KPLU: Supreme Court Bypasses Kent Schools Case (2009-06-29)

KPLU: Supreme Court Bypasses Kent Schools Case (2009-06-29)

Supreme Court - End of the Term

News Analysis - The Roberts Court, Tipped by Kennedy - NYTimes.com

Term Saw High Court Move to The Right - Washington Post
Roberts-Led March Likely to Continue

Supreme Court rules protests at troops' funerals can continue | csmonitor.com

Supreme Court rules protests at troops' funerals can continue | csmonitor.com

The Supremes rule in the firefighter race case

From Newsweek:

Dahlia Lithwick: When Constitutional Worlds Collide

From Christian Science Monitor
Court rules for white firefighters, reversing Sotomayor panel | csmonitor.com

The Waxman-Markey Bill: A Good Start Or A Non-Starter?

On Friday, the House of Representatives passed an energy/environmental bill supported by the Obama administration. The bill was compromised and watered-down from what Obama and major environmental groups had been calling for. Next it moves on to the Senate; but does it do enough to address the problem of global warming. An analysis from some prominent environmentalists:

The Waxman-Markey Bill: A Good Start Or A Non-Starter? by : Yale Environment 360

New York Times report on the successful fight for passage of the bill in the House - click here.

Supreme Court: Strip-search of 13-year-old girl was illegal

Supreme Court: Strip-search of 13-year-old girl was illegal | csmonitor.com

The decision sets the standard for how far school officials can go in conducting searches of students' property.

The case, Safford Unified School District No. 1 v. April Redding, arises from a strip search conducted in October 2003 at Safford Middle School. The girl, Savana Redding, was suspected of bringing high-strength ibuprofen to school to share with other students during lunch period.

Op-Ed Columnist - Who Are We? - NYTimes.com

Commentary on not enough change coming from Obama administration in terror policies and transparency in government from Bob Hebert of the NY Times:

"Policies that were wrong under George W. Bush are no less wrong because Barack Obama is in the White House."

Op-Ed Columnist - Who Are We? - NYTimes.com

Neda Agha-Soltan Becomes a Symbol of Iran Protests Through Video - NYTimes.com

The video of her death has shocked and appalled people around the world.

Neda Agha-Soltan Becomes a Symbol of Iran Protests Through Video - NYTimes.com

Commentary from Roger Cohen in the NY Times:

Martyrdom is a powerful force in the world of Shia Islam. Mourning on the third and seventh and 40th days after a death form a galvanizing cycle. Hers is already another name for the anger smoldering here, whose expression, in my experience, has been bravest and most vivid among women.

WA State's top prisons doctor quit over execution policy | Seattle Times Newspaper

Regarding the debate over the death penalty in WA State

Local News | State's top prisons doctor quit over execution policy | Seattle Times Newspaper

Supreme Court Decisions on Voting Rights Act and Special Education

Listen to the discussion from the Newshour on PBS

Justice Ginsberg looking forward to having another female on the high cout

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's thoughts on the importance of having a balance of men and women on the Supreme Court were published recently in an article on CNN's website.

"Women belong in all places where decision are being made," she said. "I don't say [the split] should be 50-50. It could be 60 percent men, 40 percent women, or the other way around. It shouldn't be that women are the exception."

Ginsburg noted gender differences are "seldom in the outcome." But then, she said, "it is sometimes in the outcome."

Ginsburg expressed frustration in that interview with how her male colleagues view her role, and how they view certain cases. She said in closed door conferences where all the justices gather to decide cases and pending appeals, her views occasionally are ignored. "When I will say something -- and I don't think I'm a confused speaker -- and it isn't until somebody else says it that everyone will focus on the point."

Is Twitter Furthering the Cause of Freedom and Human Rights

The drama in Iran has been fueled in part by rapid modern communications - social networking sites like Twitter have gotten the word out. Read below and comment on how technology can impact mass political movements.

Twitter Is a Player In Iran's Drama - State Dept. Asked Site to Keep Running

Modern Slavery

I've posted about human trafficking before, but Hillary Rodham Clinton, our Secretary of State, wrote an essay on the subject in today's Washington Post. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Partnering Against Trafficking - By Hillary Rodham Clinton

Government Snooping on E-Mail - Why is it still an issue?

Read the story below to see how this issue continues to cause concern.

E-Mail Surveillance Renews Concerns in Congress

Open Thread - Recent News

In the wake of the Holocaust Museum shooting, and a couple of other recent incidents, Attorney General Eric Holder believes there needs to be a stronger federal hate crimes law. Read the article consider whether the motivation for the crime makes the offense deserve a stiffer penalty
Attorney general urges new hate crimes law - Crime & courts- msnbc.com

North Korea is continuing to send out threatening signals - N. Korea warns of ‘thousand-fold’ retaliation - North Korea- msnbc.com

This applies to federal employees only, but I'm glad to see this: Obama to extend benefits to gay workers - White House- msnbc.com

PBS is, of course, run by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which was created by Congress and sponsored in part by the federal government. So, is this the right move? PBS to ban new religious shows - Washington Post- msnbc.com

Protests Continue in Iran

The protests for an investigation into the presidential election results has continued in the streets of Tehran. The people are courageous and dedicated to see their government become more open and honest. I am hoping that the government does not respond with a harsh crackdown. One good sign is that the Grand Ayatollah (the most powerful person in Iran - even more so than the president) has said he is open to a partial recount.

