We often hear Republicans making bold statements about the views of the founding fathers. After the Hodges v Oberfell court case (the case that legalized gay marriage) we heard Republicans yell about these "9 unelected lawyers in robes" and how, "the founding fathers never intended for the supreme court to make decisions like this". Everytime Obama issues an executive order you hear about how, "Emperor Obama is trying to rule as a tyrant", and the founding fathers meant for the system to work through congress. Plus, we hear all the time about how this or that is unconstitutional. So, how do the Republicans get this special insight into the minds of the founding fathers, that the rest of us don't get? Well, the thing is. They don't.
To begin, lets start with Hodges v Oberfell and criticism of the supreme court. In the third article of the constitution, it is stated that the supreme court will be comprised of judges appointed by the president and approved by congress. These unelected judges will serve as long as they'd like under good behavior. These judges were to be unelected to keep them free from playing politics to get votes. Judges are suppose to be free from political motives, and make decisions based on their views rather than the voters views. Alexander Hamilton wrote about this in multiple federalist essays during the process of ratifying the constitution. During Thomas Jefferson's presidency, in 1803, the Marbury v Madison decision was made, giving the supreme court the power of judicial review, and a few years later, McCulloch v Maryland (1819) gave the federal government power over the laws of state governments. All of this put together makes the Hodges v Oberfell decision 100% constitutional, and gives it precedent over any law regarding marriage in any state. Anything Republicans have to say about it is purely emotionally driven and a bunch of hot air.
Next, the problem of executive orders, and "Emperor Obama". This one I often see on facebook where conservatives post pictures about how many executive orders Obama has issued, and then compare him to Joseph Stalin, or some other historical dictator. A couple of reasons why this is unfounded. First, Obama has issued less executive orders than both Bush's, or Reagan. They were never called tyrants or dictators now were they? (Well, George w. Was but come on) Executive orders are essentially how the president interprets a particular law and seeks to enforce it. It is his job to issue executive orders. In fact, other than veto power, it is just about the only direct power the president has over the country. An executive order cites an already existent law that was passed by congress, and declares how the president sees to properly enforce or enact the law. These executive orders can be reviewed by the supreme court who can then rule them unconstitutional if they over step the power the president has, or are found to be unreasonable interpretations of the law cited. Therefore, even with executive orders, Obama could not give himself dictatorial power over the nation.
We hear all too often about the unconstitutionality of laws or regulations, yet when held up to scrutiny, these cries often do not hold up. The key is to look beyond the rhetoric. Inform yourself about the issues and decide for yourself.
Monday, January 25, 2016
Decades of Hate
For most of us who have been around since the mid to late 90s, most of our lives have been filled with spectres of terror, war, and gun violence. We grow up in an age of school shootings, and suicide bombings. That's scary enough to deal with. The fact that we have our elementary school kids go through drills incase a shooter come into their school, they'll be ready, is entirely upsetting. The fact that these shootings happen repeatedly yet nothing is done about it is even worse.
The times we have seen make a lot of us cynical. We look at society and see a technological takeover, run by people who don't seem to care, and kids who are beyond apathetic towards education, or basic physical activity. All of this creating a frustration in the minds of those born during the 80s and 90s, who have grown up with technology, but not raised by it.
Beyond that, the social awareness of police brutality thanks to cameras on cell phones, and the huge network of social media has exacerbated this frustration and cynicism. We look at everything through a misanthropic lens. Yet we continue to do nothing. Most of my peers, rather than educate themselves on these matters, simply withdraw from the political process, often falling victim to rhetoric and false prophets of stability and peace.
During the few decades we've been around, there have been profound changes to society, from the internet, to television, and the phones we use. All of this in some form helps shape out ideologies, and beliefs. We see more of what is going on, thanks to the lightning speed of news outlets and social media. But a lot of what we see is ignorance and hate. As globalization continues, people will continue to move around the globe in search of a better life, a good job, a place to settle down. Right now many see that place as America. But xenophobia is rampant, and these same innovations we enjoy become mediums for hate and even violence. Promoting white supremacy, extreme nationalism, and pragmatic beliefs of society, and social order. A new age social Darwinism if you will. A belief where Latinos and African Americans are inherently less intelligent, a push for a "pure" America. Still, globalization will not go away, it will continue, possibly increasing the size of those who follow this new push of nationalism.
As the 21st century continues, these are issues we must face. Will we as a nation fall victim to nationalistic tendencies, and work towards making a more "pure white" America? Or will the original creed of America continue on, an America of philosophy rather than ethnicity. An America of dreams instead of hate. A unite America, not an America battling over partisanship and bigotry. The torch is being passed, will we march on, or will we allow the flame of liberty and democracy to fade away into the silent night.
