Debate Tonight!

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are debating on CNN tonight at 5:00 our time (PST).

It should be very interesting, because the last time they debated Hillary was the front-runner and ahead in the delegate count.

Now, the situation is reversed. Obama has a lead in both the number of states he has won and the number of delegates pledged to him. Texas and Ohio are two states with lots of delegates that are having primaries/caucuses on March 4th.

Most of the political commentators will say that while Obama is a much more inspiring orator, Clinton outshines him in the debate format, showing the depth of her knowledge on the issues. So, if you are watching, who do you think won, and why? Who was more convincing? Whose position on the issues did you agree with the most?

Another thing to think about - since time is running out on Clinton to gain ground on Obama, will she choose to go on the offensive and attack Obama with negative comments? If she does, how intense will the fireworks get?

Time to get real about guns, 2nd Amendment

Updated Feb. 20th @ 3:00 pm.

Well, it has happened again - another college campus shooting. This time in Illinois with 15 victims according to a breaking news story. (More recent news has reported 6 deaths after campus rampage. You can watch a quick clip summarizing the tragedy here.)

It is time for this country to start talking sensibly about gun violence and gun control. The Brady Bill, which used to mandate a five day waiting period (so a background check could be done on purchasers) to buy a gun was allowed to expire. The gun debate in this country is moving us backward. In 2004, the assault weapons ban was allowed to expire, and the National Rifle Association and other gun enthusiasts continually work to block sensible gun control proposals by arguing that they are a violation of their constitutional rights.

It is time for a discussion about gun rights in this country in which both sides are willing to admit that gun violence is seriously out of control in many parts of the country. I believe that hunters and gun collectors can still enjoy their recreation and hobbies, while we make it harder for dangerous or unstable people to get guns.

The Second Amendment should not be seen as banning common sense gun control laws. The rights of free expression protected by the First Amendment are not absolute rights, and there are restrictions on what we can say or publish if the expression would cause a "clear and present danger". Our free expression can also be limited by reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions.

So why should the NRA oppose laws that could greatly benefit law enforcement and do more to keep guns out of the hands of people who are dangerous or unstable? Might it inconvenience some hunter that wants to go on a last minute hunting trip. Yup, but that is life. We all have to deal with certain restrictions. I don't hunt, but I do play the guitar. I can't turn my amplifier all the way up and practice with some buddies at two o'clock in the morning. We all have to deal with inconveniences, so why won't more politicians insist that gun owners understand that they live in a society in which we all have to give up a little freedom for the common good.

They mayor of Chicago is trying to do that, but few people think he will get much passed - and he lives in the state that just witnessed these shootings!

Not every tragedy can be prevented, and the shooter at the Northern Illinois University purchased his guns legally, but the incident is still a reminder that we can do a lot more to prevent gun violence.

People who love guns and people who want to stop senseless murders ought to be able to agree that some restrictions are entirely appropriate. (To watch a short news segment on the gun control, click here.)

Following Election Returns in Primaries & Caucuses

So who do YOU think should be the next president?

If you are still undecided (or even if you have decided), check out the websites of McCain, Huckabee, Clinton, Obama, or Ron Paul.

There are a few good sites out there for those of you interested in looking at the numbers of primary and caucus elections. National Public Radio has a nice interactive map you can find here. The New York Times has an election guide you can check out here.

The Washington Post has a Political Toolbox that can give you lots of info on the candidates and the races.

Finally, youtube has some coverage of the visits the candidates made to Seattle:
McCain - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDv0-bBbdSw
Clinton - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7TB2NreFaw
Obama - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0J8b-Q3tJY

Check out some of these or other good political sites and let me know what you think.

Why I am supporting Barack Obama

Several months ago, I started feeling that Obama might be the one. I liked a lot of the Democratic candidates, but ultimately, I feel that those of us who are Democrats should nominate Barack.

I think Hillary Clinton would be a good president. I have been wishing for decades that this nation would break through the mother of all glass ceilings and elect a woman President. So, if Hillary wins the nomination, I will campaign for her and enthusiastically vote for her.

However, while Hillary might be good, I think Barack Obama has the potential for greatness. I think he has qualities and a background that are unique and make him especially qualified to undue a lot of the damage done to this country in the last several years, and move us forward in a new direction.

Barack is intelligent, and a skilled and inspiring communicator. Ever since Simon and Garfunkel sang "Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?/A nation turns it's lonely eyes to you" in the late 1960's, we have longed for a leader that would inspire the younger generation to believe that together we can make a great nation and world together.

(And no, Ronald Reagan did NOT inspire the young generations in the 1980's - he reached out to older Democrats that thought the Democratic party had lost it's way.)

Barack is the only candidate who can step into the mess we have made of the world and convincingly say to other nations, "We Americans made a mistake by invading Iraq. We got carried away with fear after 9/11, and were looking for enemies under every rock. Our vision was clouded, but we are now seeing with new eyes and will be a more responsible leader of nations in the future." Hillary cannot make that argument effectively. She did support the war for too long. Bill Clinton's foreign policy got it wrong in a number of places as well. The world might be impressed that we elected a woman, (and one who wants to end the war in Iraq), but they will still look at America as many around the world do: as a bumbling, arrogant, and selfish super-power.

Barack Obama is uniquely positioned to speak to many of the things that divide us; especially race and income disparity. America is yearning to get over the legacy of racism and discrimination. We are tired of living in a nation that is so wealthy but is willing to let so many go without proper health care. The rates of homelessness and poverty are a disgrace to all of us. I think that Barack is one of the few politicians that can convincingly reach out to blacks, whites, Latinos, Asians, rich, poor, and middle class and bring them together to work on our common goals of solving these problems.

Barack has had enough experience in the political arena to handle the presidency. If you don't believe me, look at the backgrounds of other presidents in our history. Decades of experience in politics does not guarantee a successul president. Just start with Lincoln's resume.

In 2008, America is looking for a new path, a new direction, and yes, someone to inspire the youth of this nation the way John F. Kennedy did in the early 1960's. I believe Barack Obama has the necessary qualities to become that great leader, and I encourage you to support him.

Annette Klosterman – In Memoriam

Yesterday I heard the news of Annette’s death. It came in the form of an e-mail message from the school district. It stung me. Aside from the few moments I had at my desk, during the hectic pace of a school day, I had little chance to reflect upon her life and passing. I couldn’t get Peter (her younger brother) and her parents out of my mind – the pain they must be going through.

Annette graduated from Mt. Rainier High School in 2003, where she had been active in the band program, track, and the "We the People" program. She loved flying, and after graduating from college was a flight instructor at the University of North Dakota. This week she died when her plane went down in Minnesota while training a young pilot. She was 22 years old.

