As American citizens we are protected by the Fourth Amendment, that guarentees us from "unreasonable searches and seizures." So according to the Constitution, one must be served a warrant for reasonable cause. I believe that is incorrect!
Since the USA Patriot Act of 2001 was passsed, we as Americans have not been protected fully under the Constitution. We are not safe from "reasonable searches", wire tapping or completely free use of our home computers.
So basically, if I fit a ceratin profile and happen to be near a place where a crime may have been commited, a police officer can search my body or car? Where are my rights as per the Constiution of the USA? I find alot of fault in this predicament that our country is under. To protect one's Civil Rights or to abuse the powers of authority.
The expansion of police powers as part of the war on drugs has been one of the most significant challenges to the integrity of the Fourth Amendment.So if you feel you are or have been in challenge of this.. please speak up!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Low Income Abortion Rights
The topic of the legality of abortion has been an ongoing debate in politics since Roe v. Wade. A Citizen's Post article on "Dear Government,Can I Leave My House Today?" makes some good points on the opinion aspect of abortion, but there is more entailed to the government's role in funding abortions.
As a nurse, I have seen problems with the problem of government funded abortion issue with low income patients. The Hyde Amendment, passed in the seventies, excludes the use of government funds for abortions to low income women on Medicaid. The only current exclusions to the rule are cases of rape, incest, or endangerment to the pregnant woman's life or life of the fetus.
The government should not base decisions of laws regarding women's health on their own moral and religious beliefs. The majority religion of Congress is Catholicism, which makes its stance on abortion very publicized.
With Obama's current health reform, the repeal of the Hyde Amendment is a major focus on the Congressional agenda. If Congress agrees to Obama's plan, there will be tax funding of elective abortions for low income and Medicaid recipients.
Overall, it will save taxpayers money in the long run. The cost for prenatal care,childbirth, and parental classes exceeds the costs of an abortion. There will always be those opposed on moral or religious grounds.Low income women should have the same rights to an elective abortion and funding as women with private health insurance.
As a nurse, I have seen problems with the problem of government funded abortion issue with low income patients. The Hyde Amendment, passed in the seventies, excludes the use of government funds for abortions to low income women on Medicaid. The only current exclusions to the rule are cases of rape, incest, or endangerment to the pregnant woman's life or life of the fetus.
The government should not base decisions of laws regarding women's health on their own moral and religious beliefs. The majority religion of Congress is Catholicism, which makes its stance on abortion very publicized.
With Obama's current health reform, the repeal of the Hyde Amendment is a major focus on the Congressional agenda. If Congress agrees to Obama's plan, there will be tax funding of elective abortions for low income and Medicaid recipients.
Overall, it will save taxpayers money in the long run. The cost for prenatal care,childbirth, and parental classes exceeds the costs of an abortion. There will always be those opposed on moral or religious grounds.Low income women should have the same rights to an elective abortion and funding as women with private health insurance.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Felons Should Vote
Felons and the Right to Vote
As Americans, one of the most fundamental of our rights is the right to vote. The Fifteenth Amendment “prohibits the Government of the United States from denying a citizen the right to vote because of race, color, or previous servitude.” Felons have served their time in jail, which is servitude and should be allowed their basic right to vote in my opinion. This is a gray area from state to state. Maine and Vermont actually allow felons to vote, even if they are still incarcerated. The Government should step in and pass a mandate that allows felons to cast their ballot. We pay for their education while behind bars, so why not let someone who is paying their debt to society vote. There has been a bill presented to the Senate over a year ago and should be decided across the board; not by state. www.civilrights.org-ex-felon-voting.html has some good arguments on this related bill. Restoring one’s voting rights makes for a more involved citizen and will increase voter participation.
As Americans, one of the most fundamental of our rights is the right to vote. The Fifteenth Amendment “prohibits the Government of the United States from denying a citizen the right to vote because of race, color, or previous servitude.” Felons have served their time in jail, which is servitude and should be allowed their basic right to vote in my opinion. This is a gray area from state to state. Maine and Vermont actually allow felons to vote, even if they are still incarcerated. The Government should step in and pass a mandate that allows felons to cast their ballot. We pay for their education while behind bars, so why not let someone who is paying their debt to society vote. There has been a bill presented to the Senate over a year ago and should be decided across the board; not by state. www.civilrights.org-ex-felon-voting.html has some good arguments on this related bill. Restoring one’s voting rights makes for a more involved citizen and will increase voter participation.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Increase Voter Participation! Reform policy!
According to the 2000 general elections consensus, only 52 percent of eligible voters actually went out and cast their ballot. To get more voters to the polls would increase participation and political knowledge. Making federal Election Day a national holiday would increase numbers of voters who could not take time off for work or school or were too busy to cast their votes on the other hand.
