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Click on the articles below which contain current news from across America related to liberty and justice in our lives.
Should felons be allowed to vote after serving their sentences? From CNN (January 18, 2012) - On January 16, 2012, Republican presidential candidates debated in South Carolina on a wide range of topics, including whether people with felony convictions should regain their right to vote after serving their sentence. The disenfranchisement, or prohibition from voting, of felons differs from state to state. It disproportionately affects black male voters. Every vote counts, and prohibiting a portion of the population from voting can affect outcomes of state and national elections. U.S. Backs Gay Rights Abroad, Obama and Clinton Say From New York Times (December 6, 2011) - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke on the United States’ vow to combat discrimination by other nations towards gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people. The Obama administration plans to use diplomacy (for instance, foreign aid) to promote gay rights worldwide. This effort may create obstacles between the United States and its allies with differing beliefs. The statement also comes at a notable juncture with the 2012 U.S. election year fast-approaching. Occupy Wall Street From New York Times (October 3, 2011) - A leaderless group of peaceful protestors, communicating mostly through social media, gathered in New York City on Wall Street. They are protesting what they claim is the greedy, corrupted state of the nation’s banks and mortgage companies. Police arrested over 700 protestors marching across the Brooklyn Bridge and made other arrests periodically throughout the demonstration for other violations. Three weeks into the New York City protests, similar rallies are rising in other large cities across the US like Boston, Los Angeles and Chicago. Supreme Court Strikes Calif. Law Banning Sale of Violent Video Games to Minors From The Washington Post (June 27, 2011) - The Supreme Court ruled to uphold a lower court’s decision that banning the sale of violent video games to minors violates free-speech rights. Parents and social scientists debate whether violent video games influence young gamers in a harmful way. However the court commented on the similarities between banning games and the history of banning books and movies. Florida Governor Signs Welfare Drug-Screen Measure From CNN (June 1, 2011) - Governor Rick Scott signed legislation requiring welfare recipients be tested for drug use in an effort to save tax dollars and motivate individuals to not use drugs. Florida representatives are questioning the measure as an unconstitutional violation of personal privacy. The Governor is also under scrutiny because of his connection to an urgent-care clinic company which provides drug screenings. The company might benefit from this legislation. Hundreds protest in Dearborn Friday against Pastor Terry Jones' anti-Islam gospel From MLive.com (April 30, 2011) - Pastor Terry Jones of Gainesville, Fl. held a rally at the City Hall of Dearborn, Mi. to protest Islam and Sharia Law in America. The city of Dearborn is known for its large population of Arab Americans, the likely reason Jones chose to hold the protest there. Jones was supported by civil rights attorneys after he was denied the right to protest at his original intended location, the Islamic Center of America, by the city of Dearborn a week earlier. Most Justices Appear Skeptical of Making Wal-Mart Suit Class Action From CNN (March 29, 2011) - Current and former female employees of Wal-Mart from across the United States are bringing one of the largest class-action lawsuits to the Supreme Court. This case focuses on corporate versus workers’ rights, and specifically sexual discrimination, an issue of justice and equality that has been debated since the Industrial Revolution. Obama: U.S. Had Responsibility to Act in Libya From The Washington Post (March 28, 2011) - President Obama addressed the nation, outlining the moral, economic and political decision to intervene in the civil unrest between current leader of Libya, Moammar Gaddafi, and the rebel forces who call for a new, more democratic political system. The President stressed the importance of protecting civilians from danger; however those who oppose the decision for involvement cite the lack of a clear time table and funding source for the mission. As Egypt Protest Swells, U.S. Sends Specific Demands From The New York Times ( February 8, 2011) - Protesters in Egypt call for the current President, Hosni Mubarak, to end his 30 year term. Vice President Joe Biden and other U.S. officials encourage the Egyptian government to develop a plan to outline a new government and protection for journalists and opposition leaders. Senate Repeals Ban Against Openly Gay Military Personnel From The New York Times (December 18, 2010) - The senate repealed a 17 year old policy that forced gay and lesbian U.S. military service members to hide their sexual orientation. This is a landmark decision for civil rights that was deferred and complicated by issues of national security. This is also an example of the compromise of differing opinions of the House of Representatives, the Senate and the President. Judge Strikes at Health Law From The Wall Street Journal (November 29, 2010) - A judge in Virginia has sided with the Republican Attorney General and ruled that mandatory health insurance is unconstitutional. Two other judges have previously ruled in support of the Health Care Reform Bill. Even today judges are in disagreement about individual rights and the interpretation of the Constitution. Vast Leak Discloses Diplomatic Secrets From The Wall Street Journal (November 29, 2010) - Thousands of sensitive United States diplomatic cables were made public by WikiLeaks, an international non-profit organization that publishes difficult to obtain documents from anonymous sources. These leaks represent the constant struggle in American Democracy between national security and bureaucratic transparency. Monitors Say Haiti Vote Fraud Not Massive From The Washington Post (November 29, 2010) - The legitimacy of the November 2010 democratic election in Haiti has been questioned due to problems at polling stations. In addition, damage caused by major earthquakes and lethal outbreaks of cholera in the capital have created election complications. American Democracy has influenced other nations who strive to maintain the commitment to fair elections and a system of checks and balances. |
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