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.

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.

In an article, titled "Do The American People Have Freedom?," IVN contributor Michael Hoang introduced the notion that freedom is about belonging to a "mother nation" and being harmonious with the other members of a person's "national family." While the idea is not entirely unconventional, it is fundamentally incompatible with the Western liberal tradition and, specifically, the ideals of the American Revolution.

The majority of educators have heard never ending arguments as to why class lessons should involve multiple teaching strategies, to ensure every student comprehends what is being covered.

Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution provides for electors to the Electoral College:

Over the long weekend, I got to thinking about leadership and about U.S. presidents -- both past and present. Our country has celebrated 44 presidents, and while good and bad decisions were made, the tremendous achievements of our leaders are undeniable. Biases aside, our former presidents possessed traits of leadership, commitment, and dedication to our country that are timeless. In identifying these traits, we can better build an ideal for future leaders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gcJqHFrhYc#t=145