I commented on the following people's blog:

Melissa Ray, Amber Waters, and Brandi Lively

3. The issue of sexual orientation

The government has not done much to support discrimination of sexual orientation. A majority of Americans favor some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples, only four states and the District of Columbia have legally recognized same-sex marriage and another five recognize civil unions. It is pretty much up to the state to decide whether to allow same-sex marriage and their to decision whether to recognize it or not. Barack Obama opposes federal recognition of same-sex marriage, yet Republican former Vice President Dick Cheney supports it. The legality of same-sex marriage legality may increase over time, due to most younger people accept same-sex marriages.

2. The issue of gender

I think the government has done to a lot to reduce the instances of gender discrimination. The government has come a long way such as: now we have the right to vote and own property without a man. Another big change was the Equal Pay Act, which prohibits employers from paying different wages for the same job on account of sex. The government tends to excuse more woman for the crimes they have done and tend to give more sentences to men. There are some instances where men and women are still discriminated, but there is really nothing more the government can do. Woman are discriminated (most of the time) as being a child care taker and the man (most of the time) holds down the job of the household.

1. The issue of race - does the government do too little or too much to reduce the instances of racial discrimination? Why or how so?

The government has come along way since slavery, the Ku Klux Klan, people of color being harassed  and segregated areas in the states. Government seems like they have done all they can to reduce the instances of racial discrimination. It all started with the creation of the fourteenth amendment which prohibits states from denying any person the equal protection of the law. It also makes all people born in the United States citizens of the United States. Today, the government does not allow discrimination in businesses, schools, and in court. On a job application it always states that they will not discriminate and the questions about color is optional to answer. I personally think government has done a good job on reducing the instances of racial discrimination.

Blogs I have comment on

I commented on the following blogs: Amber Waters, Melissa Ray, and Amanda Strange.

3. Criminal Procedure: Are defendant's rights crucial to our system of government? Why or why not? Many argue that defendants have too many rights - do you agree? Why or why not?

Defendant’s rights are crucial to our government. Without these rights, people would not have much privacy in their own homes or businesses. They protect the manner in which the police conduct investigations, the procedures used at trial, and the punishments that may be given following conviction. There does seem to be too many rights for defendants, though. If a policeman found evidence that someone broke the law, even if the evidence was found in violation of the Fourth Amendment, then they should be able to use that evidence in court. Too many people get away with crimes due to the fact of too many rights given to defendants. The exclusionary rule allows guilty people to go free simply because the police made the mistake of not getting a warrant. 

2. Freedom of Religion: Is separation of church and state necessary? Why or why not?

Separation of church and state is necessary. In schools, if there was no separation of church and state, there would more than likely be an overall religion for everyone. One religion would most likely be favored over another, or even religion over no religion. Also if there was a favored religion, most students would feel embarrassed and would probably would try to avoid school. If you put that into a bigger area such as state, the same would happen. The state would probably favor a certain religion more than the other, and expect everyone to follow that religion. Many people would be very angry and it would cause a lot of disruptions and chaos.

1. Freedom of Speech: How important is it? Does the freedom go "too far"? What areas of speech should not be protected?

Freedom of speech is very important because it gives everyone a chance to voice their opinion. Without freedom of speech, the government would get to make all the decisions. Freedom of speech also lets us give our opinions about the government without legal trouble. Sometimes our freedom of speech seems to go too far and certain ones should not be protected. I do not think it is right for a person to go as far as saying "bomb" on a plane as a prank or hate speeches. Everyone should have the right to voice their opinion as long as it does not get to out of control.

Posts I Have Commented On

I commented on the following people's blog: Albert Munoz, Gabrielle Miller, and Amber Waters

2. National power increased during the Great Depression but then power began to shift back to the states (somewhat) during the Reagan administration? Why did that happen and is that shift appropriate?

The national power increased during the Great Depression because the stock market had crashed and the people wanted national action to aid the economy. The power, then began to shift back to the states during the Reagan administration due to the economy picking back up. The shift was appropriate, different situations call for different solutions. At the times national government is better, while other times prove that power to the states is better.

3. Education stirs much discussion relating to the issue of federalism. Should the national government regulate education or is it a matter best left to state and local governments? Why?

The national government should regulate education. Some states might regulate education well, while other states may do a poorer job, and therefore hurting the student in return. Also, some states cannot figure out their finances as well as others. The national government could set up standards that could be challenging and fund the schools, therefore helping students. In return this would better a nation.

1. Is a strong national government necessary or should the state governments have an equal share of power? Why?

State governments should have an equal share of power. If state governments had an equal share of power, it would put the government on a more people based level. If a national government becomes to strong it could turn in a communism, where the people would not have much control over their lives.