“Cheering crowds greeted Daladier in Paris and Chamberlin in London, when properly both men should have been stoned.”—Martha Gellhorn, August 25, 1938

 

The greatest issue faced by this generation is the hyper-partisan gridlock formed between the two major parties. Fortunately, from the conflict also comes a new generation of fresh, independent leaders. With national favorability numbers so low for both Democrats and Republicans, there could be a shift in favor for more independent candidates to decide to run for office. More importantly, youth should not be seen as a detriment in politics, especially when exploring a chance to run for office.

According to a recent poll that was conducted by the University of Texas and the Texas Tribune, a notable 77 percent of the 1,200 participants that were surveyed support legalizing marijuana for medical purposes in Texas.

Additionally, practically half of those polled said they believe small amounts of marijuana should be legal to possess and consume for adults 21 and older.

The web and social media was abuzz this past week with the story of a whistle-blower who says that Veterans' Affairs (VA) ignored more than 2,000 suicidal vets, many of whom went on to commit suicide. In addition, the agency also also suppressed research studies that showed there was indeed adverse health effects suffered by Gulf War veterans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY4YCdjGH8c

After 12 episodes and over 1 million views online, investigative journalist Ben Swann's Truth In Media Project will start its second season this week. Swann left network news in 2013 to pursue stories that had gone unreported by traditional news outlets. The independent journalist has accrued a following in the hundreds of thousands on social media and qualified as a finalist for the 2014 Shorty Award for best journalist on social media.

The rise of the 24-hour news cycle brings a dangerous aspect to news media that is now often overlooked. Sensationalized headlines and attacking political opponents has become common place. The goal for news media has shifted from informing to entertaining.

Public discontent with these news organizations is reflected in a 2013 Gallop poll which found that only 23 percent of U.S. citizens trust mainstream media.

There's been much talk from many people about this being the "5th Year Anniversary" of the modern tea party. Sure, the tea party that remains might be a reflection of those who hijacked its early ideals and momentum, but the people that lead the tea party today surely aren't the Founders, in person or in principles.