Chapter 14 Blog

Here is what I learned about our US Supreme Court Justices:

• John Roberts-Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, appointed by President George Bush Sr., graduated from Harvard Law. He was the captain of his football team at LaLumiere High School in LaPorte, Indiana. 
• Sonia Sotomayer-She is the first Hispanic American supreme court justice, appointed by President Obama. She grew up poor in the housing projects in South Bronx. She attended Princeton University and Yale. 
• Stephen Breyer-Appointed by President Clinton, he attended Stanford, Nagladen College at Oxford, and Harvard Law. In his early career, he was a law clerk to former Associate Justice Arthur Goldberg.
• Samuel Alito-Appointed by President George Bush Sr. He attended Princeton and Yale. He was also in the ROTC program and was later in the Army Reserves.
• Elena Kagan- Appointed by President Obama, she attended Harvard and Princeton, and was the first female Dean at Harvard Law. Her father was a lawyer and her mother was a teacher. 
• Clarence Thomas-Appointed by President George Bush Sr., he attended Yale school of Law, which Thomas considers his degree to be worth 15 cents. He grew up extremely poor, his father abandoned his family when Thomas was 2 years old. His mother, struggling to make ends meet, took the family to live with her parents, at which point Thomas learned the value of hard work from his grandfather. 
• Antonin Scalia-Appointed by President Reagan, he graduated from Harvard Law. Though he was always at the top of his class, I found him to be the least interesting of the justices. He is even quoted as saying, "I was never cool". 
• Anthony Kennedy-Appointed by President Reagan, he attended Stanford and Harvard Law. His father was an attorney and he was once in the Army National Guard. 
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg-Appointed by President Clinton, she attended Cornell University, Columbia and Harvard Law schools. She was the first Jewish female to be appointed to the Supreme Court. Most of her law career was devoted to the advancement of women's rights. 

In the case of Center for Reproductive Law and Policy v. Bush (2002), Sonya Sotomayer upheld a lower court ruling in favor of the Mexico City Policy, a policy that states that no country receiving funds from the US government may use the money to fund abortions.  In this case an abortion rights group claimed that this policy violated their First Amendment rights. Sotomayer wrote that "since the claims are based on International Law, they are indistinguishable from the First Amendment. She also wrote that "The Supreme Court is free to favor the anti-abortion position over the pro-choice position and can do so without public funds."  I agree with her for several reasons. As a firm believer in pro-life, I am against abortion in general. I also feel that our government should only give money and assistance to other countries where it is absolutely essential, not for abortions. I agree that US Constitutional Rights only apply to American soil. 

Judicial Review should be used regularly. I feel that the implementation of Judicial Review gives an adequate balance of power to the judicial branch, in relation to the executive and legislative branches. I feel that it is of utmost importance that statutes and treaties passed are constitutional, therefore it is important that the Supreme Court has the power to overturn any law passed through Congress. 

I think it is important for the High Court to consider the intent of the Framers, while considering the changes in society. I believe in our Constitution, however it was implemented 225 years ago. We are a completely different society today. Our country is much larger now, and with very different major issues than in the latter 1700's. With that being said, I think that if we stray to far from the strict construction of our Constitution, our country will begin to lose it's way, entirely.

   
Blogs I commented on:
-Dylan Thevenard
-Robert Johnson
-Matthew Cooper

Chapter 13 Blog

It is difficult to choose just one federal agency that is the most important, because I believe there are several that are absolutely crucial, however since I have to choose just one I will go with the United States Department of Defense. Headquartered at the Pentagon, the Department of Defense is made up of the US Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard and US Coast Guard. It is the oldest and largest government agency. Without our nation's military, we would have only the defense of our citizens. We could be bombed or taken over at any time without any type of defenses. Our military is also considered the world's police, overseeing matters in other countries and also providing disaster relief. Without our military, our country would've had no need for any other government agency, because it simply would not exist.

I do not feel that any of our federal agencies are not important, and that any of them would not be missed. They all serve a very special and important purpose in or country.

I don't think we need any more federal agencies. After researching all of the different agencies, departments and what they do, I think every possible scenario or need of an agency is already covered. A week ago I would have said that there needs to be an office that oversees spending in each agency, but I've learned that office already exists and it's called the Office of Management and Budget and reports directly to the president.

Blogs I commented on:
-Taylor Wilson
-Matthew Cooper
-Sarah Ham

Great presidents and their qualities

What makes a president great? In my opinion it goes without saying that a great president must possess exceptional leadership qualities. He/she must be able to communicate with the public effectively. One of the greatest presidents of our time, Franklin D. Roosevelt held fireside chats. These chats were a radio broadcast that held the attention of 80% of Americans.
I feel that the president should have the ability to implement ideas that will be effective in solving the problems of our nation, without spending money that our country doesn't have.
A solid leader must also have the ability to advocate for the people, while making sound economic decisions.

