It's Beginning to Feel a lot Like...

The "War On Christmas": Reality, Myth, Relevant?

 Onlookers past by American Atheist demonstration in Santa Monica, Ca.

(Photo Courtesy of AP)

             As festive holidays approach, some wonder where is the Christmas spirit? Cases that question whether Christmas is too engrained into public life and push the boundaries of a citizen’s constitutional right to religious freedoms are receiving national spotlight and have increased lately as Christmas nears.

To give you a visual reader, here are some recent cases that have questioned Christmas’s place in American life as of late:

• Arkansas Society of Freethinkers complains of the decision of first and second grade teachers at Terry Elementary School to take students to a church performance of "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

• UC Berkeley seeks to ban Salvation Army from Campus due to the organization's alleged homophobic practices. 

• The decision of the Santa Monica City Council to end the tradition of erecting nativity scenes or other displays in Palisades Park. 

The case of whether Christmas should be celebrated in private or in public and to what degree is a relevant topic and most likely will remain in national interest for years to come. This topic remains a question of one’s own personal opinion and outlook of what the constitution defines as religious freedom.

The exact phrasing from the constitution  is: 

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

This leaves the question on whether there is a war on Christmas or has the public become too sensitive about the mention of even celebration of certain holidays. Does the hanging of Christmas ornaments in a public area necessarily qualify the establishment of a national religion? In my opinion, no one should be forced to celebrate a certain holiday, but no one should be forced to not be able to celebrate their holiday as well. Though Christmas celebrates the birth of the Christian savior Jesus Christ, Christmas also celebrates “reindeer” and a character named Santa Claus, which is in no way religious. For the case of the parent suing their child’s school over a voluntary field trip to go see “It’s Christmas Charlie Brown” is a little ridiculous. During these festive seasons, the motive is to spread holiday cheer not to force someone to celebrate a religion. Anyone who has a problem with this topic should re-evaluate what force and religious prosecution is compared to other countries in the world. 

John Kerry: Forerunner Nominee for Secretary of State

Speculation of President's Obama 's intention to nominate John Kerry  for Secretary of State hits the media.
(Photo Courtesy of AP) 

After withdrawal of U.N. Ambassador Rice from the pick for U.S. Secretary of State, there has been recent speculation that US Senator John Kerry will be nominated for the position.  Kerry is currently Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman under the Obama Administration.  Though nothing is official yet, the buzz is the announcement of Kerry's nomination could come as early as mid-week according to Reuters.

Reuters’ unspecified source that is close to the situation also stated President Obama House is inclined “to unveiling Kerry's nomination as part of a high-profile package that would include his pick for defense secretary”.

As news of Kerry’s potential nomination reaches surface, no other candidates have been currently linked to the position. For other positions, Former Republican U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel is most likely to succeed Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta.

News of Rice’s resignation from being considered for the position of Secretary of State comes to relief of both Republicans and Democrats, as a partisan clash has been averted for now. Ambassador Rice has received harsh criticism from both sides of the aisle ever since the death of US Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens and three fellow Americans in the act of terrorism that occurred in Libya in September.

Current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to step down in early January due to current health issues. Clinton is praised as one of Obama’s most popular cabinet members and has received hype on the possibility of her running for president in 2016.

So far, announcement of both Kerry and Hagel as nominations for opening cabinet positions are unofficial and up in the air until announcement by President Obama himself. 

Time Ticks for Passing New Federal Budget: Boehner Offers New Deal

As the year approaches an end, both democrats and republicans of the House of Representatives are rushing to pass a new federal budget for the nation before the year ends. News  has spread that House Speaker (R) John Boehner is trying to compromise with democrats by offering a deal of increased tax rates for those exceeding an annual income of one million dollars. He also offered to extend the debt limit for a year to avoid hitting a fiscal cliff.