Last night I searched for at least one picture I knew I had of Annette during her time at Mt. Rainier. I found only a thumbnail quality picture of her from 2002, and a recommendation I had written her for a scholarship.

Yesterday and last night, all I could think of was the senselessness of the loss of Annette, and the pain Peter and her parents must be living with. Annette was such a good person – a good soul - that it makes no sense, upon first reflection, that something like this could happen to her. She was way too young. Her intelligence, sense of purpose, and talent had so much more to contribute to this world.

I woke up thinking about Annette this morning. It occurred to me that Annette had lived so much in a short time. She had a good heart and she experienced and achieved so many things in her very few years here on earth. Maybe it makes sense that someone who was destined to live only a short time would be the unusually mature, focused, and responsible person that Annette was.

I remember her laugh. I remember her smile. I remember her nice handwriting on assignments that always seemed to be done with so much care and effort. I looked back at the recommendation that I wrote for her, and I am so glad that I still have it. I’ve been out of touch with Annette for the last 2 years or so, but I remember how genuinely friendly she was when I would see her attending a game or concert Peter was involved in during a break from college. I enjoyed hearing about the progress she was making in her career, and the enjoyment she was getting out of life.

It hurts that Annette has left us. It feels good to have had her as a part of my life.

Iraq Casualties

From the Washington Post - September 12, 2007.

Sick of the Iraq War?

If you are, you will likely appreciate this commentary I ran across by Jim Hightower, who calls himself a populist. If you remember the term, you will recognize the tone of populism in his commentary.

Can You Believe This War Is Still Going On?

What is our government up to?

Sudan: In news that people concerned about Darfur have been waiting some time for, the U.S. announced new penalties to be administered against the Sudanese government over its role in the genocide in Darfur. It would be nice to think it will make a big difference, but chances are pretty slim. It is a shame that the world continues to allow this tragedy to unfold.

Bush tightens squeeze on Sudan
His new sanctions Tuesday seek to press the regime but not deepen the Darfur crisis.

People Power! Those of us trying to do our part (through the "Save Darfur Coalition")to get action to stop the violence in Darfur are having an impact according to the following story in the Washington Post:
Saving Darfur, Multiple Steps at a Time
Coalition's Lobbying Blitz Is Credited With Spurring Bush's Sudan Sanctions

Iran: After refusing for many years, the U.S. government held high level diplomatic talks with Iran over the problems and issues we have over nuclear technology and Iraq. Will these be productive?

After historic talks, US seeks action by Iran
Security in Iraq was the focus of the first US-Iran talks in nearly 30 years on Monday.

Immigration: The proposed immigration bill is still a hot topic. Not a lot of Americans are pleased with the bill for a variety of reasons.
Fury grows over US immigration bill
Senate defenders of the reform plan cite misinformation, as e-mails clog their mailboxes and calls jam the switchboards.
Nearly half of US voters oppose the proposed reform, and only 26 percent of US voters support it, according to a Rasmussen Reports poll this week.

Iraq War: And, of course, the Iraq war continues with a high death toll for all sides....
10 American Soldiers Killed in Iraq
Memorial Day Casualties Make May Deadliest Month for U.S. in 21/2 Years

A win for the bosses and a loss for the workers?

The Supreme Court handed down an interesting ruling this week. A woman who had already won a lawsuit against the Goodyear Company for discrimination had her settlement money (over $300,000 dollars I think) taken away from her because, the Court reasoned, she waited too long to file the lawsuit.

On the face of it, I don't like this 5-4 ruling, but the news accounts I read really don't have all the facts of the case, so it is a little hard to say. Here is a link to the story. What do you think of the decision? Supreme Court Ruling Limits Time Workers Can Sue for Pay Discrimination

More Bad News on Carbon Emissions & Climate Change

What are we going to do about this??? The issue is getting a lot more attention in the last year or so, but the pace of destructive human activities, and our willingness to ignore the problem of global warming for so long may cause us to pay a heavy price. Many politicians are afraid of the economic and political consequences bold action on the environment will cost them. Maybe though, it doesn't have to be that way. Check out the following article(s) and let me know your thoughts.

Global carbon emissions in overdrive
From 2000 to 2004, emissions grew at a rate of 3 percent a year – more than the highest rates used in recent key UN reports.

Curbing global warming won't bankrupt economy
Aggressive measures would only trim annual world growth by 0.12 percent, new report says. But will politicians go along?

States Push to Legalize Hemp Cultivation

This is another NPR story, so you have to have the ability to listen to streaming video - if you can't, you might be able to find the story on other news outlets. At any rate, what is the debate about legalizing hemp about? Listen and offer me your comments.

States Push to Legalize Hemp Cultivation

May 24, 2007 · The crop known as "industrial hemp" may look like marijuana, but it has little in common with its illegal cousin. The plant, a non-narcotic version of cannabis, is valued for its fiber and oil.

But there has been a virtual ban on farming industrial hemp in America for nearly 50 years, even though it is grown in other industrialized countries. Now a number of states, including North Dakota, are fighting to make hemp farming legal again.

What is it like to survive on food stamps?

I found this story interesting and I think a lot of you will to - unlike what many people believe, the foodstamp program doesn't provide enough for most people to eat a healthy diet. Listen to an NPR report and tell me what you think:

Lawmakers, Reporter Survive on Food Stamps
May 24, 2007 · The Food Stamp Challenge is an effort to make people aware of the plight of food stamp recipients. U.S. Congressman James McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat, and Texas reporter Julie Simon talk about their experiences living on just $21 a week for food.

Democrats abandon push for Iraq deadline

With a majority in Congress, you still don't necessarily get what you want under our Constitutional system. Many Democrats, believing that they could have a big impact on the direction of the Iraq war, are finding themselves frustrated by the President's veto of their Iraq spending bill that included deadlines for the beginning of withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. So, Senator Harry Reid, the Dem's majority leader has announced a bill to be considered by the Senate that drops most of what Bush objected to. What do you think of the bill Congress is considering this week? Would you vote for it if you were in Congress? What would be the political danger of voting either for or against it?

From Seattle Times: Democrats abandon push for Iraq deadline

From New York Times: Democrats Pull Troop Deadline From Iraq Bill

America's War on Drugs

I think we are making a lot of mistakes in the way we deal with drug offenders in the U.S. We spend a lot of money on sending non-violent offenders to prisons. Our prison population is huge and we still have lots of people using drugs and wasting good portions of their lives to addictions.

