To the Point

America is politically polarized, and the US Supreme Court is also divided. In a few days, it will answer two questions. Will non-citizens be counted in the next census? Can politicians choose who votes in elections? We’ll hear how the Court’s rulings might impact Democrats and Republicans.

The federal government may have to stand trial for violating the rights of young people. Their lawsuit making Washington liable for climate change is being taken seriously by the Supreme Court. If the verdict was guilty, what would the remedy be?

Abortion is legal under federal law, but Red State Republicans are making it hard for women to exercise their constitutional right to choose. President Trump’s choices for the Supreme Court will help him turn out the base in next year’s re-election campaign.

For the first time since 1972, California Democrats are positioned to make a difference. Fourteen candidates showed up for the party convention in San Francisco. When will they be back again? Will they look harder for delegate votes or campaign contributions?

President Trump on the National Climate Assessment: “I don’t believe it.” Now he’s ordered federal agencies to downplay evidence-based predictions. They can’t even use the phrase “climate change.”  A former head of the EPA explains what it will mean to lose track of impending disaster.

“Supreme Revenge” describes increasingly bitter battles over the highest court in the land. It’s the title of a Frontline documentary featuring Reagan, Obama and Trump.  The age and health of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg make the Supreme Court a crucial issue in next year’s presidential campaign.

The biggest story of modern times is bad for audience ratings. To save money, news outlets are hiding the truth of environmental disaster. A new playbook, “Covering Climate Change” says dire scientific warnings are not “alarmism,” but needed to inspire public demands for action.  

President Trump has invited Iran to “pick up the phone and call” him. He’s also threatened the “end” of that country. It’s the latest act  in a long international drama. America’s allies and adversaries fear another Middle East conflict might happen by accident.

All the White House hopefuls talk about Climate Change. But Democrat Jay Inslee says it’s not just one issue; it’s all the issues. It would be the “organizing principle” for his Administration. He claims he could transform the economy without sacrificing prosperity despite massive disruptions.

Congress is investigating misconduct alleged by the Mueller report. White House lawyers are rejecting every subpoena. The struggle is basic to divided government: the Executive versus the Legislature, while the Judiciary stands by. It’s a great lesson for Civics 101. Is it also a “constitutional crisis?”