The Supreme Court announced that it will hear several controversial and highly political cases during its upcoming term. These cases include abortion rights, employment rights for LGBTQ persons, immigration rights under “DACA” (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and gun rights/gun control. In weighing the outcomes on these issues, the Supreme Court may vote along political party lines. Trump’s nominations and appointment of Justices Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh to the conservative block may determine the fate of these issues. The justices will hear a Louisiana abortion case as the first case among the recent conservative abortion restriction cases—in the early 2020 term. Among the many recent conservative/restrictive abortion laws passed, it will be the first test abortion test case to be decided with the all new majority of Supreme Court conservative justices appointed by Trump. The Louisiana law would require that a doctor performing an abortion have admitting privileges to a … [Read more...] about SCOTUS May End Abortion, DACA and LGBTQ Rights
gun control
Gun Control Laws are no Easy Fix
On Saturday, Democratic presidential hopeful former Colorado Governor Hickenlooper will bring his 21 point gun control platform to survivors of Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. While it is fitting that he should address gun violence there with survivors of one of the most horrific school shootings of children, much of his platform lacks substance or hits points already raised by others. 1. While I applaud Gov. Hickenlooper’s 22- point gun plan effort to prevent gun violence, his upfront idea of comparing a renewable gun license every 5 years akin to a driver’s license is misplaced. A legal license to drive a car is a privilege—not a Constitutional right and therefore no comparison. Comparing a right guaranteed under the Constitution whether it's voting rights or gun rights, a comparison to a privilege to drive is like comparing apples and oranges. They are not the same. 2. I also understand the focus of many gun control advocates on school shootings and mass … [Read more...] about Gun Control Laws are no Easy Fix
Gun Shootings Require Action From Lawmakers–Not Just Prayers
Two days after the midterm elections, I woke up to the news that another mass shooting occurred--this time in a supposedly safe suburban community outside of Los Angeles. A white man opened fire in a college bar and grill restaurant killing 12 persons, including a 29 year police veteran. On Saturday, November 3, I woke up to the news that a gun shooter killed two persons in a yoga class and wounded several others. My initial thought was we can’t even peacefully pray, meditate or practice yoga or dance in this country without the fear of being gunned down. It was just the previous week that I felt the pain of gun violence at a Pittsburgh synagogue killing seven Jewish persons. And yet, many of our powerful lawmakers act powerless in the face of tragedy. We need more than just thoughts and prayers in these tragedies from our lawmakers. Tragedy is what propelled Lucy McBath, a gun control advocate, to run for office. McBath appears headed to Congress from Georgia’s 6th district, once … [Read more...] about Gun Shootings Require Action From Lawmakers–Not Just Prayers
Here’s How to Fix DACA and Gun Laws
In a significant blow to the Trump Administration, the Supreme Court denied, without comment, the administration’s request to leapfrog ahead the system to immediately appeal to the Supreme Court an adverse California federal court ruling on “DACA”- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Previously, a California federal judge denied the Trump administration’s order to immediately end DACA—stating that the Administration was enjoined nationwide from ending it. It thereby ensured that almost 700,000 DREAMers may continue to remain in the country—at least for a while longer. DACA is the program established by President Obama in 2012 which protects against deportation some of those who entered the country illegally as children. Trump sought to end the program in March, 2018. The current status of the case, in light of the court’s ruling, is the Trump administration must now go through the normal court route and appeal the ruling to the 9th circuit, which hears appeals from … [Read more...] about Here’s How to Fix DACA and Gun Laws
Gun Violence, Gun Control and Gutless GOP Politicians
A week following the Orlando Pulse nightclub mass shooting and killing of 49 persons, it’s business as usual for many of our GOP politicians. Despite four Senate bills advanced by both parties, no gun control law passed this week. A homegrown terrorist living in the U.S. may still buy an assault weapon and hundreds of cartridges to kill innocent Americans. And many of our Republican lawmakers lack the guts to pass any common sense laws to protect innocent lives from being taken at the hands of a mentally ill or homegrown terrorist. Inaction means more lives will be taken. The bills voted down on Monday ranged from the tepid GOP bill to ban potential terrorists from buying a gun but here’s the caveat—only if, a judge found probable cause to determine the person is actually involved in terrorist activity. Of course, by then, the alleged terrorist would have sufficient time to buy guns and take multiple lives. Our lawmakers couldn’t even agree to bar persons already suspected of … [Read more...] about Gun Violence, Gun Control and Gutless GOP Politicians