Senator Mikulski's staff must want some time away from health care reform because they already responded to my my question regarding a proposed 28th amendment.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for contacting me about amending the United States Constitution. It's good to hear from you.
I agree with you that Congress is here to represent the people. I believe Members of Congress have a sacred duty to represent those who have elected them with honor and integrity. We should be held to a high standard, and we must be accountable for our actions. The laws that we make apply to everyone in this country, and Members of Congress are expected to follow them or face consequences just like the public we serve.
Again, thank you for getting in touch. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Showing posts with label Law. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Law. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Obama & Russia
President Obama states he supports Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's efforts to reform and improve the Russian judicial system. After all, it sounds noble. However, I have a lot of doubts.
If one studies Russian/Soviet Union/Russian history, there is little regard for a true equal legal system during centuries of various rulers. Russian law was always controlled by the parties in power, the people had very little say in the matter.
Although President Medvedev says he wants reform, I do not see him as the true ruling force in Russia. Putin still holds the reins of power, at least in my mind, and I cannot imagine him releasing any power to anyone.
I believe Putin will continue to control the courts, just as he will justify clear human rights violations as being necessary actions to protect Russia.
Hopefully President Obama will have his eyes open when he meets with the Russians. It is true that working out a good trade agreement will be beneficial to our country during these hard financial times. But, that being said, Obama needs to protect the integrity of the USA at the same time.
Thus far I have been disappointed in the Obama Administration's track record in dealing with nations such as China, who clearly violate human rights, yet because of the debt the USA owes them, Obama's people are remaining silent. I fear the same silence will come out of the talks with the Russians, especially if there is a financial benefit to the USA that will make Obama look good, at least for the short term.
The financial crisis is causing the leadership of our nation to form strange alliances, with nations/people we need to keep at arm's length. I fear that when all is said done, our country will be weaker, not stronger because of the unsavory compromises the government has made.
Time will tell.
In the mean time, keep track of how the stimulus dollars are being spent, who is actually being helped, and how big the debt is that our grandchildren will inherit.
Bother your representatives and frequently remind them that you are keeping tabs on their performance and that come election day, you will be voting to put someone you trust in Washington. Actions speak louder than words. Let your reps know you are watching those actions.
Its Common Sense!
If one studies Russian/Soviet Union/Russian history, there is little regard for a true equal legal system during centuries of various rulers. Russian law was always controlled by the parties in power, the people had very little say in the matter.
Although President Medvedev says he wants reform, I do not see him as the true ruling force in Russia. Putin still holds the reins of power, at least in my mind, and I cannot imagine him releasing any power to anyone.
I believe Putin will continue to control the courts, just as he will justify clear human rights violations as being necessary actions to protect Russia.
Hopefully President Obama will have his eyes open when he meets with the Russians. It is true that working out a good trade agreement will be beneficial to our country during these hard financial times. But, that being said, Obama needs to protect the integrity of the USA at the same time.
Thus far I have been disappointed in the Obama Administration's track record in dealing with nations such as China, who clearly violate human rights, yet because of the debt the USA owes them, Obama's people are remaining silent. I fear the same silence will come out of the talks with the Russians, especially if there is a financial benefit to the USA that will make Obama look good, at least for the short term.
The financial crisis is causing the leadership of our nation to form strange alliances, with nations/people we need to keep at arm's length. I fear that when all is said done, our country will be weaker, not stronger because of the unsavory compromises the government has made.
Time will tell.
In the mean time, keep track of how the stimulus dollars are being spent, who is actually being helped, and how big the debt is that our grandchildren will inherit.
Bother your representatives and frequently remind them that you are keeping tabs on their performance and that come election day, you will be voting to put someone you trust in Washington. Actions speak louder than words. Let your reps know you are watching those actions.
Its Common Sense!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Driver Licenses for Illegal Aliens in Maryland
Here is the first response I received from one of my local delegates discussing Maryland's law on driver licenses for illegal aliens. Notice he doesn't say how it began, only that it has to stop to be in compliance with Federal law. Except for those who already have licenses.
Please read and let me know what you think.
It doesn't make Common Sense to me!
Thank you for your note on HB 387. The bill passed the House and Senate. The bill is not perfect but was a necessary compromise to bring the State into compliance with Federal requirements under the Real ID Act and the regulations promulgated by the Department of Homeland Security.
HB 387 halts the issuance of new licenses to individuals that cannot prove lawful presence in the US and who cannot provide a valid social security number as of April 19, 2009. It also directs the MVA to establish a security plan to protect licensing materials and licensees' information; require criminal history background checks for certain MVA employees; and training for employees in fraudulent document recognition and security awareness.
