7.25.06 - On "bill-signing statements."

Bill-signing statements (or BS statements for short) are a tool our President has used to alter the constitutional process of law-making. These statements allow Bush to revise, interpret, or disregard laws in cases of "national security." They are a flex tool that can be used in any way George W. Bush wants in order to bend laws for or against his ideals.

One instance of Bush's BS statements was added to the recently signed torture-ban. This was a ban outlawing the use of “cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment” for extracting information from detainees. After Bush signed it into law he gave out a BS statement allowing him to interpret what “cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment" means. This basically gives Bush the power to ignore the law completely, because he decides what treatment is fit.

Bush is slowly accumulating power, circumventing the system of checks and balances within the U.S. government. Luckily, Senator Specter, R-Pa, is writing a piece of legislation in order to allow Congress to pass a judicial review of Bush's newfound powers. Took them long enough. This is the first step on the road to impeachment of the President. Let's hope Bush doesn't have any tricks in order to circumvent that part of the constitution as well.

Think about it.

-Night

7.24.06 - Bush Breaking the Rules?

I was browsing today's headlines on Comcast.net and came across an article concerning the constitutionality of certain "exceptions" Bush is making to laws he signs. Apparently our dear darling President has decided that he can add exceptions to laws after he has signed them into law. What's up with that?

Bush's administration has decided to call these little law-breaking additions "bill-signing statements." These allow Bush to "revise, interpret, or disregard" matters dealing with national security or the constitution.

These bill-signing statements are legal; they have been used by other presidents. However, Bush has used these "exceptions" over 800 times. All the other presidents combined have only used them about 600 times. Some might say Bush has "overused" his presidential freedoms.

But maybe desperate times call for desperate measures.

Think about it.
http://www.comcast.net/news/politics/index.jsp?cat=POLITICS&fn=/2006/07/24/440661.html&cvqh=itn_lawyersbush

-Night

7.22.06 - Why can't we all just get along?

Some Israelis say they'll stop firing missiles into Gaza, some say no they won't, but one is for certain: I can see no real point to this fighting.

When the Israelis pulled out of the Gaza Strip, a long time ago now, it was the first real step towards peace in the region. But then the Israeli Prime Minister all but snuffs it and everyone immediately goes back to each other's throats.

They are closer than ever to peace. I just hope they realize it and back off.

-Night

Check this article - http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/21/world/main1824289.shtml

7.20.06 - Blogging as a first?

Hey guys. As you can tell, this is my first blog so I'm still trying to get the general idea of what I want to do.
I started this blog because of a man named Waldo Jaquith... he came to my class and he's a blogger. He taught us all about the history of blogging and the powers bloggers of today have over the media and the politics of the nation. SO I decided to give it a try.

I've been told I'm slightly liberal, but I do try to stay on both sides of the issue. However, I'm not so sure I agree with President Bush's Iraq policy. WE SHOULD BE USING THIS MONEY IN IRAQ TO FUND STEM CELL RESEARCH!!!!!!!

My ideas on Stem Cell research:

-We have adult stem cells. These are legal and available. However, adult stem cells are very limited in their usage. They are more likely to contain DNA abnormalities and are more mature than embryonic stem cells. Therefore they are not as useful as less-developed embryonic stem cells.

-Embryonic stem cells can be taken from embryoes that are going to be disposed of anyway. It would cause no harm to take stem cells from these embyros.

-Embryonic stem cells have many uses. They can help treat brain disorders, spinal cord injuries, and a number of other maladies of the flesh.

Think about it and comment.

-Night