"Current Events" Discussions

Upcoming Discussion Sessions:

·        9am Monday July 31 at the North Shore Senior Center

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

·       7pm Wednesday August 2 at The Lodge

·       10am Thursday August 3 at the Northbrook Library

Note: Irv Dorfman is leading the discussion on July 31.

Trump: “I would have never appointed Sessions had I known he would recuse himself as AG from overseeing the Russia investigation.”  Trump did say he "stands by" his AG. But in recent days he is insulting Sessions, goading him to quit, while constantly tweeting that Sessions is not doing enough to investigate Hillary Clinton. What is going on here?

What is the benefit to our country for the President to continue his attacks on the Democratic candidate he defeated in November?

Where are with Health Care, given that the Republicans did barely approve having the Senate debate?  I Republicans fail to approve a plan, is “single payer” a possible option?

At the Boy Scout convention, many parents--including Trump supporters--found the President's remarks offensive. How important is a President's role of being a good role model to children? Why does Trump do this?

The President's attorneys are looking at ways to discredit or remove the special counsel, and investigating powers of the President to pardon allies, family and himself.  Your thoughts.

How important is the issue of "leaks" vexing the WH? What is motivating those responsible?

Why is “unmasking” an important issue?

What kind of difference has Anthony Scaramucci made as Communications Director? Does this look like a positive reset that may help President Trump?

What is the primary reason why Republicans have been unable--so far--to deliver on their most significant campaign promises?

How is pressure on immigration affecting American businesses?

How do you feel about the Wisconsin company implanting microchips in employees hands as a convenience to open doors, buy snacks, etc., at the wave of a hand. It's optional.

Foxconn, the Taiwanese tech giant best known for assembling Apple iPhones, wants to produce LCD display panels and other gear in the U.S. in partnership with Sharp, which Foxconn owns. Chairman Gou has $10 billion to spend, and if he proceeds he will have as many as 10,000 jobs to fill ... somewhere. Illinois is on his list.  How can we entice him to come here?  What will stop him?

What’s the significance of “money laundering”?  Why should I care about this issue?

  

How far should college administrators go in “protecting” students from controversy generated by guest speakers?

Who is running our government? Trump is unconventional. He ran—and won—as someone outside Washington, not as a politician. How is a radically different approach benefiting us? Is there evidence he can eventually “make Washington work” as promised? Should Republicans in Washington and GOP governors work around the White House and develop policies that at least attempt to solicit broad support? Who might take the lead in trying this?

On the other hand, should NOT being an ideologue--neither Conservative nor Liberal--help President Trump seek compromise between both Parties on important issues? What significant issues might have enough common ground that both Parties might work together?

What is America receiving in return for us approaching Putin in a more positive way?

South Korea wants to meet with North Korea to talk about facilitating family visits between the two countries.  Will China be OK if both Korea’s start getting “cozy”?

South Korea wants to meet with North Korea to talk about facilitating family visits between the two countries.  Will China be OK if both Korea’s start getting “cozy”?

Trump’s team is free to differ with him on key issues. For example, UN ambassador Nicki Halley often differs with Trump. Is it a plus or a minus that there’s no coordinated direction?

Three Palestinians died in clashes between Israeli police and protesters after men under the age of 50 were banned from entering one of Jerusalem’s holiest sites. Police said the ban was put in place for security reasons after Palestinians were angered by the introduction of metal detectors at the shrine, with some calling for a “day of rage.” The devices were installed after two Israeli policemen were shot dead at the site last week, which is known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount. Your thoughts. 

What is our Mid-East policy? Trump is ending a covert CIA operation to arm and train Syrian rebels fighting against President Bashar al-Assad, something Russia has long desired. Trump and Putin agreed to a limited cease fire in Syria and that Assad will eventually need to go.  President Trump is considering sending 3-5,000 more troops to Afghanistan.

The United States slapped new economic sanctions against Iran on Tuesday over its ballistic missile program and said Tehran’s “malign activities” in the Middle East undercut any “positive contributions” coming from the Iran nuclear accord. The Trump administration said Iran was complying with the nuclear agreement.  Where does this stand?

Is College basically worth the cost for most, especially if a big student loan is necessary? A pew poll shows 58% of Republicans say colleges and universities had a “negative effect on the way things are going in the country.” Only 36% maintained that they’re good for the country. In 2015 the results were reverse—54% positive, 37% negative.  

Volvo says it is going to stop making cars with combustion engines. Your thoughts.

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"?  

What about a Wall that's funded by solar energy?