Should Obama Prosecute Bush Era Officials for Torture?

Politics has recently asked a question with few good answers. It's no secret that during the Bush years, the United States began to change its definition of torture, freedom, and the right to privacy. Many of us in the states were willing to give up some of our rights in the belief that it would keep us safe. As time went on, and these infractions on the basic values long held by Americans throughout our entire history became worse. Eventually, people started to take issue with these core changes.

With the end of the Bush era and the beginning of the Obama administration, changes were made swiftly. Recently, official memos regarding the Bush era changes have came to light. People have generally been shocked by the depth of these abuses of power. The question raised is whether the people responsible for these apparent violations in abuse of power should face the consequences of their actions.

While I have no doubt that a focus on the past abuses of the Bush Administration would be horrible experience for the country. Personally, I believe that to ignore these criminals would be a greater injustice. These people have hurt America. Exposing them is to face the problem in hopes that the mistakes won't repeat themselves.

After President Nixon resigned, President Ford faced an issue of whether to pardon Nixon for his crimes. He chose to spare the country the very real pain and injury a trial of the former president would cause. Over 30 years later, the crimes of the Nixon administration were repeated. Maybe action now, while painful, would prevent another repeat of these crimes in 30 more years.

Miss California Deserved to Lose

There is quite a bit of controversy going on over Miss California's remarks in the Miss USA pageant. Normally, I wouldn't get too into something like this, but Miss California was asked a very important and very relevant question by Perez Hilton.

She was asked about about the hot topic of gay marriage and whether she believe other states should also follow suite with states that have legalized gay marriage. (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont have legalized gay marriage at this point).

Her answer sparked outrage and controversy because she believes marriage is between a man and a women and said as much. This has sparked a debate not only on same sex marriage, but a persons right to their opinion. I'm for same sex marriage and for me the issue is just common sense (even though that's not a fair statement). I guess I live in a liberal bubble because I don't really know anyone who is against it. I do sometimes feel a little bad about how people have treated Miss California. She is entitled to her opinion, HOWEVER, she must understand that opinions have consequences. Opinions have an effect on what people think of you (Especially when your in a contest which is based on people judging you.

While pageants may be an indulgence of all that is shallow, most people still don't want a divisive Miss USA. That is why her answer cost her the crown. She might have won if she said "I think it should be up to each individual state like the founders of our constitution intended." However, she feels she stayed "biblically correct." Good for her.

It's hard not to see how this issue has been great for her. Nobody even really remembers who won the contest. All eyes are on her. She's a smart girl in that she playing it out to her base. In the short term (which is what a Miss USA career is) she has benefited from it greatly. In 10 years, people will probably look back and laugh at her for her idiotic beliefs. I know I already am.

What I've Been Up To

I haven't written in a while so I thought I'd write a little bit about what I've been up to. I've been working, getting up early, exercising, and working on some writing projects I hope to someday publish.

This weekend I'm heading home (to the Quad Cities) for a charity run. I'm looking forward to seeing my family. My mom's garden is beautiful this time of year.

Spring is finally here and it's proving to be quite the motivator for me. This past weekend I did some major spring cleaning, which involved me throwing out a lot of junk.

Musically, I've been listening to FrankMusik who is going to be huge in 6 months. He's my newest obsession in the music world.

Well, that's it. I'll write more soon.