House Speaker John Boehner speaking at
News Conference on Thursday.
(Photo Courtesy of AP)

All news of the deal is up to speculation and comes from an unspecified source close to Boehner and the current administration.  A spokesman for Boehner said that communication of the situation is open, but an agreement has yet to be reached. Both Boehner and Obama have discussed the issue at hand over the phone and face to face multiple times over the past week. While Boehner deal comes at a somewhat loss to Republicans over tax increases, the speaker’s deal come with requests for spending cuts to and major reform of entitlement programs.

However, President Obama is not budging on the deal at the moment. According to CNN’s unspecified source close to the Whitehouse administration, Boehner’s "offer was insufficient on revenue and rates and had a bunch of stuff we wouldn't do.

The President remains strong on his wants for the new federal budget, while trying to avoid hitting a fiscal cliff. Earlier in talks, Speaker Boehner stated that his side was willing to increase tax revenue by eliminating unspecified deductions and loopholes and drew the line at raising current taxes rates for higher incomes. Yet as Boehner budges on this, reaching a compromise over the new budget does seem reachable. While Republicans are not thrilled at the deal, avoiding hitting a fiscal cliff remains the party’s top priority.

Extreme Reaction to Newtown Tragedy

Mike Huckabee speaks about Sandy Hook Elementary Crisis.

Mike Huckabee speaking during Republican
 National Convention in Tampa, Fla. (Courtesy of AP)

As the media reacts to the situation and tragedy that occurred in Newtown Connecticut on Friday, many people of interests and political figures are speaking their opinion on the matter. While many are pushing for increased gun control, others are putting their two-sense in falling on the complete opposite side of the political spectrum. Former Governor (R) of Arkansas and political commentator is receiving national attention for his comments on the matter.

On Friday on Fox news, Huckabee caused controversy stating this issue could not be solved by laws, but is due to the fact that schools are straying away from teaching religious values in school. Huckabee stated, "We don't have a crime problem, a gun problem or even a violence problem. What we have is a sin problem.”

Huckabee continued stating, “This is a hard issue. Laws don’t change this type of change.”

While Huckabee’s right-winged beliefs should come to no to surprise to commentators, the extent of Huckabee’s statement on why this occurred pushed too far. To those parents’ whose children died in the situation a response lack of religion being the cause of such a terrible tragedy is extremely unsympathetic and horrifying.

Even if Huckabee does wholeheartedly believe this, such an extreme response to the situation nearly hours after its occurrence is too soon. Time to grieve needs to be had not an immediate opinionated response on why lack of religion is to blame in this situation. Our country is built upon the separation of church and state and should stay close to its constitutional standards that it was built upon. Hopefully, others will stray away from such extreme commentary and instead keep the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School in our hearts and in our minds. While Huckabee utilizes his first amendment rights to speech, both the freedom to religion and the freedom to bears arms as well should be kept in mind. 

Federal Regulation of Marijuana: Not a High Priority

President Obama gives his opinion on
 state's legalization of marijuana.
(Courtesy of AP Photo)

Marijuana users of Colorado and Washington may again rejoice in the recently passed legislation this past November, legalizing marijuana for recreational use in the two states. Last Friday President Obama stated his opinion on the issue stating that federal law enforcement agencies have “bigger fish to fry" than prosecuting marijuana users in those states.

The news comes with some surprise due to Obama’s current record on the issue. During his term in office, he put more force towards regulation of dispensaries in California and had many close down due to improper running of the businesses. In California dispensaries are supposed to operate solely to provide medical use for those with illnesses such as cancer, insomnia, and eating disorders, not for recreational use. Compared to his predecessor, George W. Bush, President Obama was much stricter on the issue. According to CNN, “Last year, law enforcement agents seized 3.9 million plants in the Golden State and were poised to collect more this year”.

However, as other issues arise and continue such as our country’s fiscal situation and foreign affairs with countries such as Iran and Syria, Obama’s indifferent reaction to the issue may be considered well-suited. Obama further stated in his interview with ABC "This is a tough problem, because Congress has not yet changed the law. I head up the executive branch; we're supposed to be carrying out laws. And so what we're going to need to have is a conversation about how do you reconcile a federal law that still says marijuana is a federal offense and state laws that say that it's legal?"

