Arrest of undocumented student draws controversy

This article titled "Undocumented student's arrest called part of 'civil rights disaster'" by Jessica Ravitz discusses the predicament of an undocumented student at Kennesaw State University. Her name is Jessica Colotl. She has been in the United States illegally since she was 11 and is now 21 years old and is close to graduating from the university. In March, she was stopped in Alabama for a minor traffic violation and was unable to produce a license so she handed over an expired Mexican passport. Due to the " U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) program" which allows law enforcement to work in tandem with immigration officials, she was arrested the next day and was given to immigration officials. She spent over a month in a detention senter in Alabama. Supporters of Jessica claim that this is a perfect example of how the system is failing. Immigration attorney Charles Kuck claims that "Jessica can't start the process to become a U.S. citizen because she's not allowed to." He also claims that "She has not failed us. We have failed her. The system has failed her." The sheriff who arrested her says that "Ms. Colotl knew that she was in the United States without authority to be here and voluntarily chose to operate a vehicle without a driver's license, which is a violation of Georgia law. She has further complicated her situation with her blatant disregard for Georgia law by giving false information." The latter claim has been denied by Colotl's criminal attorney who states that the car's registration reflected her old address and that Colotl had provided her new adress when taken into custody. Many believe that the sheriff have over stepped his boundaries but I believe that everything he did is fine. His job is to enforce the law and that's what he did. Now wether the system is broken is another question. I belive that it is. Jessica Clolotl was obviously not undertaking in any drug trafficking or any other major illegal activity. She was just going about her business and trying to get a higher education. Therefore, in her specific case or any case that reflects her, I believe that the immigrant in questoin should be given a chance to build up credentials and apply for at least a student visa.

Paul wins republican primary for the Senate in Kentucky

Republican Senate candidate Rand Paul is greeted by Briarwood Elementary Principal Debbie Richey as he enters a polling place in Bowling Green, Ky.

The May 19th MSNBC entitled "Paul wins Republican Senate nod in Kentucky" discusses Rand Paul, Ron Paul's son, recent GOP Senate primary win in Kentucky. Paul is fresh off a tea party-driven win. Rand Paul said he plans to stick with his anti-federal government message even as Democrats suggested he is a controversial candidate who will make an easy target in November.
Paul easily defeated Republican established Trey Grayson with about 59 percent of the vote Tuesday night in a race closely watched across the country. This election was a test of the tea party movement's strength.

This article is very important to government because it deals with the legislative branch, political parties, and more importantly elections. We see here how decentralized elections have become. Now it is not a prerequisite to be as much of a party insider, as we can see here with the Republican-established candidate losing the primary. Rand Paul is a very controversial, and I disagree with much of what he has to say. I think he has some good ideas, but at times I feel like he is just trying to shock people.

Photo credit: Hunter Wilson/AP

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White House Defends Handling of the Spill

On Sunday May 23rd, the White House administration officials defended their position on the gulf oil spill cleanup. They are sticking to their decision to keep the company in charge of cleaning up the spill. Thad Allen, the coast guard commandment Adm. , stated "that the federal government didn't possess the technology to access the leak 5,000 feet below the surface of the ocean."
On Thursday, the EPA "ordered BP to identify and use a less-toxic of chemical dispersant that it has been using to break up the spill. BP refused, saying it believes the product it has been using—Corexit, manufactured by Nalco Holding Co. of Naperville, Ill.,—is the best option."
As a whole, the whole spill issue seems to give off a hot potato effect. The government and BP officials are still in a gridlock on what is the correct plan of action. The EPA is known as the Environmental Protection Agency. It is a government run committee that deals with restrictions on products in order to protect the environment.

Posted by: M. Laycock and S. Romell
Photo Credit: SIPA USA

Time for Congress to pay black farmers

The CNN opinion article entitled "Time for Congress to pay black farmers" By: CNN Political Analyst, Roland S. Martin on April 27, 2010. Discusses how for years black farmers have been discriminated against and now a $1.15 billion settlement has been reached to pay for past discriminations. The article goes on to talk about how the money was to be paid by March 31, but Congress recessed without acting. And how for years big opportunities were denied from these farmers for years by the government. But now some of the farmers who have been fighting for this legislation have started passing away without ever seeing justice. Martin goes on to say that "the time for talk is over -- it's time to pay up". I think that the farmers should be paid for past injustices because they have been denied the same opportunity as other farmers.

