Obama Visits Ghana

There were adoring crowds to meet him. He spoke to their parliament and toured the ruins of an old slave trading fort on the coast. Overall, an amazing trip, one we can hope will pay rich dividends in the future for the U.S. and Africa.

Obama, in Ghana, Calls for Good Governance - NYTimes.com

Coverage from AllAfrica.com:
allAfrica.com: Africa: Obama - Ghana Shows Democracy Can Thrive in Africa (Page 1 of 1)

Obama sees Africa's dark past at slave fortress | U.S. | Reuters

U.S. Wiretapping of Limited Value, Officials Report - NYTimes.com

U.S. Wiretapping of Limited Value, Officials Report - NYTimes.com

Cheney Is Linked to Concealment of C.I.A. Project - NYTimes.com

Cheney Is Linked to Concealment of C.I.A. Project - NYTimes.com

Attorney General May Probe Bush Torture Policy | Newsweek Politics | Newsweek.com

Attorney General May Probe Bush Torture Policy | Newsweek Politics | Newsweek.com

Local News | Lethal-injection ruling could clear way for Cal Brown execution | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News | Lethal-injection ruling could clear way for Cal Brown execution | Seattle Times Newspaper

Mass. challenges federal Defense of Marriage Act - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe

Mass. challenges federal Defense of Marriage Act - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe

US, Russia reach tentative nuclear-arms deal

Very good news for our world. The previous treaty (START) is due to expire in 6 months. This is an important first step in making our world a safer place. These weapons are too dangerous - and must be carefully monitored, limited, and eventually abolished.

Nation & World | US, Russia nuclear-arms deal a start for broader peace efforts | Seattle Times Newspaper

Sarah Palin Says She Will Resign as Alaska Governor

For Democrats, she is the gift that keeps on giving...

Sarah Palin Says She Will Resign as Alaska Governor - NYTimes.com

Myanmar Junta Blocks UN’s Ban From Meeting Aung San Suu Kyi - Bloomberg.com

Myanmar Junta Blocks UN’s Ban From Meeting Aung San Suu Kyi - Bloomberg.com

Board: Discharge gay NY National Guard officer

Former Army National Guard Lt. Dan Choi, an Arabic-speaking specialist is in the process of being dismissed from the military through the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy. He served several years in Iraq, but "came out" about his sexual preference in March of 2009.

The Associated Press: Board: Discharge gay NY National Guard officer

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

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

Supreme Court - End of the Term

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

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

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

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

The Supremes rule in the firefighter race case

From Newsweek:

Dahlia Lithwick: When Constitutional Worlds Collide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary from Roger Cohen in the NY Times:

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

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

Regarding the debate over the death penalty in WA State

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

Supreme Court Decisions on Voting Rights Act and Special Education

Listen to the discussion from the Newshour on PBS

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

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

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

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

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

Is Twitter Furthering the Cause of Freedom and Human Rights

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

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

Modern Slavery

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

Partnering Against Trafficking - By Hillary Rodham Clinton

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

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

E-Mail Surveillance Renews Concerns in Congress

Open Thread - Recent News

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

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

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

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

Protests Continue in Iran

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

Thousands rally to support Iranian government

Obama Speaks on Health Care Reform

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

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

A Messy Election in Iran

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

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

Cyberwar - Series - The New York Times

Cyberwar - Series - The New York Times

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

Debate Over Healthcare Reform is Heating Up

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

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

Background on the Healthcare Debate

Obama Administration Finds Health-Care Model in Green Bay

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

Health Plan May Mean Payment Cuts

China Takes Heavy Criticism Over Software Directive

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

China Takes Heavy Criticism Over Software Directive - NYTimes.com

Congress Gives FDA Authority to Regulate Tobacco

Congress Passes Tobacco Regulation Bill - NYTimes.com

American Student on Trial for Murder in Italy

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

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

Student on Trial in Italy Claims Police Pressure

Government Begins to Find Homes for Detainees

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

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

6 Detainees Are Freed as Questions Linger - NYTimes.com

Fatal Shooting at Holocaust Museum

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

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

Last week an abortion doctor was shot.

