PO '76- Halloween edition

Childhood obesity has become a phenomenon, rapidly rising throughout the world. The obesity epidemic is especially evident in industrialized nations where many people live sedentary lives and eat more convenience foods, which are typically high in calories and low in nutritional value.

According to the Mayo Clinic, in just two decades, the prevalence of overweight doubled for U.S. children ages 6 to 11 — and tripled for American teenagers. The annual National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that about one-third of U.S. children are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. In total, about 25 million U.S. children and adolescents are overweight or nearly overweight.

Since the number one killer of all Americans in heart conditions, there is a national interest in insuring that children eat healthier.

The fight has begun at our nation’s schools.

ES-M has become the first district in Central New York to prohibit outright sweet desserts in classroom celebrations. Chances are pretty good others in the region will follow, school nutrition experts say.

Across our region, school districts are examining what they sell in vending machines, concession stands and fundraisers and what is served during classroom parties. Many discourage sugary sweets but don't ban them.

Is it the job of the government to make sure kids are eating healthy foods? Is the government regulating our diet too slippery of a slope?

Happy Halloween!

Natural Born or Naturally discriminative

“ No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.”


In 1787, John Jay (pictured) wrote a letter to George Washington, who was presiding over the constitutional convention. In it, he said, "permit me to hint, whether it would be wise and seasonable to provide a strong check to the admission of Foreigners into the administration of our national Government; and to declare expressly that the Commander in Chief of the American army shall not be given to nor devolve on, any but a natural born Citizen."

The President must have been born here.

No Foreigners allowed.

Is it time to amend?

Political Parties and Elections Podcast

"We campaign in poetry but we govern in prose"
- Richard Nixon

Click here for the podcast

Establishment clause vs. SNN

Did Stevenson students notice anything different about the announcements on the morning of October 12?

On Thursday, Illinois state lawmakers voted to require public schools to provide students with a brief silence at the start of classes. The period would be for “silent prayer or for silent reflection on the anticipated activities for the day”

Governor Rod Blagojevich vetoed the bill, but it was overridden.

Is this an establishment clause violation?

DREAM come true?

In the election of 2004, it has been said that "moral values voters" reelected the President. The Bush team was able to rally the conservative right, putting an unprecedented emphasis on issues such as same sex marriage, abortion, and stem cell research (They also national security to their advantage). What issues will define the election of 2008?

Unquestionably, immigration will be on any pundits list.

While Congress was unable to send a comprehensive immigration bill to the President last session, Democrats are trying to force the issue again.

The DREAM Act, an acronym for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors, provide a path to citizenship for immigrant students and those wishing to join the United States military.

The DREAM Act is a one time solution intended to provide a path to a permanent legal status for persons brought illegally or legally to the United States by their parents or guardians as children.

The eligible immigrant would be required to either (1) graduate from a two-year community college, (2) complete at least two years towards a 4-year degree, or (3) serve two years in the U.S. military

To qualify, the immigrant student or soldier would have to meet certain requirements such as:
- Proof of having arrived in the United States at age 15 or younger.
- Proof of residence in the United States for a least five (5) consecutive years since their date of arrival.
- Must be between the ages of 12 and 30 at time of bill passage.
- Having graduated from an American High School, or obtained a GED.
- "Good moral character," essentially defined as the absence of a significant criminal record (or any drug charges whatsoever).

If this bill passes, it would force Bush, the leader of the Republican Party, in a politically awkward spot. Sign it, and he’s soft on immigration and pro amnesty. Veto it, he is hurting collegiate adolocents or, worse, the American military.

What should he do?

What would you do?

What’s your immigration answer?