Chapter 14

Upon researching the United States Supreme Court Justices, I discovered that Harvard Law School is where many attended (nineteen to be exact). The schools where most of the Justices attended were Harvard, Yale, and Columbia. I enjoyed reading about Justice Curtis and Justice McLean. Both seem to defy conformity. They formulate a decision based on their own interpretation of the law and given freedom.

Judicial Review is a great power for our legal system, however, I believe if overused it could lose its meaning. If we allow it to be overused, it could reach the point that citizens or courts could use this power to constantly manipulate and adjust the laws and standards to suit the needs of those on a specific side of a case. There must be a reasonable line drawn and it should be followed appropriately.

I believe the intent of the framers of the Constitution should be followed as best as possible, however it is very obvious that they were not always correct. It was a very different time back then, and things in society were much more strict. As with judicial review, I believe there is a middle ground that must be reached. Although society continues to evolve, classic standards should be followed as long as freedoms remain intact and equality remains as well. 

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Chapter 13 Bureaucracy

One of the most important agencies is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This department is protects and provides for the health of all Americans and essential human services. This Department is related to several incredibly important agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA),  and National Institutes of Health (NIH). I didn’t research the agencies outside of this area too heavily because this has always seemed one of the most important to me. One of the agencies in this category that I think can be terminated with little impact would have to be either the AIDS.gov or the CDC National STD Hotline. I think if they could combine the two (since AIDS, while a deadly disease, is also a sexually contracted disease); combining these two can open up a complete website and hotline combo giving many citizens different routes to access it. I understand there is importance for both, so I am not suggesting we delete one altogether. I simply mean that it may not have an enormous impact as opposed to taking out something such as the National Health Information Center. As I mentioned in a classmates blog, I also believe there is plenty coverage for issues in the broad spectrum already supplied through these federal agencies. Since responsibility and authority is shared through many agencies and in many agencies, I think if there is a topic that does not have a direct agency, it is covered in some way by another.

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Chapter 12

There are so many qualities that make a great president. In order for someone to gain the right to be in office, I believe he should be well educated and well written first and foremost. By well educated I do not mean a physics major or a scientist, I simply mean that he should know the full history of the United States, be very politically rounded, educated, and informed, and understand the pros and cons to every direction our political system can take. By well-written, I mean that he should have the ability to formally address the United States without the use of jargon, foreign language, or informal speaking in any way. There is absolutely a difference between speaking to people with respect radiating from your chosen words, and speaking to people in a careless manner. This does not mean he should be able to talk ABOVE their head, but should be able to be understood, respected, and show respect. After these qualities, I believe it also takes bravery to stand up in times of controversy, strength to always back up his beliefs and to never waver, have the ability to weigh the options before making a decision, and then make the decision in a steadfast way. Last, but definitely not least, I believe a president should be merciful and humble. If a president makes a mistake or upsets the people he should be humble enough to accept that he did wrong and able to state his apologies and intent to the people.

Next to Washington and Lincoln, I think Thomas Jefferson and Franklin Roosevelt were two great Presidents of the United States. Jefferson doubled the size of America and continuously fought for state rights while consolidating power in the federal system. Roosevelt stood strong in office through WWII and fought incredibly hard to help end the Great Depression. These presidents did numerous things to help our country.

As for a president I am unfamiliar with, I chose James K. Polk. He helped with the opening of the U.S. Naval Academy and Smithsonian Institution, groundbreaking for the Washington Monument, and issued the first post stamps in the U.S. I also did not know that Polk was a slaveowner. He inherited slaves directly or indirectly and also participated in owning slaves. He apparently rarely sold slaves, but once he was President and achieved a higher income, he decided he could afford to buy more. 

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Chapter 11 Blog

Our Senators are Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and our Congressman is Charles J. “Chuck” Fleischman. In 2009 Lamar Alexander opposed Obama’s bill regarding health care reform. His opposition was based on the consequence of higher state taxes, higher federal debt, health care run by the government, and cuts in Medicare. I support his views on this and agree with his reasons. As we have already seen in the news, Obama is blasting apologies with the horrible health care and the issues of many losing insurance completely. He also voted against a bill that would have created more detailed and expanded background checks for any person purchasing guns. While I do not think the government has the right to take away guns from the citizens, I do believe there should be much stricter background checks for those attempting to purchase one. In my small town, I’ve heard of so many who can walk in, lay cash down, and walk out with any type of weapon (mainly guns of any kind) in less than five minutes. This whole process never includes any paperwork, background check, or legal requirements whatsoever.

