Politics

The 14th Amendment Under Fire: Trump Executive Order

Today, immigrants’ rights advocates filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding its executive order. The executive order revokes U.S. citizenship from certain babies born in the United States. The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) has a long history of defending civil rights and challenging discriminatory policies, including President Trump’s recent executive order that attempts to reinterpret the 14th Amendment, a cornerstone of American citizenship. Here’s what you need to know and what it means for American society.

What is Birthright Citizenship?

At its core, this is about who automatically becomes a U.S. citizen by virtue of being born on U.S. soil. This principle, known as jus soli (right of the soil), is enshrined in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1868. It states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States…”

This has historically meant that anyone born in the U.S., regardless of their parents’ immigration status, is a citizen. This includes children born to tourists, visa holders, and undocumented immigrants. The U.S. is one of about 30 countries, mostly in the Americas, that practice birthright citizenship.

Need to Know:

  • The 14th Amendment: Ratified in 1868 during Reconstruction, this amendment granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., including formerly enslaved people. This “birthright citizenship” clause is a key focus of the LDF’s legal challenges.
  • Executive Orders: These are directives issued by the President that manage operations of the federal government. While they have legal weight, their constitutionality can be challenged in court, as the LDF has done in this case.
  • LDF’s Stance: The LDF argues that executive orders attempting to unilaterally rewrite the 14th Amendment are unconstitutional. They see such actions as attacks on a fundamental principle of American citizenship.

Takeaways:

  • Defense of Civil Rights: The LDF’s legal actions highlight the ongoing struggle to protect civil rights, particularly those related to citizenship and equality.
  • Importance of the Judiciary: This situation underscores the vital role of the judicial system in checking the power of the executive branch and upholding the Constitution.
  • Reconstruction Era Legacy: The 14th Amendment is a direct result of the Reconstruction era, a period of significant social and political change following the Civil War. Challenges to this amendment represent a threat to this legacy.

Implications for American Culture and Society:

  • National Identity: The concept of birthright citizenship is deeply ingrained in American identity. Attempts to alter it raise fundamental questions about who is considered an American and what it means to be a citizen.
  • Social Inequality: Changes to the 14th Amendment could disproportionately affect certain groups, potentially exacerbating existing social inequalities.
  • Political Polarization: Debates surrounding citizenship and immigration are often highly polarized. These legal challenges contribute to ongoing national conversations about these divisive issues.

The LDF’s work is crucial in ensuring that the promises of the 14th Amendment are upheld. This situation serves as a reminder of the fragility of rights and the importance of continuous advocacy and legal defense to protect them. You can find more about this specific case HERE.

Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship: A Deep Dive

President Trump’s executive order challenging birthright citizenship has ignited a legal and political firestorm. Let’s breaks down the issue, the order itself, the reactions, and what you need to know.

What Does Trump’s Order Say?

Trump’s executive order directly challenges this interpretation of the 14th Amendment. It argues that children born to noncitizens are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the U.S., and therefore, not automatically citizens.

Specifically, the order attempts to exclude from automatic citizenship:

  • Children whose mothers were not legally in the U.S. and whose fathers were not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
  • Children whose mothers were in the country legally but on a temporary basis and whose fathers were not citizens or legal permanent residents.

The order also directs federal agencies to deny citizenship documents to individuals in these categories.

The Legal Battle and the 14th Amendment

The order has been met with immediate legal challenges. Attorneys general from 22 states, along with immigrant rights groups, have filed lawsuits arguing that the order is unconstitutional. They assert that the 14th Amendment is clear and that the president cannot unilaterally rewrite the Constitution.

The key legal question is the interpretation of “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” While the Supreme Court has affirmed birthright citizenship for children born to legal immigrants (Wong Kim Ark case, 1898), the order disputes its application to children born to undocumented immigrants.

Reactions and Fallout

Reactions to the order have been sharply divided:

  • Supporters: See it as a necessary step to curb illegal immigration and tighten citizenship standards.
  • Opponents: View it as a blatant attack on the Constitution and a dangerous expansion of executive power.

