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Mask Up

The Ranker staff has been working from home since the middle of March, and while the Zoom meetings are nice, nothing can really replace being in the office. Or going out for a drink after work. Or taking your family to a museum. Or just being around people. Since the lockdown, those are the kind of interactions the folks here and around the nation are missing.

With <a href="/list/last-normal-photos-before-cov/anthony-barstow" target="_blank">#LastNormalPhoto</a> trending on Twitter, the Ranker staff got together to share the last photos taken before everyone was asked to help flatten the curve by staying at home. Some of the pictures are funny and some are heartwarming, but all of them remind us of a time before the quarantine and the pandemic, when we could safely enjoy life as we knew it.

Ranker Staff Share The Last Normal Photos They Took Before Quarantine Started

General

Ranker News

Area 51

Area 51 has been such a pillar of the conspiratorial imagination for so long, it was only a matter of time before there was a coordinated effort to crash the place. Or, failing that, at least a viral rumor about a grass-roots effort to do so.

That time has finally come. The &quot;event&quot; in question - &quot;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/448435052621047/?active_tab=about" target="_blank">Storm Area 51, They Can&#39;t Stop All Of Us</a>&quot; - was first posted on Facebook, with a date set for September 20, 2019. RSVPs soared into the seven figures, with another million or so expressing interest. The plan? Show up outside Area 51, split up into three carefully defined groups - Rock Throwers, Naruto Runners, and <a href="https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/kyle" target="_blank">Kyles</a> - and overrun the notoriously secretive military base. The endgame? <a href="https://time.com/5627283/area-51-invasion-military-free-aliens/" target="_blank">Aliens</a>, of course.

While the would-be seige may not be a genuine attempt to uncover extraterrestrial life while destabilizing the on-site security apparatus of a well-funded arm of the military (and/or a secret unit of the FBI specializing in paranormal activity), that hasn&#39;t stopped people from speculating about what might happen - what&nbsp;could&nbsp;happen - if the rogue offensive were to actually take place.&nbsp;Hypothetically. (Wink, wink.) What would happen in the event of an actual Area 51 raid?&nbsp;

What Would Happen If People Actually Stormed Area 51?

Area 51 Raid: What Would Happen If People Actually Storm The Base?

Alex Jones

In August 2018 -&nbsp;in an unprecedented&nbsp;purge -&nbsp;Facebook, Google, Apple, YouTube, Stitcher,&nbsp;and Spotify&nbsp;banned radio host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and his InfoWars&nbsp;brand from their platforms, citing multiple violations of hate speech guidelines. As <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2018/08/06/apple-facebook-spotify-remove-alex-jones-content/?utm_term=.b4a1dcaec6a1" target="_blank">YouTube stated</a>,&nbsp;“...When users violate these policies repeatedly, like our policies against hate speech and harassment or our terms prohibiting circumvention of our enforcement measures, we terminate their accounts.&quot; One outlet called this domino effect&nbsp;&quot;<a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/7/17659026/alex-jones-deplatformed-misinformation-hate-speech-apple-facebook-youtube" target="_blank">de-platforming</a>.&quot; Of the giants, only Twitter refused to remove&nbsp;Jones.While some in the anti-Jones camp lauded the tech companies'&nbsp;moves, others pointed out Jones is merely a blip,&nbsp;embodying only&nbsp;the&nbsp;surface of deep-rooted problems with cyber threats, misinformation, bigotry, and&nbsp;racism.&nbsp;Jones responded by&nbsp;insisting his First Amendment rights were being violated. He proclaimed, &quot;We're all Alex Jones now,&quot;&nbsp;and continued using Twitter to rally supporters against what he considers&nbsp;war against the conservative&nbsp;right and free speech.What do you think about Alex Jones? Vote up the statements that best describe your view of the controversial figure.

What Do You Think About Alex Jones?

Ranker Poll: What Do You Think About Alex Jones?

