The sixth amendment to the U.S. Constitution holds, in part, "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right … to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence." This clause grants to all defendants the right to an attorney from the moment they are taken into police custody. Theres more to this process but obviously the system is not suffiencent to prove that only the guilty are given the sentences.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/208823/innocent_man_released_from_prison_after.html
http://www.39online.com/news/local/kiah-finally-released-story,0,479819.story
Those are the first two articles out of about 19,000,000 results when typed into google. The articles are about those who are released from prision after being found innocent after more then 25 years in prision. '
That was part 1.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Clifford "the big red dog" Bogs
See I don't really have that spirited argument on this topic. Obviously if the death penalty somehow affected me personally I would develop some kind of support one way or another. However, to me the topic of capital punishment is just a distant one. Here is what I know.
There are two issues. I used to think that one, to keep prisoners in a livable and appropriate enviroment, costs a lot of money. So financially, not instituting an execution, provides a large burden for the state to administer the hospitality. But after doing more research, this is what I discovered. "Capital punishment costs more than life without parole. Studies in the US show that capital cases, from arrest to execution, cost between $1 million and $7 million. A case resulting in life imprisonment costs around $500,000." (International Debate Education Assosiation) With this in mind scratch that argument.
So the question that is central now, is does the death penalty accomplish two things. If it does these two things it should be administered. Does it deter criminals to commit crimes? Here is what the study indicates. "Higher execution rates can actually increase violent crime rates. California averaged 6 executions a year from 1952 to 1967, and had twice the murder rate than the period from 1968 until 1991 when there were no executions. In New York, from 1907 to 1964, months immediately following an execution showed a net increase of two murders - an average over a 57-year period." (International Debate Education Assosiation) So leave that idea for a second.
Is capital punishment suffiencent retribution for the victim's family? I think that fact is something I can not comprehend until something happens to me like.
Now the question is did Clifford Boggess deserve the death penalty? I DONT KNOW. I CANT COMMIT TO ONE OR THE OTHER. Let me come back to this thought. I promise i'll be back.
There are two issues. I used to think that one, to keep prisoners in a livable and appropriate enviroment, costs a lot of money. So financially, not instituting an execution, provides a large burden for the state to administer the hospitality. But after doing more research, this is what I discovered. "Capital punishment costs more than life without parole. Studies in the US show that capital cases, from arrest to execution, cost between $1 million and $7 million. A case resulting in life imprisonment costs around $500,000." (International Debate Education Assosiation) With this in mind scratch that argument.
So the question that is central now, is does the death penalty accomplish two things. If it does these two things it should be administered. Does it deter criminals to commit crimes? Here is what the study indicates. "Higher execution rates can actually increase violent crime rates. California averaged 6 executions a year from 1952 to 1967, and had twice the murder rate than the period from 1968 until 1991 when there were no executions. In New York, from 1907 to 1964, months immediately following an execution showed a net increase of two murders - an average over a 57-year period." (International Debate Education Assosiation) So leave that idea for a second.
Is capital punishment suffiencent retribution for the victim's family? I think that fact is something I can not comprehend until something happens to me like.
Now the question is did Clifford Boggess deserve the death penalty? I DONT KNOW. I CANT COMMIT TO ONE OR THE OTHER. Let me come back to this thought. I promise i'll be back.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
A little pick me up for all you sad democrats out there.
I like to thank my brother for forwarding me this link.
DEMOCRATS DIDNT LOSE THE BATTLE OF 2010. THEY WON IT
http://www.google.com/search?q=William+Saletan&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7GGLL_en&um=1&hl=en&biw=987&bih=494&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iw
DEMOCRATS DIDNT LOSE THE BATTLE OF 2010. THEY WON IT
http://www.google.com/search?q=William+Saletan&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7GGLL_en&um=1&hl=en&biw=987&bih=494&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iw
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
a letter to Mr. Kramer
Dear Mr. Kramer,
I leave the quarter with two final thoughts...
1) Kramer, you made me change my title of the blog. A little selfish yes, but my selfless nature accepted for the change. But does that really merit an automatic A? Yes.
2) Carl Rosenberg once said (regarding my blog) "dude your blog is the best thing ive ever seen".
If I dont get an A in ISSUES, well that is a risk you must be willing to take Kramedog. I already told you, you were my top 2 favorite homeroom teacher, and by far my favorite issues teacher.
Thanks Mr. Kramer,
Jake Kaplan
I leave the quarter with two final thoughts...
1) Kramer, you made me change my title of the blog. A little selfish yes, but my selfless nature accepted for the change. But does that really merit an automatic A? Yes.
2) Carl Rosenberg once said (regarding my blog) "dude your blog is the best thing ive ever seen".
If I dont get an A in ISSUES, well that is a risk you must be willing to take Kramedog. I already told you, you were my top 2 favorite homeroom teacher, and by far my favorite issues teacher.
Thanks Mr. Kramer,
Jake Kaplan
Monday, October 25, 2010
Bullying CONT.
