Obama backs teacher merit pay, charter schools
Public education in U.S. falls short, Obama says
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Obama calls for education reform
The teacher's unions are usually solidly behind Democrats in the world of politics because they usually offer prescriptions of more money and smaller class sizes to improve public schools. Obama, while supporting those things, has also spoken in the campaign and this week of his desire to see more experimentations with charter schools and increased accountability for teacher performance. These items often make the education establishment nervous. Check out these resources to see what you think about Obama's proposals:
Obama backs teacher merit pay, charter schools
Public education in U.S. falls short, Obama says
Obama backs teacher merit pay, charter schools
Public education in U.S. falls short, Obama says
Obama Signs Spending Bill as He Criticizes Earmarks - NYTimes.com
Presidents face tough decisions and have to live with the consequences. No one is particularly proud of the fact that Congress loaded up this bill with 9,000 pet projects (earmarks) at the request of individual members of Congress.
Obama campaigned against earmarks. He is making an exception by signing this bill. Should he have stuck to his principles and vetoed the bill or would that have made his overall fight to fix the economy more difficult?
Obama Signs Spending Bill as He Criticizes Earmarks - NYTimes.com
One of our Senators also had some misgivings about the bill: Earmarks: Cantwell sends mixed signals
Obama campaigned against earmarks. He is making an exception by signing this bill. Should he have stuck to his principles and vetoed the bill or would that have made his overall fight to fix the economy more difficult?
Obama Signs Spending Bill as He Criticizes Earmarks - NYTimes.com
One of our Senators also had some misgivings about the bill: Earmarks: Cantwell sends mixed signals
Monday, March 09, 2009
Two Cheers for Obama!
Presidents certainly have to rely on Congress to get lots of big things done, but they also have authority to issue executive orders, rules, and policies for how to run the executive departments that have the force of law.
President Bush used (and in my opinion sometimes abused) these powers to promote his agenda. Today Obama reversed two troubling policies of the Bush years.
1. Obama reversed the restrictions Bush had issued on stem-cell research.
Obama Lifts Bush’s Strict Limits on Stem Cell Research
2. Obama also said that he will be much more cautious and conservative in his use of presidential signing statements.
Obama Says He’ll Cut Back on Tactic Bush Used to Sidestep New Laws
President Bush used these infamously to ignore provisions of certain laws Congress passed that his administration opposed. (For example, when signing the bill passed outlawing the use of torture, humiliating, and degrading treament of prisoners, he wrote in a signing statement that the CIA would not be bound by the rules of the law.)
President Bush used (and in my opinion sometimes abused) these powers to promote his agenda. Today Obama reversed two troubling policies of the Bush years.
1. Obama reversed the restrictions Bush had issued on stem-cell research.
Obama Lifts Bush’s Strict Limits on Stem Cell Research
2. Obama also said that he will be much more cautious and conservative in his use of presidential signing statements.
Obama Says He’ll Cut Back on Tactic Bush Used to Sidestep New Laws
President Bush used these infamously to ignore provisions of certain laws Congress passed that his administration opposed. (For example, when signing the bill passed outlawing the use of torture, humiliating, and degrading treament of prisoners, he wrote in a signing statement that the CIA would not be bound by the rules of the law.)
Jerry Large | Homework hater's spiel makes sense | Seattle Times Newspaper
"Do your homework!"
Is this good advice? Are we helping to create a generation of well-educated students or are we wasting the time of young people and smothering their love of learning?
That is the subject of a recent column in the Seattle Times: Homework hater's spiel makes sense.
The article is a about a recent a lecture delivered by Alfie Kohn, author of The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing.
As a teacher and a parent, I think there is a point to this article, but the reporting here is a bit simplistic - I suspect reading Kohn's books would point out that not ALL homework is bad, but that a lot of the stuff we teachers give out is unnecessary. (I made it a policy when I became a teacher years ago to avoid giving my students "busywork". I don't know how well I've adhered to that policy, but I try!)
Keeping in mind that U.S. Constitution saays that our government was designed to promote the general welfare and that our Washington State Constitution declares education to be the "paramount duty of the State", check this article out.
What are your thoughts on how well our education system is designed? Do you think it has lost its focus as the author cited in the article does?
Is this good advice? Are we helping to create a generation of well-educated students or are we wasting the time of young people and smothering their love of learning?