Thousands rally to support Iranian government

Obama Speaks on Health Care Reform

President Obama spoke to the American Medical Association today - a group that has been critical of some of his ideas. Using the "bully pulpit" to rally support for his agenda, Obama is trying to convince the nation (and Congress) that the cost of healthcare is a "ticking time-bomb" and legislation must be passed this year. Here is a report on what he had to say:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

A Messy Election in Iran

Were the election results in which President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected last week rigged? Some Iraqis think so, and they are upset.

BBC NEWS | Middle East | Unrest challenges Iran's republic

Cyberwar - Series - The New York Times

Cyberwar - Series - The New York Times

How can cyberspace become a battlefield between nations? This series from the New York Times explores issues surrounding cyber-security.

Debate Over Healthcare Reform is Heating Up

One of Obama's biggest campaign promises was to reform American healthcare, and make health insurance available to the some 47 million Americans that are not currently insured.

However, he is the President, not the king, and this requires a major piece of legislation from Congress. Competing ideas and bills will be getting a lot of attention in upcoming weeks. Here are a few news articles dealing with the topic:

Background on the Healthcare Debate

Obama Administration Finds Health-Care Model in Green Bay

G.O.P. Senators Question Obama’s Health Reforms - NYTimes.com

Health Plan May Mean Payment Cuts

China Takes Heavy Criticism Over Software Directive

China claims that this new action is aimed at blocking pornography and vulgar content, but many are concerned that the real goal is to censor free speech and criticism of the government.

China Takes Heavy Criticism Over Software Directive - NYTimes.com

Congress Gives FDA Authority to Regulate Tobacco

Congress Passes Tobacco Regulation Bill - NYTimes.com

American Student on Trial for Murder in Italy

A lot of mystery and controversy has surrounded the accusation and trial of 21 year-old Seattle resident Amanda Knox. She stands accused of taking part in the murder of another student while studying abroad in Italy.

American Testifies in Her Murder Trial in Italy - NYTimes.com

Student on Trial in Italy Claims Police Pressure

Government Begins to Find Homes for Detainees

There are prisoners at Guantanamo Bay that the government does not have enough evidence against to prosecute. In any ordinary circumstance, our Constitution and laws would dictate that they be freed. However, there are lots of complications the the 200+ prisoners that were still being held there when Obama took office. (I've written about this in past blogs.)

At least a few, who seemed clearly to have done nothing to deserve imprisonment got their first taste of freedom today.

6 Detainees Are Freed as Questions Linger - NYTimes.com

Fatal Shooting at Holocaust Museum

This is what hate, intolerance, and being unable to learn from others can lead to.

A lot of people are shocked tonight by the news that this 88-year old Neo-Nazi decided to bring his rifle to the National Holocaust Museum and open fire on innocent bystanders.

Last week an abortion doctor was shot.

Wake up America! There is still too much intolerance and too many guns in our society. The more I read about this story, the more disturbing it is. Below are a few links.

Shooting at Holocaust Museum in D.C. Kills Guard

Shooting Suspect Wrote Of "Holocaust Hoax" - CBS News

There is some video coverage of this story at CBS.

Update: This report from CBS gives some background on the shooter, and the shocking growth in the number of hate groups in the U.S. in the last decade.

Shell Settles for $15.5 Million in Nigerian Human Rights Case

Too little, too late! (But at least there is some justice)

An outrageous attack on environmental and human rights workers occurred in Nigeria in 1995. Ken Saro-Wiwa and 8 other environmentalist had been vigorously protesting the practices of the Royal Dutch Shell, which was making tons of money off of the oil fields in Nigeria, but ravaging the environment, and giving the local people little in return while they reaped huge profits.

The military dictator at the time, General Sani Abache, was paid off, and saw to it that Mr. Saro-Wiwa and the courageous crusaders working with him were put to death.

Finally, the company responsible for their deaths has taken some responsibility.

Read more from PBS here.

First Guantanamo inmate transferred to U.S. for trial - Los Angeles Times

Lots of controversy about how to deal with the inmates at Guantanamo - your reaction?

First Guantanamo inmate transferred to U.S. for trial - Los Angeles Times

North Korea Sentences 2 American Journalists to 12 Years of Hard Labor - NYTimes.com

Simply ridiculous and outrageous. North Korea seems to be thriving on antagonizing the U.S. and the rest of the world. Whether rattling their nuclear saber, or imprisoning journalists without making any evidence public, the government of North Korea sure likes to stubbornly assert itself, and show how little it cares for the outside world's opinion.

