Blog Post 3.4 "EPA"

I think the difficulty of removing environmental protection laws (and really any law in general) is a non political issue that could have serious negative consequences. In later years the provisions of such laws may become unsustainable (e.g. Social Security and Medicare) or age poorly (e.g. immigration laws of the early 1900s). Furthermore, claims of "public consensus" used to prop up "untouchable laws" are nearly always ambiguous or prematurely declared; most decisions made in government are more likely to be the product of interest groups and the personal beliefs of those with power. If we must consult the public, that is best done through referendum. Vox is tapping into the politics of anger that will only encourage divisiveness among Americans in a very insidious way- that is, in the guise of standing up for a "loud majority" who want to create a more inclusive America. In fact, Vox is just like other .com "news sources", providing an echo chamber that does not acknowledge the actual diversity of opinions, As a result, readers (who have chosen Vox) only become further indoctrinated, and become part of the slathering mass of degenerates pushing politics into a mire of partisan deadlock, from which no one can exit satisfied. 

1. Pruitt must find a flaw in current rules to justify removing or changing them. This is met with resistance from courts, lawmakers, and interest groups.

2. The Trump administration has tried to get rid of regulations by removing them through conventional means, barely enforcing them, cutting funds and staff, and ignoring them.

3. Investigations must get permission from headquarters first in order to take place.

4. He has tried to remove 19.

5. The benefits of environmental regulations are diminishing since they cost businesses and individuals who may be compelled to cut or refrain from creating jobs.

6. They have blocked his proposals. On at least one occasion, the courts have ordered the EPA to meet a deadline for a project which Pruitt has tried to delay.

7. States are suing the EPA and Pruitt so that new proposals are blocked.

8. Senate Democrats are planning to challenge Pruitt during hearings while planning a new agenda for the EPA in case they manage to do well in midterm elections.

Blog Post 3.5 "Trump & Circuit Courts"

1. The appellate court is higher up on the federal court hierarchy and oversees the districts which districts courts have jurisdiction over. 

2. It tends to be more liberal than other district courts that often contradict conservative consensuses across other courts. 

3. Carter appointed many liberal judges, some of which are still serving today.

4. The Ninth Circuit Court has ruled against California's ban on same-sex marriage and the "under God" phrase of the Pledge of Allegiance (in the grounds that it is unconstitutional). 

5. They are overturned.

6. Tenth, First, Fourth, Sixth, Eleventh Circuit courts

7. No, the some of the courts whose decisions have a higher overturn rate are moderate and conservative courts.