That is the subject of a recent column in the Seattle Times: Homework hater's spiel makes sense.
The article is a about a recent a lecture delivered by Alfie Kohn, author of The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing.
As a teacher and a parent, I think there is a point to this article, but the reporting here is a bit simplistic - I suspect reading Kohn's books would point out that not ALL homework is bad, but that a lot of the stuff we teachers give out is unnecessary. (I made it a policy when I became a teacher years ago to avoid giving my students "busywork". I don't know how well I've adhered to that policy, but I try!)
Keeping in mind that U.S. Constitution saays that our government was designed to promote the general welfare and that our Washington State Constitution declares education to be the "paramount duty of the State", check this article out.
What are your thoughts on how well our education system is designed? Do you think it has lost its focus as the author cited in the article does?
No excuse to lose cool with teen
Jerry Large is a columnist with the Seattle Times. He posted a thoughtful commentary on the assault, by a police officer, of a 15 year old girl that had been taken into custody. (See previous post.) His article mainly deals with how adults should react to teens who are acting out, but for those of you looking for connections to constitutional prinicples, this case certainly deals with the "rule of law" and "due process." Can you explain how?
No excuse to lose cool with teen
No excuse to lose cool with teen
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Same-sex marriage back before California Supreme Court
The deal in California is basically this:1. A year or so ago, the State Supreme Court ruled that California's ban on same-sex marriage was a violation of the California State Constitution (not necessarily the U.S. Constitution).
2. So, some 18,000 same-sex couples were married in the Golden State until a proposition was put on the ballot in November (Proposition 8) that amended the CA State Constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage. And same-sex marriage became illegal in California once again.
3. This week however, proponents of gay marriage are before the Californai State Supreme Court again, this time asking the court to strike down Proposition 8 as unconstitutional.
Confused yet? Before you try to make up your mind, check out the information in the article below from the Christian Science Monitor. There are a lot of issues and arguments on both sides of the issue you may need to consider before being informed enough to understand this legal issue.
(I say "legal issue" as opposed to "moral issue", because whether or not your morals push you in one direction or another on this issue, you have to remember that we are a nation of laws, and the rule of law must be respected - even if the law is confusing and it is easy to let emotion get in the way on controversial issues. The complex system of checks and balances that exists within California State government must be kept in mind here. So, in my case, I think two adults that love each other and want to make a lifetime commitment to each other should be able to do so regardless of their sexual orientation. However, that needs to be done within the rule of law, in accordance with the California State Constitution.)
Same-sex marriage before California Supreme Court csmonitor.com
This news story from a California T.V. station also does a nice job of outlining the key issues involved in this legal battle:
Justified Use of Force or Cruel and Unusual Punishment?
There has been a lot of talk about the video recording of a teenage girl being brutally attacked by prison guards in a King County jail. Keeping in mind that the 8th Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, were these guards using reasonable force or did they violate this young prisoner's rights by using excessive force? Read the article(s) which has a link to the video of the incident.
Teen in jail-cell video calls attack "horrible" Seattle Times Newspaper
From last Friday: Video released in deputy's alleged assault of girl
Some definitions you may find helpful that I found on the web:
Teen in jail-cell video calls attack "horrible" Seattle Times Newspaper
From last Friday: Video released in deputy's alleged assault of girl
Some definitions you may find helpful that I found on the web:
EXCESSIVE FORCE - A law enforcement officer has the right to use such force as is reasonably necessary under the circumstances to make a lawful arrest. An unreasonable seizure occurs when a law enforcement officer uses excessive force in making a lawful arrest.From a draft U.S. government document, the following was taken:
Whether force is reasonably necessary or excessive is measured by the force a reasonable and prudent law enforcement officer would use under the circumstances.
Inmates are protected from cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth
Amendment of the United States Constitution. In order to prove a violation under
the Eighth Amendment, [plaintiff] must show that [defendant] unnecessarily and
wantonly inflicted pain on [him/her]. A use of force against a prison inmate
that was applied in a good faith effort to maintain or restore discipline is not
―unnecessary and wanton, but force applied maliciously or sadistically to cause
harm is unnecessary and wanton.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Poll: Obama's rating at all-time high - White House- msnbc.com
Poll: Obama's rating at all-time high - White House- msnbc.com
Check out the numbers here - how would you rate the President's performance so far?
