Bill of Argumentum Impudicitiæ

http://v4v6.cnn.com/2014/03/07/opinion/sutter-mississippi-lgbt-bill/?iref=obinsite

Iowa Representative Steve King said in an interview that such traits as cannot be defined on sight cannot be discriminated against and should not be protected in the Constitution. This insinuates that homosexuality must be easily verified in order for them to be protected from discrimination by law. The article says that the solution is gay-labeling laws.

This relates to our study of culture clashes and the verification of laws, as well as civil liberties. I believe that a new amendment should be ratified protected all members of the LGBT community from discrimination.

Duke Spills the Beans, and Also the Ash

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/federal-grand-jury-to-examine-nc-coal-ash-spill/

On Februrary 2nd, a storage pond for Duke Energy released 39,000 tons of toxic coal ash into the Dan River in North Carolina. This coal ash has been shown to contain chemicals that could cause mutations in fish, or even cancer. Duke Energy admitted in an interview that it was to blame for the spill. We will discuss how Duke Energy claimed that the river was private property and how this relates to eminent domain. I think that Duke Energy should be fined, at the very least, and forced to pay for all attempts to clean up the river.

Skirting the Law

colbertnation.com

The video I watched was titled "Legal Upskirting in Massachusetts". In the video, Colbert discussed how Michael Robertson found a loophole in the state "peeping tom" law, which allowed for pictures to be taken up a person's skirt without their knowledge. The loophole was created because the law says that it is only a crime if the person is naked. His lawyer argued this, and he was found not to be a peeping tom.

This shows the ways that we need to be more secure in writing our laws, and in considering the times when doing so. This relates to writing laws and the court system.

I believe that this is idiotic, and they should quickly amend that law to include upskirting.

Let Them Eat Pizza!

http://v4v6.cnn.com/2014/02/26/opinion/rocco-pizzeria-arizona/?iref=obinsite

Rocco DiGrazia, owner of a pizzeria in Arizona, decided to show his disapproval of the bill to allow owners to refuse service based on the sexuality of the customer under the premise of religion, by hanging a sign saying that he reserves the right to refuse service to Arizona legislators. He was ecstatic when the bill was vetoed, saying that he "cannot condone discrimination against one group of people."

We will learn about this while studying the people's rights, and we already learned about peaceful protest, as was this case.

I am glad that he spoke up, because LGBT rights are a serious issue and we need to protect them, as a country.

Religion vs. Rights

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/t/story/arizona-governor-held-meetings-rights-bill-22688951

The governor of Arizona vetoed a bill that passed both the state Senate and House, that would allow business owners to refuse service to customers on the grounds of religious beliefs. This bill caused an uproar over the hypothetical effect on LGBT rights that it would have, and many people and companies urged Governor Jan Brewer to veto the bill.

We learned about this when we studied checks and balances and separation of powers.

I believe that this bill could lead to heavy discrimination, and I am glad that it was vetoed.

Privacy is Hidden in the Terms and Conditions

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57618006-83/how-big-brothers-going-to-peek-into-your-connected-home/

Personal security has long been questioned, but with the growing number of smart devices in our lives, it has become more and more uncertain. It is becoming easier for our technology to be hacked into, everything from cell phones to baby monitors. People have been notified of many of the hacks and information leaks, but they are not aware of any more. Now that we are in a time when smart homes are a distinct future possibility, the people need to be assured that they still have privacy.

This relates to our study of the argument between small and large government, as well as the debate over personal security.

A Rainbow Russia

http://abcnews.go.com/International/russian-lawmaker-suggests-gay-athletes-prosecuted-2014-winter/t/story?id=19829868

Just before they were to host the 2014 Winter Olympics, Russia banned "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations." Although it is worded in a seemingly non-offensive way, the statement is burning with anti-LGBT implications. Tension is thick between Russia and many other countries, because any openly gay athletes could be prosecuted. The national government has stated that it will impose federal punishment against those who show any sign of homosexuality or support for the LGBT community. President Obama even chose three openly gay U.S. athletes to lead our nation in the Olympics. (The Colbert Report) Our country shows its support for its people, no matter what, and it will protect them.

Our class this semester will talk about interaction between countries, such as this issue. 

I wish that we as a country had boycotted these Olympics, although I know we didn't and wouldn't. I stand against any discrimination, and hope that the people of this country will do the same.