Handguns

I also agree that there should not be a ban against handguns. Growing up in Texas, it is not unusual to see people with them because of all the ranches we have and the hunting we do. I feel that even though guns can get into the hands of wrong people, that they shouldn’t be fully banned. They need to restricted to certain people and only given to those who are experienced with guns and have a license. Obviously, one should not leave their guns lying around for their kids to play with, so we should insist a locked room or closet for the storage of theses handheld guns. I also believe that the crime rate will not lower immensely if there is a ban on handguns. Our country is a unique one with an array of different cultures and people so it entitles us to a lot of diverse thinking and regulation. We as Americans have the right to bear arms and I believe we should be given that right. Guns are dangerous, but if used right and cautiously they are very functional in our nation.
(Commented on the blog called Making of the National GOvt)

Earmarks

It is shown through new information and evidence that the number of earmarks have increased in many spending bills for 2009; they have also hit high dollar amounts. The amount of earmarks in a health appropriations bill for 2009 have pretty much doubled. However, these levels could ultimately change once certain committees approve the bills. Earmarks are all about rewarding lobbyists; lawmakers pay them back for money deals or certain benefits.

I feel our government is giving away money for inappropriate tasks and activities. Earmarks need to be regulated and should be decreasing rather than increasing in the future. A lot of them seem to be wasteful and unnecessary. It’s good that Bush has vetoed many spending bills that include unreasonable earmarks; this is a start to the crucial reform that is needed. I hope the bills get sent to the president before his leave of office or who knows how much money lawmakers will spend. They are all pork barrel projects to benefit the people of their choosing. I feel it’s gotten out of hand and someone needs to put a stop to this excessive spending.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/washington/27earmarks.html?ref=washington

The War

It seems as if the government is saying one thing and doing another. We, as Americans, feel that the war is near its end, but with the government purchasing more tools it look as if to destroy those hopes and bring more about suspicion. Everyone wants a time of peace, but I do agree that there will be retaliation from the countries of Iraq and Afghanistan. Our economy is hurt and its time for Bush to bring more of his attention to the country that’s right in front of him rather than the countries overseas; instead of spending more money, he should be paying off more debt.
(Comment on To Be or Not To Be blog)

Bush's Spying Ability

The White House and Congress are trying to come up with an agreement on a domestic spying bill. President Bush wants to expand his power by being able to spy on Americans without a court order. I think it’s a successful element for protecting our nation’s security, but it still needs to guard our civil liberties. Many of the provisions could be a threat to the Bill of Rights. The White House wants to undermine the power of the courts by enforcing a spying program, and have it legally protect the telecommunication companies who helped in the spying act; its Bush’s warrantless wiretapping operation. Bush defended himself by claiming it was a time for fast action. Even if he was under pressure for time, that still does not give him the right to not abide by the rules of the Constitution; his powers do not surpass the law of unreasonable searches and seizures. However, an amendment was made that took away the court’s approval for spying, but that expires in August. Bush now wants protection against the telecommunication companies that helped him because the lawsuits against them could seek out private information. I think if they give immunity to these companies then its sends out the message that spying is an acceptable, legal act. I think they should resolve this problem exactly how they would resolve all other cases which means the lawsuits should be able to proceed. I do agree that is does reduce judicial review as well because it gives the executive too much power if they can spy without a warrant or cause.

President Kennedy

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy has declared his war-making supremacy over both the Congress and the White House. In Boumediene v. Bush, Kennedy has extended the right of habeas corpus to non American enemy combatants captured abroad who are trying to kill Americans in this war on terror. The bad thing about this declaration is that more Americans are most likely going to die; this means that our soldiers will hastily release combatants, which is a huge threat to Americans. I feel this is a little outlandish since our goal right now is to fight this war on terror and bring down the al Qaeda. Giving combatants the right to challenge detention by the government, allows them civil liberties of the American citizen. I don’t believe they should be given this right since they are malicious people and not American; this could be a tragedy for civil liberties in the long run. Furthermore, letting terrorist go after they have been detained by the U.S. ultimately doesn’t stop them for planning another attack. This is a threat to American citizen’s safety and I don’t think we should be giving al Qaeda any type of lawful rights in this war.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121331916222970351.html?mod=loomia&loomia_si=t0:a31:g2:r2:c0.396366

American Values

There comes a big challenge for the next president because throughout Bush’s eight year run there has been economic, military, and political strife. America’s relative decline in power has grown from its wars, deficits, antiterrorism policies, and domestic hardships. The presidential candidates will have to convey strong ideas about the countries defense and peace after the war. Some believe that this requires a clear repudiation of “exceptionalism” which could be followed by “exemptionalism.” America is a country with positive respects and justice, but America also has the ability to exempt oneself from the common rules than other civilized nations accept. I agree that “exemptionalism” has brought on a toll to our country in certain areas especially dealing with international problems with Iraq and Iran. I feel it’s in the need of our country to be able to make alliances, and it’s also very crucial for the next president to bring about compromise. Our country has gone through a lot by taking on this war and we just need to be wary about how this next candidate will deal with these issues and strengthen the American society.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinions/la-ed-defense27dec27,0,2489279.story

Tax Cuts

The Bush administration has been debating on whether to make tax cuts of 2003 permanent or risk one of the largest tax increases in American history. However, most believe that tax cuts will be unlikely because of the budget from the war in Iraq. If a tax increase is made it will greatly affect low and middle income American families which could most of them in jeopardy. Bush has been fighting to extend these tax cuts because no one wants to see them expire, but his successor will have to deal with this critical decision when Congress debates the issue. For this upcoming election its important to note that McCain, Obama, and Clinton want to extend this tax cut, but the Democratic candidates want this cut for everyone except high income Americans. The problem with this tax cut issue is that the government doesn't know if the budget deficit will get larger if the extension is kept entact or if the revenue will go up if they are left to expire. Most college students are beginning to plan their futures and find their path in our hectic, business world. This tax cut debate ultimately makes their environment more uncertain because they don’t know if taxes will be kept low or if the largest tax increase in America will occur.




http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/02/news/economy/bush_taxcuts_anniversary/index.htm