Freddie Gray Sustained Injury in the Back of Police Van

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/30/us/baltimore-freddie-gray-death-investigation/index.html

The mystery of Freddie Grays death has grown more complex with each day.  Thursday it was revealed that his death might have  occurred on the ride over to the police station.  The ride to the police station was roughly around 40 mins.  According to sources Gary's death was caused by a catastrophic injury after he slammed into the back of the police van. When looked at closely, their was a similar bolt inside the van marked on the head of Freddie Gray.

This relates to gov because police men are government employees.

This is a terrible situation all around.  I feel  bad for the police officers involved but they messed up.  The death of Freddie Gray was awful and as a result their is rioting all around the country. 

Obama makes "Deflategate" joke in front of Patriots

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/23/politics/obama-patriots-deflategate-joke/index.html

Today President met with this years Super Bowl champs to congradulate them on winning the Super Bowl.  While talking to the media the President didn't hesitate to get in a little jab about the recent "Deflategate" scandal.  The President said "I usually tell a lot of jokes at these events, but with the Patriots in town I was worried that 11 out of 12 of them would fall flat."  The joke was met with mixed emotions by the team.  Coach Belichick gave the President a thumbs down and star tightend Rob Gronkoski wasn't amused by the joke either. 

This relates to government because the President filled his role as president by interacting with citizens.  

I think it's great that the President got a little jab in at the Patriots.  The Patriots have been cheating forever and this is a prime example.  They knew exactly what size the ball should be and they failed to follow the rules.  Because of their actions I think they should get all the negative publicity they can get. Therefore I applaud the President for his for his joke. 

Muslim Migrants throw Christians Overboard

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/16/europe/italy-migrants-christians-thrown-overboard/index.html

Muslims on a boat traveling from Lybia to Italy threw 12 Christians overboard which eventually lead to their death.  Upon their arrival 15 people were arrested because of their actions.  After being raided by the Muslim terrorist, the survivors were intercepted by an Italian Navy vessel and were brought over to safety.  Many people make the dangerous voyage to the Mediterranean coastline to escape poverty and war.  Unfortunately, many die along the way due to the ships being ill equipped for the dangerous voyage

This relates to gov because it relates to foreign affairs which is part of the Presidents job to oversee.

This is extremely heinous, depressing, and unfortunate.  What right people would just leave people out to die?  Hopefully these people come to justice for their actions and we continue to fight to but an end to terrorism.

Obama sets to Test Engagement Doctrine with Cuba in Panama.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/09/politics/obama-panama-trip-cuba-castro-relations/index.html

After agreeing to a compromise with Iran, Obama now sets his sights on South and Central America prepared to test his doctrine of engaging Cuba.  After a brief stop in Jamacia Obama heads to Panama where he plans to "interact" with Raul Castro.  Castro is coming to the gathering for the first time since Cuba was kicked out of the Organization of American States. Although they have no planned conversation Obama's aids have hinted at a conversation set for when they emerge with each other.  It is also promoted that Cuba might be removed from a list of states that sponsor terror. Regardless of whatever is to happen, it should make for some exciting news.  

This relates to gov because this conference is one that our President, who is seen as the head of our government, is attending.

I like this and think it would be great if it happened. The U.S. and Cuba have been bickering with each other for ever and now that could potentially stop.  Plus it's good for a country to be removed from that dreadful list.

NCAA 'concerned' over Indiana law that Allows Businesses to Reject Gays

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/25/politics/mike-pence-religious-freedom-bill-gay-rights/index.htm

Indianan governor, Mike Pence, decisions to sign a law could allow businesses to reject gays and lesbians.  Because of this potential law, the NCAA is starting to worry about next weeks Final Four in Indianapolis.  He said that the NCAA is concerned about the legislation could affect the student-athletes and the employees. Indiana is the first state to pass such a bill and it is being dicussed in many others. Many people such as Jason Collins, are against the legislation. 

This relates to politics because the Indiana State Government passed a law.

I think this law is very unfortunate, but I support it. Private businesses should be allowed to sell there product to whoever they chose, and if they chose to sell their product to everyone but a certain group of people, it is their right. 

Compromises Being Reached in Iran Talks

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/19/politics/iran-nuclear-talks-compromise/index.html

Crucial issues that have long divided the West and Iran are now being talked about in peace talks between the US and Iran.  Currently their is no written draft that is currently being reviewed by both the US and Iran.  Although no draft is made both sides are talking about key issues that have made both sides resentful of each other for many years.  Currently they are making progress but both sides still have a lot of work left to do before an agreement is reached.  Both sides wish for an agreement and hopefully one will soon surface.  

This relates to politics because it deals with foreign affairs which is an issue the federal government deals with.

I think any progress in made towards a treaty with Iran and the Middle East is good.  The treaty will end the potential threat of a nuclear war as we'll as make strides in the attack against terrorism.  If the two sides can come to a term of peace, then this will open up the doors for western countries and the Middle East to finally come together in peace.  

Secret Service jeopardizing Obama's

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/12/politics/chaffetz-secret-service-obama-safety/index.html

Republican Jason Chaffetz warned that the mismanagement of the Secret Service is putting the Obama's in jeopardy. Chaffetz said that we should worry about thesafety of our first family after the incident of which two secret service were drinking while driving.  Chaffetz says that the main job is to keep the president and his family protected and it worries him when this first surfaced.  Over the past couple years the secret service has gotten in a few scandals including one regarding prostituiton in Columbia. Chaffetz said with new director Clacy it will be seen what punishment is brought upon these agents.

This relates to government because the Secret Service is supposed to protect the president and his family at all cost, and the president isthe leader of the executive branch of government. 

