Gaza crisis: a crossroads for Obama

I think this commentary gets it right - it is time for the U.S. to ask Israel to share some of the blame for the tragedy of the Middle East and realize that even the use of overwhelming military force will not solve their security concerns in the long run - they are only making more enemies and radicals in the Arab world. True, Hamas is an organization that has not respected human rights of Israelis and has defied international law by its attacks on civilians, but Israel and the U.S. must facilitate talks.

Gaza crisis: a crossroads for Obama csmonitor.com

UPDATE 1:
For some good background on this issue, here are some helpful resources:
Gaza: Why Israel and Hamas are trading rocket fire

Ezra Klein does a nice job on his blog of giving a short simple explanation of how each side finds the other at fault for starting the latest round of violence. Who Started It?

State Competition - Gig Harbor High School

Here they are - the winners of the State Finals of the "We the People" Competition for the 2008-2009 school year. I think they did a great job, and I hope the video will help all other "We the People" students learn some things about how to prepare for competitions.

Congrats to Gig Harbor students and their great teacher, Ken Brown!

12 things to throw at Bush / A shoe? Not bad. But surely we can do better

An amusing, yet sad reflection on the eight years of misguided leadership we experienced under George W. Bush.

12 things to throw at Bush / A shoe? Not bad. But surely we can do better

News Analysis - In Blagojevich Case, Is It a Crime, or Just Talk? - NYTimes.com

News Analysis - In Blagojevich Case, Is It a Crime, or Just Talk? - NYTimes.com

The Electoral College Has Spoken!

It's official: Obama elected 44th president - White House transition- msnbc.com

Well, not exactly. The votes are not counted until January 6th, 2009 after the new Congress is sworn in, and the ballots are counted that body. However, apparently according to this story, the AP has confirmed that the Electors actually voted for the candidates they pledged to vote for.

I'm really hoping that a 28th Amendment will be added to the Constitution soon, to get rid of this relic of the 18th century.

And by the way: Turnout in presidential elections hits high
61.6 percent of eligible voters cast ballots, the highest rate since 1968

Bush Visits Iraq, Iraqi Journalist Throws Shoes at Him

I wonder if he gets the message now? I fitting end to the Bush presidency, and an image that will probably endure throughout history as a symbol of the cluelessness and foolishness of the U.S. doctrine of pre-emptive invasion.



According to CNN:

The shoe-thrower -- identified as Muntadhar al-Zaidi, an Iraqi journalist with Egypt-based al-Baghdadia television network -- could be heard yelling in Arabic: "This is a farewell ... you dog!"

While pinned on the ground by security personnel, he screamed: "You killed the Iraqis!"

FindLaw's Writ -

FindLaw's Writ - Mariner: A Public Accounting for Post-9/11 Abuses

Is Obama Truly Like Lincoln - As His "Team of Rivals" and Other Parallels Suggest?
By EDWARD LAZARUS

From The Onion: Should the Government Stop Dumping Money Into a Giant Hole

Some brilliant satire from The Onion on what passes for reasoned discussion of important issues on cable news these days.


In The Know: Should The Government Stop Dumping Money Into A Giant Hole?

Some Relevant Current Events

Here are some news stories I collected that I thought were relevant to issues of the Presidency, political parties, Congress, the rights of a defendant (who is accused of being a terrorist) being held at Guantanamo, and federal/state relationships.

And oh, by the way, they are saying that we are officially in a recession. As if we couldn't tell....

Obama Promises Governors That Federal Help Is on the Way
PHILADELPHIA — With the economic crisis tearing holes in most state budgets, President-elect Barack Obama promised the nation’s governors on Tuesday that he would come to their aid with an ambitious program to build or repair roads, bridges, schools and other public projects.

Summoning state executives from across the country here, Mr. Obama sought to forge a bipartisan approach to the nation’s economic problems. He was met with pleas for a rapid infusion of federal money to create jobs, help those without health coverage and balance recession-ripped budgets.

In Guantánamo case, a judge tightens the screws on the US csmonitor.com
Washington - A major battle is brewing in federal court here over the well-established legal requirement that the government must turn over any exculpatory evidence it has uncovered to an accused criminal it is seeking to imprison.

But what if that person is a suspected terrorist being held as an enemy combatant at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba?

That's the issue before US District Judge Emmet Sullivan, who is presiding over a high-stakes legal dispute involving allegations that US intelligence agents secretly sent a man to Morocco for 18 months of torture before transferring him to prisons in Afghanistan and then Guantánamo.

Republicans win crucial Georgia Senate seat

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss won a run-off election in Georgia on Tuesday, CNN said, denying Democrats the chance for a 60-seat "super majority" in the Senate that would have enabled them to pass legislation virtually at will.

Obama’s national security ‘team of rivals’ His choice of Gates, Clinton, and Jones reflects his goal of building a bipartisan cabinet.

Obama’s team of stars: Can he manage it?
Some inner-circle conflict can be of help to a president, but building a sense of teamwork will be key.
President-elect Barack Obama has earned accolades from Democrats and Republicans alike for the high-powered national security and economic teams he has unveiled.

Choice for U.N. Backs Strong Action Against Mass Killings - NYTimes.com

Choice for U.N. Backs Strong Action Against Mass Killings - NYTimes.com: "President-elect Barack Obama has chosen his foreign policy adviser, Susan E. Rice, to be ambassador to the United Nations, picking an advocate of “dramatic action” against genocide as he rounds out his national security team, Democrats close to the transition said Sunday."

Along with nominating Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State, General Jim Jones for National Security Advisor and retaining Bush's Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, Obama will make Susan E. Rice a high profile appointee today.

And I think it is great news. According to the NYTimes:

To reinforce his intention to work more closely with the United Nations after the tensions of President Bush’s tenure, Mr. Obama plans to restore the ambassador’s post to cabinet rank, as it was under President Bill Clinton, according to Democrats close to the transition.
While the cabinet consists of 15 department heads, a president can give other positions the same rank for the duration of his administration.

I'll try to post more on this after the announcement this morning.

Rush to Enact a Safety Rule Obama Opposes - NYTimes.com

Although Presidents are considered "lame-ducks" in the last part of their tenure in office, they can still weild a lot of power. In fact, in the closing days of an administration, there is often a rush to enact as many rules, regulations, and PARDONS as possible. First, here are some of the executive actions Bush is trying to get in place that are controversial:

Rush to Enact a Safety Rule Obama Opposes - NYTimes.com

Revolution in Thailand?

There is the potential for a violent revolution against a democratically elected government in Thailand, as it has been charged with corruption. Now the government seems to be losing the support of the Army.

Thai army chief urges government to resign
Fears of military intervention rise as protesters continue airport blockade

Another Way the Economic Crisis Will Affect You!

While in Washington D.C., they are trying to figure out how to keep Ford, G.M., and Chrysler from going bankrupt; and as the Obama team is searching for a way to create 2.5 million new jobs over the next two years, closer to home we may have a $5 billion dollar budget shortfall in the Washington State.