I think it goes without saying that Franklin D Roosevelt was one of the greatest presidents of our time. He led our country through two of the worst periods our nation has ever encountered, the Great Depression and World War II. Roosevelt created jobs for the people, and did not believe in handouts. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he had all the provocation he needed to declare war on Japan, where he led us to be victorious in the outcome of that war.
Thomas Jefferson was one of our countries founding fathers, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was a strong supporter in the first amendment, and was publicly opposed to slavery, even signing a bill in 1807 to abolish it. He was also involved in the Louisiana purchase in 1803.
I researched a little known president William McKinley. He was assassinated 6 months into his second term.  McKinley's face is printed on the $500 bill, which is no longer in circulation. He was a decent president, who presided over the war with Spain, giving us control over Puerto Rico and Guantanamo Bay.

Blogs I commented on:
-Donna Fox
-Robert Devaney
-Taylor Wilson

Chapter 11 blog

Our Senators for the state of Tennessee are Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker. The Congressman for district 3 in which I live, is Charles Fleischmann. Both Senators and Congressman share my views on abortion, and life beginning at conception. All agree on banning federal funding coverage including abortion. As a mother, this issue is particularly important to me. How anyone can abort a fetus and it be protected under the mother's right to privacy is completely beyond me. It is murder, plain and simple.
Charles Fleischman voted for the Title X abortion act, prohibiting federal family planning assistance to an entity unless the woman is raped, a victim of incest, or a medical disorder endangering the life of the woman. (May 2011)
I disagree with Senator Bob Corker, and his opposition to changes in the second amendment (April 2013). While I am pro gun rights, I do not feel that a typical American citizen needs high powered assault rifles, and high capacity magazines. Those weapons are designed for our police and military. A magazine holding more than 10 bullets only enable mass shooters to create more casualties and injuries.


Blogs I commented on:
-Mona Manwill
-Dylan Thevenard
-Matthew Cooper

Chapter 10

I agree with the dissent on Bush v. Gore. I think the recount on the votes in the state of Florida, should be left up to the state of Florida. It should have never gone higher up than the Florida Supreme court. I feel as if there were any question as to the fairness and accuracy of the voting machines themselves, regardless of deadlines, a recount should be done for the sake of fairness in the most important election to the most important and powerful office in the United States.

I believe the ability to raise money is very important to winning an election. If people don't know who you are, they won't want to vote for you. The people won't know who you are unless you have the money and means to get your message and campaign promises across, and become a household name. Although it may be unfair, and good candidates are not always able to run due to lack of funding, unfortunately money is an essential element to a successful campaign. An example of this happened in the county that I live in this year. It was the race for the Roane County sheriff's office, where the incumbent was favored to win, not on the basis that he was the best man for the job, but because the other candidate, simply did not have the money to win. Now in my opinion, this is not to say that either man was more or less qualified than the other, this is not the point I am trying to make. The particular issue with this race had nothing to do with qualifications, or how good one or the other would be as sheriff of Roane County, it had everything to do with money, and which one had more to campaign with. Should anything be done about this? No, not in my opinion. While someone may lack funding, unfortunately it takes money to get your name out there.

I feel a lack of voter turnout can be contributed to lack of interest, and it takes a strong interest in something to get the average American to take time out of their busy day to wait in line at the voting booths. This lack of interest could be a variety of things; they have little faith in all candidates, and do not care to vote for any of them, they don't feel as if their vote makes a difference, and so on. I think there are things to be done to fix this problem, and i think they are being done. Celebrities are jumping on board, and reminding people of the sacrifices others made so we could simply have the right, and encouraging a new generation of voters to get out there and make a difference. Also, if voting could be more convenient, it would increase voter turnout, but I fear that would lead to more voting fraud.


Blogs I commented on:
-Katelyn Dozier
-Robert Devaney
-Robert Johnson

Chapter 9

I have always considered myself to be a Republican, mainly for religious and moral reasons such as abortion and prayer in schools. Some things about the Republican party I sometimes disagree with is limited government. I think the great depression taught us that there are times when the government has to step in to help us help ourselves.

I do not think America needs political parties, however I think we're going to be stuck with Republicans and Democrats running the show for a long, long time. Political parties would be fine if our leaders and politicians actually believed in the issues they claim to. It's all about money and power, and who has the ability to get elected.

