Unit: The Constitution
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/29/opinion/mr-boehners-october-miracle.html
Synopsis:
The Editorial Board of the New York Times explores the changing political environment in the House of Representatives after the resignation of Speaker John Boehner earlier this week. Self-described as the "grown-up" reconciling the child-like legislators arguing over bills, he claims that the destructive antics of the hard-liner "Tea party toddlers" in the House ultimately resulted in his exit from office. In terms of prospective legislation, in his last few days in office Boehner has the liberty to "revive" previous bills that his Republican constituents disagreed with. Considering his alliance to the Republican party, his actions as Speaker were tirelessly analyzed by both extremes of the political system and varying conservative ideology; now Boehner can act without political ties since his career is next to over. If he decides to call a vote on a certain piece of legislation passed by the Senate in 2013, the ability to restart a real political conversation on immigration reform with the view of a solution is possible for the future if the bill moves on for President Obama's consideration. Although only a conjecture, the Editorial Board additionally speculates on Boehner's great potential for the revival of dead legislation based on his association to the Roman Catholic church; Pope Francis commented on immigration to the Congress and at various points during his stay to emphasize the Christian values of respect and kindness.
Analysis:
Considering the Editorial Board's reliance on inference, their hypothesis over Boehner's proximate actions in the House of Representatives are not ensured to occur. However, strong evidence is provided in the article; the Speaker no longer has to satisfy the entire Republican party or give much of a care to the interpersonal relationships within the House between representatives. If you think of the theory behind the separation of powers, it is frustrating to hear that one man's fear of political strife in calling a vote on legislation essentially retarded the issue of immigration from further progression. The bill was labelled as "wide-scale" and "comprehensive", a stride forward in the amelioration of lives of 11 million lives if implemented. The power to direct conversation over such a polarized issue in one individual seems unfair at the governmental level. Additionally, the allusion to Boehner's Christian values guiding his decision to energize immigration reform is interesting to consider; government and church are not interconnected as per the separation between church and state, as well as Article VI of the Constitution that emphasizes the lack of religion's role in politics. The introduction of religion, especially at a young age, adds to an individual's moral sense and personal opinion. It is not wrong that Boehner bases his opinion on experience, as we all do, but rather Pope Francis' relationship to any possible legal actions with immigration reform poses an interesting question: is it fair for modern figureheads of religion to act as lobbyists?
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Sunday, September 20, 2015
"Obama nominates openly gay man to lead army"
Unit: The Constitution
Link: http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/18/politics/eric-fanning-secretary-of-the-army/index.html
Synopsis:
In this article, Kristen Holmes reports on the President's decision to nominate Eric K. Fanning to the office of secretary of the United States Army. The President elucidated on Fanning's knowledge of the military branch through experience and leadership in the field. Fanning, an openly gay man, will be the first gay secretary of the military branch. He worked as chief of staff to Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and then under secretary of the Army since June, 2015. Carter voiced his own support for Fanning: "I know he will strengthen our Army, build on its best traditions, and prepare our ground forces to confront a new generation of challenges". The American Military Partner Association, a group for families of LGBTQ soldiers and veterans to gain advice and relief, also backs up the nomination. Because of Fanning's sexuality, the President's decision appears to be emphasizing the cessation of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that kept gay men and lesbian women from dedicating their service to the United States Army. He additionally maintained support of transgender people serving in the Army, momentous in the gay rights movement attempting to erase the powerful sentiments of homophobia clinging to the institution.
In this article, Kristen Holmes reports on the President's decision to nominate Eric K. Fanning to the office of secretary of the United States Army. The President elucidated on Fanning's knowledge of the military branch through experience and leadership in the field. Fanning, an openly gay man, will be the first gay secretary of the military branch. He worked as chief of staff to Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and then under secretary of the Army since June, 2015. Carter voiced his own support for Fanning: "I know he will strengthen our Army, build on its best traditions, and prepare our ground forces to confront a new generation of challenges". The American Military Partner Association, a group for families of LGBTQ soldiers and veterans to gain advice and relief, also backs up the nomination. Because of Fanning's sexuality, the President's decision appears to be emphasizing the cessation of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that kept gay men and lesbian women from dedicating their service to the United States Army. He additionally maintained support of transgender people serving in the Army, momentous in the gay rights movement attempting to erase the powerful sentiments of homophobia clinging to the institution.
Analysis:
Considering the steps made in the gay rights movement what with the legalization of nationwide same-sex marriage this year, further progress in other facets of society is clear. The case of Obergefell v. Hodges in the United States Supreme Court made the ban against same-sex marriage unconstitutional, overturning previous cases over the issue like Baker v. Nelson in 1971. Using the rights outlined in the Fourteenth Amendment, due process in justice and equal protection under the law made the Supreme Court Justice's decision. This is significant considering the words of the constitution and the natural rights of the people protected within its command are now ensuring the life, liberty, and happiness of gay and lesbian individuals. However, the constitutional rights of military members are not similar to the civilian rights because of the nature of the institution and the actions with which it operates. For example, the searching of individual soldier's private property and the structure of militia law are set in place for the preservation of the whole. Although the fact that the sexuality of a man is an issue in his search for an occupation poses some concerns over personal privacy, since Fanning is openly gay it is not unreasonable to infer that he will allot part of his position of secretary of the United States Army to the integration and support of LGBTQ service men and women. Because of stigmatization over societally unconventional sexualities, the President's nomination is a reflection on the government's growing recognition of the diversity of the citizenry. Overall, this article encapsulates another win for equality in both a social and legal facet that will serve as an example for the creation and enforcement of gay rights in the United States Army.
Considering the steps made in the gay rights movement what with the legalization of nationwide same-sex marriage this year, further progress in other facets of society is clear. The case of Obergefell v. Hodges in the United States Supreme Court made the ban against same-sex marriage unconstitutional, overturning previous cases over the issue like Baker v. Nelson in 1971. Using the rights outlined in the Fourteenth Amendment, due process in justice and equal protection under the law made the Supreme Court Justice's decision. This is significant considering the words of the constitution and the natural rights of the people protected within its command are now ensuring the life, liberty, and happiness of gay and lesbian individuals. However, the constitutional rights of military members are not similar to the civilian rights because of the nature of the institution and the actions with which it operates. For example, the searching of individual soldier's private property and the structure of militia law are set in place for the preservation of the whole. Although the fact that the sexuality of a man is an issue in his search for an occupation poses some concerns over personal privacy, since Fanning is openly gay it is not unreasonable to infer that he will allot part of his position of secretary of the United States Army to the integration and support of LGBTQ service men and women. Because of stigmatization over societally unconventional sexualities, the President's nomination is a reflection on the government's growing recognition of the diversity of the citizenry. Overall, this article encapsulates another win for equality in both a social and legal facet that will serve as an example for the creation and enforcement of gay rights in the United States Army.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)