The order has also raised concerns about its potential impact on families and individuals. It is unclear whether it would apply retroactively, and there are concerns about potential discrimination and hardship for those whose citizenship is now in question.

Takeaways and Need to Know:

  • Core Issue: The order directly challenges the long-held understanding of birthright citizenship as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.
  • Legal Uncertainty: The legal challenges will likely lead to a lengthy court battle, possibly reaching the Supreme Court.
  • Potential Impact: The order could have significant consequences for families and individuals, particularly those with mixed immigration statuses.
  • Political Divide: The issue has further polarized the political landscape, with strong reactions on both sides.

This is a developing story. Stay informed about the legal proceedings and their outcomes, as they will have profound implications for immigration and citizenship in the United States.

Dred Scott v. Sandford, which denied U.S. citizenship to all African Americans, regardless of their birthplace (U.S. or elsewhere) or status (enslaved or free).

The 14th Amendment, while a cornerstone of American civil rights, has faced numerous challenges and interpretations throughout history. Here are some key examples:

  • Early Interpretations and Jim Crow: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Supreme Court issued rulings that significantly weakened the 14th Amendment’s protections, particularly its Equal Protection Clause. Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) famously upheld “separate but equal” segregation, effectively legalizing Jim Crow laws in the South. This era saw systematic discrimination against African Americans in areas like voting, education, and public accommodations.
  • Challenges to Birthright Citizenship: While the first clause of the 14th Amendment defines citizenship by birth in the U.S., its application to children of undocumented immigrants has been debated. Though the Supreme Court hasn’t directly ruled on this specific issue, legal precedent and scholarly consensus largely affirm birthright citizenship in these cases as well. However, this aspect of the 14th Amendment continues to be a target of political debate and some legal challenges, though none have been successful.
  • Gender Equality: Initially, the 14th Amendment was not consistently applied to protect gender equality. While it speaks of “persons,” courts often interpreted it in ways that upheld discriminatory laws against women. The women’s suffrage movement and later legal challenges pushed for a broader interpretation, leading to significant advances in gender equality under the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.
  • Voting Rights: Disenfranchisement tactics like poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses, common in the Jim Crow South, directly violated the 14th Amendment’s guarantees of equal protection. The Civil Rights Movement and subsequent legislation, like the Voting Rights Act of 1965, were crucial in enforcing the 14th Amendment’s promise of equal access to the ballot box.
  • Affirmative Action: Policies designed to address past and present discrimination against minority groups have been challenged under the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. The Supreme Court has generally upheld affirmative action programs that consider race as one factor among many in admissions or hiring decisions, but has struck down quota systems. These cases highlight the complex interplay between addressing historical injustice and ensuring equal treatment for all.
  • LGBTQ+ Rights: In recent decades, the 14th Amendment’s Due Process and Equal Protection clauses have played a major role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights. Landmark Supreme Court cases such as Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, were based on interpretations of the 14th Amendment.

These are just some of the significant challenges and evolving interpretations that the 14th Amendment has faced. Its meaning and application continue to be debated and redefined through legal scholarship, social movements, and court decisions.

Trump Triumphs Again: What the 2024 Election Means for America

In a stunning turn of events, Donald Trump has defied the odds and won the 2024 presidential election. This victory send shockwaves through the nation and raises profound questions about the future of American politics and culture.

Key Takeaways:

  • Populism’s Staying Power: Trump’s victory underscores the enduring appeal of populist rhetoric and the deep divisions within American society.
  • The Republican Resurgence: The election results solidify the Republican Party’s dominance and signal a potential shift in the political landscape for years to come.
  • The Media Reckoning: The mainstream media’s predictions of a Trump loss highlight a growing disconnect between the press and a significant portion of the electorate.
  • The International Impact: Trump’s return to the White House will likely have significant ramifications for America’s relationships with its allies and adversaries.

