Kucinich Rips Edwards on Debate Remarks

Democrat Dennis Kuchinich, who just recently joined the race, lashed out at fellow democratic candidate John Edwards on Friday. He said to him that he showed a "consistent lack of integrity" but suggesting fewer candidates should participate in presidential forums.
"This is a serious matter and I'm calling him on it," Kucinich, an Ohio congressman, said in a telephone interview Friday. "Whispering, trying to rig an election, then denying what's going on and making excuses. It all reflects a consistent lack of integrity."
Kucinich said this after Edwards and Clinton were overheard on Thursday talking about the possibility of limiting the number of participants in the future.
Kucinich, who typically polls in the low single digits, clearly felt the slight was directed at him. All eight Democratic contenders took part in the program, including Barack Obama, Bill Richardson, Chris Dodd, Joe Biden, Mike Gravel and Kucinich.

i think that it is right for Kucinich to lash out at Edwards like he did because he has strong viewpoints and has the chance to be a strong contender. For Edwards and Clinton to say the things they did i feel is unfair because they are the front runners and to not give anyone else a chance is not right.

Divisions Over Iraq Extend to 2008 Race

Divisions over Iraq extended to the presidential campaign during the Senate's all-night debate, with Republican John McCain backing up President Bush's war strategy as Democratics demand troop withdrawals.

"Our defeat there would be catastrophic, not just for Iraq, but for us," the Arizona senator said Wednesday. "As long as we have a chance to succeed we must try to succeed."

In a speech just after 4 a.m., Democratic candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton argued: "It is time for us to move our troops out of harm's way in the middle of the Iraqi civil war."

The two were among several White House hopefuls in the Senate who participated in a marathon debate before voting on a Democratic-led measure ordering a drawdown in forces. The 52-47 vote fell short of the 60 votes needed to cut off debate under Senate rules.

Presidential candidates voted mostly along party lines, with McCain and Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., opposing the measure, while Clinton and Sens. Barack Obama of Illinois, Chris Dodd of Connecticut and Joe Biden of Delaware supporting it. Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Nebraska Republican flirting with a bid, sided with the Democrats.

I think that it is a very good sign on the Democrats part that they wanted to move troops out. I think everyone in this country is sick of this war and just wants it to end. I think because the democratic candidates are trying to get troops out, they will win a LOT of peoples votes.

Edwards and Obama Shift Focus to Poverty

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama challenged John Edwards' claim as the anti-poverty candidate on Wednesday and reminded voters of his experience working with the inner-city poor.

Meanwhile, Edwards is going on an eight state poverty tour. Both of these candidates invoked democratic icon, Robert F. Kennedy, who 40 years ago in the presidential election brought attention to the poor. Edwards said during the tour he wants "America to remember what he did decades ago. i want you to join us to end the work Bobby Kennedy started." Obama alluded to Kennedy's tour and repeated a question Kennedy once said, "How can a country like this allow it?" it is evident that both candidates feel strongly about the poverty problem.

I think that it is amazing we have candidates that are bringing attention to the povery problem and i agree with Obama in his quesiton. How could we allow the things that are happening here? I am glad that they are bringing up these issues because it shows their concern for the whole nation and concern for the things that have been ignored and neglected for the past eight years.

Edwards Wife In the Spotlight!

Elizabeth Edwards is back in the spotlight, again.

The wife of the Democratic presidential hopeful from North Carolina, John Edwards, is taking the starring role in a new campaign commercial for her husband.

“You’re not going to outsmart him. He works harder than any human being that I know, always has, “ says Edwards, in the television ad now playing in the crucial early primary state of New Hampshire.

For Edwards, who’s battling cancer, it’s another moment in the spotlight. Earlier this week she fired away at Hillary Clinton, telling the on-line magazine Salon that “sometimes you feel you have to behave as a man and not talk about women’s issues. I’m sympathetic; she wants to be commander in chief. But she’s just not as vocal a women’s advocate as I want to see. John is.”

“Despite her battle with cancer, Elizabeth Edwards refuses to be a shrinking violet,” says CNN Political Editor Mark Preston. He also says “this was definitely a shot across Clinton’s bow and there’s no question Elizabeth Edwards is her husband’s biggest political asset, especially when it comes to women voters.”

The most recent CNN-Opinion Research Corporation national poll of Democratic women finds Hillary Clinton far ahead of John Edwards. The Senator from New York was the choice for president among 45 percent of the Democratic women polled June 22-24. Senator Barack Obama was second with 25 percent and Edwards far behind at 11 percent.

This is not the first time Elizabeth Edwards has gone after Clinton. Last October she compared herself to Clinton, saying “we both went to law school and married other lawyers, but after that we made other choices. I think my choices have made me happier. I think I’m more joyful than she is.” After her comments made national headlines, Edwards reached out to apologize to Clinton.

wow this is pretty intense specially the way she went off on Hilary Clinton.. but its good that candidates wives are involved.. its actually pretty interesting on what they have to say on other candidates.

McCain snaps: ‘Finished’ discussing campaign

A frustrated Sen. John McCain snapped Wednesday when asked by CNN about his troubled presidential campaign and vowed he would no longer answer questions on that topic.

“I’m not going to talk about my campaign anymore,” McCain said in a sharp tone. “I’m finished with talking about it. I’ve talked about it for two weeks. I will not discuss it or any aspect of it. Thank you.”

McCain’s patience may have been worn thin by his lack of sleep as he managed the Defense authorization bill through the wee hours of the morning.

The question that triggered McCain’s response was whether or not he was going to keep a scheduled meeting Wednesday with his congressional supporters to explain why his campaign is not in dire condition. Eileen McMenamin, the Arizona Republican’s spokeswoman, declined to elaborate whether McCain would no longer talk – ever – about his campaign or just not talk about it while in the Capitol. But she did say he remains a candidate and will be back on the trail next week – with reporters in tow.

I can definitely understand why mccain would snap.. I would be a little grouchy too if i had little sleep and I had a dozen reporters asking me questions about my campaign and how it was ruined.

Web Address for Post Below

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-mccain15jul15,1,4312857.story?coll=la-politics-campaign&ctrack=1&cset=true

McCain looks to focus on New Hampshire

John McCain is starting to return to New Hampshire, which he plans to win over in the state's primary as he did back in 2000. Back in 200 his win was over George W. Bush, but now he feels like he must return and remind these people of why they liked him. He plans to go to the people, even if it consists of many small house parties. But there is also another thing hovering over McCain and that is that recent polls are beginning to show that New Hampshire is no longer filled with the independent voters that helped him back in 2000. These polls are beginning to show that these would- be supporters are leaning towards voting in the Democratic primary in New Hampshire.

I personally think that McCain needs to set his goals higher than small house parties in New Hampshire, for numerous reasons. He needs to make sure that he gets more support from other states, and correct me if I'm wrong, but focusing on one state so much will not get him that many votes in the long run. Although his method of giving people answers to questions face to face is a great personal connect, at the same itme it doesn't go very far when you need millions of votes.

Obama Catches Up to Clinton

Democrat Barack Obama raised $25 million for his presidential bid in the first three months of 2007, placing him on a par with front-runner candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton and ruining her image as the party's inevitable nominee. Obama fundrasing number came from an official in his campaign who spoke on condition of anonymity. This made Obama an even more fierce competitor in this election. People are saying these facts are showing that he is a "powerful new force in presidential politics this year." People are beginning to see that he is a significant threat to Clinton.

i think that Obama is a very strong contender in the election and i think that he is strengthening his status as a significant threat to Clinton. Plus i agree with Obamas strong believe to get troops out of Iraq.

Duncan hunter giving up House seat for shot to be Pres.

Duncan Hunter, a very small name in this 2008 presidential election. He is all over the place. He is very unorganized and he is giving up a very important seat in the House to try to gain presidency, which is looking unlikely right now. Over the first six months of 2007, he has only raised 1.2 million dollars. Other candidates dwarf this number in their donations. He has no organization in Iowa, where organization is essential to success. His election team is made up of eight volunteers and they are doing very bad. he basically has no media coverage at all, except for one reporter following him around...and Hunter's team forgot to tell the reporter that plans have changed so on the second day of campaigning, Hunter and the reporter were in cities 45 miles apart. He is giving up his seat because he believes that his time has come to run for presidency.
Hunter's family has been very honorable throughout the past. His father served in World War II and he served in Vietnam himself. This is why he is running for presidency because he feels so strongly about the Iraq War.

In my opinion, Hunter should have kept his seat in the House and let the not necessarily more expeirienced people run it, but the people with better finances.

