Research an article regarding the U.S. Congress’ move to obtain Trump’s tax returns through subpoenas. Based on what you read in the article, do you think the U.S. Congress will be able to obtain Trump’s tax returns and does the Congress have legal grounds to do so?

Note: If you have already responded to 10 or 11 blog posts, don’t worry about responding to this one. This post if for people who have not posted enough as of yet this semester.

Read a current article on the U.S. Trade War with China. Briefly summarize three key points from the article and then offer your opinion on what effects the trade war will have on both countries.

What is unique about writings in the social sciences? Discuss this question in light of the reading, and, also, respond to this question based on your experience reading texts related to the social sciences.

In the final section of this reading, “Is Being Undecided Okay?”, the author discusses how ambivalence might be confusing or even frustrating to a reader. In your opinion, does ambivalence weaken or strengthen a piece? Why? If you have an ambivalent answer (you think it weakens and strengthens a piece) then simply discuss the pros and cons of writing with some degree of ambivalence.

What is the point to “starting with what others are saying”? In considering the reading, what are some potential benefits in everyday life to starting with someone else is saying?

What has your approach to summarizing been in the past? How have you been taught to summarize in past classes? What points in this chapter were most helpful (and least helpful)?

What do you think are the strongest and weakest parts of McElwee’s argument on hate speech and why?

What stood out to you in this section of the book and why? What does Baldwin risk by being so forthright with someone like Elijah Muhammad?

Conduct some brief research on Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam. Who did Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam attract and why? Do you think Baldwin’s critique of the Nation of Islam is warranted? Why or why not?

In class, we discussed how Baldwin does not use a lot of big, complex words in his language, but how the words that he does use are still quite powerful. We also discussed how Baldwin can be irreverent and even insulting in the his rhetoric. Considering these points, what struck you most about pp. 15-27 of “The Fire Next Time”? Try to pinpoint exactly what it is about his writing that you feel the most. If you do not feel it, discuss what is off-putting about his rhetoric.