Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Hate crimes bill goes to Obama for signature
The Senate passed the bill that the House passed a few weeks ago. It now includes assaults on individuals because of their sexual identity.
Hate crimes bill goes to Obama for signature - CNN.com
Hate crimes bill goes to Obama for signature - CNN.com
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sad saga of Uighurs at Guantanamo goes on
This sad chapter of the United States not living up to it's ideals on the rule of law goes on - even nine months into the Obama administration. Is justice delayed, justice denied?
Justices to hear Uighurs' bid for release - Guantanamo- msnbc.com
Justices to hear Uighurs' bid for release - Guantanamo- msnbc.com
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tough 1st Amendment Issue in our State
The Washington State Legislature passed a far reaching gay rights measure last session that provided for benefits for same-sex domestic partnerships (pretty much everything except the word "marriage").
Now let's say you don't think the state should recognize same sex marriages/partnerships/unions.
You sign a petition to put the new law up for a vote by the people of the state in the hope that they will reject it, and nullify the bill passed by the legislature (our State Constitution allows for this).
If those signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State for validation, do you have a right to expect that your name will be kept private? If your name is made public, you could be the object of public criticism. If you sign a petition to the government, do you give up the right to remain an anonymous opponent of gay marriage (or any other issue for that matter)?
That is the question we are in the middle of in our state right now. While we are awaiting a trial to settle this issue, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice stepped in and made a temporary ruling.
Local News | Justice Kennedy blocks release of R-71 names | Seattle Times Newspaper
Now let's say you don't think the state should recognize same sex marriages/partnerships/unions.
You sign a petition to put the new law up for a vote by the people of the state in the hope that they will reject it, and nullify the bill passed by the legislature (our State Constitution allows for this).
If those signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State for validation, do you have a right to expect that your name will be kept private? If your name is made public, you could be the object of public criticism. If you sign a petition to the government, do you give up the right to remain an anonymous opponent of gay marriage (or any other issue for that matter)?
That is the question we are in the middle of in our state right now. While we are awaiting a trial to settle this issue, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice stepped in and made a temporary ruling.
Local News | Justice Kennedy blocks release of R-71 names | Seattle Times Newspaper
Young People Should Be Very Concerned About I-1033
Do you want education to get more expensive? Higher tuition, less services from our universities? If you don't, you should get educated about Washington State's I-1033, and make others aware of what is at stake.
Education | I-1033 could hit higher ed especially hard | Seattle Times Newspaper
Education | I-1033 could hit higher ed especially hard | Seattle Times Newspaper
Sunday, October 18, 2009
New Medical Marijuana Policy Issued - NYTimes.com
Good example of federalism at work; and executive agencies creating quasi-legislation.
New Medical Marijuana Policy Issued - NYTimes.com
New Medical Marijuana Policy Issued - NYTimes.com
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Putting Politics Aside - POTUS 41 & 44
George H.W. Bush invited Barack Obama to an event to celebrate and encourage volunteerism in the United States. With all the screaming and yelling we see in politics today, it is nice to see political opponents come together.
George H.W. Bush, Obama Celebrate Volunteerism - washingtonpost.com
George H.W. Bush, Obama Celebrate Volunteerism - washingtonpost.com
Justice stands by refusal to give interracial couple license to wed
Justice stands by refusal to give interracial couple license to wed - CNN.comGiven the fact that laws against inter-racial marriages were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1967 (Loving v. Virginia) I don't see how this judge thinks this ruling is going to stand. I'm pretty sure he will lose his job as a Louisiana judge within a few days since he is being so defiant and obnoxious about it.
A more detailed article here:
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
At long last, the Senate Finance Committee passes health care reform bill
The bill not the far-reaching reform that I am still hoping for, but it is still progress. One Republican, Senator Olympia Snowe, did vote for the bill drafted by Committee Chairman Baucus. Of course this was just a committee vote, and the full Senate still has to take up the issue. There are still three health care reform bills in the House of Representatives.
It will be very interesting to see what happens at the conference committee that will have to iron out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.
It will be very interesting to see what happens at the conference committee that will have to iron out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Friday, October 09, 2009
Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From the Seattle Times:
Nobel Peace Prize stuns Obama, the world
President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to build momentum behind his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.
Nobel Peace Prize stuns Obama, the world
President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to build momentum behind his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
America's Racial Past & Present
The New York Times did a front page story today that uncovered previously unknown details about Michelle Obama's ancestry. Yes, her ancestors were slaves, but she also had some white relatives dating from the 1850's. I found the story of her family tree very interesting.
In First Lady’s Roots, a Complex Path From Slavery - NYTimes.com
There are many parts of America where Caucasians are overwhelming majorities, and there aren't too many people of color to be found. An African-American author traveled to some of these places in Idaho, Utah, and Georgia to research them for a book that has just been published. He calls these places Whitopias.
A Black Author's Journey Into American 'Whitopia' : NPR
Our Three Bombs - Challenges Facing our World
Sometimes I like Thomas Friedman, and sometimes not so much, but it is hard to disagree that these are three tremendous challenges facing our nation & world.
Op-Ed Columnist - Our Three Bombs - NYTimes.com
Op-Ed Columnist - Our Three Bombs - NYTimes.com
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Does this cross in the desert conflict with the 1st Amendment?
Another year, another controversy over religion and the 1st Amendment. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
A radio story from NPR, and a print story from the L.A. Times:
World War I Cross Neglects Soldiers Of Other Faiths, Critics Say : NPR
Supreme Court debates legality of Mojave cross -- latimes.com
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