Politics

While some Americans see President Donald Trump as an innovative leader unafraid to take tough stances, others see the 45th&nbsp;commander-in-chief's decisions as&nbsp;extreme and detrimental. These heated and polarized views occasionally result in the public harassment of&nbsp;Trump officials. While it is not uncommon for protestors to hold demonstrations at public events, men and women working under Trump have been&nbsp;heckled during their daily lives. Whether at bookstores, restaurants, or while out grocery shopping—and whether you agree with the form of protest or not—the Trump administration members&nbsp;below have been on the receiving end of cursing, jeering, and insults.&nbsp;While the Red Hen controversy involving Sarah Huckabee Sanders brought the issue to public awareness, past and present Trump officials have experienced public harassment&nbsp;since the beginning of his presidency. From Kellyanne Conway's confrontation&nbsp;at a grocery store&nbsp;to the&nbsp;Scott Pruitt restaurant incident, you'll find every instance listed below. How do you feel about these cases?&nbsp;Do&nbsp;they illustrate the decline of civil discourse&nbsp;in America, or do they&nbsp;constitute free speech? Were they deserved and justified based on the actions and political stances of the Trump officials involved, or should those who disagree find <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/accepted-forms-of-protest/jacob-shelton" target="_blank">other ways to protest</a>?

All The Trump Officials Who Have Been Publicly Harassed For Administration Policies

Person

List of Trump Officials Who Have Been Publicly Harassed

Lists about notable people who chose to end their lives, why they did it, and the effects their deaths had on those they left behind.

Taking Their Own Lives

Death

Religious deaths, death pacts, and cult deaths have all been listed as reasons for mass suicide throughout history and most tend to associate group suicide with fanaticism.&nbsp;However,&nbsp;cult and church related suicides are actually somewhat rare historically speaking. War remains one of the most common causes of mass suicides. While incidents like <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/facts-about-the-jonestown-mass-suicide/jonathan-sherman" target="_blank">Jonestown</a>&nbsp;resulted in high casualties, some of the deadliest mass suicides were carried out to evade surrender and avoid mistreatment by enemy forces.&nbsp;There were many mass suicides in World War II, carried in various parts of Germany and Japan. During the reign of the Roman Empire, defeated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/ancient-roman-rebels/carly-silver" target="_blank">enemies of Rome</a> often took their own lives rather than being taken as slaves.&nbsp;Every mass suicide in history is a tragedy, however, regardless of the reasons behind it. Survivors of such events can attest to the horrific aftermath and the difficulty of rebuilding, recovering, and moving forward.&nbsp;

Every Mass Suicide In World History

The 20 Largest Mass Suicides In World History

Lists about mass murders that shook the world due to place & time, the nature of the victims, the weapons used, and the sheer scope of the crimes.

Mass Killings & Massacres

History

Subway attacks can instill great fear in urban populations. An explosion on an otherwise normal day is often an aggressive tactic employed by terrorist organizations to send the message they are capable of random destruction. These devastating&nbsp;acts of aggression often cause widespread panic, with&nbsp;massive numbers of casualties leaving average civilians concerned for their own safety. Some of the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/deadliest-vehicle-ramming-terror-attacks/eric-vega" target="_blank">worst terror attacks</a> in history have targeted public transportation, taking advantage of often lax security measures.&nbsp;Why do terrorists and other organizations target subways? The reasons vary. Some metro bombers are acting for political reasons, trying to send a message to a perceived country or aggressor. However, oftentimes the reasons behind attacks&nbsp;are not politically motivated. The horrific 1995 Tokyo Sarin Attack, for example, was carried out by a fringe cult that believed the end times were near. &nbsp;Whatever the reasons behind an attack, any subway bombing is a tragedy. People who died in such tragedies were innocent bystanders who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's important to be educated on such events, however, as world instability and a global rise in terrorism could mean such disasters will become more likely in the future. Education is key to understanding underlying issues that may contribute to the occurrence of such attacks. Here, you'll find a list of the deadliest subway attacks of all time.&nbsp;

Deadliest Subway Terrorist Attacks

The 20 Deadliest Subway Terrorist Attacks in World History

Donald Trump

After his&nbsp;presidential win in 2016, Donald Trump has attracted the attention of several high profile Hollywood stars. Some are celebrity Trump supporters, while others just wanted to speak with the president regarding issues they felt were important.&nbsp;Donald Trump celebrity ties obviously run strong, as the commander-in-chief lived the life of a reality TV star prior to his stint in office.&nbsp;During celebrity meet and greets, stars often use their privilege and power to influence United States politics. Some have even seen success.&nbsp;Kim Kardashian&nbsp;West, for example,&nbsp;met with President Trump at the White House in an effort to get a <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/every-presidents-most-controversial-pardon-ranked/ranker-news" target="_blank">presidential pardon</a> for Alice Marie Johnson, who had been incarcerated since 1996&nbsp;for a nonviolent drug offense.&nbsp;Just weeks after the pair sat down to discuss prison reform and Johnson’s case, Trump commuted Johnson’s life sentence. Other celebrities that have met with Trump focused more on broader issues, like gang violence and climate change, rather than making a specific request.In recent times, there has been a lot of controversy and debate surrounding how much sway big name stars should have over the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-political-activists-from-united-states-of-america/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">United States political</a> scene. With more and more celebrities meeting with Trump, it's important to be informed about the impact such people have over <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/pictures-of-the-oval-office-for-each-us-president/kellen-perry?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">the Oval Office</a>.&nbsp;