Jerry Large wrote a column that expressed a lot of the concerns I have about the way we deal with the problem of substance abuse in the U.S., including the implications for racial minorities, who are incarcerated at a much higher rate than the white population. Check out his column, and tell me what you think about it. Rescuing drug war's prisoners

Some News from This Week

The biggest news story out of the Iraq war this week involved the killing and capture of several Americans. The lastest headline I've seen is Iraqis Admit Ambush Roles as U.S. Searches for 3 G.I.’s. Meanwhile in Washington D.C., Congress is still having a hard time passing anything that will significantly alter our course in Iraq. Senate Rejects Iraq Troop Withdrawal Finally, what kind of war crimes may have been committed by U.S. Marines in the Iraqi town of Haditha, and was there a criminal cover-up? The trial started this week, and however it turns out, it is incidents like this that stir up anti-American feelings in many parts of the world. Lawyers on Haditha Panel Peer Into Fog of War

One of our new WA State laws made national headlines: Texting While Driving. Listen to this story from National Public Radio and tell me what you think.

Among those that follow politics closely, there is a lot of talk about how the internet will impact the 2008 Presidential race. I think it is a really positive development, and the impact is discussed in a great article in the Christian Science Monitor: Web 2.0 meets Campaign 2008 . If you are interested in seeing one of the first big commercials to hit the web, check out this one from Democrat Bill Richardson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjOuL5qwNIc&mode=user&search=
I think he uses humor pretty effectively.

Well, this never makes a history teacher happy, but do tests like this really tell us what students know, and to what extent do we want the federal government involved in testing students? It is an important question of the roles of federal and state governments. Students Gain Only Marginally on Test of U.S. History

Can the Police Trick You into Giving a DNA Sample?

In a close decision, our State Supreme Court said that they can. Does this violate the 4th Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures? Or is this fair game? Read the story and tell me what you think.

Court upholds murder conviction based on DNA from envelope

Terror Plot Broken Up

Did you hear about the terrorist plot that was disrupted in New Jersey? If not check out the following story and comment:

Jihadis in New Jersey?
The FBI arrested six men Monday over a plot to attack Fort Dix Army base.

Is Torture Ever Justified?

Ever since the attacks on September 11th, this question has bedeviled Americans. You hear the debate: torture is evil, torture is wrong, it is against our values as a nation. Yet, if you knew you could save lives by extracting information from a detainee using torture, is it appropriate? What are the facts about torture. Follow the link to listen to a four minute news story from NPR which explores the subject.

Politics & Society
Why Do People Use Torture?
May 7, 2007 · Many experts say torture produces false leads and damages U.S. credibility. Yet, in his new book, George Tenet advocates something that sounds like torture, although he refuses to call it that. If torture doesn't work, why do so many people believe that it does?

Some News Stories from this Week

Some important political/governmental news: I haven't read these stories yet, but am planning to - pick one and let me know what you think!

Obama Placed Under Secret Service Protection

House Votes to Expand ‘Hate Crime’ Protections

Protesters Press for Path to Citizenship

Citing ‘Rigid’ Deadline, Bush Vetoes Iraq Bill

Why genocide is difficult to prosecute

Current Events - Week 8

Oh, my life has been complicated and full this week. Busy with lots of personal stuff, and I haven't had time to post about all the stuff that is going on this week. So for now, why don't we say that you choose, post a comment about what was significant that happened this week. Explain about some of the issues you have followed in the news this week.

Related to the Virginia Tech Massacre

As I talked about in class today, this was a very disturbed individual, and a lot of people knew about it. Why did he get away with purchasing guns? Do our gun control laws need to change? Check out the articles below:

Rules should have barred weapon purchase

VA Tech Massacre Reignites Gun Control Debate

The Latest from Darfur

A sign of hope from Darfur this week, but based on the track record of the government in Khartoum, I'm not holding my breath...

Why Sudan is now allowing U.N. troops in Darfur

Supreme Court Ruling on Abortion Procedure

A few articles on this week's Supreme Court Ruling involving a controversial abortion procedure:

US Supreme Court allows late-term abortion ban;
'>Court Ruling Catapults Abortion Back Into ’08 Race;
Justices Back Ban on Method of Abortion

Student Protest

I didn't know about this being planned, but I think student activism is really cool. Check out the article and let me know what you think about their actions and their cause.

Students leave school, join rally against war, recruiting
Students from Seattle area schools walked out of class to take to the streets on Wednesday. Fed up with the war and on-campus military recruitment, they left school at noon for a rally at Westlake Center and marched through the city streets.

Nation & World | Supreme Court won't hear Gitmo habeas-corpus case | Seattle Times Newspaper

The on-going legal struggle of what to do with prisoners at Guantanamo Bay is in the news again. Ther argument over whether or not they deserve the protections of criminal defendants provided for in the Constitution has been something the Bush administration has argued against since we first started the "war on terror".

However, they also claim that they are not subject to international law under the Geneva Conventions; not prisoners of war because they do not fight on behalf of a nation-state, but an organization - al-Qeuda.

Here the court decided in a close decision to avoid hearing a case involving this important issue for another year. Do we really need to wait that long? Perhaps Congress will take action before then and re-write the Military Commissions Act under which we are now operating.

Read the following article and let me know what you think.

Nation & World Supreme Court won't hear Gitmo habeas-corpus case Seattle Times Newspaper

Who isn’t supporting our troops?

One of the biggest stories this week is the Constitutional showdown between Congress and the President over the spending bill for the war. In a nutshell, the House and the Senate passed bills authorizing money for the troops in Iraq, but added withdrawal dates. Setting deadlines for American withdrawal from Iraq is something many Democrats in Congress favor, but also a fair number of Republicans.

However, President Bush rejects these guidelines, and doesn’t want Congress to tell him how to run the war. He has vowed to veto the bill, and the current funding for the war runs out on April 15th. (Until a bill is passed, the Department of Defense will continue to fund the war out of other parts of its budget, but they can’t go on like this indefinitely.)

What do you think of the arguments being made on both sides? (Read some of the articles I suggest or others you have found.) Both the President and the Congress are claiming that it is their responsibility to decide issues of withdrawal dates and timelines. Use your knowledge of the Constitution in responding!

Senate Passes War Spending Bill With Iraq Deadline

Bush Rules Out Bid by Congress for Iraq Pullout

News Analysis: Democrats Are Building on Unity Over Iraq Pullout'>News Analysis: Democrats Are Building on Unity Over Iraq Pullout

High-stakes face-off over ending Iraq war

U.S. Iraq Role Is Called Illegal by Saudi King

Bush Criticizes Democrats on War Funds

Will this man be fired?

Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez. Will he be forced to hand over his resignation to President Bush because of the controversy involving the firing of 8 U.S. Attorneys? A lot of the political pundits are saying that things don't look good for Mr. Gonzalez.

