Tensions are rising in Iran as thousands of people are taking to the streets in protests against the government. Center for Human Rights in Iran's Deputy Director Omid Memarian explains the economic factors driving the unrest, and implications of social platforms being blocked inside the nation.
"The protests have been spontaneous," says Memarian. "Economy is one of the major problems in Iran. Embezzlement by Iranian officials--corruption is deeply rooted in ranking officials."
The Iranian government has blocked social media platforms including Facebook, Telegram, and Instagram. Memarian says this move is dangerous. "It shows how the government is very insecure," said Memarian.
The congresswoman says that President Trump tries to undermine institutions that challenge him and encourage check and balances, something deeply troubling.
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman shares her outlook on mass shootings in the U.S., a day after a gunman killed 26 in Texas and just a month removed from her own city seeing the worst rampage in U.S. history.
Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke, a Democrat, joins Cheddar to discuss the ongoing fight to save the Dreamers Act, also known as DACA. He mentions his recent conversations with dozens of undocumented immigrants who came to the States as children, noting that their biggest concerns are losing their jobs and the homes and communities they have built for themselves. They also want their families to be safe.
Rep. O'Rourke also speaks about the immigration legislation which he introduced, as well as the short 5-month time frame Congress has to come up with a fix for DACA. If a fix is not agreed upon by March, 800,000 Dreamers will be at risk of losing their homes in the U.S.
We speak with the Congressman about his fight to take on Ted Cruz for his Senate seat in 2018. Rep. O'Rourke has come under scrutiny for his decision to leave the House and try for the Senate in a state that tends to lean Republican. He discusses why he believes his policies on healthcare and job creation are better for the people of Texas. He says he's excited to be part of the historic race, taking on a multi-term Senator like Cruz.
Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke encourages "Dreamers" to up the ante and continue to create conversation around DACA. He says great things don't just come from Congress, but through protests.
