Reconsider it?

In response to Jess, my fellow classmate, I must say I feel he is just another angry person reacting without rationale. The idea in question is whether or not rape as a crime can or should be punishable by death. As I wrote in my blog, we must not act irrationally or too quickly in regards to this severe punishment. Its future implications and results for ALL parties must be taken in to consideration and given great thought. The federal and state governments have the power to take someone’s life; it not a power to be taken lightly.

Jess seemed to greatly disagree with Justice Kennedy’s reasoning, that murder and rape cannot be compared in their severity and irrevocability. I feel my classmate speaks ignorantly on this subject. The fact that rape survivors do just that, survive, is in itself great reason why most rapists should not be sentenced to death. I do agree that the road to recovery for rape and molestation victims is a hard uphill battle. However, we must not forget the resilience of children. With the right treatments (for both the child AND the family) we can hope that they are well prepared to handle. Today therapists help children via comfortable inviting places for children to tell their stories, play, art, music, family, and group therapy. While it’s true, some may never heal completely we can hope that their therapists give them the tools to function and deal with it through out their life.

Aside from the actual incident that will ultimately scare the child, we must think of WHO the child rapist is. According to the Boston Area Rapist Crisis Center, 93% of juvenile sexual assault survivors know their attackers. Also, according to the University of Minnesota Duluth, an estimated 77% of reported sexual abusers are parents, 16% are other relatives, and 6% are non-related. In addition, 40% of youth survivors (under 6yrs old) were abused by juveniles under 18 years old. With statistics such as this, can we as a society be completely comfortable sentencing child rapists to death? A death sentence may only prolong the healing process for the survivor or even cause more trauma.

This is not to say that some child rapists do not deserve the death penalty –repeat and heinous offenders. The Supreme Court may reduce the strict criteria for capitol punishment in the future (which I do not believe it should do). However, strict guidelines MUST be put in place to ensure that ALL rapists are punished in the same matter for their much harsher crimes. With no clear cut line we open ourselves up for different interpretations that may have negative and biased affects (especially in conservative or southern states).

States Disregard Supremacy Clause?

In the CNN article, Lawmakers Vow to Execute Child Rapist, we see the downplay and general disregard for the Supremacy Clause. The federal criteria for capital punishment

is straightforward –the criminal must be found guilty of murder or espionage. Many states however, have disregarded this criterion and passed legislation that made various acts punishable by death. Although many states may find good reason for doing this, they do not have the jurisdiction to do so.

A recent case in Louisiana spiked great controversy on the subject. Louisiana has a law that allows child rapists to be put to death. There have been two men convicted and sentenced to death; however, neither were actually put to death. In the most recent case of Patrick Kennedy, the Supreme Court ruled that his death sentence could not be executed.

In the case of states’ various criteria I can see their point of view, especially in the case of child rapists. Children are our future unable to protect themselves so we have to step in and ensure their safety. Maybe with future cases like Patrick Kennedy we can begin to break down the strict rules of capital punishment and be able to include highly heinous crimes. However, this can create an even bigger problem.

One of the controversial points of the Patrick Kennedy case was that in a very long time, only he and one other man had been sentenced to death for their crimes –both were black. So then we open another can of worms and leave ourselves vulnerable for unfair sentences in parts of the country and frankly a great misuse of the harsh punishment. On another point, in most instances children are violated by a family member or close friend. How would a child feel if because of their horrific experience their dad, uncle, or cousin was put to death? It could cause even more damage to their psychological well being as well as their family life.

So we must not act irrationally or too quickly in regards to this severe punishment. Its future implications and results for ALL parties must be taken in to consideration and given great thought. The federal and state governments have to power to take someone’s life; it not a power to be taken lightly.

Ethanol Production Increasing Food Prices?

The affects of rising oil and gas prices can be seen most everywhere in the United States: decreased school field trips, tighter family budgets, higher food costs, etc. My fellow classmate discusses his thoughts on the subject in his blog, Politics and Hunger. However, I greatly disagree with his opinion regarding biofuels influence on the rising cost of food in the United States.

First hand experience with my family’s farm and ranch and hometown’s new biofuel plant has led me to believe otherwise. As gas prices increase, my family and other farm and ranchers (big and small) across the US adjust their goods’ prices accordingly. Farmers and ranchers can be both producers and consumers of ethanol. The opportunity to increase their business capacity via the need for biofuels (ethanol) will help many struggling US farmers. In addition, the use of ethanol may decrease their fuel expenses. This is not to say that natural occurrences such as droughts will not continue to affect the cost of both crops and biofuels, but that the added use of corn as fuel will aid in the farming and ranching economy and therefore affect the American consumer (hopefully in a positive way). As Ruben mentioned, “the Bush administration said that the ethanol is playing a very small role in rising food prices.” The Bush Administration is lacking credibility in its last days, but I do not believe they are not mistaken here. If anything biofuels will help ease the fuel expenses of farmers and ranchers and all additional expenses to bring their products to consumers.

In addition, as gas prices continue to sky rocket, I ask –Who continues to make large profits? The oil companies! Their fear of increased crude oil is leading them to prepare for even higher prices, thus raising the price at the pump even when unnecessary. It is the elite few that continue drive family budget in disarray.

New Look

I’ve overheard several people ask, “Is America ready for a black family in the White House?” With one of today’s most popular articles referring to Michelle Obama’s presence as ‘the angry black woman,’ seemingly rehearsed smiles, and past relating to some sort of lingering racial tension, it seems as though we cannot be so sure of the answer to this question.