I kind of lost my train of thought so I am going to just speak from the gut. Bullying is a terrible thing. Break down the Hobbs/Locke philiosophy. People are either good, or they are bad. I guess, people are bad. That is why bullying exists and that is why a euphoric world will never exist. You know Machiavelli once ask is it better to be feared or loved? I bring this up because he found that most likely it is better to be feared. Why would it be better? Because being feared retards the ability for someone to rise or act against you. This notion is that people would do this. People are natually bad. That is why bullying exists.
Here at Deerfield I know I have been bullied. But for the stupidest reasons. Here are the two reasons.
1) I dont play for our high school team. Therefore people think I am a "pussy" or I think I am so much better than everyone else. Truth is that one my team is very good, and I like playing at a higher level. Secondly, my best friends play for the team. Third, it is cheaper than high school.
2) Last year when I was a Junior, I may have "hung out" with senior girls. Who cares, all that social class, you cant have older girls stuff is bullshit. It really is. Who cares what people you hang out with. Who cares what you do. Worry about yourself. There are larger issues in this world that require attention rather than the girls I hook up with. The people that gave me crap for that last year have other obvious internal problems. One person, even had to create a facebook account just to try and torment me which is the funniest thing. Sorry I get a little emotional :)
But yeah his name is Scot Benton. I should have sued him. That would have been so good.
Alright I'm just rambling.
Ill check in with you later.
Peace homie
Here at Deerfield I know I have been bullied. But for the stupidest reasons. Here are the two reasons.
1) I dont play for our high school team. Therefore people think I am a "pussy" or I think I am so much better than everyone else. Truth is that one my team is very good, and I like playing at a higher level. Secondly, my best friends play for the team. Third, it is cheaper than high school.
2) Last year when I was a Junior, I may have "hung out" with senior girls. Who cares, all that social class, you cant have older girls stuff is bullshit. It really is. Who cares what people you hang out with. Who cares what you do. Worry about yourself. There are larger issues in this world that require attention rather than the girls I hook up with. The people that gave me crap for that last year have other obvious internal problems. One person, even had to create a facebook account just to try and torment me which is the funniest thing. Sorry I get a little emotional :)
But yeah his name is Scot Benton. I should have sued him. That would have been so good.
Alright I'm just rambling.
Ill check in with you later.
Peace homie
Bullying
Okay so I know I may have been insensitive to bullying. In class I said that some people deserve it. I still believe it. So I am captain of my hockey team alright. I know I know, your asking "how?" That's not important. What is important is my bullying policy that I have created. So remember that kid I was talking about. The one who constantly gets picked on. This is my belief. No picking on him unless he deserves. So I will frequently intervene people saying things when he doesnt merit it. But he does sometimes.
For example, my teammates know that he has anger issues. There is this one story about him and I assure you it's true. One day in class, this kid was making fun of him right. So this kid goes to the white board to complete a math problem. As he turns around, the teammate of mine slugs him with an upper cut to the face. Thats the kind of kid we are dealing with.
Anyways, people know he is "hot headed" right, so they like to test him. They call out his name in funny, immature ways, and he responds to them by screaming ......TBCONTIUNED
For example, my teammates know that he has anger issues. There is this one story about him and I assure you it's true. One day in class, this kid was making fun of him right. So this kid goes to the white board to complete a math problem. As he turns around, the teammate of mine slugs him with an upper cut to the face. Thats the kind of kid we are dealing with.
Anyways, people know he is "hot headed" right, so they like to test him. They call out his name in funny, immature ways, and he responds to them by screaming ......TBCONTIUNED
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Its been too long
hey blog...its me Jake. Mr. Kramer has not had us writing here for a little while so I thought I check in to see how you were.
This weekend my hockey team took 2 out of 3 wins from the Chesterfield Falcons. They were last years National Champion. It was cool blog. Real cool.
Did you know some people want Christine O'Donnell to actually represent them in government. HAH! She wants to ban masturbation. That could be the stooopist thing I've ever heard since I read that 68% of Americans believe that Noah's Arc literally happened.
Okay blog, I'm checking out.
See you soon beautiful.
This weekend my hockey team took 2 out of 3 wins from the Chesterfield Falcons. They were last years National Champion. It was cool blog. Real cool.
Did you know some people want Christine O'Donnell to actually represent them in government. HAH! She wants to ban masturbation. That could be the stooopist thing I've ever heard since I read that 68% of Americans believe that Noah's Arc literally happened.
Okay blog, I'm checking out.
See you soon beautiful.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Haven't you've seen Dazed and Confused?
If you were to search imdb for the plot of Dazed and Confused, it would read "It's the last day of school at a high school in a small town in Texas in 1976. The upperclassmen are hazing the incoming freshmen, and everyone is trying to get stoned, drunk, or laid, even the football players that signed a pledge not to."
Okay, who went to High School in 76'? OUR PARENTS.
This is my point. It is so easy to make rules inhibiting the use of drugs in High School when the person creating the rule is not involved. That is the problem.
I hated going to Sunday school. I asked my mom, why do i have to go? She said because she had to when she was young.