That is bad news for all of us. For example:

20% cuts may be ahead for state colleges, universities as bottom falls out of budget Seattle Times Newspaper:

"The University of Washington and other institutions are trying to figure
out ways to plug a yawning budget gap. Officials at several universities are
already talking about raising tuition by 10 to 15 percent next year — perhaps
$1,000 per student. That would require lawmakers to lift the current limit on
schools of 7 percent in tuition increases annually."

Torturing Democracy

President-Elect Obama has promised to close down the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. But we should not forget that there have been so many principles of freedom, justice, and human rights that were tossed aside by the likes of Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Alberto Gonzalez, John Ashcroft, and George Bush that it is important not to forget what was done in the name of the United States of America since September 11, 2001.

A recent documentary called Torturing Democracy recalls all of this and I highly recommend viewing it. It is an important reminder about why respect for the rule of law is so important.

http://torturingdemocracy.org/

While it has been aired on PBS stations, the entire film can be viewed on-line. Below is a clip describing the technique known as waterboarding, that Bush Administration officials have refused to categorize as "torture".

5 Detainees Ordered Released From Guantanamo : NPR

Another good report on this story - it points out what a travesty of justice the Bush Administration created in dealing with terror suspects - especially those held in Guantanamo Bay.
5 Detainees Ordered Released From Guantanamo : NPR

Obama Administration Taking Shape

News reporters have uncovered the decisions that Obama has settled on for some of his key Cabinet post. In this report by NBC, the effect of some of Obama's recent pics, including Timothy F. Geithner for Treasury Secretary are analyzed.



Also, it appears that the Governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano, will be chosen as the head of Homeland Security. Governor of Arizona Is in Line for Cabinet

HillaryWatch: It is being reported this morning that Hillary Clinton has chosen to accept the position of Secretary of State in the Obama Administration.
Clinton Is Said to Accept Secretary of State Position - By PETER BAKER and HELENE COOPER
Two confidants said Hillary Rodham Clinton would give up her Senate seat and accept the nomination for secretary of state after talks with the president-elect.

MSNBC's Rachel Maddow took a look at what sort of drama will or will not be a part of Barack and Hillary working together.

Judge Declares Five Detainees Held Illegally - NYTimes.com

Judge Declares Five Detainees Held Illegally - NYTimes.com

Hate is Still Out There

Election spurs 'hundreds' of race threats, crimes
Cross burnings. Schoolchildren chanting "Assassinate Obama." Black figures hung from nooses. Racial epithets scrawled on homes and cars.
Incidents around the country referring to President-elect Barack Obama are dampening the postelection glow of racial progress and harmony, highlighting the stubborn racism that remains in America.
From California to Maine, police have documented a range of alleged crimes...

The YouTube Presidency | 44 | washingtonpost.com

The YouTube Presidency 44 washingtonpost.com
Today, President-elect Obama will record the weekly Democratic address not just on radio but also on video -- a first. The address, typically four minutes long, will be turned into a YouTube video and posted on Obama's transition site, Change.gov, once the radio address is made public on Saturday morning.

Fight. For you Right. To Ma-rry! (With apologies to the Beasie Boys)

Big rallies are scheduled for today across the country in response to the propositions in three states (including California) that voted to ban gay marriage.

These events were organized very quickly with the help of modern technology. The first article explains how the younger generation is waging politics 2.0:

Young, wired and rallying for gay rights nationally
A revolt against constitutional bans on gay marriage is being led by young people using texts and Web sites to quickly assemble.

Mormon church's role in Prop. 8 fight debated

Can He Do It?

Updated Nov. 11th.

A president-elect has a lot to do: 1) put together a good, quality administration of advisors, 2) decide what problems to attack first; 3) Decide how hard to push on campaign promises considering we are in an economic mess; 4) and oh yeah, figure out what kind of puppy to get.
Obama positioned to reverse Bush

Justin Sullivan / Getty Images file
Advisers to President-elect Barack Obama have compiled a list of about 200 Bush administration actions and executive orders that could be swiftly undone. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/08/AR2008110801856.html?hpid=topnews
Obama launches Web site to reach public - http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/11/10/obama.wired/index.html
Shutting Guantanamo a Priority
Obama administration to review classified files of detainees as part of intensive effort to close prison.

Can He Do It? Campaign's Visions Will Evolve As Obama Shifts to Governing - http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/08/AR2008110800224.html?hpid=topnews
This is an older article, but I think a lot of you (especially units 1 and 6) can make use of this info on political and civic involvement by citizens: Why volunteerism has reached historic high in US - http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0130/p01s04-ussc.html The uptick in serving – 29 percent of Americans did in 2005 – is being driven by older teens, baby boomers, and seniors.
Secret order allows U.S. raids abroad - http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008371562_terror10.html The U.S. military since 2004 has used broad secret authority to carry out nearly a dozen previously undisclosed attacks against al-Qaida...
Unit 5 should especially check this out - Monday, November 03, 2008 - The Court and ‘Fleeting Expletives’ - Editorial - NYTimes.com
The Court and ‘Fleeting Expletives’ - Editorial - NYTimes.com

Is divided government preferable to one-party rule? Units 3 and 4 are taking a pretty close look at this in their speeches, and here is an op-ed piece by a skeptic of the Democrats being in control.
Will Obama’s Congress Be Too Friendly? http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/10/opinion/10ehrenhalt.html?th&emc=th

Meanwhile, one of my favorite liberal columnists, Paul Krugman, ponders whether Obama will transform our American government in response to the financial crisis the way FDR did with the New Deal. Franklin Delano Obama? http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/10/opinion/10krugman.html?th&emc=th

Finally, former Nobel Peace Prize winner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, who worked non-violently to end apartheid, discussed what he thinks Obama's election means to the world.
The Man of Tomorrow -- His election has turned America's global image on its head. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/07/AR2008110702896.html

Commentary on Legal Issues, Elections, and Madison

From FindLaw.com - Some selected recent articles

Are Different Abortion Methods Morally Distinguishable? The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit Hears Richmond Med. Center v. Herring

Eight Years After Bush v. Gore, Why is There Still So Much Election Litigation and What Does This Mean for Voter Confidence in the Electoral Process?

A Short List of Human Rights Reforms for the Next President

The Evidence Establishes, without Question, that Republican Rule Is Dangerous: Why It Is High Time to Fix This Situation, For the Good of the Nation

Reflections on Historian Mary Hershberger's Piece on McCain's War Record, and a Q&A with the Author

The Rise and Fall of John McCain, As Explained By the Principles the Framers of the Constitution Embraced

The Fourth Amendment, Once Removed: The Supreme Court Examines a New Search and Seizure Loophole

Remembering Cooper v. Aaron, the Supreme Court Case That Sent the Message that Brown's Promise of Desegregation Must Be Kept

The Financial Crisis from the Viewpoint of a Constitutional Scholar: How Today's Debacle Recalls James Madison's Nightmare at the Founding that None Would Have the Virtue to Lead

The Rationality of Spite: Why the Bailouts Do, And Should, Make People Angry

A Landmark Torture Trial

Nate Silver: What to Watch For on Election Night | Newsweek Politics: Campaign 2008 | Newsweek.com

This guy's really good at crunching the poll numbers. If you want a preview of what to look for in the election returns Tuesday, this is a great guide.