Celebrities Who Have Met With Donald Trump Since He Was Elected

Every Celebrity Who's Met With Donald Trump Since He Took Office

Donald Trump is a business mogul and one of the most entertaining people in modern media. In 2020, he's also one of the most polarizing—and potentially dangerous—figures in world history. 

Trump's America

Given there have been so many sweeping changes in recent political times, the question of what Trump has done as president is on the minds of many. Since taking office in 2017, President Trump has made many changes to existing policies, especially&nbsp;laws and regulations implemented by the Obama administration.&nbsp;Environmental and energy regulation laws have seen a major overhaul under the Trump administration, as well as policies regarding healthcare, immigration, and government programming.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Given the diverse range of public opinion in America, <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/every-presidents-most-controversial-pardon-ranked/ranker-news" target="_blank">controversial presidential decisions</a> come with any administration and the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/every-wtf-week-of-the-trump-administration/jacob-shelton" target="_blank">Trump presidency</a> is no different. Regulations removed by Trump often spurred heated public debates, leaving many either defending or condemning his actions. Regardless of what side of the political spectrum you fall on, your voice matters. Below, you'll find a list of all the deals, regulations, and laws Trump has ended. Vote up the policies you wish were still in place!&nbsp;

Notable Deals And Policies Trump Has Ended, Ranked

All The Deals And Policies Trump Has Ended, Ranked

Lists about what's going on on Capitol Hill and in your own backyard.

US Government & Politics

Lists about the past, present, and future of atomic explosions, just in case you don't already have your bunker prepared.

Going Nuclear

Nuclear disarmament has been a topic of public debate and concern since the atom was first split in 1945. Various nuclear agreements have attempted to reduce the amount of nuclear weapons in the world and the United States has played a pivotal role in arms reduction. The US stance on nuclear weapons is always changing in response to current events and international relations. Over the course of many decades, the United States has joined and dropped out of a multitude of treaties and agreements.&nbsp; &nbsp;United States nuclear protocol, and the protocol of other countries with nuclear capability,&nbsp;is&nbsp;a topic of international concern. Nuclear weapons are incredibly destructive forces, so the status of which countries are building them&nbsp;and for what purposes is always relevant. There are various debates surrounding the hot button issue. How transparent should countries be in regards to weapon manufacturing? Are nuclear weapons necessary for national security? Regardless of your personal opinions on the matter, it's important to be informed about the issues.&nbsp;If you're interested in learning America's&nbsp;current stance, browse this list.

Every Nuclear Agreement Involving The United States

A look at the best, most important, most influential, most memorable, and unforgettable things of 2018, ranked by  hundreds of thousands of votes.

2018: A Year in Review

2018

From Oscar winners and musicians to political figures and activists, this list compiles the most influential people of&nbsp;the year. The year 2018 has marked many major changes in the realms of entertainment and politics.&nbsp;We&#39;ve watched groundbreaking films like Black Panther and Get Out&nbsp;change movie trends in America, listened to passionate teenage activists challenge organizations like the NRA, and have seen world leaders navigate unprecedented conflicts and <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/worst-natural-disasters-2018/lauren-slocum" target="_blank">natural disasters</a>. Who was the most important person of this year? Help decide below!&nbsp;

In 2018, Kendrick Lamar became the first rapper in history to win a Pulitzer Prize and Jordan Peele and Ryan Coogler&nbsp;broke boundaries for African American representation in cinema. However, it&#39;s not just entertainers who have proven to be important public figures this year. Donald Trump continues to play a major role worldwide as the president of the United States and Kim Jong-un has a massive impact on world events and politics as leader of North Korea. Given these tumultuous&nbsp;times, celebrities are sharing their perspectives more than ever, with figures like Kanye&nbsp;West speaking frankly about their opinions on current events.

