Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
03/05/2018
White House May Have OK'd Blockade After Kushner Deal Failed
Jared Kushner's family-run real estate business sought and was denied financing from the Qatari government weeks before he urged his father-in-law President Donald Trump to support a Saudi-led blockade of the country, according to reports. Top U.S. military leaders opposed the blockade of Qatar, which hosts the largest U.S. base in the Mideast. Special counsel Robert Mueller reportedly is looking into whether Kushner's foreign business interests played any role in directing White House policy.
■Class discussion: What is conflict of interest? Does having extensive business connections make it difficult for officials to conduct government business? Can officials ignore their own financial interests when making decisions? Does the appearance of a conflict of interest erode public trust in government as much as a true conflict? Should all officials reveal all their business dealings and financial holdings? Do you trust officials to look out for your interests instead of their own?