Nate Silver: What to Watch For on Election Night Newsweek Politics: Campaign 2008 Newsweek.com

The Court and ‘Fleeting Expletives’ - Editorial - NYTimes.com

The Court and ‘Fleeting Expletives’ - Editorial - NYTimes.com

Election Reflection

Well, not so much my reflection, but some interesting ones I've seen on the web in the past few days:

Why would someone want to be President of the United States? With all of the pressure and criticism that comes with the job, don't you think you'd have to be a little nuts to want the job? The New York Times explored what kind of psyche pursues the presidency.

The Mindset in the Middle of the Storm

It has been an amazing election year. The following story looks back at this historic election, and peeks ahead just a bit.

The Year of Living on the Edge of Our Seats

Immigrants who are now American citizens are motivated voters. How will their participation impact the election? Politico.com did a good story on them:
Immigrants the new face of 'real America' - Gebe Martinez - Politico.com

Coverage of "Race and the Election" has interesting stories from MSNBC looking at how this election (and a possible Obama victory) could impact the issue of race in America.

Who is still undecided, and why, after all the election coverage are they still undecided? The New York Times takes a look in:
The Undecided Few, Perplexed or Indifferent - NYTimes.com

How are the groups attending McCain rallies different from those attending Obama rallies?
At Rallies of Faithful, Contrasts in Red and Blue - NYTimes.com

Should ministers have the freedom to encourage their parishioners to vote for one candidate or another? Is it protected by freedom of expression, or should such ministers have their tax-exept status taken away? NPR looked at the issue:
Political Endorsement From The Pulpit : NPR

Obama's Candidacy Angers, Excites Hate Groups : NPR

Have you heard about the skinhead, Neo-Nazi, white supremacists that were arrested for plotting to kill 88 at a predominately black school, and then try to kill Obama as their finale? It is scary that there are nuts out there with guns who want to kill people because of the color of their skin.

In 2008.

I don't get it.

There was also a kid at a gun show that shot himself this past week, and singer/actress Jennifer Hudson had four family members killed by gunmen in Chicago. It makes you wonder about gun controal and the Second Amendment.

The First Amendment protects even stupid and hateful expression up until the point a crime is commited. When these people are arrested, they must still be given due process rights. And, of course, as a part of the police power of government, we need to prevent murders.

The secret service did a good job on this and other threats Obama has faced. It does bring up the issue of whether the hate groups out there are benefiting from Obama's success. You can read or listen to a fascinating story by NPR at:

Obama's Candidacy Angers, Excites Hate Groups : NPR

Is it time to scrap the Electoral College? - Decision '08- msnbc.com

Is it time to scrap the Electoral College? - Decision '08- msnbc.com

I would love to have us change to a system of popular vote for the President, and I'm shocked that it didn't happen after the 2000 election. If the popular vote determined the presidency, Al Gore would have been the President, receiving over a 1/2 million votes than George W. Bush.

Unfortunately, there are many interests in the nation that benefit from the Electoral College: small states, rural voters, and the Republican Party.

The biggest problem, in my opinion, is that presidential elections only happen every four years, and people forget about the issue as more urgent matters deserve the government's attention. But, taking a chance on a someone becoming president that doesn't have the support of a majority of the voters is a big problem.

I wish there were more pressure on our government to change the Electoral College.

Justices’ Ruling on Guns Faces Attacks, From the Right

One of the big cases from the Supreme Court's last term was District of Columbia v. Heller. It was the big gun rights case. Apparently some of the more conservative judges are saying they think the court made a poor decision. It was a 5-4 vote, and there was an article about it in today's New York Times.

Justices’ Ruling on Guns Faces Attacks, From the Right - NYTimes.com

Muslims Are Americans Too

I've been waiting desparately for someone of stature in this campaign to say what Colin Powell said Sunday morning.

Thank you General Powell, for reminding not only your party, but all of America, what this country is all about.

THE DAILY BANTER.COM: Muslims Are Americans Too: "As Colin Powell poignantly pointed out, Arab Muslims have served America just like every other racial, religious and ethnic minority. It is a crying shame anyone needs to point this out."

This is a 7 minute clip from Meet the Press. He addresses the "Muslims are Americans" issue somewhere after the half-way point.

Shame on University of Texas!

This is totally ridiculous! And, students wanting to hang pro-Republican signs can't either.

Something is seriously wrong in Texas!

Texas students punished for Obama signs
University says it has a policy against political signs in dorm windows

Why Habeas Corpus is so important

I just got home from work and read this article about 17 Guantanamo Bay prisoners finally being released after 6 years. They did nothing wrong, but were turned in (sold out) by Pakistanis that wanted the $5,000 bounty the U.S. government was offering.

So now, after last year's Boumediene v. Bush decision, they had the right to make a habeas corpus appeal to a U.S. judge, and the judge ordered them to be released.

Unfortunately for these folks, the Justice Department wants a "stay" in the ruling (keeping them imprisoned) in a separation of powers argument. They say the judicial branch doesn't have the authority to tell the government to settle these 17 people in the United States.

Check it out:

Federal Judge Orders Release of Chinese Muslims

The Supreme Court is Now in Session!

The Roberts Court is back at work as of today, the first Monday in October, which is the day the Court is required to begin hearing cases again after a summer break that began in late June. Some interesting cases and decisions are already coming down from the court:

High court refuses to hear racial profiling case csmonitor.com
The US Supreme Court has declined to hear the case of a man who was kicked off an American Airlines jetliner in Boston because a flight attendant thought he looked like a Middle Eastern terrorist.

This doesn't seem right to me. The guy was clearly treated very badly by the airline, and won his case, only to have it overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals.

High court case: If harassed workers talk, can they be fired?
A Tennessee woman lost her job after she cooperated in a company investigation.

Let me be clear - I'm against the death penalty, and I am not in favor of this man being executed. However, I can certainly see why the Court refused to hear this case. It seems like a real stretch to say that one's fair trial rights were violated because of a bible reading in the jury deliberation room. Maybe there are some details I'm missing here, but it sounds like they were standing on pretty shakey legal ground when the defendant filed this suit.

Supreme Court lets stand death sentence after Bible reading
A death-row inmate claimed the jury foreman violated his fair-trial rights by reading out loud from Romans.

Finally, from a few days ago, the Court refused to reconsider a controversial ruling from last term:
Court Won't Reconsider Ban on Execution for Child Rape
The Supreme Court yesterday declined to revisit its June decision that imposing the death penalty on child-rapists is unconstitutional, although two justices said they would have reopened the case and two others sharply criticized the majority.

Justices Return to Work, With Less Meaty Docket - NYTimes.com

The Supreme Court has been on summer break since the end of June. However, the Supreme Court begins its new term every year on the first Monday of October - That's tomorrow!

