Current Events Applied to Old Ideas

Question 1:
The Natural Rights Philosophy was developed by John Locke and states that all human beings have the unalienable rights to life, liberty and property. One example of these rights being protected today is the federal law that provides visas to illegal immigrants who have been abused if they help prosecute their abusers. Although this law was passed in 2000 it is still an issue today because rules about how to get the visa have just been created. This law protects the victim’s rights to life and liberty. This law allows the victims to get away from there abusers and be free from their attacks. It also allows them to start over and live a normal life. The only problem with this law is that “more than 13,000 people took the government's offer but so far only 65 — just 0.5 percent — have gotten their reward.” This is because some government officials don’t think that some crimes are serious enough or that the victim can not help prosecute their abusers.
Source: http://news.aol.com/article/few-crime-victims-helped-by-visa-law-okd/333234

Question 2:
Classical Republicanism is “the theory that holds that the best kind of society is one that promotes the common welfare instead of the interests of one class of citizens.” An example of this happening now is the fact that charities are not receiving less money even through the economic recession. A man named Tuohey, who donates ten percent of his income to charity every year says, "It just means you have to dig a little deeper." Some charities have said that their donations have actually increased in response to the recession. Though people are losing their jobs, they are still thinking about people other than themselves. This is an example of civic virtue that most people would never expect.
Sources: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29056129/ and We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution

Question 3:
A Federalist is an advocate of the ratifications of the U.S. constitution and a strong central government. Unlike Anti-Federalists, Obama believes that there should be more power in the central government than in individual states. Barak Obama wants the government to have more control to help the United States get out of this economic recession. President Obama wants to put a 36 percent cap on interest loans and also have an exception on the bankruptcy laws for medical expenses. He also wants to have more control in businesses by creating the FMLA or Family and Medical Leave Act. This is gives worker leave to take care of their elders and gives them 24 hours of leave to participate in their children’s academic activities. This involvement in banking and companies are examples of how President Barak Obama is a federalist.
Sources: We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution and http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/index.php#bankruptcy

Modern Events and the Constitution

1. Together a Captain and fast moving New York rescue teams helped ensure the Natural Rights of the other 154 people traveling on an airplane. The Natural Rights Philosophy includes the right to life, liberty, and property. On Thursday, January 15^th 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 took off at 3:26 p.m. and seemed to be a normal flight. When, in less than a minute of flight the Pilot, Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, reported a "double bird strike”, thus disabling the engines and leaving the passengers and crew to imminent doom. However, the Captain felt it was his “responsibility” to ensure the life of his passengers. The pilot made quick decisions and made a crash landing in the Hudson River. This man is a hero for saving the lives of the “confirmed 150 passengers, three flight attendants and two pilots that were on board the jetliner.” In addition the rescue crews made it their jobs to continue the protection of the rights of the people by quickly rescuing the stranded passengers and crew. The people of the airplane had the inalienable right to life under the Natural Rights Philosophy; it was just a good thing that those rights were to preserve their rights.

Source:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28678669/

2. A fantastic example of Classical Republicanism is government letting Lehman Brothers fail. Classical Republicanism is “a type of government that promotes the common welfare rather then the interest of one class of citizens.” As stated in (Source1). Lehman brothers filed for bankruptcy on September 15^th 2008, and unlike AIG, Citi Group, and Bear Stearns, Government did not bail them out. Government was looking out for the common welfare of its people rather than the shady executives who worked at Lehman Brothers. So the question is why didn’t the Government bail them out? Government was trying to set an example saying some one has to fail. This decision is pivotal and will be in the future because it makes a statement and puts things in perspective. As is the case in the article, “Maybe there are a few institutions that are truly "too big to fail." But most aren't, and the failure of unsuccessful firms used to be capitalism's way of clearing the decks for smarter entrepreneurs with fresher ideas and better products.” (Source2). This can only benefit the people of American and certainly not cause damage like Citi Group or AIG could if they were not saved. The Government found that “Lehman Brothers looks increasingly like a firm that we're better off without. Now that it's out of the way, maybe somebody with better ideas—and a bit more decency—might take its place.” As the author of the article put it. In conclusion the American Government used Classical Republicanism by letting Lehman Brothers fail.