Who had the most influence this year overall? Vote up the 2018 influential people you feel truly made a difference. Then, go see <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-influential-people-2019/ranker-news" target="_blank">who is influencing 2019</a>.

The Most Influential People in 2018

The Most Influential Celebrities and Public Figures of 2018

The United States has a system of checks and balances. This means no single person has complete power over laws and rulings within the country, not even the president.&nbsp;Supreme Court rulings are the final decision regarding whether laws and acts are constitutional, meaning they have major impact on the country at large.&nbsp;At times, members of the US Supreme Court stand in opposition to a sitting president and may rule against that president if they deem it necessary. These are often <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-controversial-supreme-court-cases/michael-gibson" target="_blank">controversial rulings</a>&nbsp;that lead to debate and disagreement along partisan lines.&nbsp;Times the Supreme Court disagreed with the president often led to dramatic changes in the power structure of our government.&nbsp; &nbsp;Presidents who lost to the Supreme Court reacted in different ways. While some rulings were quietly accepted, others were challenged or outright ignored. Regardless of how a single president reacted, however, president versus Supreme court rulings&nbsp;have long lasting effects that reach well beyond term limits. Therefore, it's important to be educated&nbsp;about when and why various presidents clashed with the Judicial Branch to more fully understand the implications of the US Constitution.&nbsp;

Every Time The Supreme Court Ruled Against A United States President

Politician

9 Times Presidents Clashed With The Supreme Court (And Lost)

Culture

If you keep track of Trump's tweets, here you'll find everything he's tweeted about Kim Jong-un. This list is ordered by date and starts with the most recent tweets.&nbsp;&nbsp;President Trump's term&nbsp;has been fraught controversy, including either outrage or enthusiasm over his Twitter feed, depending on which side of the aisle you're on. If you browse the tweets from @realdonaldtrump, you&nbsp;can't help but notice there&nbsp;are some common themes. As Trump tries to mend America's relationship with North Korea, the rate at which Trump tweets about Kim Jong-un has&nbsp;sky-rocketed.&nbsp;Trump is the first US president to communicate <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2017/06/06/politics/trump-tweets-official-statements/index.html" target="_blank">official White House statements</a>&nbsp;via Twitter. Kim Jong-un, frequently referred to as &quot;Little Rocket Man&quot; by Trump, has been a common theme in Trump's tweets. From spouting&nbsp;insults to reporting big progress and successful meetings, Trump has been tweeting relentlessly about the North Korean leader.&nbsp;Read through this list of Trump tweets about Kim Jong-un to witness the ever-evolving relationship Trump has cataloged about North Korea's leader,&nbsp;all via social media.

Every Time Trump Has Tweeted About Kim Jong-un

Every Time Trump Has Tweeted About Kim Jong Un

Roseanne Barr

In March 2018, Roseanne returned to the air after more than two decades. While some decried the show and its politics as out of step with the contemporary <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/tags/united-states?ref=internalCrossLinking_tag">United States</a>, others rallied around the show and its star, Roseanne Barr. Some consider the Roseanne&nbsp;reboot to be among the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/tv-shows-that-best-represent-american-life/rylee_en" target="_blank">most representative shows of American life on TV</a>. However, the eponymous Roseanne created a media firestorm when she issued&nbsp;a racist tweet targeting&nbsp;Valerie Jarrett, aide to former President Barack Obama.Though Barr cited the sleep aid&nbsp;Ambien as the reason for the tweet, Wanda Sykes announced she was leaving the show shortly after Barr posted it, and ABC&nbsp;subsequently canceled&nbsp;Roseanne. Since ABC's announcement, the internet has been abuzz with opinions on Roseanne's punishment. Was the cancelation justified? What do you think about what's happened to Roseanne in the wake of the tweet?

Should Roseanne's Show Have Been Canceled Because Of Her Racist Tweet?

Scandals

The Me Too movement was named Time magazine's &quot;Person of the Year&quot; for 2017 –&nbsp;and for good reason: in the wake of sexual assault allegations against movie producer Harvey Weinstein in October 2017, a global cascade of women speaking out from all industries against pervasive cultures of sexual harassment and assault by powerful men began to take shape. Though this has meant a reckoning not just in Hollywood, the name recognition and star status of some of the Hollywood actors who've been accused of assault means that they're often the subject of headlines, internet reactions, and extended water cooler discussions.In part, these discussions center&nbsp;on how the average movie viewer can best respond to the potential that an actor they hold in high esteem might have committed dubious actions <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/behind-the-scenes-leprechaun-movies/jacob-shelton?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">behind the scenes</a> of the film. What do you do when a beloved actor has been accused of sexual assault? Is there a best response? Or a series of them?