In getting better behavior from North Korea, our hopes lie with cooperation from China, but that means the Obama adminisstration will have to pursue less confrontation with China's communist party, and tone down criticism of China's human rights record. I have a lot of respect for politicians that have to make these difficult choices and compromises between their ideals and the practical policies they must follow to get things done.

I couldn't do it. I would rather be an active citizen, work through human rights and other organizations to further what I see as best for the U.S. and the world, than I would to work as a politician. It is too painful to have to compromise on some things - like the lives and liberties of other people around the world.

North Korea Sentences 2 American Journalists to 12 Years of Hard Labor - NYTimes.com

More on human rights in North Korea from Amnesty International.

Open Thread - What else happened this week?

Since I never have time to post all of the important and interesting news of the week, I thought I'd offer you all an open thread to discuss online any news stories from the past week that you thought were interesting.

If you have seen or read something interesting that is connected in some way to our constitutional system of government post your comments. (If you want others to check out what you found, tell us where to find the story.)

There was an abortion doctor shot and killed in Kansas over the weekend

New Hampshire's Governor signed a gay-marriage bill into law.

People in the Middle East are reacting to Obama's speech.

If you are looking for news, I've got some "Shared Items" to the right.

Obama Gives Major Address in Egypt

Candidate Barack Obama promised to restore America's image around the world, and to improve our relationship with the Muslim world. He made his most high profile attempt to reach out to the world's Muslim's today. Below is a link to the story in the New York Times, and a video clip from TouTube, and MSNBC for those that are trying to watch this at school. The print stories have more detail on the substance of the speech.

Your reactions? What constitutional role is the president fulfilling as he speaks to the nations of the world where Muslims are a majority?

Obama Calls for Alliances With Muslims - NY Times

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Censorship in China on Anniversary of Massacre

The image of the man defying totalitarian rule is iconic. Taken in June of 1989, it represents the struggle of the young Chinese students for democracy. Their movement was crushed by the Chinese government and military. (For a short video of what happened twenty years ago, to to this link: http://video.ap.org/?t=By%20Section/World&g=0604dv_tiananmen_anny&f=wasee)

Today, subtle and silent protests are all that many in China dare on the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

Your reaction? What constitutional principles are involved with this story?

Chinese websites mark Tiananmen Square anniversary with veiled protest

Sites close for 'Chinese Internet Maintenance Day' in subtle attack on state censorship

Police swarm Tiananmen Square on anniversary

In Tiananmen Square, police were ready to pounce at the first sign of protest. In Hong Kong, a sea of candles flickered in the hands of tens of thousands who vented their grief and anger.

Inside the Obama White House - Part 1

Here is the first part of the NBC News special with Brian Williams. I think it is a good look at the inner working of the Obama Administration.

The NBC program, as it aired on television is split into two hours – the first aired Tuesday night and the second hour will air Wednesday night at 9:00 pm.

Your extra credit assignment: Watch and write a reaction to either hour or both. Use details that will show me you watched the whole thing and reflected upon what you saw and heard.

Online, each hour program is broken down into 6 segments of about ten minutes each. You can link to the first part by clicking here and you can then continue to watch the rest. OR start here with the first segment – my reaction: “Reggie Love is the man!”

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

GM to File for Bankruptcy

You may be wondering, "What is happening with General Motors?" I had to do some reading to understand this myself, but the basics are:

1. Not a lot of people are buying new cars these days, and the car industry is in deep trouble.

2. Both Chrysler and GM had to beg the government for money over the last several months to keep them from going out of business.

3. After giving them time to prove to the government that they would be able to make it through the tough times, the government analyzed the companies and decided they are not going to make it without a lot more help from the government.

4. If the companies went out of business, the U.S. would throw in the towel to foreign car makers, and we would lose a vital industry.

5. Thousands of U.S. workers - engineers, factory workers, dealers, etc. would lose their jobs. Those losses would hurt those people and the overall economy in a big way.

6. So, the Obama administration decided the best thing to do was to allow the government (American taxpayers) to buy up about 60% of General Motors stock to keep the company in business as it goes through the legal process of bankruptcy.

7. Chapter 11 bankruptcy basically means that under the guidance of a federal judge, the company will be forced to sell off parts of the company, close plants and dealerships, and find other ways to pay off debts and save money. The government will then guide the company toward developing a new business plan for the future that will hopefully make the company profitable once more.

There are no guarantees however, and if GM can't put a winning plan together for the future, the government will be stuck with the bill.

Read some more about this plan, give me your reactions and think about what constitutional issues, and governmental powers are involved with this story. Some articles that you may find helpful:

G.M. to Seek Bankruptcy and a New Start

News Analysis: Obama’s Test: Restoring G.M. at Arm’s Length

GM: How an American giant rolled off course

G.M.’s New Owners, U.S. and Labor, Adjust to Roles

The 31-Year-Old in Charge of Dismantling G.M.