Amorsolo Eng 2

Human Rights Practices

2005-11-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

As recognized in U.N. Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1483, 1511, and 1546, an Interim Administration--the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA)--administered the country until an internationally recognized, representative government was established. The Iraqi Governing Council (IGC), recognized by UNSCR 1500 as the principal body of the Iraqi interim administration during the period of the CPA, adopted the Law for the Administration of the State of Iraq for the Transitional Period--the Transitional Administrative Law (TAL).

The TAL established a republican, federal, democratic, and pluralistic system with powers shared among the federal and regional governments, including 18 governorates, as well as municipalities and local administrations. The Kurdistan Regional Government was recognized in the TAL as the official government of those territories that were administered by the Kurdish Regional Government on March 19, 2003 in the governorates of Dohuk, Arbil, Sulaimaniya, Kirkuk, Diyala, and Ninewah. Islam is the official religion of the State and, according to the TAL, is to be considered a source of legislation. The TAL also mandates the separation and independence of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the Government. Some aspects of the judicial system were dysfunctional and, at times, subject to external influence.

http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41722.htm

Useful Link

2005-11-14T19:34:00.000-08:00

Some Iraqi links and updates at iraq.usembassy.gov/

Links

2005-11-13T20:16:00.000-08:00

Liberation of Women http://www.ntpi.org/html/liberationofwomen.html

No to Political Islam http://www.ntpi.org/index.html

http://www.iranian.com/AliAkbarMahdi/2003/August/Book/

Fahrenheit 9/11

2005-11-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

Three factual claims from the movie Fahrenheit 9/11 that I think are interesting are: Gore got the most votes in 2000, the Congressional Black Caucus members tried to object to the election outcome on the floor of the House; no Senator would sign the objections, and when Bush was told of the first attack on the World Trade Center, Bush went ahead to the elementary school for a photo opportunity.

Recounts would have proved that Gore had won the election. Under any standard that tabulated all disputed votes statewide, Mr. Gore erased Mr. Bush's advantage and emerged with a tiny lead that ranged from 42 to 171 votes. Donald Lambro, “Recount Provides No Firm Answers,” Washington Times, November 12, 2001.

The Congressional Black Caucus effort failed for “lack of the necessary signature by any senator.” Sen. Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) had previously advised Democratic senators not to cooperate. ‘They did not.’” Robert Novak, “Sweeney Link Won't Help Chao,” Chicago Sun-Times, January 14, 2001.

It was noted that while President Bush was taking advantage of his photo opportunity, "It should be emphasized that at the time Bush was notified of the first plane attack, he (unlike the rest of America) was already aware that Osama bin Laden was planning to attack America by hijacking airplanes, per the August 6, 2001 Presidential Daily Brief (PDB). He was also aware, of course, that the World Trade Center had been historically a target for terrorist attacks. He nonetheless went ahead with this photo opportunity in a school full of children."

Gun Laws

2005-11-13T19:21:00.000-08:00

Both arguments on the gun laws seem like they are equally persuasive, considering I really don't have an opinion on the issue. I believe that gun owners know their responsibilities, and it is their choice whether to use or abuse this right. Even if we have waiting periods and welcome bans, those who do not wish to go through this process can just find black market guns, or find the nearest person who sells gun out of their trunk. Guns will always be available whether its legally or illegally purchased. Therefore, I believe that both arguments have strong arguments, it just depends on which side you agree with.

Are Free Needle Programs A Good Idea?

2005-10-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

I believe that free needle programs are illogical because the flow of illegal drugs still haunts the U.S. Although the needles are provided to prevent the spreading of HIV/AIDS, those same drug abusers are likely to have unprotected sex, while possibly spreading the disease along with hepatitis and other blood borne viruses. Providing sterile needles only support addiction.

Same Sex Marriages

2005-09-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

I believe that same sex marriages should be legalized in Kansas and all other states because it encourages monogamous relationships, and promotes family stability regardless of gender. I believe that if two people are in love, they should be allowed to declare their love publicly, and join together spiritually through marriage. It is their personal choice. Outlawing same sex marriage will not stop them from being together, so why not let them be married?

Desecration of the U.S. flag

2005-09-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

There should be an amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibiting desecration of the U.S. flag. The flag represents us as a United States, and that bears everything from our rights to our pride in our country. To burn our flag is total disrespect to everyone who believes in liberty and justice in the U.S., and disrespect to the people who have fought as well as died for your right to freedom of speech which allows you to desecrate the flag.

Canvassers Permits

2005-09-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

I believe that the U.S. Supreme Court shouldn't have struck down the law which required canvassers to obtain permits. I feel that specific law has the right intention: protecting its senior citizens. Although the Jehovah's Witnesses felt it was violating their First Amendment right to freedom of speech, how do they feel about people disguised as Jehovah's taking advantage of the vulnerable citizens in their community?

Meds and The Death Penalty

2005-08-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

The issue is if you can force a death row prisoner to take antipsychotic drugs to make him sane enough to execute? I believe that no matter what type of situation you are in, people who are ruled to be insane she be on meds. In the case of Charles Laverne Singleton, he should not be allowed to remain insane in order to save his life. If he were to escape his execution, how many other cases will use this same defense? Also, the state would have to pay to keep him incarcerated, but since he's insane, wouldn't they send him to a mental hospital where he'd be on meds anyways? He wasn't insane when he committed the crimes, so I feel he should be forced to take his meds and the state should continue with the execution for the sake of justice.

Do people choose which sex they are attracted to?

2005-08-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

I believe that we are born to be either heterosexual, homosexual, and for the greedy..bisexual! I don't see anything wrong with any of these choices. My reason for this is because I have a male relative who at a very young age was attracted to boys and felt he did not have that choice. He tried dating a few women to see if he had the choice, but found out he had no attraction to the women whatsoever. You may think my opinion is weird...but that is what I base it on.