In California, in the month of November the citizens will not only being voting for a new governor but for a bill that will make marijuana legal. Yes, marijuana not medical marijuana because they already have that( first state to make it legal). The bill will allow marijuana to be treated just like alcohol. A person must be 21 years of age. It would also become legal to grow up to 25 sq ft at a person home, and the local government will tax the transportation and sale of the drug. The President has said that the federal government will not will become involved in this state issue. This is a way for California to attack there economic crisis, and is overall a good business decision. This decision have the possibility to change the course of history.
My question to you is, will marijuana become legal in California/ The US?
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article7074842.ece
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Tories "will consider gay marriage"
In order to save face after home secretary Chris Grayling remarked that people should have the right to turn gay couples away from bed and breakfasts, George Osbourne of the British Conservative party said that the Tories will consider the case for gay marriage. In Britain, gays can have partnerships that have all the rights of marriage without the name. Grayling's comment caused many gay rights advocates in Britain to worry that the Conservatives would not support gays. Mr. Cameron, the new prime minister of Britain, has said that he will govern for "everyone in Britain." Mr. Cameron also said that he will change the law which causes convictions of consensual gay sex with over-sixteen-year olds to appear on criminal records.
hyperlink
Is the gay rights movement in Britain isolated from the one in the United States, or will progress there galvanize the movement on American soil?
hyperlink
Is the gay rights movement in Britain isolated from the one in the United States, or will progress there galvanize the movement on American soil?
Obama Hosts World Leaders for Nuclear Summit
http://www.aolnews.com/world/article/obama-takes-non-nuclear-pledge-to-world-leaders/19434968
Obama made a pledge to one day rid the world of nuclear weapons, and is trying to keep his promise by attempting to make an agreement with 47 countries about nuclear weapons staying out of the hands of terrorists. Obama is trying to meet a goal of four years to ensure that all nuclear weapons will be kept away from terrorists like al-Qaida. North Korea and Iran are two of the main countries they will be focusing on because they broke the nonproliferation agreement. Neither country is invited, nor is Syria because they are believed to have "nuclear ambitions". This gathering will be the largest gathering of world leaders since 1945. Obama privately met with a few different leaders already, and he even got along well with Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani. The U.S. needs the help of Pakistan to get rid of al-Qaida terrorists. Obama is taking proactive steps to ensure safety for our country and many others from the dangers of nuclear weapons, hopefully things work out well.How do you think North Korea and Iran will react to not being invited and being singled out?
Do you think this nuclear agreement will be helpful or not?
"Census Bureau urges same-sex couples to be counted"
Summary:
Encouraged by the Census Bureau, same-sex couples are being urged to participate in this year's census to tally them as being married although they do not have a marriage license. This has stirred quite a controversy, especially from conservatives who say that the Bureau is trying to redefine marriage. For the first time the Bureau has also deployed a team of professional field workers to reach out to gays and lesbians in the community to particpate in the census and has filmed a public service video encouraging gay marriages to participate. Many gay rights activist believe this is a huge milestone for gay rights and that although the law may still no recognize gay marriage, the Census Bureau at least has.
Question:
If such an important federal agency such as the Census Bureau has recognized gay couples as being married in their statistics, then what does that tell about the future? Do you think that gay marriage will eventually be legalized everywhere? What type of message is the Bureau's decision sending to America and the "conservative" side of our society?
Encouraged by the Census Bureau, same-sex couples are being urged to participate in this year's census to tally them as being married although they do not have a marriage license. This has stirred quite a controversy, especially from conservatives who say that the Bureau is trying to redefine marriage. For the first time the Bureau has also deployed a team of professional field workers to reach out to gays and lesbians in the community to particpate in the census and has filmed a public service video encouraging gay marriages to participate. Many gay rights activist believe this is a huge milestone for gay rights and that although the law may still no recognize gay marriage, the Census Bureau at least has.
Question:
If such an important federal agency such as the Census Bureau has recognized gay couples as being married in their statistics, then what does that tell about the future? Do you think that gay marriage will eventually be legalized everywhere? What type of message is the Bureau's decision sending to America and the "conservative" side of our society?
University of Colorado vs 2nd Amendment
At the University of Colorado allowing a concealed weapons permit has been suggested for the campus. There are students and faculty on ether side of this proposal. Many reasons not to allow students or faculty to hold firearms deals with personal and educational purposes. The board doesn't think that the students should feel like they are in an environment where they would need a weapon. With some people looking to flex their constitutional rights students at UC will do their best to allow guns on its campus.
I think that it is the school's decision whether or not its students should be able to carry guns on its campus, but who would really want to go to a college where you would want to carry a gun around? These students should worry about learning.
Do you think Guns + School = Cool?
I found this here
http://www.dailycamera.com/boulder-county-news/ci_14814376#axzz0kEY1wLjb
I think that it is the school's decision whether or not its students should be able to carry guns on its campus, but who would really want to go to a college where you would want to carry a gun around? These students should worry about learning.
Do you think Guns + School = Cool?
