"A morsel of genuine history is a thing so rare as to be always valuable."
"A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth, general or particular, and what no just government should refuse to rest on inference."
"Equal and exact justice to all men...freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of person under the protection of the habeas corpus; and trial by juries impartially selected—these principles form the bright constellation which has gone before us."
"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government"
(Perhaps this should be the mission statement for the VWC 2ndamendment Gun Club)
"Freedom of religion; freedom of the press, and freedom of person under the protection of the habeas corpus, and trial by juries impartially selected. These principles form the bright constellation which has gone before us, and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation."
"Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none."
Thomas Jefferson, Virginian, American, President
I think these words are key to us in our current global state. They provide a basis of which we can re-examine the notion of what it is to be an American. In recent years we have regressed; allowing for the erosion of individual rights, government accountability, and our adherence to the very ideas that founded the nation. I also think we can use these ideas to look at ourselves again as the Progressives did at the turn of their century. By doing so, we could find a way toreconcilee how to live in the ever evolving global world while remaining a nation true to its mission (aka, Declaration,constitutionn, founders). This will require interest from the populace and a return to actually running the government from the politicians. This is my hope for the future. Good night.
Artist/Band: Daniels Charlie
Lyrics for Song: In America
"Well the eagle's been flying slow and the flag's been flying low
And a lot of people are saying that America's fixing to fall
But speaking just for me and some people from Tennessee
We got a thing or two to tell you all
This lady may have stumbled but she ain't never fell
And if the Russians don't believe that they can all go straight to hell
We're gonna put her feet back on the path of righteousness
And then God bless America again
And you never did think that it ever would happen again
In America, did you?
You never did think that we'd ever get together again
Well we damn sure fooled you
We're walking real proud and we're talking real loud again in America
You never did think that it ever would happen again
From the sound up in Long Island out to San Francisco Bay
And ev'ry thing that's in between them is our home
And we may have done a little bit of fighting amongst ourselves
But you outside people best leave us alone
Cause we'll all stick together and you can take that to the bank
That's the cowboys and the hippies and the rebels and the yanks
You just go and lay your head on a Pittsburgh Steeler fan
And I think you're gonna finally understand
And you never did think that it ever would happen again
In America, did you?
You never did think that we'd ever get together again
Well we damn sure fooled you
We're walking real proud and we're talking real loud again in America
You never did think that it ever would happen again"
Thursday, October 26, 2006
I enjoyed reading all the facts that Evan posted about bananas. I have to say something about the following case though:
I think I would have a greater sense of alertness too.
It is quite interesting how many uses there are for the banana as well as the peel. I can only think back to the guy in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" who uses windex as a fix for anything. Bothered by a problem or an ailment? Just rub a banana peel on it.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.Now consider the fact that,
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout.So, between the time of breakfast and lunch, they gave a group of students enough calories (approxmiately 500 calories largely in the form of carbohydrates, or sugars) for more than 2 hours of strenuous activity.
I think I would have a greater sense of alertness too.
It is quite interesting how many uses there are for the banana as well as the peel. I can only think back to the guy in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" who uses windex as a fix for anything. Bothered by a problem or an ailment? Just rub a banana peel on it.
The South Rises to its defense
Julie,
Don't get too caught up in your liberal euphoria just yet. The NJ legislature still has to deal with how to make the unions a law. While the court may have required the legislature to take action; the action of a court is not exactly representative of true grassroots action. A judge legislating from the bench cannot represent the true will of a people until the people actually rise up in favor of something. Furthermore, can you answer me as a proud resident of that pantheon of social justice which is New jersey, where at times traffic stops require two policemen because the danger your honest, socially acceptable, peace loving people present; was/is there a widespread movement in your electorate to get your elected officials to do something? Or is this a case of a few interests groups getting their case heard and in the process making an elected body do something?