I did some research on the Libertarian Party. They are the third largest political party in the United States, and believe in not intervening in foreign policies, and personal freedom the way it was meant to be when our great country was founded.

blogs I commented on:
-Stacey Clark
-Matthew Cooper
-Robert Devaney

Chapter 8 Blog

I chose the International Brotherhood of Teamsters from Table 8.1 of our text. I learned that they originated in 1903, and are a "strong and diverse" labor union. They work with freight drivers and warehouse workers, but have worked with those in all types of occupations. There are 1900 affiliate offices in the US and Canada. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters work to enforce contracts between and employee and their employer; such as guaranteeing decent wages, promotions, health care, job security, retirement and paid time off. I found it interesting that since this is such a large group, they offer valuable things at a discounted rate just for being a member, such as health care, 401k, even discounts on having taxes prepared.

An interest group in which I associate, would be Right to Life. As a mother, and pro life believer, I feel strongly about what they stand for, and the work that is put in to getting the message across. The key to their persuasion is simple, life. Just because it is a fetus and still inside the womb, it is very much a living person. A woman's right to privacy does not give her the right to kill and innocent child.

I believe interest groups have just the right amount of power. There have been times where I feel the beliefs of others have been shoved down my throat so to speak, but it hasn't necessarily influenced my views. After all, that is what makes our country so great, we can express our views (peacefully), without persecution. I'm sure there are those that may disagree, but that is only my opinion.

Blogs I commented on:
-Mona Manwill
-Stacey Clark
-Taylor Wilson

Chapter 7 Blog

As far as whether or not media objectivity still exists in the coverage of politics, I honestly don't have much of an opinion on that. I haven't had cable television in a very long time, and even if I did have it, I wouldn't have time to watch it. Not to mention, I've said it before politics frustrate me and I try to avoid them. I did however do a leading reading on objective media, and I found that NPR has a pretty good reputation for being objective.

Talk Radio-I enjoy listening to talk radio, more specifically Rush Limbaugh and Michael Savage of  The Savage Nation. How it affects me and my views? I don't think it's so much as what they are saying, but the fact that I'm in my car, and it's nothing but their voices and the road. I think the atmosphere in itself, causes me to really listen, not to mention the passion of the opinions that come from those radio shows, by callers and the hosts alike.

Media objectivity is important, however I agree with the opinions of many journalists think this is a myth. Besides, sticking strictly to the facts is boring, and boring doesn't sell.

Blogs I commented on:
-Robert Johnson
-Katelyn Dozier
-Donna Fox

Chapter 6 blog assignment

This one is a tough one for me, as I have a hard time writing about things I don't have a strong passion about, and sorry to say politics is something that frustrates me and I tend to avoid. However, I will do my best.

     I do think the news media is too dependent on polls. While the public opinion may be of extreme importance to politicians, I think the general public has a hard time thinking for themselves as it is. I think we need to think for ourselves instead of what percentage of the population thinks about certain issues, and how well they like the folks running for office. We rely way too much on what is portrayed in the news media.

     On the subject of political party identification, I think the labels need to go away. We have very important issues at hand in our day, that cannot be limited to an affiliation with one party or another. We need to do what is right, and vote how we feel will be the most effective way to fit our views. As far as the views of my parents and grandparents? My grandmother was a Republican, and I was totally floored when she voted for Obama his first term. My father, a Republican, but for the past few years, is leaning toward being a Democrat, but he refuses to admit it.  A big issue for me for my entire voting life, has been abortion. Typically someone with strong anti-abortion views would lean toward the Republican party, even though they completely disagree with their economic views, but that is changing.  I think our society needs to evolve into a different way of thinking. Our economy has been in such bad shape the past decade or so, our social views are almost being outweighed by our economic views. 



I commented on:
-Matthew Cooper
-Sierra Chapman
-Lee Ellison

Blog assignment 5

On the issue of race, I will say that the government is doing entirely too much to reduce racial discrimination. I think the days of discrimination and segregation of the 1950's are long gone. While there are still people out there who are ignorant enough to base opinions on people simply because of the color of their skin, I think those people are a dying breed. Those people are always going to be around, and no law in place is going to change that. The only way to change ignorance is to educate. I also feel that the laws in place to protect minorities is severely abused. I have seen it in the workplace, people who are terrible at their jobs, are rude to customers and basically don't do much more than "show up" for work, know for a fact they are never going to be fired, because the company would be afraid to do so. I think this is ultimate result of the laws we have in place to reduce racial discrimination.

The issue of gender INequality, is something I have experienced first hand, and yes, it is an issue. Women in the workplace are not paid as much as males, who do the same job, with the same qualifications, as adequately or more so than males. I could see if it were a woman on a construction site working with big strong men, but I am speaking more of administrative positions. Unfortunately, this is an issue that is just now being majorly addressed, and I will probably be in retirement before anything is done about it.

