Espinoza vs Montana Department of Revenue Case

All of the actions which have lead to the Espinoza vs Montana Department of Revenue case started when the Blaine Amendment was founded in the anti-Catholic 19th century. This amendment prevented governments from funding Catholic and other religious schools. In 2015, the state of Montana decided to pass a scholarship program that allowed Montanans who donated to private schooling organizations up to $150 in state tax credits for their choice of any private K-12 education. Families were using this money towards religious schools and when the Department of Revenue caught on, they immediately shut them down due to the violation of the Blaine Amendment and the possibility of "draining the funds for publics schools and opening the floodgates to religious school"(Fox news).  Other people like Kendra Espinoza argued that states that being illegible for the program just because their goes to a religious school is "blatant discrimination". This case had also caught the attention of President Trump which he states that "the government should never stand between the people and god". So far, after the oral arguments on Wednesday, the supreme court seems to be closely split. If this case was to result in a win for Espinoza, this could lead to others states instituting similar programs in the near future. For more information go to https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/21/us/politics/supreme-court-religion-school-vouchers.html?searchResultPosition=7

Which side do you think has the most just argument in this trial?

How do you think this ties to the separation of church and state?

Do you think the Blaine amendment is something that should be abolished?

Do you think your parents should contribute tax dollars towards public school education in your town.

The Harvey Weinstein Case

In March of 2013, Harvey Weinstein was charged with rape and sexual abuse. Weinstein was a Hollywood producer of many movies such as Paddington, Scary Movie, and Lord of the Rings. Until 2013, Weinstein was a very popular producer that successfully made dozens of movies, but he was soon accused of raping and sexually abusing women from the set of the movies and other television shows. Two women by the names of Mimi Haleyi and Annabella Sciorra confirm they have been forced to do things not wanted. Haleyi was an assistant of Weinstein's and Sciorra was an actress on HBO's television show. Over the last 30 years, many more woman have accused him of rape. Some of the trials from victims are said to last for awhile due to the charges being pressed. Earlier this week, the trial was brought back to court because of the many women ready to testify against him. Although these acts are very horrifying, it inspired the #MeToo Movement that has been growing and fueling its publicity over the last two years. Weinstein plans to state that after the encounters with these women, they continued to keep in contact and sources are told that the women consented to it. It will be proven in court whether or not he is lying, but it will be his word against at least two other women. To make matters worse, in trial Weinstein was said to be texting and was threatened to to be sent to jail for his action. This can also be used against him in court, including the charges of rape. Use this article to help answer the questions below The New York Times.

1. What do you think Weinstein's punishments are going to be?

2. Why do you think some of the women are afraid to speak up?

3. Do you think anymore women are going to try and accuse Weinstein other than some witnesses?

4. Have you ever felt powerless in a situation?