Source:

Source 1: We the People- The Citizen and the Constitution

Source 2: http://www.usnews.com/blogs/flowchart/2008/12/30/best-move-of-2008-letting-lehman-fail.html

3. President Barack Obama is definitely a member of the Federalist Party. The Federalist Party believes that power should be in a central government. Whereas an Anti-Federalist believes that power should be given to separate states to govern themselves. President Obama is a Federalist because his policies are those similar to Federalist ideals. President Obama and Vice President believe that health care should be available to everyone no matter what income. They want improve on the current healthcare procedures in America “The Obama-Biden plan provides affordable, accessible health care for all Americans, builds on the existing health care system, and uses existing providers, doctors, and plans.” By organizing health care, this shows that President Obama is adamant in creating some type of universal healthcare. He is not allowing the insurance companies and drug manufacturers complete power and say in what occurs. Americans will save considerably “Under the plan, if you like your current health insurance, nothing changes, except your costs will go down by as much as $2,500 per year. If you don’t have health insurance, you will have a choice of new, affordable health insurance options.” All in all universal health care is an example of how President Obama is a Federalist, because it organizes the countries health care options, but also gives the power to a central government.

Source:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/health_care/

Throwback to the foundations

1. In the United States, businesses effected by the economic recession are shedding jobs fast, pushing the unemployment rate to 7.6 percent, with over a million unemployed in two months(November and December). And these numbers aren't estimated to improve until 2011 (at least) when job growth is expected to return to a healthy pace. With some 3.6 million jobs disappearing, President Obama has proposeda three-part plan to take these problems head-on: jump-starting the economy, solving the housing crisis, and stabilizing the banking industry. The 800 billion (plus) stimulus package will act to bail out the failing companies and restore confidence in the market, but has yet to be voted on. The problem that triggered the economic downturn,the housing industry, is also under reform. The two mortage giants - Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - are now both directly under federal control.The government is taking the role to protect at least one of the natural rights of its citizens and stop unemployment and foreclosures (the pursuit of happiness).But,while the financial market can be quick to rebound, the labor market tends to react more slowly,so even if stocks or other financial indicators improve, there may still be job losses.

source: http://www.courant.com/business/hc-jobless0207.artfeb07,0,2497336.story

2. A major condemnation of the Bush administration centered around interrogation techniques used by the CIA against suspected terrorists, i.e. prisoners at Gitmo or detainees shipped to countries where torture is legal. President Obama's nominee for the next CIA director, Leon Panetta, has promised to shun controversialinterrogation techniques used by former CIA members, stating that "...we can get the information we need, we can provide for the security of the American people and we can abide by the law." When asked if the safety and security of the American public was a No.1 priority, Panetta responded, "Everyone agrees that is the No. 1 priority."Interestingly enough, Panetta also stated that CIA agents who were previously sanctioned to use "harsh" interrogation methods should not be prosecuted. All in all, Obama's efforts to change the Bush administration's policies can be interpreted as an attempt to promote the common good, but this time in a legal fashion.

source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/05/panetta.torture/index.html?iref=newssearch

3. The idea that there is a separation between national and state government is obvious. Its equally obvious that the current power held by the presidential office in itself is proof that Obama is a federalist (otherwise, he wouldn't have as much power). Such plans as universal health care or a national stimulus package are his testaments ("A bold new national goal on energy effiency,"tax cuts, social security,etc.). If the U.S. was anti-federalist, it would not have/want a president.

source: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

Old Ideologies: New Events

1.A recent issue has been the legality of same sex marriage. Over the last few years especially there have been huge strides for homosexual rights. In New England starting with Massachusetts, the movement has spread to Connecticut and now Vermont. “A bill to legalize same-sex marriages was introduced in the House, nine years after Vermont became the first state to permit civil unions. A crowd of several hundred supporters gathered at the State House in celebration. The bill has 59 sponsors, all of them Democrats, who overwhelmingly control both houses of the legislature.” This is a clear example of the Natural Rights Philosophy. The Government has adapted into law, rights of the minority. They are looking out for the good of the individual. 

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/07/us/07brfs-SAMESEXMARRI_BRF.html?_r=1

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/16/opinion/16mfberry.html

2. President Obama’s stimulus plan is a prime example of classical republicanism. The stimulus plan is Obama’s method to pull America out of its current economic crisis. This stimulus package will “immediately inject 75 billion dollars into the economy in the form of tax cuts and direct spending targeted to working families, seniors, homeowners and the unemployed.” As well as this financial package, the stimulus plan “includes 45 billion dollars in reserves that can be injected into the economy quickly in the future if the economy continues to deteriorate.” This stimulus plan demonstrates classical republicanism because Obama is looking out for the greater good by putting money into society’s pocket. The government is providing “its citizens with liberty under government and stressing the common good, or what is best for the society as a whole.” President Obama explains that “in the midst of our greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression, the American people were hoping that Congress would begin to confront the great challenges we face. That was, after all, what last November’s election was all about.”

