- Supreme Court decisions are always shrouded in controversy, but few decisions can fuel a 36-year debate. The ruling made in the Roe v. Wade case of 1973 was one of those decisions. The decision was "that a woman's right to abortion was protected by the right to privacy under the Constitution's 14th Amendment," (1) and it made abortion legal in the United States. Ever since the justice's gavel fell on that historic day, groups have been actively advocating both for and against the right of pregnant women to have an abortion. Recently, on January 22, the anniversary of the infamous ruling, a large-scale anti-abortion rally was held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The citizens and politicians who participated in the rally believe that abortion is not just a privacy issue, but a natural rights issue. If you ask an anti-abortionist, as an Iowa Representative did when he spoke, " 'At what instant does life begin?' " they will always answer, " 'Conception!' "(1) They hold the belief that the inalienable right to life that all Americans enjoy also applies to unborn fetuses.
- Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has received more attention in the month since his impeachment than in his entire political career thus far. Although it may be overkill, the coverage of his story points out the role of Classical Republican ideas in the modern United States government. Blagojevich was ousted because of several charges of corruption, particularly "engaging in 'pay-to-play' politics"(2) in an attempt to sell the Senate seat left behind by Barack Obama. The complaint was filed "after listening to wiretaps of the governor's phone conversations."(2) In recent years, the government's habit of eavesdropping on Americans' telephone conversations has been a hot topic. During the presidency of George W. Bush, such practices were used in order to find and track suspected terrorists within and outside of the U.S. The government's use of wiretapping is a clear connection to the ideas of Classical Republicanism lent to the Constitution by the ancient Greeks and Romans. They believed that the good of the state as a whole was more important than the rights of the individuals. Sometimes, individuals must give up rights for the safety and security of the state. This is clearly what is happening today. The government has decided to infringe on American individuals' right to privacy, supposedly in order to protect the nation from terrorist attacks. Evidently, the same technology and practices are now being used to protect the state of Illinois from corruption. And, just as with Bush's NSA wiretapping, Rod Blagojevich's right to privacy was limited for the good of the citizens he was elected to serve.
Barack Obama should not be labeled a Federalist just because he has been elected as the president of a federalist government. And, although the original Anti-federalists were opposed to having any form of central government, it is important to remember that Federalist and Anti-federalist are relative terms. Basically, federalists believe that the national government should be strong and have power over the state governments, anti-federalists believe that the national government should not have as much power and should be more limited in their strength. Based on this definition and the few significant actions which Obama has carried out since his inauguration, I would say that our new president is an Anti-federalist. One of the most important decisions that he has made so far was to end "the 'war on terror' as former President George W. Bush defined it." (3) Obama believes that the federal government should never be able to "circumvent longstanding U.S. laws," (3) even when the country is at war. Clearly, Barack strongly feels that the powers of the federal government should be more limited than they have been in recent years, so he is an Anti-federalist.
Sources(1) http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/22/obama.abortion/index.html?iref=newssearch
(2)http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/08/illinois.governor.impeachment/index.html?iref=newssearch
(3) http://www.courant.com/news/nationworld/hc-gitmo0123.artjan23,0,498089.story
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Political Philsophy Still Debated in United States
Contemporary Constitutional Actions
Nicole Davoren
Period 6 Civics
1.The Natural Rights Philosophy was first formed by John Locke. He believed that if you are born a human being, then you automatically have the right to life, liberty, and property, and the government is there to protect these rights. A recent event unfolded that has shown how our government will investigate when any of these rights are broken. On Friday February 6th, a doctors license was revoked. His patent, a teenager, was planning on having an abortion, gave birth to a live baby, and immediately the baby was killed when clinic staffers put it in to a plastic bag and threw it in the trash. “ A fetus born alive cannot be put to death even if its mother intended to have an abortion” says police. It is rare for a baby born at 23 weeks, such as this one, to live. However, the staff violated the natural rights philosophy when they did noting to help the baby live and put it to its death.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/02/06/florida.abortion/index.html
2.Classical Republicanism is the theory where the role of the citizen is to show civic virtue to benefit the common good, and the government and its people act on the good of the community, rather their individual interests. One example of Classical Republicanism today is how some Stop and Shops and Shop Rite pharmacy's in Connecticut are giving away free medication to the public. “All you need is a doctor's prescription, no insurance is necessary. Stop and Shop started offering the free drugs in January during the height of the cold and flu season” says the article. This shows Classical Republicanism because the stores are putting aside their want to make money, and promoting the common good by helping them to stay healthy and get medication, when they other wise couldn't afford them.