Check out the numbers here - how would you rate the President's performance so far?
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Are we in a recession or a depression?
I suppose it is always easier to just say that we are in "tough economic times", but this article in today's Seattle Times tries to help us understand the difference between a recession and a depression
Will recession become the dreaded D-word? Seattle Times Newspaper
Will recession become the dreaded D-word? Seattle Times Newspaper
Gang membership up in Seattle, FBI says
Federalism at times requires the effective cooperation and coordination of federal, state, and local officials. In this case we see how the F.B.I. is helping the Seattle area get a handle on gang activity in our area:Gang membership up in Seattle, FBI says Seattle Times Newspaper
Also of related interest:
Gangs: Once a member, it is difficult to get out
Pictured: Marcus Harden, a 6-foot-5 former Rainier Beach football star, is an intervention counselor at Seattle's Madrona K-8 school and mentors gang-involved youth.
Monday, March 02, 2009
More Shocking Details Uncovered
Wow. Just when I thought I had heard it all...
The extent to which the government under the Bush Administration was prepared to sacrifice the ideals of a free and open democracy were shown to us in more detail by two news stories that appeared today.
The first involves how many videotapes of waterboarding by our government were destroyed and the second about a legal memo written by the infamous John Yoo attempting to justify the President having the sole authority to overturn freedom of the press and put the nation under military rule after the September 11th attacks.
CIA Destroyed 92 Interrogation Tapes, Probe Says - washingtonpost.com
Extraordinary Measures
Bush-Era Anti-Terrorism Documents Made Public
from Politics - washingtonpost.com by R. Jeffrey Smith and Dan Eggen
The extent to which the government under the Bush Administration was prepared to sacrifice the ideals of a free and open democracy were shown to us in more detail by two news stories that appeared today.
The first involves how many videotapes of waterboarding by our government were destroyed and the second about a legal memo written by the infamous John Yoo attempting to justify the President having the sole authority to overturn freedom of the press and put the nation under military rule after the September 11th attacks.
CIA Destroyed 92 Interrogation Tapes, Probe Says - washingtonpost.com
Extraordinary Measures
A new memo shows just how far the Bush administration considered going in
fighting the war on terror.
Bush-Era Anti-Terrorism Documents Made Public
from Politics - washingtonpost.com by R. Jeffrey Smith and Dan Eggen
The number of major legal errors committed by Bush administration lawyers during
the formulation of its early counterterrorism policies was far greater than
previously known, according to internal Bush administration documents released
for the first time by the Justice Department yesterday.
Let the Republicans Filibuster!
filibuster - the practice of refusing to surrender the floor during a debate to prevent the Senate from voting on a proposal.
cloture - a rule of the U.S. Senate stipulating that debate on a legislative proposal be cut off and the proposal voted upon by the full Senate if sixty members agree.
Why are the Democrats afraid of Republican filibusters in the Senate? If the Democrats have strong, sound legislation that will help this nation, they should not allow the threat of a filibuster cause them to water down and weaken a bill.
Below are a couple of commentaries suggesting this very thing. The arguments are well made and I hope the leadership in the Senate pays attention. The filibuster has it's place, and is an important tool for a minority that is being bullied by a majority, but if a minority of senators are holding up legislation that Americans approve of, their filibuster will not ultimatelly succed.
If 40 Senators are actually willing to mount a filibuster, against Obama's health plan, his housing plan, or any other legislation, they have that right. I think the battle should be joined. Americans want action from their government, and the spectacle of a filibuster might actually engage more of the public in the legislative process.
(And this works both ways - a few years ago, when Republicans were complaining that the treat of Democratic filibusters were preventing conservative judges from being confirmed they should have called their bluff - lets get these debates out in the open!)
Below are the well written commentaries. And if you have never seen the classic movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, you may want to check out the short scene of Jimmy Stewart as Mr. Smith, staging a one-man filibuster in the 1939 classic film.
Op-Ed Contributor - Make My Filibuster - NYTimes.com
Filibusters: The Senate’s Self-Inflicted Wound
cloture - a rule of the U.S. Senate stipulating that debate on a legislative proposal be cut off and the proposal voted upon by the full Senate if sixty members agree.
