R." Measure "R" is the Rent Stabilization Initiative proposition that is described as "an ordinance to enact rent stabilization and just cause for eviction and repeal prior restrictions on the regulation of sale or rental price of real estate". Face value, the proposition sounds clear and beneficial, however, the measure is facing opposition from many Burlingame residents. Due to some ambiguity with the writing in the initiative text, many residents (both renters and lessors) have had concerns about the future of renting in Burlingame to be attributed with the passing of Measure "R."

Although the ordinance protects renters from facing unjust eviction and exponentially rising rental prices, it seems that the proposition features many aspects that would serve as a detriment to both renters and lessors. Removing the prior restrictions on the government's ability to regulate rental prices would provide some insurance for renters, however interrupts the renting market in Burlingame. With subleasing, there is an issue with the lack of rent control- this becomes dangerous as landlord's lose their ability to evict problematic tenants.

Questions to Consider:

1. Do you believe Roberston evicting his tenants prior to the  elections was a harsh overreaction or a justified business investment?
2. Do you agree or disagree with the notion that the rental protections (that could protect problematic/dangerous tenants from eviction) would be detrimental to the quality of life in Burlingame?
3. Is former Mayor Rosalie O'Mahony out of line for advocating against Measure "R"?
4. Do you see the "rent control board" referenced toward the end of the article as a fair and balanced form of representation for the desires of both landlords and renters in Burlingame?