I found this here
http://www.dailycamera.com/boulder-county-news/ci_14814376#axzz0kEY1wLjb
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Historical Supreme Court Case Over Chicago Gun Law
link
For the past 28 years it has been illegal to own a handgun in the city of Chicago. The city states that it has statistics to show the thousands of lives that it has saved. However many are with the strict laws banning handguns. Otis Mcdonald, a Chicago citizen has brought the city to court over this law. He sates that he wants to be allowed to legally own a handgun to protect him and his family from gangs that roam the streets by his house in the southern region of the city. The case has now reached the Supreme Court, and a verdict is expected to come by July. Whether they rule in favor or against Otis, the Court's decision will be one to mark in the history books. For decades political groups have been arguing about just how the Second Ammendment of the Bill of Rights can be applied, and at what point the government can intervene in telling it's citizens if they can or cannot own guns.
Do you think that the Second Ammendment allows citizens to own firearms, including handguns? Why or why not?
For the past 28 years it has been illegal to own a handgun in the city of Chicago. The city states that it has statistics to show the thousands of lives that it has saved. However many are with the strict laws banning handguns. Otis Mcdonald, a Chicago citizen has brought the city to court over this law. He sates that he wants to be allowed to legally own a handgun to protect him and his family from gangs that roam the streets by his house in the southern region of the city. The case has now reached the Supreme Court, and a verdict is expected to come by July. Whether they rule in favor or against Otis, the Court's decision will be one to mark in the history books. For decades political groups have been arguing about just how the Second Ammendment of the Bill of Rights can be applied, and at what point the government can intervene in telling it's citizens if they can or cannot own guns.
Do you think that the Second Ammendment allows citizens to own firearms, including handguns? Why or why not?
Monday, March 22, 2010
NJ Gay Mariage Battle Back in Court
Gay couples who previously sued the state of New Jersey for denying them the right to marry are bringing their case back to court. On Thursday six couples filed a motion stating that, even though the state provides same-sex civil unions, it continues to discriminate against them by refusing same sex marriage. Originally filed in 2002, this suit resulted in a Supreme Court decision one vote short of requiring legalizing gay marriage. The effort of lawmakers to legalized gay marriage dissipated after this. Opponents state that there is no constitutional right for gay marriage and the civil unions are adequate. However gay marriage is legal in the states of Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.
Between divorce, sex before marriage, and child bearing before marriage, hasn’t the nature of marriage already changed dramatically in the last few generations? In defending “traditional marriage,” are people defending something that no longer exists?
Afghan Peace?
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has had peace talks in Kabul with the second largest militant group(Hezb-e-Islami militants) in the country. These are the first talks for President Karzai with envoys of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar's Hezb-e-Islami faction. This faction was previously allied with the Taliban which is the largest militant group in Afghanistan. President Karzai is recognizing that military operations alone will not bring peace to Afghanistan. This occurrence is the beginning of a new age of thought, with dealing with terrorist organization/ bringing peace to Afghanistan. President Karzai’s spokesmen did say that “Talks with insurgents are seen as vital to securing peace, although any deal is a long way off.”
Do you believe that this is a start to the end?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8579380.stm
Do you believe that this is a start to the end?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8579380.stm
Israel offers measures to get peace talks moving again
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/03/19/mideast.quartet/index.html?iref=allsearch
Israel is planning on building 1,600 houses on land in East Jerusalem that is disputed over. Blair is pretty certain that Israel wants to make peace with the Palestinians though. The Quartet does not like Israel's plan to build the housing units. The Quartet wants Israel and the Palestinians to come to an agreement, and wants a Palestinian state to be developed.
Do you think Israel is being fair in its plan to build these housing units? Do they have the right to build the units on the disputed land?
Will a Palestinian state ever be developed?
Iranian Vessel Released by Pirates
http://www.eunavfor.eu/2010/03/iranian-dhow-released-by-pirates/
An Italian frigate attatched to a NATO anti-piracy force had been monitoring an Iranian vessel believed to be hijacked some 5 months previously. On Wednesday the NATO ship observed Somali pirates leaving the hijacked vessel in small boats called skiffs. The next morning the frigate responded to a call for assistance, boarding the Iranian ship and distributing supplies to the 19 crew members. Some minor repairs were also conducted. It is believed that the pirates abandoned the vessel in response to more aggressive patrols from EU and NATO forces. The captured vessel was of the type that could have been used by the pirates as a "mothership" for launching smaller boarding ships.
Do you think the level of EU and NATO cooperation in this region is strong? Why is it necessary that both be present when they are both largely comprised of the same member states?
An Italian frigate attatched to a NATO anti-piracy force had been monitoring an Iranian vessel believed to be hijacked some 5 months previously. On Wednesday the NATO ship observed Somali pirates leaving the hijacked vessel in small boats called skiffs. The next morning the frigate responded to a call for assistance, boarding the Iranian ship and distributing supplies to the 19 crew members. Some minor repairs were also conducted. It is believed that the pirates abandoned the vessel in response to more aggressive patrols from EU and NATO forces. The captured vessel was of the type that could have been used by the pirates as a "mothership" for launching smaller boarding ships.
Do you think the level of EU and NATO cooperation in this region is strong? Why is it necessary that both be present when they are both largely comprised of the same member states?
