You are a Member of Congress representing your state. A Special Advisory Meeting has been called to discuss domestic violence in the United States. Over the past few years and recently, abuse and killings of unarmed citizens by law enforcement officers (police and jail personnel) has been on the rise. The media is having a field day, public opinion is controversial, and you have made sure you do not find yourself in a position for or against the turmoil. Because of due process, Civil Rights, federalism, political behavior, trials and riots it has cost the federal and state government (taxpayers) additional monies to protect local communities by calling in the help of the National Guard and state police. In your state, interest groups are lobbying for you to take action to support the passing of gun laws and your constituents refuse to give you any more money for your campaign and vote you out of office if this happens in your state.

Questions:

1. What can the Congress do to address this issue?

2. Do you think the government has done enough to date?

3. Recommend two (2) strategies with examples to prevent an outbreak of violence in your state.

4. If you had to make a statement today regarding the Ferguson trial, what would it be?

Your response and the discussion cannot be based on personal opinions, racial profiling, gender, etc. but your position as a Congressman for your state.