Biden: We're Going to Shove Bush Veto Down His Throat

Senator Joseph Biden, a democratic presidential candidate in the 08 election, recently told a supporter that after President Bush vetoes the Iraq war funding legislation, "we're going to shove it down his throat." This was at an annual fish fry event on friday, where a question and answer session was being held with Biden. He was asked "When he vetoes the bill, what's going to be the next version of the bill you send him?" and replied with a threat towards the president.
WATCH THIS CLIP ON YOUTUBE!

tight. i think i like this guy, although he seems a little unprofessional for the position of president.

Firefighters Blasts former New York Mayor DUN DUN DUN

The country's largest firefighting union bashes about former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani's performance about September 11, 2001. They aim a blow at the cornerstone of Giuliani's presidential campaign. The relatives and survivors of the 9/11 blamed Giuliani on lack of radio gear. They said if there were enough radio gears, they could've ordered the firefighters to evacuate and saved more than 100 lives. "He gave us nothing when we needed a life-saving radio," says Peter Gorman, a former local president. The firefighters first reported problems with their radio gear after the 1993 bombing. But later that year when Giuliani became the mayor he did nothing to resolve that problem between the 8 years. "He's not a leader," said retired Deputy Chief Jim Riches, whose son was killed in the 2001 attack. "He's running on 9/11, and it's all a fallacy."

I think these criticism of Rudy Giuliani will definately effect the presidential elections. Many people have lost relatives or known the people who lost their lives during the 9/11. If this word gets around that Giuliani was able to save more lives if it wasn't for him, I think that many people would go against him.

Romney spends big money

Rich man Mitt Romney, planning on running in the 2008 elections has been spending big money in early states recently. He is doing this to win over voters in states where there will be early voting. He is slowing growing in Iowa and New Hampshire, but it has been costly for him. He has raised 21 million dollars in donations and spent nearly all of it in the second quarter of 2007. This isn't looking good for him, his rival, Rudolph Guliani spend half that much in the second quarter of 2007 and he is doing just as well. Romney has already spend about 31.8 million dollars in the first half yer that he has been campaigning for presidency. Romney is spending money like crazy. Four years ago Bush raised 35 million and only spent 2.7 million and by the end of the second quarter 8 years ago Bush raised 37 million and only spent 7.2 million.

Romney is spending money like a madman and he better hope it pays off.

In my opinion i think that spending this much money is unecessary, but it shows that Romney really wants the position of presidency.

The Reverend Who Preaches to Candidates

Reverend Frank Page, president of a 16.3-million-member Southern Baptist Convention and leader of a large congregation, makes it a hobby to talk to local and presidential candidates about salvation. He says that that leaders need to see a Christian viewpoint and thus offers to share his own. He never endorses the candidates, keeping the conversation on religion and salvation to Christ. He has chatted with many candidates so far, including Rudolph W. Giuliani, a vilified Democratic who supports abortion. Rev. Page is quite different from other reverends, who would rather stay out of politics altogether.

I believe that this man is doing a good thing; he is teaching these candidates -- politicians who are perhaps unethical in their election campaigns -- morals and ethics. However, I think that the candidates may want to take the opportunity to talk to this reverend to gain the votes of his congregation, a hefty number of people. It seems quite random to take time off campaigning to listen to spiritual teachings but hopefully they can learn a thing or two about integrity and ethics.

Ron Paul emerges as GOP's unlikely rock-star candidate

Ron Paul is emerging as a very strong candidate among the younger crowd. He was a part of a rock concert and was cheered by the crowd as he announced his plans of abolishment of the federal reserve system. According to one young enthusiast, "'He's consistent,' said Jennifer Reilly, a 23-year-old student at the College of Southern Nevada who attended a recent rally here. 'I actually believe everything he says.'"
I feel that a strong leader is essential for the U.S. right now, especially since we are in such a state of turmoil and distrust. Ron Paul seems to be gathering steam--even though many experienced and older people feel that his policies are a bit ridiculous--because his ideals are popular among the young generations. If Ron Paul does become a stong contender for the election, I feel that it would be a breath of fresh political air, I hope that he will become more popular so some of his ideology will rub off on the other candidates.

the presidential candidates on immigration

As congress debates on comprehensive immigration bill the presidential candidates are also trying to play importance roles upon that bill. Cod is one of the candidates. He said that he will accept the basic idea of border security and we need to get corporation with Mexico for this. And we should put more meaningful penalties on a business owner who hires illeger immigrants or undocumented people. however, he is not convinced in raising minimum wages and doing other thing than immigration bill. For example, he question on pathway to citizenship and growing population. He is interested in workers program and agricultural cases.

I basically agree with his opinion about the immigration bill. Forming corporation with Mexico is a good idea to solve immigrant problem. But in the other hand, he should concern about the other issues as well as the presidential candidate. This his speech is released on May 3. He should show more his thoughts about the politic.

http://www.nytimes.com/ref/washington/IMMIGRATIONPOSITIONS.html

Police ask voters for pay increase

Sierra Madre police officer's are hoping that voters will approve a ballot in november which will give them higher pay. The police officers gathered 1,767 signatures which is more than the required 25 percent of the city's 7,500 voters, needed in order to earn its place on the ballot. The ballot, which is named the "Prioritizing Public Safety" initiative, is trying to give local police and annual pay increase of more than 20 percent.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_6398625


I believe this is a great idea for the police officers to get a pay raise. Police officers risks their lives daily and are constantly helping to keep us safe so why not give them better pay?

McCain Slips in Money Race for '08 Election

Arizona Senator John McCain disclosed Monday that he has raised $11.2 million in the second quarter of 2007. this is significantly low considering what he raised in the first 90 days of the year. This is causing a round of staff cuts and people beginning to think his campaign is troubled. McCains campaign was meant to be up to $100 million this year but in the first 6 months, it was only at the $25 million point.another sign of McCains troubled campaign is the fact that he had $1.8 million in unpaid bills earlier this year.

"We confronted reality and we dealt with it in the best way that we could so that we could move forward," McCain campaign manager Terry Nelson said in a conference call with reporters.

Its been said that McCain has let go 50 of his staff members. He first had 150 paid employees.

McCain's quest "is certainly getting close to toast. It is browning on the edges," said political scientist Bruce Cain, director of the University of California Washington Center in the nation's capital.


In my opinion, i think that McCains financing problems are a reason to believe that these issues in his campaign could be brought up again during his presidency. I think that since he is having such trouble raising the money he needs and having to make staff cuts twice, he should not be involved in the 08 elections. These financial problems if brought into the white house could cause us an even bigger deficit than we have now....which i dont think anyone thought was possible.

D.C. endorsements may not play in Peoria

Obama campaign claims they won't make the same mistakes as Howard Dean did in 2004. He won't take an early endorsement from D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty or members of the D.C. council. In 2004, during a convention, Fenty told the media tht Howard Dean supported gay marriage. However, when Fenty anounced it, Dean corrected it by saying he announcing that he doesn't support it. Dean skipped the city's first debate in Dec. 29 and first-in-the-nation primary Jan. 13. He undoubtly seemed to have lost the race by March. Dean needed a votes from the African American community to sell himself to minorities even if they aren't in a state.

In my opnion, because Dean rudely interupted Fenty's speech that he didn't support gay marriage, that probably cost him votes. This is a warning for Obama not to the do the same.

McCain Bid '08 losing steam

John McCain's presidential campaign is beginning to show. Even though it still doesn't show signs that he is coming up in the polls, he is still continuing his campaign. Unfortunately his party fundraisers have been resentful with his refusal to say that his campaign finance law was a mistake. this mistake hurt the right of free speech. he is also having trouble getting support from people even in his own party.

in my opinion, John McCain should not have a finance law because that would have the people not express their views and opinions. i also think that McCain is not doing so well in the polls because of the things that he is doing that are causing people to get angry at him.

He backs Clinton; her backers help him

Shortly after supporting Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential campaign, former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack received nearly $90,000 in donations to his no longer existing presidential campaign from some of Clinton's major supporters. The donations came from Clinton fundraising programs of New York, California, Texas, and Washington, D.C. However, nothing came from Iowa, where Vilsack served his two terms as governor. Vilsack, who was not able to have enough money for the presidential campaign, withdrew from the Democratic race in February. In March he supported Clinton, and his Democratic organization is able to give her a chance of winning in Iowa six months from now. Clinton campaign spokesman Phil Singer said that Clinton had made it clear early "we were going to help retire the debt" but that Clinton did not receive Vilsack's support because of any offer or deal. "The Clintons and Gov. Vilsack have a long history," Singer said. "She offered to do whatever she could to help him close out his campaign." Vilsack spokeswoman Kiki McClean said the former governor "endorsed Sen. Clinton because he believes she is the best person to be president." She said "it's not surprising" that Democratic donors would back Clinton and Vilsack.