Impact on American Culture:

Trump’s presidency is poised to have a profound impact on American culture. His polarizing rhetoric and policies are likely to exacerbate existing divisions and fuel intense cultural debates. We can expect to see:

  • Intensified Culture Wars: Issues such as immigration, race, and gender are likely to become even more contentious.
  • The Rise of Political Activism: Both supporters and opponents of Trump are likely to become more politically engaged, leading to increased activism and social unrest.
  • The Media Landscape: The media landscape will continue to fracture, with partisan outlets catering to increasingly polarized audiences.

The Road Ahead:

The 2024 election has ushered in an era of uncertainty and political turbulence. The nation faces significant challenges, both domestically and internationally. The choices we make in the coming years will shape the future of American democracy and our place in the world.

Call to Action:

Now, more than ever, it is crucial for Americans to engage in thoughtful dialogue and work towards finding common ground. We must bridge the divides that separate us and build a more united and inclusive society.

The 2024 US Presidential Election: What Voters Should Know

With the 2024 US presidential election quickly approaching, voters need to be informed and prepared to cast their ballots. This year’s election is of particular importance due to recent global events that have made the campaign season more consequential than initially anticipated. Here’s what voters should know:

Key Dates

  • November 5th: Election Day
  • Early voting: Check your state’s deadlines and requirements, as many states offer early voting options.

Protecting Your Vote

  • Register to vote: Verify your registration status and make sure you’re registered at your current address.
  • Know your voting options: Some states offer mail-in or absentee voting. Familiarize yourself with the available options in your state.
  • Get informed: Research the candidates and their platforms to make an informed decision.
  • Vote early or on Election Day: If voting in person, find your polling place and bring a photo ID. If voting by mail, send in your ballot well before the deadline.
  • Protect your vote from fraud: Understand the signs of voter fraud and report any suspicious activity.

Get Involved

  • Volunteer for a candidate or campaign: Actively participate in the election process.
  • Attend rallies or debates: Stay informed about the candidates and their positions.
  • Talk to friends and family about voting: Encourage others to exercise their right to vote.
  • Educate yourself about voter suppression: Be aware of tactics used to suppress voter turnout and fight against them.

Make Your Voice Heard

Your vote is your voice. It’s crucial to participate in every election, big or small, to ensure your voice is heard and your interests are represented. Stay informed about election results and get involved in post-election activities if necessary.

Remember, the 2024 US presidential election is shaping up to be a consequential one. By being informed, prepared, and actively participating in the process, voters can play a vital role in shaping the future of the nation.

US News: The Battleground States

The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be a closely contested race, and the outcome will likely hinge on a handful of key battleground states. According to US News, these seven states are expected to play a pivotal role in determining the next president:

  • Arizona: A traditionally Republican state that has become increasingly competitive in recent years.
  • Georgia: Another traditionally Republican state that Democrats have made significant inroads in.
  • Michigan: A Rust Belt state that flipped from Republican to Democrat in 2020.
  • Nevada: A state with a growing Latino population that has become a key battleground.
  • North Carolina: A state that has been closely contested in recent elections.
  • Pennsylvania: A Rust Belt state that flipped from Democrat to Republican in 2016 and back to Democrat in 2020.
  • Wisconsin: Another Rust Belt state that flipped from Democrat to Republican in 2016 and back to Democrat in 2020.

These seven states are all expected to be closely contested in 2024, and the outcome of the election could very well depend on which candidate is able to win the majority of them.

2024 Election Voter Guide: Georgia

StateAffairs.com has published a comprehensive voter guide for the 2024 election in Georgia. This guide is a valuable resource for Georgia voters, providing information on candidates, key dates, and important issues.  The guide is accessible online and can be easily shared via email or social media.

Voters can use this guide to make informed decisions in the upcoming election. For those interested in Georgia politics, the guide offers insights into the current political landscape and the candidates vying for office.

Countdown to the 2024 Presidential Election

The 2024 United States presidential election is rapidly approaching, and the excitement is palpable. With the election date set for Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the countdown has officially begun.

This election promises to be a pivotal moment in American history, as voters will decide the future direction of the country. The candidates will present their visions for addressing critical issues such as the economy, healthcare, climate change, and social justice including the ongoing conflicts the US is heavily involved in, like the Russian-Ukraine war and the Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza that has killed over 40,000 people and counting. 

