RESEARCH LINKS
POSSE COMITATUS is a Latin phrase meaning “the power of the county.” Historically, posse comitatus referred to the common-law authority of a county sheriff to deputize any able-bodied civilian to help enforce the law, keep the peace, or capture a criminal.
Issue 1: Troops in U.S. Cities
Brookings Institution: “What’s the President’s Legal Basis for Sending Troops?”
CNN: “Trump Signs Executive Order to Address Crime In Cities”
Washington Post: “Pentagon Plans Military Deployment in Chicago”
House.gov: “Rep. Norton Remarks on ‘No Troops on Our Streets’ Press Conference”
Christian Science Monitor: “Trump Sending National Guard Where Crime Is Highest”
Center for American Progress: “Trump Sending National Guard Where Crime Highest”
Issue 2: Ticket Transparency
Congress.gov: H.R.1402 “TICKET Act”
Government Accountability Office: “Report on Event Ticket Sales”
National Independent Talent Organization: “NITO Ticket Resale Study”
nivassoc.org: “Fix the Tix Coalition” Website
Federal Trade Commission: “FTC Takes Action Against Ticket Resellers Illegal Tactics”
Variety: “NITO’s Nathaniel Marro on Solutions for the Corrupt Ticketing Business”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Issue 1: Troops in U.S. Cities
- Do you support or oppose the federal government sending troops into American cities to deter crime? Why or why not?
- Is the federal government overstepping its authority by using troops to enforce federal immigration law or to counter local civil unrest? Why or why not?
- What role does the media play in shaping public perception of unrest and the necessity of federal intervention?
- What ethical dilemmas might military personnel face when ordered to act as domestic law enforcement in U.S. cities?
- Do some political leaders frame crime in certain cities as a way to justify federal intervention? Why or why not? How might claims of a “breakdown in law and order” shape public perception and political discourse?
Issue 2: Ticket Transparency
- Do you support or oppose congress passing the “TICKET Act” to require sellers to disclose to consumers the total price for event tickets? Why or why not?
- Have you ever experienced frustration when attempting to buy event tickets? If so, do you think this bill might help streamline the process for consumers? Why or why not?
- How does seeing the total, “all-in” ticket price from the start change consumer behavior? Does it empower buyers to comparison shop more effectively, or do they still focus on the base price?
- How do provisions like the ban on deceptive websites and speculative tickets protect consumers? Do they go far enough, or do gaps remain, such as the “concierge service” loophole?
- The “TICKET Act” would ban speculative ticketing but allow an exception for sellers offering “concierge services” to obtain tickets on behalf of a consumer. How should regulators and consumers evaluate whether a seller is legitimately offering a service versus engaging in a deceptive practice?