in a democracy, politics starts with the issues and concerns of the public.  There are TWO parts to this question:  (1) To get us thinking about public opinion, take a few minutes to consider a political issue or government policy that you care about and are willing to discuss with your classmates. Examples of such issues include the environment (global warming), Black Lives Matter, politics as spectacle (the Donald), the nuclear deal with Iran, and gun control.  (2) Discuss the issue of nuclear abolition, with specific reference to the Elaine Scarry book THERMONUCLEAR MONARCHY.  Explain the reason for the title, the connection to the Second Amendment of the Constitution, and whether you agree with the author’s thesis (and why or why not).  EACH part should be about two typed pages (or four pages in all).  NOTE: Students who want to write 3-4 pages on Part (2) do not need to answer Part (1).