As the countdown continues, it’s essential for voters to stay informed about the candidates, their policies, and the potential impact of their presidency. Engaging in discussions, attending rallies, and participating in debates can help voters make informed decisions on Election Day.

The 2024 presidential election is not just about selecting a leader based on our policy differences; it’s about shaping the future of the nation, protecting democracy and humanity. Every vote counts, and every citizen has a role to play in this democratic process.

So, mark your calendars, stay informed, and make your voice heard on November 5th!

What are some key issues that candidates in the 2024 presidential election are likely to focus on?

The following are key issues that candidates in the 2024 presidential election are likely to focus on:

  • The economy
  • Foreign Affairs/Endless Wars
  • Healthcare
  • Climate change
  • Social justice

What is the significance of the 2024 presidential election?

The 2024 presidential election is significant because it will determine the future direction of the country. Voters will decide who will lead the nation and how they will address critical issues such as the economy, healthcare, climate change, social justice and America’s role in foreign affairs, specifically the on-going genocide in Gaza, and other conflicts around the world. Stay informed and vote for the future we all deserve. 

Officials: Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania

 

Former president Donald Trump and presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election appears to have been shot at by a sniper during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

Video of the incident show Trump was graced by potential bullets, and was bloodied on his head close to his ear, and escorted defiantly off the stage by secret service agents.

Preliminary news reports say that the suspected shooter is deceased, including a rally attendee. There are also reports of two critically injured people.  

What to know, according to the Associated Press:

  • What happened: Trump was showing off a chart of border crossing numbers when a popping sound was heard, and the former president put his right hand up to his right ear. It’s still not clear yet whether Trump was struck by gunfire or was injured as he was pulled to the ground by agents.
  • What we know about the shooter: Two officials spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation. They said the shooter was not an attendee at the rally and was killed by U.S. Secret Service agents. Law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene, an AP source says.
  • Biden’s response: In a televised address, the president said “everybody must condemn” the attack, he is relieved that Trump is reportedly “doing well”. His campaign said it’s pausing all messaging to supporters and is working to pull down all of its television ads as quickly as possible.

HERE’s the full early report from the AP.

Trump: 1st U.S. President Convicted on Criminal Charges

The 45th U.S. president, Donald J. Trump, has become the first former president to be convicted on criminal charges.

The presumptive Republican 2024 presidential nominee was found guilty on all 34 counts by a jury in the unprecedented criminal prosecution of a former president.

Trump was accused of illegally trying to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, with whom he had a sexual encounter with and that threatened to derail his 2016 campaign. The bombshell verdict ends a dramatic seven-week trial in Manhattan Supreme Court where jurors heard testimony from Daniels and Trump’s former protector and enabler, Michael Cohen.

Trump, 77, was found guilty of falsifying business records throughout 2017 by lying that he was paying his then-lawyer, Cohen, for legal services when he was actually reimbursing him for the hush money he paid Daniels about having sex with Trump inside a Lake Tahoe hotel room in 2006. Officials say, each of the counts the 45th president faces comes with a maximum penalty of four years imprisonment.

Could Trump go to prison?
Legal minds say it is highly unlikely. Nevertheless, Trump is facing 136 years behind bars if given consecutive sentences. Officials say it’s more likely that he would be given concurrent sentences for each of the 34 counts. In reality, Trump is facing four years behind bars. But, the judge could also not sentence him to time behind bars.

Trump Makes History as First Former President to be Criminally Indicted

The first-ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president kicked-off with jury selection in NYC.

According to official reports, “Trump has been indicted on 91 charges across four separate criminal cases. However, some of those charges have since been dismissed, bringing the current total to 88. In the Georgia case accusing him of trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the Peach State, the former president faces 10 felony counts.” USA Today reports that the presumptive Republican presidential nominee “faces 34 felony counts that each carry a maximum sentence of four years, although New York law caps such sentences at 20 years.”

The first-ever criminal trial of Donald J. Trump, a former U.S. president, is a historic event in American history. The former president’s first trial was held in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on Jan. 16, 2023. Trump was accused of incitement of insurrection in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol.