Your Favorite Movie Star Has Been Accused, How Does It Change Your Behavior?

How Will You React When Your Favorite Actor Is Accused?

After months of scrutiny and a wide range of media opinions and headlines on the subject, NFL owners announced a policy on kneeling during the national anthem on May 23, 2018. <a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23582533/nfl-owners-approve-new-national-anthem-policy" target="_blank">The announcement</a> – a response to criticism of NFL players taking a knee during the anthem as a form of protest against policy brutality against people of color – stated players or team personnel who &quot;do not show respect&quot; for the anthem will be fined. At the time of the announcement, the amount of the fines and what precise actions or behaviors constitute not showing &quot;respect&quot; remained unknown.&nbsp;The new policy has some asking, though, if there are acceptable or preferred protest alternatives for NFL players. If you're someone who doesn't want NFL players kneeling during the national anthem, how would you like them to demonstrate their concern about police brutality and racial inequality?&nbsp;If you are against NFL players kneeling during the anthem, what modes of protest would you prefer they use?&nbsp;

How Should NFL Players Protest?

How Should NFL Players Protest Now That Kneeling Is Not Allowed?

News to You

Influential

TV news anchors have a long history of being trusted sources for world news and events. The best news anchors don&#39;t just report the news. They dissect current events and put them into perspective, often having a profound effect on politics and public opinion.&nbsp;Who are the most influential news anchors of all time? This list helps decide as it covers legends of American news broadcasting, including both active and <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-retired-news-anchors/ranker-tv" target="_blank">retired news anchors</a>!

In the olden days, names like Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite carried much weight. In the age of the 24-hour&nbsp;news cycle, there are even more newscasters and TV personalities out there talking politics. Fox News brings us stars like Shepard Smith and Bill Hemmer while CNN has the likes of Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer.&nbsp;While women historically&nbsp;didn&#39;t have access to anchorwomen opportunities, a number of prominent female journalists have since risen through the ranks. In 1976, Barbara Walters was&nbsp;tapped as the first woman to co-anchor a nightly news program. Since then, many <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-female-reporters/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous female reporters</a> have followed in her footsteps such as Diane Sawyer and Connie Chung.&nbsp;

Who are the most trusted news anchors of all time? Help decide&nbsp;below by voting&nbsp;the most influential names in journalism to the top of the list!&nbsp;

The Most Influential News Anchors of All Time

Lists about advisors, employees, fans, friends, and family of President The Donald.

All the King's Men

Political stances on science often get overlooked during debates and news reports. However, issues like climate change, <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/nasa-space-plans/aaron-edwards" target="_blank">space exploration</a>, vaccinations, and&nbsp;science education&nbsp;have a major impact on our daily lives. As the Executive Branch has a big influence on public policy, it's vital to be aware of how White House cabinet members feel about various issues of concern to the scientific community. Regardless of your personal political views, it's important to stay informed. How US politicians approach scientific issues varies greatly.Hotly debated topics like global warming, vaccinations, creationism in the classroom, and more are often cause for embittered political squabbles. Perspectives on science can influence public policy and certain issues should be of concern to us all. When it comes to topics such as <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/things-that-will-actually-make-you-care-about-climate-change/loganrapp" target="_blank">climate change</a>, for example, some people&nbsp;feel our very ability to continue to live on the planet is at risk. To learn more about the Trump administration's stance on science, read this list!&nbsp;

Every Trump Cabinet Member's Stance On Science

Are you engaging in the physical act of love or thinking about doing the deed? Or are you the product of mating or a human being alive in the modern world? If so, read these lists immediately. Your life depends on it.