Sources: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/07/obama-calls-on-congress-to-put-stimulus-plan-in-motion/?hp

http://www.barackobama.com/2008/01/13/barack_obama_announces_plan_to.php

3. Obama has clearly adapted federalist principals in his policies on the economy, healthcare and energy. First, any plan of economic stimulus is an example of the federal government taking control of the nations economy. The problem of economic recession is not entirely monetary but media driven. As we keep hearing negative things about the economy, we are less likely to spend money in fear things will only get worse. The economic stimulus needed is that the American people stop worrying about media scare and reinvigorate the economy with purchases. In other words, the trickle up effect. If everyone uses their funds like they did a year ago, the economy will stimulate itself, inherently creating more jobs and returning American wealth. Obama's plan is federalist because he is putting the task of fixing the economy solely on the federal government and giving no decision to the states. Furthermore his healthcare plan calls for employers to increase their health care plans. This mandate would be federal and state government would not be able to regulate the conditions of which employers provide such care. Lastly, Obama wants to make the nation green and rely on renewable energy. I believe he said he would "bankrupt the coal industry" with taxes and superfluous regulations, which the industry would not be able to meet. Whether his intentions are moral or not, he is not giving states the choice to allow coal companies to proceed. His energy plan also calls for the creation of renewable energy plants, which I can imagine the government would own or have a majority voice in. In other words, the federal government would own Americans energy. This is another example of federalist doctrine.

Sources: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/07/obama-calls-on-congress-to-put-stimulus-plan-in-motion/?hp

http://www.barackobama.com/2008/01/13/barack_obama_announces_plan_to.php 

Modern Connections to the Constitution

1. The Natural Rights Philosophy explains the importance of the individual's unalienable right to life, liberty, and property. An example of this philosophy can be found in the recent news article, titled, "Obama Faith Office Broadening Focus On Teen Pregnancy, Reducing Abortion Need, Other Issues." Many citizens today forget the most basic right to life when considering abortion. However, with the transition of the presidency to Obama, there has been more discussion concerning this vital right to life. The author of the article writes, "...President Obama plans to expand and refocus former President George W. Bush's faith-based initiatives to include programs aimed at reducing the need for abortions..." which means that the government is working to allow every embryo to have the chance to live. Clearly, President Obama is taking on the correct job of government by securing the natural rigt to life for these defenseless embryos.



Source-"Obama Faith Office Broadening Focus On Teen Pregnancy, Reducing Abortion Need, Other Issues." Medical News Today: Health News. 6 Feb. 2009. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/138115.php.



2- One event in the recent past that shows that Classical Republicanism is still around in the United States is Al Gore's push for a healthier environment. Through his plan to eliminate all carbon energy sources within ten years, Gore hopes, "to rerscue civilization from the threat posed by climate change." This shows his concern for the entire population, without worrying about selfish reasoning. He understands that this may cause some economic trouble in the short term, but realizes that the moral obligation to protect the environment for future generations is more important. This coincides with the philosophy of Classical Republicanism, which promotes civic virtue and morality.



Source- Kreutzer, David W., and Al Gore. "Al Gore's Challenge." New York Times: Upfront 12 Jan. 2009: pg. 30

3. President Barack Obama is a Federalists, as seen in several of his policies that empower the central government while taking away from the responsibilities of individual states. One example of his national governemental policies coming before the state governments' policies is his idea of energy and climate change. In a national movement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, President Obama wants to "give all American consumers and businesses the incentives to use their ingenuity to develop economically effective solutions to climate change." This will be done through the "Cap and Trade Program," which more or less will make everyone pay for the emissions that they produce. All in all, Obama's push for a national movement to prevent climate change is just an example of his use of Federalist policies.

Source- "BARACK OBAMA AND JOE BIDEN: NEW ENERGY FOR AMERICA." Www.barackobama.com. Obama-Biden. 7 Feb. 2008.

The Correlation of Current Events to the Constitution

1. The current issue going on in Iraq demonstrates the Natural Rights Philosophy. Iraq is leading towards a more democratic system of government as a result of our government sending in troops to remove the previous ruler and maintain order in society. Our troops were partially sent over to Iraq to remove the dictator, Saddam Hussein and his followers who were trying to upset our plan to instill a democracy. After Hussein was removed from power, our troops worked to create a democratic system which created elections and protection of the citizen’s natural rights (life, liberty, and property). Currently, President Obama has initiated a plan to begin the removal of our troops from Iraq in order to allow Iraq to become a full democracy. By removing ourselves from Iraq we are allowing Iraq to make their own decisions and be responsible for the protection of the Iraqi people’s natural rights. At this time, the U.S. is being more aggressive on clearly separating ourselves from Iraq in order to return our troops safely. President Biden said that the U.S administration has to be "much more aggressive ... forcing them [Iraq] to deal with those issues” (Source 1).