Posted by: Travis Clayton

Texas Textbook Curriculum

According to CNN, on Friday May 21, Texas voted a 9-5 vote on approving the change of what information goes into our history textbooks. The problem starts at the fact that because of Texas' size, many textbook publishers adapt their books after what Texas wants because there are so many major buyers, and they don't want to change it again, and again. If these changes go through, it is said that this change will affect every state in the U.S., even Utah. The Board of Education has already voted against discussing Social Security, and Medicare in the book. They also added to include the direct reference of President Obama's election in the book. According to CNN the students will now have to become familiar with Thomas Jefferson's political philosophies and views.

I think this is way too extreme. Texas is basically saying that they want to rewrite history, or at least keep the student population from hearing something they might not like. It is almost like saying that part of our nations history did not happen.

I think that this article relates to what we learned in class because this is dealing with how the State must exert its power in places where the use Government Funded Mandates. It is also a good example of how the state could encounter problems with other states, due to the face that his change will most likely affect everyone. Perhaps this will turn into a Supreme Court Case?

Kagan's View of Free Speech Questionable

This Washington Post editorial entitled “Elena Kagan: Hostile to free speech?” discusses Kagan’s opinion regarding freedom of speech. The author had a vested interest with regard to this when he was involved in a Supreme Court case which pitted Citizens United versus the FEC. Kagan represented the FEC. This case resulted in a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court holding that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts in candidate elections cannot be limited under the First Amendment. The 5-4 decision resulted from a dispute over whether the non-profit corporation Citizens United could air via video on demand a critical film about Hilary Clinton, and whether the group could advertise the film in broadcast ads featuring Clinton's image, in apparent violation of the 2002 McCain-Feingold Act. The author of this editorial won the case, but is wary of what is to come should Kagan be elected.

This relates to what we have studied in government in that it is talking about the judicial appointment process for the Supreme Court. Bossie says that Kagan is unfit to take a place on the Supreme Court due to her disregard for the First Amendment’s protection of free speech. Bossie argues that she does not regard grassroots interest groups as being constitutionally protected, which would skew her interpretations of Supreme Court cases.

We believe that the author has some very valid point in questioning Kagan’s views on free speech. In the appointment process, her involvement in Citizens United v. FEC should certainly not be overlooked. However, we do take this article with a grain of salt, as the author is incredibly biased because of his involvement in the case.

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Mary M. and Chris D.

Blumenthal Apologizes For Statements About Vietnam War Service

The Huffington Post's article, "Richard Blumenthal Apologizes For Statements About Vietnam War Service,"discusses Blumenthal's apologies about service claims. Blumenthal claimed that he served "in" Vietnam, when really he was a member of the Marine Reserves during the Vietnam war era. Blumenthal claims to have made a mistake in saying this, and that no dishonor was meant toward any veterans. He says, "I have firmly and clearly expressed regret and taken responsibility for my words." In my opinion, no one can know if Blumenthal made a genuine mistake or if he was trying to embellish on his past, but I think that his apology was appropriate.

photo credit: The Huffington Post

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US Cartoonist Apologizes over Facebook Muhammad row

The article, US Cartoonist Apologizes over Facebook Muhammad row by the BBC on May 21st, discusses the very controversial “Everyone Draw Muhammad Day” flyer and the back lash it has had. The cartoonist, Molly Norris, apologized over Facebook saying that ‘her satirical cartoon was ‘hijacked’ and that the campaign was ‘offensive to Muslims’". A Facebook group was started for “Everyone Draw Muhammad Day”. The Pakistani courts retaliated by ordering that Facebook be blocked. They all so want Youtube blocked and have rallies against “Everyone Draw Muhammad Day” planned for Friday.
Molly Norris drew her cartoon in protest of the cancelling of the Muhammad South Park episode. In the cartoon flyer she sarcastically proposed “Everyone Draw Muhammad Day.” The cartoon sparked a viral Facebook group supporting the “Everyone Draw Muhammad Day.” In Islam it is forbidden to depict Muhammad in anyway. Norris said, “I never started a Facebook page; I never set up any place for people to send drawings to and I never received any drawings.”
The Pakistani government blocked Youtube due to "growing sacrilegious content". It is unknown if these new bans will be successful. Facebook and Youtube are both looking into the issue.
This article raises the question, Should non-Islamic citizens respect the teachings of Islam or other religions for that matter?

