"Current Events" Discussions

Upcoming Discussion Sessions:

·        9am Monday June 26 the North Shore Senior Center

·        9:30am Wednesday July 5 at the JCC on Revere Drive

·       7pm Wednesday July 5 at The Lodge

·       10am Thursday July 6 at the Northbrook Library

There are no tapes. Or are there?

Obama knew Russia was tampering with our election to an unprecedented degree...but elected not to disclose it, fearing that would create even more disruption. Your thoughts.

Gov. Rauner has called the Illinois legislature back into session to see if a budget bill can be agreed upon. Will this happen? If so how?  Is John Kass right and Illinois should be dissolved and just split up among our adjoining states...except for Rahmonia?

What did the results of Georgia's special Congressional elections tell us? Should Dem's replace Pelosi?

Your thoughts regarding the GOP plan to repeal/replace Obamacare. How is the Senate version being received by Republicans? By voters?

What contributes most to President Trump's historic low approvals: Unfair visceral hate by detractors? Poor WH communications combined with confusing tweets? Lack of experience? Lack of support for his primary objectives? Media bias? Do we "cut him some slack" because he's so new to governing?  What evidence do we have that he's learning?

America’s immigrants are beating non-immigrants in important ways: fewer criminals, better education, fewer abortions, more successful business start-ups, more religious, more births—otherwise we would be suffering a “death spiral” like Japan’s. Contrary to a perception that immigration is ruining our country, “real” Americans—non-immigrants--present the bigger problem. Your thoughts. 

Taking about his wealthy Cabinet: “These are people that are great, brilliant business minds, and that’s what we need, that’s what we have to have so the world doesn’t take advantages of us. We can’t have the world taking advantage of us anymore. And I love all people, rich or poor, but in those particular positions I just don’t want a poor person. Does that make sense?”  Does that make sense?

What is the primary benefit to our country in rolling back our policy toward Cuba?

What does actor Johnny Depp feel it's OK to ask: "When is the last time an actor assassinated a President?"

The Supreme Court announced that it will consider a “gerrymandering” case which is being appealed from a ruling from the 7th Circuit Court of appeals. This case held, in the lower court, that the Wisconsin legislature unconstitutionally set up congressional districts. The Court will hear this case later this year and render an opinion late 2017 or 2018.  How will this case affect the 2018 Congressional elections?

President Trump is sending 4,000 more troops to Afghanistan. Where is this headed?

How can Kushner help bring Israel and Palestinians closer together? 

What should America do in response to North Korea having returned that young man they had imprisoned...who then died in a coma, perhaps having been mistreated? Should American tourists be banned from visiting North Korea?

What's your take on the "let's go around the table" Cabinet praise-fest? Good for the country? Good for the President? Good for Republicans?

How important are high-level "leaks"? Where are they coming from? Is the Media to blame?

Thousands of big box stores are closing. Is in-store retailing dying,  being taken out by on line? Will Amazon take over the world and should be broken up as too much of a monopoly?

What should Democrats try to accomplish while they watch Republicans struggling?

How does China view the world? How does Russia? Is America's more nationalistic view one that Russia and China sees as a problem for them...or as one that better serves their own interests? 

We hear the cry for "more jobs".  But there are lots of good jobs open in America--but not enough skilled applicants to fill them.  What should be doing significantly differently? Your thoughts about Sec. Acosta's plans to push for more apprenticeships programs, particularly for blue collar workers?  

A woman was found guilty of manslaughter--possibly 20 years--for texting her boyfriend urging him to follow through with his plan to commit suicide. Your thoughts. 

How is Illinois dealing with the education funding crisis?

The White House refuses to say whether the President believes Climate Change is real. Many Republican governors support Creationism vs. Evolution.  What is the risk that rejecting traditional scientific beliefs is becoming accepted as the new "norm"?  

Two AG's have sued Trump under the emoluments clause, for having properties that make profits from foreign countries.  The Trump family says it will turn over profits to the U.S. Treasury.  Is this much to do about nothing...or something important?

The White House said Trump's tweets shouldn't be taken literally--i.e., what Trump says in social media isn't that important, and may not be his position. Then they flipped and said tweets ARE Trump's positions. Has Trump lost credibility with America and the world? 

Your thoughts about President Trump's plans to privatize air traffic controllers.  

Trump’s proposed tax plan is "The biggest tax cut and the largest tax reform in the history of our country."   "Trumponomics" is a "taxpayer first" budget that slashes safety net programs primarily affecting the poor, while boosting defense spending. The objective is to encourage people on welfare to seek jobs vs. counting on a safety net. For sure, proposed tax cuts help the Wealthy. How will it help the Middle Class?

America's anti-missile test was a success. Is this the best answer to North Korea?

The Supreme Court struck down two North Carolina congressional districts because race played too large a role in their creation.  What are the ramifications?

Your thoughts about Obama’s Library—half a billion dollars.

What is ultimately going to happen to Sanctuary Cities?