When Will It Stop?

Yet again, I must write a post about what could’ve been a devastating school shooting.  Last week, 20 year old Michael Brandon Hill walked into McNair Discovery Learning Academy in Decatur, Georgia armed with an AK-47 and over 500 rounds of ammunition.  Thankfully, he encountered school bookkeeper, Antionette Tuff who was able to talk him into surrendering.  By keeping her composure, detailing her own struggles in life and offering to pray for Hill, Ms. Tuff became a true American hero.

Whenever I blog about an issue that relates to a previous post, I always post the link so you can read my thoughts and your fellow students’ comments.  It was with a heavy heart today that I realized just how many times I have posted about senseless gun violence on this blog: Fort Hood, Virginia Tech, Aurora Colorado, Tucson Arizona, and of course, Newtown Connecticut.  If you’re interested in reading any of these posts, you can use the search word “shooting” in the search bar located at the top of the page.

Each time we have a mass shooting such as this (and there have just been far too many in my opinion), our nation’s political dialogue becomes more focused on our country’s gun laws. Some have felt that we need stricter gun laws to prevent tragedies such as this from happening. According to Senator Dianne Feinstein, “weapons of war don’t belong on our streets”. Colorado Governor, John Hickenlooper, expressed skepticism that tougher gun laws would’ve prevented the Aurora, Colorado tragedy stating, “If there were no assault weapons available – this guy’s going to find something right?” Senator Ron Johnson agrees, “I don’t think society can keep sick, demented, individuals from obtaining any type of weapon to kill people. Somebody who purposely wants to harm another individual is going to find a method to do so”.

 I’ll be frank – I’m torn on this issue. I don’t come from a family that owns guns. I don’t think I would want one in my home. That being said, I strongly support the U.S. Constitution and the people’s right to bear arms. I just think there should be better background checks, waiting periods, etc. I think the real problem here is a lack of mental healthcare in this country – which might be a whole other blog. I know I don’t have all the answers, but it’s clear to me that something must be done to stop, (or at least try and stop) this senseless violence.

So my question to you this week is, “How do you feel about our country’s gun laws? What should the government’s responsibility be, if anything, in preventing crimes like this in the future?” Answers are due no later than Sunday, September 1st. My thoughts and prayers go out to anyone affected by senseless violence, especially the community of Decatur, Georgia.

 

 

Does Welfare Equal Drug Use?

Earlier this year, the Indiana legislature passed a bill that requires recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to take and pass a written drug test in order to secure their welfare benefits.  If the written test indicates likely drug use, recipients could be chosen for monthly random drug tests.  If you’re like me, you’re wondering how someone takes a written drug test.  This was something I’d never even heard of prior to this legislation.  How would a written test determine if you had used drugs?  In my research for this post, I found a few of the questions that are asked on the test – individuals are told to answer yes or no.:

• At times, I feel worn out for no special reason
• I have not lived the way I should
• I don’t like to sit and daydream
• I have a drink first thing in the morning to steady my nerves

Wow!  Here I was thinking I’m just extra tired some days, meanwhile, it could indicate to somebody that I have a substance abuse problem.  If the written test indicates likely drug use, you could be chosen for monthly random drug test.  Test positive, and you’re looking at a mandatory treatment program, or loss of your benefits.  Should you choose treatment; you will continue to be drug tested on a monthly basis for four months.  Fail another test, and you will lose your TANF benefits for three months.  Fail a third test, and you’re banned for life.

Drug testing welfare recipients is an issue heating up all around the country.  Currently, legislation has been proposed in 29 states and passed in 8.  Supporters say testing welfare recipients will cost $.5 million, but will save the state $1.5 million in aid they would withhold from drug users.  They say it’s imperative that individuals aren’t using government money to buy drugs.

Opponents feel the new legislation amounts to nothing more than suspicion-less, population-based screening.  They cite studies which show that drug and alcohol issues among welfare recipients are not widespread.  In fact, studies have shown that while welfare recipients are slightly more likely than a comparison group to use drugs or alcohol, the differences were rarely statistically significant.  Mandatory testing may turn a person away from applying for benefits, which in turn, takes away resources from children in those families.

So, my question to you this week is, “What do you think of mandatory drug testing for welfare recipients?  Is it smart public policy or an infringement of civil liberties?”  Answers are due no later than Sunday, August 25^th, 2013.

 

Did We All Get Snowed?

Last week in class we discussed investigatory journalism, and how sometimes, the media can sometimes hold the government accountable by uncovering stories that otherwise wouldn’t be revealed to the public.  By now, I’m sure you have all heard about Edward Snowden, an American computer specialist who worked for the CIA and National Security Agency (NSA), and subsequently leaked details of several top secret U.S. and British government mass surveillance programs.  The leaked information showed that the NSA was collecting data from thousands of mobile phone calls to and from U.S. citizens, not only without a warrant, but without their knowledge.  On June 14^th, Snowden was charged with espionage and theft of government property.  He left the United States prior to the publication of surveillance information, and currently resides in Russia, which has granted him temporary asylum.

Some have hailed Snowden a “hero” and a true American patriot.  Snowden has stated he felt it was his duty to “inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them.”  Many feel these surveillance programs are unlawful and interfere with an individuals’ right to privacy.

Other feels Snowden is an American traitor.  His actions have resulted in the most significant NSA security breech in U.S. history.  Multiple countries, under pressure from the U.S. government refused to grant Snowden political asylum, including Spain, France and Italy.  A poll conducted by USA today and Pew Research found 49% of Americans thought Snowden’s actions served the public interest, while 44% thought his actions harmed the U.S. government.

So, my question to you this week is, “Do you think Snowden’s actions represent those of an American hero or an American traitor?  Do you support surveillance of citizens’ phone records, if it means making the country more secure from terrorists?”  Answers are due no later than Sunday, August1 8th, 2013.

  

The Modern Day Picasso

It might surprise you to know that I’m a big Jay Z fan. His first album, Reasonable Doubt dropped the summer I graduated from high school.  His songs filled the clubs and parties when I was in college.  Several years later, I saw him in concert on the Hard Knocks Life tour.  To this day, I can’t hear an old Jay Z song without remembering my good old college days.  Makes me feel kind of old.  J

Jay Z and I kind of grew up together.  Wherever I was in life – his music was right there with me.  Which is why I was excited to watch the premiere of his new video “Picasso Baby: A Performance Art Piece,” which premiered on HBO this past Friday.  Inspired by the performance artist Marina Abramovic,  (who is also featured in the video) Jay Z rapped for six straight hours, as individuals approached him and were able to interact with him.  You can check out the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMG2oNqBy-Y

I love performance art, and I really enjoyed the concept of this piece.  Even if you’re not a Jay Z fan, I encourage you to watch it.  Several quarters ago, I wrote a post on public art and the value it brings to a community.  Public art can educate, increase property values, draw more tourism to a city and lower crime.  You can check out my thoughts and what you fellow students wrote here: http://historicalandpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/2011/11/next-great-indy-artist.html

So my question to you this week is, “If money were no object – meaning you didn’t have to worry about how much money your project would cost – what type of art piece would you create for the city?  Would you consider doing a performance art piece?  What would your message be?”  Answers are due no later than Sunday, August 11^th, 2013.