Just trying to get an overall feel for what the "majority" of Americans feel for a criminal law paper I am writing.
203940
Capital punishment is simply the best law enforcement out there. Ask any country that has employed it. You'll find that their crime rates are MUCH lower than the USA's. This only applies if the nation is comfortable with it of course. \nOn the other hand, its immoral for a man to take another's life no matter what the situation since you are assuming a position of superiority when you do so and every man on the earth is equal. Despite its effectiveness, there are multiple other alternatives to it and capital punishment should not be a first choice.\n\nIts simply a matter of perspective in the end.The typical christian perspective goes against capital punishment and thats due to this christian country. \nThe simple truth is that its effective but at the same time, from a biased perspective, its barbaric, immoral, and there are better, though not as effective, solutions.
220750
The Senate Bill is a really bad bill on so many levels. I could get behind a legalization provision of qualified illegals here if it were joined with real border security and were framed sensibly.  However, there are so many truly awful provisions I wouldn't know where to start to discuss them at this point. I am still absorbing it. Also, there were so many last minute amendments some of the section links still come up as blanks.\n\nI still am hopeful of the House. \n\nHowever, definitely I will vote against the Senators who voted for this.
486119
All interesting topics. Two sides to all the issues so you can choose any side you want. Juvenile justice I like. Some people think that we need to charge 14 year olds as adults and throw away the key. But there's a lot of info on the other side too. 14 year olds aren't adults when they're "good' so why are they when they're bad. It can be argued that we need a better system. There is science that teenage brains aren't fully developed. And it's a money issue-if you throw a 14 yr old in prison for life instead of rehabilitation, that gets expensive. Not to mention our prisons are full. And then the war against drugs. Another great topic. Do some searches using some of those terms-wikipedia.com is a good place to start looking for ideas....
236073
Wow, not to personally attack you or anything, but I find it terribly annoying how many, outside of the US, over generalize the political perspectives of Americans. Because in all actuality only about 50% of the US population actually votes in the presidential election. Then when you divide that number in half, only 51% of that 50% voted for Bush. So really it’s B.S. when people say that a majority of Americans voted for him. What about the other 74%? Please keep that in mind the next time you feel the need to make a presumptuous accusation about all Americans, and "our" appointment of Bush to office.
334397
It's OK, but I would start by introducing the topic. "The idea of requiring potential voters to take and pass a test before being allowed to vote is a controversial one. My team and I concur that this is an unfair requirement which violates many American's constitutional rights."
520508
I feel very angry about what Bush has done to our reputation around the world.  It is something that really concerns me.  But, and this is a big but, I believe you are wrong about the American people and our government.  The American people ARE the government, in a very real sense.  We elect and we reject.  We are free to speak out and criticize our government and our President if we feel they are screwing up, and thankfully can effect change fairly easily compared to most governments.  You can see from our polls (yes, polls are notorious but when they all agree it's good to pay attention to them) that the majority of the American people do not approve of the job that Bush is doing.  We can support our troops and still be unhappy about the reasons they are there.  \n\nWe will change the tide by voting, it is our most precious freedom, IMO.  Apathy keeps many Americans at home during the mid-term elections, but I feel this time around we will see a big surge at the polls in the Democratic favor.  I have to say, as unhappy as I am with the Bush Administration, I bristled when I read your opening statement.  It just isn't true, we are the sum of all of our parts in this democratic republic.  We will continue to respond harshly to terrorists and their threats, whether our government is headed by a Republican or a Democrat.  Guantanomo Bay?  It's unfortunate and there's house cleaning to be done, but we have a right to detain those who are a threat to our national security.  We learned on 9/11 what it means to remain complacent and have a false sense of security.  We won't make that mistake again.
126364
You did a great job at summarizing my feelings too!  I definitely agree with you.  Remember, United We Stand, Divided We Fall.    And I thought the time spent in history class with wasted. I am beginning to see some similarities here.  I still don't understand how any red-blooded American can sit idly by and allow this to happen.  I have become very vocal with my congressmen, senators, representatives, etc.  And you know, they actually act like them are glad to hear from me. The more people they have telling them how they feel about the situation, the stronger our (We the People) voice will be.  \n\nP.S.  I would only go to Mexico and do those things you mentioned if I had a death wish!!
