January 12, 2015
Federal Judge Weighs Marijuana Classification

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/federal-judge-weighs-marijuanas-classification/ar-AA84YQo

A federal judge in California, Judge Kimberly J. Mueller, has decided to take up the case on whether or not the Controlled Substances of 1970 unconstitutionally labeled marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug. Schedule 1 drugs are considered to have no medicinal purpose, are unsafe even under medical supervision and contain a high potential for abuse. She held a 5-day fact finding hearing on the classification late last year and has another hearing next month for final statements. Her decision, which will have an effect on a lot of western states will come most likely later this year. 
This is a huge step for a judge to be weighing on whether or not marijuana is on the same kind of level as heroin, cocaine, and LSD. If overturned and it is found that the classification is unconstitutional and of course after lots of appeals and other debates and judge ruling legalization for the drug will come more readily and easier.

January 12, 2015
George Zimmerman Arrested on Suspected Domestic Violence












http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/10/us/george-zimmerman-arrested/index.html

 The George Zimmerman, the same one who was found not guilty for the murder of Trayvon Martin, was arrested Friday on charges of domestic violence. It came about after Zimmerman allegedly threw a wine bottle at his girlfriend at a traffic stop. The incident happened several days previous to his arrest on Friday. This wasn't the first time he had legal problems after the Trayvon Martin case. In November 2013 Zimmerman was charged with aggravated assault and misdemeanor counts of domestic violence battery and criminal mischief. Zimmerman appeared before a judge Saturday and later posted bail.
Personally I'm still bugged that Zimmerman wasn't found guilty in the 2012 incident with Trayvon Martin. This is all conjecture but he has a record of being aggressive and acting violently, and even though it's after the Martin murder, and people still think he didn't murder that unarmed teenage boy? I don't extremely remember that incident but I do remember Zimmerman had no business getting mixed up with Martin and following him which ultimately led to an altercation that allegedly Martin started and Zimmerman ended with Martin getting shot. I was very disheartened and angry and even more angry because now we know Zimmerman has a disposition for violence.

January 11, 2015
US and World Dignitaries Attend Paris March
 
http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/11/politics/obama-kerry-paris/index.html
Thousands and thousands and thousands of French citizens, French government officials, religious leaders, and other officials and leaders from other nations like Germany, England, and Israel. While the US was not represented by our President or Secretary of State we were represented by our ambassador to France as well as our Attorney General who was in Paris for a summit on counter terrorism but was not present for the march. Even though Obama was not present for the march he sent well wishes and said to France that the US "stands with you today and stands with you tomorrow." The absence of Obama from the march did show that it's not just the US fighting against terrorism. Some people are complaining though that Obama or Jon Kerry should've attended. Kerry at the time was occupied by a summit in India. But does it really matter to much that they weren't or are we just making to much of a big deal? It's a tragic event that occurred and we have sent our best wishes and also showed support for France. I think that's fine enough. 
This is a global concern. Extremists who are using killing people for their cause need to be stopped and it's just awful what they are doing and it is fantastic to see so many nations coming together to make a statement against the tyranny of extremism.  

January 11, 2015
Supreme Court To Weigh New Religious Rights Case
 
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/us-supreme-court-to-weigh-new-religious-rights-case/ar-AA8203P
This is a good story relating to a lot of what we're talking about in class about the judiciary branch. The case is called Reed v. Gilbert. In the town of Gilbert, Arizona that city authorities passed laws as to the posting of signs and depending on what the sign was for determined it's size, allowed content, and duration. The Good News Community Church is appealing the law because of they say it discriminates against their religions signs and places restrictions that are unconstitutional. The signs were deemed as event signs and received harsher treatments. Obama has backed up the Church and on of his supreme court lawyer's says its unconstitutional because it favors one speech over another. The other argument says it is constitutional because the restriction isn't just placed on the one church but equally to everything. 
Is it fair cause it effects everyone equally or is it unfair because the church should be able to to post whatever they want where ever they want for how long they want? 
With the information I read I am leaning more towards the church's appeal. It's a lot about the freedom of speech and freedom of religion and their right to be treated equally as a religion along with other religions. The law enacted in Gilbert seems kind of over doing it. There are restrictions on sign posting and where they can be but there shouldn't be a restriction on what they say. 

January 7, 2015
Should Weed Be Legal?

http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/07/us/recreational-marijuana-laws/index.html
Where is pot legal for recreation and or medically? Currently only Colorado and Washington have legalized recreation use and in 2016 Alaska and Oregon well join them. While 27 other states and DC have legalized medical marijuana and or decriminalized it in some way. Utah is one of the states where marijuana is still very much illegal. But the debate still rolls on on whether or not it should be legal.
People for the legalization say that the drug isn't as harmful as people say it is and that there aren't dangerous side effects or long term health risks. Decriminalizing marijuana would decrease criminal activity and also generate tax revenue.
People against legalization say that there are major side effects and damage you health and ability to think properly. Legalizing will make it more abundant which will cause lots of damage to our nation's health and safety.
What do you guys think? I want to hear a debate about this!

Dog Bites Women. Women Sues Congress

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/dog-bites-woman-woman-sues-congress/ar-BBhz560
This title is as entertaining as it gets but isn't as crazy as is seems. Elizabeth Crawford was invited to attend a meeting with Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) and while sure was waiting she dropped her pen on the ground. When she picked it up one of McClintock's staff member's dog bit her finger. Her attorney states that she incurred $26,000 in medical expenses because the bite drew blood, damaged a nerve, and required she had surgery and the dog's rabies shots were not up to date so she had to a get a rabies shot. But she is suing congress for $200,000 for negligence and creating a hazardous and unsafe environment. Why the other $176,000? Because of the emotional trauma that came from the incident.
Really? I hope you're giving yourself a face palm too. This women seems like one of those people who need an excuse to get mad and sue congress. Sure I understand suing to get money to pay for your medical expenses but what she's doing is over reacting. Clearly it was not congresses fault. If anything it is the owner's fault and maybe a little negligence on her part around a dog. Come on America lets be reasonable.