If I remember correctly, you sometimes tend towards libertarian ideals. You might find the South as accommodating of libertarians as the north, it may be even more so. The idea of having the right to live your life without excessive government intervention is much more prevalent to me living in Virginia then it ever was living in Maryland. Whether it takes the form of 2nd amendment rights, the desire to live outside the urban chaos, or the desire to work hard without a needy government breathing down your neck or taking your hard earned money, the South is full of libertarian ideas. They are worth taking notice because they will only enhance your experience of what it is to be an American citizen and to know what it is to live in the "South" or the land that god blessed (just joking).
"But I ain't askin' nobody for nothin',
If I can't get it on my own.
You don't like the way I'm livin',
You just leave this long-haired country boy alone.
A poor girl wants to marry, And a rich girl wants to flirt.
A rich man goes to college,And a poor man goes to work.
A drunkard wants another drink of wine,And a politician wants a vote.
I don't want much of nothin' at all,But I will take another toke.
'Cos I ain't askin' nobody for nothin',If I can't get it on my own.
If you don't like the way I'm livin',
You just leave this long-haired country boy alone."
I have espoused many ideas and will continue to with things that I may not necessarily agree with (unlimited individualism, etc). However they serve to counter arguments that need to be countered to see the full scope of the issue. Whenever one of us engages in essentializing the other: Dixie v. Yankee, liberal v. Conservative, west v. non, we must remain cognizant that the issue is much more then a simple difference of ideals. Good day.
"Turn it up
Big wheels keep on turning
Carry me home to see my kin
Singing songs about the Southland
I miss Alabamy once again
And I think its a sin, yes...
Sweet Home Alabama
Where the skies are so blue
Sweet Home Alabama
Lord, I'm coming home to you"
Don't get too caught up in your liberal euphoria just yet. The NJ legislature still has to deal with how to make the unions a law. While the court may have required the legislature to take action; the action of a court is not exactly representative of true grassroots action. A judge legislating from the bench cannot represent the true will of a people until the people actually rise up in favor of something. Furthermore, can you answer me as a proud resident of that pantheon of social justice which is New jersey, where at times traffic stops require two policemen because the danger your honest, socially acceptable, peace loving people present; was/is there a widespread movement in your electorate to get your elected officials to do something? Or is this a case of a few interests groups getting their case heard and in the process making an elected body do something?
If I remember correctly, you sometimes tend towards libertarian ideals. You might find the South as accommodating of libertarians as the north, it may be even more so. The idea of having the right to live your life without excessive government intervention is much more prevalent to me living in Virginia then it ever was living in Maryland. Whether it takes the form of 2nd amendment rights, the desire to live outside the urban chaos, or the desire to work hard without a needy government breathing down your neck or taking your hard earned money, the South is full of libertarian ideas. They are worth taking notice because they will only enhance your experience of what it is to be an American citizen and to know what it is to live in the "South" or the land that god blessed (just joking).
"But I ain't askin' nobody for nothin',
If I can't get it on my own.
You don't like the way I'm livin',
You just leave this long-haired country boy alone.
A poor girl wants to marry, And a rich girl wants to flirt.
A rich man goes to college,And a poor man goes to work.
A drunkard wants another drink of wine,And a politician wants a vote.
I don't want much of nothin' at all,But I will take another toke.
'Cos I ain't askin' nobody for nothin',If I can't get it on my own.
If you don't like the way I'm livin',
You just leave this long-haired country boy alone."
I have espoused many ideas and will continue to with things that I may not necessarily agree with (unlimited individualism, etc). However they serve to counter arguments that need to be countered to see the full scope of the issue. Whenever one of us engages in essentializing the other: Dixie v. Yankee, liberal v. Conservative, west v. non, we must remain cognizant that the issue is much more then a simple difference of ideals. Good day.
"Turn it up
Big wheels keep on turning
Carry me home to see my kin
Singing songs about the Southland
I miss Alabamy once again
And I think its a sin, yes...
Sweet Home Alabama
Where the skies are so blue
Sweet Home Alabama
Lord, I'm coming home to you"
Banana spam
Someone sent this to me a couple weeks ago. Look forward to a cup of Starbucks in the morning and a banana to get your day going. Cheers.
"Never, put your banana in the refrigerator! This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit.