Read about what cases are on on the court's docket here:

Justices Return to Work, With Less Meaty Docket - NYTimes.com

FactChecking Biden-Palin Debate

This organization does a great job of researching the claims made by candidates running for office. Click below to see the run-down of misinformation that was aired during the V.P. debate last night.

FactCheck.org: FactChecking Biden-Palin Debate

Will the Media Please Tell Me What to Think About the Debate I Watched Last Night?

Both campaigns know it is important to tell American voters what to think about the debate they did (or did not) watch last night. As the New York Times notes, there is:

a common belief in presidential politics: That many viewers base their judgment not necessarily on debate performance but on what they read and see in the days
afterward.

So, hopefully lots of people will think for themselves, and not let the pundits or the campaigns do it for them.

However, if you are a political junkie like me, you know that how people perceived the debate will some effect on the outcome of the race, so I've been watching the analysis appearing in the media closely.

A sampling of some of the analysis from the media:
The Next Day, a New Debate on Who Won NYTimes

Analysts: No Game-Changer in First Debate - ABC News

Round 1 in debates goes to Obama, poll says - CNN

Analysis: Split decision, but John McCain wins first debate on points - NY Daily News

John McCain: Four More Years of 'You Just Don't Understand"? - Huffington Post

BBC NEWS Americas First presidential debate scorecard - A view from across the pond.

Debate Time!

Well the debate is about to start - I'm very excited about it! I think Barack Obama will win over a lot of undecided voters tonight. McCain has spent the week contradicting himself, and laying the groundwork for Obama to hammer home the point about McCain not having the judgement and temperment to be president.

Let's see how it turns out...

Iranian President: 'American empire' nearing its end - CNN.com

Ahmadinejad: 'American empire' nearing its end - CNN.com

U.S. Abortion Rate at 30-Year Low

Interesting trend. Interesting results. Among other things, these results suggest that reducing the number of abortions may be linked to helping people out of poverty and distressed economic situations.

U.S. Abortion Rate at 30-Year Low - US News and World Report

Did Palin support 'Bridge to Nowhere?' - CNN.com

Did Palin support 'Bridge to Nowhere?'

Yeah, she pretty much did.

Did she tell Congress, "Thanks, but no thanks" as she said in her acceptance speech?

Not really. She kept repeating the story though.

Look hard America, and remember what Thomas Jefferson once said, "If a nation expects to be ignorant and free . . . it expects what never was and never will be."

Initiative 1000 would let patients get help ending their lives | Seattle Times Newspaper

It is called many things: "physician-assisted suicide", "death with dignity", and others. Regardless of what it is called, the law in Oregon that lets doctors prescribe lethal doses of drugs to patients that are terminally ill and wish to end their lives before enduring a long and painful illness, has created a lot of controversy. This November Washington State voters will have the opportunity to vote on a law very similar to Oregon's assisted suicide law.

It is also an excellent case study in conflicting constitutional values. Does a limited government have the right to tell a terminally ill person how they should or should not end their lives? Should inidivdual rights win out over concerns about promoting a "culture of life" and preventing possible abuses of the law by greedy relatives that stand to inherit money? Or is opposing this law what would further the common good?

The Seattle Times did an excellent job of reporting on this initiative in their Sunday paper. Check it out.

Initiative 1000 would let patients get help ending their lives Seattle Times Newspaper

Taxpayers may spend $1 trillion in bailout

Wow! This plan, if enacted, will probably be the largest government intervention in the American economy since the Great Depression. It will certainly be the most expensive in our history. Why is the government considering such action? What is this crisis all about?

The plan proposed by President Bush and backed by many in Congress will give the Treasury Department the authority to spend something in the neighborhood of $700 billion dollars to buy up crappy investments and loans from Wall Street companies that are on the brink of collapse. Basically, these investment companies screwed up, and now the government (and the taxpayers!) are being asked to bail them out. The bad investments made by private individuals and corporations will then be owned by the U.S. government. (That is all of us!)

Why would we do such a thing?

Well, the warnings from D.C. are that the effects of all these companies failing would greatly damage the entire economy, especially the ability to get credit and loans. This would lead to a stronger recession, less jobs, and hurt the nation as a whole. Basically, they say they are acting to promote the common welfare to prevent an economic collapse.

The government has intervened in the economy before, especially during the Great Depression and during the Savings and Loan Crisis of the 1980's. (Remember FDR's bank holiday, and the creation of the National Recovery Agency?)

The problem is that this will be very expensive and no one is really sure how it will work out. It might save us from economic disaster or it could wind up fueling inflation and creating an even larger debt so that the things the Presidential candidates are promising to do might not happen. There will be a lot less money for the government to spend, if this plan is approved by Congress.

And there are fundamental Constitutional questions as well. Should Congress give this much power to the Treasury Department (Executive Branch)? Is this something the Framers of our Constitution would have envisioned the federal government doing? Both left-wing and right-wing commentators have criticized this plan over some of these questions.

Here is a video and some articles you may find helpful:

Taxpayers may spend $1 trillion in bailout - Seattle Times Newspaper

Depressingly familiar: Uncle Sam to the rescue
The stock market plummets, investors pull out money and loans dry up, triggering global financial turmoil. Enter the government, buying...

Policymakers: Congress Must Move Quickly to Avert Damage
Lawmakers Remain Deeply Skeptical of Financial Rescue Plan

Criticism and controversy:
Treasury chief Paulson on verge of historic new powers
The administration's bailout plan would make him temporary overseer of the US financial system.

Cash for Trash - by Paul Krugman
Some skeptics are calling Henry Paulson’s $700 billion rescue plan for the U.S. financial system “cash for trash.” Everyone agrees that something major must be done. But Mr. Paulson is demanding extraordinary power for himself — and for his successor — to deploy taxpayers’ money on behalf of a plan that, as far as I can see, doesn’t make sense.

Senator Chris Dodd: “After reading this proposal, I can only conclude that it is not only our economy that is at risk, Mr. Secretary, but our Constitution, as well.”

Conservatives: 'Take a breath' before passing bailout - CNN

Bailout could boost inflation, sink dollar
Oil and gold surged Monday as investors worried that huge new debts will harm US Treasury's credit standing.

Gregoire, Rossi far apart on social issues | Seattle Times Newspaper

We have a definate choice this year in the Governor's race:

Gregoire, Rossi far apart on social issues Seattle Times Newspaper

In a More Diverse America, A Mostly White Convention - washingtonpost.com

From the Washington Post: In a More Diverse America, A Mostly White Convention - washingtonpost.com

Palin’s Start in Alaska - Not Politics as Usual - NYTimes.com

From National Public Radio:

Assessing Palin's Reformist Record - From NPR: · Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin begins her vice presidential campaign as a self-proclaimed reformer. But as a mayor and as
governor, she defended the pork brought home by Alaska's congressional delegation, and even hired a lobbyist to get more. - Listen to this report - it shows how misleading parts of her speech were.