Sunday, March 21, 2010
"Jihad Jane" Pleads Not Guilty to Terrorism Charges
Despite telling the FBI she was planning to kill a Swedish cartoonist who had published a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad on the body of a dog, Colleen LaRose, aka Jihad Jane, has pleaded not guilty in court on Thursday. LaRose has been in custody since October, but officials haven't released much information about her. She is believed to have been converted to Islam in 2008, when she began visiting countless Muslim websites. She goes against all the stereotypes of radical Islamists: young, disaffected, male, and Muslim. Even her boyfriend did not know she was Muslim. Officials believe that LaRose is an exception to the stereotypes, not the beginning of a trend, and they believe her radicalism stems more from a troubled life than religious belief.
Is Jihad Jane an exception, or does she signify a larger group of unsatisfied Westerners defecting to Muslim extremism?
Jihad Jane
Is Jihad Jane an exception, or does she signify a larger group of unsatisfied Westerners defecting to Muslim extremism?
Jihad Jane
Clinton's Request to Russia
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/03/18/lok.chance.russia.clinton.cnn?iref=allsearch
Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, asked Russia to hold back on helping Iran build a nuclear power plant. Clinton says that Iran is entitled to build a civil nuclear power plant. However until Iran reassures that a nuclear weapons program is not being created, the development of a nuclear energy program in Iran should be suspended. Clinton says that the message to Iran should be clear, that the Iranians will not create a nuclear weapons program to continue progress in nuclear power.
Is it right for the US to take control in preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear arms program or should that be more on the international level? Explain.
Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, asked Russia to hold back on helping Iran build a nuclear power plant. Clinton says that Iran is entitled to build a civil nuclear power plant. However until Iran reassures that a nuclear weapons program is not being created, the development of a nuclear energy program in Iran should be suspended. Clinton says that the message to Iran should be clear, that the Iranians will not create a nuclear weapons program to continue progress in nuclear power.
Is it right for the US to take control in preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear arms program or should that be more on the international level? Explain.
Health Care Reform Bill Passed!
The Health Care Reform Bill has passed everyone! Republicans voted unanimously against it, but Democrats pulled through with a 219-212 vote. The bill is predicted to cost over $940 billion within the next two years. It will extend coverage to over 32 million, ban the refusal on the basis of pre-existing conditions, and cut deficits immensely. Children will be covered until the age of 26, three years longer than now. The bill is being called our time's civil rights bill.
Nuclear-weapon free world?
All nuclear-weapon states don’t want to completely dispose of their nuclear weapons but many have reduced production and set limits. The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NTP) main goal is to completely disarm or eliminate nuclear weapons from all states and live in a nuclear-weapon free world. All States within this treaty are to eventually be disarmed of nuclear weapons, under Article IV which states: "Each of the Parties to the Treaty undertakes to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, and on a Treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control." The only problem is not all states agree on what this disarmament obligation really means and states not a part of the NPT are under no obligation to disarmament. President Obama said that he does not expect to see a nuclear-weapon free world in his life time but it may be possible in the future.
Do you think it is possible for there to be a nuclear-weapon free world and when will that be?
Source:
New Nucular Power Plants
On March 28, 1979 a melt down in a nuclear power plant near Harrisburg PA, has scared many people with the idea of building new plants, and Today 104 nuclear power plants power about 20% of the US's electric power. Also Nuclear plants do not release carbon dioxide which makes them a "green" source of energy. These ideas make nuclear power very popular. Despite People's opinions, new nuclear plants are looking to be built across the country.
Do you think building new nuclear power plants is a good idea?
Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123820275563962721.html
Do you think building new nuclear power plants is a good idea?
Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123820275563962721.html
House Democrat official: 'We've got the votes' on healthcare
House Democrats are finally believed to have the 216 votes needed to pass the health care bill. They were finally able to reach the number after former president Bill Clinton made several phone calls to lobby wavering Democrats. Many votes came after the decision to abandon the controversial "deem and pass" tactic for an up-or-down vote. However, the House Minority leader, Jim Boehner, said, "This fight is not lost, yet." Republican opposition contends that there will be a government takeover of private insurance plans, and will do little to slow the increasing medical costs. Republicans are angry over a Democratic tactic called reconciliation, which would let the health care bill pass with a 51 vote majority in the Senate. Overall, Democrats are very pleased with the current situation on health care.
Do you think the Health Care bill will be passed? If so, what positive or negative consequences do you think it will have on partisanship in America?
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/21/health.care.main/index.html
Do you think the Health Care bill will be passed? If so, what positive or negative consequences do you think it will have on partisanship in America?
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/21/health.care.main/index.html
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Pa. suspect is rare US woman facing terror trial
Colleen LaRose is a first, a Pennsylvania woman convicted of trying to foster a Jihad, or Muslim Holy War hence her nickname “Jihad Jane”. Specifically, her charges are attempting to transport suspected terrorists into America and trying to convince other women to marry them and do the same. Her boyfriend Kurt Gorman admitted that while LaRose would disappear on occasion, he knew nothing of her radical activities. Currently, her charges include conspiring to aid terrorists, conspiring to kill someone overseas (a Swedish cartoonist she felt offended Muslims), lying to the FBI and stealing her ex-boyfriend's passport. She has pled not guilty and her trial is set for May 3rd. When speaking about the case, Rep. Charles Dent, R.-Pa said, “homegrown radicalism is a real threat.”