The times we have seen make a lot of us cynical. We look at society and see a technological takeover, run by people who don't seem to care, and kids who are beyond apathetic towards education, or basic physical activity. All of this creating a frustration in the minds of those born during the 80s and 90s, who have grown up with technology, but not raised by it.
Beyond that, the social awareness of police brutality thanks to cameras on cell phones, and the huge network of social media has exacerbated this frustration and cynicism. We look at everything through a misanthropic lens. Yet we continue to do nothing. Most of my peers, rather than educate themselves on these matters, simply withdraw from the political process, often falling victim to rhetoric and false prophets of stability and peace.
During the few decades we've been around, there have been profound changes to society, from the internet, to television, and the phones we use. All of this in some form helps shape out ideologies, and beliefs. We see more of what is going on, thanks to the lightning speed of news outlets and social media. But a lot of what we see is ignorance and hate. As globalization continues, people will continue to move around the globe in search of a better life, a good job, a place to settle down. Right now many see that place as America. But xenophobia is rampant, and these same innovations we enjoy become mediums for hate and even violence. Promoting white supremacy, extreme nationalism, and pragmatic beliefs of society, and social order. A new age social Darwinism if you will. A belief where Latinos and African Americans are inherently less intelligent, a push for a "pure" America. Still, globalization will not go away, it will continue, possibly increasing the size of those who follow this new push of nationalism.
As the 21st century continues, these are issues we must face. Will we as a nation fall victim to nationalistic tendencies, and work towards making a more "pure white" America? Or will the original creed of America continue on, an America of philosophy rather than ethnicity. An America of dreams instead of hate. A unite America, not an America battling over partisanship and bigotry. The torch is being passed, will we march on, or will we allow the flame of liberty and democracy to fade away into the silent night.
Monday, January 18, 2016
The Myths of Donald Trump
As the election campaign continues, more and more comes out of the mouth of Donald Trump. From how terrible our economy is, how weak our leadership is, or how our military is getting smaller. I hate being this guy, but it's all lies.
Lets start with the economy, and debt. We have around $19 Trillion in national debt. Around 80% of that debt is owned by.... Not china. No, 80% is owned by the federal government getting loans from other parts of the government. China owns about 8% of our national debt. Also, despite the popularity of blaming Obama, a basic fact you can look up is we have already accumulated $16 trillion in debt by the time Obama had taken office. Since he's been in office, unemployment has been cut in half according the the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Plus, the economy has bounced back from the great recession, and the stock market until the recent correction, has been steadily climbing. All good news.
Next lets tackle leadership. Look at the Paris Climate Agreement, the Iran Nuclear Deal, reconnecting with Cuba, all signs of the incredible strength of Obama's leadership. Showing American pride around the world. Not just strength, but intelligence, and a willingness to compromise. Our allies must respect and admire us as a nation, not just fear us.
Finally, our military is still the strongest, best funded, best trained, best equipped, most technologically advanced fighting force in history. With a $900 billion/year budget, plus hundreds of thousands, to millions of people ready to answer the call of duty at a moments notice, anywhere in the world, we could easily defeat any nation. Terrorist groups though, are not nations. We are not at war with Syria and Iraq, we are at war with an ideology of the people in these countries. You cannot eliminate that in a week, or a month. No, it takes time, and as unpopular as that is, it's just a fact. No matter how good you think you are, ISIS is never going to be able to be taken out over night.
These are just a few examples of how Donald Trump twists reality. He blatantly lies to thousands of people. This, mixed with semi-coherent ramblings seem to attract those who are ignorant to much in politics. Those who believe Obama can just take away our guns, those who believed Jade Helm 15 was a government invasion of Texas. These people are out there. Will we let them decide our next president? Make sure to vote this primary season, and in November.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
An Immigrants Perspective
I don't look like your typical Immigrant. If you put me in a group of people and had to guess which one of us is an Immigrant, I'd probably be your least likely pick. I have no accent, I'm 100% American Educated. My eyes are blue, my hair blond, my skin as white as can be. Still was not born American. I was born in Ottawa, the capital of Canada, a country where my family goes back generations, a line of farmers and British Loyalists.
Even though I seem like an American, I have a strong Canadian identity and still view America through the lens of an immigrant. The American Dream, a promise of a nation of freedom and equality for all. A nation where a man who is no better off than anyone else, maybe even poor and living in the gutter, can make his dream come true through hard work and perseverance.
This country can be the greatest country in the world, but there are some changes that need to be made. Of course I'm a liberal and there are the typical liberal views I have. But just on the basis of American society, the cynicism and hatred of government by the people does not help the process. If you vote for someone one day but then bitch about them the next, then vote for them again, its not changing anything. It happens again and again, on average 80% of congress is reelected every election cycle. To get educated on political issues may be boring, but its how this great republic was built, and how it needs to be to remain.