This issue is an ongoing problem because marijuana remains illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. Yet more states are going towards the trend of giving partial legality to use of the marijuana. Currently 18 states and the District of Columbia have allowed legal use of the drug for medical reasons, including Massachusetts who just passed a medical proposition this past November. According to the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), Marijuana is a category 1 drug. Other on the lists includes drugs such as ecstasy, mushrooms, and cocaine. Category 1 drugs are classified as dangerous and having no medical purpose or benefits.

Gun Control: Regulations VS Rights

Talks of Gun Control and Calls for Increases in Regulations Arise After Sandy Hook Elementary Tragedy

   New York Times Columnist David Brooks gives opinion

 on Mayor Bloomberg's comments on gun control.

The topic of gun control is an ongoing subject that goes through waves of media coverage and spotlight after terrible events of tragedy. In America, there are two solid groups of people: one for gun control and one extremely against it who believe in an American citizen’s right to bear arm. However, there is a group of people who are uncertain about the issue.  This group’s opinion tends to change in traumatic situations, such as the tragic event of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.

According to Reuters, Democratic lawmakers are pushing for gun control regulations, which include a ban on military-style assault weapons.

Politicians from all over the country including are speaking up to show their support for stricter gun control laws. Charles Schumer, Connecticut Governor David Malloy, Mayor Bloomberg, and New Jersey Representative Frank Pallone have all publicly declared their support for better regulation of gun control.

On Meet the Press, Bloomberg stated, “If congress were to act, if congress weren’t so afraid of the NRA. And I assure you they have no reason to be. But if they were to stand up and do what’s right for the American public, we will all be a lot better off. And Congress has the ability to do this.”

He then continued by stating that the President needs to take the lead on this for real change to occur. Bloomberg also pointed out the President’s substandard and hypocritical record on gun control regulation, which he ran his 2008 campaign on. Since being in office, the President has signed two bills, which    favor freedom of guns.

Prior to the tragic shootings that occurred in the town of Newtown, Connecticut ESPN sports broadcaster Bob Costas was receiving national attention and criticism for calling for more regulations on gun control due to the case of Kansas City Chief’s NFL player Jovan Belcher killing his girlfriend and then himself. While the broadcaster received criticism for speaking his mind on the topic and not remaining objective, one may wonder if current events will change anything. 

                                                                                                                                            

Holder has Loose Grip on HSBC Laundering

Holder receives criticism for not prosecuting
 HSBC for laundering charges.
   (Photo courtesy of AP)

Amidst political talk of gun control hype, the following issue has seemed to be swept under the rug out of national attention from the American public. Recently Attorney General Eric Holder has been criticized for handling of the HSBC settlement. Holder as well as his committee has failed to issue criminal charges to the group for laundering money for the following countries: Iran, Libya, Sudan and Myanmar.

 In a settlement reached Dec. 11, HSBC agreed to pay the U.S. government $1.92 billion in a wide-ranging agreement and all prosecution of the case was deferred. Due to the case’s deferred status, any jail time for the bank is highly unlikely.

Top Republican Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa on the Senate committee that oversees the Justice Department fired back by sending Holder and explicit letter stating Holder’s action in the situation was “inexcusable”.

With such utter domestic and international turmoil with the following countries whose money was laundered, the failure to issue charges can give a negative view to the Obama Administration and the style of handling such issue. This issue is of utter importance because of Obama’s persona he has undertaken as a defender of the common people.

The fact that while presidential candidate Romney was criticized for his comments pertaining to the 49% of Americans who don’t pay their taxes, others on Obama’s administration are letting such corrupt and powerful organizations get away with crimes is simply unacceptable. This is not an issue of one’s political party, but on one’s stance on whether those who commit crimes should reap the consequences.  

It is also disheartening how Senator Grassley remains one of the few to step up and recognize the backwardness and unjust behavior by the attorney general and his committee for settling with HSBC for their unlawful acts in laundering money. In our legal system, all those who commit a crime should be punished for said crime whether you are an average person or a multi-billion dollar corporation.