The prosecution presented evidence that the former president had made numerous public statements in the weeks leading up to the January 6 attack in which he falsely claimed that the 2020 presidential election had been stolen from him. The prosecution also presented evidence that the former president had summoned his supporters to Washington, D.C., on January 6 and told them to “fight like hell” to overturn the election results.

The defense argued that the former president’s statements were protected by the First Amendment and that he did not incite the violence that occurred on January 6. The defense also argued that the former president was not responsible for the actions of his supporters.

The trial lasted for two weeks and ended with the former president being acquitted on all charges. The acquittal was a controversial decision and was met with mixed reactions from the public. Some people believed that the former president should have been held accountable for his actions, while others believed that the First Amendment protected his right to free speech.

Donald Trump appeared inside Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday as the first criminal trial against him began with jury selection. No jurors were selected from the dozens screened.

It marked the first time a former president has gone to trial over criminal charges — which stem from six-figure hush-money payments the ex-president allegedly made to former porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal ahead of the 2016 election.

According to official reports, Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in an effort to cover up the payments to keep Daniels and McDougal quiet about alleged affairs the women say they had with him. The trial is expected to last about two months, and if convicted, Trump faces up to four years in prison.

Because it’s a criminal trial, the former commander-in-chief must show up at court every day that it’s in session.

 

Speaking to reporters inside Manhattan Criminal Court the former president said, “This is an assault on America. Nothing like this has ever happened before. There’s never been anything like it. Every legal scholar said this case is nonsense, it should never have been brought. It doesn’t deserve anything like this. There is no case and they’ve said it, people that don’t necessarily follow or like Donald Trump said this is an outrage that this case was brought. This is political persecution … it is an assault of America.”

Kevin McCarthy Voted Out as Speaker of the House: A New Chapter in American Politics

On Tuesday, October 3, In a surprising turn of events, Kevin McCarthy, the Republican leader and Speaker of the House, was voted out of his position in a significant reshuffling of the political landscape. McCarthy’s tenure as Speaker has been marked by controversy and challenges, making this change a significant moment in American politics. This article delves into the circumstances surrounding McCarthy’s removal and its potential implications for the future of the United States Congress.

The Buildup to McCarthy’s Ouster

The ousting of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House did not happen overnight; it was the result of a culmination of factors. McCarthy has been a polarizing figure in American politics, often seen as a staunch defender of former President Donald Trump and his policies. While this alignment with the Republican base endeared him to some, it also drew criticism from those who saw him as being too closely aligned with the former president’s divisive and controversial actions.

Another major factor contributing to McCarthy’s removal was his leadership during critical moments in the House. The most significant of these was his handling of the January 6th Capitol riot. Many saw his reluctance to condemn the attack on the Capitol as a turning point, eroding confidence in his leadership abilities and diminishing his credibility in the eyes of some members of his own party. McCarthy has also been accused by members of his Party of being untrustworthy and taking part in backdoor deals with Democrats.

The Vote and Its Implications

The vote to remove Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House took place after a long and heated debate within the Republican caucus. In a close and historic vote, McCarthy was defeated by a majority of his fellow Republicans, a charge led by his arch nemesis and chief rival Matt Gaetz, of Florida. The details of the vote remain a subject of debate, with various reports indicating that some Republicans who had previously supported him had lost confidence in his leadership.

The implications of McCarthy’s removal are profound and far-reaching. The Speaker of the House is one of the most influential figures in American politics, wielding significant power and responsibility. McCarthy’s departure leaves a void at the top of the Republican leadership, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic shift in the party’s direction and priorities.

The Future of the Republican Party

With McCarthy’s ouster, the Republican Party faces a crossroads. Many are speculating about who will step into the leadership void and how they will steer the party moving forward. The party’s direction could shift, with potential implications for issues like immigration, healthcare, and tax policy. Since McCarthy’s ouster, both Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise have failed to fill the vacancy.

The relationship with former President Trump remains a central issue for the GOP. McCarthy’s close alignment with Trump and his ‘America First’ agenda had been a hallmark of his leadership. However, some Republicans may see this as an opportunity to redefine the party’s platform, possibly distancing themselves from the controversial elements associated with the Trump era.