This case is all about separation of powers. The struggle right now is whether Congress will issue subpoenas (court orders) to White House aide Karl Rove and former White House legal counsel Harriet Miers. The White House doesn't want them to have to testify under oath, with transcripts made of their testimony. They claim that under the doctrine of "executive privilege" a President's advice and consultation with his staff should be protected from Congressional oversight. Congress says it doesn't want conditions put on their testimony, and as a part of their oversight role, should be able to fully investigate whether prosecutors were being fired for not following Bush's political agenda.

Dispute Over Executive Privilege Divides Congress and White House

Panel Approves Five Subpoenas on Prosecutors

We will see how this continuing story unfolds....

Fourth Anniversary of the War in Iraq

One of the many stories I read about Iraq this past week cited a poll that over half of Americans now believe it was the wrong decision to take military action in Iraq.

Well, the decision has been made and the following stories continue:

• Is the troop surge making any difference?


• What action will the Congress take to bring an end to the American presence in Iraq?

Lots of protesters exercised their 1st Amendment rights around the country last weekend expressing their opinions on the war. What do you think about all of this? What would you like to see done now?

Some reading on this:
US public's support of Iraq war sliding faster now
House Democrats Weigh Plan for Iraq Withdrawal
Protesters Mark Fourth Anniversary of Iraq War

Bush Pleads for Patience in Iraq on War’s Anniversary

I'll try to add more links here - if you see some you like, pass them along.

"Bong Hits 4 Jesus" Case to Supreme Court

The "Bong Hits 4 Jesus Case" was argued before the Supreme Court today. Surely, James Madison and the rest of the Framers didn't have this type of "smart-ass" humor in mind when they adopted the First Amendment, but I think the student in question has a good case that he shouldn't have been disciplined for waving his banner.

This case is built on a 1960's student free-speech case known as Tinker v. Des Moines. In it, the Supreme Court did rule that students had a right to political expression. (Mary Beth Tinker, a high school student at the time of the Vietnam War was disciplined for wearing a black arm band as a sign of protest against the war.)

Check out the details on this case and let me know what you think. To read a preview of the case published last week, check out: Justices to Hear Landmark Free-Speech Case Next Week.

A story on the oral arguments today can be read at Court Hears "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" case.

I read part of the 71 page transcript and it is pretty good (and entertaining). If you have Adobe Reader, you can check it out here: Read the transcript of Supreme Court oral arguments

The case has been named Morse v. Frederick.

Commentary on Khalid Shaikh Mohammed

After getting to read and digest some of the news about Khalid Shaikh Mohammed , my main reaction is disappointment in how our government has been handling the war on terror over the past several years. I found myself in agreement with a lot of the things written in this column by Newsweek's Micheal Hirsh: KSM case: How not to win the war on terror

Some Stories Catching My Attention this week...

Ok, I don't have much time to comment yet, but here are a few headlines I've found interesting:

The alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, has reportedly confessed. I mentioned this in class today. He has taken credit for dozens of terrorist attacks. Here are some articles on the topic: Suspected Mastermind Of 9/11 Confesses; Terror Suspect Said to Confess to Other Acts; Can KSM's Confession Be Believed?; Mohammed Confession Leaves Room for Skepticism

Senate Debates Resolution Calling for Iraq WithdrawalKnight Ridder/Tribune News Service.March 14, 2007
WASHINGTON - Senate Republicans will buckle down Thursday to try to prevent passage of a Democratic resolution that calls for getting most American forces out of Iraq by March 2008

Pentagon Report Acknowledges 'Civil War' in Iraq
March 15, 2007 · The Pentagon's quarterly update to Congress on the Iraq war is out, and the assessment is grim. For the first time, it uses the term "civil war" to describe the violence in Iraq.

Committee Endorses Bill to Give D.C. Full Voting Rights in HouseThe Washington PostMarch 14, 2007
A congressional committee approved a bill yesterday granting the District a full vote in the House of Representatives, giving the measure its first victory in what will probably be weeks of fierce wrangling as it moves through Congress.

Report: Federal Spending on Children Dropping
March 15, 2007 · An Urban Institute report indicates that the share of the federal domestic budget devoted to children is falling. Researchers say the number could drop even more in coming years.

WASL Time: and the State Legislature is pondering what to do about the high-stakes test - Students start taking WASL; lawmakers debate its future

Other local and state issues: (Keep in mind bills must pass both houses of the legislature and be signed into law by the governor.)
Sex-education bill passes state Senate
Students return to school after suspended for praying
Ban on cellphones for drivers advances
State Senate passes a variety of education bills
House approves simple majority approval of school taxes
WA House passes measure to inform parents about HPV

UPDATES: Senate rejects timetable for troop withdrawal
Sen. Pryor: Attorney General lied to the Senate

Were Attorney Firings Political?

And if so, should heads roll?

The flap over the firing of several U.S. attorneys has grown bigger this week, and it seems to have a strong connection to things that went down right here in Washington State after the close race for governor in 2004. One of those fired was John McKay, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington. (Read below for details)

It has been front page news and these firings are looking more and more like they have been motivated by politics. One result is that several Democrats and one Republican in the U.S. Congress are calling upon Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez to resign, even though he testified before Congress and admitted mistakes were made.

Firings furor puts Gonzales on hot seat

McKay "stunned" by report on Bush

GOP chair called McKay about '04 election

Gonzales Vows to Fix Attorney System in Face of Criticism

Some News involving Constitutional Issues

Not all of these stories are the biggest news items of the week, but they involve some interesting Constitutional issues:

School district sued over graduation held in church03/08/07 The state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is suing the Newark public school district, saying a school's decision to hold its graduation ceremonies in a Baptist church violated a Muslim student's religious freedom.

Another First Amendment issue involving the "establishment clause" is involved in this story: Conn. Supreme Court Hears Dispute Over Building of Buddhist TempleMarch 7, 2007 Is the Connecticut town denying religious expression or just upholding a reasonable restriction to keep the town from getting overcrowded. What do you think?

Is random drug testing of high school student-athletes an unreasonable violation of the Fourth Amendment's ban on illegal searches and seizures? This debate has been going on for a few years, but is in the news once again. N.J. Debates Effectiveness of Steroid Tests for High School AthletesMarch 8, 2007

What about police who refuse to obey a Court order that they conducted an illegal seizure? What happens when state and federal laws conflict? You can read or listen to this story from NPR: Court Orders Police to Return Medicinal Marijuana In Santa Rosa, Calif., a judge is holding police in contempt of court for not returning the medicinal marijuana they confiscated from a man during a raid. The case highlights the conflict between state and federal drug laws

Other big stories this week:
Did good government lawyers get fired because of their political affiliation? Some think so. Eight lost their jobs, leading Democratic lawmakers to try to rein in presidential powers. The battle over fired US attorneys

Heavy imprint of Libby verdict
The conviction Tuesday of onetime Cheney chief of staff I. Lewis 'Scooter' Libby adds to a list of White House woes.

