Where to Begin?

In Jonathan's article "Incarceration for the Innocents" he makes the argument that the United States holds the world's highest incarceration rate in the world in both national and state prisons. The amount of persons being incarcerated for misdemeanors is crazy. The justice system of America really needs improvement. I do agree with incarcerating those who have done serious felonies and incarcerating those who have done minimal crimes can be avoided. It is very true that there are millions of dollars being spend to house these prisoners and you would think money is not invested into keeping these prisoners alive. The idea of incarcerating someone for a misdemeanor sounds outrages but then I think about how safe this country is compared to others.

On an other note, many innocent people have been convicted of felonies. These people spend years in prison for something they did not do and all the time they spend in prison away from their love ones can never be repaid. Many cases go into jurisdiction with a bias already set and few really have the benefit of the doubt. Even though this country offers much protection it really lack an appropriate legal system.

The Gift of Life

In the world of today faith seems to dominate how people view social and political issues. This board spectrum of religions has caused confrontation between cultures, countries, and people to grow. In the United States we are protected by the first amendment to choose the right to practice one's religion. The Catholic Church has made the controversial issues of same-sex marriage and abortion national issues that have sparked many opinions. The most delicate issue of today in my perspective would have to be abortion.

The woman has the wonderful gift of life. Some chose to accept it and others chose to terminate the pregnancy. The first case seen in the United States over this issue was Roe vs. Wade and since 1973 to today the issue of abortion has not been solved and don't see it being resolved anytime soon. In 2008 approximately 1.21 million abortions took place in the United States. There are many reasons for why these woman chose to have an abortion. The most common reason being that they don't want the child. Personally I do not have the right to judge anyone but I do have the right to state an opinion. In the world of today it is very common to see young girls pregnant. This world has given young people access to so much. I don't think these young girls understand the degree of seriousness a pregnancy has. Bringing a child into this world should be for the right reasons and intentions. If a woman or girl know having a child in their circumstances would deny the child of having a decent life why bring a child into this world. Do not get me wrong, if these woman were willing to have sex then they should be willing to become mothers. These woman have to take responsibility for their actions. On another note, some woman might face the unpleasant event that leads to pregnancy which is rape. This situation is very common and unfortunate. I am in no place to tell these woman to accept the pregnancy nor to support abortion. My humble opinion would be to have the child and if they wish to not keep him to give him up for adoption.

Having an ultrasound has made woman reconsider their decision about abortion. This procedure is really intimate and effects the woman in an emotional level. Hearing the heartbeat and knowing there is a life growing inside you is priceless. Everyone has a right to live and we should not take that life away. We need to make this world right and being responsible about our actions should be the first step.

The Right to Choose

In Tommy Gilbert's article "The 28th Amendment: Freedom of Marriage," he argues the right of an American to choose who they wish to marry. His argument is compelling, well stated and the evidence is well supported. It is true that same-sex marriage has been a controversy for quite some time now and a resolution needs to be made. My take on this issue is fairly in the middle. I don't necessarily agree with it but I don't 100% oppose it either.

Before reading this article, I was more leaning against same-sex marriage, for the mere fact that I think a man should be with a woman not a man. I was raised in a Catholic environment and supporting same-sex marriage is out of the question. In today's wide variety of religions, accepting same-sex marriage seems just impossible. I am a very religious person myself and have been exposed to different perspectives and have come to my own conclusions. I believe people are not born homosexual and it's just something a person picks up. I would obviously not know this because I don't face this issue but that is just my opinion.

In no means I am saying that same-sex couples don't deserve the same right as I have. We are only human and no one is perfect. I see that if I can marry who I wish so should everyone else. My faith has nothing to do with how I treat and feel about others and whether someone wants to marry the same-sex or of a different cultural background everyone is deserving of their own happiness. "I’m merely asking for the same respect we give those of different religious affiliation to be applied to marriage so that maybe—one day—those of us who aren’t allowed to realize our dream of being a happily married couple just might be able to." This is very true, if I as a Catholic can practice my faith why shouldn't someone who wishes to marry the same sex not be allowed too. Like I said before, this issue is delicate and hard to really criticize or support. In my perspective I don't see my happiness being affected by this issue and see nothing wrong, but with time my opinion might change.

The American Dream

Why call undocumented people "illegal aliens"? Are they really aliens? I don't think so. For a country like America who was founded by immigrants you would think foreigners would feel welcomed, but in reality it isn't like that. While others see immigration reform as a negative approach, on the other hand immigrants see it as the realization of the American dream. What is the American dream? To me, it is the opportunity of achievement denied else where but obtainable in this great nation. America is seen as one of the greatest nations in the world of today. Not many countries give the people the opportunity to better their way of living and to most the solution is to leave everything behind and search for that happiness.

According to the Pew Research Center roughly about 11.7 million undocumented immigrants live in the United States today. This number has increased over the past two decades with a fair decline in the recession of 2007-09. Over these years there has been few attempts to solve the immigration issue. In 1986 president Regan took a huge step and "rewarded" undocumented citizens with the passing of the amnesty. This amnesty gave majority of undocumented immigrants the path to citizenship. Most of these immigrants were from Mexico, Central America, and Asia (FAIR). Most people might think of an amnesty as a straight ticket to citizenship but it is not that easy. There are many regulations and steps an undocumented immigrant has to take. Money is very much invested and only the eligible are given that opportunity. In 2009 the Dream Act failed to pass leaving many young undocumented immigrants with mixed feelings. After 2009 the bill kept being modified to pass through Congress but it was not enough. Later in 2012, president Obama passed a policy called the Deferred Action. This bill is in affect as of June 15, 2012, to now. This policy gave many, mostly students, the opportunity to receive a working permit of two years. This bill makes it possible, for the eligible, to obtain a working social security number which opens many doors. This is not a ticket to citizenship but it is most definitely a step towards it. In more recent news, there has been enforcement for an Immigration Reform to be passed but the probability of a bill being passed is very small.