This article was able to demonstrate that even through elections, Clinton was able to support one of her candidates financially. Vilsack was not able to afford much for the campaign, so he dropped out, which I find ridiculous because money shouldn't be a problem if a person has what it takes to be a great president. But as he dropped out, she supported him without having him give her something in return. She did this due to her kindness of her heart. Vilsack knows this so out of his heart and not money, he helps her in getting Iowa's votes. He also knows that she will make a great president as well. Through this article, one is able to see that Clinton is a fair candidate that cares for others instead of being a selfish candidate that does anything to bring her other candidates down. Election is a time filled with stress and anxiety, but she is still able to help someone in need. I chose this article to see how Clinton is doing in her campaign because I am glad to see a woman step up and change history by running for presidency.

YouTube follows the campaign trail

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-webelect6jul06,1,3554147.story

The campaigns by the presidential candidates are now not only limited to their speeches and TV talks, but the campaigns are now extended to the use of Internet, such as YouTube. Looking back at the election of 2004, the Web Videos were not available during those days; YouTube was introduced three years ago. Therefore, in the election of 2008, the tactics of campaigning has been changed dramatically. For example, Amber Lee Ettinger, a.k.a. Obama Girl, who posted up her Web Video "I Got a Crush on Obama," has gotten more than two million hits in last three weeks. This is one of the most watched political videos this season. Some videos posted up don't have anything to do with the issues, but they are to familiarize the people with the candidates.

I believe the use of YouTube is actually beneficial to the election. Although some videos that are posted up have no relevance whatsoever with the issues of the candidates, through the use of YouTube, more people are allowed to get access to the issues of the candidates. More people are educated because of the use of YouTube. I think the benefit of using the YouTube outweighs its cost.

Poll: 'None of the above' leads GOP field

There is no currently leading Republican presidential candidate. The latest polls have shown that nearly 1/4 of Republicans are unwilling to back up Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, John McCain or Mitt Romney. Unlike the Republicans, the Democrats think that three or four candidate nominations is allowable. Republicans just won't agree on who to back up the most and they are uncompromising in their decision to have one frontrunner who shares their views. Giuliani's popularity has been dropping, currently at a 21% compared to the 35% in March. Thompson has 19%; McCain has 15%; Romney has 11%. None of these candidates have the full support of Christian evangelicals, a major group within the Republicans.

This article reveals a weakness inside the political parties. Because they are allowed to participate in the nomination process, they have essential powers in deciding who the next president may be. Although there are many ways to nominate a candidate, the Republican party is one of two dominate parties that have been winning elections for over a hundred years. The disagreements within the Republican Party reveal that within the party, differing views on issues are arising. With this differing of opinions, is a splinter party about to emerge? A new political trend may be building with the increased attentions. If the Republicans aren't careful, they may lose the 2008 election and their party's stability.

Kerry will not enter Presidential Race

An emotional Senator John F. Kerry today said he will not run in the 2008 presidential race and vowed to use his Senate perch to hasten an end to the war in Iraq, saying he would work with lawmakers from both parties to reverse President Bush's troop "surge" and force him to withdraw virtually all troops from Iraq by early next year. Kerry's decision to stay out of the presidential race reflects a realization that he would have had an uphill climb in capturing the Democratic nomination, given the other party heavyweights who are already in the race, according to Kerry associates.

If Kerry is elected there will be more room for criticism. Kerry and the democrats will be helpful to defeat Bush. Kerryhad said he will bill by his Massachusetts colleague to require Bush to seek fresh authorization to send additional troops to Iraq and I'm with him on this.

Who is the real Hilary Clinton?

Hilary Clinton is probably the most competent in the field. Virtually, everyone agrees that she should have the best chance of wresting the presidency from the Republicans in 2008 and repairing the damage from the wrecking ball of the Bush presidency. She also has Bill Clinton by her side, a formidable campaigner who took to the road for the first time in Iowa this month.
But behind the scenes, Americans are deeply worried at the prospect of having Hillary (and Bill) back in the White House. While she inspires ordinary women voters, men are not so moved and she has the highest voter-disapproval ratings of any top-tier candidate in the race. She also has a big problem with left-wing feminists.
Americans might well ask who is the real Hillary Clinton? Is Hillary a liberal who has been victimised by a "vast right-wing conspiracy", or a scheming political control-freak who will stop at nothing in her bid to become the first Mrs President?

I don't think people of America should be making a big deal out of this. Try to take a look at it from her perspective, being the only female campaigning for presidency. People shouldn't classify her as a feminist just because she is a strong reperesentitive for the female gender. Heck, she's just trying to make a difference and respects her rights and authority of being a female U.S. citizen.

Loving Politicians

Hillary Rodham Clinton is running for President, there is no doubt about that. However, there have been speculations as to her marriage status with her husband, former President Bill Clinton, who was impeached from office. After starting their campaign train across Iowa the doubt of their marriage not being effective has surpassed the minds of local residents. The couple was very loving in their body language- Bill supporting his wife as she made speeches and took the time to get to know the citizens. It has been heard that there are many skeptical women who don't approve of Hillary's decision to stay with her husband. But after seeing them together on the trail their opinions changed. Campaigning with her husband has allowed Hillary to "effectively double the number of personal contacts made with voters at every campaign stop."

I think that Hillary knows what she is doing when she takes her husband with her on her campaign trail. Understanding that people know her husband, she is playing off of his popularity and enjoying the spotlight herself. She is prepared for the battle of her campaign and Bill seems to enjoy supporting her long the way. What a -now- happy couple.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich Says He Plans to Run for President in 2008

Dennis Kucinich, who unsuccessfully ran for president in the 2004 election, is running again in 2008. He wants to run because he doesn't think his party is pushing hard enough for the end of the war in Iraq, and hopes to do so. He plans to formally announce his plan to run on Tuesday. He says this is because he disagrees with alot of the decisions his fellow party members are making and wants to take actions. Kucinich has strong feelings about ending the war in Iraq and gained a lot of support for this last time he ran. He was recently elected for his sizth term in the House of Representatives.


how cute!! i love dennis kucinich. i remember him from the last election, and i have always agreed with his stand points, and i think he would make a good president because he cares about the people and what is best for them. who can resist that face, really??

Jews and Evangelicals for Giuliani?

Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York and current Republican candiate, began his campaign events tuesday at the evangelical Regent University in Virginia Beach where he appeared with the school founder, Pat Robertson. After arrving one hour late, he later spoke to the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington in Rockville, Md. In his visit to both groups, he focused on the threat of "Islamic Terrorists", and expressed strong support for Israel. He began saying that the Democrats are "in denial" about the threat posed by terrorists to the U.S. and drew a line between Nazi Germany and current terrorist groups. He uses emotional and historical effect on the Jewish community, involving Hitler and Nazism in his speech, saying "I'm not going to make that mistake again (Holocaust). If I'm President, I'm not going to let any man destroy Israel."
It has been researched that the Jewish community has been a significant amount of votes in recent elections and for example, it even helped elect President Bush with 25 percent Jewish voters. I think Rudy Giuliani is making an excellent effort to gain success in his campaign. I think using the emotional appeal to obtain voters interests and possibly votes, it is a good strategy and just politics. For more informations and a live video footage of his speech, visit http://blog.washingtonpost.com/campaign-trail/2007/06/jews_evangelicals_for_giuliani.html

Hillary Clinton aims to win over doubters

Hilary Rodham Clinton is trying win over doubters. Clinton convincing doubters among Democratic primary voters is essential for her presidential hopes. Clinton has to change enough hearts and minds among Democratic voters to prove that she can do it on a nationwide. Clinton campaign is already deep into a concerted, poll-tested effort to sway the public conversation about her in the primary states where it matters most. Clinton's carefully polished appearances on the campaign trail and her early reliance on biographical videos and networks of female supporters are all part of a larger strategy battle-tested in upstate New York during two winning Senate campaigns.

I agree with Hillary Clinton because she is being smart and trying to win over the doubters. She is giving her time and convincing doubters.

Oprah to Host Obama Fundraiser

Oprah Winfrey has planned a fundraiser for Barack Obama in her home which is in Santa Barbara. Invitations have been mailed for what is supposed to be a must-attend event for much of California's Democratic elite, especially those in the entertainment industry. The invitations say "Please get back to us soon before it sells out," urging guests to respond as soon as possible. The cost of getting in the door is $2,300, which is the maximum contribution for the primary season. There are incentives for gaining a little extra time to see the candidate. Those who can tap friends and relatives for contributions to Obama's presidential campaign that total at least $25,000 gain entree to a VIP reception. And those who donate at least $50,000 in donations make the cut for a VIP dinner. Oprah endorsed Obama, who she got to know through their mutual home bases in Chicago during the spring--the first time she ever officially embraced a White House contender. She claims "I haven’t done it in the past because ... I didn’t know anybody well enough to be able to say, ‘I believe in this person.’