Source: http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/news_wtnh_cromwell_health_free_antibiotics_200902052330_rev1
3.President Obama's actions have shown us that he is a Federalist. According to the West's American Government textbook Federalists are “those who favor a strong central government and the new Constitution.” An example of how Obama shows that he is a Federalist, is his proposed economic stimulus plan. This plan is Federalist, because it the central government will delegate where and what the money will be put into, and it will be shared throughout the entire country. “At its core, the legislation is designed to ease the worst economic recession in generations, and combines hundreds of billions of dollars in spending to boost consumption by the public sector, along with tax cuts designed to increase consumer spending.” says the article. If Obama was Anti Federalist, he would leave the choice of stimulating the economy to the separate states.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090207/ap_on_go_co/congress_stimulus
Period 6 Civics
1.The Natural Rights Philosophy was first formed by John Locke. He believed that if you are born a human being, then you automatically have the right to life, liberty, and property, and the government is there to protect these rights. A recent event unfolded that has shown how our government will investigate when any of these rights are broken. On Friday February 6th, a doctors license was revoked. His patent, a teenager, was planning on having an abortion, gave birth to a live baby, and immediately the baby was killed when clinic staffers put it in to a plastic bag and threw it in the trash. “ A fetus born alive cannot be put to death even if its mother intended to have an abortion” says police. It is rare for a baby born at 23 weeks, such as this one, to live. However, the staff violated the natural rights philosophy when they did noting to help the baby live and put it to its death.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/02/06/florida.abortion/index.html
2.Classical Republicanism is the theory where the role of the citizen is to show civic virtue to benefit the common good, and the government and its people act on the good of the community, rather their individual interests. One example of Classical Republicanism today is how some Stop and Shops and Shop Rite pharmacy's in Connecticut are giving away free medication to the public. “All you need is a doctor's prescription, no insurance is necessary. Stop and Shop started offering the free drugs in January during the height of the cold and flu season” says the article. This shows Classical Republicanism because the stores are putting aside their want to make money, and promoting the common good by helping them to stay healthy and get medication, when they other wise couldn't afford them.
Source: http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/news_wtnh_cromwell_health_free_antibiotics_200902052330_rev1
3.President Obama's actions have shown us that he is a Federalist. According to the West's American Government textbook Federalists are “those who favor a strong central government and the new Constitution.” An example of how Obama shows that he is a Federalist, is his proposed economic stimulus plan. This plan is Federalist, because it the central government will delegate where and what the money will be put into, and it will be shared throughout the entire country. “At its core, the legislation is designed to ease the worst economic recession in generations, and combines hundreds of billions of dollars in spending to boost consumption by the public sector, along with tax cuts designed to increase consumer spending.” says the article. If Obama was Anti Federalist, he would leave the choice of stimulating the economy to the separate states.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090207/ap_on_go_co/congress_stimulus
Today's Connections to the Constitutional Actions
1. Natural Rights Philosophy, "Rights that people supposedly have under natural law. The Declaration of Independence of the United States lists life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as natural rights." One of that confirms that our rights are still being protected today is in the article "Parole Board Opposes Inmate's Execution." A man (Jeffery Hill) "who stabbed his mother to death in 1991 in a crack-cocaine-induced rage" was scheduled of execution on March 3. Although, his excution was opposed by his family members that he should not be put to death. "The Ohio Parole Board ruled Friday in a rare decision opposing capital punishment." By the natural rights philosophy, Jeffrey Hill's life was protected by "the board voted 8 to 0 in favor of mercy for the inmate," instead Jeffrey Hill was sentence to life in prison with parole suitability after 25 years. With the consent of his family members Jeffrey Hill's life is saved and protected.
