First Amendment

In class earlier this week we discussed the first amendment and its rights. We took a ‘quiz’ where we were given ten scenarios that stirred up controversy in the Supreme Court. In groups, we decided if the situation should be limited or protected by the First Amendment. We discussed our decisions and then found out what the Supreme Court ruling was. Yelling fire in a crowded theater was one of the more direct scenarios. I believe that many people would consider this to be limited by the first amendment. Although some of the situations were a little less direct, because only part of the setting was protected while the other part was limited. For instance, an adult wearing obscene clothing in a public place is protected where as a student is not allowed to wear the same item to school. I understand that this should be split, but I believe that the amendments should be set and not have exceptions. How is one supposed to know what is protected and what is limited when they are so many exemptions?

Palin on SNL?

Recently Saturday Night Live has been creating skits about Sarah Palin. The producers have recreated interviews and debates that are humorous and make fun of the vice presidential candidate. Many people know who she is but they also want to learn more about her. Since SNL is making skits about her many Americans are tuning into the show, which is skyrocketing the show’s ratings. These skits are also keeping Palin in the spotlight, which is good for her campaign but not the way that SNL is portraying her. She was not very well known before McCain choose her to be his running mate. This is making it hard for the American people to know whom they want to vote for. They tune into SNL and see humorous skits about a relatively unknown candidate while they still don’t know the real Palin. On the other hand it is very helpful for SNL although I can’t help but wonder when is it going to stop? The producers at SNL cannot write about Palin forever. In fact, I think that after the election in November many people will not want to watch skits about a candidate when we have an actual vice president. What do you think?

Crash of 1929 Again?

Recently the stock market has been decreasing in value. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has been losing points daily and almost every stock price is down. Earlier this month some people predicted this 'crash' and sold their stocks thus driving prices down even further. In order to prevent the market from sliding down more, President Bush signed a $700 billion bail out plan for the banks and market. This did not help the way everyone had hoped and as a result Iceland went bankrupt and the Dow dropped even more. With this terrible economy and a presidential election going on, what do you think the current president should do? What about the presidential candidates? What should we do to prevent a crash?

Biden vs. Palin

In class on Friday we talked about the Vice Presidential debates between Biden and Palin. The TV station split the screen so we were able to see both candidates while the other was talking. While Palin would be talking Biden would be taking notes. While during Biden's speech, Palin was smiling at the camera. We also noticed that Biden would talk about McCain and not Palin because he did not want to be seen as a gender biased, mean old guy that was attacking a women. All the while Palin was smiling like crazy and trying to avoid Hillary-like behavior and aggression.