Editorial 5

Race and Mythology in Drug Laws

Published: March 19, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/20/opinion/20sat3.html

This is an editorial displaying the unjust laws set forth by congress about two decades ago concerning the punishment for possession of crack cocaine compared to powdered cocaine. It was thought theses laws were made as a result of racism, or meant to trigger the blacks. While blacks make up 30% of all crack cocaine users, the make up 80% of the ones convicted for possession of it. Crack cocaine has been cooked with baking powder as compared to the powered kind. The argument was said that crack cocaine was more addictive, but studies show that isnt true. The punishment was 100 times stronger against crack cocaine users. The punishment for having 500 ounces of powdered cocaine was the same as having 5 ounces of crack cocaine. This week a compromise reform law was put in place in the senate bring the ration back down to 18-1.

I think this is a very interesting article. I would have never expected the US to still have such unfair laws, for i thought we got through all of those. There is definitely a hint of racism still lingering though. We need to get the house to get its act together and fix this simple law. Studies have shown there is no difference in the two drugs, so they should make it even.

editorial 4

National School Standards, at Last

Published: March 13, 2010

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/14/opinion/14sun1.html?ref=opinion


This is a very good article talking about how the national level of education varies from place to place, even district to district. This has caused the united states to be brought down on the list of most highly educated people. The problem was brought up in 1983 by the 'No child left behind' policy. This is a mere reflection of what some say is mediocrity. They explain that if we accept average in our early child life, we will grow up to be average adults. The federal agencies have conducted tests that show that even though students in some areas score high on test they are given at their school, they score very badly on the test given federally. With a poor area, education becomes poorer, kids grow up with less education and get low level jobs, thus hurting our economy and country. A board of superintendents are forming a national organization which would unify education standards across the US.
I liked this article and i agree with it one hundred percent. Average should not be condoned in society. There is no point in living a miracle of life and choosing to waste it. We can improve people, our society, and many other aspects of our life just by expanding our education. It is a great idea and im down for it, besides, it wouldnt effect us, because we are the smartest in the nation.

editorial 3?

Justice for Judges

Published: March 5, 2010

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/06/opinion/06sat2.html

The editorial talks about how low the salaries are for judges around the nation. The author says the worst is definitely New York in terms of lowest salary. Compared to the New Jersey judges, they make about 30,000 dollars less a year. The problem is that we cannot simply raise the salary because it would be linked to the politicians salary, which is a big no no in the justice system. Also, doing this would be in contradictory to the checks and balances of powers in the constitution. They author suggested that they make a commission that slowly raises the pay over the next two years. This would be helpful, considering it hasnt increased since 1999, despite higher costs of living.
I thought this article was interesting. It really makes you ponder over all the difficulties of politics in our nation. It is not an easy job, and no answer is ever clear and positive. I think the judges should definitely get a pay raise, for they are the most important part of our federalist system. Over time would be a good idea too, but either way it needs to get done.