Sources: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08ohio.html?ref=us
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/natural%20rights
2. On February 3, 2009, Louis D. Brandeis High School taking in "some of the city’s most disadvantaged students and has struggled year after year to bump up test scores and graduation rates" will be closed and will replaced by three new schools. Since Louis D. Brandeis High School is "a large general-curriculum institution rich in course offerings but short on personal interaction" the Department of Education is ordering them to close so that no longer, there will be personal interaction. Louis D. Brandeis High School is to be divided into three other new schools. "One to prepare students for careers in alternative energy, one for students who are at least two years behind in earning credits, and one focused on college preparation." Classical Republicanism is the "theory in which the role of the citizen is to benefit the common good through civic virtue, or their dedication to government at any cost of their individual interests." This is a contemporary event which clearly depicts Classical Republicanism by the school dividing up into three other school to increase the personal interactions, for the common good of the students.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/education/04brandeis.html?ref=education
3. Barack Obama is a Federalist. Federalism, "A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units." Barack Obama on Saturday urged Congress to resolve their "differences in the massive economic recovery measure and “put this plan in motion” to bring fiscal relief and new jobs to all corners of the country." Obama is empowering people and he is willing to change the nation and the world.
Sources: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/07/obama-calls-on-congress-to-put-stimulus-plan-in-motion/?scp=2&sq=Obama&st=cse
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/federalism
Sources: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08ohio.html?ref=us
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/natural%20rights
2. On February 3, 2009, Louis D. Brandeis High School taking in "some of the city’s most disadvantaged students and has struggled year after year to bump up test scores and graduation rates" will be closed and will replaced by three new schools. Since Louis D. Brandeis High School is "a large general-curriculum institution rich in course offerings but short on personal interaction" the Department of Education is ordering them to close so that no longer, there will be personal interaction. Louis D. Brandeis High School is to be divided into three other new schools. "One to prepare students for careers in alternative energy, one for students who are at least two years behind in earning credits, and one focused on college preparation." Classical Republicanism is the "theory in which the role of the citizen is to benefit the common good through civic virtue, or their dedication to government at any cost of their individual interests." This is a contemporary event which clearly depicts Classical Republicanism by the school dividing up into three other school to increase the personal interactions, for the common good of the students.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/education/04brandeis.html?ref=education
3. Barack Obama is a Federalist. Federalism, "A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units." Barack Obama on Saturday urged Congress to resolve their "differences in the massive economic recovery measure and “put this plan in motion” to bring fiscal relief and new jobs to all corners of the country." Obama is empowering people and he is willing to change the nation and the world.
Sources: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/07/obama-calls-on-congress-to-put-stimulus-plan-in-motion/?scp=2&sq=Obama&st=cse
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/federalism
Foundations of History
1.Freedom is the main concept behind the Natural Rights created by John Locke and this is what every human being deserves from the moment they are born into the world. Though it took hundreds of years to give slaves and millions of others a break from the chains, there is still one form of labor in the world which does not follow the Natural Rights; sweatshops. In China workers earn less than $2 a day while their labor may be worth up to $100 when their products are sold to companies across the world. The Chinese government does not give its citizens the chance at all three rights and they break them in many ways. Many in society have no freedom to choose where they work or how to get by in life because their only option is to do what everyone else does; in the unfair labor conditions of sweatshops. The liberty aspect of the natural rights is described as, “People want to be as free as possible from the domination of others, to be able to make their own decisions, and to live as they please.” A large amount of the working class in China and hundreds of other countries in the world are not granted this freedom that Locke believes every human should have. Many are forced as a child to work in sweatshops in unfair conditions where injury, sexual assault, and little pay are all common. Since the Chinese government does not protect the natural rights of its citizens, Locke believes that they should rebel, and many have attempted. The best example of changing the unfair way of an average Chinese citizen can be seen from the outbreak of Tiananmen Square. Though unsuccessful, it should represent how no man, women, or child can be content in a land where Locke’s Natural Rights are not granted.