Our Opinion: Even though disrespectful, Americans citizens and Pakistani are both in the right. The cartoonist can publish the cartoon and people are welcome to join the Facebook group under the first amendment. In the Pakistani Constitution, free speech is allowed but the speech cannot go against the teachings of Islam. As to whether Facebook should be blocked, we believe that that is Pakistan’s choice, but the group shouldn’t be blocked in the US.

Posted By: MTaylor and EGrenadier

Obama To Send Spending-Reduction Legislation To Congress

This article, written in the Wall Street Journal on May 24, 2010, is about President Obama and his issuing of spending-reduction legislation to Congress. His proposal, called the Reduce Unnecessary Spending Act of 2010, is a response to the negative criticism that the federal government is spending out of control. The legislation allows President Obama to propose a series of rescissions to spending packages approved by Congress. Congress would have to vote on whether to approve Obama's rescissions within set timeframes to limit debate and without the ability to make changes. It will give the White House broad authority to reduce wasteful federal spending and block earmarks. He has already signed into law a pay-as-you-go bill, forcing Congress to make cuts equivalent to any new entitlement increases. He has also proposed a three-year freeze on non-security discretionary funding, which could save the government $250 billion over ten years. This article is significant because it epitomizes the relationship between the president and Congress. The president can recommend legislation, but the future of the legislation depends on the willingness of Congress to accept the bill. The president often sees Congress as an obstacle to overcome, so the dynamic relationship between Congress and the president is all about persuasion. In my opinion, Congress should accept and pass Obama's legislation in order to help out those suffering in the economy, because I also agree that the government is spending ridiculous amounts of money.

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Republican takes House seat in Hawaii

Seen in the Austin American Statesman the article Republican captures House seat in Hawaii, discusses the change in party domination of the House seat in Hawaii. This seat was held by Democrats for the last 20 years, but in the recent election, the seat went to Republican Djou. The two Democratic candidates, Hanabusa and Case fought for the seat and split the Democratic party. Due to the winner-take-all system, Djou won the election by just a few votes. This change in party in Obama's home town aids the Republican party symbolic strength in Congress. The loss in political capital for Obama fuels the gain in political prowess for the Republican party. The splitting of the Democratic party in this election could be due to candidate centered campaigns that detract from partisanship.

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Wall Street reform passes in the Senate

This CNN article entitled Senate Passes Sweeping Wall Street Reform from May 21, 2010 describes the latest bill to be passed by the senate, the Wall Street Reform bill. After about a year of debate, senators have agreed on the bill's provisions- to create a consumer financial protectionregulatory agency that could write new rules to protect consumers from unfair or abusive mortgages and credit cards, a council of regulators that would sound an alarm before companies are in position to trigger a financial crisis, and establish new procedures for shutting down giant financial firms that are collapsing. The bill passed with a 59-39 ratio and is headed to a conference committee to iron out differences between it and the House's version.


This article is a prime example of the Constitution's provision of checks and balances. After passing the House, the bill was passed trhough the Senate, and now faces the rulings of a conference committee before it can be handed to the President for signing.


I think this bill will be a huge benefit in the future financial system, offering more protections for consumers and limiting big companies. The current financial predicament we're in now was brought along by abusive and manipulative big businesses, particularly mortgage companies, so I believe that in order to prevent another recession caused by the same mistakes, this bill needs to be passed.

Photo Credit: http://econotwist.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/obama-wall-street-reform.jpg

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By: Sarah Gross

Kagan Must Speak

In the Newsweek article, "Elana Kagan Must Speak", the importance of her speaking on issues is highlighted. They refer back to a Supreme Court case about Credit Card companies several years ago and how one word, "location", was a crucial determinate in how credit card companies opperate. Although this has nothing to do with Kagan, it is an example of why it is so crucial for her to speak up and share her views. Because everything can be interpreted differently.

I agree with this article about Kagan needing to speak. I have a hard time putting someone on the Supreme Court, republican or democrate, if we do not know where they stand. And to me this poses another problem, if she cannot share her political views what else is she hiding?

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By:Brooke Adair

Perjury Trail Of Chicago Cop Tied To Torture Begins

In a May 24th 2010 article, Perjury Trial Of Chicago

Cop Tied To Torture Begins: In November or 1983 Darryl

Cannon was taken by the police because they believed he had

nformation about a murder. Cannon wouldn't release any

information to them about the murder, so they handcuffed him and put a shotgun into this mouth and kept pulling the

trigger, it was really a cattle prod. Cannon just wanted them

to stop pulling the trigger so he told them that he had

committed the murder, even though he hadn't just so they

would stop. Cannon spent more than twenty years in jail

because of this. He was released in 2004 and is now suing

for wrongful conviction. Burge, the police officer was never

charged for the torture, because it had happened too long ago.