Palin’s Start in Alaska - Not Politics as Usual - NYTimes.com

Mayor Palin: A Rough Record

And Then There Was One - Thomas Friedman

Palin E-Mails Show Intense Interest in Trooper's Penalty

Summer Vacation Almost Over!

Hello to my wonderful 12th Grade "We the People" class:

I had my first day back at work today!

IMPORTANT QUESTION: How many of you are still willing and able to meet on August 28th? I was thinking about late morning, about 10:30 am in my classroom, but only if enough people can make it.

I think it would be great for us to re-connect before the school year starts, so we can get off to a good start, but it wouldn't be worth it if only a few people can show up. Maybe Tuesday, September 2nd, the day before school starts would work better for people.

So, please rsvp as soon as possible. If you have a friend taking the class that doesn't check e-mail regularly, please call them and ask them to get back to me.
I'm really tired tonight, but maybe I'll try to make a few phone calls tomorrow to see what is up with folks.

Other reminders:

REMEMBER TO DO YOUR SUMMER HOMEWORK!

ALSO - Read as much of the new textbook as you can. We will go through it about one lesson per night during the school year, so if you can read some of it before hand, I think that will make it easier for during the school year.

OH YEAH! --- About a month ago I tried to make up competition groups. I worked pretty hard on it, but wasn't happy with the results. I think I can do a much better job once I know who is definately in the class and get some more info from some of the students I didn't have in the 11th Grade class. I hope this works for all of you.

OH YEAH!!!!! - The Democratic National Convention is this week. The Republican National Convention is next week. Michelle Obama gave a really touching speech about Barack, her family, and the country tonight. (At least in my opinion, but I'm kinda partial to the Obamas! ) Check it out on a TV replay or on the net if you didn't get a chance to see it. Her big brother Craig, the Men's Basketball Coach at University of Oregon, gave her an introduction and the little girls were on the stage after the speech. They are very cute and sweet little kids. John McCain is going to be on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno tonight.

I hate for summer to be over, but I can't wait to start working with my 12th Grade WTP class!!!!
BTW, people can leave messages on my school phone if e-mail doesn't work for them.

PASTA la vista,

Mr. Coraggio

It's Obama-Biden!

Obama Picks Biden, Adding Foreign Expertise to Ticket - NYTimes.com

Horrible Crime. Ultimate Sentence?

Jury finds Duncan eligible for death penalty Seattle Times Newspaper

Big Chill Over Georgia

Will Russia's military action in Georgia mean a new cold war?

News Analysis - No Cold War, but Big Chill Over Georgia - News Analysis - NYTimes.com

Bin Laden Driver Sentenced to a Short Term

Bin Laden Driver Sentenced to a Short Term - NYTimes.com

Washington Supreme Court says privacy trumps identifying teacher in cases of unsubstantiated sexual misconduct | Seattle Times Newspaper

This case is one people will be one on which many people will have strong opinions. However, it should be noted by students that this is a very interesting example of the clash between the goals of protecting individual rights (in this case the teachers) from society's need to promote the general welfare (identifying and punishing sex offenders).

As a teacher, this makes me breathe a little easier. We teachers all live with a fear that someday a false accusation could end our teaching career - an occupational hazard of the modern day. I think it is a good and reasonable decision. To reverse this decision would raise havoc in our schools - students would know they could ruin a teacher by simply lying about his or her behavior.

I understand the argument on the other side, and I'm sure if I or a love one had been abused, I would want no stone unturned in prosecuting the criminal. However, I think if people looked objectively at the potential consequences they would understand why a majority of our State Supreme Court ruled in favor of protecting the identities of the accused.

Washington Supreme Court says privacy trumps identifying teacher in cases of unsubstantiated sexual misconduct Seattle Times Newspaper

Some Late-Night Political Humor

Conan O'Brien, Jon Stewart, and Steven Colbert on the day's news.

President Bush signs massive housing bill - Mortgage Mess- msnbc.com

What is in it, and who will it help? Check out the following:

President Bush signs massive housing bill - Mortgage Mess- msnbc.com

FACTBOX: Key provisions of U.S. housing rescue bill

Powerful Senator Faces Criminal Charges

Ted Stevens has been a controversial U.S. Senator to many, but a powerful one that has steered billions of dollars to his home state of Alaska. A few years ago, his tirade over maintaining the funding for the infamous "bridge to nowhere" despite the needs of hurricane ravaged New Orleans created an embarassment for himself and the Senate as an institution. Now, the Senators career is threatened over personal favors done for him in violation of finance laws. Was Stevens a good senator? Can he remain one? Check out the article here:

Friend's gifts could be Stevens' downfall Seattle Times Newspaper

Senate legend laid low by ethics scandal

Gore Dreams Big

Al Gore issued a challenge to America last week - to replace 100% of sources of electricity with renewable and carbon-neutral sources: wind, solar, etc. Some may view this as overly ambitious, but I agree with Bob Hebert of the New York Times that we have to set our goals high on this one.

Nobody believed we could put a man on the moon by the end of the decade when J.F.K. issued his challenge in the early 1960's, but it was done. People thought F.D.R. was not serious when he set production goals for Americans to reach at the beginning of our involvement in World War II, but we not only met those goals, but surpassed them. That is why I believe Hebert is on track with his assessment:

"The naysayers will tell you that once again Al Gore is dreaming, that the costs of his visionary energy challenge are too high, the technological obstacles too tough, the timeline too short and the political lift much too heavy.

But that’s the thing about visionaries. They don’t imagine what’s easy. They imagine the benefits to be reaped once all the obstacles The naysayers will tell you that once again Al Gore is dreaming, that the costs of his visionary energy challenge are too high, the technological obstacles too tough, the timeline too short and the political lift much too heavy. But that’s the thing about visionaries. They don’t imagine what’s easy. They imagine the benefits to be reaped once all the obstacles are overcome.
are overcome."

You can read the rest here: Op-Ed Columnist - Yes We Can - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com

A Timeline for Withdrawal in Iraq?

The Bush Administration has long shunned the idea of establishing a timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq, however, they took a step in that direction yesterday.

It has been difficult for Bush to maintain opposition to a timeline, since Iraq's Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki called for one a couple of weeks ago.

This represents a compromise, and I might add, a compromise in the right direction. Our government needs to remember that we owe the Iraqi people a lot of things, and one of them, is being polite enough to leave when they ask us to.

Bush, in a Shift, Accepts Concept of Iraq Timeline - NYTimes.com

A Tragedy in Seattle

A very interesting story goes along with this tragedy that resulted in a man being killed in Seattle recently. As I read the story of the crime, I was reminded of so many of the strengths and weaknesses of America.

It seems though, that in the end, the man accused of the crime has done the right thing and turned himself in, because family and community stepped in to help solve a problem that could have been much uglier.

Original Story: Fatal attack at traffic circle

From today's newspaper:
Community members help broker murder suspect's surrender at Seattle church Seattle Times Newspaper

Pot raid angers medical-marijuana supporter | Seattle Times Newspaper

When good intentions go wrong - a story about how a vauge law resulted in unfortunate consequences.