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Chapter 10 Blog

I agree with the Supreme Court’s ruling. We use the same machines and process in every election. If one instance arises that the results are inaccurate, then every election will seem as if there were cheating or some other illegal nature involved.

I also agree that fundraising is too important. There are many potential candidates that could do wonders for our country in some way who would find it next to impossible to raise these funds. Unless born into money or currently having a very wealthy career, it seems impossible to be able to raise this money. If our country is based on freedom for all (including any class of citizen) it shouldn’t be an issue of how much money can be raised for any reason.

I, myself, have never voted. I am not educated as well as I should on where, how, and what I am voting for. Not only for the national elections, but for simple city and county elections as well. I have moved a lot in my life and am not used to any of this. I am certain my parents voted, however, I am unsure of when and where. Now that I am old enough to sit down and attempt to understand these things, it seems there is never enough time to go and do so. I am not sure there really is a way to solve this problem. Unless there is a voting booth on wheels for those citizens who are either incapable of leaving home or simply cannot find the time to do so, I cannot think of a possible and reasonable solution. 

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Chapter 9 Blog

I’ve never really put much weight on political parties even though I was raised in a home where my parents were adamant on which side of the spectrum they belonged on. However, if I were to place myself on a side of it, I feel I most identify with the Republican Party. There are many things that I agree with and even some that I disagree with. While many place a religious purpose to their party choice, I feel it makes more sense to decide for myself based on my own life choices and for my family. I absolutely oppose abortion and believe it should be illegal in all states, I do not, however, have a standpoint on gay marriage. They will marry if they feel it is right and there is nothing we can or should do about that. To each his own. I support the death penalty because there are many, many crimes so vile and disgusting that allowing some to live and relish the memories of such seems preposterous. I believe there is more importance in individual rights such as gun control than to choose for groups as a whole. I also support higher military spending and having a strong belief in fighting for our country when faced by a serious threat.

I think America wouldn’t function well without political parties. As I discussed in my business class this past week, I believe labels carry a lot of weight in the world today. Although this label isn’t necessarily a money label, a lot of people feel these party titles carry tremendous weight. They are connected with some very large issues and beliefs involved in how our country is run and fundamentals. The idea of not using political parties seems an interesting idea; the founders had a lot of faith in the future of our country and in the strength of the citizens. However, it is hard to foresee the controversy on many issues and as time goes on, generations evolve and more issues and ideas rise up for people to choose a side on.

From what little I have read on other third parties, I felt I kind of related to the Reform Party better. They seem to have somewhat similar beliefs (but not mirrored of course). .

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Chapter 8

American Federation of Teachers has a mission statement that dedicates their efforts towards all professionals, employees, and families of such to give support for them through healthcare, education, employment, etc. This group is dedicated to fighting for better opportunities, pay, and care. Not only is the AFT involved in many many groups, compaigns, etc nationwide, but also is involved in many worldwide. I agree with what they are doing and think they are in search for better opportunities and a better life for many people.

I loved researching the Service Employees National Union because of the broad spectrum that they cover. Not only are they purposed for property and public service, but also for a healthcare union. Their sections rank as one of the largest (if not the largest) existing today. Their dedicated for equality, justness, and for people to do more than just survive is admirable.

I think an interest group has as much power as their membersallow them to. I think they make great usage of the gateways into the political system and help to ensure that the opinions of the citizens are heard in one loud, thundering voice. All citizens are allowed their own opinion, and interest groups allow these citizens the knowledge that they are NOT alone in their feelings. There must be fair treatment towards these groups. When there is proof that a specific interest group is running the country instead of the government out for the good of the people, there is a severe issue with legality and justness.

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Chapter 7 Blog

It is hard to find media without a bias being thrown into the match. I do not condemn those who share their opinion because they share the same citizenship as the rest of us and attain the same freedoms. Objectivity will be hard to find, but does still exist. C-SPAN is known as one who is most unbiased as far as I know (granted I do not watch many programs involving the news) and on the same note, FOX seems to have the most bias. Many of their hosts allow responses from both sides of the political spectrum to call in, but very few allow responses other than one agreeing with their own to be said without debate. Talk radio can affect views on politics through the same ways it did in history. The sound of someone’s voice and their intensity of their words can sway someone to whichever side the speaker supports. Although visual news pulls stronger strings than verbal, radio is and probably always will be considered more “hard news” than the television can offer. Objectivity is important in politics no matter what day in age someone lives. It is important that citizens understand each side of the spectrum and the differences between a bias and a truth. However, that being said, it is JUST as important for a citizen to educate themselves on this spectrum before they allow themselves to create an opinion off a voice or a channel they begin watching. 

