the constitution...

So I've been working on a politics/culture paper for the last few days and came to a conclusion which i would like to share with you all as I sit here bundled up in my dorm (Ohio is cold as crap!)


The paper was a review of the thoughts of the conservative Nancy Kassop versus the semi-progressive Richard Pious over whether the president may take offensive military action without congressional approval.  I'd like to share with you my thoughts from this passage


"Observance of these merits and flaws contributes to a shaping of opinion. In the end, I consider Richard Pious’ arguments superior. As an individual, I value a future where the United States is a beacon of justice and safety, no matter the cost. To dogmatize the constitution is to value the past to the point where future may never be achieved. Thus, Kassop’s ideals would result in stagnation of progress and keep our nation in a constant state of flaw. As long as tyranny is prevented, the government may act as they deem necessary to preserve democracy and freedom."

Do not value the past glory days, for even the glory days had its own disadvantages. value a past where the glory exists but the disadvantages are few.  Such a value is not the past but a better future.

-the gregarious loner

In a bad economy...

So an interesting conversation came up over break... How should unemployment benefits be distributed?  We all know the economy is bad (unemployment estimated at 9.6%), so what is the government's role in distributing aid.  Many people literally live on unemployment, taking advantage at the free handout.  All they have to do is apply to a certain amount of jobs each week (don't have to take the job though...) and spend the rest of them time couchin' until the benefit's time limit runs out.

In my opinion tax dollars should be given to aid the unemployed.  However, there is a fine line between jump-starting the economy and encouraging entrenchment.  My solution?  Unemployment should be given for free for a  short time period (couple months or so) and after that period, a person who is unemployed due to lay-offs may apply for federal loans to extend their unemployment benefit period.  This will create more incentive for people to apply and actually take the job, saving government funds which could go to better causes.

That's my opinion...