In the article, “Michelle Obama Looks for a New Introduction,” Michael Powell and Jodi Kantor highlight many of Mrs. Obama’s ‘faults.’ In addition, the authors give Michelle’s responses to some past backlash. The authors also cite her husband’s run at the White House as an impetus for her recent image makeover and in how she conveys her thoughts and relates to the American public.

I for one am astonished, but not surprised, to see this kind of article as a top story on so many highly regarded news sites. Instead of reading material that is pertinent to the true cause and purpose of the presidential campaign, many Americans are reading this. Still, it is not unexpected with most Americans not truly educated on politics and of the forerunners for the presidency. Americans turn to articles they can relate to and understand.

American citizens should be more concerned with quality of the candidate and the future they promise rather than the candidates’ racial affiliation; however, most are not. This is highly due to the increase of ignorant Americans. Many have simply not educated themselves on the candidates’ platform or current and proposed legislation. Obama’s seemingly biggest assest is his ethnicity and the change it signifies to many Americans. While Obama's stark contrast to all past presidential nominees has helped many citizens become more interested in politics, that in itself is not enough when many voters can neither pinpoint differences in the candidates nor state some candidate's platform. I wish others would realize this.

Until we, as good upstanding American citizens, do our part to make decisions based on facts and not simply vote blindly based on a candidate’s ethnicity, religious affiliation, or past condemnations we will find ourselves absorbed with articles like this- mustered with fluff, paranoia, and skewed opinions that can sway votes and ultimately shift the future of the United States.

Is America ready for a black family in the White House? Is that what Americans are truly concerned about? My friends, I hope not. For the sake of America’s future, I hope not.

Habeas for Guantanamo Detainees

President George W Bush’s administration has turned America onto a new path in regards to its global relations. While many agree and disagree with our efforts to end this War on Terror, this writer brings up the controversial subject of Guantanamo Bay. The Bush Administration is now well known for its biased and illegitimate means of handling detainees. The author of Habeas for Guantanamo Detainees supports his opinion about this citing the Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding Guantanamo Bay and divulging into his opinion on the subject.

He or she does so in a way that includes factual and opinionated information that is both straightforward and easy to follow. The author first gives pertinent background information concerning the advancement of the detainees’ judicial hearings and the problems many have faced. He or she also candidly pointed out the breakthrough via the court system he detainees made this past Thursday –The Supreme Court ruled that after a review of the Constitution Guantanamo detainees are in fact eligible for the protection of habeas corpus and were wrongly denied the right of due process. In all, the writer’s factual information reinforced his professionalism and reasoning to write such an article. In addition, the author’s use of language adds to the quality of his work.

Aside from his logical points, I wholly agree with the humanistic perspective he has on this subject. People have been held for years with so many of their basic rights taken away. As the author mentioned, hopefully we can take a step forward with George W. Bush’s successors plan to close Guantanamo. However, until then at the very least we are making progress to bring justice to the guilty and freedom to the innocent.

Women's Work

In the article, Women’s Work, the author writes to give a voice to domestic workers. He or she does this with the use of great factual components intertwined with the emotional fortitude that is needed to prove the point of the unrepresented population of domestic workers.

Factually, this article brings to light many benefits domestic workers do not have due to their type of employment. The government does not provide them with the “right to unionize under federal or state law, laws on job discrimination and occupational safety do not apply to them, and they cannot take time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act.”

The author also used the first hand experience of Herminia Serrat and Araceli Herrera to paint a picture of the dismal occupation that domestic workers sometimes find themselves in. She notes many workers so often find themselves social isolation and sometimes emotionally, physically, and sexually assaulted.

Although the author’s focus is on the state of New York’s Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights, if the bill being debated passes it potentially could lead to positive changes throughout the country. The passage of a somewhat unprecedented bill can have such a monumental impact on so many current and future domestic workers if taken to the national level. However, I believe it will be an uphill battle to get such a bill passed at the national level, the main point of reasoning being who the domestic workers are. They are immigrants, undocumented workers, low income citizens, the ‘bottom tier of American society.” [[As many Americans view them]] It is sad that in today’s ‘self giving’ and ‘altruistic’ society, money still outweighs the dignity, physical and emotional health, and overall way of life for those without the voice to demand what they as citizens deserve.

With the author’s obvious knowledgeable background and passion for the subject, it is believable that the editorial is highly credible and will hopefully spark a wide spread response for a demand for equality for domestic workers.

Additional information on domestic workers can be found at Domestic Workers United.

Obama Now has a Mountain to Climb

Matt Frei of BBC News, Washington, comments on the announcement of Obama’s win as the Democratic Presidential nominee in his article, Obama Now Has a Mountain to Climb. Frei brings to light many problems Obama faces on his ‘up hill climb’ to the White House. He also makes a point to divulge into the past and current status of the relationship between Obama and Clinton. The writer compares Obama and McCain’s stances on the U.S. economy, the war in Iraq, and taxes. In addition, Frei discusses the current ignorance of American voters in regards to Obama’s personal views and life.

Frei points out Obama’s dwindling popularity with blue collar workers and the lack of a strong Hispanic vote, both of which Clinton had a stronghold on, helps solidify the idea that Obama needs the support of Clinton. Frei’s comments on American’s knowledge of Obama’s personal life show how their ignorance transcends to that of his campaign platform. Although most Americans vote based on party affiliation, it is sad that most do not actually know what they’re voting for. With so many first time voters expected to hit the polls and possibly make history, it’s imperative that they know what impact they are making for the future of all Americans and countries around the world.