Impact on Congressional Dynamics

The removal of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House could also have far-reaching effects on the functioning of Congress. The Speaker plays a crucial role in setting the legislative agenda, facilitating debates, and working with the Senate to pass legislation. McCarthy’s successor will need to navigate these challenges, which may require a different leadership style and approach.

Kevin McCarthy’s ousting as Speaker of the House marks a pivotal moment in American politics. The circumstances leading to his removal and the implications for the Republican Party and Congress at large are significant. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the nation will be watching to see how this change affects the balance of power, legislative priorities, and the overall direction of the Republican Party. Only time will tell how this historic event will shape the future of American politics.

Pause Giant AI Experiments: An Open Letter

We call on all AI labs to immediately pause for at least 6 months the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4.

PUBLISHED
March 22, 2023

AI systems with human-competitive intelligence can pose profound risks to society and humanity, as shown by extensive research[1] and acknowledged by top AI labs.[2] As stated in the widely-endorsed Asilomar AI Principles, Advanced AI could represent a profound change in the history of life on Earth, and should be planned for and managed with commensurate care and resources. Unfortunately, this level of planning and management is not happening, even though recent months have seen AI labs locked in an out-of-control race to develop and deploy ever more powerful digital minds that no one – not even their creators – can understand, predict, or reliably control.

Contemporary AI systems are now becoming human-competitive at general tasks,[3] and we must ask ourselves: Should we let machines flood our information channels with propaganda and untruth? Should we automate away all the jobs, including the fulfilling ones? Should we develop nonhuman minds that might eventually outnumber, outsmart, obsolete and replace us? Should we risk loss of control of our civilization? Such decisions must not be delegated to unelected tech leaders. Powerful AI systems should be developed only once we are confident that their effects will be positive and their risks will be manageable. This confidence must be well justified and increase with the magnitude of a system’s potential effects. OpenAI’s recent statement regarding artificial general intelligence, states that “At some point, it may be important to get independent review before starting to train future systems, and for the most advanced efforts to agree to limit the rate of growth of compute used for creating new models.” We agree. That point is now.

Therefore, we call on all AI labs to immediately pause for at least 6 months the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4. This pause should be public and verifiable, and include all key actors. If such a pause cannot be enacted quickly, governments should step in and institute a moratorium.

AI labs and independent experts should use this pause to jointly develop and implement a set of shared safety protocols for advanced AI design and development that are rigorously audited and overseen by independent outside experts. These protocols should ensure that systems adhering to them are safe beyond a reasonable doubt.[4] This does not mean a pause on AI development in general, merely a stepping back from the dangerous race to ever-larger unpredictable black-box models with emergent capabilities.

AI research and development should be refocused on making today’s powerful, state-of-the-art systems more accurate, safe, interpretable, transparent, robust, aligned, trustworthy, and loyal.

In parallel, AI developers must work with policymakers to dramatically accelerate development of robust AI governance systems. These should at a minimum include: new and capable regulatory authorities dedicated to AI; oversight and tracking of highly capable AI systems and large pools of computational capability; provenance and watermarking systems to help distinguish real from synthetic and to track model leaks; a robust auditing and certification ecosystem; liability for AI-caused harm; robust public funding for technical AI safety research; and well-resourced institutions for coping with the dramatic economic and political disruptions (especially to democracy) that AI will cause.

Humanity can enjoy a flourishing future with AI. Having succeeded in creating powerful AI systems, we can now enjoy an “AI summer” in which we reap the rewards, engineer these systems for the clear benefit of all, and give society a chance to adapt. Society has hit pause on other technologies with potentially catastrophic effects on society.[5]  We can do so here. Let’s enjoy a long AI summer, not rush unprepared into a fall.

We have prepared some FAQs in response to questions and discussion in the media and elsewhere. You can find them here.