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

Shooting at Holocaust Museum in D.C. Kills Guard

Shooting Suspect Wrote Of "Holocaust Hoax" - CBS News

There is some video coverage of this story at CBS.

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

Shell Settles for $15.5 Million in Nigerian Human Rights Case

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

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

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

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

Read more from PBS here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More on human rights in North Korea from Amnesty International.

Open Thread - What else happened this week?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Obama Gives Major Address in Egypt

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

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

Obama Calls for Alliances With Muslims - NY Times

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

Censorship in China on Anniversary of Massacre

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

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

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

Chinese websites mark Tiananmen Square anniversary with veiled protest

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

Police swarm Tiananmen Square on anniversary

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

Inside the Obama White House - Part 1

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

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

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

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

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

GM to File for Bankruptcy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

G.M. to Seek Bankruptcy and a New Start

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

GM: How an American giant rolled off course

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

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

"A Prom Divided"

In some towns in the Southern United States, racially integrated schools still hold segregated proms. That's right, one prom for the white students, and another prom for the black students. I guess there are still some vestiges of the "separate but equal" doctrine in parts of America.

The link below tells the story of one such school in Montgomery Country, Georgia. It really saddened me to read the story, but even worse to hear the audio slide show in which the voices of some of the students of the school, who are still effected by racial attitudes that have no place in America.

How does the community get away with this, and what constitutional issues are involved? Check out the link to find out.

In Georgia, Segregation Endures on Prom Night - NYTimes.com

No Gay Marriage in California

The legal challenge to California's Proposition 8 has been rejected. There was one small victory in the ruling however: gay marriages that were performed before the ban took place will remain legally recognized by the State of California.

Here is the story from the N.Y. Times:

California High Court Upholds Gay Marriage Ban - NYTimes.com

Q & A on the ruling from the L.A. Times:
Answers to questions about Prop. 8 ruling - Los Angeles Times

Obama Chooses Sotomayor for Supreme Court Nominee - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com

From a poor girl growing up in the Bronx to the highest court in the land? It could be?

More on this to follow - but the New York Times is reporting that Obama will nominate Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. She will face a Senate confirmation hearing this summer.

Obama Chooses Sotomayor for Supreme Court Nominee - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com

UPDATE: 10:30 a.m. Sonia Sotomayor was indeed nominated by the President at the White House today. I found her personal story of overcoming poverty as the child of Puerto Rican immigrants to be inspiring. She spoke movingly of her mother this morning, describing how she sacrificed so that her children could have a successful life.

She has impressive legal credentials, and seems to have made some good decisions as a judge from what I have read so far. Many will consider her a liberal, but to me that is a plus. The Court has gone too far to the right in recent years, and I think she will not only balance out the more conservative justices, but bring some life experience to the Court that has been missing.

If you would like to hear her described by the President, and in her own words, this is the video from the White House this morning:

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

In Defiance, North Korea Is Said to Test More Missiles - NYTimes.com

As if we didn't already have enough foreign policy headaches, North Korea seems to have tested another nuclear device on Monday. How will President Obama and other heads of state respond? North Korea has been openly breaking the nuclear non-proliferation treaty for almost a decade now, and there aren't too many easy options. Some info here:

In Defiance, North Korea Is Said to Test More Missiles - NYTimes.com

King Siblings Oppose Film Deal Struck By Brother

Sadly, the children of Martin Luther King, Jr. have publicly clashed on several occasions over their father's estate since the death of of their mother, Coretta Scott King. I think it is always sad when families feel a need to turn to the courts to settle their differences, but sometimes it is hard for people to trust and understand each other - even if they are family.

It is surely something Martin and Coretta would be sad to see happening.

What are your thoughts and how is this related to our constitutional system? (Hint: think about the justice system.)

King Siblings Oppose Film Deal Struck By Brother | Arts & Culture | Black Power

Obama vs. Cheney

More on this when I get done grading journals...