This article deals with how presidential candidates may raise their money for their campaigns. I chose this article because it was interesting that Oprah decided to help support Obama. Oprah seems like the type of person who is ready for change, like the change of having president to be a woman-Hilary Clinton or an African American-Barack Obama. However, I am surprised that Oprah believes so much in Obama when she just met him during the spring. This does not seem like a lot of time to get to know a person and truly believe this is the right person to serve as the United States President.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2007/07/oprah-to-host-o.html

McCain Focuses on New Hampshire

On July 14, 2007, John McCain confidently replied, “I can out-campaign any of these guys”. After returning to New Hampshire, John McCain had turned his attention on New Hampshire. He continued to announce to the people, that nothing will stand in the way between him and them, and this confidence originates from his previous victory in 2000, beating George W. Bush by 19 percentage points. However, despite the confidence McCain has in winning, New Hampshire has changed since he won with independent votes and recent polling even suggests that the votes may even go toward Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.

I believe that John McCain is taking the right step in focusing his attention on New Hampshire because even if he wins in other states, it wouldn’t matter if he can keep the states that originally favored him. His overconfidence may first seem like a downfall that may affect his supporter’s views, but the fact that he returned to New Hampshire to regain support means that he is not as confident as he says he is. John McCain has ran against George W. Bush and though he did not win, he was still able to gain some state’s support and therefore if John McCain can remain confident and focus on new states, but not forget about old states, he will be a competitive candidate for the other candidates.

First GOP Candidate Drops Out

The 57-year-old Republican and Former Virginia Governor, Jim Gilmore, has decided to drop out of the Presidential Election of 2008 due to the lack of funds in support of his campaign. Because of the failure of raising a substantial amount of money to continue his campaign, Gilmore has stated that it "has made it impractical to continue". In addition, Gilmore barely registered in polls as he states, "The reality is, we're raising money in the hundreds of thousands, and the front-runners are raising in the millions." Jim Gilmore was the first out of the 10 GOP presidential candidates to ever drop out.

I believe that money is an unreasonable factor in campaigning due to the disadvantages that it gives to others who are unable to raise enough funds for their campaign. Candidates should not be forced to drop out of the election due to their lack of money, but should have their own decisions to do so. I believe that the issue of money to campaign should not conflict with the capabilities of a qualified candidate.

Campaigns Raise Money Slower Than Spent

In the upcoming presidential election, whoever has more money has the upper hand in winning. Obama is leading with 32.8 million for the Democrats with Hilary Clinton with 32.6 million. For the Republicans, Giuliani raised about 17.3 million. But in order to win the election, candidates need to spend money to advertise and fund their travel around the nation. Obama spent 16 million, Clinton spent 12 million and Giuliani spent 11 million. Other candidates are losing money even quicker. Thompson is in debt $6,000 and Huckabee only has 435,000 left. They are all spending this much money 6 months before the polls.

I realize there needs to be a lot of money in order to run a successful campaign, but money shouldn't be a factor in smaller candidates voicing their opinions. "It's unfortunate in our system that money can drive credible voices out of the race" said Crawford. There probably isn't a way to cut down the cost, but all candidates should have an equal chance.

McCain's top political strategists forced out

Campaign manager Terry Nelson and chief strategist John Weaver announced their departures in joint statements released by the campaign.

Several sources tell CNN that McCain met with Nelson and Weaver on Monday to discuss the campaign's direction.

"Apparently [McCain] didn't like the answers and [said] this morning he wanted changes," according to a source familiar with the internal deliberations.

Also Tuesday, Deputy Campaign Manager Reed Galen and Political Director Rob Jesmer resigned from the campaign, a campaign source told CNN.

"No one was fired and they remain good and close and loyal friends and they'll continue to help out in the campaign," McCain told reporters.

wow this sucks for McCain what is he going to do now with his campaign now that his top strategist are gone.. this is sure going to be a tough one for McCain.. the election is going to be quite interesting with all these turn of events

Obama's money puts Clinton's 'inevitable' nomination in doubt

Washington insiders were beginning to think of Senator Hilary Clinton(Democrat)'s nomination as inevitable yet Senator Barack Obama(Democrat) shook that assumption with this successful fundraising totals of $32.5 million raised, of which $31 million can be spent in the Democratic primaries. Clinton fundraised a total of $27 million for the quarter and will be able to use $21 million in her primaries. Historially, the one who raised the most money would end up getting the nomination. Obama's record breaking fundraisers represents his dedicated, passionate characteristics which in one of Obama's first television ads a Republican state senator from Illinois state, "Republican legislators respected Senator Obama." Does money equal votes? It does not necessarily equal vots yet it enables a candicate to run heavely television advertising in the most crucial states. By raising a lot of money, it ables a candidate to expand their campaign. "People seem to be throwing money at the candidates. And most of it is going to the Democrats."


It is very exiciting to see our first woman candidate and first African American candidate excel in the fields of fundraising and to see that they are the first runner ups of the election. In addition, it is very interesting to see candidates compete for money and attention when there aren't acutal votes are cast yet. I believe they're goal is to fundraise as much as possible to enable themselves to expand their campaign into a deeper, broader level so that the majority of the people who are qualified for voting can hear the issues and the beliefs these candidates ensure in. It all depends on how much they make and how much attention they can create.

A New Face for Politics

Obama has raised 58.5 million dollars in the first six months of the year leading up to his election. This was record breaking. Hilary Clinton came close with 53 million dollars. The race has become tough as of June 30, 2007. Obama has 36.2 million dollars in the bank and Hilary has 45 million dollars in the bank. Obama has shown people his fundraising strength. During the second quarter he got 360,000 per day. 260,000 people this year have made donations to Obama. Obama has received donations from many different companies, people, and firms. They compare the donations received by Obama and his competitors.
I felt that this article was very interesting because Obama is the first African American to run in the Presidential elections. He also has received the most donations from people and many different companies. I feel that this is a breakthrough in American politics.

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-money16jul16,1,3144703.story?page=2&cset=true&ctrack=1

Jim Gilmore quits the presidential race

Republican Jim Gilmore has said he is abandoning his attempt to win his party's nomination for the 2008 US presidential election. One of the less prominent Republican hopefuls, Mr Gilmore has struggled since entering the race in April. A former governor of Virginia, he described himself as a "mainstream Reagan conservative". There are now nine Republicans in contention, with Rudolph Giuliani and Mitt Romney the frontrunners.
He has made little impact in the opinion polls, and latest figures show his campaign funds standing at a mere $90,000. Mr Gilmore blamed his late start and the early schedule of primary elections, which will begin in the New Year. Emergency surgery for a detached retina delayed his campaigning last month.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6899344.stm

I think that its good he dropped out of the race. he knew he had no chance to win because he isnt as popular as the other candidates and if he didnt quit he would lose and have wasted over a year in the race. Even if he had not gotten surgery he still would not be close to winning.

Rep. Hunter Joins 2008 Presidential Race

San Diego Republican, Duncan Hunter, admitted his entrance to the 2008 presidential election last October. He currently moves around states such as Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina in process to reinforce his financial matters and gather more supporters. He was a former chairman of House Armed Services Committee and he objects illegal immigration. Hunter, standing in the stage of contenders, claimed, "America needs a way ahead in the ongoing war against terrorists and a policy of economic opportunity, with a reaffirmation of faith in the principles of our founding."

I chose this article because Hunter is a San Diego lawmaker, from the same state as I am. I believe there are many barriers and obstacles that he needs to carry in completion to his success, to gather money and his supporters. However, it’s good to see him having strong hope and motivation in effort to his goal.

Dueling Iraq Speeches in Iowa for Obama, Clinton

As Clinton, Obama, and Edwards lead the polls, Clinton and Obama argue over the Iraq War in Des Moines, Iowa. Barack Obama, a state lawmaker in Illinois, stated that he objected the war since the beginning. He also claimed that Hilary Rodham Clinton supported the war in the beginning by voting on sending troops to invade Iraq to destroy Saddam Hussein’s regime. Clinton, on the other hand, mentioned that she wouldn’t have voted for the invasion if she knew this would have happened. Both contenders stand for the opposition in war as they lead the financial matters having around $26 million each.