Biden’s SOTU Address Was A Strong Reintroduction & Bid For Second Term

BY JEANETTE LENOIR

It started with a familiar kiss that turned dull halfway through his first term as 46th president of the United States. But by the end of his second State of The Union address, President Biden had delivered a powerful resounding message that touched on every bullet point most Americans would identity with and have in their social and political wish bucket. From promises of 12 million new jobs, American manufacturing, unions, healthcare, foreign policy, global competition, ongoing wars and veterans, to police reform and banning assault weapons, the president, hot like a fed-up dad threatening to turn the car around, delivered a focused agenda, and reminding us that, “America is possibilities.” At one point the pact chamber even unified in shouting, “USA! USA! USA!”

After two years of enduring insults and nonstop remarks about his stamina, and mental ability to lead a divided nation to unity and prosperity after Trump and Covid-19, President Biden delivered a one-two punch that silenced his critics, and raised his weary, even doubting supporters, to their feet. And charismatic as ever, with that crooked smile ready to deliver a corny joke, the president raised his voice instead and pointed his fingers at Americans, reminding us, “let’s not see each other as enemies” and that, “we must give hate and extremism in any form no safe harbor. He said, “democracy must not be a partisan issue. It’s an American issue.”

The president stepped up and into his symbolic role as head of a chaotic household to reign in order and extend a hand to “troublemaking” Republicans with a slight edge, for a chance at something different; a government unified on basic truths and the principles our nation stands upon.

Like a kiss on the lips between the FLOTUS and the First Second Gentleman, the speech was unexpected.

biden_sotu

The Watts Riot Reminds That History Is Cyclical

BY JEANETTE LENOIR

The “long hot, summer” of 1965 was a year of violent uprisings across the United States due to strained race relations at the height of the civil rights movement. America was on fire. Black people were tired and took their frustrations to the streets during and following the arrest of a Black motorist in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles.

The history of police brutality tells harsh truths of how hate and racism disproportionately impacts the lives of Black people and other people of color. The Watts riot is just one example of a people exhausted from the unrelenting oppression at the hands of their government and the police force they empower to carry out their dominance. The Watts riot started August 11 and ended August 16, 1965. The arrest of Marquette Frye, his mother Rena and stepbrother Ronald sparked the violence that brought Los Angeles to its knees.

The Watts riot was not an isolated incident. 1964 and 1965 recorded similar events breaking out across the country prior to the Watts explosion. The History channel reports, “In 1964, there was a three-day riot in Rochester, NY, leaving four dead; in the New York City neighborhoods of Harlem and Bedford-Stuyvesant, a six-day riot involving as many as 4,000 people following the shooting of a young Black man; in Philadelphia, a three-day riot following the arrest of a Black couple who had gotten into a scuffle with police; and a three-day riot in Chicago when a Black woman attempting to shoplift alcohol was attacked by the store owner and crowds later gathered to protest.” 

Other events leading to the Watts riot include, the 1961 arrest of a Black man in Griffith Park for riding a merry-go-round without a ticket. That incident resulted in crowds throwing rocks and bottles at police. And in 1962 there was unrest following the police raid on a Nation of Islam mosque that killed an unarmed man.

Two years leading up to the Watts riot, 65 Black people were shot by police, 27 of them were shot in the back and 25 of them were unarmed. During this period in Los Angeles there were 250 demonstrations against living conditions and police brutality. It’s clear why 1965 was named the “long, hot summer.”

The Watts riot was among the worst uprisings in the U.S. due to already strained race relations. 35 people lost their lives during the 6-day rebellion, and more than 1,000 people were injured. Property damage topped $200 million. Although tempting, we cannot forget that the violence ignited by the brutal murder of George Floyd has been par for the course of Black lives in America. History is cyclical. As long as those in power refuse to recognize and adequately address the contributions of Black people in the making of America, their continued brutalization and mistreatment despite their rightful credit for the glory, status and wealth of our nation, or budge to the will of the people and humanity, these violent events will continue. Author, iconic orator and civil rights activist James Baldwin once asked, “How much time does America need for its progress?” Today, the question remains unanswered. My question is: How much more time does America need to progress towards a new world order that honors humanity, paves the way for equality, and finally usher in true liberty for all her people?