I Would Not Want to be the President

Obama faces many difficult decisions regarding the detention of suspected terrorists. I am sympathetic to both arguments. We must have habeas corpus and due process as a part of the foundation of any legal system. Without that, it is too easy to concentrate power and destroy a free society. It is wrong to imprison someone if they have not committed a crime or if there is no real evidence towards a pre-meditative act. It is also wrong, no matter the situation, to use torture to coerce statements and information. On the other hand, if and when there is ever another terrorist attack on American soil, can you imagine how this country will react. It won't be a free society, there is no doubt about it. At that point, it would be very easy, for no matter who holds the presidency, to use the presidential war-time powers and infringe on civil liberties. Most would probably be in favor of that as well as they accepted the "I don't mind because I am innocent" mentality.

There is a fine line in interpreting these situations. Many issues still need to be defined. No matter what Obama decides to do, I believe he has set himself up for failure. He will never be able to live up to his campaign promises of directing a new path against terrorism. In my opinion, this is similar to the Palestine/Israel situation, the only real solution seems to be a lose/lose.

The Hard Cases

Power of Education

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically... Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."
- Dr. King


The Last Professor.

From Books, New President Found Voice

Demanding Change

Check these out.

I was slow to recognize the stain of Guantanamo.

100 Days Campaign

Camp Hope 2009

Dissent is the Highest Form of Patriotism

Obama can't deliver the change on his own, we all must contribute.

Is Pragmatism Overrated?

The Next Step

Now that Obama is set to arrive in office in a few short days, people are both considering the impact of different statements and promises he made while on the campaign and also the Bush legacy. How will the new views and focuses of the White House affect national security? How will Obama atone for the errors of Bush? Where is the justice in this process? Specifically, it has been admitted by the White House (Cheney himself in December of last year) that they supported the use of waterboarding as an interrogation technique. How does the US as a country respond to this? I would hope that we wouldn't continue these policies but how do we "right the ship" and come to represent the ideals that we espouse? Here are a few opinions on what should be done.

Bringing Justice to the War on Terrorism.

Also, here is an assessment on the viability of some of Obama's campaign claims.

Assessing Obama's Promises

Faith Based Initiatives

Even if Obama is not religious at all, he is very smart in forming social policy. His work as a community organizer taught him that faith based groups will always be working with those who are oppressed and embracing these groups will not only help those who are seeking the aid but also the government as well. This alone is not the answer but it is one step closer.

Crafting Policy Agenda, Obama Team Brings in Faith Groups

Rick Warren

Thoughts on the Inauguration selection.

Taking Yes for an Answer.