Some Late-Night Political Humor

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

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

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

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

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

Powerful Senator Faces Criminal Charges

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

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

Senate legend laid low by ethics scandal

Gore Dreams Big

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

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

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

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

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

A Timeline for Withdrawal in Iraq?

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

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

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

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

A Tragedy in Seattle

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

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

Original Story: Fatal attack at traffic circle

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

Pot raid angers medical-marijuana supporter | Seattle Times Newspaper

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

Pot raid angers medical-marijuana supporter Seattle Times Newspaper

Is McCain Conservative Enough for Republicans?

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

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

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

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

Please vote Obama.

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

Obama's Plan for Iraq

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

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

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

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

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

On Court That Defied Labeling, Kennedy Made the Boldest Mark

Fourth of July!

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Call to Service

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

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

Death initiative petitions filed

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

Death initiative petitions filed Seattle Times Newspaper

From the article, the following information was presented:

Modeled on Oregon's current law

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Obama Seeks Bigger Role for Religious Groups - NYTimes.com

Landmark Ruling Enshrines Right to Own Guns - NYTimes.com

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

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

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

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

Landmark Ruling Enshrines Right to Own Guns - NYTimes.com

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

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

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

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

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

Gay Marriages in California and other Constitutional News

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

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

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

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

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

NRA's political clout is waning - Los Angeles Times

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

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

Bush Administration P'wned by Supreme Court

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

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

Except for one really important thing.

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

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

Read more about it:

Guantánamo detainees win right to court review csmonitor.com

Justices Rule Terror Suspects Can Appeal in Civilian Courts

The Republic on a Knife's Edge

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

Hillary Endorses Barack

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

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