Why are the Democrats afraid of Republican filibusters in the Senate? If the Democrats have strong, sound legislation that will help this nation, they should not allow the threat of a filibuster cause them to water down and weaken a bill.
Below are a couple of commentaries suggesting this very thing. The arguments are well made and I hope the leadership in the Senate pays attention. The filibuster has it's place, and is an important tool for a minority that is being bullied by a majority, but if a minority of senators are holding up legislation that Americans approve of, their filibuster will not ultimatelly succed.
If 40 Senators are actually willing to mount a filibuster, against Obama's health plan, his housing plan, or any other legislation, they have that right. I think the battle should be joined. Americans want action from their government, and the spectacle of a filibuster might actually engage more of the public in the legislative process.
(And this works both ways - a few years ago, when Republicans were complaining that the treat of Democratic filibusters were preventing conservative judges from being confirmed they should have called their bluff - lets get these debates out in the open!)
Below are the well written commentaries. And if you have never seen the classic movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, you may want to check out the short scene of Jimmy Stewart as Mr. Smith, staging a one-man filibuster in the 1939 classic film.
Op-Ed Contributor - Make My Filibuster - NYTimes.com
Filibusters: The Senate’s Self-Inflicted Wound
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
“We will rebuild, we will recover”
President Barack Obama gave his first speech before a joint session of Congress tonight. In language that often channelled Franklin Delano Roosevelt, he urged the government and the American people to act "boldly and wisely" in the face of our current economic crisis.His performance was impressive and he showed that he still has an ambitious, yes even audacious, program to confront America's most serious problems.
Most viewers will likely conclude that the tone of the speech was what it needed to be: serious and sober in recognizing the problems confronting the nation, yet inspirational and optimistic about the ability of the American spirit to rebuild anew.
What did you think? In case you missed it, click below:
Friday, February 20, 2009
Our State's Budget is in big trouble
The estimated size of the deficit keeps getting larger and larger? This is going to mean a lot of budget cuts that will hurt a lot of us.
$8 billion shortfall forecast for Washington state budget Seattle Times Newspaper
$8 billion shortfall forecast for Washington state budget Seattle Times Newspaper
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Stimulus Bill Passes
I'm happy it passed, but I'm disappointed that it got watered down in order to make three Republicans happy.
Senators Olympia Snowe, Arlen Spector, and Susan Collins were the only Republicann Senators who voted for the package; the number of Republican members of the House that voted for it: zero. Not one. Thanks for the bipartisan effort G.O.P.
What we need now, is to lean harder on the Congress (especially the Republicans) to stop using the same old tired political rhetoric about governement wasting tax dollars. (Many of these people are the same ones that blew over a trillion dollars on the Iraq War, tax cuts for the rich, and a Wall Street bailout that held almost none of the companies or executives receiving the money accountable.) Those who voted for change and for Obama need to remember that he never said that he could accomplish anthing without us. We need to be engaged - writing lettters, making phone calls - whatever it takes to make our government understand that we demand action, and demand action now.
We cannot allow conservatives to dominate the debate in this nation by carping on relatively small provisions of otherwise important legislation. All of us will have to pay for the consequences of the misguided pressure they are putting on our government.
STAY INVOLVED PEOPLE!!!
If you didn't hear or see the President's weekly radio address, I've included it here. He closes with a nice quote from John F. Kennedy:
Senators Olympia Snowe, Arlen Spector, and Susan Collins were the only Republicann Senators who voted for the package; the number of Republican members of the House that voted for it: zero. Not one. Thanks for the bipartisan effort G.O.P.
What we need now, is to lean harder on the Congress (especially the Republicans) to stop using the same old tired political rhetoric about governement wasting tax dollars. (Many of these people are the same ones that blew over a trillion dollars on the Iraq War, tax cuts for the rich, and a Wall Street bailout that held almost none of the companies or executives receiving the money accountable.) Those who voted for change and for Obama need to remember that he never said that he could accomplish anthing without us. We need to be engaged - writing lettters, making phone calls - whatever it takes to make our government understand that we demand action, and demand action now.
We cannot allow conservatives to dominate the debate in this nation by carping on relatively small provisions of otherwise important legislation. All of us will have to pay for the consequences of the misguided pressure they are putting on our government.
STAY INVOLVED PEOPLE!!!