I chose this article because Clinton and Obama are both contenders with unusual characteristics that the former presidents didn't have. It will definitely be an amazing turn in the United States history when one of them becomes the president. I think their actions against war will bring many in favor of them.

Article

In 2008, are voters looking for experience -- or a fresh face?

In 2008, are voters looking for experience, or a fresh face? This article mentions that campaign experience of a candidate doesn't really seem to help the candidates for the upcoming election. For example, the two candidates who are running for the second time, former Senator John Edwards and Senator John McCain, started strong, but are lagging in the polls and in fundraising now. This means voters may be ready for someone new and different, like Illinois Senator Barack Obama. Campaign experience of a candidate has been helpful to the candidates in other elections, as Nixon, Reagan, Bush (first) were all elected after running for president two or three times. However, it appears voters might want a mix of the new and the old, as they seem to be looking for a “fresh face” as much as they are looking for someone experienced.

I personally believe that it is reasonable for voters to be interested in a brand new face. This would give equal chance to candidates who are not well-known or experienced. However, experience and ability of the candidate should be the most essential factor to consider for the voters, before voting for a candidate.

Theme for the week of 7/16-7/20

This week I would like you to focus on one of two possible topics:

#1: Elections. There are presidential elections coming up in 2008. Find articles about the presidential race, Congressional races, or any other election.

#2: Local politics. Articles ideally would talk about South Pasadena politics, but feel free to deal with surrounding areas (Pasadena, Alhambra, Temple City, Los Angeles, etc.)

No repeat articles. No repeat issues.

Articles and comments must be posted by 5:00 on Thursday July 19th. NO EXCEPTIONS!! Anything posted after 5:00pm will not count. I know the tricks!! Don't cheat.

EXTRA CREDIT: After 5:00pm on Wednesday you can post/comment as much as you want for extra credit - NO LIMITS! Please do not do this until after 5:00pm Wednesday or your posts will be deleted.

A Stinging Report : The Government Accountability Office tries to build a “Dirty Bomb”

America is putting plastic drop cloths, and duct tape, terms such as "americium-241" and "cesium-137". These are two of the dangerous radioactive substances that is used in certain industrial deceives and possibility of harmful by explosion of a "dirty bomb". This happened in Maryland. The GAO set up Two company that is for buying the buy special moisture density gauges. This contains the radioactive substances. After that NRC commissioner bragged about the substance that is not nearly dangerous as others. Then the commissioner said that safeguard are powerful than those. The NRC was embarrassed by the civilians in the state. The company had to testify what they did. The Senate, Susan Collins, said "We should have a meeting before the use of radioactive substance in product for sell." This was about the article about two companies.

My opinion is that the NRC shouldn't have done this. It is very dumb thing to in the company. They should be sued for this bomb making jobs.

Judge rejects lawsuit over pot

Santa Barbara loses its fight against a statute that makes the private use if marijuana by adults the city's lowest crime-fighting priority. The law is similar to those passed in at least 10 other cities in the US, including Oakland, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood. The city's lawsuit was the first legal challenge to such laws, according to Adam Wolf. After Poet was sued, she countersued, citing a state law intended to quash litigation known as strategic lawsuits against public participation.

I kind of agree with the Judge because it is the judges decision to make a rejection. The judges are not rejecting for no reason. They have a reason to reject the lawsuit over pot. So i agree with this article

Hindu prayer in Senate disrupted

Thursday, July 12th, 2007, was the first day for a Hindu man to offer morning prayer to the Senate. Three protesters appeared saying that they were Christians and are patriots and that Hindu prayer should not go on. The man claiming to be born in India was Rajan Zed, director of interfaith relations at a Hindu temple in Reno, Nevada. Surprisingly the three protestors were arrested. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. was the man to invite this Indian man, who defended him and went off topic to war.

I chose this article, because this reminded me of Engel v. Vitale. It’s Senate, not school, but I believe the First Amendment was being violated for those who are involved in the meeting for they have different religion and there’s no reason for them to bear the Hindu prayer. The difference in religion should be respected and cared. I believe that the Hindu man has violated the First Amendment by leading other believers with his own religion.

Article

Jurupa Violates Laws

On July 3rd, the Jurupa Community Services District violated state laws when it sold 4 acres of public land to Rep. Ken Calvert and his investment partners without offering the land to other public agencies first. They local park district wanted the land too. The Riverside County grand jury concluded this violation tuesday. The punishement is to pay a fee of $1.2 million for the Jurupa Area Recreation and Park District. Monthly investigations found that unnamed officials used district credit cards to buy personal items. Numerous violations were found from this investigation and the information was presented to the grand jury. I believe this is a minor problem and can be solved quite easily with and meeting of officials. If other public agencies wish to purchase the land, I think they should have a chance to buy it. And for the laws that were violated, i think they should regulate the laws much more better to enfore that these actions will not happen again. For more information on this topic, visit http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_C_report04.40f2068.html.

Blacks Violated Voting Rights Act

Noxubee County Democratic Party leader Ike Brown was accused of violating white voters of his town of their right to vote in a public election. Mr. Brown's actions violate the Voting Rights actof 1965 and violate those peoples right to vote. Judge Lee ruled that Ike Brown was guilty of voting segregation, although this case carried no criminal penalties, defendants who violate Judge Lee's final rulings could face charges and fines.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070701/NATION/107010039/1002&template=nextpage


I believe this is very wrong of Ike Brown to disciriminate those peopel of their voting rights. Everyone should ahve the rgiht to vote on a public election no matter where they live, what color they are and so and and so forth.

Rape censored in rape trial

In Lancaster a judge has just ruled that certain words are not to be used in the rape case of vistim, Terry Bowen. but it is not the news that she is accusing a man of the rape that is to peculiar. But instead the judge has limited Terry Bowen's and everyone else's right to free speech in the courtroom. Words such as "victim," "assailant," or "rape" shall not be used in the case. the reason behind it is so tha the jury does not hear such juicy words and lean towards one side from the beginning.

http://www.cnn.com/LAW/ (video, under 'Rape censored in rape trial'

I myself find it quite odd that the word rape itself cannot be used in a RAPE trial. But at the very same time I can see where the judge is coming from in the sense that the word "rape" is very powerful and could easily sway many jurers. But at the same time I believe it should be used because of how extreme the case is.

10-year-old arrested, handcuffed over scissors

A 10-year-old girl was placed in handcuffs and taken to a police station because she took a pair of scissors to her elementary school. School district officials said the fourth-grade student did not threaten anyone with the 8-inch shears, but violated a rule that considers scissors to be potential weapons. Administrators said they were following state law when they called police Thursday, and police said they were following department rules when they handcuffed Porsche Brown and took her away in a patrol wagon. “My daughter cried and cried,” said her mother, Rose Jackson. “She had no idea what she did was wrong. I think that was way too harsh.”Police officers decided the girl hadn’t committed a crime and let her go. However, school officials suspended her for five days.

The 10 year old girl did violated the right not to bring any weapons to school. But shes just 10 years old. I believe that the girl shoud have not been arrested or even handcuffed just becasue she brought her own scissors. She did not hurt or threaten anyone.

Gay Rights Group Launches Toilet Paper Campaign Against Florida Mayor

"We are encouraging people to mail either a roll or several sheets of toilet paper to the mayor at City Hall to help him to wipe his dirty mind clean," said Brian Winfield, spokesman for Equality Florida, a gay rights organization that helped start the toilet paper protest Friday. Gay activists in Floria start toilet paper protes because Floria mayor, Naugle mocked about gay's relation in public bathroom. Howerver, the mayor doesn't have got any toilet paper yet. He received a lot of e- mails. Last year, police had arrested men who had relation in beach bathroom at the Coral Ridge Mall. Naugle comments about gays was posted in July 4 article. He said, "the toilet could prevent "homosexual activity" that has occurred at other public restrooms, and plan to buy a $250,000 self-cleaning robotic toilet for beachgoers."

