Thursday, April 23, 2015

5 of 7 Senate makes history by confirming Loretta Lynch as U.S. attorney general


Loretta Lynch was  confirmed as U.S. attorney general on Thursday. All Democrats voted for her. She made history by becoming the first African American woman to hold the post. President Obama said that "America will be better off for it" when talking about her confirmation. However Senator Ted Cruz said that she was unfit for the job and was the only one not to show up for the vote. There has been a lot of firsts for America with Obama, Sotomayor, and now Lynch.
4 of 7 Man in gyrocopter that landed at the Capitol was tracked for 30 miles



The Florida postal carrier that was flying the gyrocopter, which he eventually landed on the Capitol's lawn, was tracked by security for 30 miles through protected airspace. However, they decided not to shoot him down for fear that tourists on the National Mall might be harmed. It was said that a "lack of communication and some human error" was the reason that the postal carrier was allowed to land on the Capitol's lawn. I watched a video of the man in his gyrocopter on the news, people are crazy.
3 of 7 Senate approves stalled human trafficking bill, clearing way for Lynch vote 



It was a 99-0 vote that moved the chamber past legislation that had been delayed for 6 weeks after the Democrats withdrew their support for the bipartisan bill over an anti-abortion provision. But Senators finally reached a compromise on that provision. Although the matters weren't related, the bill became intertwined with the nomination of Loretta Lynch to be the next attorney general. Her nomination was effected when Senator Mitch McConnell said he would not schedule a confirmation vote on the attorney general nominee until they finished the trafficking bill.
2 of 7 Opponents of gay marriage ponder strategy as issue reaches supreme court


John G. Kallam Jr. is one of six county magistrates in North Carolina to step down rather than condone same sex marriage. Like three quarters of Rockingham County, NC voters, he voted yes when adopting a constitutional ban on same sex marriage. He was shocked however when a federal judge overturned the ban. He was then obliged to perform civil marriages, but he decided to step down instead of going against his faith. As Supreme Court gets ready to hear arguments on same sex marriage, America seems more ready for it than even just a year ago. While about 1/2 of Americans now condone the idea of gay marriages.
1 of 7 At New York reception, Ted Cruz is said to strike different tone towards gays



Senator and Republican presidential candidate, Ted Cruz, has positioned himself against same sex marriages. He urged pastors nationwide to preach in support of marriage between man and woman which he said was "ordained by God." However at a reception held for him at the apartment at two gays he struck a different tone about the matter. He even said he wouldn't mind if one of his daughters was gay. He did not however mention his opposition to same-sex marriage, only saying that marriage is an issue that should be left to the states.

Monday, April 13, 2015

5 of 6 Obama won't endorse Hilary Clinton just yet 



Obama praised former Secretary of State but stopped short of offering his endorsement to former opponent. Saying it was a little too early for an endorsement since she just announced running, but he did say that she was talented, tenacious, is a great friend, and thought she would make a great president.
4 of 6 Marco Rubio announces he's running for president in 2016 



First speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, then U.S. Senator in 2010, Rubio is now running for president. In his announcement he states that "our identity as an exceptional nation is at stake, and I can make a difference as president."
3 of 6 New drilling rule planned, 5 years after BP oil spill 



Obama administration plans to impose new regulations for offshore oil drilling. New rules can be put in place to help prevent catastrophes like explosions and oil spills. As the plan to open up new waters to drilling, they put in place the third and biggest new drilling regulation.
2 of 6 president Obama meets Raul Castro, making history



 This meeting was the first face to face discussion between the leaders of the U.S. and Cuba in half a century. It was called a historic meeting. Obama said efforts would continue tore establish diplomatic relations of the countries and to reopen embassies in Havana and Washington. Obama also said that while the countries will continue to have differences, they can also continue to work on common ground and interests.




1 of 6 Hilary Clinton starts to detail rationale for run as campaign begins



This is Hilary's second attempt to run for president. If successful she would be the first female nominee from either party, with a good chance of becoming the first female elected president. In her announcement of running for office she stated that she wanted to fight for American families, allowing them to get ahead and stay ahead.