A huge story involved the poor conditions some Iraq & Afghan War Veterans are facing at home. A big expose was done on conditions of some of the buildings at Walter Reed Army Medical Base. US Army scrambles to clean Walter Reed 03/05/2007
Another look: The problems at the US Army hospital show how strained military resources have become - How decay overtook Walter Reed

NYC Bans the N-Word, Anniversary of Civil Rights March

The theme of race was in the news the last few weeks. It caught my eye, that although not an enforcable law, New York City has passed a ban on the use of the "N-word". (See Racial slur banned in New York.)

Does it make sense to you for a city government to take this action (especially in light of the fact that it is of questionable constitutionality given the First Amendment's protection of free speech)? Many in New York are disturbed that many young people believe it is okay to use the word as a friendly greeting, even those that are not African-American. I think that while this law will have little impact, it is good for government to make a principled stand on the use of what has been called the ugliest word in the English language. It remains a very offensive word to many.

The BBC reported on this, and had an accompanying article on the controversy over the modern usage of the word by the so-called "hip-hop" generation. It is written by a woman of mixed race that calls herself a "reformed n-word user". Check out her thoughts: Should racist word be rehabilitated?

In a related story, today (Sunday) was the anniversary of the attack on civil rights workers in Alabama in 1965. "Bloody Sunday" as it was called, and the outraged that followed the attack helped give momentum to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. (See Jubilant Crowd Recreates Selma March.)

Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton were on hand as both candidates are wooing the vote of African-Americans. (See Clinton, Obama Link Selma March to Present.)

Should Bush and Cheney Be Impeached?

For a long time, I'd been very supportive of this idea. I do think that terrible decisions, and more significantly, deceptive and selective use of intelligence data were used to get our nation into a seeminly endless war in Iraq.

But now that Bush can no longer count on a Republican majority to support his efforts, he is already less powerful. Also, he can't say that the majority of the people support his war policy. Without any sort of impeachment, he is already a president with significantly less power.

So is impeachment a wise thing to do in this case? Among those who don't is Seattle Times editorial writer Danny Westneat. Read his column here.

What do you think?

The War in Iraq

In less than a month, it will mark five years that the United States has been at war in Iraq. In the last election voters sent a clear message that they wanted the government to find a way to get our troops out quickly. So how are we doin' on that?

We have an executive branch and a legislative branch that want to go in different directions....

1. Bush has ordered the troop surge, and the 21,500 have started deploying.

2. Violence continues out of control in parts of Iraq, with deep divisions among factions of Sunnis and Shiites.

3. The Democratic Congress wants to limit our role in Iraq. They tried a non-binding resolution condemning the "troop surge" plan. It passed in the House of Reps, but enough Republicans voted against it to prevent the Senate from passing the resolution. Senate Shifts Focus After Vote to Debate Iraq Resolution Fails

4. So now, Democratic leaders are drafting legislation to amend the 2002 authorization for the war. They want to work toward what they called a "phased withdrawal" of American troops from Iraq. Congressional Democrats Wrestle Over How to Force Bush to Alter Iraq Policy

5. The British announced they are pulling out. As US surges, British start exiting Iraq

Some related articles:

Home Page" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/23/us/23military.html?ex=1329886800&en=b1ae35068d5bf12a&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss" target=_blank>Long Iraq Tours Can Make Home a Trying Front

Iraq War's Effects Seen, Felt in High School's Halls

Europeans' chill deepens on US policy

Europe's rising unease over 'terror war'

U.S. Seizes Son of a Top Shiite, Stirring Uproar

Political News

Hi,

Wow, this week off is flying by -- I spent the day at Olympia on Wednesday and visited the State Senate. Saw a few interesting things I might share with you when I see you Monday. Anyway, I do think we have one of the most impressive looking state capitols in the Union.

Here are a few random news stories I found interesting:

As I've mentioned in class, the 2008 Presidential race is already underway, and much earlier this year than is usual. One reason for all of the early interest is that there is a wide-open field, but also ther are many possible "firsts" which you can read about here:
In 2008 race, many presidential 'firsts' are possible

A lot of Democrats are having a hard time deciding which of the "firsts" to support. Whether to support Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton is a hot topic among Democrats - although I wish the other candidates got more attention too! This story from the New York Times discusses how Hillary has dealt with African-American voters: After a Delicately Worded Pitch, Clinton Draws Cheers

Also, the first bit of nastiness has started to creep into the campaign. The Obama and Clinton campaigns also got into a bit of a shouting match this week:
In Both Parties, 2008 Politeness Falls to Infighting

Several months ago the New Jersey Supreme Court handed down a decision stating that the ban on same-sex marriages violated it's state constitution. The N.J. legislature than had to act on the issue to remedy the problem. They did and this week "civil unions" began. Same-Sex Civil Unions Begin This Week in New Jersey

Human Rights Violation!!!!!
Egyptian Blogger Sentenced to Four Years in Jail
February 22, 2007 · A young Egyptian blogger has become the first person in Egypt sentenced to a jail term for opinions expressed on the internet. Human rights groups condemned what they called the "chilling precedent" set by an Alexandria court when it sentenced Abdel Kareem Suleiman to four years in prison for insulting Islam and President Hosni Mubarak.

The Ugliness of War!!!!!
Iraq Insurgents Turn to Chlorine Bombs
February 22, 2007 · Insurgents are deploying a new and deadly tactic against Iraqi civilians, authorities say: bombs combining explosives with poisonous chlorine gas. At least five people died in such an attack Wednesday, the third in a month.

Let me know what you think about these or other issues in the news....

Re-Opening this Blog

President's Day and mid-winter break! Woo-hoo!

Especially for my 11th grade WTP class, I'm reopening this blog for current events discussions and current events assignments. I'll be trying to add interesting news items about our system of constitutional government and politics as I have time. Hopefully this blog will steer you toward some of the bigger issues of our day and promote discussion. Links to some good news sources are included on this page.

For now, Cross to Remain on Public Land in S.D.

A large crucifix in the San Diego area, prominently displayed on public land, had been ordered taken down by a federal judge.

Yesterday Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy stepped in and ordered an indefinate stay allowing the crucifix to remain while further legal arguments are made.

I've read in some commentaries lately that Kennedy has become some kind of flaming liberal. I don't always agree with his votes, but he seems to have a tremendous amount of integrity and views these types of church/state issues seriously and on a case by case basis.

Other than looking at the picture reading the report in the Seattle Times and the N.Y. Times, I don't know the details. If, as one side is claiming, this was erected to honor the war dead (and if that intention is still clear to visitors) I don't see it as a violation of the Establishment Clause. What do you think?