I do not care about the gay thing and do not care about they are having relationsip or not, but the having relation in the public place is misdemeaner. About that gay is not a problem. We should restrict that happens in public place. But gays are also human beings so they also have human rights, so it is wrong that Florida mayor mocked about them and made them feel bad. In this case the mayor made thoughtless comments.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,288715,00.html

Child pleads the right to know medical history

Does a child have equal protection under the law? Do they have the right to know the medical history of both biological parents to help ensure a healthy lifestyle? An important case exercises these questions in which Minor J, a determined Michigan youth of 17 years, seeks the identity of his birth father in order to know his genetic medical history and any predispositions to diseases.
Michigan's full disclosure adoption law requires that the medical histories of birth parents accompany the adopted child on to his or her new life. However, through a technicality, Minor J's rights apply differently. Minor J’s “parents” got divorced in 1995. In 2004, Mr. J began to doubt that the boy was his biological child, a suspicion confirmed by two separate DNA tests. Minor J asked his mother for the identity of his father. She gave another name, but three months later another DNA test determined that this man, Mr. X, was also not the biological father. Minor J, represented pro bono by nationally known family law attorney Henry Baskin of Birmingham, has filed suit against his mother. The case is now before the Michigan Court of Appeals after a Macomb County circuit judge ruled that Minor J had no legal standing to bring the suit. Michigan law ruled that since Minor J is a legitimate child, as Mr. J and Diane J were married at the time of his conception and birth, he cannot ask the courts to name another man as his father. Child support payments are no longer an issue. But something more valuable is: information, which could help Minor J or his offspring practice preventive medicine and avoid future disease.

This case gives reasonable belief to Minor J, for filing suit against his mother however the ruling of the Michigan Court of Appeals stands by its initial state law. Being that Minor J is still currently under age and that Mr. J and Diane J were married at the time of his birth, he is not entitled to question the courts to name another man as his father. Age comes with maturity and acceptance, and with that ruling I personally feel that it is a healthy way to restrict his request until he is legally 18 years of age.

Highschool Students Going to Jail for Skipping School

In Washington, there is a bill named after Rebecca Hedman called Becca Bill. This bill was enforced in 1997 and this bill jails truant youths. For example, Tam is one of hundreds of King County students who have been jailed for missing school. A few months later, Tam missed another court date and got another warrant. He tried hiding from the police but he was caught at a friend's house a few weeks later. Even after all the court appearances and detentions , he keeps skipping school still. He does not understand what is the big deal about ditching school and why the government keeps trying to help this situation by arresting him and not dropping him out of school.
I agree with Tam that punishing students by arresting them would help students. I feel that there should be other not so big-of-a-deal punishments for students that keep on ditching school.

Gay Rights Group Launches Toilet Paper Campaign Against Florida Mayor

On Monday July 9, gay rights activists have launched a campaign against Fort Lauderdale mayor concerning his comments that tend to be insulting towards gays and lesbians. The uproar started after Mayor Naugle's comments in a July 4 article in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel about the city's plan to buy a $250,000 self-cleaning robotic toilet for beachgoers, which could be programmed with a time limit, after which the door would fly open.
In the article, Naugle was quoted as saying the toilet could prevent "homosexual activity" that has occurred at other public restrooms. "Sometimes public restrooms are used for sexual activity, most of it is men meeting men because it's same-sex people in the bathrooms," Naugle said. Gay rights activists in the state have launched a drive to engulf the mayor with toilet paper to mock his comments.

Personally, I think that the mayor has made a very dumb decision for giving such a comment to the press. Whatever people do in the restroon no matter if they're gay or not is really none of his business as long as it doesn't affect anyone else. Now gay people are just going to be insulted for what he said which was totally unnecessary. Honestly, it is pretty nasty for people in the same gender to have sex, especially men. However, we should keep these comments to ourselves and not to insult or make fun of any specific group. I also don't agree with the plan on automatic restroom doors. What if the person needs to take longer than the time limit to take care of his business? I don't think it's such a good idea to have toilets with a time limit.

Thousands of Children Sentenced to Life without Parole

There are at least 2,225 child offenders serving life without parole (LWOP) sentences in US prisons for crimes committed before they were age 18 and 2,213 are Americans. While many of the child offenders are now adults, 16% were between 13 and 15 years old at the time they committed their crimes. An estimated 59% were sentenced to life without parole for their first-ever criminal conviction. Forty-two states currently have laws allowing childThe Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by every country except the United States and Somalia, forbids this practice, and at least 132 countries have rejected the LWOP altogether. Thirteen other countries have laws permitting the child LWOP sentence, but there are only about 12 young offenders currently serving life sentences with no possibility of parole outside of America.ren to receive life without parole sentences.
I do not think that sentencing to life without parole for children is unfair. They did not have chance to make it up and they have a lot of days to live. I hope the judge could see possibilities in them. The judges should think to help children but not killing them like they don't care.

Judge Upholds Illinois School's Ban on 'Be Happy, Not Gay' Shirt

Two Neuqua Valley High School students who had been wearing shirts reading "Be happy, Not gay," are banned from wearing them the day after The Day of Silence. This is when people refrain from speaking in order to protest the discrimination against gay people. The Arizona-based Alliance Defense Fund is representing Heidi Zamecnik and Alexander Nuxollin a lawsuit that claims Zamecnik's rights were violated last year when she wasn't allowed to wear the shirt in school. They stated tha the girl's rights to free speech were violated.

This is a tough subject because although it is not right to violate peoples freedom of speech, what these kids did was far more serious. I am extremely against the discrimination of homosexuals and I don't believe people should be allowed to use their rights given in the constitution in harmful manners like that one. For this reason, I agree with the Judge's ruling completely.

Tennessee First State to Require Everyone to Show ID for Beer

Tennessee requires EVERYONE to bring an ID when going into a bar. Even those who are 50 or 80 years old have to show an id. Some liquor stores are using a license scanner that verifies your age. This can actually help police catch criminals that swipe their IDs. For example, a customer used a counterfeit bill and was eventually caught because he used the ID scanner which showed his address. This new law only lasts a year unless reinstated."But once people live with it for a month or two, it's going to go fine".

I understand to ask for ID if the person is or looks underage, but if it is clearly obvious, then I don't think it should be required. Clerks have to use common sense when it comes down to liquor and underage drinking. Storeowners should check IDs if they have any doubt in their minds. As a 66 year old comments, "It's the stupidest law I ever heard of," Wilson said. "You can see I'm over 21."

The Use of Dogs for Cell Extractions in U.S. Prisons

The use of dogs to threaten and attack prisoners to facilitate cell extractions has been a well-kept secret, even in the world of corrections. The dogs used for cell extractions typically are German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois—both large breeds of dog that usually weigh well over sixty pounds and stand over two feet high. When a handler and his dog enter a cell block in connection with a possible cell extraction, the dog barks loudly and continuously, jumping up against the cell door and scratching at the window. If the prisoner continues to resist, he knows the dog will be loosed on him. Some prisoners will wrap blankets, towels, and even toilet paper around their limbs to try to protect themselves from dog bites. When the guards open the cell door, the leashed dog enters the cell first. The dog is trained to bite whatever part of the prisoner it can grasp first.
I think that using a dog as a tool to make a person to obey is not right. The prisoners would rather get bitten by a person than a dog. Do they have to bitten by the dogs whenever they resist? The dogs would probably does not know what they are doing and I do not think that they are wrong. The people who use the dogs to take advantages for them are wrong.

Couple forces girls to be prostitutes

Jorica Salinas Tep and her husband, Thanh Luong, are charged with forcing Tep's family members in prostitution. The couple took pictures of Tep's family members in lingerie and posted them on the Internet. The family members, who were a teenage girls, provided service to individuals for the exchange of money which was advertised on the website. The neighbors of the apartment complex claimed that they did noticed strange activity. Court documents showed evidence that Tep would take a man to the apartment and force the teenage girls to service him. The couple was charged $300 for every sex act.

By forcing the teenage girls to expose themselves, the couple violated the teenage girls' rights. This borders on slavery since the teenage girls had no choice but commit the immoral acts. This is a clear violation of the 13th amendment where slavery and "involuntary servitude...shall be unduly convicted." I believe the couple should have recieved a harsher punishment for exploting the teenage girls' bodies for quick cash. The girls are now scarred for life with embarassment and shame.

Man stoned to death in Iran

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-stone11jul11,1,2798859.story

For the first time in years, last week, the Iran allowed stoning someone to death for an adultery. Jafar Kiani commited adultery with Mokarrameh Ebrahimi, and both of them were sentence to daeth by stoning. Under Iran's Islamic Law, a person who commits adultery is punishable by stoning. A man is buried up to waist while a woman is buried up to neck. Then those carrying out the verdict throw stone at the verdict until they die. The international human rights group criticized this punishment as "cruel and barbaric."

I believe the stoning to death for an adultery is not right. One person doesn't deserve this much shame and punshment for an adultery. Although the Islamic law allows the stoning to death, I believe people who commit adultery shouldn't die by stoning, but he/she should have a right to be executed with less pain and less shame. Going back, whether the death penalty is reasonable for any crime should be questioned.

