Social Issues

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Egyptian army tanks deploy outside the presidential palace during a protest against President Mohammed Morsi in Cairo on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Syrians who fled their homes with their families gather around a fire to warm themselves at a makeshift vegetables store in a camp for the displaced in the village of Atmeh, Syria, on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012. (AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)

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Frank Kulick, adjusts a display of wooden crosses, and a Jewish Star of David, representing the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, on his front lawn, Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Newtown, Conn. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

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** FILE ** President Obama walks off stage after delivering a speech at an interfaith vigil for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, at Newtown High School in Newtown, Conn. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid promises “debate about how to change laws and culture that allow violence to grow.” (Associated Press)

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Congratulatory public cards for Rep. Tim Scott’s appointment to the Senate were a favorite of many well-wishers. This one is from the National Republican Congressional Committee. (National Republican Congressional Committee)

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Marion Barry, current D.C. Council member and former mayor, says he will try to pass his measure protecting ex-offenders from discrimination at the council’s final legislative session on Tuesday. He has openly criticized other council members and called out a prominent business leader over the issue. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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These students may choose to join Culinary Workers Local 226 if they take jobs on the Las Vegas Strip. More than 90 percent of Culinary’s 60,000 mostly immigrant workers opt to be dues-paying members, even though Nevada law says they can’t be forced to pay unions for their services. Local 226 represents hotel and casino staff. Housekeepers in most Strip hotels start at $16 an hour with free health care and pension. (Associated Press)

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President Barack Obama speaks during an interfaith vigil for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012 at Newtown High School in Newtown, Conn. A gunman walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School Friday and opened fire, killing 26 people, including 20 children. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

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Mourners leave a funeral service for Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victim Jack Pinto, 6, on Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Newtown, Conn. A gunman walked into the Newtown school on Friday and opened fire, killing 26 people, including 20 children. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

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Mourners gather outside the funeral service of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victim, Jack Pinto, 6, Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Newtown, Conn. A gunman walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Friday and opened fire, killing 26 people, including 20 children. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

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Mourners arrive for the funeral service of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victim, six-year-old Jack Pinto, Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Newtown, Conn. Six-year-old student Jack Pinto, who was killed Friday when a gunman opened fire inside the Sandy Hook Elementary School, is scheduled to be buried at the cemetery Monday afternoon. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

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Mourners arrive for the funeral service of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victim, six-year-old Jack Pinto, Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Newtown, Conn. A gunman walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Friday and opened fire, killing 26 people, including 20 children. (AP Photo/David Goldman)