(Source 1- US to be 'more aggressive' with Iraq on political reform
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090206/wl_mideast_afp/usiraqpoliticsbiden_20090206155159)



2. According to Source 1, Classical Republicanism is “a type of government that promotes the common welfare rather then the interest of one class of citizens.” An example of this is President Obama’s tax cut plan which is going to cut taxes for the middle class citizens and raise it for the upper classes. As stated in one of President Obama’s speeches, he said, “I will provide a tax cut for 95% of Americans. If you make less than a quarter of a million dollars a year, you will not see a single dime of your taxes go up. If you make $200,000 a year or less, your taxes will go down… Only a few percent of small businesses make more than $250,000 a year” (Source 2). Under the previous presidency of George W. Bush, this plan for tax cuts was not in place. As a result, President Obama’s tax cut plan will help the majority of the people, which consists of middle and lower classes. They will not have to pay as much as the upper class because they are receiving these tax cuts. More of these citizens in the middle and lower class will then be in a more ideal economic living situation. The upper class will have to pay more taxes than these classes; however this will not be as difficult because they earn higher salaries which enable them to pay for these taxes. President Obama’s tax cut plan is for the benefit of the majority of our population which is found in the middle and lower classes. This is aimed at the general welfare of society rather than one particular class.


(Source 1- We the People- The Citizen and the Constitution)
(Source 2- http://www.ontheissues.org/Economic/Barack_Obama_Tax_Reform.htm)



3. President Obama represents the characteristics of being a Federalist. A Federalist is an “advocate of ratification of the U.S. Constitution and a strong centralized government” (Source 1). President Obama wants the centralized government to provide jobs for the people. When the government backed off in the past, unemployment became more of an issue. Companies became out of control with their incomes and benefits. They were selfish and as a result of this greed, the housing market collapsed because they sold mortgages to people whose salaries were much less. As a result of this, people went bankrupt because they could not afford the mortgages. The banks were losing money because the house owners were not paying their mortgages resulting in the insurance companies not receiving their invested money, thus, were forced to lay their employees off. This is one continuous cycle that forces more and more people to be laid off due to people no longer purchasing pleasures, but only purchasing the necessities. In order to address this ongoing conflict, President Obama has come up with a plan to stimulate the economy and jumpstart production in the work field. President Obama will do so by having the centralized government more involved with decisions in business in order to prevent the company’s greed from surfacing and averting another economic recession. One way that President Obama and Vice President Biden want to address the problem with unemployment is by creating jobs through infrastructure projects. This will not only create jobs but it will also stimulate the economy by giving money to the consumer (who is now provided with a job). According to President Obama’s plan, “These projects will create up to two million new direct and indirect jobs and stimulate approximately $35 billion per year in new economic activity” (Source 2). All in all, it seems that President Obama is a believer in the Federalist Party because he is taking an interest in having the government help fix our economic and other domestic issues.


(Source 1- We the People- The Citizen and the Constitution)
(Source 2- http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/index.php#jumpstart)

Contemporary Connections to Constitutional Beliefs

1. The fact that the US government is rapidly recalling peanut butter products that may contain salmonella is an example of the natural rights philosophy. Though it was a mistake for these products to be shipped in the first place, the massive recall shows that the US government does care about the health of its citizens. Though salmonella poisoning that can be caused by this peanut butter usually just causes a temporary sickness, "infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are more likely to have severe and life-threatening illness." One of the natural, unalienable rights is that every individual has the right to life. Philosopher John Locke in particular believed that the government's purpose was to secure each of the natural rights, and that's exactly what they are doing by protecting more people from being infected, as "Sundlof urges consumers to keep checking the FDA's searchable list of recalled peanut products because that list is likely to keep growing." Hopefully the recall will end soon, but until then, the government is doing the best they can to prevent further danger on the unalienable right to life.

Source:
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/news/20090128/salmonella-peanut-butter-recall-expands?src=RSS_PUBLIC

2. Iraq recently held provincial elections that "will set the political landscape of Iraq for the next several years." These elections are the first real test of Iraq's new government. Since Classical Republicanism was for protecting the rights of citizens and doing what was best for the common good, the idea corresponds with these elections. This is because these are elections by the people for the best representatives of what they need. The citizens now have a say in who gets to protect their rights, and the government is now based on what is best for the majority by having these elections. It's interesting to see that such an old practice can be used in this modern world.

Source:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28878556/

3. President Obama is definitely a Federalist. Federalists believe that the power should revolve around the central government, while Anti-Federalists want the power of government to truly be in the hands of the separate states. The United States is much too large for the latter to work because it would be much less organized, and Obama is surely aware of this. For instance, Obama supports the idea of nationalized healthcare. He has put "an emphasis on dramatically and quickly increasing the number of people who have health insurance by spending significant money upfront." This increasing number deals with the nation as a whole, rather than separate states. Currently, our government does not have nationalized healthcare, it is instead dealt with differently depending on the state. The fact that Obama is striving to change this policy is an obvious indication that he is a Federalist.

Source:
http://www.thehealthcareblog.com/the_health_care_blog/2008/03/a-detailed-anal.html