Do you agree with Dent and feel more proponents of a violent Jihad will begin to emerge in America or is this just a crazy, one-off case?
in case link doesn't work
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_AMERICAN_TERROR_PLOT?SITE=VOICESD&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Do you agree with Dent and feel more proponents of a violent Jihad will begin to emerge in America or is this just a crazy, one-off case?
in case link doesn't work
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_AMERICAN_TERROR_PLOT?SITE=VOICESD&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
"Somali pirates attempt attack on Dutch warship" -3/17
Summary:
This Wednesday, the EU Naval Force reported that Somali pirates in two small skiffs advanced on a Dutch warship (HNLMS Tromp) off the coast of East Africa.
Commander John Harbour, spokesman for the EU Naval Force, stated that upon approaching the warship the pirates realized their huge mistake after the warship began to fire warning shots. EU Naval Force personell tracked down the two skiffs and a third ship, known as the mothership, that was involved and discovered ammunition and rocket-propelled grenades. After destroying the two skiffs the pirates were released on the mothership after all ammunition was taken.
This has been the 11th attack in the past two weeks along the coast of East Africa that the EU Naval Force have stopped. This recent attack has shown that the Somali pirates will attempt to attack any vessel, no matter the size or power, and that essentially, this problem will continue and continue until "an effective government is established on Somalia's lawless shores." Currently, Somalia is "too busy" fighting an Islamic insurgency within the country.
Question:
By releasing these pirates, what does that suggest about the regulations/rules overseas? What should be the consequence of piracy, and how can it be prevent if Somalia is a hopeless case?
(I thought I did this right, but if it doesn't work here is the source-)
Source: http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/nation_world/88201887.html
This Wednesday, the EU Naval Force reported that Somali pirates in two small skiffs advanced on a Dutch warship (HNLMS Tromp) off the coast of East Africa.
Commander John Harbour, spokesman for the EU Naval Force, stated that upon approaching the warship the pirates realized their huge mistake after the warship began to fire warning shots. EU Naval Force personell tracked down the two skiffs and a third ship, known as the mothership, that was involved and discovered ammunition and rocket-propelled grenades. After destroying the two skiffs the pirates were released on the mothership after all ammunition was taken.
This has been the 11th attack in the past two weeks along the coast of East Africa that the EU Naval Force have stopped. This recent attack has shown that the Somali pirates will attempt to attack any vessel, no matter the size or power, and that essentially, this problem will continue and continue until "an effective government is established on Somalia's lawless shores." Currently, Somalia is "too busy" fighting an Islamic insurgency within the country.
Question:
By releasing these pirates, what does that suggest about the regulations/rules overseas? What should be the consequence of piracy, and how can it be prevent if Somalia is a hopeless case?
(I thought I did this right, but if it doesn't work here is the source-)
Source: http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/nation_world/88201887.html
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Taking a Risk with Nuclear Tech.
http://http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/15/business/energy-environment/15green.html?scp=2&sq=nuclear&st=cse
Amongst the huge debate over nuclear power, many countries are still looking to expand nuclear power to other parts of the globe. While some countries feel as if nuclear power needs to be silenced, others are pushing it to expand into poorer countries to provide income and stability. France has been suggesting that plants be built in Syria and Lybia. France does this under the notion that, peaceful nuclear energy should not be confined to the super powers of the world. Yet, this leaves a huge bill to fill. Not only is it extremely hard to build these reactors in cheap ways, but it also will almost double the number of reactors in the world by 2030. Also a huge concern is over the idea of superpowers leaning on the smaller countries to obtain materials in a cheap manner. If supporting nuclear power continues, it could have risky complications down the line.
QOTD: Do you feel as though nuclear power should slowly be lessened, or do you feel that smaller countries should be given ways to create their own plants in order to stay in the power struggle?
Amongst the huge debate over nuclear power, many countries are still looking to expand nuclear power to other parts of the globe. While some countries feel as if nuclear power needs to be silenced, others are pushing it to expand into poorer countries to provide income and stability. France has been suggesting that plants be built in Syria and Lybia. France does this under the notion that, peaceful nuclear energy should not be confined to the super powers of the world. Yet, this leaves a huge bill to fill. Not only is it extremely hard to build these reactors in cheap ways, but it also will almost double the number of reactors in the world by 2030. Also a huge concern is over the idea of superpowers leaning on the smaller countries to obtain materials in a cheap manner. If supporting nuclear power continues, it could have risky complications down the line.
QOTD: Do you feel as though nuclear power should slowly be lessened, or do you feel that smaller countries should be given ways to create their own plants in order to stay in the power struggle?
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
"Vermont Senate votes to close nuke plant in 2012"
Source:
http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/business/85235907.html
Date: 2/24/10
Summary:
Last Wednesday, the Vermont Senate voted to block operation of the state's only nuclear power plant in the year 2012 after its license expires (which somewhat works against Obama's plans to use these plants/ fission reactors as a source of electricity.) Vermont is the only state in the country that has a law, giving the state's legislature power to control the relicensing of nuclear plants. Although some senators may have voted in favor of an extention on the plant's license, several issues, including accusations of the plant leaking radioactive tritium into the groundwater and suggestion that the plant lied about its piping lines, would have made it very difficult to pass.