Banning a Late-term Abortion

The Supreme Court has just recently banned a kind of late-term abortion. This late-term abortion is rarely performed on many women because it is performed right before or during the second trimester. The problem with concern here, is the women's right to have a late-term abortion without considering a health exception. The controversy found with the courts is the right of a woman to have an abortion at anytime during her pregnancy, as well as having to consider "the health exception", which is intended to benefit the well-being of the pregnant woman. The problem in the courts is there seems to be an unconstitutionality of the abortion enactment from 2003. The government seems to be trying to hinder the right of a woman to have an abortion and this does not provide provisions which makes it unconstitutional.
In my opinion, I think that banning this law is ridiculous. People are not allowed to tell a woman if she can or cannot have her own baby. Bush's opinion and the cheif justices opinion is that they are forgetting any rights for each individual by the constitution is not to judge it as moral or immoral, but amoral. In the end, Someone having an abortion deos not effect the rest of the country, but their own morality.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/LAW/04/18/scotus.abortion/index.html

11th-hour plea for Georgia inmate's life

On Tuesday, Virginia Davis led human rights advocates to the building, which houses Georgia's Board of Pardon and Paroles. All she wants is for someone to listen to the true facts in her son's case before it's too late. This dates back to 1991 as a man named Troy Anthony Davis was convicted of the murder of a Savannah police officer. He is now scheduled to be executed next week. But many human rights activists are wanting Georgia officials to consider new evidence that might prove his innocence. This is because back at the trial, there was no physical evidence — the weapon used in the crime was never found — and the case rested on witnesses. But, the state appeals courts still have declined to hear his case."We are here because the death penalty is a runaway train," said Larry Cox, who is an executive director of Amnesty International USA and who is a supporter of Davis. "It renders a defendant virtually helpless in the face of such machinery as incompetent defense, prosecutorial misconduct, racial and class bias, and mishandled or ignored evidence."Davis' appeal lawyers also feel that the Savannah Police Department judged quickly at the day of the incident, and that Davis' trial counsel did not thoroughly investigate the state's evidence.

I feel that Virginia's rights were violated. She should have the freedom of speech to prove her son innocent, yet the court officials are declining to hear this case. If he was found guilty with the stories of witnesses and no other great evidence, it is pathetic for the court to find him guilty. The witnesses can all be lying or they may have been pressured to what they did say by the police. The mother may also have evidence that clearly shows who the murderer was and that can show what exactly happened at the incident. If the court does not see her evidence, they are killing an innocent person and they are letting the true murderer on the loose. I chose this article because I had a response to this unreasonable execution that is being put to a man. If there was no clear evidence, why are they executing him?

Protecting E-mail

On June 18th, 2007, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals of the United States ruled that federal investigators may not seize personal e-mails even with court order. The 4th amendment of the U.S. Constitution which protects citizens from unreasonable search and seizures, supports the Stored Communications Act. The Stored Communications Act grants protection of e-mails even when the government decides to violate the policy. Wishing to keep the values and long traditions of the 4th amendment, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision gives protection to new technology which involve much private communication.

I believe that the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision was reasonable to secure the 4th amendment and our right of privacy, but in some circumstances, the Stored Communications Act must have its limits. If the government suspects any threats or insecurities that may endanger citizens of the United States, they should have the right to investigate conversations with a warrant. This way, we can avoid any possible terrorist attacks in the future, and provide a safer environment for ourselves.

6 Muslim Men Arrested at Airport for Praying, Entering the Airplane Individually, and Sitting Separately.

On June 28, 2007, 6 Muslim men were arrested from a US Airways flight because of a passenger's suspicion. These men prayed their daily prayer before boarding the plane separately and once on the plane, they sat separately. A passenger passed a concern note to the flight attendant and they were soon arrested. Witnesses also claimed that some of these men asked for seatbelt extensions even though the flight attendant had thought that they didn't need them (?!).

I personally do not have a strong one-sided opinion regarding airport security. On one hand, I do want the airports to be secure and safe from terrorists and violent attacks. On the other hand, I feel like the 'airport scare' has caused a plethora of false accusations towards people, especially of the Muslim and Islamic race after 9/11. It is unfair that these 6 men were stripped of their many rights: freedom to travel, right to privacy, freedom to... board a plane and not be accused of being a terrorist?? But the passenger who reported these men may have been very insecure and just wanted to protect the wellbeing of everyone on the plane. Is it better to be safe than sorry if it ultimately limits the freedoms and rights of innocent people? All I know is that those 6 men must have felt emotionally betrayed and hurt because people had judged them not by who they are but by the associations of their appearances.

Gay Rights Violated? Or are Relgions Protecting their RIghts?

Gay reparative therapy under scrutiny

NEW YORK (AP) — The American Psychological Association next week embarks on the first review of its 10-year-old policy on counseling homosexuals, a step that homosexual-rights activists hope will end with a denunciation of any attempt by therapists to change sexual orientation.

Such efforts — often called reparative therapy or conversion therapy — are denounced as futile and harmful by many homosexual-rights activists, but conservative and church groups defend the right to offer such treatment, and say people with their viewpoint have been excluded from the review panel.

A six-member task force set up by the APA holds its first meeting Tuesday.

I believe that Relgions have the rights to offer this treatment to those who want it but others shall not be forced to do this treatment if they do not wish to.

Court Strikes Down Handgun Law

On March 9, 2007, opponents of gun control had all mark this day as the first time a federal appeals court had turned down a gun law under the grounds of the Second Amendment. The U.S Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia had concluded in a 2-to-1 decision as the majority opinion stated, “The amendment does not protect the right of militiamen to keep and bear arms, but rather the right of the people”. While supporters of gun control criticized the ruling by saying it was, “judicial activism at its worst” the opponents merely stated that “the Second Amendment of the Constitution protects an inherent, individual right to bear arms”. What the court had done was strike down a ban that kept handguns at home and disassembled. However, the right to bear arms is a controversial topic and therefore the supporters of gun control will not go down without a struggle.

I would side with the supporters of gun control, because it only takes one bullet to kill someone. One mistake, one accident, one slip-up can all lead up to death. Because this incident occurred before the Virginia Tech Massacre, I believe that people now further understand the importance of controlling these dangerous weapons. By closely controlling the bearing of arms may be consider a violation of rights, but I find a human life more important than a right.

Pizza Man Sentenced to Death for Serial Killings

In Los Angeles, an ex-pizza man was sentenced to death for the murders of ten women and a fetus. These murders have taken place through an 11 year span. In May, it was a jury that suggested the death penalty was to be used and Superior Court Judge William R. Pounders agreed to this idea. The ten women that were murdered were also reported to be prostitutes.

In my opinion, the man should have just been sentenced to life in prison. The court shouldn't have the right to take away a man's life. Hence in the Constitution, it is stated that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And also in the Bill of Rights, it states that everyone has to right to not get cruel and unusual punishment, and death does count as that.

Lawsuit: Farmworkers' Rights Violated

South Jersey city recently fined a farmworkers' group $1,500 for having an immigrant right rally. Now the constitutionality of this fine is being disputed as representatives of the farmworkers claim that the fine is a "user's tax on free speech [which] is unconstitutional". Additionally, the farmworkers claim that the "imposition of these fees will mean that only the wealthy will be afforded the right to speak out on issues".

I completely agree with the farmworkers in that the fine is unconstitutional. Amendment I of the Bill of Rights specifically states that the government cannot establish a law that can prohibit the "right of the people peaceably to assemble, and [their right] to petition the government for a redress of grievances ". And in my opinion, a fine or tax imposed upon a rally is a flagrant attempt to prohibit this right and therefore contradicts the constitution.

Bill Talen was arrested on harassment charges last week while reciting the First Amendment through a megaphone in Manhattan's Union SquareThe NYPD has aggressively policed the rides, arguing that they can interfere with traffic and threaten public safety. Advocates for Critical Mass have accused police of infringing on the riders' constitutional rights to free speech and free assembly.The video shows Talen preaching the "44 beautiful words of the First Amendment" to a visibly annoyed congregation of police commanders huddled a few feet away. At one point, an officer approaches and warns him that his sermon is breaking the law."What's the law?" Talen asks."Harassment," the officer answers.When Talen persists, another officer comes up behind him and slaps on handcuffs. When being put in a police van, the satirist shouts, "We have a right to peaceful assembly!"Talen was held overnight before being released without bail. A criminal complaint alleges he harassed police officers by approaching them and "repeatedly shouting at such officers through a non-electric bullhorn."

I think that the police had no reason to aresst bill because he did not violate anything. he had the right to peacefull assembly and free speech. Bill did not even harasse the police man.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/02/AR2007070201876.html?sub=new

Polygamist Claims His Rights Have Been Violated

A man from Utah named Gene Lee Cook is suing for his right to have many wives. Cook believes that his constitutional rights to privacy and intimate expression have been violated by the government. In the state of Utah, if a person is married it is actually a crime for them to live with another person whom he is not married to and be in a sexual relationship with them. He claims that what the Utah state legislature has done is changed the intimate sexual relationship into a crime. Some people believe that in order to obtain "eternal salvation" they must practice polygamy. For a hundred or more years, polygamists have been advocating their position for religious purposes.

