Trump-free Friday politics roundup: Dec. 22

The tax reform bill barrels forward, the U.S. causes trouble at the UN, and more in this week’s Trump-free politics roundup.

Tax overhaul passes through Congress

As expected, the sweeping Republican tax overhaul has made it through Congress and to the White House this week. The bill was signed earlier today.

Though politicians hailed the plan, which includes moderate tax cuts for some Americans and large ones for corporations and the rich, the overhaul has somewhat shaky support amongst citizens. A CNN poll found that more than half of respondents oppose the plan, while a Monmouth University poll produced similar results. Some now worry that an unpopular tax reform bill such as this one may be could harm Republicans’ chances in the crucial 2018 elections.

Drama at the UN, courtesy of the United States

Remember when the President of the United States made an unprecedented and divisive move by declaring Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel? Previously, the officially recognized capital had been Tel Aviv, which was relatively removed from the contentious border region between Israel and Palestine.

Jerusalem, however, is a city practically torn between two nations. Though it’s more-or-less officially part of Israel, it’s long been claimed by Palestinians as well. The United States’ move was seen as a kind of provocation.

On Thursday, the United Nations voted to denounce the United States decree. This is in spite of threats from both Ambassador Nikki Haley and the president. Haley said rather ominously that the U.S. would remember those who had “disrespected” the U.S. by voting against recognition of Jerusalem. “As you consider your vote, I want you to know that the President and US take this vote personally,” she wrote to her fellow ambassadors. “We will take note of each and every vote on this issue”.

The president, meanwhile, threatened to cut aid to countries who did not fall in line during the vote. Whether such speeches were true statement of intent or bluster remain to be seen.

Another North Korean soldier defects

Tensions raised their heads yet again in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea early Thursday morning. A young North Korean soldier defected to the South via a dramatic crossing of the DMZ. No rounds were shot at the soldier, though South Korean soldiers later fired 20 warning rounds when North Korean troops appeared to search for the missing man.

This is the second of two such border crossings in this year alone. Another soldier defected in mid-November. Though this earlier soldier suffered significant gunshot wounds, he was since treated and is expected to recover.

Two other North Korean soldiers defected in June of this year. This is an unprecedented number of defections in recent years for military personnel. However, experts warn that it is too early to make substantial conclusions about why soldiers are leaving the country.

Puerto Rico still recovering from hurricanes

In especially grim news, Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo A. Rosselló has ordered a review of every death since the traumatic passage of Hurricane Maria in September. Recent investigations have indicated that official reports have vastly undercounted the number of dead, injured, and missing people in the aftermath of the storm.

A CNN report uncovered evidence of hundreds of additional deaths. The New York Times indicated that this number may be even higher, especially if you factor in people who died after foregoing important medical treatments in electrical outages after the storm. That’s all much higher than the current official count of 64.

Virginia legislature in confusion

For nearly a whole day, Democrats in the Virginia state legislature thought they had secured a major victory. A recount had given Shelly Simonds a place in the state’s House of Delegates, which itself gave Democrats a 50-50 party split in the state house. It was to be a historic move that would force a power-sharing agreement between Virginia’s Democratic and Republican legislators.

That was all well and good (for Democrats, anyway), until a three-judge panel decided that one uncounted ballot should go to the Republican incumbent, David Yancey. The ballot in question apparently had marks for more than one candidate. Recount officials debated whether this murky ballot was to go to one candidate, or the other, or neither.

The recent decisions means that both Yancey and Simonds have 11,608 votes, leading to an unsettling tie. It’s particularly unsettling because a state election board might simply say who is elected. However, things could get even more complicated if the loser calls for yet another recount, as is their right.

And, finally, your palate cleanser

At this point in the year, you might feel as if you want to retreat into a blanket cocoon forever. Of course, such a move would be likely pretty disastrous, both for your bank account and your mental health. That doesn’t mean you can’t take a few hours to yourself, however.

If you need such a break, but don’t want to totally waste your brain cells in the process, then it’s time to visit the world of Hayao Miyazaki. This legendary Japanese director is famed for his animated movies. They explore complex social and environmental causes via cute animals and exceptional artistic vision.

While everyone’s got an opinion about which Miyazaki film ranks at the top of the pack, there are a few sure bets. If you want something with a decidedly dark edge, then search out the gorgeous and moving Princess Mononoke.

Next: Trump-free Friday politics roundup: Dec. 15

Are plucky girl protagonists more your style? The more recent Spirited Away should be right up your alley. It boasts the brave and resourceful Chihiro at its center. Want something even nicer? Howl’s Moving Castle and My Neighbor Totoro are both exceptionally gentle tales that don’t sacrifice story or character. If you want to get an inside view of his work, the 2014 documentary, The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness, is also a good choice.