In the News
While at one time the very idea seemed to promise the possibility of a digitally connected utopia, these days the Internet of Things is mostly notable for simultaneously being both a punchline and
The United States nuclear arsenal consists of 4,000 warheads, plus more than 2,000 warheads awaiting dismantlement. This number came into focus recently after a report that President Trump said in July that he wanted a huge increase in the country's nuclear capability.
So, are 4,000 nuclear warheads enough?
Congressional Democrats have introduced legislation aimed at preventing Donald Trump from launching a pre-emptive attack on North Korea, as concerns grew about the administration's failure to explore talks with Pyongyang.
In January, Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Rep. Ted Lieu of California -- both Democrats -- introduced legislation that would prohibit the president of the United States from conducting a "first-use nuclear strike," unless such an attack had been authorized by a prior declaration of war by Congress.
Donald Trump ran for president on a promise to "drain the swamp." I agreed with that particular statement. Unfortunately, he didn't mean what he said. The recent actions of Trump and several White House officials prove this administration hasn't drained the swamp — it has become the swamp.
But that doesn't mean Congress can't drain the swamp ourselves.
Nuclear anxiety is on the rise. While President Trump has denied reports that he sought a "nearly tenfold"increase in America's nuclear arsenal, there is no disputing that the risk of a nuclear catastrophe is escalating on his watch.
Democrats in Congress say it would be "illegal" and "catastrophic" if President Donald Trump were to conduct a preemptive nuclear strike on North Korea, and they're calling on Republicans to be far more vocal on this issue.
Up in the hills between the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles, the intersection of iconic Mulholland Drive and Laurel Canyon Boulevard evokes thoughts of historic Hollywood glamour and the '60s rock and drugs scene.
These days it's also a point of interest to political junkies: It's the spot where Adam Schiff's, Brad Sherman's and Ted Lieu's congressional districts meet.
On September 18, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") published a notice in the Federal Register redefining the scope of records (so-called "A-Files") the agency keeps on immigrants, aliens, and naturalized citizens to include social media information and other public-facing data.
The powers of the imperial presidency have been building long before Trump took office.
But the dangers are more apparent than ever.