Concerning Obama's plans, the president believes that investing/relying more on nuclear power will help the nation become a step closer to becoming less reliant on foreign resources (ex. oil).
Question:
Do you believe that Vermont was smart in its decision to block the plant from operating anymore? Furthermore, do you agree with Obama's plan that nuclear power will help the US rely less on foreign sources?
http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/business/85235907.html
Date: 2/24/10
Summary:
Last Wednesday, the Vermont Senate voted to block operation of the state's only nuclear power plant in the year 2012 after its license expires (which somewhat works against Obama's plans to use these plants/ fission reactors as a source of electricity.) Vermont is the only state in the country that has a law, giving the state's legislature power to control the relicensing of nuclear plants. Although some senators may have voted in favor of an extention on the plant's license, several issues, including accusations of the plant leaking radioactive tritium into the groundwater and suggestion that the plant lied about its piping lines, would have made it very difficult to pass.
Concerning Obama's plans, the president believes that investing/relying more on nuclear power will help the nation become a step closer to becoming less reliant on foreign resources (ex. oil).
Question:
Do you believe that Vermont was smart in its decision to block the plant from operating anymore? Furthermore, do you agree with Obama's plan that nuclear power will help the US rely less on foreign sources?
Monday, February 22, 2010
Healthcare Again
Obama has come back to the table with a new health care plan. This new plan is important to the Obama administration because if he is not able to pass this new plan, it will reflect on his ability to lead. The new plan address the issue of affordability, and pre-existing conditions; and also giving federal Health and Human Services Department control over premiums. The president has actually put forward proposal for the bill himself. He will have bipartisan talks on Thursday at the White House on the issue.
If Obama’s administration is not able to get a bill passed, how do you believe history will view him?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8528100.stm
If Obama’s administration is not able to get a bill passed, how do you believe history will view him?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8528100.stm
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Somali pirates free Taiwanese fishing boat
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8510938.stm
A group of Somali pirates finally released a Taiwanese tuna fishing boat after the owner paid the ransom. The boat had been captured by the pirates ten months ago, only three of the thirty crew members died as a result of the captivity. They died because of malnutrition, disease and neglect. There were reports that the capture fishing boat, the Win Far 161, had been used by the pirates during the ten months to attack other ships like the US-flagged Maersk Alabama. The seas around horn of Africa has now become one of the most dangerous places because of the Somali pirates.
Question: Should people continue to just pay ransom to the Somali pirates or should our government intervene militarily?
A group of Somali pirates finally released a Taiwanese tuna fishing boat after the owner paid the ransom. The boat had been captured by the pirates ten months ago, only three of the thirty crew members died as a result of the captivity. They died because of malnutrition, disease and neglect. There were reports that the capture fishing boat, the Win Far 161, had been used by the pirates during the ten months to attack other ships like the US-flagged Maersk Alabama. The seas around horn of Africa has now become one of the most dangerous places because of the Somali pirates.
Question: Should people continue to just pay ransom to the Somali pirates or should our government intervene militarily?
New Drug Worry in Phila: Synthetic Marijuana
http://www.philly.com/philly/health_and_science/84835717.html
Synthetic versions of marijuana have been appearing in the Philadelphia area and have been confiscated by local authorities. It is not illegal to be in possession of the marijuana but it is illegal to import or sell because the FDA has not tested or approved it. 85 packages of the drug arrived from Amsterdam and were taken after testing as marijuana. The packages consisted of "random plant material" that was dried and coated with chemicals. The drug, JWH-018, is labeled as K2, an incense that can be smoked. Technically it is not illegal to possess because it is not classified as a narcotic. Kansas and Missouri are already considering outlawing synthetic marijuana.
If regular marijuana was legalized, would other types of marijuana, such as this synthetic marijuana, be legal also? Should new types of marijuana be named illegal before they are brought into the United States?
Synthetic versions of marijuana have been appearing in the Philadelphia area and have been confiscated by local authorities. It is not illegal to be in possession of the marijuana but it is illegal to import or sell because the FDA has not tested or approved it. 85 packages of the drug arrived from Amsterdam and were taken after testing as marijuana. The packages consisted of "random plant material" that was dried and coated with chemicals. The drug, JWH-018, is labeled as K2, an incense that can be smoked. Technically it is not illegal to possess because it is not classified as a narcotic. Kansas and Missouri are already considering outlawing synthetic marijuana.
If regular marijuana was legalized, would other types of marijuana, such as this synthetic marijuana, be legal also? Should new types of marijuana be named illegal before they are brought into the United States?
the Bad Guy in Insurance Premium Hikes
http://www.aolnews.com/politics/article/whos-to-blame-for-insurance-premium-hikes/19364618
Do you think insurance premiums is the number one thing our president should be concentrating on at this time? Do you think this will lead to universal healthcare?
