"Current Events" Discussions

Upcoming Discussion Sessions:

·        9am Monday April 23 at the North Shore Senior Center 


·        9:30am Wednesday May 2 at the JCC on Revere Drive

·        7:15pm Wednesday, May 2 at The Lodge


·        10am Thursday May 3 at the Northbrook Library

North Korea will suspend tests and close one site. What are they looking for in exchange? Are we at this point because they have achieved their goal of nuclear capability? Did Trump's insults work? Is China mostly in control?

What are the pluses/minuses if the Administration trashes the Iran Deal?

Who is "ahead" in the Comey vs. Trump war? Which side was helped more by the release of Comey's letters? What issues important to our country are coming forward with the Stormy, Trump, Cohen, Hannity “circus”? Or is this just titillating, but not substantively important?

Is President Trump's Presidency changing America? Or did a changing America result in Trump's Presidency?

Should we judge Trump more on his policies without looking at his behavior?  What's a more serious problem: Trump's un-presidential behavior?  Or Media's incessant focus on his behavior vs. giving greater attention to "more important things"?  Who is in a better position to control this?  

How important today is the issue of Russia's involvement in our elections, regardless of what happened in the past?

How serious an issue is Illegal Immigration as a negative/positive affect on our security and our economy?

What changes might lead to greater cooperation between both Parties in seeking Congressional compromises on big issues?

The Democratic National Committee filed suit against Trump's Presidential campaign, the Russian government and WikiLeaks for allegedly engaging in a conspiracy to damage the Democratic Party during the 2016 race, seeking millions in damages. Your thoughts.

Many senior citizens insist than the entitlements for Social Security and Medicare should “never be touched”. Both of these programs are over-whelming all other spending in the federal budget, including the military. Is it selfish to demand what we believe we are “entitled to” even though the US may not be able to borrow enough money to keep these promises to our children and/or grandchildren?

UN Ambassador Nikki Haley said America would impose more sanctions on Russia in response to Syria. The White House then said there are no new sanctions...and Haley "was confused". Haley: "I don't get confused".  What does this episode underscore? How big a factor might Haley be for the 2020 GOP ticket?

How effective was the 4/20 Student Walk Out in our area?

Will President Trump receive wide support from Republicans for 2020 reelection? How does this question affect the 2018 Mid-Term Election?

Let’s say two white women are seated at Starbucks, having made no purchase, and one wants to use the bathroom. What are the chances the manager calls the police, charging them with trespassing? Are the “Black Lives Matter” supporters over-reacting and generating a back-lash? Could it be a set-up job? Or is this just one more unfortunate discriminatory “black-lash”?

Any chance Gorsuch is not Hard Right? The Supreme Court ruled that part of a federal law that makes it easier to deport immigrants who have been convicted of crimes is too vague to be enforced. In a 5-4 decision Justice Neil Gorsuch joined the four liberal justices in handing a significant loss to Trump, who wanted stricter enforcement of immigration law. Your thoughts.

Is Pot a budding market for Seniors? Many Seniors who smoked back in the day gave it up, partially because they feared legal consequences. But legalization, as well as pot strains bred for “consistent and repeatable effects” means oldsters are now less hesitant to try cannabis.

Your thoughts regarding Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg's hearing with Congress.

How serious are we about a Trade War with China? Larry Kudlow suggests it's really not going to happen. The President blames Obama for trade problems...and says "farmers are patriots, and will be helped in the long run". How? Kudlow says we're not engaged in a trade war. Mnuchin says we are. How does this play out?

Trump now says he is open to revisiting TPP.  Your thoughts.

The EPA has basically gut Obama's emission standards for autos. Automakers are happy. Your thoughts.

Deep State? According to a Monmouth Poll, 8-in-10 believe the U.S. government monitors or spies on the activities of American citizens, including a majority (53%) who say this activity is widespread. 74% feel that national policy is being manipulated or directed by a “Deep State” of unelected government officials. There are no substantial partisan differences in these results. Which Party is helped the most by these findings?

The Administration has placed a ban on most Transgender troops. Your thoughts.

New Medicare cards are mailing to us beginning in April on a “rolling basis”. You don't need to request it. Watch for a SCAM! Somebody from "MEDICARE " calls to say you are getting a new card. But until it comes you need a “temporary card” that costs $5-50 dollars. Then they get your personal info, bank account or credit card so they can “process things”. Don’t fall for it!

What are the pluses of having a big Military Parade on Veterans’ Day?

Stock holders are thrilled with The Market since Trump's election. Have our children and grand-kids enjoyed a similar significant increase in pay since the tax cuts? The GOP feels tax cuts will drive major support for Republicans in November.  Will they?

Europe is going more “nationalistic”, with Italy being the latest.  How does this affect us?

Sessions says the DOJ will no longer follow Obama's directive to not pursue federal charges where states have authorized recreational marijuana. Your thoughts.

How does America's independence from Mid-East oil affect our foreign policy?