*Our_United_States*

Source: http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/assembly/overview.aspx

Constitutional Connection: First Amendment,"...or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
Explanation to Constitution: In this article it explains that the Ku Klux Klan have the right to assemble, as long as it is peacefully of course. But when you think of the KKK you mostly think of the lynchings and threats that they make to other races and religions. But according to the First Amendment, the Ku Klux Klan have the right to peacefully assemble. In the article it tells of how government officials may not make or enforce restrictions on parades or protests in order to censor a viewpoint of a group. I think this is an advantage to some extent, because everyone should have the right to express their opinion, even if it means protesting. And as long as it has a peaceful outcome, where no one ends up hurt. But this can also be a disadvantage, especially when it comes to the KKK, this group that was formed around the idea of racism, anti-semitism, and hatred should not be able to parade the streets and express their opinion of how they are the only superior race. Most likely anything involving the Ku Klux Klan will not have a positive outcome.

Source:


Constitutional Connection: Tenth Amendment  "The governmental powers not listed in the Constitution for the national government are powers that the states, or the people of those states, can have."



Explanation of Connection: This picture shows the right of the states to change what the national government can not change. For example, this teenager is getting her driver's license most likely at an early age. In other states the age for someone to get their license will most likely differ, since the state decides certain things that the national government does not have the right to do. Other rights the state determine include the rights to marriage, divorces, voting, state taxes, job & school requirements, rules for police and fire departments etc. I think this is an advantage that the states have because since the Constitution does not give the national government those rights, the states gain these certain rights. This can also be a disadvantage, because when it comes to voting different states have different ways of voting. This can cause a confusion similar to the incident with Al Gore and George Bush.

 http://www.ushistory.org/gov/10c.asp
"No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."
In this political cartoon it is asking the infamous Lorena Bobbitt what she did to her husband. The question is relating to the reason why she is in court. Which she does not have to answer because of her right to not be a witness against herself. I agree with this constitutional right, because no person should not be forced to any degree to confess or tedtify against his or herself. I find the cartoon funny because the men are clenching and the women are looking to her as a hero.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/21/south.park.religion/index.html?iref=allsearch



Constitutional Connection: First Amendment "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."


Analysis of Connection: The show South Park has always been controversial and has exercised their right to freedom of speech to the fullest. The show has talked about all religions and all types of people. But on April 14 they aired a show about religious superheros and showed Mohammed the Muslim Prophet in a bear suit. Of course, the Muslim community was upset about this. And they basically posted death threats against the creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker. "We have to warn Matt and Trey that what they are doing is stupid and they will probably wind up like Theo van Gogh for airing this show," the group said on its website. "This is not a threat, but a warning of the reality that will likely happen to them." Refering to the Dutch director who was killed by an Islam extremist, he made a video called "Submission" about the abuse of women in Islam. I believe that both have taken their rights of  freedom of speech too far. I sometimes watch South Park, but I kind of dislike the show because of their low blows to different religions and races. I know to some it may be entertaining, but it does cross the line sometimes. I can understand how the Muslim community could and should be upset, for a part of their religion was made fun of. But they also seemed to overdo their freedom of speech. Making statements that someone could end up like a dead person is out of bounds. But everything that the website has said has been protected by the First Amendment. I the end both parties are wrong, and I remain neutral in this issue. South Park should not have went that far in making fun of a religion, but they do it all of the time, this is not the first time they have made fun of Mohammed. At the same time I believe that the website, Revolution Muslim should have not made death threats over a cartoon, I understand that they may feel disrespected but people make fun of Muslims and other religions all of the time.

Source:   http://editorialcartoonists.com/cartoon/display.cfm/83485

Constitutional Connection: Article 2, Section 1, Clause 8 : Oath or affirmation "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Explanation of Connection: This political cartoon entitled, The Fireman and The Arsonist shows how the Executive Branch has done all it can to clean up the mess that the Republicans have made. This shows the Executive Branch in action because, without Barack Obama and the rest of this branch, who would take care of our federal and national problems like the recession or the War in Iraq? The President represents the Executive Branch and he has attempted to put out the fire that the Republicans have made. The Republicans have botched The Economy, U.S. Treasury and Wall Street. Also, the political cartoon depicts that these issues or fires were started with cans of fuel which are labeled "Bush Defecit", "Iraq", and "Deregulation". I personally like this cartoon because I believe that the Republicans and George Bush are responsible for these issues. And everyone currently blames Barack Obama for the crisises we are facing. And I think it is unfair because when he was elected most of the issues were already there, just not as bad. Like the picture shows, President Barack Obama is tired and distressed because of these situations that he had to take control of. But it is his Presidential responsibility to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Yet I feel that George Bush did not attempt to do his best at choosing the right decision for America.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16241245

Source: http://jcrue.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/ramirez-slavery.jpg
Constitutional Connection: Article 1, Section 8- Powers of Congress "The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect taxes, Duties and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for th common Defence and general Welfare of the United States but all Duties, Imposts, Excises shall be uniform though in the United Statess."
Explation of Connection: The Congress is controling the taxpayers and making them work as if they are slaves. The taxpayers are going through trouble and hard times. While Congress is sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the money, the taxpayers do not get any respect. The Congress is attempting to bargain with the taxpayers, by offering free healthcare service. The Constitution says that Congress has the right to obtain and put out taxes, which makes the taxpayers helpless. Without taxes we would not be able to fund schools, fix highways/ streets or help others.