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Chapter 6

I don’t believe the media is too dependent upon polls. I think it’s a great way to gain knowledge on public opinion. However, the process of these polls can have a huge sampling error and misconstrue the true opinions of America. I also believe there is almost NO way the opinions in the United States on Obama is half and half. That is a VERY clear error in the poll. However, that is my own personal belief. I think it is acceptable to report these polls because there are many citizens that depend on these results. These citizens use this as a fortune teller for the future of the country.

Political party identification has never been really important to me. Growing up, my father was always set in his belief in the system and which party he belonged to, however I did not show any interest. I admit to not having nearly enough knowledge on the political system to state anything else, but I do wonder if it is even as important anymore as our textbooks say it is. My grandparents and parents held these decisions to be very important. However, in our house and around our friends, we do not talk party identification. We simply discuss the differences in opinion on how the country is run, what is right/wrong, and how it should be run.

My opinions are not based on my parents beliefs or friends beliefs. My opinions are focused on how they affect my family, my life, my finances, and my future.

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Chapter 5

I find it hard to decide completely on the issue of race. I am from a minority group, and am still of the opinion that I lean more toward the government doing too much. For too long, the minority has quickly become the majority and is overtaking policies, opportunities, etc. I think the government pushed too hard to make opportunities available for minorities to the point that they took from their majority (at the time) and did not realize until too late. And now we find ourselves with a black president and think “If I say something about the minority being allowed too many things or about the President being inadequate, illegal, and useless then I become a racist”. If you push this fear onto people, the fear becomes reality. This has always been my motto. If I fear something too much, the fear becomes reality. I may be one of the only to have this opinion, but how many times have you seen the “minority groups” have things handed to them while the “majority groups” still barely scrape by (and yes, I know, some of them by lack of effort, but we’re looking at the bigger picture).

When it comes to gender, I think the government has done well in creating equality. There will always be a crazy feminist who still believes the government still creates different standards for men vs. women. However, very rarely have I ever found myself in a situation where society, business, or government has treated me different just because I am a woman. I believe these days it is your responsibility to show you capabilities as a human and use this to overshadow what gender you just happen to be. If you show yourself strong, capable, and willing to put forth the effort then you shouldn’t be facing discrimination. And if you find yourself subject to such discrimination, there are many ways to go about confronting these issues and gaining your equality and fair treatment.

I’m not religious, nor am I homosexual. While I do not support either religion OR homosexuality, I believe to each his own. Personally, I have no point of view when it comes to marriage, relationships, etc. I feel as though it is their choice to decide. While I would never put myself into that situation, it isn’t my life or my body. I will state however that I do NOT believe you are “born” that way. But, as for the government, in my opinion views always flip flop. Where some political leaders feel it is a personal choice, others feel it is a cardinal sin as an AMERICAN to be homosexual. I feel that even if the government creates these regulations, it won’t matter. There isn’t truly a way the government can prevent this in America and the government also does NOT have the right to.

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Chapter 4 Blog

Freedom of speech is a very important freedom given by the Bill of Rights, perhaps one of the most important. I believe that when this amendment was put into place an optimistic view was placed on Americans resulting in too broad a playing field for those citizens without consideration of others. In a way, the freedom did go too far. Now, with the restrictions placed on the “freedom of speech” I believe there is more control. As a child who suffered from racism through school and many other harassing situations, I support the restrictions on freedom of speech. My children will grow up in the same country where people have become more vocal on their opinions whether it be positive or negative. 
I also believe separation of church and state IS necessary. There are many religious people in the nation, but just as well there are many who are not involved in religion. In order for these citizens to all feel the same equality (whether they admit this or not) I believe it is only fair to keep the separation in order. 
I also believe defendant’s rights ARE crucial. (Apparently I see no flaws with the Bill of Rights! Go me!) Just as everyone who has been victimized deserves just representation, so do those who victimized others. If we still chose to hang someone without allowing for a trial or opportunity to plead their case, there would be many innocent people punished for crimes that were either made up completely or unjustly placed upon their shoulders. It is important for these rights to be in place. 

