CE #2.2

1. What was one reason that Michelle Obama might have been upset at having to sit next to Melania Trump, according to the article?

False claims by Donald Trump about her husband's citizenship lead to threats to her family.

2. What is SAF? (don't just give me what the acronym means, explain what it is)

SAF or sustainable aviation fuel, is fuel made from waste products that saves 70% of carbon dioxide emissions but only makes up 0.1 percent of jet fuel used worldwide. 

3. What is Pins Mechanical Company?

Pins Mechanical Company is a bowling alley and arcade bar that was turned from a public market.

5. How much is Miriam Addison going to pay for majority ownership of the Dallas Mavericks?

3.5 Billion

A. Summarize what you read about the Russian Supreme Courts most recent decision.

Russia's supreme court outlaws LGBTQ+ activism in response to advocates of gay, lesbian, and transgender rights increasing vocalization. Russia banned it after ruling this "movement" as an extremist organization. President Vladimir Putin's ideas of "traditional family values" has influenced these decision in his 24 years in power.

B. How does the fact that the hearing took place behind closed doors and had no defendant impact the decision, in your opinion?

I think that the court having no defendant for the LGBTQ+ community of activist is extremely unfair as no one is there to counter these claims and stand as a voice for those people. There might as well not have been hearing if the ministry had no plans of hearing the other sides insight. This gives no freedoms to these people as the ministry can just decide what they want in these closed- door hearings.

C. Why would Russian President Vladimir Putin want to restrict LGBTQ+ movement in Russia, according to the article?

According to the article Vladimir Putin has "traditional family values" that block his judgement on this topic. His preconceptions and ideas on LGBTQ+ people further his prejudice actions.

D. Give me your opinion on this topic?

I think this is a violation of these peoples first amendment rights. Outlawing LGBTQ+ activism is outlawing the freedom of ideas and thoughts that they as human are also granted just like any other person. The close-door case in a shady attempt to not let the party have any say on this issue. The whole situation is trying to shut down the LGBTQ+ voices, in hopes to not further their progression. 

E. Do you think this is symbolic of conservative thinking, or really about Putin wanting complete control of Russian life? (don't answer with a single sentence)

I think this is really about Putin wanting to control the Russians. In his aim to outlaw LGBTQ+ activism he is also trying to suppress them as a whole and create what he sees as the "ideal" and "traditional family." These actions he's following are only going to lead to more injustice so he can dictate and control Russia completely. Additionally shown when he took away the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. 

F. Do you worry that this kind of thinking is starting to make its way into American thinking as well? (again, don't answer this with a single sentence)

I'm not worried that this thinking will make its way into American thinking because we don't have a only ONE powerfully dictator that decides how all things happen. I could see Americans overtime falling into this majority idea and way of thinking, but I don't think that it would be this fast paced as we have a wide spread government compared to Russia's dictatorship.