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
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
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
Thai army chief urges government to resign
Fears of military intervention rise as protesters continue airport blockade
Sunday, November 23, 2008
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:
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".
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
5 Detainees Ordered Released From Guantanamo : NPR
Saturday, November 22, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
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...
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.
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.
A revolt against constitutional bans on gay marriage is being led by young people using texts and Web sites to quickly assemble.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
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
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
Monday, November 03, 2008
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
Nate Silver: What to Watch For on Election Night Newsweek Politics: Campaign 2008 Newsweek.com
Saturday, November 01, 2008
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.
It has been an amazing election year. The following story looks back at this historic election, and peeks ahead just a bit.
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
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
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