First Amendment Challenge by Neo-Nazis

First case involves a demonstration in Olympia. About 12 neo-Nazi were doing their thing - wearing brown shirts, boots, and spewing hate - and exercising their First Amendment rights to do so. There was a counter-demonstration that was much larger, the police were out in force, and no violence ensued.

My comment to Congress:
These obnoxious twits are much more offensive than flag burners, because they are using "pure speech" as opposed to "symbolic speech". Also, I might add, they are spewing the hate and ideas our veterans ofWWII were actually fighting against; these were the emotional and intellectual descendents of those that actually shot at, bombed, and torpedoed Americans and the rest of the free world during WWII.

Since the late 1960's (Brandenberg v. Ohio) the Supreme Court has allowed these types of groups to protest regardless of their obnoxious and hateful messages. No great harm has come of it. Dealing with unpopular or just plain stupid ideas is the price we pay for a vibrant, open national dialogue we can have under our Constitution.

Stop the damn political posturing over flag burning! It is insulting to this nation's history of freedom of expression and the ideals we have fought for in so many ways since the First Amendment was ratified.

Don't let a few flag-burners or misguided neo-Nazis shake your belief in freedom. Leave the First Amendment alone!

TR for President!!!

Have you seen the latest edition of Time Magazine?!? Teddy Roosevelt is on the cover!



Woot! (er, ah, I mean "Bully!") What a great Fourth of July present for the nation! A TR issue -I can't wait to read it....

Ave Maria Silenced at Edmonds Graduation

Does it violate the 1st Amendment's Establishment clause if a school's wind ensemble chooses to play "Ave Maria" at a graduation ceremony? Apparently the Superintendent of the Edmonds School District thought so, and now this girl...

is suing the District for violating the students' 1st Amendment rights of free expression.

All of this was in an article in the Seattle Times.

The fact that this musical selection did not include lyrics, was a choice of the students, was played at a graduation ceremony (as opposed to over the announcements) and many other factors complicate this case.

Where her rights violated? Does the school superintendent have a right to tell the Mill Creek Wind Ensemble what is and is not appropriate music for a graduation ceremony?

Sorry! I just realized this seems like an assignment for one or my classes. Old habits die hard I guess - just got kinda excited about this issue. It isn't required that you write about this in your journal or anything! :) I'm a bit "off-balanced" you know...

Supreme Court Blocks Military Tribunals at Guantanamo

In a strong rebuke to the Bush administrations, the Supreme Court ruled this morning that the Bush administration violated U.S. law as well as the Geneva Conventions in setting up military tribunals for the detainees at Guantanamo Bay.

The case is Hamdan v. Rumsfeld (not to be confused with Hamdi v. Rumsfeld decided in 2004).

I wish I had more time to write about this now, but I'm "hella" busy with course work to renew my teaching certificate. So far, it has made for a not-so-happy and carefree summer vacation. Anyway, I'll try to post more on all of the recent decisions. The Court adjourned this morning until the first Monday in October.

To start with, you can read the stories in the New York Times or the Seattle Times.

Flag Amendment Fails by One Vote

The Senate came one vote short of the necessary 2/3 to propose a Constitutional Amendment to allow Congress to pass a law banning the burning of the American Flag.

There were 66 votes in favor, one shy of the 67 needed out of the 100 in the Senate. The House had already passed the measure in 2005. (More here.)

I'm happy to see it fail, but unfortunately the close vote will probably mean that backers will bring it up again in the next Congress unless the Democrats do very well in the up-coming Congressional elections in November.

It is such a minor issue to make the subject of a Constitutional amendment.

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R) gave an unintentionally hilarious speech on the Senate floor during debate. He was very sanctimonious on the issue. I heard it on NPR, and Stephen Colbert ran a part of it on the Colbert Report. If I can find a link, I'll add it here.

Flag-Burning Amendment?

When was the last time you saw someone burn an American flag?

I have never witnessed it. Probably very few of you have ever seen it happen either. Yet, as if our nation is under attack from a wild horde of flag-burning arsonists, we now have the U.S. Senate set to debate the subject this week.

Why? Because in some states, political candidates think it will help win an election to be able to point out that "my opponent is for the burning of the American flag - just look at how he/she voted on the anti-flag burning amendment".

It is sad that candidates can still get away with such cynical politics in the year 2006. But no. Our Constitution, which has only been amended 17 times since 1791, isn't good enough for a bunch of conservative Republicans. They think that our sacred guiding document needs to get in the gutter with the most depraved politics of the day by attaching amendments to keep gays from marrying and flags from being burned.

The only way to stop this nonsense is by going to the polls and voting against candidates that have little but fear and manipulation to offer the average U.S. citizen.

School's Out for Summer!

Oh, a good feeling, but it always takes me a few days to actually feel like school is over and realize I don't have a stack of papers waiting to be graded, or a lesson plan needing to be thrown together. It will sink in soon though. So, no current events news today - my head isn't ready to write cogently (look it up!) about the world. The Senate had a ridiculous debate about setting a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq yesterday that was ridiculous since it was a non-binding resolution.

Congratulations to all of the seniors that graduated this week! I've talked with some of you and have heard a lot of mixed feelings about graduating. In someways, there is all this build up and then some inevitable let down once the ceremony and everything is all over - not unusual really. How are you seniors feeling about being high school graduates now?

Sports note: It is fun to be a Mariners fan these days. They lost last night, but hey, it is fun to have some thing to cheer about. I still haven't gotten into the whole World Cup thing, but was talking to some people at a graduation party last night and it occured to me that Italy is still in this thing. Should I be getting some ethnic pride and supporting them, or would it be a waste of my time - like expecting Italy's military to make a difference in either or the world wars.

Gamer note: I asked my family to delay any Father's Day gifts until after the end of the school year. So now, I've got it and already logged a few hours on Oblivion for Xbox 360. Fun game!

Afghan Leader Blasts War on Terror

Under the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan, our government supported the election of Hamid Karzai. Since his election he has been critical of the lack of funding his country has received to rebuild.

Today comes news that he has publicly said what a lot of us have been saying to the U.S. government's approach to fighting the war on terror - from MSNBC:

A clearly frustrated Karzai said the approach being taken by
coalition forces to hunt down militants does not focus on the roots of
terrorism itself.

A think this one sentence sums up generations of mistakes this nation has made (and that goes back well before the current Bush administration).

If I wasn't so busy grading...

...there are lots of interesting things I would read. Instead, I'm picking up a paragraph or two of here and there. For instance, the respected journal Foreign Policy has devoted an issue to sorting out how safe we have made ourselves from the threat of terrorism, and it makes you consider even more seriously the question:

Are we losing the war on terror? It looks to be a sobering collection of thoughts from professionals in the national security field:

Check it out here.