Pot raid angers medical-marijuana supporter Seattle Times Newspaper

Is McCain Conservative Enough for Republicans?

I think the question ought to be whether he is too conservative for America. (Answer: Yes.)

However, he reached back over a century in a recent interview with the New York Times. He chose Teddy Roosevelt as his model. This doesn't make sense to me since TR considered himself a progressive, and ran for president in 1912 as a member of the Progressive (Bull Moose) Party. But the part of the storythat bothered me the most was:

"he declined to take a specific position when asked whether only evolution should be taught in public schools."

He can't take a position because he is running in a party where a lot of the base simply rejects science. I don't understand these folks. They live in the 21st century, use the products of science and technology everyday, but don't like the idea of a president who accepts the best wisdom the scientific community has to give us.

Please vote Obama.

The story as well as a recording of the 45 minute interview can be found at:
McCain’s Conservative Model? Roosevelt (Theodore, That Is) - NYTimes.com

Obama's Plan for Iraq

In advance of a major speech on Iraq on Tuesday, Barack Obama had an op-ed piece published in the New York Times today, outlining his intentions to withdraw the majority of American troops in Iraq within 18 months or so of his taking office. I don't think that anyone following his campaign will find anything drastically new here; unlike a lot of folks in the media, I think that his policy toward Iraq has not changed much. Check it out in his own words:

Op-Ed Contributor - My Plan for Iraq - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com

Important Supreme Court Decisions, 2007-2008 - NYTimes.com

The New York Times published these a couple of weeks ago. I guess I missed them, but good resources.

Important Supreme Court Decisions, 2007-2008 - NYTimes.com

On Court That Defied Labeling, Kennedy Made the Boldest Mark

Fourth of July!

Here are a smattering of commentaries on America, the meaning of the Fourth, patriotism, citizenship, etc.

Where is the original copy of the Delaration of Independence? That question isn't so easy to answer as described by Ted Widmer, director of the John Carter Brown Library at Brown University in a column from today's New York Times - Looking for Liberty.

Negative campaigning is almost as old as the republic itself. Edward J. Larson - The Founding Mudslingers - washingtonpost.com

Love of country among African Americans may be complicated, but it is deep and strong and honest. A Special Brand Of Patriotism - Eugene Robinson.

What Patriotism Is, and Is Not - Thursday 03 July 2008
by: Michael Winship, t r u t h o u t Perspective

"A Decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind ..."
by: Wm. Scott Harrop and R.K. Ramazani, t r u t h o u t Perspective

The Call to Service

It seems to me that both Obama and McCain have been stressing the themes of citizens engaging in service to their communities and nation. Are we entering a new era of civic engagement and civic virture? Here is a recent item on Obama's call for service:

Obama: Can We Get a Little Service Here? - The Caucus - Politics - New York Times Blog

Death initiative petitions filed

"Death with Dignity" laws have always raised constitutional controversy, but Oregon's law has been upheld so far. Now Washington State may have a similar law, if the voters approve it. To see what WA State will have on the ballot in November, click below.

Death initiative petitions filed Seattle Times Newspaper

From the article, the following information was presented:

Modeled on Oregon's current law

*Would allow mentally competent adult residents of Washington to request and receive a prescription for a lethal dose of medication, provided that they have been diagnosed with a condition that is expected to kill them within six months.

*The request must be confirmed by two independent witnesses, a second doctor must confirm the original diagnosis, and the patient must be determined to be free from any mental condition impairing his judgment. The patient must make two requests separated in time by at least 15 days.

*Would not allow patients to sign away the decision to anyone else in the event they were to become mentally incompetent, or to give permission to anyone else to administer the medication if they became unable to do so. In short, they must make the request and take the lethal medicine themselves. Any doctor or health-care organization can opt out of providing the services.

*Law would specifically say: "Actions taken in accordance with this act do not, for any purpose, constitute suicide, assisted suicide, mercy killing, or homicide, under the law."

There are two major groups on opposing sides of the issue:

Yes on 1000: http://www.yeson1000.org/
Coalition Against Assisted Suicide: noassistedsuicide.com

Obama Comes Out in Favor of Expanded Role for Faith-Based Groups

When George Bush proposed this in the first year of his presidency, it was very controversial. Now, Obama seeks to expand the role of faith groups in providing social services by providing them with more money and a higher profile within his administration. What about keeping church and state separate? Obama believes he can do this by drawing a sharper line between the services the groups provide and their ability to spread religious doctrine in this role. Is this a reasonable plan?

Obama Seeks Bigger Role for Religious Groups - NYTimes.com

Landmark Ruling Enshrines Right to Own Guns - NYTimes.com

UPDATE - July 2nd: D.C. is considering a new law to replace the one the court struck down. They are trying to conform with the Court's ruling. D.C. Council Hears Gun Law Proposal

UPDATE: Jerry Large of the Seattle times has a well-written commentary in today's paper that criticizes the Court's decsion on practical, policy decisions, and a belief that the Constitution was meant to be interpreted in light of changing times and conditions. Check it out here.

Original Post: Not to my suprise, the U.S. Supreme Court, by a narrow majority, declared that the 2nd Amendment protects the right of individuals to own guns for self-defense and recreation. This came about in striking down a Washington D.C. ban on handguns.

The majority opinion in the case, written by Antonin Scalia, does leave a lot of room for "reasonable" restrictions on weapons however, and there is certain to be a lot of litigation in this area in the months and years to come.

Landmark Ruling Enshrines Right to Own Guns - NYTimes.com

UPDATE: Jerry Large of the Seattle times has a well-written commentary in today's paper that criticizes the Court's decsion on practical, policy decisions, and a belief that the Constitution was meant to be interpreted in light of changing times and conditions. Check it out here.

How Lies Live and Grow in the Brain - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com

Why do so many people believe misinformation? There are still people out there that think Saddam Hussein had something to do with the 9/11 attacks (he didn't). Others believe that Obama is a Muslim (he isn't). Back when Mitt Romney was in the race we saw evidence of people believing that the Mormon Church endorses polygamy (it doesn't).

Why do people believe this mis-information. Are they just stupid? A couple of psychologists offer an alternative explanation in a column that has attracted a lot of attention. Check it out.

Op-Ed Contributor - How Lies Live and Grow in the Brain - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com

Gay Marriages in California and other Constitutional News

Same-Sex Marriages Begin in CaliforniaThe Washington PostJune 17, 2008
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 16 -- She said, "I do," and she said, "Absolutely." More...

Groups Push to Restore Voting Rights of Virginia FelonsThe Washington PostJune 17, 2008
RICHMOND -- Civic and social organizations are teaming with Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to try to add thousands of nonviolent offenders to the voting rolls in time for the November election, a move that has angered Republicans who say the effort is designed to help Democratic Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign. More...

Suit Claims Maryland State Police Surveilled Peace ActivistsThe Baltimore Sun, MarylandJune 13, 2008
Jun. 13--The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland is suing the Maryland State Police to get records it believes may show local authorities aided the federal government in spying on peace activists during several annual protests outside the National Security Agency. More...