But, he was charged for lying in a previous case about the torture.

Also, George Ryan stated that "Because of the Illinois death penalty

system is arbitrary and capricious, and therefore immoral, I no longer

shall tinker withe machinery of death." George Ryan cleared the states

death row. I don't believe that this was right, because he should have

been charged for the torture that Cannon had to go through, even though

it happened a while ago.

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Posted By: Christina McGee

Puerto Rican Students Protest School Funds

Puerto Rican Students Protest School Funds

May 20, 2010

The article is titled ‘Student Protests Tie up Campuses in Puerto Rico’ and is from the New York Times on May 20, 2010. The University of Puerto Rico’s school system is being bombarded with protests from their students who are unhappy with the budget cuts from the government. The students feel these new austerity measures will impede the low-income students. Only one campus in all of the school system is functional.

This strike has been going since April 21, 2010. The problem is that the territory has to deal with 16% unemployment and a huge budget deficit. Students are demanding an alternative to the budget cuts and a greater transparency for university finances.

This article ties closely with the first amendment right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. The students have the right to protest against school funding if they want and the police should not be allowed to take away their resources and supplies because of the first amendment. Also, the government is taking away funding for student scholarships which is considered discrimination against poor people.

We believe that the students have the right to protest the school’s new policy if they want to. They should be allowed to voice their opinions to the school.

Photo Credit: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/21/us/21students.html?ref=us

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Posted By: Anne Lucado and Hannah Slovacek

Regulations for Wall Street

This Time article, dated May 20, 2010, is about the Senate passing its version of a Wall Street regulation bill that is intended to prevent another Wall Street collapse and the need for future bailouts. The bill also makes it easier to liquidate large financial firms on the brink of bankruptcy and places restraints on the biggest, most “interconnected” banks.

This bill comes on the heels of Obama’s health care overhaul, and Senate Republicans tried to delay the passage of this bill on two separate occasions.

The bill still needs to be reconciled with the House version, which excludes auto dealers from consumer regulations.

I think this bill is necessary after the bailout last year, and I think it was a good idea for Obama to push a bill that places restrictions on big banks to show that even though they were bailed out, they will “pay the American people back” eventually. I agree with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid that “the days of ‘to big too fail’ are behind us,” and this bill will help prevent big crashes in the future.

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sheepguardingllama/2349178603/

By Alex Bishop

The New York Times article Texas School Board Set to Vote Textbook Revisions published May 20th, talks about the Texas school board's upcoming vote on changes to textbook requirements, and the contraversy surrounding the decision. The Texas board of education has proposed that History books should place more emphasis on capitolist enterprise, the millitary, and Christianity. Many people oppose the proposed changes because they feel that the board of education is taking advangage of its power to teach conservative values to children. Protest groups also argue that a textbook emphasis on christianity is a violation of the separation that is supposed to exist between church and state. The issue has gained national attention because due to Texas' large population, the state has a disproportionately large influence on textbook companies, meaning that the decisions of the Texas board of education carry their influence far beyond the borders of Texas. An emphasis on christianity in history books could potentialy conflict with the establishment clause of the first ammendment, and the issue as a whole is certainly a source of tension between the two parties. Personaly we believe that textbooks should be religiously and politically neutral, and we do not support the use of textbooks as a guise to influence young minds in favor of any religous or political veiwpoint.

Posted by Tfavaron and EMcKee

Senator Specter

In this New York Times article from May 20, controversy arises over Senator Specter allegiance to the Republican Party. There were multiple occasions where he voted one way and supported the other. In particular, the issue of whether or not to continue detaining guantanamo prisoners brought him to "denounce the jurisdiction-stripping provision as unconstitutional" and he also said it would take back basic rights 900 years. He attempted to propose an amendment to the bill but failed...epicly. After it wasnt successful, he voted for the bill, which was unlike many of his Republican counterparts. A few months later, he tried to influence the Supreme Court justices to accept the case and deem it unconstitutional.

The significance of this article supports the fact that we have a corrupt federal government. I don't mean that the senators do drugs, lie or cheat. Moreover, this senator is a perfect example of how senators act in order to get reelected and to gain the most amount of votes. This senator will most likely not get re elected because of his disloyalty to his party, and because he tries to achieve his own platform by voting for one thing, and supporting another.