127815
I'm neither, but i think it makes everyone a criminal not just Immigrants, if an American Citizen helps out an Immigrant we're considered criminals as well which sucks cause if I see a guy in the dessert dieing of thirst or hunger I will help him out, and I'll probably be treated as a criminal for doing it too. I think the US has become a country with a strict policy on everyman for himself, and srew the rest.
141752
This is a very interesting question, and of course have more than just common sense involved on this.  I understand good and bad feelings, but just let me tell you a little bit about me, then probably you can change maybe not all your feelings but at least you can know the human part of one of that "illegal immigrants".\nI came in here to California in 1994 and since I came, I have been discovered how hard is to get a good lifestyle because the language barrier, also the culture and laws and why not, the racism but not from americans, racism from the people who came from other countrys who have some good economic position.  Is like when the salmon goes back to have their eggs agains the water flow.  After few years I decided to learn English for myself, and also to give something back to my "host-country" then because I really like the emergency services I got involved into the American Red Cross as a Disaster Services Volunteer (I have to respond to shelters or places like that when is needed), also I'm a communications volunteer for the Los Angeles Fire Department, I'm volunteer for a Search and Rescue team who help LAPD and LAFD assisting in medical stand by and search for elders and/or kids who get lost and recently I went to the school to have my Emergency Medical Technician certificate just to assist any person in case of an emergency.  In the last months I found a kidnapped girl, I assisted in 3 traffic collisions helping the victims to keep breathing and avoid shock.  My personal vehicle looks like an ambulance, I have emergency lights, all my first aid kit, whatever needed for first response and also I'm trained to help my neighbors in case of an earthquake.  In my professional life, I work in a company as a Graphic Designer and I'm starting my own company.  I'm reporting my income tax every year, I keep my money here in the country, my kids are on the Honor Roll on their schools ("I'm a proud parent of.." stickers are in my car's bumper next to the Fire Department sticker is) and also all the time do my best to be friendly with everybody.  But... I'm an illegal immigrant.  That's true; for administrative reasons, I cannot reach any protection status here.  But, I don't care, I'm living here and I have to serve to this country like my own one because this country make possible for me to have a decent life style to grow my kids and to be a good person. Like my batallion coordinator on the fire department say: "you do more than others, who are americans, do for this country".  Do you still have bad feelings agains ALL illegals? or I can be at least the possibility for you to think a little bit about what other immigrants do for this country?
563266
Yes and no.\n\nI think the criminal system, even with it's flaws is still the best.  I wouldn't want to lose my rights to an attorney or a trial by a jury of the community and being innocent until proven guilty etc. when my freedom is at stake.\n\nCIVIL LAW however DESPERATELY needs to be OVERHAULED!  The fact that anyone can sue anyone else for anything and that person sued still has to go through the courts to get a case dismissed is TOO loose.  I think that there should be more ethics requirements on lawyers and fines for those who file frivilous lawsuits to discourage such stupid practices.
63028
Maybe it's just me, but I would do a research paper on Discriminatory Laws Against Immigrants in the US.  \n\nThe US prides it self as a country built on immigrants.  Almost everyone (except Native Americans) can trace their immigrant roots in 2 or 3 generations.  \n\nYet, if you think back, immigrants have always been the scapegoat for any social problems.  Common sense and statistics tell us that such is simply not the case.  Politicians exaggerate problems with immigrants because they are most vulnerable and have no votes.  It would also make politicians seem patriotic and protecting the country.  \n\nSo there are two approaches: \n\n1) Retrace the US history to identify the pattern of blaming on different group of immigrants (and discuss the social/hisotrical context).  Now it's the Middle Eastern as terrorists, and Mexicans are being blamed for hurting the economy.  Not too long ago it was the Japanese during WWII.  Earlier this century it was the Chinese (beginning of 1900s).  Last century we have the Africans (civil war).  I am sure sometime in the history certain European immigrants were targeted as well (Italians, Russians, etc.)\n\n2) Analyze the current situation to see if the laws are still repeating history.  The reasons why certain groups are targeted and if there is any merit or just results of hysteria.  \n\nGood luck!
