Hate crimes bill goes to Obama fro signature

President Obama will soon sign a hate crimes bill into law, which would make it a federal crime for anyone to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill is named after Matthew Shepard, a gay Wyoming teenager who died after he was kidnapped and beaten by others. His mother, Judy Shepard said "nowing that the president will sign it, unlike his predecessor, has made all the hard work this year to pass it worthwhile...Hate crimes continue to affect far too many Americans who are simply trying to live their lives honestly, and they need to know that their government will protect them from violence, and provide appropriate justice for victims and their families." The bill, when signed, will give the Justice Dept and other law enforcement agencies the "tools needed to deter and prosecute acts of violence" said Attorney General Eric Holder. More than 77,000 hate-crimes were reported by the FBI between 1998 and 2007.

I agree with the need to expand the hate crimes law. Now it will be a federal crime to assault someone because of his or her sexual orientation or gender. It is unfortunate that Matthew Shepard, a gay Wyoming teenager who was beaten because of his sexual orientation had to die in order for a bill such as this to be enacted.

Public Option reduces deficit

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that the House Democrat's health care plan that includes a pubic option would cost $871 billion over 10 years and reduce the deficit.

This comes under the $900 billion cap imposed by President Obama and significantly less then the House bill passed by three committees during the summer, which had a $1.1 trillion price tag. The public option is favored by Speaker Pelosi who needs 218 votes to pass this version on the house floor. Some in the House, identified as "blue dog" Democrats, oppose the bill, who argue for direct reimbursement to doctors and hospitals .

I agree with the house bill, which maintains the public option and ultimately reduces the deficit. This bill also stays within the cap of $900 billon set by President Obama and is well below the "price tag" of 1.1 trillion set by committees this past summer. House votes are forthcoming now that the CBO finds that it reduces the deficit in the first 10 years.

CBO finds Dem bill with public option reduces deficit - CNN.com

US Lobbied Afghanistan's Karzai to accept runoff

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has agreed to a runoff vote in two weeks against challenger, Abdullah Abdullah for president of Afghanistan. The cause for the runoff stems from a determination made by U.N.-backed Electoral Complaints Commission that 1.3 million ballots of Karzias were fraudulent. Both Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sen. John Kerry,including others urged Karzia to go forth with the runoff, which he would likely prevail as winner. "You can emerge stronger from this and cement your position as leader." Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said. Karzia expressed concern that "Pashtuns who had voted for him would feel disenfranchised." Karzia said he was"putting his country's interests over his own.

I agree with Karzia decision to put his countries interest over his own. To allow Karzia to take office knowing that 1.3 Million ballots cast during the first election were fraudulent would have sever impact on this fledgeling democracy. Pashtuns who had voted for him should not feel disenfranchised. With the help and support of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sen. John Kerry, Karzia will likely be the winner in a runoff with Abdullah Abdullah.

U.S. Won't Prosecute in States That Allow Medical Marijuana

Many chronically ill patients depend on some of the benefits of prescribed marijuana. This drug can reduce chronic pain, nausea, and additional symptoms associated with cancer and other serious illnesses. Although this drug has many good aspects, it is still illegal under federal law. However, the government is agreeing to not prosecute anyone using marijuana complying with the wishes of 14 other states and their laws, which allow its use for medical reasons only. "It will not be a priority to use federal resources to prosecute patients with serious illnesses or their caregivers who are complying with state laws on medical marijuana," says Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., "but we will not tolerate drug traffickers who hide behind claims of compliance with state law to mask activities that are clearly illegal." The dispute over whether or not to make it a legal drug under medical conditions is still being debated by the federal government.

In my opinion, I think that marijuana used for medical purposes is good for the health of those who have a chronic illness. Patients use marijuana for such illnesses as cancer and the chemo therapy associated with it, which reduces chronic pain and nausea. I also think that marijuana being used for medical purposes should be legal on the federal side, because if using marijuana for medical purposes is only legal at the state level, the the doctors who prescribe it are still in a quandary with the federal government, which defeats the purpose of allowing it to be legal in the first place. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/us/20cannabis.html?_r=1&ref=politics

Gay rights activists march in D.C.