U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq - you can find this anywhere on a news site right now. The reports that they were tortured and killed in a "barbaric" way just sends chills up my spine. Who will stop this senseless cycle of violence and death? It reminds me of a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that I can't quote exactly, but it went something like - someone has got to have sense enough and religion enough to end the violence. Our world yearns for a voice like his now...

Global Warming in the news again - More evidence from the north and south poles of our climate warming. Check out the story on NPR.

The Mariners are on a roll! Enjoy it while it lasts! They may even hit the .500 mark soon if they keep this up!

Congratulations Graduates! I love you guys....

Oh well, back to the gradebook...

Alito Vote Loosens Limits on Evidence

Breaking News from the New York Times: Alito Vote Loosens Limits on Evidence

In a 5-4 decision in the case of Hudson v. Morgan, the Court refused to exclude evidence gathered by police that had a warrant, but failed to knock before entering a private home. There was a strong dissent written by Steven Breyer that countered the majority opinion by Antonin Scalia. New Justices Roberts and Alito voted with the 5-member majority.

This decision reverses long standing precedent of the "knock and announce" policy. This decision really shows the divisions in the new Roberts Court. What do you think?

The text of the decision can be found here.

Analysis from NPR.

Yes George, Guantanamo Prison Was Stupid Too

This week has seen three prisoners commit suicide at the U.S. run prison for "enemy combatants" in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and a ton of renewed criticism for the United States.

The prison that Amnesty International has called "a gulag of our times" has been a source of resentment around the world. Even our allies think the practices at the prison are outrageous and reluctantly, the Bush Administration is admitting that the prison is hurting us more than it is helping us.

Too bad it has taken them over three years to catch on to what the rest of the world had been saying all along.

Bush Visits Baghdad

It is very hard for my not to be cynical about the surprise visit of the President to Iraq. It has been quite a while since he was there, and it seems as though this administration was way too anxious to seize on the first bit of positive news out of Iraq and attach itself to it like a "Mission Accomplished" banner to to returning warship.

If you didn't read about the President's trip, you can click here: Bush Makes a Surprise Visit to Baghdad. Also, Congress is discussing Iraq and appropriating more money for the mission there which you can read about here: House to Re-Open Debate on Iraq War.

In the meanwhile, two of the more respected members of the U.S. Senate, Democrat Russ Feingold and Republican John McCain made their own, and in my opinion, more substantive visit to Iraq this week.

In the meanwhile, I sigh and wait for this long national mistake to come to a conclusion....and our men and women can come home.

Lots Goin' On, and I Can't Keep up!

I've been mired in grading and the mundane tasks of life the last couple of days, and haven't had the time to really soak up some of the important and interesting events going on out there the last couple of days. I've only had time for headlines and such. Maybe some of you can suggest some good articles or Op/Ed pieces you have seen out there. The headlines that have caught my eye include:

Al-Zarqawi killed in Iraq by U.S. airstrike - the supposed leader of al-Quaeda in Iraq. This brutal guy use to like to have videotapes of hostage beheadings broadcasted on the internet. How will this impact the future of the Iraqi people and the fledgling political process? My guess is that we won't see much of a difference in the general level of violence over there.

A military officer from our own state of Washington is refusing to deploy to Iraq, because he objects to the war. Is he a courageous patriot pointing out the folly of our nation's misguided foreign policy, or a traitor to our military/nation. I'm going with the former.

Gay Marriage won't go away, and this morning's Seattle Times ran a cover story wondering what our State Supreme Court is doing sitting on the gay marriage cases that were argued in this state 15 months ago. Are they trying to find the "right" time to drop a bombshell decision?

I dunno. I'm tired and groggy and need some sleep. Sorry there aren't any links included in this post. I didn't bring my "A" game today...

Tuesday's Topics

The Seattle Times has a very good explanation of the Seattle Schools case, as well as and accompanying article: Whatever the ruling, tie-breaker may be moot. As you may or may not know, in the Seattle School District, you request which high school(s) you prefer to attend, and the district makes a decision about who goes where. A major part of their consideration is achieving racial and ethnic balance in their schools. Does that policy violate the Constitution? Check out the articles and see what you think.

I am a firm believer that wealthy people should pay higher tax rates, and that the laws passed earlier this century establishing taxes on inheritances should remain on the books. Not everyone agrees with me, and Congress is considering repealing this part of the tax code. There are a number of names for these taxes, but you will here them called "estate taxes", "inheritance taxes" and even "death taxes". What do you think about them?
Here is a pro and con on the issue:
Reward for the Hereditary Elite
...Or Unfair Burden on Families?

Gay Rights: While George Bush and some members of Congress want to add an amendment to the Constitution to ban gay marriage (see post from a few days ago), our State can be proud of our progressive laws with respect to banning discrimination against gays and lesbians. The legislature added sexual orientation to our civil rights laws earlier this year, and although some in our state have been trying to repeal this law giving basic rights to gays and lesbians, today they failed. See the article in the Seattle Times.

Islamic Militants Claim Victory in Somalia. Somalia seems like a much neglected front in the war on terror. As we put so much effort and resources into fighting in Iraq, many terror groups have found more of a safe haven in Somalia. What will it mean if a new government favors the path of the Islamists?
Read more in the N.Y. Times.

And what is the deal with the racism in Europe at the World Cup? Maybe because I am not a soccer fan, I'm being caught by surprise by all this, but crowds in Europe have been taunting African players with monkey calls and throwing bananas at them!!!! What century are these racist fools living in? Here are a couple of links on this. Maybe one of you can explain this to me...
Surge in Racist Mood Raises Fears on Eve of World Cup
Efforts to Curb the Rowdy and Racist Behavior of Soccer Fans

Gotta go check out King Felix on the mound tonight for the M's!

Supreme Court to Hear Affirmative Action Cases

Just like my 2nd period class, the U.S. Supreme Court will be hearing new cases involving affirmative action and public schools. One case involves students picking high schools, the other desegregation.

I was pretty surprised to see this news today about an hour after we did our Supreme Court Simulation on the 2003 University of Michigan Cases to read the following news report:

Nearly three years after its landmark ruling upholding a race-based admissions plan at the University of Michigan Law School, the US Supreme Court has agreed to consider to what extent race may be used to balance white and nonwhite enrollment in public schools.

On Monday, the high court agreed to examine cases involving two school districts attempting to maintain racially integrated schools.

One involves a school board plan in Seattle that seeks to achieve a rough balance of 40 percent white and 60 percent nonwhite enrollment at each of the city's 10 public high schools.