2nd Amendment Applies to States, Court Rules.
http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/02/18/24830.htm
The Washington Supreme Court has ruled that the 2nd Amendment indeed applies to the states "via the 14th Amendment due-process clause." The ruling comes after a 17 year old boy was arrested for carrying a loaded semiautomatic handgun and sued, claiming his 2nd Amendment rights had been violated by a Washington state law banning minors from carrying firearms. The court did not rule on whether minors should be allowed to carry guns, focusing on the 2nd Amendments applications instead. The US Supreme Court is to hear arguments on the same issue later on in the year.
Should the 2nd Amendment be read in a strict manner, or one that is more open to interpretation?
The Washington Supreme Court has ruled that the 2nd Amendment indeed applies to the states "via the 14th Amendment due-process clause." The ruling comes after a 17 year old boy was arrested for carrying a loaded semiautomatic handgun and sued, claiming his 2nd Amendment rights had been violated by a Washington state law banning minors from carrying firearms. The court did not rule on whether minors should be allowed to carry guns, focusing on the 2nd Amendments applications instead. The US Supreme Court is to hear arguments on the same issue later on in the year.
Should the 2nd Amendment be read in a strict manner, or one that is more open to interpretation?
North Korea Refuses To Abandon Missile Program
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/02/19/north.korea.nuclear/index.html?iref=allsearch
North Korea vowed Friday, that it will never abandon it's nuclear missile program so long as America continues a "hostile policy" towards them. Isolated by both choice and numerous sanctions from the UN, North Korea is severely hurt by its lack of foriegn relations. It is suffering from both economic and food shortages and situations are continue to grow more and more dire without external support and aid. US secretary of State Hilary Clinton, and other world leaders believe that these problems will cuase North Korea to sit down to open negotiations sometime in the near future.
Do you think North Korea will ever be willing to give up its nuclear program, even if sanctions are lifted and aid is given?
North Korea vowed Friday, that it will never abandon it's nuclear missile program so long as America continues a "hostile policy" towards them. Isolated by both choice and numerous sanctions from the UN, North Korea is severely hurt by its lack of foriegn relations. It is suffering from both economic and food shortages and situations are continue to grow more and more dire without external support and aid. US secretary of State Hilary Clinton, and other world leaders believe that these problems will cuase North Korea to sit down to open negotiations sometime in the near future.
Do you think North Korea will ever be willing to give up its nuclear program, even if sanctions are lifted and aid is given?
Iran's supreme leader: We do not seek atomic bombs
Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons and that Iran doesnt believe in making nuclear bombs. There have been recent tensions between Iran and the West over the issue of Iran's supposed production of nuclear weapons. However, Iran has frequently insisted that their uranium is simply for civilian and medical use. A draft report from the IAEA has stated that Iran may be working on a nuclear warhead for a missile, and that Iran has been defying U.N. orders. Iran has begun to enrich Uranium enough to sustain a nuclear reaction, without proper IAEA inspection, and a secret nuclear facility has been discovered at the city of Qom. Also, Iran has been pushing for concessions from Western powers, which leads the West to believe that Iran has been developing nuclear weapons. If Iran continues to prod, they may be susceptible to an attack from the Jewish state of Israel. Iranian president Ahmadinejad recently said that enrichment would increase to 20 percent and that "big changes are underway.
Should the West give in to Iranian concessions? What do you think this would lead to?
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/02/19/iran.nuclear/index.html?iref=allsearch
Should the West give in to Iranian concessions? What do you think this would lead to?
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/02/19/iran.nuclear/index.html?iref=allsearch
Mass. says federal marriage law unconstitutional
Source: http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/nation_world/84776502.html
Recently in Boston Massachusetts, Attorney General Martha Coakley is filing a lawsuit challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act- which highlights two major things:
* source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_of_Marriage_Act (its from wiki but it looked like the info was pretty accurate)
Last Thursday, Coakley asks a judge to deem the law unconstitutional without holding a trial on the lawsuit. She argues that martial status should be left up to the states and that " the federal law treats married heterosexual couples and married same-sex couples differently on Medicaid benefits and burial in veterans' cemeteries."
Massachusetts is the first state to pass the law on gay marriage and is now the first state to challenge this law.
Questions: Is it fair that marriage could be valid in one state (such as MA) and not be valid in another? Does this only pertain to marriages of same sex? Doesn't this mean, then that heterosexual marriages could also be "invalid" then in other states? Is not a discrimination then to have the ability (which is given in the Defense of Marriage Act) to pick and choose which marriages are valid?
Recently in Boston Massachusetts, Attorney General Martha Coakley is filing a lawsuit challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act- which highlights two major things:
- No state (or other political subdivision within the United States) needs to treat a relationship between persons of the same sex as a marriage, even if the relationship is considered a marriage in another state.
- The federal government defines marriage as a legal union exclusively between one man and one woman. "
* source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_of_Marriage_Act (its from wiki but it looked like the info was pretty accurate)
Last Thursday, Coakley asks a judge to deem the law unconstitutional without holding a trial on the lawsuit. She argues that martial status should be left up to the states and that " the federal law treats married heterosexual couples and married same-sex couples differently on Medicaid benefits and burial in veterans' cemeteries."
Massachusetts is the first state to pass the law on gay marriage and is now the first state to challenge this law.