Obama, Cheney Deliver Dueling Speeches on National Security

An edited, mashed-up version of the speeches in under two minutes:

Human Rights Defender on Trial Again in Burma

Aung San Suu Kyi is a heroic woman. (Her name is pronounced more like “On Sang Sue Chee”.) She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, and is beloved by her fellow countrymen and women.

She was forced into exile and left her home in Burma when a military dictatorship took over the country and renamed it Myanmar. Her father was a famous and revered leader of Burma, and about twenty years ago she bravely returned to Burma to lead a democracy movement. Although beloved by her people, the military regime in Burma (Myanmar) has kept her movement and Aung San Suu Kyi under close watch. She has spent 13 of the last 19 years of her life under “house arrest” since returning to Burma.

Last week she was arrested on new charges and is already being put on trial. Her crime? Allowing an American "fan" she didn't know to stay at her house overnight after he made a difficult journey to her home. (The guy seems a little unstable - he swam to her house with home-made flippers on and begged to stay after complaining of cramps.)

The story so far from the NY Times:

Myanmar Presses Case Against Pro-Democracy Leader

A video about her from the BBC:

What is your reaction to her story? What constitutional principles are involved in her plight?

New WA Education Bill Signed Into Law

This new law, as I understand it, tries to reform parts of Washington's K-12 education system, but doesn't address how to pay for the changes at this time.

She was expected to sign the bill, but what wasn't expected was that there were portions she vetoed - after the legislature had adjourned for the year.

It will take about 8 years for the bill to go into effect, so there is some time to address the governor's changes, as well as come up with a way to raise the money for this bill.

Read on to see what the bill will do, and what Gregoire vetoed. What do you think and what constitutional issues/principles are involved?

Politics | Gregoire signs bill overhauling education, but vetoes 2 parts | Seattle Times Newspaper

New Mileage Requirements for American Cars

Obama is set to announce new environmental standards for American automobiles. Now, unlike the post below about where I disagree with some of Obama's recent decisions, this is something I am happy to see. What is your reaction and what principles of our constitutional system are involved?

U.S. to require new cars get 42 mpg - Climate Change- msnbc.com

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

Obama's Actions Upset Human Rights and Civil Liberties Groups

(Updated at bottom of post)

And I'm upset and disappointed as well.

Barack Obama promised a clean break with the Bush Administration's approach to the war on terror, especially when it came to issues of torture, secrecy, and detentions of foreign fighters. And Obama has done some of that:

• A promise to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
• A ban on torture by all U.S. forces, including the CIA

But recent decisions have seen the Obama administration head back down the road of the Bush/Cheney years. Some recent developments of concern: (for an overview of some of these issues, see this PBS article written for students.)

• Reluctance to prosecute former and current officials responsible for ordering the use of harsh interrogation techniques that amounted to torture.
• The continued bombardment of civilians in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Often predator drones attack inside Pakistan from across the border in Afghanistan in our hunt for al-Qda and the Taliban. (See the article Afghan Villagers Describe Chaos of U.S. Strikes.)
  
• Obama Moves to Bar Release of Detainee Abuse Photos
• Obama Set to Revive Military Commissions - washingtonpost.com

No serious student of politics can expect an elected official to make good on all of the promises and expectations of a campaign, but right now, I'm feeling very disappointed that Obama seems to be caving in on concerns about human rights and civil liberties that so stained America during the Bush years. I was especially troubled by the decision on the images of torture the President now says he wants hidden. Only two weeks earlier, his administration had said they would not stand in the way of their release.

These actions are a step away from open and honest government. We need to know what is being done in our name - it will come out sooner or later anyway.

It is time for citizens to take action and demand that the President remember why many of us voted for him.

Do you see this the same way as I do or differently? What constitutional principles are involved here?

Update 1: I've seen a couple of news items in the last day or two that suggest the U.S. is at least being sympathetic to civilian suffering as a result of U.S. bombings. (See A Vow to Cut Afghan Civilian Deaths)

Obama Addresses Abortion Issue at Notre Dame Graduation

Last weekend there was a lot of coverage of the controversy over Obama speaking at the commencement ceremony at Notre Dame University.

