Some Thoughts on the Direction of our Nation

In their last democratic primary debate, Hilary Clinton accused Obama of plagiarizing his speech - It's time like these when I begin to question the true character of a candidate. How could one of our politicians do this? How are we supposed to look up to this person? If you think I'm appalled at Obama, you're wrong.
In a few articles, I've touted the phrase "novus ordo seculorum" as one the cornerstones of this nation. I have reminded the reader of its importance and wisdom, even in today's world. While 'secular' refers to religion, the saying encompasses the idea that politics is separate from everything -that politics must not be interfered with from outside sources. Bickering over side-issues is a waste of our time and detracts from the reasons we should be electing a candidate - such as their foreign policy, immigration ideas, economic remedies, and so forth. Trying to win a vote with charisma or charm is wrong. Winning a vote with facts, plans, and ideas is how this nation was meant to be. However, upon seeing incidents like this, I wonder if Americans have their heads on straight and their eyes focused on what they should be focused on. America, YOU have to return this nation to its rightful place - don't look at charm, wit, gender, race or so forth to choose your candidate. Those attributes don't mean they are capable leaders. Do not be hoodwinked. Be informed, watch the debates, do some research - As citizens of the United States of America, it is our job to be informed. So if ever you think our nation is in turmoil, look at yourself. The power is in the people, but it's up to you to use it.

Drawing the Line for Waterboarding - Torture or Interrogation?

According to US Code, Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 113C,

• (1) "torture" means an act committed by a person acting under the color of law specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering (other than pain or suffering incidental to lawful sanctions) upon another person within his custody or physical control;
  
• (2) "severe mental pain or suffering" means the prolonged mental harm caused by or resulting from -
  
• (A) the intentional infliction or threatened infliction of severe physical pain or suffering;
  
• (B) the administration or application, or threatened administration or application, of mind-altering substances or other procedures calculated to disrupt profoundly the senses or the personality;


• (C) the threat of imminent death; or
  
• (D) the threat that another person will imminently be subjected to death, severe physical pain or suffering, or the administration or application of mind-altering substances or other procedures calculated to disrupt profoundly the senses or personality;*

The US Code continues, explaining that a jail sentence can be up to 20 years for the offense and possibly life if the victim is killed during the event. So now that we know what torture is, what is waterboarding? Waterboarding is an interrogation method used to simulate drowning that has roots into the inquisition. It is also known to side-effects like brain trauma. However, it has been the subject of debate lately if it qualifies as torture. While particulars over the action are under scrutiny, I have a few reasons why we shouldn't perform this act -

1. Waterboarding meets all of the requirements of torture as defined by the US Code.
2. We would not use waterboarding on our own citizens, so why would we use the technique on anyone else? Does our citizenship make us any different than the rest of humanity? Even though we might refer to ourselves as American, we are still human like the rest of the world and shouldn't be treated differently. In addition, would we want other countries waterboarding our citizens?
3. It puts the US in a bad light as many human rights groups have condemned the technique. As a country that prides itself in freedom and justice, we should be a leader to other countries.
4. While Citizens have the Freedom of Speech they also can remain silent if they so choose, just so long as they do not obstruct of justice or something similar. Let the guilty party get busted for the latter instead of using waterboarding.
5. Those undergoing waterboarding are prone to give false information just to end the interrogation process.
6. After World War II, Japanese Military officer Yukio Asano had to serve 15 years for Waterboarding an American citizen showing that waterboarding has been considered a crime by the US.

* Find Law, 19 January 2004 ,http://lp.findlaw.com/%2001/19/04, http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/casecode/uscodes/18/parts/i/chapters/113c/sections/section_2340a.html

**Pincus, Walter, "Waterboarding Historically Controversial; In 1947, the U.S. Called It a War Crime; in 1968, It Reportedly Caused an Investigation" Washington Post, October 5, 2006, pg. A17.

NBA Update

With the All-Star Games fast approaching, this NBA season is past the halfway marker meaning it's time for an update.