The soul reason I cannot support drug testing, is because the idea is not coming from the people it is enforcing. It is made by the ones enforcing the rules. With a policy like this, students should be allowed to create their own decision on how they wanted to be treated with drug policy.
Now, I understand that not every rule in this world should be allowed to be made by the constituent. But in this case, it should be.
Throw out ever other fact, throw out every other decision. Parents, lawmakers, do not have the right to create a rule that inhibits students use of drugs. Not only would they be ignorant and naive to do so, but also critically hypocritical.
With hugs and kisses,
Jake
Okay, who went to High School in 76'? OUR PARENTS.
This is my point. It is so easy to make rules inhibiting the use of drugs in High School when the person creating the rule is not involved. That is the problem.
I hated going to Sunday school. I asked my mom, why do i have to go? She said because she had to when she was young.
The soul reason I cannot support drug testing, is because the idea is not coming from the people it is enforcing. It is made by the ones enforcing the rules. With a policy like this, students should be allowed to create their own decision on how they wanted to be treated with drug policy.
Now, I understand that not every rule in this world should be allowed to be made by the constituent. But in this case, it should be.
Throw out ever other fact, throw out every other decision. Parents, lawmakers, do not have the right to create a rule that inhibits students use of drugs. Not only would they be ignorant and naive to do so, but also critically hypocritical.
With hugs and kisses,
Jake
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Seperation between Church and State and the United States greatest test
The article below illustrates one of the largest issues that is looming around the United States. The problem; how to deal with separation between church and state. Now the problem was not that status quo. Separation prior to last year was perfectly fine. Public schools were legal bound not to pressure any religion on students, and up hold a civic duty to provide fair and balanced education.
That has changed, due to the ignorance and spite of the state of Texas.
If you don't know, the state of Texas reportedly "voted to enact new teaching standards for history and social studies that will alter which material gets included in school textbooks. It decided to drop Jefferson from a world history section devoted to great political thinkers". Why you ask? Because Jefferson was a proponent of the separation between church of state.
Excluding Thomas Jefferson from the history of the United States is a crime. Not only does it rob students of a full education, but it also inhibits them from learning about a true American hero who had just as much to do with the shape of our country than any other person.
The problem is not just isolated in Texas. Serving 4.7 million students, Texas accounts for a large percentage of the textbook market. These new standards may influence other states, to follow suit.
One of our country's greatest attributes is the freedom to practice any religion we choose. We can attend school with out the pressures of officials trying to press their beliefs onto mine. I cherish these as I do not conform with many of the religious the beliefs that have huge influence on society. By law, I can practice and believe what I choose. I intend to keep it this way.
Therefore, what Texas is doing is an absolute crime and immediate federal intervention should be enabled.
That has changed, due to the ignorance and spite of the state of Texas.
If you don't know, the state of Texas reportedly "voted to enact new teaching standards for history and social studies that will alter which material gets included in school textbooks. It decided to drop Jefferson from a world history section devoted to great political thinkers". Why you ask? Because Jefferson was a proponent of the separation between church of state.
Excluding Thomas Jefferson from the history of the United States is a crime. Not only does it rob students of a full education, but it also inhibits them from learning about a true American hero who had just as much to do with the shape of our country than any other person.
The problem is not just isolated in Texas. Serving 4.7 million students, Texas accounts for a large percentage of the textbook market. These new standards may influence other states, to follow suit.
One of our country's greatest attributes is the freedom to practice any religion we choose. We can attend school with out the pressures of officials trying to press their beliefs onto mine. I cherish these as I do not conform with many of the religious the beliefs that have huge influence on society. By law, I can practice and believe what I choose. I intend to keep it this way.
Therefore, what Texas is doing is an absolute crime and immediate federal intervention should be enabled.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
7 Days in September
I went through this phase in my life a few months ago. It isnt what your thinking. I think. Not one of those phases. Somehow, I cant really point out one direct spark, but for some reason I was obsessed with September 11th and the events that unfolded that morning. Whatever it was, I somehow became fixated. And after watching all the videos, and reading all the books, the most inticing aspects of the whole event, are the perspective of the people who lived through it, in NYC, in Pennsylvania, and in D.C. In the documentary we watched in class, it is evident of the sheer chaos of that day. People wer spreading rumors, screaming, and running. Americans are not supposed to feel unsafe as they walk down the streets of their cities. That day we were. I thought the film did a great job showing that aspect of the story.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Speech Codes
Speech code, and speech restriction is a very interesting ideal to investigate. It is one of those topics that has a massive grey area. But that's a good thing. When it comes to many things, rights of speech, a grey area and the right to different interpretations is a vital element. There should always be an investigation if something is deemed that violates free speech. In terms of college policy and restriction, it is important to study each case differently and in whatever context necessary. When attending a large college of whatever kind, it is important to note that you chose to go there. You don't have to. So, really, colleges can do whatever they like. At a High School, where it is mandatory to attend, well that's a completely different story.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Speech Codes UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The speech code assignment is under construction, because i was not here in school on friday. I was in Detroit getting my butt handed to me by kids twice my size. No big deal, the work will be here in a jiffy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)