Government Shutdown?

So, our federal government is threatening another shutdown, and if it does indeed happen, there will be some very real consequences this fall. So, my question is why there is a possible shutdown looming for our federal government (and what does that even mean?). There have been threatened shutdowns in the past; these have been averted at the last minute, so why should we think this will have a different result? What do you think is going to happen, and why? Lastly, overall, how does this type of behavior make you feel about our elected officials? Are you pleased with their resolute stances on issues, or are you disgusted with their inability to compromise?

Of Guns and Coffee

 

 

In the wake of the horrible events that took place Monday in Washington D.C., the fervor of gun legislation has once again ramped up in our nation. Even businesses like Starbucks, known to allow customers to carry guns, are having to request that no guns actually be brought into their establishments.

There have been over a dozen mass shootings in the United States in the last 5 years, and it seems as if the debate about banning guns/certain types of guns always follows such events.

What's your take? Are these shootings preventable? Are guns to blame? Partially? Think back to the Sandy Hook shooting; what do you think about the fact that our federal government has not taken any legislative action as a response to this shooting? On the other hand, is it our governments responsibility, or even ability, to confront situations like this? Clearly there is a problem in the United States with violence; whose to blame, and what's the solution?

Should the U.S. Attack Syria?

 

A point, counter-point article on Syria offers a well-rounded take on the issue of whether or not the U.S. should attack this nation at war. What do you think we should do?
Is it smart for the U.S. to stand alone once again in regards to attacking a Middle Eastern country? What does it say about the U.S. if we don't attack? What are our reasons for attacking in the first place? Do we have a responsibility to respond to the horrible events taking place in Syria, or is something that can only be handled within the United Nations? What is your opinion on this crisis?