Civic Discussion Meetup

Tax policy plays a crucial role in shaping the U.S. economy, influencing everything from government revenue to income distribution and business growth. But how well does the current system serve the country?

This discussion will analyze federal and state tax structures, debates over progressive and flat taxation, corporate tax rates, and proposed reforms. We’ll examine the economic and social impacts of taxation and consider potential changes to create a fairer and more effective system. We will also discuss the Big Beautiful Bill and the National Deficit! Join us for an in-depth conversation on one of the most important aspects of economic policy.

Relevant Content:

Types of Taxes in the United States: https://youtu.be/rDWOpCJdtgQ?si=R8ahZlhAUH4IzqOG

From NSA mass data collection to facial recognition in public spaces, surveillance has become embedded in everyday life. The line between protecting national security and preserving individual privacy grows increasingly thin.

This discussion examines the consequences of living under constant watch—how surveillance impacts our rights, shapes behavior, and alters the balance of power in a democracy. We’ll also consider recent developments following Trump’s reelection, including expanded domestic surveillance programs, increased collaboration between federal agencies and tech companies, and renewed crackdowns on encryption and whistleblowers.

As surveillance grows more sophisticated, we ask: what are we giving up in the name of security—and is it worth it?

Relevant content:

Vice News: https://youtu.be/S4WikiabOXg?si=ZSPNrTqlzixaa2nP

Redacted: https://youtu.be/nTD-xe982Hk?si=zv9gUwM-m7gcBv4k

Join us for a respectful and thoughtful discussion on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. This session will explore the historical roots, current developments, and diverse perspectives surrounding this complex issue. We will also touch on the role of global powers, including the United States, in influencing the course of the conflict.

Our goal is to deepen understanding, ask critical questions, and reflect on the humanitarian, political, and international dimensions of the situation. This is a nonpartisan, educational conversation—open to all viewpoints, guided by a commitment to civil dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect.

Relevant Content:

Council on Foreign Policy:
1. https://www.cfr.org/israeli-palestinian-conflict
2. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-us-policy-israeli-palestinian-conflict

The relationship between science and politics shapes many of the most important public decisions we face today. From pandemic responses and climate policy to debates over education, energy, and federal research funding, science often finds itself at the center of political conversations—and sometimes, political conflict.

Scientists and researchers rely on evidence, data, and long-term analysis. Politicians and lawmakers, meanwhile, must navigate competing interests, public pressure, and short-term political cycles. These different priorities can lead to productive partnerships—or deep disconnects.

In this discussion, we’ll explore how science informs policy, where it gets sidelined, and what happens when scientific recommendations clash with political or ideological agendas. COVID-19 public health guidance, climate legislation, and disputes over research funding offer recent, high-profile examples of this tension.

Relevant Content:

TedX Talks: https://youtu.be/rn8Sw3mh8yk?si=JuPy2CT9UWtSa0Y5

Pew Research Center: https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2015/07/01/americans-politics-and-science-issues/

National Institute of Health: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9614182/

Big Think: https://youtu.be/vDLFItfX9Jw?si=LSdDNdsJe1Gx9r0k