Sexual orientation, is a tough issue for me. I have traditional Christian beliefs, however, I believe strongly in separation of religion and government. I believe people have a right to live as they choose, free from judgment and discrimination.

I commented on:
-Stacey Clark
-Robert Johnson
-Katelyn Dozier

Chapter 4 blog assignment

   Freedom of Speech is our Constitutional right. It is important, because it separates us from other countries that don't have that privilege, and suffer consequences for speaking out. The fact of whether or not it goes to far, is all a matter of opinion. Facebook for example, I have friends who have certain views that are the opposite of mine. Sometimes they post things that are immediately offensive to me, but on the flip side, things that I may post may be offensive to them. We all have to understand  that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions, and we have the right to voice those opinions. Only when our words take away the rights of others does it go too far.
   Separation of church and state is a necessity. There is no mixing government with religion, it would be impossible with the vast cultural mix of people that are citizens of the United States. I do think that religion should be encouraged instead of discouraged. It seems at this day in time, we are limited in how we can express ourselves religiously.
   Defendant's rights are absolutely crucial to our system of government. Sometimes when emotions are high in a criminal proceeding, it may seem as if the defendant has too many rights, but in the broad spectrum of our legal system, they actually do not. Defendants are granted these rights for fairness, and to protect citizens from corrupt individuals with a crooked agenda. I believe if we cut out the rights of defendants, there would be a lot more wrongly accused individuals serving time for crimes they did not commit.

Blogs I commented on:
Robert Johnson
Sarah Ham
Dylan Thevenard

Chapter 3 blog assignment

I believe that a strong national and state government should exist, depending on the issue. On subjects such as gay marriage, and education, the general consensus in one state, can differ completely from another, therefore those decisions and laws passed should be left at the state's authority, not the federal government. I do feel that certain issues should be at a national level, so that our country remains strong as a whole, and that our constitutional rights as Americans will be upheld. 

National power increased during the Great Depression, in an attempt by congress to uplift the economy. Approximately 50 years later, a shift back to the power at a state level was implemented by the Reagan administration. He felt that the government was the problem, and lessened restrictions on grants. The country was no longer in a Depression as it was in 1929, and the states could more efficiently spend money at a state level, than the federal government could.

As I said in the beginning, education should be left up to the state government. There is no "one size fits all" approach to education. There is more than one "right" way to have a successful education system, and it should be left up to each state to decide what works best for them. I do however, feel that the federal government should intervene, if a state is functioning poorly.  

-blogs I commented on:
Matt Cooper
Robert Johnson
Robert Devaney

Chapter 2 blog assignment

     Under the US Constitution, the United States government is much better structured and organized to say the least. The power of our nation's government is equally divided among three branches, with checks and balances in place to ensure that each branch maintains equal authority. The US was much weaker as a nation under the Articles of Confederation. The government had very little power federally. All of the authority was at each state's level, including the authority to wage war, which should absolutely be a decision made on a national level, as a united front. Congress could not tax, and could only request revenue from each state, leaving the country with insufficient funds, leaving debts unpaid. This also contributed to lack of economic growth, and lack of military power.
     I learned something by reading these articles that I probably should have known in the first place, and am honestly a little embarrassed to admit, and that is there are 2 senators representing each state regardless of its size.
     The Supreme court ruling of Marbury v.. Madison is important because it established judicial review, which is the authority of the Supreme Court to strike down  any law Congress passes, that is deemed unconstitutional.
     Our government today is obviously more like what the Federalists of their day envisioned. We still today, even though it is hundreds of years later, regard our Constitution as the highest law  and authority. I will add, that I can see the early concerns of the Anti Federalists. With everything that this country went through to break away from Great Britain and the monarchy, it would appear at first that electing a President may seem a lot like having a King in a monarchy form of rule.


-I commented on:
Dylan Thevanard's blog
Taylor Wilson's blog
Donna Fox's blog

Little bit about me

My name is Stephanie Steele, I am 33 years old and reside in Rockwood, TN. I have two wonderful children; a son-13, and a daughter-3. I have worked in the banking industry for about 8 years, and am currently employed at US Bank. A few of my hobbies include listening to live music, 4 wheeling and fishing.

What I hope to learn from this class? Well..a lot. It has been a long time since I was in high school government class, and to be honest, I didn't exact absorb the material very well. I am a Paralegal major, the law is my passion. A full understanding of American government and politics are crucial to understanding our laws and legal system. I look forward to taking in all that this class has to offer.