LnR 134 (Casual English) Current Events

Warning! I talk a lot about American politics in this episode. Some of you may find it boring and some of you may disagree with me. This episode is also a lot longer than usual.

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A: Have you seen the news lately?

B: No, not at all. It's too depressing. Has something happened? Did Trump insult someone in a tweet again?

A: Well, yes, but he does that every day! The big news is that he backtracked on his condemnation of the alt-right protesters in Virginia.

B: What?

A: Yeah. I couldn't believe it. On the weekend he read a statement condemning the KKK, neo-Nazi, and white supremacy groups. Then in a press conference in the Trump Building in New York City he basically said the two groups were equal in their guilt for the violence. He said there were fine people on both sides.

B: So Trump defended the racists? The president of the United States? That's disgusting.

A: Tell me about it. However, all of the top leaders of the military are condemning racism, and some in his own party have criticized him.

B: They should all criticize him. And the government should stop the KKK and others from having public meetings like that.

A: Whoa, slow down! The First Amendment gives us the right of free speech, even if it's hateful. The white supremacists have the right to gather together for their protests, though they may need to get a permit for some places.

B: Oh, OK, OK. I got it. Is there anything else going on in the news?

A: Yeah, the eclipse! The total solar eclipse on Monday! My family and I are driving three hours north so that we can see the total eclipse.

B: You're lucky! I've got to work on Monday. I'll watch it from work. I'm sure the boss will let us go outside when it gets the darkest. We'll have 91% coverage of the sun here. I already have my special glasses. Well, you have a good time, and drive safely.

A: Thanks. I'll see you later.