Carnal Knowledge

The topic of sex ed in schools is a subject of great debate&nbsp;in America. While some feel such topics should be kept out of the classroom altogether, others feel schools have an obligation to provide students information about their changing bodies during their formative years. States differ greatly when it comes to teaching about topics like sex, reproductive health, contraception, and more. Which states mandate sex education? In the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/tags/united-states?ref=internalCrossLinking_tag">United States</a>, 24 states require sex ed be taught in public schools. &nbsp;Teen pregnancy and STD rates are topics of great public concern&nbsp;and everyone has a different opinion on <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/tags/how-to?ref=internalCrossLinking_tag">how to</a> prevent these things. Some states that require sex education promote abstinence-only approaches, but some feel this kind of curriculum is ineffective and fuels <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/crazy-sex-misconceptions/mick-jacobs" target="_blank">misconceptions about sex</a>. Other states opt to teach students about safer sexual practices to prevent pregnancy and disease, with opponents arguing&nbsp;this could encourage teens to have sex before they're ready.&nbsp;While the topic is uncomfortable for many, anyone invested in our country's education should be informed about what kids are being taught in school. Browse this list for information about curriculum surrounding sexual education in America.&nbsp;

All 24 States That Mandate Sex Education And What They Require

US State

China

Given the country&#39;s been under a strict Communist regime since the 1940s, it&#39;s no surprise China is home to some pretty strange laws. Over the years, China has become notorious for its ever growing list of bans. Why does China ban things? The Chinese government seeks to suppress free speech via banning&nbsp;anything deemed subversive. How does this pan out in reality? From the days of Mao Zedong to present, repressive legislation has resulted in some rigid and often downright bizarre bans.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The term &quot;subversive&quot; is apparently subjective, as demonstrated by items that are banned in China. Most people know <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/social-networking-sites/sirsinister?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">social media websites</a> such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are banned&nbsp;and that the Communist&nbsp;Party is a big fan of outlawing books and <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/american-movies-banned-in-china/anncasano" target="_blank">banning American movies</a>. However, did you know things like jasmine flowers, <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/weird-building-shapes/ashley-reign" target="_blank">architecture deemed &quot;weird,&quot;</a>&nbsp;and even some celebrities are not allowed in China? If you&#39;re interested to learn more, browse the list below!&nbsp;

All The Things China Has Banned In The Past 100 Years

30 Seemingly Innocent Things China Has Banned In The Last 100 Years

What's really important? What's just fake news? Vote (on these lists and also in real elections) to make your voice heard.

Current Issues

Like most things US Constitution-related, interpretations of the First Amendment – particularly what constitutes free speech – are both abundant and varied. The staunchest constitutionalists might tell you that there is no limit to freedom of speech; that's the point of ensuring it in the first place. Others, however, might say that there's a clear and definitive difference between free speech and hate speech, and the latter is not protected by the former.Free speech becomes even murkier to interpret when things like comedy, religion, and patriotism are considered alongside it. Are there inappropriate or indefensible uses of free speech? Are there instances or situations where it doesn't apply?Vote up any situations to which you believe free speech does not apply.

When Does Free Speech Go Too Far?

The topic of how politicians trick people is often debated and dissected by analysts, journalists, and political scientists. Politicians that use passive voice often come under fire. From <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/politicians-caught-taking-bribes/ranker-news" target="_blank">accepting bribes</a> to illegal arms deals, <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/scandals-during-elections-in-us-history/michael-anderson" target="_blank">high profile scandals</a> are par for the course&nbsp;in Washington. It would be a strategically stupid move for a political hopeful to fully take blame for any major mistakes or corruption. At the same time, however, it would be uncouth to deprive the public of an apology in the wake of a&nbsp;scandal.&nbsp;Left caught between a rock and a hard place, many fast talking politicians fall on the passive voice.&nbsp; &nbsp;How does the passive voice work? Grammatically, the passive voice is a sentence in which a noun is acted upon rather than acting. This construction often allows politicians to&nbsp;acknowledge a&nbsp;wrongdoing without explicitly assigning blame for that wrongdoing. &quot;Mistakes were made&quot; is commonly used in politics, for example, as a&nbsp;sly way to avoid saying, &quot;I made mistakes.&quot; Throughout history, there have been many times politicians used passive voice to deflect blame. For some historical&nbsp;and&nbsp;grammatical education, browse this list below to learn all about the history of deceptive language in politics.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Every Time A Major Politician Used The Passive Voice To Deflect Blame

Lists about the history and quirks of America's highest office.