I chose this article because I think polygamy is an interesting subject. I was surprised to learn that Utah considers it a crime to cheat on your spouse and I am curious what the punishments are for doing so. The reason why I don't believe polygamy is right is because I believe a relationship should be between two people because it is more meaningful. If a man has multiple wives he can play favorites and treat them differently. However, if a couple has a relationship they can get to know each other better and possibly find true love.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11945501/

Lawsuit could Unmask Restaurant Critic

Craig LaBan, a restaurant critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer, arrived at Chops Restaurant and Bar to taste their food. However, the result of his tasting did was not to the fancy of the owner, Alex Plotkin. Plotkin is suing LaBan for being an illegitimate food critic and making a false assertion of fact. With much research and evidence from LaBan, an ACTUAL food critic, his notes and receipts show that he was in deed not lying to the courts about his "miserably tough and fatty strip steak." Protected under the First Amendment for his article, LaBan clearly opinionated himself based on his experience. The owner obviously did not enjoy the criticism. But it appears that with this case, LaBan's anonymity may be compromised now that restaurants will familiarize his face with his works. The claim of the owner (ultimately the reason for the suit) was that LaBan had not eaten strip steak, but a steak sandwich without bread. However, new evidence from Plotkin's lawyer shows that it was rib-eye steak, meaning what the critic wrote was false.

Originally I thought that this lawsuit was pretty stupid. I say this because it ultimately seems ridiculous to be suing someone over the kind of steak they reported on. I believe that the critic should not be charged but the restaurant owner because his reasons for suing is so frivolous! The critic is entitled to his own opinion, under the safe guard of the First Amendment and his "false accusation" wouldn't have been false if the restaurant had told him the kind of steak he was ordering to begin with. Because the restaurant had not correctly told him what they gave him is not the critic's fault. Therefore, i think that this case should be ruled so that the critic still has his right to be a food critic and write his opinionated articles. The editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer backs up LaBan by stating that he "dots his i's, he crosses his t's, and anyone who reads his reviews knows that he is meticulous, fastidious and fair as one can be." Even Plotkin's lawyer agrees with LaBan in the sense that he was not given the correct piece of meat that he ordered, being the fault of the restaurant. Overall, I think that this case is useless and time consuming for the courts to hear because the owner did not get his facts straight before suing and he is ultimately jeopardizing the secrecy and privacy of someones' job.

Preaching the Anti-Shopping Gospel

Actor and activist Bill Talen, aka Rev Bill, has spent the last few years parading around manhatten "preaching" against consumerism and big corporations. He goes around accompanied by a robed choir singing gospel songs. He dresses and preaches as if he is a reverend but in fact doesnt even promote religion and isnt a reverend. He claims that people are addicted to shopping and shopping at major corporations is promoting sweat shop production. At the end of June, during a bicycling rally, he was arrested for repeatedly reciting the 1st amendment.

In my opinion, i think that arresting "Rev Bill" was wrong because he has the first amendment right to preach the first amendment. there is nothing wrong with talking about what he does becuase it is true. i feel the same and i feel that it is bad for our society to be based on large corporations. Talen's rights were violated and he has the right to freedom of speech.


http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/la-na-revbilly10jul10_jkkgpbnc,1,800582.photo

Court limits use of race in school admissions

Racial discrimination revival?

Supreme Court Justices separated to 5-4, which resulted the school diversity plans to be rejected. This will develop from light racial distinguishments to the admissions of colored students, with the possibility of slowly proceeding to the level of discrimination. This conclusion influenced Louisville, Kentucky and Seattle districts, two of the most segregated school districts in the United States. This case might greatly influence the national school districts regarding the racial matters. The team of justices rejecting this ‘evident equality’ stated having racial ‘separations’ might support each school to have different accomplishments and diversities. The parents of the rejected students sued, where the Bush administration also agreed that there shouldn’t be such racial distinguishing methods in school districts. One of the influenced schools is the well-known Central High School. The neighboring students near Central High School were put into other schools very far from their residences.

I chose this article because it was interesting to see a current incident regarding the famous Central High School. It also reminds me of the case of Brown vs. Board of Education. I strongly disagree with this conclusion, because everyone has same equalities regardless of what their nationality is. This incident certainly inflicts disgrace to the true values and morals that America should sustain.

School that barred Winnie the Pooh themed socks must end strict dress code

In Napa, California, a school suspended a girl for wearing Winnie the Pooh-themed socks. A judge told the school to stop enforcing it's strict dress code. Fifteen students and parents made a lawsuit against the Napa Valley Unified School District's "appropiate attire policy." This unreasonably strict policy violates the student's (First Amendment) freedom of speech and expression. The policy had started in the 1990s to stop gang activity on campus by requiring the students to only wear clothes with "solid colors in blue, white, green, yellow, khaki, gray, brown and black." No demin was allowed. The parents are also very pleased that the court recognizes the student's rights to express themselves at school. Earlier this year, a student was sent to an "in-school suspenssion program called Students With Attitude Problems" because she wore socks that had Tigger cartton character on them, with a denim skirt and a brown shirt with pink border.


I absolutely agree with the judge's desicion to demand the Napa Valley Unified School District to stop enforcing their unreasonably strict dress policy. Do you think it is reasonable to send a student to a suspension program just because they wore denim and socks with character designs to school? NO. That's the most ridiculous reason I've ever heard. It almost seems like the school wants to put their students in suspension programs because they don't commit anything more serious than wearing something that violates the school's strict dress policy. I am so glad for the students there since they finally are free to express their feelings without having to be stopped by their school's ridiculous policy. Even public schools - which tends to have the most loose dress policy - do not put students in suspension programs because they wore something that violates their dress policy.

Victory for Bush Administration in Spying Case

President Bush has approved warrantless monitoring of international telephone calls and e-mails to or from America, if one party is believed to be a terrorist or related to terrorists. On July 6, 2007, a divided federal appeals court rejected a lawsuit challenging President Bush's domestic spying program without ruling on the issue of whether warrantless wiretaping is legal. The US Circuit Court of Appeals stated that the plantiffs do not have the right to bring a lawsuit because they could not provide evidence that the government was monitoring their communications. The government has kept details confidential, and said the case involved state secrets, which would threaten the national security, if it was exposed.

I personally agree with President Bush on giving the government the authority to monitor international calls and e-mails to or from America, but only if the party is suspicious. This is for the security and safety of the nation, and it would also prevent further attacks by terrorists.

Lawsuit Against Wiretaps Rejected

On Friday July 7, the federal court of appeals ruled in favor of the Bush administration on the issue of warrantless wiretaps. In a 2-1 victory, the two judges of the three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit of the Court of Appeals ordered that the plaintiff drop the lawsuit on the wiretappings of the government right after the 9/11 attacks. However, the court did not rule on that the spying was constitutional. Instead, they ruled that since the American Civil Liberties Union and the others who brought up the case were not direct targets, they had no right to accuse. Because of this, the Bush administration can continue to violate the Foreign Intelligence Act adopted 30 years ago to prevent unchecked surveillance.

The principal remaining court case against Bush and the National Security Agency will be a group of cases before the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in California. These cases will be heard on August 15th.

It is ridiculous to say that the action is unconstitutional but allow it because the plaintiff was not the one who was harmed. It's like having all other possible evidence to incriminate a person isn't enough. The court also needs to have the victim. If you think about it, the a victim in a murder case can't confirm that the alleged was indeed the killer. If they can't speak, does that also mean the killer can get away with it? The law should be interpreted by he did it/she did it, not by he did it to that person and we know because the victim can tell us so. It's very unjust to give the government the right to violate its own rules whenever it feels like it, but force the citizens to follow whatever they pass. I think you all agree, this is very hypocritcal... Everybody should have to right to accuse anybody if they have substantial evidence that the other is/was committing illegal activities. The accused still has the right to see the accuser, so I don't see anything unconstitutional with convicting the government for illegal activities.

Theme for this week: 7/9 - 7/13: Rights

For this week's posts, please find an article that talks about rights, some one's rights being violated, or the creation/limitation of rights. I would prefer that the article be based on an event in the United States, but other countries are OK too.

However, please make sure that the article in no older than 1 year old.

Articles must be posted by 4:00 on Wednesday
Comments must be done by 4:00 on Thursday

DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!!!