The U.S government does not completely oppose the chance of an Immigration Reform but politicians have just not found a way to come to an agreement. Obama has made some arrangements for the improvement of the immigration system. The president's immigration reform plan has four parts: first the improvement in border security; next is finding employers who have hired undocumented immigrants; then create a path to citizenship; lastly construct an effective immigration system (The White House). This seems like a great plan but the problem is taking action.

Being an undocumented immigrant is not at all pleasant. I was brought over at a very young age and was integrated to American society. I was given the opportunity to obtain a working permit for two years and now currently employed. Most if not all parents want the best for their children. Wouldn't you? and in order for that happiness there are sacrifices that have to be made. I would like to make the reader understand the degree of seriousness of this issue. Immigrants do not intend on coming to the United States to "steal" the job of American citizens. The majority of immigrants come to work and give themselves if not, their family the opportunity to succeed. Isn't that the American ideal? For this an Immigration Reform would give both sides what they want. The government would gain so much from this because immigrants will invest in the economy and bring new perspectives into the picture and for the immigrant the chance to live the American Dream. 

Trying to write this article was a challenge. I spend my weekend staring at a blank page trying to generate ideas but nothing came to mind. I then decided to write over an issue that affected me the most. I tried to stay away from this topic because I felt it was overused but I just couldn't. This article reflects who I am and my intend is to make the reader more aware of the issue through the eyes of an immigrant.

Just Entertainment

Power Line published an article on October 20 by John Hinderaker called "How Crazy are the Democrats?" this article is stating how the Democrats have unrealistic ideas. The Republicans have attacked the Democrats just as the Democrats have attacked the Republicans. The Democratic Party is known for supporting the health care reform and getting the government more involved. The Republicans are not pleased with the outcome of being blamed for the government shutdown and have made it their priority to defend the party. The article states how the Democrats started demanding the arrest of John Boehner and Ted Cruz for sedition and lets the reader understand how crazy this claim is. Also the Democrats have accused the Republicans of being traitors and terrorists. This makes the reader reflect about how the Democrats have little to no reliable evidence in blaming them and shows how these claims make the Democratic Party look almost childish. Also according to Hinderaker, Obama has been keeping his eyes on the "wrong patient."
   
Hinderaker is obviously a Republican who really does not like the Democratic Party. The author wants to encage the Republican reader and upset a Democratic reader. His support is presented in a clear form but lacks a strong claim/argument. John Hinderaker is a well known and successful lawyer who was recognized for his achievement the Journal of Law and Politics ranking him one of the best layers in America. I am sure Mr. Hinderaker is well informed about American politics and has a good idea about how the government works, but to say he is an expert in politics I am hesitant. All the information is presented with truth but the article is brought up more to entertain the reader then to actually inform us. My problem with political blogs is that they are one sided and get too caught up in trying to argue with one another that they forget the real objective, which is informing the public. Political bloggers need to state the evidence and then make appropriate conclusion based on the information presented.

The Vulnerable

On October 3, 2013, The Editorial Board of the New York Times published and article on the opinion pages called "A Population Betrayed" discussing the lack of support towards the health reform. This article attacks the Republican governors and legislators who have denied any possibility to ensure the poor. The article argues about how the reform law was originally made to help the poor and middle-income people through two "parallel mechanisms" and to expand Medicaid. The reform was denied at a national level but was optional by every state as they pleased, but this approach fell apart. There is no act in the law that provides insurance to anyone who is below the poverty line since they are supposed to be covered my Medicaid. An analysis of a census data showed how uninsured people in the United States will be ineligible of help from federal grants.
 
The author(s) seem very upset and have almost no neglect towards the Republicans. They have sufficient evidence to support their claim and I trust that the board has enough credibility to make their argument. Personally this article made me feel sympathy towards the poor and to an extent resent the Republicans. However Republicans do not have to support the reform, like everyone else they have the right to an opinion. The poor are vulnerable and the editor(s) know that and like others I know little to nothing about the health reform movement, making me the audience. It makes you want to get involved and help the people in need. I do think there is a way to solve this problem and maybe in the near future the Republicans will propose a similar law that encourages help towards the poor. I favor no particular side whether the Republicans are in the right or the Democrats. I support what I believe is the right thing to do.

Too much or Not enough?

On Friday, September 20 New York Times published the article "California Gives Expanded Rights to Noncitizens" by Jennifer Medina discussing the issues in California that deal with the increasing rights non citizens are receiving. This includes sitting on juries, monitoring polls and practicing law. The amount of support illegal immigrants are receiving has grown in these past years compared to how it was 20 years ago. Many states have allowed immigrants to receive drivers' licenses and in-state college tuition. Residents of California whether illegal or citizens are required to participate in public services. But the issue of which rights belong to citizens or non citizens still remains. On the other hand immigrant residents of California who were brought into the country by their parents will have the opportunity to practice law. California is one of the few states which has given illegal immigrants the opportunity to participate in the political world. With more bills being passed in support of immigrantion it has given the public the access to printed ballots and voting instructions in various languages. California is setting the foundation for future changes that may occur in other states over the years to come. This article is worth reading because the issue of immigration is not something that will be resolved by the end of this year and learning about how another state views this issue might enlighten other states and citizens to take action whether it is for or against immigration.