The American Presidency

Controversy

Why do presidents pardon people? It depends on the situation and who you ask, as the topic of presidential pardons is&nbsp;ripe with controversy. United States history is no stranger to <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/scandals-during-elections-in-us-history/michael-anderson" target="_blank">political scandals</a> and p<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/presidents-investigated-by-fbi/stephanroget" target="_blank">residential corruption</a>, and pardons are often a cause of public outrage. Oftentimes, individuals&nbsp;granted clemency by the Commander in Chief&nbsp;become the subject of national debate. Even partial pardons - like commuted sentences - are often met with backlash. Here, you'll find every president's most controversial pardon, ranked by your votes. As they're absolved of past criminal convictions, people who have been pardoned by the president get a second chance at life. However, there is a lot of disagreement in regards to who actually&nbsp;deserves&nbsp;a second chance. The nation was appalled when Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon for his part in Watergate, as Americans&nbsp;were desperate to see reparation for widespread political corruption. Donald Trump's pardon of Joe Arpaio&nbsp;sparked a debate as to whether the Arizona sheriff was a deeply prejudiced tyrant or an unsung champion of justice. What other presidential pardons have shocked Americans? Vote up the pardons you find controversial below.

Every President's Most Controversial Pardon, Ranked

Guns

The Second Amendment to the US Constitution was passed&nbsp;by Congress on September 25, 1789, and it was officially ratified on&nbsp;December 15, 1791. In the more than two centuries since its ratification, Amendment II has been the subject of repeated and wide-ranging interpretational debate. That likely has something to do with the forthright simplicity of the text of the Second Amendment, which states,&nbsp;&quot;A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.&quot;However, what the Second Amendment means has come under increased scrutiny in the 21st-century United States. To some, it needs to be reinterpreted in the context of modern life so that it reflects the range of firearms that exist today. For others, the mandate of the amendment is clear, and any regulations on firearms fly in the face of the Constitution. Is there a regulatory middle ground for firearms?If you support the Second Amendment, do you support any firearm regulations? If so, which gun-control measures are you in favor of?

Which Gun Control Regulations Would You Most Support?

Unspeakable Times

While films like The&nbsp;Silence of the Lambs and&nbsp;The Usual Suspects&nbsp;often portray criminals as geniuses, the truth is a lot of law-breakers aren't the brightest. This&nbsp;dumbest criminals 2018 list illustrates as much. This collection of the worst criminals of the year showcases some of the most absurdly inept culprits out there.&nbsp;Stupid criminals in 2018 seem like they want to get caught. The worst criminals of the year appear to plot crimes that are easily solvable. The incompetence in these 2018 dumb crimes is truly extraordinary.&nbsp;Which of these 2018 stupid criminals is truly the worst? Vote below to decide on the least skilled convicts.

The Dumbest Criminals of 2018

Dumbest Criminals of 2018 | Stupid Lawbreakers in 2018

Parenting fails are abundant in this Worst Moms 2018 list. These aren't just garden-variety slip-ups, either. It's understandable that parents make mistakes. After all, being a mom is hard and no one is perfect. But these aren't those types of errors. This is bad parenting at its absolute, definitive worst. These&nbsp;grisly tales of the worst moms ever will leave you exceedingly disgusted, creeped out, and&nbsp;terrified.&nbsp;So, who are the worst moms ever on this list? Check out the worst mothers of 2018 below, and vote up&nbsp;the most atrocious&nbsp;parental moves of the year.

The Worst Moms of 2018

Lists about real people who were held against their will, the monsters who tormented them, and the grisly details of what went on during those dark times.

Human Captives

True Crime

Over the years, headlines have been flooded with stories of dark, grisly kidnappings. Many of these stories are so horrifying&nbsp;that they&#39;re almost hard to believe. Some <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/famous-kidnapping-cases-or-list-of-kidnappings/web-infoguy?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous kidnapping</a> victims return home, but others were sadly killed by their captors. Several of the most famous kidnapping victims were abducted because their families were rich, and the kidnappers wanted a hefty ransom.

Who is the most famous kidnapping victim? One of the best-known kidnapping stories is that of Adam Walsh. The child was kidnapped at a department store in 1981. Two weeks later, his head was found by a fisherman, but his body was never recovered. The murder was unsolved for many years, but Ottis Toole was later declared responsible for the crime. Walsh&#39;s father, John Walsh, went on to host the show, America&#39;s Most Wanted.

Do you think there is a better way to prevent kidnappings?