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Chapter 3 Blog assignment

I personally believe having a strong national government is necessary to ensure order and fairness for our country. If we left the majority of the power up to the states, I believe we would encounter rebellions and possibly civil wars. If states believe they can create order of their own accord, it would be an ultimate failure. With such a division of political idealism these days, every state would be different. States like California would support gay marriage, abortion, and a more liberal view point on things. Other states could be completely against even the thought of these. I think the issues of gay marriage, abortion, racism, gun control, and more highly controversial topics would divide the nation multiple ways. If we allowed each state to have their own ruling, what’s to stop the fighting, the amount of court cases, and the danger it would have on the young in the nation. While the national government may not always make the best decisions or the decisions our citizens hope for, I believe they do a better job than state governments would.

 The shift towards national power during the Great Depression can be greatly linked to the need for aid in the failing economy. The states found themselves depending on the national government to assist in their survival and recovery. Reagan was dedicated to reducing the power national government had over the United States and to laying the fault on the government completely. I don’t think his attempts were positive for the United States and that he should have used his strategies to fix the economy.

I also believe the issue of education should be left up to the national government as well. Although there is a major flaw taking religion out of schools completely, there are also different types of schools children can attend (Catholic, Christian, etc). If our state and local governments were allowed the decision to control the education standards and systems, the young in the nation would suffer greatly from this. When I lived in Florala, Alabama my parents took us out of the school system and put us in home school. The reason was, this school (area) was among the lowest in the nation on educational standards. They only careers they encouraged their children to have were agriculture based careers or to be a housewife. 4-H, while beneficial to children, was pushed so heavily that any student attempting to broaden their horizons with aspirations to become a major profession is greatly discouraged and stopped. If we allow this control to be left up to the state and local standards, there will be states that allow the bare minimum to succeed (being able to work on engines and cook really well, but being unable to read or write at even a basic level) to those who have finished college level work by 6^th grade.

Chapter 2

The Articles of Confederation was an important, yet basic document that stated a partnership between the states. This document left most of the power to the states out of fear of another situation recently escaped from Great Britain. The states had sovereignty which meant that no form of national government had any authority to rule over the states. It did not take long for the Founders to see the Articles having a negative impact on the United States. The Constitution created a concrete system for the US to be run by: legislative structure and authority, executive branch, judiciary branch, and a checks and balance system to ensure proper usage and fair treatment. If the United States still operated under the Articles, I believe that with the states continuing to have the authority over their residents. Congress would have no authority to regulate commerce including taxation, there was no judicial branch or executive branch, and any amendments had to be met with complete agreement between all states. With these issues, debt would abound, economic growth would be at a minimum to non-existent, and no military power could have been incredibly detrimental to the nation.

Somehow I actually had no clue that the Vice President would be President of the Senate and have no vote, unless equally divided. I also did not know that the United States was not allowed to grant a title of nobility (which if you think about it is fairly obvious considering we have no system involving nobility titles) or ALSO that anyone in the Office of Profit or Trust can accept something without consent of Congress from a King, Prince, or foreign state. Being unable to accept a gift is an assumption I’ve always believed, however I did not know that Congress had the power to give consent for bribes, gifts, or whatever name they would like to call it.

Marbury vs Madison is incredibly important when dealing with the fairness of our legal system. It was incredibly important that we know this case and understand what it accomplished. Prior to this case, there was no way for any to overrule Congress when they attempt to pass a law that goes against the Constitution and could create a lifestyle for this nation that is against what the intentions and efforts were for. Judicial review, the authority granted through this case, gives the Supreme Court to ensure all fairness and protect the nation against anything that does not follow the Constitution.

I find it hard to discern whether our government is more the Federalist view or the Anti-Federalist. We have a President in office who does not deserve to be in office, who is throwing our country away, sending our troops to war, incorporating Muslim terms and practices into a healthcare bill that Congress didn’t even read when they passed it, and others in positions of power who support the worst president we could ever see simply because of his race. I guess this would mean that, although the support is based on the fact that our President is black, we are more of what the Anti-Federalists feared. We are run by a group, or groups, who care more about the power and the position than they do the well-being of their country. It has been obvious for quite some time that our President holds no concern over the well-being of our soldiers, our families, our health, or our freedoms. 

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My introductory blog :)

Hello all, my name is Cassandra Kunsman. I am a stay at home mom of two kids. My daughter (3) is Jocalyn Emalee Kunsman and my son (1) is Nikolai Alexander Woods. My days are super busy keeping track of them, housework, and all other responsibilities while my nights are spent doing homework and organizing a new business opportunity. My long-term plans are to get into the nursing program and hopefully one day to become a CRNA. I would like to be able to give my children opportunities I was unable to have, while still teaching them appreciation for the good life they live. Being a young mother in school is not easy, but it is a very rewarding process at every point in the road. I am excited to get this semester under way!