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?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
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?
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