157589
how about concentrating on stories of the 'little people'.  ordinary, everyday folk who aren't famous or infamous, just folk doing what they know to do.  like a teacher, a baker, a grandmother, a street sweeper?   try to find beauty in the ordinaryness of life and tie it in with a faint reference to new york.  write your paper so that it is up to the reader to decide the 'value' of the life or dynamics of the person / place interface.  i think too many people are obsessed with ideas about ' dark', 'funniest', 'best', 'worst', . . . it is boring and meaningless.
133691
Less than 10%. I am a law student and find that a few of my peers STILL can not write a complete sentence.
321582
I think the felony for aiding an immigrant is a non-starter and a negotiating point the House put in.  I think if we can't enforce the laws we have, all we would have with that law is an even more 'illigitimate law'.  (I am sure that is in your text book too.)\n\nHowever, while the principles you are discussing are one theory of political analysis, using any one theory alone is like wearing blinders.  Yours doesn't get you to the point in this case.\n\nThere is frustration with a demand for rights we reserve to legal status individuals, and with the assumption that overburdening schools and services should not be taken into account if the people doing it are 'good people'.  Basic human rights are different, and if we are physically being cruel to people or not allowing them due process or something, that would be different.\n\nThose who repeat that illegal immigrants are here illegally aren't dim wits unable to comprehend basic social theory, and many have progressed beyond Poli Sci 101.  What you see is people saying that the ones demanding legal resident rights aren't entitled to them, and are out of line to demand that kind of rights.   Those rights are conferred precisely because people are here legally.  Illegal immigrants aren't part of the protected class that came here legally at a rate designed for assimilation. \n\nI believe that, myself.  I think the best argument for regularizing current illegal immigrants is that while we have to close the border and limit immigrants, these people are already here.  As a practical matter, if they would meet our standards (not gang members or terrorists, and self supporting), a lot of people think it is best to just say 'ok start today' on tough enforcement.  The problem is that the amnesty in 1986 to do just that was taken by many as something that would happen regularly.  Since 1986, there has not been enforcement at the border and the illegal immigrant population has exploded.  Moreover, people come onto this site and actually say they should get amnesty 'because nothing has been done for Mexicans since 1986', as if amnesty were a regular process.  That would nullify our immigration policies, which have good reason for existing.\n\nI think we need to close the border, really, really close the border.  Then we can turn to the people inside, and decide how to handle that.  It is a lot easier to be empathetic when you are not being told that theoretically we should support the poor of the entire world.
564964
I agree completely.  I'm often torn because of certain issues i feel strongly about and i have no choice.  recently in this borders/immigration debate i felt like we were sold down the river by both parties, and i don't think either of the two parties owns the exclusive rights on corruption.  we need more choice...and more control over our govt.\n\nP.S.  If nothing else at least one or more other viable parties would keep the other two on their toes and more responsive to their constituents.  Too many of these congressmen are growing old and comfortable getting reelected over and over and getting more and more out of touch with Americans everyday.
491305
I like it! \n\nMake sure you have the references to back your points, otherwise it may be just opinion. \n\nOne problem is that it seems unfinished. (I want to read more, hence my bias.) This is probably because the last paragraph is a series of questions which leaves the reader wanting more. \n\nIf it's not too late, here's some extra things for you to consider. What about deaf people who use sign languages? Only about 30% of the meaning conveyed is in the hands, the other 70% in the face and shoulders. Such people would fit in under the title of the article, the face of diversity. Deaf cultures, and so on. \n\nTo me, this is a good start for an article, but as such, it is unfinished.
622194
The American political landscape is much more diversified than being simply Republican, Democratic, liberal, or conservative.  I for one, subscribe to a more libertarian philosophy.  \n\nI believe that the government's sole purpose is to exist for the benefit of its citizens in as noninvasive a way as possible.  To accomplish this, the government's power should be very limited and law enforcement should cease to focus on what we might call "victimless" crimes that impede their ability to process and punish legitimate criminals.\n\nIn places where my views stray from the Libertarian platform, I generally side with conservatives (NOT post-Reagan neo-conservatives) who tend to agree with my commitment to free markets, a loosely regulated economy, and small government.