Bush Administration to Propose Greater Access for DisabledThe Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star, Norfolk, VAJune 16, 2008
By Robert Pear More...

Noose-Hanging Teen Gets Rare PunishmentUnited Press InternationalJune 6, 2008
OVIEDO, Fla., Jun 5, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A Florida teen found guilty of putting a noose on a black family's property received an unusual sentence requiring him to attend class and study history. More...

NRA's political clout is waning - Los Angeles Times

Interesting article about 2nd Amendment rights in today's Los Angeles Times. Could it be true? The National Rifle Association has been a powerhouse in terms of lobbying and influence in Congress for years. As the Supreme Court is set to announce its decision on the Washington, D.C. gun control case, this article suggests that the NRA is not as powerful as it used to be. While I hope it is true - they have blocked so many sensible gun control measures over the years, the article maintains a big reason they have so much clout is because they have won most of the fights on the issues surrounding 2nd Amerndment rights.

Read on and see what you think:
NRA's political clout is waning - Los Angeles Times

Bush Administration P'wned by Supreme Court

In my classes, we discussed and read about this case when it went to trial back in December. If you don't remember, the case arose from a challenge to the Military Commissions Act, which basically said that inmates detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have no right to challenge their detention in U.S. Courts (only in secretive military tribunals). The act denied them the right to file habeas corpus decisions to challenge their detentions in U.S. Courts.

Bush tried to do this through an executive order earlier in his presidency, but the Court smacked down his plan. Republicans in Congress figured that if the action was sanctioned by an act of Congress, the Court would not see it as giving too much power to the executive branch.

Except for one really important thing.

It still violates the bedrock principles of due process enshrined in our Constitution and that we profess to believe in as a nation. If someone is guilty, we have to have enough faith in our justice system that the truth will prevail. Why not let them make a habeas corpus petition to U.S. Courts? It doesn't mean they are going to be set free. It just means there must be charges and enough evidence to warrant holding a prisoner.

A quote from the majority opinion of the Court written by Justice Anthony Kennedy: "Security depends upon a sophisticated intelligence apparatus and the ability of our Armed Forces to act and to interdict....Security subsists, too, in fidelity to freedom's first principles."

Read more about it:

Guantánamo detainees win right to court review csmonitor.com

Justices Rule Terror Suspects Can Appeal in Civilian Courts

The Republic on a Knife's Edge

Update - 6/14/08
Lots more commentary on the case, known as Boumediene v. Bush, has been appearing all over. Here is some:
A Blow Against Tyranny
Guantanamo detainees have constitutional rights, Supreme Court says
Early Reaction to Boumediene. by legal scholar Marty Lederman
A Victory for the Rule of the Law by Eugene Robinson
Why This Court Keeps Rebuking This President - New York Times

Hillary Endorses Barack

Below is a clip from her speech on Saturday, June 8:

Will her supporters get behind Obama? Should he choose her as his candidate for V.P.? Would they be a "dream ticket" or is there too much bad blood and "drama" that would go along with an Obama-Clinton (and Bill Clinton) ticket? Does he need a new, fresh face to go along with his theme of change? All of the political junkies out there are asking these questions.

Local News | Hundreds of new laws take effect in Washington state | Seattle Times Newspaper

The WA State Legislature adjourned a couple of months ago, but their work will be felt starting this week. Check out: Hundreds of new laws take effect in Washington state.

"Same-sex couples gain dozens of new rights, cougar hunts with dogs are expanded, and authorities will work to track gang activity statewide."

Zimbabwe Leader Has Become Petty Dictator

It is a shame that Robert Mugabe, the man who decades ago led Zimbabwe to independence from European colonialism has become a petty dictator that is jailing political opponents, stealing an election, and violating the rights of untold numbers of people. Here are a few articles on what is going on there:

Zimbabwe halts opposition rallies BBC News - The order came after police briefly detained opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai ahead of a rally in the second largest city of Bulawayo.

Death of an Activist: Zimbabwe opposition campaigner pays with his life for his beliefs

Zimbabwean opposition leader detained again International Herald Tribune

Zimbabwe: Mugabe Attempts to Woo Young Voters AllAfrica.com

Comment on the Presidential Race

Now that Hillary Rodham Clinton has withdrawn from the race, there is all kinds of talk about whether or not she will be Obama's running mate, and discussions of how voters will view the battle between McCain and Obama. There is no doubt that this has been one of the most exciting primary elections in history because, we as a people have stared down some of the most frightening ghosts from our past.

Racism and sexism have been some of the ugliest parts of our shared history, and having a woman and an African-American come this close to the highest office in the land (and probably the most powerful position in the world) is astonishing. The Constitution written by the founding generation would not have allowed Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama to even vote, much less run so successfully for public office.

As someone who has devoted a good part of my life to trying to understand our history and its meaning, it was all too clear, to paraphrase Galileo, that these two candidates were standing on the shoulders of giants. The spirits of Abigail Adams, Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Abraham Lincoln, Booker T. Washington, Susan B. Anthony, W.E.B. DuBois, Alice Paul, Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Bobby Kennedy and so many others are smiling down on our nation right now. So many Americans have been a part of the struggle to fulfill the belief, penned by Jefferson in 1776, that we are all created equal. Our nation was founded upon this ideal over 230 years ago, and for so long, we have struggled to live up to it. So much has happened so quickly in this presidential race that I don't think we have really absorbed the significance of the events that have come to pass in the last year and a half.

There has been a lot of commentary out there about where this campaign will go from here, but not nearly enough time taken to really meditate on how we have gotten here.

Of course, there have been some very thoughtful comments, discussions, and analyses of what we have seen come to pass - have you read or heard any? Have you had conversations or insights from friends, parents, or relatives? Perhaps some original thoughts of your own?

Please share them with us.

Right now I'm going to read Seeing Bobby Kennedy in Barack Obama.

Hung Jury in Jewish Federation Trial

A hung jury is unusual. It only happens when the jury is deadlocked and connot reach a verdict. What happens next is that a mistrial is declared and there is a new trial. In this case the defendent, Naveed Haq, was pleading not guilty by reason of insanity. He was facing 15 criminal charges including aggravated murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, burglary, unlawful imprisonment and hate-crime charges. Due process, justice, etc. are all involved here. Read about it and let me know what you think.

Reports here and here.

World welcomes Obama win

I and many others think that a President Barack Obama is the best equipped individual to repair America's reputation around the world. A president is not only the Commander-in-Chief, but with his powers under Article II of the Constitution to negotiate treaties with other nations, is what political scientists call our "Chief Diplomat". And I think he would be the most effective Chief Diplomat we've had in a long time. Just read the reactions the world is having to his winning the nomination in this article in the Seattle Times, reprinted from the Washington Post - it begins:

"For much of the world, Sen. Barack Obama's victory in the Democratic primaries was a moment to admire the United States, at a time when the nation's image abroad is in tatters."