It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make off icial claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria! fo und pressure at wor k leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only r aw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking & Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our pot assium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry c loth. Amazing fruit!"
"Never, put your banana in the refrigerator! This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit.
It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make off icial claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria! fo und pressure at wor k leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only r aw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking & Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our pot assium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry c loth. Amazing fruit!"
Nutritional facts of bananas
Discussing the "Banana Wars", by Striffler, made me think back again to my trip this past year to Trinidad. Although cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is the largest export for this island of the Caribbean, within the cocoa plantations one could easily find many banana plants (Musa spp.). I imagine that these fruits were largely for the farmers' own use rather than for profit.
It is interesting though to see how they (they being the Spanish) introduced the banana plant to the island but Trinidad never did take on the status of "Banana Republic". Bananas are an introduced species in Trinidad as well as all of the Caribbean islands. Bananas were actually domesticated somewhere in southeastern Asia. The reason Trinidad never became one of the banana exporting islands is most likely because the trade of bananas did not take off until the 19th century, whereas cocoa was introduced in Trinidad in the 18th century. Thus, the market for cocoa was already established in Trinidad before bananas were recognized as a profitable crop.
So just as a small side on this topic, I decided to throw in a little bit of nutritional information on bananas.
Bananas consist of mainly carbohydrates in the form of sugar. So if you aren't worried about following the Atkin's diet, the next time you need a healthy snack, grab a banana. You can learn more about the nutritional facts of bananas than you ever thought possible, as well as calculate the nutrient amounts per serving of a banana based on the size (weight) of the fruit: check out NutritionData.com for the facts.
Oh, and if you want to keep up with the latest banana news check out The Yummy Banana!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
"No tickee, no washee" - ethnic humor or racial slur?
After hearing the saying, "No tickee, no washee" for the first time a couple weeks ago, I felt a spark of curiousity to delve deeper into the origins and meaning of this controversial saying.
I found several cases arguing the actual connotation of this saying. Does it represent ethnic humor or is it a racial slur attacking a certain perceived stereotype? I found an interesting essay on the general topic of the differences between the two types, but it does not focus on the "No tickee, no washee" saying that I had in mind.
In an article I found on JSTOR, Wolfgang Mieder discusses possible contexts for which the proverb, "No tickee, no washee" could be used. The basis for this discussion is a court case in San Francisco where the proverb was used several times by one scientist towards an Asian-American scientist.
To my surprise, I actually found a short film (listed as a comedy) that was produced in 1915 called "No Tickee, No Washee". Even now, in a newly released film, The Departed, Jack Nicholson has uses a line toward a group of Asians where he is speaking about the payment for good and says, "no tickee, no laundry". I think they may be making more of a joke on the typical American in this case, being that he can't even get the saying straight.
So even today we joke about this old "proverb". I don't see it as being a racist comment unless, like in the court case that Mieder refers to, the proverb is used in a derogatory manner towards a person of Asian ethnicity (in a way to provoke them through verbal abuse).
I found several cases arguing the actual connotation of this saying. Does it represent ethnic humor or is it a racial slur attacking a certain perceived stereotype? I found an interesting essay on the general topic of the differences between the two types, but it does not focus on the "No tickee, no washee" saying that I had in mind.
In an article I found on JSTOR, Wolfgang Mieder discusses possible contexts for which the proverb, "No tickee, no washee" could be used. The basis for this discussion is a court case in San Francisco where the proverb was used several times by one scientist towards an Asian-American scientist.
To my surprise, I actually found a short film (listed as a comedy) that was produced in 1915 called "No Tickee, No Washee". Even now, in a newly released film, The Departed, Jack Nicholson has uses a line toward a group of Asians where he is speaking about the payment for good and says, "no tickee, no laundry". I think they may be making more of a joke on the typical American in this case, being that he can't even get the saying straight.
So even today we joke about this old "proverb". I don't see it as being a racist comment unless, like in the court case that Mieder refers to, the proverb is used in a derogatory manner towards a person of Asian ethnicity (in a way to provoke them through verbal abuse).