This is completely irresponsible and quite honestly heinous.  The Secret Service has one job and that is to protect the president at all cost.  Clearly driving while intoxicated is not the best way to do that. As a result of these agents actions, it is only necessary that these agents are fired  

Government won't release Hillary's Email

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/04/politics/hillary-clinton-emails/index.html

Hillary Clinton tweeted that she wanted the government to release her emails to the public yesterday at 11:35. Since asking for them Monday the issue has escalated and has turned into a political-tug-of-war between Republicans and Democrats.  Although she as many of democratic allies it will be interesting to see what happens as she faces the most political scrutiny she has ever faced. It will be interesting to see who wins in this tug-of-war.  

This relates to politics because Hillary used to be Secretary of State and used her personal email while working.

I think they should give it back to her. As Americans we have the right to privacy and this is a violation of it.  Since we can all assume Hillary Clinton isn't a terrorist, why does the government need to stalk her email? I think the government needs to back of her. 

Obama Rejects Keystone XL Bill

http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/24/politics/obama-keystone-veto/index.html

Well, like he promised, he vetoed the Keystone XL bill.  The veto came Tuesday and was expected and was the first time in five years that the president used this power.   Unfortunately for Republican Party members it doesn't appear that this veto can be override.  Reportedly the veto appears to be the end of discussions on this topic.  We will have to wait and see if this bill comes back into play later on. 

This bill relates to government because here the president used his check and balance power to enable this bill not being passed.  

I can see why President Obama vetoed this bill. America in itself is one of the prettiest nations in the world.  However given the choice of whether to better the economy or protect the environment, as the President of an economic leader in the world, the economy needs to be more important.  

Small Group of House Dems Press Boehner to Postpone Netanyahu

http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/19/politics/house-democrats-netanyahu-letter-meeting/index.html

23 Democrate Congressman are urging Speaker of the House John Boehner to postpone his invitation to Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The invitation was originally planned for March 3rd.  The speech in the Democratic mindset would have been one of controversy. They don't think it's proper for a leader of another nation to be giving a speech a couple weeks before a election in his own country.  Although the speech wasn't expected to be boycotted, it is expected for the speech not to be delivered for a long time.

This relates to government because the House of Representatives is a branch in the US congress. The US congress is part of the legislative branch in government.  The speech was therefore going to be presented to an abundance of federal workers, relating to politics in that way.

I honestly don't know why there was a problem with the speech. Even though it would have been a couple of days before the election in his country it would have been good for the congressman to hear from someone in a different part of the world. Hopefully this speech will be presented in the near future.

Gay Marriage Legalized in Alabama

http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/12/politics/alabama-gay-marriage-licenses/index.html

Today a federal judge instructed that they start passing gay marriage license in Mobile County in Alabama.  The judge recommended that judges in other counties follow suit.  Gay Marriage was passed in the state last Sunday by a court decision.  The judges ruling about the marriage licenses just reassures that this will be done.  Alabama is the 37th State to legalize gay marriage and the 5th in the south. With gay marriage being passed in a state that is mainly conservative it's is just a matter of time before this is passed in the rest of the states.

This applies to government in two ways.  One, the bill passed to legalize gay marriage was passed by the Alabama State Government there for being passed by a form of government.  Two, in the Constitution  the 9th Amendment gives powers that are not in the federal governments authority the power is then given to them. 

I personally am disappointed this happen.  In a mainly conservative and religious state I'm disappointed that they let something God is against passed.  We as a nation based a lot of our form of government off of God.  I believe that if America is going to thrive as a nation they need God involved.  If we are going to base our government off of God and still let things like this pass making the US look very hypocritical, we either need to take him out of it completely, of abide by his principles.

Secret Service Looking to Charge Drone Flyer.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/05/politics/white-house-drone-secret-service-charges/index.html

Last week in Washington DC, a drone was flown on to the White House front lawn. The man that reportedly flew the drone on to the grounds was apparently testing the drones ability to fly in cold weather. The drone reportedly malfunctioned and flew off out of control onto the front lawn of the White House.  The Secret Service reported Thursday that they would like to press charges. According to a friend of the flyer he is very remorseful and would like to apologize to President Obama and his family.

This relates to government in three ways. One, it is illegal to fly something on to someone else's property without there permission. Second, the White House is a federal building that houses the president and his family. Third, the Secret Services job is to protect the President and if the drone had had explosives on it and hurt the President and his family, the Secret Service would not have been doing there job.

I believe because of the mans actions he should be punished. I don't think anything major should happen but a couple hundred dollar fine is required here. There are some things you just can't do in life and this is one of those things. 

Senate Passes Keystone XL

http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/29/politics/senate-keystone-final-vote/index.html

http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/18/politics/keystone-pipeline-senate-vote-explainer/index.html

    Yesterday, the Senate passed a bill that would add on to the Keystone pipeline expanding it from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.  The vote was tallied up at a total of 62-39 in favor of the extension.  Nine Democrats switched sides and voted in favor of the extension even though President Obama promised to veto the bill if passed.  Ever since the Republican Party took over control in the Senate they have been trying to get this bill passed. However, since they didn't get the 2/3rds needed and with President Obama planning to veto the bill, who knows if it will ever come into action?

    This article relates to government in two ways, one, how a bill becomes a law, two, how a president can veto a bill.  With the bill gaining favor by a 62-39 tally the bill, based off of our majority rules system, can now become a law. It also shows that the president has the power to veto a passed bill unless congress gets a 2/3rds majority rule.

     I am for the pipeline being expanded.  In a country where unemployment is a serious problem, it will create a total of 42,000 jobs while under construction which will take about two years to build.  In addition to the new jobs created it will inject close to 2 billion dollars into the economy. Also it has a very slime chance of leaking a causing a disatorous oil spill.