I have great hope for this nation, I see it everywhere. But the people cannot allow voices of hatred and ignorance to overcome the voices of reason and compromise. I have a deep love for America, but it seems as the Americans themselves have lost that same love for their own nation, and construe it to reflect their own fears. If this country can get past that it will be a truly amazing nation. A spectacle for the entire world to respect and admire.
Even though I seem like an American, I have a strong Canadian identity and still view America through the lens of an immigrant. The American Dream, a promise of a nation of freedom and equality for all. A nation where a man who is no better off than anyone else, maybe even poor and living in the gutter, can make his dream come true through hard work and perseverance.
This country can be the greatest country in the world, but there are some changes that need to be made. Of course I'm a liberal and there are the typical liberal views I have. But just on the basis of American society, the cynicism and hatred of government by the people does not help the process. If you vote for someone one day but then bitch about them the next, then vote for them again, its not changing anything. It happens again and again, on average 80% of congress is reelected every election cycle. To get educated on political issues may be boring, but its how this great republic was built, and how it needs to be to remain.
I have great hope for this nation, I see it everywhere. But the people cannot allow voices of hatred and ignorance to overcome the voices of reason and compromise. I have a deep love for America, but it seems as the Americans themselves have lost that same love for their own nation, and construe it to reflect their own fears. If this country can get past that it will be a truly amazing nation. A spectacle for the entire world to respect and admire.
2016: A Year to Think for Yourself
With the election season coming up, there is much to be said. From the loud mouth of Donald Trump, to the plain ignorance of issues by the rest of the Republican field, many Americans are being split between sanity, and boisterous rhetoric. The key is to not fall victim to emotional appeal based on fear.
2015 was a year of mass shootings, islamaphobia, and economic progress. Issues were raised over political correctness, terrorists sneaking into the U.S. As a refugee from the disorder in the middle east, and the gun control vs gun rights lobbies fighting over the best way to handle the mass shootings that killed thousands last year. All while the Obama administration worked tirelessly to strengthen the economy, lower unemployment, and raise the minimum wage.
I can write fact after fact from whatever sources to show why democrats are doing the right thing, and why Republicans and Trump are wrong. But for every statistic I can find, conservatives have some backwards logic to defend their position to do nothing, or to move backwards in time. So rather than sit here and type out some long winded argument, I ask of all who see this post to simply look up basic facts yourself. If you see a post on facebook, or some statement by a candidate on tv, and you don't know if its correct or not, use google. Google it, and see what you find. Consider the sources, look at the data, compare multiple sources. Make your own decision with your own mind, rather than blindly follow someone because they share your ideology. Don't be afraid to speak up and tell somebody they're wrong, don't be afraid to argue with facts. Watch for half-truths, and fancy words, or even simple words. Look at the big picture, instead of small snippets. Think for yourself. Do this and maybe you'll realize your original ideology may not have been one you actually believe in. This is a civic duty that each and every American should practice. It's your country, make the decision that will lead to a country you want, not what some business man wants. It will make everybody that much better off.
I hope for a better year this year for every human, and for America itself.
2015 was a year of mass shootings, islamaphobia, and economic progress. Issues were raised over political correctness, terrorists sneaking into the U.S. As a refugee from the disorder in the middle east, and the gun control vs gun rights lobbies fighting over the best way to handle the mass shootings that killed thousands last year. All while the Obama administration worked tirelessly to strengthen the economy, lower unemployment, and raise the minimum wage.
I can write fact after fact from whatever sources to show why democrats are doing the right thing, and why Republicans and Trump are wrong. But for every statistic I can find, conservatives have some backwards logic to defend their position to do nothing, or to move backwards in time. So rather than sit here and type out some long winded argument, I ask of all who see this post to simply look up basic facts yourself. If you see a post on facebook, or some statement by a candidate on tv, and you don't know if its correct or not, use google. Google it, and see what you find. Consider the sources, look at the data, compare multiple sources. Make your own decision with your own mind, rather than blindly follow someone because they share your ideology. Don't be afraid to speak up and tell somebody they're wrong, don't be afraid to argue with facts. Watch for half-truths, and fancy words, or even simple words. Look at the big picture, instead of small snippets. Think for yourself. Do this and maybe you'll realize your original ideology may not have been one you actually believe in. This is a civic duty that each and every American should practice. It's your country, make the decision that will lead to a country you want, not what some business man wants. It will make everybody that much better off.
I hope for a better year this year for every human, and for America itself.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)