Finally, and most controversially, HB 387 does allow current licensees who cannot prove lawful presence or show a valid social security number to renew their MVA license, permit or ID card for a non-Federally compliant document. They must prove their identity and Maryland residency and their license, permit or ID must not be suspended or revoked for other reasons. After July 1, 2015 these licenses will no longer be valid.
You may read the bill at http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/bills/hb/hb0387e.pdf .
I value constituent input and hope you will continue to share your thoughts and concerns with me. Please feel free to contact me or my legislative director, Mary Lou Cole, regarding this or any other issue.
Sincerely,
Dan K. Morhaim, M.D.
Delegate, District 11
Please read and let me know what you think.
It doesn't make Common Sense to me!
Thank you for your note on HB 387. The bill passed the House and Senate. The bill is not perfect but was a necessary compromise to bring the State into compliance with Federal requirements under the Real ID Act and the regulations promulgated by the Department of Homeland Security.
HB 387 halts the issuance of new licenses to individuals that cannot prove lawful presence in the US and who cannot provide a valid social security number as of April 19, 2009. It also directs the MVA to establish a security plan to protect licensing materials and licensees' information; require criminal history background checks for certain MVA employees; and training for employees in fraudulent document recognition and security awareness.
Finally, and most controversially, HB 387 does allow current licensees who cannot prove lawful presence or show a valid social security number to renew their MVA license, permit or ID card for a non-Federally compliant document. They must prove their identity and Maryland residency and their license, permit or ID must not be suspended or revoked for other reasons. After July 1, 2015 these licenses will no longer be valid.
You may read the bill at http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/bills/hb/hb0387e.pdf .
I value constituent input and hope you will continue to share your thoughts and concerns with me. Please feel free to contact me or my legislative director, Mary Lou Cole, regarding this or any other issue.
Sincerely,
Dan K. Morhaim, M.D.
Delegate, District 11
Saturday, December 6, 2008
OJ Goes to Jail - The American Legal system
OJ is going to do some serious jail time for what he did in Las Vegas. Looks like his luck finally ran out. I just hope that the jury who convicted him did so based on the evidence presented at this trial and not because they felt justice had not been served 13 years ago.
Although I get as frustrated as anyone else when what looks obvious to me is not obvious to the jury, the important thing is that everyone is entitled to there day in court. Is the system fair? Probably not. After all, not all of us can afford top line defense teams and at times have to settle for whatever is available for a court appointee.
On the prosecution side, not all investigations are as complete and prepared (take OJ's first trial) as they should be.
However, even though it is not perfect, the legal system in the United States is a lot better than what other countries have to offer.
Of course the next major decision our country needs to face is what we are going to do about the prisoners in Guantanamo accused (but not proven by any court) of committing terrorism and/or crimes against the United States. Do these individuals have the same rights as OJ? Should they be allowed to face their accusers in a court of law, with no water board present, present their case and allow a jury to decide their fate? Or are we simply going to ship them off to somewhere like Egypt where they will never be seen again?
We as Americans boast of our country's love of freedom and justice. Even though the justice system is not perfect, overall it has served us well.
Now we, and in this case I think the truth of the matter is that the Obama Administration is going to be be representing we the people, have to decide just what American Justice means and who it applies to.
Let your representatives know your views. If you believe the alleged terrorist deserve their day in court, say so. If you believe the proof is there and they should be executed, say so.
Do not sit idly by and let others make this decision with out your input. We Americans are our legal system. It is as strong or as weak as we allow it to be.
Let's make it strong, fair and just for everyone.
Its Common Sense!
Although I get as frustrated as anyone else when what looks obvious to me is not obvious to the jury, the important thing is that everyone is entitled to there day in court. Is the system fair? Probably not. After all, not all of us can afford top line defense teams and at times have to settle for whatever is available for a court appointee.
On the prosecution side, not all investigations are as complete and prepared (take OJ's first trial) as they should be.
However, even though it is not perfect, the legal system in the United States is a lot better than what other countries have to offer.
Of course the next major decision our country needs to face is what we are going to do about the prisoners in Guantanamo accused (but not proven by any court) of committing terrorism and/or crimes against the United States. Do these individuals have the same rights as OJ? Should they be allowed to face their accusers in a court of law, with no water board present, present their case and allow a jury to decide their fate? Or are we simply going to ship them off to somewhere like Egypt where they will never be seen again?
We as Americans boast of our country's love of freedom and justice. Even though the justice system is not perfect, overall it has served us well.
Now we, and in this case I think the truth of the matter is that the Obama Administration is going to be be representing we the people, have to decide just what American Justice means and who it applies to.
Let your representatives know your views. If you believe the alleged terrorist deserve their day in court, say so. If you believe the proof is there and they should be executed, say so.
Do not sit idly by and let others make this decision with out your input. We Americans are our legal system. It is as strong or as weak as we allow it to be.
Let's make it strong, fair and just for everyone.
Its Common Sense!
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