The issue? He is pro-choice, and the Catholic Church is pro-life. (Notre Dame is the oldest and largest Catholic University in the nation.) I've always given Obama high marks for trying to find some common ground between the pro-life and pro-choice sides. Ultimately, there won't be agreement between the two sides, but if he can tone down the anger, I think there are some things both sides would like to see happen, such as fewer unwanted pregnancies - especially among teens.

Here is a short version of the story:
National Constitution Center: News Feed

Better and more in-depth analysis:

Inside The Obama Notre Dame Controversy

Abortion Debate Has Dominated The Headlines, But Students And Most Americans Are Not So Polarized

What do you think, and what constitutional principles/issues are at play here?

Op-Ed Columnist - Girls on Our Streets - NYTimes.com

This story is heart-breaking.

Protecting women and girls from sex trafficking and being forced or lured into the sex trade is an issue that is gaining more and more atttention.

And it should.

Way too many poor, disadvantaged, and girls from broken homes are being forced into this horrible situation around the world. But, it is also happening here in the United States, and the author of this article suggests that not enough people care about these types of people and that race and economic factors may play a role:

If a middle-class white girl goes missing, radio stations broadcast amber
alerts, and cable TV fills the air with “missing beauty” updates. But
13-year-old black or Latina girls from poor neighborhoods vanish all the time,
and the pimps are among the few people who show any interest.

Read the colum below and let me know your reactions and which constitutional principles are involved.

Op-Ed Columnist - Girls on Our Streets - NYTimes.com

John Lewis arrested at Darfur protest | ajc.com

Civil Rights hero John Lewis is a lot older now, but still engages in some civil disobedience to draw attention to a worthy cause - in this case, the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan.

John Lewis arrested at Darfur protest | ajc.com

Obama protesters swarm Notre Dame - Washington Post- msnbc.com

Obama protesters swarm Notre Dame - Washington Post- msnbc.com

Same Sex Marriage is Legal in Maine

The news story from CNN is here. In this case, the state legislature passed the bill and the governor signed it. It seems as though gay marriage has become legal in the U.S. in a variety of ways depending on the state. What method do you think should be used? Should it be a matter of the courts to decide if gay and lesbian couples are being denied equal protection? Should it be a matter for state legislatures? Should the people of a state be given a vote on the matter as when California voters passed Proposition 8, and made gay marriage illegal once again after CA Supreme Court declared that it should be legal? Is there a role for the federal government to play?

There are a lot of angles to issue - and much like the Civil Rights movement we have been studying in class, proponents of gay marriage are using a variety of techniques and methods to achieve their goals. What are your thoughts on how this issue should be decided, and who should have the final say?

Toward the end of the article I linked above, there was some interesting survey data. While a majority of Americans oppose gay marriage, about 60% of those in the 18-35 age group approve of gay marriage. It looks like it is only a matter of time before a majority of Americans will come around to supporting gay marriage.

Meanwhile in our State, the legislature passed a measure last month that was known as the "Everything but Marriage" bill, which gives gay and lesbian couples a civil union that has all of the same legal rights as heterosexual marriage. The only difference under this law, is that the word marriage isn't used to define the union.

I read some interesting commentary from Danny Westneat in the Seattle Times. He argues that the debate over gay marriage is pretty much over, with the advocates of homosexual marriage having all but won the battle.

Souter to Retire & Specter Switches Parties

There was some very big news in national politics last week.

First, a long-time Republican Senator from Pennsylvania, Arlen Specter announced that he was switching political parties and becoming a Democrat. Why would he do such a thing, and what does it mean for the Senate and the nation? Lots of info on Specter and the recent news of his party switch can be found here.

Second, Supreme Court Justice David Souter announced that he will be retiring. The 69 year old Associate Justice will serve until a replacement can be appointed by President Obama and confirmed by the Senate. You can read some background on this development here.

For some laughs, and good sly commentary on how all these Court appointments get hung up on the issue of abortion, take a look at the Daily Show with Jon Stewart lampooning this story.