CE6: Producer inflation accelerates in March

U.S. producer prices recorded their highest increase in nine months in March. Economic growth remains moderate, so it probably wont start inflation. Some might say that the drastic winter might have distorted producer prices. A survey showed a significant increase in the share of small businesses raising their prices this month. Food prices have now risen for three straight months, causing a drought in the West.
I believe that this last winter might have had some effect on the producer prices, but it shouldn't be this drastic. Small companies and businesses also need to stop raising their prices so much. Citizens will not realize that the distorted producer prices are gone until the drought in the West is gone, and certain businesses lower their prices a little. One might believe that companies do this just to earn extra money, when in reality it is not their fault. Production is the problem because even the price of hay, hayseed, and oilseed have went up.The U.S. better react quickly, before there actually is a huge downfall.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/11/us-usa-economy-idUSBREA3A0WF20140411

CE5: Federal judge strikes down Michigan's gay marriage ban

Michigan is the latest state in which judges struck down on state constitutional laws. Whether same-sex couples should be wed has been a big issue for many years, with most polls showing there should be restrictions. As a matter of fact, public decision has changed over time. Friday's ruling declared an open door to same-sex couples adopting children since now, they could be legally married. They say keeping family together is the number one goal.
 I believe this is a good law being passed. Citizens should have their own opinion whether they choose to have same-sex marriage or not. This is a free country, where we should be free of our own opinions. I believe Michigan will be more satisfied with this decision in which they are more free. This law will change the citizen's mind-set to be more satisfied with its state laws.

CE4: 'Upskirt' ban passed by Massachusetts legislature after controversial ruling

The Massachusetts lawmakers approved a bill to ban those who secretly take 'upskirt' photographs of children or women in public. This bill came one day after the Supreme Court ruled that a man took out his cellphone, and took photos up the skirts of female passengers riding the Boston subway. They ruled that it wasn't violating state law because the women were clothed. Senate President Therese Murray believes this is a form of sexual harassment. Some Massachusetts residents were shocked by the final ruling, but others actually understood the legal gray area.

I believe that it is a good thing that this bill was passed. Women and children should have their rights protected. After the situation that happened, I'm glad to see that the lawmakers realize how some people are. Some men have no respect for women or even themselves and proceed in such actions. Massachusetts takes a stand, now all of the states should. Without given permission, women and children should not have their rights violated without the other person taking a consequence.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/03/06/uncertainty-looms-following-upskirt-ruling-as-lawmakers-rush-to-amend-law/

CE3: Arizona lawmakers approve conservative bill allowing religious people to deny service to gays

The Arizona Legislature gave their final approval to legislation that allows business owners asserting their religious beliefs to refuse service to gays. It was a 33-27 vote by the House Thursday evening. Similar legislation has been introduced in Ohio, Mississippi, Idaho, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, but Arizona's plan is the only one that has been passed. Republicans said that the bill is about protecting religious freedom and not discrimination.
I do not agree with this bill being passed. Every person, gay or not, should have their own religious freedom. They shouldn't have to suffer just because of this. Any individual should be allowed to go anywhere they please. Overall, I believe businesses should serve anyone. This means they are losing money too.http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/02/21/arizona-lawmakers-approve-conservative-bill-allowing-religious-people-to-deny/

CE2: Lawmakers unveil $1.012 trillion spending plan

House and Senate negotiators agreed to a detailed plan to keep the federal government running. Parts of government could be shut down if this legislation doesn't go into effect. The compromise is expected to win approval. It cuts to cost of living adjustments for disabled military retirees and survivors. It also spends an annual rate higher than last year's rate of $986 billion.

In my opinion, this is a good compromise. It is for a good cost, so it is worth the extra money. I believe that the compromise will win approval. Basically, the veterans will get their funding back. This will make many Americans happy, especially the military retirees and survivors. They are the ones who deserve it the most.
http://www.kansascity.com/2014/01/13/4750117/lawmakers-unveil-1012-trillion.html

CE1: New York City’s progressive challenge to America

Mayor de Blasio wants to make a new challenge for a more "progressive" urban change and leadership in America. If the new mayor of New York City is successful, it will have an impact on how other big cities are led and changed. A "progressive" is defined as one who seeks reform, change, or improvement for the greater or good of all people. This could also be a teachable moment for others who seek political office. Basically, people should stand up for their principles and say what they believe is right.

In my opinion, this would be a great change for America. The new mayor of New York City has many great ideas that would be great for major cities. I think the progressive change will be a total success. This improvement would make the best of many cities. Citizens will look at things in a whole new perspective and the change will fit many people's needs to make everyone happy.
http://newpittsburghcourieronline.com/2014/01/12/new-york-citys-progressive-challenge-to-america/

Dennis Rodman visits North Korea

It is interesting to see how different the North Korean culture works. As Dennis Rodman and the Harlem Globetrotters go to North Korea, they not only become friends with many of their people, but explore the vast varieties of how their culture works. When they first got there, it was kind of scary for them to see how serious the security was, but they quickly adapted to it. North Korea also seems to be very happy about their third nuclear test. Dennis Rodman also noticed how poorly their people were with technology.
In my opinion, North Korea puts themselves off way better than what they actually are. For example, they praise how they succeeded in nuclear tests, yet only one person knew how to work with Google. They also learned that North Korea teaches their people to hate Americans and the way they go about things. Towards the end of their journey, they played a pick-up basketball game with them. They actually worked together and made friends with the North Koreans. Their leader told Dennis Rodman and the Harlem Globetrotters that they are welcome back to their country any time they wanted.