Ohio 'Heartbeat' Abortion Bill

As the ongoing debate about abortion continues to divide Americans, there is a bill currently being debated in the Ohio House which will undoubtedly only cause further controversy. Ohio lawmakers are expected to vote on the issue this Wednesday, March 30. Please read the article below which was in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on Wednesday, February 9. This article will provide you with some background before you comment on this proposed legislation.

'Heartbeat' Bill Background

What are you thoughts on this proposal? Is this unconstitutional as some have claimed? Please be respectful in commenting on others comments.

Should we limit the power of the Supreme Court? (Please respond by Friday, March 18)

The Constitution allows Supreme Court Justices to serve for life in office "under good behavior." The Founders involved both the Executive and Legislative Branches in the choosing of the justices as a mean of a check on their capability and potential to serve. It was originally questionable about what "good behavior" meant, but it is now largely defined as anything but an impeachable offense. Despite this constitutional provision, only 1 state (Rhode Island) has placed it in their own state constitution. From 1789 to 1970, justices stayed on the Supreme Court for an average of 15 years, retiring at the average age of 68; during this time, vacancies arose about every two years. From 1970 to today, justices have been serving for an average of 25 years and retiring at an average age of 78; now, vacancies typically arise only every 3+ years.

Both liberal and conservative groups have expressed dismay at different points in history at decisions made by the Supreme Court and the perceived "eliteness" of life tenure. This anger is often manifested in calls for more checks on the Supreme Court. Thomas Jefferson has questioned the power of the Court by bringing forth the notion that judicial review undermines the democratic process. FDR felt that the legislative process was threatened by the Court and proposed what became known as the "Court packing scheme."

However, on the other side, the ability to serve for life as well as to not be elected frees the Justices from common political pressures, such as deciding cases to please the public. Some believe that setting limits on time served will cause too much frequent change in the Court bringing an instability to precedent and legal interpretations.

What is the best means of ensuring that the Supreme Court remains accountable for their decisions?

Oil Prices & Middle East Events (Please respond by Friday, March 4)

It is important for all of us to be aware of the rising prices of oil here in the United States and the connection it has to all of the events occurring in the Middle East over the past several weeks. Please watch this brief two minute video from CBS about rising oil prices:

Libya turmoil and oil prices

Here is an article with more information for your reading:

Oil Price Spike

Thoughts? reactions? What do you think will be the end result from this entire situation?

Model of Presidential Leadership (Please respond by Friday, Feb 25)

Every new president is given a multitude of advice regarding how to perform as a president. In addition, many media outlets enjoy comparing him to past presidents in a variety of measures from policy to mannerisms. Yet, what often lacks is the description of what the ideal president is or how the model president should act.

Every president is asked to take on a multitude of roles and thus fill many different shoes. Therefore, the ideal president must meet many different criteria.

If you were to give an incoming president five characteristics he or she must possess in their new role, what would they be?

Crisis in Egypt (Please respond by Friday, February 18)

As the historical situation in Egypt continues to unfold before our very eyes, opinions on this issue in the United States continue to evolve.  The latest announcement by President Mubarak that he will cede power to his hand-picked vice president has caused an uproar amongst some of the citizens of Egypt. What is your opinion on this? What role do you believe the United States should play in this international crisis? Should this be a cause for concern in future relations in the Middle East? Please read this article published in The Washington Post on Friday, February 11, 2011.

Demonstrations Across Egypt

Health Care and Federalism (Please respond by Friday, February 11)

Health Care and Federalism (Please respond by Friday, February 11)

"[The Congress shall have Power] To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian tribes;"
~Article I, Section 8, Line 3 of the U.S. Constitution

In 2010, the United States Congress passed landmark health care reform. Among the law's intentions is the closing of the "uninsured gap" that sees nearly 50 million Americans living without health insurance.

From the outset, this legislation has been controversial - not a single Republican voted for the law that President Obama signed in late March. Democrats have pushed for some version of national health insurance since the presidency of Harry Truman, and in recent decades, Republicans have stood staunchly against most attempts at reforming the national health care system.

What mostly divides the parties on the health care issue is a question of federalism: does the Constitution provide the power to Congress to regulate the health care industry?

More than 20 states (most with Republican governors or attorneys general) have joined various lawsuits against the new law. These suits take aim at the so-called individual mandate, a requirement that all Americans buy health insurance or pay a fee. Critics of the mandate claim the national government does not have the power to require individuals to purchase health coverage.

In the months since the suits were filed, judges in federal courts have ruled for both sides, likely foreshadowing an eventual decision by the Supreme Court.

This week, Judge Roger Vinson of Federal District Court in Pensacola, Fla., concluded that "It would be a radical departure from existing case law to hold that Congress can regulate inactivity under the Commerce Clause.” The plaintiffs that brought the case claim the mandate is an unprecedented effort to regulate inactivity because citizens would be fined for NOT participating in commerce (purchasing health insurance).

Whether Congress has the power under the commerce clause to require citizens to purchase health insurance will likely remain an issue for debate until the Supreme Court decides.

Please respond to the question posed above and share your opinions. Feel free to comment on others thoughts as well.

America's Direction (Please respond by February 4)

After voting in the poll at the bottom of the page, explain your thoughts about the direction of America. Can President Obama solve some of the problems facing America? What needs to happen over the next year?