A huge crowd of Americans gathered in Washington D.C. last Sunday to end discrimination of homosexuals. The crowd was led by Judy Shepard, who had gathered with the crowd in honor of her late son. "I'm here today because I lost my son to hate. Her gay son, Matthew Shepard, was kidnapped and severely beaten in October 1998. He died five days later in a hospital." The activists called to Obama to end the "don't ask, don't tell" policy and to also bring an end to banning gay marriage. Obama has been praised for his efforts to urge Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. Then, to replace it with the passing of the Domestic Partners Benefit and Obligations Act. Obama has been criticized by activists by not paying attention of abolishing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which bans homosexuals from openly serving in the military. Obama does hope to get these problems resolved, but it is unclear how long it will take to get these issues forwarded by activists addressed by Congress.

In my opinion, it is irrelevant what a persons sexual orientation is. All people should be allowed to marry whomever they like. I also think it is unfair to not allow homosexuals to serve in the military; they too are Americans who are committed to freedom and want to fight for their country. The gay rights movement reminds me a lot of the civil rights movement of the 1960's, because of how they are striving for equality. I hope that Obama abolishes the banning of gay marriage and the "don't ask, don't tell" policy so all people can benefit from the American dream.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/11/U.S.gay.rights.rally/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

On October 9, 2009, President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. President Obama was recognized for his efforts in helping to maintain peace between Middle Eastern countries, including the elimination of nuclear weapons from these countries. "The Nobel committee recognized Obama's efforts to solve complex global problems including working toward a world free of nuclear weapons." Due to Obama's great efforts to help bestow diplomacy and cooperation among different nations and people, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Not only did Obama receive this award by his efforts of keeping peace or wanting to eliminate all countries of nuclear weapons, but by promising hope for a better future for Americans. Upon receiving the award, Obama acknowledged the conflicts in the Middle East and that he plans to end this ongoing war. Obama then plans to confront any endeavor that will threaten Americans.

In my opinion, I think Obama deservers to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and that it is a great honor to him. Ever since Obama first started campaigning, he has promised change and hope for a better tomorrow. He is doing a wonderful job in leading the country through these difficult times. Obama has been trying to do everything in his power to negotiate peace in the Middle East and by banning nuclear weapons. He is actually trying to help the world and not start wars over whether or not there should be nuclear weapons. I personally think with Obama in the White House, America will start to be much better off.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/10/09/nobel.peace.prize/index.html

No Olympics in Chicago

Not everyone agreed that having the 2016 Olympics in Chicago was a great idea. Many Chicagoans felt the government should focus more on issues facing the city and country and not on the Olympics, which may have been held in their city. Many Chicagoans, therefore, voted against the Olympics. "We're glad that the city won't now be burdened by the distraction of the Olympics at the expense of improving Chicago's schools, transportation, parks, and the numerous other public policy initiatives on which the city needs to be focused." In addition, many Chicagoans rejected the use of tax payer money that would be spent on efforts to support the 2016 Olympics. Instead, they think the money should be used to improve areas in and around Chicago.

In my opinion, I agree that the money should be spent to improve Chicago and not on efforts to support the Olympics. Having the Olympics in Chicago, would distract us from more important issues currently facing Chicago and the US, such as the need for jobs, infrastructure, and other compelling priorities. I personally think the United States should first focus on these issues and then look forward to hosting events.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/02/chicago.olympic.opponents/index.html?iref=newssearch

Typhoon Parma in the Philippines

Last week, a devastating typhoon occurred in the Philippine isles that effected nearly 2 million people. Hundreds of families were left homeless by the storm. World Vision staffers plan to help those families and others effected by the typhoon, by handing out relief packages that contain food, and water. "There are many uprooted trees, as well as down power lines, making roads impassable in some areas... Homes constructed of light materials were blown away. In many areas, there is no electricity, and rivers have overflowed, making some towns and villages inaccessible." 8 to 20 inches of rainfall from the typhoon, is expected for areas already flooded by the downpour. As a result many people were evacuated from the threat of more flooding. As another result from the typhoon, landslides were caused by the extensive downpour of rain, killing at least 12 people. Many are trying to help these poor people through this awful time rebuild their lives.

I feel bad for the people who lost everything in this horrible storm. I think the United States should make a program to help all the victims of Typhoon Parma. In which people could donate canned food and clothes to those effected by the typhoon. Also, if family members had gotten separated during the typhoon, there should be a relocation program for families to get reunited. The United States should help the Philippine citizens rebuild roads, buildings, and other structures that had gotten damaged during the typhoon. I feel as though that we should try to do what we can to help those in need and also help them restore everything to normal.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/10/04/philippines.typhoon/index.html