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A security guard at Walgreens shot and killed a shoplifter last month. The security guard claimed it was self-defense, but security footage seems to suggest otherwise. The DA has declined to press charges because their investigation concluded that Anthony acted in lawful self-defense. Others argue that "stealing a bag of candy does not warrant death." I sense a tension between attitudes about police and the rights of business owners. Businesses are not allowed to discriminate against people in protected classes, and they also seem not to be able to defend against petty crime in their establishment. Yet, the justice system doesn’t seem to be able to control the crime. Should we empower private businesses to handle this on their own?
Many Democrats are introducing legislation to use tax dollars to compensate and apologize to Black Americans for generations of harm caused by discriminatory policies. One proposal would give $14 trillion to individuals. Others are voluntarily finding a solution to the problem. One couple chose to sell their $600,000 home for $200,000 to a black family because they wanted to do something to correct past mistakes. Phil Knight is giving $400 million to support a historically black neighborhood in Portland. Which is the better approach to the problem? Since the government is the source of many discriminatory policies, does the government have an obligation to provide reparations for the past?
Former French President Sarkozy has been sentenced to three years in jail for corruption. He is also charged with other crimes related to his behavior while in office. French law prohibits him from running for office ever again. His supporters say that the charges are politically motivated. Is this a sign that France is a mature democracy? We often say that in the United States we don’t prosecute former presidents and wear it as a badge of honor. Isn’t it more honorable to hold powerful people accountable for crimes they committed while in office?

Big Question:

China is working to become the next world superpower. Some people are concerned that the Chinese Yuan will become the world’s reserve currency. This would be devastating for the US economy, but it is far from a sure thing. As the US recedes from the world stage, China will emerge. What would be so terrible about China becoming the next superpower?