1. Spurs, Suns, Detroit, and Celtics - what more do I need to say. The four best teams in the NBA (I'm not so sure about New Orleans just yet) all have something to prove. The Spurs want to have a Dynasty, the Suns want to finally win it after years of trying, Detroit wants to show they weren't a one hit wonder, and the Celtics want to return to Glory. The Suns might have just sold their souls with Shaq, however. Does anyone remember how Shaq completed the heat when they won their championship but two years later they're the worst team in the league? In light of them trading Shawn Marion (idiots), this is short-term thinking from the Suns (especially because Shaq isn't doing so well) will come back to haunt them. Good trade by the Heat though. To change gears, the pistons are doing well, a streak here a streak there. Nonetheless, they need a good center. Sheed needs to go for more paint points and they need to defend the paint more. Big Ben has left a gaping hole for the Pistons to fill and their failure will be his fault. All of these teams have the potential, but here's my pick - Pistons over Spurs in Finals. Any ways, I have to get back to talking about teams that don't matter; I mean ..., you get the idea.
2. New Orleans - Hedo, Chris Paul, and Peja - magic in the air? Could these underdogs break the mold and upset the major contenders resulting in huge losses for gamblers yet again (Go Giants!)???? I guess we'll have to wait and see.
3. Lakers - They're looking pretty good with Gasol now - a nice trade for team that's starting to flex its might. They could cause some havoc too.
4. Cavaliers - With Lebron’s return, they're getting back into a groove. Energy and determination led them to the Finals last year.
5. Mavericks - With breaking news of Kidd coming to Dallas, some people are looking up. I'm not. This Suns look-alike has flopped before and they'll do it again.

All in all, all four of the teams I mentioned first should make it to conference finals, but the four I mentioned after that are crafty so you never know.

Republican Primaries: The Aftermath

Mitt Romney - The inevitable has finally come crashing down on Romney. Considered by many the perfect candidate with his good looks, business suave, and persuasive speeches, his one fatal flaw - his track record - took him out of the clouds. Since the beginning of race, people have doubted his intentions. Romney, who was trying to appear as a Reagan-like candidate with classic Republican views, couldn't convince voters. Even if Huckabee, whom many devout Conservatives supported, wasn't in the race, it is doubtful that these voters would come to Romney's camp due to his views while the Massachusetts Governor. Romney learned that while you can change your views, it's hard to change your past.

John McCain - The Republican Nominee (almost) went through hard times, but was able to win over voters. His unchanging views stood out against Romney as well as his appearance as a middle of the road politician stood out against Huckabee. In addition, people recognized that McCain would be the Republican Candidate most likely to win against a Democrat in the general election, as he often receives a large portion of independant voters.

Mike Huckabee - While some saw his Iowa victory as the beginning of the road to the White House, people have forgotten that Iowa is a singular place. Quoting from a previous article on this blog "an Associated Press estimate said 30 to 50 percent of repubilicans going to the caucus were Evangelical Christians."* Huckabee hoped to win the primaries by being the true 'Conservative Candidate.' Following Conservative doctrine and the religous right-wing was a good strategy for places like Iowa and the South, but he forgot about the rest of the nation. In addition, because of his strict Conservative doctrine, he would have easily polarized the nation, giving reason that he would not make a good candidate in the general election. All in all, hoping that in this hotly contested primary he could get a large enough chunk of voters was long-shot, but he sure gave us a run for our money.

*http://www.christianpost.com/article/20071221/30589_Iowa_Republicans_Rank_Abortion_as_Top_Issue.htm

Why the Churches Can't Keep the Pews Full

Ever since Vatican II, church attendance has been visibly decreasing. Fewer men and women are becoming ordained, Christian schools are closing or merging, and less and less people come to regular service. While participation in these organizations has been fading in modern countries like the US, 3rd world countries have been filled with religious zeal. As these occurrences are examined, Marx's ideas on the sedative characteristics of religion stick out: Religion gives hope to the man without a chance. In America and other countries with high standards of living, many people live comfortably with hope. However, loyal attendees of local services show us that there's more to Church than escaping 'fire and brimstone'.
During the Middle ages when most people were serfs on a fief, they had little to look forward to in life, except the afterlife. Today, 3rd world countries are hotbeds of the Christian faith. It's easy to see that throughout the ages, people experiencing a low standard of living have flocked to the Church for hope. Karl Marx called religion the "opium of the masses,"* indicating how hope of the afterlife allows one to accept the unfairness of life. It's obvious that whenever humanity has needed hope, humanity has clinged to the church to escape their pains in life. In addition, people have often looked to God when we need help. For instance, whenever we need something - whether it be strength, patience, or a steady job - do not we not immediately look to God?
So in a society where man consistently needs less and lives in a much more optimistic world, is religion practical? Your neighbors who attend mass regularly say yes. While the traditional tangible thoughts of hell and bad times once played a central role in people's faith, nowadays people attend for spiritual, not physical, enrichment. People need to remember that Church is not just a way to escape hell, but to better their lives.
The Church teaches that morality is necessary for salvation. I know that morality is necessary for true happiness.
* BrainyQuote.com; 2007 BrainyMedia.com; http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/k/karl_marx.html