Article Credit: http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/20/senator-specter-and-the-law/?hp

Photo Credit: http://blackliberal.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/senator-arlen-specter.jpg

Will Arizona's Immigration Law Encourage Democratic Hispanic Voters?

In Newsweek's article, Will Arizona's Tough Immigration Law Fuel Hispanic Turnout for Democrats?, Arian Campo-Flores responds to those that think Arizona's new law will mean a rise in Hispanic, democratic, voters. He says that, although Hispanic voters are angry at this new law, they are feeling discouraged from voting for democrats. According to a poll, while only 3% of Hispanic voters outright blamed the Democrats for the new immigration law, over 70% felt like the Democrats didn't do enough to block it. This has lead to disenchantment with the government among Hispanic voters.
This article is significant because it shows that voter apathy is a very real issue in our society and can be brought on very easily, as soon as an ethnic group feels that they are not being well represented, or that everyone is working against them.
We feel that, if the Democrats want to win the Hispanic vote, they must do more to show that they have their best interests at heart, and do more to block bills that are unfavorable among Hispanic voters.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcolman/2951197270/
By Sarah LaPotin and Alex Kelly

Cities Boycotting States

In the article, “L.A. To Boycott Arizona Over Immigration Law,” the city of Los Angeles, California passed a resolution to stop business with Arizona until their new immigration law is repealed. L.A. currently does about $52 million of business with the state in various industries. According to the article, only about $8 million of the trade could be reasonably stopped. L.A. depends on Arizona for wind and nuclear energy, which would be maintained. Taser service and waste management trade between the city and state would be most likely to be ended. US Airways, who has a hub in Arizona and sends many flights to Los Angeles, would most likely not stop business. Several other cities in California, including San Diego, San Francisco, and Oakland, have passed similar resolutions encouraging a stop of trade with Arizona until the law is repealed. Governor Jan Brewer of Arizona responded by saying "I find it really interesting that we have people out there that are attempting a boycott in favor of illegal actions in Arizona. That to me is just unbelievable."

This brings another aspect whereby the US Congress could become involved in the debate about the Arizona law. One of Congress’ rights is to regulate interstate commerce, and since this law is indirectly affecting that, Congress may feel the need and the right to become involved with this state and local level policy making.

Alexa: I think that it is ridiculous that these cities are cutting off trade with Arizona. Just because you do not agree with someone’s policy does not mean that you have to stop doing business with them, but on the other hand, I suppose that you have the right not to do business with whomever you want. Fundamentally, the law brings up an interesting perspective on racial profiling, which could or could not be considered unconstitutional. The real issue I see in this is that California desperately needs to solve its budget deficit, and these cities are acting emotionally and cutting off good trade, instead they should think more about what is best to solve their state’s problems instead of trying to indirectly influence another state’s controversial issues.

Helen: Ideological issues aside, I think that it is probably not wise for California to start cutting ties with an important trading partner. However, the claim that “people out there are attempting a boycott in favor of illegal actions in Arizona” is extremely skewed. Just because Los Angeles dislikes Arizona’s current practices doesn’t mean that it is encouraging Arizona to move towards illegal ones.

Posted by H. Anderson and A. Witowski

Texas School Board Set to Vote Textbook Revisions

In this article, written in the New York Times on May 20, the Texas Board of Education was expected to vote on Thursday night to teach kids in schools an altered version of American history that put an emphasis on "the roles of capitalist enterprise, the military, Christianity and modern Republican political figures". The voted was expected to go directly along the lines of the parties. There are 10 Republicans and 5 Democrats on the board of education. Before the vote was taken, there were inumerous public comments, a hearing in which 200 speakers addressed the board and a large protest rally. In recent years editors of textbooks have begun to alter versions of their textbooks to individual states, and due to the size of Texas, they have had an impact of the editors. Once every ten years, the board members alter the guidelines for the creation of textbooks. Last year, the conservative members of the board altered the curriculum for science. This year they are looking to change the history books and the language used in them to advance conservative principles. The changes were greatly analyzed and debated and in the end Mr. Jealous, president of the N.A.A.C.P, stated that, “the school board members are entitled to their own opinions, but not their own facts”.

While the school board is entitled to make changes to the guidelines for textbooks, we do not believe that they should be allowed to insert their beliefs to influence the beliefs of school children. History should be taught neutrally and there should not be any aspect of history that is left out of our textbooks. History should be taught the way that it happened, opinions should be minimal and facts should be the majority.

L.Ambrose and S.Hatcher