Week 4 Lecture PPs

Course Information

• Course Name: POL 201

• Week: 4

• Semester: Spring 2025

• Institution: CCU

• Instructor: Dr. Rabidoux

The Fentanyl Trade

• Overview of the Trade

  • Fentanyl production involves Chinese manufacturers developing drug precursors.

  • These precursors are sent to Mexican drug cartels, which operate drug processing plants along Mexican ports.

  • Thousands of Chinese workers are involved in this process.

  • Mexican cartels utilize “mules” to illegally cross into the US and distribute fentanyl.

• Economic Impact

  • Estimated revenue for Mexican drug cartels: $400-500 billion annually.

  • Chinese revenue from fentanyl trade: $300-400 billion annually.

• Chinese Government Statement

  • A Chinese official stated that if Americans were poisoned and die from fentanyl, it would aid China's ambitions for global dominance.

• Seizures

  • Example: 2,500 pounds of fentanyl seized in Phoenix, enough to kill 200 million Americans.

ICE Actions and Public Response

• Protests Against ICE

  • Over 1,000 protest against ICE arrests in DeKalb County.

• Recent ICE Arrests (February 2, 2025)

  • Total arrests: 985, with 850 having prior criminal convictions related to serious offenses (rape, assault, robbery, drug possession, homicide).

  • 45% linked to known gang members, including Mexican cartels.

  • 750 had removal orders during the Biden administration but remained in the US.

  • A significant number of minor children remain unaccounted for.

• Public Opinion

  • 74% of voters support arrests and deportations of illegal immigrant criminals.

US Funding and Foreign Aid

• Diverse Allocation of Funds

  • $1.5 million for DEI initiatives in Serbia.

  • $70,000 for a DEI musical in Ireland.

  • $2.5 million for electric vehicles in Vietnam.

  • $47,000 for a transgender opera in Colombia.

  • $32,000 for a transgender comic book in Peru.

  • $2 million allocated for sex changes and LGBT activism in Guatemala.

  • $6 million allocated for tourism in Egypt.

  • Controversial Spending

    • Funds linked to terrorist organizations were distributed even after investigations.

    • Funding directed to EcoHealth Alliance involved in Wuhan lab research.

    • Issues raised regarding support of al Qaeda in Syria and aids for poppy cultivation in Afghanistan benefiting the Taliban.

Trump Administration's Policies

• Imposition of Tariffs

  • Trump’s tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China (25% - 10%).

• Government Actions

  • Continued operations by ICE, DEA, FBI, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

  • Dismantling DEI programs at the federal level.

  • Plans to ramp up Guantanamo Bay for detainees.

• Public Reactions

  • Schumer claims tariffs will increase costs on Super Bowl essentials, affecting consumers.

Civil Liberties and Rights

• Civil Liberties Defined

  • Limitations on Governmental Power.

  • Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition as outlined in the Constitution.

• Limitations and Regulating Rights

  • No right or liberty is absolute; regulatory circumstances apply.

  • Constitution ensures freedom but from a collective perspective.

Civil Rights

• Guarantees of Equal Protection

  • Equal protection under the law covers all citizens.

  • Transition from equality to equity is highlighted.

• Key Issues

  • Analysis of conflicting rights and freedoms.

Free Exercise vs No Establishment Clause

• Legal Precedents

  • WI v Yoder (1972) established limits and government interests in regulating religious practices.

  • Considerations included compelling governmental interest and measures to ensure narrow tailoring.

  • Examples include cases surrounding Christmas displays and peyote use.

Establishment Clause Tests

• Lemon v Kurtzman Test

  • Assess excessive governmental entanglement with religion.

  • Ensure laws do not inhibit or advance religion and serve a secular purpose.

• Contemporary Concerns

  • Issues raised about pandemic lockdowns and big tech censorship in relation to religious freedoms.

Freedom of Speech/Expression

• Limitations

  • Speech is not absolute; different types include political, commercial, symbolic, and hate speech.

• Current Debates

  • Challenges with misinformation and disinformation and how regulations might apply.

Scenarios for Discussion

• Team Activities

  • Scenario 1: Transition from yard sales to educational settings.

  • Scenario 2: Restrictions on free speech at educational institutions and the concept of "Free Speech Zones."

  • Scenario 3: Conflict between sorority requirements and self-identification concerning freedom of assembly versus freedom of expression.