How much power it too much?

       On her blog, Lisa Bloomberg discussed “How much power it too much?” (click to read post) Democrat representatives from New York and New Jersey are fighting for the limit of magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds at a time. The previous ban expired in 2004. I have no problem with controlled gun ownership, which is one end of the "gun culture" spectrum. However, I do have a problem with tragic incidents that occur as a result of ineffective gun control legislation. I agree that Congress should limit the magazine capacity of guns. Gun control is a very controversial issue in the United States. Accidental discharges of firearms claim lives, owning a gun can endanger those around even responsible owners, and gun control laws don't stop criminals from getting guns. There are many who believe the responsibility for defense rests with the government, therefore citizens have no need for guns for self defense. Another viewpoint is that Americans are primarily responsible for what happens to them, and should have the tools required to ensure their safety. Sadly, there are those who choose to initiate violence against others by going on shooting rampages as a means of being heard. They should not be allowed to end lives without having to stop and reload. I also agree that an attack against citizens in any country is terrorism, and must end. However, one sad fact about gun law legislation is that lobbyist money runs the show in Congress, which is not the desire of the American people. There is no 'cure all' solution to the gun debate. It is the age-old debate about freedom versus safety, and I don’t believe it’s a debate that will be settled any time soon.

Georgia Passes Tough Illegal Immigration Bill, Now Headed to Governor

       The Georgia State House and Senate have passed Arizona-style immigration legislation, House Bill 87. The aim of the Bill is to permit law enforcement officers to question individuals about their immigration status during criminal investigations. It also includes punitive measures against people that transport undocumented immigrants during the commission of a crime, and imposes significant prison sentences to individuals who use fake documents to obtain employment. Half of the states in the union are now in the process of drafting, or seeking to pass legislation similar to Arizona’s law against illegal immigration. I think the state of Georgia can expect to experience the same challenges Arizona experienced after enacting its legislation. However Georgia’s governor, Nathan Deal seems to disagree.(click here to read article) “Deal said he did not think the Georgia measure would lead to boycotts or harm businesses. He says he hopes it will "send a message to members of Congress that it's time for them to get serious about the issue." I’m sure protestors of the law would support and encourage a boycott. It’s my understanding that the bills that have passed require immigrants to carry proof of status, require law enforcement officers to question anyone they believe is in the country illegally, and target employers who hire or transport undocumented immigrants.

       These new laws have raised many questions. Are they constitutional? Will the laws target certain communities? Also, how will it affect those traveling to, or through these states? Any traveler stopped by the police for any reason, in Arizona, could be questioned about their citizenship, and/or immigration status. Travelers to Arizona can be required to prove their status, even if they are U.S. citizens. New York City used to be called the great melting pot. People from other countries moved to America for a better life, and blended into a single American identity. That idea is no longer a popular one. Today, many new immigrant groups want to maintain at least part of their old identities, and allow their American born children to wear clothes that are native to their countries. Will the new laws cause the police to use racial profiling based on appearance? After reviewing the new law in Arizona and Georgia, and listening to the statements from the law’s supporters and critics, if you don't "look American", I’d recommend you carry proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status to avoid trouble.

Holy Matrimony?

        I agree with Deserah Alvarez’s point in her post Holy Matrimony, a man should have one wife. Shows about the Polygamists lifestyle are indeed multiplying on the small screen.  It's out there, it's being covered extensively, and people are interested.  I believe viewers are fascinated by the phenomenon. It's a “secret world” they want to know more and more about which is exactly why shows such as Sisterwives and Big Love exist. However, public opinion varies on the matter. I’ve heard some say it’s exotic; others say it’s negative, particularly under circumstances where uneducated girls who have been separated from the rest of the world are expected to take part in the lifestyle. The viewing audience doesn’t realize that these shows have subtle effects on society. Over time, these families are seen dealing with issues that your average family might face. How long would it take for Americans to become desensitized to polygamy? It could be reflected in how people vote if this issue were on the ballot in 2012. This observation may not seem likely, but I’ve read articles about studies that show how certain video games desensitize young children to violence. (click here to read article) And it’s my understanding that bigamy is rarely prosecuted, even if a family is flaunting it on national television. The practice itself is illegal in all 50 states. Though it’s associated with the Mormon religion, I was told by a Mormon co-worker that polygamy was abolished by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the late 1800’s.  As a country, we haven't quite wrapped our minds around this.  It goes straight to core American values. Polygamy asks us to think about religious freedom, the right to privacy, and are there limits to those rights?