Monday, October 23, 2006
Panama canal project
This is partially a follow-up blog from my post on 9-4-06, "Keeping up with modernization".
Panama has finally endorsed the $5.25 billion project to expand the Panama canal by adding a third set of locks that is 40% longer and 60% wider than either of the two previous locks. The project is fully funded by Pamana without any foreign aid.
I think this is a great way for Panama to grow, generating more jobs as well as more income for the country. It is predicted that the canal will generate $6 billion per year, considerably more than the current $1.2 billion per year (a 500% increase). The reason for this is that the locks will be able to support the world's largest vessels. Aside from that the price to use the locks will increase to support the project. The project is planned to be completed by 2014.
This is obviously a huge project. From the article in NY Times it seems that the only problem that may be encountered which casts doubt on the success of the project is the possibility of corruption and embezzlement of funds.
Since the Panama Canal was handed over to Panama by the US in 1999, operations have run smoothly and successfully. The canal is a huge source of pride for Panamanians, and they realize that the expansion of the canal is directly related to the expansion of their nation.
Panama has finally endorsed the $5.25 billion project to expand the Panama canal by adding a third set of locks that is 40% longer and 60% wider than either of the two previous locks. The project is fully funded by Pamana without any foreign aid.
I think this is a great way for Panama to grow, generating more jobs as well as more income for the country. It is predicted that the canal will generate $6 billion per year, considerably more than the current $1.2 billion per year (a 500% increase). The reason for this is that the locks will be able to support the world's largest vessels. Aside from that the price to use the locks will increase to support the project. The project is planned to be completed by 2014.
This is obviously a huge project. From the article in NY Times it seems that the only problem that may be encountered which casts doubt on the success of the project is the possibility of corruption and embezzlement of funds.
Since the Panama Canal was handed over to Panama by the US in 1999, operations have run smoothly and successfully. The canal is a huge source of pride for Panamanians, and they realize that the expansion of the canal is directly related to the expansion of their nation.
Googled...
Ever since I have produced blog entries and used the internet as a platform to express my ideas and opinions, I have asked myself, whether these information are not only seen by friends and interested bloggers, but also by "unwanted individuals" (for example advertisers or governmental institutions...).
An article that I found on opendemocracy.net, deals with this idea, but focuses on Google's policy. In Andrew Brown's article, "What does Google know about you" , he examines the Google case, in wich Google was asked (among other companies such as Yahoo or MSN) by the US Department of Justice to hand over information about its clients. Since Google uses "cookies" (..."small files downloaded to a user's computer which make it recognisable to the site."), which "do not expire before 2038", Google is able to save all the information of its clients. Therefore the company is always aware of what you do and has a "identifable record everything your computer asks for".
A record the U.S. government is apparently very interested in, but so does Google. Because Google has already realized the worthiness of its clients' personal information, by selling them to advertisers and co... A conflict between Google and the government is looming, which is ultimately leading to only loser: The client.
An article that I found on opendemocracy.net, deals with this idea, but focuses on Google's policy. In Andrew Brown's article, "What does Google know about you" , he examines the Google case, in wich Google was asked (among other companies such as Yahoo or MSN) by the US Department of Justice to hand over information about its clients. Since Google uses "cookies" (..."small files downloaded to a user's computer which make it recognisable to the site."), which "do not expire before 2038", Google is able to save all the information of its clients. Therefore the company is always aware of what you do and has a "identifable record everything your computer asks for".
A record the U.S. government is apparently very interested in, but so does Google. Because Google has already realized the worthiness of its clients' personal information, by selling them to advertisers and co... A conflict between Google and the government is looming, which is ultimately leading to only loser: The client.
Drinking age...
Laura's initial blog about how the US government tries to manage extraterritorialty in this aspect and just wanted to add what another idea. The idea of extraterritoriality is ultimately linked to foreign US military bases and believe it or not, it is also linked to the drinking age.
"The minimum drinking age on a DoD installation located outside the United States shall be 18 years of age. Higher minimum drinking age will be based on international treaties and agreements and on the local situation as determined by the local installation commander.” (Source)
Which means that someone who is underage in the U.S. and not allowed to drink, would be allowed to consume alholic beverages while serving abroad...