Simplifying the registration process, making this an easier and more accessible process would encourage people to participate and get out there and vote. All citizens should be assisted in making this an easier process. Voter studies have shown that people that vote are more informed about government and policies and play a more active role in society. As a nation we should reform the voting process . One important way would be restoring voting rights to ex- felons. Say you had a felony when you were 20 years old and now you are 40. Don't you think twenty years is long enough? Reforming policy and advancing technology to assist voters are important important efforts needed to increase voter participation.
Simplifying the registration process, making this an easier and more accessible process would encourage people to participate and get out there and vote. All citizens should be assisted in making this an easier process. Voter studies have shown that people that vote are more informed about government and policies and play a more active role in society. As a nation we should reform the voting process . One important way would be restoring voting rights to ex- felons. Say you had a felony when you were 20 years old and now you are 40. Don't you think twenty years is long enough? Reforming policy and advancing technology to assist voters are important important efforts needed to increase voter participation.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Financial Reform??? Mabey!
Should the Senate pass a weak financial reform bill to pacify both the Republicans and Democrats? According to Paul Krugman, editor for the New York Times “No reform is better than a cosmetic reform that just covers up failure to act.” It is important to understand that a strong reform bill, supported by Obama passed the House last year. This was possible largely in part by majority rule with Democrats in control. Opposition to financial reform was low, which is not the case in the Senate. Politics as usual, Republicans are most certain to vote against any serious reform presented by the Democrats.
Krugman makes some valid arguments and points out, “Republicans claimed that they would end banking excesses by introducing market-discipline in the future.” Bank and market regulation is necessary to protect the consumers. The Senate, according to Krugman, should highlight the dispute over a proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency and take a firm stand is passing a strong finance bill. Krugman’s view is mainly directed at Liberals and Democrats, but all people affected by our current financial crisis should take heed.
Republicans and Democrats agreeing to a compromise just to get a financial bill passed with no real implications or direction could spell disaster in the future. Looking back in history, there are clear examples. The economic crisis and depression of the 1890’s and 1930’s were greatly influenced by weak financial reform and excessive borrowing by consumers and businesses.
Overall, according to facts and logic, it is my opinion that the Senate needs to take a firm stand and pass a strong financial reform. In comparison, a health care bill could pass on weak reform and change it along the way, but our financial industry needs strong guidelines and a governing agency that supports not only business but the American consumer.http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/01/opinion/01krugman.html?ref=opinion
Krugman makes some valid arguments and points out, “Republicans claimed that they would end banking excesses by introducing market-discipline in the future.” Bank and market regulation is necessary to protect the consumers. The Senate, according to Krugman, should highlight the dispute over a proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency and take a firm stand is passing a strong finance bill. Krugman’s view is mainly directed at Liberals and Democrats, but all people affected by our current financial crisis should take heed.
Republicans and Democrats agreeing to a compromise just to get a financial bill passed with no real implications or direction could spell disaster in the future. Looking back in history, there are clear examples. The economic crisis and depression of the 1890’s and 1930’s were greatly influenced by weak financial reform and excessive borrowing by consumers and businesses.
Overall, according to facts and logic, it is my opinion that the Senate needs to take a firm stand and pass a strong financial reform. In comparison, a health care bill could pass on weak reform and change it along the way, but our financial industry needs strong guidelines and a governing agency that supports not only business but the American consumer.http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/01/opinion/01krugman.html?ref=opinion
Monday, February 15, 2010
Trouble for the Senate???
The loss of Ted Kennedy's seat in the Senate to Republican Scott Brown has been the latest political "buzz".This historical event could kill many pieces of legislature that the Democrats have been trying to push through Congress. Not only could Senator-elect Brown give Republicans that extra vote necessary to block Obama's health care reform bill; but it could have catastrophic outcomes for economic reform bills and foreign policy. According to Senator-elect Brown, as quoted by the Washington Post, "We're past campaign mode.I think it's important for everyone to get some form of healthcare." It has been over a year now and still no descisive measures have come from health care reform. I assume time will tell if Brown will follow Ted Kennedy's philosophy of compromise not stale-mate. Who knows; mabey the new Congress will be bipartisan. Time will tell if Brown will vote the clear Rebublican "no" or be willing to compromise with the Democrats. The HuffPost Social News has an enlightning article that addresses some of these issues and more. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/timothy-a-ridout/scott-brown-has-a-unique_b_459806.html
Monday, February 1, 2010
Help Health Care Reform!!!!
We all know that our health care system needs reform. It is sad that as a leading nation our health care system is failing us. Insurance rates have drastically gone up over the years and the question is why? and what if anything can the government do to help this crisis? My view is first and foremost to help make medical insurance more afordable to every US citizen. As a tax payer and also uninsured, I understand this dilema. Why is reform taking so long and who is holding it up in the government? I came acros this article and found it quite informative. http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/01/29/clgray-health-care-obama-reform-state-union/
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