Questions: Is it fair that marriage could be valid in one state (such as MA) and not be valid in another? Does this only pertain to marriages of same sex? Doesn't this mean, then that heterosexual marriages could also be "invalid" then in other states? Is not a discrimination then to have the ability (which is given in the Defense of Marriage Act) to pick and choose which marriages are valid?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Bill Gates Calls for Better Nuclear Tech
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/02/12/bill.gates.clean.energy/index.html?iref=allsearch
Bill Gates, known for co-founding Microsoft and his philanthropic efforts, called for better nuclear technology. Gates named climate change "the world's most vexing problem," and he set a deadline for the elimination of all carbon emissions by 2050. Advancing technology would make this goal much easier - the ability to turn 99% of spent uranium (nuclear waste, in other words) into energy would create a near limitless source of power. Large scale use of alternative energy would require better battery technology than is currently available. Gates believes that we need batteries 100x better.
Do you believe advanced, high concept tech advances such as these will be the answer to the world's energy problems?
Bill Gates, known for co-founding Microsoft and his philanthropic efforts, called for better nuclear technology. Gates named climate change "the world's most vexing problem," and he set a deadline for the elimination of all carbon emissions by 2050. Advancing technology would make this goal much easier - the ability to turn 99% of spent uranium (nuclear waste, in other words) into energy would create a near limitless source of power. Large scale use of alternative energy would require better battery technology than is currently available. Gates believes that we need batteries 100x better.
Do you believe advanced, high concept tech advances such as these will be the answer to the world's energy problems?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Obama Funds First New Nuclear Plants In 30 Years
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/02/16/obama.jobs/index.html?iref=allsearch
President Obama recently announced an $8.3 billion loan to build two new nuclear power plants in Burke County Georgia. This project will give energy to 550,000 homes, and 1.4 million people, as well as create thousands of temporary and permanent jobs. However, like any other nuclear endeaver, there is opposition. Ben Schreiber of Friends of the Earth had this to say about the mater, "The Department of Energy is putting taxpayers on the hook for bailing out costly and dangerous nuclear reactor projects when the loans used to finance those projects default. This is great news for Wall Street but a bad deal for Main Street." However President Obama promises that all new nuclear facilities will be held to the highest safety standards, and will benefit both the economy and the ecosystem.
Do you think nuclear energy is a valuable or dangerous tool? Under what conditions should it or should it not be used?
President Obama recently announced an $8.3 billion loan to build two new nuclear power plants in Burke County Georgia. This project will give energy to 550,000 homes, and 1.4 million people, as well as create thousands of temporary and permanent jobs. However, like any other nuclear endeaver, there is opposition. Ben Schreiber of Friends of the Earth had this to say about the mater, "The Department of Energy is putting taxpayers on the hook for bailing out costly and dangerous nuclear reactor projects when the loans used to finance those projects default. This is great news for Wall Street but a bad deal for Main Street." However President Obama promises that all new nuclear facilities will be held to the highest safety standards, and will benefit both the economy and the ecosystem.
Do you think nuclear energy is a valuable or dangerous tool? Under what conditions should it or should it not be used?
Monday, February 15, 2010
Iran Boasts of Capacity to Make Bomb Fuel
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/12/world/middleeast/12iran.html?scp=2&sq=nuclear&st=cse
This article covers the is that is being looked at daily, Iran and it capability to be a threat on a nuclear level. The Iranian president stated that the country has the capability to makes the fuel necessary for nuclear bombs. Yet, some are looking at his speech as just a way of intimidation. He stated that, “We have the capability to enrich uranium more than 20 percent or 80 percent, but we don’t enrich because we don’t need it”. The only speculation is that the range of percents are very large, making his speech look more and more like an exaggerated boast. He also warned the West that his country can make a bomb at anytime, and when it is built they will not be afraid of any other country.
I feel as if this is just one big show. Although Iran posses a threat by becoming active with nuclear materials, they are late in development. Even if the country were to launch its missiles, we have weapons systems to shoot them down and have our own weapons. Many other countries are well developed in its offensive weapons systems. I feel as if this is just a man who is trying to feel as much power as he can by blowing hot air.
QOTD- Do you feel as if Iran's threats really pose a problem? Why, why not?
This article covers the is that is being looked at daily, Iran and it capability to be a threat on a nuclear level. The Iranian president stated that the country has the capability to makes the fuel necessary for nuclear bombs. Yet, some are looking at his speech as just a way of intimidation. He stated that, “We have the capability to enrich uranium more than 20 percent or 80 percent, but we don’t enrich because we don’t need it”. The only speculation is that the range of percents are very large, making his speech look more and more like an exaggerated boast. He also warned the West that his country can make a bomb at anytime, and when it is built they will not be afraid of any other country.
I feel as if this is just one big show. Although Iran posses a threat by becoming active with nuclear materials, they are late in development. Even if the country were to launch its missiles, we have weapons systems to shoot them down and have our own weapons. Many other countries are well developed in its offensive weapons systems. I feel as if this is just a man who is trying to feel as much power as he can by blowing hot air.