If you didn't hear or see the President's weekly radio address, I've included it here. He closes with a nice quote from John F. Kennedy:
"Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks
equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks."
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Obama'a First Press Conference
Barack Obama took back control of the debate over the economy, and I believe, will have convinced a lot of Americans that he is leading us in the right direction in the face of the economic crisis.
He showed a mastery of the issues at hand that was refreshing compared to what we have been used to hearing the last eight years.
Some other analysis and coverage out there:
News Analysis - Taking on Critics, Obama Puts Aside Talk of Unity - NYTimes.com
At His First Prime-Time News Conference, Obama Is Serious and Expansive - Howard Kurtz
The Fighting Conciliator
The News Conference: The Same, and Different
He showed a mastery of the issues at hand that was refreshing compared to what we have been used to hearing the last eight years.
Some other analysis and coverage out there:
News Analysis - Taking on Critics, Obama Puts Aside Talk of Unity - NYTimes.com
At His First Prime-Time News Conference, Obama Is Serious and Expansive - Howard Kurtz
The Fighting Conciliator
The News Conference: The Same, and Different
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009
Read the story and see the video of the first bill Obama signed as President. It makes it easier for women to sue for discrimination and pay in the workplace.
A good thing!
The White House - Blog Post - A Wonderful Day (Update: Video): "Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009"
Here is some background on Lilly Ledbetter and her case.
(By the way, you may notice one of our Senators, Patty Murray, standing among the key lawmakers behind the President - she played an important role in promoting this bill.)
A good thing!
The White House - Blog Post - A Wonderful Day (Update: Video): "Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009"
Here is some background on Lilly Ledbetter and her case.
(By the way, you may notice one of our Senators, Patty Murray, standing among the key lawmakers behind the President - she played an important role in promoting this bill.)
The Inauguration. At Last. - And the Pursuit of Happiness Blog - NYTimes.com
One artist's reflections on attending the inauguration of Barack Obama - 44th President of the United States of America.
The Inauguration. At Last. - And the Pursuit of Happiness Blog - NYTimes.com
The Inauguration. At Last. - And the Pursuit of Happiness Blog - NYTimes.com
Republicans Choose First Black Party Chairman
It is about time! Good luck to Michael Steele as he seeks to redeem the image of the Republican Party, the G.O.P., and yes, the "Party of Lincoln".It is going to take more than a non-white face to attract more voters though. Republicans have to show that they care about more than tax cuts that favor the rich and an intolerant brand of Christianity. If the party is really going to open its arms to all of America, it has got to take a good look at America, and respond with policy positions that help all Americans.
No more gay bashing. No more racially charged code language in campaign ads that play on white fears of things such as "urban crime" and "welfare queens". No more stigmatizing all Latinos, Asians, and Africans by fanatical crusades against illegal immigrants. No more unanimous opposition to economic stimulus bills. No more lies and misrepresentations of intelligence data to scare Americans into unnecessary wars.
Good luck Mr. Steele - you've got your work cut out for you.
Republicans Choose First Black Party Chairman - NYTimes.com
Protests across Russia
The economic crisis that began in the housing and financial sectors of the United States has sparked a world-wide economic downturn. Here are some stories from the BBC about how Russians are reacting to the hard times. One wonders how Vladimir Putin and the government he still retains tremendous influence will react to political expression aimed at his administration.
BBC NEWS Europe Thousands protest across Russia
From January 21: Police break up Russian protests
From December: Russia's industrial output slumps
BBC NEWS Europe Thousands protest across Russia
From January 21: Police break up Russian protests
From December: Russia's industrial output slumps
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Rep. Upthegrove targets special deal for student-athletes
Kudos to Dave Upthegrove for taking on a small, but unfair practice favoring student-athletes over other students in UW admissions.
Equality of opportunity is a core American value, and must be defended in places big and small.
In tough economic times, equal access to higher education is more important than ever. If we don't have room for every deserving student at our state universities (and we should!) let us at least make decisions on the basis of academic merit.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Barack Hussein Obama - 44th President of the United States
An interactive photograph of those present: An Closer Look at the Inaugural Ceremony
Read or view his address: Transcript - Barack Obama’s Inaugural Address - Text - NYTimes.com
Photo Slide Show of Obama's aides and advisors
Read or view his address: Transcript - Barack Obama’s Inaugural Address - Text - NYTimes.com
Photo Slide Show of Obama's aides and advisors
Saturday, January 17, 2009
U.S. Citizens Hopeful About Obama Administration
It is a good sign when the American people have optimism about an incoming President, and Barack Obama seems to be enjoying a higher level of confidence in him than any incoming President in quite a long time.