The second is a school district in Louisville, Ky., that set broad guidelines that the black student population of any particular school should range between 15 percent and 50 percent.

Read more about this in the Christian Science Monitor, N.Y.Times or MSNBC.

Bush to Promote Gay Marriage Amendment

With all of the problems this nation faces, and his approval ratings at record low levels, it is nice to see that Bush still has time to appeal to the lowest common denominator: Prejudice and hatred of gays and lesbians. News today comes that on Monday, the President will promote a gay marriage amendment to the United States Constitution. (Read stories in the Christian Science Monitor, N.Y. Times, or CNN.)

In its current form, the amendment reads:

“Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and
a woman. Neither this Constitution, nor the constitution of any State, shall be
construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents thereof be conferred
upon any union other than the union of a man and a woman."

Of course this is little more than a political stunt to try to curry favor with the Christian Conservative base (there is little chance it will get out of the Senate), but those of us who are enlightened still have a duty to speak out against intolerance in all of its forms. While I believe there is little chance of such an amendment passing in today's political atmosphere, I still strongly object to those who would attempt to write discrimination into our Constitution. The issue is a big one for some as the headlines scream things like Gay Marriage looms as "battle of our times".

The case does raise interesting questions of federalism though, and the full faith and credit clause of the Constitution. Also, while Bush is spending time on this, it is important to remember his role in such a debate is limited as pointed out by today's article in the C.S. Monitor. "On constitutional amendments, the president plays no formal role - his signature is not required - so any power he may wield would come through the bully pulpit."

So what do you think?

Haditha Killings Dominating the News

It seems that this story is really making a big impact in the mainstream press. It will be the cover story on Time Magazine this week.

Haditha Killings Update

This stuff is just chilling. Like many Americans, I understand they are under much stress and strain on a daily basis. I can't help but believe that most of the blame for what happened in Haditha belongs with the officers and politicians who put U.S. troops in a no-win situation, and then lie to cover up th mistakes.

Too much has been asked of too many of our troops. News reports of the conditions under which our troops are sent into dangerous situations have concerned me since the start of thes war. I can't imagine how many of them hold up as well as they do, and frankly, it should not surprise any thinking person that these types of tragedies will occur. Murder and massacres happen when people with shattered psyches and automatic weapons are put in the type of hell that is war-torn Iraq.

Yes, charges will be filed and soldiers who committed crimes will be punished; but how far up the chain of command? In the Abu Ghraib scandal, it didn't go beyond those in the prison. (Check out "Officers Untouched by Abu Ghraib Prosecutions".)

Those in the Pentagon and the White House that planned and schemed for ways to skirt laws and conventions on torture are still in their suits, ties and offices, removed from the hell that they helped create. (And yes, I'm especially aiming criticism at Alberto Gonzalez, Dick Cheney, and Donald Rumsfeld.)

Here is a recent NPR report on where we are at with the investigation into this mess. Listen up.

Also of interest, this CNN report discusses the training given to U.S. troops about "professional military values".

Haditha Killings

Some are saying this may be the My Lai of the Iraq War. The picture that is emerging is that U.S. Marines killed 24 civilians "in cold blood" last November, including unarmed men, women, and children. It is important to note that unlike deaths of civilians that are accidental in a time of war, the outright killing of civilians is a violation of the U.S. Uniform Military Code as well as international law.

In this case, what makes it worse is that apparently not only was this a case where a group of American soldiers freaked out and killed civilians, but military officers participated in an illegal cover-up of the killings. For many people who remember the mistakes of the U.S. involvement in Vietnam, this is frighteningly familiar.

The Seattle Times ran a story quoted Iraqi witnesses describing the Marines going house to house in a rage.

Here is more coverage from major news organizations:

Marines May Have Committed Murder in Iraq
Military Inquiry Said to Oppose Account of Raid
Haditha probe finds false reports
War atrocities: awareness grows, tolerance drops
Can the Military Effectively Investigate Itself?

Reportedly, Bush is none too pleased about these developments. He said at a press conference today that if crimes were committed, those responsible would be punished. I'm sure this kind of news out of Iraq makes life all that more miserable for Bush. I don't have sympathy though, as he was warned things could get ugly. Colin Powell reportedly told him told him before the invasion, "If you break it, you own it."

Some commentary from Mother Jones reminds us that in a long-term occupation, horrors like this occur. An elaboration on the "all war is a crime" theme.
Rampage at Haditha: Aberrant or Endemic?

Support Our Troops - Meaningfully

Paul Rieckhoff is a great American patriot. He understands that "supporting our troops" is important but also much more complex than displaying a yellow ribbon.

He served in combat in the Iraq war, and since he has been home, has been a tireless advocate for the veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a meaningful political policy to support them. He leads a group formerly known as "Operation Truth" and now renamed Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). On this past Memorial Day, he wrote, "every American should find a way to become part of the conversation about how we've gotten to this point in Iraq, what must come next, and how best to care for this newest generation of veterans."

He has a new book out called Chasing Ghosts, and you may catch him on one of the news shows out there promoting it.

I wish everyone in this country could have read his message, posted recently, as a way to observe Memorial Day. Here is an excerpt:

As of this writing, 2,458 American men and women had died in Iraq, and 291 had died in Afghanistan. More than 18,000 have been wounded, and untold thousands suffer the psychological trauma that is one of war's most devastating consequences.

How close are you to these costs of war? Chances are, you're not close at all. Only one-third of one-percent of the American population has served in Iraq or Afghanistan. Compare that with previous wars. In Vietnam, more than four percent served. More than 16 million Americans served in World War II - 12 percent of the population. Today, with no draft and a professional military, the American public is dangerously disconnected from the extraordinary sacrifices made by this nation's military families. There are 130,000 Troops still stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan whose loved ones back home are consumed by the constant fear that a uniformed officer will come to the door, bearing the worst news. For nearly 3,000 families, that fear has already been realized.

But according to the headlines, the greatest fears facing non-military families are the drain at the gas pump or the dismissal of the latest American Idol contestant. When I got home after a year leading an infantry platoon in Baghdad, the number-one story in this country was Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction. This did not look like a country at war, and two years later, as American casualties in Iraq continue unabated, it still does not.

Read more of his May 30th post titled "Remembering the Costs of War" at his blog, "Chasing Ghosts", or at military.com.

Time to get this started again?

I think so! My hope to engage students, ex-students, and interested adults into a discussion of important issues facing our nation and world. For now, I haven't figured when to find time to transfer the info and links I've been keeping track of to this site.

If you'd like to see the news I consider important and relevant, see my bloglines site at http://www.bloglines.com/blog/mrc803

Soon, I hope to get this is up and running as a useful tool for learning, discussion, and creating a healthier democracy!