19 Horrifying Stories About Famous Kidnapping Victims

Famous Kidnapping Victims | People Who Were Kidnapped

Secret Service

The Secret Service is a very... secretive group. But who&nbsp;is the Secret Service? Always watchful, always keeping close tabs on their charges, the Secret Service has a long history of protecting <a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-u-s-presidents-from-best-to-worst" target="_blank">presidents</a>, vice presidents, presidential families, foreign dignitaries, and even presidential hopefuls.&nbsp;

When we look behind the scenes of <a href="https://www.ranker.com/tags/politics" target="_blank">politics in America</a>, the Secret Service is almost always there. This list is full of interesting facts about the Secret Service that you may find extremely surprising. On this list, you&#39;ll find modern-day <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/secret-service-codenames/mike-rothschild" target="_blank">Secret Service facts</a> and historical Secret Service facts. Since its origins as a part of the Department of the Treasury, there are a lot of fascinating stories about the agency and the way it has shaped presidential lives and politics.

Dig into this elite part of the Department of Homeland Security below.

The Most Interesting Facts About the U.S. Secret Service

Secret Service Trivia | Fun Facts About the U.S. Secret Service

Lists for every cinephile and "movie guy" on your virtual trivia team.

Film Buff Stuff

Explainer

History class is tough &ndash;&nbsp;there are lots of dates and names to remember. But when you&#39;re making a historical movie, you&#39;d think Hollywood would do some extra fact-checking. Not all films, even if they are historical films about real-life&nbsp;figures and actual&nbsp;events, fully honor their original source material. On this list, films from all decades are revealed as having botched the reality of supposed non-fiction and reminded audiences that they were just&nbsp;Hollywood flicks. From Foxcatcher to Hotel Rwanda, and even 1915&#39;s The Birth of a Nation, many films feature blatant errors and historical inaccuracies that will annoy more than just the average history buff. For example, while George Clooney spiced up the third act of Good Night, and Good Luck, its timeline and the implications of that timeline are way off-base.

This list covers more than just the Hollywood endings, however. The opening scene of American Sniper, for instance, feeds into the claims of Clint Eastwood&#39;s &quot;pro-military propaganda&quot; by making an Iraqi woman look evil by giving her son an anti-tank grenade, which never, ever happened.

So what historical facts has Hollywood gotten completely wrong? Read on to find out and be sure to up-vote the most egregious history mistakes in these Hollywood movies.

20 Historical Facts That Movies Got Totally Wrong

Film

Historical Facts That Movies Got Wrong | History Mistakes in Film

Hot on the tail of what many called "the worst year in all of recorded history," 2017 arrived to bring some changes. But did it?

2017: Peace Out

Parenting

Being a good parent is often difficult and exhausting, so mistakes are expected. However, the&nbsp;bad parents&nbsp;on this list take stupidity and irresponsibility to another level. Just reading about the evil acts these parents did to their children will make your blood boil. How do you think these mothers and fathers&nbsp;measure up&nbsp;against <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/worst-parents-of-2018/ranker-news" target="_blank">the worst parents of 2018</a>?&nbsp;If you are ever doubting your parenting skills, just look to this list of horrible parenting fails. Which do you think are most awful examples of terrible parenting?&nbsp;These are surely the worst parents of 2017 and possibly, of all time.&nbsp;

The Worst Parents of 2017

Lists about and celebrating people of every kind.

Love Is Love Is Love

LGBTQ+

List of Openly Gay US Politicians, loosely ranked by fame and popularity. While a 2013 Gallup Poll revealed that the majority of Americans support gay marriage, the topic is still very controversial in the United States Congress. Several politicians are openly gay, and these trail blazers are pushing gay rights forward in the United States.Who is the most famous U.S. politician who is openly gay? Tammy Baldwin tops our list. The Wisconsin Senator made headlines when she became the first openly gay person to be elected to the United States Senate in January of 2013. She previously served in the House of Representatives for 14 years. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona Congresswomen, is openly bisexual.Perhaps the most outspoken openly gay U.S. politician is Barney Frank. The Massachusetts Congressman has been in office since 1981. In 1987, he became the first U.S. politician to voluntarily come out as gay. In 2012, Frank married his longtime partner James Ready in Boston. Other openly gay men who served in congress include Jim Kolbe, Sean Patrick Maloney, and Jared Polis.Are you surprised by the number of openly gay U.S. politicians? Did you think there would be more or fewer senators? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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