While 79% of those surveyed said they were feeling optimistic about life over the next four years according to a poll conducted by the New York Times, the most encouraging statistic is that 58% of those who voted for John McCain said they were "optimistic" about an Obama administration.
For more details on the survey complete with graphs, check out the link:
Poll Finds Faith in Obama, Mixed With Patience - NYTimes.com
While 79% of those surveyed said they were feeling optimistic about life over the next four years according to a poll conducted by the New York Times, the most encouraging statistic is that 58% of those who voted for John McCain said they were "optimistic" about an Obama administration.
For more details on the survey complete with graphs, check out the link:
Poll Finds Faith in Obama, Mixed With Patience - NYTimes.com
Monday, January 12, 2009
Tax Cuts for Teachers - NYTimes.com
Well, you know I agree with this idea - thanks to Thomas Friedman of the New York Times for the vote of confidence.
Op-Ed Columnist - Tax Cuts for Teachers - NYTimes.com
Op-Ed Columnist - Tax Cuts for Teachers - NYTimes.com
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
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?
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?
Friday, December 19, 2008
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!
Congrats to Gig Harbor students and their great teacher, Ken Brown!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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
12 things to throw at Bush / A shoe? Not bad. But surely we can do better
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
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
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
Sunday, December 14, 2008
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:
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!"
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
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?
In The Know: Should The Government Stop Dumping Money Into A Giant Hole?
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monday, December 01, 2008
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:
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.I'll try to post more on this after the announcement this morning.
While the cabinet consists of 15 department heads, a president can give other positions the same rank for the duration of his administration.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
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
Rush to Enact a Safety Rule Obama Opposes - NYTimes.com
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
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, October 20, 2008
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
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.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
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
Something is seriously wrong in Texas!
Texas students punished for Obama signs
University says it has a policy against political signs in dorm windows
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
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
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
Monday, October 06, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
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
Read about what cases are on on the court's docket here:
Justices Return to Work, With Less Meaty Docket - NYTimes.com
Friday, October 03, 2008
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
FactCheck.org: FactChecking Biden-Palin Debate
Saturday, September 27, 2008
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.
Analysts: No Game-Changer in First Debate - ABC 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.
Friday, September 26, 2008
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...
Let's see how it turns out...
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
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
U.S. Abortion Rate at 30-Year Low - US News and World Report
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
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."
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
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
Monday, September 22, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
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
Gregoire, Rossi far apart on social issues Seattle Times Newspaper
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Palin’s Start in Alaska - Not Politics as Usual - NYTimes.com
From National Public Radio:
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
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
Monday, August 25, 2008
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.
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
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
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
News Analysis - No Cold War, but Big Chill Over Georgia - News Analysis - NYTimes.com
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Friday, August 01, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
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
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
Monday, July 21, 2008
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:
You can read the rest here: Op-Ed Columnist - Yes We Can - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com
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
Saturday, July 19, 2008
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
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
Thursday, July 17, 2008
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
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
Pot raid angers medical-marijuana supporter Seattle Times Newspaper
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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 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
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
Monday, July 14, 2008
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
Op-Ed Contributor - My Plan for Iraq - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com
Sunday, July 13, 2008
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
Important Supreme Court Decisions, 2007-2008 - NYTimes.com
On Court That Defied Labeling, Kennedy Made the Boldest Mark
Friday, July 04, 2008
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
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
by: Wm. Scott Harrop and R.K. Ramazani, t r u t h o u t Perspective
Thursday, July 03, 2008
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
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:
Yes on 1000: http://www.yeson1000.org/
Coalition Against Assisted Suicide: noassistedsuicide.com
Death initiative petitions filed Seattle Times Newspaper
From the article, the following information was presented:
There are two major groups on opposing sides of the issue: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."
Yes on 1000: http://www.yeson1000.org/
Coalition Against Assisted Suicide: noassistedsuicide.com
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
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
Obama Seeks Bigger Role for Religious Groups - NYTimes.com
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