QOTD- Do you feel as if Iran's threats really pose a problem? Why, why not?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Clinton calls for Iran to pay 'greater costs' for 'dangerous' policies.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/02/14/clinton.iran/index.html
The article begins by describing Iran's nuclear policies and how, in recent days, the production of highly enriched uranium has been stepped up. Iran said last week that it had completed its first batch of 20 percent enriched uranium (enough to set off a nuclear reaction) and would soon triple production. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has denounced Iran's new approach, saying that they have not demonstrated that their program is entirely peaceful, and that further sanctions will be placed on them. "The country could get the enriched uranium that it says it wants for medical research by accepting a proposal under which Iran would ship its uranium abroad to be enriched and then returned, but Iran has rejected that offer, Clinton said." What is Iran hiding?
Is it the United States' place to say who can and who cannot enrich uranium? What are Iran's intentions?
The article begins by describing Iran's nuclear policies and how, in recent days, the production of highly enriched uranium has been stepped up. Iran said last week that it had completed its first batch of 20 percent enriched uranium (enough to set off a nuclear reaction) and would soon triple production. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has denounced Iran's new approach, saying that they have not demonstrated that their program is entirely peaceful, and that further sanctions will be placed on them. "The country could get the enriched uranium that it says it wants for medical research by accepting a proposal under which Iran would ship its uranium abroad to be enriched and then returned, but Iran has rejected that offer, Clinton said." What is Iran hiding?
Is it the United States' place to say who can and who cannot enrich uranium? What are Iran's intentions?
Gay Soldier Invited Back To National Guard
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123684042&ft=1&f=1014
The military policy Don’t Ask Don’t Tell requires the discharge of openly gay service members. Lieutenant Dan Choi was recommended for discharge after he became openly gay. However because the military is taking a second look at the policy he has been asked to return to training with his National Guard Unit. His unit may be sent to Iraq in the coming months so his commander wants every able and willing soldier he can get. Lt. Choi says he can still get a call any day saying he is officially discharged though but he his happy to return to service. He also entered West Point knowing he was gay but has now realized he does not want to lie about it anymore.
Do you think that Lt. Choi should be allowed back into the National Guard even though he is openly gay and the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy is still in action?
The military policy Don’t Ask Don’t Tell requires the discharge of openly gay service members. Lieutenant Dan Choi was recommended for discharge after he became openly gay. However because the military is taking a second look at the policy he has been asked to return to training with his National Guard Unit. His unit may be sent to Iraq in the coming months so his commander wants every able and willing soldier he can get. Lt. Choi says he can still get a call any day saying he is officially discharged though but he his happy to return to service. He also entered West Point knowing he was gay but has now realized he does not want to lie about it anymore.
Do you think that Lt. Choi should be allowed back into the National Guard even though he is openly gay and the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy is still in action?
Record Number of Somali Pirate Attacks in 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/30/world/africa/30piracy.html?_r=1
The Piracy Reporting Center of the International Maritime Bureau has reported 214 pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia in 2009. There were 111 attacks in 2008, a 200 percent increase from 2007. In 2009, there were 47 successful hijackings, 12 of the ships have crew members still being held for ransom. Warships from the European Union, United States, China, Japan, Russia, India, and other countries are deployed in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in 30 ships patrolling the waters at all times. However, the pirates have moved to the southern and eastern coasts of Somalia, where patrols are nonexistent. There they are having a high success rate in capturing ships, and the coalition does not have any free ships to guard those areas.
Do the world superpowers need to take a tougher stance on the pirates, or are they doing as much as possible?
The Piracy Reporting Center of the International Maritime Bureau has reported 214 pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia in 2009. There were 111 attacks in 2008, a 200 percent increase from 2007. In 2009, there were 47 successful hijackings, 12 of the ships have crew members still being held for ransom. Warships from the European Union, United States, China, Japan, Russia, India, and other countries are deployed in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in 30 ships patrolling the waters at all times. However, the pirates have moved to the southern and eastern coasts of Somalia, where patrols are nonexistent. There they are having a high success rate in capturing ships, and the coalition does not have any free ships to guard those areas.
Do the world superpowers need to take a tougher stance on the pirates, or are they doing as much as possible?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Marijuana Is Gateway Drug for Two Debates
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/fashion/19pot.html
The article opens with a story about Joyce, a pot addict. She started smoking marijuana when she was 15, and it became an addiction to her. Her daily routine, once she was older, was go to work, come home, close the door, have her bong, her food, her music and her dog, and she would not see another person until she went to work the next day. This process continued for 20 years, and when she tried to quit she was irritable and anxious. Eventually she checked into treatment, but she view marijuana as a slow form of suicide. Marijuana is the country's most widely used illicit drug. Writer, musicians, and movie have played it off to be appealing, or silly. It cannot lead to a fatal overdose, but it is more potent than it used to be, and is more dangerous for teens, and children whose brain are still developing. Some advocates view these claims as neurotic and say it is an effective medical treatment, and most people can smoke it everyday without any lasting negative effects. The article concludes with a brief story of Milo, who started smoking pot when he as 13, now 60 and had to attend a Marijuana anonymous in order to attempt to quit.
Do you think marijuana is a stepping stone to other, or do you believe it has no gateway effects and stories such as Milo's and Joyce's are a rare occurrence?
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