Source-http://www.thestar.com/GlobalVoices/Junior/article/582116
2.Though not seen as one of the most popular presidents, George Bush used Classic Republicanism as he helped try to ease the economic dilemma facing him by tax rebates to nearly every American citizen. Bush planned to give up to $600 a person, $1200 for couples, and $300 per child and all money would be sent from the IRS when taxes were filed. As the economic crisis loomed on the forefront of Bush’s issues, he wanted to give the people money so that they could spend it and restart the economy and American business. He did not simply target the rich, or the poor under his plan, but did it for the good of the people and the desire to alter the economy for the better, though it would soon be in tatters. This plan was unsuccessful, but most likely helped boost consumer spending to a certain degree. It was not a wasted attempt and was worth the try. This rebate is a great example among many in American where Classic Republicanism was brought forth.
Source-http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/25/AR2008042501399_pf.html
3.By far, Obama is a Federalist because of his plan to unify America, and make it whole again. Rather than let each state govern the affairs within, he wants to have a strong central government that controls and makes rules for all of them. His plan of National Healthcare shows this side of him as he tries to give health coverage to every individual within America. He has already completed some of this by giving coverage to kids. “As I think everybody here will agree, this is only the first step. Because the way I see it, providing coverage to 11 million children through CHIP is a down payment on my commitment to cover every single American.” The planned bill will cost around 150 billion dollars a year so that government can give everyone the care they need. This is a great example of how he is a Federalist. He also is planning to use one massive stimulus plan that he hopes can change all of America as every citizen fights through the current economic catastrophe. Rather than state rights, Obama uses the power of government to his advantage in trying to solve nearly every problem that America is currently facing. This has its advantages and disadvantages but definitely portrays a Federalist state of mind.
Source-http://americandaily.com/index.php/article/497
Source-http://www.thestar.com/GlobalVoices/Junior/article/582116
2.Though not seen as one of the most popular presidents, George Bush used Classic Republicanism as he helped try to ease the economic dilemma facing him by tax rebates to nearly every American citizen. Bush planned to give up to $600 a person, $1200 for couples, and $300 per child and all money would be sent from the IRS when taxes were filed. As the economic crisis loomed on the forefront of Bush’s issues, he wanted to give the people money so that they could spend it and restart the economy and American business. He did not simply target the rich, or the poor under his plan, but did it for the good of the people and the desire to alter the economy for the better, though it would soon be in tatters. This plan was unsuccessful, but most likely helped boost consumer spending to a certain degree. It was not a wasted attempt and was worth the try. This rebate is a great example among many in American where Classic Republicanism was brought forth.
Source-http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/25/AR2008042501399_pf.html
3.By far, Obama is a Federalist because of his plan to unify America, and make it whole again. Rather than let each state govern the affairs within, he wants to have a strong central government that controls and makes rules for all of them. His plan of National Healthcare shows this side of him as he tries to give health coverage to every individual within America. He has already completed some of this by giving coverage to kids. “As I think everybody here will agree, this is only the first step. Because the way I see it, providing coverage to 11 million children through CHIP is a down payment on my commitment to cover every single American.” The planned bill will cost around 150 billion dollars a year so that government can give everyone the care they need. This is a great example of how he is a Federalist. He also is planning to use one massive stimulus plan that he hopes can change all of America as every citizen fights through the current economic catastrophe. Rather than state rights, Obama uses the power of government to his advantage in trying to solve nearly every problem that America is currently facing. This has its advantages and disadvantages but definitely portrays a Federalist state of mind.
Source-http://americandaily.com/index.php/article/497
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
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 15th 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 15th 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/
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/
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