Read on at : Nation & World World welcomes Obama win Seattle Times Newspaper:

Bill to Cut Carbon Emissions Debated in the Senate

Will this proposal to limit carbon emissions pass the Senate? The odds aren't looking good right now. Bush has threatened a veto, and some Senate Republicans are threatening a filibuster claiming the proposal will cost too much. The Seattle Times had an editorial in favor of the new bill you may want to read.

It's Obama!

Mathematically, it is all over. Obama has all the delegates, plus (as of this writing) about 20 more than he needed to clinch the nomination. Both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama gave speeches to their supporters tonight, and I was moved by the history of all of it.

As I was watching, Hillary and then Barack speak, there were many thoughts and words that I wanted to write; about this being a milestone in American democracy. I was really proud of our country, that centuries of gender and race bias were overcome to allow both of these amazing people reach new hights of leadership. But, alas, now after dinner, discussion, and watching a lot more CNN than I really needed to, I'm too exhausted to write profoundly. Maybe I'll add to this post tomorrow when I've got more energy. (Of course, I'll be in staff meetings most of the day, and those things usually have the effect of crushing my will to live.)

In the meanwhile, you can read the NY Times coverage here: Obama Claims Nomination; First Black Candidate to Lead a Major Party Ticket - NYTimes.com

OH YEAH - I missed McCain's speech tonight. Did any of you see it? I got the impression that he may have taken some shots at Obama that the presumtive Democratic nominee that didn't go over so well with Obama supporters. Let me know if you have heard what that was all about.

I'm so psyched that Obama will be the nominee - and, if young people stay involved, the next president of the United States.

Education | The resegregation of Seattle's schools | Seattle Times Newspaper

Education The resegregation of Seattle's schools Seattle Times Newspaper

A big U.S. Supreme Court decision announced this term struck down a desegregation plan the Seattle Public School District had been using. This report in the Seattle Times discusses how Seattle's schools are much less racially balanced than they were decades ago. (It seems to me the Supreme Court ruling is a minor factor right now - it will probably have more impact next school year.) There is some interesting stuff in this article - including how many parents which there was more racial balance in their kids schools.

WA State GOP: No automatic citizenship for kids born in U.S. to illegal immigrants | Seattle Times Newspaper

Politics State GOP: No automatic citizenship for kids born in U.S. to illegal immigrants Seattle Times Newspaper

This was an interesting development over the weekend at the WA State Republican Convention. It looks like they are going to make a big issue of illegal immigration. I don't think most Washingtonians will like the idea of kids being caught up in the middle of the immigration debate - it could make the Republicans look mean-spirited. However, many people may see it the way the Republicans do. Read the article and see what you think.

Outlook for Clinton - It's almost over

Despite a big victory in Puerto Rico, Hillary Clinton is on the verge of watching her hopes for the Democratic nomination disappear as Obama seems poised to collect the majority of Democratic delegates to the National Convention. The last primaries are Tuesday in Montana and South Dakota. Bloomberg.com: Worldwide

Court Upholds the "Protect Act"

In a notable decision, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that an online child pornography law was constitutional. An earlier law was struck down in 2002 as being too vague. Read in the New York Times or the Christian Science Monitor for an understanding of how the Court balanced freedom of expression vs. the government's role in protecting children.

CA Supreme Court Okays Gay Marriage

Massachusetts and California are the only two states that currently allow gay marriages. (As opposed to civil unions, which some other states allow.) As you can see in the photo there was a lot of celebration among the California proponents of gay marriage. This story is far from over however, as those opposed to the ruling can use California's constitution to try to undo the Court's ruling. Read the following for details. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2004415750_apgaymarriage.html

Does Obama Have the Nomination Locked Up?

After winning decisively in the North Carolina primary, and finishing a close second in Indiana, it looks almost impossible for Hillary Clinton to catch up to Obama. The race isn't over yet, but things continue to go Obama's way. Here is the latest:

Obama hauls in 9 superdelegates - The latest numbers are included in this article as of 3:00 pm on Friday

Cyclone Disaster in Burma/Myanmar

This is a tragedy that may get worse because the paranoid dictatorship of the nation is making it very difficult for aid agencies to get into the country. According to MSNBC:

Six days after the disaster, relief aid has been delivered to only 220,000 of an
estimated 1.9 million people in need, the Red Cross says.

Read the full article: 'Nightmare' in Myanmar aid relief

Also, for background on the military junta that runs Myanmar you can check this out: Fact file: Myanmar's junta.

Burma: Perfect example of why there is more to democracy than just holding elections

This reminds me a lot of what they used to do in the Soviet Union. Or Iraq under Saddam Hussein. Or any number of other autocratic regimes trying to masquerade as democracies.

The military government in Myanmar (also known as Burma) is holding a referendum on a new constitution in about a month. Only is won't be a fair election. Read here to find out why.

In the meanwhile, it is good that Congress is giving support to Aung San Sui Kyi.

Why Are So Many Americans in Jail?

From today's New York Times came this news:

"The United States has less than 5 percent of the world’s population. But it has almost a quarter of the world’s prisoners."

Now, I knew that the incarceration rate in this country is bad, especially for the poor and racial and ethnic minorities, but these statistics did take me by surprise.

Read more and think about due process. Inmate Count in U.S. Dwarfs Other Nations’ Tell me your thoughts.

Hillary Wins Pennsylvania

Hillary Clinton won a convincing victory in the Pennsylvania primary tonight. The 10% margin of victory will energize her supporters and campaign donors. It will also ensure that the campaign between she and Obama will continue for at least a few more weeks.

Some Democrats are getting pretty nervous that this thing hasn't been settled yet and it may make it more difficult for the Democrats in the general election in November.

What do you think?

World Food Crisis on the Horizon?

Like too many other Americans, I ate more calories worth of food than I needed today. In fact, the extra plate of pasta I had at dinner was probably bad for my long term health.

Yet, as many of us in the developed world overeat, hunger still exists in our world, and it might get a lot worse if we don't act soon. As if this world doesn't have enough problems, the World Food Program is now warning the world of a 'silent tsunami' of hunger.

Like the problem of carbon emissions and global warming, this problem shows that with over 6 billion people on the planet, we have to be smarter and more fair in how we use our resources. Read the article, and think about whether or not basic nutrition is a fundamental human right. Frankin Roosevelt gave a famous speech just prior to WWII in which he said that the "Four Freedoms" worth fighting for were freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from fear, and freedom from want. In today's news, Prime Minister Gordon Wood of Great Britain said that, "Tackling hunger is a moral challenge to each of us."

What responsibilities does the world have to make sure that all on our planet have enough to eat, and what does the article suggest can be done about it?

Death Penalty Issues at the Supreme Court

One case was decided and one case was argued on Wednesday. The Court let stand as constitutional the method of lethal injection used in Kentucky. The Court opinions were varied in the case however, not necessarily providing a lot of clarity in this area.

They also heard a case that goes to perhaps an even more controversial question: should the death penalty be applied to people convicted of crimes other than murder? Only murderers have received the death sentence in the last several decades, but the case before the court involves a particularly heinous rape of a child that did not result in death.

These involve 8th Amendment and due process issues. Read about them and let me know what you think.