P.S.: By the way, the drinking age in some countries is 0 years!!! (World Drinking Ages)
"The minimum drinking age on a DoD installation located outside the United States shall be 18 years of age. Higher minimum drinking age will be based on international treaties and agreements and on the local situation as determined by the local installation commander.” (Source)
Which means that someone who is underage in the U.S. and not allowed to drink, would be allowed to consume alholic beverages while serving abroad...
P.S.: By the way, the drinking age in some countries is 0 years!!! (World Drinking Ages)
Sunday, October 22, 2006
"Slaughter House Cases"
The Slaughterhouse cases occurred after the Civil War. Despite the 14th amendment, the Supreme Court maintained the state’s right to regulate citizens over that of the Federal government. Later, the decision lost influence and the dissenting view (it held in favor of the 14th) when the 14th became a way for the federal government to gain further entry into the lives of citizens.
“A citizen of a State is now only a citizen of the United States residing in that State. The fundamental rights, privileges, and immunities which belong to him as a free man and a free citizen, now belong to him as a citizen of the United States, and are not dependent upon his citizenship of any State. The exercise of these rights and privileges, and the degree of enjoyment received from such exercise, are always more or less affected by the condition and the local institutions of the State, or city, or town where he resides. They are thus affected in a State by the wisdom of it slaws. the ability of its officers, the efficiency of its magistrates, the education and morals of its people, and by many other considerations. This is a result, which follows from the constitution of society, and can never be avoided, but in no other way can they be affected by the action of the State, or by the residence of the citizen therein. They do not derive their existence from its legislation, and cannot be destroyed by its power.”
http://www.law.duke.edu/publiclaw/supremecourtonline/editedCases/sla.html
I think the importance of the case’s dissent is its establishment of citizenship as being national first and foremost and then a matter of the states. This is important for extrality because it allows the federal government to exercise power of citizens, wherever they may be so long as there exists some measure to allow for it (treaties, territory such as Puerto Rico). With this power, the Federal hold on citizens becomes supreme since state law is made secondary and it logically follows that if a citizen retains US citizenship abroad, then he/she is clearly (willing or unwillingly) acceptant of the fact that citizenship makes he/she a subject of the US government.
In a global world this interpretation of the 14th constructing citizens under the law as subjects no matter where they reside is important. It gives the government the ability to keep hold on its people abroad and allows for it to ensure that its citizens (for the most part) act accordingly with its wishes. Good Night.
“A citizen of a State is now only a citizen of the United States residing in that State. The fundamental rights, privileges, and immunities which belong to him as a free man and a free citizen, now belong to him as a citizen of the United States, and are not dependent upon his citizenship of any State. The exercise of these rights and privileges, and the degree of enjoyment received from such exercise, are always more or less affected by the condition and the local institutions of the State, or city, or town where he resides. They are thus affected in a State by the wisdom of it slaws. the ability of its officers, the efficiency of its magistrates, the education and morals of its people, and by many other considerations. This is a result, which follows from the constitution of society, and can never be avoided, but in no other way can they be affected by the action of the State, or by the residence of the citizen therein. They do not derive their existence from its legislation, and cannot be destroyed by its power.”
http://www.law.duke.edu/publiclaw/supremecourtonline/editedCases/sla.html
I think the importance of the case’s dissent is its establishment of citizenship as being national first and foremost and then a matter of the states. This is important for extrality because it allows the federal government to exercise power of citizens, wherever they may be so long as there exists some measure to allow for it (treaties, territory such as Puerto Rico). With this power, the Federal hold on citizens becomes supreme since state law is made secondary and it logically follows that if a citizen retains US citizenship abroad, then he/she is clearly (willing or unwillingly) acceptant of the fact that citizenship makes he/she a subject of the US government.
In a global world this interpretation of the 14th constructing citizens under the law as subjects no matter where they reside is important. It gives the government the ability to keep hold on its people abroad and allows for it to ensure that its citizens (for the most part) act accordingly with its wishes. Good Night.
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